Cyclosporine, Modfied - Cyclosporine capsule, Liquid Filled prescribing information
WARNING
Only physicians experienced in management of systemic immunosuppressive therapy for the indicated disease should prescribe cyclosporine capsules (modified). At doses used in solid organ transplantation, only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant recipients should prescribe cyclosporine capsules (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 (modified), a systemic immunosuppressant, may increase the susceptibility to infection and the development of neoplasia. In kidney, liver, and heart transplant patients cyclosporine capsules (modified) may be administered with other immunosuppressive agents. Increased susceptibility to infection and the possible development of lymphoma and other neoplasms may result from the increase in the degree of immunosuppression in transplant patients.
Cyclosporine capsules (modified) have increased bioavailability in comparison to Sandimmune ® Soft Gelatin Capsules (cyclosporine capsules, USP) [NON-MODIFIED]. Cyclosporine capsules (modified) and Sandimmune ® are not bioequivalent and cannot be used interchangeably without physician supervision. For a given trough concentration, cyclosporine exposure will be greater with cyclosporine capsules (modified) than with Sandimmune ® . If a patient who is receiving exceptionally high doses of Sandimmune ® is converted to cyclosporine capsules (modified), particular caution should be exercised. Cyclosporine blood concentrations should be monitored in transplant and rheumatoid arthritis patients taking cyclosporine capsules (modified) to avoid toxicity due to high concentrations. Dose adjustments should be made in transplant patients to minimize possible organ rejection due to low concentrations. Comparison of blood concentrations in the published literature with blood concentrations obtained using current assays must be done with detailed knowledge of the assay methods employed (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Kidney, Liver, and Heart Transplantation
Cyclosporine capsules (modified) is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney, liver, and heart allogeneic transplants. Cyclosporine capsules (modified) has been used in combination with azathioprine and corticosteroids.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cyclosporine capsules (modified) is indicated for the treatment of patients with severe active, rheumatoid arthritis where the disease has not adequately responded to methotrexate. Cyclosporine capsules (modified) can be used in combination with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients who do not respond adequately to methotrexate alone.
Psoriasis
Cyclosporine capsules (modified) is indicated for the treatment of adult, nonimmunocompromised patients with severe (i.e., extensive and/or disabling), recalcitrant, plaque psoriasis who have failed to respond to at least one systemic therapy (e.g., PUVA, retinoids, or methotrexate) or in patients for whom other systemic therapies are contraindicated or cannot be tolerated.
While rebound rarely occurs, most patients will experience relapse with cyclosporine capsules (modified) as with other therapies upon cessation of treatment.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Cyclosporine capsules (modified) has increased bioavailability in comparison to Sandimmune ® . Cyclosporine capsules (modified) and Sandimmune ® are not bioequivalent and cannot be used interchangeably without physician supervision.
The daily dose of cyclosporine capsules (modified) should always be given in two divided doses (BID). It is recommended that cyclosporine capsules (modified) be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect metabolism, increasing blood concentration of cyclosporine, thus should be avoided.
Specific Populations
Renal Impairment in Kidney, Liver, and Heart Transplantation
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 (s ee 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 ).
Renal Impairment in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis
Patients with impaired renal function should not receive cyclosporine ( see CONTRAINDICATIONS , 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 ).
Newly Transplanted Patients
The initial oral dose of cyclosporine capsules (modified) can be given 4 to 12 hours prior to transplantation or be given postoperatively. The initial dose of cyclosporine capsules (modified) varies depending on the transplanted organ and the other immunosuppressive agents included in the immunosuppressive protocol. In newly transplanted patients, the initial oral dose of cyclosporine capsules (modified) is the same as the initial oral dose of Sandimmune ® . Suggested initial doses are available from the results of a 1994 survey of the use of Sandimmune ® in US transplant centers. The mean ± SD initial doses were 9±3 mg/kg/day for renal transplant patients (75 centers), 8±4 mg/kg/day for liver transplant patients (30 centers), and 7±3 mg/kg/day for heart transplant patients (24 centers). Total daily doses were divided into two equal daily doses. The cyclosporine capsules (modified) dose is subsequently adjusted to achieve a pre-defined cyclosporine blood concentration ( see Blood Concentration Monitoring in Transplant Patients , below). If cyclosporine trough blood concentrations are used, the target range is the same for cyclosporine capsules (modified) as for Sandimmune ® . Using the same trough concentration target range for cyclosporine capsules (modified) as for Sandimmune ® results in greater cyclosporine exposure when cyclosporine capsules (modified) is administered ( see Pharmacokinetics , Absorption ). Dosing should be titrated based on clinical assessments of rejection and tolerability. Lower cyclosporine capsules (modified) doses may be sufficient as maintenance therapy.
Adjunct therapy with adrenal corticosteroids is recommended initially. Different tapering dosage schedules of prednisone appear to achieve similar results. A representative dosage schedule based on the patient’s weight started with 2 mg/kg/day for the first 4 days tapered to 1 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. Steroid doses may be further tapered on an individualized basis depending on status of patient and function of graft. Adjustments in dosage of prednisone must be made according to the clinical situation.
Conversion from Sandimmune ® to cyclosporine capsules (modified) in Transplant Patients
In transplanted patients who are considered for conversion to cyclosporine capsules (modified) from Sandimmune ® , cyclosporine capsules (modified) should be started with the same daily dose as was previously used with Sandimmune ® (1:1 dose conversion). The cyclosporine capsules (modified) dose should subsequently be adjusted to attain the pre-conversion cyclosporine blood trough concentration. Using the same trough concentration target range for cyclosporine capsules (modified) as for Sandimmune ® results in greater cyclosporine exposure when cyclosporine capsules (modified) is administered ( see Pharmacokinetics , Absorption ). Patients with suspected poor absorption of Sandimmune ® require different dosing strategies ( see Transplant Patients with Poor Absorption of Sandimmune ® , below). In some patients, the increase in blood trough concentration is more pronounced and may be of clinical significance.
