Generic Name: ERYTHROPOIETIN
Brand Name: PROCRIT
- Substance Name(s):
- EPOETIN
OVERDOSAGE
10 PROCRIT overdosage can cause hemoglobin levels above the desired level, which should be managed with discontinuation or reduction of PROCRIT dosage and/or with phlebotomy, as clinically indicated [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] .
Cases of severe hypertension have been observed following overdose with ESAs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].
DESCRIPTION
11 Epoetin alfa is a 165-amino acid erythropoiesis-stimulating glycoprotein manufactured by recombinant DNA technology.
It has a molecular weight of approximately 30,400 daltons and is produced by mammalian cells into which the human erythropoietin gene has been introduced.
The product contains the identical amino acid sequence of isolated natural erythropoietin.
PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) injection for intravenous or subcutaneous administration is formulated as a sterile, clear, colorless liquid in vials in multiple formulations.
Single-dose vials, formulated with an isotonic sodium chloride/sodium citrate-buffered solution, are supplied in multiple strengths.
Each single-dose 1 mL vial contains 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, or 10,000 Units of epoetin alfa, Albumin (Human) (2.5 mg), citric acid (0.06 mg), sodium chloride (5.9 mg), and sodium citrate (5.8 mg) in Water for Injection, USP (pH 6.9 ± 0.3).
Single-dose 1 mL vials formulated with an isotonic sodium chloride/sodium phosphate buffer contain 40,000 Units of epoetin alfa albumin (human) (2.5 mg), citric acid (0.0068 mg), sodium chloride (5.8 mg), sodium citrate (0.7 mg), sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrate (1.8 mg), and sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate (1.2 mg) in Water for Injection, USP (pH 6.9 ± 0.3).
Multiple-dose, 2 mL vials contain 10,000 Units epoetin alfa, albumin (human) (2.5 mg), benzyl alcohol (1%), sodium chloride (8.2 mg), citric acid (0.11 mg), and sodium citrate (1.3 mg) per 1 mL Water for Injection, USP (pH 6.1 ± 0.3).
Multiple-dose 1 mL vials contain 20,000 Units epoetin alfa, albumin (human) (2.5 mg), benzyl alcohol (1%), sodium chloride (8.2 mg), citric acid (0.11 mg), and sodium citrate (1.3 mg), per 1 mL in Water for Injection, USP (pH 6.1 ± 0.3).
CLINICAL STUDIES
14 14.1 Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Adult Patients on Dialysis Patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis: ESA effects on rates of transfusion In clinical studies of patients with CKD on dialysis, PROCRIT increased hemoglobin levels and decreased the need for RBC transfusion.
Overall, more than 95% of patients were RBC transfusion-independent after receiving PROCRIT for 3 months.
In clinical studies at starting doses of 50 to 150 Units/kg 3 times weekly, adult patients responded with an average rate of hemoglobin rise as presented in Table 8.
Table 8: Average Rate of Hemoglobin Rise in 2 Weeks Starting Dose (3 Times Weekly Intravenously) Hemoglobin Increase in 2 Weeks 50 Units/kg 0.5 g/dL 100 Units/kg 0.8 g/dL 150 Units/kg 1.2 g/dL The safety and efficacy of PROCRIT were evaluated in 13 clinical studies involving intravenous administration to a total of 1010 patients on dialysis with anemia.
Overall, more than 90% of the patients treated with PROCRIT experienced improvement in hemoglobin concentrations.
In the 3 largest of these clinical studies, the median maintenance dose necessary to maintain the hemoglobin between 10 to 12 g/dL was approximately 75 Units/kg 3 times weekly.
More than 95% of patients were able to avoid RBC transfusions.
In the largest US multicenter study, approximately 65% of the patients received doses of 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly or less to maintain their hemoglobin at approximately 11.7 g/dL.
Almost 10% of patients received a dose of 25 Units/kg or less, and approximately 10% received a dose of more than 200 Units/kg 3 times weekly to maintain their hemoglobin at this level.
In the Normal Hematocrit Study, the yearly transfusion rate was 51.5% in the lower hemoglobin group (10 g/dL) and 32.4% in the higher hemoglobin group (14 g/dL).
Other ESA trials In a 26-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 118 patients on dialysis with an average hemoglobin of approximately 7 g/dL were randomized to either PROCRIT or placebo.
By the end of the study, average hemoglobin increased to approximately 11 g/dL in the PROCRIT-treated patients and remained unchanged in patients receiving placebo.
PROCRIT-treated patients experienced improvements in exercise tolerance and patient-reported physical functioning at month 2 that were maintained throughout the study.
A multicenter, unit-dose study was also conducted in 119 patients receiving peritoneal dialysis who self-administered PROCRIT subcutaneously.
Patients responded to PROCRIT administered subcutaneously in a manner similar to patients receiving intravenous administration.
Pediatric Patients with CKD on Dialysis The safety and efficacy of PROCRIT were studied in a placebo-controlled, randomized study of 113 pediatric patients with anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 9 g/dL) undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.
The initial dose of PROCRIT was 50 Units/kg intravenously or subcutaneously 3 times weekly.
The dose of study drug was titrated to achieve either a hemoglobin of 10 to 12 g/dL or an absolute increase in hemoglobin of 2 g/dL over baseline.
At the end of the initial 12 weeks, a statistically significant rise in mean hemoglobin (3.1 g/dL vs.
0.3 g/dL) was observed only in the PROCRIT arm.
The proportion of pediatric patients achieving a hemoglobin of 10 g/dL, or an increase in hemoglobin of 2 g/dL over baseline, at any time during the first 12 weeks was higher in the PROCRIT arm (96% vs.
58%).
Within 12 weeks of initiating PROCRIT therapy, 92.3% of the pediatric patients were RBC transfusion independent as compared to 65.4% who received placebo.
Among patients who received 36 weeks of PROCRIT, hemodialysis patients received a higher median maintenance dose [167 Units/kg/week (n=28) vs.
76 Units/kg/week (n=36)] and took longer to achieve a hemoglobin of 10 to 12 g/dL (median time to response 69 days vs.
32 days) than patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
Adult Patients with CKD Not Requiring Dialysis Four clinical studies were conducted in patients with CKD not on dialysis involving 181 patients treated with PROCRIT.
These patients responded to PROCRIT therapy in a manner similar to that observed in patients on dialysis.
Patients with CKD not on dialysis demonstrated a dose-dependent and sustained increase in hemoglobin when PROCRIT was administered by either an intravenous or subcutaneous route, with similar rates of rise of hemoglobin when PROCRIT was administered by either route.
Patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis: ESA effects on rates of transfusion In TREAT, a randomized, double-blind trial of 4038 patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes not on dialysis, a post-hoc analysis showed that the proportion of patients receiving RBC transfusions was lower in patients administered an ESA to target a hemoglobin of 13 g/dL compared to the control arm in which an ESA was administered intermittently if hemoglobin concentration decreased to less than 9 g/dL (15% versus 25%, respectively).
