WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Hemorrhage
Patients treated with ZALTRAP have an increased risk of hemorrhage, including severe and sometimes fatal hemorrhagic events. In patients with mCRC, bleeding/hemorrhage (all grades) was reported in 38% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to 19% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. Grade 3-4 hemorrhagic events, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hematuria, and post-procedural hemorrhage, were reported in 3% of patients receiving ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared with 1% of patients receiving placebo/FOLFIRI. Severe intracranial hemorrhage and pulmonary hemorrhage/hemoptysis including fatal events have also occurred in patients receiving ZALTRAP.
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Do not initiate ZALTRAP in patients with severe hemorrhage. Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients who develop severe hemorrhage [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Gastrointestinal Perforation
Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation including fatal GI perforation can occur in patients receiving ZALTRAP. Across three placebo-controlled clinical studies (colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer populations), the incidence of GI perforation (all grades) was 0.8% for patients treated with ZALTRAP and 0.3% for patients treated with placebo. Grade 3-4 GI perforation occurred in 0.8% of patients treated with ZALTRAP and 0.2% of patients treated with placebo.
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of GI perforation. Discontinue ZALTRAP therapy in patients who experience GI perforation [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Impaired Wound Healing
Grade 3 impaired wound healing was reported in 2 patients (0.3%) treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI regimen.
Withhold ZALTRAP for at least 4 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer ZALTRAP for at least 4 weeks after major surgery and until wounds have adequately healed. For minor surgery such as central venous access port placement, biopsy, and tooth extraction, ZALTRAP may be initiated/resumed once the surgical wound is fully healed. Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients with impaired wound healing. The safety of resumption of ZALTRAP after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Fistula Formation
Fistula formation involving gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal sites occurs at a higher incidence in patients treated with ZALTRAP. In patients with mCRC, fistulas (anal, enterovesical, enterocutaneous, colovaginal, intestinal sites) were reported in 9 of 611 patients (1.5%) treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI regimen and 3 of 605 patients (0.5%) treated with placebo/FOLFIRI regimen. Grade 3 GI fistula formation occurred in 2 patients treated with ZALTRAP (0.3%) and in 1 patient treated with placebo (0.2%).
Discontinue ZALTRAP therapy in patients who develop fistula [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hypertension
ZALTRAP increases the risk of Grade 3-4 hypertension. There is no clinical trial experience administering ZALTRAP to patients with NYHA class III or IV heart failure. In patients with mCRC, Grade 3 hypertension (defined as requiring adjustment in existing antihypertensive therapy or treatment with more than one drug) was reported in 1.5% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI and 19% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI. Grade 4 hypertension (hypertensive crisis) was reported in 1 patient (0.2%) treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI. Among those patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI developing Grade 3-4 hypertension, 54% had onset during the first two cycles of treatment.
Monitor blood pressure every two weeks or more frequently as clinically indicated during treatment with ZALTRAP. Treat with appropriate antihypertensive therapy and continue monitoring blood pressure regularly. Temporarily suspend ZALTRAP in patients with uncontrolled hypertension until controlled and permanently reduce the ZALTRAP dose to 2 mg per kg for subsequent cycles. Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients with hypertensive crisis or hypertensive encephalopathy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Arterial Thromboembolic Events
ATE, including transient ischemic attack, cerebrovascular accident, and angina pectoris, occurred more frequently in patients who have received ZALTRAP. In patients with mCRC, ATE was reported in 2.6% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI and 1.7% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. Grade 3-4 events occurred in 11 patients (1.8%) treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI and 4 patients (0.7%) treated with placebo/FOLFIRI.
Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients who experience an ATE [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Proteinuria
Severe proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) occurred more frequently in patients treated with ZALTRAP. In patients with mCRC, proteinuria was reported in 62% patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to 41% patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. Grade 3-4 proteinuria occurred in 8% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to 1% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Nephrotic syndrome occurred in 2 patients (0.5%) treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to none of the patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. TMA was reported in 3 of 2258 patients with cancer enrolled across completed studies.
Monitor proteinuria by urine dipstick analysis and/or urinary protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) for the development or worsening of proteinuria during ZALTRAP therapy. Patients with a dipstick of ≥2+ for protein or a UPCR greater than 1 should undergo a 24-hour urine collection.
Suspend ZALTRAP administration for proteinuria 2 grams per 24 hours or more, and resume when proteinuria is less than 2 grams per 24 hours. If recurrent, suspend until proteinuria is less than 2 grams per 24 hours and then permanently reduce the ZALTRAP dose to 2 mg per kg. Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients who develop nephrotic syndrome or TMA [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Neutropenia And Neutropenic Complications
A higher incidence of neutropenic complications (febrile neutropenia and neutropenic infection) occurred in patients receiving ZALTRAP. In patients with mCRC, Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 37% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to 30% patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Grade 3-4 febrile neutropenia occurred in 4% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to 2% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. Grade 3-4 neutropenic infection/sepsis occurred in 1.5% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI and 1.2% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI.