Until the blood trough concentration attains the pre-conversion value, it is strongly recommended that the cyclosporine blood trough concentration be monitored every 4 to 7 days after conversion to cyclosporine capsules (modified). In addition, clinical safety parameters such as serum creatinine and blood pressure should be monitored every two weeks during the first two months after conversion. If the blood trough concentrations are outside the desired range and/or if the clinical safety parameters worsen, the dosage of cyclosporine capsules (modified) must be adjusted accordingly.
Transplant Patients with Poor Absorption of Sandimmune ®
Patients with lower than expected cyclosporine blood trough concentrations in relation to the oral dose of Sandimmune ® may have poor or inconsistent absorption of cyclosporine from Sandimmune ® . After conversion to cyclosporine capsules (modified), patients tend to have higher cyclosporine concentrations. Due to the increase in bioavailability of cyclosporine following conversion to cyclosporine capsules (modified), the cyclosporine blood trough concentration may exceed the target range. Particular caution should be exercised when converting patients to cyclosporine capsules (modified) at doses greater than 10 mg/kg/day. The dose of cyclosporine capsules (modified) should be titrated individually based on cyclosporine trough concentrations, tolerability, and clinical response. In this population the cyclosporine blood trough concentration should be measured more frequently, at least twice a week (daily, if initial dose exceeds 10 mg/kg/day) until the concentration stabilizes within the desired range.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The initial dose of cyclosporine capsules (modified) is 2.5 mg/kg/day, taken twice daily as a divided (BID) oral dose. Salicylates, NSAIDS, and oral corticosteroids may be continued ( see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ). Onset of action generally occurs between 4 and 8 weeks. If insufficient clinical benefit is seen and tolerability is good (including serum creatinine less than 30% above baseline), the dose may be increased by 0.5 to 0.75 mg/kg/day after 8 weeks and again after 12 weeks to a maximum of 4 mg/kg/day. If no benefit is seen by 16 weeks of therapy, cyclosporine capsules (modified) therapy should be discontinued.
Dose decreases by 25% to 50% should be made at any time to control adverse events, e.g., hypertension elevations in serum creatinine (30% above patient’s pretreatment level) or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities ( see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ).
If dose reduction is not effective in controlling abnormalities or if the adverse event or abnormality is severe, cyclosporine capsules (modified) should be discontinued. The same initial dose and dosage range should be used if cyclosporine capsules (modified) is combined with the recommended dose of methotrexate. Most patients can be treated with cyclosporine capsules (modified) doses of 3 mg/kg/day or below when combined with methotrexate doses of up to 15 mg/week ( see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Clinical Trials ).
There is limited long-term treatment data. Recurrence of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity is generally apparent within 4 weeks after stopping cyclosporine.
Psoriasis
The initial dose of cyclosporine capsules (modified) should be 2.5 mg/kg/day. Cyclosporine capsules (modified) should be taken twice daily, as a divided (1.25 mg/kg BID) oral dose. Patients should be kept at that dose for at least 4 weeks, barring adverse events. If significant clinical improvement has not occurred in patients by that time, the patient’s dosage should be increased at 2-week intervals. Based on patient response, dose increases of approximately 0.5 mg/kg/day should be made to a maximum of 4 mg/kg/day.
Dose decreases by 25% to 50% should be made at any time to control adverse events, e.g., hypertension, elevations in serum creatinine (≥25% above the patient’s pretreatment level), or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities. If dose reduction is not effective in controlling abnormalities, or if the adverse event or abnormality is severe, cyclosporine capsules (modified) should be discontinued ( see Special Monitoring of Psoriasis Patients ).
Patients generally show some improvement in the clinical manifestations of psoriasis in 2 weeks. Satisfactory control and stabilization of the disease may take 12 to 16 weeks to achieve. Results of a dose-titration clinical trial with cyclosporine indicate that an improvement of psoriasis by 75% or more (based on PASI) was achieved in 51% of the patients after 8 weeks and in 79% of the patients after 16 weeks.
Treatment should be discontinued if satisfactory response cannot be achieved after 6 weeks at 4 mg/kg/day or the patient’s maximum tolerated dose. Once a patient is adequately controlled and appears stable the dose of cyclosporine capsules (modified) should be lowered, and the patient treated with the lowest dose that maintains an adequate response (this should not necessarily be total clearing of the patient). In clinical trials, cyclosporine doses at the lower end of the recommended dosage range were effective in maintaining a satisfactory response in 60% of the patients. Doses below 2.5 mg/kg/day may also be equally effective.
Upon stopping treatment with cyclosporine, relapse will occur in approximately 6 weeks (50% of the patients) to 16 weeks (75% of the patients). In the majority of patients rebound does not occur after cessation of treatment with cyclosporine. Thirteen cases of transformation of chronic plaque psoriasis to more severe forms of psoriasis have been reported. There were 9 cases of pustular and 4 cases of erythrodermic psoriasis. Long term experience with cyclosporine capsules (modified) in psoriasis patients is limited and continuous treatment for extended periods greater than one year is not recommended. Alternation with other forms of treatment should be considered in the long term management of patients with this life long disease.
