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KHAPZORY
(levoleucovorin) for Injection, for intravenous use
KHAPZORY is a folate analog and the pharmacologically active levo-isomer of d,l-leucovorin. The chemical name is (2S)-2-[[4-[[(6S)-2-amino-5-formyl-4-oxo-1,6,7,8-tetrahydropteridin-6- yl] methylamino] benzoyl] amino] pentanedioate. The molecular formula is C20H23N7O7 and the molecular weight is 473.45. The chemical structure is:
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KHAPZORY 175 mg is a sterile lyophilized powder consisting of 175 mg levoleucovorin, 29.6 mg sodium hydroxide, and 105 mg mannitol in each vial. Additional sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be used to adjust the pH during manufacture. It is intended for intravenous administration after reconstitution with 3.6 mL of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP [See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
KHAPZORY 300 mg is a sterile lyophilized powder consisting of 300 mg levoleucovorin, 50.7 mg sodium hydroxide, and 180 mg mannitol in each vial. Additional sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be used to adjust the pH during manufacture. It is intended for intravenous administration after reconstitution with 6.2 mL of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP [See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
KHAPZORY is indicated for:
KHAPZORY is not indicated for the treatment of pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia secondary to lack of vitamin B12 because of the risk of progression of neurologic manifestations despite hematologic remission.
KHAPZORY is indicated for intravenous administration only. Do not administer intrathecally.
The recommended dosage for KHAPZORY is based on a methotrexate dose of 12 grams/m² administered as intravenous infusion over 4 hours in adult and pediatric patients. Twenty-four hours after starting the methotrexate infusion, initiate KHAPZORY at a dose of 7.5 mg (approximately 5 mg/m²) as an intravenous infusion every 6 hours.
Monitor serum creatinine and methotrexate levels at least once daily. Continue KHAPZORY, hydration, and urinary alkalinization (pH of 7 or greater) until the methotrexate level is below 5 x 10-8 M (0.05 micromolar). Adjust the dose or extend the duration as recommended in Table 1.
Table 1 : Recommended Dosage for KHAPZORY based on
Serum Methotrexate and Creatinine Levels
| Clinical Situation | Laboratory Findings | Recommendation |
| Normal methotrexate elimination | Serum methotrexate level approximately 10 micromolar at 24 hours after administration, 1 micromolar at 48 hours, and less than 0.2 micromolar at 72 hours. | Administer 7.5 mg by intravenous infusion every 6 hours for 60 hours (10 doses starting at 24 hours after start of methotrexate infusion). |
| Delayed late methotrexate elimination | Serum methotrexate level remaining above 0.2 micromolar at 72 hours, and more than 0.05 micromolar at 96 hours after administration. | Continue 7.5 mg by intravenous infusion every 6 hours, until methotrexate level is less than 0.05 micromolar. |
| Delayed early methotrexate elimination and/or evidence of acute renal injury* | Serum methotrexate level of 50 micromolar or more at 24 hours, or 5 micromolar or more at 48 hours after administration, OR 100% or greater increase in serum creatinine level at 24 hours after methotrexate administration (e.g., an increase from 0.5 mg/dL to a level of 1 mg/dL or more). |
Administer 75 mg by intravenous infusion every 3 hours until methotrexate level is less than 1 micromolar; then 7.5 mg by intravenous infusion every 3 hours until methotrexate level is less than 0.05 micromolar. |
| *These patients are likely to develop reversible renal failure. In addition to appropriate KHAPZORY therapy, continuing hydration and urinary alkalinization, and monitoring of fluid and electrolyte status, until the serum methotrexate level has fallen to below 0.05 micromolar and the renal failure has resolved. | ||
Decreased methotrexate elimination or renal impairment which are clinically important but less severe than the abnormalities described in Table 1 can occur following methotrexate administration. If toxicity associated with methotrexate are observed, in subsequent courses extend KHAPZORY rescue for an additional 24 hours (total of 14 doses over 84 hours).
