Envarsus Drug Information
Generic name: TACROLIMUS
Uses of Envarsus
Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in De Novo Kidney Transplant Patients
ENVARSUS XR is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients in combination with other immunosuppressants.
Prophylaxis of Organ Rejection in Stable Kidney Transplant Patients Converting from Immediate-Release
Formulations ENVARSUS XR is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients converted from tacrolimus immediate-release formulations, in combination with other immunosuppressants.
Dosage & Administration of Envarsus
| Recommended ENVARSUS XR Initial Dosage | ||
|---|---|---|
| Initial Oral Dosage | Whole Blood Trough Concentration Range | |
| 0.14 mg/kg/day | ||
| 80% of the pre-conversion dose of tacrolimus immediate-release | ||
Side Effects of Envarsus
Clinical Studies Experience
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In addition, the clinical studies were not designed to establish comparative differences across study arms with regards to the adverse reactions discussed below. Study 1- Phase 3 Clinical Study in De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients Study 1 (NCT 01187953), was a Phase 3 randomized study in de novo kidney transplant patients that were treated with ENVARSUS XR (N=268) or tacrolimus capsules (N=275) and concomitant immunosuppressants in a double-blind, randomized, multinational study.
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions was 8.6% and 9.8% in the ENVARSUS XR and tacrolimus capsules treatment groups, respectively, through 12 months of treatment. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of study drug in the ENVARSUS XR treatment group were esophagitis, polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, graft dysfunction, complications of transplanted kidney, and diabetes mellitus, each resulting in 0.7% discontinuations among ENVARSUS XR treatment patients. In Study 1, de novo kidney transplant patients who received a starting dose of 0.17 mg/kg/day, which is higher than the recommended ENVARSUS XR starting dose of 0.14 mg/kg/day, exceeded the recommended target tacrolimus trough concentrations as high as 57 ng/mL during the first 1 to 2 weeks post-transplant.
Infections The overall incidence of infections, serious infections, and infections with identified etiology reported in de novo kidney transplant recipients treated with ENVARSUS XR or tacrolimus capsules in Study 1 are shown in Table 2. Table 2 Percentage of Patients with Infections Through 1 Year Post-Kidney Transplant in Study 1 a MMF/MPS- Mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolate sodium; AZA-azathioprine a Study 1 was not designed to support comparative claims of ENVARSUS XR compared to tacrolimus capsules for the adverse reactions reported in this table. b BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) occurred in 1.5% (4/268) and 0.7% (2/275) in the ENVARSUS XR and tacrolimus capsules treatment groups, respectively. ENVARSUS XR ± steroids, IL-2 receptor antagonist induction therapy, MMF/MPS or AZA N=268 Tacrolimus capsules ± steroids, IL-2 receptor antagonist induction therapy, MMF/MPS or AZA N=275 All infections 70% 65% Urinary Tract Infections 29% 27% Respiratory Infections 28% 24% Bacterial Infections 13% 18% Cytomegalovirus Infections 11% 9% Fungal Infections 9% 8% Gastrointestinal Infections 6% 4% BK virus b 6% 9% Serious Infections 26% 24% New Onset Diabetes After Transplantation New onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) was defined by the composite occurrence of fasting plasma glucose values ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour post-prandial plasma glucose of at least 200 mg/dL (in oral glucose tolerance test) on two or more consecutive occasions post-baseline, insulin requirement for ≥31 days, an oral hypoglycemic agent use ≥31 days, or HbA 1c ≥6.5% (at least 3 months after randomization) among kidney transplant patients with no medical history of diabetes. The incidence of NODAT for Study 1 through one year post-transplant is summarized in Table 3 below . Table 3. Percentage of Patients with NODAT Through 1 Year Post-Kidney Transplant in Study 1 a MMF/MPS- Mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolate sodium; AZA-azathioprine a Study 1 was not designed to support comparative claims of ENVARSUS XR compared to tacrolimus capsules for the adverse reactions reported in this table. b Analyses restricted to patients at risk for NODAT. ENVARSUS XR ± steroids, IL-2 receptor antagonist induction therapy, MMF/MPS or AZA (N=88) Tacrolimus capsules ± steroids, IL-2 receptor antagonist induction therapy, MMF/MPS or AZA (N=74) Composite NODAT b 21% 15% HbA 1c ≥6.5% 13% 8% Fasting Plasma Glucose Values ≥126 mg/dL on 2 consecutive occurrences 8% 11% Oral hypoglycemic use 7% 5% Insulin use ≥31 days 1% 4% Common Adverse Reactions The incidence of adverse reactions that occurred in ≥10% of ENVARSUS XR-treated patients compared to tacrolimus capsules through one year of treatment in Study 1 is shown by treatment group in Table 4. Table 4. Adverse Reactions ( ≥ 10%) in Kidney Transplant Patients Through 1 Year Post-Transplant in Study 1 a a Study 1 was not designed to support comparative claims of ENVARSUS XR compared to tacrolimus capsules for the adverse reactions reported in this table.
