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VYXEOS™
(daunorubicin and cytarabine) for Injection
WARNING
DO NOT INTERCHANGE WITH OTHER DAUNORUBICINAND/OR CYTARABINE-CONTAINING PRODUCTS
VYXEOS (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection is a combination of daunorubicin and cytarabine in a 1:5 molar ratio encapsulated in liposomes for intravenous administration. The liposome membrane is composed of distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), distearoylphosphatidylglycerol (DSPG), and cholesterol in a 7:2:1 molar ratio.
Daunorubicin is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor. The chemical name for daunorubicin is (1S,3S)-3-acetyl-1,2,3,4,6,11-hexahydro-3,5,12-trihydroxy-10-methoxy-6,11-dioxo-1naphthacenyl-3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-α-L-lyxo-hexopyranoside; its molecular weight is 527.52. Daunorubicin has the following structural formula:
 |
Cytarabine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor. The chemical name of cytarabine is 4-amino-1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-2(1H)-pyrimidinone; its molecular weight is 243.22. Cytarabine has the following structural formula:
 |
VYXEOS liposome for injection is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, purple, lyophilized cake, in a single-dose vial. Each vial contains 44 mg daunorubicin and 100 mg cytarabine, and the following inactive ingredients: distearoylphosphatidylcholine 454 mg, distearoylphosphatidylglycerol 132 mg, cholesterol HP 32 mg, copper gluconate 100 mg, triethanolamine 4 mg, and sucrose 2054 mg.
VYXEOS is indicated for the treatment of adults with newly-diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC).
A full VYXEOS course consists of 1-2 cycles of Induction and up to 2 cycles of Consolidation at the dose and schedule listed in Table 1. Prior to initiating each cycle of VYXEOS, calculate the prior cumulative anthracycline exposure for the patient [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Administer prophylactic anti-emetics before treatment with VYXEOS.
Table 1: Dose and Schedule for VYXEOS
| Cycle | VYXEOS Dose and Schedule |
| First Induction | (daunorubicin 44 mg/m2 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2) liposome days 1, 3 and 5 |
| Second Inductiona | (daunorubicin 44 mg/m2 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2) liposome days 1 and 3 |
| Consolidation | (daunorubicin 29 mg/m2 and cytarabine 65 mg/m2) liposome days 1 and 3 |
| a Only for patients failing to achieve a response with the first induction cycle. | |
For the first cycle of induction, the recommended dose of VYXEOS is (daunorubicin 44 mg/m2 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2) liposome administered via intravenous infusion over 90 minutes on days 1, 3, and 5. Prior to initiating induction, assess cardiac function and obtain liver and renal function studies. For patients who do not achieve remission with the first induction cycle, a second induction cycle may be administered 2 to 5 weeks after the first if there was no unacceptable toxicity with VYXEOS. The recommended dose for the second induction cycle of VYXEOS is (daunorubicin 44 mg/m2 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2) liposome administered via intravenous infusion over 90 minutes on days 1 and 3.
Administer the first consolidation cycle 5 to 8 weeks after the start of the last induction. The recommended dose for each cycle of consolidation therapy is VYXEOS (daunorubicin 29 mg/m2 and cytarabine 65 mg/m2) liposome administered via intravenous infusion over 90 minutes on days 1 and 3.
Assess cardiac function, complete blood counts, liver and renal function before each consolidation cycle. Do not start VYXEOS consolidation until the absolute neutrophil count recovers to greater than 0.5 Gi/L and the platelet count recovers to greater 50 Gi/L in the absence of unacceptable toxicity. Administer the second consolidation cycle 5 to 8 weeks after the start of the first consolidation cycle in patients who do not show disease progression or unacceptable toxicity to VYXEOS.
If a planned dose of VYXEOS is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible and adjust the dosing schedule accordingly, maintaining the treatment interval.
For hypersensitivity reactions of any grade/severity, interrupt VYXEOS infusion immediately and manage symptoms. Reduce the rate of infusion or discontinue treatment as outlined below [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Discontinue VYXEOS in patients who exhibit impaired cardiac function unless the benefit of continuing treatment outweighs the risk [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
VYXEOS is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.1 VYXEOS is supplied as a single-dose vial and does not contain any preservatives. Do not save any unused portions for later administration.
Preparation Instructions:
VYXEOS is a sterile, preservative-free, purple, lyophilized cake for reconstitution supplied in a single-dose clear glass vial as follows:
VYXEOS (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, purple, lyophilized cake, in a single-dose vial. Each VYXEOS vial (NDC 68727-745-01) contains 44 mg daunorubicin and 100 mg cytarabine.
NDC 68727-745-02: Carton containing 2 vials of VYXEOS
NDC 68727-745-05: Carton containing 5 vials of VYXEOS
Store unreconstituted VYXEOS vials in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in an upright position. The vial should be stored in its original carton to protect from light.
VYXEOS is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.1
REFERENCES
1. OSHA Hazardous Drugs. OSHA. [Accessed on 15 June 2017, from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html.]
