WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Severe And Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
LIBTAYO is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that binds to the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response with the potential for breaking of peripheral tolerance and induction of immune-mediated adverse reactions. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under Warnings and Precautions may not be inclusive of all possible immune-mediated reactions.
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, immune-mediated adverse reactions can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies.
Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Monitor for symptoms and signs of immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate clinical chemistries, including liver tests and thyroid function tests, at baseline and periodically during treatment. Institute medical management promptly to include specialty consultation as appropriate.
In general, withhold LIBTAYO for Grade 3 or 4 and certain Grade 2 immune-mediated adverse reactions. Permanently discontinue LIBTAYO for Grade 4 and certain Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reactions [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. For Grade 3 or 4 and certain Grade 2 immune-mediated adverse reactions, administer corticosteroids (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) or other appropriate therapy until improvement to Grade 1 or less followed by a corticosteroid taper over one month [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reaction is not controlled with corticosteroids. Institute hormone replacement therapy for endocrinopathies as warranted.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 2.4% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 5 (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.7%) and Grade 2 (1.3%) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 1.3% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with pneumonitis, including 85% who received prednisone ≥ 40 mg per day or equivalent. Pneumonitis resolved in 62% of patients.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 0.9% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (0.6%) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 0.2% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with colitis, including 60% who received prednisone ≥ 40 mg per day or equivalent. Colitis resolved in 80% of patients.
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 2.1% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 5 (0.2%), Grade 4 (0.2%), and Grade 3 (1.7%) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 0.9% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with hepatitis, including 91% who received prednisone ≥ 40 mg per day or equivalent. Hepatitis resolved in 64% of patients.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.4% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.2%), and Grade 2 (0.2%) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Hypophysitis
Hypophysitis, which can result in hypopituitarism, occurred in 0.2% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, which consisted of one patient with Grade 3 hypophysitis.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurred in 6% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (5.6%). No patients discontinued hormone replacement therapy.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 1.5% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.4%). Hyperthyroidism resolved in 38% of patients.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis, occurred in 0.7% of 534 patients, including Grade 4 (0.4%) and Grade 3 (0.4%). Type 1 diabetes mellitus led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 0.2% of patients.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis With Renal Dysfunction
Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.6% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (0.2%) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 0.2% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with nephritis, including 67% who received prednisone ≥ 40 mg per day or equivalent. Nephritis resolved in all patients.
Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
Immune-mediated dermatologic reactions, including erythema multiforme and pemphigoid, occurred in 1.7% of 534 patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (1.1%) and Grade 2 (0.6%) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. In addition, SJS and TEN have been observed with LIBTAYO and with other products in this class. Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with dermatologic reactions, including 89% who received prednisone ≥ 40 mg per day or equivalent. Dermatologic reactions resolved in 33% of patients. Approximately 22% of patients had recurrence of dermatologic reactions after re-initiation of LIBTAYO.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of < 1% in 534 patients who received LIBTAYO [see ADVERSE REACTIONS] or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.
Neurological: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome / myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy
Cardiovascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitides
Ocular: Uveitis, iritis, and other ocular inflammatory toxicities. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment to include blindness can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a VogtKoyanagi-Harada like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic corticosteroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica
Hematological and Immunological: Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection
Infusion-Related Reactions
Severe infusion-related reactions (Grade 3) occurred in 0.2% of patients receiving LIBTAYO [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion or permanently discontinue LIBTAYO based on severity of reaction [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action, LIBTAYO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus resulting in fetal death. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LIBTAYO and for at least 4 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
Advise patients that LIBTAYO can cause immune-mediated adverse reactions including the following [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]:
- Pneumonitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of pneumonitis, including new or worsening symptoms of cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- Colitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of colitis, including diarrhea, blood or mucus in stools, or severe abdominal pain.
- Hepatitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of hepatitis.
- Endocrinopathies: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypophysitis, or type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Nephritis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of nephritis.
- Dermatologic Adverse Reactions: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they develop a new rash.
Infusion-Related Reactions
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of infusion-related reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Advise females of reproductive potential that LIBTAYO can cause harm to a fetus and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose of LIBTAYO [see Use In Specific Populations].
Lactation
Advise female patients not to breastfeed while taking LIBTAYO and for at least 4 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No studies have been performed to assess the potential of cemiplimab-rwlc for carcinogenicity or genotoxicity.
In a 3-month repeat-dose toxicology study in sexually mature cynomolgus monkeys, there were no cemiplimab-rwlc-related effects on fertility parameters (menstrual cycle, semen analysis, or testicular measurements) or in male or female reproductive organs at doses up to the highest dose tested, 50 mg/kg/week (approximately 5.5 to 25.5 times the human exposure based on AUC at the clinical dose of 350 mg once every 3 weeks).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on its mechanism of action, LIBTAYO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. There are no available data on the use of LIBTAYO in pregnant women. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus resulting in fetal death (see Data). Human IgG4 immunoglobulins (IgG4) are known to cross the placenta; therefore, LIBTAYO has the potential to be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Advise 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
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with LIBTAYO to evaluate its effect on reproduction and fetal development. A central function of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is to preserve pregnancy by maintaining maternal immune tolerance to the fetus. In murine models of pregnancy, blockade of PD-L1 signaling has been shown to disrupt tolerance to the fetus and to result in an increase in fetal loss; therefore, potential risks of administering LIBTAYO during pregnancy include increased rates of abortion or stillbirth. As reported in the literature, there were no malformations related to the blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in the offspring of these animals; however, immune-mediated disorders occurred in PD-1 and PD-L1 knockout mice. Based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure to cemiplimab-rwlc may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or altering the normal immune response.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of cemiplimab-rwlc in human milk, or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose of LIBTAYO.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Pregnancy Testing
Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LIBTAYO [see Pregnancy].
Contraception
LIBTAYO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Pregnancy].
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LIBTAYO and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of LIBTAYO have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
Of the 163 patients with metastatic and locally advanced CSCC who received LIBTAYO in clinical studies, 72% were 65 years or older and 37% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.