Adverse Reaction ENVARSUS XR N=268 Tacrolimus capsules N=275 Diarrhea 31% 34% Anemia 26% 29% Urinary Tract Infection 25% 25% Hypertension 23% 23% Tremor 19% 17% Constipation 18% 25% Diabetes Mellitus 16% 14% Peripheral Edema 16% 21% Hyperkalemia 15% 11% Headache 15% 10% Hypophosphatemia 13% 15% Leukopenia 13% 14% Nausea 13% 15% Insomnia 13% 11% Increased Blood Creatinine 12% 14% Hypomagnesemia 12% 12% Hypokalemia 12% 12% Hyperglycemia 11% 12% Study 2- Phase 2 Clinical Study in De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients Study 2 (NCT00765661) was an open-label Phase 2 study conducted in de novo kidney transplant patients randomized to once daily ENVARSUS XR (N=32) or twice daily tacrolimus capsules (N=31). The study was conducted in the US and patients received an organ from a deceased or living donor. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated during the first 2 weeks with an additional 50-week treatment and follow-up to evaluate safety and efficacy. The starting dosage was 0.14 mg/kg/day (given once daily) for ENVARSUS XR and 0.2 mg/kg/day (given twice daily) for tacrolimus capsules.
On Day 2 predose, the proportion of patients in the ENVARSUS XR group with tacrolimus trough concentration that were within, above, and below 6 to 11 ng/mL was 53%, 11%, and 37%, respectively. The starting dose of 0.14 mg/kg/day in Study 2 formed the basis of dosing recommendations in de novo kidney transplant patients. There were no deaths or graft failures in Study 2. Two patients in each arm discontinued due to adverse events.
The most common adverse reactions included infections and cardiovascular events, and were generally similar to those reported in Study 1. Study 3- Phase 3 Clinical Studies in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients Converted from Tacrolimus Capsules In Study 3 (NCT00817206) stable kidney transplant patients were treated with ENVARSUS XR (N=162) or tacrolimus capsules (N=162) and concomitant immunosuppressants in an open-label, randomized, multinational study. The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions was 7.4% and 1.2% in the ENVARSUS XR and tacrolimus capsules treatment groups, respectively, through 12 months of treatment. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of study drug in the ENVARSUS XR treatment group was cardiac arrest (2 events). Infections The overall incidence of infections, serious infections, and infections with identified etiology reported in stable kidney transplant recipients treated with ENVARSUS XR or tacrolimus capsules are shown in Table 5. Table 5. Percentage of Stable Patients with Infections Through 1 Year Post-Treatment in Study 3 a MMF/MPS- Mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolate sodium; AZA-azathioprine a The stable kidney transplant study was not designed to support comparative claims of ENVARSUS XR compared to tacrolimus capsules for the adverse reactions reported in this table. b BK virus associated nephropathy (BKVAN) occurred in 1.2% (2/162) and 0.6% (1/162) in the ENVARSUS XR and tacrolimus capsules treatment groups, respectively.
ENVARSUS XR ± steroids, MMF/MPS or AZA N=162 Tacrolimus capsules± steroids, MMF/MPS or AZA N=162 All infections 46% 48% Respiratory Infections 26% 28% Urinary Tract Infections 10% 14% Bacterial Infections 7% 5% Fungal Infections 4% 4% Gastrointestinal Infections 4% 5% BK virus b 2% 2% Cytomegalovirus Infections 2% 1% Serious Infections 8% 9% New Onset Diabetes After Transplantation New onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) was defined by the composite occurrence of fasting plasma glucose values ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose of at least 200 mg/dL (in oral glucose tolerance test) on 2 or more consecutive occasions post-baseline, insulin requirement for ≥31 days, an oral hypoglycemic agent use ≥31 days, or HbA1c ≥6.5% (at least 3 months after randomization) among kidney transplant patients with no medical history of diabetes. The incidence of NODAT for the stable kidney transplant study through one year post-transplant is summarized in Table 6 below . Table 6. Percentage of Stable Patients with NODAT Through 1 Year Post- Treatment in Study 3 a MMF/MPS- Mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolate sodium; AZA-azathioprine a The stable kidney transplant study was not designed to support comparative claims of ENVARSUS XR compared to tacrolimus capsules for the adverse reactions reported in this table. b Analyses restricted to patients at risk for NODAT. ENVARSUS XR ± steroids, MMF/MPS or AZA (N=90) Tacrolimus capsules ± steroids, MMF/MPS or AZA (N=95) Composite NODAT b 10% 11% HbA 1c ≥6.5% 3% 7% Fasting Plasma Glucose Values ≥126 mg/dL on 2 consecutive occurrences 8% 6% Oral hypoglycemic use 1% 1% Insulin use ≥31 days 1% 0% Common Adverse Reactions In Study 3, the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions observed with Envarsus XR were diarrhea (14%), and blood creatinine increased (12%).
