Post Transplant Care & Relevance of Tac levels

Patients have many doubts regarding post-transplant care, especially with regard to ‘tac level’, a concept encountered during post-transplant follow-up. KWF organized a session on 4^th September, 2020, with Dr. Vijay Kher, Chairman, Nephrology, Medanta Kidney & Urology Institute, New Delhi, to address concerns and queries related to maintaining tac level. The session was moderated by Maryann Manasseh.

At the outset, Dr. Vijay establishes that kidney transplant is the best treatment for kidney failure, by providing statistics for the survival of transplant patients in comparison to patients on dialysis. A transplant provides the best long-term outcome in terms of improving the quality of life and being cost-effective.

Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, is known to have side-effects, but Dr. Vijay reassures us that the side-effects do not appear in all patients, and gradually wear off as the dose is adjusted. He emphasizes the need to be consistent and regular in taking the medicine in order to maintain its appropriate levels in the blood, and avoid rejection of the graft. Too high or too low level of tacrolimus can have adverse effects; therefore, regular monitoring and consultation with the physician are important. Dr. Vijay also cautions against frequent testing of levels since dose adjustment should be based on long term levels. What is the best time to take your medicine? How to deal with diabetes caused by tacrolimus? How frequently should one get tac level tested? What other alternatives are there for patients who have tacrolimus toxicity? Watch the video to understand the role of tacrolimus in the successful functioning of your transplanted kidney.

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