Summary of medicine characteristics - Tacforius
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Tacforius 0.5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Tacforius 1 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Tacforius 3 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Tacforius 5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Tacforius 0.5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Each prolonged-release hard capsule contains 0.5 mg tacrolimus (as monohydrate).
Excipient with known effect
Each capsule contains 53.725 mg lactose.
Tacforius 1 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Each prolonged-release hard capsule contains 1 mg tacrolimus (as monohydrate).
Excipient with known effect
Each capsule contains 107.45 mg lactose.
Tacforius 3 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Each prolonged-release hard capsule contains 3 mg tacrolimus (as monohydrate).
Excipient with known effect
Each capsule contains 322.35 mg lactose.
Tacforius 5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Each prolonged-release hard capsule contains 5 mg tacrolimus (as monohydrate).
Excipients with known effect
Each capsule contains 537.25 mg lactose and 0.0154 mg ponceau 4R.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Prolonged-release hard capsule
Tacforius 0.5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Gelatin capsules imprinted with “TR” on the light yellow capsule cap and “0.5 mg” on the light orange capsule body.
Tacforius 1 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Gelatin capsules imprinted with “TR” on the white capsule cap and “1 mg” on the light orange capsule body.
Tacforius 3 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Gelatin capsules imprinted with “TR” on the light orange capsule cap and “3 mg” on the light orange capsule body.
Tacforius 5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Gelatin capsules imprinted with “TR” on the greyish red capsule cap and “5 mg” on the light orange capsule body.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS4.1 Therapeutic indications
Prophylaxis of transplant rejection in adult kidney or liver allograft recipients.
Treatment of allograft rejection resistant to treatment with other immunosuppressive medicinal products in adult patients.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Tacforius is a once-a-day oral formulation of tacrolimus. Tacforius therapy requires careful monitoring by adequately qualified and equipped personnel. This medicinal product should only be prescribed, and changes in immunosuppressive therapy initiated, by physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and the management of transplant patients.
Inadvertent, unintentional or unsupervised switching of immediate- or prolonged-release formulations of tacrolimus is unsafe. This can lead to graft rejection or increased incidence of adverse reactions, including under- or overimmunosuppression, due to clinically relevant differences in systemic exposure to tacrolimus. Patients should be maintained on a single formulation of tacrolimus with the corresponding daily dosing regimen; alterations in formulation or regimen should only take place under the close supervision of a transplant specialist (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). Following conversion to any alternative formulation, therapeutic drug monitoring must be performed and dose adjustments made to ensure that systemic exposure to tacrolimus is maintained.
Posology
The recommended initial doses presented below are intended to act solely as a guideline. Tacforius is routinely administered in conjunction with other immunosuppressive agents in the initial postoperative period. The dose may vary depending upon the immunosuppressive regimen chosen.
Tacforius dosing should primarily be based on clinical assessments of rejection and tolerability in each patient individually aided by blood level monitoring (see below under “Therapeutic drug monitoring”). If clinical signs of rejection are apparent, alteration of the immunosuppressive regimen should be considered.
In de novo kidney and liver transplant patients AUC0–24 of tacrolimus for the prolonged-release capsules on Day 1 was 30% and 50% lower respectively, when compared with that for the immediate release capsules at equivalent doses. By Day 4, systemic exposure as measured by trough levels is similar for both kidney and liver transplant patients with both formulations. Careful and frequent monitoring of tacrolimus trough levels is recommended in the first two weeks post-transplant with Tacforius to ensure adequate drug exposure in the immediate post-transplant period. As tacrolimus is a substance with low clearance, adjustments to the Tacforius dose regimen may take several days before steady state is achieved.
To suppress graft rejection, immunosuppression must be maintained; consequently, no limit to the duration of oral therapy can be given.
Prophylaxis of kidney transplant rejection
Tacforius therapy should commence at a dose of 0.20 – 0.30 mg/kg/day administered once daily in the morning. Administration should commence within 24 hours after the completion of surgery.
Tacforius doses are usually reduced in the post-transplant period. It is possible in some cases to withdraw concomitant immunosuppressive therapy, leading to Tacforius monotherapy. Post-transplant changes in the condition of the patient may alter the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and may necessitate further dose adjustments.
Prophylaxis of liver transplant rejection
Tacforius therapy should commence at a dose of 0.10 – 0.20 mg/kg/day administered once daily in the morning. Administration should commence approximately 12 – 18 hours after the completion of surgery.
Tacforius doses are usually reduced in the post-transplant period. It is possible in some cases to withdraw concomitant immunosuppressive therapy, leading to Tacforius monotherapy. Post-transplant improvement in the condition of the patient may alter the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and may necessitate further dose adjustments.
Conversion of tacrolimus immediate release capsules-treated patients to Tacforius
Allograft transplant patients maintained on twice daily immediate release capsules dosing requiring conversion to once daily Tacforius should be converted on a 1:1 (mg:mg) total daily dose basis. Tacforius should be administered in the morning.
In stable patients converted from tacrolimus immediate release capsules (twice daily) to tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules (once daily) on a 1:1 (mg:mg) total daily dose basis, the systemic exposure to tacrolimus (AUC0–24) for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules was approximately 10% lower than that for tacrolimus immediate release capsules. The relationship between tacrolimus trough levels (C24) and systemic exposure (AUC0–24) for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules is similar to that of tacrolimus immediate release capsules. When converting from tacrolimus immediate release capsules to Tacforius prolonged-release capsules, trough levels should be measured prior to conversion and within two weeks after conversion. Following conversion, tacrolimus trough levels should be monitored and if necessary dose adjustments made to maintain similar systemic exposure. Dose adjustments should be made to ensure that similar systemic exposure is maintained.
