Tacrolimus: Temporary Cessation

I have missed a day sometimes but no effect. I am anxious for someone to answer this as it has been a big concern of mine too. I was always instructed to take my tacrolimus every 12 hours exactly.

@gaylea1 I have never heard of such a thing. I'm interested to know what others have to say about it, also. Your transplant team ok'd it??
JoDee

@gaylea1 and @jerrynord I too am interested in hearing what your transplant department says. A nurse at mine said at one point that you have an hour grace period on either side of the time you should be taking it but other than that I have not heard anything, and frankly I don't think that nurse always gave the best advice. She is gone now.
JK

I would also add I have never been off of all all anti rejection meds at once but are you on any others like celcept? Or only Tacrolymuis. I was on 2 originally but now only take Tacrolimus due to a virus issue.

I was originally on cellcept and tacrolimus but the cellcept was dropped after 4 months after transplant. I've only taken tacrolumus since then. 1mg x2 day.

I was also told to try and keep to the 12 hours. I have forgotten every now and then and missed a dose but not often. This has been a full 5 days. Blood tests to be taken again early next week. My liver enzymes were elevated on Thursday.

The hepatologist is part of my transplant team. It was by her direction that I stopped the tacrolimus but expected we expected results from a blood test (mostly tac levels) but they never got done. When I hadn't heard anything this morning and I was feeling off I called the transplant clinic. I took .5 mg about noon today.

I went out for my walk this morning and got an earlier start than usual. And so I left the house without taking my 8AM meds. I am so thankful that I had my iphone in my pocket because the alarm went off, and let me know to turn around! Whew

@gaylea, how are you feeling? Did your doctor or pharmacist tell you if you should be alert for any signs or symptoms while waiting for a lab?

@rosemarya I'm still kind of shaky, no fever and nauseous. I asked if I should watch for signs (??) But the hepatologist basically said "you'll know". Thing is I'm still recovering from pancreatitis so I'm not sure what symptoms I may be missing. So basically I'm in limbo.

@gaylea1 I have been following this discussion closely, and am concerned like you and several others are! Can you contact a trusted pharmacist for guidance? Personally speaking, the hepatologist's response was totally inadequate and rude.
Ginger