Tacrolimus
RxNorm 198377· TACROLIMUS· ORAL
Safecor Health LLC
Boxed Warning
WARNING: MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with tacrolimus capsules or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death. ( 5.1 , 5.2 ) WARNING: MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with tacrolimus capsules or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death. ( 5.1 , 5.2 )
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tacrolimus capsules are a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult and pediatric patients receiving allogeneic liver, kidney, or heart transplants, in combination with other immunosuppressants. ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Kidney, Liver, or Heart Transplant Tacrolimus capsules are indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection, in adult and pediatric patients receiving allogeneic kidney transplant [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] , liver transplant [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] , and heart transplant [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] , in combination with other immunosuppressants. Additional pediatric use information is approved for Astellas Pharma US, Inc.’s Prograf (tacrolimus) products. However, due to Astellas Pharma US, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer capsules consistently with or without food. () Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended. (, 2.6 ) Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. () See dosage adjustments for African-American patients ( 2.2 ), hepatic and renal impaired. ( 2.4 , 2.5 ) For complete dosing information, see Full Prescribing Information. MMF = Mycophenolate mofetil ADULT Patient Population Initial Oral Dosage Whole Blood Trough Concentration Range Kidney Transplant With azathioprine 0.2 mg/kg/day capsules, divided in two doses, every 12 hours Month 1-3: 7-20 ng/mL Month 4-12: 5-15 ng/mL With MMF/IL-2 receptor antagonist 0.1 mg/kg/day capsules, divided in two doses, every 12 hours Month 1-12: 4-11 ng/mL Liver Transplant With corticosteroids only 0.1-0.15 mg/kg/day capsules, divided in two doses, every 12 hours Month 1-12: 5-20 ng/mL Heart Transplant With azathioprine or MMF 0.075 mg/kg/day capsules, divided in two doses, every 12 hours Month 1-3: 10-20 ng/mL Month ≥ 4: 5-15 ng/mL PEDIATRIC Patient Population Initial Oral Dosage Whole Blood Trough Concentration Range Kidney Transplant 0.3 mg/kg/day capsules divided into two doses, every 12 hours. Month 1-12: 5-20 ng/mL Liver Transplant 0.15-0.2 mg/kg/day capsules divided in two doses, every 12 hours Month 1-12: 5-20 ng/mL Heart Transplant 0.3 mg/kg/day 2 capsules divided in two doses, every 12 hours Month 1-12: 5-20 ng/mL 2. Dose at 0.1 mg/kg/day if antibody induction treatment is administered. 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Tacrolimus capsules should not be used without supervision by a physician with experience in immunosuppressive therapy. Tacrolimus capsules are not interchangeable or substitutable for other tacrolimus extended-release products. This is because rate of absorption following the administration of an extended-release tacrolimus product is not equivalent to that of an immediate-release tacrolimus drug product. Under- or overexposure to tacrolimus may result in graft rejection or other serious adverse reactions. Changes between tacrolimus immediate-release and extended-release dosage forms must occur under physician supervision [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Oral Formulation (Capsules) If patients are able to initiate oral therapy, the recommended starting doses should be initiated. Tacrolimus capsules may be taken with or without food. However, since the presence of food affects the bioavailability of tacrolimus, if taken with food, it should be taken consistently the same way each time [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . General Administration Instructions Patients should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice in combination with tacrolimus capsules [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ] . Tacrolimus capsules should not be used simultaneously with cyclosporine. Tacrolimus capsules or cyclosporine should be discontinued at least 24 hours before initiating the other. In the presence of elevated tacrolimus or cyclosporine concentrations, dosing with the other drug usually should be further delayed. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended for all patients receiving tacrolimus capsules [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] . 2.2 Dosage Recommendations for Adult Kidney, Liver, or Heart Transplant Patients - Capsules Capsules If patients are able to tolerate oral therapy, the recommended oral starting doses should be initiated. The initial dose of tacrolimus capsules should be administered no sooner than 6 hours after transplantation in the liver and heart transplant patients. In kidney transplant patients, the initial dose of tacrolimus capsules may be administered within 24 hours of transplantation, but should be delayed until renal function has recovered. The initial oral tacrolimus capsule dosage recommendations for adult patients with kidney, liver, or heart transplants and whole blood trough concentration range are shown in Table 1. Perform therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to ensure that patients are with…
