Cyclosporine

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Kidney, Liver, and Heart Transplantation Cyclosporine capsules, USP [MODIFIED] and cyclosporine oral solution, USP [MODIFIED] are indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney, liver, and heart allogeneic transplants. Cyclosporine capsules, USP [MODIFIED] and cyclosporine oral solution, USP [MODIFIED] have been used in combination with azathioprine and corticosteroids. Rheumatoid Arthritis Cyclosporine capsules, USP [MODIFIED] and cyclosporine oral solution, USP [MODIFIED] are indicated for the treatment of patients with severe active, rheumatoid arthritis where the disease has not adequately responded to methotrexate. Cyclosporine capsules, USP [MODIFIED] and cyclosporine oral solution, USP [MODIFIED] can be used in combination with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients who do not respond adequately to methotrexate alone. Psoriasis Cyclosporine capsules, USP [MODIFIED] and cyclosporine oral solution, USP [MODIFIED] are 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, USP [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 (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 ). 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 2.0 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. 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 Tr

WARNINGS (See also BOXED WARNING ) All Patients Cyclosporine, the active ingredient of cyclosporine capsules, (modified), can cause nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The risk increases with increasing doses of cyclosporine. Renal dysfunction including structural kidney damage is a potential consequence of cyclosporine capsules (modified) and therefore renal function must be monitored during therapy. Care should be taken in using cyclosporine with nephrotoxic drugs (see PRECAUTIONS). Patients receiving cyclosporine capsules (modified) require frequent monitoring of serum creatinine (see Special Monitoring under DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Elderly patients should be monitored with particular care, since decreases in renal function also occur with age. If patients are not properly monitored and doses are not properly adjusted, cyclosporine therapy can be associated with the occurrence of structural kidney damage and persistent renal dysfunction. An increase in serum creatinine and BUN may occur during cyclosporine capsules (modified) therapy and reflect a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate. Impaired renal function at any time requires close monitoring, and frequent dosage adjustment may be indicated. 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. Because cyclosporine capsules (modified) is not bioequivalent to Sandimmune ® , conversion from cyclosporine capsules (modified) to Sandimmune ® using a 1:1 ratio (mg/kg/day) may result in lower cyclosporine blood concentrations. Conversion from cyclosporine capsules (modified) to Sandimmune ® should be made with increased monitoring to avoid the potential of underdosing. Kidney, Liver, and Heart Transplant Nephrotoxicity Cyclosporine, the active ingredient of cyclosporine capsules, (modified), can cause nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity when used in high doses. 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. Based on the historical Sandimmune ® experience with oral solution, nephrotoxicity associated with cyclosporine had 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 renal transplant and consisted of an arrest in the fall of the pre-operative 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 cyclosporine 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 renal rejection episodes, care must be taken to differentiate between them. This form of nephrotoxicity is usually responsive to cyclosporine 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 with 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 Prolonged kidney preservation Prolonged anastomosis time Concomitant nephrotoxic drugs Anti-donor immune response Retransplant patient Clinical Often >6 weeks postop b Prolonged initial nonfunction (acute tubular necrosis) Often < 4 weeks postop b 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 Gradual rise in Cr (<0.15 mg/dL/day) a Cr plateau < 25% above baseline BUN/Cr ≥ 20 CyA serum trough level < 150 ng/mL Rapid rise in Cr (> 0.3 mg/dL/day) a Cr > 25% above baseline BUN/Cr < 20 Biopsy Arteriolopathy (medial hypertrophy a , hyalinosis, nodular deposits, intimal thickening, endothelial vacuolization, progressive scarring) Tubular atrophy, isometric vacuolization, isolated calcifications Minimal edema Mild focal infiltrates c Endovasculitis c (proliferation a , intimal arteritis b , necrosis, sclerosis) Tubulitis with RBC b and WBC b casts, some irregular vacuolization Interstitial edema c and hemorrhage b Diffuse moderate to severe mononuclear infiltrates d Aspiration Cytology Diffuse interstitial fibrosis, often striped form CyA deposits in tubular and endothelial cells Fine isometric vacuolization of tubular cells Glomerulitis (mononuclear cells) c Inflammatory infiltrate with mononuclear phagocytes, macrophages, lymphoblastoid cells, and activated T-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 Ultrasonography Intracapsular pressure < 40 mm Hg b Unchanged graft cross sectional area Intracapsular pressure > 40 mm Hg b 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 Decrease in tubular function ( 131 I-hippuran) > decrease in perfusion ( 99m Tc DTPA) Patchy arterial flow Decrease in perfusion > decrease in tubular function 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 p < 0.05, b p < 0.01, c p < 0.001, d p < 0.0001 A form of a cyclosporine-associated nephropathy is characterized by serial deterioration in renal function and morphologic changes in the kidneys. From 5% to 15% of transplant recipients who have received cyclosporine will fail to show a reduction in rising serum creatinine despite a decrease or discontinuation of cyclosporine therapy. Renal biopsies from these patients will demonstrate one or several of the following alterations: tubular vacuolization, tubular microcalcifications, peritubular capillary congestion, arteriolopathy, and a striped form of interstitial fibrosis with tubular atrophy. Though none of these morphologic changes is entirely specific, a diagnosis of cyclosporine-associated structural nephrotoxicity requires evidence of these findings. When considering the development of cyclosporine-associated nephropathy, 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 post-transplant 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 are 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. Reversibility of arteriolopathy has been reported after stopping cyclosporine or lowering the dosage. Impaired renal function at any time requires close monitoring, and frequent dosage adjustment may be indicated. In the event of severe and unremitting rejection, when rescue therapy with pulse steroids and monoclonal antibodies fail to reverse the rejection episode, it may be preferable to switch to alternative immunosuppres

