Warnings for PiaSky
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for PiaSky
Serious Meningococcal Infection
PIASKY, a complement inhibitor, increases a patient’s susceptibility to serious, life-threatening, or fatal infections caused by meningococcal bacteria (meningococcemia and/or meningitis) in any serogroup, including non-groupable strains. Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients treated with complement inhibitors. The initiation of PIASKY is contraindicated in patients with a serious unresolved Neisseria meningitidis infection.
Complete or update meningococcal vaccination (for serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B) at least 2 weeks prior to administration of the first dose of PIASKY, according to the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for patients receiving a complement inhibitor. Revaccinate patients in accordance with ACIP recommendations considering the duration of PIASKY therapy.
Note that ACIP recommends an administration schedule in patients receiving complement inhibitors that differs from the administration schedule in the vaccine prescribing information.
If urgent PIASKY therapy is indicated in a patient who is not up to date with meningococcal vaccines according to ACIP recommendations, provide the patient with antibacterial drug prophylaxis and administer meningococcal vaccines as soon as possible. Various durations and regimens of antibacterial drug prophylaxis have been considered, but the optimal durations and drug regimens for prophylaxis and their efficacy have not been studied in unvaccinated or vaccinated patients receiving complement inhibitors, including PIASKY. The benefits and risks of treatment with PIASKY, as well as the benefits and risks of antibacterial drug prophylaxis in unvaccinated or vaccinated patients, must be considered against the known risks for serious infections caused by N. meningitidis.
Vaccination does not eliminate the risk of meningococcal infections, despite development of antibodies following vaccination.
Closely monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection and evaluate patients immediately if infection is suspected. Inform patients of these signs and symptoms and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care if these signs and symptoms occur. Promptly treat known infections. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Consider interruption of PIASKY in patients who are undergoing treatment for serious meningococcal infection.
PIASKY is available only through a restricted program under a REMS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
PIASKY REMS
PIASKY is available only through a restricted program under a REMS called PIASKY REMS, because of the risk of serious meningococcal infections [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Notable requirements of the PIASKY REMS include the following:
- Prescribers must enroll in the REMS.
- Prescribers must counsel patients about the risk of serious meningococcal infection.
- Prescribers must provide the patients with the REMS educational materials.
- Prescribers must assess patient vaccination status for meningococcal vaccines (against serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B) and vaccinate if needed according to current ACIP recommendations two weeks prior to the first dose of PIASKY.
- Prescribers must provide a prescription for antibacterial drug prophylaxis if treatment must be started urgently, and the patient is not up to date with both meningococcal vaccines according to current ACIP recommendations at least two weeks prior to the first dose of PIASKY.
- Healthcare settings and pharmacies that dispense PIASKY must be certified in the REMS and must verify prescribers are certified.
- Patients must receive counseling from the prescriber about the need to receive meningococcal vaccines per ACIP recommendations, the need to take antibiotics as directed by the prescriber, and the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection.
- Patients must be instructed to carry the Patient Safety Card with them at all times during and for 11 months following treatment with PIASKY.
Further information is available at www.PIASKYREMS.com or 1-866-4My-Skyy (469-7599).
Type III Hypersensitivity Reactions Related To Drug-Target-Drug Complexes
Patients who are switching from another C5 inhibitor (e.g., eculizumab or ravulizumab) to PIASKY or from PIASKY to another C5 inhibitor are at risk of serious Type III hypersensitivity reactions related to the formation of drug-target-drug-complexes (DTDCs), because PIASKY and these other C5 inhibitors bind different epitopes of C5 [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
In clinical trials, Type III hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 39 of 201 patients (19%) who switched from eculizumab or ravulizumab to PIASKY. Four of these patients (10%) had not fully recovered from symptoms of Type III hypersensitivity reactions at the time of their last follow up visit. In addition, Type III hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 2 of 8 patients (25%) who switched from PIASKY to eculizumab or ravulizumab, including one patient who developed Grade 3 axonal neuropathy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Symptoms of Type III hypersensitivity reactions that occurred in more than 2 patients were arthralgia, rash, pyrexia, myalgia, headache, fatigue, petechiae and abdominal pain. Among patients who experienced Type III hypersensitivity reactions, 8 (21%) had events that were considered serious due to hospitalization. Symptoms of serious Type III hypersensitivity reactions included pyrexia and arthralgia. Type III hypersensitivity reactions can also cause renal abnormalities.
