Warnings for Orkambi
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Orkambi
Use In Patients With Advanced Liver Disease
Worsening of liver function, including hepatic encephalopathy, in patients with advanced liver disease has been reported. Liver function decompensation, including liver failure leading to death, has been reported in CF patients with pre-existing cirrhosis with portal hypertension while receiving ORKAMBI. Use ORKAMBI with caution in patients with advanced liver disease and only if the benefits are expected to outweigh the risks. If ORKAMBI is used in these patients, they should be closely monitored after the initiation of treatment and the dose should be reduced [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Liver-Related Events
Serious adverse reactions related to elevated transaminases have been reported in patients with CF receiving ORKAMBI. In some instances, these elevations have been associated with concomitant elevations in total serum bilirubin.
It is recommended that ALT, AST, and bilirubin be assessed prior to initiating ORKAMBI, every 3 months during the first year of treatment, and annually thereafter. For patients with a history of ALT, AST, or bilirubin elevations, more frequent monitoring should be considered. Patients who develop increased ALT, AST, or bilirubin should be closely monitored until the abnormalities resolve.
Dosing should be interrupted in patients with ALT or AST >5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) when not associated with elevated bilirubin. Dosing should also be interrupted in patients with ALT or AST elevations >3 x ULN when associated with bilirubin elevations >2 x ULN. Following resolution of transaminase elevations, consider the benefits and risks of resuming dosing [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ].
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivity reactions, including cases of angioedema and anaphylaxis, have been reported in the postmarketing setting [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ]. If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions develop during treatment, discontinue ORKAMBI and institute appropriate therapy. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient to determine whether to resume treatment with ORKAMBI.
Respiratory Events
Respiratory events (e.g., chest discomfort, dyspnea, and respiration abnormal) were observed more commonly in patients during initiation of ORKAMBI compared to those who received placebo. These events have led to drug discontinuation and can be serious, particularly in patients with advanced lung disease (percent predicted FEV1 <40). Clinical experience in patients with ppFEV1 <40 is limited, and additional monitoring of these patients is recommended during initiation of therapy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ].
Effect On Blood Pressure
Increased blood pressure has been observed in some patients treated with ORKAMBI. Blood pressure should be monitored periodically in all patients being treated with ORKAMBI [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ].
Drug Interactions
Substrates Of CYP3A
Lumacaftor is a strong inducer of CYP3A. Administration of ORKAMBI may decrease systemic exposure of medicinal products that are substrates of CYP3A, which may decrease therapeutic effect. Co-administration with sensitive CYP3A substrates or CYP3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic index is not recommended.
ORKAMBI may substantially decrease hormonal contraceptive exposure, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the incidence of menstruation-associated adverse reactions, e.g., amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, menstrual irregular (27% in women using hormonal contraceptives compared with 3% in women not using hormonal contraceptives). Hormonal contraceptives, including oral, injectable, transdermal, and implantable, should not be relied upon as an effective method of contraception when co-administered with ORKAMBI [see ADVERSE REACTIONS , DRUG INTERACTIONS , and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
Strong CYP3A Inducers
Ivacaftor is a substrate of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 isoenzymes. Use of ORKAMBI with strong CYP3A inducers, such as rifampin, significantly reduces ivacaftor exposure, which may reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of ORKAMBI. Therefore, co-administration with strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John’s wort [Hypericum perforatum]) is not recommended [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
Cataracts
Cases of non-congenital lens opacities have been reported in pediatric patients treated with ORKAMBI and ivacaftor, a component of ORKAMBI. Although other risk factors were present in some cases (such as corticosteroid use and exposure to radiation), a possible risk attributable to ivacaftor cannot be excluded [see Use In Specific Populations]. Baseline and follow-up ophthalmological examinations are recommended in pediatric patients initiating ORKAMBI treatment.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Advanced Liver Disease
Inform patients that worsening of liver function, including hepatic encephalopathy, in patients with advanced liver disease occurred in some patients treated with ORKAMBI. Liver function decompensation, including liver failure leading to death, has been reported in CF patients with pre-existing cirrhosis with portal hypertension while receiving ORKAMBI [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Abnormalities In Liver Function And Testing
Inform patients that abnormalities in liver function have occurred in patients treated with ORKAMBI. Blood tests to measure transaminases (ALT and AST) and bilirubin will be performed prior to initiating ORKAMBI, every 3 months during the first year of therapy, and annually thereafter. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms consistent with hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema and anaphylaxis are possible with use of ORKAMBI. Inform patients of the early signs of hypersensitivity reactions including rash, hives, itching, facial swelling, tightness of the chest and wheezing. Advise patients to discontinue use of ORKAMBI immediately and contact their physician or go to the emergency department if these symptoms occur.
