ELLENCE is indicated as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . ELLENCE is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer ( 1 ).
Contraindications
ELLENCE is contraindicated in patients with:
Severe myocardial insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
Recent myocardial infarction or severe arrhythmias, or previous treatment with maximum cumulative dose of anthracyclines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
Severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
Severe hepatic impairment (defined as Child-Pugh Class C or serum bilirubin level greater than 5 mg/dL) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
Severe hypersensitivity to ELLENCE, other anthracyclines, or anthracenediones [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]
Severe myocardial insufficiency ( 4 ).
Recent myocardial infarction ( 4 ).
Severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression ( 4 ).
Severe hepatic impairment ( 4 ).
Severe hypersensitivity to ELLENCE, other anthracyclines, or anthracenediones ( 4 ).
Warnings and precautions
Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Monitor serum total bilirubin and AST levels before and during treatment with ELLENCE. In patients with elevated serum AST or serum total bilirubin, dosage reductions or discontinuation may be required ( 2.3 , 5.5 ).
Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Evaluate blood uric acid levels, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine after initial treatment. Consider hydration, urine alkalinization, and prophylaxis with allopurinol to minimize potential complications of hyperuricemia and tumor lysis syndrome ( 5.7 ).
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Thrombophlebitis and Thromboembolic Events: Thrombophlebitis and thromboembolic events, including pulmonary embolism (in some cases fatal) have been reported with the use of ELLENCE. Venous sclerosis may result from an injection into a small vessel or from repeated injections into the same vein ( 5.9 ).
Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines in patients immunocompromised by chemotherapeutic agents including ELLENCE, may result in serious or fatal infections ( 5.7 ).
Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall: Administration of ELLENCE after previous radiation therapy may induce an inflammatory recall reaction at the site of the irradiation ( 5.10 ).
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: ELLENCE can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception ( 5.11 , 8.1 , 8.3 ).
5.1Cardiac Toxicity
ELLENCE and other anthracycline drugs can result in either early (or acute) or late (delayed) cardiac toxicity. The principal manifestations of early cardiac toxicity are sinus tachycardia and/or electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities such as non-specific ST-T wave changes. However, tachycardia (including premature ventricular contractions and ventricular tachycardia), bradycardia, as well as atrioventricular and bundle-branch block have been reported.
Early cardiac toxicity does not usually predict the subsequent occurrence of delayed cardiotoxicity and generally should not be considered a reason for suspending treatment with ELLENCE. Delayed cardiac toxicity is manifested by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and/or signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). If it occurs, late cardiotoxicity usually develops late during therapy with ELLENCE or within 2 to 3 months after completion of treatment, but there are reports of it occurring several months to years after treatment termination.
In a retrospective survey, including 9144 patients, mostly with solid tumors in advanced stages, the probability of developing CHF increased with increasing cumulative doses of ELLENCE (Figure 1). In another retrospective survey of 469 ELLENCE-treated patients with metastatic or early breast cancer, the reported risk of CHF was comparable to that observed in the larger study of over 9000 patients. Given the risk of cardiac toxicity, cumulative doses of 900 mg/m 2 ELLENCE should generally be avoided.
Figure 1. Risk of CHF in 9144 Patients Treated with ELLENCE Prior history of cardiovascular disease, prior or concomitant radiotherapy to the mediastinal/pericardial area, previous therapy with other anthracyclines or anthracenediones, and concomitant use of other cardiotoxic drugs, increase the risk of developing late cardiac toxicity. Avoid administration of ELLENCE in combination with other cardiotoxic drugs. Although not formally tested, it is probable that the toxicity of ELLENCE and other anthracyclines or anthracenediones is additive.
Cardiac toxicity with ELLENCE may occur at lower cumulative doses whether or not cardiac risk factors are present. Patients receiving ELLENCE after stopping treatment with other cardiotoxic drugs, especially those with long half-lives such as trastuzumab, may be at increased risk of developing cardiotoxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Drug Interaction (7.1) ] . Perform a baseline ECG and evaluation of LVEF prior to initiating treatment with ELLENCE.
Monitor LVEF during the course of treatment and consider discontinuation of ELLENCE if LVEF decrease and/or signs or symptoms of CHF develop. Closely monitor patients with other risk factors for cardiac toxicity, particularly prior administration of anthracycline or anthracenedione. Figure 1
5.2Secondary Malignancies
The risk of developing secondary acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), is increased following treatment with ELLENCE and other anthracyclines. Cumulative risk of secondary acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (AML/MDS) of about 0.27% at 3 years, 0.46% at 5 years, and 0.55% at 8 years. These leukemias generally occur within 1 to 3 years of treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
5.3Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis Extravasation of
ELLENCE can result in severe local tissue injury manifesting as blistering, ulceration, and necrosis requiring wide excision of the affected area and skin grafting. Extravasation should be considered if a patient experiences a burning or stinging sensation or shows other evidence indicating peri-venous infiltration or extravasation; however, extravasation may be present in patients who do not experience a stinging or burning sensation or when blood return is present on aspiration of the infusion needle.
