Pangraf 0.5 mg Tablet

Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s belongs to a class of drugs called ‘immunosuppressants‘ used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) and prevent organ rejection after a transplant.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema is a common skin condition associated with inflamed and itchy skin patches. The symptoms include itchy, dry, flaky, swollen, rough and irritated skin. Organ rejection occurs when a patient’s immune system recognizes the donor organ as foreign and tries to eliminate it.

Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s contains ‘Tacrolimus‘ that works by suppressing the over-reaction of immune cells in the skin to a stimulus. Thereby, reduces allergic reaction and inflammation (redness and swelling).

Also, Capsule 10’s suppresses T and B lymphocytes (cells in the immune system) that normally attacks foreign invaders and defend the body against foreign cells and infection. Thereby prevents organ rejection in transplanted patients and helps the body in accepting the new organ.

Use Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition.

Some people may experience itching, burning sensation, redness, pain, skin tingling, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, increased blood sugar levels, kidney problems, dizziness or stomach pain.

Most of these side effects of Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are allergic to Capsule 10’s or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Capsule 10’s. Avoid alcohol consumption with Capsule 10’s as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Drive only if you are alert as Capsule 10’s may cause drowsiness, dizziness or vision problems. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with bandage or dressing.  Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) in contact with Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s catches fire and burns easily.

Uses 

Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Organ transplant

Medicinal Benefits

Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s contains Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) and prevent organ rejection after a transplant. Capsule 10’s suppresses the over-reaction of immune cells in the skin to a stimulus. Thereby, reduces allergic reaction and inflammation (redness and swelling). Also, Capsule 10’s suppresses T and B lymphocytes (cells in the immune system) that normally attacks foreign invaders and defend the body against foreign cells and infection. Thereby prevents organ rejection in transplanted patients and helps the body in accepting the new organ.

Pangraf 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 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.

Pangraf 0.5 Capsule has many potential side effects. It can cause or worsen diabetes and kidney and liver problems. These need urgent medical attention.

Other common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping. If the side effects do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. Pangraf 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.

Directions for Use

Wash your hands before and after applying Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s. The topical form of Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s can be applied as a thin layer on the clean and dry affected area of the skin as prescribed by your doctor.

Capsule 10’s is only for external use. Please avoid contact with eyes, nose or mouth as it may irritate. In case Capsule 10’s comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.

Take Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after a meal. Capsule 10’s in oral form can be swallowed as a whole with a glass of water.

Do not break, chew or crush it. The granules form can be mixed with water just before taking. The injection form of Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s is given as an intravenous (into a vein) infusion by a doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s

• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Redness
• Pain
• Skin tingling
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Kidney problems
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

If you are allergic to Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Capsule 10’s. Avoid alcohol consumption with Capsule 10’s as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Drive only if you are alert as Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s may cause drowsiness, dizziness or vision problems. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with bandage or dressing.  Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) in contact with Capsule 10’s catches fire and burns easily.

Please avoid contact with eyes, nose or mouth as it may irritate. Do not shower, bathe or swim immediately after applying Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s as it may wash off Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s.

In case Capsule 10’s comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Do not swallow Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s. In case of accidental swallowing, consult a doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s may interact with immunosuppressant (ciclosporin), antibiotics (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, voriconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin), antiemetic (metoclopramide), anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbital), antacids (lansoprazole, cimetidine

 omeprazole), steroid (cortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone), antivirals (aciclovir), pain reliever (ibuprofen), an antidepressant (nefazodone), anticancer drugs (imatinib, nilotinib), anti-HIV drugs (nelfinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir).

Drug-Food Interaction: Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s may interact with St. John’s Wort (a herbal supplement to treat depression) or extracts of Schisandra sphenanthera.

Avoid taking grapefruit and grapefruit juice with Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s as it may cause serious side effects. Also, avoid consumption of alcohol with Capsule 10’s as it may cause flushing (make face or skin feel warm and hot) and increase other adverse effects.

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have skin tumours, weakened immune system, infected lesions, cutaneous Graft Versus Host Disease (an immune reaction of the skin in patients who had bone marrow transplant), generalised erythroderma (inflammatory scaling and redness of entire skin), Netherton’s syndrome, lamellar ichthyosis

(extensive scaling of skin), diarrhoea for more than a day, stomach pain with or without symptoms such as nausea, chills, fever or vomiting, liver or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s.

Safety Advice

• 

  ALCOHOL

  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

  Avoid alcohol consumption with Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s.

• 

  PREGNANCY

  Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s is Category C pregnancy drug and is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant before using Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s.

• 

  BREAST FEEDING

  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

  Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s may be excreted in human milk and is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may cause adverse effects in the baby. However, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Capsule 10’s.

• 

  DRIVING

  Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s may cause drowsiness, dizziness or vision problems. Therefore, avoid driving if experience any of these symptoms after taking Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s.

• 

  LIVER

  Please consult a doctor if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

• 

  KIDNEY

  Please consult a doctor if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

   

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

• Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid) such as apples, cherry, broccoli, spinach and blueberries.
• Consuming food rich in probiotics helps in developing the immune system against allergies.
• Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
• Avoid consumption of foods with excess sugar as it may flare-up inflammation.
• Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
• Reducing stress and maintaining a regular sleep pattern would be helpful.
• Avoiding getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.

Special Advise

• Please consult a dermatologist if the skin condition does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment with Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s.
• Regular blood, urine, visual, heart function and neurological tests are recommended while taking Pangraf 0.5 Capsule 10’s for appropriate dose adjustments.