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What is Caprelsa and how is it used?
Caprelsa is a prescription medicine used to treat medullary thyroid cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body. It takes a long time to get rid of Caprelsa from your body and you may be at risk for side effects related to Caprelsa after you have stopped your treatment.
It is not known if Caprelsa is safe and effective in children.
What are the possible side effects of Caprelsa?
Caprelsa may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Caprelsa include:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Caprelsa. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800- FDA-1088.
WARNING
QT PROLONGATION, TORSADES DE POINTES, AND SUDDEN DEATH
CAPRELSA can prolong the QT interval. Tors ades de pointes and s udden death have occurred in patients receiving CAPRELSA. Do not us e CAPRELSA in patients with hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnes emia, or long QT s yndrome. Correct hypocalcemia, hypokalemia and/or hypomagnes emia prior to CAPRELSA adminis tration. Monitor electrolytes periodically. Avoid drugs known to prolong the QT interval. Only pres cribers and pharmacies certified with the res tricted dis tribution program are able to pres cribe and dis pens e CAPRELSA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Vandetanib has the chemical name N-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-7-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl) methoxy]quinazolin-4-amine.
The structural and molecular formulas are:
 |
Vandetanib has a molecular weight of 475.36. Vandetanib exhibits pH-dependent solubility, with increased solubility at lower pH. Vandetanib is practically insoluble in water with a value of 0.008 mg/mL at 25°C (77°F).
CAPRELSA tablets for daily oral administration are available in two dosage strengths containing either 100 mg or 300 mg of vandetanib. The tablet cores contain the following inactive ingredients: calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, povidone, and magnesium stearate. The tablet film-coat contains the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose 2910, macrogol 300, and titanium dioxide E171.
CAPRELSA is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic or progressive medullary thyroid cancer in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease.
Use CAPRELSA in patients with indolent, asymptomatic or slowly progressing disease only after careful consideration of the treatment related risks of CAPRELSA.
The recommended dose of CAPRELSA is 300 mg taken orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
CAPRELSA may be taken with or without food.
Do not take a missed dose within 12 hours of the next dose.
Do not crush CAPRELSA tablets. The tablets can be dispersed in 2 ounces of water by stirring for approximately 10 minutes (will not completely dissolve). Do not use other liquids for dispersion. Swallow immediately after dispersion. Mix any remaining residue with 4 additional ounces of water and swallow.
The dispersion can also be administered through nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes.
The 300 mg daily dose can be reduced to 200 mg (two 100 mg tablets) and then to 100 mg for Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade 3 or greater toxicities.
Interrupt CAPRELSA for the following:
For recurrent toxicities, reduce the dose of CAPRELSA to 100 mg after resolution or improvement to CTCAE Grade 1 severity, if continued treatment is warranted.
Because of the 19-day half-life, adverse reactions including a prolonged QT interval may not resolve quickly. Monitor appropriately [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Reduce the starting dose to 200 mg in patients with moderate (creatinine clearance ≥30 to <50 mL/min) and severe (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) renal impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
CAPRELSA is not recommended for use in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment [see Use In Specific Populations].
CAPRELSA 100 mg tablets are white, round, biconvex, film-coated, and intagliated with ‘Z 100’ on one side and plain on the reverse side.
CAPRELSA 300 mg tablets are white, oval, biconvex, film-coated, and intagliated with ‘Z 300’ on one side and plain on the reverse side.
100 mg Tablets Available in bottles containing 30 tablets (NDC 58468-7820-3).
300 mg Tablets Available in bottles containing 30 tablets (NDC 58468-7840-3).
CAPRELSA tablets should be stored at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F) [See USP controlled room temperature].
Procedures for proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered. A guideline on this subject has been published.1 Do not crush CAPRELSA tablets.
REFERENCES
1. OSHA Hazardous Drugs (OSHA Technical Manual). OSHA.
Distributed by: Genzyme Corporation Cambridge, MA 02142. Revised: Jun 2020
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the label:
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.
Patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer were treated with CAPRELSA 300 mg (n=231) or Placebo (n=99). The population exposed to CAPRELSA was 58% male, 94% white, and had a median age of 50 years. The data described below reflect a median exposure to CAPRELSA for 607 days.
