Tacrolimus (Page 4 of 12)

5.9 Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia has been reported with tacrolimus 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 tacrolimus therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1)].

5.10 Hypertension

Hypertension is a common adverse effect of tacrolimus 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 tacrolimus [see Drug Interactions ( 7.5)].

5.11 Anaphylactic Reactions with Tacrolimus Injection

Anaphylactic reactions have occurred with injectables containing castor oil derivatives, including tacrolimus, in a small percentage of patients (0.6%). The exact cause of these reactions is not known. Tacrolimus injection should be reserved for patients who are unable to take Tacrolimus capsules [see Indications and Usage (1.4)]. 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.

5.12 Use with Sirolimus

The safety and efficacy of tacrolimus with sirolimus has not been established in kidney transplant patients.

Use of sirolimus with tacrolimus 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 tacrolimus 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 tacrolimus with strong CYP3A4 – inhibitors (e.g., telaprevir, boceprevir, ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voricanazole, clarithromycin) and strong inducers (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin) adjustments in the dosing regimen of tacrolimus 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

Tacrolimus Capsules may prolong the QT/QTc interval and may cause Torsade de Pointes. Avoid tacrolimus 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 tacrolimus Capsules with other substrates and/or inhibitors of CYP3A4 that also have the potential to prolong the QT interval, a reduction in tacrolimus dose, frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations, and monitoring for QT prolongation is recommended. Use of tacrolimus Capsules 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 tacrolimus therapy, echocardiographic evaluation should be considered. If myocardial hypertrophy is diagnosed, dosage reduction or discontinuation of tacrolimus 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 tacrolimus should be considered [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2)].

5.18 Gastrointestinal Perforation

Gastrointestinal perforation has been reported in patients treated with Tacrolimus Capsules, USP; 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)].

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 Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2)]
  • Serious Infections [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3)]
  • Polyoma Virus Infections [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4)]
  • CMV Infections [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5)]
  • New Onset Diabetes After Transplant [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6)]
  • Nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7)]
  • Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8)]
  • Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9)]
  • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10)]
  • Anaphylaxis with Tacrolimus [ See warnings and Precautions ( 5.11)]
  • Myocardial Hypertrophy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15)]
  • Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.17)]
  • Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.18)]

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