Tacrolimus (Whole Blood)

Specimen Required

3cc EDTA BLOOD (CBC VIAL)

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To measure the concentration of tacrolimus in the blood in order to establish the correct dose, maintain therapeutic levels and detect toxic levels

When this test is required

Tacrolimus is requested frequently at the start of therapy, often daily when trying to establish an appropriate dosing regimen. Once dosages have been established and shown to be well tolerated then the frequency of tacrolimus testing may be decreased. The test is performed when dosages are changed and whenever patients have symptoms that suggest side effects, toxicity or organ rejection.Some signs and symptoms of tacrolimus toxicity include: Kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) Tremors, headache (neurotoxicity) High blood pressure Nausea and vomiting Electrolyte disturbances, such as high potassium concentrations (hyperkalaemia) Tinnitus -intermittent and/or persistent ringing or roaring in the ears SeizuresMonitoring at intervals is necessary as long as the patient is taking tacrolimus.

What the Test Detects

This test measures the amount of tacrolimus in the blood. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug that is given orally or intravenously to patients who have had a kidney, liver, heart, or other organ transplant. It is a powerful drug that helps to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ by the body. Normally, a person’s immune system would recognise the new organ as foreign and begin to attack it. Tacrolimus limits this…This test measures the amount of tacrolimus in the blood. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug that is given orally or intravenously to patients who have had a kidney, liver, heart, or other organ transplant. It is a powerful drug that helps to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ by the body. Normally, a person’s immune system would recognise the new organ as foreign and begin to attack it. Tacrolimus limits this response and helps to prevent organ rejection by reducing the activity of certain immune cells called T-lymphocytes. Tacrolimus levels in the blood must be kept within a narrow range. If the concentration is too low organ rejection may occur, if it is too high then the person may have symptoms associated with toxicity. Dosages must be adjusted to an individual. Often people will begin with higher doses of tacrolimus immediately after a transplant and the doses will then be decreased over the next few weeks. Tacrolimus is usually taken twice a day at set intervals before or after meals. When a person takes a dose, blood concentrations rise and peak within about 2 to 3 hours then begin to fall slowly. The blood test is usually measured as a “trough” level. It is timed so that the collection is 12 hours after the dose, and/or prior to the next dose – at the drug’s lowest concentration in the blood. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? Have the blood sample collected 12 hours after the last dose and/or immediately prior to the next dose or as directed by your doctor See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

Have the sample collected 12 hours after the last dose and/or immediately prior to the next dose or as directed by your doctor.

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm

Additional Notes

A variety of drugs, such as calcium channel blockers, antifungal drugs, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin or clarithromycin), protease inhibitors, chloramphenicol, and another immunosuppressant such as ciclosporin can increase tacrolimus concentrations. Patients who have had an adverse reaction to macrolide antibiotics should not take tacrolimus.Drugs such as anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin), antimicrobials (rifampin), and the immunosuppressant sirolimus can decrease tacrolimus concentrations.Grapefruit juice and herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking tacrolimus. Different formulations of tacrolimus may not be equivalent, and switching between brands during treatment should be avoided. Tacrolimus products should be prescribed and dispensed by specific brand name only.Tacrolimus may be given for a period of time to patients who have had bone marrow transplant. Tacrolimus ointment may be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as eczema, that have not responded well to other medications. This topical use of tacrolimus is intended to be local, not systemic, and blood concentrations are not usually monitored. In some countries, tacrolimus is also licensed for use as a treatment for myasthenia gravis.Patients should not alter their dose or the time that they take their dose without consulting their doctor. Tacrolimus should be taken consistently with respect to meals. Food, especially high fat meals, can significantly reduce the amount of the drug that reaches the circulation,compared with taking the drug in the fasting state. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk to their doctor about associated risks, as tacrolimus crosses the placenta and may cause adverse effects on the unborn child.

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