Warnings for Libtayo
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Libtayo
Severe And Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
LIBTAYO is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under Warnings and Precautions may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions.
The incidence and severity of immune-mediated adverse reactions were similar when LIBTAYO was administered as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy.
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. 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. Immune-mediated adverse reactions affecting more than one body system can occur simultaneously.
Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Monitor closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.
Withhold or permanently discontinue LIBTAYO depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. In general, if LIBTAYO requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroids.
Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
LIBTAYO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The definition of immune-mediated pneumonitis included the required use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants and the absence of a clear alternate etiology. In patients treated with other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies the incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation.
Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% (33/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (0.6%), and Grade 2 (1.6%) adverse reactions. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 1.3% of patients and withholding of LIBTAYO in 1.4% of the patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis resolved in 61% of the 33 patients. Of the 18 patients in whom LIBTAYO was withheld for pneumonitis, 10 reinitiated LIBTAYO after symptom improvement; of these, 4/10 (40%) had recurrence of pneumonitis.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
LIBTAYO can cause immune-mediated colitis. The definition of immune-mediated colitis included the required use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants and the absence of a clear alternate etiology. The primary component of the immune-mediated colitis was diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis treated with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies.
Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2% (25/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.8%) and Grade 2 (0.9%) adverse reactions. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 0.4% of patients and withholding of LIBTAYO in 1.2% of patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with colitis. Colitis resolved in 56% of the 25 patients. Of the 16 patients in whom LIBTAYO was withheld for colitis, 6 reinitiated LIBTAYO after symptom improvement; of these, 4/6 (67%) had recurrence of colitis.
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
LIBTAYO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. The definition of immune-mediated hepatitis included the required use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants and the absence of a clear alternate etiology.
Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 2.4% (31/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including fatal (< 0.1%), Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (1.6%), and Grade 2 (0.2%) adverse reactions.
Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 1.4% of patients and withholding of LIBTAYO in 0.7% of patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with hepatitis. Thirteen percent (13%) of these patients (4/31) required additional immunosuppression with mycophenolate. Hepatitis resolved in 39% of the 31 patients. Of the 9 patients in whom LIBTAYO was withheld for hepatitis, 5 patients reinitiated LIBTAYO after symptom improvement; of these, 1/5 (20%) had recurrence of hepatitis.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Adrenal Insufficiency
LIBTAYO can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold LIBTAYO depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.5% (6/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.5%) adverse reactions. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 1 (< 0.1%) patient. LIBTAYO was withheld in 1 (< 0.1%) patient due to adrenal insufficiency and not reinitiated. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 83% (5/6) patients with adrenal insufficiency; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency resolved in 17% of the 6 patients.
Hypophysitis
LIBTAYO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LIBTAYO depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hypophysitis occurred in 0.5% (7/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.3%) adverse reactions. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 1 (< 0.1%) patient and withholding of LIBTAYO in 2 (0.2%) patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 86% (6/7) patients with hypophysitis. Hypophysitis resolved in 14% of the 7 patients. Of the 2 patients in whom LIBTAYO was withheld for hypophysitis, none of the patients reinitiated.
Thyroid Disorders
LIBTAYO can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement or medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LIBTAYO depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (8/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 2 (0.3%) adverse reactions. No patient discontinued LIBTAYO due to thyroiditis. Thyroiditis led to withholding of LIBTAYO in 1 (< 0.1%) patient. Systemic corticosteroids were not required in any patient with thyroiditis. Thyroiditis resolved in 13% of the 8 patients.
Blood thyroid stimulating hormone increased and blood thyroid stimulating hormone decreased have also been reported.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 3% (39/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (< 0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.9%) adverse reactions. No patient discontinued treatment due to hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism led to withholding of LIBTAYO in 7 (0.5%) patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in 8% (3/39) of patients with hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism resolved in 56% of the 39 patients. Of the 7 patients in whom LIBTAYO was withheld for hyperthyroidism, 2 patients reinitiated LIBTAYO after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence of hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurred in 7% (87/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (< 0.1%) and Grade 2 (6%) adverse reactions. Hypothyroidism led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 3 (0.2%) patients. Hypothyroidism led to withholding of LIBTAYO in 9 (0.7%) patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in 1.1% (1/87) of patients. Hypothyroidism resolved in 6% of the 87 patients. The majority of patients with hypothyroidism required long-term thyroid hormone replacement.
Of the 9 patients in whom LIBTAYO was withheld for hypothyroidism, 1 reinitiated LIBTAYO after symptom improvement and did not have recurrence of hypothyroidism.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold LIBTAYO depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in < 0.1% (1/1281) of patients (Grade 4). No patient discontinued treatment due to Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes mellitus led to withholding of LIBTAYO in 0.1% of patients, treatment was reinitiated after symptom improvement. Patient received long-term insulin therapy.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis With Renal Dysfunction
LIBTAYO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. The definition of immune-mediated nephritis included the required use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants and the absence of a clear alternate etiology.
Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.7% (9/1281) patients receiving LIBTAYO, including fatal (< 0.1%), Grade 3 (< 0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.5%) adverse reactions. Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 0.2% of patients and withholding of LIBTAYO in 0.4% of patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with nephritis. Nephritis resolved in 78% of the 9 patients. Of the 5 patients in whom LIBTAYO was withheld for nephritis, 4 reinitiated LIBTAYO after symptom improvement; of these, 1/4 (25%) had recurrence of nephritis.
Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
LIBTAYO can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. The definition of immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reaction included the required use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants and the absence of a clear alternate etiology. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue LIBTAYO depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 1.9% (24/1281) of patients receiving LIBTAYO, including Grade 3 (0.9%) and Grade 2 (0.8%) adverse reactions. Dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of LIBTAYO in 0.2% of patients and withholding of LIBTAYO in 1.3% of patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 71% of the 24 patients. Of the 17 patients in whom LIBTAYO was withheld for dermatologic adverse reaction, 13 reinitiated LIBTAYO after symptom improvement; of these 5/13 (38%) had recurrence of the dermatologic adverse reaction.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of < 1% in 1281 patients who received LIBTAYO 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.
Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis
Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barre syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy
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 Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis, stomatitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis/dermatomyositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica
Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism
Other (Hematologic/Immune): Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenia, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection
Infusion-Related Reactions
Severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions occurred in 0.2% of patients receiving LIBTAYO as a single agent. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Common symptoms of infusion-related reaction include nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting.
Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion or permanently discontinue LIBTAYO based on severity of reaction [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Complications Of Allogeneic HSCT
Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.
Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.
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].
Complications Of Allogeneic HSCT Or Solid Organ Transplant Rejection
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they develop signs or symptoms of post-allogeneic HSCT complications or of solid organ transplant rejection [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 PD-1/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
LIBTAYO As A Single Agent
Of the 1281 patients who received LIBTAYO as a single agent in clinical studies, 26% were 65 years up to 75 years and 22% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.
Of the 358 patients with mCSCC or laCSCC who received LIBTAYO as a single agent in Study 1540, 30% were 65 years up to 75 years and 48% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.
Of the 138 patients with BCC who received LIBTAYO as a single agent in Study 1620, 27% were 65 years up to 75 years, and 31% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.
LIBTAYO In Combination With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
Of the 312 patients with NSCLC who received LIBTAYO in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in Study 16113, 35% were 65 years up to 75 years and 6% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.