Gecrol

Gecrol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Gecrol inhibits T-lymphocyte activation, although the exact mechanism of action is not known. Experimental evidence suggests that tacrolimus binds to an intracellular protein, FKBP-12. A complex of tacrolimus-FKBP-12, calcium, calmodulin, and calcineurin is then formed and the phosphatase activity of calcineurin inhibited. This effect may prevent the dephosphorylation and translocation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT), a nuclear component thought to initiate gene transcription for the formation of lymphokines (such as interleukin-2, gamma interferon). The net result is the inhibition of T-lymphocyte activation (i.e., immunosuppression).

Gecrol prolongs the survival of the host and transplanted graft in animal transplant models of liver, kidney, heart, bone marrow, small boweland pancreas, lung and trachea, skin, cornea, and limb.

In animals, tacrolimus has been demonstrated to suppress some humoral immunity and, to a greater extent, cell-mediated reactions such asallograft rejection, delayed type hypersensitivity, collageninduced arthritis, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, and graft versus host disease.

Gecrol acts by reducing peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity by binding to the immunophilin FKBP-12 (FK506 binding protein) creating a new complex. This inhibits both T-lymphocyte signal transduction and IL-2 transcription. Gecrol has similar activity to cyclosporine but rates of rejection are lower with tacrolimus. Gecrol has also been shown to be effective in the topical treatment of eczema, particularly atopic eczema. It suppresses inflammation in a similar way to steroids, but is not as powerful. An important dermatological advantage of tacrolimus is that it can be used directly on the face; topical steroids cannot be used on the face, as they thin the skin dramatically there. On other parts of the body, topical steroid are generally a better treatment.

Trade Name Gecrol
Availability Prescription only
Generic Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus Other Names Tacrolimus
Related Drugs azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, CellCept, Imuran, Prograf, Hecoria
Type
Formula C44H69NO12
Weight Average: 804.0182
Monoisotopic: 803.481976677
Protein binding

~99% bound to human plasma protein, primarily to albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. This is independent of concentration over a range of 5-50 ng/mL.

Groups Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class Drugs affecting the immune response
Manufacturer
Available Country Czech Republic, Slovakia
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Gecrol
Gecrol

Uses

Gecrol ointment is used for short-term and intermittent long-term therapy in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in whom the use of alternative, conventional therapies are deemed inadvisable because of potential risks, or in the treatment of patients who are not adequately responsive to or are intolerant of alternative, conventional therapies. Gecrol Ointment is also used for other skin conditions such as chronic cutaneous graft-vs-host disease, hand and foot eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus, facial lichen, vulvar lichen sclerosus, pyoderma gangrenosum, leg ulcers in rheumatoid arthritis, steroid-induced rosacea & alopecia areata, annular erythema, chronic actinic dermatitis and recalcitrant facial erythema.

Gecrol is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant used for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients in combination with other immunosuppressants

Gecrol is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), Heart Transplant Rejection, Kidney Transplant Rejection, Liver Transplant Rejection, Oral Lichen Planus, Psoriasis, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Severe Atopic Dermatitis, Vitiligo, Moderate Atopic dermatitis, Refractory Atopic dermatitis, Refractory Rheumatoid arthritis, Severe Rheumatoid arthritis

How Gecrol works

The mechanism of action of tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis is not known. While the following have been observed, the clinical significance of these observations in atopic dermatitis is not known. It has been demonstrated that tacrolimus inhibits T-lymphocyte activation by first binding to an intracellular protein, FKBP-12. A complex of tacrolimus-FKBP-12, calcium, calmodulin, and calcineurin is then formed and the phosphatase activity of calcineurin is inhibited. This prevents the dephosphorylation and translocation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT), a nuclear component thought to initiate gene transcription for the formation of lymphokines. Gecrol also inhibits the transcription for genes which encode IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, GM-CSF, and TNF-, all of which are involved in the early stages of T-cell activation. Additionally, tacrolimus has been shown to inhibit the release of pre-formed mediators from skin mast cells and basophils, and to downregulate the expression of FceRI on Langerhans cells.