Respiratory Events
Inform patients that chest discomfort, dyspnea, and respiration abnormal were more common during initiation of ORKAMBI therapy, especially in patients with advanced lung disease and to contact their healthcare provider if they develop any of these symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ].
Effect on Blood Pressure Inform patients that increased blood pressure has been observed in some patients treated with ORKAMBI and that periodic monitoring of their blood pressure during treatment is recommended and to contact their healthcare provider if they develop elevated blood pressure or notice elevations in pre-existing high blood pressure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Drug Interactions With CYP3A Inhibitors And Inducers
- Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers of all concomitant medications, herbal and dietary supplements. Advise patients to avoid grapefruit products during the first week after treatment initiation with ORKAMBI [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION), WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , and DRUG INTERACTIONS ].
- Instruct post-menarchal patients including females of reproductive potential on alternative methods of birth control because hormonal contraceptives should not be relied upon as an effective method of contraception. ORKAMBI may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives and there is an increased incidence of menstruation-related adverse reactions when co-administered with ORKAMBI [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , ADVERSE REACTIONS , and DRUG INTERACTIONS ].
Cataracts
Inform patients that abnormalities of the eye lens (cataract) have been noted in some children and adolescents receiving ORKAMBI. Advise pediatric patients and their caregivers that they will receive ophthalmological examinations before initiating and during ORKAMBI treatment. Advise pediatric patients and/or their caregivers to contact their healthcare provider if they experience visual changes [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Administration
Inform patients that ORKAMBI should be taken with fat-containing food. A typical CF diet will satisfy this requirement. Examples of fat-containing foods include eggs, avocados, nuts, butter, peanut butter, cheese pizza, breast milk, infant formula, whole-milk dairy products (such as whole milk, cheese, and yogurt), etc. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
Inform patients and caregivers that ORKAMBI oral granules should be mixed with one teaspoon (5 mL) of age-appropriate soft food or liquid and completely consumed to ensure delivery of the entire dose. Food or liquid should be at or below room temperature. Once mixed, the product has been shown to be stable for one hour, and therefore should be consumed during this period. Some examples of appropriate soft foods or liquids may include puréed fruits or vegetables, flavored yogurt or pudding, applesauce, water, milk, breast milk, infant formula or juice.
Inform patients that if a dose is missed and they remember the missed dose within 6 hours, the patients should take the dose with fat-containing food. If more than 6 hours elapsed after the usual dosing time, the patients should skip that dose and resume the normal schedule for the following dose. Patients should be informed not to take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No studies of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility were conducted with ORKAMBI; however, studies are available for individual components, lumacaftor and ivacaftor, as described below.
Lumacaftor
A two-year study in Sprague-Dawley rats and a 26-week study in transgenic Tg.rasH2 mice were conducted to assess carcinogenic potential of lumacaftor. No evidence of tumorigenicity was observed in rats at lumacaftor oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 and 13 times the MRHD on a lumacaftor AUC basis in males and females, respectively). No evidence of tumorigenicity was observed in Tg.rasH2 mice at lumacaftor oral doses up to 1500 and 2000 mg/kg/day in female and male mice, respectively. Lumacaftor was negative for genotoxicity in the following assays: Ames test for bacterial gene mutation, in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
Lumacaftor had no effects on fertility and reproductive performance indices in male and female rats at an oral dose of 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 3 and 8 times, respectively, the MRHD on a lumacaftor AUC basis).
Ivacaftor
Two-year studies were conducted in mice and rats to assess carcinogenic potential of ivacaftor. No evidence of tumorigenicity was observed in mice and rats at ivacaftor oral doses up to 200 mg/kg/day and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively (approximately equivalent to 3 and 10 times the MRHD based on summed AUCs of ivacaftor and its metabolites).
