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Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
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Tacrolimus

Also known as TDM, Tacrolimus, FK 506
35103700 5% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Clinical history is required. Please provide the date and time of the last dose and other relevant dosage information.
  2. It is recommended to provide the sample just before the scheduled dose is due (trough levels) unless otherwise specified by your doctor.
  3. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption the day before the test.

Understanding Tacrolimus


What is Tacrolimus?

The Tacrolimus test is used to monitor the levels of tacrolimus, a medicine commonly prescribed to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. This test helps doctors ensure that patients maintain optimal levels of tacrolimus in their blood, minimizing the risk of transplant rejection while avoiding toxicity. 

Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressive medicine that works by suppressing the immune system’s response to foreign organs, thereby preventing rejection after transplantation. However, maintaining optimal levels of tacrolimus is crucial, as insufficient levels may lead to rejection, while excessive levels can result in adverse effects and toxicity. 

The Tacrolimus test is particularly useful for individuals who have undergone organ transplants. This test helps doctors to evaluate patient compliance and provides valuable information to adjust medication dosages accordingly. It is typically performed at regular intervals post-transplant to ensure that patients achieve and maintain the right levels of tacrolimus in the body. The frequency of Tacrolimus test varies based on factors like patient response, type of transplant, time since transplant, patient's age, and overall health. Also, it is done when there are changes in the dosages, or if there are symptoms of side effects, toxicity, or organ rejection.  

Before the Tacrolimus test, a brief medical history is needed, including the time and amount of the last tacrolimus dose. The test measures the ‘trough’ level of tacrolimus, just before the next dose, for consistent and accurate testing. Therefore, it is advised to provide the blood sample just before the scheduled dose (generally 12 hours post-dose or prior to the next dose) unless otherwise specified by your doctor as the timing of blood collection can impact the levels of the medicine in the blood. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption the day before the test, as it may affect the test results. Also, taking tacrolimus with meals can impact its absorption and changes in the route of administration, or switching between the brands of the medicine can also impact the levels of tacrolimus in the body. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully for a favorable outcome.

Lab test results can vary across different methodologies and laboratories. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor medication levels consistently using the same method and laboratory. Also, test results can vary based on factors like age, medical history, or other risk factors. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. Maintaining optimal tacrolimus levels improves overall health outcomes, enhancing the success of organ transplantation. 

What is Tacrolimus used for?

The Tacrolimus test is done: 

  • To monitor tacrolimus levels in the body. 
  • To ensure tacrolimus doses are correct and effective post-transplant.
  • To adjust tacrolimus dosage to achieve and maintain therapeutic levels
  • To check the levels of tacrolimus in cases showing signs and symptoms of side effects, toxicity or organ rejection.
  • To assess patient response to the medication.
  • To determine the frequency of testing based on individual factors.
  • To provide insights for doctors to optimize tacrolimus levels.

What does Tacrolimus measure?

The Tacrolimus test is used to measure the levels of tacrolimus in the blood. This test helps determine whether the concentration of the tacrolimus falls within the therapeutic range. Also, it helps ensure that the patients are getting the right dosage of tacrolimus. Low levels indicate that the dosage of the medicine has not reached the optimum level required to show results or may occur if the dosage is not taken properly. High levels indicate that the levels have now crossed the required levels and may now cause adverse effects and organ damage. Typically the Tacrolimus test is done when your doctor adjusts your tacrolimus dosage or if you experience side effects, toxicity, or signs of organ rejection.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tacrolimus


Frequently Asked Questions about Tacrolimus

Q. What is the medicine tacrolimus used for?

Tacrolimus is a immunosuppressive medicine used to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ (kidney, liver, heart, or other organ transplant) in transplant recipients.

Q. Why is the Tacrolimus test done?

The Tacrolimus test is done to monitor the levels of tacrolimus in the blood, to ensure that its levels are within the therapeutic range sufficient enough to prevent organ rejection and not so high as to cause side effects or toxicity.

Q. Who should consider taking the Tacrolimus test?

Individuals who have undergone an organ transplant and are being treated with tacrolimus may need to undergo periodic testing to ensure that the medication is working effectively and not causing potential side effects.

Q. When is the best time to test for tacrolimus?

The Tacrolimus test is usually measured as "trough" levels. This is timed so that sample collection occurs 12 hours after the dose or before the next dose when the level of tacrolimus is lowest in the blood.

Q. Can I consume food before the Tacrolimus test?

Yes, you can consume food before undergoing this test. However, you should not take your tacrolimus dose until after your blood sample has been collected.

Q. How often should I get the Tacrolimus test?

The frequency of getting a tacrolimus test depends on your individual circumstances, including the type of organ transplant, the length of time since the transplant, and your overall health. Your doctor will guide you better on how often you should get the test.

Q. What happens if the tacrolimus dose is higher than the therapeutic range?

A higher than the therapeutic range of tacrolimus may increase the risk of experiencing side effects or toxicity.

Q. What are the common side effects of tacrolimus?

Common side effects of tacrolimus may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, headache, confusion, imbalance, and extreme tiredness. swelling of arms or legs, fever or other signs of infection.

Q. What factors can affect the tacrolimus levels?

Some factors which affect levels of tacrolimus in the blood include- age and general health of the patient, co-administration of medicines that can either inhibit or induce the metabolism of tacrolimus, intake of the medicine with meals, change in the route of administration, timings of blood sample collection and change in the brand of the medicine.
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Tacrolimus test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 3519
Price inNew DelhiRs. 3510
Price inChennaiRs. 3519
Price inMumbaiRs. 3519
Price inPuneRs. 3519
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References

  1. Araya AA, Tasnif Y. Tacrolimus. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544318/ External Link
  2. Warty V, Zuckerman S, Venkataramanan R, Lever J, Chao J, Mckaveney T, Fung J, Starzl T. Tacrolimus analysis: a comparison of different methods and matrices. Ther Drug Monit. 1995 Apr;17(2):159-67. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2024]. Available From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3022518/ External Link
  3. Yin S, Song T, Jiang Y, Li X, Fan Y, Lin T. Tacrolimus Trough Level at the First Month May Predict Renal Transplantation Outcomes Among Living Chinese Kidney Transplant Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis. Ther Drug Monit. 2019 Jun;41(3):308-316. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2024]. Available From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6553958/ External Link
  4. Kalt DA. Tacrolimus: A Review of Laboratory Detection Methods and Indications for Use. Lab Med. 2017 Nov 8;48(4):e62-e65. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2024]. Available From: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29096030/ External Link
  5. Massoglia G, Ramnarine M, Schuh MJ. Tacrolimus Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Kidney Transplant Patients Before and After Pharmacist Post-transplant Consults. Innov Pharm. 2021 Jun 10;12(3):10.24926/iip.v12i3.4212. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2024]. Available From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9120000/External Link
  6. Nakamura A, Amada N, Haga I, Tokodai K, Kashiwadate T. Effects of elevated tacrolimus trough levels in association with infectious enteritis on graft function in renal transplant recipients. Transplant Proc. 2014;46(2):592-4. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2024]. Available From: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24656020/#:~:text=Viral%20infection%2Dinduced%20intestinal%20inflammation,which%20may%20lead%20to%20nephrotoxicity. External Link
  7. Hsiao CY, Ho MC, Ho CM, Wu YM, Lee PH, Hu RH. Long-Term Tacrolimus Blood Trough Level and Patient Survival in Adult Liver Transplantation. J Pers Med. 2021 Feb 1;11(2):90. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2024]. Available From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7912911/ External Link
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