Tacrolimus
RxNorm 198379· TACROLIMUS· INTRAVENOUS
Nexus Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Boxed Warning
WARNING: MALIGNANCIES and SERIOUS INFECTIONS Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with Tacrolimus Injection 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 Injection or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death. ( 5.1 , 5.2 )
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tacrolimus is a is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving allogeneic liver, kidney or heart transplants, and pediatric patients receiving allogeneic liver transplants in combination with other immunosuppressants. ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Kidney, Liver or Heart Transplant Tacrolimus is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection, in adult patients receiving allogeneic kidney transplant [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )], liver transplants [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] and heart transplant [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )], and pediatric patients receiving allogeneic liver transplants [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] 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 Intravenous (IV) use recommended for patients who cannot tolerate oral formulations (capsules or suspension). ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended. ( 2.1 , 2.6 ) Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. ( 2.1 ) 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. 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Tacrolimus should not be used without supervision by a physician with experience in immunosuppressive therapy. Intravenous Formulation - Administration Precautions due to Risk of Anaphylaxis Intravenous use is recommended for patients who cannot tolerate oral formulations, and conversion from intravenous to oral tacrolimus is recommended as soon as oral therapy can be tolerated to minimize the risk of anaphylactic reactions that occurred with injectables containing castor oil derivatives [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] . Patients receiving tacrolimus injection should be under continuous observation for at least the first 30 minutes following the start of the infusion and at frequent intervals thereafter. If signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis occur, the infusion should be stopped. An aqueous solution of epinephrine should be available at the bedside as well as a source of oxygen. General Administration Instructions Patients should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice in combination with Tacrolimus [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )]. Tacrolimus should not be used simultaneously with cyclosporine. Tacrolimus 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 [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )]. 2.2 Dosage Recommendations for Adult Kidney, Liver, or Heart Transplant Patients - Injection Intravenous Injection Tacrolimus injection should be used only as a continuous intravenous infusion and should be discontinued as soon as the patient can tolerate oral administration. The first dose of Prograf® capsules should be given 8-12 hours after discontinuing the intravenous infusion. The recommended starting dose of Tacrolimus injection is 0.03-0.05 mg/kg/day in kidney or liver transplant, 0.01 mg/kg/day in heart transplant, given as a continuous intravenous infusion. Adult patients should receive doses at the lower end of the dosing range. Concomitant adrenal corticosteroid therapy is recommended early post-transplantation. While monitoring tacrolimus concentrations in patients receiving tacrolimus injection as a continuous intravenous infusion may have some utility, the observed concentrations will not represent comparable exposures to those estimated by the trough concentrations observed in patients on oral therapy. Anaphylactic reactions have occurred with injectables containing castor oil derivatives, such as tacrolimus injection. Therefore, monitoring for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] . 2.3 Dosage Recommendations for Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients Intravenous Injection If a patient is unable to receive an oral formulation, the patient may be started on tacrolimus injection. For pediatric liver transplant patients, the intravenous dose is 0.03–0.05 mg/kg/day. 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. 2.4 Dosage Modification for Patients with Renal Impairment Due to its potential for nephrotoxicity, consider dosing tacrolimus injection at the lower end of the therapeutic dosing range in patients who have received a liver or heart transplan…
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 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. ( 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 intravenous 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 injection. ( 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 Injection, 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 )]. 5.4 New 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. African-American 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 )] . 5.5 Nephrotoxicity due to Tacrolimus and Drug Interactions Tacrolimus, like other calcineurin inhibitors, can cause acute or chronic nephrotoxicity in transplant patients due to its vasoconstrictive effect on renal vasculature, toxic tubulopathy and tubular-interstitial effects. Nephrotoxicity was reported in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Acute renal impairment associated with tacrolimus toxicity can result in high serum creatinine, hyperkalemia, decreased…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Tacrolimus injection is 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 ) 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 15: Effects of Other Drugs/Substances on Tacrolimus 1 1. Tacrolimus dosage adjustment recommendation based on observed effect of coadministered 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. 2. High dose or double strength grapefruit juice is a strong CYP3A inhibitor; low dose or single strength grapefruit juice is a moderate 3. CYP3A inhibitor.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). Drug/Substance Class or Name Drug Interaction Effect Recommendations Grapefruit or grapefruit juice 2 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 3 : 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 3 : 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, nicardipine), amiodarone, danazol, ethinyl estradiol, cimetidine, lansoprazole and omeprazole May increase tacrolimus whole …
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…
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, Lambda Therapeutics Limited at 1-855-642-2594 or email: safety.nexuspharma@lambda-cro.com 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% 1…
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