Venous sclerosis may result from an injection into a small vessel or from repeated injections into the same vein. Administer ELLENCE slowly into the tubing of a freely running intravenous infusion. Patients receiving initial therapy at the recommended starting doses of 100–120 mg/m 2 should have ELLENCE infused over 15–20 minutes. For patients who require lower ELLENCE starting doses due to organ dysfunction or who require modification of ELLENCE doses during therapy, the ELLENCE infusion time may be proportionally decreased, but should not be less than 3 minutes [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ].
If possible, avoid veins over joints or in extremities with compromised venous or lymphatic drainage. Facial flushing, as well as local erythematous streaking along the vein, may be indicative of excessively rapid administration. It may precede local phlebitis or thrombophlebitis. Immediately terminate infusion and restart in another vein if a burning or stinging sensation indicates perivenous infiltration. Perivenous infiltration may occur without causing pain.
If extravasation is suspected, immediately discontinue the intravenous injection or continuous intravenous infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Apply ice to the site intermittently for 15 minutes, 4 times a day for 3 days. If appropriate, administer dexrazoxane at the site of extravasation as soon as possible and within the first 6 hours after extravasation.
5.4Severe Myelosuppression
ELLENCE can cause severe myelosuppression [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) . Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment and carefully monitor patients during treatment for possible clinical complications due to myelosuppression. Delay the next dose of ELLENCE if severe myelosuppression has not improved. Consider dose reduction for patients with prolonged myelosuppression based on the severity of reaction [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .
5.5Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
The major route of elimination of epirubicin is the hepatobiliary system [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Evaluate serum total bilirubin and AST levels before and during treatment with ELLENCE. Patients with elevated bilirubin or AST may experience slower clearance of drug with an increase in overall toxicity. Lower doses are recommended in these patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Patients with severe hepatic impairment have not been evaluated; therefore, do not use ELLENCE in this patient population [see Contraindications (4) ] .
5.6Use in Patients with Renal Impairment
Assess serum creatinine before and during therapy. Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with serum creatinine >5
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Interactions
Avoid using cardiotoxic agents in combination with ELLENCE ( 7.1 ).
Discontinue cimetidine during treatment with ELLENCE ( 7.2 ).
7.1Cardiotoxic Agents
Closely monitor cardiac function when ELLENCE is used in combination with other cardiotoxic agents. Patients receiving ELLENCE after stopping treatment with other cardiotoxic agents, especially those with long half-lives such as trastuzumab, may be at an increased risk of developing cardiotoxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Trastuzumab may persist in the circulation for up to 7 months.
Therefore, avoid anthracycline-based therapy for up to 7 months after stopping trastuzumab when possible. Monitor the patient's cardiac function closely if anthracyclines are used before this time. Concomitant use of ELLENCE with other cardioactive compounds that could cause heart failure (e.g., calcium channel blockers), requires close monitoring of cardiac function throughout treatment.
7.2Cimetidine
Cimetidine increases the exposure to epirubicin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Discontinue cimetidine during treatment with ELLENCE.
7.3Other Cytotoxic Drugs
ELLENCE used in combination with other cytotoxic drugs may show on-treatment additive toxicity, especially hematologic and gastrointestinal effects. Paclitaxel: The administration of epirubicin immediately prior to or after paclitaxel increased the systemic exposure of epirubicin, epirubicinol and 7-deoxydoxorubicin aglycone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Docetaxel: The administration of epirubicin immediately prior to or after docetaxel did not have an effect on the systemic exposure of epirubicin, but increased the systemic exposure of epirubicinol and 7-deoxydoxorubicin aglycone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
7.4Radiation Therapy
There are few data regarding the coadministration of radiation therapy and ELLENCE. In adjuvant trials of ELLENCE-containing CEF-120 or FEC-100 chemotherapies, breast irradiation was delayed until after chemotherapy was completed. This practice resulted in no apparent increase in local breast cancer recurrence relative to published accounts in the literature. A small number of patients received ELLENCE-based chemotherapy concomitantly with radiation therapy but had chemotherapy interrupted in order to avoid potential overlapping toxicities.
It is likely that use of ELLENCE with radiotherapy may sensitize tissues to the cytotoxic actions of irradiation. Administration of ELLENCE after previous radiation therapy may induce an inflammatory recall reaction at the site of the irradiation.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based
on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, ELLENCE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] ; avoid the use of ELLENCE during the 1 st trimester. Available human data do not establish the presence or absence of major birth defects and miscarriage related to the use of epirubicin during the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters. There are reports of fetal and/or neonatal cardiotoxicity following in utero exposure to epirubicin (see Clinical Considerations ).