Blood Concentration Monitoring in Transplant Patients
Transplant centers have found blood concentration monitoring of cyclosporine to be an essential component of patient management. Of importance to blood concentration analysis are the type of assay used, the transplanted organ, and other immunosuppressant agents being administered. While no fixed relationship has been established, blood concentration monitoring may assist in the clinical evaluation of rejection and toxicity, dose adjustments, and the assessment of compliance.
Various assays have been used to measure blood concentrations of cyclosporine. Older studies using a nonspecific assay often cited concentrations that were roughly twice those of the specific assays. Therefore, comparison between concentrations in the published literature and an individual patient concentration using current assays must be made with detailed knowledge of the assay methods employed. Current assay results are also not interchangeable and their use should be guided by their approved labeling. A discussion of the different assay methods is contained in Annals of Clinical Biochemistry 1994;31:420 to 446. While several assays and assay matrices are available, there is a consensus that parent-compound-specific assays correlate best with clinical events. Of these, HPLC is the standard reference, but the monoclonal antibody RIAs and the monoclonal antibody FPIA offer sensitivity, reproducibility, and convenience. Most clinicians base their monitoring on trough cyclosporine concentrations. Applied Pharmacokinetics, Principles of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (1992) contains a broad discussion of cyclosporine pharmacokinetics and drug monitoring techniques. Blood concentration monitoring is not a replacement for renal function monitoring or tissue biopsies.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
General
Cyclosporine capsules (modified) is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or to any of the ingredients of the formulation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis patients with abnormal renal function, uncontrolled hypertension, or malignancies should not receive cyclosporine capsules (modified).
Psoriasis
Psoriasis patients who are treated with cyclosporine capsules (modified) should not receive concomitant PUVA or UVB therapy, methotrexate or other immunosuppressive agents, coal tar or radiation therapy. Psoriasis patients with abnormal renal function, uncontrolled hypertension, or malignancies should not receive cyclosporine capsules (modified).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Kidney, Liver, and Heart Transplantation
The principal adverse reactions of cyclosporine 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 resembled those seen in the hemolytic-uremic syndrome and included 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
In controlled studies, the nature, severity, and incidence of the adverse events that were observed in 493 transplanted patients treated with cyclosporine capsules (modified) were comparable with those observed in 208 transplanted patients who received Sandimmune ® in these same studies when the dosage of the two drugs was adjusted to achieve the same cyclosporine blood trough concentrations.
Based on the historical experience with Sandimmune ® , the following reactions occurred in 3% or greater of 892 patients involved in clinical trials of kidney, heart, and liver transplants.
| Randomized Kidney Patients | Cyclosporine Patients (Sandimmune ® ) | ||||
| 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 |
Among 705 kidney transplant patients treated with cyclosporine oral solution (Sandimmune ® ) in clinical trials, the reason for treatment discontinuation was renal toxicity in 5.4%, infection in 0.9%, lack of efficacy in 1.4%, acute tubular necrosis in 1%, lymphoproliferative disorders in 0.3%, hypertension in 0.3%, and other reasons in 0.7% of the patients.
The following reactions occurred in 2% or less of cyclosporine-treated patients: allergic reactions, anemia, anorexia, confusion, conjunctivitis, edema, fever, brittle fingernails, gastritis, hearing loss, hiccups, hyperglycemia, migraine (cyclosporine capsules (modified)), 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.
Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, including cyclosporine and cyclosporine -containing regimens, are at increased risk of infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic). Both generalized and localized infections can occur. Pre-existing infections may also be aggravated. Fatal outcomes have been reported ( see WARNINGS ).
| Infectious Complications in Historical Randomized Studies in Renal Transplant Patients Using Sandimmune ® | ||
| Cyclosporine Treatment | Azathioprine with Steroids• | |
| (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 |
| •Some patients also received ALG. | ||
Postmarketing Experience, Kidney, Liver and Heart Transplantation
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.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The principal adverse reactions associated with the use of cyclosporine in rheumatoid arthritis are renal dysfunction (see WARNINGS ) , hypertension (see PRECAUTIONS ) , headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, and hirsutism/hypertrichosis.
In rheumatoid arthritis patients treated in clinical trials within the recommended dose range, cyclosporine therapy was discontinued in 5.3% of the patients because of hypertension and in 7% of the patients because of increased creatinine. These changes are usually reversible with timely dose decrease or drug discontinuation. The frequency and severity of serum creatinine elevations increase with dose and duration of cyclosporine therapy. These elevations are likely to become more pronounced without dose reduction or discontinuation.
