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WARNING: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE, USE WITH CORTICOSTERIODS, RISKS WITH INAPPROPRIATE SWITCHING, and MONITORING CYCLOSPORINE BLOOD LEVELS Recommendations for Use Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should prescribe Sandimmune. Patients receiving Sandimmune should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physician responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient. Use with Corticosteroids Sandimmune should be administered with adrenal corticosteroids but not with other immunosuppressive agents. Increased susceptibility to infection and the possible development of lymphoma may result from immunosuppression. Risks with Inappropriate Switching Between Neoral Capsules (MODIFIED) and Sandimmune Capsules Do not switch between Sandimmune capsules, 25 mg to Neoral capsules, MODIFIED, 25 mg (or between Sandimmune capsules, 100 mg to Neoral capsules, MODIFIED 100 mg) on a mg-to-mg basis to achieve the same total daily cyclosporine dosage. Inappropriate switching may lead to increased cyclosporine exposure which may increase the risk of cyclosporine-associated adverse reactions or decreased cyclosporine exposure which may decrease the efficacy of cyclosporine. Monitoring Cyclosporine Blood Levels The absorption of cyclosporine during chronic administration of Sandimmune capsules was found to be erratic. It is recommended that patients taking the Sandimmune capsules over a period of time be monitored at repeated intervals for cyclosporine blood concentrations and subsequent dosage adjustments be made in order to avoid toxicity due to high concentrations and possible organ rejection due to low absorption of cyclosporine. This is of special importance in liver transplants. Numerous assays are being developed to measure blood concentrations of cyclosporine. Comparison of concentrations in published literature to patient concentrations using current assays must be done with detailed knowledge of the assay methods employed (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Blood Concentration Monitoring) .
DESCRIPTION Cyclosporine, the active principle in Sandimmune (cyclosporine capsules) and in Sandimmune (cyclosporine injection) is a cyclic polypeptide immunosuppressant agent consisting of 11 amino acids. It is produced as a metabolite by the fungus species Beauveria nivea . Chemically, cyclosporine is designated as [ R -[ R *, R *-( E )]]-cyclic(L-alanyl-D-alanyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl- N -methyl-L-valyl-3-hydroxy- N ,4-dimethyl-L-2-amino-6-octenoyl-L-α-amino-butyryl- N -methylglycyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl-L-valyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl). The chemical structure of cyclosporine (also known as cyclosporin A) is Sandimmune ® (cyclosporine capsules) USP are available in 25 mg and 100 mg strengths. Each 25 mg capsule contains: cyclosporine, USP…………………………………………………………………………………………25 mg alcohol, USP dehydrated………………………………………………………………max 12.7% by volume Each 100 mg capsule contains: cyclosporine, USP……………………………………………………………………………………….100 mg alcohol, USP dehydrated………………………………………………………………max 12.7% by volume Inactive ingredients include corn oil, gelatin, iron oxide red, linoleoyl macrogolglycerides, sorbitol, and titanium dioxide. May also contain glycerol. 100 mg capsules may contain iron oxide yellow. Sandimmune ® (cyclosporine injection) USP is available in a 5 mL sterile ampul for intravenous administration. Each mL contains: cyclosporine, USP…………………………………………………………………………………………50 mg *Cremophor ® EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil)………………………………………………………..650 mg alcohol, Ph. Helv. ……………………………………………………………………………32.9% by volume nitrogen………………………………………………………………………………………………………….qs The injection must be diluted further with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection using appropriate aseptic technique before use. chemical structure of cyclosporine
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent, which in animals prolongs survival of allogeneic transplants involving skin, heart, kidney, pancreas, bone marrow, small intestine, and lung. Cyclosporine has been demonstrated to suppress some humoral immunity and to a greater extent, cell-mediated reactions, such as allograft rejection, delayed hypersensitivity, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, Freund’s adjuvant arthritis, and graft vs. host disease in many animal species for a variety of organs. Successful kidney, liver, and heart allogeneic transplants have been performed in man using cyclosporine. The exact mechanism of action of cyclosporine is not known. Experimental evidence suggests that the effectiveness of cyclosporine is due to specific and reversible inhibition of immunocompetent lymphocytes in the G 0 - or G 1 -phase of the cell cycle. T-lymphocytes are preferentially inhibited. The T-helper cell is the main target, although the T-suppressor cell may also be suppressed. Cyclosporine also inhibits lymphokine production and release, including interleukin-2 or T-cell growth factor (TCGF). No functional effects on phagocytic (changes in enzyme secretions not altered, chemotactic migration of granulocytes, macrophage migration, carbon clearance in vivo ) or tumor cells (growth rate, metastasis) can be detected in animals. Cyclosporine does not cause bone marrow suppression in animal models or man. Pharmacokinetics The absorption of cyclosporine from the gastrointestinal tract is incomplete and variable. Peak concentrations (C max ) in blood and plasma are achieved at about 3.5 hours. C max and area under the plasma or blood concentration/time curve (AUC) increase with the administered dosage; for blood, the relationship is curvilinear (parabolic) between 0 and 1400 mg. As determined by a specific assay, C max is approximately 1.0 ng/mL/mg of dose for plasma and 2.7 to 1.4 ng/mL/mg of dose for blood (for low to high doses). Compared to an intravenous infusion, the absolute bioavailability of soft gelatin capsules is approximately 30%. Cyclosporine is distributed largely outside the blood volume. In blood, the distribution is concentration dependent. Approximately 33% to 47% is in plasma, 4% to 9% in lymphocytes, 5% to 12% in granulocytes, and 41% to 58% in erythrocytes. At high concentrations, the uptake by leukocytes and erythrocytes becomes saturated. In plasma, approximately 90% is bound to proteins, primarily lipoproteins. The disposition of cyclosporine from blood is biphasic with a terminal half-life of approximately 19 hours (range, 10 to 27 hours). Elimination is primarily biliary with only 6% of the dose excreted in the urine. Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized but there is no major metabolic pathway. Only 0.1% of the dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug. Of 15 metabolites characterized in human urine, 9 have been assigned structures. The major pathways consist of hydroxylation of the Cγ-carbon of 2 of the leucine residues, Cη-carbon hydroxylation, and cyclic ether formation (with oxidation of the double bond) in the side chain of the amino acid 3-hydroxyl- N ,4-dimethyl-L-2-amino-6-octenoic acid and N -demethylation of N -methyl leucine residues. Hydrolysis of the cyclic peptide chain or conjugation of the aforementioned metabolites do not appear to be important biotransformation pathways.
with oxidation of the double bond) in the side chain of the amino acid 3-hydroxyl- N ,4-dimethyl-L-2-amino-6-octenoic acid and N -demethylation of N -methyl leucine residues. Hydrolysis of the cyclic peptide chain or conjugation of the aforementioned metabolites do not appear to be important biotransformation pathways. Pharmacokinetics in Specific Populations Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Renal Impairment In a study performed in 4 subjects with end-stage renal disease (creatinine clearance < 5 mL/min), an intravenous infusion of 3.5 mg/kg of cyclosporine over 4 hours administered at the end of a hemodialysis session resulted in a mean volume of distribution (Vdss) of 3.49 L/kg and systemic clearance (CL) of 0.369 L/hr/kg. This systemic CL (0.369 L/hr/kg) was approximately two thirds of the mean systemic CL (0.56 L/hr/kg) of cyclosporine in historical control subjects with normal renal function. In 5 liver transplant patients, the mean clearance of cyclosporine on and off hemodialysis was 463 mL/min and 398 mL/min, respectively. Less than 1% of the dose of cyclosporine was recovered in the dialysate. Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized by the liver. Since severe hepatic impairment may result in significantly increased cyclosporine exposures, the dosage of cyclosporine may need to be reduced in these patients.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sandimmune capsules and Sandimmune injection, in combination with adrenal corticosteroids, are indicated for the: Prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney, liver, and heart allogeneic transplants. Treatment of chronic rejection in patients previously treated with other immunosuppressive agents. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, Sandimmune injection should be reserved for patients who are unable to take the Sandimmune capsules.
CONTRAINDICATIONS Sandimmune capsules and Sandimmune injection are contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity reaction to cyclosporine. Sandimmune injection is also contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to Cremophor ® EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil).
WARNINGS Kidney, Liver, and Heart Transplant Sandimmune, when used in high dosages, can cause hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity (see BOXED WARNING) . Nephrotoxicity It is not unusual for serum creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels to be elevated during Sandimmune therapy. These elevations in renal transplant patients do not necessarily indicate rejection, and each patient must be fully evaluated before dosage adjustment is initiated. Nephrotoxicity has been noted in 25% of cases of renal transplantation, 38% of cases of cardiac transplantation, and 37% of cases of liver transplantation. Mild nephrotoxicity was generally noted 2 to 3 months after transplant and consisted of an arrest in the fall of the preoperative elevations of BUN and creatinine at a range of 35 to 45 mg/dl and 2.0 to 2.5 mg/dl, respectively. These elevations were often responsive to dosage reduction. More overt nephrotoxicity was seen early after transplantation and was characterized by a rapidly rising BUN and creatinine. Since these events are similar to rejection episodes, care must be taken to differentiate between them. This form of nephrotoxicity is usually responsive to Sandimmune dosage reduction. Although specific diagnostic criteria which reliably differentiate renal graft rejection from drug toxicity have not been found, a number of parameters have been significantly associated to one or the other. It should be noted however, that up to 20% of patients may have simultaneous nephrotoxicity and rejection. a p < 0.05, b p < 0.01, c p < 0.001, d p < 0.0001. Nephrotoxicity vs.
te renal graft rejection from drug toxicity have not been found, a number of parameters have been significantly associated to one or the other. It should be noted however, that up to 20% of patients may have simultaneous nephrotoxicity and rejection. a p < 0.05, b p < 0.01, c p < 0.001, d p < 0.0001. Nephrotoxicity vs. Rejection Parameter Nephrotoxicity Rejection History Donor > 50 years old or hypotensive Antidonor immune response Prolonged kidney preservation Retransplant patient Prolonged anastomosis time Concomitant nephrotoxic drugs Clinical Often > 6 weeks postop b Often < 4 weeks postop b Prolonged initial nonfunction (acute tubular necrosis) Fever > 37.5°C Weight gain > 0.5 kg Graft swelling and tenderness Decrease in daily urine volume > 500 mL (or 50%) Laboratory CyA serum trough level > 200 ng/mL CyA serum trough level < 150 ng/mL Gradual rise in Cr (< 0.15 mg/dL/day) a Rapid rise in Cr (> 0.3 mg/dL/day) a Cr plateau < 25% above baseline Cr > 25% above baseline BUN/Cr ≥ 20 BUN/Cr < 20 Biopsy Arteriolopathy (medial hypertrophy a , hyalinosis, nodular deposits, intimal thickening, endothelial vacuolization, progressive scarring) Endovasculitis c (proliferation a , intimal arteritis b , necrosis, sclerosis) Tubular atrophy, isometric vacuolization, isolated calcifications Tubulitis with RBC b and WBC b casts, some irregular vacuolization Minimal edema Interstitial edema c and hemorrhage b Mild focal infiltrates c Diffuse moderate to severe mononuclear infiltrates d Diffuse interstitial fibrosis, often striped form Glomerulitis (mononuclear cells) c Aspiration Cytology CyA deposits in tubular and endothelial cells Inflammatory infiltrate with mononuclear phagocytes, macrophages, lymphoblastoid cells, and activated T-cells Fine isometric vacuolization of tubular cells These strongly express HLA-DR antigens Urine Cytology Tubular cells with vacuolization and granularization Degenerative tubular cells, plasma cells, and lymphocyturia > 20% of sediment Manometry Intracapsular pressure < 40 mm Hg b Intracapsular pressure > 40 mm Hg b Ultrasonography Unchanged graft cross-sectional area Increase in graft cross-sectional area AP diameter ≥ Transverse diameter Magnetic Resonance Imagery Normal appearance Loss of distinct corticomedullary junction, swelling, image intensity of parachyma approaching that of psoas, loss of hilar fat Radionuclide Scan Normal or generally decreased perfusion Patchy arterial flow Decrease in tubular function Decrease in perfusion > decrease in tubular function ( 131 I-hippuran) > decrease in perfusion ( 99m Tc DTPA) Increased uptake of Indium 111 labeled platelets or Tc-99m in colloid Therapy Responds to decreased cyclosporine Responds to increased steroids or antilymphocyte globulin A form of chronic progressive cyclosporine-associated nephrotoxicity is characterized by serial deterioration in renal function and morphologic changes in the kidneys. From 5% to 15% of transplant recipients will fail to show a reduction in a rising serum creatinine despite a decrease or discontinuation of cyclosporine therapy. Renal biopsies from these patients will demonstrate an interstitial fibrosis with tubular atrophy. In addition, toxic tubulopathy, peritubular capillary congestion, arteriolopathy, and a striped form of interstitial fibrosis with tubular atrophy may be present. Though none of these morphologic changes are entirely specific, a histologic diagnosis of chronic progressive cyclosporine-associated nephrotoxicity requires evidence of these. When considering the development of chronic nephrotoxicity, it is noteworthy that several authors have reported an association between the appearance of interstitial fibrosis and higher cumulative dosage or persistently high circulating trough concentrations of cyclosporine.
d nephrotoxicity requires evidence of these. When considering the development of chronic nephrotoxicity, it is noteworthy that several authors have reported an association between the appearance of interstitial fibrosis and higher cumulative dosage or persistently high circulating trough concentrations of cyclosporine. This is particularly true during the first 6 posttransplant months when the dosage tends to be highest and when, in kidney recipients, the organ appears to be most vulnerable to the toxic effects of cyclosporine. Among other contributing factors to the development of interstitial fibrosis in these patients must be included, prolonged perfusion time, warm ischemia time, as well as episodes of acute toxicity, and acute and chronic rejection. The reversibility of interstitial fibrosis and its correlation to renal function have not yet been determined. Impaired renal function at any time requires close monitoring, and frequent dosage adjustment may be indicated. In patients with persistent high elevations of BUN and creatinine who are unresponsive to dosage adjustments, consideration should be given to switching to other immunosuppressive therapy. In the event of severe and unremitting rejection, it is preferable to allow the kidney transplant to be rejected and removed rather than increase the Sandimmune dosage to a very high level in an attempt to reverse the rejection. Due to the potential for additive or synergistic impairment of renal function, caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of Sandimmune with other drugs that may impair renal function (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions) . Thrombotic Microangiopathy Occasionally patients have developed a syndrome of thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia which may result in graft failure. The vasculopathy can occur in the absence of rejection and is accompanied by avid platelet consumption within the graft as demonstrated by Indium 111 labeled platelet studies. Neither the pathogenesis nor the management of this syndrome is clear. Though resolution has occurred after reduction or discontinuation of Sandimmune and 1) administration of streptokinase and heparin or 2) plasmapheresis, this appears to depend upon early detection with Indium 111 labeled platelet scans (see ADVERSE REACTIONS) . Hyperkalemia Significant hyperkalemia (sometimes associated with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis) and hyperuricemia have been seen occasionally in individual patients. Hepatotoxicity Cases of hepatotoxicity and liver injury, including cholestasis, jaundice, hepatitis, and liver failure have been reported in patients treated with cyclosporine. Most reports included patients with significant co-morbidities, underlying conditions and other confounding factors, including infectious complications and comedications with hepatotoxic potential. In some cases, mainly in transplant patients, fatal outcomes have been reported (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Postmarketing Experience) . Hepatotoxicity, usually manifested by elevations in hepatic enzymes and bilirubin, was reported in patients treated with cyclosporine in clinical trials: 4% in renal transplantation, 7% in cardiac transplantation, and 4% in liver transplantation. This was usually noted during the first month of therapy when high dosage of Sandimmune (cyclosporine) were used. The chemistry elevations usually decreased with a reduction in dosage. Malignancies As in patients receiving other immunosuppressants, those patients receiving Sandimmune are at increased risk for development of lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly those of the skin. The increased risk appears related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of specific agents.
in patients receiving other immunosuppressants, those patients receiving Sandimmune are at increased risk for development of lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly those of the skin. The increased risk appears related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of specific agents. Because of the danger of oversuppression of the immune system, which can also increase susceptibility to infection, Sandimmune should not be administered with other immunosuppressive agents except adrenal corticosteroids. The efficacy and safety of cyclosporine in combination with other immunosuppressive agents have not been determined. Some malignancies may be fatal. Transplant patients receiving cyclosporine are at increased risk for serious infection with fatal outcome. Serious Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Sandimmune, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections. These infections may lead to serious, including fatal, outcomes (see BOXED WARNING and ADVERSE REACTIONS) . Polyoma Virus Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Sandimmune, are at increased risk for opportunistic infections, including polyoma virus infections. Polyoma virus infections in transplant patients may have serious, and sometimes, fatal outcomes. These include cases of JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), especially due to BK virus infection, which have been observed in patients receiving cyclosporine. PVAN is associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss, (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Postmarketing Experience) . Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for PVAN. Cases of PML have been reported in patients treated with Sandimmune. PML, which is sometimes fatal, commonly presents with hemiparesis, apathy, confusion, cognitive deficiencies, and ataxia. Risk factors for PML include treatment with immunosuppressant therapies and impairment of immune function. In immunosuppressed patients, physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients reporting neurological symptoms and consultation with a neurologist should be considered as clinically indicated. Consideration should be given to reducing the total immunosuppression in transplant patients who develop PML or PVAN. However, reduced immunosuppression may place the graft at risk. Neurotoxicity There have been reports of convulsions in adult and pediatric patients receiving cyclosporine, particularly in combination with high-dosage methylprednisolone. Encephalopathy, including Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), has been described both in postmarketing reports and in the literature. Manifestations include impaired consciousness, convulsions, visual disturbances (including blindness), loss of motor function, movement disorders, and psychiatric disturbances. In many cases, changes in the white matter have been detected using imaging techniques and pathologic specimens. Predisposing factors such as hypertension, hypomagnesemia, hypocholesterolemia, high-dosage corticosteroids, high cyclosporine blood concentrations, and graft-versus-host disease have been noted in many but not all of the reported cases. The changes in most cases have been reversible upon discontinuation of cyclosporine, and in some cases, improvement was noted after reduction of dosage. It appears that patients receiving liver transplant are more susceptible to encephalopathy than those receiving kidney transplant.
