Kalexate Powder and Tacrolimus Intravenous

• Generic Name: sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• Dosage Forms: oral, rectal powder
• Other Brand Names: Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex

Kalexate binds itself to potassium in your digestive tract. This helps prevent your body from absorbing too much potassium.

Kalexate is used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, also called hyperkalemia.

Kalexate works differently from other medicines because it passes into your intestines without being absorbed into your blood stream.

Kalexate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: tacrolimus
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf, Hecoria

Tacrolimus injection is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (eg, kidney, liver, or heart). Tacrolimus may be used with steroids, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.

When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Tacrolimus works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.

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 tacrolimus as well as the risks of using it.

Tacrolimus is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.