EVALUATION OF THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING OF CYCLOSPORINE AND TACROLIMUS IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic monitoring process of cyclosporine and tacrolimus in kidney transplant patients and its effect on optimizing therapy. Materials and method:A retrospective cross sectional design was adopted and data collected from 150 records of patients who underwent kidney transplantation and receiving immunosuppressant treatment (cyclosporine or tacrolimus) in the first six months after kidney transplantation. Results:The results showed that 66% of patients who treated with cyclosporine or tacrolimus achieved the desired therapeutic range, compared to 18% with sub-therapeutic levels and 16% with toxic levels. Conclusion:The study confirmed the importance of individual monitoring of cyclosporine and tacrolimus serum concentrations and its relationship to therapeutic outcomes in renal transplant patients.