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Indications
Tacrolimus capsules, USP are a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated for:
Prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic liver, kidney or heart transplants ( 1.1 , 1.2 , 1.3 )
Use concomitantly with adrenal corticosteroids; in kidney and heart transplant, use in conjunction with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) ( 1.1 , 1.2 , 1.3 )
Limitations of Use ( 1.4 ):
Do not use simultaneously with cyclosporine
Intravenous use reserved for patients who cannot tolerate capsules orally
Use with sirolimus is not recommended in liver and heart transplant; use with sirolimus in kidney transplant has not been established
1.1Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Kidney Transplant
Tacrolimus capsules, USP are indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic kidney transplants. It is recommended that tacrolimus capsules be used concomitantly with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and adrenal corticosteroids [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for all patients receiving tacrolimus capsules [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ].
1.2Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Liver Transplant
Tacrolimus capsules are indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic liver transplants. It is recommended that tacrolimus capsules be used concomitantly with adrenal corticosteroids [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for all patients receiving tacrolimus capsules [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] .
1.3Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant
Tacrolimus capsules are indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic heart transplants. It is recommended that tacrolimus capsules be used concomitantly with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and adrenal corticosteroids [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for all patients receiving tacrolimus capsules [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] .
Tacrolimus capsules should not be used simultaneously with cyclosporine [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Tacrolimus injection should be reserved for patients unable to take tacrolimus capsules orally [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]. Use with sirolimus is not recommended in liver and heart transplant. The safety and efficacy of tacrolimus capsules with sirolimus has not been established in kidney transplant [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ].
Contraindications
Tacrolimus capsules are contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to tacrolimus. Tacrolimus injection is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to HCO-60 (polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil). Hypersensitivity symptoms reported include dyspnea, rash, pruritus, and acute respiratory distress syndrome [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .
Hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or HCO-60 (polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil) ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Lymphoma and Other Malignancies: Risk of lymphomas, including post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PLTD); appears related to intensity and duration of use. Avoid prolonged exposure to UV light and sunlight ( 5.2 )
Serious infections: Increased risk of bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections: combination immunosuppression should be used with caution ( 5.3 )
Polyoma Virus Infections: Serious, sometimes fatal outcomes, including polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), mostly due to BK virus, and JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML); consider reducing immunosuppression ( 5.4 )
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infections: Increased risk of CMV viremia and disease; consider reducing immunosuppression ( 5.5 )
New Onset Diabetes After Transplant: Monitor blood glucose ( 5.6 )
Nephrotoxicity: Acute and/or chronic; reduce the dose; use caution with other nephrotoxic drugs ( 5.7 )
Neurotoxicity: Risk of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome, monitor for neurologic abnormalities; reduce or discontinue tacrolimus and other immunosuppressants ( 5.8 )
Hyperkalemia: Monitor serum potassium levels. Careful consideration should be given prior to use of other agents also associated with hyperkalemia ( 5.9 )
Anaphylactic Reactions with IV formulation: Observe patients receiving tacrolimus injection for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis ( 5.11 )
Use with Sirolimus: Not recommended in liver and heart transplant due to increased risk of serious adverse reactions ( 5.12 )
Myocardial Hypertrophy: Consider dosage reduction or discontinuation ( 5.15 )
Immunizations: Use of live vaccines should be avoided ( 5.16 )
Pure Red Cell Aplasia: Discontinuation should be considered ( 5.17 )
5.1Management of Immunosuppression
Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should use tacrolimus. Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physicians responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow up of the patient [see Boxed Warning ] .
5.2Lymphoma and Other Malignancies
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Boxed Warning ]. The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. As usual for patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) has been reported in immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients. The majority of PTLD events appear related to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection. The risk of PTLD appears greatest in those individuals who are EBV seronegative, a population which includes many young children.
5.3Serious Infections
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.4 , 5.5) ] . These infections may lead to serious, including fatal, outcomes. Because of the danger of oversuppression of the immune system which can increase susceptibility to infection, combination immunosuppressant therapy should be used with caution.
5.4Polyoma Virus Infections
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus, are at increased risk for opportunistic infections, including polyoma virus infections. Polyoma virus infections in transplant patients may have serious, and sometimes fatal, outcomes. These include polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), mostly due to BK virus infection, and JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) which have been observed in patients receiving tacrolimus [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] .