Distributed by: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Palo Alto, CA 94304. Revised: Aug 2017
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of VYXEOS was determined in a randomized trial for adults with newly-diagnosed t-AML or AML-MRC [see Clinical Studies] which included 153 patients treated with VYXEOS and 151 patients treated with a standard combination of cytarabine and daunorubicin (7+3). At study entry, patients were required to have a LVEF of at least 50% and a prior lifetime cumulative anthracycline exposure less than 368 mg/m2 daunorubicin (or equivalent). On study, the median number of cycles administered was 2 (range, 1–4 cycles) on the VYXEOS arm and 1 (range, 1–4 cycles) on the control arm. The median cumulative daunorubicin dose was 189 mg/m2 (range, 44–337 mg/m2) on the VYXEOS arm and 186 mg/m2 (range, 44–532 mg/m2) on the control arm.
Nine patients each on the VYXEOS arm (6%) and the control arm (6%) had a fatal adverse reaction on treatment or within 30 days of therapy that was not in the setting of progressive disease. Fatal adverse reactions on the VYXEOS arm included infection, CNS hemorrhage, and respiratory failure. Overall, all-cause day-30 mortality was 6% in the VYXEOS arm and 11% in the control arm. During the first 60 days of the study, 14% (21/153) of patients died in the VYXEOS arm vs. 21% (32/151) of patients in the 7+3 treatment group.
The most common serious adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) on the VYXEOS arm were dyspnea, myocardial toxicity, sepsis, pneumonia, febrile neutropenia, bacteremia and hemorrhage. Adverse reactions led to discontinuation of VYXEOS in 18% (28/153) of patients, and 13% (20/151) in the control arm. The adverse reactions leading to discontinuation on the VYXEOS arm included prolonged cytopenias, infection, cardiotoxicity, respiratory failure, hemorrhage (GI and CNS), renal insufficiency, colitis, and generalized medical deterioration. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) in patients on the VYXEOS arm were hemorrhagic events, febrile neutropenia, rash, edema, nausea, mucositis, diarrhea, constipation, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, dyspnea, headache, cough, decreased appetite, arrhythmia, pneumonia, bacteremia, chills, sleep disorders, and vomiting. The incidences of common adverse drug reactions during the induction phase in Study 1 are presented in Table 3.
Table 3: Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 10% Incidence in the VYXEOS arm) During the Induction Phase
| Adverse Reaction a | All Grades b | Grades 3 to 5 b | ||
| VYXEOS N=153 n (%) |
7+3 N=151 n (%) |
VYXEOS N=153 n (%) |
7+3 N=151 n (%) |
|
| Hemorrhage a | 107 (70) | 74 (49) | 15 (10) | 9 (6) |
| Febrile Neutropenia | 104 (68) | 103 (68) | 101 (66) | 102 (68) |
| Rash a | 82 (54) | 55 (36) | 8 (5) | 2 (1) |
| Edema a | 78 (51) | 90 (60) | 2 (2) | 5 (3) |
| Nausea | 72 (47) | 79 (52) | 1 (1) | 1 (1) |
| Diarrhea/Colitis a | 69 (45) | 100 (66) | 4 (3) | 10 (7) |
| Mucositis a | 67 (44) | 69 (46) | 2 (1) | 7 (5) |
| Constipation | 61 (40) | 57 (38) | 0 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal pain a | 58 (38) | 52 (34) | 5 (3) | 4 (3) |
| Abdominal pain a | 51 (33) | 45 (30) | 3 (2) | 3 (2) |
| Cough a | 51 (33) | 34 (23) | 0 | 1 (1) |
| Headache a | 51 (33) | 36 (24) | 2 (1) | 1 (1) |
| Dyspnea a | 49 (32) | 51 (34) | 17 (11) | 15 (10) |
| Fatigue a | 49 (32) | 58 (38) | 8 (5) | 8 (5) |
| Arrhythmia a | 46 (30) | 41 (27) | 10 (7) | 7 (5) |
| Decreased appetite | 44 (29) | 57 (38) | 2 (1) | 5 (3) |
| Pneumonia (excluding fungal) a | 39 (26) | 35 (23) | 30 (20) | 26 (17) |
| Sleep disorders a | 38 (25) | 42 (28) | 2 (1) | 1 (1) |
| Bacteremia (excluding sepsis) a | 37 (24) | 37 (25) | 35 (23) | 31 (21) |
| Vomiting a | 37 (24) | 33 (22) | 0 | 0 |
| Chills | 35 (23) | 38 (25) | 0 | 0 |
| Hypotension a | 30 (20) | 32 (21) | 7 (5) | 1 (1) |
| Non-conduction cardiotoxicity a | 31 (20) | 27 (18) | 13 (9) | 15 (10) |
| Dizziness a | 27 (18) | 26 (17) | 1 (1) | 0 |
| Fungal infection a | 27 (18) | 19 (13) | 11 (7) | 9 (6) |
| Hypertension a | 28 (18) | 22 (15) | 15 (10) | 8 (5) |
| Hypoxia a | 28 (18) | 31 (21) | 19 (12) | 23 (15) |
| Upper respiratory infections (excluding fungal) a | 28 (18) | 19 (13) | 4 (3) | 1 (1) |
| Chest pain a | 26 (17) | 22 (15) | 5 (3) | 0 |
| Pyrexia | 26 (17) | 23 (15) | 1 (1) | 2 (1) |