Conversion from ciclosporin to tacrolimus
Care should be taken when converting patients from ciclosporin-based to tacrolimus-based therapy (see sections 4.4 and 4.5). The combined administration of ciclosporin and tacrolimus is not recommended. Tacforius therapy should be initiated after considering ciclosporin blood concentrations and the clinical condition of the patient. Dosing should be delayed in the presence of elevated ciclosporin blood levels. In practice, tacrolimus-based therapy has been initiated 12 – 24 hours after discontinuation of ciclosporin. Monitoring of ciclosporin blood levels should be continued following conversion as the clearance of ciclosporin might be affected.
Treatment of allograft rejection
Increased doses of tacrolimus, supplemental corticosteroid therapy, and introduction of short courses of mono-/polyclonal antibodies have all been used to manage rejection episodes. If signs of toxicity such as severe adverse reactions are noted (see section 4.8), the dose of Tacforius may need to be reduced.
Treatment of allograft rejection after kidney or liver transplantation
For conversion from other immunosuppressants to once daily Tacforius, treatment should begin with the initial oral dose recommended in kidney and liver transplantation respectively for prophylaxis of transplant rejection.
Treatment of allograft rejection after heart transplantation
In adult patients converted to Tacforius, an initial oral dose of 0.15 mg/kg/day should be administered once daily in the morning.
Treatment of allograft rejection after transplantation of other allografts
Although there is no clinical experience with tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules in lung-, pancreas- or intestine-transplanted patients, tacrolimus immediate release capsules have been used in lung-transplanted patients at an initial oral dose of 0.10 – 0.15 mg/kg/day, in pancreas-transplanted patients at an initial oral dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day and in intestinal transplantation at an initial oral dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day.
Therapeutic drug monitoring
Dosing should primarily be based on clinical assessments of rejection and tolerability in each individual patient aided by whole blood tacrolimus trough level monitoring.
As an aid to optimise dosing, several immunoassays are available for determining tacrolimus concentrations in whole blood. Comparisons of concentrations from the published literature to individual values in clinical practice should be assessed with care and knowledge of the assay methods employed. In current clinical practice, whole blood levels are monitored using immunoassay methods. The relationship between tacrolimus trough levels (C24) and systemic exposure (AUC0–24) is similar between the two formulations of tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules and tacrolimus immediate release capsules.
Blood trough levels of tacrolimus should be monitored during the post-transplantation period. Tacrolimus blood trough levels should be determined approximately 24 hours post-dosing of Tacforius, just prior to the next dose. Frequent trough level monitoring in the initial two weeks post transplantation is recommended, followed by periodic monitoring during maintenance therapy. Blood trough levels of tacrolimus should also be closely monitored following conversion from tacrolimus immediate release capsules to Tacforius, dose adjustments, changes in the immunosuppressive regimen, or co-administration of substances which may alter tacrolimus whole blood concentrations (see section 4.5). The frequency of blood level monitoring should be based on clinical needs. As tacrolimus is a substance with low clearance, following adjustments to the Tacforius dose regimen it may take several days before the targeted steady state is achieved.
Data from clinical studies suggest that the majority of patients can be successfully managed if tacrolimus blood trough levels are maintained below 20 ng/ml. It is necessary to consider the clinical condition of the patient when interpreting whole blood levels. In clinical practice, whole blood trough levels have generally been in the range 5 – 20 ng/ml in liver transplant recipients and 10 – 20 ng/ml in kidney and heart transplant patients in the early post-transplant period. During subsequent maintenance therapy, blood concentrations have generally been in the range of 5 – 15 ng/ml in liver, kidney and heart transplant recipients.
Special populations
Hepatic impairment
Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with severe liver impairment in order to maintain the tacrolimus blood trough levels within the recommended target range.
Renal impairment
As the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus are unaffected by renal function (see section 5.2), no dose adjustment is required. However, owing to the nephrotoxic potential of tacrolimus careful monitoring of renal function is recommended (including serial serum creatinine concentrations, calculation of creatinine clearance and monitoring of urine output).
Race
In comparison to Caucasians, black patients may require higher tacrolimus doses to achieve similar trough levels.
Gender
There is no evidence that male and female patients require different doses to achieve similar trough levels.
Elderly
There is no evidence currently available to indicate that dosing should be adjusted in the elderly.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Tacforius in children under 18 years of age have not yet been established. Limited data are available but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Method of administration
Tacforius is a once-a-day oral formulation of tacrolimus. It is recommended that the oral daily dose of Tacforius be administered once daily in the morning. Tacforius prolonged-release hard capsules should be taken immediately following removal from the blister. Patients should be advised not to swallow the desiccant. The capsules should be swallowed whole with fluid (preferably water).
Tacforius should generally be administered on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after a meal, to achieve maximal absorption (see section 5.2). A forgotten morning dose should be taken as soon as possible on the same day. A double dose should not be taken on the next morning.
In patients unable to take oral medicinal products during the immediate post-transplant period, tacrolimus therapy can be initiated intravenously (see Summary of Product Characteristics for tacrolimus 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion) at a dose approximately 1/5th of the recommended oral dose for the corresponding indication.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Hypersensitivity to other macrolides.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Medication errors, including inadvertent, unintentional or unsupervised substitution of immediate- or prolonged-release tacrolimus formulations, have been observed. This has led to serious adverse reactions, including graft rejection, or other adverse reactions which could be a consequence of either under- or over-exposure to tacrolimus. Patients should be maintained on a single formulation of tacrolimus with the corresponding daily dosing regimen; alterations in formulation or regimen should only take place under the close supervision of a transplant specialist (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).
Tacforius is not recommended for use in children below 18 years due to limited data on safety and/or efficacy.
For treatment of allograft rejection resistant to treatment with other immunosuppressive medicinal products in adult patients clinical data are not yet available for the prolonged-release formulation of tacrolimus.
