Warnings for Opzelura
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Opzelura
Serious Infections
Serious and sometimes fatal infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving oral Janus kinase inhibitors.
Serious lower respiratory tract infections were reported in the clinical development program with topical ruxolitinib.
Avoid use of OPZELURA in patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating OPZELURA in patients:
- with chronic or recurrent infection
- with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection
- who have been exposed to tuberculosis
- who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses; or
- with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.
Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with OPZELURA. Interrupt OPZELURA if a patient develops a serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. Do not resume OPZELURA until the infection is controlled.
Tuberculosis
No cases of active tuberculosis (TB) were reported in clinical trials with OPZELURA. Cases of active TB were reported in clinical trials of oral Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Consider evaluating patients for latent and active TB infection prior to administration of OPZELURA.
During OPZELURA use, monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of TB.
Viral Reactivation
Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), were reported in clinical trials with Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions including OPZELURA. If a patient develops herpes zoster, consider interrupting OPZELURA treatment until the episode resolves.
Hepatitis B And C
The impact of Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions including OPZELURA on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Patients with a history of hepatitis B or C infection were excluded from clinical trials.
Hepatitis B viral load (HBV-DNA titer) increases, with or without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, have been reported in patients with chronic HBV infections taking oral ruxolitinib.
OPZELURA initiation is not recommended in patients with active hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
Mortality
In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study of an oral JAK inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, was observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared with TNF blockers.
Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA.
Malignancy And Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Malignancies, including lymphomas, were observed in clinical trials of oral JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk.
Malignancies, including lymphomas, have occurred in patients receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study of an oral JAK inhibitor in RA patients, a higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) was observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. A higher rate of lymphomas was observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. A higher rate of lung cancers was observed in current or past smokers treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. In this study, current or past smokers had an additional increased risk of overall malignancies.
Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancers), patients who develop a malignancy when on treatment, and patients who are current or past smokers.
Non-melanoma Skin Cancers
Non-melanoma skin cancers including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma have occurred in patients treated with OPZELURA. Perform periodic skin examinations during OPZELURA treatment and following treatment as appropriate. Exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE)
In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study of an oral JAK inhibitor in RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and non-fatal stroke was observed with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk.
Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA, particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur. Discontinue OPZELURA in patients that have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke.
Thrombosis
Thromboembolic events were observed in clinical trials with OPZELURA.
Thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and arterial thrombosis have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Many of these adverse reactions were serious and some resulted in death.
In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study of an oral JAK inhibitor in RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, higher rates of overall thrombosis, DVT, and PE were observed compared to those treated with TNF blockers.
Avoid OPZELURA in patients who may be at increased risk of thrombosis. If symptoms of thrombosis occur, discontinue OPZELURA and evaluate and treat patients appropriately.
Cytopenias
Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, and leukopenia were reported in the
clinical trials with OPZELURA. Consider the benefits and risks for individual patients who have a known history of these events prior to initiating therapy with OPZELURA. Perform CBC
monitoring as clinically indicated. Discontinue OPZELURA if signs and/or symptoms associated
with clinically significant decreases in laboratory values occur.
Lipid Elevations
Treatment with oral ruxolitinib has been associated with increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient or caregivers to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Infections
Inform patients that they may be at increased risk for developing infections, including serious infections, when taking Janus kinase inhibitors. Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider if they develop any signs or symptoms of an infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that Janus kinase inhibitors increase the risk of herpes zoster, and some cases can be serious [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Malignancies And Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Inform patients that Janus kinase inhibitors may increase the risk for developing lymphomas and other malignancies including skin cancer [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruct patients to inform their health care provider if they have ever had any type of cancer. Inform patients that periodic skin examinations should be performed while using OPZELURA. Advise patients that exposure to sunlight, and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events
Advise patients that events of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and cardiovascular death, have been reported in clinical studies with Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Instruct all patients, especially current or past smokers or patients with other cardiovascular risk factors, to be alert for the development of signs and symptoms of cardiovascular events [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Thrombosis
Advise patients that events of DVT and PE have been reported in clinical studies with Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider if they develop any signs or symptoms of a DVT or PE [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Cytopenias
Advise patients of the risk of thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, and
leukopenia with OPZELURA. Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider if they develop
any signs or symptoms of thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, or leukopenia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Administration Instructions
Advise patients or caregivers that OPZELURA is for topical use only [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Advise patients to limit treatment to one 60 gram tube per week or one 100 gram tube per 2 weeks [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Atopic Dermatitis
- Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older: Advise patients or caregivers to limit treatment to one 60 gram tube of OPZELURA per week or one 100 gram tube per 2 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (1)].
- Pediatric Patients 2 to 11 Years of Age: Advise patients or caregivers to limit treatment to one 60 gram tube of OPZELURA per 2 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (1)].
Nonsegmental Vitiligo
- Advise patients or caregivers to limit treatment to one 60 gram tube of OPZELURA per week or one 100 gram tube per 2 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (2)].
Pregnancy Registry
Inform patients to report their pregnancy to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463 [see Use In Specific Populations].
Lactation
Advise a patient not to breastfeed during treatment with OPZELURA and for about four weeks after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Ruxolitinib was not carcinogenic when administered orally in the 6-month Tg.rasH2 transgenic mouse model. In a 2-year oral rat carcinogenicity study, no drug-related tumors were observed at oral doses of ruxolitinib up to 60 mg/kg/day (3.5 times the MRHD clinical systemic exposure). In a 2-year dermal mouse carcinogenicity study, no drug-related tumors were observed at topical doses of ruxolitinib cream up to 1.5% applied at 100 μl/day (2.8 times the MRHD clinical systemic exposure).