| Catheter/device/ injection site reaction a | 24 (16) | 15 (10) | 0 | 0 |
| Delirium a | 24 (16) | 33 (22) | 4 (3) | 9 (6) |
| Pleural effusion | 24 (16) | 25 (17) | 3 (2) | 2 (1) |
| Anxiety | 21 (14) | 16 (11) | 0 | 0 |
| Pruritus a | 23 (15) | 14 (9) | 0 | 0 |
| Sepsis (excluding fungal) a | 17 (11) | 20 (13) | n/a | |
| Hemorrhoids | 16 (11) | 12 ( 8) | 0 | 0 |
| Petechiae | 17 (11) | 17 (11) | 0 | 0 |
| Renal insufficiency a | 17 (11) | 17 (11) | 7 (5) | 7 (5) |
| Transfusion reactions a | 17 (11) | 16 (11) | 3 (2) | 1 (1) |
| Visual impairment (except bleeding)a | 16 (11) | 8 (5) | 0 | 0 |
| aGrouped terms: Hemorrhage: Anal hemorrhage, Blood blister, Blood urine present, Breast hematoma, Catheter site bruise, Catheter site hemorrhage, Central nervous system hemorrhage, Cerebral hematoma, Cerebral hemorrhage, Coagulopathy, Conjunctival hemorrhage, Contusion, Ecchymosis, Enterocolitis hemorrhagic, Epistaxis, Gastric hemorrhage, Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Gingival bleeding, Hematemesis, Hematochezia, Hematoma, Hematuria, Hemoptysis, Hemorrhage, Hemorrhage intracranial, Hemorrhage subcutaneous, Hemorrhage urinary tract, Hemorrhoidal hemorrhage, Lip hematoma, Lip hemorrhage, Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Melena, Mouth hemorrhage, Mucosal hemorrhage, Periorbital hematoma, Periorbital hemorrhage, Pharyngeal hematoma, Pharyngeal hemorrhage, Post procedural contusion, Post procedural hematoma, Post procedural hemorrhage, Pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage, Pulmonary hemorrhage, Purpura, Rectal hemorrhage, Retinal hemorrhage, Scleral hemorrhage, Scrotal hematoma, Skin ulcer hemorrhage, Small intestinal hemorrhage, Stomatitis hemorrhagic, Subdural hematoma, Subdural hemorrhage, Subgaleal hematoma, Tongue hemorrhage, Traumatic hematoma, Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Urethral hemorrhage, Vaginal hemorrhage, Vessel puncture site hemorrhage, Vitreous hemorrhage; Rash: Dermatitis, Dermatitis acneiform, Dermatitis allergic, Dermatitis contact, Eczema, Erythema nodosum, Exfoliative rash, Psoriasis, Rash, Rash erythematous, Rash follicular, Rash generalized, Rash macular, Rash maculo-papular, Rash papular, Rash pruritic, Rash pustular, Skin exfoliation; Edema: Face edema, Fluid overload, Fluid retention, Generalized edema, Localized edema, Edema, Edema peripheral, Penile edema, Scrotal edema, swelling, swelling face; Diarrhea/Colitis: Cecitis, Colitis, Diarrhea, Enterocolitis, Ileitis, Neutropenic colitis, Enteritis, Enterocolitis; Mucositis: Anal erosion, Anorectal discomfort, Duodenitis, Gastric ulcer, Gastrointestinal inflammation, Gingival pain, Gingival swelling, Gingivitis, Glossodynia, Laryngeal inflammation, Lip ulceration, Mouth ulceration, Mucosal inflammation, Mucosal ulceration, Odynophagia, Edema mouth, Esophageal ulcer, Esophagitis, Oral mucosa erosion, Oral mucosal blistering, Oral mucosal erythema, Pharyngeal ulceration, Proctalgia, Proctitis, Rectal ulcer, Stomatitis, Tongue ulceration, Oropharyngeal pain, Oral pain, Oropharyngeal discomfort, Pharyngeal erythema; Musculoskeletal pain: Arthralgia, Back pain, Bone pain, Coccydynia, Limb discomfort, Musculoskeletal chest pain, Musculoskeletal pain, Myalgia, Neck pain, Pain in extremity, Pain in jaw; Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain, Abdominal distension, Abdominal pain upper, Abdominal discomfort, Abdominal pain lower, Abdominal tenderness; Cough: Cough, Productive Cough; Headache: Headache, Sinus Headache; Dyspnea: Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Acute respiratory failure, Bronchospasm, Dyspnea, Dyspnea exertional, Respiratory distress, Respiratory failure, Wheezing; Fatigue: Fatigue, Asthenia; Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia, Arrhythmia supraventricular, Atrial fibrillation, Atrial flutter, Atrial tachycardia, Atrioventricular block first degree, Atrioventricular block second degree, Bradycardia, Bundle branch block right, Extrasystoles, Heart rate increased, Nodal arrhythmia, Nodal rhythm, Sinus arrest, Sinus arrhythmia, Sinus bradycardia, Sinus tachycardia, Supraventricular tachycardia, Tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystoles, Ventricular tachycardia; Pneumonia (excluding fungal): Lung consolidation, Lung infection, Lung infiltration, Pneumonia, Pneumonia