y but not all of the reported cases. The changes in most cases have been reversible upon discontinuation of cyclosporine, and in some cases, improvement was noted after reduction of dosage. It appears that patients receiving liver transplant are more susceptible to encephalopathy than those receiving kidney transplant. Another rare manifestation of cyclosporine-induced neurotoxicity is optic disc edema, including papilloedema, with possible visual impairment, secondary to benign intracranial hypertension. Anaphylactic Reactions Rarely (approximately 1 in 1000), patients receiving Sandimmune injection have experienced anaphylactic reactions. Although the exact cause of these reactions is unknown, it is believed to be due to the Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil) used as the vehicle in the Sandimmune injection formulation. These reactions can consist of flushing of the face and upper thorax, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, with acute respiratory distress, dyspnea, wheezing, blood pressure changes, and tachycardia. One patient died after respiratory arrest and aspiration pneumonia. In some cases, the reaction subsided after the infusion was stopped. Patients receiving Sandimmune injection should be under continuous observation for at least the first 30 minutes following the start of the infusion and at frequent intervals thereafter. If anaphylaxis occurs, the infusion should be stopped. An aqueous solution of epinephrine 1:1000 should be available at the bedside as well as a source of oxygen. Anaphylactic reactions have not been reported with the soft gelatin capsules, which lack Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil). In fact, patients experiencing anaphylactic reactions have been treated subsequently with the soft gelatin capsules without incident. Alcohol (ethanol) The alcohol content (see DESCRIPTION) of Sandimmune should be considered when given to patients in whom alcohol intake should be avoided or minimized, e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding women, in patients presenting with liver disease or epilepsy, in alcoholic patients, or pediatric patients. For an adult weighing 70 kg, the maximum daily oral dosage would deliver about 1 gram of alcohol (see DESCRIPTION for alcohol content of each formulation). Care should be taken in using Sandimmune with nephrotoxic drugs (see PRECAUTIONS) . Risks with Inappropriate Switching Between Neoral Capsules (MODIFIED) and Sandimmune Capsules Do not switch between Sandimmune capsules to Neoral capsules, MODIFIED on a mg-to-mg basis to achieve the same total daily cyclosporine dosage. Sandimmune (cyclosporine capsules), 25 mg and 100 mg and Neoral (cyclosporine capsules), MODIFIED 25 mg and 100 mg are not mutually substitutable on a mg-to-mg basis due to differences in pharmacokinetic profiles. Inappropriate switching from Sandimmune capsules to Neoral capsules MODIFIED, increases cyclosporine exposure which may increase the risk of cyclosporine-associated adverse reactions. Inappropriate switching from Neoral capsules, MODIFIED, to Sandimmune capsules decreases cyclosporine exposure which may decrease the efficacy of cyclosporine for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney, liver, and heart allogeneic transplants or treatment of chronic rejection in patients previously treated with other immunosuppressive agents. For recommendations on how to switch between Sandimmune capsules and Neoral capsules, including increasing the frequency of blood cyclosporine concentration monitoring, see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
<table width="100%"><col width="20%"/><col width="40%"/><col width="40%"/><tfoot><tr><td colspan="3"><sup>a</sup>p < 0.05, <sup>b</sup>p < 0.01, <sup>c</sup>p < 0.001, <sup>d</sup>p < 0.0001.</td></tr></tfoot><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Toprule " colspan="2" valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Nephrotoxicity vs.
="40%"/><tfoot><tr><td colspan="3"><sup>a</sup>p < 0.05, <sup>b</sup>p < 0.01, <sup>c</sup>p < 0.001, <sup>d</sup>p < 0.0001.</td></tr></tfoot><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Toprule " colspan="2" valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Nephrotoxicity vs. Rejection</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Parameter</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Nephrotoxicity</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Rejection</content></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top">History</td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top">Donor > 50 years old or hypotensive</td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top">Antidonor immune response</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Prolonged kidney preservation</td><td valign="top">Retransplant patient</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Prolonged anastomosis time</td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Concomitant nephrotoxic drugs</td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top">Clinical</td><td valign="top">Often > 6 weeks postop<sup>b</sup></td><td valign="top">Often < 4 weeks postop<sup>b</sup></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Prolonged initial nonfunction (acute tubular necrosis)</td><td>Fever > 37.5°C</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Weight gain > 0.5 kg</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Graft swelling and tenderness</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Decrease in daily urine volume > 500 mL (or 50%)</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Laboratory</td><td valign="top">CyA serum trough level > 200 ng/mL</td><td valign="top">CyA serum trough level < 150 ng/mL</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Gradual rise in Cr (< 0.15 mg/dL/day)<sup>a</sup></td><td valign="top">Rapid rise in Cr (> 0.3 mg/dL/day)<sup>a</sup></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Cr plateau < 25% above baseline</td><td valign="top">Cr > 25% above baseline</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">BUN/Cr ≥ 20</td><td valign="top">BUN/Cr < 20</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Biopsy</td><td valign="top">Arteriolopathy (medial hypertrophy<sup>a</sup>, hyalinosis, nodular deposits, intimal thickening, endothelial vacuolization, progressive scarring)</td><td>Endovasculitis<sup>c</sup> (proliferation<sup>a</sup>, intimal arteritis<sup>b</sup>, necrosis, sclerosis)</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Tubular atrophy, isometric vacuolization, isolated calcifications</td><td valign="top">Tubulitis with RBC<sup>b</sup> and WBC<sup>b</sup> casts, some irregular vacuolization</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Minimal edema</td><td valign="top">Interstitial edema<sup>c</sup> and hemorrhage<sup>b</sup></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Mild focal infiltrates<sup>c</sup></td><td valign="top">Diffuse moderate to severe mononuclear infiltrates<sup>d</sup></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Diffuse interstitial fibrosis, often striped form</td><td valign="top">Glomerulitis (mononuclear cells)<sup>c</sup></td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Aspiration Cytology</td><td valign="top">CyA deposits in tubular and endothelial cells</td><td valign="top">Inflammatory infiltrate with mononuclear phagocytes, macrophages, lymphoblastoid cells, and activated T-cells</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Fine isometric vacuolization of tubular cells</td><td valign="top">These strongly express HLA-DR antigens</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Urine Cytology</td><td valign="top">Tubular cells with vacuolization and granularization</td><td valign="top">Degenerative tubular ce
ls</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Fine isometric vacuolization of tubular cells</td><td valign="top">These strongly express HLA-DR antigens</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Urine Cytology</td><td valign="top">Tubular cells with vacuolization and granularization</td><td valign="top">Degenerative tubular ce lls, plasma cells, and lymphocyturia > 20% of sediment</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Manometry</td><td valign="top">Intracapsular pressure < 40 mm Hg<sup>b</sup></td><td valign="top">Intracapsular pressure > 40 mm Hg<sup>b</sup></td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Ultrasonography</td><td valign="top">Unchanged graft cross-sectional area</td><td valign="top">Increase in graft cross-sectional area</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">AP diameter ≥ Transverse diameter</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Magnetic Resonance Imagery</td><td valign="top">Normal appearance</td><td valign="top">Loss of distinct corticomedullary junction, swelling, image intensity of parachyma approaching that of psoas, loss of hilar fat</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Radionuclide Scan</td><td valign="top">Normal or generally decreased perfusion</td><td valign="top">Patchy arterial flow</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">Decrease in tubular function</td><td valign="top">Decrease in perfusion > decrease in tubular function</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">(<sup>131</sup> I-hippuran) > decrease in perfusion (<sup>99m</sup> Tc DTPA)</td><td valign="top">Increased uptake of Indium 111 labeled platelets or Tc-99m in colloid</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Therapy</td><td valign="top">Responds to decreased cyclosporine</td><td valign="top">Responds to increased steroids or antilymphocyte globulin</td></tr></tbody></table>
PRECAUTIONS Patients with Malabsorption Patients with malabsorption may have difficulty in achieving therapeutic concentrations with Sandimmune capsules. Hypertension Hypertension is a common side effect of Sandimmune therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS) . Mild or moderate hypertension is more frequently encountered than severe hypertension and the incidence decreases over time. Antihypertensive therapy may be required. Control of blood pressure can be accomplished with any of the common antihypertensive agents. However, since cyclosporine may cause hyperkalemia, potassium-sparing diuretics should not be used. While calcium antagonists can be effective agents in treating cyclosporine-associated hypertension, care should be taken since interference with cyclosporine metabolism may require a dosage adjustment (see Drug Interactions) . Vaccination During treatment with Sandimmune, vaccination may be less effective and the use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided.
Patients with Malabsorption Patients with malabsorption may have difficulty in achieving therapeutic concentrations with Sandimmune capsules. Hypertension Hypertension is a common side effect of Sandimmune therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS) . Mild or moderate hypertension is more frequently encountered than severe hypertension and the incidence decreases over time. Antihypertensive therapy may be required. Control of blood pressure can be accomplished with any of the common antihypertensive agents. However, since cyclosporine may cause hyperkalemia, potassium-sparing diuretics should not be used. While calcium antagonists can be effective agents in treating cyclosporine-associated hypertension, care should be taken since interference with cyclosporine metabolism may require a dosage adjustment (see Drug Interactions) . Vaccination During treatment with Sandimmune, vaccination may be less effective and the use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided.
Information for Patients Patients should be advised that a switch of their current cyclosporine formulation to another cyclosporine formulation should be made cautiously and only under health care provider supervision because it may result in the need for a change in dosage (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Patients should be informed of the necessity of repeated laboratory tests while they are receiving Sandimmune. They should be given careful dosage instructions, advised of the potential risks during pregnancy, and informed of the increased risk of neoplasia. Cyclosporine may impact the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be advised to exercise care when driving or using machines if they experience neurological disturbances, including confusion, somnolence, or dizziness and discuss with their healthcare provider (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS) .
Drug Interactions A. Effect of Drugs and Other Agents on Cyclosporine Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety All of the individual drugs cited below are well substantiated to interact with cyclosporine. In addition, concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with cyclosporine, particularly in the setting of dehydration, may potentiate renal dysfunction. Caution should be exercised when using other drugs which are known to impair renal function (see WARNINGS, Nephrotoxicity) . Drugs That May Potentiate Renal Dysfunction Antibiotics Antineoplastic Antifungals Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Gastrointestinal Agents Immunosuppressives Other Drugs ciprofloxacin melphalan amphotericin B azapropazon cimetidine tacrolimus fibric acid derivatives (e.g., bezafibrate, fenofibrate) gentamicin ketoconazole colchicine ranitidine methotrexate tobramycin diclofenac trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole naproxen vancomycin sulindac During the concomitant use of a drug that may exhibit additive or synergistic renal impairment potential with cyclosporine, close monitoring of renal function (in particular serum creatinine) should be performed. If a significant impairment of renal function occurs, reduction in the dosage of cyclosporine and/or coadministered drug or an alternative treatment should be considered. Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized by CYP 3A isoenzymes, in particular CYP3A4, and is a substrate of the multidrug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein. Various agents are known to either increase or decrease plasma or whole blood concentrations of cyclosporine usually by inhibition or induction of CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein transporter or both. Compounds that decrease cyclosporine absorption, such as orlistat, should be avoided. Appropriate Sandimmune dosage adjustment to achieve the desired cyclosporine concentrations is essential when drugs that significantly alter cyclosporine concentrations are used concomitantly (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Blood Concentration Monitoring) . 1. Drugs That Increase Cyclosporine Concentrations Calcium Channel Blockers Antifungals Antibiotics Glucocorticoids Other Drugs diltiazem fluconazole azithromycin methylprednisolone allopurinol nicardipine itraconazole clarithromycin amiodarone verapamil ketoconazole erythromycin bromocriptine voriconazole quinupristin/ dalfopristin colchicine danazol imatinib metoclopramide nefazodone oral contraceptives HIV Protease inhibitors The HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir) are known to inhibit cytochrome P-450 3A and thus could potentially increase the concentrations of cyclosporine, however, no formal studies of the interaction are available. Care should be exercised when these drugs are administered concomitantly. Grapefruit Juice Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect metabolism, increasing blood concentrations of cyclosporine, thus should be avoided. 2. Drugs/Dietary Supplements That Decrease Cyclosporine Concentrations Antibiotics Anticonvulsants Other Drugs / Dietary Supplements nafcillin carbamazepine bosentan St.
mitantly. Grapefruit Juice Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect metabolism, increasing blood concentrations of cyclosporine, thus should be avoided. 2. Drugs/Dietary Supplements That Decrease Cyclosporine Concentrations Antibiotics Anticonvulsants Other Drugs / Dietary Supplements nafcillin carbamazepine bosentan St. John’s Wort rifampin oxcarbazepine octreotide phenobarbital orlistat phenytoin sulfinpyrazone terbinafine ticlopidine Bosentan Concomitant use of bosentan (250 to 1000 mg every 12 hours based on tolerability) and cyclosporine (300 mg every 12 hours for 2 days then dosing to achieve a C min of 200 to 250 ng/mL) for 7 days in healthy subjects resulted in decreases in the cyclosporine mean dose-normalized AUC, C max , and trough concentration of approximately 50%, 30% and 60%, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine was given alone (see also Effect of Cyclosporine on the Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety of Other Drugs or Agents) . Concomitant use of cyclosporine with bosentan should be avoided. Boceprevir Concomitant use of boceprevir (800 mg three times daily for 7 days) and cyclosporine (100 mg single dose) in healthy subjects resulted in increases in the mean AUC and C max of cyclosporine approximately 2.7-fold and 2-fold, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine was given alone. Telaprevir Concomitant use of telaprevir (750 mg every 8 hours for 11 days) with cyclosporine (10 mg on Day 8) in healthy subjects resulted in increases in the mean dose-normalized AUC and C max of cyclosporine approximately 4.5-fold and 1.3-fold, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine (100 mg single dose) was given alone. St. John’s Wort There have been reports of a serious drug interaction between cyclosporine and the herbal dietary supplement, St. John’s Wort. This interaction has been reported to produce a marked reduction in the blood concentrations of cyclosporine, resulting in subtherapeutic levels, rejection of transplanted organs, and graft loss. Rifabutin Rifabutin is known to increase the metabolism of other drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 system. The interaction between rifabutin and cyclosporine has not been studied. Care should be exercised when these two drugs are administered concomitantly. B. Effect of Cyclosporine on the Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety of Other Drugs or Agents Cyclosporine is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and of multiple drug efflux transporters (e.g., P-glycoprotein) and may increase plasma concentrations of comedications that are substrates of CYP3A4, P-glycoprotein, or organic anion transporter proteins. Cyclosporine may reduce the clearance of digoxin, colchicine, prednisolone, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and aliskiren, bosentan, dabigatran, repaglinide, NSAIDs, sirolimus, etoposide, and other drugs. See the full prescribing information of the other drug for further information and specific recommendations. The decision on concomitant use of cyclosporine with other drugs or agents should be made by the healthcare provider following the careful assessment of benefits and risks. Digoxin Severe digitalis toxicity has been seen within days of starting cyclosporine in several patients taking digoxin. If digoxin is used concurrently with cyclosporine, serum digoxin concentrations should be monitored. Colchicine There are reports on the potential of cyclosporine to enhance the toxic effects of colchicine, such as myopathy and neuropathy, especially in patients with renal dysfunction. Concomitant administration of cyclosporine and colchicine results in significant increases in colchicine plasma concentrations. If colchicine is used concurrently with cyclosporine, a reduction in the dosage of colchicine is recommended.
e, such as myopathy and neuropathy, especially in patients with renal dysfunction. Concomitant administration of cyclosporine and colchicine results in significant increases in colchicine plasma concentrations. If colchicine is used concurrently with cyclosporine, a reduction in the dosage of colchicine is recommended. HMG Co-A Reductase Inhibitors (Statins) Literature and postmarketing cases of myotoxicity, including muscle pain and weakness, myositis, and rhabdomyolysis, have been reported with concomitant administration of cyclosporine with lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, and rarely, fluvastatin. When concurrently administered with cyclosporine, the dosage of these statins should be reduced according to label recommendations. Statin therapy needs to be temporarily withheld or discontinued in patients with signs and symptoms of myopathy or those with risk factors predisposing to severe renal injury, including renal failure, secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Repaglinide Cyclosporine may increase the plasma concentrations of repaglinide and thereby increase the risk of hypoglycemia. In 12 healthy male subjects who received two doses of 100 mg cyclosporine capsule orally 12 hours apart with a single dose of 0.25 mg repaglinide tablet (one half of a 0.5 mg tablet) orally 13 hours after the cyclosporine initial dose, the repaglinide mean C max and AUC were increased 1.8-fold (range, 0.6 to 3.7-fold) and 2.4-fold (range, 1.2 to 5.3-fold), respectively. Close monitoring of blood glucose level is advisable for a patient taking cyclosporine and repaglinide concomitantly. Ambrisentan Concomitant use of ambrisentan (5 mg daily) and cyclosporine (100 to 150 mg twice daily initially, then dosing to achieve C min 150 to 200 ng/mL) for 8 days in healthy subjects resulted mean increases in ambrisentan AUC and C max of approximately 2-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively, compared to ambrisentan alone. When coadministering ambrisentan with cyclosporine, the ambrisentan dose should not be titrated to the recommended maximum daily dosage. Anthracycline Antibiotics High dosage of cyclosporine (e.g., at starting intravenous dosage of 16 mg/kg/day) may increase the exposure to anthracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, daunorubicin) in cancer patients. Aliskiren Cyclosporine alters the pharmacokinetics of aliskiren, a substrate of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. In 14 healthy subjects who received concomitantly single doses of cyclosporine (200 mg) and reduced dose aliskiren (75 mg), the mean C max of aliskiren was increased by approximately 2.5-fold (90% CI: 1.96 to 3.17) and the mean AUC by approximately 4.3-fold (90% CI: 3.52 to 5.21), compared to when these subjects received aliskiren alone. The concomitant administration of aliskiren with cyclosporine prolonged the median aliskiren elimination half-life (26 hours versus 43 to 45 hours) and the T max (0.5 hours versus 1.5 to 2.0 hours). The mean AUC and C max of cyclosporine were comparable to reported literature values. Concomitant use of cyclosporine and aliskiren in these subjects also resulted in an increase in the number and/or intensity of adverse events, mainly headache, hot flush, nausea, vomiting, and somnolence. The concomitant use of cyclosporine with aliskiren is not recommended. Bosentan In healthy subjects, concomitant use of bosentan and cyclosporine resulted in time-dependent mean increases in dose-normalized bosentan trough concentrations (i.e., approximately 21-fold on Day 1 and 2-fold on Day 8 (steady state)) compared to when bosentan was given alone as a single dose on Day 1 (see also Effect of Drugs and Other Agents on Cyclosporine Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety) . Concomitant use of cyclosporine with bosentan should be avoided.