In animal reproduction studies in pregnant rats, epirubicin was embryo-fetal lethal and caused structural abnormalities when administered during organogenesis at doses less than the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis ( see Data ). Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions There have been rare reports of fetal and/or neonatal transient ventricular hypokinesia, transient elevation of cardiac enzymes, and a case of fetal demise from suspected anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity following in utero exposure to epirubicin in 2 nd and/or 3 rd trimesters.
Cardiotoxicity is a known risk of anthracycline treatment in adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Monitor the fetus and/or neonate for cardiotoxicity and perform testing consistent with community standards of care. Data Animal Data Intravenous administration of 0.8 mg/kg/day epirubicin (about 0.04 times the maximum recommended single human dose on a body surface area basis) to rats during Days 5 to 15 of gestation resulted in embryofetal lethality (increased resorptions and post-implantation loss) and caused fetal growth retardation (decreased body weight).
Intravenous administration of 2 mg/kg/day epirubicin (about 0.1 times the maximum recommended single human dose on a body surface area basis) to rats on Days 9 and 10 of gestation resulted in embryo-fetal lethality (increased late resorptions, post-implantation losses, and dead fetuses; and decreased live fetuses), retarded fetal growth (decreased body weight), and caused decreased placental weight and numerous external (anal atresia, misshapen tail, abnormal genital tubercle), visceral (primarily gastrointestinal, urinary, and cardiovascular systems), and skeletal (deformed long bones and girdles, rib abnormalities, irregular spinal ossification) malformations.
Administration of intravenous epirubicin to rabbits at doses up to 0.2 mg/kg/day (about 0.02 times the maximum recommended single human dose on a body surface area basis) during Days 6 to 18 of gestation was not teratogenic, but a maternally toxic dose of 0.32 mg/kg/day increased abortions and delayed ossification. Administration of a maternally toxic intravenous dose of 1 mg/kg/day epirubicin to rabbits (about 0.1 times the maximum recommended single human dose on a body surface area basis) on Days 10 to 12 of gestation induced abortion, but no other signs of teratogenicity were observed.
When doses up to 0.5 mg/kg/day epirubicin were administered to rat dams from Day 17 of gestation to Day 21 after delivery (about 0.025 times the maximum recommended single human dose on a body surface area basis), no permanent changes were observed in the development, functional activity, behavior, or reproductive performance of the offspring.
Adverse reactions
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
Cardiac Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
Severe Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
Tumor-Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]
Thrombophlebitis and Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]
Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, amenorrhea, lethargy, nausea/vomiting, mucositis, diarrhea, infection, conjunctivitis/keratitis, alopecia, local skin toxicity, and rash/itch ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of ELLENCE was evaluated in two studies (Studies MA-5 and GFEA-05) evaluating combination regimens in patients with early breast cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] .
Of the 1260 patients treated in these studies, 620 patients received the higher-dose ELLENCE regimen (FEC-100/CEF-120), 280 patients received the lower-dose ELLENCE regimen (FEC-50), and 360 patients received CMF. Serotonin-specific antiemetic therapy and colony-stimulating factors were not used in these trials. Clinically relevant adverse reactions are summarized in Table 1. Table 1. Adverse Reactions in Patients with Early Breast Cancer Event % of Patients FEC-100/CEF-120 (N=620) FEC-50 (N=280) CMF (N=360) Grades 1–4 Grades 3/4 Grades 1–4 Grades 3/4 Grades 1–4 Grades 3/4 FEC & CEF = cyclophosphamide + ELLENCE + fluorouracil; CMF = cyclophosphamide + methotrexate + fluorouracil; NA = not available Grade 1 or 2 changes in transaminase levels were observed but were more frequently seen with CMF than with CEF.
1.1 Ocular Conjunctivitis/keratitis 15 0 1.1 0 38 0 Skin Alopecia 96 57 70 19 84 7 Local toxicity 20 0.3 2.5 0.4 8 0 Rash/itch 9 0.3 1.4 0 14 0 Skin changes 4.7 0 0.7 0 7 0 Delayed Events Table 2 describes the incidence of delayed adverse reactions in patients participating in the MA-5 and GFEA-05 trials. Table 2. Long-Term Adverse Reactions in Patients with Early Breast Cancer Event % of Patients FEC-100/CEF-120 (N=620) FEC-50 (N=280) CMF (N=360) Two cases of acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) were also observed in patients receiving ELLENCE.