aspiration, Pneumonia bacterial, Pneumonia klebsiella, Pneumonia pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pneumonia viral; Sleep disorders: Abnormal dreams, Insomnia, Nightmare, Sleep apnoea syndrome, Sleep disorder; Bacteremia (excluding sepsis): Bacillus test positive, Bacteremia, Bacteroides bacteremia, Corynebacterium test positive, Enterobacter bacteremia, Enterococcal bacteremia, Enterococcus test positive, Escherichia bacteremia, Klebsiella bacteremia, Pseudomonal bacteremia, Pseudomonas test positive, Staphylococcal bacteremia, Staphylococcus test positive, Stomatococcus test positive, Streptococcal bacteremia, Streptococcus test positive, Escherichia test positive, Klebsiella test positive; Vomiting: Retching, Vomiting; Hypotension: Hypotension, Orthostatic hypotension; Non-conduction cardiotoxicity: Acute coronary syndrome, Acute endocarditis, Acute myocardial infarction, Angina pectoris, Aortic valve incompetence, Cardiac arrest, Cardiac failure, Cardiac failure congestive, Cardiac murmur, Cardiogenic shock, Cardiomegaly, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiotoxicity, Cytotoxic cardiomyopathy, Diastolic dysfunction, Dilatation atrial, Dilatation ventricular, Ejection fraction decreased, Endocarditis, Left ventricular dysfunction, Mitral valve incompetence, Myocardial infarction, Pericardial effusion, Pericarditis, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, Right ventricular hypertrophy; Dizziness: Dizziness, Dizziness postural, Dizziness exertional; Fungal infection: Aspergillosis, Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Candida test positive, Candidiasis, Fungemia, Fungal infection, Fungal skin infection, Intertrigo candida, Lower respiratory tract infection fungal, Oral candidiasis, Pneumonia fungal, Pulmonary mycosis, Sinusitis fungal, Skin candida, Tinea cruris, Tinea infection, Vulvovaginal mycotic infection, Wound infection fungal, Zygomycosis, Mycotic aneurysm; Hypertension: Blood pressure increased, Hypertension; Hypoxia: Hypoxia, Oxygen saturation decreased; Upper respiratory infection (excluding fungal): Acute sinusitis, Chronic sinusitis, Increased upper airway secretion, Nasal congestion, Pharyngitis, Rhinitis, Rhinorrhea, Sinus congestion, Sinusitis, Sinusitis bacterial, Upper respiratory tract congestion, Upper respiratory tract infection, Upper-airway cough syndrome, Viral upper respiratory tract infection; Chest pain: Chest discomfort, Chest pain, Non-cardiac chest pain, Pleuritic pain; Catheter/device/injection site reaction: Catheter site discharge, Catheter site erosion, Catheter site erythema, Catheter site inflammation, Catheter site edema, Catheter site pain, Catheter site pruritus, Catheter site rash, Infusion site edema, Infusion site pain, Infusion site vesicles, Catheter site related reaction; Delirium: Cognitive disorder, Confusional state, Delirium; Pruritis: Anal pruritis, Ear pruritis, Pruritis, Pruritis generalized; Sepsis (excluding fungal): Enterobacter sepsis, Escherichia sepsis, Klebsiella sepsis, Neutropenic sepsis, Sepsis, Septic shock, Staphylococcal sepsis, Streptococcal sepsis, Urosepsis, Viral sepsis; Renal insufficiency: Acute prerenal failure, Azotemia, Oliguria, Renal failure, Renal failure acute, Renal failure chronic; Transfusion reactions: Allergic transfusion reaction, Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction, Transfusion reaction; Visual impairment (except bleeding): Photophobia, Photopsia, Photosensitivity reaction, Retinal tear, Scintillating scotoma, Uveitis, Vision blurred, Visual acuity reduced, Visual impairment, Vitreous detachment, Vitreous floaters b Adverse reactions were graded using NCI CTCAE version 3.0. |
||||
During the consolidation phase (both consolidation cycles pooled) the two most common adverse reactions on the VYXEOS arm are the same as those during induction, hemorrhagic events and febrile neutropenia. These occurred at lower rates in the pooled consolidation phase (43% and 29%, respectively), compared to the induction phase. All of the common adverse reactions (≥ 10% incidence in the VYXEOS arm) seen in the pooled consolidation phase were also seen in the induction phase. These occurred at lower incidence in the consolidation phase, with the exception of chills, dizziness and pyrexia, where the incidences were relatively similar across the induction and consolidation cycles.
