Transplant: Tacrolimus, What’s Your Target Range?

Anybody on .50 mg of Tacrolimus for liver tx
Is .50mg of Tacrolimus considered a low dose? Is anyone experiencing side effects from this dose? If so what are the side effects?

@bosco17, I moved your question about .50 mg Tacrolimus for liver transplant to this existing discussion:
- Tacrolimis, What’s Your Target Range? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-tacronlimis-target-range/

I did this so you can read the previous posts and easily connect with others taking Tacrolimus like @hello1234 @rosemarya @contentandwell @jackie421blfdgurl @l0lag0lag0b3 @jennifer0726 @echo2022.

Hi! While it’s interesting to see what everyone’s dosage is for Tacrolimus, (Prograf) keep in mind each person’s requirement is different. What the appropriate level is for one person is not necessarily the optimal amount for another. Too low and there’s a huge risk of rejection of the organ. The body’s immune system views the organ as an invasive/foreign object and its goal is to attack and defend! That’s what our immune systems do. So it’s crucial to keep the tacro at a level that is right for each person’s unique biological construct.

That’s true also with stem cell transplants, where tacrolimus, the anti-rejection/immunosuppressive drug, is used to help avoid Graft vs Host disease until the new immune system learns to recognize the foreign proteins in the recipients body. My dosage was different than four of my cohorts who kept in touch during our recovery periods and into our post transplant life. One person, is 3 years post transplant and still taking Tacro at a fairly higher dosage of 2 mg daily. Anytime she tries to taper, her GVHD flairs as the new immune system still sees her body as a threat. Most stem cell patients can taper off starting around 6 months, I was on it for 2.5 years to avoid GVHD at a very low dose of .5mg daily. But if I remember correctly, I was on 6mg daily initially for a few weeks.

With solid organ transplants it’s my understanding that, over time, you’ll be weaned to the lowest amount required to be able to avoid rejection of the organ. There are a few people who have been able to halt the meds altogether if they have a match that’s very close to their own. But this is done under very close guidance with the transplant team and can take years to happen.

There are clinical trials being held with some breakthrough technology that may allow people with certain transplants to eventually wean off the immunosuppressives altogether! That would be amazing for the millions of organ recipients.

Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary! Are you having any side effects from the Tacro?

I've been on .5 × 2 prograf daily since my liver transplant 4 years ago. I don't take any other medications. Not sure if this is helpful.

Hi, hello1234
Where do u find out this information I to would be very interested in knowing that info about my LT.
I think it is amazing how close they will try to match the organs. I was 59 my donor was25 yrs. In excellent health.
Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 to all. We have something to be so thankful for.😊💚😊🍁🦃

What side effects if any are you having- kidneys, high blood pressure, high ldl cholesterol, etc,etc

Can you give us more information on these clinical trials to wean off immunosuppressants?
Who is conducting the trials?

I would greatly appreciate the information
Thanks