Prograf 1 MG Oral Capsule
Generic Name: TACROLIMUS
Brand Name: Prograf
- Substance Name(s):
- TACROLIMUS
DRUG INTERACTIONS
7 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 Prograf 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 Prograf; 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 Prograf 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 Prograf in patients concomitantly receiving MPA-containing products.
7.2 Grapefruit 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)].
7.3 Protease 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.
7.4 Antifungal 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.
7.5 Calcium 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.
7.6 Antibacterials 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.
7.7 Antimycobacterials 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.
7.8 Anticonvulsants 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.
7.9 St.
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.
7.10 Gastric Acid Suppressors/Neutralizers Lansoprazole 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.
Coadministration 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.
7.11 Others Bromocriptine, nefazodone, metoclopramide, danazol, ethinyl estradiol, amiodarone and methylprednisolone 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.
OVERDOSAGE
10 Limited overdosage experience is available.
Acute overdosages of up to 30 times the intended dose have been reported.
Almost all cases have been asymptomatic and all patients recovered with no sequelae.
Acute overdosage was sometimes followed by adverse reactions consistent with those listed in Adverse Reactions (6) (including tremors, abnormal renal function, hypertension, and peripheral edema); in one case of acute overdosage, transient urticaria and lethargy were observed.
Based on the poor aqueous solubility and extensive erythrocyte and plasma protein binding, it is anticipated that tacrolimus is not dialyzable to any significant extent; there is no experience with charcoal hemoperfusion.
The oral use of activated charcoal has been reported in treating acute overdoses, but experience has not been sufficient to warrant recommending its use.
General supportive measures and treatment of specific symptoms should be followed in all cases of overdosage.
In acute oral and IV toxicity studies, mortalities were seen at or above the following doses: in adult rats, 52 times the recommended human oral dose; in immature rats, 16 times the recommended oral dose; and in adult rats, 16 times the recommended human IV dose (all based on body surface area corrections).
DESCRIPTION
11 Prograf is available for oral administration as capsules (tacrolimus capsules USP) containing the equivalent of 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 5 mg of anhydrous tacrolimus USP.
Inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate NF, hypromellose USP, croscarmellose sodium NF, and magnesium stearate NF.
The 0.5 mg capsule shell contains gelatin NF, titanium dioxide USP and ferric oxide NF, the 1 mg capsule shell contains gelatin NF and titanium dioxide USP, and the 5 mg capsule shell contains gelatin NF, titanium dioxide USP and ferric oxide NF.
Prograf is also available as a sterile solution (tacrolimus injection) containing the equivalent of 5 mg anhydrous tacrolimus USP in 1 mL for administration by intravenous infusion only.
Each mL contains polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil (HCO-60), 200 mg, and dehydrated alcohol, USP, 80.0% v/v.
Prograf injection must be diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection before use.
Tacrolimus, previously known as FK506, is the active ingredient in Prograf.
Tacrolimus is a macrolide immunosuppressant produced by Streptomyces tsukubaensis.
Chemically, tacrolimus is designated as [3S-[3R*[E(1S*,3S*,4S*)], 4S*,5R*,8S*,9E,12R*,14R*,15S*,16R*,18S*,19S*,26aR*]] -5,6,8,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,24,25,26,26a-hexadecahydro-5,19-dihydroxy-3-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxycyclohexyl)-1-methylethenyl]-14,16-dimethoxy-4,10,12,18-tetramethyl-8-(2-propenyl)-15,19-epoxy-3H-pyrido[2,1-c][1,4] oxaazacyclotricosine-1,7,20,21(4H,23H)-tetrone, monohydrate.
The chemical structure of tacrolimus is: Tacrolimus has an empirical formula of C44H69NO12•H2O and a formula weight of 822.03.
Tacrolimus appears as white crystals or crystalline powder.
It is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol, and very soluble in methanol and chloroform.
Tacrolimus structural formula
CLINICAL STUDIES
14 14.1 Kidney Transplantation Prograf/azathioprine (AZA) Prograf-based immunosuppression in conjunction with azathioprine and corticosteroids following kidney transplantation was assessed in a randomized, multicenter, non-blinded, prospective trial.
There were 412 kidney transplant patients enrolled at 19 clinical sites in the United States.
Study therapy was initiated when renal function was stable as indicated by a serum creatinine ≤ 4 mg/dL (median of 4 days after transplantation, range 1 to 14 days).
Patients less than 6 years of age were excluded.
There were 205 patients randomized to Prograf-based immunosuppression and 207 patients were randomized to cyclosporine-based immunosuppression.
All patients received prophylactic induction therapy consisting of an antilymphocyte antibody preparation, corticosteroids and azathioprine.
Overall 1 year patient and graft survival was 96.1% and 89.6%, respectively.
Data from this trial of Prograf in conjunction with azathioprine indicate that during the first three months of that trial, 80% of the patients maintained trough concentrations between 7-20 ng/mL, and then between 5-15 ng/mL, through 1 year.
Prograf/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) Prograf-based immunosuppression in conjunction with MMF, corticosteroids, and induction has been studied.
In a randomized, open-label, multi-center trial (Study 1), 1589 kidney transplant patients received Prograf (Group C, n=401), sirolimus (Group D, n=399), or one of two cyclosporine (CsA) regimens (Group A, n=390 and Group B, n=399) in combination with MMF and corticosteroids; all patients, except those in one of the two cyclosporine groups, also received induction with daclizumab.
