REBLOZYL is an erythroid maturation agent indicated for the treatment of:
Anemia in adult patients with beta thalassemia who require regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions ( 1.1 ).
Anemia without previous erythropoiesis stimulating agent use (ESA-naïve) in adult patients with very low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who may require regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions ( 1.2 ).
Anemia failing an erythropoiesis stimulating agent and requiring 2 or more RBC units over 8 weeks in adult patients with very low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) or with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T) ( 1.3 ).
Limitations of Use: REBLOZYL is not indicated for use as a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia ( 1.4 ).
1.1Beta Thalassemia
REBLOZYL is indicated for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with beta thalassemia who require regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.
1.2Myelodysplastic Syndromes Associated Anemia
REBLOZYL is indicated for the treatment of anemia without previous erythropoiesis stimulating agent use (ESA-naïve) in adult patients with very low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who may require regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.
1.3 Myelodysplastic Syndromes with Ring Sideroblasts or Myelodysplastic/ Myeloproliferative Neoplasm with Ring Sideroblasts and Thrombocytosis Associated Anemia REBLOZYL is indicated for the treatment of anemia failing an erythropoiesis stimulating agent and requiring 2 or more red blood cell units over 8 weeks in adult patients with very low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) or with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T).
1.4
Two medicines in one question?
Name two or more medicines and Osler runs an interaction check. A severe interaction is stated at the very top of the answer.
REBLOZYL is not indicated for use as a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.
Contraindications
None. None ( 4 ).
Warnings and precautions
Thrombosis/Thromboembolism: Increased risk in patients with beta thalassemia. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of thromboembolic events and institute treatment promptly ( 5.1 ).
Hypertension: Monitor blood pressure (BP) during treatment. Initiate anti-hypertensive treatment if necessary ( 5.2 ).
Extramedullary Hematopoietic (EMH) Masses: Increased risk in patients with beta thalassemia. Monitor patients for symptoms and signs or complications resulting from the EMH masses. Treat according to clinical guidelines and discontinue treatment in case of serious complications due to EMH masses ( 5.3 ).
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: May cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception ( 5.4 , 8.1 , 8.3 ).
5.1Thrombosis/Thromboembolism
In adult patients with beta thalassemia, thromboembolic events (TEE) were reported in 8/223 (3.6%) REBLOZYL-treated patients. Reported TEEs included deep vein thromboses, pulmonary embolus, portal vein thrombosis, and ischemic strokes. Patients with known risk factors for thromboembolism, e.g. splenectomy or concomitant use of hormone replacement therapy, may be at further increased risk of thromboembolic conditions.
Consider thromboprophylaxis in patients with beta thalassemia at increased risk of TEE. Monitor patients receiving REBLOZYL for signs and symptoms of thromboembolic events and institute treatment promptly.
5.2Hypertension
Hypertension was reported in 63/554 (11.4%) of REBLOZYL-treated patients. Across clinical studies, the incidence of Grade 3-4 hypertension ranged from 2% to 9.6%. In adult patients with beta thalassemia with normal baseline blood pressure, 13 (6.2%) patients developed systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥130 mm Hg and 33 (16.6%) patients developed diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥80 mm Hg. In ESA-refractory or -intolerant adult patients with MDS with normal baseline blood pressure, 26 (30%) patients developed SBP ≥130 mm Hg and 23 (16%) patients developed DBP ≥80 mm Hg.
In ESA-naïve adult patients with MDS with normal baseline blood pressure, 23 (36%) patients developed SBP ≥140 mm Hg and 11 (6%) patients developed DBP ≥80 mm Hg. Monitor blood pressure prior to each administration. Manage new-onset hypertension or exacerbations of preexisting hypertension using anti-hypertensive agents.
5.3Extramedullary Hematopoietic Masses
In adult patients with transfusion dependent beta thalassemia, EMH masses were observed in 3.2% of REBLOZYL-treated patients, with spinal cord compression symptoms due to EMH masses occurring in 1.9% of patients (BELIEVE and REBLOZYL long-term follow-up study). In a study of adult patients with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassemia, a higher incidence of EMH masses was observed in 6.3% of REBLOZYL-treated patients vs. 2% of placebo-treated patients in the double-blind phase of the study, with spinal cord compression due to EMH masses occurring in 1 patient with a prior history of EMH.