The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions which occurred in >20% of CAPRELSA-treated patients and with a between-arm difference of ≥5% included, in order of decreasing frequency: diarrhea/colitis, rash, acneiform dermatitis, hypertension, nausea, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain.
Among CAPRELSA-treated patients, dose interruption occurred in 109 (47%) and dose reduction occurred in 83 (36%). Adverse reactions led to study treatment discontinuation in 28 of 231 patients (12%) receiving CAPRELSA and in 3 of 99 patients (3.0%) receiving placebo. Adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation in 2 or more (≥0.9%) patients treated with CAPRELSA were: asthenia (1.7%), rash (1.7%), diarrhea (0.9%), fatigue (0.9%), pyrexia (0.9%), elevated creatinine (0.9%), QT prolongation (0.9%), and hypertension (0.9%).
Table 1: Per-Patient Incidence of Selected Adverse Reactions Occurring at a Higher Incidence in CAPRELSA-Treated Patients During Randomized Treatment (Between-Arm Difference of ≥5% [All Grades]1)
| System Organ Class Preferred Term | CAPRELSA 300 mg N=231 | Placebo N=99 | ||
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Diarrhea/Colitis | 57 | 11 | 27 | 2 |
| Nausea | 33 | 1 | 16 | 0 |
| Abdominal Pain2 | 21 | 3 | 11 | 0 |
| Vomiting | 15 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Dyspepsia | 11 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Dry Mouth | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Skin and Cutaneous Disorders | ||||
| Rash3 | 53 | 5 | 12 | 0 |
| Dermatitis Acneiform/Acne | 35 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Dry Skin | 15 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Photosensitivity Reaction | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Pruritus | 11 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Nail abnormalities4 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alopecia | 8 | N/A | 0 | N/A |
| Vascular Disorders | ||||
| Hypertension/Hypertensive Crisis/Accelerated Hypertension | 33 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||||
| Headache | 26 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| Dysgeusia | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| General Disorders | ||||
| Fatigue5 | 24 | 6 | 23 | 1 |
| Infections | ||||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infections6 | 23 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders | ||||
| Decreased Appetite | 21 | 4 | 12 | 0 |
| Hypocalcemia | 11 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Investigations | ||||
| ECG QT Prolonged7 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
| Eye Disorders | ||||
| Corneal Abnormalities8 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Blurred Vision | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Renal Disorders | ||||
| Proteinuria | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||||
| Depression | 10 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Endocrine Disorders | ||||
| Hypothyroidism | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal Disorders | ||||
| Muscle Spasms | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 1CTCAE version 3 was used to grade adverse events. 2Includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, lower abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort. 3Includes rash, rash (erythematous, generalized, macular, maculopapular, papular, pruritic, and exfoliative), dermatitis, dermatitis bullous, generalized erythema, and eczema. 4Includes nail disorder, nail bed inflammation, nail bed tenderness, paronychia, nail bed infection, and nail infection. 5Included in Table 1 due to the increased incidence of severe fatigue in the CAPRELSA group compared to the placebo group. 6Includes laryngitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, acute sinusitis, rhinitis, and tracheitis. 769% had QT prolongation >450 ms and 7% had QT prolongation >500 ms by ECG using Fridericia correction. 8Includes corneal edema, corneal opacity, corneal dystrophy, corneal pigmentation, keratopathy, arcus lipoides, corneal deposits, acquired corneal dystrophy. | ||||
Clinically important uncommon adverse drug reactions in patients who received CAPRELSA versus patients who received placebo included pancreatitis (0.4% vs. 0%) and heart failure (0.9% vs. 0%).
Blurred vision was more common in patients who received CAPRELSA versus patients who received placebo for medullary thyroid cancer (9% vs. 1%, respectively). Scheduled slit lamp examinations revealed corneal opacities (vortex keratopathies) in treated patients, which can lead to halos and decreased visual acuity. Perform ophthalmologic examination, including slit lamp examination, in patients who report visual changes.
CAPRELSA is an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling. Inhibition of VEGFR signaling can result in intestinal perforation. Intestinal perforation occurred in 0.4% of CAPRELSA treated patients versus 0% of placebo treated patients.
