Impact of Conversion From Advagraf to Twice-Daily Generic Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Study—A 3-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND The conversion of twice-daily (Prograf) to once-daily tacrolimus (Advagraf) as well as from Prograf to a generic tacrolimus preparation was proved to be safe in kidney transplant patients. There are no published studies comparing the clinical outcomes of patients who were receiving Advagraf and were switched to generic preparations of tacrolimus. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact, safety profile, side effects, and renal graft function after the conversion of Advagraf to a generic preparation of tacrolimus. POPULATION AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted over a 9-month period. The conversion to twice-daily generic tacrolimus was performed on a 1 mg:1 mg basis, total daily dose. We included 123 kidney transplant recipients (55% male). The mean (± SD) age was 49.9 ± 12 years. There were 100 (81%) Caucasian patients; the mean (± SD) time from transplantation to conversion was 4.6 ± 4.4 years. RESULTS A significant increase in blood levels (18%; P = .000) was reported. There was a necessary tacrolimus dose reduction of 17% (P = .000) and ≥ 3 blood trough levels to adjust the initial tacrolimus blood levels. The mean serum creatinine remained stable before conversion, at months 1 and 6 (1.40, 1.43, and 1.46 mg/dL, respectively). Significant adverse effects were reported in 9% of our patients. There were no episodes of acute rejection or graft loss during the study. CONCLUSIONS The conversion proved to be safe. A drug reduction was necessary to ensure stable renal function and good tolerability.