Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant: a drug that lowers the body’s own resistance to foreign cells. Tacrolimus is used to prevent rejection following organ transplants.
Tacrolimus and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which tacrolimus is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of tacrolimus can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes. Preventive DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Tacrolimus and the enzyme CYP3A5
Tacrolimus is processed to a large extent by the enzyme CYP3A5. The activity of this enzyme can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of tacrolimus can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with tacrolimus.
Read more about CYP3A5 enzyme »
Also known as
Prograft, Advagraf, Tacni, Adport, Modigraf, Envarsus