The trial was conducted outside the United States; the trial population was 93% Caucasian.
In this trial, mortality at 12 months in patients receiving Prograf/MMF was similar (3%) compared to patients receiving cyclosporine/MMF (3% and 2%) or sirolimus/MMF (3%).
Patients in the Prograf group exhibited higher estimated creatinine clearance rates (eCLcr) using the Cockcroft-Gault formula (Table 16) and experienced fewer efficacy failures, defined as biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death, and/or lost to follow-up (Table 17) in comparison to each of the other three groups.
Patients randomized to Prograf/MMF were more likely to develop diarrhea and diabetes after the transplantation and experienced similar rates of infections compared to patients randomized to either cyclosporine/MMF regimen [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Table 16.
Estimated Creatinine Clearance at 12 Months (Study 1) Group eCLcr [mL/min] at Month 12 All death/graft loss (n=41, 27, 23 and 42 in Groups A, B, C and D) and patients whose last recorded creatinine values were prior to month 3 visit (n=10, 9, 7 and 9 in Groups A, B, C and D, respectively) were inputed with Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of 10 mL/min; a subject’s last observed creatinine value from month 3 on was used for the remainder of subjects with missing creatinine at month 12 (n=11, 12, 15 and 19 for Groups A, B, C and D, respectively).
Weight was also imputed in the calculation of estimated GFR, if missing.
N MEAN SD MEDIAN Treatment Difference with Group C (99.2% CI Adjusted for multiple (6) pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni corrections.
) (A) CsA/MMF/CS 390 56.5 25.8 56.9 -8.6 (-13.7, -3.7) (B) CsA/MMF/CS/Daclizumab 399 58.9 25.6 60.9 -6.2 (-11.2, -1.2) (C) Tac/MMF/CS/Daclizumab 401 65.1 27.4 66.2 – (D) Siro/MMF/CS/Daclizumab 399 56.2 27.4 57.3 -8.9 (-14.1, -3.9) Total 1589 59.2 26.8 60.5 Key: CsA=Cyclosporine, CS=Corticosteroids, Tac=Tacrolimus, Siro=Sirolimus Table 17.
Incidence of BPAR, Graft Loss, Death or Loss to Follow-up at 12 Months (Study 1) Key: Group A=CsA/MMF/CS, B=CsA/MMF/CS/Daclizumab, C=Tac/MMF/CS/Daclizumab, and D=Siro/MMF/CS/Daclizumab Group A N=390 Group B N=399 Group C N=401 Group D N=399 Overall Failure 141 (36.2%) 126 (31.6%) 82 (20.4%) 185 (46.4%) Components of efficacy failure BPAR 113 (29.0%) 106 (26.6%) 60 (15.0%) 152 (38.1%) Graft loss excluding death 28 (7.2%) 20 (5.0%) 12 (3.0%) 30 (7.5%) Mortality 13 (3.3%) 7 (1.8%) 11 (2.7%) 12 (3.0%) Lost to follow-up 5 (1.3%) 7 (1.8%) 5 (1.3%) 6 (1.5%) Treatment Difference of efficacy failure compared to Group C (99.2% CIAdjusted for multiple (6) pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni corrections.) 15.8% (7.1%, 24.3%) 11.2% (2.7%, 19.5%) – 26.0% (17.2%, 34.7%) The protocol-specified target tacrolimus trough concentrations (Ctrough,Tac) were 3-7 ng/mL; however, the observed median Ctroughs,Tac approximated 7 ng/mL throughout the 12 month trial (Table 18).
Approximately 80% of patients maintained tacrolimus whole blood concentrations between 4-11 ng/mL through 1 year post-transplant.
Table 18.
Tacrolimus Whole Blood Trough Concentrations (Study 1) Time Median (P10-P90 10 to 90th Percentile: range of Ctrough, Tac that excludes lowest 10% and highest 10% of Ctrough,Tac ) tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations (ng/mL) Day 30 (N=366) 6.9 (4.4 – 11.3) Day 90 (N=351) 6.8 (4.1 – 10.7) Day 180 (N=355) 6.5 (4.0 – 9.6) Day 365 (N=346) 6.5 (3.8 – 10.0) The protocol-specified target cyclosporine trough concentrations (Ctrough,CsA) for Group B were 50-100 ng/mL; however, the observed median Ctroughs,CsA approximated 100 ng/mL throughout the 12 month trial.
The protocol-specified target Ctroughs,CsA for Group A were 150-300 ng/mL for the first 3 months and 100-200 ng/mL from month 4 to month 12; the observed median Ctroughs, CsA approximated 225 ng/mL for the first 3 months and 140 ng/mL from month 4 to month 12.
While patients in all groups started MMF at 1gram twice daily, the MMF dose was reduced to less than 2 g per day in 63% of patients in the tacrolimus treatment arm by month 12 (Table 19); approximately 50% of these MMF dose reductions were due to adverse reactions.
By comparison, the MMF dose was reduced to less than 2 g per day in 49% and 45% of patients in the two cyclosporine arms (Group A and Group B, respectively), by month 12 and approximately 40% of MMF dose reductions were due to adverse reactions.
Table 19.
