Pharmacokinetics of FK 506 in transplant patients.

Abstract

FK 506 has been in clinical use at the University of Pittsburgh Medical center since March 1989. Currently, it is used as the primary immunosuppressant in liver, kidney, and heart transplant patients. Use of FK 506 has resulted in a significant reduction in the dose of steroid used and is associated with a lower incidence of hypertension in transplant patients. At the present time there are nearly 1,600 patients receiving FK 506 therapy at this institution. Various pharmacokinetic aspects and factors affecting the pharmacokinetics of FK 506 in transplant patients will be discussed here.