Gleevec is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of: Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. ( 1.1 ) Patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in blast crisis (BC), accelerated phase (AP), or in chronic phase (CP) after failure of interferon-alpha therapy. ( 1.2 ) Adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).
( 1.3 ) Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in combination with chemotherapy. ( 1.4 ) Adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene re-arrangements. ( 1.5 ) Adult patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown.
( 1.6 ) Adult patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) who have the FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase (mutational analysis or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] demonstration of CHIC2 allele deletion) and for patients with HES and/or CEL who are FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase negative or unknown. ( 1.7 ) Adult patients with unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
( 1.8 ) Patients with Kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). ( 1.9 ) Adjuvant treatment of adult patients following resection of Kit (CD117) positive GIST. ( 1.10 )
1.1Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (Ph+ CML)
Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase.
1.2 Ph+ CML in Blast Crisis (BC), Accelerated Phase (AP) or Chronic Phase (CP) After Interferon-alpha (IFN) Therapy Patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis, accelerated phase, or in chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy.
1.3Adult Patients With Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).
1.4Pediatric Patients With Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene re-arrangements.
1.6Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis (ASM)
Adult patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown.
1.7Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
(HES) and/or Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL) Adult patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia who have the FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase (mutational analysis or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] demonstration of CHIC2 allele deletion) and for patients with HES and/or CEL who are FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase negative or unknown.
1.8Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)
Adult patients with unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
1.9Kit+ Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) Patients with Kit
Adjuvant treatment of adult patients following complete gross resection of Kit (CD117) positive GIST.
Contraindications
None. None. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Edema and severe fluid retention have occurred. Weigh patients regularly and manage unexpected rapid weight gain by drug interruption and diuretics. ( 5.1 , 6.1 ) Cytopenias, particularly anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, have occurred. Manage with dose reduction, dose interruption, or discontinuation of treatment. Perform complete blood counts weekly for the first month, biweekly for the second month, and periodically thereafter.
( 5.2 ) Severe congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction have been reported, particularly in patients with comorbidities and risk factors. Monitor and treat patients with cardiac disease or risk factors for cardiac failure. ( 5.3) Severe hepatotoxicity, including fatalities may occur. Assess liver function before initiation of treatment and monthly thereafter or as clinically indicated. Monitor liver function when combined with chemotherapy known to be associated with liver dysfunction.
( 5.4 ) Grade 3/4 hemorrhage has been reported in clinical studies in patients with newly diagnosed CML and with GIST. GI tumor sites may be the source of GI bleeds in GIST. ( 5.5 ) Gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, some fatal, have been reported. ( 5.6 ) Cardiogenic shock/left ventricular dysfunction has been associated with the initiation of Gleevec in patients with conditions associated with high eosinophil levels (e.g., HES, MDS/MPD, and ASM).
( 5.7 ) Bullous dermatologic reactions (e.g., erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome) have been reported with the use of Gleevec. ( 5.8 ) Hypothyroidism has been reported in thyroidectomy patients undergoing levothyroxine replacement. Closely monitor TSH levels in such patients. ( 5.9 ) Fetal harm can occur when administered to a pregnant woman. Apprise women of the potential harm to the fetus, and to use effective contraception.
( 5.10 , 8.1 ) Growth retardation occurring in children and pre-adolescents receiving Gleevec has been reported. Close monitoring of growth in children under Gleevec treatment is recommended. ( 5.11 , 6.2 ) Tumor Lysis Syndrome. Close monitoring is recommended. ( 5.12 ) Reports of motor vehicle accidents have been received in patients receiving Gleevec. Caution patients about driving a car or operating machinery. ( 5.13 ) Renal Toxicity.
A decline in renal function may occur in patients receiving Gleevec. Evaluate renal function at baseline and during therapy, with attention to risk factors for renal dysfunction. ( 5.14 )
5.1Fluid Retention and Edema
Gleevec is often associated with edema and occasionally serious fluid retention [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Weigh and monitor patients regularly for signs and symptoms of fluid retention. Investigate unexpected rapid weight gain carefully and provide appropriate treatment. The probability of edema was increased with higher Gleevec dose and age greater than 65 years in the CML studies. Severe superficial edema was reported in 1.5% of newly diagnosed CML patients taking Gleevec, and in 2% to 6% of other adult CML patients taking Gleevec.
