Tacrolimus Drug Information

Tacrolimus extended-release capsules is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients in combination with other immunosuppressants in adult patients who can swallow capsules intact . Pediatric use information is approved for Astellas Pharma US, Inc.'s ASTAGRAF XL (tacrolimus extended-release capsules). However, due to Astellas Pharma US, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Tacrolimus extended-release capsules is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients in combination with other immunosuppressants in adult patients who can swallow capsules intact.

Clinical Studies Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In addition, the clinical trials were not designed to establish comparative differences across study arms with regards to the adverse reactions discussed below. Kidney transplant patients were treated with tacrolimus extended-release capsules (N=214) or tacrolimus immediate-release product (N=212) and concomitant immunosuppressants (median duration of exposure of 12 months) in a randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial of mostly U.S. patients (Study 1) . The types of adverse reactions seen in Study 1 were similar to the adverse reactions seen in Study 2 . In Study 1, the proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions was 9% and 11% in the tacrolimus extended-release capsules and tacrolimus immediate-release treatment groups, respectively, through 12 months of treatment.

The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in tacrolimus extended-release capsules-treated patients were related to infections or renal/urinary disorders. Infections The overall incidence of infections, serious infections, and infections with identified etiology reported in patients treated with the tacrolimus extended-release capsules or tacrolimus immediate-release product in Study 1 are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Percentage of Patients with Infections in Study 1 Study 1 was not designed to support comparative claims of tacrolimus extended-release capsules compared to tacrolimus immediate-release product for the adverse reactions reported in this table. Through One Year Post-Kidney Transplant Tacrolimus extended-release capsules, MMF, steroids, basiliximab induction N=214 Tacrolimus immediate-release product, MMF, steroids, basiliximab induction N=212 All Infections 69% 69% Respiratory Infections 34% 31% Urinary Tract Infections 16% 25% Cytomegalovirus Infections 10% 11% Bacterial Infections 8% 12% Gastroenteritis 7% 3% Polyomavirus Infections 3% 5% Serious Infections 22% 23% New Onset Diabetes After Transplant (NODAT) The incidence of new onset diabetes after transplantation (defined by the composite occurrence of ≥ 2 fasting plasma glucose values that were more than 126 mg/dL at ≥ 30 days apart, insulin use for ≥ 30 consecutive days, oral hypoglycemic use for ≥ 30 consecutive days, and/or HbA 1C ≥ 6.5%) is summarized in Table 3 below for Study 1 through one year post-transplant . Table 3: Percentage of Patients with NODAT Through One Year Post-Kidney Transplant in Study 1 Study 1 was not designed to support comparative claims of tacrolimus extended-release capsules compared to tacrolimus immediate-release product for the adverse reactions reported in this table.