The incidence of Grade 1-2 bleeding events was 14% in patients receiving CAPRELSA compared with 7% on placebo in the randomized portion of the medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) study.
Table 2: Per-Patient Incidence of Selected Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients with MTC Occurring at a Higher Incidence in CAPRELSA-Treated Patients (Between-Arm Difference of ≥5% [All Grades]1)
| Laboratory Abnormalities | CAPRELSA 300 mg N=231 | Placebo N=99 | ||
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3-4 (%) | |
| Chemistries | ||||
| Hypocalcemia | 57 | 6 | 25 | 3 |
| ALT Increased | 51 | 2 | 19 | 0 |
| Hypoglycemia | 24 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Creatinine Increased | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Hypomagnesemia | 7 | <1 | 2 | 0 |
| Hematologic | ||||
| Neutropenia | 10 | <1 | 5 | 2 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 1 CTCAE version 3 was used to grade laboratory abnormalities. | ||||
No patient with a Grade 3-4 ALT elevation had a concomitant increase in bilirubin in the MTC study.
Rifampicin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, decreased vandetanib plasma concentrations. Avoid concomitant use of known strong CYP3A4 inducers during CAPRELSA therapy. Avoid concomitant use of St. John's wort because it can decrease vandetanib exposure unpredictably [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
CAPRELSA increased plasma concentrations of metformin that is transported by the organic cation transporter type 2 (OCT2). Use caution and closely monitor for toxicities when administering CAPRELSA with drugs that are transported by OCT2 [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
CAPRELSA increased plasma concentrations of digoxin. Use caution and closely monitor for toxicities when administering CAPRELSA with digoxin [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Avoid concomitant use of CAPRELSA with agents that may prolong the QT interval [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
CAPRELSA can prolong the QT interval in a concentration-dependent manner [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia and sudden deaths have occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA.
Do not start CAPRELSA treatment in patients whose QTcF interval is greater than 450 ms. Do not administer CAPRELSA to patients who have a history of Torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome, bradyarrhythmias or uncompensated heart failure. CAPRELSA has not been studied in patients with ventricular arrhythmias or recent myocardial infarction. Vandetanib exposure is increased in patients with impaired renal function. Reduce the starting dose to 200 mg in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment and monitor QT interval frequently.
Obtain an ECG and serum potassium, calcium, magnesium and TSH at baseline, 2-4 weeks and 8-12 weeks after starting treatment with CAPRELSA, and every 3 months thereafter. Monitor electrolytes and ECGs more frequently in patients who experience diarrhea. Following any dose reduction for QT prolongation or any dose interruption greater than 2 weeks, conduct QT assessments as described above. Maintain serum potassium levels of 4 mEq/L or higher (within normal range) and maintain serum magnesium and calcium levels within normal ranges to reduce the risk of QT prolongation.
Avoid using CAPRELSA with drugs known to prolong the QT interval [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]. If such drugs are given to patients already receiving CAPRELSA and no alternative therapy exists, perform ECG monitoring of the QT interval more frequently.
Stop CAPRELSA in patients who develop a QTcF greater than 500 ms until the QTcF returns to less than 450 ms. Dosing of CAPRELSA can then be resumed at a reduced dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Severe and sometimes fatal skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Permanently discontinue CAPRELSA for severe skin reactions and refer the patient for urgent medical evaluation. Systemic therapies such as corticosteroids may be required.
Photosensitivity reactions can occur during CAPRELSA treatment and up to 4 months after treatment discontinuation.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) or pneumonitis, including fatalities, has occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Consider a diagnosis of ILD in patients presenting with non-specific respiratory signs and symptoms.
Interrupt CAPRELSA for acute or worsening pulmonary symptoms. Discontinue CAPRELSA if ILD is confirmed.
Ischemic cerebrovascular events, including fatalities, occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. In the randomized medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) study, ischemic cerebrovascular events occurred more frequently with CAPRELSA compared to placebo (1.3% compared to 0%). The safety of resumption of CAPRELSA therapy after resolution of an ischemic cerebrovascular event has not been studied. Discontinue CAPRELSA in patients who experience a severe ischemic cerebrovascular event.
