Warnings for Rylaze
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Rylaze
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions after the use of RYLAZE occurred in 29% of patients in clinical trials, and it was severe in 6% of patients [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Anaphylaxis was observed in 2% of patients after intramuscular administration. Discontinuation of RYLAZE due to hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 5% of patients. Hypersensitivity reactions were higher in patients who received intravenous asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn. The intravenous route of administration is not approved.
In patients administered RYLAZE intramuscularly in clinical trials, the median number of doses of RYLAZE that patients received prior to the onset of the first hypersensitivity reaction was 12 doses (range: 1-64 doses). The most commonly observed reaction was rash (19%), and 1 patient (1%) experienced a severe rash.
Hypersensitivity reactions observed with L-asparaginase class products include angioedema, urticaria, lip swelling, eye swelling, rash or erythema, blood pressure decreased, bronchospasm, dyspnea, and pruritus.
Premedicate patients prior to administration of RYLAZE as recommended [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Because of the risk of serious allergic reactions (e.g., life-threatening anaphylaxis), administer RYLAZE in a setting with resuscitation equipment and other agents necessary to treat anaphylaxis (e.g., epinephrine, oxygen, intravenous steroids, antihistamines) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Discontinue RYLAZE in patients with serious hypersensitivity reactions [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, including elevated amylase or lipase, was reported in 20% of patients in clinical trials of RYLAZE and was severe in 8% [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Symptomatic pancreatitis occurred in 7% of patients, and it was severe in 6% of patients. Elevated amylase or lipase without symptomatic pancreatitis was observed in 13% of patients treated with RYLAZE. Hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis have been reported with L-asparaginase class products.
Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, which, if left untreated, could be fatal. Evaluate patients with symptoms compatible with pancreatitis to establish a diagnosis. Assess serum amylase and lipase levels in patients with any signs or symptoms of pancreatitis. Discontinue RYLAZE in patients with severe or hemorrhagic pancreatitis. In the case of mild pancreatitis, withhold RYLAZE until the signs and symptoms subside and amylase and/or lipase levels return to 1.5 times the ULN [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. After resolution of mild pancreatitis, treatment with RYLAZE may be resumed.
Thrombosis
Serious thrombotic events, including sagittal sinus thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, have been reported in 1% of patients following treatment with RYLAZE. Discontinue RYLAZE for a thrombotic event, and administer appropriate antithrombotic therapy. Consider resumption of treatment with RYLAZE only if the patient had an uncomplicated thrombosis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hemorrhage
Bleeding was reported in 25% of patients treated with RYLAZE, and it was severe in 2%. Most commonly observed reactions were bruising (12%) and nose bleed (9%). [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In patients treated with L-asparaginase class products, hemorrhage may be associated with increased prothrombin time (PT), increased partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and hypofibrinogenemia. Consider appropriate replacement therapy in patients with severe or symptomatic coagulopathy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hepatotoxicity, Including Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease
Elevated bilirubin and/or transaminases occurred in 75% of patients treated with RYLAZE in clinical trials, and 26% had Grade ≥ 3 elevations. Elevated bilirubin occurred in 28% of patients treated with RYLAZE in clinical trials, and 2% had Grade ≥ 3 elevations. Elevated transaminases occurred in 73% of patients treated with RYLAZE in clinical trials, and 25% had Grade ≥ 3 elevations [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Hepatotoxicity, including severe, life-threatening, and potential fatal cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), have been observed in patients treated with asparaginase class products in combination with standard chemotherapy, including during the induction phase of multiphase chemotherapy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Do not administer RYLAZE to patients with severe hepatic impairment [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity.
Evaluate bilirubin and transaminases prior to each cycle of RYLAZE and at least weekly during cycles of treatment that include RYLAZE, through four weeks after the last dose of RYLAZE. Monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of hepatic VOD, which may include rapid weight gain, fluid retention with ascites, hepatomegaly (which may be painful), and rapid increase of bilirubin. For patients who develop abnormal liver tests after RYLAZE, more frequent monitoring for liver test abnormalities and clinical signs and symptoms of VOD is recommended. In the event of serious liver toxicity, including VOD, discontinue treatment with RYLAZE and provide supportive care [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and impairment of fertility studies have not been conducted with asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn.
In a fertility and early embryonic development study in rats, asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi had no effect on male or female fertility when administered intramuscularly at doses of up to 12 mg/m² (approximately 0.48 times the maximum recommended human dose) every other day for a total of 35 doses. In males, decreased sperm count was observed at all doses but did not impact fertility.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, RYLAZE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on RYLAZE use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, intramuscular administration of asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in structural abnormalities and embryo-fetal mortality (see Data) at exposures below those in patients at the recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
Animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have not been conducted with RYLAZE.
In embryofetal development studies, asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi was administered intramuscularly every other day during the period of organogenesis to pregnant rats (at 3, 6, or 12 mg/m²) and rabbits (at 0.12, 0.30, or 0.48 mg/m²). In rats given 12 mg/m² (approximately 0.48 times the maximum recommended human dose), maternal toxicity of decreased body weight gain was observed, as was a fetal finding of increased incidence of partially undescended thymic tissue. In rabbits, maternal toxicity consisting of decreased body weight was observed at 0.48 mg/m² (approximately 0.02 times the maximum recommended human dose). Increased post-implantation loss, a decrease in the number of live fetuses, and gross abnormalities (e.g., absent kidney, absent accessory lung lobe, additional subclavian artery, and delayed ossification) were observed at doses of ≥ 0.12 mg/m² (approximately 0.005 times the maximum recommended human dose).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in the breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with RYLAZE and for 1 week after the last dose.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
RYLAZE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use In Specific Populations].
Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy testing is recommended in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating RYLAZE.
Contraception
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraceptive methods during treatment with RYLAZE and for 3 months after the last dose.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of RYLAZE in the treatment of ALL and LBL have been established in pediatric patients 1 month to < 17 years who have developed hypersensitivity to a long-acting E. coliÂderived asparaginase. Use of RYLAZE in these age groups is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study in adults and pediatric patients. The trial included 139 pediatric patients, including 2 infants (1 month to < 2 years), 99 children (2 years to < 12 years old), and 38 adolescents (12 years to < 17 years old). There were no clinically meaningful differences in safety or nadir serum asparaginase activity across age groups. The safety and effectiveness of RYLAZE have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 1 month of age.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of RYLAZE did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.