The following adverse events occurred in controlled clinical trials:
| Cyclosporine capsules (modified)/Sandimmune ® Rheumatoid Arthritis | |||||||
| Percentage of Patients with Adverse Events ≥3% in any Cyclosporine Treated Group | |||||||
| Studies 651+652+2008 | Study 302 | Study 654 | Study 654 | Study 302 | Studies 651+652+2008 | ||
| Body System | Preferred Term | Sandimmune ® † (N=269) | Sandimmune ® (N=155) | Methotrexate & Sandimmune ® (N=74) | Methotrexate & Placebo (N=73) | cyclosporine capsules, (modified) (N=143) | Placebo (N=201) |
| Autonomic Nervous System Disorders | |||||||
| Flushing | 2% | 2% | 3% | 0% | 5% | 2% | |
| Body As A Whole–General Disorders | |||||||
| Accidental Trauma | 0% | 1% | 10% | 4% | 4% | 0% | |
| Edema NOS• | 5% | 14% | 12% | 4% | 10% | <1% | |
| Fatigue | 6% | 3% | 8% | 12% | 3% | 7% | |
| Fever | 2% | 3% | 0% | 0% | 2% | 4% | |
| Influenza-like symptoms | <1% | 6% | 1% | 0% | 3% | 2% | |
| Pain | 6% | 9% | 10% | 15% | 13% | 4% | |
| Rigors | 1% | 1% | 4% | 0% | 3% | 1% | |
| Cardiovascular Disorder | |||||||
| Arrhythmia | 2% | 5% | 5% | 6% | 2% | 1% | |
| Chest Pain | 4% | 5% | 1% | 1% | 6% | 1% | |
| Hypertension | 8% | 26% | 16% | 12% | 25% | 2% | |
| Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders | |||||||
| Dizziness | 8% | 6% | 7% | 3% | 8% | 3% | |
| Headache | 17% | 23% | 22% | 11% | 25% | 9% | |
| Migraine | 2% | 3% | 0% | 0% | 3% | 1% | |
| Paresthesia | 8% | 7% | 8% | 4% | 11% | 1% | |
| Tremor | 8% | 7% | 7% | 3% | 13% | 4% | |
| Gastrointestinal System Disorder | |||||||
| Abdominal Pain | 15% | 15% | 15% | 7% | 15% | 10% | |
| Anorexia | 3% | 3% | 1% | 0% | 3% | 3% | |
| Diarrhea | 12% | 12% | 18% | 15% | 13% | 8% | |
| Dyspepsia | 12% | 12% | 10% | 8% | 8% | 4% | |
| Flatulence Gastrointestinal | 5% | 5% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 1% | |
| Disorder NOS• | 0% | 2% | 1% | 4% | 4% | 0% | |
| Gingivitis | 4% | 3% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 1% | |
| Gum Hyperplasia | 2% | 4% | 1% | 3% | 4% | 1% | |
| Nausea | 23% | 14% | 24% | 15% | 18% | 14% | |
| Rectal | |||||||
| Hemorrhage | 0% | 3% | 0% | 0% | 1% | 1% | |
| Stomatitis | 7% | 5% | 16% | 12% | 6% | 8% | |
| Vomiting | 9% | 8% | 14% | 7% | 6% | 5% | |
| Hearing and Vestibular Disorders | |||||||
| Ear Disorder NOS• | 0% | 5% | 0% | 0% | 1% | 0% | |
| Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders | |||||||
| Hypomagnesemia | 0% | 4% | 0% | 0% | 6% | 0% | |
| Musculosketal System Disorders | |||||||
| Arthropathy | 0% | 5% | 0% | 1% | 4% | 0% | |
| Leg Cramps / Involuntary | |||||||
| Muscle Contractions | 2% | 11% | 11% | 3% | 12% | 1% | |
| Psychiatric Disorders | |||||||
| Depression | 3% | 6% | 3% | 1% | 1% | 2% | |
| Insomnia | 4% | 1% | 1% | 0% | 3% | 2% | |
| Renal | |||||||
| Creatinine elevations ≥30% | 43% | 39% | 55% | 19% | 48% | 13% | |
| Creatinine elevations ≥50% | 24% | 18% | 26% | 8% | 18% | 3% | |
| Reproductive Disorders, Female | |||||||
| Leukorrhea | 1% | 0% | 4% | 0% | 1% | 0% | |
| Menstrual Disorder | 3% | 2% | 1% | 0% | 1% | 1% | |
| Respiratory System Disorders | |||||||
| Bronchitis | 1% | 3% | 1% | 0% | 1% | 3% | |
| Coughing | 5% | 3% | 5% | 7% | 4% | 4% | |
| Dyspnea | 5% | 1% | 3% | 3% | 1% | 2% | |
| Infection NOS• | 9% | 5% | 0% | 7% | 3% | 10% | |
| Pharyngitis | 3% | 5% | 5% | 6% | 4% | 4% | |
| Pneumonia | 1% | 0% | 4% | 0% | 1% | 1% | |
| Rhinitis | 0% | 3% | 11% | 10% | 1% | 0% | |
| Sinusitis | 4% | 4% | 8% | 4% | 3% | 3% | |
| Upper Respiratory Tract | 0% | 14% | 23% | 15% | 13% | 0% | |
| Skin and Appendages Disorders | |||||||
| Alopecia | 3% | 0% | 1% | 1% | 4% | 4% | |
| Bullous Eruption | 1% | 0% | 4% | 1% | 1% | 1% | |
| Hypertrichosis | 19% | 17% | 12% | 0% | 15% | 3% | |
| Rash | 7% | 12% | 10% | 7% | 8% | 10% | |
| Skin Ulceration | 1% | 1% | 3% | 4% | 0% | 2% | |
| Urinary System Disorders | |||||||
| Dysuria | 0% | 0% | 11% | 3% | 1% | 2% | |
| Micturition | |||||||
| Frequency | 2% | 4% | 3% | 1% | 2% | 2% | |
| NPN, Increased | 0% | 19% | 12% | 0% | 18% | 0% | |
| Urinary Tract Infection | 0% | 3% | 5% | 4% | 3% | 0% | |
| Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders | |||||||
| Purpura | 3% | 4% | 1% | 1% | 2% | 0% | |
| † Includes patients in 2.5 mg/kg/day dose group only. •NOS=Not Otherwise Specified. | |||||||
In addition, the following adverse events have been reported in 1% to <3% of the rheumatoid arthritis patients in the cyclosporine treatment group in controlled clinical trials.