PVAN is associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and kidney graft loss [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for PVAN. Cases of PML have been reported in patients treated with tacrolimus. PML, which is sometimes fatal, commonly presents with hemiparesis, apathy, confusion, cognitive deficiencies and ataxia. Risk factors for PML include treatment with immunosuppressant therapies and impairment of immune function.
In immunosuppressed patients, physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients reporting neurological symptoms and consultation with a neurologist should be considered as clinically indicated. Reductions in immunosuppression should be considered for patients who develop evidence of PVAN or PML. Physicians should also consider the risk that reduced immunosuppression represents to the functioning allograft.
5.5Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infections
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus, are at increased risk of developing CMV viremia and CMV disease. The risk of CMV disease is highest among transplant recipients seronegative for CMV at time of transplant who receive a graft from a CMV seropositive donor. Therapeutic approaches to limiting CMV disease exist and should be routinely provided. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for CMV disease.
Consideration should be given to reducing the amount of immunosuppression in patients who develop CMV viremia and/or CMV disease.
5.6New Onset Diabetes After Transplant
Tacrolimus was shown to cause new onset diabetes mellitus in clinical trials of kidney, liver, and heart transplantation. New onset diabetes after transplantation may be reversible in some patients. Black and Hispanic kidney transplant patients are at an increased risk. Blood glucose concentrations should be monitored closely in patients using tacrolimus [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
5.7Nephrotoxicity
Tacrolimus, like other calcineurin-inhibitors, can cause acute or chronic nephrotoxicity, particularly when used in high doses. Acute nephrotoxicity is most often related to vasoconstriction of the afferent renal arteriole, is characterized by increasing serum creatinine, hyperkalemia, and/or a decrease in urine output, and is typically reversible. Chronic calcineurin-inhibitor nephrotoxicity is associated with increased serum creatinine, decreased kidney graft life, and characteristic histologic changes observed on renal biopsy; the changes associated with chronic calcineurin-inhibitor nephrotoxicity are typically progressive.
Patients with impaired renal function should be monitored closely as the dosage of tacrolimus may need to be reduced. In patients with persistent elevations of serum creatinine who are unresponsive to dosage adjustments, consideration should be given to changing to another immunosuppressive therapy. Based on reported adverse reactions terms related to decreased renal function, nephrotoxicity was reported in approximately 52% of kidney transplantation patients and in 40% and 36% of liver transplantation patients receiving tacrolimus in the U.S. and European randomized trials, respectively, and in 59% of heart transplantation patients in a European randomized trial [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].
Due to the potential for additive or synergistic impairment of renal function, care should be taken when administering tacrolimus with drugs that may be associated with renal dysfunction. These include, but are not limited to, aminoglycosides, ganciclovir, amphotericin B, cisplatin, nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., tenofovir) and protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir,
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Interactions
Since tacrolimus is metabolized mainly by CYP3A enzymes, drugs or substances known to inhibit these enzymes may increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Drugs known to induce CYP3A enzymes may decrease tacrolimus whole blood concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Dose adjustments may be needed along with frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations when tacrolimus is administered with CYP3A inhibitors or inducers.
In addition, patients should be monitored for adverse reactions including changes in renal function and QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and (5.14) ] .
Mycophenolic Acid Products: Can increase MPA exposure after crossover from cyclosporine to tacrolimus; monitor for MPA-related adverse reactions and adjust MMF or MPA-dose as needed ( 7.1 )
Nelfinavir and Grapefruit Juice: Increased tacrolimus concentrations via CYP3A inhibition; avoid concomitant use ( 7.2 , 7.3 )
CYP3A Inhibitors: Increased tacrolimus concentrations; monitor concentrations and adjust tacrolimus dose as needed with concomitant use ( 5.13 , 7.3 , 7.4 , 7.5 , 7.6 )
CYP3A4 Inducers: Decreased tacrolimus concentrations; monitor concentrations and adjust tacrolimus dose as needed with concomitant use ( 5.13 , 7.7 , 7.8 , 7.9 )
7.1 Mycophenolic Acid Products With a given dose of mycophenolic acid (MPA) products, exposure to MPA is higher with tacrolimus co-administration than with cyclosporine co-administration because cyclosporine interrupts the enterohepatic recirculation of MPA while tacrolimus does not. Clinicians should be aware that there is also a potential for increased MPA exposure after crossover from cyclosporine to tacrolimus in patients concomitantly receiving MPA-containing products.