Other notable adverse drug reactions that occurred in less than 10% of patients treated with VYXEOS during induction or consolidation included:
All patients developed severe neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. See Table 4 for the incidences of Grade 3 thrombocytopenia and Grade 4 neutropenia that were prolonged in the absence of active leukemia.
Table 4: Prolonged Cytopenias for Patients in Study 1
| Induction 1 | Consolidation 1 b | |||
| VYXEOS N=58 n (%) |
7+3 N=34 n (%) |
VYXEOS N=48 n (%) |
5+2 N=32 n (%) |
|
| Prolonged thrombocytopenia a | 16 (28) | 4 (12) | 12 (25) | 5 (16) |
| Prolonged neutropenia a | 10 (17) | 1 (3) | 5 (10) | 1 (3) |
| a Platelets < 50 Gi/L or neutrophils < 0.5 Gi/L lasting past cycle day 42 in the absence of active leukemia. b Patients receiving at least 1 consolidation |
||||
Grade 3-4 chemistry abnormalities occurring in greater than 5% of VYXEOS treated patients in Study 1 are presented in Table 5.
Table 5: Grade 3-4 a Chemistry Abnormalities ≥ 5% of VYXEOS Treated Patients in Study 1
| Induction | Consolidation | |||
| VYXEOS N=153 n (%) |
7+3 N=151 n (%) |
VYXEOS N=49 n (%) |
5+2 N=32 n (%) |
|
| Chemistry Abnormalities | ||||
| Hyponatremia | 21 (14) | 20 (13) | 3 (6) | 0 |
| Hypokalemia | 14 (9) | 19 (13) | 3 (6) | 2 (6) |
| Hypoalbuminemia | 11 (7) | 19 (13) | 1 (2) | 4 (13) |
| Hyperbilirubinemia | 9 (6) | 6 (4) | 1 (2) | 1 (3) |
| Alanine aminotransferase | 7 (5) | 8 (5) | 0 | 1 (3) |
| a Graded using NCI CTCAE version 3.0. | ||||
Concomitant use of cardiotoxic agents may increase the risk of cardiotoxicity. Assess cardiac function more frequently when VYXEOS is coadministered with cardiotoxic agents [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Concomitant use with hepatotoxic agents may impair liver function and increase the toxicity of VYXEOS. Monitor hepatic function more frequently when VYXEOS is coadministered with hepatotoxic agents.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Due to substantial differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters, the dose and schedule recommendations for VYXEOS are different from those for daunorubicin hydrochloride injection, cytarabine injection, daunorubicin citrate liposome injection, and cytarabine liposome injection. Verify drug name and dose prior to preparation and administration to avoid dosing errors. Do not substitute other preparations of daunorubicin or cytarabine for VYXEOS.
Serious or fatal hemorrhage events, including fatal central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhages, associated with prolonged severe thrombocytopenia, have occurred in patients treated with VYXEOS. In Study 1 (NCT01696084), the incidence of any grade hemorrhagic events during the entire treatment period was 74% of patients on the VYXEOS arm and 56% on the control arm. The most frequently reported hemorrhagic event was epistaxis (36% in VYXEOS arm and 18% in control arm). Grade 3 or greater events occurred in 12% of VYXEOS treated patients and 8% of patients treated with 7+3. Fatal treatment-emergent CNS hemorrhage not in the setting of progressive disease occurred in 2% of patients on the VYXEOS arm and in 0.7% of patients on the control arm. Monitor blood counts regularly until recovery and administer platelet transfusion support as required [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
VYXEOS contains the anthracycline daunorubicin, which has a known risk of cardiotoxicity. Prior therapy with anthracyclines, pre-existing cardiac disease, previous radiotherapy to the mediastinum, or concomitant use of cardiotoxic drugs may increase the risk of daunorubicininduced cardiac toxicity. Prior to administering VYXEOS, obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) and assess cardiac function by multi-gated radionuclide angiography (MUGA) scan or echocardiography (ECHO). Repeat MUGA or ECHO determinations of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) prior to consolidation with VYXEOS and as clinically required. Discontinue VYXEOS in patients with impaired cardiac function unless the benefit of initiating or continuing treatment outweighs the risk. VYXEOS treatment is not recommended in patients with LVEF that is less than normal.
Total cumulative doses of non-liposomal daunorubicin greater than 550 mg/m2 have been associated with an increased incidence of drug-induced congestive heart failure. The tolerable limit appears lower (400 mg/m2) in patients who received radiation therapy to the mediastinum.