Autonomic Nervous System:dry mouth, increased sweating
Body as a Whole:allergy, asthenia, hot flushes, malaise, overdose, procedure NOS•, tumor NOS•, weight decrease, weight increase
Cardiovascular:abnormal heart sounds, cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, peripheral ischemia
Central and Peripheral Nervous System:hypoesthesia, neuropathy, vertigo
Endocrine:goiter
Gastrointestinal:constipation, dysphagia, enanthema, eructation, esophagitis, gastric ulcer, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gingival bleeding, glossitis, peptic ulcer, salivary gland enlargement, tongue disorder, tooth disorder
Infection:abscess, bacterial infection, cellulitis, folliculitis, fungal infection, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, renal abscess, moniliasis, tonsillitis, viral infection
Hematologic:anemia, epistaxis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy
Liver and Biliary System:bilirubinemia
Metabolic and Nutritional:diabetes mellitus, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, hypoglycemia
Musculoskeletal System:arthralgia, bone fracture, bursitis, joint dislocation, myalgia, stiffness, synovial cyst, tendon disorder
Neoplasms:breast fibroadenosis, carcinoma
Psychiatric:anxiety, confusion, decreased libido, emotional lability, impaired concentration, increased libido, nervousness, paroniria, somnolence
Reproductive (Female):breast pain, uterine hemorrhage
Respiratory System:abnormal chest sounds, bronchospasm
Skin and Appendages:abnormal pigmentation, angioedema, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, nail disorder, pruritus, skin disorder, urticaria
Special Senses:abnormal vision, cataract, conjunctivitis, deafness, eye pain, taste perversion, tinnitus, vestibular disorder
Urinary System:abnormal urine, hematuria, increased BUN, micturition urgency, nocturia, polyuria, pyelonephritis, urinary incontinence
•NOS=Not Otherwise Specified
Psoriasis
The principal adverse reactions associated with the use of cyclosporine in patients with psoriasis are renal dysfunction, headache, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hirsutism/hypertrichosis, paresthesia or hyperesthesia, influenza-like symptoms, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, and musculoskeletal or joint pain.
In psoriasis patients treated in US controlled clinical studies within the recommended dose range, cyclosporine therapy was discontinued in 1% of the patients because of hypertension and in 5.4% of the patients because of increased creatinine. In the majority of cases, these changes were reversible after dose reduction or discontinuation of cyclosporine.
There has been one reported death associated with the use of cyclosporine in psoriasis. A 27-year-old male developed renal deterioration and was continued on cyclosporine. He had progressive renal failure leading to death.
Frequency and severity of serum creatinine increases with dose and duration of cyclosporine therapy. These elevations are likely to become more pronounced and may result in irreversible renal damage without dose reduction or discontinuation.
| Adverse Events Occurring in 3% or More of Psoriasis Patients in Controlled Clinical Trials | |||
| Body System• | Preferred Term | Cyclosporine capsules (modified) (N=182) | Sandimmune ® (N=185) |
| Infection or Potential Infection | 24.7% | 24.3% | |
| Influenza-Like Symptoms | 9.9% | 8.1% | |
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infections | 7.7% | 11.3% | |
| Cardiovascular System | 28.0% | 25.4% | |
| Hypertension•• | 27.5% | 25.4% | |
| Urinary System | 24.2% | 16.2% | |
| Increased Creatinine | 19.8% | 15.7% | |
| Central and Peripheral Nervous System | 26.4% | 20.5% | |
| Headache | 15.9% | 14.0% | |
| Paresthesia | 7.1% | 4.8% | |
| Musculoskeletal System | 13.2% | 8.7% | |
| Arthralgia | 6.0% | 1.1% | |
| Body As a Whole–General | 29.1% | 22.2% | |
| Pain | 4.4% | 3.2% | |
| Metabolic and Nutritional | 9.3% | 9.7% | |
| Reproductive, Female | 8.5% (4 of 47 females) | 11.5% (6 of 52 females) | |
| Resistance Mechanism | 18.7% | 21.1% | |
| Skin and Appendages | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Hypertrichosis | 6.6% | 5.4% | |
| Respiratory System | 5.0% | 6.5% | |
| Bronchospasm, Coughing, Dyspnea, Rhinitis | 5.0% | 4.9% | |
| Psychiatric | 5.0% | 3.8% | |
| Gastrointestinal System | 19.8% | 28.7% | |
| Abdominal Pain | 2.7% | 6.0% | |
| Diarrhea | 5.0% | 5.9% | |
| Dyspepsia | 2.2% | 3.2% | |
| Gum Hyperplasia | 3.8% | 6.0% | |
| Nausea | 5.5% | 5.9% | |
| White cell and RES | 4.4% | 2.7% | |
| •Total percentage of events within the system ••Newly occurring hypertension=SBP ≥160 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥90 mm Hg | |||
The following events occurred in 1% to less than 3% of psoriasis patients treated with cyclosporine:
Body as a Whole:fever, flushes, hot flushes
Cardiovascular:chest pain
Central and Peripheral Nervous System:appetite increased, insomnia, dizziness, nervousness, vertigo
Gastrointestinal:abdominal distention, constipation, gingival bleeding
Liver and Biliary System:hyperbilirubinemia
Neoplasms:skin malignancies [squamous cell (0.9%) and basal cell (0.4%) carcinomas]
Reticuloendothelial:platelet, bleeding, and clotting disorders, red blood cell disorder
Respiratory:infection, viral and other infection
Skin and Appendages:acne, folliculitis, keratosis, pruritus, rash, dry skin
Urinary System:micturition frequency
Vision:abnormal vision
Mild hypomagnesemia and hyperkalemia may occur but are asymptomatic. Increases in uric acid may occur and attacks of gout have been rarely reported. A minor and dose related hyperbilirubinemia has been observed in the absence of hepatocellular damage. Cyclosporine therapy may be associated with a modest increase of serum triglycerides or cholesterol. Elevations of triglycerides (>750 mg/dL) occur in about 15% of psoriasis patients; elevations of cholesterol (>300 mg/dL) are observed in less than 3% of psoriasis patients. Generally these laboratory abnormalities are reversible upon dose reduction or discontinuation of cyclosporine.