In CHOIR, a randomized open-label study of 1432 patients with CKD not on dialysis, use of epoetin alfa to target a higher (13.5 g/dL) versus lower (11.3 g/dL) hemoglobin goal did not reduce the use of RBC transfusions.
In each trial, no benefits occurred for the cardiovascular or end-stage renal disease outcomes.
In each trial, the potential benefit of ESA therapy was offset by worse cardiovascular safety outcomes resulting in an unfavorable benefit-risk profile [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
ESA Effects on Rates of Death and Other Serious Cardiac Adverse Reactions Three randomized outcome trials (Normal Hematocrit Study [NHS], Correction of Anemia with Epoetin Alfa in Chronic Kidney Disease [CHOIR], and Trial of Darbepoetin Alfa in Type 2 Diabetes and CKD [TREAT]) have been conducted in patients with CKD using Epogen/PROCRIT/Aranesp to target higher vs.
lower hemoglobin levels.
Though these trials were designed to establish a cardiovascular or renal benefit of targeting higher hemoglobin levels, in all 3 studies, patients randomized to the higher hemoglobin target experienced worse cardiovascular outcomes and showed no reduction in progression to ESRD.
In each trial, the potential benefit of ESA therapy was offset by worse cardiovascular safety outcomes resulting in an unfavorable benefit-risk profile [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
14.2 Zidovudine-treated Patients with HIV Infection The safety and efficacy of PROCRIT were evaluated in 4 placebo-controlled studies enrolling 297 anemic patients (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) with HIV Infection receiving concomitant therapy with zidovudine.
In the subgroup of patients (89/125 PROCRIT and 88/130 placebo) with pre-study endogenous serum erythropoietin levels ≤ 500 mUnits/mL, PROCRIT reduced the mean cumulative number of units of blood transfused per patient by approximately 40% as compared to the placebo group.
Among those patients who required RBC transfusions at baseline, 43% of patients treated with PROCRIT versus 18% of placebo-treated patients were RBC transfusion-independent during the second and third months of therapy.
PROCRIT therapy also resulted in significant increases in hemoglobin in comparison to placebo.
When examining the results according to the weekly dose of zidovudine received during month 3 of therapy, there was a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.003) in RBC transfusion requirements in patients treated with PROCRIT (n=51) compared to placebo-treated patients (n=54) whose mean weekly zidovudine dose was ≤ 4200 mg/week.
Approximately 17% of the patients with endogenous serum erythropoietin levels ≤ 500 mUnits/mL receiving PROCRIT in doses from 100 to 200 Units/kg 3 times weekly achieved a hemoglobin of 12.7 g/dL without administration of RBC transfusions or significant reduction in zidovudine dose.
In the subgroup of patients whose pre-study endogenous serum erythropoietin levels were > 500 mUnits/mL, PROCRIT therapy did not reduce RBC transfusion requirements or increase hemoglobin compared to the corresponding responses in placebo-treated patients.
14.3 Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy The safety and effectiveness of PROCRIT was assessed in two multicenter, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled, double-blind studies (Study C1 and Study C2) and a pooled analysis of six additional randomized (1:1), multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies.
All studies were conducted in patients with anemia due to concomitantly administered cancer chemotherapy.
Study C1 enrolled 344 adult patients, Study C2 enrolled 222 pediatric patients, and the pooled analysis contained 131 patients randomized to epoetin alfa or placebo.
In Studies C1 and C2, efficacy was demonstrated by a reduction in the proportion of patients who received an RBC transfusion, from week 5 through end of the study, with the last-known RBC transfusion status carried forward for patients who discontinued treatment.
In the pooled analysis, efficacy was demonstrated by a reduction in the proportion of patients who received an RBC transfusion from week 5 through end of the study in the subset of patients who were remaining on therapy for 6 or more weeks.
Study C1 Study C1 was conducted in patients with anemia (hemoglobin < 11.5 g/dL for males; < 10.5 g/dL for females) with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Randomization was stratified by type of malignancy (lung vs.
breast vs.
other), concurrent radiation therapy planned (yes or no), and baseline hemoglobin (< 9 g/dL vs.
≥ 9 g/dL); patients were randomized to epoetin alfa 40,000 Units (n=174) or placebo (n=170) as a weekly subcutaneous injection commencing on the first day of the chemotherapy cycle.
Ninety-one percent of patients were white, 44% were male, and the median age of patients was 66 years (range: 20 to 88 years).
The proportion of patients withdrawn from the study prior to week 5 was less than 10% for placebo-treated or epoetin-treated patients.
Per protocol, the last available hemoglobin values from patients who dropped out were included in the efficacy analyses.
Efficacy results are shown in Table 9.
Table 9: Study C1: Proportion of Patients Transfused Week 5 Through Week 16 or End of Study Last-known RBC transfusion status carried forward for patients who discontinued treatment.
Chemotherapy Regimen PROCRIT (n=174) Placebo (n=170) All Regimens 14% (25/174) Two-sided p < 0.001, logistic regression analysis adjusting for accrual rate and stratification variables.
28% (48/170) Regimens without cisplatin 14% (21/148) 26% (35/137) Regimens containing cisplatin 15% (4/26) 39% (13/33) Study C2 Study C2 was conducted in 222 patients with anemia, ages 5 to 18, receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of various childhood malignancies.
Randomization was stratified by cancer type (solid tumors, Hodgkin’s disease, acute lymphocytic leukemia, vs.
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma); patients were randomized to receive epoetin alfa at 600 Units/kg maximum 40,000 Units (n=111) or placebo (n=111) as a weekly intravenous injection.
Sixty-nine percent of patients were white, 55% were male, and the median age of patients was 12 years (range: 5 to 18 years).
Two (2%) of placebo-treated patients and 3 (3%) of epoetin alfa-treated patients dropped out of the study prior to week 5.
There were fewer RBC transfusions from week 5 through the end-of-study in epoetin-alfa treated patients [51% (57/111)] compared to placebo-treated patients [69% (77/111)].
There was no evidence of an improvement in health-related quality of life, including no evidence of an effect on fatigue, energy, or strength in patients receiving PROCRIT as compared to those receiving placebo.
Pooled Analysis (Three Times Per Week Dosing) The results of 6 studies of similar design and that randomized 131 patients to epoetin alfa or placebo were pooled to assess the safety and effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
Patients were randomized to receive epoetin alfa at 150 Units/kg (n=63) or placebo (n=68), subcutaneously three times per week for 12 weeks in each study.
Across all studies, 72 patients were treated with concomitant non cisplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens and 59 patients were treated with concomitant cisplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens.
Twelve patients (19%) in the epoetin alfa arm and 10 patients (15%) in the placebo-arm dropped out prior to week 6 and are excluded from efficacy analyses.
Table 10: Proportion of Patients Transfused in the Pooled Analysis for Three Times Per Week Dosing Week 5 Through Week 12 or End of Study Limited to patients remaining on study beyond week 6 and includes only RBC transfusions during weeks 5–12.
