Warnings for Voydeya
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Voydeya
Serious Infections Caused By Encapsulated Bacteria
VOYDEYA, a complement inhibitor, increases a patient’s susceptibility to serious, life-threatening, or fatal infections caused by encapsulated bacteria including Neisseria meningitidis (caused by any serogroup, including non-groupable strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Life-threatening and fatal infections with encapsulated bacteria have occurred in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients treated with complement inhibitors. The initiation of VOYDEYA treatment is contraindicated in patients with unresolved serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria.
Complete or update vaccination against encapsulated bacteria, specifically Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae at least 2 weeks prior to administration of the first dose of VOYDEYA, according to the current ACIP recommendations for patients receiving a complement inhibitor. Revaccinate patients in accordance with ACIP recommendations considering the duration of therapy with VOYDEYA. 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 VOYDEYA therapy is indicated in a patient who is not up to date with vaccines against encapsulated bacteria according to ACIP recommendations, provide the patient with antibacterial drug prophylaxis and administer these 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 VOYDEYA. The benefits and risks of treatment with VOYDEYA, 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 encapsulated bacteria.
Vaccination does not eliminate the risk of serious encapsulated bacterial infections, despite development of antibodies following vaccination. Closely monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of serious infection and evaluate patients immediately if an 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. Serious infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Consider interruption of VOYDEYA in patients who are undergoing treatment for serious infections.
VOYDEYA is available only through a restricted program under a REMS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
VOYDEYA REMS
VOYDEYA is available only through a restricted program under a REMS called VOYDEYA REMS, because of the risk of serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Notable requirements of the VOYDEYA REMS include the following:
- Prescribers must enroll in the REMS.
- Prescribers must counsel patients about the risk of serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria.
- Prescribers must provide patients with the REMS educational materials.
- Prescribers must assess patient vaccination status for vaccines against encapsulated bacteria and vaccinate if needed according to current ACIP recommendations two weeks prior to the first dose of VOYDEYA.
- Prescribers must provide a prescription for antibacterial drug prophylaxis if treatment must be started urgently, and the patient is not up to date with vaccines against encapsulated bacteria according to current ACIP recommendations at least two weeks prior to the first dose of VOYDEYA.
- Pharmacies that dispense VOYDEYA must be certified in the VOYDEYA REMS and must verify prescribers are certified.
- Patients must receive counseling from the prescriber about the need to receive vaccinations against encapsulated bacteria per ACIP recommendations, the need to take antibiotics as directed by the prescriber, and the early signs and symptoms of serious infections.
- Patients must be instructed to carry the Patient Safety Card with them at all times during treatment and for 1 week following the last dose of VOYDEYA.
Further information is available by telephone: 1-888-765-4747 or online at www.VoydeyaREMS.com.
Hepatic Enzyme Increases
Hepatic enzyme elevations have been observed in patients treated with VOYDEYA [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Fourteen percent of patients receiving VOYDEYA in Study ALXN2040-PNH-301 had elevations in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). ALT elevations > 3 × the upper limit of normal (ULN) and ≤ 5 × ULN occurred in 9% of VOYDEYA-treated patients, and ALT elevations > 5 × ULN and ≤ 10 × ULN occurred in 5% of VOYDEYA-treated patients.
Assess liver enzyme test results prior to the initiation of VOYDEYA and periodically during treatment. Consider treatment interruption or discontinuation if elevations are clinically significant or if the patient becomes symptomatic. VOYDEYA has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Use In Specific Populations].
Monitoring Of PNH Manifestations After VOYDEYA Discontinuation
After discontinuing treatment with VOYDEYA, closely monitor patients for at least 2 weeks after the last dose for signs and symptoms of hemolysis. If discontinuation of VOYDEYA is necessary, continue background treatment with ravulizumab or eculizumab or consider alternative therapy if necessary. The signs and symptoms of hemolysis may include a sudden decrease in hemoglobin or fatigue.
If hemolysis occurs after discontinuation of VOYDEYA, consider restarting treatment with VOYDEYA if appropriate.
Hyperlipidemia
VOYDEYA increases total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.
Of the 50 VOYDEYA-treated patients who had a normal total cholesterol level at baseline in Study ALXN2040-PNH-301, 30% developed Grade 1 hypercholesterolemia. Of the 6 VOYDEYA treated patients who had Grade 1 hypercholesterolemia at baseline in Study ALXN2040-PNH-301, 1 patient experienced increased total cholesterol that worsened to Grade 2. Of the 54 VOYDEYA-treated patients who had LDL-cholesterol ≤130 mg/dL at baseline in Study ALXN2040-PNH-301, 13% developed LDL-cholesterol >130-160 mg/dL and 9% developed LDL-cholesterol >160-190 mg/dL.
Some patients required cholesterol-lowering medications.
