Degraf 0.5 Capsule
Degraf 0.5 Capsule is used along with other medicines to prevent your body from rejecting a new organ (e.g., liver, kidney, or heart) after transplant. It does so by weakening your body’s immune system, so it does not attack the new organ. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants.
Degraf 0.5 Capsule
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Degraf 0.5 Capsule is used along with other medicines to prevent your body from rejecting a new organ (e.g., liver, kidney, or heart) after transplant. It does so by weakening your body’s immune system, so it does not attack the new organ. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants.
Degraf 0.5 Capsule is used along with other medicines to prevent your body from rejecting a new organ (e.g., liver, kidney, or heart) after transplant. It does so by weakening your body’s immune system, so it does not attack the new organ. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants.
The amount of Degraf 0.5 Capsule you take and how often you take it depends on the type of transplant you have, your body weight, and what other medicines you are taking. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You should take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take this medicine regularly to get the maximum benefit and keep taking it, even if you feel well. If you stop taking it, you may increase the chances of rejecting your transplanted organ.
Degraf 0.5 Capsule has many potential side effects. It can cause or worsen diabetes and kidney problems. These need urgent medical attention. Other common side effects include tremor, infections, high blood pressure, headache, and insomnia. If the side effects do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. Degraf 0.5 Capsule lowers your immune system making you susceptible to catching more infections than usual.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Also let your doctor know what other medications you are taking, especially for infections, pain, and arthritis. These and others may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. You should limit your exposure to the sun and UV (ultraviolet) light while taking it because immunosuppressants could increase your risk of skin cancer.
Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. This medicine is not normally recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless it is clearly needed. Before and during treatment you will need frequent medical tests to monitor your progress, and your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
03Uses
Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients
04How To Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Degraf 0.5 Capsule is to be taken empty stomach.
05How It Works
Degraf 0.5 Capsule is an immunosuppressant. It works by suppressing your body’s immune response following the transplant of an organ (e.g., liver, kidney, heart). This helps your body to accept the new organ as if it were your own.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
Q: What if you forget to take Degraf Capsule?
A: If you miss a dose of Degraf 0.5 Capsule, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
07Benefits
In Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients
Degraf 0.5 Capsule belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressants. Organ rejection happens when your immune system treats the new organ as an invader and attacks it. This medicine weakens your immune response (which usually fights infection) and reduces the chance of your body attacking the transplanted organ. It is used in combination with other medicines to make it much more likely that your transplant operation will be successful. You should continue taking the medicine and should not stop it until your doctor says so.
08Side Effects
Kidney damage
High blood pressure
Increased glucose level in blood
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Tremors
Headache
Abnormal liver function tests
Infection
09Safety Information
Alcohol:UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Degraf 0.5 Capsule.
Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Degraf 0.5 Capsule may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Degraf 0.5 Capsule is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving:UNSAFE
Degraf 0.5 Capsule may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney:CAUTION
Degraf 0.5 Capsule should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Degraf 0.5 Capsule may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver:CAUTION
Degraf 0.5 Capsule should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Degraf 0.5 Capsule may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
10Drug Tips
Degraf 0.5 Capsule is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.
It may take 3 to 4 months for the medication to work. Keep taking it as prescribed.
Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to check the levels of blood cells in your blood. Inform your doctor if you experience unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, or general illness.
Your doctor may monitor your kidney function regularly. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to help with your kidney function.
Do not stop taking Degraf 0.5 Capsule without talking to your doctor first.
References
Sources and references
Burkhart C, Morrell D, Goldsmith L. Dermatological Pharmacology. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1822.
Lake DF, Briggs AD, Akporiaye ET. Immunopharmacology. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 972.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1305-309.
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