title: Low-dose mycophenolate mofetil in tablet form or capsule form combined with tacrolimus in the early period after kidney transplantation: a prospective randomized trial .
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The tablet form (500 mg) of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) provides more convenience of taking drugs and cost-effectiveness than the capsule form (250 mg). We examined the efficacy and safety of MMF in its different forms combined with tacrolimus in kidney transplant recipients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This multicenter, 26-week, randomized trial was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of the tablet form of MMF versus the capsule form of MMF in 156 kidney transplant recipients. Allograft function, the incidence of efficacy failure (biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), death, graft loss, or loss to follow-up), and adverse events were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean dose (mg/day) of MMF at 26 weeks was comparable: 1,052.6 ± 194.2 in the tablet group vs. 1,155.6 ± 298.1 in the capsule group (p = 0.063). Trough levels of tacrolimus at 26 weeks were comparable. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate of the tablet group at 26 weeks post-transplant was not inferior to that of the capsule group. The incidence of efficacy failure was similar in the two groups: tablet group, 5.2% and capsule group, 7.7% (difference -2.5%; 95% confidence interval -5.22 - 10.21%). The incidence of BPAR until 26 weeks post-transplant in the tablet group was 3.9%, compared to 7.7% in the capsule group (p = 0.346). There was no significant difference in the incidence of discontinuations and serious adverse events between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-dose MMF in tablet form combined with tacrolimus can be considered as an efficacious and safe immunosuppressive regimen in the early period after kidney transplantation. .
authors: Su Hyung
authors: SH
authors: Lee
authors: Chan-Duck
authors: CD
authors: Kim
authors: Kyu Ha
authors: KH
authors: Huh
authors: Baik-Hwan
authors: BH
authors: Cho
authors: Man Ki
authors: MK
authors: Ju
authors: Dong Ryeol
authors: DR
authors: Lee
authors: Hong Rae
authors: HR
authors: Cho
authors: Jong-Won
authors: JW
authors: Park
authors: Jung Jun
authors: JJ
authors: Lee
authors: Samuel
authors: S
authors: Lee
authors: Byung Jun
authors: BJ
authors: So
authors: Chang-Kwon
authors: CK
authors: Oh
authors: Yu Seun
authors: YS
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002214:Capsules; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013607:Tablets; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013607:Tablets; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid; D016559:Tacrolimus