Accumulation in a third space fluid collection (i.e., ascites, pleural effusion), renal insufficiency, or inadequate hydration can delay methotrexate elimination. Under such circumstances, higher doses of KHAPZORY or prolonged administration may be indicated.
Start KHAPZORY in adult and pediatric patients as soon as possible after an overdosage of methotrexate or within 24 hours of methotrexate administration when methotrexate elimination is impaired. As the time interval between methotrexate administration and KHAPZORY increases, the effectiveness of KHAPZORY to diminish methotrexate toxicity may decrease. Administer KHAPZORY 7.5 mg (approximately 5 mg/m²) as an intravenous infusion every 6 hours until the serum methotrexate level is less than 5 x 10-8 M (0.05 micromolar).
Monitor serum creatinine and methotrexate levels at least every 24 hours. Increase the dose of KHAPZORY to 50 mg/m² intravenously every 3 hours until the methotrexate level is less than 5 x 10-8 M for the following:
Continue concomitant hydration (3 L per day) and urinary alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate. Adjust the bicarbonate dose to maintain urine pH at 7 or greater.
The following regimens have been used for the treatment of colorectal cancer:
This five-day course may be repeated every 4 weeks for 2 courses, then every 4-5 weeks, if the patient has recovered from toxicity from the prior course. Do not adjust KHAPZORY dosage for toxicity.
Refer to fluorouracil prescribing information for information on fluorouracil dosage and dosage modifications for adverse reactions.
Reconstitute the 175 mg and 300 mg vial contents with 3.6 mL and 6.2 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, respectively to obtain a clear, colorless to yellowish solution (resultant concentration 50 mg per mL levoleucovorin). Reconstitution with a sodium chloride solution with preservatives (e.g., benzyl alcohol) has not been studied. Do not store reconstituted solution for more than 12 hours at room temperature. Protect from light.
Dilute reconstituted solution immediately (if possible), to concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. Do not store diluted reconstituted solution for more than 12 hours at room temperature. Protect from light.
Visually inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Discard if particulate matter or discoloration is observed.
For Injection: 175 mg and 300 mg of levoleucovorin as a sterile, white to yellowish lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution.
KHAPZORY (levoleucovorin) for injection is a sterile, preservative-free, white to yellowish lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial. It is available as:
175 mg vial - NDC 68152-112-01.
300 mg vial - NDC 68152-114-01.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store vial in original carton until contents are used. Protect solutions from light.
Distributed by: Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Irvine, CA 92618. Revised: Oct 2018
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
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.
Table 2 presents the frequency of adverse reactions which occurred during the administration of 58 courses of high-dose methotrexate 12 grams/m² followed by levoleucovorin rescue, for osteosarcoma, in 16 patients, ages 6-21 years. Most patients received levoleucovorin 7.5 mg every 6 hours for 60 hours or longer, beginning 24 hours after completion of methotrexate administration.