In addition, other severe fluid retention (e.g., pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, pulmonary edema, and ascites) reactions were reported in 1.3% of newly diagnosed CML patients taking Gleevec, and in 2% to 6% of other adult CML patients taking Gleevec. Severe fluid retention was reported in 9% to 13.1% of patients taking Gleevec for GIST [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . In a randomized trial in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing Gleevec and nilotinib, severe (Grade 3 or 4) fluid retention occurred in 2.5% of patients receiving Gleevec and in 3.9% of patients receiving nilotinib 300 mg twice daily.
Effusions (including pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites) or pulmonary edema were observed in 2.1% (none were Grade 3 or 4) of patients in the Gleevec arm and 2.2% (0.7% Grade 3 or 4) of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm.
5.2 Hematologic Toxicity Treatment with Gleevec is associated with anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Perform complete blood counts weekly for the first month, biweekly for the second month, and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated (for example, every 2 to 3 months). In CML, the occurrence of these cytopenias is dependent on the stage of disease and is more frequent in patients with accelerated phase CML or blast crisis than in patients with chronic phase CML.
In pediatric CML patients the most frequent toxicities observed were Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. These generally occur within the first several months of therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.14)] .
5.3Congestive Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction have been reported in patients taking Gleevec. Cardiac adverse reactions were more frequent in patients with advanced age or co-morbidities, including previous medical history of cardiac disease. In an international randomized Phase 3 study in 1106 patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase, severe cardiac failure and left ventricular dysfunction were observed in 0.7% of patients taking Gleevec compared to 0.9% of patients taking IFN + Ara-C.
In another randomized trial with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML patients in chronic phase that compared Gleevec and nilotinib, cardiac failure was observed in 1.1% of patients in the Gleevec arm and 2.2% of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm and severe (Grade 3 or 4) cardiac failure occurred in 0.7% of patients in each group. Carefully monitor patients with cardiac disease or risk factors for cardiac or history of renal failure.
Evaluate and treat any patient with signs or symptoms consistent with cardiac or renal failure.
5.4Hepatotoxicity
Hepatotoxicity, occasionally severe, may occur with Gleevec [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Cases of fatal liver failure and severe liver injury requiring liver transplants have been reported with both short-term and long-term use of Gleevec. Monitor liver function (transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase) before initiation of treatment and monthly, or as clinically indicated. Manage laboratory abnormalities with Gleevec interruption and/or dose reduction [see Dosage and Administration (2.13)] .
When Gleevec is combined with chemotherapy, liver toxicity in the form of transaminase elevation and hyperbilirubinemia has been observed. Additionally, there have been reports of acute liver failure. Monitoring of hepatic function is recommended.
5.5 Hemorrhage In a trial of Gleevec versus IFN+Ara-C in patients with the newly diagnosed CML, 1.8% of patients had Grade 3/4 hemorrhage. In the Phase 3 unresectable or metastatic GIST studies, 211 patients (12.9%) reported Grade 3/4 hemorrhage at any site. In the Phase 2 unresectable or metastatic GIST study, 7 patients (5%) had a total of 8 CTC Grade 3/4 hemorrhages; gastrointestinal (GI) (3 patients), intra-tumoral (3 patients) or both (1 patient).
Gastrointestinal tumor sites may have been the source of GI hemorrhages. In a randomized trial in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing Gleevec and nilotinib, GI hemorrhage occurred in 1.4% of patients in the Gleevec arm, and in 2.9% of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm. None of these events were Grade 3 or 4 in the Gleevec arm; 0.7% were Grade 3 or 4 in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm.
In addition, gastric antral vascular ectasia has been reported in postmarketing experience.
5.6Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gleevec is sometimes associated with GI irritation. Gleevec should be taken with food and a large glass of water to minimize this problem. There have been rare reports, including fatalities, of GI perforation.
5.7Hypereosinophilic Cardiac Toxicity
In patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome with occult infiltration of HES cells within the myocardium, cases of cardiogenic shock
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Interactions
CYP3A4 inducers may decrease Gleevec C max and area under curve (AUC). ( 2.12 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase Gleevec C max and AUC. ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) Gleevec is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 which may increase the C max and AUC of other drugs. ( 7.3 , 7.4 , 12.3 ) Patients who require anticoagulation should receive low-molecular weight or standard heparin and not warfarin. ( 7.3 ) Gleevec may delay the clearance of methotrexate when methotrexate is used at high doses (> 500 mg/m 2 ).