Dosage

Gecrol dosage

Apply a thin layer of Gecrol ointment onto the affected skin areas twice daily and rub in gently and completely. Treatment should be continued for one week after clearing of signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The safety of Gecrol ointment under occlusion which may promote systemic exposure has not been evaluated. Gecrol ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Usual Adult Dose for Organ Transplant- Rejection Prophylaxis

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT:

  • In combination with azathioprine: Initial dose: 0.1 mg/kg orally every 12 hours. Initiate within 24 hours of surgery, but delay until renal function has recovered.
  • In combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)/interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor antagonist: Initial dose: 0.05 mg/kg orally every 12 hours. Initiate within 24 hours of surgery, but delay until renal function has recovered.

LIVER TRANSPLANT:

  • Initial dose: 0.05 to 0.075 mg/kg orally every 12 hours. Initiate no sooner than 6 hours after surgery.

HEART TRANSPLANT:

  • Initial dose: 0.0375 mg/kg orally every 12 hours. Initiate no sooner than 6 hours after surgery

Usual Pediatric Dose for Organ Transplant- Rejection Reversal

LIVER TRANSPLANT:

  • Initial dose: 0.075 to 0.1 mg/kg orally every 12 hours

Gecrol ointment should be applied as a thin layer to affected or commonly affected areas of the skin. Gecrol ointment may be used on any part of the body, including face, neck and flexure areas, except on mucous membranes. Gecrol ointment should not be applied under occlusion because this method of administration has not been studied in patients.

Side Effects

Transient burning or heat sensation at the site of application is frequently observed. It tends to decrease after repeated applications. Other side-effects include skin erythema, flu-like symptoms, headache and skin infection. It does not cause skin atrophy despite prolonged application.

Toxicity

Side effects can be severe and include blurred vision, liver and kidney problems (it is nephrotoxic), seizures, tremors, hypertension, hypomagnesemia, diabetes mellitus, hyperkalemia, itching, insomnia, confusion. LD50=134-194 mg/kg (rat).

Precaution

Cautions should be exercised while treatment with Gecrol ointment in patients with atopic dermatitis predisposed to superficial skin infections. The safety of Gecrol ointment has not been established in patients with generalized erythroderma.

Interaction

Formal topical drug interaction studies with Gecrol ointment have not been conducted. The concomitant administration of known CYP3A4 inhibitors in patients with widespread and/or erythrodermic disease should be done with caution. Some examples of such drugs are erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, calcium channel blockers and cimetidine.

Since Gecrol is metabolized mainly by CYP3A enzymes, drugs or substances known to inhibit these enzymes may increase Gecrol whole blood concentrations. Drugs known to induce CYP3A enzymes may decrease Gecrol whole blood concentrations. Dose adjustments may be needed along with frequent monitoring of Gecrol whole blood trough concentrations when Gecrol is administered with CYP3A inhibitors or inducers. In addition, patients should be monitored for adverse reactions including changes in renal function and QT prolongation

Food Interaction

  • Avoid alcohol. Consuming alcohol may increase the rate of tacrolimus release from extended-release formulations.
  • Avoid grapefruit products.
  • Exercise caution with St. John's Wort. This herb induces the CYP3A4 metabolism of tacrolimus; therefore, monitoring tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations may be warranted.
  • Take at the same time every day.
  • Take on an empty stomach. Take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal as coadministration with food decreases the rate and extent of absorption.
  • Take separate from antacids. Coadministration of tacrolimus with aluminum or magnesium hydroxide antacids may increase the serum levels of tacrolimus, which poses a risk for toxicity.

[Moderate] ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Consumption of food has led to a 27% decrease in the bioavailability of orally administered tacrolimus.