Healthcare providers should consider the benefits of the timing of switching C5 inhibitors vs. the risks of Type III hypersensitivity reactions. Patients are expected to no longer be at risk of Type III hypersensitivity reactions if the prior C5 inhibitor has been cleared from the body prior to starting PIASKY or if PIASKY has been cleared from the body prior to starting another C5 inhibitor. Therefore, initiating PIASKY sooner than 5.5 half-lives from the last dose of a C5 inhibitor (e.g., eculizumab or ravulizumab) or initiating a C5 inhibitor (e.g., eculizumab or ravulizumab) sooner than 5.5 half-lives from the last dose of PIASKY increases the risk of Type III hypersensitivity reactions.
Based on time-to-onset of Type III hypersensitivity reactions observed in clinical trials, patients should be monitored for the first 30 days of the new therapy for the occurrence of symptoms of Type III hypersensitivity reactions. For mild or moderate Type III hypersensitivity reactions, administer symptomatic treatment, such as topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or analgesics. For severe reactions, initiate and taper oral or systemic corticosteroid therapy as clinically indicated.
Other Infections
Due to its mechanism of action, PIASKY may increase susceptibility to infections, especially with encapsulated bacteria, such as infections with Neisseria spp. but also Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and to a lesser extent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Children treated with PIASKY may be at increased risk of developing serious infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Vaccinate patients against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections according to ACIP recommendations.
If PIASKY is administered to patients with active systemic infections, monitor closely for signs and symptoms of worsening infection. If the patient’s infection worsens, consider whether to discontinue PIASKY.
Infusion- And Injection-Related Reactions
Administration of PIASKY may cause infusion-related reactions or systemic injection-related reactions, depending on the route of administration [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. These may include hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) but also a range of other symptoms such as injection site pain, erythema, headache or myalgia. One patient experienced a serious infusion-related reaction that resolved 4 days after interruption of infusion with PIASKY. Instruct patients/caregivers to seek immediate medical attention if the patient develops symptoms of a serious hypersensitivity reaction and to report this reaction to their healthcare provider.
If a serious hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue PIASKY treatment immediately, institute appropriate treatment, per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms are resolved. PIASKY is contraindicated in patients with a known serious hypersensitivity reaction to crovalimab or any of the excipients.
Monitoring PNH Manifestations After Discontinuation Of PIASKY
In case of PIASKY discontinuation, patients who do not switch to another treatment for PNH, must be closely monitored for at least 20 weeks for signs and symptoms of serious hemolysis, identified by elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, along with a sudden decrease in hemoglobin, or re-appearance of symptoms such as fatigue, hemoglobinuria, abdominal pain, dyspnea, major adverse vascular events (including thrombosis), dysphagia, erectile dysfunction or renal impairment.
If signs and symptoms of hemolysis occur after discontinuation of PIASKY, consider restarting treatment with PIASKY, if appropriate, or initiating another treatment for PNH.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Serious Meningococcal Infection
Advise patients of the risk of serious meningococcal infection. Inform patients of the need to complete or update their meningococcal vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to receiving the first dose of PIASKY or receive antibacterial drug prophylaxis if PIASKY treatment must be initiated immediately and they have not previously been vaccinated. Inform patients of the requirement to be revaccinated according to current ACIP recommendations for meningococcal infection while on PIASKY therapy.
Inform patients that vaccination may not prevent serious meningococcal infection and to seek immediate medical attention if the following signs or symptoms occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- fever
- fever and a rash
- headache with nausea or vomiting
- fever with a high heart rate
- headache and a fever
- headache with a stiff neck or stiff back
- confusion
- muscle aches, with flu-like symptoms
- eye sensitive to light
Inform patients that they will be given a Patient Safety Card for PIASKY that they should carry with them at all times during and for 11 months following treatment with PIASKY. This card describes symptoms which, if experienced, should prompt the patient to immediately seek medical evaluation.
PIASKY REMS
PIASKY is available only through a restricted program called PIASKY REMS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform the patient of the following requirements:
- Patients must receive counseling about the risk of serious meningococcal infections.
- Patients must receive written educational materials about this risk.
- Patients must be instructed to carry the Patient Safety Card with them at all times during and for 11 months following treatment with PIASKY.
- Patients must be instructed to complete or update meningococcal vaccines for serogroups A, C, W, Y and B per ACIP recommendations as directed by the prescriber prior to treatment with PIASKY.