Monitor CBC with differential count at baseline and prior to initiation of each cycle of ZALTRAP. Delay ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI until neutrophil count is at or above 1.5 x 109/L.
Diarrhea And Dehydration
The incidence of severe diarrhea is increased in patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI. In patients with mCRC, Grade 3-4 diarrhea was reported in 19% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to 8% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. Grade 3-4 dehydration was reported in 4% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to 1% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The incidence of diarrhea is increased in patients who are age 65 years or older as compared to patients younger than 65 years of age [see Use In Specific Populations]. Monitor elderly patients closely for diarrhea.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome
RPLS (also known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome) was reported in 0.5% of 3795 patients treated with ZALTRAP monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy.
Confirm the diagnosis of RPLS with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and discontinue ZALTRAP in patients who develop RPLS. Symptoms usually resolve or improve within days, although some patients have experienced ongoing neurologic sequelae or death [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, ZALTRAP can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Administration of ziv-aflibercept during the period of organogenesis was embryotoxic and teratogenic in rabbits at exposure levels approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZALTRAP and for 1 month following the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No studies have been conducted to evaluate carcinogenicity or mutagenicity of ziv-aflibercept.
Ziv-aflibercept impaired reproductive function and fertility in monkeys. In a 6-month repeat-dose toxicology study in sexually mature monkeys, ziv-aflibercept inhibited ovarian function and follicular development, as evidenced by: decreased ovary weight, decreased amount of luteal tissue, decreased number of maturing follicles, atrophy of uterine endometrium and myometrium, vaginal atrophy, abrogation of progesterone peaks and menstrual bleeding. Alterations in sperm morphology and decreased sperm motility were present in male monkeys. These effects were observed at all doses tested including the lowest dose tested, 3 mg per kg. Reversibility was observed within 18 weeks after cessation of treatment. Systemic exposure (AUC) with a 3 mg per kg per dose in monkeys was approximately 0.6 times the AUC in patients at the 4 mg per kg dose.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], ZALTRAP can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There is insufficient data in pregnant women exposed to ZALTRAP to assess the risks. Administration of ziv-aflibercept during the period of organogenesis was embryotoxic and teratogenic in rabbits at exposure levels approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
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 pregnant rabbits, administration of ziv-aflibercept during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increase in postimplantation loss and external (including anasarca, umbilical hernia, diaphragmatic hernia and gastroschisis, cleft palate, ectrodactyly, and anal atresia), visceral (heart, great vessels, and arteries), and skeletal fetal malformations (including fused vertebrae, sternebrae, and ribs, supernumerary arches and ribs, and incomplete ossification) at doses greater than or equal to 3 mg per kg, administered once every 3 days (approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose based on AUC).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of ziv-aflibercept in human milk, or the effects of zivaflibercept on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZALTRAP and for 1 month following the last dose.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Pregnancy Testing
Verify the pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ZALTRAP.
Contraception
Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action, ZALTRAP can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Pregnancy].
Females
Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZALTRAP and for 1 month following the last dose.
Infertility
Advise female and male patients of reproductive potential that ZALTRAP may impair reproductive function and fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Safety and efficacy were assessed, but not established in a dose-escalation, safety, and tolerability study (NCT00622414) in 21 patients with solid tumors 2 to 21 years of age (median age 12.9). The mean elimination half-life of free ziv-aflibercept determined after the first dose in 8 pediatric patients aged 5 to 17 years was within the range of values previously observed in adults. The maximum tolerated dose based on body weight in these pediatric patients was lower than the dose known to be safe and effective in adults with mCRC.
Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data
Weekly/every-two-weeks intravenous administration of ziv-aflibercept at dose of 3 mg per kg (approximately 0.6 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose based on AUC) to growing young adult (sexually mature) cynomolgus monkeys for up to 6 months resulted in changes in the bone (effects on growth plate and the axial and appendicular skeleton), nasal cavity (atrophy/loss of the septum and/or turbinates), kidney (glomerulopathy with inflammation), ovary (decreased number of maturing follicles, granulosa cells, and/or theca cells), and adrenal gland (decreased vacuolation with inflammation). In another study in sexually immature cynomolgus monkeys (treated intravenously for 3 months), there were similar effects. The skeletal and nasal cavity effects were not reversible after a post-dosing recovery period.
Geriatric Use
Of the 611 patients with mCRC, patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI, 205 (34%) were 65 years or older, and 33 (5%) were 75 years or older. Elderly patients (≥65 years of age) experienced higher incidences (≥5%) of diarrhea, dizziness, asthenia, weight decrease, and dehydration when compared to younger patients. Monitor elderly patients more closely for diarrhea and dehydration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The effect of ZALTRAP on overall survival was similar in patients <65 years old and ≥65 years old who received ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI.
Renal Impairment
No dosage modification is recommended for patients with renal impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hepatic Impairment
No dosage modification is recommended for patients with mild (total bilirubin >1 to 1.5 times upper limit normal [ULN] and any aspartate transaminase [AST]) and moderate (total bilirubin >1.5 to 3 times ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. ZALTRAP has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN and any AST).