Serious hemorrhagic events, including fatalities, occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Do not administer CAPRELSA to patients with a recent history of hemoptysis of ≥½ teaspoon of red blood. Discontinue CAPRELSA in patients with severe hemorrhage.
Heart failure, including fatalities, occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Monitor for signs and symptoms of heart failure. Consider discontinuation of CAPRELSA in patients with heart failure. Heart failure may not be reversible upon stopping CAPRELSA.
Diarrhea of Grade 3 or greater severity occurred in 11% of patients receiving CAPRELSA in the randomized MTC study. If diarrhea occurs, carefully monitor serum electrolytes and ECGs to reduce the risk and enable early detection of QT prolongation resulting from dehydration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Interrupt CAPRELSA for severe diarrhea. Upon improvement, resume CAPRELSA at a reduced dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
In the randomized MTC study in which 90% of the patients enrolled had prior thyroidectomy, increased dosing of thyroid replacement therapy was required in 49% of CAPRELSA-treated patients compared to 17% of placebo-treated patients. Obtain Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at baseline, at 2-4 weeks and 8-12 weeks after starting treatment with CAPRELSA, and every 3 months thereafter. If signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism occur, examine thyroid hormone levels and adjust thyroid replacement therapy accordingly.
Hypertension, including hypertensive crisis, has occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Monitor all patients for hypertension. Dose reduction or interruption for hypertension may be necessary. If hypertension cannot be controlled, do not resume CAPRELSA [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), a syndrome of subcortical vasogenic edema diagnosed by an MRI of the brain, has occurred in patients treated with CAPRELSA. Consider this syndrome in any patient presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion or altered mental function. In clinical studies, three of four patients who developed RPLS while taking CAPRELSA also had hypertension. Discontinue CAPRELSA treatment in patients with RPLS.
Avoid administration of CAPRELSA with anti-arrhythmic drugs (including but not limited to amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, sotalol, dofetilide) and other drugs that may prolong the QT interval (including but not limited to chloroquine, clarithromycin, dolasetron, granisetron, haloperidol, methadone, moxifloxacin, and pimozide) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Vandetanib exposure is increased in patients with impaired renal function. Reduce the starting dose to 200 mg in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment and monitor the QT interval closely. There is no information available for patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis [see BOXED WARNING, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
CAPRELSA is not recommended for use in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, as safety and efficacy have not been established [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the VEGF signaling pathway. Therefore, CAPRELSA has the potential to adversely affect wound healing.
Withhold CAPRELSA for at least 1 month prior to elective surgery. Do not administer CAPRELSA for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of treatment with CAPRELSA after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.
Based on its mechanism of action, CAPRELSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In rats, vandetanib was embryotoxic, fetotoxic, and induced fetal malformations at exposures equivalent to or lower than those expected at the 300 mg clinical dose and had adverse effects on female fertility, embryofetal development, and postnatal development of pups.
Advise women of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise women of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CAPRELSA and for at least 4 months following the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Because of the risk of QT prolongation, Torsades de pointes, and sudden death, CAPRELSA is available only through a restricted distribution program called the CAPRELSA REMS Program. Only prescribers and pharmacies certified with the program are able to prescribe and dispense CAPRELSA.
To learn about the specific REMS requirements and to enroll in the CAPRELSA REMS Program, call 1Â800-817-2722 or visit www.caprelsarems.com.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider in the event of syncope, pre-syncopal symptoms, and cardiac palpitations. Advise patients that their healthcare provider will monitor their electrolytes and ECGs during treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider in the event of skin reactions or rash [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their health care provider in the event of sudden onset or worsening of breathlessness, persistent cough or fever [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider in the event of diarrhea [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider in the event of seizures, headaches, visual disturbances, confusion or difficulty thinking [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that CAPRELSA may impair wound healing. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of any planned surgical procedure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CAPRELSA and for 4 months following the last dose. Advise females to contact their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, or if pregnancy is suspected, during treatment with CAPRELSA [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with CAPRELSA and for 4 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise patients to use appropriate sun protection due to the increased susceptibility to sunburn while taking CAPRELSA and for at least 4 months after drug discontinuation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that CAPRELSA can be taken with or without food and not to crush CAPRELSA tablets [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Vandetanib was not carcinogenic in a 2-year study in rats when administered by daily oral gavage at doses of up to 10 mg/kg (0.7 times the human Cmax at the 300 mg clinical dose), or in the Tg•RasH2 mouse when administered by daily oral gavage at doses of up to 30 mg/kg (~5 times the human Cmax at the clinical dose of 300 mg) for 26 weeks. Vandetanib was not mutagenic in vitro in the bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay and was not clastogenic in either the in vitro cytogenetic assay using human lymphocytes or in the in vivo rat micronucleus assay.