For prophylaxis of transplant rejection in adult heart allograft recipients clinical data are not yet available for the prolonged-release formulation of tacrolimus.
During the initial post-transplant period, monitoring of the following parameters should be undertaken on a routine basis: blood pressure, ECG, neurological and visual status, fasting blood glucose levels, electrolytes (particularly potassium), liver and renal function tests, haematology parameters, coagulation values, and plasma protein determinations. If clinically relevant changes are seen, adjustments of the immunosuppressive regimen should be considered.
When substances with a potential for interaction (see section 4.5) – particularly strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (such as telaprevir, boceprevir, ritonavir, ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, telithromycin or clarithromycin) or inducers of CYP3A4 (such as rifampicin, rifabutin) – are being combined with tacrolimus, tacrolimus blood levels should be monitored to adjust the tacrolimus dose as appropriate in order to maintain similar tacrolimus exposure.
Herbal preparations containing St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum ) or other herbal preparations should be avoided when taking tacrolimus due to the risk of interactions that lead to either a decrease in blood concentrations of tacrolimus and reduced clinical effect of tacrolimus, or an increase in blood concentrations of tacrolimus and risk of tacrolimus toxicity (see section 4.5).
The combined administration of ciclosporin and tacrolimus should be avoided and care should be taken when administering tacrolimus to patients who have previously received ciclosporin (see sections 4.2 and 4.5).
High potassium intake or potassium-sparing diuretics should be avoided (see section 4.5).
Certain combinations of tacrolimus with substances known to have nephrotoxic or neurotoxic effects may increase the risk of these effects (see section 4.5).
Immunosuppressants may affect the response to vaccination and vaccination during treatment with tacrolimus may be less effective. The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal perforation has been reported in patients treated with tacrolimus. As gastrointestinal perforation is a medically important event that may lead to a life-threatening or serious condition, adequate treatments should be considered immediately after suspected symptoms or signs occur.
Since levels of tacrolimus in blood may significantly change during diarrhoea episodes, extra monitoring of tacrolimus concentrations is recommended during episodes of diarrhoea.
Cardiac disorders
Ventricular hypertrophy or hypertrophy of the septum, reported as cardiomyopathies, have been observed in patients treated with immediate release tacrolimus on rare occasions and may also occur with prolonged-release tacrolimus. Most cases have been reversible, occurring with tacrolimus blood trough concentrations much higher than the recommended maximum levels. Other factors observed to increase the risk of these clinical conditions included pre-existing heart disease, corticosteroid usage, hypertension, renal or hepatic dysfunction, infections, fluid overload, and oedema. Accordingly, highrisk patients receiving substantial immunosuppression should be monitored, using such procedures as echocardiography or ECG pre- and post-transplant (e.g. initially at 3 months and then at 9 – 12 months). If abnormalities develop, dose reduction of Tacforius, or change of treatment to another immunosuppressive agent should be considered. Tacrolimus may prolong the QT interval and may cause Torsades de Pointes. Caution should be exercised in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, including patients with a personal or family history of QT prolongation, congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias and electrolyte abnormalities. Caution should also be exercised in patients diagnosed or suspected to have Congenital Long QT Syndrome or acquired QT prolongation or patients on concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval, induce electrolyte abnormalities or known to increase tacrolimus exposure (see section 4.5).
Lymphoproliferative disorders and malignancies
Patients treated with tacrolimus have been reported to develop Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (see section 4.8). A combination of immunosuppressives such as antilymphocytic antibodies (e.g. basiliximab, daclizumab) given concomitantly increases the risk of EBV associated lymphoproliferative disorders. EBV-Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA)-negative patients have been reported to have an increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders. Therefore, in this patient group, EBV-VCA serology should be ascertained before starting treatment with Tacforius. During treatment, careful monitoring with EBV-PCR is recommended. Positive EBV-PCR may persist for months and is per se not indicative of lymphoproliferative disease or lymphoma.
As with other potent immunosuppressive compounds, the risk of secondary cancer is unknown (see section 4.8).
As with other immunosuppressive agents, owing to the potential risk of malignant skin changes, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Infections including opportunistic infections
Patients treated with immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus are at increased risk for infections including opportunistic infections (bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoal) such as BK virus associated nephropathy and JC virus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Patients are also at an increased risk of infections with viral hepatitis (for example, hepatitis B and C reactivation and de novo infection, as well as hepatitis E, which may become chronic). These infections are often related to a high total immunosuppressive burden and may lead to serious or fatal conditions that physicians should consider in the differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients with deteriorating hepatic or renal function or neurological symptoms. Prevention and management should be in accordance with appropriate clinical guidance.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
Patients treated with tacrolimus have been reported to develop posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). If patients taking tacrolimus present with symptoms indicating PRES such as headache, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances, a radiological procedure (e.g. MRI) should be performed. If PRES is diagnosed, adequate blood pressure and seizure control and immediate discontinuation of systemic tacrolimus is advised. Most patients completely recover after appropriate measures are taken.
Eye disorders
Eye disorders, sometimes progressing to loss of vision, have been reported in patients treated with tacrolimus. Some cases have reported resolution on switching to alternative immunosuppression. Patients should be advised to report changes in visual acuity, changes in colour vision, blurred vision, or visual field defect, and in such cases, prompt evaluation is recommended with referral to an ophthalmologist as appropriate.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia
Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with tacrolimus. All patients reported risk factors for PRCA such as parvovirus B19 infection, underlying disease or concomitant medications associated with PRCA.
Special populations
There is limited experience in non-Caucasian patients and patients at elevated immunological risk (e.g. retransplantation, evidence of panel reactive antibodies, PRA).
Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with severe liver impairment (see section 4.2).
