Warnings for Lupkynis
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Lupkynis
Lymphoma and Other Malignancies
Immunosuppressants, including LUPKYNIS, increase the risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin. The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. Examine patients for skin changes and advise to avoid or limit sun exposure and to avoid artificial UV light (tanning beds, sun lamps) by wearing protective clothing and using a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 30 or higher).
Serious Infections
Immunosuppressants, including LUPKYNIS, increase the risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections. These infections may lead to serious, including fatal, outcomes. Viral infections reported include cytomegalovirus and herpes zoster infections.
Monitor for the development of infection. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient; use the lowest effective dose needed to maintain response.
Nephrotoxicity
LUPKYNIS, like other calcineurin inhibitors, can cause acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity was reported in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor eGFR regularly during treatment, and consider dose reduction or discontinuation in patients with decreases in eGFR from baseline [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]; persistent decrease of eGFR should be evaluated for chronic calcineurin-inhibitor nephrotoxicity.
Consider the risks and benefits of LUPKYNIS treatment in light of the patient's treatment response and risk of worsening nephrotoxicity, including co-administration with drugs associated with nephrotoxicity. The risk for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity is increased when LUPKYNIS is concomitantly administered with drugs associated with nephrotoxicity.
Hypertension
Hypertension is a common adverse reaction of LUPKYNIS therapy and may require antihypertensive therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Some antihypertensive drugs can increase the risk for hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Certain calcium-channel blocking agents (verapamil and diltiazem) may increase voclosporin blood concentrations and require dosage reduction of LUPKYNIS [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Monitor blood pressure regularly during treatment and treat new-onset hypertension and exacerbations of pre-existing hypertension. If a patient experiences increases in blood pressure that cannot be managed with dose reduction of LUPKYNIS or other appropriate medical intervention, consider discontinuation of LUPKYNIS [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Neurotoxicity
LUPKYNIS, like other calcineurin inhibitors, may cause a spectrum of neurotoxicities [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The most severe neurotoxicities include posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), delirium, seizure, and coma; others include tremors, paresthesias, headache, mental status changes, and changes in motor and sensory functions. Monitor for neurologic symptoms and consider dosage reduction or discontinuation of LUPKYNIS if neurotoxicity occurs.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia, which may be serious and require treatment, has been reported with calcineurin inhibitors including LUPKYNIS [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Concomitant use of agents associated with hyperkalemia (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers) may increase the risk for hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium levels periodically during treatment.
QTc Prolongation
LUPKYNIS prolongs the QTc interval in a dose-dependent manner after single dose administration at a dose higher than the recommended lupus nephritis therapeutic dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. The use of LUPKYNIS in combination with other drugs that are known to prolong QTc may result in clinically significant QT prolongation.
Certain circumstances may increase the risk of the occurrence of torsade de pointes and/or sudden death in association with the use of drugs that prolong the QTc interval, including (1) bradycardia; (2) hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; (3) concomitant use of other drugs that prolong the QTc interval; and (4) presence of congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Postmarketing cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with LUPKYNIS. If signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur, discontinue LUPKYNIS; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve [see Contraindications (4)].
Immunizations
Avoid the use of live attenuated vaccines during treatment with LUPKYNIS (e.g., intranasal influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, and TY21a typhoid vaccines).
nactivated vaccines noted to be safe for administration may not be sufficiently immunogenic during treatment with LUPKYNIS.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia
Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with another calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant. All of these patients reported risk factors for PRCA such as parvovirus B19 infection, underlying disease, or concomitant medications associated with PRCA. A mechanism for calcineurin-inhibitor-induced PRCA has not been elucidated. If PRCA is diagnosed, consider discontinuation of LUPKYNIS.
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
In a 2-year mouse carcinogenicity study, administration of voclosporin at oral doses of 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg/day resulted in an increased incidence of malignant lymphoma in high dose females (7.5 times the MRHD on an AUC basis) and a dose-responsive trend for increase in malignant lymphoma in males. Malignant lymphoma was considered drug related in mice. In a 2-year rat carcinogenicity study, oral administration of voclosporin at doses up to 1.25 mg/kg/day in males and 2.5 mg/kg/day in females (doses that result in approximately similar drug exposures in rats) resulted in no statistically significant increases of tumor incidences.
In a 39-week oral toxicology study with monkeys, malignant lymphomas occurred at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day (approximately 4-and 7-times MRHD based on AUC for male and female animals, respectively). [At this dose, monkeys experienced high levels of immunosuppression as indicated by maximum calcineurin inhibition levels (Emax) of greater than 80%.]
Voclosporin was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a standard battery of genetic toxicity studies that included the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro Chinese hamster ovary cell chromosomal aberration assay, and in vivo rat micronucleus assay.