rough concentrations (i.e., approximately 21-fold on Day 1 and 2-fold on Day 8 (steady state)) compared to when bosentan was given alone as a single dose on Day 1 (see also Effect of Drugs and Other Agents on Cyclosporine Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety) . Concomitant use of cyclosporine with bosentan should be avoided. Dabigatran The effect of cyclosporine on dabigatran concentrations had not been formally studied. Concomitant administration of dabigatran and cyclosporine may result in increased plasma dabigatran concentrations due to the P-gp inhibitory activity of cyclosporine. Concomitant use of cyclosporine with dabigatran should be avoided. Potassium Sparing Diuretics Cyclosporine should not be used with potassium-sparing diuretics because hyperkalemia can occur. Caution is also required when cyclosporine is coadministered with potassium-sparing drugs (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists), potassium-containing drugs as well as in patients on a potassium-rich diet. Control of potassium levels in these situations is advisable. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Interactions Clinical status and serum creatinine should be closely monitored when cyclosporine is used with NSAIDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients (see WARNINGS) . Pharmacodynamic interactions have been reported to occur between cyclosporine and both naproxen and sulindac, in that concomitant use is associated with additive decreases in renal function, as determined by 99m Tc-diethylenetriaminepenta acetic acid (DTPA) and p -aminohippuric acid (PAH) clearances. Although concomitant administration of diclofenac does not affect blood concentrations of cyclosporine, it has been associated with approximate doubling of diclofenac blood levels and occasional reports of reversible decreases in renal function. Consequently, the dosage of diclofenac should be in the lower end of the therapeutic range. Methotrexate Interaction Preliminary data indicate that when methotrexate and cyclosporine were coadministered to rheumatoid arthritis patients (N = 20), methotrexate concentrations (AUCs) were increased approximately 30% and the concentrations (AUCs) of its metabolite, 7-hydroxy methotrexate, were decreased by approximately 80%. The clinical significance of this interaction is not known. Cyclosporine concentrations do not appear to have been altered (N = 6). Sirolimus Elevations in serum creatinine were observed in studies using sirolimus in combination with full-dosage cyclosporine. This effect is often reversible with cyclosporine dosage reduction. Simultaneous concomitant use of cyclosporine significantly increases blood levels of sirolimus. To minimize increases in sirolimus blood concentrations, it is recommended that sirolimus be given 4 hours after cyclosporine administration. Nifedipine Frequent gingival hyperplasia when nifedipine is given concurrently with cyclosporine has been reported. The concomitant use of nifedipine should be avoided in patients in whom gingival hyperplasia develops as a side effect of cyclosporine. Methylprednisolone Convulsions when high dose methylprednisolone is given concomitantly with cyclosporine have been reported. Other Immunosuppressive Drugs and Agents Psoriasis patients receiving other immunosuppressive agents or radiation therapy (including PUVA and UVB) should not receive concurrent cyclosporine because of the possibility of excessive immunosuppression. Interactions Resulting in Decrease of Other Drug Levels Cyclosporine inhibits the enterohepatic circulation of mycophenolic acid (MPA).
iving other immunosuppressive agents or radiation therapy (including PUVA and UVB) should not receive concurrent cyclosporine because of the possibility of excessive immunosuppression. Interactions Resulting in Decrease of Other Drug Levels Cyclosporine inhibits the enterohepatic circulation of mycophenolic acid (MPA). Concomitant administration of cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolate sodium in transplant patients may decrease the mean exposure of MPA by 20% to 50% when compared with other immunosuppressants, which could reduce efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolate sodium. Monitor patients for alterations in efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolate sodium, when they are coadministered with cyclosporine. C. Effect of Cyclosporine on the Efficacy of Live Vaccines During treatment with cyclosporine, vaccination may be less effective. The use of live vaccines should be avoided.
<table><col width="125"/><col width="125"/><col width="125"/><col width="150"/><col width="150"/><col width="150"/><col width="125"/><tbody><tr><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Antibiotics</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Antineoplastic</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Antifungals</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Anti-Inflammatory Drugs</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Gastrointestinal Agents</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Immunosuppressives</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Other Drugs</content></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">ciprofloxacin</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">melphalan</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">amphotericin B</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">azapropazon</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">cimetidine</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">tacrolimus</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">fibric acid derivatives (e.g., bezafibrate, fenofibrate)</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">gentamicin</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">ketoconazole</td><td valign="top">colchicine</td><td valign="top">ranitidine</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">methotrexate</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">tobramycin</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">diclofenac</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top">trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">naproxen</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top">vancomycin</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">sulindac</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/></tr></tbody></table>
famethoxazole</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">naproxen</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top">vancomycin</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">sulindac</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/></tr></tbody></table> <table width="75%"><col width="20%"/><col width="20%"/><col width="20%"/><col width="20%"/><col width="20%"/><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><content styleCode="italics underline">Calcium Channel Blockers</content></td><td valign="top"><content styleCode="italics underline">Antifungals</content></td><td valign="top"><content styleCode="italics underline">Antibiotics</content></td><td valign="top"><content styleCode="italics underline">Glucocorticoids</content></td><td valign="top"><content styleCode="italics underline">Other Drugs</content></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">diltiazem</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">fluconazole</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">azithromycin</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">methylprednisolone</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">allopurinol</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">nicardipine</td><td valign="top">itraconazole</td><td valign="top">clarithromycin</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">amiodarone</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">verapamil</td><td valign="top">ketoconazole</td><td valign="top">erythromycin</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">bromocriptine</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">voriconazole</td><td valign="top">quinupristin/ dalfopristin</td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">colchicine</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">danazol</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">imatinib</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">metoclopramide</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">nefazodone</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">oral contraceptives</td></tr></tbody></table>
gn="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">metoclopramide</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">nefazodone</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">oral contraceptives</td></tr></tbody></table> <table width="50%"><col width="25%"/><col width="25%"/><col width="25%"/><col width="25%"/><tbody><tr><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Antibiotics</content></td><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Anticonvulsants</content></td><td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><content styleCode="italics underline">Other Drugs /</content><content styleCode="italics underline"> </content><content styleCode="italics underline">Dietary Supplements</content></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">nafcillin</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">carbamazepine</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">bosentan</td><td styleCode="Toprule" valign="top">St. John’s Wort</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">rifampin</td><td valign="top">oxcarbazepine</td><td valign="top">octreotide</td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">phenobarbital</td><td valign="top">orlistat</td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">phenytoin</td><td valign="top">sulfinpyrazone</td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">terbinafine</td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top">ticlopidine</td><td valign="top"/></tr></tbody></table>
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility Cyclosporine gave no evidence of mutagenic or teratogenic effects in appropriate test systems. Only at dose levels toxic to dams, were adverse effects seen in reproduction studies in rats (see Pregnancy) . Carcinogenicity studies were carried out in male and female rats and mice. In the 78-week mouse study, at doses of 1, 4, and 16 mg/kg/day, evidence of a statistically significant trend was found for lymphocytic lymphomas in females, and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in mid-dose (0.03 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (BSA) males significantly exceeded the control value. In the 24–month rat study, conducted at 0.5, 2, and 8 mg/kg/day, pancreatic islet cell adenomas significantly exceeded the control rate in the low-dose level (0.006 times the MRHD based on BSA). The hepatocellular carcinomas and pancreatic islet cell adenomas were not dose related. Cyclosporine has not been found mutagenic/genotoxic in the Ames test, the V79-HGPRT Test, the micronucleus test in mice and Chinese hamsters, the chromosome-aberration tests in Chinese hamster bone marrow, the mouse dominant lethal assay, and the DNA-repair test in sperm from treated mice. A recent study analyzing sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction by cyclosporine using human lymphocytes in vitro gave indication of a positive effect (i.e., induction of SCE), at high concentrations in this system. In a fertility study in rats, increased perinatal mortality and impaired postnatal development of F1 pups were observed at 15 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA). No adverse effects on fertility and reproduction were observed up to 5 mg/kg/day (0.06 times the MRHD based on BSA) in male and female rats. An increased incidence of malignancy is a recognized complication of immunosuppression in recipients of organ transplants. The most common forms of neoplasms are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and carcinomas of the skin. The risk of malignancies in cyclosporine recipients is higher than in the normal, healthy population, but similar to that in patients receiving other immunosuppressive therapies. It has been reported that reduction or discontinuance of immunosuppression may cause the lesions to regress.
Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to cyclosporine, including Sandimmune, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking Sandimmune during pregnancy to enroll in the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International (TPRI) by calling 1-877-955-8677 or visiting https://www.transplantpregnancyregistry.org . Risk Summary Available data from published literature, including the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International, observational cohort studies, case-controlled studies, meta-analysis, case series, and case reports, over decades of use with cyclosporine in pregnancy have not identified a drug associated risk of major birth defects, or miscarriage. Adverse maternal or fetal outcomes, including hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight are increased in patients treated with cyclosporine. However, patients receiving cyclosporine during pregnancy have underlying medical conditions and may be treated with concomitant medications that limit the interpretability of these findings (see Data) . Embryo-fetal developmental (EFD) studies in rats and rabbits with cyclosporine have shown embryo-fetal toxicity at dose levels below the MRHD based on BSA. The alcohol content of Sandimmune should be considered when given to pregnant women (see WARNINGS, Special Excipients) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Available data from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR) including 622 pregnancies in renal, liver, and heart transplant recipients exposed to cyclosporine during pregnancy found that the overall rate of major birth defects, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates were comparable to the general population. Maternal and fetal adverse outcomes, including the rate of hypertension, preeclampsia, premature births, and low birth weight infants appear to be increased in transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine compared to the general population. However, these patients have underlying medical conditions that confound the above findings. Animal Data Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity in rats and rabbits. Three EFD studies (two oral and one intravenous) are available in rats. In two EFD studies, pregnant rats were orally administered with cyclosporine either at doses of 10, 17, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day or 4, 10 and 25 mg/kg/day from gestation day (GD) 6 to 15 or from GD 7 to 17, respectively. Maternal toxicity characterized by mortality, clinical signs of toxicity and impaired body weight gain were observed at 30 mg/kg/day and above. Cyclosporine was embryo- and fetotoxic as indicated by increased embryonic mortality and reduced fetal weight together with skeletal retardations in rats at 25 mg/kg/day and above. In addition, ventricular septal defect was observed at 25 mg/kg/day in fetuses. In the first study, the oral no observed effect level (NOEL) for both dams and fetuses was 17 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA).
ality and reduced fetal weight together with skeletal retardations in rats at 25 mg/kg/day and above. In addition, ventricular septal defect was observed at 25 mg/kg/day in fetuses. In the first study, the oral no observed effect level (NOEL) for both dams and fetuses was 17 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA). In the other oral study, the NOEL for dams and fetuses were 10 and 4 mg/kg/day (0.13 and 0.05 times the MRHD based on BSA), respectively. In the IV EFD study, rats were administered with 3, 6 and 12 mg/kg/day of cyclosporine from GD 7 to 17. An increase in post implantation loss was observed at 12 mg/kg/day; ventricular septal defect was observed at ≥ 6 mg/kg/day in fetuses. The IV NOEL for dams and fetus were 6 and 3 mg/kg/day (below the MRHD based on BSA), respectively after IV administration. In rabbits, cyclosporine was orally administered at dose levels of 10, 30, 100 or 300 mg/kg/day from GD 6 to 18. At 100 mg/kg/day and above, reduction in body weight gain of dams and at 300 mg/kg/day abortions were observed. Maternal toxicity, embryo-fetotoxicity as indicated by increased pre- and postnatal mortality, reduced fetal weight together with skeletal retardations were observed at 100 mg/kg/day and above. The NOEL for dams and fetuses was 30 mg/kg/day (1 times the MRHD based on BSA). In two published research studies, rabbits exposed to cyclosporine in utero (10 mg/kg/day subcutaneously) demonstrated reduced numbers of nephrons, renal hypertrophy, systemic hypertension and progressive renal insufficiency up to 35 weeks of age. These findings have not been demonstrated in other species and their relevance for humans is unknown. In a peri- and postnatal development study in rats, pregnant rats were orally administered with cyclosporine (5, 15 or 45 mg/kg/day) from GD 15 until end of lactation. At 45 mg/kg/day (0.5 times the MRHD based on BSA), increased pre and postnatal mortality of offspring and reduced body weight gain of surviving pups were observed. Cyclosporine up to 15 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA) had no effect on pregnancy, pre and postnatal development of offspring.
Nursing Mothers Cyclosporine and its metabolites are present in human milk following oral and intravenous administration. Adverse effects on the breastfed infant have not been reported. There are no data on the effects of the drug on milk production. The alcohol content of Sandimmune should be considered when given to lactating women (see WARNINGS) . Lactating women are encouraged to avoid additional alcohol intake during treatment. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Sandimmune and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Sandimmune or from the underlying maternal condition.
Geriatric Use Clinical studies of Sandimmune did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between patients aged 65 and over and younger adult patients. In general, dosage selection for patients aged 65 and over should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
ADVERSE REACTIONS The principal adverse reactions of Sandimmune therapy are renal dysfunction, tremor, hirsutism, hypertension, and gum hyperplasia. Hypertension Hypertension, which is usually mild to moderate, may occur in approximately 50% of patients following renal transplantation and in most cardiac transplant patients. Glomerular Capillary Thrombosis Glomerular capillary thrombosis has been found in patients treated with cyclosporine and may progress to graft failure. The pathologic changes resemble those seen in the hemolytic-uremic syndrome and include thrombosis of the renal microvasculature, with platelet-fibrin thrombi occluding glomerular capillaries and afferent arterioles, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and decreased renal function. Similar findings have been observed when other immunosuppressives have been employed post transplantation. Hypomagnesemia Hypomagnesemia has been reported in some, but not all, patients exhibiting convulsions while on cyclosporine therapy. Although magnesium-depletion studies in normal subjects suggest that hypomagnesemia is associated with neurologic disorders, multiple factors, including hypertension, high-dose methylprednisolone, hypocholesterolemia, and nephrotoxicity associated with high plasma concentrations of cyclosporine appear to be related to the neurological manifestations of cyclosporine toxicity. Adverse Reactions in Clinical Studies The following reactions occurred in 3% or greater of 892 patients involved in clinical trials of kidney, heart, and liver transplants: Randomized Kidney Patients All Sandimmune-Treated Patients Sandimmune Azathioprine Kidney Heart Liver Body System/ (N = 227) (N = 228) (N = 705) (N = 112) (N = 75) Adverse Reactions % % % % % Genitourinary Renal Dysfunction 32 6 25 38 37 Cardiovascular Hypertension 26 18 13 53 27 Cramps 4 < 1 2 < 1 0 Skin Hirsutism 21 < 1 21 28 45 Acne 6 8 2 2 1 Central Nervous System Tremor 12 0 21 31 55 Convulsions 3 1 1 4 5 Headache 2 < 1 2 15 4 Gastrointestinal Gum Hyperplasia 4 0 9 5 16 Diarrhea 3 < 1 3 4 8 Nausea/Vomiting 2 < 1 4 10 4 Hepatotoxicity < 1 < 1 4 7 4 Abdominal Discomfort < 1 0 < 1 7 0 Autonomic Nervous System Paresthesia 3 0 1 2 1 Flushing < 1 0 4 0 4 Hematopoietic Leukopenia 2 19 < 1 6 0 Lymphoma < 1 0 1 6 1 Respiratory Sinusitis < 1 0 4 3 7 Miscellaneous Gynecomastia < 1 0 < 1 4 3 The following reactions occurred in 2% or less of patients: allergic reactions, anemia, anorexia, confusion, conjunctivitis, edema, fever, brittle fingernails, gastritis, hearing loss, hiccups, hyperglycemia, muscle pain, peptic ulcer, thrombocytopenia, tinnitus. The following reactions occurred rarely: anxiety, chest pain, constipation, depression, hair breaking, hematuria, joint pain, lethargy, mouth sores, myocardial infarction, night sweats, pancreatitis, pruritus, swallowing difficulty, tingling, upper GI bleeding, visual disturbance, weakness, weight loss. Sandimmune was discontinued on a temporary basis and then restarted in 18 additional patients.
ression, hair breaking, hematuria, joint pain, lethargy, mouth sores, myocardial infarction, night sweats, pancreatitis, pruritus, swallowing difficulty, tingling, upper GI bleeding, visual disturbance, weakness, weight loss. Sandimmune was discontinued on a temporary basis and then restarted in 18 additional patients. Renal Transplant Patients in Whom Therapy Was Discontinued Randomized Patients All Sandimmune-Treated Patients Sandimmune Azathioprine (N = 227) (N = 228) (N = 705) Reason for Discontinuation % % % Renal Toxicity 5.7 0 5.4 Infection 0 0.4 0.9 Lack of Efficacy 2.6 0.9 1.4 Acute Tubular Necrosis 2.6 0 1.0 Lymphoma/Lymphoproliferative Disease 0.4 0 0.3 Hypertension 0 0 0.3 Hematological Abnormalities 0 0.4 0 Other 0 0 0.7 Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, including cyclosporine and cyclosporine-containing regimens, are at increased risk of infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic). Both generalized and localized infections can occur. Preexisting infections may also be aggravated. Fatal outcomes have been reported (see WARNINGS) . *Some patients also received ALG. Infectious Complications in the Randomized Renal Transplant Patients Sandimmune Treatment Standard Treatment* (N = 227) (N = 228) Complication % of Complications % of Complications Septicemia 5.3 4.8 Abscesses 4.4 5.3 Systemic Fungal Infection 2.2 3.9 Local Fungal Infection 7.5 9.6 Cytomegalovirus 4.8 12.3 Other Viral Infections 15.9 18.4 Urinary Tract Infections 21.1 20.2 Wound and Skin Infections 7.0 10.1 Pneumonia 6.2 9.2 Cremophor ® EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil) is known to cause hyperlipemia and electrophoretic abnormalities of lipoproteins. These effects are reversible upon discontinuation of treatment but are usually not a reason to stop treatment. Adverse Reactions During Postmarketing Use Hepatotoxicity Cases of hepatotoxicity and liver injury, including cholestasis, jaundice, hepatitis, and liver failure; serious and/or fatal outcomes have been reported (see WARNINGS, Hepatotoxicity) . Increased Risk of Infections Cases of JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), sometimes fatal; and polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), especially BK virus resulting in graft loss have been reported (see WARNINGS, Polyoma Virus Infection) . Headache, Including Migraine Cases of migraine have been reported. In some cases, patients have been unable to continue cyclosporine, however, the final decision on treatment discontinuation should be made by the treating health care provider following the careful assessment of benefits versus risks. Pain of Lower Extremities Isolated cases of pain of lower extremities have been reported in association with cyclosporine. Pain of lower extremities has also been noted as part of Calcineurin-Inhibitor Induced Pain Syndrome (CIPS) as described in the literature.