Excipients
Tacforius capsules contain lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product. Tacforius 5 mg capsules contain ponceau 4R. This may cause allergic reactions.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Systemically available tacrolimus is metabolised by hepatic CYP3A4. There is also evidence of gastrointestinal metabolism by CYP3A4 in the intestinal wall. Concomitant use of substances known to inhibit or induce CYP3A4 may affect the metabolism of tacrolimus and thereby increase or decrease tacrolimus blood levels.
It is strongly recommended to closely monitor tacrolimus blood levels, as well as, QT prolongation (with ECG), renal function and other side effects, whenever substances which have the potential to alter CYP3A4 metabolism or otherwise influence tacrolimus blood levels are used concomitantly, and to interrupt or adjust the tacrolimus dose as appropriate in order to maintain similar tacrolimus exposure (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
CYP3A4 inhibitors potentially leading to increased tacrolimus blood levels
Clinically the following substances have been shown to increase tacrolimus blood levels: Strong interactions have been observed with antifungal agents such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and isavuconazole, the macrolide antibiotic erythromycin, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir), HCV protease inhibitors (e.g. telaprevir, boceprevir, and the combination of ombitasvir and paritaprevir with ritonavir, when used with and without dasabuvir), or the CMV antiviral letermovir, the pharmacokinetic enhancer cobicistat, and the tyrosine kinase inhibitors nilotinib and imatinib. Concomitant use of these substances may require decreased tacrolimus doses in nearly all patients. Pharmacokinetics studies have indicated that the increase in blood levels is mainly a result of increase in oral bioavailability of tacrolimus owing to the inhibition of gastrointestinal metabolism. Effect on hepatic clearance is less pronounced.
Weaker interactions have been observed with clotrimazole, clarithromycin, josamycin, nifedipine, nicardipine, diltiazem, verapamil, amiodarone, danazol, ethinylestradiol, omeprazole, nefazodone and (Chinese) herbal remedies containing extracts of Schisandra sphenanthera.
In vitro the following substances have been shown to be potential inhibitors of tacrolimus metabolism: bromocriptine, cortisone, dapsone, ergotamine, gestodene, lidocaine, mephenytoin, miconazole, midazolam, nilvadipine, norethindrone, quinidine, tamoxifen, (triacetyl)oleandomycin. Grapefruit juice has been reported to increase the blood level of tacrolimus and should therefore be avoided. Lansoprazole and ciclosporin may potentially inhibit CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of tacrolimus and thereby increase tacrolimus whole blood concentrations.
Other interactions potentially leading to increased tacrolimus blood levels
Tacrolimus is extensively bound to plasma proteins. Possible interactions with other active substances known to have high affinity for plasma proteins should be considered (e.g., NSAIDs, oral anticoagulants, or oral antidiabetics).
Other potential interactions that may increase systemic exposure of tacrolimus include prokinetic agents (such as metoclopramide and cisapride), cimetidine and magnesium-aluminium-hydroxide.
CYP3A4 inducers potentially leading to decreased tacrolimus blood levels
Clinically the following substances have been shown to decrease tacrolimus blood levels: Strong interactions have been observed with rifampicin, phenytoin, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum ) which may require increased tacrolimus doses in almost all patients. Clinically significant interactions have also been observed with phenobarbital. Maintenance doses of corticosteroids have been shown to reduce tacrolimus blood levels.
High dose prednisolone or methylprednisolone administered for the treatment of acute rejection have the potential to increase or decrease tacrolimus blood levels.
Carbamazepine, metamizole and isoniazid have the potential to decrease tacrolimus concentrations.
Effect of tacrolimus on the metabolism of other medicinal products
Tacrolimus is a known CYP3A4 inhibitor; thus concomitant use of tacrolimus with medicinal products known to be metabolised by CYP3A4 may affect the metabolism of such medicinal products. The half-life of ciclosporin is prolonged when tacrolimus is given concomitantly. In addition, synergistic/additive nephrotoxic effects can occur. For these reasons, the combined administration of ciclosporin and tacrolimus is not recommended and care should be taken when administering tacrolimus to patients who have previously received ciclosporin (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
Tacrolimus has been shown to increase the blood level of phenytoin.
As tacrolimus may reduce the clearance of steroid-based contraceptives leading to increased hormone exposure, particular care should be exercised when deciding upon contraceptive measures.
Limited knowledge of interactions between tacrolimus and statins is available. Clinical data suggest that the pharmacokinetics of statins are largely unaltered by the co-administration of tacrolimus. Animal data have shown that tacrolimus could potentially decrease the clearance and increase the halflife of pentobarbital and antipyrine.
Mycophenolic acid. Caution should be exercised when switching combination therapy from ciclosporin, which interferes with enterohepatic recirculation of mycophenolic acid, to tacrolimus, which is devoid of this effect, as this might result in changes of mycophenolic acid exposure. Active substances which interfere with mycophenolic acid's enterohepatic cycle have potential to reduce the plasma level and efficacy of mycophenolic acid. Therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid may be appropriate when switching from ciclosporin to tacrolimus or vice versa.
Other interactions leading to clinically detrimental effects
Concurrent use of tacrolimus with medicinal products known to have nephrotoxic or neurotoxic effects may increase these effects (e.g., aminoglycosides, gyrase inhibitors, vancomycin, cotrimoxazole, NSAIDs, ganciclovir or aciclovir).
Enhanced nephrotoxicity has been observed following the administration of amphotericin B and ibuprofen in conjunction with tacrolimus.
As tacrolimus treatment may be associated with hyperkalaemia, or may increase pre-existing hyperkalaemia, high potassium intake, or potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone) should be avoided (see section 4.4).
Immunosuppressants may affect the response to vaccination and vaccination during treatment with tacrolimus may be less effective. The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided (see section 4.4).
