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PALFORZIA
[Peanut (arachis hypogaea) Allergen Powder-dnfp] Powder for Oral Administration
WARNING
ANAPHYLAXIS
PALFORZIA (Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Allergen Powder-dnfp) is a powder for oral administration. PALFORZIA is manufactured from defatted peanut flour. PALFORZIA is available in capsules containing 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 100 mg peanut protein, and a sachet containing 300 mg peanut protein. Each dose meets specifications for quantities of Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 6, measured by immunoassay alone or in combination with high performance liquid chromatography.
Depending on the dose level, PALFORZIA contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, partially pregelatinized maize starch (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg capsule presentations only), magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.
PALFORZIA is an oral immunotherapy indicated for the mitigation of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to peanut. PALFORZIA is approved for use in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy. Initial Dose Escalation may be administered to patients aged 4 through 17 years. Up-Dosing and Maintenance may be continued in patients 4 years of age and older [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
PALFORZIA is to be used in conjunction with a peanut-avoidant diet.
Not indicated for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Verify that the patient has injectable epinephrine and instruct patient on its appropriate use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Treatment with PALFORZIA is administered in 3 sequential phases: Initial Dose Escalation, Up-Dosing, and Maintenance.
The dose configurations for each phase of dosing are provided in Table 1 through Table 3.
Table 1: Dosing Configuration for Initial Dose Escalation (Single Day Dose Escalation)
| Dose Level | Total Dose | Dose Configuration |
| A | 0.5 mg | One 0.5 mg capsule |
| B | 1 mg | One 1 mg capsule |
| C | 1.5 mg | One 0.5 mg capsule; One 1 mg capsule |
| D | 3 mg | Three 1 mg capsules |
| E | 6 mg | Six 1 mg capsules |
Initial Dose Escalation supplied as a single card consisting of 5 blisters containing a total of 13 capsules.
Table 2: Daily Dosing Configuration for Up-Dosing
| Dose Level | Total Daily Dose | Daily Dose Configuration | Dose Duration (weeks) |
| 1 | 3 mg | Three 1 mg capsules | 2 |
| 2 | 6 mg | Six 1 mg capsules | 2 |
| 3 | 12 mg | Two 1 mg capsules; One 10 mg capsule | 2 |
| 4 | 20 mg | One 20 mg capsule | 2 |
| 5 | 40 mg | Two 20 mg capsules | 2 |
| 6 | 80 mg | Four 20 mg capsules | 2 |
| 7 | 120 mg | One 20 mg capsule; One 100 mg capsule | 2 |
| 8 | 160 mg | Three 20 mg capsules; One 100 mg capsule | 2 |
| 9 | 200 mg | Two 100 mg capsules | 2 |
| 10 | 240 mg | Two 20 mg capsules; Two 100 mg capsules | 2 |
| 11 | 300 mg | One 300 mg sachet | 2 |
Table 3: Daily Dosing Configuration for Maintenance
| Dose Level | Total Daily Dose | Daily Dose Configuration |
| 11 | 300 mg | One 300 mg sachet |
PALFORZIA is to be administered orally.
Initial Dose Escalation is administered on a single day under the supervision of a health care professional in a health care setting with the ability to manage potentially severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Initial Dose Escalation is administered in sequential order on a single day beginning at Level A (5 Levels A-E, 0.5-6 mg; Table 1).
Each dose should be separated by an observation period of 20 to 30 minutes.
No dose level should be omitted.
Observe patients after the last dose for at least 60 minutes until suitable for discharge.
Discontinue PALFORZIA if symptoms requiring medical intervention (e.g., use of epinephrine) occur with any dose during Initial Dose Escalation [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Patients who tolerate at least the 3 mg single dose (Level D) of PALFORZIA during Initial Dose Escalation must return to the health care setting for initiation of Up-Dosing.
If possible, begin Up-Dosing the day after Initial Dose Escalation.
Repeat Initial Dose Escalation in a health care setting if the patient is unable to begin Up-Dosing within 4 days.
