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DROXIA
(hydroxyurea) Capsules for Oral Use
WARNING
MYELOSUPPRESSION AND MALIGNANCIES
DROXIA® (hydroxyurea capsules, USP) is available for oral use as capsules containing 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg hydroxyurea. Inactive ingredients include citric acid, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium phosphate, titanium dioxide, and capsule colorants: FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Green No. 3 (200 mg capsules); D&C Red No. 28, D&C Red No. 33, and FD&C Blue No. 1 (300 mg capsules); D&C Red No. 28, D&C Red No. 33, and D&C Yellow No. 10 (400 mg capsules).
Hydroxyurea is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is hygroscopic and freely soluble in water, but practically insoluble in alcohol. The empirical formula is CH4N2O2 and it has a molecular weight of 76.05. Its structural formula is:
 |
DROXIA is indicated to reduce the frequency of painful crises and to reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe painful crises.
Table 1: Dosing Recommendation Based on Blood Count
| Dosing Regimen | Dose | Dose Modification Criteria | Monitoring Parameters |
| Initial Recommended Dosing | 15 mg/kg/day as a single dose | Base dosage on the patient’s actual or ideal weight, whichever is less. Monitor the patient’s blood count every 2 weeks [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. | |
| Dosing Based on Blood Counts | |||
| In an acceptable range | Increase dose 5 mg/kg/day every 12 we e ks Maximal dose: 35 mg/kg/day* *Maximal dose is the highest dose that does not produce toxic blood counts over 24 consecutive weeks. | Increase dosing only if blood counts are in an acceptable range. Do not increase if myelosuppression occurs. | Blood Counts Acceptable Range neutrophils ≥ 2500 cells/mm³ platelets ≥ 9 5,000/mm³ hemoglobin > 5.3 g/dL reticulocytes ≥ 95,000/mm³ if the hemoglobin concentration < 9 g/dL |
| Between acceptable and toxic range | Do not increase dose. | If blood counts are considered toxic, discontinue DROXIA until hematologic recovery. | Blood Counts Toxic Range neutrophils < 2000 cells/mm³platelets < 80,000/mm³ hemoglobin < 4.5 g/dL reticulocytes < 80,000/mm³ if the hemoglobin concentration < 9 g/dL |
| Dosing After Hematologic Recovery | Reduce dose by 2.5 mg/kg/day. | Reduce the dose from the dose associated with hematologic toxicity. May titrate up or down every 12 weeks in 2.5 mg/kg/day increments. The patient should be at a stable dose with no hematologic toxicity for 24 weeks. Discontinue the treatment permanently if a patient develops hematologic toxicity twice. | |
Patients must be able to follow directions regarding drug administration and their monitoring and care. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels may be used to evaluate the efficacy of DROXIA in clinical use. Obtain HbF levels every three to four months. Monitor for an increase in HbF of at least two-fold over the baseline value.
DROXIA causes macrocytosis, which may mask the incidental development of folic acid deficiency. Prophylactic administration of folic acid is recommended.
DROXIA is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures [see REFERENCES].
Reduce the dose of DROXIA by 50% in patients with creatinine clearance of less than 60 mL/min or with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [see Use in Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Creatinine clearance values were obtained using 24-hour urine collections.
| Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) | Recommended DROXIA Initial Dose (mg/kg daily) |
| ≥ 60 | 15 |
| < 60 or ESRD* | 7.5 |
| * On dialysis days, administer DROXIA to patients with ESRD following hemodialysis. | |
Monitor the hematologic parameters closely in these patients.
DROXIA® (hydroxyurea capsules, USP) is supplied in HDPE bottles with a plastic safety screw cap. Each bottle contains 60 capsules. DROXIA is supplied in the following strengths:
200 mg opaque blue-green capsules, marked in black ink
with “DROXIA” and “6335” (NDC 0003- 6335-17).
300 mg opaque purple capsules, marked in black ink with
“DROXIA” and “6336” (NDC 0003-6336- 17).
400 mg opaque reddish-orange capsules, marked in black
ink with “DROXIA” and “6337” (NDC 0003- 6337-17).
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep tightly closed.
DROXIA is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures [see REFERENCES ].
To decrease the risk of contact, advise caregivers to wear disposable gloves when handling DROXIA or bottles containing DROXIA. Wash hands with soap and water before and after contact with the bottle or capsules when handling DROXIA. Do not open DROXIA capsules. Avoid exposure to crushed or opened capsules. If contact with crushed or opened capsules occurs on the skin, wash affected area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If contact with crushed or opened capsules occurs on the eye(s), the affected area should be flushed thoroughly with water or isotonic eyewash designated for that purpose for at least 15 minutes. If the powder from the capsule is spilled, immediately wipe it up with a damp disposable towel and discard in a closed container, such as a plastic bag; as should the empty capsules. The spill areas should then be cleaned three times using a detergent solution followed by clean water. Keep the medication away from children and pets. Contact your doctor for instructions on how to dispose of outdated capsules.