Ivacaftor was negative for genotoxicity in the following assays: Ames test for bacterial gene mutation, in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
Ivacaftor impaired fertility and reproductive performance indices in male and female rats at an oral dose of 200 mg/kg/day (approximately 15 and 7 times the MRHD based on summed AUCs of ivacaftor and its metabolites). Increases in prolonged diestrus were observed in females at 200 mg/kg/day. Ivacaftor also increased the number of females with all nonviable embryos and decreased corpora lutea, implantations, and viable embryos in rats at 200 mg/kg/day (approximately 7 times the MRHD based on summed AUCs of ivacaftor and its metabolites) when dams were dosed prior to and during early pregnancy. These impairments of fertility and reproductive performance in male and female rats at 200 mg/kg/day were attributed to severe toxicity. No effects on male or female fertility and reproductive performance indices were observed at an oral dose of ≤100 mg/kg/day (approximately 8 and 5 times the MRHD based on summed AUCs of ivacaftor and its metabolites).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are limited and incomplete human data from clinical trials and postmarketing reports on use of ORKAMBI or its individual components, lumacaftor or ivacaftor, in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of lumacaftor to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis demonstrated no teratogenicity or adverse effects on fetal development at doses that produced maternal exposures up to approximately 8 (rats) and 5 (rabbits) times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Oral administration of ivacaftor to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis demonstrated no teratogenicity or adverse effects on fetal development at doses that produced maternal exposures up to approximately 7 (rats) and 45 (rabbits) times the exposure at the MRHD. No adverse developmental effects were observed after oral administration of either lumacaftor or ivacaftor to pregnant rats from organogenesis through lactation at doses that produced maternal exposures approximately 8 and 5 times the exposures at the MRHD, respectively (see Data). There are no animal reproduction studies with concomitant administration of lumacaftor and ivacaftor.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. 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
Lumacaftor
In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7-17, lumacaftor was not teratogenic and did not affect fetal development or survival at exposures up to 8 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at maternal oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7-19, lumacaftor was not teratogenic and did not affect fetal development or survival at exposures up to 5 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at maternal oral doses up to 200 mg/kg/day). In a pre-and post-natal development study in pregnant female rats dosed from gestation day 6 through lactation day 20, lumacaftor had no effects on delivery or growth and development of offspring at exposures up to 8 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at maternal oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day). Placental transfer of lumacaftor was observed in pregnant rats and rabbits.
Ivacaftor
In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7-17, ivacaftor was not teratogenic and did not affect fetal survival at exposures up to 7 times the MRHD (based on summed AUCs for ivacaftor and its metabolites at maternal oral doses up to 200 mg/kg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7-19, ivacaftor was not teratogenic and did not affect fetal development or survival at exposures up to 45 times the MRHD (on an ivacaftor AUC basis at maternal oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day). In a pre-and post-natal development study in pregnant female rats dosed from gestation day 7 through lactation day 20, ivacaftor had no effects on delivery or growth and development of offspring at exposures up to 5 times the MRHD (based on summed AUCs for ivacaftor and its metabolites at maternal oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day). Decreased fetal body weights were observed at a maternally toxic dose that produced exposures 7 times the MRHD (based on summed AUCs for ivacaftor and its metabolites at a maternal oral dose of 200 mg/kg/day). Placental transfer of ivacaftor was observed in pregnant rats and rabbits.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of lumacaftor or ivacaftor in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Both lumacaftor and ivacaftor are excreted into the milk of lactating rats; however, due to species-specific differences in lactation physiology, animal lactation data may not reliably predict levels in human milk (see Data). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ORKAMBI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ORKAMBI or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Lumacaftor
Lacteal excretion of lumacaftor in rats was demonstrated following a single oral dose (100 mg/kg) of 14C-lumacaftor administered 9 to 11 days postpartum to lactating mothers (dams). Exposure (AUC0-24h) values for lumacaftor in milk were approximately 40% of plasma levels.
Ivacaftor
Lacteal excretion of ivacaftor in rats was demonstrated following a single oral dose (100 mg/kg) of 14C-ivacaftor administered 9 to 10 days postpartum to lactating mothers (dams). Exposure (AUC0-24h) values for ivacaftor in milk were approximately 1.5 times higher than plasma levels.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
ORKAMBI may decrease hormonal contraceptive exposure, reducing the effectiveness. Hormonal contraceptives, including oral, injectable, transdermal, and implantable, should not be relied upon as an effective method of contraception when co-administered with ORKAMBI [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS ].