Complete Initial Dose Escalation before starting Up-Dosing.
Up-Dosing consists of 11 dose levels and is initiated at a 3 mg dose (Level 1).
The first dose of each new Up-Dosing level is administered under the supervision of a health care professional in a health care setting with the ability to manage potentially severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Observe patients after administering the first dose of a new Up-Dosing level for at least 60 minutes until suitable for discharge.
If the patient tolerates the first dose of the increased dose level, the patient may continue that dose level at home. Each dose should be consumed daily with a meal at approximately the same time each day, preferably in the evening.
Administer all the dose levels in Table 2 in sequential order at 2-week intervals if tolerated.
No dose level should be omitted.
Do not progress through Up-Dosing more rapidly than shown in Table 2.
No more than 1 dose should be consumed per day. Instruct patients not to consume a dose at home on the same day as a dose consumed in the clinic.
Consider dose modification or discontinuation for patients who do not tolerate Up-Dosing as described in Table 2 [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Complete all dose levels of Up-Dosing before starting Maintenance.
The Maintenance dose of PALFORZIA is 300 mg daily.
Daily Maintenance is required to maintain the effect of PALFORZIA.
During Maintenance, contact patient at regular intervals to assess for adverse reactions to PALFORZIA.
Dose modifications are not appropriate during Initial Dose Escalation.
Temporary dose modification of PALFORZIA may be required for patients who experience allergic reactions during Up-Dosing or Maintenance, for patients who miss doses, or for practical reasons of patient management. Allergic reactions, including gastrointestinal reactions, that are severe, recurrent, bothersome, or last longer than 90 minutes during Up-Dosing or Maintenance should be actively managed with dose modifications. Use clinical judgment to determine the best course of action, which can include maintaining the dose level for longer than 2 weeks, reducing, withholding, or discontinuing PALFORZIA doses.
Following 1 to 2 consecutive days of missed doses, patients may resume PALFORZIA at the same dose level. Data are insufficient to inform resumption of PALFORZIA following 3 or more consecutive days of missed doses. Patients who miss 3 or more consecutive days of PALFORZIA should consult their healthcare providers; resumption of PALFORZIA should be done under medical supervision.
Discontinue treatment with PALFORZIA for:
PALFORZIA powder description and dosage strengths are as follows:
Combinations of capsules for doses are described in Dosage and Administration.
Table 7: PALFORZIA Commercial Packaging Presentations
| Packaging Presentation | Kit Components (Capsules or Sachets) | Number of Doses per Kit | NDC Numbers (Kit Components) | NDC Number (Kit) |
| Initial Dose | Each pack contains 13 capsules: | 5 | 71881-113-13 | |
| Escalation | 0.5 mg (Level A) One 0.5 mg capsule | 71881-121-01 | ||
| 1 mg (Level B) One 1 mg capsule | 71881-122-01 | |||
| 1.5 mg (Level C) One 0.5 mg capsule; | 71881-121-01 | |||
| One 1 mg capsule | 71881-122-01 | |||
| 3 mg (Level D) Three 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | |||
| 6 mg (Level E) Six 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | |||
| Up-Dosing | ||||
| 3 mg (Level 1) | Forty-five 1 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-122-01 | 71881-101-45 |
| 6 mg (Level 2) | Ninety 1 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-122-01 | 71881-102-90 |
| 12 mg | Thirty 1 mg capsules; | 15 | 71881-122-01 | 71881-103-45 |
| (Level 3) | Fifteen 10 mg capsules | 71881-123-01 | ||
| 20 mg (Level 4) | Fifteen 20 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-104-15 |
| 40 mg (Level 5) | Thirty 20 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-105-30 |
| 80 mg (Level 6) | Sixty 20 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-106-60 |
| 120 mg | Fifteen 20 mg capsules; | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-107-30 |
| (Level 7) | Fifteen 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | ||
| 160 mg | Forty-five 20 mg capsules; | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-108-60 |
| (Level 8) | Fifteen 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | ||
