Journal of Renal and Hepatic Disorders (May 2020)

Conversion from Extended-Dose-Release Tacrolimus to Melt-Dose Tacrolimus in High Metabolizer Patients: Is the New Formulation of LPCT the Best Option for High Metabolizer Kidney Transplanted Patients?

  • Paolo Carta,
  • Federica Curci,
  • Leonardo Caroti,
  • Larti Aida,
  • Lorenzo Di Maria,
  • Lino Cirami

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15586/jrenhep.2020.68
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 1

Abstract

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Tacrolimus (FK506) is the most widely used anti-rejection drug in kidney transplantation, especially its extended release Tacrolimus formulation (ER-Tac, Advagraf), which is used when target blood levels can be difficult to reach in high metabolizer patients. In this retrospective monocentric study, we analyzed the effect of a switch from ER-Tac to LifeCycle Pharma Tacrolimus (LPCT, Envarsus) on the dose/level ratio of FK506 in high metabolizer patients that cannot achieve target blood levels in the first 6 months after transplantation. We observed a statistically significant improvement in the level to dose ratio after the switch. Renal function remained stable. We also observed a reduction in the development of tremors. Our data suggest that LPCT can be used in a safer way in high metabolizer kidney transplant recipients.

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