Sex differences and impact of age-based menopausal status on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics: results of the TransplantLines biobank and cohort study

BACKGROUND: The calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus is commonly used as immunosuppressant in transplant recipients and its uptake and metabolism may be affected by hormonal influences. We explored the association between sex and age-based menopausal status on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in whole blood and plasma. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: /d/w ratio) was compared between sexes and menopausal status. Pre- and postmenopause were defined by age 30-45 and 50-65 years, respectively. RESULTS: /d/w ratios followed the same trends as in whole-blood. CONCLUSIONS: /d/w ratios in women, especially in the premenopausal state.