Tacrolimus suppositories
Tacrolimus for liver and bowel conditions
Using tacrolimus as a suppository in your bottom (anus) helps to reduce inflammation in your bowels.
Do not swallow tacrolimus suppositories.
Use one 2mg suppository twice a day. Use one in the morning and one at night.
How to use tacrolimus suppositories
- Go to the toilet first if you need to. The medicine will absorb better if your bowels are empty.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Unwrap the suppository.
- Get in a position where you can reach your bottom comfortably. You can either:
- squat down
- bend forward
- lie on your side with your knees bent up against your chest
- Use your finger to gently push the suppository into your anus with the pointed end first. Push it in until it passes the tight muscles of your bottom and you feel less pressure. This is about 2.5cm deep.
- If you feel like the suppository needs to come out, you have not pushed it in far enough. Gently push it in further.
- Sit or lie still for 15 to 20 minutes to keep the suppository in place. It will dissolve inside your anus.
- Try to avoid pooing for 1 hour after using the suppository. This helps your body to absorb the medicine.
Continue this treatment for 4 weeks. Your doctor might tell you to use tacrolimus suppositories for longer, depending on your condition.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use a tacrolimus suppository, wait until it’s time for your next dose. Then, continue using them as usual.
Important
Never use 2 suppositories together to make up for a forgotten one.
Food and drink
Avoid
- grapefruit and grapefruit juice – this can increase the levels of tacrolimus in your blood
- unpasteurised food, like unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses – they might contain bacteria that can make you unwell
Alcohol
Tacrolimus affects your liver. Limit how much alcohol you drink to help prevent liver damage.
Do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week – or do not drink alcohol at all if your doctor has recommended you avoid it
Alcohol can also make some of your side effects worse, including dizziness and changes to your vision.
Storing tacrolimus suppositories
Keep the suppositories in their original packaging and put them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Tacrolimus suppositories must be stored below 25C.
Keep them out of reach of children.
Resource number: 5550/VER1
Last reviewed: November 2025
Next review due: November 2028