Tacrolimus extended-release capsules, MMF, steroids, basiliximab induction N=162 Tacrolimus immediate-release product, MMF, steroids, basiliximab induction N=151 Composite NODAT 36% 35% ≥ 2 Fasting Plasma Glucose Values ≥ 126 mg/dL ≥ 30 days apart 26% 23% HbA 1C ≥ 6.5% 19% 22% Oral hypoglycemic use ≥ 30 consecutive days 14% 9% Insulin use ≥ 30 consecutive days 6% 8% Hyperkalemia In Study 1 , 73 of 214 (34.1%) patients on tacrolimus extended-release capsules had a serum potassium level greater than 5.4 up to 6.4 mEq/L, and 8 out of 214 (3.7%) patients had a serum potassium level greater than 6.4 mEq/L . Common Adverse Reactions The most common (≥ 30%) adverse reactions observed with tacrolimus extended-release capsules in Study 1 were: diarrhea, constipation, nausea, peripheral edema, tremor, and anemia. The incidence of adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 15% of tacrolimus extended-release capsules-treated patients compared to tacrolimus immediate-release product through one year of treatment in Study 1 is shown by treatment groups in Table 4. Table 4: Adverse Reactions (≥ 15%) in Kidney Transplant Patients Through One Year Post-Transplant in Study 1 Study 1 was not designed to support comparative claims of tacrolimus extended-release capsules compared to tacrolimus immediate-release for the adverse reactions reported in this table. Tacrolimus extended-release capsules, MMF, steroids, basiliximab induction N=214 Tacrolimus immediate-release product, MMF, steroids, basiliximab induction N=212 Diarrhea 45% 44% Constipation 40% 32% Nausea 36% 35% Peripheral Edema 36% 34% Tremor 35% 34% Anemia 33% 29% Hypertension 28% 30% Vomiting 25% 25% Hypomagnesemia 24% 27% Insomnia 24% 28% Hypophosphatemia 23% 28% Headache 22% 24% Hyperkalemia 20% 23% Increased Blood Creatinine 19% 23% Fatigue 16% 10% Leukopenia 16% 16% Hyperlipidemia 16% 17% Hyperglycemia 16% 18% Less Frequently Reported Adverse Reactions (less than 15% in tacrolimus extended-release capsules-treated patients) by System Organ Class The following adverse reactions were reported in clinical studies of kidney transplant patients who were treated with tacrolimus extended-release capsules, MMF, and steroids (Studies 1 and 2): Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Hemolytic anemia, leukocytosis, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombotic microangiopathy Cardiac Disorders: Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, tachycardia Ear Disorders: Tinnitus Eye Disorders: Vision blurred, conjunctivitis Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal distension, abdominal pain, aphthous stomatitis, dyspepsia, esophagitis, flatulence, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Anasarca, asthenia, edema, pyrexia Hepatobiliary Disorders: Abnormal hepatic function, cholestasis, hepatitis (acute and chronic), hepatotoxicity Infections and Infestations: Condyloma acuminatum, tinea versicolor Injury: Fall Investigations: Increased blood lactate dehydrogenase, increased blood urea, increased hepatic enzyme Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Anorexia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Arthralgia, osteopenia, osteoporosis Neoplasms: Kaposi’s sarcoma Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, dizziness, hypoesthesia, neurotoxicity, paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy Psychiatric Disorders: Agitation, anxiety, confusional state, depression, hallucination, mood swings, nightmare Renal and Urinary Disorders: Anuria, oliguria, proteinuria, renal failure, renal tubular necrosis, toxic nephropathy Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Acute respiratory distress syndrome, dyspnea, pulmonary edema, productive cough Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Acne, alopecia, dermatitis, hyperhidrosis, hypotrichosis, pruritus, rash Vascular Disorders: Deep vein thrombosis, flushing Pediatrics Pediatric use information is approved for Astellas Pharma US, Inc.'s ASTAGRAF XL (tacrolimus extended-release capsules). However, due to Astellas Pharma US, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

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. These reactions have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting or causal connection to tacrolimus extended-release capsules: Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Agranulocytosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemolytic uremic syndrome, febrile neutropenia, pancytopenia, pure red cell aplasia , coagulopathy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, decreased blood fibrinogen Cardiac Disorders: Cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, congestive cardiac failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion, angina pectoris, supraventricular extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, Torsades de pointes, QT prolongation Ear Disorders: Hearing loss Eye Disorders: Blindness, optic neuropathy, optic atrophy, photophobia Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal perforation, pancreatitis, peritonitis, stomach ulcer, intestinal obstruction, ascites, colitis, ileus, impaired gastric emptying, dysphagia Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, cirrhosis, cholangitis, venoocclusive liver disease, bile duct stenosis, hepatic steatosis, jaundice Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria Immune System Disorders: Graft versus host disease (acute and chronic) Investigations: Increased international normalized ratio Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Hypoproteinemia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Rhabdomyolysis, myalgia, polyarthritis, pain in extremity including Calcineurin-Inhibitor Induced Pain Syndrome (CIPS) Neoplasms: Lymphoma including EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, PTLD , leukemia, melanoma Nervous System Disorders: Cerebral infarction, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) sometimes fatal , posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) , coma, status epilepticus, quadriplegia, flaccid paralysis, hemiparesis, aphasia, syncope, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve compression, mutism, dysarthria, somnolence Psychiatric Disorders: Mental status changes Renal and Urinary Disorders: Hemorrhagic cystitis, hematuria, urinary retention, urinary incontinence Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, lung infiltration, rhinitis allergic, hiccups Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity Vascular Disorders: Hemorrhage

Mycophenolic Acid

When tacrolimus extended-release capsules is prescribed with a given dose of a mycophenolic acid (MPA) product, exposure to MPA is higher with tacrolimus extended-release capsules co-administration than with cyclosporine co-administration with MPA, because cyclosporine interrupts the enterohepatic recirculation of MPA while tacrolimus does not. Monitor for MPA-associated adverse reactions and reduce the dose of concomitantly administered mycophenolic acid products as needed.

