Is Prograf brand or generic?

Asked by: Prof. Haleigh Hahn  |  Last update: August 18, 2022
Score: 5/5 (18 votes)

Tacrolimus comes as the brand-name drugs Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf, and Protopic.

When did Prograf go generic?

On August 25, 2017, the FDA approved an AP-rated generic version of Astellas' Prograf (tacrolimus) 5 mg/mL injection. Prograf is approved for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic kidney, heart, or liver transplants.

What is the difference between Prograf and tacrolimus?

Tacrolimus (Prograf ®) is an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent and treat organ rejection in children who have had liver transplants. It is used for long-term immunosuppression.

Does tacrolimus have a generic?

Is tacrolimus a generic medication? Yes, tacrolimus is the generic for Prograf (oral tacrolimus) or Protopic (topical tacrolimus).

Can you switch brands of tacrolimus?

Changing oral tacrolimus products

This updated recommendation does not preclude patients changing to a different tacrolimus brand if the prescriber considers this to be of benefit to the patient.

Is There a Difference Between Brand Name Medications and Generics?

28 related questions found

What is the brand name of tacrolimus?

Tacrolimus comes as the brand-name drugs Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf, and Protopic. Like the different forms of generic tacrolimus, these brand-name drugs do not all have the same uses.

What company makes Prograf?

Astellas Launches PROGRAF® Granules (tacrolimus for oral suspension) in the U.S. for Pediatric Liver, Heart, and Kidney Transplant Patients | Astellas Pharma US, Inc. Read about our annual day of service.

What is the cost of Prograf?

The cost for Prograf intravenous solution (5 mg/mL) is around $2,398 for a supply of 10 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.

Who makes generic tacrolimus?

Sandoz is the #1 provider of generic transplant medications in Europe5 and its predecessor company was the pioneer behind the immunosuppressant cyclosporine discovered in the 1970s by Sandoz scientists6.

Is there a substitute for Prograf?

Nulojix® is an injectable medication that works in a different way than any other anti-rejection medicines available. It was designed as a potential replacement medication for Prograf® (tacrolimus) or Neoral® (Gengraf®, cyclosporine).

Is tacrolimus a high risk drug?

Tacrolimus is a very strong medicine. It can cause side effects that can be very serious, such as kidney problems. It may also decrease the body's ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.

Why is tacrolimus in short supply?

A: We do not know all of the reasons why tacrolimus is in shortage. One reason is a raw ingredient shortage leading to manufacturer delays in producing tacrolimus. Generic tacrolimus is being allotted to pharmacies based on past usage.

Is tacrolimus the same as CellCept?

Are CellCept and Prograf the Same Thing? CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) and Prograf (tacrolimus) are immunosuppressive agents used to prevent the body from rejecting a kidney, liver, or heart transplant. CellCept is usually given with cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and a steroid medication.

Where is Prograf manufactured?

The API of the drug is currently being manufactured, formulated and packed in the Toyama Technology Centre for Japan and overseas markets. The company claimed that its Prograf has supported the global medical transplantation as a first-line immunosuppressant for organ transplantation, and has recorded JPY195.

What is the generic name for CellCept?

CellCept is available in a generic form called mycophenolate mofetil. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Does Medicare pay for immunosuppressive drugs?

Immunosuppressive drugs are covered by Medicare Part B for beneficiaries who have had organ transplants. The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) frequently receive questions regarding under what circumstances immunosuppressive drug therapy is covered.

What is Prograf 1mg?

Prograf 1mg Hard 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.

How expensive is Cellcept?

The average cost of Cellcept is about $2,616.04 for 120, 500MG Tablet of Cellcept. To save on this prescription drug, you could use a Cellcept coupon from SingleCare to pay $18.20 for 60, 500MG Tablet of generic Cellcept when you refill your prescription at any participating pharmacy in the United States.

Does insurance cover tacrolimus?

Medicare prescription drug plans typically list tacrolimus on Tier 4 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication. Most plans have 5 tiers.

How can I get help paying for tacrolimus?

The Prograf Patient Assistance Program is designed to assist patients who have no health insurance and limited financial resources. To be eligible for the program, patients must meet income, residency and insurance criteria.

Is there copay assistance for tacrolimus?

Eligibility Restrictions, Terms and Conditions:

*Eligible participants in the Copay Card Program ("Program") may receive annual savings up to $3000 for PROGRAF® (tacrolimus) capsules or ASTAGRAF XL® (tacrolimus extended-release capsules).

What is the difference between Prograf and Advagraf?

Both Prograf and Advagraf contain the immunosuppressant tacrolimus; however, Prograf is an immediate-release formulation to be taken every 12 hours when used for the prevention of organ rejection, whereas Advagraf is an extended-release formulation that is to be taken every 24 hours.

What happens if I stop taking tacrolimus?

While you are being treated with tacrolimus, and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccines) without your doctor's approval. Tacrolimus may lower your body's resistance and the vaccine may not work as well or you might get the infection the vaccine is meant to prevent.

Can I take Prograf with food?

You may take the immediate-release capsule or oral liquid with or without food. But take it the same way each time. If you are using the extended-release capsule: Swallow the capsule whole with liquid.