<table><col width="200"/><col width="106"/><col width="106"/><col width="95"/><col width="101"/><col width="111"/><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Toprule " colspan="2" valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Randomized</content> <content styleCode="bold">Kidney Patients</content></td><td styleCode="Toprule " colspan="3" valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">All Sandimmune-Treated </content> <content styleCode="bold">Patients</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Sandimmune</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Azathioprine</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Kidney</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Heart</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Liver</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Body System/</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 227)</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 228)</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 705)</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 112)</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 75)</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold"> Adverse Reactions</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">%</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">%</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">%</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">%</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">%</content></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom">Genitourinary</td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Renal Dysfunction</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">32</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">6</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">25</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">38</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">37</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Cardiovascular</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Hypertension</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">26</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">18</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">13</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">53</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">27</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Cramps</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Skin</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Hirsutism</td><td valign="bott
><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Skin</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Hirsutism</td><td valign="bott om" align="center">21</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">21</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">28</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">45</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Acne</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">6</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">8</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Central Nervous System</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Tremor</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">12</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">21</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">31</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">55</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Convulsions</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">5</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Headache</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">15</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Gastrointestinal</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Gum Hyperplasia</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">9</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">5</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">16</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Diarrhea</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">8</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Nausea/Vomiting</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">10</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Hepatotoxicity</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">7</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Abdominal Discomfort</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">7</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Autonomic Nervous System</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Paresthesia</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Flushing</td><
"bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Paresthesia</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Flushing</td>< td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Hematopoietic</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Leukopenia</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">19</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">6</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Lymphoma</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">6</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Respiratory</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Sinusitis</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">7</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Miscellaneous</td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Gynecomastia</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3</td></tr></tbody></table>
><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"> Gynecomastia</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">< 1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3</td></tr></tbody></table> <table><col width="285"/><col width="122"/><col width="111"/><col width="169"/><tfoot><tr><td colspan="4">Sandimmune was discontinued on a temporary basis and then restarted in 18 additional patients.</td></tr></tfoot><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " colspan="4" valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Renal Transplant Patients in Whom Therapy Was Discontinued</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td colspan="2" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Randomized Patients</content></td><td align="center"><content styleCode="bold">All Sandimmune-Treated Patients</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Sandimmune</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Azathioprine</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 227)</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 228)</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 705)</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Reason for Discontinuation</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">%</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">%</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">%</content></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom">Renal Toxicity</td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom" align="center">5.7</td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom" align="center">5.4</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Infection</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.9</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Lack of Efficacy</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2.6</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.9</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1.4</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Acute Tubular Necrosis</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2.6</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">1.0</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Lymphoma/Lymphoproliferative Disease</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.3</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Hypertension</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.3</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Hematological Abnormalities</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Other</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.7</td></tr></tbody></table>
ities</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Other</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">0.7</td></tr></tbody></table> <table><col width="229"/><col width="229"/><col width="229"/><tfoot><tr><td colspan="3">*Some patients also received ALG.</td></tr></tfoot><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " colspan="3" valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Infectious Complications in the Randomized Renal Transplant Patients</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Sandimmune Treatment</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">Standard Treatment*</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 227)</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">(N = 228)</content></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Complication</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">% of Complications</content></td><td valign="bottom" align="center"><content styleCode="bold">% of Complications</content></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom">Septicemia</td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom" align="center">5.3</td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom" align="center">4.8</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Abscesses</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4.4</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">5.3</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Systemic Fungal Infection</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">2.2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">3.9</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Local Fungal Infection</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">7.5</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">9.6</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Cytomegalovirus</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">4.8</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">12.3</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Other Viral Infections</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">15.9</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">18.4</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Urinary Tract Infections</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">21.1</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">20.2</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Wound and Skin Infections</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">7.0</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">10.1</td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom">Pneumonia</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">6.2</td><td valign="bottom" align="center">9.2</td></tr></tbody></table>
OVERDOSAGE There is a minimal experience with cyclosporine overdosage. Because of the slow absorption of cyclosporine, forced emesis and gastric lavage would be of value up to 2 hours after administration. Transient hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity may occur, which should resolve following drug withdrawal. Oral doses of cyclosporine up to 10 g (about 150 mg/kg) have been associated with vomiting, drowsiness, headache, tachycardia, and in a few patients, moderately severe, reversible impairment of renal function. However, serious symptoms of cyclosporine intoxication have been reported following accidental parenteral overdosage with cyclosporine in premature neonates. The oral LD 50 is 2329 mg/kg in mice, 1480 mg/kg in rats, and > 1000 mg/kg in rabbits. The intravenous LD 50 is 148 mg/kg in mice, 104 mg/kg in rats, and 46 mg/kg in rabbits. General supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be followed in all cases of cyclosporine overdosage. Cyclosporine is not dialyzable to any great extent, nor is it cleared well by charcoal hemoperfusion. If a cyclosporine overdose occurs, consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended Dosage for Sandimmune Capsules Sandimmune (cyclosporine capsules) 25 mg and 100 mg and Neoral (cyclosporine capsules), MODIFIED 25 mg and 100 mg are not mutually substitutable on a mg-to-mg basis due to differences in pharmacokinetic profiles. If it is appropriate to switch from Neoral capsules, MODIFIED, to Sandimmune capsules, increase the frequency of cyclosporine monitoring (the cyclosporine dosage may need to be increased to reach the desired cyclosporine exposure and reduce the risk of insufficient efficacy). If it is appropriate to switch from Sandimmune capsules to Neoral capsules, increase the frequency of cyclosporine monitoring (the cyclosporine dosage may need to be decreased to reach the desired cyclosporine exposure and reduce the risk of cyclosporine-related adverse reactions). The initial oral dose of Sandimmune capsules should be given 4 to 12 hours prior to transplantation as a single dose of 15 mg/kg. Although a daily single dose of 14 to 18 mg/kg was used in most clinical trials, few centers continue to use the highest dose, most favoring the lower end of the scale. There is a trend towards use of even lower initial doses for renal transplantation in the ranges of 10 to 14 mg/kg/day. The initial single daily dose is continued postoperatively for 1 to 2 weeks and then tapered by 5% per week to a maintenance dose of 5 to 10 mg/kg/day. Some centers have successfully tapered the maintenance dose to as low as 3 mg/kg/day in selected renal transplant patients without an apparent rise in rejection rate. See Blood Concentration Monitoring, below . Recommended Dosage of the Sandimmune Capsules in Patients with Renal Impairment Cyclosporine undergoes minimal renal elimination and its pharmacokinetics do not appear to be significantly altered in patients with end-stage renal disease who receive routine hemodialysis treatments (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY) . However, due to its nephrotoxic potential (see WARNINGS) , careful monitoring of renal function is recommended; cyclosporine dosage should be reduced if indicated (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS) . Recommended Dosage of the Sandimmune Capsules in Patients with Hepatic Impairment The clearance of cyclosporine may be significantly reduced in severe liver disease patients (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY) . Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with severe liver impairment to maintain blood concentrations within the recommended target range (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS) . Recommended Dosage of the Sandimmune Capsules in Pediatric Patients In pediatric usage, the same dose and dosing regimen may be used as in adults although in several studies, children have required and tolerated higher doses than those used in adults. Adjunct therapy with adrenal corticosteroids is recommended. Different tapering dosage schedules of prednisone appear to achieve similar results. A dosage schedule based on the patient’s weight started with 2.0 mg/kg/day for the first 4 days tapered to 1.0 mg/kg/day by 1 week, 0.6 mg/kg/day by 2 weeks, 0.3 mg/kg/day by 1 month, and 0.15 mg/kg/day by 2 months and thereafter as a maintenance dose. Another center started with an initial dose of 200 mg tapered by 40 mg/day until reaching 20 mg/day. After 2 months at this dose, a further reduction to 10 mg/day was made. Adjustments in dosage of prednisone must be made according to the clinical situation.
5 mg/kg/day by 2 months and thereafter as a maintenance dose. Another center started with an initial dose of 200 mg tapered by 40 mg/day until reaching 20 mg/day. After 2 months at this dose, a further reduction to 10 mg/day was made. Adjustments in dosage of prednisone must be made according to the clinical situation. Sandimmune capsules should be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals. Recommended Dosage for Sandimmune Injection Sandimmune injection is for infusion only. Patients unable to take Sandimmune capsules pre- or postoperatively may be treated with Sandimmune Injection, for intravenous use. Sandimmune injection is administered at 1/3 the oral dosage of Sandimmune capsules. The initial dose of Sandimmune injection should be given 4 to 12 hours prior to transplantation as a single intravenous dose of 5 to 6 mg/kg/day. This daily single dose is continued postoperatively until the patient can tolerate the soft gelatin capsules. Patients should be switched to Sandimmune capsules as soon as possible after surgery. In pediatric usage, the same dose and dosing regimen may be used, although higher doses may be required. Adjunct steroid therapy is to be used (See aforementioned). Immediately before use, the intravenous concentrate should be diluted 1 mL Sandimmune injection in 20 mL to 100 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection using appropriate aseptic technique and given in a slow intravenous infusion over 2 to 6 hours. Based on the chemical and physical in-use stability data, the infusion should be completed within 6 hours at room temperature. Discard any unused diluted solution. If not administered immediately, the diluted solution can be stored at 2°C to 8°C (under refrigeration), provided that the total duration for both storage and infusion is less than 24 hours. The Cremophor ® EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil) contained in the concentrate for intravenous infusion can cause phthalate stripping from PVC. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Blood Cyclosporine Concentration Monitoring Several study centers have found blood concentration monitoring of cyclosporine useful in patient management. While no fixed relationships have yet been established, in one series of 375 consecutive cadaveric renal transplant recipients, dosage was adjusted to achieve specific whole blood 24-hour trough concentrations of 100 to 200 ng/mL as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Of major importance to blood concentration analysis is the type of assay used. The above concentrations are specific to the parent cyclosporine molecule and correlate directly to the new monoclonal specific radioimmunoassays (mRIA-sp). Nonspecific assays are also available which detect the parent compound molecule and various of its metabolites. Older studies often cited concentrations using a nonspecific assay which were roughly twice those of specific assays. Assay results are not interchangeable and their use should be guided by their approved labeling. If plasma specimens are employed, concentrations will vary with the temperature at the time of separation from whole blood. Plasma concentrations may range from 1/2 to 1/5 of whole blood concentrations. Refer to individual assay labeling for complete instructions. In addition, Transplantation Proceedings (June 1990) contains position papers and a broad consensus generated at the Cyclosporine-Therapeutic Drug Monitoring conference that year. Blood concentration monitoring is not a replacement for renal function monitoring or tissue biopsies.
HOW SUPPLIED Sandimmune ® (cyclosporine capsules) USP 25 mg: Oval, pink with “ 78/240”. Unit dose packages of 30 capsules, 3 blister cards of 10 capsules………………………………………………………….NDC 0078-0240-15 100 mg: Oblong, dusty rose with “ 78/241”. Unit dose packages of 30 capsules, 3 blister cards of 10 capsules………………………………………………………….NDC 0078-0241-15 Store and Dispense: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] . An odor may be detected upon opening the unit dose container, which will dissipate shortly thereafter. This odor does not affect the quality of the product. Sandimmune ® (cyclosporine injection) USP For intravenous infusion only. Supplied as a 5 mL sterile ampul containing 50 mg of cyclosporine per mL, in boxes of 10 ampuls…………………………………………………………………..NDC 0078-0109-01 Store and Dispense: At temperatures below 30°C (86°F). Protect from light. *Cremophor ® is the registered trademark of BASF Aktiengesellschaft. Distributed by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover, New Jersey 07936 © Novartis Revised: March 2026 T2026-06 Sandoz logo
WARNING Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should prescribe cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED). Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physician responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient. Cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) should be administered with adrenal corticosteroids but not with other immunosuppressive agents. Increased susceptibility to infection and the possible development of lymphoma may result from immunosuppression. Cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) have decreased bioavailability in comparison to Neoral ® * (cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED. Cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) and Neoral ® * (cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED are not bioequivalent and cannot be used interchangeably without physician supervision. The absorption of cyclosporine during chronic administration of cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) was found to be erratic. It is recommended that patients taking cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) over a period of time be monitored at repeated intervals for cyclosporine blood concentrations and subsequent dose adjustments be made in order to avoid toxicity due to high concentrations and possible organ rejection due to low absorption of cyclosporine. This is of special importance in liver transplants. Numerous assays are being developed to measure blood concentrations of cyclosporine. Comparison of concentrations in published literature to patient concentrations using current assays must be done with detailed knowledge of the assay methods employed. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Blood Concentration Monitoring .)
DESCRIPTION Cyclosporine, USP, the active principle in cyclosporine capsules, USP (NON-MODIFIED) is a cyclic polypeptide immunosuppressant agent consisting of 11 amino acids. It is produced as a metabolite by the fungus species Tolypocladium inflatum Gams . Chemically, cyclosporine is designated as [ R -[ R *, R *-( E )]]-cyclic(L-alanyl-D-alanyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl- N -methyl-L-valyl-3-hydroxy- N ,4-dimethyl-L-2-amino-6-octenoyl-L-α-amino-butyryl- N -methylglycyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl-L-valyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl). Cyclosporine capsules, USP (NON-MODIFIED) are available in 25 mg and 100 mg strengths. Each 25 mg capsule contains: Cyclosporine, USP……………………………………………………………………...25 mg Each 100 mg capsule contains: Cyclosporine, USP……………………………………………………..……………...100 mg Each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: methanol, sodium lauryl sulfate and talc. The 25 mg and the 100 mg capsule shell contains gelatin, red iron oxide and titanium dioxide. The 25 mg and 100 mg capsule black imprinting ink contains the following inactive ingredients: n-butyl alcohol, D&C yellow #10 aluminum lake, FD&C blue #1 aluminum lake, FD&C blue #2 aluminum lake, FD&C red #40 aluminum lake, pharmaceutical glaze, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol and synthetic black iron oxide. The chemical structure of cyclosporine (also known as cyclosporin A) is: Structural Formula
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent, which in animals prolongs survival of allogeneic transplants involving skin, heart, kidney, pancreas, bone marrow, small intestine, and lung. Cyclosporine has been demonstrated to suppress some humoral immunity and to a greater extent, cell-mediated reactions, such as allograft rejection, delayed hypersensitivity, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, Freund's adjuvant arthritis, and graft vs. host disease in many animal species for a variety of organs. Successful kidney, liver, and heart allogeneic transplants have been performed in man using cyclosporine. The exact mechanism of action of cyclosporine is not known. Experimental evidence suggests that the effectiveness of cyclosporine is due to specific and reversible inhibition of immunocompetent lymphocytes in the G 0 - or G 1 -phase of the cell cycle. T-lymphocytes are preferentially inhibited. The T-helper cell is the main target, although the T-suppressor cell may also be suppressed. Cyclosporine also inhibits lymphokine production and release, including interleukin-2 or T-cell growth factor (TCGF). No functional effects on phagocytic (changes in enzyme secretions not altered, chemotactic migration of granulocytes, macrophage migration, carbon clearance in vivo ) or tumor cells (growth rate, metastasis) can be detected in animals. Cyclosporine does not cause bone marrow suppression in animal models or man. The absorption of cyclosporine from the gastrointestinal tract is incomplete and variable. Peak concentrations (C max ) in blood and plasma are achieved at about 3.5 hours. C max and area under the plasma or blood concentration/time curve (AUC) increase with the administered dose; for blood, the relationship is curvilinear (parabolic) between 0 and 1400 mg. As determined by a specific assay, C max is approximately 1 ng/mL/mg of dose for plasma and 2.7 to 1.4 ng/mL/mg of dose for blood (for low to high doses). Cyclosporine is distributed largely outside the blood volume. In blood, the distribution is concentration dependent. Approximately 33% to 47% is in plasma, 4% to 9% in lymphocytes, 5% to 12% in granulocytes, and 41% to 58% in erythrocytes. At high concentrations, the uptake by leukocytes and erythrocytes becomes saturated. In plasma, approximately 90% is bound to proteins, primarily lipoproteins. The disposition of cyclosporine from blood is biphasic with a terminal half-life of approximately 19 hours (range, 10 to 27 hours). Elimination is primarily biliary with only 6% of the dose excreted in the urine. Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized but there is no major metabolic pathway. Only 0.1% of the dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug. Of 15 metabolites characterized in human urine, 9 have been assigned structures. The major pathways consist of hydroxylation of the Cγ-carbon of 2 of the leucine residues, Cη-carbon hydroxylation, and cyclic ether formation (with oxidation of the double bond) in the side chain of the amino acid 3-hydroxyl- N ,4-dimethyl-L-2-amino-6-octenoic acid and N -demethylation of N -methyl leucine residues. Hydrolysis of the cyclic peptide chain or conjugation of the aforementioned metabolites do not appear to be important biotransformation pathways.
with oxidation of the double bond) in the side chain of the amino acid 3-hydroxyl- N ,4-dimethyl-L-2-amino-6-octenoic acid and N -demethylation of N -methyl leucine residues. Hydrolysis of the cyclic peptide chain or conjugation of the aforementioned metabolites do not appear to be important biotransformation pathways. Specific Populations Renal Impairment In a study performed in 4 subjects with end-stage renal disease (creatinine clearance <5 mL/min), an intravenous infusion of 3.5 mg/kg of cyclosporine over 4 hours administered at the end of a hemodialysis session resulted in a mean volume of distribution (Vdss) of 3.49 L/kg and systemic clearance (CL) of 0.369 L/hr/kg. This systemic CL (0.369 L/hr/kg) was approximately two thirds of the mean systemic CL (0.56 L/hr/kg) of cyclosporine in historical control subjects with normal renal function. In 5 liver transplant patients, the mean clearance of cyclosporine on and off hemodialysis was 463 mL/min and 398 mL/min, respectively. Less than 1% of the dose of cyclosporine was recovered in the dialysate. Hepatic Impairment Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized by the liver. Since severe hepatic impairment may result in significantly increased cyclosporine exposures, the dosage of cyclosporine may need to be reduced in these patients.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) are indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney, liver, and heart allogeneic transplants. It is always to be used with adrenal corticosteroids. The drug may also be used in the treatment of chronic rejection in patients previously treated with other immunosuppressive agents.