MMF Dose Over Time in Prograf/MMF (Group C) (Study 1) Key: Time-averaged MMF dose = (total MMF dose)/(duration of treatment) Time period (Days) Time-averaged MMF dose (grams per day) Percentage of patients for each time-averaged MMF dose range during various treatment periods.
Administration of 2 g per day of time-averaged MMF dose means that MMF dose was not reduced in those patients during the treatment periods.
Less than 2.0 2.0 Greater than 2.0 0-30 (N=364) 37% 60% 2% 0-90 (N=373) 47% 51% 2% 0-180 (N=377) 56% 42% 2% 0-365 (N=380) 63% 36% 1% In a second randomized, open-label, multi-center trial (Study 2), 424 kidney transplant patients received Prograf (N=212) or cyclosporine (N=212) in combination with MMF 1 gram twice daily, basiliximab induction, and corticosteroids.
In this trial, the rate for the combined endpoint of BPAR, graft failure, death, and/or lost to follow-up at 12 months in the Prograf/MMF group was similar to the rate in the cyclosporine/MMF group.
There was, however, an imbalance in mortality at 12 months in those patients receiving Prograf/MMF (4%) compared to those receiving cyclosporine/MMF (2%), including cases attributed to overimmunosuppression (Table 20).
Table 20.
Incidence of BPAR, Graft Loss, Death or Loss to Follow-up at 12 Months (Study 2) Prograf/MMF Cyclosporine/MMF (N=212) (N=212) Overall Failure 32 (15.1%) 36 (17.0%) Components of efficacy failure BPAR 16 (7.5%) 29 (13.7%) Graft loss excluding death 6 (2.8%) 4 (1.9%) Mortality 9 (4.2%) 5 (2.4%) Lost to follow-up 4 (1.9%) 1 (0.5%) Treatment Difference of efficacy failure compared to Prograf/MMF group (95% CI95% confidence interval calculated using Fisher’s Exact Test) 1.9% (-5.2%, 9.0%) The protocol-specified target tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations (Ctrough,Tac) in Study 2 were 7-16 ng/mL for the first three months and 5-15 ng/mL thereafter.
The observed median Ctroughs,Tac approximated 10 ng/mL during the first three months and 8 ng/mL from month 4 to month 12 (Table 21).
Approximately 80% of patients maintained tacrolimus whole trough blood concentrations between 6 to 16 ng/mL during months 1 through 3 and, then, between 5 to 12 ng/mL from month 4 through 1 year.
Table 21.
Tacrolimus Whole Blood Trough Concentrations (Study 2) Time Median (P10-P90 10 to 90th Percentile: range of Ctrough,Tac that excludes lowest 10% and highest 10% of Ctrough, Tac ) tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations (ng/mL) Day 30 (N=174) 10.5 (6.3 – 16.8) Day 60 (N=179) 9.2 (5.9 – 15.3) Day 120 (N=176) 8.3 (4.6 – 13.3) Day 180 (N=171) 7.8 (5.5 – 13.2) Day 365 (N=178) 7.1 (4.2 – 12.4) The protocol-specified target cyclosporine whole blood concentrations (Ctrough,CsA) were 125 to 400 ng/mL for the first three months, and 100 to 300 ng/mL thereafter.
The observed median Ctroughs, CsA approximated 280 ng/mL during the first three months and 190 ng/mL from month 4 to month 12.
Patients in both groups started MMF at 1gram twice daily.
The MMF dose was reduced to less than 2 grams per day by month 12 in 62% of patients in the Prograf/MMF group (Table 22) and in 47% of patients in the cyclosporine/MMF group.
Approximately 63% and 55% of these MMF dose reductions were because of adverse reactions in the Prograf/MMF group and the cyclosporine/MMF group, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Table 22.
MMF Dose Over Time in the Prograf/MMF Group (Study 2) Key: Time-averaged MMF dose=(total MMF dose)/(duration of treatment) Time period (Days) Time-averaged MMF dose (g/day) Percentage of patients for each time-averaged MMF dose range during various treatment periods.
Two grams per day of time-averaged MMF dose means that MMF dose was not reduced in those patients during the treatment periods.
Less than 2.0 2.0 Greater than 2.0 0-30 (N=212) 25% 69% 6% 0-90 (N=212) 41% 53% 6% 0-180 (N=212) 52% 41% 7% 0-365 (N=212) 62% 34% 4% 14.2 Liver Transplantation The safety and efficacy of Prograf-based immunosuppression following orthotopic liver transplantation were assessed in two prospective, randomized, non-blinded multicenter trials.
The active control groups were treated with a cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimen (CsA/AZA).
Both trials used concomitant adrenal corticosteroids as part of the immunosuppressive regimens.
These trials compared patient and graft survival rates at 12 months following transplantation.
In one trial, 529 patients were enrolled at 12 clinical sites in the United States; prior to surgery, 263 were randomized to the Prograf-based immunosuppressive regimen and 266 to the CsA/AZA.
In 10 of the 12 sites, the same CsA/AZA protocol was used, while 2 sites used different control protocols.
This trial excluded patients with renal dysfunction, fulminant hepatic failure with Stage IV encephalopathy, and cancers; pediatric patients (≤ 12 years old) were allowed.
