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Indications
IXEMPRA is indicated in combination with capecitabine for the treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer resistant to treatment with an anthracycline and a taxane, or whose cancer is taxane resistant and for whom further anthracycline therapy is contraindicated. Anthracycline resistance is defined as progression while on therapy or within 6 months in the adjuvant setting or 3 months in the metastatic setting.
Taxane resistance is defined as progression while on therapy or within 12 months in the adjuvant setting or 4 months in the metastatic setting [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. IXEMPRA is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer whose tumors are resistant or refractory to anthracyclines, taxanes, and capecitabine [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. IXEMPRA is a microtubule inhibitor indicated for treatment: In combination with capecitabine for patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer resistant to treatment with an anthracycline and a taxane, or whose cancer is taxane resistant and for whom further anthracycline therapy is contraindicated.
( 1 ). As a single agent for patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer after failure of an anthracycline, a taxane, and capecitabine. ( 1 ).
Contraindications
IXEMPRA is contraindicated in patients who have: a neutrophil count <1500 cells/mm 3 or a platelet count <100,000 cells/mm 3 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. a history of severe hypersensitivity to agents containing Cremophor ® EL or its derivatives (e.g., polyoxyethylated castor oil) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine is contraindicated in patients with AST or ALT >2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].
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Baseline neutrophil count <1500 cells/mm 3 or a platelet count <100,000 cells/mm 3 ( 4 ). Hypersensitivity to drugs formulated with Cremophor ® EL ( 4 ). IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine is contraindicated for use in patients with AST or ALT >2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN.( 4 ).
Warnings and precautions
Peripheral Neuropathy: Monitor for symptoms of neuropathy (sensory and motor neuropathy).) Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on severity. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ). Myelosuppression: Neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and infections have occurred. Monitor blood cell counts before and during treatment with IXEMPRA. Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on severity ( 2.3 , 5.2 ). Increased Toxicity in Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and serious adverse reactions may occur in patients with hepatic impairment during treatment with IXEMPRA.
Reduce dose depending on severity. ( 2.3 , 5.3 , 6.1 ). Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) have occurred. Premedicate all patients before treatment with IXEMPRA. Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on severity ( 2.1 , 2.3 , 5.4 ). Cardiac Adverse Reactions: Myocardial ischemia and ventricular dysfunction have occurred. Closely monitor patients with a history of cardiac disease during treatment with IXEMPRA.
Consider discontinuation of IXEMPRA in patients who develop cardiac ischemia or impaired cardiac function ( 2.3 , 5.5 ). Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception ( 5.6 , 8.1 , 8.3) Alcohol Content: The alcohol content in a dose of IXEMPRA may affect the central nervous system. This may include impairment of a patient's ability to drive or use machines immediately after infusion.
( 5.7 ).
5.2Myelosuppression
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal myelosuppression can occur in patients treated with IXEMPRA. Myelosuppression is dose-dependent and primarily manifests as neutropenia. In clinical studies, grade 4 neutropenia (<500 cells/mm 3 ) occurred in 36% of patients treated with IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine and 23% of patients treated with single agent IXEMPRA monotherapy. Febrile neutropenia and infection with neutropenia were reported in 5% and 6% of patients treated with IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine, respectively, and 3% and 5% of patients treated with IXEMPRA as a single agent, respectively.
Neutropenia-related death occurred in 1.9% of 414 patients with normal hepatic function or mild hepatic impairment treated with IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine. The rate of neutropenia-related deaths was higher (29%, 5 out of 17) in patients with AST or ALT >2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1.5 x ULN [see Boxed Warning, Contraindications ( 4 ), and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Neutropenia-related death occurred in 0.4% of 240 patients treated with IXEMPRA as a single agent.
No neutropenia-related deaths were reported in 24 patients with AST or ALT >2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1.5 x ULN treated with IXEMPRA as a single agent. IXEMPRA is contraindicated for use in patients with a neutrophil count of <1500 cells/mm 3 . [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Monitor patients receiving IXEMPRA for myelosuppression with frequent peripheral blood cell counts. Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on the severity and persistence of myelosuppression [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .
5.1Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy (sensory and motor neuropathy) occurred in patients treated with IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine and in patients treated with single agent IXEMPRA as shown in Table (see Table 3 ). Table 3: Peripheral Neuropathy a Sensory and motor neuropathy combined. b 24% and 27% of patients in 046 and 081, respectively, had preexisting neuropathy (grade 1). IXEMPRA IXEMPRA as with capecitabine Single Agent Study 046 Study 081 Peripheral neuropathy (all grades) a,b 67% 63% Peripheral neuropathy (grades 3/4) a,b 23% 14% Discontinuation due to neuropathy 21% 6% Median number of cycles to onset of grade 3/4 neuropathy 4 4 Median time to improvement of grade 3/4 neuropathy to baseline or to grade 1 6.0 weeks 4.6 weeks In Studies 046 and 081, 80% and 87%, respectively, of patients with peripheral neuropathy who received IXEMPRA had improvement or no worsening of their neuropathy following dose reduction.
For patients with grade 3 or 4 neuropathy in Studies 046 and 081, 76% and 79%, respectively, had documented improvement to baseline or grade 1, twelve weeks after onset. A pooled analysis of 1540 cancer patients treated with IXEMPRA indicated that patients with diabetes mellitus or preexisting peripheral neuropathy may be at increased risk of severe neuropathy. Patients with moderate to severe neuropathy (grade 2 or greater) were excluded from studies with IXEMPRA.
Monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as burning sensation, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, or neuropathic pain. Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on the severity and persistence of peripheral neuropathy [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) ].
5.3Increased Toxicities in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Patients
with baseline AST or ALT >2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1.5 x ULN experienced greater toxicity than patients with baseline AST or ALT ≤2.5 x ULN or bilirubin ≤1.5 x ULN when treated with IXEMPRA at 40 mg/m 2 in combination with capecitabine or as single agent in breast cancer studies. In combination with capecitabine, the overall frequency of grade 3/4 adverse reactions, febrile neutropenia, serious adverse reactions, and toxicity-related deaths was increased oin patients with hepatic impairment.
IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine is contraindicated in patients with AST or ALT >2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN due to increased risk of toxicity- and neutropenia-related death [see Boxed Warning , Contraindications ( 4 ), and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. With IXEMPRA single agent therapy, grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and serious adverse reatcitons were increased in patients with hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ).
Reduce the dose IXEMPRA based in the degree of hepatic impairment. Avoid use in patients with AST or ALT >10 x ULN or bilirubin >3 x ULN [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )]
5.4Hypersensitivity Reactions
IXEMPRA is contraindicated in patients with a history of a severe hypersensitivity reaction to agents containing Cremophor ® EL or its derivatives (eg, polyoxyethylated castor oil) [ see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Of the 1323 patients treated with IXEMPRA in clinical studies, 9 patients (1 %) had experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis). Three of the 9 patients were able to be retreated. Patients who experience a hypersensitivity reaction in one cycle of IXEMPRA must be premedicated in subsequent cycles with a corticosteroid in addition to the H 1 and H 2 antagonists, and extension of the infusion time should be considered [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) and Contraindications ( 4 )] Administer an H 1 and H 2 antagonist approximately 1 hour before IXEMPRA infusion and observe patients for hypersensitivity reaction occur, stop the infusion of IXEMPRA provide supportive treatment as clinically indicated (e.g.. epinephrine, corticosteriods).
5.5Cardiac Adverse Reactions
Cardiac adverse reactions (myocardial ischemia and ventricular dysfunction) occurred in patients receiving IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine (1.9%) and as a single agent (0.3%). Supraventricular arrhythmias were observed in the combination arm (0.5%). Closely monitor patients with a history of cardiac disease during treatment with IXEMPRA. Consider discontinuation of IXEMPRA in patients who develop cardiac ischemia or impaired cardiac function [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )].
5.6Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based
on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, IXEMPRA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of ixabepilone to pregnant rats and rabbits during
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Interactions
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of IXEMPRA ( 2.5 , 7.1 ). Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of IXEMPRA ( 2.5 , 7.1 ).
7.1Effect of Other Drugs on
IXEMPRA Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors The coadministration of IXEMPRA with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increased ixabepilone plasma concentration, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of IXEMPRA. Avoid coadministration of IXEMPRA with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If the coadministration of IXEMPRA with strong CYP3A4 cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of IXEMPRA [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ].