WARNINGS Kidney, Liver, and Heart Transplant Cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED), when used in high doses, can cause hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity (see Boxed Warning . ) Nephrotoxicity It is not unusual for serum creatinine and BUN levels to be elevated during cyclosporine therapy. These elevations in renal transplant patients do not necessarily indicate rejection, and each patient must be fully evaluated before dosage adjustment is initiated. Nephrotoxicity has been noted in 25% of cases of renal transplantation, 38% of cases of cardiac transplantation, and 37% of cases of liver transplantation. Mild nephrotoxicity was generally noted 2 to 3 months after transplant and consisted of an arrest in the fall of the preoperative elevations of BUN and creatinine at a range of 35 to 45 mg/dl and 2.0 to 2.5 mg/dl, respectively. These elevations were often responsive to dosage reduction. More overt nephrotoxicity was seen early after transplantation and was characterized by a rapidly rising BUN and creatinine. Since these events are similar to rejection episodes, care must be taken to differentiate between them. This form of nephrotoxicity is usually responsive to cyclosporine capsules dosage reduction. Although specific diagnostic criteria which reliably differentiate renal graft rejection from drug toxicity have not been found, a number of parameters have been significantly associated to one or the other. It should be noted however, that up to 20% of patients may have simultaneous nephrotoxicity and rejection. Nephrotoxicity vs.
ific diagnostic criteria which reliably differentiate renal graft rejection from drug toxicity have not been found, a number of parameters have been significantly associated to one or the other. It should be noted however, that up to 20% of patients may have simultaneous nephrotoxicity and rejection. Nephrotoxicity vs. Rejection Parameter Nephrotoxicity Rejection History Donor > 50 years old or hypotensive Antidonor immune response Prolonged kidney preservation Prolonged anastomosis time Retransplant patient Concomitant nephrotoxic drugs Clinical Often > 6 weeks postop p < 0.05, Often < 4 weeks postop p < 0.01, Prolonged initial nonfunction Fever > 37.5°C (acute tubular necrosis) Weight gain > 0.5 kg Graft swelling and tenderness Decrease in daily urine volume > 500 mL (or 50%) Laboratory CyA serum trough level > 200 ng/mL CyA serum trough level < 150 ng/mL Gradual rise in Cr (< 0.15 mg/dL/day) Rapid rise in Cr (> 0.3 mg/dL/day) Cr plateau < 25% above baseline Cr > 25% above baseline BUN/Cr ≥ 20 BUN/Cr < 20 Biopsy Arteriolopathy (medial hypertrophy , Endovasculitis p < 0.001, (proliferation , hyalinosis, nodular deposits, intimal intimal arteritis , necrosis, sclerosis) thickening, endothelial vacuolization, progressive scarring) Tubular atrophy, isometric vacuolization, Tubulitis with RBC and WBC casts, isolated calcifications some irregular vacuolization Minimal edema Interstitial edema and hemorrhage Mild focal infiltrates Diffuse moderate to severe mononuclear infiltrates p < 0.0001 Diffuse interstitial fibrosis, often striped form Glomerulitis (mononuclear cells) Aspiration Cytology CyA deposits in tubular and endothelial cells Inflammatory infiltrate with mononuclear phagocytes, macrophages, lymphoblastoid cells, and activated T-cells Fine isometric vacuolization of tubular cells These strongly express HLA-DR antigens Urine Cytology Tubular cells with vacuolization and Degenerative tubular cells, plasma cells, and granularization lymphocyturia > 20% of sediment Manometry Intracapsular pressure < 40 mm Hg Intracapsular pressure > 40 mm Hg Ultrasonography Unchanged graft cross-sectional area Increase in graft cross-sectional area AP diameter ≥ Transverse diameter Magnetic Resonance Imagery Normal appearance Loss of distinct corticomedullary junction, swelling, image intensity of parachyma approaching that of psoas, loss of hilar fat Radionuclide Scan Normal or generally decreased perfusion Patchy arterial flow Decrease in tubular function Decrease in perfusion > decrease in tubular function ( 131 I-hippuran) > decrease in perfusion Increased uptake of Indium 111 labeled platelets or Tc-99m in colloid ( 99m Tc DTPA) Therapy Responds to decreased cyclosporine capsules Responds to increased steroids or antilymphocyte globulin A form of chronic progressive cyclosporine-associated nephrotoxicity is characterized by serial deterioration in renal function and morphologic changes in the kidneys. From 5% to 15% of transplant recipients will fail to show a reduction in a rising serum creatinine despite a decrease or discontinuation of cyclosporine therapy. Renal biopsies from these patients will demonstrate an interstitial fibrosis with tubular atrophy. In addition, toxic tubulopathy, peritubular capillary congestion, arteriolopathy, and a striped form of interstitial fibrosis with tubular atrophy may be present. Though none of these morphologic changes is entirely specific, a histologic diagnosis of chronic progressive cyclosporine-associated nephrotoxicity requires evidence of these. When considering the development of chronic nephrotoxicity it is noteworthy that several authors have reported an association between the appearance of interstitial fibrosis and higher cumulative doses or persistently high circulating trough concentrations of cyclosporine.
ted nephrotoxicity requires evidence of these. When considering the development of chronic nephrotoxicity it is noteworthy that several authors have reported an association between the appearance of interstitial fibrosis and higher cumulative doses or persistently high circulating trough concentrations of cyclosporine. This is particularly true during the first 6 posttransplant months when the dosage tends to be highest and when, in kidney recipients, the organ appears to be most vulnerable to the toxic effects of cyclosporine. Among other contributing factors to the development of interstitial fibrosis in these patients must be included, prolonged perfusion time, warm ischemia time, as well as episodes of acute toxicity, and acute and chronic rejection. The reversibility of interstitial fibrosis and its correlation to renal function have not yet been determined. Impaired renal function at any time requires close monitoring, and frequent dosage adjustment may be indicated. In patients with persistent high elevations of BUN and creatinine who are unresponsive to dosage adjustments, consideration should be given to switching to other immunosuppressive therapy. In the event of severe and unremitting rejection, it is preferable to allow the kidney transplant to be rejected and removed rather than increase the cyclosporine capsules dosage to a very high level in an attempt to reverse the rejection. Due to the potential for additive or synergistic impairment of renal function, caution should be exercised when coadministering cyclosporine capsules with other drugs that may impair renal function (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions ). Thrombotic Microangiopathy Occasionally patients have developed a syndrome of thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia which may result in graft failure. The vasculopathy can occur in the absence of rejection and is accompanied by avid platelet consumption within the graft as demonstrated by Indium 111 labeled platelet studies. Neither the pathogenesis nor the management of this syndrome is clear. Though resolution has occurred after reduction or discontinuation of cyclosporine capsules and 1) administration of streptokinase and heparin or 2) plasmapheresis, this appears to depend upon early detection with Indium 111 labeled platelet scans (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Hyperkalemia Significant hyperkalemia (sometimes associated with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis) and hyperuricemia have been seen occasionally in individual patients. Hepatotoxicity Cases of hepatotoxicity and liver injury including cholestasis, jaundice, hepatitis, and liver failure have been reported in patients treated with cyclosporine. Most reports included patients with significant co-morbidities, underlying conditions and other confounding factors including infectious complications and comedications with hepatotoxic potential. In some cases, mainly in transplant patients, fatal outcomes have been reported (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Postmarketing Experience ). Hepatotoxicity, usually manifested by elevations in hepatic enzymes and bilirubin, was reported in patients treated with cyclosporine in clinical trials: 4% in renal transplantation, 7% in cardiac transplantation, and 4% in liver transplantation. This was usually noted during the first month of therapy when high doses of cyclosporine capsules were used. The chemistry elevations usually decreased with a reduction in dosage. Malignancies As in patients receiving other immunosuppressants, those patients receiving cyclosporine capsules are at increased risk for development of lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly those of the skin. The increased risk appears related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of specific agents.
s receiving other immunosuppressants, those patients receiving cyclosporine capsules are at increased risk for development of lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly those of the skin. The increased risk appears related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of specific agents. Because of the danger of oversuppression of the immune system, which can also increase susceptibility to infection, cyclosporine capsules should not be administered with other immunosuppressive agents except adrenal corticosteroids. The efficacy and safety of cyclosporine in combination with other immunosuppressive agents have not been determined. Some malignancies may be fatal. Transplant patients receiving cyclosporine are at increased risk for serious infection with fatal outcome. Serious Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including cyclosporine capsules are at increased risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections. These infections may lead to serious, including fatal, outcomes (see BOXED WARNING , and ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Polyoma Virus Infections Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including cyclosporine capsules, are at increased risk for opportunistic infections, including polyoma virus infections. Polyoma virus infections in transplant patients may have serious, and sometimes, fatal outcomes. These include cases of JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), especially due to BK virus infection, which have been observed in patients receiving cyclosporine. PVAN is associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss, (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Postmarketing Experience ). Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for PVAN. Cases of PML have been reported in patients treated with cyclosporine capsules. PML, which is sometimes fatal, commonly presents with hemiparesis, apathy, confusion, cognitive deficiencies and ataxia. Risk factors for PML include treatment with immunosuppressant therapies and impairment of immune function. In immunosuppressed patients, physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients reporting neurological symptoms and consultation with a neurologist should be considered as clinically indicated. Consideration should be given to reducing the total immunosuppression in transplant patients who develop PML or PVAN. However, reduced immunosuppression may place the graft at risk. Neurotoxicity There have been reports of convulsions in adult and pediatric patients receiving cyclosporine, particularly in combination with high-dose methylprednisolone. Encephalopathy, including Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), has been described both in postmarketing reports and in the literature. Manifestations include impaired consciousness, convulsions, visual disturbances (including blindness), loss of motor function, movement disorders and psychiatric disturbances. In many cases, changes in the white matter have been detected using imaging techniques and pathologic specimens. Predisposing factors such as hypertension, hypomagnesemia, hypocholesterolemia, high-dose corticosteroids, high cyclosporine blood concentrations, and graft-versus-host disease have been noted in many but not all of the reported cases. The changes in most cases have been reversible upon discontinuation of cyclosporine, and in some cases, improvement was noted after reduction of dose. It appears that patients receiving liver transplant are more susceptible to encephalopathy than those receiving kidney transplant.
any but not all of the reported cases. The changes in most cases have been reversible upon discontinuation of cyclosporine, and in some cases, improvement was noted after reduction of dose. It appears that patients receiving liver transplant are more susceptible to encephalopathy than those receiving kidney transplant. Another rare manifestation of cyclosporine-induced neurotoxicity is optic disc edema including papilloedema, with possible visual impairment, secondary to benign intracranial hypertension. Specific Excipients Alcohol (methanol) The alcohol content (see DESCRIPTION ) of cyclosporine capsules should be taken into account when given to patients in whom alcohol intake should be avoided or minimized, e.g. pregnant or breastfeeding women, in patients presenting with liver disease or epilepsy, in alcoholic patients, or pediatric patients. For an adult weighing 70 kg, the maximum daily oral dose would deliver about 1 gram of alcohol. (See DESCRIPTION for alcohol content of each formulation). Care should be taken in using cyclosporine capsules with nephrotoxic drugs (see PRECAUTIONS ). Conversion from Neoral to Cyclosporine capsules Because cyclosporine capsules (NON-MODIFIED), is not bioequivalent to Neoral ® *, conversion from Neoral ® * to cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) using a 1:1 ratio (mg/kg/day) may result in a lower cyclosporine blood concentration. Conversion from Neoral ® * to cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) should be made with increased blood concentration monitoring to avoid the potential of underdosing.
<table width="100%"><colgroup><col width="31%"/><col width="33%"/><col width="34%"/></colgroup><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="middle"/><td align="center" colspan="2" styleCode="Toprule " valign="middle"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Nephrotoxicity vs.
<table width="100%"><colgroup><col width="31%"/><col width="33%"/><col width="34%"/></colgroup><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="middle"/><td align="center" colspan="2" styleCode="Toprule " valign="middle"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Nephrotoxicity vs. Rejection</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="middle"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Parameter</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="middle"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Nephrotoxicity</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="middle"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Rejection</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4" styleCode="Toprule Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>History</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>Donor > 50 years old or hypotensive</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>Antidonor immune response</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Prolonged kidney preservation</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Prolonged anastomosis time</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Retransplant patient</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Concomitant nephrotoxic drugs</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td rowspan="5" valign="top"><paragraph>Clinical</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Often > 6 weeks postop <footnote ID="_Ref495907865">p < 0.05,</footnote></paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Often < 4 weeks postop <footnote ID="_Ref495907949">p < 0.01,</footnote></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Prolonged initial nonfunction</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Fever > 37.5°C</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>(acute tubular necrosis)</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Weight gain > 0.5 kg</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>Graft swelling and tenderness</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>Decrease in daily urine volume > 500 mL (or 50%)</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4" valign="top"><paragraph>Laboratory</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>CyA serum trough level > 200 ng/mL</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>CyA serum trough level < 150 ng/mL</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Gradual rise in Cr (< 0.15 mg/dL/day) <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907865"/></paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Rapid rise in Cr (> 0.3 mg/dL/day) <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907865"/></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Cr plateau < 25% above baseline</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Cr > 25% above baseline</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>BUN/Cr ≥ 20</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>BUN/Cr < 20</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="10" valign="top"><paragraph>Biopsy</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Arteriolopathy (medial hypertrophy <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907865"/>, </paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Endovasculitis <footnote ID="_Ref495908047">p < 0.001,</footnote>(proliferation <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907865"/>, </paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>hyalinosis, nodular deposits, intimal</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>intimal arteritis <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907949"/>, necrosis, sclerosis) </paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>thickening, endothelial vacuolization,</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>progressive scarring)</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top">
imal arteritis <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907949"/>, necrosis, sclerosis) </paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>thickening, endothelial vacuolization,</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>progressive scarring)</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"> <paragraph>Tubular atrophy, isometric vacuolization,</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Tubulitis with RBC <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907949"/>and WBC <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907949"/>casts, </paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>isolated calcifications</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>some irregular vacuolization</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Minimal edema</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Interstitial edema <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495908047"/>and hemorrhage <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907949"/></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Mild focal infiltrates <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495908047"/></paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Diffuse moderate to severe mononuclear</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>infiltrates <footnote ID="_Ref495908124">p < 0.0001</footnote></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Diffuse interstitial fibrosis, often striped form</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Glomerulitis (mononuclear cells) <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495908047"/></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2" valign="top"><paragraph>Aspiration Cytology</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>CyA deposits in tubular and endothelial cells</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Inflammatory infiltrate with mononuclear phagocytes, macrophages, lymphoblastoid cells, and activated T-cells</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Fine isometric vacuolization of tubular cells</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>These strongly express HLA-DR antigens</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2" valign="top"><paragraph>Urine Cytology</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Tubular cells with vacuolization and</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Degenerative tubular cells, plasma cells, and</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>granularization</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>lymphocyturia > 20% of sediment</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Manometry</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Intracapsular pressure < 40 mm Hg <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907949"/></paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Intracapsular pressure > 40 mm Hg <footnoteRef IDREF="_Ref495907949"/></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2" valign="top"><paragraph>Ultrasonography</paragraph></td><td rowspan="2" valign="top"><paragraph>Unchanged graft cross-sectional area</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Increase in graft cross-sectional area</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>AP diameter ≥ Transverse diameter</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Magnetic Resonance Imagery</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Normal appearance</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Loss of distinct corticomedullary junction, swelling, image intensity of parachyma approaching that of psoas, loss of hilar fat</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4" valign="top"><paragraph>Radionuclide Scan</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Normal or generally decreased perfusion</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Patchy arterial flow</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Decrease in tubular function</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Decrease in perfusion > decrease in tubular function</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>( <sup>131</sup>I-hippuran) > decr
td valign="top"><paragraph>Patchy arterial flow</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>Decrease in tubular function</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>Decrease in perfusion > decrease in tubular function</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>( <sup>131</sup>I-hippuran) > decr ease in perfusion </paragraph></td><td rowspan="2" valign="top"><paragraph>Increased uptake of Indium 111 labeled platelets or Tc-99m in colloid</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>( <sup>99m</sup>Tc DTPA) </paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>Therapy</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>Responds to decreased cyclosporine capsules</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>Responds to increased steroids or antilymphocyte globulin</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table>
PRECAUTIONS General Patients with malabsorption may have difficulty in achieving therapeutic concentrations with cyclosporine capsules. Hypertension Hypertension is a common side effect of cyclosporine capsules therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Mild or moderate hypertension is more frequently encountered than severe hypertension and the incidence decreases over time. Antihypertensive therapy may be required. Control of blood pressure can be accomplished with any of the common antihypertensive agents. However, since cyclosporine may cause hyperkalemia, potassium-sparing diuretics should not be used. While calcium antagonists can be effective agents in treating cyclosporine-associated hypertension, care should be taken since interference with cyclosporine metabolism may require a dosage adjustment (see Drug Interactions ). Vaccination During treatment with cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED), vaccination may be less effective and the use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided. Information for Patients Patients should be advised that any change of cyclosporine formulation should be made cautiously and only under physician supervision because it may result in the need for a change in dosage. Patients should be informed of the necessity of repeated laboratory tests while they are receiving the drug. They should be given careful dosage instructions, advised of the potential risks during pregnancy, and informed of the increased risk of neoplasia. Cyclosporine may impact the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be advised to exercise care when driving or using machines if they experience neurological disturbances including confusion, somnolence, or dizziness and discuss with their healthcare provider (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Laboratory Tests Renal and liver functions should be assessed repeatedly by measurement of BUN, serum creatinine, serum bilirubin, and liver enzymes. Drug Interactions A. Effect of Drugs and Other Agents on Cyclosporine Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety All of the individual drugs cited below are well substantiated to interact with cyclosporine. In addition, concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with cyclosporine, particularly in the setting of dehydration, may potentiate renal dysfunction. Caution should be exercised when using other drugs which are known to impair renal function (see WARNINGS, Nephrotoxicity ). Drugs That May Potentiate Renal Dysfunction Antibiotics Antineoplastic Antifungals Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Gastrointestinal Agents Immuno-suppressives Other Drugs ciprofloxacin melphalan amphotericin B azapropazone cimetidine tacrolimus fibric acid derivatives (e.g., bezafibrate, fenofibrate) gentamicin ketoconazole colchicine ranitidine tobramycin diclofenac trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole naproxen sulindac vancomycin methotrexate During the concomitant use of a drug that may exhibit additive or synergistic renal impairment potential with cyclosporine, close monitoring of renal function (in particular serum creatinine) should be performed. If a significant impairment of renal function occurs, reduction in the dosage of cyclosporine and/or coadministered drug or an alternative treatment should be considered. Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized by CYP 3A isoenzymes, in particular CYP3A4, and is a substrate of the multidrug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein.
