Fludarabine Phosphate - Antisoma Research Limited

The oral dose is different than the intravenous dose.

The recommended adult dose of fludarabine phosphate is 40 mg/m² administered by mouth daily for five consecutive days. Each 5-day course of treatment should commence every 28 days. Dosage may be decreased or delayed based on evidence of hematologic or nonhematologic toxicity. Physicians should consider delaying or discontinuing the drug if neurotoxicity occurs. Fludarabine phosphate film-coated tablets can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food. The tablets have to be swallowed whole with water; they should not be chewed or broken.

The following table provides guidance for determining the number of tablets of fludarabine phosphate to be administered based on body surface area (BSA):

A number of clinical settings may predispose to increased toxicity from fludarabine phosphate. These include advanced age, renal insufficiency, and bone marrow impairment. Such patients should be monitored closely for excessive toxicity and the dose modified accordingly. The optimal duration of treatment has not been clearly established. It is recommended that three additional cycles of fludarabine phosphate be administered following the achievement of a maximal response and then the drug should be discontinued.

• Reduce dose by 20% in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m²). [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
  

• Reduce dose by 50% in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²). [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

Dose-dependent neurotoxicity has been observed with fludarabine phosphate. Dose levels approximately 4 times greater (96 mg/m²/day for 5 days to 7 days) than the recommended intravenous dose (25 mg/m²/day for 5 days) were associated with a syndrome characterized by delayed blindness, coma and death. Symptoms appeared from 21 days to 60 days following the last dose. Thirteen of 36 patients (36.1%) who received fludarabine phosphate intravenously at high doses (≥ 96 mg/m²/day for 5 days to 7 days per course) developed severe neurotoxicity, while only one of 443 patients (0.2%) who received the drug intravenously at low doses (≤ 40 mg/m²/day for 5 days per course) developed toxicity. In the pivotal clinical study conducted with fludarabine phosphate film-coated tablets administered at 40 mg/m², severe impairment of consciousness was reported in one patient. The effect of chronic administration of fludarabine phosphate on the central nervous system is unknown; however, patients have received the recommended dose for up to 15 courses of therapy. Physicians should consider delaying or discontinuing the drug if neurotoxicity occurs.

Severe bone marrow suppression, notably anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, has been reported in patients treated with fludarabine phosphate. In a study in adult solid tumor patients, the median time to nadir counts was 13 days (range, 3 days to 25 days) for granulocytes and 16 days (range, 2 days to 32 days) for platelets. Most patients had hematologic impairment at baseline either as a result of disease or as a result of prior myelosuppressive therapy. Cumulative myelosuppression may be seen. While chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is often reversible, administration of fludarabine phosphate requires careful hematologic monitoring.

Several instances of trilineage bone marrow hypoplasia or aplasia resulting in pancytopenia, sometimes resulting in death, have been reported in adult patients. The duration of clinically significant cytopenia in the reported cases has ranged from approximately 2 months to approximately 1 year. These episodes have occurred both in previously treated or untreated patients. One case of pancytopenia was reported in the pivotal clinical study conducted with oral fludarabine phosphate tablets.

Instances of life-threatening and sometimes fatal autoimmune hemolytic anemia have been reported to occur after one or more cycles of treatment with fludarabine phosphate in patients with or without a previous history of autoimmune hemolytic anemia or a positive Coombs’ test and who may or may not be in remission from their disease. Steroids may or may not be effective in controlling these hemolytic episodes. The majority of patients rechallenged with fludarabine phosphate developed a recurrence in the hemolytic process. The mechanism(s) which predispose patients to the development of this complication has not been identified. Patients undergoing treatment with fludarabine phosphate should be evaluated and closely monitored for hemolysis.

A high incidence of fatal pulmonary toxicity was observed in a clinical investigation using fludarabine phosphate in combination with pentostatin (deoxycoformycin) for the treatment of refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults. Therefore, the use of fludarabine phosphate in combination with pentostatin is not recommended.

Of 133 adult patients with CLL who received intravenous fludarabine phosphate in two clinical trials, there were 29 fatalities during study. Approximately 50% of the fatalities were due to infection and 25% due to progressive disease. Of 183 adult patients with CLL that received oral fludarabine phosphate in two clinical trials, there were 13 deaths. Approximately 50% of the deaths were due to progressive disease, while two patient deaths (15%) were attributed to infection. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection.