REFERENCES
OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html.
Manufactured for: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 USA. Revised: March 2016
The following adverse reactions are described in detail in other labeling sections:
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.
In 299 patients treated for sickle cell anemia in the Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia, the most common adverse reactions were hematologic, with neutropenia, and low reticulocyte and platelet levels necessitating temporary cessation in almost all patients. Hematologic recovery usually occurred in two weeks.
Other adverse reactions include hair loss, macrocytosis, bleeding, and melanonychia.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of hydroxyurea in the treatment of neoplastic diseases. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency.
In patients with HIV infection during therapy with hydroxyurea and didanosine, with or without stavudine, fatal and nonfatal pancreatitis have occurred. Hydroxyurea is not indicated for the treatment of HIV infection; however, if patients with HIV infection are treated with hydroxyurea, and in particular, in combination with didanosine and/or stavudine, close monitoring for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis is recommended. Permanently discontinue therapy with hydroxyurea in patients who develop signs and symptoms of pancreatitis.
Hepatotoxicity and hepatic failure resulting in death have been reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients with HIV infection treated with hydroxyurea and other antiretroviral drugs. Fatal hepatic events were reported most often in patients treated with the combination of hydroxyurea, didanosine, and stavudine. Avoid this combination.
Peripheral neuropathy, which was severe in some cases, has been reported in patients with HIV infection receiving hydroxyurea in combination with antiretroviral drugs, including didanosine, with or without stavudine.
Studies have shown that there is an analytical interference of hydroxyurea with the enzymes (urease, uricase, and lactate dehydrogenase) used in the determination of urea, uric acid, and lactic acid, rendering falsely elevated results of these in patients treated with hydroxyurea.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Hydroxyurea causes severe myelosuppression. Treatment with hydroxyurea should not be initiated if bone marrow function is markedly depressed. Bone marrow suppression may occur, and leukopenia is generally its first and most common manifestation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occur less often, and are seldom seen without a preceding leukopenia.
Some patients, treated at the recommended initial dose of 15 mg/kg/day, have experienced severe or life-threatening myelosuppression.
Evaluate hematologic status prior to and during treatment with DROXIA. Provide supportive care and modify dose or discontinue DROXIA as needed. Recovery from myelosuppression is usually rapid when therapy is interrupted.
Hydroxyurea is a human carcinogen. In patients receiving long-term hydroxyurea for myeloproliferative disorders, secondary leukemia has been reported. Skin cancer has also been reported in patients receiving long-term hydroxyurea. Advise protection from sun exposure and monitor for the development of secondary malignancies.
Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animals, DROXIA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Hydroxyurea was embryotoxic and teratogenic in rats and rabbits at doses 0.8 times and 0.3 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m² basis. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Specific Populations]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and after treatment with DROXIA for at least 6 months after therapy. Advise males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and after treatment with DROXIA for at least 1 year after therapy [see Use in Specific Populations].
Cutaneous vasculitic toxicities, including vasculitic ulcerations and gangrene, have occurred in patients with myeloproliferative disorders during therapy with hydroxyurea. These vasculitic toxicities were reported most often in patients with a history of, or currently receiving, interferon therapy. If cutaneous vasculitic ulcers occur, institute treatment and discontinue DROXIA.
Avoid use of live vaccine in patients taking DROXIA. Concomitant use of DROXIA with a live virus vaccine may potentiate the replication of the virus and/or may increase the adverse reaction of the vaccine because normal defense mechanisms may be suppressed by DROXIA. Vaccination with live vaccines in a patient receiving DROXIA may result in severe infection. Patient's antibody response to vaccines may be decreased. Consider consultation with a specialist.
Pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy have occurred when hydroxyurea was administered concomitantly with antiretroviral drugs, including didanosine and stavudine [SEE DRUG INTERACTIONS].
DROXIA may cause macrocytosis, which is self-limiting, and is often seen early in the course of treatment. The morphologic change resembles pernicious anemia, but is not related to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. This may mask the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. Prophylactic administration of folic acid is recommended.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Conventional long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of DROXIA have not been performed. However, intraperitoneal administration of 125 to 250 mg/kg hydroxyurea (about 0.6-1.2 times the maximum recommended human oral daily dose on a mg/m² basis) thrice weekly for 6 months to female rats increased the incidence of mammary tumors in rats surviving to 18 months compared to control. Hydroxyurea is mutagenic in vitro to bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and mammalian cells. Â Hydroxyurea is clastogenic in vitro (hamster cells, human lymphoblasts) and in vivo (SCE assay in rodents, mouse micronucleus assay). Hydroxyurea causes the transformation of rodent embryo cells to a tumorigenic phenotype.
