Envarsus: Uses, indications and precautions when using

This is an automatically translated article.

Envarsus belongs to the class of immunosuppressive drugs, which work by weakening the body's defense system (immune system) to make it easier for the body to accept the newly transplanted organ.

1. What is Envarsus?

Envarsus (also known as Tacrolimus) is used to prevent organ rejection in people who have just received a kidney transplant. Envarsus is often prescribed in combination with other drugs to help the transplanted organ gradually adapt to the patient's body.

2. How to use Envarsus

Take Envarsus on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal), usually once a day in the morning. If you are prone to nausea or abdominal pain, seek further instructions from your doctor.
If you are taking Envarsus extended-release tablets, do not crush or chew the tablets as they may release all the medicine at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Instead swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing.
Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, blood test results (e.g. monitoring Tacrolimus trough levels), response to treatment, and previous history of Tacrolimus use.
Tacrolimus is available in different formulations (such as immediate or extended release). Do not switch between different forms of Tacrolimus on your own without consulting your doctor.
Do not increase your dose or take Envarsus more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster, but the risk of side effects will increase. Also, do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's approval.
It is recommended to maintain regular use of Envarsus to get the most benefit from the drug. It is important to take all the doses on time to keep the amount of medicine in the body at a steady level.
Should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking the medicine, because grapefruit can increase the risk of side effects of the drug.
Because Envarsus can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take this medicine or breathe in the dust from the tablets.

3. Envarsus side effects

Some side effects when taking Envarsus that patients may experience are shaking, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and trouble sleeping.
Tell your doctor if you notice any serious side effects such as:
Signs of kidney problems, such as a change in the amount of urine. Jaundice, yellow eyes, dark urine, nausea, persistent vomiting, stomach pain, severe abdominal pain. Symptoms of heart failure (such as swollen ankles and feet, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain). Hearing problems (such as tinnitus, hearing loss). Numbness in hands and feet. Pain, swelling, redness of the leg or arm. Easy bruising and bleeding. Dizzy . Muscle weakness, severe leg pain. Envarsus may also increase your risk of a rare but very serious brain infection (progressive multifocal encephalopathy - PML), which can be fatal. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these side effects: Clumsiness, loss of coordination, weakness, confusion, trouble concentrating, difficulty moving muscles, problems with voice, vision changes, fainting, seizures, irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, chest/jaw/left arm pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Envarsus may increase your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and let your doctor know if the results are high. Your doctor may instruct you to control your blood pressure with medication.
Envarsus can cause diabetes. Tell your doctor if you notice symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of the drug Envarsus

Before taking Envarsus, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of problems such as: Mineral imbalances (such as high potassium levels), kidney disease, any infections recent cancer, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, certain heart problems (heart failure, bradycardia, QT prolongation in the electrocardiogram), family history of heart problems ... Envarsus may cause conditions that affect heart rhythm such as long QT syndrome . In rare cases, this syndrome can cause serious arrhythmias, dizziness, or fainting that requires immediate medical attention. Your risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medications that prolong QT. Before taking Envarsus, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, especially if you are being treated for concomitant heart conditions. Low blood potassium or magnesium levels can also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be increased if you use certain medications (such as diuretics) or have conditions such as excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about how to use Envarsus safely. Envarsus may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, you should limit your time in sunlight, and use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when going out in the sun. Taking Envarsus can make you more likely to get an infection or make an existing infection worse. Therefore, avoid contact with people who have an infection that is easily transmitted to others (such as measles, flu, chickenpox). While taking the drug, do not vaccinate without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received a live vaccine (eg, nasal flu vaccine). Envarsus may increase potassium in the blood. Before taking additional potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor. You should not become pregnant while taking Envarsus because it can affect the unborn baby. Men and women using this medication should use reliable forms of birth control before and while using it. Discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor before taking it. Do not stop taking your medication on your own unless directed by your doctor. Envarsus passes into breast milk and the effect on the nursing infant is unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breastfeeding.

5. Drug interactions

Some drugs that may interact with Envarsus include:
Aluminum/magnesium antacids, Cyclosporin, Sirolimus, Temsirolimus, Ziprasidone. Other medicines that can increase the level of potassium in the blood (diuretics such as Amiloride, Spironolactone). Other drugs also weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infection (such as Rituximab, Natalizumab). Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Envarsus as it can cause the drug to be released too quickly and increase the risk of side effects.
Some medications you are taking (if any) can also cause the elimination of Envarsus and affect how it works, including: Cimetidine, Danazol, Nefazodone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Methylprednisolone, Azole antifungals (such as Itraconazole, Voriconazole), HIV and HCV protease inhibitors (such as Nelfinavir, Ritonavir), Azole antifungals (such as Itraconazole, Voriconazole), Rifamycins (such as Rifampin, Rifabutin), certain antiepileptic drugs (such as Phenytoin), , Phenobarbital)

6. Treatment of overdose and how to store

If you miss a dose of Envarsus, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 14 hours after your usual time, skip the missed dose and take it as usual. Store the medicine at room temperature away from heat and moisture (Do not leave the medicine in the bathroom). Keep medicine out of reach of children and pets. Patients need to take Envarsus exactly as prescribed by the doctor to help the body adapt to the new organ better. Medical tests such as liver function tests, kidney function tests, blood pressure readings, potassium levels, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, tacrolimus trough levels, etc. should be performed periodically to monitor progress. and check for side effects.
In general, if you've had major organ transplant surgery, take an education class or educate yourself on post-operative care. Also learn about the symptoms of organ rejection such as feeling sick, fever, pain around the transplanted organ. Get medical help immediately if these signs of rejection persist.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com