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Human data show that tacrolimus crosses the placenta. Limited data from organ transplant recipients show no evidence of an increased risk of adverse reactions on the course and outcome of pregnancy under tacrolimus treatment compared with other immunosuppressive medicinal products. However, cases of spontaneous abortion have been reported. To date, no other relevant epidemiological data are available.
Tacrolimus treatment can be considered in pregnant women, when there is no safer alternative and when the perceived benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. In case of in utero exposure, monitoring of the newborn for the potential adverse reactions of tacrolimus is recommended (in particular effects on the kidneys). There is a risk for premature delivery (<37 week) (incidence of 66 of 123 births, i.e. 53.7%; however, data showed that the majority of the newborns had normal birth weight for their gestational age) as well as for hyperkalaemia in the newborn (incidence 8 of 111 neonates, i.e. 7.2%) which, however normalises spontaneously.
In rats and rabbits, tacrolimus caused embryofoetal toxicity at doses which demonstrated maternal toxicity (see section 5.3).
Breast-feeding
Human data demonstrate that tacrolimus is excreted in breast milk. As detrimental effects on the newborn cannot be excluded, women should not breast-feed whilst receiving Tacforius.
Fertility
A negative effect of tacrolimus on male fertility in the form of reduced sperm counts and motility was observed in rats (see section 5.3).
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Tacrolimus may cause visual and neurological disturbances. This effect may be enhanced if tacrolimus is administered in association with alcohol.
No studies on the effects of tacrolimus on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profile
The adverse reaction profile associated with immunosuppressive agents is often difficult to establish owing to the underlying disease and the concurrent use of multiple medicinal products.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions (occurring in >10% of patients) are tremor, renal impairment, hyperglycaemic conditions, diabetes mellitus, hyperkalaemia, infections, hypertension and insomnia.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined as follows: very common (> 1/10); common (> 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Infections and infestations
As is well known for other potent immunosuppressive agents, patients receiving tacrolimus are frequently at increased risk for infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal). The course of preexisting infections may be aggravated. Both generalised and localised infections can occur.
Cases of BK virus associated nephropathy, as well as cases of JC virus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules.
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified
Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of developing malignancies. Benign as well as malignant neoplasms including EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders and skin malignancies have been reported in association with tacrolimus treatment.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
common: anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, red blood cell analyses abnormal,
leukocytosis
uncommon: coagulopathies, pancytopenia, neutropenia, coagulation and bleeding analyses
abnormal
rare: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hypoprothrombinaemia, thrombotic
microangiopathy
not known: pure red cell aplasia, agranulocytosis, haemolytic anaemia
Immune system disorders
Allergic and anaphylactoid reactions have been observed in patients receiving tacrolimus (see section 4.4).
Endocrine disorders
rare: hirsutism
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
very common: diabetes mellitus, hyperglycaemic conditions, hyperkalaemia
common: metabolic acidoses, other electrolyte abnormalities, hyponatraemia, fluid overload,
hyperuricaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, appetite decreased, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypophosphataemia
uncommon: dehydration, hypoglycaemia, hypoproteinaemia, hyperphosphataemia
Psychiatric disorders
very common: insomnia
common: confusion and disorientation, depression, anxiety symptoms, hallucination, mental
disorders, depressed mood, mood disorders and disturbances, nightmare
uncommon: psychotic disorder
Nervous system disorders
very common: headache, tremor
common: nervous system disorders, seizures, disturbances in consciousness, peripheral
neuropathies, dizziness, paraesthesias and dysaesthesias, writing impaired
uncommon: encephalopathy, central nervous system haemorrhages and cerebrovascular accidents,
coma, speech and language abnormalities, paralysis and paresis, amnesia
rare: hypertonia
very rare: myasthenia
Eye disorders
common: eye disorders, vision blurred, photophobia
uncommon: cataract
rare: blindness
not known: optic neuropathy
Ear and labyrinth disorders
common: tinnitus
uncommon: hypoacusis
rare: deafness neurosensory
very rare: hearing impaired
Cardiac disorders
common: ischaemic coronary artery disorders, tachycardia
uncommon: heart failures, ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, supraventricular arrhythmias,
cardiomyopathies, ventricular hypertrophy, palpitations
rare: pericardial effusion
very rare: Torsades de Pointes
Vascular disorders
very common: hypertension
common: thromboembolic and ischaemic events, vascular hypotensive disorders, haemorrhage,
peripheral vascular disorders
uncommon: venous thrombosis deep limb, shock, infarction
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
common: parenchymal lung disorders, dyspnoea, pleural effusion, cough, pharyngitis, nasal
congestion and inflammations
uncommon: respiratory failures, respiratory tract disorders, asthma
rare: acute respiratory distress syndrome
Gastrointestinal disorders
very common: diarrhoea, nausea
| common: | gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, vomiting, gastrointestinal and abdominal pains, gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal haemorrhages, gastrointestinal ulceration and perforation, ascites, stomatitis and ulceration, constipation, dyspeptic signs and symptoms, flatulence, bloating and distension, loose stools |
| uncommon: | acute and chronic pancreatitis, ileus paralytic, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, impaired gastric emptying |
| rare: | pancreatic pseudocyst, subileus |
Hepatobiliary disorders
| common: | bile duct disorders, hepatocellular damage and hepatitis, cholestasis and jaundice |
| rare: | veno-occlusive liver disease, hepatitic artery thrombosis |
| very rare: | hepatic failure |
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
| common: | rash, pruritus, alopecias, acne, sweating increased |
| uncommon: | dermatitis, photosensitivity |
| rare: | toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell’s syndrome) |
| very rare: | Stevens Johnson syndrome |
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
common: arthralgia, back pain, muscle spasms, pain in extremity
uncommon: joint disorders
rare: mobility decreased
Renal and urinary disorders
very common: renal impairment
common: renal failure, renal failure acute, nephropathy toxic, renal tubular necrosis, urinary
abnormalities, oliguria, bladder and urethral symptoms
uncommon: haemolytic uraemic syndrome, anuria
very rare: nephropathy, cystitis haemorrhagic
Reproductive system and breast disorders
uncommon: dysmenorrhoea and uterine bleeding
General disorders and administration site conditions
| common: uncommon: rare: very rare: not known: | febrile disorders, pain and discomfort, asthenic conditions, oedema, body temperature, perception disturbed influenza like illness, feeling jittery, feeling abnormal, multi-organ failure, chest pressure sensation, temperature intolerance fall, ulcer, chest tightness, thirst fat tissue increased febrile neutropenia |
| Investigations very common: | liver function tests abnormal |
| common: | blood alkaline phosphatase increased, weight increased |
| uncommon: | amylase increased, ECG investigations abnormal, heart rate and pulse investigations |
| very rare: | abnormal, weight decreased, blood lactate dehydrogenase increased echocardiogram abnormal, electrocardiogram QT prolonged |
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications common: primary graft dysfunction
Medication errors, including inadvertent, unintentional or unsupervised substitution of immediate- or prolonged-release tacrolimus formulations, have been observed. A number of associated cases of transplant rejection have been reported (frequency cannot be estimated from available data).