Postmarketing Experience, Psoriasis
Cases of transformation to erythrodermic psoriasis or generalized pustular psoriasis upon either withdrawal or reduction of cyclosporine in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis have been reported.
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 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 s | Antifungals | Anti- Inflammatory Drugs | Gastrointestinal Agents | Immunosuppressives | Other Drugs |
| ciprofloxacin gentamicin tobramycin vancomycin trimethoprim withsulfamethoxazole | melphalan | amphotericin B ketoconazole | azapropazon colchicine diclofenac naproxensulindac | cimetidine ranitidine | tacrolimus | fibric acid derivatives (e.g., bezafibrate, fenofibrate) methotrexate |
During the concomitant use of a drug that may exhibit additive or synergistic renal impairment with cyclosporine, close monitoring of renal function (in particular serum creatinine) should be performed. If a significant impairment of renal function occurs, the dosage of the coadministered drug should be reduced or an alternative treatment 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 (modified) dosage adjustment to achieve the desired cyclosporine concentrations is essential when drugs that significantly alter cyclosporine concentrations are used concomitantly (s ee 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/ | colchicine | ||
| dalfopristin | 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/DietarySupplements | |
| nafcillin | carbamazepine | bosentan | St. John’s Wort |
| rifampin | oxcarbazepine | octreotide | |
| phenobarbital | orlistat | ||
| phenytoin | sulfinpyrazone | ||
| terbinafine | |||
| ticlopidine | |||
Bosentan
Coadministration 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 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.
HMG-CoA 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
Coadministration 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 in 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 dose.
Anthracycline antibiotics
High doses of cyclosporine (e.g., at starting intravenous dose 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 hours). The mean AUC and C max of cyclosporine were comparable to reported literature values. Coadministration 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 coadministration of cyclosporine with aliskiren is not recommended.
Bosentan
In healthy subjects, coadministration 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 Effect of Drugs and Other Agents on Cyclosporine Pharmacokinetics and/or Safety ).
Coadministration 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. Coadministration 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 co-administered 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-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic 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 concentrations and occasional reports of reversible decreases in renal function. Consequently, the dose 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 (AUC s ) were increased approximately 30% and the concentrations (AUC s ) 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-dose cyclosporine. This effect is often reversible with cyclosporine dose reduction. Simultaneous coadministration of cyclosporine significantly increases blood levels of sirolimus. To minimize increases in sirolimus 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 concurrently 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). 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 co-administered 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.
For additional information on Cyclosporine Drug Interactions please contact Apotex Corp. at 1-800-706-5575.
DESCRIPTION
Cyclosporine capsule, USP (modified) is an oral formulation of cyclosporine that immediately forms a microemulsion in an aqueous environment.
Cyclosporine, USP, the active principle in cyclosporine capsules, USP (modified), 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, USP 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-aminobutyryl- N -methylglycyl- N -methyl- L -leucyl- L -valyl- N -methyl- L -leucyl).
Cyclosporine capsules, USP (modified) (Soft Gelatin Capsules) are available in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths.
Each 25 mg capsule contains: cyclosporine, USP…………………………………………………………………...25 mg
benzyl alcohol..................................................................... 7.79% v/v (8.13% wt/vol.)
Each 50 mg capsule contains:
cyclosporine, USP…………………………………………………………………...50 mg
benzyl alcohol......................................................................7.79% v/v (8.13% wt/vol.)
Each 100 mg capsule contains: cyclosporine, USP…………………………………………………..……………...100 mg
benzyl alcohol....................................................................... 7.79% v/v (8.13% wt/vol.)
Inactive Ingredients: Polyethylene glycol 400, polyoxyl 35 castor oil, and propylene glycol monolaurate. The capsule shell contains the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, glycerine, iron oxide black (25 mg and 100 mg capsules only) and titanium dioxide. The capsule imprinting ink contains hypromellose, iron oxide black, and propylene glycol.
The chemical structure of cyclosporine is:
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent that in animals prolongs survival of allogeneic transplants involving skin, kidney, liver, heart, pancreas, bone marrow, small intestine, and lung. Cyclosporine has been demonstrated to suppress some humoral immunity and to a greater extent, cell-mediated immune reactions such as allograft rejection, delayed hypersensitivity, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, Freund’s adjuvant arthritis, and graft versus host disease in many animal species for a variety of organs.
The effectiveness of cyclosporine results from specific and reversible inhibition of immunocompetent lymphocytes in the G 0 - and 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.
No effects on phagocytic function (changes in enzyme secretions, chemotactic migration of granulocytes, macrophage migration, carbon clearance in vivo) have been detected in animals. Cyclosporine does not cause bone marrow suppression in animal models or man.
