Tacrolimus

The Basics

What is Tacrolimus?

Used along with other medications to prevent kidney transplant rejection.

Brand names for Tacrolimus

Protopic

How Tacrolimus is classified

Immunosuppressive Agents, Dermatologic Agents

Tacrolimus During Pregnancy

Tacrolimus pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Tacrolimus while pregnant

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of topically administered tacrolimus in pregnant women. The experience with PROTOPIC Ointment when used by pregnant women is too limited to permit assessment of the safety of its use during pregnancy. Reproduction studies were carried out with systemically administered tacrolimus in rats and rabbits. Adverse effects on the fetus were observed mainly at oral dose levels that were toxic to dams. Tacrolimus at oral doses of 0.32 and 1.0 mg/kg (0.04X-0.12X MRHD based on BSA) during organogenesis in rabbits was associated with maternal toxicity as well as an increase in incidence of abortions. At the higher dose only, an increased incidence of malformations and developmental variations was also seen. Tacrolimus, at oral doses of 3.2 mg/kg during organogenesis in rats, was associated with maternal toxicity and caused an increase in late resorptions, decreased numbers of live births, and decreased pup weight and viability. Tacrolimus, given orally at 1.0 and 3.2 mg/kg (0.04X-0.12X MRHD based on BSA) to pregnant rats after organogenesis and during lactation, was associated with reduced pup weights. No reduction in male or female fertility was evident. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of systemically administered tacrolimus in pregnant women. Tacrolimus is transferred across the placenta. The use of systemically administered tacrolimus during pregnancy has been associated with neonatal hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction. PROTOPIC Ointment should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies a potential risk to the fetus.

Taking Tacrolimus While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Tacrolimus?

Limited data indicate that amounts of systemically administered tacrolimus are low in breastmilk and probably do not adversely affect the breastfed infant. European experts consider tacrolimus to be probably safe to use for inflammatory bowel disease during breastfeeding.[1] U.S. investigators and clinicians from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry and other experts consider tacrolimus acceptable to use during breastfeeding following transplant.[2][3][4][5][6][7] Exclusively breastfed infants should be monitored if this drug is used during lactation, possibly including measurement of serum levels to rule out toxicity if there is a concern. Topical tacrolimus presents a low risk to the nursing infant because it is poorly absorbed after topical application and peak blood concentrations are less than 2 mcg/L in most patients. Ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. If the breast is to be treated, an alternate drug is preferred; do not apply to the nipple area while nursing.[8][9][10]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Limited data indicate that amounts of systemically administered tacrolimus are low in breastmilk and probably do not adversely affect the breastfed infant. European experts consider tacrolimus to be probably safe to use for inflammatory bowel disease during breastfeeding.[1] U.S. investigators and clinicians from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry and other experts consider tacrolimus acceptable to use during breastfeeding following transplant.[2][3][4][5][6][7] Exclusively breastfed infants should be monitored if this drug is used during lactation, possibly including measurement of serum levels to rule out toxicity if there is a concern. Topical tacrolimus presents a low risk to the nursing infant because it is poorly absorbed after topical application and peak blood concentrations are less than 2 mcg/L in most patients. Ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. If the breast is to be treated, an alternate drug is preferred; do not apply to the nipple area while nursing.[8][9][10]

Possible effects of Tacrolimus on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Tacrolimus

(Immunosupressant) Azathioprine, Cyclosporine; (Topical) Pimecrolimus.