Tacrolimus HGC® Capsules and Ointment

Tacrolimus HGC® is tacrolimus supplied as oral capsules and a topical ointment. This page helps check Canadian pricing, learn approved uses, and order from Canada with US delivery from Canada. Many patients pay out of pocket without insurance, so clear cost and access details are included.

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.

What Tacrolimus HGC® Is and How It Works

Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor. It reduces activity of T cells, which are part of the immune system. Lowering immune activity helps prevent the body from attacking a transplanted organ. On the skin, tacrolimus calms inflammation that causes atopic dermatitis symptoms.

Oral tacrolimus capsules are approved to help prevent rejection in kidney, liver, or heart transplant recipients. They are used with other immunosuppressants as part of a maintenance regimen. The topical ointment is approved for short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of atopic dermatitis in nonimmunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older.

Tacrolimus does not cure the underlying condition. For transplant recipients, clinicians monitor blood levels and adjust doses to maintain effective immunosuppression. For eczema, the ointment is steroid-free and may be used during flares or intermittently to help maintain control as directed on the label.

Who Tacrolimus HGC® Is For

Oral tacrolimus is for adult and pediatric patients who have received a kidney, liver, or heart transplant, as prescribed by a transplant team. The ointment is for nonimmunocompromised adults and children 2 years and older with atopic dermatitis who need a nonsteroidal option. The 0.03% strength is typically used in children 2 to 15 years, while the 0.1% strength is used in adults and adolescents 16 years and older, according to labeling.

Do not use tacrolimus if there is a known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or any ointment component. The ointment is not for children under 2 years, and it is not for use on infected skin until the infection is treated. Oral tacrolimus should not be used without close medical supervision because it can affect the kidneys, nervous system, and immune function.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the prescription label and the official product information. Because dosing is individualized, clinicians make changes based on clinical response and tacrolimus blood levels.

• Immediate-release capsules: typically taken twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Take consistently with or without food, as food can affect absorption.
• Extended-release formulations: taken once daily, usually in the morning. Do not substitute extended-release products for immediate-release capsules without direction from a clinician.
• Ointment: apply a thin layer to affected skin twice daily at the start of a flare. Stop when signs and symptoms resolve. Intermittent use on areas that commonly flare may help maintain control. Avoid occlusive dressings and do not apply to mucous membranes.

Do not crush, chew, or open capsules or extended-release tablets. Do not switch between tacrolimus products without medical guidance, as strengths and release profiles differ.

Strengths and Forms

Availability may vary.

• Immediate-release capsules: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 5 mg
• Extended-release options (brand examples): Envarsus XR 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 4 mg tablets; Astagraf XL 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 5 mg capsules
• Topical ointment: 0.03% and 0.1%

Common brand references include Prograf capsules, Protopic ointment, Envarsus XR tablets, and Astagraf XL capsules.

Missed Dose and Timing

For oral tacrolimus, if a dose is missed and it is still several hours before the next scheduled dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses. For the ointment, apply the next scheduled application and continue as directed. Consistent timing supports stable blood levels for oral therapy.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store capsules and ointment at room temperature in a dry place. Keep in the original packaging, and protect from moisture and excess heat. Do not freeze the ointment. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

For travel, keep medicine in original labeled packaging. Pack a copy of the prescription and a medication list. Carry enough supply for the full trip, and place oral products in carry-on luggage to avoid extreme temperatures.

Benefits

For transplant recipients, tacrolimus helps prevent organ rejection as part of a comprehensive immunosuppressive regimen. The medicine has been used for many years in kidney, liver, and heart transplant care. For atopic dermatitis, the ointment offers a steroid-free option that can reduce itch, redness, and thickness during flares, and it helps maintain control when used intermittently as labeled. Having both oral and topical forms provides flexibility across conditions. Extended-release choices offer once-daily dosing for eligible patients.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects with oral tacrolimus can include tremor, headache, nausea, diarrhea, high blood pressure, swelling, and changes in kidney function. Increased blood sugar and electrolyte shifts can also occur. For the ointment, common effects include burning, stinging, itching, and redness at the application site, especially during the first few days of use.