Chemotherapy Regimen PROCRIT Placebo All Regimens 22% (11/51) Two-sided p < 0.05, unadjusted.
43% (25/58) Regimens without cisplatin 21% (6/29) 33% (11/33) Regimens containing cisplatin 23% (5/22) 56% (14/25) 14.4 Surgery Patients The safety and efficacy of PROCRIT were evaluated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study (S1) enrolling 316 patients scheduled for major, elective orthopedic hip or knee surgery who were expected to require ≥ 2 units of blood and who were not able or willing to participate in an autologous blood donation program.
Patients were stratified into 1 of 3 groups based on their pretreatment hemoglobin [≤ 10 g/dL (n=2), > 10 to ≤ 13 g/dL (n=96), and > 13 to ≤ 15 g/dL (n=218)] and then randomly assigned to receive 300 Units/kg PROCRIT, 100 Units/kg PROCRIT, or placebo by subcutaneous injection for 10 days before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 4 days after surgery.
All patients received oral iron and a low-dose, postoperative warfarin regimen.
Treatment with PROCRIT 300 Units/kg significantly (p=0.024) reduced the risk of allogeneic RBC transfusion in patients with a pretreatment hemoglobin of > 10 to ≤ 13 g/dL; 5/31 (16%) of patients treated with PROCRIT 300 Units/kg, 6/26 (23%) of patients treated with PROCRIT 100 Units/kg, and 13/29 (45%) of placebo-treated patients were transfused.
There was no significant difference in the number of patients transfused between PROCRIT (9% 300 Units/kg, 6% 100 Units/kg) and placebo (13%) in the > 13 to ≤ 15 g/dL hemoglobin stratum.
There were too few patients in the ≤ 10 g/dL group to determine if PROCRIT is useful in this hemoglobin strata.
In the > 10 to ≤ 13 g/dL pretreatment stratum, the mean number of units transfused per PROCRIT-treated patient (0.45 units blood for 300 Units/kg, 0.42 units blood for 100 Units/kg) was less than the mean transfused per placebo-treated patient (1.14 units) (overall p=0.028).
In addition, mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte counts increased significantly during the presurgery period in patients treated with PROCRIT.
PROCRIT was also evaluated in an open-label, parallel-group study (S2) enrolling 145 patients with a pretreatment hemoglobin level of ≥ 10 to ≤ 13 g/dL who were scheduled for major orthopedic hip or knee surgery and who were not participating in an autologous program.
Patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 subcutaneous dosing regimens of PROCRIT (600 Units/kg once weekly for 3 weeks prior to surgery and on the day of surgery, or 300 Units/kg once daily for 10 days prior to surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 4 days after surgery).
All patients received oral iron and appropriate pharmacologic anticoagulation therapy.
From pretreatment to presurgery, the mean increase in hemoglobin in the 600 Units/kg weekly group (1.44 g/dL) was greater than that observed in the 300 Units/kg daily group.
The mean increase in absolute reticulocyte count was smaller in the weekly group (0.11 × 10 6 /mm 3 ) compared to the daily group (0.17 × 10 6 /mm 3 ).
Mean hemoglobin levels were similar for the 2 treatment groups throughout the postsurgical period.
The erythropoietic response observed in both treatment groups resulted in similar RBC transfusion rates [11/69 (16%) in the 600 Units/kg weekly group and 14/71 (20%) in the 300 Units/kg daily group].
The mean number of units transfused per patient was approximately 0.3 units in both treatment groups.
HOW SUPPLIED
16 /STORAGE AND HANDLING PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) injection is a sterile, clear, and colorless solution available as: Preservative-free, single-dose vials (in citrate-buffered formulation) : 2,000 Units/mL (NDC 59676-302-01), 3,000 Units/mL (NDC 59676-303-01), 4,000 Units/mL (NDC 59676-304-01), or 10,000 Units/mL (NDC 59676-310-01) supplied in cartons, each carton containing six 1 mL single-dose vials.
Preservative-free, single-dose vials (in citrate-buffered formulation) : 10,000 Units/mL (NDC 59676-310-02) supplied in dispensing packs (tray) containing 25 single-dose 1 mL vials.
Preservative-free, single-dose vials (in phosphate-buffered formulation) : 40,000 Units/mL (NDC 59676-340-01) supplied in dispensing packs containing four 1 mL single-dose vials.
Preserved, multiple-dose vials : 20,000 Units/2mL (10,000 Units/mL) (NDC 59676-312-04) supplied in dispensing packs containing four 2 mL multiple-dose vials.
Preserved, multiple-dose vials : 20,000 Units/mL (NDC 59676-320-04) supplied in dispensing packs containing four 1 mL multiple-dose vials.
Store at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
Do not freeze.
Do not shake.
Do not use PROCRIT that has been shaken or frozen.
Store PROCRIT vials in the original carton until use to protect from light.
GERIATRIC USE
8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 4553 patients who received PROCRIT in the 6 studies for treatment of anemia due to CKD not receiving dialysis, 2726 (60%) were age 65 years and over, while 1418 (31%) were 75 years and over.
Of the 757 patients who received PROCRIT in the 3 studies of CKD patients on dialysis, 361 (47%) were age 65 years and over, while 100 (13%) were 75 years and over.
No differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between geriatric and younger patients.
Dose selection and adjustment for an elderly patient should be individualized to achieve and maintain the target hemoglobin [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] .
Among 778 patients enrolled in the 3 clinical studies of PROCRIT for the treatment of anemia due to concomitant chemotherapy, 419 received PROCRIT and 359 received placebo.
Of the 419 who received PROCRIT, 247 (59%) were age 65 years and over, while 78 (19%) were 75 years and over.
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between geriatric and younger patients.
The dose requirements for PROCRIT in geriatric and younger patients within the 3 studies were similar.
Among 1731 patients enrolled in the 6 clinical studies of PROCRIT for reduction of allogeneic RBC transfusions in patients undergoing elective surgery, 1085 received PROCRIT and 646 received placebo or standard of care treatment.
Of the 1085 patients who received PROCRIT, 582 (54%) were age 65 years and over, while 245 (23%) were 75 years and over.
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between geriatric and younger patients.
The dose requirements for PROCRIT in geriatric and younger patients within the 4 studies using the 3 times weekly schedule and 2 studies using the weekly schedule were similar.
Insufficient numbers of patients age 65 years or older were enrolled in clinical studies of PROCRIT for the treatment of patients treated with zidovudine for HIV Infection to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients .
MECHANISM OF ACTION
12.1 Mechanism of Action PROCRIT stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
1 PROCRIT is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) indicated for: Treatment of anemia due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis ( 1.1 ).
Zidovudine in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection ( 1.2 ).
The effects of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy ( 1.3 ).
Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery ( 1.4 ).
Limitations of Use PROCRIT has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being ( 1.5 ).
PROCRIT is not indicated for use: In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy ( 1.5 ).
In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure ( 1.5 ).