- Patients must receive antibiotics as directed by the prescriber if they are not up to date with meningococcal vaccines and have to start PIASKY right away.
Type III Hypersensitivity Reactions
Inform patients of the risk of experiencing a Type III hypersensitivity reaction in the first 30 days after switching from another C5 inhibitor to PIASKY (or if they are planning to switch from PIASKY to another C5 inhibitor) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Inform patients about the signs and symptoms of a Type III hypersensitivity reaction, and advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if the following signs or symptoms occur:
- rash
- itching
- joint pain
- numbness and tingling or a feeling of pins and needles, especially of the hands and feet
Other Infections
Counsel patients of the increased risk of infections, particularly those due to encapsulated bacteria, especially Neisseria species [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Advise patients of the need for vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections according to current ACIP recommendations. Inform parents or caregivers of children receiving PIASKY that their child should be vaccinated against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) according to current medical guidelines.
Advise patients to report any new signs and symptoms of infection.
Infusion- And Injection-Related Reactions
Advise patients that administration of PIASKY may result in infusion-related reactions or systemic injection-related reactions depending on the route of administration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of serious allergic reactions occur.
Discontinuation Of PIASKY
Inform patients that they may develop hemolysis due to PNH when PIASKY is discontinued and that they will be closely monitored by their healthcare professional for at least 20 weeks following PIASKY discontinuation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Inform patients who discontinue PIASKY to keep the Patient Safety Card with them for 11 months after the last PIASKY dose, because the increased risk of meningococcal infection persists for several months following discontinuation of PIASKY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Lactation
Advise patients it is not recommended to breastfeed during treatment with PIASKY and for 9 months after the final dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Long-term carcinogenicity studies and genotoxicity studies have not been conducted with crovalimabakkz. No effects on female or male reproductive organs were observed in cynomolgus monkeys following repeated administration of crovalimab-akkz for up to 6 months with subcutaneous doses up to 100 mg/kg/week which corresponds to 18- and 16- times for males and females, respectively, the MRHD based on AUC.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Available data on PIASKY use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Human IgG antibody is known to cross the placenta and its transport increases as pregnancy progresses and peaks during the third trimester; therefore, PIASKY may be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated PNH in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). In an enhanced pre- and postnatal development study, no adverse developmental outcomes were observed when monkeys were exposed to crovalimab-akkz during the period of organogenesis through parturition at doses that produced maternal exposures 14-times the exposures at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), (see Data).
The 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 estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Fetal/Neonatal Risk
PNH in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal outcomes, including worsening cytopenias, thrombosis, infections, bleeding, miscarriages, and increased maternal mortality, and adverse fetal outcomes, including fetal death and premature delivery.
Data
Animal Data
In an enhanced pre- and post-natal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were given an intravenous loading dose of crovalimab-akkz 100 mg/kg on gestation day (GD) 20 followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of up to 100 mg/kg up to parturition. The dams and infants were then observed untreated for 6 months. There were no adverse effects of crovalimab-akkz on pregnancy or on the viability, growth, and development of the infants up to 100 mg/kg at exposures 14-times the human exposure at the MRHD, based on area under the concentration-time curve (AUC).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of crovalimab-akkz in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Endogenous IgG and monoclonal antibodies are transferred in human milk. The effects of local gastrointestinal exposure and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed child to crovalimab-akkz is unknown. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with PIASKY and for 9 months after the final dose.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of PIASKY for the treatment of PNH have been established in pediatric patients 13 years and older with a body weight ≥ 40 kg. Use of PIASKY for this indication in pediatric patients is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults along with additional pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, efficacy and safety data in pediatric patients aged 13 to 17 years [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, and Clinical Studies].
The safety and effectiveness of PIASKY have not been established in pediatric patients less than 13 years of age and in those with body weight < 40 kg.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of PIASKY did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for elderly patients should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other therapy.
Of the 393 PIASKY-treated patients in COMMODORE 1, 2 and 3, 43 (10.9%) were 65 years of age and older. In patients who were complement inhibitor naive, serious adverse reactions were reported in 1 patient (8%) who was 65 years or older compared to 6 (4%) patients who were 18 to 64 years of age. In patients who previously received a different C5 inhibitor and switched to PIASKY, serious adverse reactions were reported in 3 (7%) patients who were 65 years or older compared to 12 (4%) patients who were 18 to 64 years of age.