However, an association between anthracyclines such as ELLENCE and ALL has not been clearly established. Cardiac events Asymptomatic drops in LVEF
2.1 In study MA-5, cardiac function was not monitored after 5 years. 1.4
0.8 CHF 1.5 0.4
0.3 Leukemia AML 0.8 0
0.3Hematologic
Dose-dependent, reversible leukopenia and/or neutropenia is the predominant manifestation of hematologic toxicity associated with ELLENCE and represents the most common acute dose-limiting toxicity of this drug. In most cases, the white blood cell (WBC) nadir is reached 10 to 14 days from drug administration. Leukopenia/neutropenia is usually transient, with WBC and neutrophil counts generally returning to normal values by Day 21 after drug administration.
As with other cytotoxic agents, ELLENCE at the recommended dose in combination with cyclophosphamide and fluorouracil can produce severe leukopenia and neutropenia. Severe thrombocytopenia and anemia may also occur. Clinical consequences of severe myelosuppression include fever, infection, septicemia, septic shock, hemorrhage, tissue hypoxia, symptomatic anemia, or death. If myelosuppressive complications occur, use appropriate supportive measures (e.g., intravenous antibiotics, colony-stimulating factors, transfusions).
Myelosuppression requires careful monitoring. Assess total and differential WBC, red blood cell (RBC), and platelet counts before and during each cycle of therapy with ELLENCE [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Gastrointestinal A dose-dependent mucositis (mainly oral stomatitis, less often esophagitis) may occur in patients treated with ELLENCE. Clinical manifestations of mucositis may include a pain or burning sensation, erythema, erosions, ulcerations, bleeding, or infections.
Mucositis generally appears early after drug administration and, if severe, may progress over a few days to mucosal ulcerations; most patients recover from this adverse event by the third week of therapy. Hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa may also occur. Nausea, vomiting, and occasionally diarrhea and abdominal pain can also occur. Severe vomiting and diarrhea may produce dehydration. Antiemetics may reduce nausea and vomiting; consider prophylactic use of antiemetics before therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .
Cutaneous and Hypersensitivity Reactions Alopecia occurs frequently, but is usually reversible, with hair regrowth occurring within 2 to 3 months from the termination of therapy. Flushes, skin and nail hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, and hypersensitivity to irradiated skin (radiation-recall reaction) have been observed. Urticaria and anaphylaxis have been reported in patients treated with ELLENCE; signs and symptoms of these reactions may vary from skin rash and pruritus to fever, chills, and shock.
Cardiovascular Serious drug-related cardiovascular adverse events that occurred during clinical trials with ELLENCE, administered in different indications, include ventricular tachycardia, AV block, bundle branch block, bradycardia and thromboembolism. Secondary Leukemia An analysis of 7110 patients who received adjuvant treatment with ELLENCE in controlled clinical trials as a component of poly-chemotherapy regimens for early breast cancer, showed a cumulative risk of secondary acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (AML/MDS) of about 0.27% (approximate 95% CI, 0.14–0.40) at 3 years, 0.46% (approximate 95% CI, 0.28–0.65) at 5 years, and 0.55% (approximate 95% CI, 0.33–0.78) at 8 years.
6.2Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ELLENCE. B
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Composition
Active ingredients
EPIRUBICIN HYDROCHLORIDE 50MG/25ML (2MG/ML)
Strengths and forms
The FDA lists each strength of a product separately; these pages share one label.
Prognia shows this product information for reference and learning. It is not treatment advice and can lag behind the official text. Always check the current product information and local protocols before prescribing.
The risk of developing AML/MDS increased with increasing ELLENCE cumulative doses as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2. Risk of AML/MDS in 7110 Patients Treated with ELLENCE The cumulative probability of developing AML/MDS was found to be particularly increased in patients who received more than the maximum recommended cumulative dose of ELLENCE (720 mg/m 2 ) or cyclophosphamide (6,300 mg/m 2 ), as shown in Table 3. Table 3.
Cumulative Probability of AML/MDS in Relation to Cumulative Doses of ELLENCE and Cyclophosphamide Years from Treatment Start Cumulative Probability of Developing AML/MDS % (95% CI) Cyclophosphamide Cumulative Dose ≤6,300 mg/m 2 Cyclophosphamide Cumulative Dose >6,300 mg/m 2 ELLENCE Cumulative Dose ≤720 mg/m 2 N=4760 ELLENCE Cumulative Dose >720 mg/m 2 N=111 ELLENCE Cumulative Dose ≤720 mg/m 2 N=890 ELLENCE Cumulative Dose >720 mg/m 2 N=261 3 0.12 (0.01–0.22) 0.00 (0.00–0.00) 0.12 (0.00–0.37) 4.37 (1.69–7.05) 5 0.25 (0.08–0.42) 2.38 (0.00–6.99) 0.31 (0.00–0.75) 4.97 (2.06–7.87) 8 0.37 (0.13–0.61) 2.38 (0.00–6.99) 0.31 (0.00–0.75) 4.97 (2.06–7.87) Figure 2