Based on nonclinical findings, male and female fertility may be impaired by treatment with CAPRELSA. In a fertility study of male rats, vandetanib had no effect on copulation or fertility rate when untreated females were mated with males administered 1, 5, or 20 mg/kg/day of vandetanib (approximately 0.03, 0.22, or 0.40 times, respectively, the human exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) in patients with cancer at the 300 mg clinical dose); however, in the same study there was a slight decrease in the number of live embryos in females mated with males treated at the 20 mg/kg/day dose level and an increase in preimplantation loss in females mated with males administered vandetanib at doses of ≥5 mg/kg/day. In a female fertility study, there was a trend towards increased estrus cycle irregularity, a slight reduction in pregnancy incidence and an increase in implantation loss. In a one month repeat-dose toxicity study in rats, there was a decrease in the number of corpora lutea in the ovaries of rats administered 75 mg/kg/day vandetanib (approximately 1.8 times the human exposure based on AUC at the 300 mg clinical dose).
Based on its mechanism of action, CAPRELSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Vandetanib is embryotoxic, fetotoxic, and induced fetal malformations in rats at exposures less than or equal to those expected at the recommended human dose of 300 mg/day. 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.
In reproductive toxicity studies, administration of vandetanib to female rats prior to mating and through the first week of pregnancy at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day (approximately equal to the human exposure at the 300 mg clinical dose based on Cmax), there were increases in pre-implantation loss and post-implantation loss resulting in a reduction in the number of live embryos.
During organogenesis, vandetanib caused an increase in post-implantation loss, including occasional total litter loss at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day. At doses greater than 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.4 times the human Cmax at the 300 mg clinical dose) treatment with vandetanib resulted in increases in late embryofetal death and decreases in fetal birth weight. A no-effect level for malformations was not identified in this study. Administration of vandetanib at doses greater than or equal to 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.03 times the human Cmax at the 300 mg clinical dose) resulted in dose dependent increases in both malformations of the heart vessels and skeletal variations including delayed ossification of the skull, vertebrae, and sternum, indicating delayed fetal development.
In a rat pre and postnatal development study, at doses (1 and 10 mg/kg/day) producing mild maternal toxicity during gestation and/or lactation, vandetanib decreased pup survival and reduced postnatal pup growth. Reduced postnatal pup growth was associated with a delay in physical development.
There are no data on the presence of vandetanib or its metabolites in human milk or the effects of vandetanib on the breastfed child or on milk production. Vandetanib was present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data). Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from CAPRELSA in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with CAPRELSA and for 4 months after the final dose.
Animal Data
In nonclinical studies, vandetanib was excreted in rat milk and found in plasma of pups following dosing to lactating rats. Vandetanib transfer in breast milk resulted in relatively constant exposure in pups due to the long half-life of the drug.
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with CAPRELSA [see Use In Specific Populations].
CAPRELSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use In Specific Populations].
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CAPRELSA and for 4 months after the final dose.
There are no data on the effect of CAPRELSA on human fertility. Results from animal studies indicate that vandetanib can impair male and female fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Safety and efficacy of CAPRELSA in pediatric patients have not been established.
The MTC study of CAPRELSA did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently compared to younger patients.
Vandetanib exposure is increased in patients with impaired renal function. Reduce the starting dose to 200 mg in patients with moderate (creatinine clearance ≥30 to <50 mL/min) and severe (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) renal impairment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
The pharmacokinetics of CAPRELSA were evaluated after a single dose of 800 mg in subjects with mild (n=8), moderate (n=7), and severe (n=6) hepatic impairment and normal hepatic function (n=5). Subjects with mild (Child-Pugh class A), moderate (Child-Pugh class B), and severe (Child-Pugh class C) hepatic impairment had comparable mean AUC and clearance values to those with normal hepatic function.