MANAGEMENT: Gecrol should be administered at least one hour before or two hours after meals.



GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice has been reported to increase tacrolimus trough concentrations.

Data are limited, but inhibition of the CYP450 enzyme system appears to be involved.br>
MANAGEMENT: The clinician may want to recommend that the patient avoid ingesting large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking tacrolimus.

Gecrol Hypertension interaction

[Moderate] The use of tacrolimus has been associated with hypertension.

Therapy with tacrolimus should be administered cautiously in patients with elevated blood pressure.

Close monitoring of blood pressure is recommended.

Volume of Distribution

  • 2.6 ± 2.1 L/kg [pediatric liver transplant patients]
  • 1.07 ± 0.20 L/kg [patients with renal impairment, 0.02 mg/kg/4 hr dose, IV]
  • 3.1 ± 1.6 L/kg [Mild Hepatic Impairment, 0.02 mg/kg/4 hr dose, IV]
  • 3.7 ± 4.7 L/kg [Mild Hepatic Impairment, 7.7 mg dose, PO]
  • 3.9 ± 1.0 L/kg [Severe hepatic impairment, 0.02 mg/kg/4 hr dose, IV]
  • 3.1 ± 3.4 L/kg [Severe hepatic impairment, 8 mg dose, PO]

Elimination Route

Absorption of tacrolimus from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration is incomplete and variable. The absolute bioavailability in adult kidney transplant patients is 17±10%; in adults liver transplant patients is 22±6%; in healthy subjects is 18±5%. The absolute bioavailability in pediatric liver transplant patients was 31±24%. Gecrol maximum blood concentrations (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) appeared to increase in a dose-proportional fashion in 18 fasted healthy volunteers receiving a single oral dose of 3, 7, and 10 mg. When given without food, the rate and extent of absorption were the greatest. The time of the meal also affected bioavailability. When given immediately after a meal, mean Cmax was reduced 71%, and mean AUC was reduced 39%, relative to the fasted condition. When administered 1.5 hours following the meal, mean Cmax was reduced 63%, and mean AUC was reduced 39%, relative to the fasted condition.

Half Life

The elimination half life in adult healthy volunteers, kidney transplant patients, liver transplants patients, and heart transplant patients are approximately 35, 19, 12, 24 hours, respectively. The elimination half life in pediatric liver transplant patients was 11.5±3.8 hours, in pediatric kidney transplant patients was 10.2±5.0 (range 3.4-25) hours.

Clearance

  • 0.040 L/hr/kg [healthy subjects, IV]
  • 0.172 ± 0.088 L/hr/kg [healthy subjects, oral]
  • 0.083 L/hr/kg [adult kidney transplant patients, IV]
  • 0.053 L/hr/kg [adult liver transplant patients, IV]
  • 0.051 L/hr/kg [adult heart transplant patients, IV]
  • 0.138 ± 0.071 L/hr/kg [pediatric liver transplant patients]
  • 0.12 ± 0.04 (range 0.06-0.17) L/hr/kg [pediatric kidney transplant patients]
  • 0.038 ± 0.014 L/hr/kg [patients with renal impairment, 0.02 mg/kg/4 hr dose, IV]
  • 0.042 ± 0.02 L/hr/kg [Mild Hepatic Impairment, 0.02 mg/kg/4 hr dose, IV]
  • 0.034 ± 0.019 L/hr/kg [Mild Hepatic Impairment, 7.7 mg dose, PO]
  • 0.017 ± 0.013 L/hr/kg [Severe hepatic impairment, 0.02 mg/kg/4 hr dose, IV]
  • 0.016 ± 0.011 L/hr/kg [Severe hepatic impairment, 8 mg dose, PO]

Elimination Route

In man, less than 1% of the dose administered is excreted unchanged in urine. When administered IV, fecal elimination accounted for 92.6±30.7%, urinary elimination accounted for 2.3±1.1%.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of topically administered Gecrol in pregnant women. The experience with Gecrol ointment when used by pregnant women is too limited to permit assessment of the safety of its use during pregnancy.

