Tacrolimus effects and side effects after liver transplantation: is there a difference between immediate and extended release?

Abstract Background Immunosuppressive therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) requires a high degree of patient compliance to guarantee safety and avoid side effects. In 2007, prolonged-release tacrolimus was launched in Europe to improve compliance. In this prospective observational crossover single-center trial, we analyzed effects and side effects of prolonged-release tacrolimus in OLT patients. Methods LT patients at our center were included if they were older than l8 years of age, had had the procedure at least 6 months prior, and were outpatients currently on twice-daily tacrolimus. Patients were observed for 6 months before switching to once-daily tacrolimus. Patient his…