Tag: Transplant

Studies show that gastrointestinal side effects are common with mycophenolate, with diarrhea occurring in a significant percentage of patients, sometimes ranging up to 92% in some cohorts. So, **does mycophenolate cause diarrhea**? Yes, it is a well-documented and frequent adverse effect of this immunosuppressant, particularly with its mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) formulation.

High-dose biotin supplements are known to interfere with up to 70% of common laboratory tests, a critical concern for transplant patients on the immunosuppressant tacrolimus [1.2.4]. The key question for patient safety is: does biotin affect tacrolimus levels directly, or is the issue rooted in the testing method itself?

As a vital immunosuppressant for transplant patients, tacrolimus can come with challenging side effects, including diarrhea, which is reported to affect a significant percentage of patients. This gastrointestinal issue, while often manageable, requires attention to prevent complications and ensure the medication's effectiveness.

In studies of kidney transplant patients, insomnia has been reported in as many as 32% of those taking tacrolimus [1.2.5]. The critical question for many patients is, **does tacrolimus affect sleep**, and if so, what can be done about this disruptive side effect?

Studies show that up to 32% of patients on tacrolimus, a common immunosuppressant, may experience some form of neurotoxicity, which can include cognitive changes [1.2.9]. The question of *does tacrolimus affect memory* is a significant concern for many transplant recipients who rely on this vital medication.

First approved by the FDA in 2001, valganciclovir is a highly effective antiviral drug that serves as a prodrug for ganciclovir and is used to treat and prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. This oral medication offers a convenient alternative to intravenous ganciclovir for controlling CMV-related illnesses, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Certain citrus fruits can cause tacrolimus blood levels to double in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of toxicity and rejection. For transplant recipients and others taking immunosuppressants, understanding **what foods interfere with tacrolimus** is critical for medication effectiveness and safety.

While chronic neurodegenerative dementia is not a typical consequence, severe tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity can cause cognitive impairment that mimics rapidly progressive dementia, as highlighted in a recent case report published in May 2025. It is crucial to understand the distinction and underlying mechanisms of this side effect.

In a study of solid organ transplant recipients, 1.3% of patients who received tacrolimus for immunosuppression developed Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD), a type of lymphoma [1.3.2]. The critical question for many patients and clinicians is: **Can tacrolimus cause lymphoma?**

Over 46,000 organ transplants were performed in the US in 2023, with many patients requiring the potent immunosuppressant tacrolimus to prevent rejection. Despite its effectiveness, understanding **why tacrolimus is high risk** is crucial due to its narrow therapeutic index and a wide range of severe side effects.