Table 2 : Adverse Reactions with High-Dose
Methotrexate Therapy
| Adverse Reaction | Levoleucovorin n=16 (%) |
|
| All Grades | Grade 3-4 | |
| Gastrointestinal | ||
| Stomatitis | 38 | 6 |
| Vomiting | 38 | 0 |
| Nausea | 19 | 0 |
| Diarrhea | 6 | 0 |
| Dyspepsia | 6 | 0 |
| Typhlitis | 6 | 6 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Dyspnea | 6 | 0 |
| Skin and Appendages | ||
| Dermatitis | 6 | 0 |
| Other | ||
| Confusion | 6 | 0 |
| Neuropathy | 6 | 0 |
| Renal function abnormal | 6 | 0 |
| Taste perversion | 6 | 0 |
Table 3 presents the frequency of adverse reactions which occurred in 2 arms of a randomized trial conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The trial failed to show superior overall survival with fluorouracil + levoleucovorin compared to fluorouracil + d,l-leucovorin. Patients were randomized to fluorouracil 370 mg/m² intravenously and levoleucovorin 100 mg/m² intravenously, both daily for 5 days, or to fluorouracil 370 mg/m² intravenously and d,l-leucovorin 200 mg/m² intravenously, both daily for 5 days. Treatment was repeated week 4 and week 8, then every 5 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Table 3 : Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10%
of Patients in Either Arm
| Adverse Reaction | Levoleucovorin/ fluorouracil n=318 (%) |
dl-Leucovorin/ fluorouracil n=307 (%) |
||
| Grade 1-4 | Grade 3-4 | Grade 1-4 | Grade 3-4 | |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Stomatitis | 72 | 12 | 72 | 14 |
| Diarrhea | 70 | 19 | 65 | 17 |
| Nausea | 62 | 8 | 61 | 8 |
| Vomiting | 40 | 5 | 37 | 6 |
| Abdominal Pain* | 14 | 3 | 19 | 3 |
| General Disorders | ||||
| Asthenia/Fatigue/Malaise | 29 | 5 | 32 | 11 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition | ||||
| Anorexia/Decreased Appetite | 24 | 4 | 25 | 2 |
| Skin Disorders | ||||
| Dermatitis | 29 | 1 | 28 | 1 |
| Alopecia | 26 | 0.3 | 28 | 1 |
| *Includes abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, lower abdominal pain, and abdominal tenderness | ||||
The following adverse reactions were identified during post approval use of levoleucovorin. Because these adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following have been reported:
Leucovorin products increase the toxicity of fluorouracil [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Leucovorin products increase the toxicities of fluorouracil [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Gastrointestinal toxicities, including stomatitis and diarrhea, occur more commonly and may be of greater severity and of prolonged duration. Deaths from severe enterocolitis, diarrhea, and dehydration have occurred in elderly patients receiving weekly d,l-leucovorin and fluorouracil. Do not initiate or continue therapy with KHAPZORY and fluorouracil in patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity until those symptoms have resolved. Monitor patients with diarrhea until it has resolved as rapid deterioration leading to death can occur.
Concomitant use of d,l-leucovorin with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the acute treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with HIV infection increased treatment failure and morbidity.
No studies have been conducted to evaluate the potential of levoleucovorin for carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and impairment of fertility.
There are limited data with levoleucovorin use in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with levoleucovorin.
Levoleucovorin is administered in combination with methotrexate or fluorouracil, which can cause embryo-fetal harm. Refer to methotrexate and fluorouracil prescribing information for additional information.
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.
There are no data on the presence of levoleucovorin in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production.
Levoleucovorin is administered in combination with methotrexate or fluorouracil. Refer to methotrexate and fluorouracil prescribing information for additional information.
The safety and effectiveness of KHAPZORY have been established in pediatric patients for rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in osteosarcoma and diminishing the toxicity associated with overdosage of folic acid antagonists or impaired methotrexate elimination. Use of levoleucovorin in pediatric patients is supported by open-label clinical trial data in 16 pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, with additional supporting evidence from literature [see Clinical Studies].
The safety and effectiveness of KHAPZORY have not been established for the treatment of pediatric patients with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer.
Clinical studies of levoleucovorin in the treatment of osteosarcoma did not include patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
In the NCCTG clinical trial of levoleucovorin in combination with fluorouracil in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, adverse reactions were consistent with fluorouracil related toxicity and were similar for patients age 65 years and older and patients younger than 65 [see Clinical Studies].
No Information provided
KHAPZORY is contraindicated in patients who have had severe hypersensitivity to leucovorin products, folic acid, or folinic acid [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Levoleucovorin is the pharmacologically active isomer of 5-formyl tetrahydrofolic acid (THF). Levoleucovorin does not require reduction by dihydrofolate reductase to participate in reactions utilizing folates as a source of “one-carbon” moieties. Administration of levoleucovorin counteracts the therapeutic and toxic effects of folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, which act by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase.
Levoleucovorin enhances the therapeutic and toxic effects of fluorouracil. Fluorouracil is metabolized to 5-fluoro-2'- deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate (FdUMP), which binds to and inhibits thymidylate synthase (an enzyme important in DNA repair and replication). Levoleucovorin is converted to another reduced folate, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, which then acts to stabilize the binding of FdUMP to thymidylate synthase, thereby enhancing the inhibition of thymidylate synthase.