| 200 mg (Level 9) | Thirty 100 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-125-01 | 71881-109-30 |
| 240 mg | Thirty 20 mg capsules; | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-110-60 |
| (Level 10) | Thirty 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | ||
| 300 mg (Level 11) | Fifteen 300 mg sachets | 15 | 71881-111-01 | 71881-111-15 |
| Maintenance | ||||
| 300 mg (Level 11) | Thirty 300 mg sachets | 30 | 71881-111-01 | 71881-111-30 |
| NDC, National Drug Code. | ||||
Table 8: PALFORZIA Office Dose Kit Packaging Presentations
| Packaging Presentation | Kit Components (Blisters, Capsules, or Sachets) | Number of Doses per Kit | NDC Numbers (Kit Components) | NDC Number (Kit) |
| 3 mg | Eighteen blisters, each containing: | 18 | 71881-101-09 | 71881-101-99 |
| (Level 1) | Three 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | ||
| 6 mg | Eighteen blisters, each containing: | 18 | 71881-102-09 | 71881-102-99 |
| (Level 2) | Six 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | ||
| 12 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-103-09 | 71881-103-99 |
| (Level 3) | Two 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | ||
| One 10 mg capsule | 71881-123-01 | |||
| 20 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-104-09 | 71881-104-99 |
| (Level 4) | One 20 mg capsule | 71881-124-01 | ||
| 40 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-105-09 | 71881-105-99 |
| (Level 5) | Two 20 mg capsules | 71881-124-01 | ||
| 80 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-106-09 | 71881-106-99 |
| (Level 6) | Four 20 mg capsules | 71881-124-01 | ||
| 120 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-107-09 | 71881-107-99 |
| (Level 7) | One 20 mg capsule | 71881-124-01 | ||
| One 100 mg capsule | 71881-125-01 | |||
| 160 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-108-09 | 71881-108-99 |
| (Level 8) | Three 20 mg capsules | 71881-124-01 | ||
| One 100 mg capsule | 71881-125-01 | |||
| 200 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-109-09 | 71881-109-99 |
| (Level 9) | Two 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | ||
| 240 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-110-09 | 71881-110-99 |
| (Level 10) | Two 20 mg capsules | 71881-124-01 | ||
| Two 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | |||
| 300 mg (Level 11) | Fifteen 300 mg sachets | 15 | 71881-111-09 | 71881-111-99 |
| NDC, National Drug Code. | ||||
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Store in the original packaging until use to protect from moisture.
Manufactured by: Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc., Brisbane, CA 94005. Revised: N/A
Use of PALFORZIA has been associated with:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with the adverse reaction rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The clinical data for PALFORZIA reflect exposure in 709 peanut-allergic subjects enrolled in two phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Study 1 and Study 2), and in long-term, open-label, follow-on studies. In Study 1, subjects were Up-Dosed for 20-40 weeks followed by Maintenance dosing for 24-28 weeks. In Study 2 subjects were Up-Dosed for 20-40 weeks up to a 300 mg daily dose with no extended Maintenance dosing. In these studies, subjects recorded adverse reactions daily in an electronic diary card throughout the study duration.
Study 1 (NCT02635776) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study conducted in the United States, Canada, and Europe evaluating PALFORZIA versus placebo in 555 subjects aged 4 through 55 years with peanut allergy. Subjects were required to have serum IgE to peanut ≥ 0.35 kUA/L within 12 months before study entry and/or a mean wheal diameter on skin prick test to peanut ≥3 mm greater than the negative control. The primary analysis population was aged 4 through 17 years, 78% white and 57% male. At study entry, subjects reacted at 100 mg or less of peanut protein in a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). The primary analysis was conducted in 496 subjects aged 4 through 17 years (PALFORZIA, N = 372; placebo, N = 124). Of the subjects aged 4 through 17 years treated with PALFORZIA, 72% had a medical history of anaphylactic reactions to peanut, 66% reported multiple food allergies, 63% had a medical history of atopic dermatitis, and 53% had a present or previous diagnosis of asthma. Subjects with severe persistent or uncontrolled asthma were excluded.