In the second trial, 545 patients were enrolled at 8 clinical sites in Europe; prior to surgery, 270 were randomized to the Prograf-based immunosuppressive regimen and 275 to CsA/AZA.
In this trial, each center used its local standard CsA/AZA protocol in the active-control arm.
This trial excluded pediatric patients, but did allow enrollment of subjects with renal dysfunction, fulminant hepatic failure in Stage IV encephalopathy, and cancers other than primary hepatic with metastases.
One-year patient survival and graft survival in the Prograf-based treatment groups were similar to those in the CsA/AZA treatment groups in both trials.
The overall 1-year patient survival (CsA/AZA and Prograf-based treatment groups combined) was 88% in the U.S.
trial and 78% in the European trial.
The overall 1-year graft survival (CsA/AZA and Prograf-based treatment groups combined) was 81% in the U.S.
trial and 73% in the European trial.
In both trials, the median time to convert from IV to oral Prograf dosing was 2 days.
Although there is a lack of direct correlation between tacrolimus concentrations and drug efficacy, data from clinical trials of liver transplant patients have shown an increasing incidence of adverse reactions with increasing trough blood concentrations.
Most patients are stable when trough whole blood concentrations are maintained between 5 to 20 ng/mL.
Long-term post-transplant patients often are maintained at the low end of this target range.
Data from the U.S.
clinical trial show that the median trough blood concentrations, measured at intervals from the second week to one year post-transplantation ranged from 9.8 ng/mL to 19.4 ng/mL.
14.3 Heart Transplantation Two open-label, randomized, comparative trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of Prograf-based and cyclosporine-based immunosuppression in primary orthotopic heart transplantation.
In a trial conducted in Europe, 314 patients received a regimen of antibody induction, corticosteroids and azathioprine in combination with Prograf or cyclosporine modified for 18 months.
In a 3-arm trial conducted in the US, 331 patients received corticosteroids and Prograf plus sirolimus, Prograf plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclosporine modified plus MMF for 1 year.
In the European trial, patient/graft survival at 18 months post-transplant was similar between treatment arms, 92% in the tacrolimus group and 90% in the cyclosporine group.
In the U.S.
trial, patient and graft survival at 12 months was similar with 93% survival in the Prograf plus MMF group and 86% survival in the cyclosporine modified plus MMF group.
In the European trial, the cyclosporine trough concentrations were above the pre-defined target range (i.e., 100 to 200 ng/mL) at Day 122 and beyond in 32 to 68% of the patients in the cyclosporine treatment arm, whereas the tacrolimus trough concentrations were within the pre-defined target range (i.e., 5 to 15 ng/mL) in 74 to 86% of the patients in the tacrolimus treatment arm.
Data from this European trial indicate that from 1 week to 3 months post-transplant, approximately 80% of patients maintained trough concentrations between 8 to 20 ng/mL and, from 3 months through 18 months post-transplant, approximately 80% of patients maintained trough concentrations between 6 to18 ng/mL.
The U.S.
trial contained a third arm of a combination regimen of sirolimus, 2 mg per day, and full-dose Prograf; however, this regimen was associated with increased risk of wound healing complications, renal function impairment, and insulin-dependent post-transplant diabetes mellitus, and is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
HOW SUPPLIED
16 /STORAGE AND HANDLING Repackaged by Aphena Pharma Solutions – TN.
See Repackaging Information for available configurations.
16.1 Prograf (tacrolimus) Capsules USP strength 0.5 mg (containing the equivalent of 0.5 mg anhydrous tacrolimus USP) 1 mg (containing the equivalent of 1 mg anhydrous tacrolimus USP) 5 mg (containing the equivalent of 5 mg anhydrous tacrolimus USP) shape/color oblong/light yellow oblong/white oblong/grayish red branding on capsule cap/body 607 617 657 100 count bottle NDC 0469-0607-73 NDC 0469-0617-73 NDC 0469-0657-73 10 blister cards of 10 capsules — NDC 0469-0617-11 NDC 0469-0657-11 Made in Ireland Note: Prograf capsules USP are not filled to maximum capsule capacity.
Capsule contains labeled amount.
Store and Dispense Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F).
logo2 logo3 logo4 16.2 Prograf (tacrolimus) Injection (for IV infusion only) NDC 0469-3016-01 Product Code 301601 5 mg/mL (equivalent of 5 mg of anhydrous tacrolimus USP per mL) supplied as a sterile solution in a 1 mL ampule, in boxes of 10 ampules Made in Ireland Store and Dispense Store between 5°C and 25°C (41°F and 77°F).
RECENT MAJOR CHANGES
Warnings and Precautions, Use with CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers (5.13) 08/2013 Warnings and Precautions, QT Prolongation (5.14) 08/2013 Warnings and Precautions, Gastrointestinal Perforation (5.18) 08/2013
GERIATRIC USE
8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical trials of Prograf did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.
In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
3 • Oblong, hard capsule for oral administration contains anhydrous tacrolimus USP as follows: ° 0.5 mg, light-yellow color, imprinted in red “0.5 mg” on the capsule cap and “logo607”* on capsule body ° 1 mg, white color, imprinted in red “1 mg” on the capsule cap and “logo617”* on capsule body ° 5 mg, grayish-red color, imprinted with white “5 mg” on the capsule cap and “logo657”* on capsule body *The logo is a letter ‘f’ in a box as shown on the capsules — • 1 mL ampule for IV infusion contains anhydrous tacrolimus USP as follows: ° 5 mg/mL, sterile solution •Capsules: 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 5 mg (3) •Injection: 5 mg/mL (3) logo1
MECHANISM OF ACTION
12.1 Mechanism of Action Tacrolimus inhibits T-lymphocyte activation, although the exact mechanism of action is not known.
