Tacrolimus for the prevention and treatment of rejection of solid organ transplants. (3rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scalea, Joseph R.; Levi, Shoshana T.; Ally, Winston; Brayman, Kenneth L.
• Is Part Of: Expert review of clinical immunology. Volume 12:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 342
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03
• Subjects: Transplant -- antirejection -- maintenance immunosuppression -- calcineurin inhibition; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1586/1744666X.2016.1123093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-666X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Since its introduction to the antirejection armamentarium in 1994, tacrolimus has become the workhorse of transplant professionals for avoidance of solid organ transplant rejection. Not only does tacrolimus have potent immunosuppressive qualities that prevent rejection, but dosing is straight forward and it is generally well tolerated. However, in the long term, conditions such as calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity can become a problem. A discussion of the compound, the pharmacokinetics, history, and current approved uses for tacrolimus is described. Indeed, tacrolimus is the most important drug for preventing transplant rejection. However, the increased appreciation for significant side effects, particularly in the long term, has led to building interest in new agents with different mechanisms of action and different metabolism.