significant impairment of renal function occurs, reduction in the dosage of cyclosporine and/or coadministered drug or an alternative treatment should be considered. Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized by CYP 3A isoenzymes, in particular CYP3A4, and is a substrate of the multidrug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein. Various agents are known to either increase or decrease plasma or whole blood concentrations of cyclosporine usually by inhibition or induction of CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein transporter or both. Compounds that decrease cyclosporine absorption such as orlistat should be avoided. Appropriate cyclosporine capsules dosage adjustment to achieve the desired cyclosporine concentrations is essential when drugs that significantly alter cyclosporine concentrations are used concomitantly (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Blood Concentration Monitoring ). 1. Drugs That Increase Cyclosporine Concentrations Calcium Channel Blockers Antifungals Antibiotics Glucocorticoids Other Drugs diltiazem fluconazole azithromycin methylprednisolone allopurinol nicardipine itraconazole clarithromycin amiodarone verapamil ketoconazole erythromycin bromocriptine voriconazole quinupristin/ dalfopristin colchicine danazol imatinib metoclopramide nefazodone oral contraceptives HIV Protease inhibitors The HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir) are known to inhibit cytochrome P-450 3A and thus could potentially increase the concentrations of cyclosporine, however no formal studies of the interaction are available. Care should be exercised when these drugs are administered concomitantly. Grapefruit juice Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect metabolism, increasing blood concentrations of cyclosporine, thus should be avoided. 2. Drugs/Dietary Supplements That Decrease Cyclosporine Concentrations Antibiotics Anticonvulsants Other Drugs/ Dietary Supplements nafcillin carbamazepine bosentan St. John’s Wort rifampin oxcarbazepine octreotide phenobarbital orlistat phenytoin sulfinpyrazone terbinafine ticlopidine Bosentan Co-administration of bosentan (250 to 1,000 mg every 12 hours based on tolerability) and cyclosporine (300 mg every 12 hours for 2 days then dosing to achieve a C min of 200 to 250 ng/mL) for 7 days in healthy subjects resulted in decreases in the cyclosporine mean dose-normalized AUC, C max , and trough concentration of approximately 50%, 30% and 60%, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine was given alone (see also Effect of Cyclosporine on the Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety of Other Drugs or Agents ). Coadministration of cyclosporine with bosentan should be avoided. Boceprevir Coadministration of boceprevir (800 mg three times daily for 7 days) and cyclosporine (100 mg single dose) in healthy subjects resulted in increases in the mean AUC and C max of cyclosporine approximately 2.7-fold and 2-fold, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine was given alone. Telaprevir Coadministration of telaprevir (750 mg every 8 hours for 11 days) with cyclosporine (10 mg on Day 8) in healthy subjects resulted in increases in the mean dose-normalized AUC and C max of cyclosporine approximately 4.5-fold and 1.3-fold, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine (100 mg single dose) was given alone. St. John’s Wort There have been reports of a serious drug interaction between cyclosporine and the herbal dietary supplement, St. John’s Wort. This interaction has been reported to produce a marked reduction in the blood concentrations of cyclosporine, resulting in subtherapeutic levels, rejection of transplanted organs, and graft loss. Rifabutin Rifabutin is known to increase the metabolism of other drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 system. The interaction between rifabutin and cyclosporine has not been studied.
n in the blood concentrations of cyclosporine, resulting in subtherapeutic levels, rejection of transplanted organs, and graft loss. Rifabutin Rifabutin is known to increase the metabolism of other drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 system. The interaction between rifabutin and cyclosporine has not been studied. Care should be exercised when these two drugs are administered concomitantly. B. Effect of Cyclosporine on the Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety of Other Drugs or Agents Cyclosporine is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and of multiple drug efflux transporters (e.g., P-glycoprotein) and may increase plasma concentrations of comedications that are substrates of CYP3A4, P-glycoprotein, or organic anion transporter proteins. Cyclosporine may reduce the clearance of digoxin, colchicine, prednisolone, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and aliskiren, bosentan, dabigatran, repaglinide, NSAIDs, sirolimus, etoposide, and other drugs. See the full prescribing information of the other drug for further information and specific recommendations. The decision on coadministration of cyclosporine with other drugs or agents should be made by the healthcare provider following the careful assessment of benefits and risks. Digoxin Severe digitalis toxicity has been seen within days of starting cyclosporine in several patients taking digoxin. If digoxin is used concurrently with cyclosporine, serum digoxin concentrations should be monitored. Colchicine There are reports on the potential of cyclosporine to enhance the toxic effects of colchicine such as myopathy and neuropathy, especially in patients with renal dysfunction. Concomitant administration of cyclosporine and colchicine results in significant increases in colchicine plasma concentrations. If colchicine is used concurrently with cyclosporine, a reduction in the dosage of colchicine is recommended. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility Cyclosporine gave no evidence of mutagenic or teratogenic effects in appropriate test systems. Only at dose levels toxic to dams, were adverse effects seen in reproduction studies in rats (see Pregnancy ). Carcinogenicity studies were carried out in male and female rats and mice. In the 78-week mouse study, at doses of 1, 4, and 16 mg/kg/day, evidence of a statistically significant trend was found for lymphocytic lymphomas in females, and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in mid-dose males significantly exceeded the control value. In the 24-month rat study, conducted at 0.5, 2, and 8 mg/kg/day, pancreatic islet cell adenomas significantly exceeded the control rate in the low-dose level. The hepatocellular carcinomas and pancreatic islet cell adenomas were not dose related. Cyclosporine has not been found mutagenic/genotoxic in the Ames test, the V79-HGPRT Test, the micronucleus test in mice and Chinese hamsters, the chromosome-aberration tests in Chinese hamster bone marrow, the mouse dominant lethal assay, and the DNA-repair test in sperm from treated mice. A recent study analyzing sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction by cyclosporine using human lymphocytes in vitro gave indication of a positive effect (i.e., induction of SCE), at high concentrations in this system. In a fertility study in rats, increased perinatal mortality and impaired postnatal development of F1 pups were observed at 15 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA). No adverse effects on fertility and reproduction were observed up to 5 mg/kg/day (0.06 times the MRHD based on BSA) in male and female rats. An increased incidence of malignancy is a recognized complication of immunosuppression in recipients of organ transplants. The most common forms of neoplasms are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and carcinomas of the skin.
nd reproduction were observed up to 5 mg/kg/day (0.06 times the MRHD based on BSA) in male and female rats. An increased incidence of malignancy is a recognized complication of immunosuppression in recipients of organ transplants. The most common forms of neoplasms are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and carcinomas of the skin. The risk of malignancies in cyclosporine recipients is higher than in the normal, healthy population, but similar to that in patients receiving other immunosuppressive therapies. It has been reported that reduction or discontinuance of immunosuppression may cause the lesions to regress. Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to cyclosporine, including Neoral, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking Neoral during pregnancy to enroll in the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International (TPRI) by calling 1-877-955-8677 or visiting https://www.transplantpregnancyregistry.org . Risk Summary Available data from published literature, including the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International, observational cohort studies, case-controlled studies, meta-analysis, case series, and case reports, over decades of use with cyclosporine in pregnancy have not identified a drug associated risk of major birth defects, or miscarriage. Adverse maternal or fetal outcomes including hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight are increased in patients treated with cyclosporine. However, patients receiving cyclosporine during pregnancy have underlying medical conditions and may be treated with concomitant medications that limit the interpretability of these findings (see Data). Embryo-fetal developmental (EFD) studies in rats and rabbits with cyclosporine have shown embryo-fetal toxicity at dose levels below the MRHD based on BSA. The alcohol content of cyclosporine capsules should be taken into account when given to pregnant women (see WARNINGS, Specific Excipients ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Available data from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR) including 622 pregnancies in renal, liver, and heart transplant recipients exposed to cyclosporine during pregnancy found that the overall rate of major birth defects, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates were comparable to the general population. Maternal and fetal adverse outcomes, including the rate of hypertension, preeclampsia, premature births, and low birth weight infants appear to be increased in transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine compared to the general population. However, these patients have underlying medical conditions that confound the above findings. Animal Data Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity in rats and rabbits. Three EFD studies (two oral and one intravenous) are available in rats. In two EFD studies, pregnant rats were orally administered with cyclosporine either at doses of 10, 17, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day or 4, 10 and 25 mg/kg/day from gestation day (GD) 6 to 15 or from GD 7 to 17, respectively. Maternal toxicity characterized by mortality, clinical signs of toxicity and impaired body weight gain were observed at 30 mg/kg/day and above. Cyclosporine was embryo- and fetotoxic as indicated by increased embryonic mortality and reduced fetal weight together with skeletal retardations in rats at 25 mg/kg/day and above.
rnal toxicity characterized by mortality, clinical signs of toxicity and impaired body weight gain were observed at 30 mg/kg/day and above. Cyclosporine was embryo- and fetotoxic as indicated by increased embryonic mortality and reduced fetal weight together with skeletal retardations in rats at 25 mg/kg/day and above. In addition, ventricular septal defect was observed at 25 mg/kg/day in fetuses. In the first study, the oral no observed effect level (NOEL) for both dams and fetuses was 17 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA). In the other oral study, the NOEL for dams and fetuses were 10 and 4 mg/kg/day (0.13 and 0.05 times the MRHD based on BSA), respectively. In the IV EFD study, rats were administered with 3, 6 and 12 mg/kg/day of cyclosporine from GD 7 to 17. An increase in post implantation loss was observed at 12 mg/kg/day; ventricular septal defect was observed at ≥ 6 mg/kg/day in fetuses. The IV NOEL for dams and fetus were 6 and 3 mg/kg/day (below the MRHD based on BSA), respectively after IV administration. In rabbits, cyclosporine was orally administered at dose levels of 10, 30, 100 or 300 mg/kg/day from GD 6 to 18. At 100 mg/kg/day and above, reduction in body weight gain of dams and at 300 mg/kg/day abortions were observed. Maternal toxicity, embryo-fetotoxicity as indicated by increased pre- and postnatal mortality, reduced fetal weight together with skeletal retardations were observed at 100 mg/kg/day and above. The NOEL for dams and fetuses was 30 mg/kg/day (1 times the MRHD based on BSA). In two published research studies, rabbits exposed to cyclosporine in utero (10 mg/kg/day subcutaneously) demonstrated reduced numbers of nephrons, renal hypertrophy, systemic hypertension and progressive renal insufficiency up to 35 weeks of age. These findings have not been demonstrated in other species and their relevance for humans is unknown. In a peri- and postnatal development study in rats, pregnant rats were orally administered with cyclosporine (5, 15 or 45 mg/kg/day) from GD 15 until end of lactation. At 45 mg/kg/day (0.5 times the MRHD based on BSA), increased pre and postnatal mortality of offspring and reduced body weight gain of surviving pups were observed. Cyclosporine up to 15 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA) had no effect on pregnancy, pre and postnatal development of offspring. Nursing Mothers Cyclosporine and its metabolites are present in human milk following oral and intravenous administration. Adverse effects on the breastfed infant have not been reported. There are no data on the effects of the drug on milk production. The alcohol content of cyclosporine capsules should be taken into account when given to lactating women (see WARNINGS, Specific Excipients ). Lactating women are encouraged to avoid additional alcohol intake during treatment. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for cyclosporine and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from cyclosporine or from the underlying maternal condition. Pediatric Use Although no adequate and well-controlled studies have been conducted in children, patients as young as 6 months of age have received the drug with no unusual adverse effects. Geriatric Use Clinical studies of cyclosporine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.
al adverse effects. Geriatric Use Clinical studies of cyclosporine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
<table width="100%"><colgroup><col width="16%"/><col width="14%"/><col width="13%"/><col width="14%"/><col width="16%"/><col width="13%"/><col width="13%"/></colgroup><thead><tr><th align="left" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold"><content styleCode="underline">Antibiotics</content></content></th><th align="left" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold"><content styleCode="underline">Antineoplastic</content></content></th><th align="left" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold"><content styleCode="underline">Antifungals</content></content></th><th align="left" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold"><content styleCode="underline">Anti-Inflammatory Drugs</content></content></th><th align="left" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold"><content styleCode="underline">Gastrointestinal Agents</content></content></th><th align="left" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold"><content styleCode="underline">Immuno-suppressives</content></content></th><th align="left" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold"><content styleCode="underline">Other Drugs</content></content></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>ciprofloxacin</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>melphalan</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>amphotericin B</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>azapropazone</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>cimetidine</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>tacrolimus</paragraph></td><td rowspan="5" styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph>fibric acid derivatives (e.g., bezafibrate, fenofibrate)</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>gentamicin</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>ketoconazole</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>colchicine</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>ranitidine</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>tobramycin</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>diclofenac</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td rowspan="2" valign="top"><paragraph>trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>naproxen</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>sulindac</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>vancomycin</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>methotrexate</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table>
ancomycin</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>methotrexate</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table> <table width="100%"><colgroup><col width="16%"/><col width="18%"/><col width="19%"/><col width="24%"/><col width="21%"/></colgroup><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="top"><paragraph><content styleCode="italics"><content styleCode="underline">Calcium Channel Blockers</content></content></paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="italics"><content styleCode="underline">Antifungals</content></content></paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="italics"><content styleCode="underline">Antibiotics</content></content></paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="italics"><content styleCode="underline">Glucocorticoids</content></content></paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="italics"><content styleCode="underline">Other Drugs</content></content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>diltiazem</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>fluconazole</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>azithromycin</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>methylprednisolone</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>allopurinol</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>nicardipine</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>itraconazole</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>clarithromycin</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>amiodarone</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><paragraph>verapamil</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>ketoconazole</paragraph></td><td valign="top"><paragraph>erythromycin</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>bromocriptine</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>voriconazole</paragraph></td><td rowspan="2" valign="top"><paragraph>quinupristin/ dalfopristin</paragraph></td><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>colchicine</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>danazol</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>imatinib</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>metoclopramide</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"/><td valign="top"><paragraph>nefazodone</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>oral contraceptives</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table>
lign="top"><paragraph>nefazodone</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="top"><paragraph>oral contraceptives</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table> <table width="100%"><colgroup><col width="26%"/><col width="29%"/><col width="23%"/><col width="20%"/></colgroup><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="italics"><content styleCode="underline">Antibiotics</content></content></paragraph></td><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="italics"><content styleCode="underline">Anticonvulsants</content></content></paragraph></td><td colspan="2" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="italics"><content styleCode="underline">Other Drugs/ Dietary Supplements</content></content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>nafcillin</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>carbamazepine</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>bosentan</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>St. John’s Wort</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>rifampin</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>oxcarbazepine</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>octreotide</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>phenobarbital</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>orlistat</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>phenytoin</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>sulfinpyrazone</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>terbinafine</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"/><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>ticlopidine</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"/></tr></tbody></table>
Information for Patients Patients should be advised that any change of cyclosporine formulation should be made cautiously and only under physician supervision because it may result in the need for a change in dosage. Patients should be informed of the necessity of repeated laboratory tests while they are receiving the drug. They should be given careful dosage instructions, advised of the potential risks during pregnancy, and informed of the increased risk of neoplasia. Cyclosporine may impact the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be advised to exercise care when driving or using machines if they experience neurological disturbances including confusion, somnolence, or dizziness and discuss with their healthcare provider (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Drug Interactions A. Effect of Drugs and Other Agents on Cyclosporine Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety All of the individual drugs cited below are well substantiated to interact with cyclosporine. In addition, concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with cyclosporine, particularly in the setting of dehydration, may potentiate renal dysfunction. Caution should be exercised when using other drugs which are known to impair renal function (see WARNINGS, Nephrotoxicity ). Drugs That May Potentiate Renal Dysfunction Antibiotics Antineoplastic Antifungals Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Gastrointestinal Agents Immuno-suppressives Other Drugs ciprofloxacin melphalan amphotericin B azapropazone cimetidine tacrolimus fibric acid derivatives (e.g., bezafibrate, fenofibrate) gentamicin ketoconazole colchicine ranitidine tobramycin diclofenac trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole naproxen sulindac vancomycin methotrexate During the concomitant use of a drug that may exhibit additive or synergistic renal impairment potential with cyclosporine, close monitoring of renal function (in particular serum creatinine) should be performed. If a significant impairment of renal function occurs, reduction in the dosage of cyclosporine and/or coadministered drug or an alternative treatment should be considered. Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized by CYP 3A isoenzymes, in particular CYP3A4, and is a substrate of the multidrug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein. Various agents are known to either increase or decrease plasma or whole blood concentrations of cyclosporine usually by inhibition or induction of CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein transporter or both. Compounds that decrease cyclosporine absorption such as orlistat should be avoided. Appropriate cyclosporine capsules dosage adjustment to achieve the desired cyclosporine concentrations is essential when drugs that significantly alter cyclosporine concentrations are used concomitantly (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Blood Concentration Monitoring ). 1. Drugs That Increase Cyclosporine Concentrations Calcium Channel Blockers Antifungals Antibiotics Glucocorticoids Other Drugs diltiazem fluconazole azithromycin methylprednisolone allopurinol nicardipine itraconazole clarithromycin amiodarone verapamil ketoconazole erythromycin bromocriptine voriconazole quinupristin/ dalfopristin colchicine danazol imatinib metoclopramide nefazodone oral contraceptives HIV Protease inhibitors The HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir) are known to inhibit cytochrome P-450 3A and thus could potentially increase the concentrations of cyclosporine, however no formal studies of the interaction are available. Care should be exercised when these drugs are administered concomitantly. Grapefruit juice Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect metabolism, increasing blood concentrations of cyclosporine, thus should be avoided. 2. Drugs/Dietary Supplements That Decrease Cyclosporine Concentrations Antibiotics Anticonvulsants Other Drugs/ Dietary Supplements nafcillin carbamazepine bosentan St.