Description of selected adverse reactions
Pain in extremity has been described in a number of published case reports as part of Calcineurin-Inhibitor Induced Pain Syndrome (CIPS). This typically presents as a bilateral and symmetrical, severe, ascending pain in the lower extremities and may be associated with supra-therapeutic levels of tacrolimus. The syndrome may respond to tacrolimus dose reduction. In some cases, it was necessary to switch to alternative immunosuppression.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.
4.9 Overdose
Experience with overdose is limited. Several cases of accidental overdose have been reported with tacrolimus; symptoms have included tremor, headache, nausea and vomiting, infections, urticaria, lethargy and increases in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase levels. No specific antidote to tacrolimus therapy is available. If overdose occurs, general supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be conducted.
Based on its high molecular weight, poor aqueous solubility, and extensive erythrocyte and plasma protein binding, it is anticipated that tacrolimus will not be dialysable. In isolated patients with very high plasma levels, haemofiltration or -diafiltration have been effective in reducing toxic concentrations. In cases of oral intoxication, gastric lavage and/or the use of adsorbents (such as activated charcoal) may be helpful, if used shortly after intake.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunosuppressants, calcineurin inhibitors, ATC code: L04AD02
Mechanism of action
At the molecular level, the effects of tacrolimus appear to be mediated by binding to a cytosolic protein (FKBP12) which is responsible for the intracellular accumulation of the compound. The FKBP12-tacrolimus complex specifically and competitively binds to and inhibits calcineurin, leading to a calcium-dependent inhibition of T-cell signal transduction pathways, thereby preventing transcription of a discrete set of cytokine genes.
Tacrolimus is a highly potent immunosuppressive agent and has proven activity in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.
In particular, tacrolimus inhibits the formation of cytotoxic lymphocytes, which are mainly responsible for graft rejection. Tacrolimus suppresses T-cell activation and T-helper-cell dependent B-cell proliferation, as well as the formation of lymphokines (such as interleukins-2, –3, and Y-interferon) and the expression of the interleukin-2 receptor.
Results from clinical trials performed with once-daily tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules
Liver transplantation
The efficacy and safety of tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules and tacrolimus immediate release capsules, both in combination with corticosteroids, was compared in 471 de novo liver transplant recipients. The event rate of biopsy confirmed acute rejection within the first 24 weeks after transplantation was 32.6% in the tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules group (N=237) and 29.3% in the tacrolimus immediate release capsules group (N=234). The treatment difference (tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules – tacrolimus immediate release capsules) was 3.3% (95% confidence interval [-5.7%, 12.3%]).The 12-month patient survival rates were 89.2% for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules and 90.8% for tacrolimus immediate release capsules; in the tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules arm 25 patients died (14 female, 11 male) and in the tacrolimus immediate release capsules arm 24 patients died (5 female, 19 male). 12-month graft survival was 85.3% for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules and 85.6% for tacrolimus immediate release capsules.
Kidney transplantation
The efficacy and safety oftacrolimus prolonged-release capsules and tacrolimus immediate release capsules, both in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids, was compared in 667 de novo kidney transplant recipients. The event rate for biopsy-confirmed acute rejection within the first 24 weeks after transplantation was 18.6% in the tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules group (N=331) and 14.9% in the tacrolimus immediate release capsules group (N=336). The treatment difference (tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules – tacrolimus immediate release capsules) was 3.8% (95% confidence interval [-2.1%, 9.6%]). The 12-month patient survival rates were 96.9% for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules and 97.5% for tacrolimus immediate release capsules; in the tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules arm 10 patients died (3 female, 7 male) and in the tacrolimus immediate release capsules arm 8 patients died (3 female, 5 male). 12-month graft survival was 91.5% for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules and 92.8% for tacrolimus immediate release capsules.
