Tacrolimus Test
Tacrolimus Test
Tacrolimus is a medicine that is used for people who have undergone organ transplants of liver, pancreas, spleen or adrenal glands. This medicine suppresses the immune response, which ensures that the transplanted organ is not rejected by the body. Tacrolimus works by inhibiting a chemical called calcineurin. Inhibiting calcineurin leads to decreasing the activities of T-cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for immune response. As the immune response in our body is responsible for protecting us against different types of infections, it is important to have a balance. We cannot suppress the immune response too much (we may be at risk of infection) or too little (organ transplant may be rejected). Monitoring the level of tacrolimus becomes important to maintain this balance. The tacrolimus blood test detects the levels of tacrolimus in the blood.
What is the Tacrolimus Test Used For?
Tacrolimus test is used for detecting the levels of tacrolimus in the blood. Tacrolimus levels are monitored for adjusting the dose of tacrolimus, in case the patient is suffering from side effects or toxicity from tacrolimus. Dose adjustment is also done depending on the other medications that patients take, especially ones that suppress the immune system. This test is also done for checking if the patient is taking tacrolimus regularly as per the doctor’s advice.
Symptoms of Tacrolimus Side Effects and Toxicity
As tacrolimus is a medication that can suppress the immune response, it can cause side effects such as
Headache
Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling dizzy
Fatigue
Constipation
Joint pain
Preparation for Test
Before the test, let your general physician know of any medication, supplements or treatments that you are taking or undertaking. If you have taken any cyclosporine medications, doctors would ask you to stop your medication for a day before this test is taken. There are no other special preparations for this test. Blood sample would be taken just before the next dose of tacrolimus is due.
Interpretation of Test Results
The normal levels of tacrolimus in blood are 5.0 to 15.0 nanograms per millilitre, when the sample was taken just before the next dose of tacrolimus was due.
The levels of tacrolimus should be interpreted only by the doctor as these levels would depend on different factors like time since the transplant surgery was performed (which may also decide risk of rejection), side effects due to complications in other organs, other medications that also suppress the immune response, etc.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the Tacrolimus test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm just before the next dose of tacrolimus is due.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for Tacrolimus test?
The tests results should come within 1-3 days after the sample is taken. This time would depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis.
Can we plan on becoming pregnant while on tacrolimus?
It is better to delay pregnancy planning while being on tacrolimus. Tacrolimus may cause harm to the foetus.
Can we start other medications while being on tacrolimus?
Please discuss before starting any medications or other nutrient supplement while being on tacrolimus. Medicines that interfere with cytochrome P450, which is related to tacrolimus metabolism, should be only taken after consulting the doctor. Some of these medications might interact with tacrolimus negatively, causing side effects.
What are some other precautions that we should know regarding tacrolimus?
Please try not to skip any dose of the tacrolimus. For people who have been prescribed extended-release tablets of tacrolimus, should avoid alcohol, as the side effects of tacrolimus may become worse.
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