omitantly. Grapefruit juice Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect metabolism, increasing blood concentrations of cyclosporine, thus should be avoided. 2. Drugs/Dietary Supplements That Decrease Cyclosporine Concentrations Antibiotics Anticonvulsants Other Drugs/ Dietary Supplements nafcillin carbamazepine bosentan St. John’s Wort rifampin oxcarbazepine octreotide phenobarbital orlistat phenytoin sulfinpyrazone terbinafine ticlopidine Bosentan Co-administration of bosentan (250 to 1,000 mg every 12 hours based on tolerability) and cyclosporine (300 mg every 12 hours for 2 days then dosing to achieve a C min of 200 to 250 ng/mL) for 7 days in healthy subjects resulted in decreases in the cyclosporine mean dose-normalized AUC, C max , and trough concentration of approximately 50%, 30% and 60%, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine was given alone (see also Effect of Cyclosporine on the Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety of Other Drugs or Agents ). Coadministration of cyclosporine with bosentan should be avoided. Boceprevir Coadministration of boceprevir (800 mg three times daily for 7 days) and cyclosporine (100 mg single dose) in healthy subjects resulted in increases in the mean AUC and C max of cyclosporine approximately 2.7-fold and 2-fold, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine was given alone. Telaprevir Coadministration of telaprevir (750 mg every 8 hours for 11 days) with cyclosporine (10 mg on Day 8) in healthy subjects resulted in increases in the mean dose-normalized AUC and C max of cyclosporine approximately 4.5-fold and 1.3-fold, respectively, compared to when cyclosporine (100 mg single dose) was given alone. St. John’s Wort There have been reports of a serious drug interaction between cyclosporine and the herbal dietary supplement, St. John’s Wort. This interaction has been reported to produce a marked reduction in the blood concentrations of cyclosporine, resulting in subtherapeutic levels, rejection of transplanted organs, and graft loss. Rifabutin Rifabutin is known to increase the metabolism of other drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 system. The interaction between rifabutin and cyclosporine has not been studied. Care should be exercised when these two drugs are administered concomitantly. B. Effect of Cyclosporine on the Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety of Other Drugs or Agents Cyclosporine is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and of multiple drug efflux transporters (e.g., P-glycoprotein) and may increase plasma concentrations of comedications that are substrates of CYP3A4, P-glycoprotein, or organic anion transporter proteins. Cyclosporine may reduce the clearance of digoxin, colchicine, prednisolone, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and aliskiren, bosentan, dabigatran, repaglinide, NSAIDs, sirolimus, etoposide, and other drugs. See the full prescribing information of the other drug for further information and specific recommendations. The decision on coadministration of cyclosporine with other drugs or agents should be made by the healthcare provider following the careful assessment of benefits and risks. Digoxin Severe digitalis toxicity has been seen within days of starting cyclosporine in several patients taking digoxin. If digoxin is used concurrently with cyclosporine, serum digoxin concentrations should be monitored. Colchicine There are reports on the potential of cyclosporine to enhance the toxic effects of colchicine such as myopathy and neuropathy, especially in patients with renal dysfunction. Concomitant administration of cyclosporine and colchicine results in significant increases in colchicine plasma concentrations. If colchicine is used concurrently with cyclosporine, a reduction in the dosage of colchicine is recommended.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility Cyclosporine gave no evidence of mutagenic or teratogenic effects in appropriate test systems. Only at dose levels toxic to dams, were adverse effects seen in reproduction studies in rats (see Pregnancy ). Carcinogenicity studies were carried out in male and female rats and mice. In the 78-week mouse study, at doses of 1, 4, and 16 mg/kg/day, evidence of a statistically significant trend was found for lymphocytic lymphomas in females, and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in mid-dose males significantly exceeded the control value. In the 24-month rat study, conducted at 0.5, 2, and 8 mg/kg/day, pancreatic islet cell adenomas significantly exceeded the control rate in the low-dose level. The hepatocellular carcinomas and pancreatic islet cell adenomas were not dose related. Cyclosporine has not been found mutagenic/genotoxic in the Ames test, the V79-HGPRT Test, the micronucleus test in mice and Chinese hamsters, the chromosome-aberration tests in Chinese hamster bone marrow, the mouse dominant lethal assay, and the DNA-repair test in sperm from treated mice. A recent study analyzing sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction by cyclosporine using human lymphocytes in vitro gave indication of a positive effect (i.e., induction of SCE), at high concentrations in this system. In a fertility study in rats, increased perinatal mortality and impaired postnatal development of F1 pups were observed at 15 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA). No adverse effects on fertility and reproduction were observed up to 5 mg/kg/day (0.06 times the MRHD based on BSA) in male and female rats. An increased incidence of malignancy is a recognized complication of immunosuppression in recipients of organ transplants. The most common forms of neoplasms are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and carcinomas of the skin. The risk of malignancies in cyclosporine recipients is higher than in the normal, healthy population, but similar to that in patients receiving other immunosuppressive therapies. It has been reported that reduction or discontinuance of immunosuppression may cause the lesions to regress.
Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to cyclosporine, including Neoral, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking Neoral during pregnancy to enroll in the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International (TPRI) by calling 1-877-955-8677 or visiting https://www.transplantpregnancyregistry.org . Risk Summary Available data from published literature, including the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International, observational cohort studies, case-controlled studies, meta-analysis, case series, and case reports, over decades of use with cyclosporine in pregnancy have not identified a drug associated risk of major birth defects, or miscarriage. Adverse maternal or fetal outcomes including hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight are increased in patients treated with cyclosporine. However, patients receiving cyclosporine during pregnancy have underlying medical conditions and may be treated with concomitant medications that limit the interpretability of these findings (see Data). Embryo-fetal developmental (EFD) studies in rats and rabbits with cyclosporine have shown embryo-fetal toxicity at dose levels below the MRHD based on BSA. The alcohol content of cyclosporine capsules should be taken into account when given to pregnant women (see WARNINGS, Specific Excipients ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Available data from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR) including 622 pregnancies in renal, liver, and heart transplant recipients exposed to cyclosporine during pregnancy found that the overall rate of major birth defects, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates were comparable to the general population. Maternal and fetal adverse outcomes, including the rate of hypertension, preeclampsia, premature births, and low birth weight infants appear to be increased in transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine compared to the general population. However, these patients have underlying medical conditions that confound the above findings. Animal Data Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity in rats and rabbits. Three EFD studies (two oral and one intravenous) are available in rats. In two EFD studies, pregnant rats were orally administered with cyclosporine either at doses of 10, 17, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day or 4, 10 and 25 mg/kg/day from gestation day (GD) 6 to 15 or from GD 7 to 17, respectively. Maternal toxicity characterized by mortality, clinical signs of toxicity and impaired body weight gain were observed at 30 mg/kg/day and above. Cyclosporine was embryo- and fetotoxic as indicated by increased embryonic mortality and reduced fetal weight together with skeletal retardations in rats at 25 mg/kg/day and above. In addition, ventricular septal defect was observed at 25 mg/kg/day in fetuses. In the first study, the oral no observed effect level (NOEL) for both dams and fetuses was 17 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA).
Nursing Mothers Cyclosporine and its metabolites are present in human milk following oral and intravenous administration. Adverse effects on the breastfed infant have not been reported. There are no data on the effects of the drug on milk production. The alcohol content of cyclosporine capsules should be taken into account when given to lactating women (see WARNINGS, Specific Excipients ). Lactating women are encouraged to avoid additional alcohol intake during treatment. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for cyclosporine and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from cyclosporine or from the underlying maternal condition.
Geriatric Use Clinical studies of cyclosporine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
ADVERSE REACTIONS The principal adverse reactions of cyclosporine capsules therapy are renal dysfunction, tremor, hirsutism, hypertension, and gum hyperplasia. Hypertension Hypertension, which is usually mild to moderate, may occur in approximately 50% of patients following renal transplantation and in most cardiac transplant patients. Glomerular Capillary Thrombosis Glomerular capillary thrombosis has been found in patients treated with cyclosporine and may progress to graft failure. The pathologic changes resemble those seen in the hemolytic-uremic syndrome and include thrombosis of the renal microvasculature, with platelet-fibrin thrombi occluding glomerular capillaries and afferent arterioles, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and decreased renal function. Similar findings have been observed when other immunosuppressives have been employed post transplantation. Hypomagnesemia Hypomagnesemia has been reported in some, but not all, patients exhibiting convulsions while on cyclosporine therapy. Although magnesium-depletion studies in normal subjects suggest that hypomagnesemia is associated with neurologic disorders, multiple factors, including hypertension, high-dose methylprednisolone, hypocholesterolemia, and nephrotoxicity associated with high plasma concentrations of cyclosporine appear to be related to the neurological manifestations of cyclosporine toxicity. Clinical Studies The following reactions occurred in 3% or greater of 892 patients involved in clinical trials of kidney, heart, and liver transplants: Randomized Kidney Patients All Cyclosporine capsules Patients Cyclosporine capsules Azathioprine Kidney Heart Liver Body System/ (N=227) (N=228) (N=705) (N=112) (N=75) Adverse Reactions % % % % % Genitourinary Renal Dysfunction 32 6 25 38 37 Cardiovascular Hypertension 26 18 13 53 27 Cramps 4 < 1 2 < 1 0 Skin Hirsutism 21 < 1 21 28 45 Acne 6 8 2 2 1 Central Nervous System Tremor 12 0 21 31 55 Convulsions 3 1 1 4 5 Headache 2 < 1 2 15 4 Gastrointestinal Gum Hyperplasia 4 0 9 5 16 Diarrhea 3 < 1 3 4 8 Nausea/Vomiting 2 < 1 4 10 4 Hepatotoxicity < 1 < 1 4 7 4 Abdominal Discomfort < 1 0 < 1 7 0 Autonomic Nervous System Paresthesia 3 0 1 2 1 Flushing < 1 0 4 0 4 Hematopoietic Leukopenia 2 19 < 1 6 0 Lymphoma < 1 0 1 6 1 Respiratory Sinusitis < 1 0 4 3 7 Miscellaneous Gynecomastia < 1 0 < 1 4 3 The following reactions occurred in 2% or less of patients: allergic reactions, anemia, anorexia, confusion, conjunctivitis, edema, fever, brittle fingernails, gastritis, hearing loss, hiccups, hyperglycemia, muscle pain, peptic ulcer, thrombocytopenia, tinnitus. The following reactions occurred rarely: anxiety, chest pain, constipation, depression, hair breaking, hematuria, joint pain, lethargy, mouth sores, myocardial infarction, night sweats, pancreatitis, pruritus, swallowing difficulty, tingling, upper GI bleeding, visual disturbance, weakness, weight loss. Renal Transplant Patients in Whom Therapy Was Discontinued Randomized Patients All Cyclosporine capsules Patients Cyclosporine capsules Azathioprine (N=227) (N=228) (N=705) Reason for Discontinuation % % % Renal Toxicity 5.7 0 5.4 Infection 0 0.4 0.9 Lack of Efficacy 2.6 0.9 1.4 Acute Tubular Necrosis 2.6 0 1.0 Lymphoma/Lymphoproliferative Disease 0.4 0 0.3 Hypertension 0 0 0.3 Hematological Abnormalities 0 0.4 0 Other 0 0 0.7 Cyclosporine capsules was discontinued on a temporary basis and then restarted in 18 additional patients.
city 5.7 0 5.4 Infection 0 0.4 0.9 Lack of Efficacy 2.6 0.9 1.4 Acute Tubular Necrosis 2.6 0 1.0 Lymphoma/Lymphoproliferative Disease 0.4 0 0.3 Hypertension 0 0 0.3 Hematological Abnormalities 0 0.4 0 Other 0 0 0.7 Cyclosporine capsules was discontinued on a temporary basis and then restarted in 18 additional patients. Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, including cyclosporine and cyclosporine-containing regimens, are at increased risk of infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic). Both generalized and localized infections can occur. Preexisting infections may also be aggravated. Fatal outcomes have been reported (see WARNINGS ). Infectious Complications in the Randomized Renal Transplant Patients Cyclosporine capsules Treatment Standard Treatment Some patients also received ALG. (N=227) (N=228) Complication % of Complications % of Complications Septicemia 5.3 4.8 Abscesses 4.4 5.3 Systemic Fungal Infection 2.2 3.9 Local Fungal Infection 7.5 9.6 Cytomegalovirus 4.8 12.3 Other Viral Infections 15.9 18.4 Urinary Tract Infections 21.1 20.2 Wound and Skin Infections 7.0 10.1 Pneumonia 6.2 9.2 Postmarketing Experience Hepatotoxicity Cases of hepatotoxicity and liver injury including cholestasis, jaundice, hepatitis and liver failure; serious and/or fatal outcomes have been reported (see WARNINGS, Hepatotoxicity ). Increased Risk of Infections Cases of JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), sometimes fatal; and polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), especially BK virus resulting in graft loss have been reported (see WARNINGS, Polyoma Virus Infection ). Headache, Including Migraine Cases of migraine have been reported. In some cases, patients have been unable to continue cyclosporine, however, the final decision on treatment discontinuation should be made by the treating physician following the careful assessment of benefits versus risks. Pain of Lower Extremities Isolated cases of pain of lower extremities have been reported in association with cyclosporine. Pain of lower extremities has also been noted as part of Calcineurin-Inhibitor Induced Pain Syndrome (CIPS) as described in the literature.
