[Variability of the bioavailability of cyclosporine: benefit of the Neoral formulation]. / Variabilité de la biodisponibilité de la ciclosporine: avantage de la formulation Néoral.

ABSTRACT

After oral administration of Sandimmun, the bioavailability of cyclosporin can vary substantially especially in view of its narrow therapeutic index. As a consequence, optimal exposure of patients to the drug is sometimes difficult to ensure. The new formulation of cyclosporin, Neoral, improves the absorption of the drug. This results in an increase in bioavailability, a lower dependency on food, bile or pancreatic enzymes and a markedly reduced intra- and inter-patient variability in pharmacokinetic parameters. This allows an easier adjustment of patient exposure. The clinical efficacy of Neoral is equivalent to, or even better than, that of Sandimmun. The tolerability of the two formulations is comparable.