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Not Interchangeable with Extended-Release Tacrolimus Products - Medication Errors: Instruct patients or caregivers to recognize the appearance of tacrolimus capsules. ( 5.3 ) New Onset Diabetes After Transplant: Monitor blood glucose. ( 5.4 ) Nephrotoxicity (acute and/or chronic): Reduce the dose; use caution with other nephrotoxic drugs. ( 5.5 ) Neurotoxicity: Including risk of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES); monitor for neurologic abnormalities; reduce or discontinue tacrolimus capsules. ( 5.6 ) Hyperkalemia: Monitor serum potassium levels. Consider carefully before using with other agents also associated with hyperkalemia. ( 5.7 ) Hypertension: May require antihypertensive therapy. Monitor relevant drug-drug interactions. ( 5.8 ) Anaphylactic Reactions with IV formulation: Observe patients receiving tacrolimus injection for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. ( 5.9 ) Not recommended for use with sirolimus: Not recommended in liver and heart transplant due to increased risk of serious adverse reactions. ( 5.10 ) Myocardial Hypertrophy: Consider dose reduction/discontinuation. ( 5.13 ) Immunizations: Avoid live vaccines. ( 5.14 ) Pure Red Cell Aplasia: Consider discontinuation of tacrolimus. ( 5.15 ) Thrombotic Microangiopathy, Including Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: May occur, especially in patients with infections and certain concomitant medications. ( 5.16 ) 5.1 Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin. 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, examine patients for skin changes; exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum 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. Monitor EBV serology during treatment. 5.2 Serious Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections. These infections may lead to serious, including fatal, outcomes. Serious viral infections reported include: Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), mostly due to BK virus infection JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) Cytomegalovirus infections: CMV seronegative transplant patients who receive an organ from a CMV seropositive donor disease are at higher risk of developing CMV viremia and CMV disease. Monitor for the development of infection and adjust the immunosuppressive regimen to balance the risk of rejection with the risk of infection [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ] . 5.3 Not Interchangeable with Extended-Release Tacrolimus Products - Medication Errors Medication errors, including substitution and dispensing errors, between tacrolimus immediate-release products and tacrolimus extended-release products were reported outside the U.S. This led to serious adverse reactions, including graft rejection, or other adverse reactions due to under- or overexposure to tacrolimus. Tacrolimus capsules are not interchangeable or substitutable for tacrolimus extended-release products. Changes between tacrolimus immediate-release and extended-release dosage forms must occur under physician supervision. Instruct patients and caregivers to recognize the appearance of tacrolimus dosage forms [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3) ] and to conf…
Contraindications
4 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 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 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 ) CYP3A Inhibitors: Increased tacrolimus concentrations; monitor concentrations and adjust tacrolimus dose as needed. ( 5.11 , 7.2 ) CYP3A4 Inducers: Decreased tacrolimus concentrations; monitor concentrations and adjust tacrolimus dose as needed. ( 5.11 , 7.2 ) Therapeutic drug monitoring and dose reduction for tacrolimus should be considered when tacrolimus is co-administered with cannabidiol ( 5.17 , 7.3 ). 7.1 Mycophenolic Acid When tacrolimus is prescribed with a given dose of a mycophenolic acid (MPA) product, exposure to MPA is higher with tacrolimus co-administration than with cyclosporine co-administration with MPA, because cyclosporine interrupts the enterohepatic recirculation of MPA while tacrolimus does not. Monitor for MPA-associated adverse reactions and reduce the dose of concomitantly administered mycophenolic acid products as needed. 7.2 Effects of Other Drugs on Tacrolimus Table 15 displays the effects of other drugs on tacrolimus. Table 14: Effects of Other Drugs/Substances on Tacrolimus Tacrolimus dosage adjustment recommendation based on observed effect of co-administered drug on tacrolimus exposures [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] , literature reports of altered tacrolimus exposures, or the other drug’s known CYP3A inhibitor/inducer status. Drug/Substance Class or Name Drug Interaction Effect Recommendations Grapefruit or grapefruit juice High dose or double strength grapefruit juice is a strong CYP3A inhibitor; low dose or single strength grapefruit juice is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor. May increase tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity, QT prolongation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 , 5.11 , 5.12) ] . Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Strong CYP3A Inducers Strong CYP3A inhibitor/inducer, based on reported effect on exposures to tacrolimus along with supporting in vitro CYP3A inhibitor/inducer data, or based on drug-drug interaction studies with midazolam (sensitive CYP3A probe substrate). : Antimycobacterials (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital), St John’s wort May decrease tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and increase the risk of rejection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] . Increase tacrolimus dose and monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Strong CYP3A Inhibitors : Protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, telaprevir, boceprevir, ritonavir), azole antifungals (e.g., voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, troleandomycin, chloramphenicol), nefazodone, letermovir, Schisandra sphenanthera extracts May increase tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity, QT prolongation). A rapid, sharp rise in tacrolimus levels may occur early, despite an immediate reduction of tacrolimus dose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 , 5.11 , 5.12) ] . Reduce tacrolimus dose (for voriconazole and posaconazole, give one-third of the original dose) and adjust dose based on tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Early and frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood trough levels should start within 1-3 days and continue monitoring as necessary [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] . Mild or Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: Clotrimazole, antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, fluconazole), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine…