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of ORKAMBI in pediatric patients one year of age and older have been established. Use of ORKAMBI in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of ORKAMBI in patients 12 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies and ADVERSE REACTIONS] with additional data as follows:
- Extrapolation of efficacy in patients aged 12 years and older homozygous for the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene to pediatric patients aged 1 through 11 years with support from population pharmacokinetic analyses showing similar drug exposure levels in patients aged 12 years and older and in patients aged 1 through 11 years [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
- Safety data were obtained from a 24-week, open-label, clinical trial in 58 patients aged 6 through 11 years, mean age 9 years (Trial 3) and a 24-week, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in 204 patients aged 6 through 11 years (Trial 4). Trial 3 evaluated subjects with a screening ppFEV1 ≥40 [mean ppFEV1 91.4 at baseline (range: 55 to 122.7)]. Trial 4 evaluated subjects with a screening ppFEV1 ≥70 [mean ppFEV1 89.8 at baseline (range: 48.6 to 119.6)]. The safety profile of ORKAMBI in pediatric patients 6 through 11 years of age was similar to that in patients aged 12 years and older [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ]. In Trial 3, spirometry (ppFEV1) was assessed as a planned safety endpoint. The within-group LS mean absolute change from baseline in ppFEV1 at Week 24 was2.5 percentage points. At the Week 26 safety follow-up visit (following a planned discontinuation) ppFEV1 was also assessed. The within-group LS mean absolute change in ppFEV1 from Week 24 at Week 26 was -3.2 percentage points.
- Additional safety data were obtained from Trial 6, a 24-week, open-label, clinical trial in 60 patients aged 2 through 5 years at screening (mean age at baseline 3.7 years). The safety profile in Trial 6 was similar to that in patients aged 6 years and older [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ].
- Additional safety data were obtained from Trial 7, a 24-week, open-label, clinical trial in 46 patients aged 1 to 2 years at screening (mean age at baseline 18.1 months). The safety profile in Trial 7 was similar to that in patients aged 2 years and older [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ].
The safety and effectiveness of ORKAMBI in patients with CF younger than 1 year of age have not been established.
Cases of non-congenital lens opacities have been reported in pediatric patients treated with ORKAMBI and ivacaftor, a component of ORKAMBI. Although other risk factors were present in some cases (such as corticosteroid use and exposure to radiation), a possible risk attributable to ivacaftor cannot be excluded [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data
In a juvenile toxicology study in which ivacaftor was administered to rats from post-natal days 7 to 35, cataracts were observed at all dose levels, ranging from 0.3 to 2 times the MRHD (based on summed AUCs for ivacaftor and its metabolites at oral doses of 10-50 mg/kg/day). This finding has not been observed in older animals.
Geriatric Use
CF is largely a disease of children and young adults. Clinical trials of ORKAMBI did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
Hepatic Impairment
No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A). A dose reduction to 2 tablets in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening is recommended for patients aged 6 years and older with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B). A dose reduction to 1 packet of oral granules in the morning daily and 1 packet of oral granules in the evening every other day is recommended for patients aged 1 to 5 years old with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B).
Studies have not been conducted in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C), but exposure is expected to be higher than in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Therefore, use with caution at a maximum dose of 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening or less frequently, or 1 packet of oral granules once daily or less frequently in patients with severe hepatic impairment after weighing the risks and benefits of treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS , CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , and PATIENT INFORMATION ].
Renal Impairment
ORKAMBI has not been studied in patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment or in patients with end-stage renal disease. No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Caution is recommended while using ORKAMBI in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease.
Patients With Severe Lung Dysfunction
The Phase 3 trials (Trials 1 and 2 [see Clinical Studies]) included 29 patients receiving ORKAMBI with ppFEV1 <40 at baseline. The treatment effect in this subgroup was comparable to that observed in patients with ppFEV1 ≥40.
Patients After Organ Transplantation
ORKAMBI has not been studied in patients with CF who have undergone organ transplantation. Use in transplanted patients is not recommended due to potential drug-drug interactions [see DRUG INTERACTIONS ].