In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in whom the anemia can be managed by transfusion ( 1.5 ).
In patients scheduled for surgery who are willing to donate autologous blood ( 1.5 ).
In patients undergoing cardiac or vascular surgery ( 1.5 ).
As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia ( 1.5 ).
1.1 Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease PROCRIT is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and not on dialysis to decrease the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion.
1.2 Anemia Due to Zidovudine in Patients with HIV Infection PROCRIT is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to zidovudine administered at ≤ 4200 mg/week in patients with HIV Infection with endogenous serum erythropoietin levels of ≤ 500 mUnits/mL.
1.3 Anemia Due to Chemotherapy in Patients with Cancer PROCRIT is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies where anemia is due to the effect of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.
1.4 Reduction of Allogeneic Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Patients Undergoing Elective, Noncardiac, Nonvascular Surgery PROCRIT is indicated to reduce the need for allogeneic RBC transfusions among patients with perioperative hemoglobin > 10 to ≤ 13 g/dL who are at high risk for perioperative blood loss from elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.
PROCRIT is not indicated for patients who are willing to donate autologous blood pre-operatively.
1.5 Limitations of Use PROCRIT has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.
PROCRIT is not indicated for use: In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure.
In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in whom the anemia can be managed by transfusion.
In patients scheduled for surgery who are willing to donate autologous blood.
In patients undergoing cardiac or vascular surgery.
As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.
PEDIATRIC USE
8.4 Pediatric Use The multiple-dose vials are formulated with benzyl alcohol and are contraindicated for use in neonates and infants [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] .
When therapy with PROCRIT is needed in neonates and infants, use the single-dose vial, which is a benzyl alcohol-free formulation.
Do not mix the single-dose vials with bacteriostatic saline when administering PROCRIT to neonates or infants because it contains benzyl alcohol [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] .
Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and the “gasping syndrome” occurred in premature neonates and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit who received drugs containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative.
In these cases, benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day produced high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites in the blood and urine (blood levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L).
Additional adverse reactions included gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse.
Preterm, low birth weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because they may be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol.
The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] .
Pediatric Patients with CKD PROCRIT is indicated in pediatric patients, ages 1 month to 16 years of age, for the treatment of anemia associated with CKD requiring dialysis.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients less than 1 month old have not been established [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] .
Use of PROCRIT in pediatric patients with CKD not requiring dialysis is supported by efficacy in pediatric patients requiring dialysis.
The mechanism of action of PROCRIT is the same for these two populations.
Published literature also has reported the use of PROCRIT in pediatric patients with CKD not requiring dialysis.
Dose-dependent increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit were observed with reductions in transfusion requirements.
The safety data from the pediatric studies and postmarketing reports are similar to those obtained from the studies of PROCRIT in adult patients with CKD [see Warnings and Precautions (5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
Postmarketing reports do not indicate a difference in safety profiles in pediatric patients with CKD requiring dialysis and not requiring dialysis.
Pediatric Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy PROCRIT is indicated in patients 5 to 18 years old for the treatment of anemia due to concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients less than 5 years of age have not been established [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ].
The safety data from these studies are similar to those obtained from the studies of PROCRIT in adult patients with cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].
Pediatric Patients with HIV Infection Receiving Zidovudine Published literature has reported the use of PROCRIT in 20 zidovudine-treated, anemic, pediatric patients with HIV Infection, ages 8 months to 17 years, treated with 50 to 400 Units/kg subcutaneously or intravenously 2 to 3 times per week.
Increases in hemoglobin levels and in reticulocyte counts and decreases in or elimination of RBC transfusions were observed.
Pharmacokinetics in Neonates Limited pharmacokinetic data from a study of 7 preterm, very low birth weight neonates and 10 healthy adults given intravenous erythropoietin suggested that distribution volume was approximately 1.5 to 2 times higher in the preterm neonates than in the healthy adults, and clearance was approximately 3 times higher in the preterm neonates than in the healthy adults.
PREGNANCY
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary PROCRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in pregnant women [see Contraindications (4) ] .
When therapy with PROCRIT is needed during pregnancy, use a benzyl alcohol-free formulation (i.e., single-dose vial).
Do not mix PROCRIT with bacteriostatic saline when administering to pregnant women because it contains benzyl alcohol (see Clinical Considerations ) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .
The limited available data on PROCRIT use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes.
In animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, adverse fetal effects including embryo-fetal death, skeletal anomalies, and growth defects occurred when pregnant rats received epoetin alfa at doses approximating the clinical recommended starting doses (see Data ) .
Consider the benefits and risks of PROCRIT single-dose vials for the mother and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing PROCRIT to a pregnant woman.
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 risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions The multiple-dose vials of PROCRIT contain benzyl alcohol.
The preservative benzyl alcohol has been associated with serious adverse reactions and death when administered intravenously to neonates and infants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) , Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ].
There is a potential for similar risks to fetuses exposed to benzyl alcohol in utero .
Data Human Data There are reports of pregnant women with anemia alone or anemia associated with severe renal disease and other hematologic disorders who received PROCRIT.
Polyhydramnios and intrauterine growth restriction were reported in women with chronic renal disease, which is associated with an increased risk for these adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Due to the limited number of exposed pregnancies and multiple confounding factors (such as underlying maternal conditions, other maternal medications, and gestational timing of exposure), these published case reports and studies do not reliably estimate the frequency, presence or absence of adverse outcomes.
Animal Data When rats received PROCRIT at doses greater than or equal to 100 Units/kg/day during mating and through early pregnancy (dosing stopped prior to organogenesis), there were slight increases in the incidences of pre- and post-implantation loss, and a decrease in live fetuses in the presence of maternal toxicity (red limbs/pinna, focal splenic capsular toxicity, increased organ weights).
This animal dose level of 100 Units/kg/day may approximate the clinical recommended starting dose, depending on the treatment indication.
When pregnant rats and rabbits received intravenous doses of up to 500 mg/kg/day of PROCRIT only during organogenesis (gestational days 7 to 17 in rats and gestational days 6 to 18 in rabbits), no teratogenic effects were observed in the offspring.
The offspring (F1 generation) of the treated rats were observed postnatally; rats from the F1 generation reached maturity and were mated; no PROCRIT-related effects were apparent for their offspring (F2 generation fetuses).
When pregnant rats received PROCRIT at doses of 500 Units/kg/day late in pregnancy (after the period of organogenesis from day 17 of gestation through day 21 of lactation), pups exhibited decreased number of caudal vertebrae, decreased body weight gain, and delayed appearance of abdominal hair, eyelid opening, and ossification in the presence of maternal toxicity (red limbs/pinna, increased organ weights).
This animal dose level of 500 U/kg/day is approximately five times the clinical recommended starting dose depending on the patient’s treatment indication.
BOXED WARNING
WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Chronic Kidney Disease: In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL ( 5.1 ).
No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks ( 2.2 ).
Use the lowest PROCRIT dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions ( 5.1 ).