Ruxolitinib was not mutagenic in a bacterial mutagenicity assay (Ames test) or clastogenic in an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay (cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes) or an in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus assay.
In a fertility study, ruxolitinib was administered orally to male rats prior to and throughout mating and to female rats prior to mating and up to the implantation day (gestation day 7). Ruxolitinib had no effect on fertility or reproductive function in male or female rats at doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (22 times the MRHD clinical systemic exposure). However, in female rats, doses of greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day (3.5 times the MRHD clinical systemic exposure) resulted in increased post-implantation loss.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in pregnant persons exposed to OPZELURA during pregnancy. Pregnant persons exposed to OPZELURA and healthcare providers should report OPZELURA exposure by calling 1-855-463-3463 or visiting www.opzelura.pregnancy.incyte.com.
Risk Summary
Available data from pregnancies reported in clinical trials with OPZELURA are not sufficient to evaluate a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of ruxolitinib to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in adverse developmental outcomes at doses associated with maternal toxicity (see Data).
The background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies carry some risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects and miscarriage is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
Ruxolitinib was administered orally to pregnant rats or rabbits during the period of organogenesis, at doses of 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg/day in rats and 10, 30, or 60 mg/kg/day in rabbits. There were no treatment-related malformations at any dose. A decrease in fetal weight of approximately 9% was noted in rats at the highest and maternally toxic dose of 60 mg/kg/day. This dose resulted in systemic exposure approximately 22 times the clinical systemic exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD; the clinical systemic exposure from ruxolitinib cream, 1.5% applied twice daily to 25-40% atopic dermatitis-affected body surface area is used for calculation of multiples of human exposure). In rabbits, lower fetal weights of approximately 8% and increased late resorptions were noted at the highest and maternally toxic dose of 60 mg/kg/day. This dose resulted in systemic exposure approximately 70% the MRHD clinical systemic exposure.
In a pre-and post-natal development study in rats, pregnant animals were dosed with ruxolitinib from implantation through lactation at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day. There were no drug-related adverse effects on embryofetal survival, postnatal growth, development parameters or offspring reproductive function at the highest dose evaluated (3.1 times the MRHD clinical systemic exposure).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of ruxolitinib in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Ruxolitinib was present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data). When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk.
Because of the serious adverse findings in adults, including risks of serious infections, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with OPZELURA and for approximately four weeks after the last dose (approximately 5-6 elimination half-lives).
Data
Lactating rats were administered a single dose of [14C]-labeled ruxolitinib (30 mg/kg) on postnatal Day 10, after which plasma and milk samples were collected for up to 24 hours. The AUC for total radioactivity in milk was approximately 13 times the maternal plasma AUC. Additional analysis showed the presence of ruxolitinib and several of its metabolites in milk, all at levels higher than those in maternal plasma.
Pediatric Use
Atopic Dermatitis
The safety and effectiveness of OPZELURA for the topical short-term and non-continuous
chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis have been established in nonimmunocompromised pediatric patients ages 2 years and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. Use of OPZELURA in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults and pediatric subjects ages 2 years and older with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and Clinical Studies]. Trials included 92 subjects 12 to 17 years of age and 130 subjects
2 to 11 years of age treated with OPZELURA.
Application site reactions, pyrexia, and decreased white blood cell were reported more frequently in pediatric subjects ages 2 to ll years compared to adults and pediatric subjects ages 12 years and older [see Adverse Reactions]. The safety and effectiveness of OPZELURA have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age with atopic dermatitis.
Nonsegmental Vitiligo
The safety and effectiveness of OPZELURA for the topical treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo
have been established in pediatric patients ages 12 years and older. Use of OPZELURA in this
age group is supported by evidence from TRuE-V1 and TRuE-V2, which included 55 subjects
ages 12 to 17 years with nonsegmental vitiligo [see Clinical Studies].
The safety and effectiveness of OPZELURA have not been established in pediatric patients
younger than 12 years of age with nonsegmental vitiligo.
Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data
Oral administration of ruxolitinib to juvenile rats resulted in effects on growth and bone measures. When administered starting at postnatal day 7 (the equivalent of a human newborn) at doses of 1.5 to 75 mg/kg/day, evidence of fractures occurred at doses ≥ 30 mg/kg/day, and effects on body weight and other bone measures [e.g., bone mineral content, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and x-ray analysis] occurred at doses ≥ 5 mg/kg/day. When administered starting at postnatal day 21 (the equivalent of a human 2-3 years of age) at doses of 5 to 60 mg/kg/day, effects on body weight and bone occurred at doses ≥ 15 mg/kg/day, which were considered adverse at 60 mg/kg/day. Males were more severely affected than females in all age groups, and effects were generally more severe when administration was initiated earlier in the postnatal period. These findings were observed at systemic exposures that are at least These findings were observed at systemic exposures that are at least 45% the MRHD in pediatric subjects 2 to 11 years of age (the clinical systemic exposure from ruxolitinib cream, 1.5% applied twice daily to 35-50% atopic dermatitis-affected body surface area in pediatric subjects 2 to 11 years of age is used for the calculation of multiples of human exposure in this subsection).
Geriatric Use
Of the 1249 total subjects with atopic dermatitis in clinical trials with OPZELURA, 115 (9%) were 65 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies]. No clinically meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects less than 65 years and subjects 65 years and older.
Of the 831 total subjects enrolled with nonsegmental vitiligo in clinical trials with OPZELURA, 5 (8%) were 65 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies]. Clinical trials of OPZELURA in subjects with nonsegmental vitiligo did not include sufficient numbers of subjects 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult subjects.