Hydroxyurea administered to male rats at 60 mg/kg/day (about 0.3 times the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m² basis) produced testicular atrophy, decreased spermatogenesis, and significantly reduced their ability to impregnate females.
DROXIA can cause fetal harm based on findings from animal studies and the drug's mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. There are no data with DROXIA use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of hydroxyurea to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis produced embryotoxic and teratogenic effects at doses 0.8 times and 0.3 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m² basis (see Data).
Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus and to avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with DROXIA.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%–4% and 15%–20%, respectively.
Animal Data
Hydroxyurea has been demonstrated to be a potent teratogen in a wide variety of animal models, including mice, hamsters, cats, miniature swine, dogs, and monkeys at doses within 1-fold of the human dose given on a mg/m basis. Hydroxyurea is embryotoxic and causes fetal malformations (partially ossified cranial bones, absence of eye sockets, hydrocephaly, bipartite sternebrae, missing lumbar vertebrae) at 180 mg/kg/day (about 0.8 times the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m² basis) in rats and at 30 mg/kg/day (about 0.3 times the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m² basis) in rabbits. Embryotoxicity was characterized by decreased fetal viability, reduced live litter sizes, and developmental delays. Hydroxyurea crosses the placenta. Single doses of ≥ 375 mg/kg (about 1.7 times the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m² basis) to rats caused growth retardation and impaired learning ability.
Hydroxyurea is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant from hydroxyurea, including carcinogenicity, discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with DROXIA.
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating DROXIA therapy.
Females
DROXIA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use In Specific Populations]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and after treatment with DROXIA for at least 6 months after therapy. Advise females to immediately report pregnancy.
Males
DROXIA may damage spermatozoa and testicular tissue, resulting in possible genetic abnormalities. Males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during and after treatment with DROXIA for at least 1 year after therapy [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Males
Based on findings in animals and humans, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with DROXIA. Azoospermia or oligospermia, sometimes reversible, has been observed in men. Inform male patients about the possibility of sperm conservation before the start of therapy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and Nonclinical Toxicology].
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Clinical studies of DROXIA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of hydroxyurea, and may require a lower dose regimen. Hydroxyurea is excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
The exposure to hydroxyurea is higher in patients with creatinine clearance of less than 60 mL/min. Reduce dosage and closely monitor the hematologic parameters when DROXIA is to be administered to these patients [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
There are no data that support specific guidance for dosage adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment. Close monitoring of hematologic parameters is advised in these patients.
Acute mucocutaneous toxicity has been reported in patients receiving hydroxyurea at dosages several times the therapeutic dose. Soreness, violet erythema, edema on palms and soles followed by scaling of hands and feet, severe generalized hyperpigmentation of the skin, and stomatitis have been observed.
DROXIA is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any other component of its formulation.
The precise mechanism by which hydroxyurea produces its cytotoxic and cytoreductive effects is not known. However, various studies support the hypothesis that hydroxyurea causes an immediate inhibition of DNA synthesis by acting as a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, without interfering with the synthesis of ribonucleic acid or of protein.
The mechanisms by which DROXIA produces its beneficial effects in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are uncertain. Known pharmacologic effects of DROXIA that may contribute to its beneficial effects include increasing hemoglobin F levels in red blood cells (RBCs), decreasing neutrophils, increasing the water content of RBCs, increasing deformability of sickled cells, and altering the adhesion of RBCs to endothelium.
Following oral administration of DROXIA, hydroxyurea reaches peak plasma concentrations in 1 to 4 hours. Mean peak plasma concentrations and AUCs increase more than proportionally with increase of dose.
There are no data on the effect of food on the absorption of hydroxyurea.
Hydroxyurea distributes throughout the body with a volume of distribution approximating total body water.
Hydroxyurea concentrates in leukocytes and erythrocytes.
Up to 60% of an oral dose undergoes conversion through saturable hepatic metabolism and a minor pathway of degradation by urease found in intestinal bacteria.
In patients with sickle cell anemia, the mean cumulative urinary recovery of hydroxyurea was about 40% of the administered dose.
The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of hydroxyurea was assessed in adult patients with sickle cell disease and renal impairment. Patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance [CrCl] > 80 mL/min), mild (CrCl 50-80 mL/min), moderate (CrCl =30- < 50 mL/min), or severe ( < 30 mL/min) renal impairment received a single oral dose of 15 mg/kg hydroxyurea. Creatinine clearance values were obtained using 24-hour urine collections. Patients with ESRD received two doses of 15 mg/kg separated by 7 days; the first was given following a 4-hour hemodialysis session, the second prior to hemodialysis. The exposure to hydroxyurea (mean AUC) in patients with CrCl < 60 mL/min and those with ESRD was 64% higher than in patients with normal renal function (CrCl > 60 mL/min). Reduce the dose of DROXIA when it is administered to patients with creatinine clearance of < 60 mL/min or with ESRD following hemodialysis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Use in Specific Populations].