Cancer: ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers ( 5.2 ).
Use the lowest dose to avoid RBC transfusions ( 2.4 ).
Use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy ( 1.3 ).
ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure ( 1.5 ).
Discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course ( 2.4 ).
Perisurgery: Due to increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), DVT prophylaxis is recommended ( 5.1 ).
Chronic Kidney Disease: In controlled trials, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .
Use the lowest PROCRIT dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
Cancer: ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
To decrease these risks, as well as the risk of serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic reactions, use the lowest dose needed to avoid RBC transfusions [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] .
Use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy [see Indications and Usage (1.3) ] .
ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure [see Indications and Usage (1.5) ] .
Discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] .
Perisurgery: Due to increased risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), DVT prophylaxis is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
WARNING AND CAUTIONS
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism: Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit ( 5.1 and 14.1 ).
Use caution in patients with coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke ( 5.1 ).
Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer ( 5.2 ).
Hypertension: Control hypertension prior to initiating and during treatment with PROCRIT ( 5.3 ).
Seizures: PROCRIT increases the risk for seizures in patients with CKD ( 5.4 ).
Increase monitoring of these patients for changes in seizure frequency or premonitory symptoms ( 5.4 ).
PRCA: If severe anemia and low reticulocyte count develop during PROCRIT treatment, withhold PROCRIT and evaluate for PRCA ( 5.6 ).
Serious Allergic Reactions: Discontinue PROCRIT and manage reactions ( 5.7 ).
Severe Cutaneous Reactions: Discontinue PROCRIT ( 5.8 ).
5.1 Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism In controlled clinical trials of patients with CKD comparing higher hemoglobin targets (13 – 14 g/dL) to lower targets (9 – 11.3 g/dL), PROCRIT and other ESAs increased the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, thrombosis of hemodialysis vascular access, and other thromboembolic events in the higher target groups.
Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] .
Use caution in patients with coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .
Patients with CKD and an insufficient hemoglobin response to ESA therapy may be at even greater risk for cardiovascular reactions and mortality than other patients.
A rate of hemoglobin rise of greater than 1 g/dL over 2 weeks may contribute to these risks.
In controlled clinical trials of patients with cancer, PROCRIT and other ESAs increased the risks for death and serious adverse cardiovascular reactions.
These adverse reactions included myocardial infarction and stroke.
In controlled clinical trials, ESAs increased the risk of death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing orthopedic procedures.
The design and overall results of the 3 large trials comparing higher and lower hemoglobin targets are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Randomized Controlled Trials Showing Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With CKD Normal Hematocrit Study (NHS) (N=1265) CHOIR (N=1432) TREAT (N=4038) Time Period of Trial 1993 to 1996 2003 to 2006 2004 to 2009 Population CKD patients on hemodialysis with coexisting CHF or CAD, hematocrit 30 ± 3% on epoetin alfa CKD patients not on dialysis with hemoglobin < 11 g/dL not previously administered epoetin alfa CKD patients not on dialysis with type II diabetes, hemoglobin ≤ 11 g/dL Hemoglobin Target; Higher vs.
Lower (g/dL) 14.0 vs.
10.0 13.5 vs.
11.3 13.0 vs.
≥ 9.0 Median (Q1, Q3) Achieved Hemoglobin level (g/dL) 12.6 (11.6, 13.3) vs.
10.3 (10.0, 10.7) 13.0 (12.2, 13.4) vs.
11.4 (11.1, 11.6) 12.5 (12.0, 12.8) vs.
10.6 (9.9, 11.3) Primary Endpoint All-cause mortality or non-fatal MI All-cause mortality, MI, hospitalization for CHF, or stroke All-cause mortality, MI, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and stroke Hazard Ratio or Relative Risk (95% CI) 1.28 (1.06 – 1.56) 1.34 (1.03 – 1.74) 1.05 (0.94 – 1.17) Adverse Outcome for Higher Target Group All-cause mortality All-cause mortality Stroke Hazard Ratio or Relative Risk (95% CI) 1.27 (1.04 – 1.54) 1.48 (0.97 – 2.27) 1.92 (1.38 – 2.68) Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Normal Hematocrit Study (NHS): A prospective, randomized, open-label study of 1265 patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis with documented evidence of congestive heart failure or ischemic heart disease was designed to test the hypothesis that a higher target hematocrit (Hct) would result in improved outcomes compared with a lower target Hct.
In this study, patients were randomized to epoetin alfa treatment targeted to a maintenance hemoglobin of either 14 ± 1 g/dL or 10 ± 1 g/dL.
The trial was terminated early with adverse safety findings of higher mortality in the high hematocrit target group.
Higher mortality (35% vs.
29%) was observed for the patients randomized to a target hemoglobin of 14 g/dL than for the patients randomized to a target hemoglobin of 10 g/dL.
For all-cause mortality, the HR=1.27; 95% CI (1.04, 1.54); p=0.018.
The incidence of nonfatal myocardial infarction, vascular access thrombosis, and other thrombotic events was also higher in the group randomized to a target hemoglobin of 14 g/dL.
CHOIR: A randomized, prospective trial, 1432 patients with anemia due to CKD who were not undergoing dialysis and who had not previously received epoetin alfa therapy were randomized to epoetin alfa treatment targeting a maintenance hemoglobin concentration of either 13.5 g/dL or 11.3 g/dL.
The trial was terminated early with adverse safety findings.
A major cardiovascular event (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalization for congestive heart failure) occurred in 125 of the 715 patients (18%) in the higher hemoglobin group compared to 97 of the 717 patients (14%) in the lower hemoglobin group [hazard ratio (HR) 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.74; p=0.03].
TREAT: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial of 4038 patients with: CKD not on dialysis (eGFR of 20 – 60 mL/min), anemia (hemoglobin levels ≤ 11 g/dL), and type 2 diabetes mellitus, patients were randomized to receive either darbepoetin alfa treatment or a matching placebo.
Placebo group patients also received darbepoetin alfa when their hemoglobin levels were below 9 g/dL.
The trial objectives were to demonstrate the benefit of darbepoetin alfa treatment of the anemia to a target hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL, when compared to a “placebo” group, by reducing the occurrence of either of two primary endpoints: (1) a composite cardiovascular endpoint of all-cause mortality or a specified cardiovascular event (myocardial ischemia, CHF, MI, and CVA) or (2) a composite renal endpoint of all-cause mortality or progression to end stage renal disease.
The overall risks for each of the two primary endpoints (the cardiovascular composite and the renal composite) were not reduced with darbepoetin alfa treatment (see Table 1 ), but the risk of stroke was increased nearly two-fold in the darbepoetin alfa -treated group versus the placebo group: annualized stroke rate 2.1% vs.
1.1%, respectively, HR 1.92; 95% CI: 1.38, 2.68; p < 0.001.
The relative risk of stroke was particularly high in patients with a prior stroke: annualized stroke rate 5.2% in the darbepoetin alfa-treated group and 1.9% in the placebo group, HR 3.07; 95% CI: 1.44, 6.54.