( 7.5 )
7.1Agents Inducing CYP3A Metabolism
Concomitant administration of Gleevec and strong CYP3A4 inducers may reduce total exposure of imatinib; consider alternative agents [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
7.2Agents Inhibiting CYP3A Metabolism
Concomitant administration of Gleevec and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in a significant imatinib exposure increase. Grapefruit juice may also increase plasma concentrations of imatinib; avoid grapefruit juice [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
7.3Interactions With Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4
Gleevec will increase plasma concentration of CYP3A4 metabolized drugs (e.g., triazolo-benzodiazepines, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, etc.). Use caution when administering Gleevec with CYP3A4 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window. Because warfarin is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, use low-molecular weight or standard heparin instead of warfarin in patients who require anticoagulation [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
7.4Interactions With Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6
Use caution when administering Gleevec with CYP2D6 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window.
7.5Interactions With Methotrexate
Gleevec may delay the clearance of methotrexate and result in sustained methotrexate concentrations when methotrexate is used at high doses (> 500 mg/m 2 ). Refer to the prescribing information for methotrexate injection for recommendations on management of methotrexate concentrations.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary
Gleevec can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on human and animal data. There are no clinical studies regarding use of Gleevec in pregnant women. There have been postmarket reports of spontaneous abortions and congenital anomalies from women who have been exposed to Gleevec during pregnancy. Reproductive studies in rats have demonstrated that imatinib mesylate induced teratogenicity and increased incidence of congenital abnormalities following prenatal exposure to imatinib mesylate at doses equal to the highest recommended human dose of 800 mg/day based on BSA.
Advise women to avoid pregnancy when taking Gleevec. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to the fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is not known; however, in the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects of clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20%.
Data Animal Data In embryo-fetal development studies in rats and rabbits, pregnant animals received oral doses of imatinib mesylate up to 100 mg/kg/day and 60 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. In rats, imatinib mesylate was teratogenic at 100 mg/kg/day (approximately equal to the maximum human dose of 800 mg/day based on BSA), the number of fetuses with encephalocoele and exencephaly was higher than historical control values and these findings were associated with missing or underdeveloped cranial bones.
Lower mean fetal body weights were associated with retarded skeletal ossifications. In rabbits, at doses 1.5 times higher than the maximum human dose of 800 mg/day based on BSA, no effects on the reproductive parameters with respect to implantation sites, number of live fetuses, sex ratio or fetal weight were observed. The examinations of the fetuses did not reveal any drug related morphological changes. In a pre- and postnatal development study in rats, pregnant rats received oral doses of imatinib mesylate during gestation (organogenesis) and lactation up to 45 mg/kg/day.
Five animals developed a red vaginal discharge in the 45 mg/kg/day group on Days 14 or 15 of gestation, the significance of which is unknown since all females produced viable litters and none had increased post-implantation loss. Other maternal effects noted only at the dose of 45 mg/kg/day (approximately one-half the maximum human dose of 800 mg/day based on BSA) included an increased number of stillborn pups and pups dying between postpartum Days 0 and 4.
In the F1 offspring at this same dose level, mean body weights were reduced from birth until terminal sacrifice and the number of litters achieving criterion for preputial separation was slightly decreased. There were no other significant effects in developmental parameters or behavioral testing. F1 fertility was not affected but reproductive effects were noted at 45 mg/kg/day, including an increased number of resorptions and a decreased number of viable fetuses.
The no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for both maternal animals and the F1 generation was 15 mg/kg/day.
Adverse reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Fluid Retention and Edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Congestive Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Gastrointestinal Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Hypereosinophilic Cardiac Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Dermatologic Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Hypothyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Growth Retardation in Children and Adolescents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] Impairments Related to Driving and Using Machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)] Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)] The most frequently reported adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 30%) are edema, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 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 reaction 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. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia The majority of Gleevec-treated patients experienced adverse reactions at some time. Gleevec was discontinued due to drug-related adverse reactions in 2.4% of patients receiving Gleevec in the randomized trial of newly diagnosed patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing Gleevec versus IFN+Ara-C, and in 12.5% of patients receiving Gleevec in the randomized trial of newly diagnosed patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing Gleevec and nilotinib.
Gleevec was discontinued due to drug-related adverse reactions in 4% of patients in chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy, in 4% of patients in accelerated phase and in 5% of patients in blast crisis. The most frequently reported drug-related adverse reactions were edema, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea and rash (Table 2 and Table 3 for newly diagnosed CML, Table 4 for other CML patients).
Edema was most frequently periorbital or in lower limbs and was managed with diuretics, other supportive measures, or by reducing the dose of Gleevec [see Dosage and Administration (2.13)] . The frequency of severe superficial edema was 1.5%-6%. A variety of adverse reactions represent local or general fluid retention, including pleural effusion, ascites, pulmonary edema, and rapid weight gain with or without superficial edema.