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been reported from marketing experience with tacrolimus in the U.S. and outside the U.S. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following reactions have been included due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting or strength of causal connection to ENVARSUS XR: Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Agranulocytosis, decreased blood fibrinogen, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemolytic anemia, hemolytic uremic syndrome, leukopenia, febrile neutropenia, pancytopenia, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, pure red cell aplasia , thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic microangiopathy Cardiac Disorders: Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, electrocardiogram T wave abnormal, flushing, myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischaemia, pericardial effusion, QT prolongation, supraventricular extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, Torsades de pointes, deep limb venous thrombosis, ventricular fibrillation Ear Disorders: Hearing loss including deafness Eye Disorders: Blindness, optic neuropathy, photophobia, optic atrophy Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal pain, colitis, dysphagia, gastrointestinal perforation, impaired gastric emptying, intestinal obstruction, mouth ulceration, peritonitis, stomach ulcer Hepatobiliary Disorders: Bile duct stenosis, cholangitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, hepatic cytolysis, hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, hepatic steatosis, jaundice, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, necrotizing pancreatitis, venoocclusive liver disease, hepatitis (acute and chronic) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria Immune System Disorders: Graft versus host disease (acute and chronic) Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Glycosuria, increased amylase, pancreatitis Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Myalgia, polyarthritis, rhabdomyolysis Neoplasms: Lymphoma including EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder, PTLD ; leukemia Nervous System Disorders: Carpal tunnel syndrome, cerebral infarction, coma, dysarthria, flaccid paralysis, hemiparesis, mental disorder, mutism, nerve compression, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) , progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) sometimes fatal , quadriplegia, speech disorder, status epilepticus, syncope Renal and Urinary Disorder: Acute renal failure, hemorrhagic cystitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, micturition disorder Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Acute respiratory distress syndrome, interstitial lung disease, lung infiltration, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory distress, respiratory failure Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, pruritus, rash
Warnings & Cautions for Envarsus
Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Immunosuppressants, including
ENVARSUS XR, increase the 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. Examine patients for skin changes and advise to avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), has been reported in immunosuppressed organ transplant patients. The risk of PTLD appears greatest in those individuals who are EBV seronegative. Monitor EBV serology during treatment.
Serious Infections Immunosuppressants, including
ENVARSUS XR, increase the 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 (especially due to BK virus infection), JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections: CMV seronegative transplant patients who receive an organ from a CMV seropositive donor are at highest risk of 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 .
Not Interchangeable with Other Tacrolimus Products-Medication Errors Medication errors, including substitution and
dispensing errors, between tacrolimus capsules and tacrolimus extended-release capsules were reported outside the U.S. This led to serious adverse reactions, including graft rejection, or other adverse reactions due to under- or over-exposure to tacrolimus. ENVARSUS XR is not interchangeable or substitutable with tacrolimus extended-release capsules, tacrolimus capsules or tacrolimus for oral suspension. Instruct patients and caregivers to recognize the appearance of ENVARSUS XR tablet and to confirm with their healthcare provider if a different product is dispensed or if dosing instructions have changed.
New Onset Diabetes after Transplant
ENVARSUS XR caused new onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) in kidney transplant patients, which may be reversible in some patients. African-American and Hispanic kidney transplant patients are at an increased risk. Monitor blood glucose concentrations and treat appropriately .
Nephrotoxicity due to
ENVARSUS XR and Drug Interactions ENVARSUS XR, 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. Acute renal impairment associated with tacrolimus toxicity can result in high serum creatinine, hyperkalemia, decreased secretion of urea and hyperuricemia, and is usually reversible. In patients with elevated serum creatinine and tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations greater than the recommended range, consider dosage reduction or temporary interruption of tacrolimus administration.