7.2Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A-enzymes resulting in increased tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations, and patients should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice with tacrolimus [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] .
7.3Protease Inhibitors
Most protease inhibitors inhibit CYP3A enzymes and may increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. It is recommended to avoid concomitant use of tacrolimus with nelfinavir unless the benefits outweigh the risks [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Whole blood concentrations of tacrolimus are markedly increased when co-administered with telaprevir or with boceprevir [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations and tacrolimus-associated adverse reactions, and appropriate adjustments in the dosing regimen of tacrolimus are recommended when tacrolimus and protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, telaprevir, boceprevir) are used concomitantly.
7.4Antifungal Agents
Frequent monitoring of whole blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when concomitant use of the following antifungal drugs with tacrolimus is initiated or discontinued [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Azoles Voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole and clotrimazole inhibit CYP3A metabolism of tacrolimus and increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations.
When initiating therapy with voriconazole or posaconazole in patients already receiving tacrolimus, it is recommended that the tacrolimus dose be initially reduced to one-third of the original dose and the subsequent tacrolimus doses be adjusted based on the tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Caspofungin is an inducer of CYP3A and decreases whole blood concentrations of tacrolimus.
7.5Calcium Channel Blockers
Verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, and nicardipine inhibit CYP3A metabolism of tacrolimus and may increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Monitoring of whole blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when these calcium channel blocking drugs and tacrolimus are used concomitantly.
7.6Antibacterials
Erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin and chloramphenicol inhibit CYP3A metabolism of tacrolimus and may increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Monitoring of blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when these drugs and tacrolimus are used concomitantly.
7.7Antimycobacterials
Rifampin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] and rifabutin are inducers of CYP3A enzymes and may decrease tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Monitoring of whole blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when these antimycobacterial drugs and tacrolimus are used concomitantly.
7.8Anticonvulsants
Phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital induce CYP3A enzymes and may decrease tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Monitoring of whole blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when these drugs and tacrolimus are used concomitantly. Concomitant administration of phenytoin with tacrolimus may also increase phenytoin plasma concentrations. Thus, frequent monitoring phenytoin plasma concentrations and adjusting the phenytoin dose as needed are recommended when tacrolimus and phenytoin are administered concomitantly.
7.9St. John’s Wort (
Hypericum perforatum ) St. John’s Wort induces CYP3A enzymes and may decrease tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Monitoring of whole blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when St. John’s Wort and tacrolimus are co-administered.
and omeprazole, as CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 substrates, may potentially inhibit the CYP3A4 metabolism of tacrolimus and thereby substantially increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations, especially in transplant patients who are intermediate or poor CYP2C19 metabolizers, as compared to those patients who are efficient CYP2C19 metabolizers. Cimetidine may also inhibit the CYP3A4 metabolism of tacrolimus and thereby substantially increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations.
Co-administration with magnesium and aluminum hydroxide antacids increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Monitoring of whole blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when these drugs and tacrolimus are used concomitantly.
7.11Others
Bromocriptine, nefazodone, metoclopramide, danazol, ethinyl estradiol, amiodarone, methylprednisolone, and herbal products containing schisandra sphenanthera extracts may inhibit CYP3A metabolism of tacrolimus and increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Monitoring of blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when these drugs and tacrolimus are co-administered. Drug Interactions Frequent monitoring of whole blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when concomitant use of the following drugs with tacrolimus is initiated or discontinued [see Drug Interactions (7) ] .
Telaprevir In a single dose study in nine healthy volunteers, co-administration of tacrolimus (0.5 mg single dose) with telaprevir (750 mg 3 times daily for 13 days) increased the tacrolimus dose-normalized C max by 9.3-fold and AUC by 70-fold compared to tacrolimus alone [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . Boceprevir In a single dose study in 12 subjects, co-administration of tacrolimus (0.5 mg single dose) with boceprevir (800 mg 3 times daily for 11 days) increased tacrolimus C max by 9.9-fold and AUC by 17-fold compared to tacrolimus alone [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] .