The efficacy and safety oftacrolimus immediate release capsules, ciclosporin and tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules, all in combination with basiliximab antibody induction, MMF and corticosteroids, was compared in 638 de novo kidney transplant recipients. The incidence of efficacy failure at 12 months (defined as death, graft loss, biopsy-confirmed acute rejection, or lost to followup) was 14.0% in the tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules group (N=214), 15.1% in the tacrolimus immediate release capsules group (N=212) and 17.0% in the ciclosporin group (N=212). The treatment difference was –3.0% (tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules – ciclosporin) (95.2% confidence interval [-9.9%, 4.0%]) for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules vs. ciclosporin and –1.9% (tacrolimus immediate release capsules – ciclosporin) (95.2% confidence interval [-8.9%, 5.2%]) for tacrolimus immediate release capsules vs. ciclosporin. The 12 – month patient survival rates were 98.6% for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules, 95.7% for tacrolimus immediate release capsules and 97.6% for ciclosporin; in the tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules arm 3 patients died (all male), in the tacrolimus immediate release capsules arm 10 patients died (3 female, 7 male) and in the ciclosporin arm 6 patients died (3 female, 3 male). 12 – month graft survival was 96.7% for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules, 92.9% for tacrolimus immediate release capsules and 95.7% for ciclosporin.
Clinical efficacy and safety of tacrolimus immediate release capsules bid in primary organ transplantation
In prospective studies oral tacrolimus immediate release capsules was investigated as primary immunosuppressant in approximately 175 patients following lung, 475 patients following pancreas and 630 patients following intestinal transplantation. Overall, the safety profile of oral tacrolimus immediate release capsules in these published studies appeared to be similar to what was reported in the large studies, where tacrolimus immediate release capsules was used as primary treatment in liver, kidney and heart transplantation. Efficacy results of the largest studies in each indication are summarised below.
Lung transplantation
The interim analysis of a recent multicentre study using oral tacrolimus immediate release capsules discussed 110 patients who underwent 1:1 randomisation to either tacrolimus or ciclosporin. Tacrolimus was started as continuous intravenous infusion at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg/day and oral tacrolimus was administered at a dose of 0.05 to 0.3 mg/kg/day. A lower incidence of acute rejection episodes for tacrolimus- versus ciclosporin-treated patients (11.5% versus 22.6%) and a lower incidence of chronic rejection, the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (2.86% versus 8.57%), was reported within the first year after transplantation. The 1 – year patient survival rate was 80.8% in the tacrolimus and 83% in the ciclosporin group.
Another randomised study included 66 patients on tacrolimus versus 67 patients on ciclosporin. Tacrolimus was started as continuous intravenous infusion at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg/day and oral tacrolimus was administered at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg/day with subsequent dose adjustments to target trough levels of 10 to 20 ng/ml. The 1 – year patient survival was 83% in the tacrolimus and 71% in the ciclosporin group, the 2 – year survival rates were 76% and 66%, respectively. Acute rejection episodes per 100 patient-days were numerically fewer in the tacrolimus (0.85 episodes) than in the ciclosporin group (1.09 episodes). Obliterative bronchiolitis developed in 21.7% of patients in the tacrolimus group compared with 38.0% of patients in the ciclosporin group (p = 0.025). Significantly more ciclosporin-treated patients (n = 13) required a switch to tacrolimus than tacrolimus-treated patients to ciclosporin (n = 2) (p = 0.02) (Keenan et al., Ann Thoracic Surg 1995;60:580).
In an additional two-centre study, 26 patients were randomised to the tacrolimus versus 24 patients to the ciclosporin group. Tacrolimus was started as continuous intravenous infusion at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg/day and oral tacrolimus was administered at a dose of 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg/day with subsequent dose adjustments to target trough levels of 12 to 15 ng/ml. The 1 – year survival rates were 73.1% in the tacrolimus versus 79.2% in the ciclosporin group. Freedom from acute rejection was higher in the tacrolimus group at 6 months (57.7% versus 45.8%) and at 1 year after lung transplantation (50% versus 33.3%).
The three studies demonstrated similar survival rates. The incidences of acute rejection were numerically lower with tacrolimus in all three studies and one of the studies reported a significantly lower incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome with tacrolimus.
Pancreas transplantation
A multicentre study using oral tacrolimus immediate release capsules included 205 patients undergoing simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation who were randomised to tacrolimus (n = 103) or to ciclosporin (n = 102). The initial oral per protocol dose of tacrolimus was 0.2 mg/kg/day with subsequent dose adjustments to target trough levels of 8 to 15 ng/ml by Day 5 and 5 to 10 ng/ml after Month 6. Pancreas survival at 1 year was significantly superior with tacrolimus: 91.3% versus 74.5% with ciclosporin (p < 0.0005), whereas renal graft survival was similar in both groups. In total 34 patients switched treatment from ciclosporin to tacrolimus, whereas only 6 tacrolimus patients required alternative therapy.
Intestinal transplantation
Published clinical experience from a single centre on the use of oral tacrolimus immediate release capsules for primary treatment following intestinal transplantation showed that the actuarial survival rate of 155 patients (65 intestine alone, 75 liver and intestine, and 25 multivisceral) receiving tacrolimus and prednisone was 75% at 1 year, 54% at 5 years, and 42% at 10 years. In the early years the initial oral dose of tacrolimus was 0.3 mg/kg/day. Results continuously improved with increasing experience over the course of 11 years. A variety of innovations, such as techniques for early detection of Epstein-Barr (EBV) and CMV infections, bone marrow augmentation, the adjunct use of the interleukin – 2 antagonist daclizumab, lower initial tacrolimus doses with target trough levels of 10 to 15 ng/ml, and most recently allograft irradiation were considered to have contributed to improved results in this indication over time.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
In man tacrolimus has been shown to be able to be absorbed throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
Available tacrolimus is generally rapidly absorbed. Tacforius is a prolonged-release formulation of tacrolimus resulting in an extended oral absorption profile with an average time to maximum blood concentration (Cmax) of approximately 2 hours (tmax).
Absorption is variable and the mean oral bioavailability of tacrolimus (immediate release capsules formulation) is in the range of 20% – 25% (individual range in adult patients 6% – 43%). The oral bioavailability of tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules was reduced when it was administered after a meal. Both the rate and extent of absorption of tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules were reduced when administered with food.