Effects of Other Drugs on Tacrolimus Extended-Release Capsules Table 5 displays the

effects of other drugs on tacrolimus extended-release capsules. Table 5: Effects of Other Drugs/Substances on Tacrolimus Extended-Release Capsules Tacrolimus extended-release capsules 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. Drug/Substance Class or Name Drug Interaction Effect Recommendations Grapefruit or grapefruit juice High dose or double strength grapefruit juice is a strong CYP3A inhibitor; low dose or single strength grapefruit juice is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor.

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 increase the rate of tacrolimus release and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity, QT prolongation ) . Avoid alcoholic beverages. Strong CYP3A Inducers Strong CYP3A inhibitor/inducer, based on reported effect on exposures to tacrolimus along with supporting in vitro CYP3A inhibitor/inducer data, or based on drug-drug interaction studies with midazolam (sensitive CYP3A probe substrate). : 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 tacrolimus extended-release capsules dose and monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations . Strong CYP3A Inhibitors : Protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, telaprevir, boceprevir, ritonavir), azole antifungals (e.g., voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, troleandomycin, chloramphenicol), nefazodone, letermovir, Schisandra sphenanthera extracts May increase tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions (e.g., neurotoxicity, QT prolongation). A rapid, sharp rise in tacrolimus levels may occur early, despite an immediate reduction of tacrolimus dose . Reduce tacrolimus extended-release capsules 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: Clotrimazole, antibiotics (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, nicardipine), amiodarone, danazol, ethinyl estradiol, cimetidine, lansoprazole and omeprazole 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 tacrolimus extended-release capsules 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 tacrolimus extended-release capsules dose if needed . Mild or Moderate CYP3A Inducers Methylprednisolone, prednisone May decrease tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations.

Monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and adjust tacrolimus extended-release capsules dose if needed . Caspofungin May decrease tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations. Monitor tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and adjust tacrolimus extended-release capsules 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 extended-release capsules is warranted to ensure continued efficacy and safety .

Cannabidiol

The blood levels of tacrolimus may increase upon concomitant use with cannabidiol. When cannabidiol and tacrolimus extended-release capsules are co-administered, closely monitor for an increase in tacrolimus blood levels and for adverse reactions suggestive of tacrolimus toxicity. A dose reduction of tacrolimus extended-release capsules should be considered as needed when tacrolimus extended-release capsules is co-administered with cannabidiol .

Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to tacrolimus extended-release capsules 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.

Administration of oral tacrolimus to pregnant rats after organogenesis and throughout lactation produced maternal toxicity, effects on parturition, reduced pup viability and reduced pup weight at clinically relevant doses (0.8 the maximum recommended clinical dose, on a mg/m 2 basis). Administration of oral tacrolimus to rats prior to mating, and throughout gestation and lactation produced maternal toxicity/lethality, marked effects on parturition, embryofetal loss, malformations, and reduced pup viability at clinically relevant doses (0.8 times the maximum recommended clinical dose, on a mg/m 2 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 Tacrolimus extended-release capsules may increase hyperglycemia in pregnant women with diabetes (including gestational diabetes). Monitor maternal blood glucose levels regularly . Tacrolimus extended-release capsules 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 tacrolimus extended-release capsules. Labor or Delivery There is an increased risk for premature delivery (less than 37 weeks) following transplantation and maternal exposure to tacrolimus extended-release capsules.

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 (less than 37 weeks), low birth weight (less than 2,500 gram), 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 6. 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 kidney 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 6: TPRI-Reported Pregnancy Outcomes in Transplant Recipients with Exposure to Tacrolimus Kidney Liver Pregnancy Outcomes Includes multiple births and terminations. 462 253 Miscarriage 24.5% 25% Live births 331 180 Pre-term delivery (less than 37 weeks) 49% 42% Low birth weight (less than 2,500 gram) 42% 30% Birth defects 8% Birth defect rate confounded by concomitant MPA products exposure in over half of offspring with birth defects. 5% 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 (0.5 times the maximum recommended clinical dose, on a mg/m 2 basis). At 1 mg/kg (1.6 times the maximum 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 (2.6 times the maximum 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 on parturition, and reduced pup viability at 3.2 mg/kg (2.6 times the maximum recommended clinical dose); among these pups that died early, an increased incidence of kidney hydronephrosis was observed.

Reduced pup weight was observed at 1 mg/kg (0.8 times the maximum 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 (2.6 times the maximum recommended clinical dose range). 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 (0.8 times the maximum recommended clinical dose).

Pediatric Use Pediatric use information is approved for Astellas Pharma US, Inc.’s ASTAGRAF XL (tacrolimus extended-release capsules). However, due to Astellas Pharma US, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

Tacrolimus extended-release capsules is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus . Known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus.

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. 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.