Study 2 (NCT03126227) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety study conducted in the United States and Canada evaluating PALFORZIA versus placebo in 506 subjects aged 4 through 17 years with peanut allergy. Subjects were required to have a clinical history of peanut allergy including onset of characteristic allergic signs and symptoms within 2 hours of known oral exposure to peanut, serum IgE to peanut of ≥ 14 kUA/L and a mean wheal diameter on skin prick test ≥ 8 mm greater than the negative control at screening. Subjects were not required to complete a DBPCFC for study entry. The study duration was approximately 6 months and compared the safety and tolerability of PALFORZIA (N = 337) with placebo (N = 168). Most subjects were male (63%) and white (79%). Of the subjects treated with PALFORZIA, 60.5% had a medical history of anaphylactic reactions, 65.0% reported multiple food allergies, 57.9% had a medical history of atopic dermatitis, and 52.2% had a present or previous diagnosis of asthma. Subjects with severe persistent or uncontrolled asthma were excluded.
Across these two phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical studies the most common adverse reactions in subjects treated with PALFORZIA (incidence ≥ 5% and at least 5 percentage points greater than in subjects treated with placebo) were gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin symptoms commonly associated with allergic reactions, as shown in Table 4.
Table 4: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions in ≥ 5% of PALFORZIA-Treated Subjects and ≥ 5% Percentage Points Greater Than Placebo-Treated Subjects in any Dosing Phase (Aged 4 through 17 Years)
| System Organ Class / Preferred Term [2] | Study 1 & Study 2 IDE PALFORZIA (N = 709) | Study 1 & Study 2 IDE Placebo (N = 292) | Study 1 & Study 2 Up-Dosing PALFORZIA (N = 693) | Study 1 & Study 2 Up-Dosing Placebo (N = 289) | Study 1 [1] 300 mg PALFORZIA (N = 310) | Study 1 [1] 300 mg Placebo (N = 118) |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | ||||||
| Abdominal pain [3] | 185 (26.1%) | 24 (8.2%) | 465 (67.1%) | 100 (34.6%) | 90 (29.0%) | 20 (16.9%) |
| Vomiting | 22 (3.1%) | 2 (0.7%) | 253 (36.5%) | 47 (16.3%) | 50 (16.1%) | 14 (11.9%) |
| Nausea | 60 (8.5%) | 2 (0.7%) | 224 (32.3%) | 41 (14.2%) | 45 (14.5%) | 8 (6.8%) |
| Oral pruritus [4] | 62 (8.7%) | 9 (3.1%) | 216 (31.2%) | 30 (10.4%) | 51 (16.5%) | 7 (5.9%) |
| Oral paresthesia | 13 (1.8%) | 7 (2.4%) | 94 (13.6%) | 11 (3.8%) | 23 (7.4%) | 2 (1.7%) |
| Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders | ||||||
| Throat irritation | 66 (9.3%) | 15 (5.1%) | 279 (40.3%) | 49 (17.0%) | 43 (13.9%) | 11 (9.3%) |
| Cough | 18 (2.5%) | 1 (0.3%) | 221 (31.9%) | 68 (23.5%) | 61 (19.7%) | 22 (18.6%) |
| Rhinorrhea | 9 (1.3%) | 4 (1.4%) | 145 (20.9%) | 50 (17.3%) | 46 (14.8%) | 9 (7.6%) |
| Sneezing | 24 (3.4%) | 8 (2.7%) | 140 (20.2%) | 31 (10.7%) | 33 (10.6%) | 5 (4.2%) |
| Throat tightness | 18 (2.5%) | 3 (1.0%) | 98 (14.1%) | 8 (2.8%) | 20 (6.5%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Wheezing | 4 (0.6%) | 0 (0.0%) | 85 (12.3%) | 21 (7.3%) | 19 (6.1%) | 10 (8.5%) |
| Dyspnea | 2 (0.3%) | 1 (0.3%) | 53 (7.6%) | 5 (1.7%) | 17 (5.5%) | 1 (0.8%) |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | ||||||
| Pruritus | 56 (7.9%) | 16 (5.5%) | 225 (32.5%) | 59 (20.4%) | 45 (14.5%) | 14 (11.9%) |
| Urticaria | 28 (3.9%) | 10 (3.4%) | 197 (28.4%) | 54 (18.7%) | 63 (20.3%) | 17 (14.4%) |
| Immune system disorders | ||||||
| Anaphylactic reaction [5] | 5 (0.7%) | 1 (0.3%) | 63 (9.1%) | 10 (3.5%) | 27 (8.7%) | 2 (1.7%) |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | ||||||
