Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule
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Overview
Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule contains tacrolimus 0.5mg in a prolonged-release capsule, a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection after a solid organ transplant (such as kidney, liver, or heart). It is prescribed and closely monitored by a transplant specialist team as a once-daily formulation.
Tacrolimus works by suppressing the immune system’s T-cells, which would otherwise recognise the transplanted organ as foreign and attack it, helping the body accept and maintain the new organ long-term.
How it Works
Tacrolimus binds to an intracellular protein (FKBP-12) and inhibits calcineurin, an enzyme required to activate T-cells and produce interleukin-2 (IL-2), a signalling molecule central to the immune rejection response. By blocking this pathway, tacrolimus suppresses the immune response that would otherwise reject the transplanted organ.
Directions for Use
Take Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule once daily in the morning, consistently either on an empty stomach or always the same way relative to food, exactly as instructed by your transplant team. Swallow the capsule whole; do not open or crush it. Do not switch between different tacrolimus brands without your transplant specialist’s explicit instruction, as this medicine has a narrow therapeutic index.
Dosage
The dose of Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule is individualised by your transplant specialist based on your body weight, organ transplanted, blood tacrolimus levels, and time since transplant, with the narrow therapeutic range requiring regular blood level monitoring and dose adjustment.
Shelf Life
Use this product before the expiry date stated on the packaging. Do not use the medicine if the expiry date has passed.
Storage Instructions
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Risk of infections
- Tremors or shakiness
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue or weakness
- Skin irritation (with topical use)
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or macrolide-class medicines
- Live vaccines should not be given during treatment due to significant immunosuppression
- Uncontrolled, serious active infection
Drug / Food Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, grapefruit) significantly increase tacrolimus blood levels and toxicity risk
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampicin, phenytoin, St John’s Wort) can markedly reduce tacrolimus levels, risking organ rejection
- Other nephrotoxic medicines (e.g. NSAIDs, aminoglycoside antibiotics) increase the risk of kidney impairment when combined
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice must be avoided, as they can substantially raise tacrolimus blood levels
Quick Tips
- Take this medicine at the same time every day, consistently the same way relative to food
- Never switch tacrolimus brands or formulations without your transplant specialist’s explicit approval
- Attend every scheduled blood test for tacrolimus level monitoring without exception
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice completely
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule used for?
Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule is used to prevent your immune system from rejecting a transplanted organ, taken once daily under the close supervision of your transplant specialist team.
Why do I need such frequent blood tests with this medicine?
Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning the difference between too little (risking organ rejection) and too much (risking toxicity) is small. Regular blood level monitoring lets your transplant team keep your dose precisely calibrated.
Can I switch to a different brand of tacrolimus if my pharmacy runs out of this one?
No, you should never switch tacrolimus brands or formulations without your transplant specialist’s explicit instruction, as different formulations are not automatically interchangeable and switching can affect your blood levels.
Why must I avoid grapefruit with this medicine?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can significantly increase tacrolimus blood levels by affecting how your body breaks it down, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule?
Contact your transplant care team immediately for specific guidance if you miss a dose – do not simply double the next dose, as this medicine requires individualised handling.
Can I buy Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule from DoctorOnCall?
Yes, Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule is available through DoctorOnCall, a licensed online pharmacy serving our Malaysian and Singaporean customers. As this is a prescription medicine, you will need to complete an online consultation so a doctor can assess your suitability and issue a valid prescription before the order is processed. This ensures the medicine is appropriate for your condition and used under proper medical supervision, whether you are ordering from Malaysia or Singapore.
Is the medication provided by DoctorOnCall genuine and safe to use?
DoctorOnCall sources its medicines through appropriate licensed pharmacy supply channels for our Malaysian and Singaporean customers. All orders are dispensed and checked by a registered pharmacist before delivery. Always use Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule according to your doctor’s instructions and the information provided with the product.
What payment methods does DoctorOnCall accept?
We accept payment via Online Banking, Credit Card, and e-Wallets (Boost, GrabPay) for our Malaysian and Singaporean customers, so you can choose whichever method is most convenient for you at checkout.
Does DoctorOnCall provide an installment payment plan for Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule?
DoctorOnCall provides an installment payment plan for eligible Malaysian and Singaporean customers, where applicable. Available plans, eligibility, and terms can vary by market, so please contact DoctorOnCall Customer Service for the latest information on installment options for your order.
Is delivery free, and how much does shipping for Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule cost?
Delivery charges may vary for our Malaysian and Singaporean customers depending on your delivery location and the applicable order terms at the time of purchase. For the most accurate and up-to-date delivery fee information, please contact DoctorOnCall Customer Service before placing your order.
How long does delivery take for Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule?
Our Malaysian customers can generally expect delivery within 3-5 working days, while our Singaporean customers generally receive their orders within 5-7 working days. These are expected timeframes rather than guarantees, and actual delivery time may vary depending on your delivery location, order processing time, courier operations, and whether the order falls on a weekend or public holiday.
What is DoctorOnCall’s shipping, return, or cancellation policy for Advagraf 0.5mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsule?
Shipping, return, and cancellation terms may vary for our Malaysian and Singaporean customers depending on the product and your order details. Please refer to DoctorOnCall’s Shipping & Delivery Policy and Return, Refund & Exchange Policy, or contact Customer Service, for the specific terms that apply to your order.
Ingredients / Active Ingredients
- Tacrolimus 0.5mg (prolonged-release)
Safety Advice
Pregnancy
This medicine should be used cautiously during pregnancy. Monitoring may be required.
Breastfeeding
Generally not recommended while breastfeeding.
Kidney
Use cautiously. Dose adjustment or monitoring may be required.
Liver
Use cautiously. Liver function monitoring may be required.
Alcohol
It is not advisable to consume alcohol while taking this medicine.
Driving
It is not advisable to drive if you experience side effects from this medicine.
Medical Review