The risk for nephrotoxicity may increase when ENVARSUS XR is concomitantly administered with CYP3A inhibitors (by increasing tacrolimus whole blood concentrations) or drugs associated with nephrotoxicity (e.g., aminoglycosides, ganciclovir, amphotericin B, cisplatin, nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors). When tacrolimus is used concurrently with CYP3A inhibitors or other known nephrotoxic drugs, monitor renal function and tacrolimus blood concentrations, and adjust dose of both tacrolimus and/or concomitant medications during concurrent use.
Neurotoxicity
ENVARSUS XR may cause a spectrum of neurotoxicities. The most severe neurotoxicities include posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), delirium, seizure, and coma; others include tremors, paresthesias, headache, mental status changes, and changes in motor and sensory functions. As symptoms may be associated with tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations at or above the recommended range, monitor for neurologic symptoms and consider dosage reduction or discontinuation of ENVARSUS XR if neurotoxicity occurs.
Hyperkalemia Mild to severe hyperkalemia, which may require treatment, has been reported
with tacrolimus including ENVARSUS XR. Concomitant use of agents associated with hyperkalemia (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers) may increase the risk for hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium levels periodically during treatment.
Hypertension Hypertension is a common adverse reaction of
ENVARSUS XR therapy and may require antihypertensive therapy . Some antihypertensive drugs can increase the risk for hyperkalemia . Calcium-channel blocking agents may increase tacrolimus blood concentrations and require dosage reduction of ENVARSUS XR .
Risk of Rejection with Strong
CYP3A Inducers and Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions with Strong CYP3A Inhibitors The concomitant use of strong CYP3A inducers may increase the metabolism of tacrolimus, leading to lower whole blood trough concentrations and greater risk of rejection. In contrast, the concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors may decrease the metabolism of tacrolimus, leading to higher whole blood trough concentrations and greater risk of serious adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity, QT prolongation). Therefore, adjust ENVARSUS XR dose and monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations when co-administering ENVARSUS XR with strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., including but not limited to telaprevir, boceprevir, ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin) or strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., including but not limited to rifampin, rifabutin) . A rapid, sharp rise in tacrolimus levels has been reported after co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors despite an initial reduction of tacrolimus dose. Early and frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood trough levels is recommended. 5.10 QT Prolongation ENVARSUS XR may prolong the QT/QTc interval and cause Torsades de pointes.
Avoid ENVARSUS XR in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Consider obtaining electrocardiograms and monitoring electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium) periodically during treatment in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, those taking certain antiarrhythmic medications or other products that lead to QT prolongation, and those with electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or hypomagnesemia). When co-administering ENVARSUS XR with other substrates and/or inhibitors of CYP3A, especially those that also have the potential to prolong the QT interval, a reduction in ENVARSUS XR dosage, monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations, and monitoring for QT prolongation is recommended . 5.11 Immunizations Whenever possible, administer the complete complement of vaccines before transplantation and treatment with ENVARSUS XR. Avoid the use of live attenuated vaccines during treatment with ENVARSUS XR (e.g., intranasal influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, and TY21a typhoid vaccines). Inactivated vaccines noted to be safe for administration after transplantation may not be sufficiently immunogenic during treatment with ENVARSUS XR. 5.12 Pure Red Cell Aplasia Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with tacrolimus. All of these patients reported risk factors for PRCA such as parvovirus B19 infection, underlying disease, or concomitant medications associated with PRCA. A mechanism for tacrolimus-induced PRCA has not been elucidated.
If PRCA is diagnosed, consider discontinuation of ENVARSUS XR. 5.13 Cannabidiol Drug Interactions When cannabidiol and ENVARSUS XR are co-administered, closely monitor for an increase in tacrolimus blood levels and for adverse reactions suggestive of tacrolimus toxicity. A dose reduction of ENVARSUS XR should be considered as needed when ENVARSUS XR is co-administered with cannabidiol. 5.14 Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA) Including Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Cases of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), have been reported in patients treated with ENVARSUS XR. TMA may have a multifactorial etiology. Risk factors for TMA that can occur in transplant patients include, for example, severe infections, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) mismatch, the use of calcineurin inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.
These risk factors may, either alone or combined, contribute to the risk of TMA. In patients with signs and symptoms of TMA, consider ENVARSUS XR as a risk factor. Concurrent use of ENVARSUS XR and mTOR inhibitors may contribute to the risk of TMA.
Drug Interactions with Envarsus
Mycophenolic Acid
When ENVARSUS XR is prescribed with a given dose of mycophenolic acid (MPA) product, exposure to MPA is higher with ENVARSUS XR 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 MPA products as needed.
