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Trouble with Generic Tacrolimus

Q. My daughter was put on generic Prograf (tacrolimus) as one of her immunosuppressants after a liver/kidney transplant. On tacrolimus, the levels of the drug in her body fluctuated widely, leading to one mild and one moderate liver rejection episode.

When she was hospitalized as a result of these episodes, they would administer brand name Prograf and levels of the drug in her body would increase dramatically.

She switched to brand name Prograf at home, even though it costs more. Levels of the drug in her body stabilized and she has had no more rejections.

A. Your story is extremely alarming. Tacrolimus is a lifeline for transplant recipients. We have passed your comment to the FDA. Anyone else who has experienced a generic drug problem can report it on our website (PeoplesPharmacy.com).

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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