Bile flow does not influence the absorption of tacrolimus and therefore treatment with Tacforius may commence orally.
A strong correlation exists between AUC and whole blood trough levels at steady-state for tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules. Monitoring of whole blood trough levels therefore provides a good estimate of systemic exposure.
Distribution
In man, the disposition of tacrolimus after intravenous infusion may be described as biphasic.
In the systemic circulation, tacrolimus binds strongly to erythrocytes resulting in an approximate 20:1 distribution ratio of whole blood/plasma concentrations. In plasma, tacrolimus is highly bound (> 98.8%) to plasma proteins, mainly to serum albumin and a – 1-acid glycoprotein.
Tacrolimus is extensively distributed in the body. The steady-state volume of distribution based on plasma concentrations is approximately 1300 l (healthy subjects). Corresponding data based on whole blood averaged 47.6 l.
Metabolism
Tacrolimus is widely metabolised in the liver, primarily by the cytochrome P450 – 3A4. Tacrolimus is also considerably metabolised in the intestinal wall. There are several metabolites identified. Only one of these has been shown in vitro to have immunosuppressive activity similar to that of tacrolimus. The other metabolites have only weak or no immunosuppressive activity. In systemic circulation only one of the inactive metabolites is present at low concentrations. Therefore, metabolites do not contribute to the pharmacological activity of tacrolimus.
Excretion
Tacrolimus is a low-clearance substance. In healthy subjects, the average total body clearance estimated from whole blood concentrations was 2.25 l/h. In adult liver, kidney and heart transplant patients, values of 4.1 l/h, 6.7 l/h and 3.9 l/h, respectively, have been observed. Factors such as low haematocrit and protein levels, which result in an increase in the unbound fraction of tacrolimus, or corticosteroid-induced increased metabolism, are considered to be responsible for the higher clearance rates observed following transplantation.
The half-life of tacrolimus is long and variable. In healthy subjects, the mean half-life in whole blood is approximately 43 hours.
Following intravenous and oral administration of 14C-labelled tacrolimus, most of the radioactivity was eliminated in the faeces. Approximately 2% of the radioactivity was eliminated in the urine. Less than 1% of unchanged tacrolimus was detected in the urine and faeces, indicating that tacrolimus is almost completely metabolised prior to elimination: bile being the principal route of elimination.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
The kidneys and the pancreas were the primary organs affected in toxicity studies performed in rats and baboons. In rats, tacrolimus caused toxic effects to the nervous system and the eyes. Reversible cardiotoxic effects were observed in rabbits following intravenous administration of tacrolimus.
When tacrolimus is administered intravenously as rapid infusion/bolus injection at a dose of 0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg, QTc prolongation has been observed in some animal species. Peak blood concentrations achieved with these doses were above 150 ng/ml which is more than 6 – fold higher than mean peak concentrations observed with tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules in clinical transplantation.
Embryofoetal toxicity was observed in rats and rabbits and was limited to doses that caused significant toxicity in maternal animals. In rats, female reproductive function including birth was impaired at toxic doses and the offspring showed reduced birth weights, viability and growth.
A negative effect of tacrolimus on male fertility in the form of reduced sperm counts and motility was observed in rats.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS6.1 List of excipients
Capsule content
Ethylcellulose
Hypromellose 2910
Lactose monohydrate
Magnesium stearate
Capsule shell
Tacforius 0.5 mg / 1 mg / 3 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Red iron oxide (E172)
Yellow iron oxide (E172)
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Gelatin
Tacforius 5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Red iron oxide (E172)
Yellow iron oxide (E172)
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Black iron oxide (E172)
Ponceau 4R (E124)
Gelatin
Printing ink
Shellac
Propylene glycol
Black iron oxide (E172)
Potassium hydroxide
6.2 Incompatibilities
Tacrolimus is not compatible with PVC (polyvinylchloride). Tubing, syringes and other equipment used to prepare a suspension of Tacforius capsule contents must not contain PVC.
6.3 Shelf life
Tacforius 0.5 mg / 1 mg prolonged-release hard capsules 2 years
Tacforius 3 mg / 5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules 30 months
After opening the aluminium wrapper: 1 year
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture.
This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Transparent PVC/PVDC aluminium blister or perforated unit-dose blister wrapped in an aluminium pouch with a desiccant containing 10 capsules per blister.
Tacforius 0.5 mg / 3 mg / 5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Pack sizes: 30, 50 and 100 prolonged-release hard capsules in blisters or 30×1, 50×1 and 100×1 prolonged-release hard capsules in perforated unit-dose blisters.
Tacforius 1 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Pack sizes: 30, 50, 60 and 100 prolonged-release hard capsules in blisters or 30×1, 50×1, 60×1 and 100×1 prolonged-release hard capsules in perforated unit-dose blisters.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Teva B.V.
Swensweg 5
2031GA Haarlem
Netherlands
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
Tacforius 0.5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
EU/1/17/1244/001
EU/1/17/1244/002
EU/1/17/1244/003
EU/1/17/1244/004
EU/1/17/1244/005
EU/1/17/1244/006
Tacforius 1 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
EU/1/17/1244/007
EU/1/17/1244/008
EU/1/17/1244/009
EU/1/17/1244/010
EU/1/17/1244/011
EU/1/17/1244/012
EU/1/17/1244/013
EU/1/17/1244/014
Tacforius 3 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
EU/1/17/1244/015
EU/1/17/1244/016
EU/1/17/1244/017
EU/1/17/1244/018
EU/1/17/1244/019
EU/1/17/1244/020
Tacforius 5 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
EU/1/17/1244/021
EU/1/17/1244/022
EU/1/17/1244/023
EU/1/17/1244/024
EU/1/17/1244/025
EU/1/17/1244/026
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 8 December 2017