J Korean Soc Transplant.  2016 Jun;30(2):77-81. 10.4285/jkstn.2016.30.2.77.

Single Center Experiences of Conversion from Twice-daily Tacrolimus (Prograf) to Once-daily Tacrolimus (Advagraf) in Stable Liver Transplant Recipients

• Kim TS
• Ahn KS
• Kim YH
• Kim HT
• Kang KJ

• KMID: 2327966
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/jkstn.2016.30.2.77

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Patient adherence to immunosuppressant regimens after organ transplant is crucial to preserve graft function, and simplifying the regimen improves adherence. In this study, our experience of conversion from twice-daily (b.i.d.) to once-daily (q.d.) tacrolimus (TAC) in stable liver transplant recipients is reviewed and the proper conversion regimen is investigated.
METHODS
Between November 2011 and August 2012, the regimen was converted in 32 stable liver transplant recipients, and data on the conversions gathered retrospectively from medical records. TAC trough level, dose, and laboratory findings were evaluated at preconversion and 1 to 12 months after conversion.
RESULTS
Conversion from b.i.d. to q.d. regimen was based on 1:1 proportion in 16 patients and dose escalation in 16 patients. The mean conversion time after transplant was 56.8 months (range; 21~94). Reconversion to b.i.d. regimen was needed in nine patients. Among these patients, seven patients needed titration due to elevated liver enzyme. The trough level decreased significantly after conversion (from 4.7 to 3.1 ng/mL) in patients with conversion at 1:1 proportion, while increasing slightly without statistical significance (3.7 to 4.0 ng/mL) in patients with dose escalation. At 1 year after conversion, dose adjustment was required to preserve trough level and graft function in 14 patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our results, TAC q.d. formulation can be a useful option to improve adherence in stable liver transplant recipients. However, dose titration should be considered for preserving proper trough level in case of low TAC level or TAC single regimen.

Keyword

Tacrolimus; Immunosuppression; Once-daily tacrolimus

MeSH Terms

Humans
Immunosuppression
Liver*
Medical Records
Patient Compliance
Retrospective Studies
Tacrolimus*
Transplant Recipients*
Transplants
Tacrolimus

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Trough level change at 1 month after conversion (n=32).

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