Calculate the lifetime cumulative anthracycline exposure prior to each cycle of VYXEOS. VYXEOS treatment is not recommended in patients whose lifetime anthracycline exposure has reached the maximum cumulative limit. The exposure to daunorubicin following each cycle of VYXEOS is shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Cumulative Exposure of Daunorubicin per Cycle of VYXEOS
| Therapy | Daunorubicin per Dose | Number of Doses per Cycle | Daunorubicin per Cycle |
| First Induction Cycle | 44 mg/m2 | 3 | 132 mg/m2 |
| Second Induction Cycle | 44 mg/m2 | 2 | 88 mg/m2 |
| Each Consolidation Cycle | 29 mg/m2 | 2 | 58 mg/m2 |
Serious or fatal hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, have been reported with daunorubicin and cytarabine. Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions. If a mild or moderate hypersensitivity reaction occurs, interrupt or slow the rate of infusion with VYXEOS and manage symptoms. If a severe or life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue VYXEOS permanently, treat symptoms according to the standard of care, and monitor until symptoms resolve [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Reconstituted VYXEOS contains 5 mg/mL copper gluconate, of which 14% is elemental copper. There is no clinical experience with VYXEOS in patients with Wilson’s disease or other copper-related metabolic disorders. The maximum theoretical total exposure of copper under the recommended VYXEOS dosing regimen is 106 mg/m2[see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Consult with a hepatologist and nephrologist with expertise in managing acute copper toxicity in patients with Wilson’s disease treated with VYXEOS. Monitor total serum copper, serum nonceruloplasmin bound copper, 24-hour urine copper levels and serial neuropsychological examinations in these patients. Use VYXEOS in patients with Wilson’s disease only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Discontinue VYXEOS in patients with signs or symptoms of acute copper toxicity.
Daunorubicin has been associated with severe local tissue necrosis at the site of drug extravasation. Administer VYXEOS by the intravenous route only. Do not administer by intramuscular or subcutaneous route.
Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies with daunorubicin and cytarabine, VYXEOS can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of VYXEOS, daunorubicin, or cytarabine in pregnant women. Daunorubicin and cytarabine are reproductive and developmental toxicants in multiple species (mice, rats, and/or dogs), starting at a dose that was approximately 0.02 times the exposure in patients at the recommended human dose on an mg/m2 basis. Patients should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while taking VYXEOS. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose of VYXEOS [see Use In Specific Populations].
Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and impairment of fertility studies with (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection have not been conducted.
Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity studies have been conducted with daunorubicin. Published literature reported data that suggest daunorubicin (5 mg/kg) could be tumorigenic in rats at 0.68 times the recommended human dose on an mg/m2 basis. A high incidence of mammary tumors was observed about 120 days after a single intravenous dose of 12.5 mg/kg daunorubicin in rats (about 1.7 times the recommended human dose on an mg/m2 basis). A carcinogenic evaluation of daunorubicin by the IARC Working Group classified daunorubicin as a possible human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence in animals and inadequate data in humans. Daunorubicin was mutagenic in in vitro tests (Ames assay, V79 hamster cell assay), and clastogenic in in vitro (CCRF-CEM human lymphoblasts) and in in vivo (SCE assay in mouse bone marrow) tests.
Daunorubicin intravenous doses of 0.25 mg/kg/day (about 0.12 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) in male dogs caused testicular atrophy and total aplasia of spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules.
Cytarabine was mutagenic in in vitro tests and was clastogenic in vitro (chromosome aberrations and SCE in human leukocytes) and in vivo (chromosome aberrations and SCE assay in rodent bone marrow, mouse micronucleus assay). Cytarabine caused the transformation of hamster embryo cells and rat H43 cells in vitro.
No studies assessing the impact of cytarabine on fertility are available in the literature. Cytarabine was clastogenic to meiotic cells; a dose-dependent increase in sperm-head abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations occurred in mice given IP cytarabine.
Based on anecdotal data of cytarabine in pregnant women and results of studies of daunorubicin and cytarabine in animals, VYXEOS can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of VYXEOS, daunorubicin, or cytarabine in pregnant women. Daunorubicin and cytarabine are reproductive and developmental toxicants in multiple species (mice, rats, and/or dogs), starting at a dose that was approximately 0.02 times the exposure in patients at the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis [see Animal Data]. Patients should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while taking VYXEOS. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential harm to a fetus.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. 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.
Human Data
Cytarabine can cause fetal harm if a pregnant woman is exposed to the drug. Four anecdotal cases of major limb malformations have been reported in infants after their mothers received intravenous cytarabine, alone or in combination with other agents, during the first trimester.
Animal Data
A liposomal formulation of daunorubicin was administered to rats on gestation days 6 through 15 at 0.3, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg/day (about 0.04, 0.14, or 0.27 the recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) and produced severe maternal toxicity and embryolethality at 2.0 mg/kg/day and was embryotoxic and caused fetal malformations (anophthalmia, microphthalmia, incomplete ossification) at 0.3 mg/kg/day. Embryotoxicity was characterized by increased embryo-fetal deaths, reduced numbers of litters, and reduced litter sizes.
Cytarabine was teratogenic in mice (cleft palate, phocomelia, deformed appendages, skeletal abnormalities) when doses ≥ 2 mg/kg/day were administered IP during the period of organogenesis (about 0.06 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis), and in rats (deformed appendages) when 20 mg/kg was administered as a single IP dose on day 12 of gestation (about 1.2 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis). Single IP doses of 50 mg/kg in rats (about 3 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) on day 14 of gestation reduced prenatal and postnatal brain size and permanent impairment of learning ability.