Nelfinavir Based on a clinical study of five liver transplant recipients, co-administration of tacrolimus with nelfinavir increased blood concentrations of tacrolimus significantly and, as a result, a reduction in the tacrolimus dose by an average of 16-fold was needed to maintain mean trough tacrolimus blood c
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding
8.1Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects. Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Tacrolimus is transferred across the placenta. The use of tacrolimus during pregnancy in humans has been associated with neonatal hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction. Tacrolimus given orally to pregnant rabbits at 0.5 to 4.3 times the clinical dose and pregnant rats at 0.8 to 6.9 times the clinical dose was associated with an increased incidence of fetal death in utero , fetal malformations (cardiovascular, skeletal, omphalocele, and gallbladder agenesis) and maternal toxicity.
Tacrolimus should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In pregnant rabbits, tacrolimus at oral doses of 0.32 and 1 mg/kg, 0.5 to 4.3 times the clinical dose range (0.075 to 0.2 mg/kg) based on body surface area, was associated with maternal toxicity as well as an increased incidence of abortions. At the 1 mg/kg dose, fetal rabbits showed an increased incidence of malformations (ventricular hypoplasia, interventricular septal defect, bulbous aortic arch, stenosis of ductus arteriosus, interrupted ossification of vertebral arch, vertebral and rib malformations, omphalocele, and gallbladder agenesis) and developmental variations.
In pregnant rats, tacrolimus at oral doses of 3.2 mg/kg, 2.6 to 6.9 times the clinical dose range was associated with maternal toxicity, an increase in late resorptions, decreased numbers of live births, and decreased pup weight and viability. Tacrolimus, given orally to pregnant rats after organogenesis and during lactation at 1 and 3.2 mg/kg, 0.8 to 6.9 times the recommended clinical dose range was associated with reduced pup weights and pup viability (3.2 mg/kg only); among the high dose pups that died early, an increased incidence of kidney hydronephrosis was observed.
Adverse reactions
The following serious and otherwise important adverse drug reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling:
Lymphoma and Other Malignancies [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
New Onset Diabetes After Transplant [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
Nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]
Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ]
Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]
Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ]
Anaphylaxis with Tacrolimus Injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]
Myocardial Hypertrophy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ]
Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17) ]
Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.18) ]
Kidney Transplant: The most common adverse reactions (≥ 30%) were infection, tremor, hypertension, abnormal renal function, constipation, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, insomnia, nausea, hypomagnesemia, urinary tract infection, hypophosphatemia, peripheral edema, asthenia, pain, hyperlipidemia, hyperkalemia, anemia ( 6.1 )
Liver Transplant: The most common adverse reactions (≥ 40%) were tremor, headache, diarrhea, hypertension, nausea, abnormal renal function, abdominal pain, insomnia, paresthesia, anemia, pain, fever, asthenia, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyperglycemia ( 6.1 )
Heart Transplant: The most common adverse reactions (≥ 15%) were abnormal renal function, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, CMV infection, tremor, hyperglycemia, leukopenia, infection, anemia, bronchitis, pericardial effusion, urinary tract infection and hyperlipemia ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Studies Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In addition, the clinical trials were not designed to establish comparative differences across study arms with regards to the adverse reactions discussed below.
Kidney Transplant The incidence of adverse reactions was determined in three randomized kidney transplant trials. One of the trials used azathioprine (AZA) and corticosteroids and two of the trials used mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids concomitantly for maintenance immunosuppression. Tacrolimus-based immunosuppression in conjunction with azathioprine and corticosteroids following kidney transplantation was assessed in trial where 205 patients received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression and 207 patients received cyclosporine based immunosuppression.
The trial population had a mean age of 43 years (mean ± sd was 43 ± 13 years on tacrolimus and 44 ± 12 years on cyclosporine arm), the distribution was 61% male, and the composition was White (58%), Black (25%), Hispanic (12%) and Other (5%). The 12 month post-transplant information from this trial is presented below. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 30%) observed in tacrolimus-treated kidney transplant patients are: infection, tremor, hypertension, abnormal renal function, constipation, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, insomnia, nausea, hypomagnesemia, urinary tract infection, hypophosphatemia, peripheral edema, asthenia, pain, hyperlipidemia, hyperkalemia and anemia.
Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 15% of kidney transplant patients treated with tacrolimus in conjunction with azathioprine are presented below: Table 4. Kidney Transplantation: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 15% of Patients Treated with Tacrolimus in Conjunction with Azathioprine (AZA) Tacrolimus/AZA (N = 205) Cyclosporine/AZA (N = 207) Nervous System Tremor 54% 34% Headache 44% 38% Insomnia 32% 30% Paresthesia 23% 16% Dizziness 19% 16% Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 44% 41% Nausea 38% 36% Constipation 35% 43% Vomiting 29% 23% Dyspepsia 28% 20% Cardiovascular Hypertension 50% 52% Chest Pain 19% 13% Urogenital Creatinine Increased 45% 42% Urinary Tract Infection 34% 35% Metabolic and Nutritional Hypophosphatemia 49% 53% Hypomagnesemia 34% 17% Hyperlipemia 31% 38% Hyperkalemia 31% 32% Diabetes Mellitus 24% 9% Hypokalemia 22% 25% Hyperglycemia 22% 16% Edema 18% 19% Hemic and Lymphatic Anemia 30% 24% Leukopenia 15% 17% Miscellaneous Infection 45% 49% Peripheral Edema 36% 48% Asthenia 34% 30% Abdominal Pain 33% 31% Pain 32% 30% Fever 29% 29% Back Pain 24% 20% Respiratory System Dyspnea 22% 18% Cough Increased 18% 15% Musculoskeletal Arthralgia 25% 24% Skin Rash 17% 12% Pruritus 15% 7% Two trials were conducted for tacrolimus-based immunosuppression in conjunction with MMF and corticosteroids.
In the non-US trial (Study 1), the incidence of adverse reactions was based on 1,195 kidney transplant patients that received tacrolimus (Group C, n = 403), or one of two cyclosporine (CsA) regimens (Group A, n = 384 and Group B, n = 408) in combination with MMF and corticosteroids; all patients, except those in one of the two cyclosporine groups, also received induction with daclizumab. The trial population had a mean age of 46 years (range 17 to 76), the distribution was 65% male, and the composition was 93% Caucasian.
The 12 month post-transplant information from this trial is presented below. Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 10% of kidney transplant patients treated with tacrolimus in conjunction with MMF in Study 1 [Note: This trial was conducted entirely outside of the United States. Such trials often report a lower incidence of adverse reactions in comparison to U.S. trials] are presented below: Table 5. Kidney Transplantation: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients Treated with Tacrolimus in Conjunction with MMF (Study 1) Key: Group A = CsA/MMF/CS, B = CsA/MMF/CS/Daclizumab, C = Tac/MMF/CS/Daclizumab CsA = Cyclosporine, CS = Corticosteroids, Tac = Tacrolimus, MMF = mycophenolate mofetil Tacrolimus (Group C) (N = 403) Cyclosporine (Group A) (N = 384) Cyclosporine (Group B) (N = 408) Diarrhea 25% 16% 13% Urinary Tract Infection 24% 28% 24% Anemia 17% 19% 17% Hypertension 13% 14% 12% Leukopenia 13% 10% 10% Edema Peripheral 11% 12% 13% Hyperlipidemia 10% 15% 13% In the U.S. trial (Study 2) with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression in conjunction with MMF and corticosteroids, 424 kidney transplant patients received tacrolimus (n = 212) or cyclosporine (n = 212) in combination with MMF 1 gram twice daily, basiliximab induction, and corticosteroids.
The trial population had a mean age of 48 years (range 17 to 77), the distribution was 63% male, and the composition was White (74%), Black (20%), Asian (3%) and other (3%). The 12 month post-transplant information from this trial is presented below. Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥15% of kidney transplant patients treated with tacrolimus in conjunction with MMF in Study 2 are presented below: Table 6. Kidney Transplantation: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 15% of Patients Treated with Tacrolimus in Conjunction with MMF (Study 2) Tacrolimus/MMF (N = 212) Cyclosporine/MMF (N = 212) Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea 44% 26% Nausea 39% 47% Constipation 36% 41% Vomiting 26% 25% Dyspepsia 18% 15% Injury, Poisoning, and Procedural Complications Post-Procedural Pain 29% 27% Incision Site Complication 28% 23% Graft Dysfunction 24% 18% Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Hypomagnesemia 28% 22% Hypophosphatemia 28% 21% Hyperkalemia 26% 19% Hyperglycemia 21% 15% Hyperlipidemia 18% 25% Hypokalemia 16% 18% Nervous System Disorders Tremor 34% 20% Headache 24% 25% Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Ane
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Composition
Active ingredients
TACROLIMUS EQ 1MG BASE
Strengths and forms
The FDA lists each strength of a product separately; these pages share one label.
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