Advagraf(®) , a once-daily prolonged release tacrolimus formulation, in kidney transplantation: literature review and guidelines from a panel of experts

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of tacrolimus twice-a-day (BID) and once-a-day (QD) formulations are similar. However, the available information regarding the initiation and management of tacrolimus QD is sparse and practical information is lacking. A panel of French experts extensively reviewed the available literature on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety in kidney transplantation and, based on their own day-to-day experience, provided the practitioners with practical guidelines for the daily use and management of tacrolimus QD in de novo initiation or early conversion.

Keywords: clinical practice; extended release tacrolimus; immunosuppression; kidney transplant; therapeutic drug monitoring.