Serious risks with oral tacrolimus include infections, kidney problems, neurotoxicity, high blood pressure, and electrolyte abnormalities. Long-term immunosuppression is associated with an increased risk of certain malignancies. The ointment has a boxed warning about rare malignancy reports; use the lowest effective amount for the shortest duration needed, avoid continuous long-term use, and minimize natural or artificial sunlight exposure on treated skin.

Keep the ointment out of the eyes. If a patient also uses glaucoma drops for an unrelated eye condition, such as Trusopt® or Vyzulta® Ophthalmic Solution, apply each product as directed and avoid cross-contact.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Strong CYP3A inhibitors can raise tacrolimus levels. Examples include azole antifungals such as Fluconazole, certain macrolide antibiotics, and some HIV or HCV therapies.
• Strong CYP3A inducers can lower tacrolimus levels. Examples include rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John’s wort.
• Grapefruit, pomelo, and related citrus can affect tacrolimus metabolism. Avoid them with oral tacrolimus.
• Other drugs may increase kidney or nerve side effects. Examples include certain NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, and antivirals such as Acyclovir.
• Some systemic antifungals, including Terbinafine, may interact. Clinicians review the full regimen to prevent adverse effects.
• Live vaccines may be less effective or not advised while taking systemic immunosuppressants.

Topical tacrolimus has minimal systemic absorption when used as directed, but it should not be applied to infected areas until the infection is treated.

What to Expect Over Time

Transplant recipients usually have frequent lab checks early after surgery, followed by periodic monitoring as care stabilizes. Doses may change based on blood levels, organ function, and other medicines. Staying with a consistent tacrolimus formulation is important for predictable exposure.

With the ointment, symptom relief can start after a short period of consistent use during a flare. Maintenance is typically intermittent. If control is not adequate, clinicians reassess the treatment plan. Sun protection on treated skin is recommended.

Compare With Alternatives

Brand options of tacrolimus include Prograf® (immediate-release capsules), Envarsus XR® (extended-release tablets), and Astagraf XL® (extended-release capsules). For atopic dermatitis, Protopic® is the tacrolimus ointment brand. Other nonsteroidal options include pimecrolimus cream, and topical corticosteroids remain standard therapy for many flares. The choice depends on the condition, age, prior response, and tolerability.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can help lower the overall Tacrolimus HGC price compared with typical US cash price. You can buy Tacrolimus HGC online and choose the strength and form that the prescription specifies, such as Tacrolimus HGC 1 mg capsules, Tacrolimus HGC 0.5 mg capsules, Tacrolimus HGC 5 mg capsules, Tacrolimus HGC 0.03% ointment, or Tacrolimus HGC 0.1% ointment. Order from Canada with US shipping and track everything through your account.

Check live pricing on this page before checkout. If paying cash, compare Canadian pricing to local out of pocket costs. Many customers prefer to pay cash and avoid surprises. The site uses encrypted checkout for security.

Looking for seasonal deals or payment options? See current offers on our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

If a strength or form is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative formulation or brand appropriate for the diagnosis, such as an extended-release option for transplant care or a different strength of ointment for dermatitis. Do not substitute between different tacrolimus products without clinical guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Oral tacrolimus is intended for transplant recipients under active medical supervision. The ointment is suitable for nonimmunocompromised patients 2 years and older with atopic dermatitis when a steroid-sparing option is needed. Those with uncontrolled infections, significant kidney impairment, or known hypersensitivity may not be good candidates for certain forms.

Cost-saving ideas include choosing multi-month supplies when practical, staying consistent with one formulation to avoid waste, and setting refill reminders so refills are not rushed. Keeping medicines in original packaging helps prevent loss and supports smooth reorders.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which tacrolimus formulation best fits the treatment plan: immediate-release, extended-release, or ointment?
• How will tacrolimus levels and organ function be monitored over time?
• Which foods, supplements, or medicines should be avoided or used with caution?
• What is the plan for managing flares with Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment?
• Are sun protections needed for areas treated with the ointment?
• What signs of infection or kidney problems should be reported promptly?
• If the current formulation is not available, what substitution would be appropriate?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA DailyMed: Prograf (tacrolimus) Capsules
• FDA DailyMed: Protopic (tacrolimus) Ointment
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

Start an order for Tacrolimus HGC with US delivery from Canada.