There are limited data in patients with liver impairment (serum bilirubin greater than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal). CAPRELSA is not recommended for use in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, as safety and efficacy have not been established [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In the event of an overdose, monitor patients closely for QTc prolongation. Because of the 19-day half-life, adverse reactions may not resolve quickly.
Do not use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome [see BOXED WARNING].
In vitro studies have shown that vandetanib inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR and VEGFR families, RET, BRK, TIE2, and members of the EPH receptor and Src kinase families. These receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in both normal cellular function and pathologic processes such as oncogenesis, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and maintenance of the tumor microenvironment. In addition, the N-desmethyl metabolite of the drug, representing 7 to 17.1% of vandetanib exposure, has similar inhibitory activity to the parent compound for VEGF receptors (KDR and Flt-1) and EGFR.
In vitro, vandetanib inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation in tumor cells and endothelial cells and VEGF-stimulated tyrosine kinase phosphorylation in endothelial cells.
In vivo, vandetanib administration reduced tumor cell-induced angiogenesis, tumor vessel permeability, and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in mouse models of cancer.
In 231 patients with medullary thyroid cancer randomized to receive CAPRELSA 300 mg once daily in the phase 3 clinical trial. CAPRELSA was associated with sustained plasma concentration-dependent QT prolongation. Based on the exposure-response relationship, the mean (90% CI) QTcF change from baseline (ΔQTcF) was 35 (33-36) ms for the 300 mg dose. The ΔQTcF remained above 30 ms for the duration of the trial (up to 2 years). In addition, 36% of patients experienced greater than 60 ms increase in ΔQTcF and 4.3% of patients had QTcF greater than 500 ms. Cases of Torsades de pointes and sudden death have occurred [see BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
A population pharmacokinetic analysis of CAPRELSA was conducted in 231 patients with MTC following oral administration of 300 mg daily doses. The pharmacokinetics of CAPRELSA at the 300 mg dose in MTC patients are characterized by a mean clearance of approximately 13.2 L/h, a mean volume of distribution of approximately 7450 L, and a median plasma half-life of 19 days.
Following oral administration of CAPRELSA, absorption is slow with peak plasma concentrations typically achieved at a median of 6 hours, range 4-10 hours, after dosing. Vandetanib accumulates approximately 8-fold on multiple dosing with steady state achieved in approximately 3 months.
Exposure to vandetanib is unaffected by food
Vandetanib binds to human serum albumin and α1-acid-glycoprotein with in vitro protein binding being approximately 90%. In ex vivo plasma samples from colorectal cancer patients at steady state exposure after 300 mg once daily, the mean percentage protein binding was 94%.
Following oral dosing of 14C-vandetanib, unchanged vandetanib and metabolites vandetanib N-oxide and N-desmethyl vandetanib were detected in plasma, urine and feces. A glucuronide conjugate was seen as a minor metabolite in excreta only. N-desmethyl-vandetanib is primarily produced by CYP3A4 and vandetanib-N-oxide by flavin-containing monooxygenase enzymes FMO1 and FMO3. N-desmethylÂvandetanib and vandetanib-N-oxide circulate at concentrations of approximately 7-17% and 1.4-2.2%, respectively, of those of vandetanib.
Within a 21-day collection period after a single dose of 14C-vandetanib, approximately 69% was recovered with 44% in feces and 25% in urine. Excretion of the dose was slow and further excretion beyond 21 days would be expected based on the plasma half-life.
Vandetanib was not a substrate of hOCT2 expressed in HEK293 cells. Vandetanib inhibits the uptake of the selective OCT2 marker substrate 14C-creatinine by HEK-OCT2 cells, with a mean IC50 of 2.1 μg/mL. This is higher than vandetanib plasma concentrations (0.81 μg/mL) observed after multiple dosing at 300 mg. Inhibition of renal excretion of creatinine by vandetanib provides an explanation for increases in plasma creatinine seen in human subjects receiving vandetanib.
In a population pharmacokinetic evaluation in cancer patients, no relationship was apparent between oral clearance of vandetanib and patient age or gender.