Moderate or Weak CYP3A4 Inhibitors The coadministration of IXEMPRA with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of IXEMPRA. Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce the dose of IXEMPRA as recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. Strong CYP3A4 Inducers The coadministration of IXEMPRA with a strong CYP3A4 inducer, decreased plasma concentrations of ixabepilone, which may decrease the efficacy of IXEMPRA [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Avoid the coadministration IXEMPRA with strong CYP3A4 inducers. If the coadministration of IXEMPRA with a strong CYP3A4 inducer cannot be avoided, increase the dose of IXEMPRA [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )]. Concomitant Use of IXEMPRA and Capecitabine No clinically meaningful differences in the pharmacokinetics of ixabepilone and capecitabine were observed when IXEMPRA was administered in combination with capecitabine (1000 mg/m 2 ) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
7.2Effect of Ixabepilone on Other Drugs
Ixabepilone does not inhibit CYP enzymes at relevant clinical concentrations and is not expected to alter the plasma concentrations of other drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
7.3Capecitabine
In patients with cancer who received ixabepilone (40 mg/m 2 ) in combination with capecitabine (1000 mg/m 2 ), ixabepilone Cmax decreased by 19%, capecitabine Cmax decreased by 27%, and 5-fluorouracil AUC increased by 14%, as compared to ixabepilone or capecitabine administered separately. The interaction is not clinically significant given that the combination treatment is supported by efficacy data.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based
on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, IXEMPRA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data on the use of IXEMPRA in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. IXEMPRA contains alcohol which can interfere with neurobehavioral development [see Clinical Considerations]. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of ixabepilone to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused maternal toxicity, embryo-fetal lethality, and fetal abnormalities at maternal exposures below the human clinical exposure based on AUC (see Data).
Advise females of reproductive potential and pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The 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 IXEMPRA contains alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] .
Published studies have demonstrated that alcohol is associated with fetal harm including central nervous system abnormalities, behavioral disorders, and impaired intellectual development. Data Animal data In embryo-fetal development studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received intravenous doses of 0.02, 0.08, and 0.3 mg/kg/day and 0.01, 0.03, 0.11, and 0.3 mg/kg/day, respectively during the period of organogenesis. In rats, an increase in resorptions and post-implantation loss and a decrease in the number of live fetuses and fetal weight was observed at the maternally toxic dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1 times the human clinical exposure based on AUC).
Abnormalities included a reduced ossification of caudal vertebrae, sternebrae, and metacarpals. In rabbits, ixabepilone caused maternal toxicity (death) and embryo-fetal toxicity (resorptions) at 0.3 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1 times the human clinical dose based on body surface area).
Adverse reactions
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections. Peripheral neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Cardiac Adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue/asthenia, myalgia/arthralgia, alopecia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis/mucositis, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain.
Additional reactions occurred in ≥20% in combination treatment: palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, anorexia, abdominal pain, nail disorder, and constipation ( 6 ). Hematologic laboratory abnormalities (>40%) include neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact R-Pharm US at 1-844-586-8953 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, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Unless otherwise specified, assessment of adverse reactions is based on one randomized study (Study 046) and one single-arm study (Study 081). In Study 046, 369 patients with metastatic breast cancer were treated with IXEMPRA 40 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 3 hours every 21 days, combined with capecitabine 1000 mg/m 2 twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period.
Patients treated with capecitabine as a single agent (n=368) in this study received 1250 mg/m twice daily for 2 weeks every 21 days. In Study 081, 126 patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer were treated with IXEMPRA 40 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 3 hours every 3 weeks. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported by patients receiving IXEMPRA were peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue/asthenia, myalgia/arthralgia, alopecia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis/mucositis, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain.
The following additional reactions occurred in ≥20% in combination treatment: palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (hand-foot) syndrome, anorexia, abdominal pain, nail disorder, and constipation. The most common hematologic abnormalities (>40%) include neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Table 4 presents nonhematologic adverse reactions reported in 5% or more of patients. Hematologic abnormalities are presented separately in Table 5.