Effects of Other Drugs/Substances on
ENVARSUS XR Table 7. Effects of Other Drugs/Substances on ENVARSUS XR a, d a ENVARSUS XR dosage adjustment recommendation based on observed effect of co-administered drug on tacrolimus exposures , literature reports of altered tacrolimus exposures, or the other drug’s known CYP3A inhibitor/inducer status b High dose or double strength grapefruit juice is a strong CYP3A inhibitor; low dose or single strength grapefruit juice is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor c Strong CYP3A inhibitor/inducer, based on reported effect on exposures to immediate-release tacrolimus along with supporting in vitro CYP3A inhibitor/inducer data, or based on drug-drug interaction studies with midazolam (sensitive CYP3A probe substrate) d A drug interaction study with voriconazole was conducted for ENVARSUS XR . No other drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with ENVARSUS XR. Drug/Substance Class or Name Drug Interaction Effect Recommendations Grapefruit or grapefruit juice b May increase tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity, QT prolongation). Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Alcohol May modify the rate of tacrolimus release. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Strong CYP3A Inducers c, such as: 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. Increase ENVARSUS XR dose and monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations. Strong CYP3A Inhibitors c,, such as: Protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, telaprevir, boceprevir, ritonavir or ritonavir containing products), azole antifungals (e.g., voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, troleandomycin, chloramphenicol), nefazodone, Schisandra sphenanthera extracts, cobicistat 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.
Reduce ENVARSUS XR dose (for voriconazole and posaconazole, give one-third of the original dose) and adjust dose based on tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations. Early and frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood trough levels should start within 1-3 days and continue monitoring as necessary . Mild or Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors, such as: antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, nicardipine), amiodarone, danazol, ethinyl estradiol, cimetidine, lansoprazole and omeprazole, azole antifungals (e.g., clotrimazole, fluconazole, isavuconazole), imatinib, nilotinib, letermovir May increase tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity, QT prolongation). Monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and reduce ENVARSUS XR dose if needed. Other drugs, such as: Magnesium and aluminum hydroxide antacids Metoclopramide May increase tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity, QT prolongation). Monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and reduce ENVARSUS XR dose if needed.
Mild or Moderate CYP3A Inducers, such as: Methylprednisolone, prednisone May decrease tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations. Monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and adjust ENVARSUS XR dose if needed. Caspofungin May decrease tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations.
Monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and adjust ENVARSUS XR dose if needed. Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) Therapy The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus may be impacted by changes in liver function during DAA therapy, related to clearance of HCV virus. Close monitoring and potential dose adjustment of tacrolimus is warranted to ensure continued efficacy.
Cannabidiol
The blood levels of tacrolimus may increase upon concomitant use with cannabidiol. When cannabidiol and ENVARSUS XR are co-administered, closely monitor for an increase in tacrolimus blood levels and for adverse reactions suggestive of tacrolimus toxicity. A dose reduction of ENVARSUS XR should be considered as needed when ENVARSUS XR is co-administered with cannabidiol.
Pregnancy Safety for Envarsus
Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ENVARSUS XR 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. 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 (0.7 to 3.7 times the recommended clinical dose, on a mg/m² 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 (1.2 to 3.7 times the recommended clinical dose, on a mg/m² 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 (1.2 to 3.7 times the recommended clinical dose, on a mg/m² basis). Interventricular septal defects, hydronephrosis, craniofacial malformations and skeletal effects were observed in offspring that died. 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 ENVARSUS XR may increase hyperglycemia in pregnant women with diabetes (including gestational diabetes). Monitor maternal blood glucose levels regularly. ENVARSUS XR may exacerbate hypertension in pregnant women and increase pre-eclampsia. Monitor and control blood pressure.
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 ENVARSUS XR. Labor or Delivery There is an increased risk for premature delivery (<37 weeks) following transplantation and maternal exposure to ENVARSUS XR. Data Human Data There are no adequate and well controlled studies on the effects of tacrolimus in human pregnancy. Safety data from the TPRI and postmarketing surveillance suggest infants exposed to tacrolimus in utero have an increased risk for miscarriage, pre-term delivery (<37 weeks), low birth weight (<2500 g), birth defects/congenital anomalies and fetal distress. TPRI reported 450 and 241 total pregnancies in kidney and liver transplant recipients exposed to tacrolimus, respectively.