Experimental evidence suggests that tacrolimus binds to an intracellular protein, FKBP-12.
A complex of tacrolimus-FKBP-12, calcium, calmodulin, and calcineurin is then formed and the phosphatase activity of calcineurin inhibited.
This effect may prevent the dephosphorylation and translocation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT), a nuclear component thought to initiate gene transcription for the formation of lymphokines (such as interleukin-2, gamma interferon).
The net result is the inhibition of T-lymphocyte activation (i.e., immunosuppression).
Tacrolimus prolongs the survival of the host and transplanted graft in animal transplant models of liver, kidney, heart, bone marrow, small bowel and pancreas, lung and trachea, skin, cornea, and limb.
In animals, tacrolimus has been demonstrated to suppress some humoral immunity and, to a greater extent, cell-mediated reactions such as allograft rejection, delayed type hypersensitivity, collagen-induced arthritis, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, and graft versus host disease.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
1 Prograf is 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 can not tolerate capsules orally ∘Use with sirolimus is not recommended in liver and heart transplant; use with sirolimus in kidney transplant has not been established 1.1 Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Kidney Transplant Prograf is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic kidney transplants.
It is recommended that Prograf 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 Prograf [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
1.2 Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Liver Transplant Prograf is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic liver transplants.
It is recommended that Prograf be used concomitantly with adrenal corticosteroids [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for all patients receiving Prograf [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
1.3 Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Prograf is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic heart transplants.
It is recommended that Prograf 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 Prograf [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
1.4 Limitations of Use Prograf should not be used simultaneously with cyclosporine [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
Prograf injection should be reserved for patients unable to take Prograf capsules orally [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].
Use with sirolimus is not recommended in liver and heart transplant.
The safety and efficacy of Prograf with sirolimus has not been established in kidney transplant [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
PEDIATRIC USE
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of Prograf in pediatric kidney and heart transplant patients have not been established.
Successful liver transplants have been performed in pediatric patients (ages up to 16 years) using Prograf.
Two randomized active-controlled trials of Prograf in primary liver transplantation included 56 pediatric patients.
Thirty-one patients were randomized to Prograf-based and 25 to cyclosporine-based therapies.
Additionally, a minimum of 122 pediatric patients were studied in an uncontrolled trial of tacrolimus in living related donor liver transplantation.
Pediatric patients generally required higher doses of Prograf to maintain blood trough concentrations of tacrolimus similar to adult patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
PREGNANCY
8.1 Pregnancy 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.
Prograf 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 1.0 mg/kg, 0.5 to 4.3 times the clinical dose range (0.075 – 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 1.0 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.
NUSRING MOTHERS
8.3 Nursing Mothers Tacrolimus is excreted in human milk.
As the effect of chronic exposure to tacrolimus in healthy infants is not established, patients maintained on Prograf should discontinue nursing taking into consideration importance of drug to the mother.
BOXED WARNING
– MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS • Increased risk of development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin, due to immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• Increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4, 5.5)].
• Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should prescribe Prograf.
Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources.
The physician responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
WARNING: MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning • Increased risk of development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin, due to immunosuppression (5.2) • Increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections (5.3, 5.4, 5.5) • Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should prescribe Prograf (5.1)
WARNING AND CAUTIONS
5 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 Prograf 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) •Hypertension: May require antihypertensive therapy.
Monitor relevant drug-drug interactions (5.10) •Anaphylactic Reactions with IV formulation: Observe patients receiving Prograf 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) 5.1 Management of Immunosuppression Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should use Prograf.
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].
5.2 Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Prograf, 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.
5.3 Serious Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Prograf, 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.
5.4 Polyoma Virus Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Prograf, 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 Prograf.
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.
5.5 Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Prograf, 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.
5.6 New Onset Diabetes After Transplant Prograf 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 Prograf [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
5.7 Nephrotoxicity Prograf, 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 Prograf 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 Prograf 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 Prograf 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, indinavir).
Similarly, care should be exercised when administering with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), and macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin) which will result in increased tacrolimus whole blood concentrations due to inhibition of tacrolimus metabolism [see Drug Interactions (7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6)].
5.8 Neurotoxicity Prograf may cause a spectrum of neurotoxicities, particularly when used in high doses.
The most severe neurotoxicities include posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), delirium, and coma.
Patients treated with tacrolimus have been reported to develop PRES.
Symptoms indicating PRES include headache, altered mental status, seizures, visual disturbances and hypertension.
Diagnosis may be confirmed by radiological procedure.
If PRES is suspected or diagnosed, blood pressure control should be maintained and immediate reduction of immunosuppression is advised.
This syndrome is characterized by reversal of symptoms upon reduction or discontinuation of immunosuppression.
Coma and delirium, in the absence of PRES, have also been associated with high plasma concentrations of tacrolimus.
