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Updated: May 8, 2026
08:38
Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Conversion to prolonged release tacrolimus formulation in stable kidney transplant recipients
Sheng-Wen Wu1, Hui-Ching Tsai, Pao-Yu Tsai
1The School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; s41111.tw@yahoo.com.tw.
Swiss Medical Weekly
|August 30, 2013
Summary
Converting stable kidney transplant patients from twice-daily Prograf to once-daily Advagraf showed a drop in tacrolimus levels but no significant change in kidney function. High discontinuation rates may increase rejection risks, suggesting individualized conversion strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Once-daily Advagraf (tacrolimus) may improve adherence in kidney transplant recipients.
- Limited data exists on late conversion from twice-daily Prograf (tacrolimus) to Advagraf.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of converting stable kidney transplant recipients from Prograf to Advagraf in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- 199 stable kidney transplant recipients were converted from Prograf to Advagraf.
- Patients were monitored monthly for six months post-conversion.
- Efficacy assessed by tacrolimus trough levels and serum creatinine; safety by adverse events like rejection.
Main Results:
- A mean 13.5% decrease in tacrolimus trough levels was observed one month post-conversion.
- No significant difference in mean serum creatinine levels was found between conversion and six months.
- 17% discontinued Advagraf, and 1% experienced biopsy-proved acute rejection.
Conclusions:
- High discontinuation rates of Advagraf may elevate the risk of allograft rejection and costs.
- Individualized conversion strategies to Advagraf are recommended in clinical practice.
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