| Ear pruritus | 5 (0.7%) | 1 (0.3%) | 41 (5.9%) | 2 (0.7%) | 7 (2.3%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| At each level of summarization (any event, system organ class, or preferred term) subjects with more than 1 adverse reaction were counted only once within each study period. [1] In Study 2, no adverse reactions s 5% were reported in subjects following treatment with 300 mg PALFORZIA (N = 265). [2] Adverse events were coded to system organ class and preferred term using the MedDRA, version 19.1. [3] Includes preferred terms of abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal discomfort. [4] Includes preferred terms of oral pruritus, tongue pruritis, and lip pruritus. [5] The anaphylactic reaction preferred term includes systemic allergic reactions of any severity, of which severe anaphylaxis was reported in 4 PALFORZIA-treated subjects (0.6%) during Up-Dosing and 1 PALFORZIA-treated subject (0.3%) during Maintenance. IDE, Initial Dose Escalation; MedDRA, Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. | ||||||
A total of 155 (21.9%) PALFORZIA-treated subjects and 19 (6.5%) placebo-treated subjects discontinued for any reason in Studies 1 and 2. Adverse reactions led to study discontinuation in 9.2% PALFORZIA-treated subjects and 1.7% placebo-treated subjects during Initial Dose Escalation and Up-Dosing combined in Studies 1 and 2, and 1.0% PALFORZIA-treated subjects and no placebo-treated subjects during Maintenance dosing in Study 1. Gastrointestinal reactions were the most common reason leading to discontinuation of study product during Initial Dose Escalation and Up-Dosing combined (6.5% PALFORZIA, 1.0% placebo), followed by respiratory disorders (2.3% PALFORZIA, 1.0% placebo) in Studies 1 and 2.
The timing of symptoms relative to exposure to PALFORZIA was evaluated for dosing that occurred within a clinical setting during Initial Dose Escalation and on the day of initiation of each new dose level during the Up-Dosing phase (every 2 weeks) and during monthly Maintenance visits. Symptoms occurring in the clinic following any dose of PALFORZIA had a median time to onset of 4 minutes for 502 subjects (70.8%). The median time to resolution of the last symptom was 37 minutes.
No Information provided
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PALFORZIA can cause anaphylaxis, which may be life-threatening.
Anaphylaxis has been reported during all phases of PALFORZIA dosing, including Maintenance and in subjects who have undergone recommended Up-Dosing and dose modification procedures.
In 709 PALFORZIA-treated subjects and 292 placebo-treated subjects in the placebo-controlled population in Studies 1 and 2 combined [see ADVERSE REACTIONS], anaphylaxis was reported in 9.4% of PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 3.8% of placebo-treated subjects during Initial Dose Escalation and Up-Dosing combined, and in 8.7% of PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 1.7% of placebo-treated subjects during Maintenance in Study 1. Epinephrine use for any reason was reported in 10.4% of PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 4.8% of placebo-treated subjects during Initial Dose Escalation and Up-Dosing combined, and in 7.7% of PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 3.4% of placebo-treated subjects during Maintenance dosing in Study 1. Time to onset of anaphylaxis occurred within 2 hours after dosing in 70% of reactions, greater than 2 hours and up to 10 hours in 18% of reactions, and greater than 10 hours in 12% of reactions among PALFORZIA-treated subjects.