Seizures have occurred in adult and pediatric patients receiving Prograf [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Less severe neurotoxicities, include tremors, paresthesias, headache, and other changes in motor function, mental status, and sensory function [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Tremor and headache have been associated with high whole-blood concentrations of tacrolimus and may respond to dosage adjustment.
5.9 Hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia has been reported with Prograf use.
Serum potassium levels should be monitored.
Careful consideration should be given prior to use of other agents also associated with hyperkalemia (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers) during Prograf therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
5.10 Hypertension Hypertension is a common adverse effect of Prograf therapy and may require antihypertensive therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
The control of blood pressure can be accomplished with any of the common antihypertensive agents, though careful consideration should be given prior to use of antihypertensive agents associated with hyperkalemia (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Calcium-channel blocking agents may increase tacrolimus blood concentrations and therefore require dosage reduction of Prograf [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].
5.11 Anaphylactic Reactions with Prograf Injection Anaphylactic reactions have occurred with injectables containing castor oil derivatives, including Prograf, in a small percentage of patients (0.6%).
The exact cause of these reactions is not known.
Prograf injection should be reserved for patients who are unable to take Prograf capsules [see Indications and Usage (1.4)].
Patients receiving Prograf 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.
5.12 Use with Sirolimus The safety and efficacy of Prograf with sirolimus has not been established in kidney transplant patients.
Use of sirolimus with Prograf in studies of de novo liver transplant patients was associated with an excess mortality, graft loss, and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and is not recommended [see Indications and Usage (1.4)].
Use of sirolimus (2 mg per day) with Prograf in heart transplant patients in a U.S.
trial was associated with increased risk of renal function impairment, wound healing complications, and insulin-dependent post-transplant diabetes mellitus, and is not recommended [see Clinical Studies (14.3)].
5.13 Use with CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers When coadministering Prograf with strong CYP3A4-inhibitors (e.g., telaprevir, boceprevir, ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin) and strong inducers (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin) adjustments in the dosing regimen of Prograf and subsequent frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and tacrolimus-associated adverse reactions are recommended [see Drug Interactions (7)].
5.14 QT Prolongation Prograf may prolong the QT/QTc interval and may cause Torsade de Pointes.
Avoid Prograf in patients with congenital long QT syndrome.
In patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, those taking certain antiarrhythmic medications or other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation, and those with electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or hypomagnesemia, consider obtaining electrocardiograms and monitoring electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium) periodically during treatment.
When coadministering Prograf with other substrates and/or inhibitors of CYP3A4 that also have the potential to prolong the QT interval, a reduction in Prograf dose, frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations, and monitoring for QT prolongation is recommended.
Use of Prograf with amiodarone has been reported to result in increased tacrolimus whole blood concentrations with or without concurrent QT prolongation [see Drug Interactions (7)].
5.15 Myocardial Hypertrophy Myocardial hypertrophy has been reported in infants, children, and adults, particularly those with high tacrolimus trough concentrations, and is generally manifested by echocardiographically demonstrated concentric increases in left ventricular posterior wall and interventricular septum thickness.
This condition appears reversible in most cases following dose reduction or discontinuance of therapy.
In patients who develop renal failure or clinical manifestations of ventricular dysfunction while receiving Prograf therapy, echocardiographic evaluation should be considered.
If myocardial hypertrophy is diagnosed, dosage reduction or discontinuation of Prograf should be considered [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
5.16 Immunizations The use of live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with tacrolimus; examples include (not limited to) the following: intranasal influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, and TY21a typhoid vaccines.
5.17 Pure Red Cell Aplasia Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with tacrolimus.
A mechanism for tacrolimus-induced PRCA has not been elucidated.
All patients reported risk factors for PRCA such as parvovirus B19 infection, underlying disease, or concomitant medications associated with PRCA.
If PRCA is diagnosed, discontinuation of Prograf should be considered [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
5.18 Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal perforation has been reported in patients treated with Prograf; all reported cases were considered to be a complication of transplant surgery or accompanied by infection, diverticulum, or malignant neoplasm.
As gastrointestinal perforation may be serious or life-threatening, appropriate medical/surgical management should be instituted promptly [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION 17.1 Administration Advise patients to: •Take Prograf at the same 12-hour intervals everyday to achieve consistent blood concentrations.
•Take Prograf consistently either with or without food because the presence and composition of food decreases the bioavailability of Prograf.
•Not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice in combination with Prograf [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
17.2 Development of Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Inform patients they are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin, due to immunosuppression.
Advise patients to limit exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light by wearing protective clothing and use a sunscreen with a high protection factor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
17.3 Increased Risk of Infection Inform patients they are at increased risk of developing a variety of infections, including opportunistic infections, due to immunosuppression and to contact their physician if they develop any symptoms of infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4, 5.5)].
17.4 New Onset Diabetes After Transplant Inform patients that Prograf can cause diabetes mellitus and should be advised to contact their physician if they develop frequent urination, increased thirst or hunger [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
17.5 Nephrotoxicity Inform patients that Prograf can have toxic effects on the kidney that should be monitored.
Advise patients to attend all visits and complete all blood tests ordered by their medical team [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
17.6 Neurotoxicity Inform patients that they are at risk of developing adverse neurologic effects including seizure, altered mental status, and tremor.