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to tacrolimus during pregnancy. The Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International (TPRI) is a voluntary pregnancy exposure registry that monitors outcomes of pregnancy in female transplant recipients and those fathered by male transplant recipients exposed to immunosuppressants including tacrolimus. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise their patients to register by contacting the Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International at 1-877-955-6877 or https://www.transplantpregnancyregistry.org/. Risk Summary Tacrolimus can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Data from postmarketing surveillance and TPRI suggest that infants exposed to tacrolimus in utero are at a risk of prematurity, birth defects/congenital anomalies, low birth weight, and fetal distress [see Human Data ]. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Administration of oral tacrolimus to pregnant rabbits and rats throughout the period of organogenesis was associated with maternal toxicity/lethality, and an increased incidence of abortion, malformation and embryofetal death at clinically relevant doses (0.5 to 6.9 times the recommended clinical dose range [0.2 to 0.075 mg/kg/day], on a mg/m 2 basis). Administration of oral tacrolimus to pregnant rats after organogenesis and throughout lactation produced maternal toxicity, effects on parturition, reduced pup viability and reduced pup weight at clinically relevant doses (0.8 to 6.9 times the recommended clinical dose range, on a mg/m 2 basis). Administration of oral tacrolimus to rats prior to mating, and throughout gestation and lactation produced maternal toxicity/lethality, marked effects on parturition, embryofetal loss, malformations, and reduced pup viability at clinically relevant doses (0.8 to 6.9 times the recommended clinical dose range, on a mg/m 2 basis). Interventricular septal defects, hydronephrosis, craniofacial malformations and skeletal effects were observed in offspring that died [see Animal Data ] . The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo-Fetal Risk Risks during pregnancy are increased in organ transplant recipients. The risk of premature delivery following transplantation is increased. Pre-existing hypertension and diabetes confer additional risk to the pregnancy of an organ transplant recipient. Pre-gestational and gestational diabetes are associated with birth defects/congenital anomalies, hypertension, low birth weight and fetal death. Cholestasis of pregnancy (COP) was reported in 7% of liver or liver-kidney (LK) transplant recipients, compared with approximately 1% of pregnancies in the general population. However, COP symptoms resolved postpartum and no long-term effects on the offspring were reported. Maternal Adverse Reactions Tacrolimus may increase hyperglycemia in pregnant women with diabetes (including gestational diabetes). Monitor maternal blood glucose levels regularly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Tacrolimus may exacerbate hypertension in pregnant women and increase pre-eclampsia. Monitor and control blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.8) ]. Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Renal dysfunction, transient neonatal hyperkalemia and low birth weight have been reported at the time of delivery in infants of mothers taking tacrolimus. Labor or Delivery There is an increased risk for premature delivery (< 37 weeks) following transplantation and maternal exposure to tacrolimus. Data Human Data There are no adequate and well controlled studies on the effects of tacrolimus in human pregnancy. Safety da…
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- off label use14,698
- drug ineffective10,091
- drug interaction6,337
- product use in unapproved indication6,250
- acute kidney injury5,969
- diarrhoea5,857
- death4,996
- transplant rejection4,984
- pyrexia4,813
- cytomegalovirus infection4,560
- pneumonia4,471
- covid-193,927
- toxicity to various agents3,812
- renal impairment3,626
- sepsis3,464
- nausea3,231
Adverse reactions (label)
6 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 Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] New Onset Diabetes After Transplant [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Anaphylactic Reactions with Tacrolimus Injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Myocardial Hypertrophy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] Thrombotic Microangiopathy, Including Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥ 15%) were abnormal renal function, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, fever, CMV infection, tremor, hyperglycemia, leukopenia, infection, anemia, bronchitis, pericardial effusion, urinary tract infection, constipation, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, insomnia, paresthesia, peripheral edema, nausea, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyperlipemia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical 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 Transplantation 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 a 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%), African-American (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. Based on reported adverse reaction terms related to decreased renal function, nephrotoxicity was reported in approximately 52% of kidney transplantation patients. 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 Tr…
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