Voclosporin had no effect on fertility at doses up to 25 mg/kg/day in male and female rats (16-and 9times MRHD based on AUC, respectively).
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Avoid use of LUPKYNIS in pregnant women due to the alcohol content of the drug formulation. The available data on the use of LUPKYNIS in pregnant patients are insufficient to determine whether there is a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (see Clinical Considerations).
LUPKYNIS may be used in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen that includes MMF. MMF used in pregnant women and men whose female partners are pregnant can cause fetal harm (major birth defects and miscarriage). Refer to the MMF prescribing information for more information on its use during pregnancy.
In animal reproductive studies, oral administration of either voclosporin or a 50:50 mixture of voclosporin and its cis-isomer was embryocidal and fetocidal in rats and rabbits at doses 15-and 1times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 23.7 mg twice a day, based on drug exposure AUC. There were no treatment-related fetal malformations or variations. Additional findings of reduced placental and fetal body weights occurred in rabbits at 0.1 to 0.3-times the MRHD and in rats at higher drug exposures. Voclosporin was transferred across the placenta in pregnant rats. For rats, but not all doses in rabbits, these effects were associated with maternal toxicity consisting of reductions in body weight gain. Dystocia was evident in a pre-and postnatal study in rats, but there were no effects of voclosporin on postnatal growth and development (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk
Pregnant women with SLE are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including worsening of the underlying disease, premature birth, miscarriage, and intrauterine growth restriction. Maternal LN increases the risk of hypertension and preeclampsia/eclampsia. Passage of maternal autoantibodies across the placenta may result in adverse neonatal outcomes, including neonatal lupus and congenital heart block.
Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions
The formulation of LUPKYNIS contains alcohol (21.6 mg of dehydrated ethanol per capsule for a total
daily dose of 129.4 mg/day). Published studies have demonstrated that alcohol is associated with fetal harm including central nervous system abnormalities, behavioral disorders and impaired intellectual development. There is no safe level of alcohol exposure in pregnancy; therefore, avoid use of LUPKYNIS in pregnant women.
Data
Animal Data
Voclosporin (90 to 95% trans-isomer) is the active ingredient in LUPKYNIS. Animal reproductive studies were primarily conducted with an approximate 50:50 mixture of voclosporin and its cis-isomer. Similarity of the toxicity effects of the 50:50 mixture and voclosporin was demonstrated in comparative toxicity studies with adult rats. Interconversion between cis and trans isomers was not detected with in vitro or in vivo studies.
In an embryofetal developmental study, pregnant rats were dosed orally, during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6-17, with the 50:50 mixture of voclosporin and its cis-isomer, litter size was reduced due to increased fetal resorptions and deaths at drug exposures approximately 15-times the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 25 mg/kg/day). Surviving fetuses had reduced placental weights and slightly reduced fetal weights. There were no treatment-related fetal malformations or variations with doses up to 15-times the MRHD, although reductions in ossification sites were observed in the metatarsal bones. This dose was associated with maternal toxicity based on decreased body weight gain. The no effect dose for both fetal and maternal effects occurred at a drug exposure approximately 7-times the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 10 mg/kg/day).
Two embryofetal developmental studies were conducted in pregnant rabbits that received either the 50:50 mixture of voclosporin and its cis-isomer or voclosporin during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6-18. Litter size was reduced due to increased fetal resorptions and deaths with 50:50 mixture at drug exposures approximately the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 20 mg/kg/day). Increased resorptions were observed with voclosporin at 0.1-times the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal dose of 20 mg/kg/day); however, litter size was not significantly affected. Decreased placental weights and fetal body weights were observed with the 50:50 mixture at doses 0.3-times the MRHD and higher (on an AUC basis with maternal oral doses of 10 mg/kg/day and higher). Decreased fetal body weights were observed with voclosporin at doses 0.1-times the MRHD and higher (on an AUC basis with maternal oral doses of 5 mg/kg/day and higher). There were no treatment-related malformations or variations. Both studies had reductions of ossification sites in the metacarpal bones with the 50:50 mixture at doses 2-times the MRHD, and the sternabrae and hyoid body and/or arches with voclosporin at doses 0.1-times the MRHD and higher. The high dose of 20 mg/kg/day 50:50 mixture of voclosporin was associated with maternal toxicity based on decreased body weight gains. These rabbit studies indicated that the toxicity of 50:50 mixture of voclosporin and its cis-isomer and voclosporin were qualitatively similar; however, voclosporin was more potent than the 50:50 mixture, consistent with its pharmacological potency. The no effect dose for the fetal effects of voclosporin occurred at a drug exposure approximately 0.01-times the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 1 mg/kg/day).