Advise patients to contact their physician should they develop vision changes, deliriums, or tremors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
17.7 Hyperkalemia Inform patients that Prograf can cause hyperkalemia.
Monitoring of potassium levels may be necessary, especially with concomitant use of other drugs known to cause hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
17.8 Hypertension Inform patients that Prograf can cause high blood pressure which may require treatment with anti-hypertensive therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].
17.9 Drug Interactions Instruct patients to tell their health care providers when they start or stop taking all the medicines, including prescription medicines and non-prescription medicines, natural or herbal remedies, nutritional supplements and vitamins [see Drug Interactions (7)].
17.10 Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider if they plan to become pregnant or breast-feed their infant [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)] 17.11 Immunizations Inform patients that Prograf can interfere with the usual response to immunizations and that they should avoid live vaccines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)].
Rx only Product of Japan Manufactured by: Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd.
Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland Marketed by: Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Northbrook, IL 60062 Revised: September 2013 13H057-PRG
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2 Summary of Initial Oral Dosage Recommendation and Observed Whole Blood Trough Concentrations (2.1, 2.2).
Patient Population Recommended Initial Oral Dosage (two divided doses every 12 hours) Observed Whole Blood Trough Concentrations Adult Kidney transplant In combination with azathioprine 0.2 mg/kg/day month 1-3: 7-20 ng/mL month 4-12: 5-15 ng/mL In combination with MMF/IL-2 receptor antagonist 0.1 mg/kg/day month 1-12: 4-11 ng/mL Adult Liver transplant 0.10-0.15 mg/kg/day month 1-12: 5-20 ng/mL Pediatric Liver transplant 0.15-0.20 mg/kg/day month 1-12: 5-20 ng/mL Adult Heart transplant 0.075 mg/kg/day month 1-3: 10-20 ng/mL month ≥4: 5-15 ng/mL •Careful and frequent monitoring of tacrolimus trough concentrations is recommended; Black patients may require higher doses in order to achieve comparable trough concentrations (2.1) •Hepatic/Renal impaired patients should receive doses at the lowest value of the recommended initial oral dosing range (2.3, 2.4) •Administer capsules consistently with or without food; do not drink grapefruit juice (2.5, 7.2) 2.1 Dosage in Adult Kidney, Liver, or Heart Transplant Patients The initial oral dosage recommendations for adult patients with kidney, liver, or heart transplants along with recommendations for whole blood trough concentrations are shown in Table 1.
The initial dose of Prograf 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 Prograf may be administered within 24 hours of transplantation, but should be delayed until renal function has recovered.
For blood concentration monitoring details see Dosage and Administration (2.6).
Table 1.
Summary of Initial Oral Dosage Recommendations and Observed Whole Blood Trough Concentrations in Adults Patient Population Recommended Prograf Initial Oral Dosage Note: daily doses should be administered as two divided doses, every 12 hours Observed Tacrolimus Whole Blood Trough Concentrations Adult kidney transplant patients In combination with azathioprine 0.2 mg/kg/day month 1-3: 7-20 ng/mL month 4-12: 5-15 ng/mL In combination with MMF/IL-2 receptor antagonistIn a second smaller trial, the initial dose of tacrolimus was 0.15-0.2 mg/kg/day and observed tacrolimus concentrations were 6-16 ng/mL during month 1-3 and 5-12 ng/mL during month 4-12 [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
0.1 mg/kg/day month 1-12: 4-11 ng/mL Adult liver transplant patients 0.10-0.15 mg/kg/day month 1-12: 5-20 ng/mL Adult heart transplant patients 0.075 mg/kg/day month 1-3: 10-20 ng/mL month ≥4: 5-15 ng/mL Dosing should be titrated based on clinical assessments of rejection and tolerability.
Lower Prograf dosages than the recommended initial dosage may be sufficient as maintenance therapy.
Adjunct therapy with adrenal corticosteroids is recommended early post-transplant.
The data in kidney transplant patients indicate that the Black patients required a higher dose to attain comparable trough concentrations compared to Caucasian patients (Table 2).
Table 2.
Comparative Dose and Trough Concentrations Based on Race Time After Transplant Caucasian n=114 Black n=56 Dose (mg/kg) Trough Concentrations (ng/mL) Dose (mg/kg) Trough Concentrations (ng/mL) Day 7 0.18 12.0 0.23 10.9 Month 1 0.17 12.8 0.26 12.9 Month 6 0.14 11.8 0.24 11.5 Month 12 0.13 10.1 0.19 11.0 Initial Dose – Injection Prograf injection should be used only as a continuous IV infusion and when the patient cannot tolerate oral administration of Prograf capsules.
Prograf injection should be discontinued as soon as the patient can tolerate oral administration of Prograf capsules, usually within 2-3 days.
In a patient receiving an IV infusion, the first dose of oral therapy should be given 8-12 hours after discontinuing the IV infusion.
The observed trough concentrations described above pertain to oral administration of Prograf only; while monitoring Prograf concentrations in patients receiving Prograf injection as a continuous IV 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.
The recommended starting dose of Prograf injection is 0.03-0.05 mg/kg/day in kidney and liver transplant and 0.01 mg/kg/day in heart transplant given as a continuous IV infusion.
Adult patients should receive doses at the lower end of the dosing range.
Concomitant adrenal corticosteroid therapy is recommended early post-transplantation.
Anaphylactic reactions have occurred with injectables containing castor oil derivatives, such as Prograf injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].
