FDA

Varubi

Approved 1 Sept 2015OralTablet

The FDA lists this product in 2 strengths and forms.

Indications

VARUBI ® is indicated in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. VARUBI is a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist indicated in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

( 1 )

Contraindications

VARUBI is contraindicated in patients taking CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as thioridazine and pimozide. VARUBI can significantly increase the plasma concentrations of thioridazine and pimozide, which may result in QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . VARUBI is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of irreversible impairment of sexual development and fertility observed in juvenile rats at clinically relevant dosages [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] .

CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., thioridazine and pimozide) ( 4 , 5.1 , 7 ) Pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of irreversible impairment of sexual development and fertility in juvenile rats ( 4 , 8.4 )

Warnings and precautions

CYP2D6 Substrates : Rolapitant is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6 and significantly increases the plasma concentrations of CYP2D6 substrates for at least 28 days following single dose administration of VARUBI. Before starting VARUBI, consider if patients require: thioridazine or pimozide; if so, use an alternative antiemetic to VARUBI or an alternative to thioridazine or pimozide that is not metabolized by CYP2D6. other CYP2D6 substrates; if so, consult the prescribing information for the CYP2D6 substrate for additional information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors.

( 4 , 5.1 , 7 )

5.1Interaction with CYP2D6 Substrates

Rolapitant is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6. Exposure to dextromethorphan, a CYP2D6 substrate, following a single dose of rolapitant increased about 3-fold on Days 8 and Day 22. The inhibition of CYP2D6 persisted on Day 28 with a 2.3-fold increase in dextromethorphan (CYP2D6 substrate) concentrations, the last time point measured. The inhibitory effect of rolapitant on CYP2D6 is expected to persist beyond 28 days for an unknown duration following administration of VARUBI [see Drug Interactions (7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

At a glance

Brand name: Varubi
Active substance: rolapitant hydrochloride
Route: Oral
Dosage form: Tablet
Applicant: Tersera
Status: Prescription
FDA approval: 1 Sept 2015
Application: NDA206500-001

Indications

( 1 )

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

( 4 , 5.1 , 7 )

5.1Interaction with CYP2D6 Substrates

Interactions

Rolapitant is a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor. The inhibition of CYP2D6 persisted on Day 28 with a 2.3-fold increase in dextromethorphan concentrations, the last time point measured. The inhibitory effect of rolapitant on CYP2D6 is expected to persist beyond 28 days for an unknown duration following administration of VARUBI [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Oral rolapitant is an inhibitor of Breast-Cancer-Resistance Protein (BCRP) and p-glycoprotein (P-gp).

Rolapitant, given as a single oral dose, is not an inhibitor or inducer of CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Therefore, no dosage adjustment for dexamethasone (CYP3A4 substrate) is needed when co-administered with VARUBI [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . Table 4 and Table 5 include drugs with clinically important drug interactions when administered concomitantly with VARUBI and instructions for preventing or managing them.

Table 4: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting Drugs Co-Administered with VARUBI CYP2D6 Substrates Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs (Thioridazine and Pimozide) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of thioridazine and pimozide are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events of QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes. Intervention: VARUBI is contraindicated in patients taking CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index such as thioridazine and pimozide.

If patients require these drugs, use an alternative antiemetic to VARUBI or an alternative to thioridazine or pimozide that is not metabolized by CYP2D6 [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Other CYP2D6 Substrates Clinical Impact: VARUBI can increase plasma concentrations of other CYP2D6 substrates for at least 28 days following administration of VARUBI and may result in adverse reactions. Before starting treatment with VARUBI consult the prescribing information of CYP2D6 substrates to obtain further information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Intervention: Before starting treatment with VARUBI consult the prescribing information of CYP2D6 substrates to obtain further information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. BCRP Substrates with a Narrow Therapeutic Index (e.g., methotrexate, topotecan, or irinotecan) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of BCRP substrates (e.g., methotrexate, topotecan, or irinotecan) may result in potential adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Intervention: Monitor for adverse reactions related to the concomitant drug if use of VARUBI cannot be avoided. Use the lowest effective dose of rosuvastatin (see prescribing information for additional information on recommended dosing). P-gp Substrates with a Narrow Therapeutic Index (e.g. digoxin) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of P-gp substrates (e.g., digoxin) may result in potential adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Intervention: Monitor digoxin concentrations with concomitant use of VARUBI and adjust the dosage as needed to maintain therapeutic concentrations. Monitor for adverse reactions if concomitant use of VARUBI with other P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic index cannot be avoided. Warfarin Clinical Impact: Although co-administration of intravenous rolapitant (VARBI is not approved for intravenous use), which has a higher C max than oral VARUBI, with warfarin did not substantially increase the systemic exposure to S-warfarin, the active enantiomer, the effects on INR and prothrombin time were not studied [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Intervention: Monitor INR and prothrombin time and adjust the dosage of warfarin, as needed with concomitant use of VARUBI, to maintain the target INR range. Table 5: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting Rolapitant When Co-Administered with Other Drugs Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g. rifampin) Clinical Impact: Co-administration of VARUBI with rifampin can significantly reduce the plasma concentrations of rolapitant and decrease the efficacy of VARUBI [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Intervention: Avoid the use of VARUBI in patients who require chronic administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers. Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin) : significantly reduced plasma concentrations of rolapitant can decrease the efficacy of VARUBI; avoid use of VARUBI in patients who require chronic administration of such drugs. ( 7 ) BCRP and P-gp Substrates with a Narrow Therapeutic Index : Oral VARUBI is an inhibitor of BCRP and P-gp and can increase plasma concentrations of the concomitant drug and potential for adverse reactions.