REBLOZYL is not indicated for use in patients with non-transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia. Possible risk factors for the development of EMH masses in patients with beta thalassemia include history of EMH masses, splenectomy, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, or low baseline hemoglobin (<8.5 g/dL). Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the anatomical location. Monitor patients with beta thalassemia at initiation and during treatment for symptoms and signs or complications resulting from the EMH masses and treat according to clinical guidelines.
Discontinue treatment with REBLOZYL in case of serious complications due to EMH masses. Avoid use of REBLOZYL in patients requiring treatment to control the growth of EMH masses.
5.4Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based
on findings from animal reproductive studies, REBLOZYL may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of luspatercept-aamt to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in adverse developmental outcomes including increased embryo-fetal mortality, alterations to growth, and structural abnormalities at exposures (based on area under the curve [AUC]) above those occurring at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 1.75 mg/kg.
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with REBLOZYL and for at least 3 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )] .
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based
on findings in animal reproduction studies, REBLOZYL may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman . There are no available data on REBLOZYL use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, administration of luspatercept-aamt to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in adverse developmental outcomes including embryo-fetal mortality, alterations to growth, and structural abnormalities at exposures (based on area under the curve [AUC]) above those occurring at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) ( see Data ).
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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.
Data Animal Data In embryo-fetal development studies, luspatercept-aamt was administered subcutaneously at 5, 15, or 30 mg/kg on gestation days 3 and 10 (rats) or 5, 20, or 40 mg/kg on gestation days 4 and 11 (rabbits). Effects in both species included reductions in numbers of live fetuses and fetal body weights, and increases in resorptions, post-implantation losses, and skeletal variations (such as asymmetric sternal centra in rats and angulated hyoid in rabbits).
Effects were observed at exposures (based on AUC) approximately 7-times (rats) and 16-times (rabbits) the MRHD of 1.75 mg/kg. In a pre- and postnatal development study, pregnant rats were administered luspatercept-aamt subcutaneously at 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg once every 2 weeks during organogenesis and through weaning, gestation day 6 through postnatal day 20. At all dose levels lower F 1 pup body weights and adverse kidney findings (such as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, tubular atrophy/hypoplasia, and vessel ectasia occasionally associated with hemorrhage) were observed.
These effects were observed at exposures (based on AUC) approximately 1.6-times the MRHD of 1.75 mg/kg.
Adverse reactions
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
Thrombosis/Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
Extramedullary Hematopoietic Masses [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] The most common (>10%) adverse reactions were fatigue, headache, musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia, dizziness/vertigo, nausea, diarrhea, cough, abdominal pain, dyspnea, COVID-19, edema peripheral, hypertension, and hypersensitivity ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-888-423-5436 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. The data in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to REBLOZYL as a single agent administered across a range of doses (0.125 mg/kg to 1.75 mg/kg) in 571 patients in 4 trials.
Beta Thalassemia The safety of REBLOZYL in patients with beta thalassemia was evaluated in the BELIEVE trial [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Key eligibility criteria included adult patients with beta thalassemia (with the exception of patients with hemoglobin S or alpha-thalassemia disease) without major organ damage or recent DVT stroke and platelet counts less than or equal to 1000 x 10 9 /L. Patients received a starting dose of REBLOZYL 1 mg/kg subcutaneous injection every 3 weeks.
Overall, 53% of patients had their dose increased to 1.25 mg/kg (46% REBLOZYL, n = 223) or placebo (66%, n = 109). The median duration of treatment was similar between the REBLOZYL and placebo arms (63.3 weeks vs. 62.1 weeks, respectively). Per protocol, patients in the REBLOZYL and placebo arms were to remain on therapy for at least 48 weeks in the double-blind phase of the trial. Among patients receiving REBLOZYL, 94% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 72% were exposed for greater than one year.
The median age of patients who received REBLOZYL was 30 years (range: 18, 66); 59% female; 54% White and 36% Asian. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 3.6% of patients on REBLOZYL. Serious adverse reactions reported in 1% of patients were cerebrovascular accident and deep vein thrombosis. A fatal adverse reaction occurred in one patient treated with REBLOZYL who died due to an unconfirmed case of AML (M6). Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction (Grades 1-4) occurred in 5.4% of patients who received REBLOZYL.
Most frequent adverse reactions requiring permanent discontinuation in patients who received REBLOZYL included arthralgia (1%), back pain (1%), bone pain (<1%), and headache (<1%). Dosage reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 2.7% of patients who received REBLOZYL. Most frequent adverse reactions requiring dosage reduction in >0.5% of patients who received REBLOZYL included hypertension and headache. Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 15.2% of patients who received REBLOZYL.