Cytarabine was embryotoxic in mice when administered during the period of organogenesis. Embryotoxicity was characterized by decreased fetal weight at 0.5 mg/kg/day (about 0.02 times the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis), and increased early and late resorptions and decreased live litter sizes at 8 mg/kg/day (about 0.24 times the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis).
There are no data on the presence of daunorubicin, cytarabine, or their metabolites in human milk, their effects on the breastfed infant, or their effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with VYXEOS and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
VYXEOS can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Pregnancy, Nonclinical Toxicology]. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating VYXEOS.
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with VYXEOS and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
Males
Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with VYXEOS and for at least 6 months after the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Based on findings of daunorubicin and cytarabine in animals, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with VYXEOS [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Safety and effectiveness of VYXEOS in pediatric patients have not been established.
Of the 375 patients who received VYXEOS (daunorubicin 44 mg/m2 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2) liposome in clinical studies, 57% were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety were observed between these patients and younger patients, with the exception of bleeding events, which occurred more frequently in patients 65 years and older compared to younger patients (77% vs. 59%).
Dosage adjustment is not required for patients with mild (creatinine clearance (CLCR) 60 mL/min to 89 mL/min by Cockcroft Gault equation (C-G)) or moderate (CLCR 30 mL/min to 59 mL/min) renal impairment. VYXEOS has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment (CLCR 15 mL/min to 29 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Dosage adjustment is not required for patients with a bilirubin level less than or equal to 3 mg/dL. VYXEOS has not been studied in patients with bilirubin level greater than 3 mg/dL [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No Information Provided
The use of VYXEOS is contraindicated in patients with the following:
VYXEOS (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection is a liposomal formulation of daunorubicin and cytarabine at a fixed 1:5 molar ratio. The 1:5 molar ratio of daunorubicin:cytarabine has been shown to have synergistic effects at killing leukemia cells in vitro and in murine models. Daunorubicin has antimitotic and cytotoxic activity, which is achieved by forming complexes with DNA, inhibiting topoisomerase II activity, inhibiting DNA polymerase activity, affecting regulation of gene expression, and producing DNA-damaging free radicals. Cytarabine is a cell cycle phase-specific antineoplastic agent, affecting cells only during the S-phase of cell division. Cytarabine acts primarily through inhibition of DNA polymerase. Based on animal data, the liposomes enter and persist in the bone marrow, where they are taken up intact by bone marrow cells. In leukemia-bearing mice, the liposomes are taken up by leukemia cells to a greater extent than by normal bone marrow cells. After cellular internalization, liposomes undergo degradation releasing cytarabine and daunorubicin within the intracellular environment.
At the therapeutic exposures with the recommended dosing regimen, no large mean changes in the QTc interval (i.e., > 20 msecs) were observed. An exposure-QTc analysis suggested no concentration-dependent QTc interval prolongation.
The pharmacokinetics of daunorubicin and cytarabine administered as VYXEOS were investigated in adult patients who received a dose of daunorubicin 44 mg/m2 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2 administered as a 90-minute intravenous infusion on days 1, 3, and 5. The pharmacokinetics of each drug was based on total plasma concentrations (i.e., encapsulated plus unencapsulated drug).
Following the dose administered on day 5, the mean (% coefficient of variation [CV]) maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for daunorubicin was 26.0 (32.7%) mcg/mL and cytarabine was 62.2 (33.7%) mcg/mL. The mean (%CV) area under the curve (AUC) during one dosing interval for daunorubicin was 637 (38.4%) mcg.h/mL and cytarabine was 1900 (44.3%) mcg.h/mL.
The accumulation ratio was 1.3 for daunorubicin and 1.4 for cytarabine. There was no evidence of time-dependent kinetics or major departures from dose proportionality over the range of 1.3 mg/3 mg per m2 to 59 mg/134 mg per m2 (0.03 to 1.3 times the approved recommended dosage).
The volume of distribution (%CV) for daunorubicin is 6.6 L (36.8%) and cytarabine is 7.1 L (49.2%). Plasma protein binding was not evaluated.
VYXEOS exhibits a prolonged half-life (%CV) of 31.5 h (28.5%) for daunorubicin and 40.4 h (24.2%) for cytarabine with greater than 99% of the daunorubicin and cytarabine in the plasma remaining encapsulated within the liposomes. The clearance (%CV) is 0.16 L/h (53.3%) for daunorubicin and 0.13 L/h (60.2%) for cytarabine.
Metabolism
Subsequent to release from VYXEOS liposomes, daunorubicin is catalyzed by aldoketo reductase and carbonyl reductase enzymes to the active metabolite daunorubicinol. Cytarabine is metabolized by cytidine deaminase to the inactive metabolite 1-β-D-arabinofuranosyluracil (AraU).
Excretion
Urinary excretion of daunorubicin and daunorubicinol accounts for 9% of the administered dose of daunorubicin, and urinary excretion of cytarabine and AraU accounts for 71% of the administered dose of cytarabine.