Based on a cross-study comparison in a limited number of patients, Japanese (N=3) and Chinese (N=7) patients had average exposures of vandetanib that were higher than Caucasian (N=7) patients receiving the same dose of CAPRELSA.
The pharmacokinetics of vandetanib has not been evaluated in pediatric patients.
The pharmacokinetics of vandetanib were evaluated after a single CAPRELSA dose of 800 mg in six subjects with mild (creatinine clearance = 50 to <80 mL/min), eight subjects with moderate (creatinine clearance ≥30 to <50 mL/min), six subjects with severe (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) renal impairment and ten subjects with normal (creatinine clearance >80 mL/min) renal function. Subjects with mild renal impairment had a comparable mean AUC of vandetanib to that with normal renal function. In subjects with moderate or severe renal impairment, the average AUC of vandetanib increased by 39% and 41%, respectively, compared to patients with normal renal function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers
In a cross-over study in 12 healthy volunteers, a single oral 300 mg dose of CAPRELSA was administered alone on day 1 and on day 10 in combination with daily doses of 600 mg of rifampicin (a strong CYP3A4 inducer) given on days 1-31. The coadministration of rifampicin with CAPRELSA decreased the geometric mean AUC0-504h of vandetanib by 40% (90% confidence interval (CI): 56%, 63%) compared to vandetanib alone. No clinically meaningful change in the mean Cmax of vandetanib was observed. The geometric mean AUC0-504h and Cmax of N-desmethylvandetanib increased by 266% and 414%, respectively, in the presence of rifampicin compared with vandetanib alone [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: In a cross-over study in 14 healthy volunteers, a single oral 300 mg dose of CAPRELSA was administered alone and on day 4 in combination with daily doses of 200 mg of itraconazole (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) given on days 1-24. No change was observed in the geometric mean AUC0-504h or Cmax of vandetanib when itraconazole was coadministered with CAPRELSA.
Gastric pH elevating agents: In a cross-over study of 14 healthy volunteers, a single oral 300 mg dose of CAPRELSA was administered alone and in combination with five daily doses of 40 mg omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor). No clinically meaningful change was observed in the geometric mean AUC0-504h and Cmax of vandetanib when omeprazole was coadministered with CAPRELSA.
In a cross-over study of 16 healthy volunteers, a single 300 mg oral dose of CAPRELSA was administered alone and after two oral doses of 150 mg of ranitidine (a H2 receptor antagonist) administered about 12 hours apart. No change was observed in the geometric mean AUC0-504h and Cmax of vandetanib when ranitidine was coadministered with CAPRELSA.
Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates: In a cross-over study of 16 healthy volunteers, a single oral 7.5 mg dose of midazolam (as 2 mg/mL oral syrup), a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, was administered alone and 8 days after receiving a single 800 mg oral dose of CAPRELSA. No change was observed in the geometric mean Cmax and AUCinf of midazolam when CAPRELSA was coadministered with midazolam.
Substrates of OCT2 transporter: In a cross-over study of 13 healthy volunteers, a single 1000 mg oral dose of metformin, a substrate of OCT2, was administered alone and 3 hours after receiving a single 800 mg oral dose of CAPRELSA. The coadministration of CAPRELSA with metformin increased the geometric mean AUCinf of metformin by 74% (90% CI: 58%, 92%) and geometric mean Cmax of metformin by 50% (90% CI: 34%, 67%) compared to metformin alone [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Substrates of P-glycoprotein transporter: In a cross-over study of 14 healthy volunteers, a single oral 0.25 mg dose of digoxin, a substrate of P-glycoprotein, was administered alone and in combination with a single 300 mg oral dose of CAPRELSA. The coadministration of CAPRELSA increased the geometric mean Cmax digoxin by 29% (90% CI: 10%, 52%) and the geometric mean of AUC0-t of digoxin by 23% (90% CI: 12%, 34%) compared to digoxin alone [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
In an animal model of wound-healing, mice dosed with vandetanib had reduced skin-breaking strength compared with controls. This suggests that CAPRELSA slows but does not prevent wound healing. The appropriate interval between discontinuation of CAPRELSA and subsequent elective surgery required to avoid the risks of impaired wound healing has not been determined.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Study D4200C00058, NCT00410761) randomized patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer to CAPRELSA 300 mg (n=231) versus placebo (n=100).