The TPRI pregnancy outcomes are summarized in Table 8. In the table below, the number of recipients exposed to tacrolimus concomitantly with mycophenolic acid (MPA) products during the preconception and first trimester periods is high (27% and 29% for renal and liver transplant recipients, respectively). Because MPA products may also cause birth defects, the birth defect rate may be confounded and this should be taken into consideration when reviewing the data, particularly for birth defects. Birth defects observed include cardiac malformations, craniofacial malformations, renal/urogenital disorders, skeletal abnormalities, neurological abnormalities and multiple malformations. Table 8. TPRI Reported Pregnancy Outcomes in Transplant Recipients with Exposure to Tacrolimus Kidney Liver Pregnancy Outcomes* 462 253 Miscarriage 24.5% 25% Live births 331 180 Pre-term delivery (< 37 weeks) 49% 42% Low birth weight (< 2500 g) 42% 30% Birth defects 8%† 5% * Includes multiple births and terminations. † Birth defect rate confounded by concomitant MPA products exposure in over half of offspring with birth defects.
Additional information reported by TPRI in pregnant transplant patients receiving tacrolimus included diabetes during pregnancy in 9% of kidney recipients and 13% of liver recipients and hypertension during pregnancy in 53% of kidney recipients and 16.2% of liver recipients. Animal Data Administration of oral tacrolimus to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis produced maternal toxicity and abortion at 0.32 mg/kg (0.7 times the recommended clinical dose based on body surface area). At 1 mg/kg (2.3 times the recommended clinical dose) embryofetal lethality and fetal malformations (ventricular hypoplasia, interventricular septal defect, bulbous aortic arch, stenosis of ductus arteriosus, omphalocele, gallbladder agenesis, skeletal anomalies) were observed. Administration of 3.2 mg/kg oral tacrolimus (3.7 times the recommended clinical dose) to pregnant rats throughout organogenesis produced maternal toxicity/lethality, embryofetal lethality and decreased fetal body weight in the offspring of C-sectioned dams; and decreased pup viability and interventricular septal defect in offspring of dams that delivered.
In a peri/postnatal development study, oral administration of tacrolimus to pregnant rats during late gestation (after organogenesis) and throughout lactation produced maternal toxicity, effects of parturition, and reduced pup viability at 3.2 mg/kg (3.7 times the recommended clinical dose); among these pups that died early, an increased incidence of kidney hydronephrosis was observed. Reduced pup weight was observed at 1mg/kg (1.2 times the recommended clinical dose). Administration of oral tacrolimus to rats prior to mating, and throughout gestation and lactation produced maternal toxicity/lethality, embryofetal loss and reduced pup viability at 3.2 mg/kg (3.7 times the recommended clinical dose). Interventricular septal defects, hydronephrosis, craniofacial malformations and skeletal effects were observed in offspring that died. Effects on parturition (incomplete delivery of nonviable pups) were observed at 1 mg/kg (1.2 times the recommended clinical dose).
Pediatric Use of Envarsus
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ENVARSUS XR in pediatric patients have not been established.
Contraindications for Envarsus
is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or to any of the ingredients in ENVARSUS XR. Known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or any of the ingredients
Overdosage Information for Envarsus
Postmarketing cases of overdose with tacrolimus have been reported. Overdosage adverse reactions included: nervous system disorders (tremor, headache, confusional state, balance disorders, encephalopathy, lethargy and somnolence) gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) abnormal renal function (increased blood urea nitrogen and elevated serum creatinine) urticaria hypertension peripheral edema, and infections (one fatal postmarketing case of bilateral pneumopathy and CMV infection was attributed to tacrolimus extended-release capsules overdose). 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.
Clinical Studies of Envarsus
Clinical Studies in De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients Study 1 Study 1
(NCT 01187953) was a Phase 3, 12-month, randomized, double-blind, multinational study comparing once daily ENVARSUS XR (N=268) to twice daily tacrolimus capsules (N=275) in patients who received a de novo kidney transplant. Patients received the first dose of the study drug anytime within 48 hours of graft reperfusion. All patients received only IL-2 receptor antagonist induction therapy and concomitant treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids.
Approximately 97% of all patients received antibody induction therapy with basiliximab and 91% of all patients received corticosteroids and MMF. The mean age of the study population was 46 years; 65% were male; 77% were Caucasian, 5% were African-American, 4% were Asian and 14% were categorized as other races. Living donors provided 49% of the organs and 51% of patients received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. Patients with clinically relevant ECG abnormalities (including QTc prolongation and reversible ischemia) and clinically symptomatic congestive heart failure or patients with documented left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 45% were excluded.
Patients with a panel reactive antibody (PRA) >30%, who received a kidney from a non-heart-beating donor or with cold ischemia time >30 hours were also excluded. Premature discontinuation from treatment at the end of one year occurred in 22% of ENVARSUS XR patients and 19% of tacrolimus capsules patients. Tacrolimus Therapy In Study 1, de novo kidney transplant patients were dosed initially at a starting dosage of 0.17 mg/kg given once daily for ENVARSUS XR (approximately 1.2-fold higher than the recommended starting dosage) and 0.1 mg/kg/day (given twice daily) for tacrolimus capsule, with doses then modified to maintain tacrolimus trough concentrations between 6-11 ng/mL for the first 30 days and then between 4-11 ng/L for the remainder of the study.