The pharmacokinetics of levoleucovorin after intravenous injection of a 15 mg dose was studied in healthy subjects. The mean maximum serum total tetrahydrofolate (total-THF) concentration was 1722 ng/mL (CV 39%) and the mean maximum serum (6S)-5-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate concentration was 275 ng/mL (CV 18%) observed around 0.9 hours post injection.
The mean terminal half-life was 5.1 hours for total-THF and 6.8 hours for (6S)-5-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate.
A published cross study comparison showed that the mean dose-normalized steady-state plasma concentrations for both levoleucovorin and 5-methyl-THF were comparable whether fluorouracil (370 mg/m²/day IV bolus) was administered in combination with levoleucovorin (250 mg/m² and 1000 mg/m² as a continuous IV infusion for 5.5 days, N=9) or in combination with d,l-leucovorin (500 mg/m² as a continuous IV infusion for 5.5 days, N=6).
The efficacy of levoleucovorin rescue following high-dose methotrexate were evaluated in 16 patients, ages 6-21 years, who received 58 courses of chemotherapy for osteogenic sarcoma. High-dose methotrexate was one component of several different combination chemotherapy regimens evaluated across several trials. Methotrexate 12 g/m² IV over 4 hours was administered to 13 patients, who received levoleucovorin 7.5 mg every 6 hours for 60 hours or longer beginning 24 hours after completion of methotrexate. Three patients received methotrexate 12.5 g/m² IV over 6 hours, followed by levoleucovorin 7.5 mg every 3 hours for 18 doses beginning 12 hours after completion of methotrexate. The mean number of levoleucovorin doses per course was 18.2 and the mean total dose per course was 350 mg. The efficacy of levoleucovorin rescue following high-dose methotrexate was based on adverse reaction profile [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In a randomized clinical study conducted by the Mayo Clinic and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (Mayo/NCCTG) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer comparing d,l-leucovorin (LV) 200 mg/m² and fluorouracil 370 mg/m² versus LV 20 mg/m² and fluorouracil 425 mg/m² versus fluorouracil 500 mg/m², with all drugs administered by intravenous infusion daily for 5 days every 28 to 35 days, response rates were 26% (p=0.04 versus fluorouracil alone), 43% (p=0.001 versus fluorouracil alone), and 10%, respectively. Respective median survival times were 12.2 months (p=0.037), 12 months (p=0.050), and 7.7 months. The low dose LV regimen was associated with a statistically significant improvement in weight gain of more than 5%, relief of symptoms, and improvement in performance status. The high dose LV regimen was associated with a statistically significant improvement in performance status and trended toward improvement in weight gain and in relief of symptoms but these were not statistically significant.
In a second Mayo/NCCTG randomized clinical study the fluorouracil alone arm was replaced by sequentially administered methotrexate (MTX), fluorouracil, and LV. Response rates with LV 200 mg/m² and fluorouracil 370 mg/m² versus LV 20 mg/m² and fluorouracil 425 mg/m² versus sequential MTX and fluorouracil and LV were 31% (p≤0.01), 42% (p≤0.01), and 14%, respectively. Respective median survival times were 12.7 months (p≤0.04), 12.7 months (p≤0.01), and 8.4 months. There was no statistically significant difference in weight gain of more than 5% or in improvement in performance status between the treatment arms.
A randomized controlled trial conducted by the NCCTG in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer failed to show superiority of a regimen of fluorouracil + levoleucovorin to fluorouracil + d,l-leucovorin in overall survival. Patients were randomized to fluorouracil 370 mg/m² intravenously and levoleucovorin 100 mg/m² intravenously, both daily for 5 days, or to fluorouracil 370 mg/m² intravenously and d,l-leucovorin 200 mg/m² intravenously, both daily for 5 days. Treatment was repeated week 4 and week 8, then every 5 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS sections.
