Warnings for Votrient
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Votrient
Hepatic Toxicity
Hepatotoxicity, manifested as increases in ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin, occurred in patients who received VOTRIENT. This hepatotoxicity can be severe and fatal. Patients older than 65 years are at greater risk for hepatotoxicity [see Use In Specific Populations]. Transaminase elevations occur early in the course of treatment; 92% of all transaminase elevations of any grade occurred in the first 18 weeks.
In the randomized RCC trial (VEG105192), ALT > 3 x ULN occurred in 18% and ALT > 10 x ULN occurred in 4% of the 290 patients who received VOTRIENT. Concurrent elevation in ALT > 3 x ULN and bilirubin > 2 x ULN in the absence of significant alkaline phosphatase > 3 x ULN occurred in 2%. In the monotherapy trials, 2 patients died with disease progression and hepatic failure.
In the randomized STS trial (VEG110727), ALT > 3 x ULN occurred in 18% and ALT > 8 x ULN occurred in 5% of the 240 patients who received VOTRIENT. Concurrent elevation in ALT > 3 x ULN and bilirubin > 2 x ULN in the absence of significant alkaline phosphatase > 3 x ULN occurred in 2%. One patient died of hepatic failure.
Monitor liver tests at baseline; at Weeks 3, 5, 7, and 9; at Month 3 and Month 4; and then periodically as clinically indicated. Increase to weekly monitoring for patients with elevated ALT until ALT returns to Grade 1 or baseline. Withhold VOTRIENT and resume at reduced dose with continued weekly monitoring for 8 weeks, or permanently discontinue with weekly monitoring until resolution based on severity of hepatotoxicity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Gilbert’s Syndrome
VOTRIENT is a uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) inhibitor. Mild, indirect (unconjugated) hyperbilirubinemia may occur in patients with Gilbert’s syndrome [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In patients with only a mild indirect hyperbilirubinemia known as Gilbert’s syndrome, manage elevation in ALT > 3 x ULN per the recommendations outlined for isolated ALT elevations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Concomitant Use Of Simvastatin
Concomitant use of VOTRIENT and simvastatin increases the risk of ALT elevations [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Insufficient data are available to assess the risk of concomitant administration of alternative statins and VOTRIENT.
QT Prolongation And Torsades de Pointes
In the RCC trials, 558/586 patients were subject to routine electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and QT prolongation ≥ 500 msec was identified in 2% of these 558 patients. In monotherapy trials, torsades de pointes occurred in < 1% of 977 patients who received VOTRIENT.
In the randomized RCC (VEG105192) and STS (VEG110727) trials, 1% (3/290) and 0.4% (1/240) of patients, respectively, who received VOTRIENT had post-baseline values between 500 to 549 msec. Post-baseline QT data were only collected in the STS trial if ECG abnormalities were reported as an adverse reaction.
Monitor patients who are at significant risk of developing QTc prolongation, including patients with a history of QT interval prolongation, in patients taking antiarrhythmics or other medications that may prolong QT interval, and those with relevant preexisting cardiac disease [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Monitor ECG and electrolytes (e.g., calcium, magnesium, potassium) at baseline and as clinically indicated. Correct hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia prior to initiating VOTRIENT and during treatment.
Cardiac Dysfunction
Cardiac dysfunction, including decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and congestive heart failure, occurred in patients who received VOTRIENT.
In the RCC trials, cardiac dysfunction was observed in 0.6% of 586 patients without routine on-study LVEF monitoring. In the randomized RCC trial (VEG105192), myocardial dysfunction was defined as symptoms of cardiac dysfunction or ≥ 15% absolute decline in LVEF compared with baseline or a decline in LVEF of ≥ 10% compared with baseline that is also below the lower limit of normal. In an RCC trial (COMPARZ), myocardial dysfunction occurred in 13% of the 362 patients on VOTRIENT who had a baseline and post-baseline LVEF measurements. Congestive heart failure occurred in 0.5% of patients.
In the randomized STS trial (VEG110727), myocardial dysfunction occurred in 11% of the 142 patients who had a baseline and a post-baseline LVEF measurements. One percent (3/240) of patients who received VOTRIENT had congestive heart failure, which did not resolve in one patient. Fourteen of the 16 patients with myocardial dysfunction treated with VOTRIENT had concurrent hypertension which may have exacerbated cardiac dysfunction in patients at risk (e.g., those with prior anthracycline therapy) possibly by increasing cardiac afterload.