Pharmacokinetics
The immunosuppressive activity of cyclosporine is primarily due to parent drug. Following oral administration, absorption of cyclosporine is incomplete. The extent of absorption of cyclosporine is dependent on the individual patient, the patient population, and the formulation. Elimination of cyclosporine is primarily biliary with only 6% of the dose (parent drug and metabolites) excreted in urine. The disposition of cyclosporine from blood is generally biphasic, with a terminal half-life of approximately 8.4 hours (range 5 to 18 hours). Following intravenous administration, the blood clearance of cyclosporine (assay: HPLC) is approximately 5 to 7 mL/min/kg in adult recipients of renal or liver allografts. Blood cyclosporine clearance appears to be slightly slower in cardiac transplant patients.
Cyclosporine capsules [MODIFIED] and cyclosporine oral solution [MODIFIED] are bioequivalent.
The relationship between administered dose and exposure (area under the concentration versus time curve, AUC) is linear within the therapeutic dose range. The intersubject variability (total, %CV) of cyclosporine exposure (AUC) when cyclosporine capsule (modified) or Sandimmune ® is administered ranges from approximately 20% to 50% in renal transplant patients. This intersubject variability contributes to the need for individualization of the dosing regimen for optimal therapy (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Intrasubject variability of AUC in renal transplant recipients (%CV) was 9% to 21% for cyclosporine capsule (modified) and 19% to 26% for Sandimmune ® . In the same studies, intrasubject variability of trough concentrations (%CV) was 17% to 30% for cyclosporine capsule (modified) and 16% to 38% for Sandimmune ® .
Absorption
Cyclosporine capsule (modified) has increased bioavailability compared to Sandimmune ® . The absolute bioavailability of cyclosporine administered as Sandimmune ® is dependent on the patient population, estimated to be less than 10% in liver transplant patients and as great as 89% in some renal transplant patients. The absolute bioavailability of cyclosporine administered as cyclosporine capsule (modified) has not been determined in adults. In studies of renal transplant, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis patients, the mean cyclosporine AUC was approximately 20% to 50% greater and the peak blood cyclosporine concentration (C max ) was approximately 40% to 106% greater following administration of cyclosporine capsule (modified) compared to following administration of Sandimmune ® . The dose normalized AUC in de novo liver transplant patients administered cyclosporine capsule (modified) 28 days after transplantation was 50% greater and C max was 90% greater than in those patients administered Sandimmune ® . AUC and C max are also increased (cyclosporine capsule (modified) relative to Sandimmune ® ) in heart transplant patients, but data are very limited. Although the AUC and C max values are higher on cyclosporine capsule (modified) relative to Sandimmune ® , the predose trough concentrations (dose-normalized) are similar for the two formulations.
Following oral administration of cyclosporine capsule (modified), the time to peak blood cyclosporine concentrations (T max ) ranged from 1.5 to 2 hours. The administration of food with cyclosporine capsule (modified) decreases the cyclosporine AUC and C max . A high fat meal (669 kcal, 45 grams fat) consumed within one-half hour before cyclosporine capsule (modified) administration decreased the AUC by 13% and C max by 33%. The effects of a low-fat meal (667 kcal, 15 grams fat) were similar.
The effect of T-tube diversion of bile on the absorption of cyclosporine from cyclosporine capsule (modified) was investigated in eleven de novo liver transplant patients. When the patients were administered cyclosporine capsule (modified) with and without T- tube diversion of bile, very little difference in absorption was observed, as measured by the change in maximal cyclosporine blood concentrations from pre-dose values with the T-tube closed relative to when it was open: 6.9±41% (range 55% to 68%).
| Pharmacokinetic Parameters (mean±SD ) | |||||||
| Dose/day 1 | Dose/weight | AUC 2 | C max | Trough 3 | CL/F | CL/F | |
| Patient Population | (mg/d) | (mg/kg/d ) | ( ng·hr/mL) | (ng/mL) | (ng/mL) | (mL/min) | (mL/min/kg) |
| De novo renal | |||||||
| transplant 4 | 597±174 | 7.95±2.81 | 8772±2089 | 1802±428 | 361±129 | 593±204 | 7.8±2.9 |
| Week 4 (N=37) | |||||||
| Stable renal | |||||||
| transplant 4 | 344±122 | 4.10±1.58 | 6035±2194 | 1333±469 | 251±116 | 492±140 | 5.9±2.1 |
| (N=55) | |||||||
| De novo liver transplant 5 Week 4 (N=18) | 458±190 | 6.89±3.68 | 7187±2816 | 1555±740 | 268±101 | 577±309 | 8.6±5.7 |
| De novo rheumatoid | |||||||
| arthritis 6 | 182±55.6 | 2.37±0.36 | 2641±877 | 728±263 | 96.4±37.7 | 613±196 | 8.3±2.8 |
| (N=23) | |||||||
| De novo psoriasis 6 | 189±69.8 | 2.48±0.65 | 2324±1048 | 655±186 | 74.9±46.7 | 723±186 | 10.2±3.9 |
| Week 4 (N=18) | |||||||
1 Total daily dose was divided into two doses administered every 12 hours.
2 AUC was measured over one dosing interval.
3 Trough concentration was measured just prior to the morning cyclosporine capsule (modified) dose, approximately 12 hours after the previous dose.
4 Assay: TDx specific monoclonal fluorescence polarization immunoassay.
5 Assay: Cyclo-trac specific monoclonal radioimmunoassay.
6 Assay: INCSTAR specific monoclonal radioimmunoassay.
Distribution
Cyclosporine is distributed largely outside the blood volume. The steady state volume of distribution during intravenous dosing has been reported as 3 to 5 L/kg in solid organ transplant recipients. 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 binding capacity of leukocytes and erythrocytes becomes saturated. In plasma, approximately 90% is bound to proteins, primarily lipoproteins. Cyclosporine is excreted in human milk ( see PRECAUTIONS , Nursing Mothers ).