Table 4 presents nonhematologic adverse reactions reported in 5% or more of patients. Hematologic abnormalities are presented separately in Table 5 . b A composite of multiple terms. c Three patients (1 %) experienced Grade 5 (fatal) febrile neutropenia. Other neutropenia-related deaths (9) occurred in the absence of reported febrile neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. d No grade 4 reports. e Peripheral sensory neuropathy was defined as the occurrence of any of the following: areflexia, burning sensation, dysesthesia, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, hyporeflexia, neuralgia, neuritis, neuropathy, neuropathy peripheral, neurotoxicity, painful response to normal stimuli, paresthesia, pallanesthesia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, polyneuropathy, polyneuropathy toxic and sensorimotor disorder.
Peripheral motor neuropathy was defined as the occurrence of any of the following: multifocal motor neuropathy, neuromuscular toxicity, peripheral motor neuropathy, and peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy. f Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (hand-foot syndrome) was graded on a 1 -3 severity scale in Study 046. Study 046 Study 081 IXEMPRA with capecitabine n=369 Capecitabine n=368 IXEMPRA Single Agent n=126 Adverse Reaction All Grades Grade 3/4 All Grades Grade 3/4 All Grades Grade 3/4 Preferred Term (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) Infections and Infestations Upper respiratory tract infection 4 0 3 0 6 0 Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders 1 d 3 d Febrile neutropenia 5 4 c 1 3 Immune System Disorders 1 d Hypersensitivity b 2 1 d 0 0 5 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Anorexia b 34 3 d 15 1 d 19 2 d Dehydration b 5 2 2 <1 d 2 1 d Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia b 9 <1 d 2 0 5 0 Nervous System Disorders Peripheral neuropathy Sensory neuropathy b 65 21 16 0 62 14 Motor neuropathy b 16 5 d <1 0 10 1 d Headache 8 <1 d 3 0 11 0 Taste disorder b 12 0 4 0 6 0 Dizziness 8 1 d 5 1 d 7 0 Eye Disorders Lacrimation increased 5 0 4 <1 d 4 0 Vascular Disorders Hot flush b 5 0 2 0 6 0 Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Dyspnea b 7 1 4 1 9 1 d Cough b 6 0 2 0 2 0 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 53 3 d 40 2 d 42 2 d Vomiting b 39 4 d 24 2 29 1 d Stomatitis/mucositis b 31 4 20 3 d 29 6 Diarrhea b 44 6 d 39 9 22 1 d Constipation 22 0 6 <1 d 16 2 d Abdominal pain b 24 2 d 14 1 d 13 2 d Gastroesophageal reflux disease b 7 1 d 8 0 6 0 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Alopecia b 31 0 3 0 48 0 Skin rash b 17 1 d 7 0 9 2 d Nail disorder b 24 2 d 10 <1 d 9 0 Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome b 64 18 d 63 17 d 8 2 d Pruritus 5 0 2 0 6 1 d Skin exfoliation b 5 <1 d 3 0 2 0 Skin hyperpigmentation b 11 0 14 0 2 0 Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue, and Bone Disorders Myalgia/arthralgia b 39 8 d 5 <1 d 49 8 d Musculoskeletal pain b 23 2 d 5 0 20 3 d General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue/asthenia b 60 16 29 4 56 13 Edema b 8 0 5 <1 d 9 1 d Pyrexia 10 1 d 4 0 8 1 d Pain b 9 1 d 2 0 8 3 d Chest pain b 4 1 d <1 0 5 1 d Investigations Weight decreased 11 0 3 0 6 0 Table 5: Hematologic Abnormalities in Patients with Metastatic or Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Treated with IXEMPRA a G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) or GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor) was used in 20% and 17% of patients who received IXEMPRA in Study 046 and Study 081, respectively.
Study 046 Study 081 IXEMPRA with capecitabine n=369 Capecitabine n=368 IXEMPRA single agent n=126 Hematology Parameter Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Neutropenia a 32 36 9 2 31 23 Leukopenia (WBC) 41 16 5 1 36 13 Anemia (Hgb) 8 2 4 1 6 2 Thrombocytopenia 5 3 2 2 5 2 The following serious adverse reactions were also reported in 1323 patients treated with IXEMPRA as single agent or in combination with other therapies in clinical studies.
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