Do not initiate PALFORZIA treatment in a patient who has had severe or life-threatening anaphylaxis within the previous 60 days. PALFORZIA may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions that may reduce the ability to survive anaphylaxis, including but not limited to markedly compromised lung function, severe mast cell disorder, or cardiovascular disease. In addition, PALFORZIA may not be suitable for patients taking medications that can inhibit or potentiate the effects of epinephrine.
All Initial Dose Escalation doses and the first dose of each Up-Dosing level must be administered under observation in a health care setting [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Prior to initiating PALFORZIA treatment, educate patients to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Prescribe injectable epinephrine, instruct and train patients on its appropriate use, and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care upon its use. Instruct patients to contact their health care professional before administering the next dose of PALFORZIA if anaphylaxis or symptoms of an escalating or persistent allergic reaction occur as dose modification may be necessary [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Patients may be more likely to experience allergic reactions following PALFORZIA administration in the presence of cofactors such as exercise, hot water exposure, intercurrent illness (e.g., viral infection), or fasting. Other potential cofactors may include menstruation, sleep deprivation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, or uncontrolled asthma. Patients should be proactively counseled about the potential for the increased risk of anaphylaxis in the presence of these cofactors. If possible, adjust the time of dosing to avoid these cofactors. If it is not possible to avoid these cofactors, consider withholding PALFORZIA temporarily.
If appropriate to re-start administering PALFORZIA in patients who experienced anaphylaxis while on PALFORZIA or who had doses withheld to avoid increased risk of anaphylaxis, consider a dose reduction and dose re-escalation based on clinical judgment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. PALFORZIA is available only through a restricted program under a REMS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
PALFORZIA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the PALFORZIA REMS because of the risk of anaphylaxis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Notable requirements of the PALFORZIA REMS include the following:
Further information, including a list of certified prescribers, health care settings, and pharmacies, is available at www.PALFORZIAREMS.com or 1-844-PALFORZ (1-844-725-3679).
Uncontrolled asthma is a risk factor for a serious outcome, including death, in anaphylaxis. Ensure patients with asthma have their asthma under control prior to initiation of PALFORZIA
PALFORZIA should be temporarily withheld if the patient is experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Following resolution of the exacerbation, resumption of PALFORZIA should be undertaken cautiously [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Re-evaluate patients who have recurrent asthma exacerbations and consider discontinuation of PALFORZIA. PALFORZIA has not been studied in subjects with severe asthma, persistently uncontrolled asthma, or patients on long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy.
In clinical studies, 28 of 1050 (2.7%) subjects were referred for a gastroenterology evaluation and 17 of these 28 subjects reported undergoing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Of subjects who underwent an EGD, 12 were diagnosed with biopsy-confirmed eosinophilic esophagitis while receiving PALFORZIA compared with 0 of 292 (0%) subjects receiving placebo. After discontinuation of PALFORZIA, symptomatic improvement was reported in 12 of 12 subjects. In 8 subjects with available follow-up biopsy results, eosinophilic esophagitis was resolved in 6 subjects and improved in 2 subjects [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Discontinue PALFORZIA and consider a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis in patients who experience severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, including dysphagia, vomiting, nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, chest pain, or abdominal pain [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, oral pruritus, and oral paresthesia, were commonly reported in PALFORZIA-treated subjects in the placebo-controlled clinical study population [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Table 4)]. Dose modification should be considered for patients who report these reactions [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. For severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms consider a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patient, parent, or guardian to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Advise patient, parent, or guardian that patient should follow a strict peanut-avoidant diet.
Advise patient, parent, or guardian that PALFORZIA will not mitigate allergic reactions to other foods to which they might be allergic.