Nursing Mothers: Although systemic absorption of Gecrol following topical applications of Gecrol ointment is minimal relative to systemic administration, it is known that Gecrol is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Gecrol, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Contraindication

Gecrol ointment is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Gecrol or any other component of the preparation.

Gecrol capsules are contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to Gecrol. Gecrol injection is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to HCO-60 (polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil). Hypersensitivity symptoms reported include dyspnea, rash, pruritus, and acute respiratory distress syndrome

Special Warning

Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of Gecrol in pediatric kidney and heart transplant patients have not been established. Successful liver transplants have been performed in pediatric patients (ages up to 16 years) using Gecrol. Two randomized active-controlled trials of Gecrol in primary liver transplantation included 56 pediatric patients. Thirty-one patients were randomized to Gecrol-based and 25 to cyclosporine-based therapies. Additionally, a minimum of 122 pediatric patients were studied in an uncontrolled trial of Gecrol in living related donor liver transplantation. Pediatric patients generally required higher doses of Gecrol to maintain blood trough concentrations of Gecrol similar to adult patients.

Geriatric Use: Clinical trials of Gecrol did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Use in Renal Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of Gecrol in patients with renal impairment was similar to that in healthy volunteers with normal renal function. However, consideration should be given to dosing Gecrol at the lower end of the therapeutic dosing range in patients who have received a liver or heart transplant and have pre-existing renal impairment. Further reductions in dose below the targeted range may be required

Use in Hepatic Impairment: The mean clearance of Gecrol was substantially lower in patients with severe hepatic impairment (mean Child-Pugh score: >10) compared to healthy volunteers with normal hepatic function. Close monitoring of Gecrol trough concentrations is warranted in patients with hepatic impairment.

The use of Gecrol in liver transplant recipients experiencing post-transplant hepatic impairment may be associated with increased risk of developing renal insufficiency related to high whole-blood trough concentrations of Gecrol. These patients should be monitored closely and dosage adjustments should be considered. Some evidence suggests that lower doses should be used in these patients

Acute Overdose

Gecrol ointment is not for oral use. Accidental oral ingestion of Gecrol ointment may lead to adverse effects associated with systemic administration of Gecrol. If oral ingestion occurs, medical advice should be sought.

Limited overdosage experience is available. Acute overdosages of up to 30 times the intended dose have been reported. Almost all cases have been asymptomatic and all patients recovered with no sequelae. Acute overdosage was sometimes followed by adverse reactions (including tremors, abnormal renal function, hypertension, and peripheral edema); in one case of acute overdosage, transient urticaria and lethargy were observed. Based on the poor aqueous solubility and extensive erythrocyte and plasma protein binding, it is anticipated that Gecrol is not dialyzable to any significant extent; there is no experience with charcoal hemoperfusion. The oral use of activated charcoal has been reported in treating acute overdoses, but experience has not been sufficient to warrant recommending its use. General supportive measures and treatment of specific symptoms should be followed in all cases of overdosage.

In acute oral and IV toxicity studies, mortalities were seen at or above the following doses: in adult rats, 52 times the recommended human oral dose; in immature rats, 16 times the recommended oral dose; and in adult rats, 16 times the recommended human IV dose (all based on body surface area corrections).

Storage Condition

Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Gecrol

Gecrol contains Tacrolimus see full prescribing information from innovator Gecrol Monograph, Gecrol MSDS, Gecrol FDA label

FAQ

What is Gecrol used for?

Gecrol ointment is used to treat the symptoms of eczema in patients who cannot use other medications for their condition or whose eczema has not responded to another medication.

What does Gecrol do to your body?

Gecrol works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.It may also decrease the body's ability to fight infections.

What type of medication is Gecrol?