2.2 Dosage in Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients The initial oral dosage recommendations for pediatric patients with liver transplants along with recommendations for whole blood trough concentrations are shown in Table 3.
For blood concentration monitoring details see Dosage and Administration (2.6).
If necessary, pediatric patients may start on an IV dose of 0.03-0.05 mg/kg/day.
Table 3.
Summary of Initial Oral Dosage Recommendations and Observed Whole Blood Trough Concentrations in Children Patient Population Recommended Prograf Initial Oral Dosage Note: daily doses should be administered as two divided doses, every 12 hours Observed Tacrolimus Whole Blood Trough Concentrations Pediatric liver transplant patients 0.15-0.20 mg/kg/day Month 1-12: 5-20 ng/mL Pediatric liver transplantation patients without pre-existing renal or hepatic dysfunction have required and tolerated higher doses than adults to achieve similar blood concentrations.
Experience in pediatric kidney and heart transplantation patients is limited.
2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Patients with Renal Impairment Due to its potential for nephrotoxicity, consideration should be given to dosing Prograf at the lower end of the therapeutic dosing range in patients who have received a liver or heart transplant and have pre-existing renal impairment.
Further reductions in dose below the targeted range may be required.
In kidney transplant patients with post-operative oliguria, the initial dose of Prograf should be administered no sooner than 6 hours and within 24 hours of transplantation, but may be delayed until renal function shows evidence of recovery.
2.4 Dosage Adjustments in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Due to the reduced clearance and prolonged half-life, patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh ≥ 10) may require lower doses of Prograf.
Close monitoring of blood concentrations is warranted.
The use of Prograf in liver transplant recipients experiencing post-transplant hepatic impairment may be associated with increased risk of developing renal insufficiency related to high whole-blood concentrations of tacrolimus.
These patients should be monitored closely and dosage adjustments should be considered.
Some evidence suggests that lower doses should be used in these patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
2.5 Administration Instructions It is recommended that patients initiate oral therapy with Prograf capsules if possible.
Initial dosage and observed tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations for adults are shown in Table 1 and for pediatrics in Table 3 [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)]; for blood concentration monitoring details in kidney transplant patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
It is important to take Prograf capsules consistently every day either with or without food because the presence and composition of food decreases the bioavailability of Prograf [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Patients should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice in combination with Prograf [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Prograf should not be used simultaneously with cyclosporine.
Prograf or cyclosporine should be discontinued at least 24 hours before initiating the other.
In the presence of elevated Prograf or cyclosporine concentrations, dosing with the other drug usually should be further delayed.
In patients unable to take oral Prograf capsules, therapy may be initiated with Prograf injection as a continuous IV infusion.
If IV therapy is necessary, conversion from IV to oral Prograf is recommended as soon as oral therapy can be tolerated.
This usually occurs within 2-3 days.
In patients receiving an IV infusion, the first dose of oral therapy should be given 8-12 hours after discontinuing the IV infusion.
2.6 Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Monitoring of tacrolimus blood concentrations in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical parameters is considered an essential aid to patient management for the evaluation of rejection, toxicity, dose adjustments and compliance.
Observed whole blood trough concentrations can be found in Table 1.
Factors influencing frequency of monitoring include but are not limited to hepatic or renal dysfunction, the addition or discontinuation of potentially interacting drugs and the post-transplant time.
Blood concentration monitoring is not a replacement for renal and liver function monitoring and tissue biopsies.
Data from clinical trials show that tacrolimus whole blood concentrations were most variable during the first week post-transplantation.
The relative risks of toxicity and efficacy failure are related to tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations.
Therefore, monitoring of whole blood trough concentrations is recommended to assist in the clinical evaluation of toxicity and efficacy failure.
Methods commonly used for the assay of tacrolimus include high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (HPLC/MS/MS) and immunoassays.
Immunoassays may react with metabolites as well as parent compound.
Therefore assay results obtained with immunoassays may have a positive bias relative to results of HPLC/MS.
The bias may depend upon the specific assay and laboratory.
Comparison of the concentrations in published literature to patient concentrations using the current assays must be made with detailed knowledge of the assay methods and biological matrices employed.
Whole blood is the matrix of choice and specimens should be collected into tubes containing ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) anti-coagulant.
Heparin anti-coagulation is not recommended because of the tendency to form clots on storage.
Samples which are not analyzed immediately should be stored at room temperature or in a refrigerator and assayed within 7 days; see assay instructions for specifics.
If samples are to be kept longer they should be deep frozen at -20° C.
One study showed drug recovery >90% for samples stored at -20° C for 6 months, with reduced recovery observed after 6 months.
2.7 Preparation for Intravenous Product Prograf injection must be diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection to a concentration between 0.004 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL prior to use.
Diluted infusion solution should be stored in glass or polyethylene containers and should be discarded after 24 hours.
The diluted infusion solution should not be stored in a PVC container due to decreased stability and the potential for extraction of phthalates.
In situations where more dilute solutions are utilized (e.g., pediatric dosing, etc.), PVC-free tubing should likewise be used to minimize the potential for significant drug adsorption onto the tubing.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Due to the chemical instability of tacrolimus in alkaline media, Prograf injection should not be mixed or co-infused with solutions of pH 9 or greater (e.g., ganciclovir or acyclovir).