In the first week of dosing, the tacrolimus doses administered were, on average, ~40% higher in the ENVARSUS XR group compared to the tacrolimus capsule group and were similar in both treatment groups from Day 10 to Week 3. Thereafter, tacrolimus doses were, on average, 10% to 20% lower for ENVARSUS XR than in the tacrolimus capsule group. Tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations were monitored on Days 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 270, and 360. On Day 2 predose, the proportion of patients in the ENVARSUS XR group with tacrolimus trough concentration that were within, above and below the target tacrolimus trough concentration range of 6 to 11 ng/mL was 33%, 39%, and 28%, respectively, compared to 27%, 12%, and 61%, in the tacrolimus capsule group. The average tacrolimus trough concentrations (per local laboratory reading) for the ENVARSUS XR group were above the target range during the first week post-transplant, and higher than in the tacrolimus capsule group during the first 2 weeks post-transplant (see Figure 1). Thereafter, the mean tacrolimus trough concentrations were similar between the treatment groups.
Figure 1. Study 1 Tacrolimus Trough Concentrations by Treatment Group and Visits Concomitant Immunosuppressive Drugs In Study 1, the concomitant use of mycophenolate products was comparable between the ENVARSUS XR and tacrolimus capsule treatment groups. Patients in both groups started MMF at an average dose of 1 gram twice daily. The MMF daily dose was reduced to less than 2 grams over the course of the study; the mean MMF equivalent total daily dose was approximately 1.5 grams at Month 12 in both treatment groups.
Likewise, the average doses of corticosteroids were comparable between the two treatment groups throughout the 12-month study period. Majority (96% ENVARSUS XR and 99% tacrolimus capsules) of the patients received two 20 mg doses of basiliximab for antibody induction. Efficacy Results The efficacy failure rates including patients who developed biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft failure, death, and/or lost to follow-up at 12 months, as well as the rates of the individual events, are shown by treatment group in Table 10 for the intent-to-treat population.
Table 10. Incidence of BPAR, Graft Loss, Death or Lost to Follow-up at 12 Months in De Novo Kidney Transplant Patients in Study 1 a 95% CI was calculated using normal approximation. ENVARSUS XR, MMF, steroids, and IL-2 receptor antagonist induction therapy N=268 Tacrolimus capsules, MMF, steroids, and IL-2 receptor antagonist induction therapy N=275 Overall Treatment Difference of efficacy failure compared to tacrolimus immediate-release (95% CI) a -1.0% (-7.6%, 5.6%) Treatment Failure 50 (18.7%) 54 (19.6%) Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection 36 (13.4%) 37 (13.5%) Graft Failure 9 (3.4%) 11 (4.0%) Death 8 (3.0%) 8 (2.9%) Lost to Follow-up 4 (1.5%) 5 (1.8%) Glomerular Filtration Rates Renal function was assessed as change from Day 30 (baseline) by eGFR calculated using the MDRD7 equation. Baseline eGFR values were 53.8 ml/min/1.73 m 2 and 54.4 ml/min/1.73 m 2, and 12 month eGFR values were 58.6 ml/min/1.73 m 2 and 59.8 ml/min/1.73 m 2 in the ENVARSUS XR and the tacrolimus capsule groups, respectively, maintaining the small difference of approximately 1ml/min/1.73 m 2 between the treatment groups.
Study 2 Study 2 (NCT 00765661) was an open-label Phase 2 study conducted in de novo kidney transplant patients randomized to once daily ENVARSUS XR (N=32) or twice daily tacrolimus capsule(N=31). The study was conducted in the US and patients received an organ from a deceased or living donor. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated during the first 2 weeks with an additional 50-week treatment and follow-up to evaluate safety and efficacy. Study 2 did not have any exclusion criteria based on cardiac disease or ECG findings but patients who received a kidney from a non-heart-beating donor or with cold ischemia time ≥ 36 hours were excluded.
Patients were randomized within 12 hours after transplantation and received the first dose of the study drug within 48 hours of graft reperfusion. Induction treatment and concomitant immunosuppressive therapy were allowed per center-specific practices. The mean age of study population was 47 years (range 23-69); 68% were male; 75% were Caucasian, 21% were African- American, 5% were Asian.