The major efficacy outcome measure was progression-free survival (PFS) with CAPRELSA compared to placebo. Other efficacy outcome measures included evaluation of overall survival (OS) and overall objective response rate (ORR). Centralized, independent blinded review of the imaging data was used in the assessment of PFS and ORR. Upon objective disease progression based on the investigator’s assessment, patients were discontinued from blinded study treatment and given the option to receive open-label CAPRELSA. Forty-seven percent (109/231) of the patients initially randomized to CAPRELSA opted to receive open-label CAPRELSA after disease progression, and 79% (79/100) of the patients initially randomized to placebo opted to receive open-label CAPRELSA after disease progression.
The result of the PFS analysis, based on the central review RECIST assessment, showed a statistically significant improvement in PFS for patients randomized to CAPRELSA (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.35; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.24-0.53; p<0.001). Analyses in the subgroups of patients who were symptomatic or had progressed within 6 months prior to their enrollment showed similar PFS results (HR = 0.31 95% CI: 0.19, 0.53 for symptomatic patients; HR = 0.41 95% CI: 0.25, 0.66 for patients who had progressed within 6 months prior to enrollment). Median final OS were similar across both treatment arms.
The overall objective response rate (ORR) for patients randomized to CAPRELSA was 44% compared to 1% for patients randomized to placebo. All objective responses were partial responses.
Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Progression Free Survival in Study D4200C00058
 |
Table 3: Efficacy Results in Study D4200C00058
| Vandetanib 300 mg (N=231) | Placebo (N=100) | |
| Progression Free Survival | ||
| Events (%) | 59 (26.0) | 41 (41.0) |
| Median, months | NR1 | 16.4 |
| (95% CI) | (22.6, NE2) | (8.3, 19.7) |
| Hazard Ratio (95% CI) | 0.35 (0.24, 0.53) | |
| p-value | <0.001 | |
| Overall Survival | ||
| Deaths (%) | 116 (50.2) | 52 (52.0) |
| Median, months | 81.6 | 80.4 |
| (95% CI) | (64.6, 98.5) | (52.5, NE) |
| Hazard Ratio (95% CI) | 0.99 (0.72, 1.38) | |
| p-value | 0.975 | |
| 1Not reached 2Not estimable | ||
CAPRELSA®
(kap-rel-sah)
(vandetanib) Tablets
Read this Medication Guide before you start taking CAPRELSA and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about CAPRELSA?
CAPRELSA can cause a change in the electrical activity of your heart called QT prolongation, which can cause irregular heartbeats and that may lead to death. You should not take CAPRELSA if you have had a condition called long QT syndrome since birth.
Your healthcare provider should perform tests to check the levels of your blood potassium, calcium, magnesium, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) as well as the electrical activity of your heart with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG). You should have these tests:
Your healthcare provider may stop your CAPRELSA treatment for a while and restart you at a lower dose if you have QT prolongation.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel faint, light-headed, or feel your heart beating irregularly while taking CAPRELSA. These may be symptoms related to QT prolongation.
What is CAPRELSA?
CAPRELSA is a prescription medicine used to treat medullary thyroid cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body. It takes a long time to get rid of CAPRELSA from your body and you may be at risk for side effects related to CAPRELSA after you have stopped your treatment.
It is not known if CAPRELSA is safe and effective in children.
Who should not take CAPRELSA?
Do not take CAPRELSA if you have had QT prolongation.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking CAPRELSA?
Before you take CAPRELSA, tell your healthcare provider if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonÂprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. CAPRELSA and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:
Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one listed above.
Do not take other medicines while taking CAPRELSA until you have talked with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take CAPRELSA?
Call your healthcare provider right away if you take too much CAPRELSA.
What should I avoid while taking CAPRELSA?
What are the possible side effects of CAPRELSA?
CAPRELSA may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of CAPRELSA include:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of CAPRELSA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800ÂFDA-1088.
How should I store CAPRELSA?
Keep CAPRELSA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about CAPRELSA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use CAPRELSA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give CAPRELSA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes important information about CAPRELSA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about CAPRELSA that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.caprelsa.com or call 1-800-817-2722.
What are the ingredients in CAPRELSA?
Active ingredient: vandetanib Inactive ingredients:
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