Advise patient, parent, or guardian that PALFORZIA may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis that may be life-threatening. Educate patient, parent, or guardian to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include syncope, dizziness, hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, wheezing, bronchospasm, chest discomfort, cough, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, pruritus, flushing, and urticaria.
Ensure patient has injectable epinephrine and instruct patient, parent, or guardian on its proper use and that injectable epinephrine must be available for immediate use at all times. Instruct patient, parent, or guardian that if patient experiences a severe allergic reaction to seek immediate medical care, discontinue PALFORZIA, and resume treatment only when advised by their health care professional [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patient, parent, or guardian to read the patient information for epinephrine.
Inform patient, parent, or guardian that the first dose of each dose level of PALFORZIA must be administered in a health care setting under the supervision of a health care professional, and that after consuming PALFORZIA, patient will be monitored for signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patient, parent, or guardian that if patient experiences an escalating or persistent allergic reaction or becomes intolerant to PALFORZIA at home to contact their health care professional immediately.
Administration of PALFORZIA to young patients should be under adult supervision [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Advise patient that due to the risk of anaphylaxis, PALFORZIA is only available through a restricted program called the PALFORZIA REMS Program [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patient, parent, or guardian of the following requirements:
Instruct patient, parent, or guardian that patients with asthma should stop taking PALFORZIA and contact their health care professional immediately if they have difficulty breathing or if their asthma becomes difficult to control [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Because of the risk of eosinophilic esophagitis, instruct patient, parent or guardian that patients with severe or persistent symptoms of esophagitis or gastrointestinal intolerance should discontinue PALFORZIA and contact their health care professional [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patient, parent, or guardian of the following:
Advise patient, parent, or guardian of the following:
Patient should delay consuming PALFORZIA after strenuous exercise until signs of a hypermetabolic state (e.g., flushing, sweating, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate) have subsided and avoid taking hot showers or baths immediately prior to or within 3 hours after consuming PALFORZIA.
PALFORZIA has not been evaluated for carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, mutagenic potential, or impairment of male or female fertility in animals.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to PALFORZIA during pregnancy. Women exposed to PALFORZIA during pregnancy or their health care professionals are encouraged to contact Aimmune by calling 1-833-246-2566.
All pregnancies have a risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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. No human or animal data are available to establish the presence or absence of the risks due to PALFORZIA in pregnant women.
Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo/Fetal Risk
Anaphylaxis may occur following accidental exposure to peanut in peanut-allergic pregnant women. Anaphylaxis can cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure, which could result in compromised placental perfusion and significant risk to a fetus.
Maternal Adverse Reactions
PALFORZIA may cause anaphylaxis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions].
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
PALFORZIA may cause anaphylaxis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Anaphylaxis can cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure, which could result in compromised placental perfusion and significant risk to a fetus.
There are no data available on the presence of PALFORZIA in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered, along with the mother’s clinical need for PALFORZIA and any other potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from PALFORZIA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Safety and effectiveness of PALFORZIA have not been established in persons younger than 4 years of age.
Symptoms of overdose in patients with peanut allergy may include hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis or local gastrointestinal allergic reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In case of severe symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, changes in voice, feeling of fullness in the throat, or anaphylaxis, patients should be instructed to use epinephrine and seek immediate medical assistance [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].
PALFORZIA is contraindicated in patients with the following:
The mechanism of action of PALFORZIA has not been established.