The efficacy of hydroxyurea in sickle cell anemia was assessed in a large clinical study (Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia) (see Table 2).
The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated 299 adult patients ( ≥ 18 years) with moderate to severe disease ( ≥ 3 painful crises yearly). The trial was stopped by the Data Safety Monitoring Committee, after accrual was completed but before the scheduled 24 months of follow-up was completed in all patients, based on observations of fewer painful crises among patients receiving hydroxyurea.
Compared to placebo treatment, treatment with hydroxyurea resulted in a significant decrease in the yearly rate of painful crises, the yearly rate of painful crises requiring hospitalization, the incidence of chest syndrome, the number of patients transfused, and units of blood transfused. Hydroxyurea treatment significantly increased the median time to both first and second painful crises.
Although patients with 3 or more painful crises during the preceding 12 months were eligible for the study, most of the benefit in crisis reduction was seen in the patients with 6 or more painful crises during the preceding 12 months.
Table 2: Results from the Multicenter Study of
Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia
| Event | Hydroxyurea (N=152) |
Placebo (N=147) |
Percent Change Versus Placebo | P-value |
| Median yearly rate of painful crises* | 2.5 | 4.6 | -46 | =0.001 |
| Median yearly rate of painful crises requiring hospitalization | 1.0 | 2.5 | -60 | =0.0027 |
| Median time to first painful crisis (months) | 2.76 | 1.35 | +104 | =0.014 |
| Median time to second painful crisis (months) | 6.58 | 4.13 | +59 | =0.0024 |
| Incidence of chest syndrome (# episodes) | 56 | 101 | -45 | =0.003 |
| Number of patients transfused | 55 | 79 | -30 | =0.002 |
| Number of units of blood | 423 | 670 | -37 | =0.003 |
| * A painful crisis was defined in the study as acute sickling-related pain that resulted in a visit to a medical facility, that lasted more than 4 hours, and that required treatment with a parenteral narcotic or NSAID. Chest syndrome, priapism, and hepatic sequestration were also included in this definition. | ||||
In patients with SCA treated with hydroxyurea, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) increases 4 to 12 weeks after initiation of treatment. In general, average HbF levels correlate with dose and plasma level with possible plateauing at higher dosages.
A clear relation between reduction in crisis frequency and increased HbF or F-cell levels has not been demonstrated. The dose-related cytoreductive effects of hydroxyurea, particularly on neutrophils, was the factor most strongly correlated with reduced crisis frequency.
DROXIA
(drock-SEE-yuh)
(hydroxyurea) Capsules, USP
Read this Patient Information before you start using DROXIA (hydroxyurea) 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. You and your healthcare provider should talk about DROXIA when you start taking it and at regular checkups.
What is the most important information I should know about DROXIA?
DROXIA can cause serious side effects including:
DROXIA may cause harm to your unborn baby.
For females taking DROXIA who can become pregnant:
For males taking DROXIA:
For females NOT taking DROXIA who can become pregnant:
DROXIA may cause fertility problems in males and females . Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
See “What are the possible side effects of DROXIA?” for more information about side effects. What is DROXIA?
DROXIA is a prescription medicine that is used to reduce the frequency of painful crises and reduce the need for blood transfusions in people with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe painful crises.
It is not known if DROXIA is safe and effective in children.
Who should not take DROXIA?
Do not take DROXIA if you are allergic to hydroxyurea or any of the ingredients in DROXIA. See the end of this leaflet for a list of the ingredients in DROXIA.
Before taking DROXIA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions , including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take an antiretroviral medicine. Taking DROXIA with certain antiretroviral medicines can cause serious side effects and may lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider if you received or are planning to receive a vaccination.
How Should I s tore DROXIA?
What are the possible side effects of DROXIA?
DROXIA may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of DROXIA include:
These are not all the possible side effects of DROXIA. 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.
How Should I store DROXIA?
Keep DROXIA and all medicines out of the reach of children. Keep DROXIA away from pets .
General information about the safe and effective us e of DROXIA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DROXIA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give DROXIA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about DROXIA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients of DROXIA?
Active ingredient: hydroxyurea
Inactive ingredients : citric acid, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium phosphate, titanium dioxide, and capsule colorants: FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Green No. 3 (200 mg capsules); D&C Red No. 28, D&C Red No. 33, and FD&C Blue No. 1 (300 mg capsules); D&C Red No. 28, D&C Red No. 33, and D&C Yellow No. 10 (400 mg capsules).
