PROGRAF
Used for Immunosuppressant
NowPatient helps you obtain your PROGRAF prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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PROGRAF key facts
What is PROGRAF?
PROGRAF is the brand name for tacrolimus and is available as an oral capsule and oral suspension.
What dosages is PROGRAF available in?
PROGRAF is available as 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 5 mg oral capsule and 0.2 mg and 1 mg granules for oral suspension,
What is PROGRAF used for?
PROGRAF is a calcineurin inhibitor that is used for the prevention of organ transplant rejection, including:
- Kidney transplant
- Liver or heart transplant – generic tacrolimus capsule and brand Prograf only
- Lung transplant – brand Prograf only
How does PROGRAF work?
PROGRAF is a calcineurin inhibitor. It works as an immunosuppressant, which lowers the activity of your immune system. You need a weakened immune system after receiving an organ transplant so your body doesn’t reject the new organ.
How do I take PROGRAF?
Your provider will determine your dose of PROGRAF based on your weight, ethnicity, kidney or liver health, the type of transplant you received, and the other immunosuppressants you’re taking. It is typically taken by mouth twice daily.
Is it safe for me to take PROGRAF?
PROGRAF is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or HCO-60 (polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated
castor oil).
PROGRAF Common Side Effects
Common side effects of PROGRAF:
- Tremor
- High blood pressure
- Changes in electrolyte levels
- Infections
- Higher creatinine levels
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nause
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Constipation
- Feeling weak
- General pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Low red blood cell count
PROGRAF Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with PROGRAF. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, trouble breathing, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Serious infections: fever, cough, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches
- Low blood cell counts: bleeding that’s difficult to stop, vomiting blood, blood in the urine or stool, “coffee-ground” stool
- Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
- Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
- Sudden kidney injury: feeling sick or weak, dehydration, urinating less than usual, confusion, blood in urine, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Nerve problems: seizures, tremors, headache, dizziness, pins sensation
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on PROGRAF
The following medications may interact with PROGRAF:
- Mycophenolic Acid Products: Can increase MPA exposure after crossover from cyclosporine to PROGRAF; monitor for MPA-related
- adverse reactions and adjust MMF or MPA dose as needed
- Nelfinavir and Grapefruit Juice: Increased tacrolimus concentrations via CYP3A inhibition; avoid concomitant use
- CYP3A Inhibitors: Increased tacrolimus concentrations; monitor concentrations and adjust tacrolimus dose as needed
- CYP3A4 Inducers: Decreased tacrolimus concentrations; monitor concentrations and adjust tacrolimus dose as needed
- Therapeutic drug monitoring and dose reduction for PROGRAF should be considered when PROGRAF is co-administered with cannabidiol
Who makes PROGRAF?
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Is PROGRAF safe in pregnancy?
PROGRAF can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to PROGRAF during pregnancy. The Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International (TPRI) is a voluntary pregnancy exposure registry that monitors outcomes of pregnancy in female transplant recipients and those fathered by male transplant recipients exposed to immunosuppressants including PROGRAF. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise their patients to register by contacting the Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International at 1-877-955-6877 or
Transplant pregnancy registry
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my PROGRAF prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your PROGRAF prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient PROGRAF savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient PROGRAF savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for PROGRAF | Canadian Prescription Savings* for PROGRAF | PROGRAF Drug Coupon* | PROGRAF Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of PROGRAF?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for PROGRAF | Canadian Prescription Savings* for PROGRAF | PROGRAF Drug Coupon* | PROGRAF Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the PROGRAF savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the PROGRAF drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for PROGRAF, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the PROGRAF prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, PROGRAF is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed PROGRAF for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the PROGRAF prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the PROGRAF prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for PROGRAF
If you are having trouble paying for your PROGRAF medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for PROGRAF you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- PROGRAF is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers PROGRAF
- If PROGRAF is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for PROGRAF
If you are having trouble paying for your PROGRAF medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for PROGRAF you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers PROGRAF
- If PROGRAF is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for PROGRAF
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your PROGRAF treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for PROGRAF you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for PROGRAF
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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