<table width="100%"><colgroup><col width="24%"/><col width="19%"/><col width="19%"/><col width="13%"/><col width="13%"/><col width="11%"/></colgroup><thead><tr><th align="left" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"/><th align="center" colspan="2" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Randomized Kidney Patients</content></th><th align="center" colspan="3" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">All Cyclosporine capsules Patients</content></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Cyclosporine capsules</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Azathioprine</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Kidney</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Heart</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Liver</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Body System/</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=227)</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=228)</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=705)</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=112)</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=75)</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> <content styleCode="bold">Adverse Reactions</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">%</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">%</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">%</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">%</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">%</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Genitourinary</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Renal Dysfunction</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>32</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>6</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>25</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>38</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>37</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Cardiovascular</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Hypertension</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>26</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>18</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>13</paragraph></td><td alig
om"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Hypertension</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>26</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>18</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>13</paragraph></td><td alig n="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>53</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>27</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Cramps</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Skin</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Hirsutism</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>21</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>21</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>28</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>45</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Acne</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>6</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>8</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Central Nervous System</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Tremor</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>12</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>21</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>31</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>55</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Convulsions</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>3</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>5</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Headache</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>15</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Gastrointestinal</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Gum Hyperplasia</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>9</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>5</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>16</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Diarrhea</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>3</
agraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>9</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>5</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>16</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Diarrhea</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>3</ paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>3</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>8</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Nausea/Vomiting</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>10</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Hepatotoxicity</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>7</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Abdominal Discomfort</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>7</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Autonomic Nervous System</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Paresthesia</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>3</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Flushing</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Hematopoietic</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Leukopenia</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>19</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>6</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Lymphoma</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>6</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Respiratory</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/>
="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>6</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Respiratory</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/> <td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph> Sinusitis</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>3</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>7</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Miscellaneous</paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph> Gynecomastia</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>3</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table>
="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>< 1</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>4</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>3</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table> <table width="100%"><colgroup><col width="38%"/><col width="20%"/><col width="20%"/><col width="21%"/></colgroup><thead><tr><th align="center" colspan="4" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Renal Transplant Patients in Whom Therapy Was Discontinued</content></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td align="center" colspan="2" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Randomized Patients</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">All Cyclosporine capsules Patients</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Cyclosporine capsules</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Azathioprine</content></paragraph></td><td valign="bottom"/></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=227)</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=228)</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=705)</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Reason for Discontinuation</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">%</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">%</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">%</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>Renal Toxicity</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>5.7</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>5.4</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Infection</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.9</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Lack of Efficacy</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2.6</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.9</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1.4</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Acute Tubular Necrosis</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2.6</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>1.0</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Lymphoma/Lymphoproliferative Disease</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.3</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Hypertension</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.3</p
</td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.3</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Hypertension</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.3</p aragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Hematological Abnormalities</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>Other</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.7</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table>
"bottom"><paragraph>Other</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>0</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>0.7</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table> <table width="100%"><colgroup><col width="33%"/><col width="33%"/><col width="33%"/></colgroup><thead><tr><th align="center" colspan="3" styleCode="Botrule Toprule " valign="bottom"><content styleCode="bold">Infectious Complications in the Randomized Renal Transplant Patients</content></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"/><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Cyclosporine capsules Treatment</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Toprule " valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Standard Treatment</content><footnote ID="_RefID0E5WBG">Some patients also received ALG.</footnote></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"/><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=227)</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">(N=228)</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Complication</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">% of Complications</content></paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">% of Complications</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Septicemia</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>5.3</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4.8</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Abscesses</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4.4</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>5.3</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Systemic Fungal Infection</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>2.2</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>3.9</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Local Fungal Infection</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>7.5</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>9.6</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Cytomegalovirus</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>4.8</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>12.3</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Other Viral Infections</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>15.9</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>18.4</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Urinary Tract Infections</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>21.1</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>20.2</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><paragraph>Wound and Skin Infections</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>7.0</paragraph></td><td align="center" valign="bottom"><paragraph>10.1</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>Pneumonia</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>6.2</paragraph></td><td align="center" styleCode="Botrule " valign="bottom"><paragraph>9.2</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table>
OVERDOSAGE There is a minimal experience with overdosage. Because of the slow absorption of cyclosporine capsules, forced emesis and gastric lavage would be of value up to 2 hours after administration. Transient hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity may occur which should resolve following drug withdrawal. Oral doses of cyclosporine up to 10 g (about 150 mg/kg) have been tolerated with relatively minor clinical consequences, such as vomiting, drowsiness, headache, tachycardia, and in a few patients, moderately severe, reversible impairment of renal function. However, serious symptoms of intoxication have been reported following accidental parenteral overdosage with cyclosporine in premature neonates. General supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be followed in all cases of overdosage. Cyclosporine capsules is not dialyzable to any great extent, nor is it cleared well by charcoal hemoperfusion. The oral LD 50 is 2,329 mg/kg in mice, 1,480 mg/kg in rats, and >1,000 mg/kg in rabbits. The intravenous (IV) LD 50 is 148 mg/kg in mice, 104 mg/kg in rats, and 46 mg/kg in rabbits.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) Cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) have decreased bioavailability in comparison to Neoral ® * (cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED. Cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) and Neoral ® * (cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED are not bioequivalent and cannot be used interchangeably without physician supervision. The initial oral dose of cyclosporine capsules, (NON-MODIFIED) should be given 4 to 12 hours prior to transplantation as a single dose of 15 mg/kg. Although a daily single dose of 14 to 18 mg/kg was used in most clinical trials, few centers continue to use the highest dose, most favoring the lower end of the scale. There is a trend towards use of even lower initial doses for renal transplantation in the ranges of 10 to 14 mg/kg/day. The initial single daily dose is continued postoperatively for 1 to 2 weeks and then tapered by 5% per week to a maintenance dose of 5 to 10 mg/kg/day. Some centers have successfully tapered the maintenance dose to as low as 3 mg/kg/day in selected renal transplant patients without an apparent rise in rejection rate. See Blood Concentration Monitoring, below. Specific Populations Renal Impairment Cyclosporine undergoes minimal renal elimination and its pharmacokinetics do not appear to be significantly altered in patients with end-stage renal disease who receive routine hemodialysis treatments (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). However, due to its nephrotoxic potential (see WARNINGS ), careful monitoring of renal function is recommended; cyclosporine dosage should be reduced if indicated (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). Hepatic Impairment The clearance of cyclosporine may be significantly reduced in severe liver disease patients (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with severe liver impairment to maintain blood concentrations within the recommended target range (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). Pediatrics In pediatric usage, the same dose and dosing regimen may be used as in adults although in several studies, children have required and tolerated higher doses than those used in adults. Adjunct therapy with adrenal corticosteroids is recommended. Different tapering dosage schedules of prednisone appear to achieve similar results. A dosage schedule based on the patient’s weight started with 2 mg/kg/day for the first 4 days tapered to 1.0 mg/kg/day by 1 week, 0.6 mg/kg/day by 2 weeks, 0.3 mg/kg/day by 1 month, and 0.15 mg/kg/day by 2 months and thereafter as a maintenance dose. Another center started with an initial dose of 200 mg tapered by 40 mg/day until reaching 20 mg/day. After 2 months at this dose, a further reduction to 10 mg/day was made. Adjustments in dosage of prednisone must be made according to the clinical situation. Blood Concentration Monitoring Several study centers have found blood concentration monitoring of cyclosporine useful in patient management. While no fixed relationships have yet been established, in one series of 375 consecutive cadaveric renal transplant recipients, dosage was adjusted to achieve specific whole blood 24-hour trough concentrations of 100 to 200 ng/mL as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Of major importance to blood concentration analysis is the type of assay used. The above concentrations are specific to the parent cyclosporine molecule and correlate directly to the new monoclonal specific radioimmunoassays (mRIA-sp).
ons of 100 to 200 ng/mL as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Of major importance to blood concentration analysis is the type of assay used. The above concentrations are specific to the parent cyclosporine molecule and correlate directly to the new monoclonal specific radioimmunoassays (mRIA-sp). Nonspecific assays are also available which detect the parent compound molecule and various of its metabolites. Older studies often cited concentrations using a nonspecific assay which were roughly twice those of specific assays. Assay results are not interchangeable and their use should be guided by their approved labeling. If plasma specimens are employed, concentrations will vary with the temperature at the time of separation from whole blood. Plasma concentrations may range from 1/2 to 1/5 of whole blood concentrations. Refer to individual assay labeling for complete instructions. In addition, Transplantation Proceedings (June 1990) contains position papers and a broad consensus generated at the Cyclosporine-Therapeutic Drug Monitoring conference that year. Blood concentration monitoring is not a replacement for renal function monitoring or tissue biopsies.
HOW SUPPLIED Cyclosporine capsules, USP (NON-MODIFIED ) 25 mg Pale reddish brown opaque body, pale reddish brown opaque cap, hard gelatin capsule, imprinted "APO" over "133" and "25" in black ink; supplied in unit dose packages of 30 (5 × 6) NDC 68084-879-25. 100 mg Reddish brown opaque body, reddish brown opaque cap, hard gelatin capsule, imprinted "APO" over "134" and "100" in black ink; supplied in unit dose packages of 30 (5 x 6) NDC 68084-921-25. Store and Dispense Store at 20°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F); excursions permitted from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Do not use if blister is torn or broken. *Neoral ® (cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED manufactured by Novartis.
PACKAGING INFORMATION American Health Packaging unit dose blisters (see How Supplied section) contain drug product from Apotex Corp. as follows: (25 mg / 30 UD) NDC 68084-879-25 packaged from NDC 60505-0133 (100 mg / 30 UD) NDC 68084-921-25 packaged from NDC 60505-0134 Distributed by: American Health Packaging Columbus, OH 43217 8287925/0424F
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CEQUA ophthalmic solution is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated to increase tear production in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). ( 1 ) CEQUA ophthalmic solution is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated to increase tear production in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) ( 1 ).
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Instill one drop of CEQUA twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart) into each eye. CEQUA can be used concomitantly with artificial tears, allowing a 15 minute interval between products. Discard the vial immediately after using in both eyes. ( 2 ) Instill one drop of CEQUA twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart) into each eye. Discard the vial immediately after using in both eyes ( 2 ).
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS To avoid the potential for eye injury and contamination, advise patients not to touch the vial tip to the eye or other surfaces ( 5.1 ). 5.1 Potential for Eye Injury and Contamination To avoid the potential for eye injury and contamination, advise patients not to touch the vial tip to the eye or other surfaces. 5.2 Use with Contact Lenses CEQUA should not be administered while wearing contact lenses. If contact lenses are worn, they should be removed prior to administration of the solution. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of CEQUA ophthalmic solution.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions following the use of CEQUA (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.09% was instillation site pain (22%) and conjunctival hyperemia (6%) ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. at 1-800-406-7984 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical trials, 769 subjects received at least 1 dose of cyclosporine ophthalmic solution. The majority of the treated subjects were female (83%). The most common adverse reactions reported in greater than 5% of subjects were pain on instillation of drops (22%) and conjunctival hyperemia (6%). Other adverse reactions reported in 1% to 5% of the patients were blepharitis, eye irritation, headache, and urinary tract infection.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of CEQUA administration in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. Oral administration of cyclosporine to pregnant rats or rabbits did not produce teratogenicity at clinically relevant doses [see Data]. Data Animal Data Oral administration of cyclosporine oral solution (USP) to pregnant rats or rabbits was teratogenic at maternally toxic doses of 30 mg/kg/day in rats and 100 mg/kg/day in rabbits, as indicated by increased pre- and postnatal mortality, reduced fetal weight and skeletal retardations. These doses (normalized to body weight) were approximately 3200 and 21000 times higher than the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose (MRHOD) of 1.5 mcg/kg/day, respectively. No adverse embryofetal effects were observed in rats or rabbits receiving cyclosporine during organogenesis at oral doses up to 17 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 1800 and 6400 times higher than the MRHOD, respectively). An oral dose of 45 mg/kg/day cyclosporine (approximately 4800 times higher than MRHOD) administered to rats from Day 15 of pregnancy until Day 21 postpartum produced maternal toxicity and an increase in postnatal mortality in offspring. No adverse effects in dams or offspring were observed at oral doses up to 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 1600 times greater than the MRHOD). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Cyclosporine blood concentrations are low following topical ocular administration of CEQUA [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . There is no information regarding the presence of cyclosporine in human milk following topical administration or on the effects of CEQUA on the breastfed infants and milk production. Administration of oral cyclosporine to rats during lactation did not produce adverse effects in offspring at clinically relevant doses [see Pregnancy ( 8.1 )] . The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for CEQUA and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from cyclosporine. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of CEQUA ophthalmic solution have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 18. 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger adult patients.
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of CEQUA administration in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. Oral administration of cyclosporine to pregnant rats or rabbits did not produce teratogenicity at clinically relevant doses [see Data]. Data Animal Data Oral administration of cyclosporine oral solution (USP) to pregnant rats or rabbits was teratogenic at maternally toxic doses of 30 mg/kg/day in rats and 100 mg/kg/day in rabbits, as indicated by increased pre- and postnatal mortality, reduced fetal weight and skeletal retardations. These doses (normalized to body weight) were approximately 3200 and 21000 times higher than the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose (MRHOD) of 1.5 mcg/kg/day, respectively. No adverse embryofetal effects were observed in rats or rabbits receiving cyclosporine during organogenesis at oral doses up to 17 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 1800 and 6400 times higher than the MRHOD, respectively). An oral dose of 45 mg/kg/day cyclosporine (approximately 4800 times higher than MRHOD) administered to rats from Day 15 of pregnancy until Day 21 postpartum produced maternal toxicity and an increase in postnatal mortality in offspring. No adverse effects in dams or offspring were observed at oral doses up to 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 1600 times greater than the MRHOD).
11 DESCRIPTION CEQUA (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.09% contains a topical calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant. Cyclosporine’s chemical name is Cyclo[[(E)-(2S,3R,4R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(methylamino)-6-octenoyl]-L-2-aminobutyryl-N-methylglycyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-L-valyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-L-alanyl-D-alanyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-N-methyl-L-valyl] and it has the following structure: Structural Formula Formula: C 62 H 111 N 11 O 12 Mol. Wt.: 1202.6 Cyclosporine is a white powder that is insoluble in water. CEQUA is supplied as a sterile, clear, colorless ophthalmic solution for topical ophthalmic use. It has an osmolality of 160 to 190 mOsmol/kg and a pH of 6.5-7.2. Each mL of CEQUA contains: Active: cyclosporine 0.09% Inactives: Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Octoxynol-40, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium phosphate monobasic dihydrate, sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, sodium chloride, water for injection, and sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid to adjust pH. structure
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant agent when administered systemically. In patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, topical administration of cyclosporine is thought to act as a partial immunomodulator. The exact mechanism of action is not known. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Blood concentrations of cyclosporine after twice daily topical ocular administration of CEQUA into each eye of healthy subjects for up to 7 days, and once on Day 8, were either not detectable or were marginally above the lower limit of assay quantitation of 0.100 ng/mL (range 0.101 to 0.195 ng/mL) for up to 2 hours after a single dose, and up to 4 hours after multiple doses.
12.1 Mechanism of Action Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant agent when administered systemically. In patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, topical administration of cyclosporine is thought to act as a partial immunomodulator. The exact mechanism of action is not known.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics Blood concentrations of cyclosporine after twice daily topical ocular administration of CEQUA into each eye of healthy subjects for up to 7 days, and once on Day 8, were either not detectable or were marginally above the lower limit of assay quantitation of 0.100 ng/mL (range 0.101 to 0.195 ng/mL) for up to 2 hours after a single dose, and up to 4 hours after multiple doses.
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis Systemic carcinogenicity studies were carried out in male and female mice and rats. In the 78-week oral (diet) mouse study, at doses of 1, 4, and 16 mg/kg/day, evidence of a statistically significant trend was found for lymphocytic lymphomas in females, and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in mid-dose males significantly exceeded the control value. In the 24-month oral (diet) rat study, conducted at 0.5, 2, and 8 mg/kg/day, pancreatic islet cell adenomas significantly exceeded the control rate in the low dose level. The hepatocellular carcinomas and pancreatic islet cell adenomas were not dose related. The low doses in mice and rats are approximately 55 times higher than the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose (1.5 mcg/kg/day), normalized to body surface area. Mutagenesis In genetic toxicity tests, cyclosporine has not been found to be mutagenic/genotoxic in the Ames Test, the V79-HGPRT Test, the micronucleus test in mice and Chinese hamsters, the chromosome-aberration tests in Chinese hamster bone-marrow, the mouse dominant lethal assay, and the DNA-repair test in sperm from treated mice. Cyclosporine was positive in an in vitro sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay using human lymphocytes. Impairment of Fertility Oral administration of cyclosporine to rats for 12 weeks (male) and 2 weeks (female) prior to mating produced no adverse effects on fertility at doses up to 15 mg/kg/day (1620 times higher than the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose).
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis Systemic carcinogenicity studies were carried out in male and female mice and rats. In the 78-week oral (diet) mouse study, at doses of 1, 4, and 16 mg/kg/day, evidence of a statistically significant trend was found for lymphocytic lymphomas in females, and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in mid-dose males significantly exceeded the control value. In the 24-month oral (diet) rat study, conducted at 0.5, 2, and 8 mg/kg/day, pancreatic islet cell adenomas significantly exceeded the control rate in the low dose level. The hepatocellular carcinomas and pancreatic islet cell adenomas were not dose related. The low doses in mice and rats are approximately 55 times higher than the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose (1.5 mcg/kg/day), normalized to body surface area. Mutagenesis In genetic toxicity tests, cyclosporine has not been found to be mutagenic/genotoxic in the Ames Test, the V79-HGPRT Test, the micronucleus test in mice and Chinese hamsters, the chromosome-aberration tests in Chinese hamster bone-marrow, the mouse dominant lethal assay, and the DNA-repair test in sperm from treated mice. Cyclosporine was positive in an in vitro sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay using human lymphocytes. Impairment of Fertility Oral administration of cyclosporine to rats for 12 weeks (male) and 2 weeks (female) prior to mating produced no adverse effects on fertility at doses up to 15 mg/kg/day (1620 times higher than the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose).
14 CLINICAL STUDIES Two multicenter, randomized, adequate and well-controlled clinical studies treated 1,048 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (NCT # 02254265 and NCT # 02688556). In both studies, compared to vehicle at Day 84, there was a statistically significant (p<0.01) higher percentage of eyes with increases of ≥ 10 mm from baseline in Schirmer wetting. This effect was seen in approximately 17% of CEQUA-treated patients versus approximately 9% of vehicle-treated patients. Tear Production OTX-101-2014-001 OTX-101-2016-001 CEQUA N=152 Vehicle N=152 CEQUA N=371 Vehicle N=373 ≥ 10-mm increase in tear production (% of eyes) at Day 84 16.8% 8.6% 16.6% 9.2% Difference (95% CI) 8.2% (1.9%, 14.6%) 7.3% (3.3%, 11.3%) p-value versus vehicle <0.01 <0.01
<table width="100%"><col width="20%" align="left" valign="middle"/><col width="20%" align="left" valign="middle"/><col width="20%" align="left" valign="middle"/><col width="20%" align="left" valign="middle"/><col width="20%" align="left" valign="middle"/><thead><tr><td colspan="5" align="center"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Tear Production</content></paragraph></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule"><paragraph> </paragraph></td><td colspan="2" styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">OTX-101-2014-001</content></paragraph></td><td colspan="2" styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">OTX-101-2016-001</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule"/><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">CEQUA</content></paragraph><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">N=152</content></paragraph></td><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Vehicle</content></paragraph><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">N=152</content></paragraph></td><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">CEQUA</content></paragraph><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">N=371</content></paragraph></td><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">Vehicle</content></paragraph><paragraph><content styleCode="bold">N=373</content></paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule"><paragraph>≥ 10-mm increase in tear production</paragraph><paragraph>(% of eyes) at Day 84 </paragraph></td><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph>16.8%</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph>8.6%</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph>16.6%</paragraph></td><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph>9.2%</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule"><paragraph>Difference (95% CI)</paragraph></td><td colspan="2" styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph>8.2% (1.9%, 14.6%)</paragraph></td><td colspan="2" styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph>7.3% (3.3%, 11.3%)</paragraph></td></tr><tr><td styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule"><paragraph>p-value versus vehicle </paragraph></td><td colspan="2" styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph><0.01</paragraph></td><td colspan="2" styleCode="Rrule Lrule Botrule" align="center"><paragraph><0.01</paragraph></td></tr></tbody></table>
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING CEQUA ophthalmic solution is packaged in sterile, preservative-free, single-use vials. Each vial contains 0.25 mL fill in a 0.9 mL LDPE vial; 10 vials (2 cards of 5 vials) are packaged in a polyfoil aluminum pouch; 6 pouches are packaged in a box. The entire contents of each box of 60 vials must be dispensed intact. 60 Single-Use Vials 0.25 mL each - NDC 47335-506-96 Storage: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Store single-use vials in the original foil pouch.
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Handling the Vial Advise patients to not allow the tip of the vial to touch the eye or any surface, as this may contaminate the solution. Advise patients also not to touch the vial tip to their eye to avoid the potential for injury to the eye [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Use with Contact Lenses CEQUA should not be administered while wearing contact lenses. Patients with decreased tear production typically should not wear contact lenses. Advise patients that if contact lenses are worn, they should be removed prior to the administration of the solution. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of CEQUA ophthalmic solution [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Administration Advise patients that the solution from one individual single-use vial is to be used immediately after opening for administration to one or both eyes, and the remaining contents should be discarded immediately after administration. Rx Only Manufactured for: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited By: Laboratoire Unither 1 rue de l’Arquerie 50200 Coutances France Cyclosporine (active ingred.) Product of Czech Republic. Product of France Distributed by: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. Cranbury, NJ 08512 Copyright 2022, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited All rights reserved 07/2022 uspi-CEQUA-sol-00004