Monitor blood pressure and manage as appropriate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Monitor for clinical signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure. Conduct baseline and periodic evaluation of LVEF in patients at risk of cardiac dysfunction, including previous anthracycline exposure. Withhold or permanently discontinue VOTRIENT based on severity of cardiac dysfunction [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hemorrhagic Events
In the RCC trials, fatal hemorrhage occurred in 0.9% of 586 patients, and cerebral/intracranial hemorrhage was observed in < 1% (2/586) of patients treated with VOTRIENT.
In the randomized RCC trial (VEG105192), 13% of 290 patients treated with VOTRIENT experienced at least 1 hemorrhagic event. The most common hemorrhagic events were hematuria (4%), epistaxis (2%), hemoptysis (2%), and rectal hemorrhage (1%). Nine of 37 patients treated with VOTRIENT who had hemorrhagic events experienced serious events, including pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary hemorrhage. One percent of patients treated with VOTRIENT died from hemorrhage.
In the randomized STS trial (VEG110727), 22% of 240 patients treated with VOTRIENT experienced at least 1 hemorrhagic event. The most common hemorrhagic events were epistaxis (8%), mouth hemorrhage (3%), and anal hemorrhage (2%). Grade 4 hemorrhagic events occurred in 1% of patients and included intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and peritoneal hemorrhage.
VOTRIENT has not been studied in patients who have a history of hemoptysis, cerebral hemorrhage, or clinically significant gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the past 6 months. Withhold VOTRIENT and resume at reduced dose or permanently discontinue based on severity of hemorrhagic events [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Arterial Thromboembolic Events
In the RCC trials, fatal arterial thromboembolic events occurred in 0.3% of 586 patients. In the randomized RCC trial (VEG105192), 2% of 290 patients who received VOTRIENT experienced myocardial infarction or ischemia, 0.3% had a cerebrovascular accident, and 1% had an event of transient ischemic attack.
In the randomized STS trial (VEG110727), 2% of 240 patients who received VOTRIENT experienced a myocardial infarction or ischemia and 0.4% had a cerebrovascular accident.
VOTRIENT has not been studied in patients who have had an arterial thromboembolic event within the previous 6 months. Permanently discontinue VOTRIENT in case of an arterial thromboembolic event [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Venous Thromboembolic Events
Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), including venous thrombosis and fatal pulmonary embolus (PE), occurred in patients who received VOTRIENT.
In the randomized RCC trial (VEG105192), VTEs occurred in 1% of 290 patients who received VOTRIENT. In the randomized STS trial (VEG110727), VTEs were reported in 5% of 240 patients who received VOTRIENT. Fatal PE occurred in 1% (2/240).
Monitor for signs and symptoms of VTE and PE. Withhold VOTRIENT and then resume at same dose or permanently discontinue based on severity of VTE [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), occurred in clinical trials of VOTRIENT as monotherapy, in combination with bevacizumab, and in combination with topotecan. VOTRIENT is not indicated for use in combination with other agents. Six of the 7 TMA cases occurred within 90 days of the initiation of VOTRIENT. Improvement of TMA was observed after treatment was discontinued.
Monitor for signs and symptoms of TMA. Permanently discontinue VOTRIENT in patients developing TMA. Manage as clinically indicated.
Gastrointestinal Perforation And Fistula
In the RCC and STS trials, gastrointestinal perforation or fistula occurred in 0.9% of 586 patients and 1% of 382 patients who received VOTRIENT, respectively. Fatal perforations occurred in 0.3% (2/586) of these patients in the RCC trials and in 0.3% (1/382) of these patients in the STS trials.
Monitor for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation or fistula. Withhold VOTRIENT in case of Grade 2 or 3 gastrointestinal fistula and resume based on medical judgement. Permanently discontinue VOTRIENT in case of gastrointestinal perforation or Grade 4 gastrointestinal fistula [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis, which can be fatal, has been reported with VOTRIENT across clinical trials. ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 0.1% of patients treated with VOTRIENT.
Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue VOTRIENT in patients who develop ILD or pneumonitis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) has been reported in patients who received VOTRIENT and may be fatal. PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with headache, seizure, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurologic disturbances. Mild to severe hypertension may be present. Confirm diagnosis of PRES by magnetic resonance imaging.
Permanently discontinue VOTRIENT in patients who develop PRES.
Hypertension
Hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 150 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg) and hypertensive crisis were observed in patients treated with VOTRIENT.
Approximately 40% of patients who received VOTRIENT experienced hypertension, with Grade 3 occurring in 4% to 7% of patients [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. About 40% of cases occurred by Day 9 and about 90% of cases occurred in the first 18 weeks across clinical trials. Approximately 1% of patients required permanent discontinuation of VOTRIENT because of hypertension.
