July 14, 2025
Public Advisory on Tacrolimus, Medicines for Organ Transplant Patients
Port of Spain, July 14, 2025: The Ministry of Health acknowledges the public concerns recently raised in the print media on the medicine, Tacrolimus, and assures the public, particularly organ transplant patients, that Tacrolimus 5 mg remains available and in good supply within the public healthcare system.
Tacrolimus is supplied in three (3) strengths-
∙ Tacrolimus 0.5 mg
∙ Tacrolimus 1 mg
∙ Tacrolimus 5 mg
The presentation of all three strengths is in the form of capsules.
While the 5 mg strength is readily available, the 0.5 mg and 1 mg strengths are more commonly prescribed and have experienced supply challenges due to international manufacturing issues.
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.
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 15th July, 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.
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