Also, among darbepoetin alfa-treated subjects with a past history of cancer, there were more deaths due to all causes and more deaths adjudicated as due to cancer, in comparison with the control group.
Patients with Cancer An increased incidence of thromboembolic reactions, some serious and life-threatening, occurred in patients with cancer treated with ESAs.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled study (Study 2 in Table 2 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] ) of 939 women with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, patients received either weekly epoetin alfa or placebo for up to a year.
This study was designed to show that survival was superior when epoetin alfa was administered to prevent anemia (maintain hemoglobin levels between 12 and 14 g/dL or hematocrit between 36% and 42%).
This study was terminated prematurely when interim results demonstrated a higher mortality at 4 months (8.7% vs.
3.4%) and a higher rate of fatal thrombotic reactions (1.1% vs.
0.2%) in the first 4 months of the study among patients treated with epoetin alfa.
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates, at the time of study termination, the 12-month survival was lower in the epoetin alfa group than in the placebo group (70% vs.
76%; HR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.75; p=0.012).
Patients Having Surgery An increased incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients receiving epoetin alfa undergoing surgical orthopedic procedures was demonstrated [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
In a randomized, controlled study, 680 adult patients, not receiving prophylactic anticoagulation and undergoing spinal surgery, were randomized to 4 doses of 600 Units/kg epoetin alfa (7, 14, and 21 days before surgery, and the day of surgery) and standard of care (SOC) treatment (n=340) or to SOC treatment alone (n=340).
A higher incidence of DVTs, determined by either color flow duplex imaging or by clinical symptoms, was observed in the epoetin alfa group (16 [4.7%] patients) compared with the SOC group (7 [2.1%] patients).
In addition to the 23 patients with DVTs included in the primary analysis, 19 [2.8%] patients (n=680) experienced 1 other thrombovascular event (TVE) each (12 [3.5%] in the epoetin alfa group and 7 [2.1%] in the SOC group).
Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis is strongly recommended when ESAs are used for the reduction of allogeneic RBC transfusions in surgical patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] .
Increased mortality was observed in a randomized, placebo-controlled study of PROCRIT in adult patients who were undergoing CABG surgery (7 deaths in 126 patients randomized to PROCRIT versus no deaths among 56 patients receiving placebo).
Four of these deaths occurred during the period of study drug administration and all 4 deaths were associated with thrombotic events.
5.2 Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer ESAs resulted in decreased locoregional control/progression-free survival (PFS) and/or overall survival (OS) (see Table 2 ).
Adverse effects on PFS and/or OS were observed in studies of patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer (Studies 1, 2, and 4), lymphoid malignancy (Study 3), and cervical cancer (Study 5); in patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy (Studies 6 and 7); and in patients with non-small cell lung cancer or various malignancies who were not receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy (Studies 8 and 9).
Table 2: Randomized, Controlled Studies with Decreased Survival and/or Decreased Locoregional Control Study/Tumor/(n) Hemoglobin Target Achieved Hemoglobin (Median; Q1, Q3 Q1=25 th percentile, Q3=75 th percentile ) Primary Efficacy Outcome Adverse Outcome for ESA- containing Arm Chemotherapy Study 1 Metastatic breast cancer (n=2098) ≤12 g/dL This study did not include a defined hemoglobin target.
Doses were titrated to achieve and maintain the lowest hemoglobin level sufficient to avoid transfusion and not to exceed 12 g/dL.
11.6 g/dL 10.7, 12.1 g/dL Progression-free survival (PFS) Decreased progression-free and overall survival Study 2 Metastatic breast cancer (n=939) 12–14 g/dL 12.9 g/dL; 12.2, 13.3 g/dL 12-month overall survival Decreased 12-month survival Study 3 Lymphoid malignancy (n=344) 13–15 g/dL (M) 13–14 g/dL (F) 11 g/dL; 9.8, 12.1 g/dL Proportion of patients achieving a hemoglobin response Decreased overall survival Study 4 Early breast cancer (n=733) 12.5–13 g/dL 13.1 g/dL; 12.5, 13.7 g/dL Relapse-free and overall survival Decreased 3-year relapse-free and overall survival Study 5 Cervical cancer (n=114) 12–14 g/dL 12.7 g/dL; 12.1, 13.3 g/dL Progression-free and overall survival and locoregional control Decreased 3-year progression-free and overall survival and locoregional control Radiotherapy Alone Study 6 Head and neck cancer (n=351) ≥ 15 g/dL (M) ≥ 14 g/dL (F) Not available Locoregional progression-free survival Decreased 5-year locoregional progression-free and overall survival Study 7 Head and neck cancer (n=522) 14–15.5 g/dL Not available Locoregional disease control Decreased locoregional disease control No Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy Study 8 Non-small cell lung cancer (n=70) 12–14 g/dL Not available Quality of life Decreased overall survival Study 9 Non-myeloid malignancy (n=989) 12–13 g/dL 10.6 g/dL; 9.4, 11.8 g/dL RBC transfusions Decreased overall survival Decreased Overall Survival Study 2 was described in the previous section [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
Mortality at 4 months (8.7% vs.
3.4%) was significantly higher in the epoetin alfa arm.
The most common investigator-attributed cause of death within the first 4 months was disease progression; 28 of 41 deaths in the epoetin alfa arm and 13 of 16 deaths in the placebo arm were attributed to disease progression.
Investigator-assessed time to tumor progression was not different between the 2 groups.
Survival at 12 months was significantly lower in the epoetin alfa arm (70% vs.
76%; HR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.75; p=0.012).
Study 3 was a randomized, double-blind study (darbepoetin alfa vs.
placebo) conducted in 344 anemic patients with lymphoid malignancy receiving chemotherapy.
With a median follow-up of 29 months, overall mortality rates were significantly higher among patients randomized to darbepoetin alfa as compared to placebo (HR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.82).
Study 8 was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study (epoetin alfa vs.
placebo) in which patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer receiving only palliative radiotherapy or no active therapy were treated with epoetin alfa to achieve and maintain hemoglobin levels between 12 and 14 g/dL.
Following an interim analysis of 70 patients (planned accrual 300 patients), a significant difference in survival in favor of the patients in the placebo arm of the study was observed (median survival 63 vs.
129 days; HR 1.84; p=0.04).
Study 9 was a randomized, double-blind study (darbepoetin alfa vs.
placebo) in 989 anemic patients with active malignant disease, neither receiving nor planning to receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
There was no evidence of a statistically significant reduction in proportion of patients receiving RBC transfusions.
The median survival was shorter in the darbepoetin alfa treatment group than in the placebo group (8 months vs.
10.8 months; HR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57).
Decreased Progression-free Survival and Overall Survival Study 1 was a randomized, open-label, multicenter study in 2,098 anemic women with metastatic breast cancer, who received first line or second line chemotherapy.
This was a noninferiority study designed to rule out a 15% risk increase in tumor progression or death of epoetin alfa plus standard of care (SOC) as compared with SOC alone.