Gecrol is in a class of medications called immunosupressants. It works by decreasing the activity of the immune system to prevent it from attacking the transplanted organ.

What are the side effects of Gecrol?

Gecrol ointment may cause side effects:

  • skin burning, stinging, redness or soreness
  • tingling skin
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to hot or cold temperatures
  • itching
  • acne
  • swollen or infected hair follicles
  • headache
  • muscle or back pain
  • flu-like symptoms
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • nausea

Who should not take Gecrol?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Gecrol or hydrogenated castor oil, or if you have used cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf) within the past 24 hours.

Is Gecrol safe during pregnancy?

Use is not recommended. This drug can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Infants exposed in utero are at a risk of prematurity, birth defects/congenital anomalies, low birth weight, and fetal distress.

Is Gecrol safe during breasfeeding?

Ingestion of Gecrol by infants via breast milk is negligible. Breastfeeding does not appear to slow the decline of infant Gecrol levels from higher levels present at birth. Women taking Gecrol should not be discouraged from breastfeeding if monitoring of infant levels is available.

Can I drink alcohol with Gecrol?

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Gecrol extended-release capsules. Alcohol may increase blood levels of Gecrol and increase the risk of serious side effects.

What foods interact with Gecrol?

Avoid excessive intake of high potassium foods (bananas, oranges, orange juice, potatoes, spinach, etc)

How long does Gecrol stay in my system?

Gecrol is approximately 12 hours (with a range of 3.5 to 40.5 hours). Only limited information is available on the pharmacokinetics of Gecrol in paediatric patients.

Does Gecrol make your hair fall out?

Gecrol tremors, hair loss, headaches and increased chance of developing diabetes.

Does Gecrol cause weight gain?

The weights of patients in both groups significantly increased after the sixth month.

When is the best time to take Gecrol?

Take it on an empty stomach in the morning, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, at the same time every day.

Is Gecrol bad for kidneys?

It can cause side effects that can be very serious, such as kidney problems. It may also decrease the body's ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.

Can Gecrol cause liver damage?

The liver injury due to Gecrol is usually mild and self-limiting and responses rapidly to dose adjustment or drug discontinuation.

Can I take Gecrol for a long time?

Do not use Gecrol ointment continuously for a long time. Call your doctor if you have used Gecrol ointment for 6 weeks and your eczema symptoms have not improved, or if your symptoms get worse at any time during your treatment.

Is Gecrol safe for long-term use?

Gecrol ointment is safe and effective for long-term treatment of atopic dermatitis in children.

How safe is Gecrol?

Gecrol ointment seems to be safe and effective for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children and adults. It should be used with caution, though, in those having diseases with a severely damaged skin barrier. We found no risk of skin thinning with its use, even for longer periods.

Can I use Gecrol every day?

You may use Gecrol everyday but do not use Gecrol ointment continuously for a long time.

Can Gecrol be used on body?

Gecrol ointment as a thin layer to affected areas of your skin.Gecrol ointment may be used on most parts of the body, including the face and neck and in the creases of your elbows and knees. Avoid using the ointment inside your nose or mouth or in your eyes.

Is tacrolimus used for rosacea?

Gecrol ointment is increasingly used for anti-inflammatory treatment of sensitive areas such as the face, and recent observations indicate that the treatment is effective in steroid-aggravated rosacea and perioral dermatitis.

What happens if Gecrol level is low?

Low Gecrol trough Levels (≤3.5 Ng /ml) Are A Risk Factor For Acute Rejection And Creatinine Doubling.

How fast does oral Gecrol work?

Gecrol does not work immediately. It may be up to 4 months before you notice any benefit

How fast does oral Gecrol work?

Gecrol does not work immediately. It may be up to 4 months before you notice any benefit

Does Gecrol cause insomnia?

Gecrol may causes insomnia.Other of these  commonly reported side effects include hypertension, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, anemia, headache, tremor, , pain, and asthenia.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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