Do not initiate VOTRIENT in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Optimize blood pressure prior to initiating VOTRIENT. Monitor blood pressure as clinically indicated and initiate and adjust antihypertensive therapy as appropriate. Withhold and then dose reduce VOTRIENT or permanently discontinue based on severity of hypertension [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Risk Of Impaired Wound Healing
Impaired wound healing complications can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. Therefore, VOTRIENT has the potential to adversely affect wound healing.
Withhold VOTRIENT at least 1 week prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of VOTRIENT after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, confirmed based on a simultaneous rise of TSH and decline of T4, occurred in 7% of 290 patients who received VOTRIENT in the randomized RCC trial (VEG105192) and in 5% of 240 patients who received VOTRIENT in the randomized STS trial (VEG110727). Hypothyroidism occurred in 4% of the 586 patients in the RCC trials and 5% of the 382 patients in the STS trials.
Monitor thyroid tests at baseline, during treatment and as clinically indicated and manage hypothyroidism as appropriate.
Proteinuria
In the randomized RCC trial (VEG105192), proteinuria occurred in 9% of 290 patients who received VOTRIENT. In 2 patients, proteinuria led to discontinuation of VOTRIENT.
In the randomized STS trial (VEG110727), proteinuria occurred in 1% of 240 patients and nephrotic syndrome occurred in 1 patient. Treatment was discontinued in the patient with nephrotic syndrome.
Perform baseline and periodic urinalysis during treatment with follow up measurement of 24-hour urine protein as clinically indicated. Withhold VOTRIENT then resume at a reduced dose or permanently discontinue based on severity of proteinuria. Permanently discontinue in patients with nephrotic syndrome [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Cases of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), including fatal cases, have been reported in RCC and STS patients treated with VOTRIENT [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients may be at risk of TLS if they have rapidly growing tumors, a high tumor burden, renal dysfunction, or dehydration. Closely monitor patients at risk, consider appropriate prophylaxis, and treat as clinically indicated.
Infection
Serious infections (with or without neutropenia), including some with fatal outcome, have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection. Institute appropriate anti-infective therapy promptly and consider interruption or discontinuation of VOTRIENT for serious infections.
Increased Toxicity With Other Cancer Therapy
VOTRIENT is not indicated for use in combination with other agents. Clinical trials of VOTRIENT in combination with pemetrexed and lapatinib were terminated early due to increased toxicity and mortality. The fatal toxicities observed included pulmonary hemorrhage, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and sudden death. A safe and effective combination dose has not been established with these regimens.
Increased Toxicity in Developing Organs
The safety and effectiveness of VOTRIENT in pediatric patients have not been established. VOTRIENT is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Based on its mechanism of action, pazopanib may have severe effects on organ growth and maturation in patients younger than 2 years of age [see Use In Specific Populations].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, VOTRIENT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Administration of VOTRIENT to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in maternal toxicity, teratogenicity, and abortion at systemic exposures lower than that observed at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 800 mg (based on area under the curve [AUC]).
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with VOTRIENT and for at least 2 weeks following the final dose. Advise males (including those who have had vasectomies) with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with VOTRIENT and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
- Hepatic Toxicity: Inform patients that periodic laboratory testing will be performed. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction to their healthcare provider right away [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- QT Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes: Inform patients that ECG monitoring may be performed. Advise patients to inform their physicians of concomitant medications [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis: Advise patients to report pulmonary signs or symptoms indicative of interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Cardiac Dysfunction: Advise patients to report hypertension or signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Hemorrhagic Events: Advise patients to report unusual bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Arterial Thromboembolic Events: Advise patients to report signs or symptoms of an arterial thrombosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Pneumothorax and Venous Thromboembolic Events: Advise patients to report new onset of dyspnea, chest pain, or localized limb edema [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].
- Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Advise patients to inform their doctor if they have worsening of neurological function consistent with PRES (headache, seizure, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurologic disturbances) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Hypertension: Advise patients to monitor blood pressure early in the course of therapy and frequently thereafter and report increases of blood pressure or symptoms, such as blurred vision, confusion, severe headache, or nausea and vomiting [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Gastrointestinal Perforation and Fistula: Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of a GI perforation or fistula [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Risk of Impaired Wound Healing: Advise patients that VOTRIENT may impair wound healing. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of any scheduled surgical procedure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Hypothyroidism and Proteinuria: Inform patients that thyroid function testing and urinalysis will be performed during treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider promptly to report any signs and symptoms of TLS, such as abnormal heart rhythm, seizure, confusion, muscle cramps or spasms, or a decrease in urine output [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Infection: Advise patients to promptly report any signs or symptoms of infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Advise female patients to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy during treatment with VOTRIENT. Inform female patients of the risk to a fetus and the potential loss of the pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].
- Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose of VOTRIENT. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with VOTRIENT and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].
- Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with VOTRIENT and for 2 weeks after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
- Infertility: Advise males and females of reproductive potential that VOTRIENT may impair fertility [see Use In Specific Populations].
- Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Advise patients on how to manage nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and to notify their healthcare provider if moderate-to-severe vomiting or diarrhea occurs or if there is a decrease in oral intake [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
- Depigmentation: Advise patients that depigmentation of the hair or skin may occur during treatment with VOTRIENT [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
- Drug Interactions: Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers of all concomitant medications, vitamins, or dietary and herbal supplements [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
- Dosage and Administration: Advise patients to take VOTRIENT without food (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
The carcinogenic potential of pazopanib was evaluated in CD-1 mice, and Sprague-Dawley rats. Administration of pazopanib to mice for 2 years did not result in increased incidence of neoplasms at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.4-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). Administration of pazopanib to rats for 2 years resulted in findings of duodenal adenocarcinoma in males at 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.3-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day) and in females at greater than or equal to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.3-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). The human relevance of these neoplastic findings is unclear.
Pazopanib did not induce mutations in the microbial mutagenesis (Ames) assay and was not clastogenic in both the in vitro cytogenetic assay using primary human lymphocytes and in the in vivo rat micronucleus assay.
In an oral female fertility and early embryonic development study, female rats were administered pazopanib at least 15 days prior to mating, and for 6 days after mating. Pazopanib did affect fertility in female rats. Reduced fertility, including increased pre-implantation loss and early resorptions, were noted at dosages greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.4-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). Decreased corpora lutea and increased cysts were noted in mice given greater than or equal to 100 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks and ovarian atrophy was noted in rats given greater than or equal to 300 mg/kg/day for 26 weeks (approximately 1.3 and 0.85-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). Decreased corpora lutea was also noted in monkeys given 500 mg/kg/day for up to 34 weeks (approximately 0.4-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day).
Pazopanib did not affect mating or fertility in male rats. However, there were reductions in sperm production rates and testicular sperm concentrations at doses greater than or equal to 3 mg/kg/day, epididymal sperm concentrations at doses greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day, and sperm motility at greater than or equal to 100 mg/kg/day following 15 weeks of dosing. Following 15 and 26 weeks of dosing, there were decreased testicular and epididymal weights at doses of greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.35-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day); atrophy and degeneration of the testes with aspermia, hypospermia, and cribiform change in the epididymis was also observed at this dose in the 6-month toxicity studies in male rats.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], VOTRIENT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on VOTRIENT use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk. In animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies, oral administration of pazopanib to pregnant rats and rabbits throughout organogenesis resulted in teratogenicity, and abortion at systemic exposures lower than that observed at the MRHD of 800 mg/day (based on AUC) (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
The estimated 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 risk of major birth defects in clinically recognized pregnancies and miscarriage is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In a female fertility and early embryonic development study, female rats were administered oral pazopanib at least 15 days prior to mating and for 6 days after mating, which resulted in increased pre-implantation loss and early resorptions at dosages greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.4-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). Total litter resorption was seen at 300 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.8-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). Postimplantation loss, embryolethality, and decreased fetal body weights were noted in females administered doses greater than or equal to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.3-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day).
In embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits, oral pazopanib was administered to pregnant animals during organogenesis. In rats, dose levels of greater than or equal to 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day) resulted in teratogenic effects, including cardiovascular malformations (retroesophageal subclavian artery, missing innominate artery, changes in the aortic arch), incomplete or absent ossification, increases in postimplantation loss, embryolethality and reduced fetal body weight. In rabbits, maternal toxicity, increased postimplantation loss and abortion were observed at doses greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.007-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). In addition, severe maternal body weight loss and 100% litter loss were observed at doses greater than or equal to 100 mg/kg/day (0.02-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day), while fetal weight was reduced at doses greater than or equal to 3 mg/kg/day (AUC not calculated).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no data on the presence of pazopanib or its metabolites in human milk or their effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with VOTRIENT and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Females And Males of Reproductive Potential
VOTRIENT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use In Specific Populations].
Pregnancy Testing
Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to starting treatment with VOTRIENT.