CONTRAINDICATIONS General Cyclosporine capsules, USP MODIFIED are 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, USP MODIFIED. Psoriasis Psoriasis patients who are treated with cyclosporine capsules, USP 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, USP MODIFIED.

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 capsules (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 capsules (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 capsules (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) Dose/day Dose/weight AUC 1 C max CL/F CL/F Patient Population (mg/d) (mg/kg/d) (ng·hr/mL) (ng/mL) (mL/min) (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 ± 4.0 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. 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 Antineoplastics Antifungals Anti-inflammatory Drugs Gastrointestinal Agents Immunosuppressives Other Drugs ciprofloxacin melphalan amphotericin B azapropazon cimetidine tacrolimus fibric acid derivatives gentamicin ketoconazole colchicine ranitidine (e.g., bezafibrate, fenofibrate) tobramycin diclofenac methotrexate vancomycin naproxen trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole sulindac 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 (see 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 Coadministration 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 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 ri

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 Adverse Reactions (N = 227)% (N = 228)% (N = 705)% (N = 112)% (N = 75)% 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 1.0%, 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 Study Study Study Study Studies 651+652+2008 302 654 654 302 651+652+2008 Body Preferred Sandimmune ® † Sandimmune ® Methotrexate & Sandimmune ® Methotrexate & Placebo Cyclosporine capsules, (modified) Placebo System Term (N = 269) (N = 155) (N = 74) (N = 73) (N = 143) (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 Disorders 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 Disorders 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 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 1% Gastrointestinal Disorder NOS* 0% 2% 1% 4% 4% 0% Gingivitis 4% 3% 0% 0% 0% 1% Gum Hyperplasia 2% 4% 1% 3% 4%

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 capsules, (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 capsules, (modified) and 19% to 26% for Sandimmune ® . In the same studies, intrasubject variability of trough concentrations (%CV) was 17% to 30% for cyclosporine capsules, (modified) and 16% to 38% for Sandimmune ® . Absorption Cyclosporine capsules (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 capsules (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 capsules (modified) compared to following administration of Sandimmune ® . The dose normalized AUC in de novo liver transplant patients administered cyclosporine capsules (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 capsules (modified) relative to Sandimmune ® ) in heart transplant patients, but data are very limited. Although the AUC and C max values are higher on cyclosporine capsules (modified) relative to Sandimmune ® , the predose trough concentrations (dose-normalized) are similar for the two formulations. Following oral administration of cyclosporine capsules, (modified), the time to peak blood cyclosporine concentrations (T max ) ranged from 1.5 to 2.0 hours. The administration of food with cyclosporine capsules (modified) decreases the cyclosporine AUC and C max . A high fat meal (669 kcal, 45 grams fat) consumed within one-half hour before cyclosporine capsules (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 capsules (modified) was investigated in eleven de novo liver transplant patients. When the patients were administered cyclosporine capsules (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 5 458 ± 190 6.89 ± 3.68 7187 ± 2816 1555 ± 740 268 ± 101 577 ± 309 8.6 ± 5.7 Week 4 (N = 18) 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 capsules (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%, a