In a pre-and post-natal developmental study, rats were dosed from gestation day 7 through lactation day 20 with a 50:50 mixture of voclosporin and its cis-isomer. Dystocia (delayed parturition) occurred at a dose 12-times the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 25 mg/kg/day) that resulted in reductions of the mean number of total pups delivered and surviving pups per litter. This dose was associated with maternal toxicity based on decreased body weight gain. No adverse effects on dams or their pups were observed at doses 3-times the MRHD and lower (on an AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 10 mg/kg/day). There were no effects on behavioral and physical development, or the reproductive performance of male or female pups. The no effect dose for delivery and pup survival was 10 mg/kg/day.
Lactation
Risk Summary
The available human data from a clinical lactation study detected small amounts of voclosporin in human milk. Following a single dose to lactating subjects, a fully breastfed infant was estimated to receive a daily infant dose of 0.00675 mg/kg, and relative infant dose of 1.4% the maternal weight-adjusted dose. No change is expected for infant exposure at steady state with maternal twice daily dosing (see Data). Available data from the clinical study and published scientific literature are insufficient to determine the effects of LUPKYNIS on the breastfed infant or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for LUPKYNIS and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from LUPKYNIS or from the medical condition of the mother.
Data
Following a single 23.7 mg dose of voclosporin in healthy lactating subjects, an average of 0.00472 mg voclosporin was excreted in breast milk. Data showed that the voclosporin milk to maternal blood exposure ratio was in the range of 0.42 to 0.95. Based on the infant milk intake of 200 mL/kg/day, the highest estimated voclosporin dose ingested by fully breastfed infant was 1.4% of maternal weight-adjusted dose, which equals estimated daily infant dose of 0.00675 mg/kg/day. At steady state following maternal twice daily dosing regimen, the percent of voclosporin dose present in breast milk is expected to be similar to that following maternal single dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
LUPKYNIS may be used in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen that includes MMF. If LUPKYNIS is administered with MMF, the information for MMF regarding pregnancy testing, contraception, and infertility also applies to this combination regimen. Refer to MMF prescribing information for additional information.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS in pediatric patients has not been established.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of LUPKYNIS did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Renal Impairment
Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in patients with a baseline eGFR ≤ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 unless the benefit exceeds the risk. If used in patients with severe renal impairment at baseline, LUPKYNIS should be used at a reduced dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. No dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment at baseline [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Monitor eGFR closely.
After initiating therapy, dosing adjustments should be made based on eGFR [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Hepatic Impairment
In patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A and Child-Pugh B), reduce the LUPKYNIS dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Avoid LUPKYNIS in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Patient Information for Lupkynis
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Administration
Advise patients to:
- Swallow LUPKYNIS capsules whole, and not to open, crush, or divide LUPKYNIS capsules.
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Take LUPKYNIS on an empty stomach consistently as close to a 12-hour schedule as possible, and with a minimum of 8 hours between doses.
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If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible within 4 hours after missing the dose. Beyond the 4-hour time frame, wait until the usual scheduled time to take the next regular dose. Do not double the next dose.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking LUPKYNIS.
Development of Lymphoma and Other Malignancies
Inform patients that they are at an increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin, due to immunosuppression. Advise patients to limit exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light by wearing protective clothing and use a sunscreen with a high protection factor [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Increased Risk of Infection
Inform patients that they are at an increased risk of developing a variety of infections, including opportunistic infections, due to immunosuppression and to contact their physician if they develop any symptoms of infection such as fever, sweats or chills, cough or flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, or warm, red, painful areas on the skin [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Nephrotoxicity (Acute and/or Chronic)
Inform patients that LUPKYNIS can have toxic effects on the kidney that should be monitored. Advise patients to attend all visits and complete all blood tests ordered by their medical team [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Hypertension
Inform patients that LUPKYNIS can cause high blood pressure which may require treatment with antihypertensive therapy. Advise patients to monitor their blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Neurotoxicity
Inform patients that they are at risk of developing adverse neurologic effects including seizure, altered mental status, and tremor. Advise patients to contact their physician should they develop vision changes, delirium, or tremors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Hyperkalemia
Inform patients that LUPKYNIS can cause hyperkalemia. Monitoring of potassium levels may be necessary, especially with concomitant use of other drugs known to cause hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Drug Interactions
Advise patients to tell their healthcare provider when they start or stop taking any concomitant medications. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) are contraindicated with LUPKYNIS, and other CYP3A4 enzyme modulating drugs can alter LUPKYNIS exposure [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Pregnancy
Inform female patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to avoid use of LUPKYNIS during pregnancy. When LUPKYNIS is administered in combination with MMF, refer patients to the MMF medication guide. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or become pregnant [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].
Lactation
Advise female patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed while taking LUPKYNIS [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Inform patients of the potential risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Advise patients to stop taking LUPKYNIS and seek medical attention if signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur (such as swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing) [see Warning and Precautions (5.8)].
Immunizations
Inform patients that LUPKYNIS can interfere with the usual response to immunizations and that they should avoid live vaccines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].