Metabolism
Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 3A enzyme system in the liver, and to a lesser degree in the gastrointestinal tract, and the kidney. The metabolism of cyclosporine can be altered by the coadministration of a variety of agents ( see PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ). At least 25 metabolites have been identified from human bile, feces, blood, and urine. The biological activity of the metabolites and their contributions to toxicity are considerably less than those of the parent compound. The major metabolites (M1, M9, and M4N) result from oxidation at the 1-beta, 9-gamma, and 4-N-demethylated positions, respectively. At steady state following the oral administration of Sandimmune ® , the mean AUCs for blood concentrations of M1, M9, and M4N are about 70%, 21%, and 7.5% of the AUC for blood cyclosporine concentrations, respectively. Based on blood concentration data from stable renal transplant patients (13 patients administered cyclosporine capsule (modified) and Sandimmune ® in a crossover study), and bile concentration data from de novo liver transplant patients (4 administered cyclosporine capsule (modified), 3 administered Sandimmune ® ), the percentage of dose present as M1, M9, and M4N metabolites is similar when either cyclosporine capsule (modified) or Sandimmune ® is administered.
Excretion
Only 0.1% of a cyclosporine dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. Elimination is primarily biliary with only 6% of the dose (parent drug and metabolites) excreted in the urine. Neither dialysis nor renal failure alters cyclosporine clearance significantly.
Drug Interactions
( See PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ) When diclofenac or methotrexate was coadministered with cyclosporine in rheumatoid arthritis patients, the AUC of diclofenac and methotrexate, each was significantly increased ( see PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ). No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions occurred between cyclosporine and aspirin, ketoprofen, piroxicam, or indomethacin.
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.
Pediatric Population
Pharmacokinetic data from pediatric patients administered cyclosporine capsule (modified) or Sandimmune ® are very limited. In 15 renal transplant patients aged 3 to 16 years, cyclosporine whole blood clearance after IV administration of Sandimmune ® was 10.6±3.7 mL/min/kg (assay: Cyclo-trac specific RIA). In a study of 7 renal transplant patients aged 2 to 16, the cyclosporine clearance ranged from 9.8 to 15.5 mL/min/kg. In 9 liver transplant patients aged 0.6 to 5.6 years, clearance was 9.3±5.4 mL/min/kg (assay: HPLC).
In the pediatric population, cyclosporine capsule (modified) also demonstrates an increased bioavailability as compared to Sandimmune ® . In 7 liver de novo transplant patients aged 1.4 to 10 years, the absolute bioavailability of cyclosporine capsule (modified) was 43% (range 30% to 68%) and for Sandimmune ® in the same individuals absolute bioavailability was 28% (range 17% to 42%).
| Pediatric Pharmacokinetic Parameters (mean±SD) | ||||||
| Patient Population | Dose/day (mg/d) | Dose/weight (mg/kg/d) | AUC 1 (ng·hr/mL) | C max (ng/mL) | CL/F (mL/min) | CL/F (mL/min/kg) |
| Stable liver transplant 2 | ||||||
| Age 2 to 8, Dosed TID (N=9) | 101±25 | 5.95±1.32 | 2163±801 | 629±219 | 285±94 | 16.6±4.3 |
| Age 8 to 15, Dosed BID (N=8) | 188±55 | 4.96±2.09 | 4272±1462 | 975±281 | 378±80 | 10.2±4 |
| Stable liver transplant 3 | ||||||
| Age 3, Dosed BID (N=1) | 120 | 8.33 | 5832 | 1050 | 171 | 11.9 |
| Age 8 to 15, Dosed BID (N=5) | 158±55 | 5.51±1.91 | 4452±2475 | 1013±635 | 328±121 | 11.0±1.9 |
| Stable renal transplant 3 | ||||||
| Age 7 to 15, Dosed BID (N=5) | 328±83 | 7.37±4.11 | 6922±1988 | 1827±487 | 418±143 | 8.7±2.9 |
1 AUC was measured over one dosing interval
2 Assay: Cyclo-trac specific monoclonal radioimmunoassay
3 Assay: TDx specific monoclonal fluorescence polarization immunoassay
Geriatric Population
Comparison of single dose data from both normal elderly volunteers (N=18, mean age 69 years) and elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients (N=16, mean age 68 years) to single dose data in young adult volunteers (N=16, mean age 26 years) showed no significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters.
HOW SUPPLIED
Cyclosporine capsules, USP (modified) (Soft Gelatin Capsules)
25 mg
An oval, opaque grey colored soft gel capsule filled with liquid, printed with "C25" in black ink across one side.
Packages of 30 unit-dose blisters (NDC 60505-4630-3).
50 mg
An oblong, opaque off-white colored soft gel capsule filled with liquid, printed with "C50" in black ink across one side.
Packages of 30 unit-dose blisters (NDC 60505-4631-3).
100 mg
An oblong opaque grey colored soft gel capsule filled with liquid, printed with "C100" in black ink across one side.
Packages of 30 unit-dose blisters (NDC 60505-4632-3).
Store and Dispense
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Dispense in original unit-dose container.
Cyclosporine Capsules, USP (MODIFIED) (Soft Gelatin Capsules)
All registered trademarks in this document are the property of their respective owners.
| Manufactured by | Manufactured for |
| Catalent Ontario Limited | Apotex Corp. |
| Windsor, Ontorio | Weston, Florida |
| Canada N9C 3R5 | USA 33326 |
Revised: November 2023
Revision: 4
