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My new nephrologist wants to decrease my Tacrolimus dose.

Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Feb 28, 2022 | Replies (5)
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@kit324miss

I was going to ask my doctor about tacrolimus, however I already have Stage 3 chronic kidney disease as well as COPD and alergic to many meds so guess I am out of luck!

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Replies to "I was going to ask my doctor about tacrolimus, however I already have Stage 3 chronic..."
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 28, 2022

@kit324miss, I want to welcome you to Mayo Connect. I am a liver and kidney transplant recipient. I have been taking tacrolimus for nearly 13 years as one of my antirejection meds. I have not experienced any difficulties with taking it. My labs are scheduled on a routine schedule that my doctors have assigned me. These labs show how my system is doing, and there is a special tacrolimus test as @nimalw has already shared.

I did not experience CKD because my kidney failure was acute and related to my liver failure. If there a particular reason that you want to ask your doctor about taking tacrolimus, I would encourage you to do so. Each one of us is different, and our bodies react differently. Your doctor should be able to discuss the pros and cons along with your allergy concerns.
@kit324miss, Did you see the new COPD Group? I happy to share the link with you and I invite you to introduce yourself, meet others, and share your questions and your experiences.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/copd-group-introduce-yourself-and-connect-with-others/
@codered032, My tacrolimus dosage has been adjusted according to my lab results several times in the past. When the adjustments were made, it was 0.5 mg (2x day) change. I could feel an almost immediate relief from the trembles, anxiety, and lack of concentration that 'told' me that my level was too high. Always established with labs. On the other hand, if my tacrolimus dose is upped by 0.5mg(2x day) my shakiness, anxiety, lack of concentration are tell tale signs and I immediately contact my transplant nurse.

There is a level of tacrolimus that is suggested for transplant patients, and that is a guide. However, individual trough levels can vary, depending on the individual, determined by the transplant team. The goal is not too high, not too low, but just the right amount to do what your body needs.

@codered032, What is the reason that your new nephrologist wants to change dose? Will he be doing a follow-up lab to see if it is working for you?
@nimalw, Your level/dose will likely need adjusting as you move further out from transplant.
@kit324miss, When will you be seeing your doctor? Are you currently taking tacrolimus, or is there a reason why you want to ask him about it?

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