These reactions appear to be dose related, were more common in the blast crisis and accelerated phase studies (where the dose was 600 mg/day), and are more common in the elderly. These reactions were usually managed by interrupting Gleevec treatment and using diuretics or other appropriate supportive care measures. These reactions may be serious or life threatening. Adverse reactions, regardless of relationship to study drug, that were reported in at least 10% of the Gleevec-treated patients are shown in Tables 2, 3, and 4.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions Regardless of Relationship to Study Drug Reported in Newly Diagnosed CML Clinical Trial in the Gleevec Versus IFN+Ara-C Study (Greater Than or Equal to 10% of Gleevec-Treated Patients) (1) Abbreviations: CML, chronic myeloid leukemia; CNS, central nervous system; CTC, common terminology criteria; GI, gastrointestinal; IFN, Interferon-alpha. * NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0.
(1) All adverse reactions occurring in greater than or equal to 10% of Gleevec-treated patients are listed regardless of suspected relationship to treatment. (2) Other fluid retention reactions include pleural effusion, ascites, pulmonary edema, pericardial effusion, anasarca, edema aggravated, and fluid retention not otherwise specified. All Grades CTC Grades * 3/4 Gleevec IFN+Ara−C Gleevec IFN+Ara−C Preferred term N = 551 (%) N = 533 (%) N = 551 (%) N = 533 (%) Fluid retention 61.7 11.1 2.5 0.9 − Superficial edema 59.9 9.6 1.5 0.4 − Other fluid retention reactions 2 6.9 1.9 1.3
0.2Table 3: Most Frequently Reported Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions (regardless
of relationship to study drug) in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP in the Gleevec Versus Nilotinib Study (Greater Than or Equal to 10% in Gleevec 400 mg Once Daily or Nilotinib 300 mg Twice Daily Groups) 60-Month Analysis a Abbreviation: Ph+ CML-CP, Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia-chronic phase. a Excluding laboratory abnormalities. b NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0.
Patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP Gleevec 400 mg once daily Nilotinib 300 mg twice daily Gleevec 400 mg once daily Nilotinib 300 mg twice daily N = 280 N = 279 N = 280 N = 279 Body system and preferred term All Grades (%) CTC Grades b 3/4 (%) Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash 19 38 2 < 1 Pruritus 7 21 0 < 1 Alopecia 7 13 0 0 Dry skin 6 12 0 0 Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 41 22 2 2 Constipation 8 20 0 < 1 Diarrhea 46 19 4 1 Vomiting 27 15 < 1 < 1 Abdominal pain upper 14 18 < 1 1 Abdominal pain 12 15 0 2 Dyspepsia 12 10 0 0 Nervous system disorders Headache 23 32 < 1 3 Dizziness 11 12 < 1 < 1 General disorders and administration-site conditions Fatigue 20 23 1 1 Pyrexia 13 14 0 < 1 Asthenia 12 14 0 < 1 Peripheral edema 20 9 0 < 1 Face edema 14 < 1 < 1 0 Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Myalgia 19 19 < 1 < 1 Arthralgia 17 22 < 1 < 1 Muscle spasms 34 12 1 0 Pain in extremity 16 15 < 1 < 1 Back pain 17 19 1 1 Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Cough 13 17 0 0 Oropharyngeal pain 6 12 0 0 Dyspnea 6 11 < 1 2 Infections and infestations Nasopharyngitis 21 27 0 0 Upper respiratory tract infection 14 17 0 < 1 Influenza 9 13 0 0 Gastroenteritis 10 7 < 1 0 Eye disorders Eyelid edema 19 1 < 1 0 Periorbital edema 15 < 1 0 0 Psychiatric disorders Insomnia 9 11 0 0 Vascular disorder Hypertension 4 10 < 1 1 Table 4: Adverse Reactions Regardless of Relationship to Study Drug Reported in Other CML Clinical Trials (Greater Than or Equal to 10% of All Patients in Any Trial) (1) Abbreviations: CML, chronic myeloid leukemia; IFN, Interferon-alpha.
(1) All adverse reactions occurring in greater than or equal to 10% of patients are listed regardless of suspected relationship to treatment. (2) Other fluid retention reactions include pleural effusion, ascites, pulmonary edema, pericardial effusion, anasarca, edema aggravated, and fluid retention not otherwise specified. Myeloid blast Crisis (n = 260) Accelerated phase (n = 235) Chronic phase, IFN failure (n = 532) % % % Preferred term All Grades Grade 3/4 All Grades Grade 3/4 All Grades Grade 3/4 Fluid re
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Composition
Active ingredients
IMATINIB MESYLATE EQ 400MG BASE
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.