The efficacy of PALFORZIA for the mitigation of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in patients with peanut allergy was investigated in Study 1 (NCT02635776). Study 1 was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of PALFORZIA in patients with peanut allergy aged 4 through 55 years in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The primary analysis population consisted of 496 subjects (PALFORZIA, N = 372; placebo, N = 124) aged 4 through 17 years in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population who received at least 1 dose of study treatment. After an Initial Dose Escalation ranging from 0.5 mg to 6 mg on Day 1 and confirmation of tolerability of the 3 mg dose on Day 2, subjects underwent Up-Dosing for 20-40 weeks starting at 3 mg until the 300 mg dose was reached. The Up-Dosing period varied for each subject depending on how the dose was tolerated. Subjects then underwent 24-28 weeks of Maintenance immunotherapy with 300 mg PALFORZIA until the end of the study. At the end of the Maintenance period, subjects completed an exit DBPCFC to approximate an accidental exposure to peanut and to assess their ability to tolerate increasing amounts of peanut protein with no more than mild allergic symptoms.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of subjects tolerating a single dose of 600 mg peanut protein in the exit DBPCFC with no more than mild allergic symptoms after 6 months of Maintenance treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was considered met if the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in response rates between the treatment and the placebo groups was greater than the prespecified margin of 15%. Key secondary endpoints included the comparisons of the response rates after single doses of 300 mg and 1000 mg peanut protein as well as a comparison of the maximum severity of symptoms at any challenge dose of peanut protein during the exit DBPCFC. The key secondary endpoints were to be evaluated for statistical significance (two-sided p < 0.05) only if the primary endpoint and all the preceding tests in the hierarchy were statistically significant in favor of PALFORZIA. Response rates at the exit DBPCFC for the ITT population are shown in Table 5. The maximum severity of symptoms at any challenge is shown in Table 6.
Table 5: Response Rates at the Exit DBPCFC in Study 1 (ITT Population, 4 through 17 Years)
| Peanut challenge dose, single dose | 300 mg [1] | 600 mg [2] | 1000 mg [1] |
| PALFORZIA (N = 372) | 76.6% | 67.2% | 50.3% |
| Placebo (N = 124) | 8.1% | 4.0% | 2.4% |
| Treatment difference (95% CI) | 68.5% (58.6%, 78.5%) | 63.2% (53.0%, 73.3%) | 47.8% (38.0%, 57.7%) |
| P-value | < 0.0001 | < 0.0001 | < 0.0001 |
| Subjects without an exit DBPCFC were counted as non-responders. [1] Secondary endpoint was considered met if the Farrington-Manning test for a non-zero treatment difference was significant at the two-sided 0.05 level. [2] The primary efficacy endpoint was considered met if the lower bound of the Farrington-Manning 95% CI was greater than the prespecified margin of 15 percentage points. CI, confidence interval, DBPCFC, double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge; ITT, intent-to-treat. | |||
The completer population consisted of all subjects aged 4 through 17 years in the ITT population who stayed on treatment and had an evaluable exit DBPCFC (296 PALFORZIA, 116 placebo). In the completer population, the proportion of subjects who tolerated single highest doses of 300 mg, 600 mg, and 1000 mg with no more than mild symptoms at the exit DBPCFC were 96.3%, 84.5%, and 63.2%, respectively for PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 8.6%, 4.3%, and 2.6% for placebo-treated subjects.
Table 6: Maximum Severity of Symptoms at Any Challenge Dose During the Exit DBPCFC (ITT Population, 4 through 17 Years)
| Symptom Severity | PALFORZIA N = 372 | Placebo N = 124 |
| None | 37.6% | 2.4% |
| Mild | 32.0% | 28.2% |
| Moderate | 25.3% | 58.9% |
| Severe [1] | 5.1% | 10.5% |
| Subjects without an exit DBPCFC were assigned the maximum severity during the screening DBPCFC, which equates to no change from screening. P-value < 0.0001; symptom severity was assigned with equally spaced scores (e.g. 0, 1, 2, and 3 for none, mild, moderate, and severe, respectively), and the difference of mean scores between the two treatment arms was tested using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistic stratified by geographic region (North America, Europe). [1] Includes severe symptoms and life-threatening or fatal reactions. No subjects had symptoms considered life-threatening or fatal. DBPCFC, double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge; ITT, intent-to-treat. | ||
There are no data available on the efficacy of PALFORZIA in individuals who did not progress onto Maintenance therapy.
No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section.
