A SHIPMENT of tacrolimus – a drug used particularly in organ transplant patients is scheduled to arrive in Trinidad on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Health is also assuring that the tacrolimus 5 mg remains available and in good supply within the public healthcare system.

Tacrolimus, sold under the brand name Prograf, is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ.

In a media release on Monday, the ministry explained that tacrolimus was supplied in three  strengths : tacrolimus 0.5 mg, tacrolimus 1 mg and tacrolimus 5 mg.

The presentation of all three strengths is in the form of capsules.

The ministry acknowledged that while the 5 mg strength was readily available, the 0.5 mg and 1 mg strengths were more commonly prescribed and have experienced supply challenges due to international manufacturing issues.

The ministry stated, “Due to the continuous monitoring of medication supplies, the ministry was able to recognise potential shortages of tacrolimus 0.5 mg and tacrolimus 1 mg, and therefore, immediately commenced engagement with suppliers to address delays in shipments.”

In an attempt to secure interim supplies, the ministry reached out to other member states through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for emergency loans of tacrolimus.

“Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful, as many partner countries were also facing similar shortages,” the ministry stated.

It also stated, “However, through directly engaging international and local suppliers, the ministry can confirm that a shipment of Tacrolimus (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 5 mg) is scheduled to arrive in Trinidad on Tuesday July, 15, 2025. Additional shipments are expected in the coming months to ensure continuity of supply.

“The Ministry of Health remains fully committed to safeguarding the health of transplant recipients and will continue to actively monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.”