Two patients in each group withdrew early from the study due to adverse events. Tacrolimus Therapy In Study 2, de novo kidney transplant patients received a starting dosage of 0.14 mg/kg/day (given once daily) for ENVARSUS XR and 0.20 mg/kg/day (given twice daily) for tacrolimus capsule. On Day 2 predose, the proportion of patients in the ENVARSUS XR group with tacrolimus trough concentration that were within, above, and below 6 to 11 ng/mL was 53%, 11%, and 37%, respectively.
In Study 1, the proportion of de novo kidney transplant patients receiving a starting dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day of tacrolimus capsules that were within, above, and below 6 to 11 ng/mL on Day 2 predose was 27%, 12%, and 61%, respectively. Concomitant Immunosuppressive Drugs In Study 2, concomitant therapy with mycophenolate products or azathioprine, corticosteroids, and antibody induction was permitted but not required. The mean daily MMF, prednisone, and antibody induction doses were similar between the ENVARSUS XR and tacrolimus capsules treatment groups.
Efficacy There were no deaths or graft failures in Study 2. Acute rejection rates at 12 months were 3.1% (1/32) in the ENVARSUS XR group and 6.5% (2/31) in the tacrolimus capsules group and 2 patients (one in each group) were lost to follow-up. chemical-structure
Conversion Study from Tacrolimus Capsules in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients Study 3
The conversion study, Study 3 (NCT00817206), was a Phase 3 randomized, open-label, multinational study evaluating once daily ENVARSUS XR when used to replace tacrolimus capsules administered twice daily for maintenance immunosuppression to prevent acute allograft rejection in stable adult kidney transplant patients. Patients who received a kidney transplant 3 months to 5 years before study entry and on a stable dose of tacrolimus capsules of at least 2 mg per day and tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations between 4 and 15 ng/mL were randomized to 1) switch from twice daily tacrolimus capsules to once daily ENVARSUS XR (N=163) or 2) continue tacrolimus capsules twice daily (N=163). MMF or mycophenolate sodium (MPS), or azathioprine (AZA) and/or corticosteroids were allowed as concomitant immunosuppressants during the study period according to the standard of care at the participating site. The mean age of study population was 50 years; 67% were male; 73% were Caucasian, 22% were African-American, 2% were Asian and 3% were categorized as other races.
Living donors provided 35% of the organs and 65% of patients received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. Premature discontinuation from treatment at the end of one year occurred in 13% of ENVARSUS XR patients and 6% of tacrolimus capsule patients. Tacrolimus Therapy In Study 3, stable kidney transplant patients converted to ENVARSUS XR at an average daily dose that was 80% of their tacrolimus capsules daily dose prior to conversion.
Mean tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations were maintained within a relatively narrow range throughout the duration of the study for both the ENVARSUS XR conversion group and the tacrolimus capsules continuation group. At Week 1 (after 7 days of stable dosing), the mean ± SD tacrolimus trough concentrations were 7.2 ± 3.1 ng/mL for the ENVARSUS XR conversion group and 7.7 ± 2.5 for the tacrolimus capsules continuation group; the baseline values were 7.8 ± 2.3, and 8.0 ± 2.3, respectively. MMF Therapy In Study 3, the average daily mycophenolate equivalent doses were comparable between the ENVARSUS XR and tacrolimus capsules treatment groups.
Efficacy Results The efficacy failure rates including patients who developed BPAR, graft failure, death, and/or lost to follow-up at 12 months, as well as the rates of the individual events, are shown by treatment group in Table 11 for the modified intent-to-treat population. Table 11. Incidence of BPAR, Graft Loss, Death or Lost to Follow-up at 12 Months in Stable Kidney Transplant Patients in Study 3 a 95% CI was calculated using an exact method that is based on the standardized statistic and inverting a 2-sided test ENVARSUS XR ± Steroids ± MMF, MPS, or AZA N=162 Tacrolimus Capsules ± Steroids ± MMF, MPS, or AZA N=162 Treatment Failure 4 (2.5%) 4 (2.5%) Overall Treatment Difference of efficacy failure compared to tacrolimus immediate-release (95% CI) a 0% (-4.2%, 4.2%) Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection 2 (1.2%) 2 (1.2%) Graft Failure 0% 0% Death 2 (1.2%) 1 (0.6%) Lost to Follow-up 0% 1 (0.6%) Glomerular Filtration Rates The mean estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease 7 (MDRD7) formula, were 61.5 ml/min/1.73 m 2 and 60.0 ml/min/1.73 m 2 at baseline (Day 0) and 62.0 ml/min/1.73 m 2 and 61.4 ml/min/1.73 m 2 at 12 months in the ENVARSUS XR and tacrolimus capsules treatment groups, respectively.
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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