Extended-release tacrolimus — currently available drug formulations in the light of own clinical experience

Abstract

In Poland, extended-release takrolimus is available in two formulations: Advagraf^® once daily, registered in 2007, and newly-released Envarsus^®. The invention of once daily tacrolimus formulations was intended to optimize the immunosuppressive effects over whole 24-hour period and to increase the patient’s compliance. Both formulations differ in terms of pharmacokinetics and dosing details. This short review presents the most important clinical and pharmacological aspects of both extended-release formulations of tacrolimus in the kidney transplantation setting.