How Big Are the Meds?

[renalpenguin]

I'm getting a kidney from my awesome cousin on June 22! 

I have a concern though- I can't swallow big pills! I can do small pills of any kind, and even medium to large-sized capsules (because they feel soft), but I'm concerned! I'll be on prednisone, generic Prograf, and generic CellCept- I've been on prednisone before and it's not a problem (the taste bothers me, so I stick it in a tiny empty capsule and swallow it- not a problem). Does anyone know how big the generic Prograf and CellCept is? Anybody have any experience having a tough time swallow pills; what was your solution? 

[cariad]

Congrats on the transplant, RP!!!

I must ask, though - did you request generics for CellCept and Prograf because of cost, or is your transplant hospital recommending? I think most people on here will tell you that they have been warned off generics for those two most especially. Stay informed and don't be shy about speaking up for yourself.

I do not take generics, but we have all been discussing what a tiny, tiny capsule Prograf is. You're fine there. CellCept it really depends on the dose. I think you can get capsules, too, but I took the tablets. Aren't you going to be on Valcyte (or similar) and Bactrim (or similar) for a few months post-surgery?

[monrein]

I was also told that the generics for Cellcept and Prograf were a no-no...and in Canada we do rely quite a bit on generics due to cost.  Sorry I can't help you with the actual taking of them since I've been taking so many pills for so long that I throw back a whole handful and swallow them in one opening of my throat, followed by at least one, and sometimes more, glass of water.   It's a shame that circuses don't seem to have a need for this particular contortion of the body.
Good luck.

[Rerun]

Do you have a hard time swallowing a hamburger?  How about a donut?  How about a taco?  Just put the pill  in your mouth with some water and picture a big bite of donut going down.  I can swallow a whole handful of pills if I imagine I'm eating something else.

[jbeany]

Practice with m & m's!

[Meinuk]

Picture below:

From the top:

Prednisone 5mg

Tacrolimus (generic Prograf) 5mg

Tacrolimus 1mg

mycophenolate mofetil (generic CellCept) 500 mg

[Chris]

Generic Prograf is much larger than regular Prograf and Generic CellCept is not much bigger than regular CellCept, but both have color differences. I kept them when the darn local hospital tried to give me them instead of name brand without telling me.
 
The Generics were or where approved by the FDA after being tested on normal people and not transplanted people so you will have to be more vigilant with blood test. If your center is not, I would err on caution with them since this is your life. These meds are absorbed differently from what I am reading and hearing at seminars. But if it is do to cost, then be vigilant with those blood test, but if that cost is also a concern, then maybe a transplant is not the best. These are things to think about so you can keep the transplant as long as possible.
 
As far as size, I have not measured them, but will try to take a picture with a ruler with both generic and name brand side by side on the ruler to show size comparison. But these meds may not be your biggest concern, it's the other meds you may  need to take after your transplant such as meds to fight Thrush, Anti Virals, solutions you may need to drink.
 
Another point is, you don't know your exact dosage of what meds you will be on. Higher dosage of meds may come in another form and size such as CellCept. The 250 mg version is a capsule, while the 500 mg version is a larger pill/caplet. Dosage right now is a best guess till you have the transplant and your body reacts to the meds and the dosage can either go up, down, taken off, put back on.
 
I guess what I am saying is the size should be the least of your concern, keeping the transplant working should and if you can't take the meds, that is like letting a kidney go to waste and putting someone through a process that was not necessary. Just something to think about and search inside you to see if you are ready for a transplant. If you are ready, you will get past the size of the pill issue. You do not need to take them all at once with each daily dose like some of us do, but can take them one at a time at your given time to take meds.
 
Good Luck

[Run8]

The pills are not that bad. I used to hate taking pills. Now i take all at once. Like Chris said look deep inside yourself.

[renalpenguin]

Thanks for the responses so much!

My transplant team uses generics- I did not request them. I will talk to them about the safety today.

[girliekick]

i am pre tx, but have always had trouble w pills. I put pills in once i have a mouth full of water.

[Chris]

I didn't forget the pictures, just have been busy. I should be able to post by the weekend.