Monitor serum lipid parameters periodically during treatment with VOYDEYA and initiate cholesterol lowering medication, if indicated.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Serious Infections Caused By Encapsulated Bacteria
Advise patients of the risk of serious infection. Inform patients of the need to complete or update their vaccinations against encapsulated bacteria at least 2 weeks prior to receiving the first dose of VOYDEYA or receive antibacterial drug prophylaxis if VOYDEYA treatment must be initiated immediately and they have not previously been vaccinated. Inform patients of the requirement to be revaccinated according to ACIP recommendations for encapsulated bacteria while on VOYDEYA therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that vaccination may not prevent serious infection and to seek immediate medical attention if the following signs or symptoms occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]:
- fever with or without chills
- fever and a rash
- fever with chest pain and cough
- fever with breathlessness/fast breathing
- fever with high heart rate
- headache with nausea or vomiting
- headache and a fever
- headache with a stiff neck or stiff back
- confusion
- body aches with flu-like symptoms
- clammy skin
- eyes sensitive to light
Inform patients that they will be given a Patient Safety Card for VOYDEYA that they should carry with them at all times during and for 1 week following treatment with VOYDEYA. This card describes symptoms which, if experienced, should prompt the patient to seek immediate medical evaluation.
VOYDEYA REMS
VOYDEYA is available only through a restricted program called VOYDEYA REMS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform the patient of the following notable requirements:
- Patients must receive counseling about the risk of serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria.
- 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 treatment and for 1 week following the last dose of VOYDEYA.
- Patients must be instructed to complete or update vaccines against encapsulated bacteria per ACIP recommendations as directed by the prescriber prior to treatment with VOYDEYA.
- Patients must receive antibiotics as directed by the prescriber if they are not up to date on vaccinations against encapsulated bacteria and have to start VOYDEYA right away.
Importance Of Adherence To Dosing Schedule
Inform patients with PNH of the importance of taking VOYDEYA as prescribed to minimize the risk of hemolysis.
Discontinuation
Inform patients with PNH that they may develop serious hemolysis due to PNH if VOYDEYA is discontinued and that they should be monitored by their healthcare providers for at least 2 weeks following discontinuation of VOYDEYA.
Inform patients who discontinue VOYDEYA to keep the Patient Safety Card with them for 1 week after the last dose of VOYDEYA. The increased risk of serious infection may continue for a few days after the last dose of VOYDEYA.
Hepatic Enzyme Elevations
Inform patients that elevation in liver enzymes have occurred in patients treated with VOYDEYA, and liver tests will be obtained before and during VOYDEYA treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hyperlipidemia
Inform patients that VOYDEYA may increase their cholesterol and that monitoring of these parameters will be needed periodically during treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
Danicopan was not carcinogenic in the 6-month carcinogenicity study in the TgRasH2 mouse model. Danicopan was not carcinogenic in the 2-year rat carcinogenicity study at exposures 15- to 23-times the exposure at the MRHD (based on AUC).
Mutagenesis
Danicopan was not genotoxic in the Ames bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro micronucleus assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, or in the in vivo micronucleus assay in rats.
Impairment Of Fertility
In a rabbit study, reductions in male and female fertility and copulation/conception indices were observed at mean exposures 13-times the exposure at the MRHD (based on AUC).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no available data on VOYDEYA use in pregnant individuals to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated PNH in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). The use of VOYDEYA in pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant may be considered following an assessment of the risks and benefits.
In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of danicopan to pregnant New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits and Wistar Hans (WH) rats during organogenesis at exposures 18 or 25-times, respectively, above the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 200 mg three times a day (based on AUC) resulted in no adverse developmental effects (see Data).
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 and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 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, thrombotic events, infections, bleeding, miscarriages, and increased maternal mortality, and adverse fetal outcomes, including fetal death and premature delivery.
Data
Animal Data
There were no effects on early embryonic development and fetal development in NZW rabbits (where danicopan is pharmacodynamically active) up to a mean maternal systemic exposure 18-times the exposure at the MRHD (based on AUC) or during post-natal development up to a mean maternal systemic exposure 9-times the exposure at the MRHD (based on AUC). In WH rats (where danicopan lacks pharmacodynamic activity), there were no effects on embryo-fetal development up to a mean maternal exposure 25-times the exposure at the MRHD (based on AUC).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of danicopan in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effect on milk production. Danicopan is present in animal milk. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk.
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, including serious infections with encapsulated bacteria and liver enzyme increases, advise patients not to breastfeed during treatment with VOYDEYA, and for 3-days after the last dose.
Data
Animal Data
Danicopan was excreted into the milk of lactating rabbits following oral administration from lactation day 4 to lactation day 10, with mean milk concentrations at approximately 2 hours following dose administration 5- and 3.5-times higher than the mean maternal plasma concentrations at 50 and 250 mg/kg/day, respectively. Mean milk concentrations in dams were 19- and 43-times higher than the systemic exposure at the MRHD (based on rabbit concentration at 2 hours vs. human Cmax).
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of VOYDEYA for the treatment of PNH in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
There were 22 patients 65 years of age and older in the clinical studies for PNH [see Clinical Studies]. Of the total number of VOYDEYA-treated patients in these studies, 16 (28.1%) were 65 years of age and older, and 7 (12.3%) were 75 years of age and older. Clinical studies of VOYDEYA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Hepatic Impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A and B). Studies have not been conducted in patients with severe hepatic impairment, therefore, avoid use of VOYDEYA in this patient population [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].