At the time of clinical data cutoff, the median progression free survival (PFS) per investigator assessment of disease progression was 7.4 months in each arm (HR 1.09, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.20), indicating the study objective was not met.
There were more deaths from disease progression in the epoetin alfa plus SOC arm (59% vs.
56%) and more thrombotic vascular events in the epoetin alfa plus SOC arm (3% vs.
1%).
At the final analysis, 1653 deaths were reported (79.8% subjects in the epoetin alfa plus SOC group and 77.8% subjects in the SOC group).
Median overall survival in the epoetin alfa plus SOC group was 17.8 months compared with 18.0 months in the SOC alone group (HR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.18).
Study 4 was a randomized, open-label, controlled, factorial design study in which darbepoetin alfa was administered to prevent anemia in 733 women receiving neo-adjuvant breast cancer treatment.
A final analysis was performed after a median follow-up of approximately 3 years.
The 3-year survival rate was lower (86% vs.
90%; HR 1.42, 95% CI: 0.93, 2.18) and the 3-year relapse-free survival rate was lower (72% vs.
78%; HR 1.33, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.79) in the darbepoetin alfa-treated arm compared to the control arm.
Study 5 was a randomized, open-label, controlled study that enrolled 114 of a planned 460 cervical cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Patients were randomized to receive epoetin alfa to maintain hemoglobin between 12 and 14 g/dL or to RBC transfusion support as needed.
The study was terminated prematurely due to an increase in thromboembolic adverse reactions in epoetin alfa-treated patients compared to control (19% vs.
9%).
Both local recurrence (21% vs.
20%) and distant recurrence (12% vs.
7%) were more frequent in epoetin alfa-treated patients compared to control.
Progression-free survival at 3 years was lower in the epoetin alfa-treated group compared to control (59% vs.
62%; HR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.58, 1.91).
Overall survival at 3 years was lower in the epoetin alfa-treated group compared to control (61% vs.
71%; HR 1.28, 95% CI: 0.68, 2.42).
Study 6 was a randomized, placebo-controlled study in 351 head and neck cancer patients where epoetin beta or placebo was administered to achieve target hemoglobins ≥ 14 and ≥ 15 g/dL for women and men, respectively.
Locoregional progression-free survival was significantly shorter in patients receiving epoetin beta (HR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.14; p=0.0008) with medians of 406 days and 745 days in the epoetin beta and placebo arms, respectively.
Overall survival was significantly shorter in patients receiving epoetin beta (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.84; p=0.02).
Decreased Locoregional Control Study 7 was a randomized, open-label, controlled study conducted in 522 patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving radiation therapy alone (no chemotherapy) who were randomized to receive darbepoetin alfa to maintain hemoglobin levels of 14 to 15.5 g/dL or no darbepoetin alfa.
An interim analysis performed on 484 patients demonstrated that locoregional control at 5 years was significantly shorter in patients receiving darbepoetin alfa (RR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.96; p=0.02).
Overall survival was shorter in patients receiving darbepoetin alfa (RR 1.28, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.68; p=0.08).
5.3 Hypertension PROCRIT is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
Following initiation and titration of PROCRIT, approximately 25% of patients on dialysis required initiation of or increases in antihypertensive therapy; hypertensive encephalopathy and seizures have been reported in patients with CKD receiving PROCRIT.
Appropriately control hypertension prior to initiation of and during treatment with PROCRIT.
Reduce or withhold PROCRIT if blood pressure becomes difficult to control.
Advise patients of the importance of compliance with antihypertensive therapy and dietary restrictions [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] .
5.4 Seizures PROCRIT increases the risk of seizures in patients with CKD.
During the first several months following initiation of PROCRIT, monitor patients closely for premonitory neurologic symptoms.
Advise patients to contact their healthcare practitioner for new-onset seizures, premonitory symptoms or change in seizure frequency.
5.5 Lack or Loss of Hemoglobin Response to PROCRIT For lack or loss of hemoglobin response to PROCRIT, initiate a search for causative factors (e.g., iron deficiency, infection, inflammation, bleeding).
If typical causes of lack or loss of hemoglobin response are excluded, evaluate for PRCA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] .
In the absence of PRCA, follow dosing recommendations for management of patients with an insufficient hemoglobin response to PROCRIT therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .
5.6 Pure Red Cell Aplasia Cases of PRCA and of severe anemia, with or without other cytopenias that arise following the development of neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin have been reported in patients treated with PROCRIT.
This has been reported predominantly in patients with CKD receiving ESAs by subcutaneous administration.
PRCA has also been reported in patients receiving ESAs for anemia related to hepatitis C treatment (an indication for which PROCRIT is not approved).
If severe anemia and low reticulocyte count develop during treatment with PROCRIT, withhold PROCRIT and evaluate patients for neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin.
Contact Janssen Products, LP at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736) to perform assays for binding and neutralizing antibodies.
Permanently discontinue PROCRIT in patients who develop PRCA following treatment with PROCRIT or other erythropoietin protein drugs.
Do not switch patients to other ESAs.
5.7 Serious Allergic Reactions Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, skin rash, and urticaria may occur with PROCRIT.
Immediately and permanently discontinue PROCRIT and administer appropriate therapy if a serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction occurs.
5.8 Severe Cutaneous Reactions Blistering and skin exfoliation reactions including Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in patients treated with ESAs (including PROCRIT) in the postmarketing setting.
Discontinue PROCRIT therapy immediately if a severe cutaneous reaction, such as SJS/TEN, is suspected.
5.9 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative PROCRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated for use in neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women [see Contraindications (4) ] .
In addition, do not mix PROCRIT with bacteriostatic saline (which also contains benzyl alcohol) when administering PROCRIT to these patient populations [see Dosage and Administration (2) ].
Serious and fatal reactions including “gasping syndrome” can occur in neonates and infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved drugs, including PROCRIT multiple-dose vials.
The “gasping syndrome” is characterized by central nervous system (CNS) depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations.
There is a potential for similar risks to fetuses and infants exposed to benzyl alcohol in utero or in breast-fed milk, respectively.
PROCRIT multiple-dose vials contain 11 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL.
The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.2 , and 8.4) ] .
5.10 Risk of Infectious Diseases Due to Albumin (Human) Content PROCRIT contains albumin, a derivative of human blood [see Description (11) ] .
Based on effective donor screening and product manufacturing processes, it carries an extremely remote risk for transmission of viral diseases.
A theoretical risk for transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) also is considered extremely remote.
No cases of transmission of viral diseases or CJD have ever been identified for albumin.
5.11 Dialysis Management Patients may require adjustments in their dialysis prescriptions after initiation of PROCRIT.
Patients receiving PROCRIT may require increased anticoagulation with heparin to prevent clotting of the extracorporeal circuit during hemodialysis.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2 Evaluate iron status before and during treatment and maintain iron repletion.
Correct or exclude other causes of anemia before initiating treatment ( 2.1 ).
