Tacrolimus, Covid-19

[Richard-Allen]

I have for some time been concerned (like a lot of people) how any covid-19 vaccine would work with Tacrolimus, my concerns where that any vaccine might inhibit the tacrolimus and thus making us more venerable to organ rejection. There just didn’t seem to be any science available to change my point of view on this.

However, it would appear that Tacrolimus in it's self has shown a potential benefit in other highly pathogenic coronaviruses, and might be an interesting compound in the treatment of severe COVID-19. This article can be found at: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... (Please see in particular the last paragraph of this article).

Talking with people on other “Liver Transplant” websites, there seems to be a lot of fear and anxiety as people believe that having a weakened immune system will make them more venerable to infection, especially Covid-19. Maybe by talking to them that Tacrolimus was helping to protect them might allay their fears.

My concern, however, remains that while Tacrolimus might be a possible aid in the fight against covid, would this be undone by having one of the five vaccines soon to be made available?

The school is still out on this one, and I personally, won’t be having any vaccine until I can get to see the science.

This, I think should stir up an interesting debate.

[Hidden]

This is certainly an interesting topic and one which will exercise the minds of many leading specialists in transplantation and immunology.

We look forward to further information and research into this.

regards

[AndrewT]

Dear Liver-Lifestyle-Guru,

I am a Kidney Transplant recipient and also on Tacrolimus. I have Telephoned Addenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge and spoken, to one of Professor David Jane's Registrars, he told me that 'All the Doctors had had a Meeting, specifically regarding Transplant Patients', and had agreed that- the Vaccine- IS Safe.

IF Tacrolimus IS 'effective' against COVID- and I personally haven't seen any, of this evidence- then 'great' maybe.... just 'maybe' Something has Worked in Our Favour. I wouldn't Ignore Government Advice though.

I have an 85, maybe 86, year old Father- I haven't seen for about eighteen months now- so IF a Vaccine can allow ANY sense of 'Normality' to return.....

AndrewT

[Richard-Allen in reply to AndrewT]

Many thanks Andrew. I hope you'll get to see your Father soon.

[Bikafella]

I was very interested to see this message as this is my main concern at the moment : will anti-rejection drugs hinder or help vaccine efficacy. With low immunity can antibodies be made? I'll read they article. Thanks again.😀