Contraception
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with VOTRIENT and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
Males
Advise males (including those who have had vasectomies) with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with VOTRIENT and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
Infertility
Based on findings from animal studies, VOTRIENT may impair fertility in females and males of reproductive potential while receiving treatment [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of VOTRIENT in pediatric patients have not been established.
VOTRIENT is not indicated for use in pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Based on its mechanism of action, pazopanib may have severe effects on organ growth and maturation during early postnatal development. Administration of pazopanib to juvenile rats < 21 days old resulted in toxicity to the lungs, liver, heart, and kidney and in death at doses significantly lower than the clinically recommended dose or doses tolerated in older animals (see Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data).
The safety and efficacy of VOTRIENT or an unapproved pazopanib formulation were investigated but not established in two open-label studies: a study in 37 pediatric patients 2 to < 17 years with recurrent or refractory solid tumors [NCT00929903] and a study in 46 pediatric patients 1 year to < 17 years with refractory solid tumors, including sarcoma [NCT01956669]. Meaningful anti-tumor activity was not observed in these studies.
Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data
In rats, weaning occurs at Day 21 postpartum which approximately equates to a human pediatric age of 2 years. In a juvenile animal toxicology study performed in rats, when animals were dosed from Day 9 through Day 14 postpartum (pre-weaning), pazopanib caused abnormal organ growth/maturation in the kidney, lung, liver, and heart at approximately 0.1-fold the AUC in adults at the MRHD of 800 mg/day of VOTRIENT. At approximately 0.4-fold the AUC in adults at the MRHD of 800 mg/day, pazopanib administration resulted in mortality.
In repeat-dose toxicology studies in rats, including 4-week, 13-week, and 26-week administration, toxicities in bone, teeth, and nail beds were observed at doses greater than or equal to 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.07-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). Doses of 300 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.8-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day) were not tolerated in 13-and 26-week studies and animals required dose reductions due to body weight loss and morbidity. Hypertrophy of epiphyseal growth plates, nail abnormalities (including broken, overgrown, or absent nails) and tooth abnormalities in growing incisor teeth (including excessively long, brittle, broken, and missing teeth, and dentine and enamel degeneration and thinning) were observed in rats at doses greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.35-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day) at 26 weeks, with the onset of tooth and nail bed alterations noted clinically after 4 to 6 weeks. Similar findings were noted in repeat-dose studies in juvenile rats dosed with pazopanib beginning Day 21 postpartum (post-weaning). In the post-weaning animals, the occurrence of changes in teeth and bones occurred earlier and with greater severity than in older animals. There was evidence of tooth degeneration and decreased bone growth at doses greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg (approximately 0.1-to 0.2-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day). Pazopanib exposure in juvenile rats was lower than that seen at the same dose levels in adult animals, based on comparative AUC values. At pazopanib doses approximately 0.5-to 0.7-fold the AUC at the MRHD of 800 mg/day, decreased bone growth in juvenile rats persisted even after the end of the dosing period. Finally, despite lower pazopanib exposures than those reported in adult animals or adult humans, juvenile animals administered 300 mg/kg/dose pazopanib required dose reduction within 4 weeks of dosing initiation due to significant toxicity, although adult animals could tolerate this same dose for at least 3 times as long [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Geriatric Use
In pooled clinical trials with VOTRIENT, 30% of 2080 patients were aged ≥ 65 years. More patients ≥ 65 years had ALT elevations > 3 x ULN compared to patients < 65 years (23% versus 18%) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In the RCC trials, 33% of 586 patients were aged ≥ 65 years. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of VOTRIENT were observed between these patients and younger patients.
In the STS trials, 24% of 382 patients were aged ≥ 65 years. Patients aged ≥ 65 years had a higher incidence of Grade 3 or 4 fatigue (19% versus 12% for patients aged < 65 years), hypertension (10% versus 6%), decreased appetite (11% versus 2%), ALT elevations (3% versus 2%) and AST elevations (4% versus 1%). In the randomized STS trial (VEG110727), no overall differences in effectiveness of VOTRIENT were observed between patients aged ≥ 65 years and younger patients.
Renal Impairment
No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with renal impairment. VOTRIENT has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment or in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.
Hepatic Impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild hepatic impairment (either total bilirubin ≤ ULN and ALT > ULN or bilirubin > 1 to 1.5 x ULN and any ALT value). VOTRIENT is not recommended in patients with moderate (total bilirubin > 1.5 to 3 x ULN and any ALT value) and severe (total bilirubin > 3 x ULN and any ALT value) hepatic impairment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].