See full prescribing information for specific examples. ( 7 ) Warfarin : Monitor for increased INR or prothrombin time; adjust the dose of warfarin as needed. ( 7 )

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary

The limited data with VARUBI use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental effects observed with oral administration of rolapitant in rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 1.2 times and 2.9-times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (see Data ) .

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 The potential embryo-fetal toxicity of rolapitant was assessed in pregnant rats administered oral doses up to 22.5 mg/kg per day throughout the period of organogenesis.

Rats administered doses of 13.5 or 22.5 mg/kg per day rolapitant exhibited evidence of maternal toxicity including decreased body weight gain and/or body weight loss and a concomitant decrease in food consumption during the first week of dosing. No adverse embryo-fetal developmental effects were observed at doses up to 22.5 mg/kg per day rolapitant (approximately 1.2 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis).

In rabbits administered rolapitant throughout the period of organogenesis, oral doses up to 27 mg/kg per day (approximately 2.9 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) were without effects on the developing fetus. The pre- and postnatal developmental effects of rolapitant were assessed in rats administered oral doses of 2.25, 9 or 22.5 mg/kg per day during the periods of organogenesis and lactation.

Maternal toxicity was evident based on mortality/moribund condition, decreased body weight and food consumption, total litter loss, prolonged parturition, decreased length of gestation, and increased number of unaccounted for implantation sites at a dose of 22.5 mg/kg per day (approximately 1.2 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). Effects on offspring at this dose included decreased postnatal survival, and decreased body weights and body weight gain, and may be related to the maternal toxicity observed.

At a maternal dose of 9 mg/kg per day rolapitant (approximately 0.5 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis), there was a decrease in memory in female pups in a maze test and a decrease in pup body weight.

Adverse reactions

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Interaction with CYP2D6 Substrates [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥3%) are: Cisplatin Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: neutropenia, hiccups and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy and Combinations of Anthracycline and Cyclophosphamide: decreased appetite, neutropenia, dizziness, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, stomatitis and anemia.

( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1-844-334-4035 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 clinical practice. In 4 controlled clinical trials in patients receiving emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, VARUBI was given in combination with a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone.

On Day 1 of Cycle 1 of chemotherapy, 1567 patients were treated with VARUBI and 1198 of these patients continued into the optional multiple cycle extension for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The median number of cycles administered 180 mg of VARUBI was four. VARUBI 180 mg was administered to 1294 patients. In Cycle 1 adverse reactions were reported in approximately 7% of patients treated with VARUBI compared with approximately 6% of patients treated with control therapy.

The most common adverse reactions reported with an incidence of ≥3% and greater than control are listed in Table 2 and Table 3 . Table 2: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Cisplatin-Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy (Cycle 1)* * all reactions occurring at ≥3% in the VARUBI group and for which the rate for VARUBI exceeds the rate for control VARUBI Regimen (VARUBI, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 624 Control (Placebo, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 627 Neutropenia 9% 8% Hiccups 5% 4% Abdominal Pain 3% 2% Table 3: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy and Combinations of Anthracycline and Cyclophosphamide (Cycle 1)* *all reactions occurring at ≥3% in the VARUBI group and for which the rate for VARUBI exceeds the rate for control.

VARUBI Regimen (VARUBI, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 670 Control (Placebo, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 674 Decreased appetite 9% 7% Neutropenia 7% 6% Dizziness 6% 4% Dyspepsia 4% 2% Urinary tract infection 4% 3% Stomatitis 4% 2% Anemia 3% 2% Adverse reactions in the multiple-cycle extensions of highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy studies for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy were generally similar to that observed in Cycle 1.

Varubi

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

5.1Interaction with CYP2D6 Substrates

At a glance

Two medicines in one question?

Varubi

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

5.1Interaction with CYP2D6 Substrates

At a glance

Two medicines in one question?

Interactions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary

Adverse reactions

6.1Clinical Trials Experience

Composition

Strengths and forms

Official product information