Most frequent adverse reactions requiring dosage interruption in >1% of patients who received REBLOZYL included upper respiratory tract infection, ALT increase, and cough. The most common adverse reactions (at least 10% for REBLOZYL and 1% more than placebo) were headache (26%), bone pain (20%), arthralgia (19%), fatigue (14%), cough (14%), abdominal pain (14%), diarrhea (12%), and dizziness (11%). Table 7 summarizes the adverse reactions in BELIEVE.
Table 7: Adverse Drug Reactions (>5%) in Patients with Beta Thalassemia Receiving REBLOZYL with a Difference Between Arms of 1% in BELIEVE Trial Body System REBLOZYL (N=223) Placebo (N=109) Adverse Reaction All Grades n (%) Grades ≥3 a n (%) All Grades n (%) Grades ≥3 n (%) a Limited to Grade 3 reactions with the exception of 4 events of Grade 4 hyperuricemia. b Grouped term includes abdominal pain and abdominal pain upper. c Grouped term includes essential hypertension, hypertension, and hypertensive crisis.
Liver function abnormalities in the BELIEVE trial are shown in Table 8. Table 8: Liver Function Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients with Beta Thalassemia in the BELIEVE Trial REBLOZYL N = 223 n (%) Placebo N = 109 n (%) ALT ≥ 3 × ULN 26 (12) 13 (12) AST ≥ 3 × ULN 25 (11) 5 (5) ALP ≥ 2 × ULN 17 (8) 1 (<1) Total bilirubin ≥ 2 × ULN 143 (64) 51 (47) Direct bilirubin ≥ 2 × ULN 13 (6) 4 (4) Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes Associated Anemia in ESA-naïve Patients The safety of REBLOZYL in patients with very low‑ to intermediate‑risk myelodysplastic syndromes was evaluated in the COMMANDS trial in 356 randomized patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] .
Key eligibility criteria included adult patients who were ESA‑naïve with endogenous sEPO levels of < 500 U/L and who required regular RBC transfusions. The median time on treatment with REBLOZYL was 41.6 weeks (range, 0 – 165 weeks); 71.3% of patients were exposed for 24 weeks and 45.5% completed 48 weeks of treatment. Among the 178 patients treated with REBLOZYL, 17 (9.6%) discontinued due to an adverse reaction, 48 (27%) had a dose interruption due to an adverse reaction, and 5 (2.8%) had a dose reduction due to an adverse reaction.
The most common (>10%) all‑grade adverse reactions included diarrhea, fatigue, hypertension, edema peripheral, nausea, and dyspnea. The most common (>2%) Grade > 3 adverse reactions included hypertension and dyspnea. Selected laboratory abnormalities that changed from Grade 0‑2 at baseline to Grade > 2 at any time during the studies in at least 10% of patients were glomerular filtration rate and total bilirubin increased.
Table 9 shows the most common adverse reactions for patients treated with REBLOZYL or epoetin alfa in the COMMANDS trial [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Table 9: Adverse Reactions (≥5%) in Patients Receiving REBLOZYL in COMMANDS Trial a Reaction includes similar/grouped terms. b Includes asthenic conditions. Body System /Adverse Reaction REBLOZYL (N=178) Epoetin Alfa (N=176) All Grades n (%) Grade ≥3 n (%) All Grades n (%) Grade ≥3 n (%) General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue a,b 38 (22) 0 (0) 12 (7) 0 (0) Edema peripheral 23 (13) 0 (0) 12 (7) 0 (0) Non-cardiac chest pain 9 (5) 1 (1) 6 (3) 0 (0) Pyrexia 9 (5) 1 (1) 12 (7) 1 (1) Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 26 (15) 0 (0) 20 (11) 0 (0) Nausea 21 (12) 0 (0) 13 (7) 0 (0) Vascular disorders Hypertension a 25 (14) 17 (10) 13 (7) 9 (5) Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Dyspnea 21 (12) 7 (4) 13 (7) 2 (1) Dyspnea exertional 9 (5) 0 (0) 1 (1) 0 (0) Nervous system disorders Dizziness 16 (9) 1 (1) 15 (9) 0 (0) Headache 15 (8) 0 (0) 12 (7) 1 (1) Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Back Pain 16 (9) 2 (1) 13 (7) 3 (2) Arthralgia 10 (6) 0 (0) 14 (8) 0 (0) Myalgi
Our copy of this section ends here. The full text is in the official label at the FDA. Open Drugs@FDA
Composition
Active ingredients
LUSPATERCEPT-AAMT 25MG/VIAL
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.