← Return to Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD): What specialists do I see?
DiscussionStage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD): What specialists do I see?
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: May 19, 2022 | Replies (237)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hi Rosemary I am just checking in. I have been taking Tacrolimus for 4-5 months. My..."
@codered032, I have been taking Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept) for 12 years as my antirejection medications for liver and kidney transplant. When I look at the long list of the 'serious' side effects it is quite unsettling. However, I am aware of the need for these medications and I have been very fortunate to be at a stable level of dosages without any serious complications. My transplant team requires me to have labs drawn routinely to monitor the trough level that they have decided for me. My team has stressed the benefits vs the risks of any medications. My team also has instructed me that I need to be aware of potential problems and to keep up with my routine health preventive measures and to take the necessary precautions like sun protection.
I did not experience any problems when I was changed from name brand to generic when the generic became available. However, my Transplant team did order extra labs to make sure that my levels were stable. My body has accepted Tacrolimus well and I have not needed to change medications as some patients have had to do.
I get my antirejection medications through the Mayo Clinic Specialty Pharmacy where I transplanted. My transplant team and the pharmacy are both directly involved with these medications. When or if there is a dosage change or a manufacturer change, I am notified.
Are you keeping a list and monitoring when these symptoms occur? Does taking meds with or without food help? Is your doctor checking the level of tacrolimus via routine labs. (When I was at 4-5 weeks, I was having weekly labs drawn) What has your doctor told you about your side effects?
I requested and have been scheduled with a dietitian to discuss appropriate diet changes. The internet is full of recommendations.