In pregnant women, lactating women, neonates, infants: Use only single-dose vials ( 2.1 ).
Patients with CKD: Initial dose: 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults) and 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly (pediatric patients).
Individualize maintenance dose.
Intravenous route recommended for patients on hemodialysis ( 2.2 ).
Patients on Zidovudine due to HIV Infection: 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly ( 2.3 ).
Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy: 40,000 Units weekly or 150 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults); 600 Units/kg intravenously weekly (pediatric patients ≥ 5 years) ( 2.4 ).
Surgery Patients: 300 Units/kg per day daily for 15 days or 600 Units/kg weekly ( 2.5 ).
2.1 Important Dosing Information Evaluation of Iron Stores and Nutritional Factors Evaluate the iron status in all patients before and during treatment.
Administer supplemental iron therapy when serum ferritin is less than 100 mcg/L or when serum transferrin saturation is less than 20%.
The majority of patients with CKD will require supplemental iron during the course of ESA therapy.
Monitoring of Response to Therapy Correct or exclude other causes of anemia (e.g., vitamin deficiency, metabolic or chronic inflammatory conditions, bleeding, etc.) before initiating PROCRIT.
Following initiation of therapy and after each dose adjustment, monitor hemoglobin weekly until the hemoglobin level is stable and sufficient to minimize the need for RBC transfusion.
Selection of Formulation In pregnant women, lactating women, neonates, and infants use only single-dose vials (the benzyl alcohol-free formulation) [see Contraindications (4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.2 , and 8.4) ].
2.2 Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL.
No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks.
Individualize dosing and use the lowest dose of PROCRIT sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
Physicians and patients should weigh the possible benefits of decreasing transfusions against the increased risks of death and other serious cardiovascular adverse reactions [see Boxed Warning and Clinical Studies (14) ].
For all patients with CKD: When initiating or adjusting therapy, monitor hemoglobin levels at least weekly until stable, then monitor at least monthly.
When adjusting therapy consider hemoglobin rate of rise, rate of decline, ESA responsiveness and hemoglobin variability.
A single hemoglobin excursion may not require a dosing change.
Do not increase the dose more frequently than once every 4 weeks.
Decreases in dose can occur more frequently.
Avoid frequent dose adjustments.
If the hemoglobin rises rapidly (e.g., more than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period), reduce the dose of PROCRIT by 25% or more as needed to reduce rapid responses.
For patients who do not respond adequately, if the hemoglobin has not increased by more than 1 g/dL after 4 weeks of therapy, increase the dose by 25%.
For patients who do not respond adequately over a 12-week escalation period, increasing the PROCRIT dose further is unlikely to improve response and may increase risks.
Use the lowest dose that will maintain a hemoglobin level sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions.
Evaluate other causes of anemia.
Discontinue PROCRIT if responsiveness does not improve.
For adult patients with CKD on dialysis: Initiate PROCRIT treatment when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL.
If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of PROCRIT.
The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously.
The intravenous route is recommended for patients on hemodialysis.
For adult patients with CKD not on dialysis: Consider initiating PROCRIT treatment only when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL and the following considerations apply: The rate of hemoglobin decline indicates the likelihood of requiring a RBC transfusion and , Reducing the risk of alloimmunization and/or other RBC transfusion-related risks is a goal If the hemoglobin level exceeds 10 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of PROCRIT, and use the lowest dose of PROCRIT sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions.
The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously.
For pediatric patients with CKD: Initiate PROCRIT treatment only when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL.
If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 12 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of PROCRIT.
The recommended starting dose for pediatric patients (ages 1 month or older) is 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously.
When treating patients who have chronic kidney disease and cancer, physicians should refer to Warnings and Precautions (5.1 and 5.2) .
2.3 Zidovudine-treated Patients with HIV Infection Starting Dose The recommended starting dose in adults is 100 Units/kg as an intravenous or subcutaneous injection 3 times per week.
Dose Adjustment If hemoglobin does not increase after 8 weeks of therapy, increase PROCRIT dose by approximately 50 to 100 Units/kg at 4- to 8-week intervals until hemoglobin reaches a level needed to avoid RBC transfusions or 300 Units/kg.
Withhold PROCRIT if hemoglobin exceeds 12 g/dL.
Resume therapy at a dose 25% below the previous dose when hemoglobin declines to less than 11 g/dL.
Discontinue PROCRIT if an increase in hemoglobin is not achieved at a dose of 300 Units/kg for 8 weeks.
2.4 Patients on Cancer Chemotherapy Initiate PROCRIT in patients on cancer chemotherapy only if the hemoglobin is less than 10 g/dL, and if there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.
Use the lowest dose of PROCRIT necessary to avoid RBC transfusions.
Recommended Starting Dose Adults: 150 Units/kg subcutaneously 3 times per week until completion of a chemotherapy course or 40,000 Units subcutaneously weekly until completion of a chemotherapy course.
Pediatric Patients (5 to 18 years): 600 Units/kg intravenously weekly until completion of a chemotherapy course.
Dose Reduction Reduce dose by 25% if: Hemoglobin increases greater than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period or Hemoglobin reaches a level needed to avoid RBC transfusion.
Withhold dose if hemoglobin exceeds a level needed to avoid RBC transfusion.
Reinitiate at a dose 25% below the previous dose when hemoglobin approaches a level where RBC transfusions may be required.
Dose Increase After the initial 4 weeks of PROCRIT therapy, if hemoglobin increases by less than 1 g/dL and remains below 10 g/dL, increase dose to: 300 Units/kg three times per week in adults or 60,000 Units weekly in adults 900 Units/kg (maximum 60,000 Units) weekly in pediatric patients After 8 weeks of therapy, if there is no response as measured by hemoglobin levels or if RBC transfusions are still required, discontinue PROCRIT.
2.5 Surgery Patients The recommended PROCRIT regimens are: 300 Units/kg per day subcutaneously for 15 days total: administered daily for 10 days before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 4 days after surgery.
600 Units/kg subcutaneously in 4 doses administered 21, 14, and 7 days before surgery and on the day of surgery.
Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis is recommended during PROCRIT therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
2.6 Preparation and Administration Do not shake.
Do not use PROCRIT that has been shaken or frozen.
Protect vials from light.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.
Do not use any vials exhibiting particulate matter or discoloration.
Discard unused portions of PROCRIT in preservative-free vials.
Do not re-enter preservative-free vials.
Store unused portions of PROCRIT in multiple-dose vials at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
Discard 21 days after initial entry.
Do not dilute.
Do not mix with other drug solutions except for admixing as described below: Preservative-free PROCRIT from single-dose vials may be admixed in a syringe with bacteriostatic 0.9% sodium chloride injection, USP, with benzyl alcohol 0.9% (bacteriostatic saline) in a 1:1 ratio using aseptic technique at the time of administration.
Do not mix PROCRIT with bacteriostatic saline when administering to pregnant women, lactating women, neonates, and infants [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.2 , 8.4) ].