Age, sex, race, body weight, body mass index, and white blood cell count do not have a clinically important effect on the exposure of total daunorubicin or cytarabine after adjusting dose by body surface area.
The pharmacokinetics of total daunorubicin and cytarabine were not clinically significantly altered in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (CLCR 30 mL/min to 89 mL/min, as estimated by C-G). The potential effects of severe renal impairment (CLCR 15 mL/min to 29 mL/min, C-G) and end-stage renal disease on the pharmacokinetics of daunorubicin and cytarabine administered as VYXEOS are unknown.
The pharmacokinetics of total cytarabine and daunorubicin were not altered in patients with bilirubin less than and equal to 3 mg/dL. The pharmacokinetics in patients with bilirubin greater than 3 mg/dL is unknown.
Study 1 (NCT01696084) was a randomized, multicenter, open-label, active-controlled study which compared VYXEOS to a standard combination of cytarabine and daunorubicin (7+3) in patients 60 to 75 years of age with newly diagnosed t-AML or AML-MRC. The patients were randomized (1:1) and stratified by age and AML subtype to receive VYXEOS or 7+3 for induction and consolidation. VYXEOS (daunorubicin 44 mg/m2 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2) liposome was given intravenously on days 1, 3, and 5 for the first induction and on days 1 and 3 for the second induction if needed. For consolidation, the VYXEOS dose was (daunorubicin 29 mg/m2 and cytarabine 65 mg/m2) liposome on days 1 and 3. In the 7+3 arm, first induction consisted of cytarabine 100 mg/m2/day on days 1 through 7 by continuous infusion and daunorubicin 60 mg/m2/day on days 1, 2, and 3; for second induction and consolidation cycles, cytarabine 100 mg/m2/day was given on days 1 through 5 and daunorubicin 60 mg/m2/day on days 1 and 2. Patients could receive up to 2 cycles of induction and 2 cycles of consolidation in each arm. A second induction was highly recommended for patients who did not achieve a response and was mandatory for patients achieving greater than 50% reduction in percent blasts. Post remission therapy with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was permitted either in place of or after consolidation chemotherapy.
There were 153 patients randomized to VYXEOS and 156 patients randomized to the 7+3 control arm. The randomized patients had a median age of 68 (range, 60-75 years), 61% were male, and 88% had an ECOG performance status of 0–1. Twenty percent had t-AML, 54% had AML with an antecedent hematological disorder, and 25% had de novo AML with myelodysplasia-related cytogenetic abnormalities. Thirty-four percent had been treated previously with a hypomethylating agent for MDS. Fifty-four percent of patients with cytogenetics data had an adverse karyotype. The demographic and baseline disease characteristics were generally balanced between the study arms. FLT3 mutation was identified in 15% (43/279) of patients tested, and NPM1 mutation was identified in 9% (25/283) patients tested.
All patients on the VYXEOS arm and 97% of those on the control arm received at least 1 cycle of induction, and 32% on the VYXEOS arm and 21% on the control arm received at least 1 cycle of consolidation. The rate of HSCT in first CR was 20% in the VYXEOS arm and 12% in the control arm; the overall rate of HSCT (induction failure, first CR, or as salvage after relapse) was 34% (52/153) in the VYXEOS arm and 25% (39/156) on the control arm.
Efficacy was established on the basis of overall survival from the date of randomization to death from any cause. VYXEOS demonstrated superiority in overall survival compared with the 7+3 control (Figure 1). The efficacy results are shown in Table 6.
Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival, ITT Population
 |
Table 6: Efficacy Results for Study 1
| VYXEOS N=153 |
7+3 N=156 |
|
| Overall Survival | ||
| Median survival, months (95% CI) | 9.6 (6.6, 11.9) | 5.9 (5.0, 7.8) |
| Hazard ratio (95% CI) | 0.69 (0.52, 0.90) | |
| p–value (2–sided) a | 0.005 | |
| Complete Response Rate | ||
| CR, n (%) | 58 (38) | 41 (26) |
| p value (2–sided) b | 0.036 | |
| Abbreviations: CI = Confidence interval; CR = Complete Remission a p-value from stratified log rank test stratifying by age and AML sub-type b p-value from Mantel-Haenszel test stratifying by age and AML sub-type |
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Inform patients of the risk of fatal bleeding. Advise patients of the need for periodic monitoring of blood counts and of the importance of keeping scheduled appointments for blood work and necessary transfusions. Advise patients to contact a healthcare provider for new onset fever or symptoms of infection or if they notice signs of bruising or bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of heart failure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients of the risk of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Describe the symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, and instruct the patient to seek medical attention immediately if they experience such symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
VYXEOS can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose of VYXEOS and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy before and during treatment with VYXEOS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Advise patients not to breastfeed during treatment with VYXEOS and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise males of reproductive potential that VYXEOS may cause temporary or permanent infertility [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise patients to speak with their physicians about any other medication they are currently taking [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