Tumor lysis syndrome associated with fludarabine phosphate treatment has been reported in patients with CLL with large tumor burdens. Since fludarabine phosphate can induce a response as early as the first week of treatment, precautions should be taken in those patients at risk of developing this complication.

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease has been observed rarely after transfusion of non-irradiated blood in fludarabine phosphate treated patients. Consideration should, therefore, be given to the use of irradiated blood products in those patients requiring transfusions while undergoing treatment with fludarabine phosphate.

Fludarabine phosphate must be administered cautiously in patients with renal impairment. Following dosing of the intravenous product, the total body clearance of 2-fluoro-ara-A has been shown to be directly correlated with creatinine clearance. Patients with mild to moderate impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance 30 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m²) should have their oral fludarabine phosphate dose reduced by 20% and be monitored closely. Patients with severe impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) should have their oral fludarabine phosphate dose reduced by 50% and be monitored closely.

• Hematologic and Nonhematologic Toxicity

Fludarabine phosphate is an antineoplastic agent with potentially significant toxic side effects. Patients undergoing therapy should be closely observed for signs of hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity. Periodic assessment of peripheral blood counts is recommended to detect the development of anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

• Hematopoietic Suppression

During treatment, the patient’s hematologic profile (particularly neutrophils and platelets) should be monitored regularly to determine the degree of hematopoietic suppression.

• Infections

Patients treated with fludarabine phosphate appear to be at an increased risk of infection. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection.

Based on its mechanism of action, fludarabine phosphate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Fludarabine phosphate administered to rats and rabbits during organogenesis caused an increase in resorptions, skeletal and visceral malformation, and decreased fetal body weights. If fludarabine phosphate is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant. Women of childbearing potential and fertile males must take contraceptive measures during and at least for 6 months after the cessation of therapy.
[see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

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 data described below reflect exposure to fludarabine phosphate tablets in 159 patients exposed to the drug. Fludarabine phosphate tablets were studied primarily in Study 1 in 78 patients with CLL who received prior therapy and in Study 2 in 81 patients with CLL who had not received prior therapy.

Based on experience with the intravenous and oral use of fludarabine phosphate, the most common adverse reactions include myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia), fever and chills, infection, and nausea and vomiting. Other commonly reported events include malaise, fatigue, anorexia, and weakness. Serious opportunistic infections have occurred in patients with CLL treated with fludarabine phosphate. The most frequently reported adverse reactions and those reactions which are more clearly related to the drug, as reported in clinical studies conducted with intravenous and oral fludarabine phosphate, are arranged below according to body system.

Hematopoietic Systems

Hematologic events (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and/or anemia) were reported in the majority of patients with CLL treated with fludarabine phosphate. During intravenous fludarabine phosphate treatment of 133 patients with CLL, the absolute neutrophil count decreased to less than 500/mm³ in 59% of patients, hemoglobin decreased from pretreatment values by at least 2 grams percent in 60%, and platelet count decreased from pretreatment values by at least 50% in 55%. Among 78 patients with B-CLL who were treated with oral fludarabine phosphate, the absolute neutrophil count decreased to less than 500/mm³ in 37% of patients, hemoglobin decreased from pretreatment values by at least 2 grams percent in 14%, and platelet count decreased from pretreatment values by at least 50% in 17% of patients. Myelosuppression may be severe, cumulative, and may affect multiple cell lines. Bone marrow fibrosis occurred in one CLL patient treated with fludarabine phosphate intravenously. In the pivotal oral fludarabine phosphate study (Study 1), there was one report of a non-fatal case of pancytopenia. Similarly, there was one case of non-fatal pancytopenia reported among the 133 patients with CLL treated with intravenous fludarabine phosphate.

Life-threatening and sometimes fatal autoimmune hemolytic anemias have been reported to occur in patients receiving fludarabine phosphate. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] The majority of patients rechallenged with fludarabine phosphate developed a recurrence in the hemolytic process.

Metabolic

Tumor lysis syndrome has been reported in patients with CLL treated with fludarabine phosphate for injection. This complication may include hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, hematuria, urate crystalluria, and renal failure. The onset of this syndrome may be heralded by flank pain and hematuria.

Nervous System

Objective weakness, agitation, confusion, visual disturbances, and coma have occurred in patients with CLL treated with fludarabine phosphate at the recommended dose. Peripheral neuropathy and one case of wrist-drop have been observed with intravenous administration of fludarabine phosphate. In Study 1 for oral fludarabine phosphate, there was one report of severe impairment of consciousness that presented concurrent with hemolytic anemia. This patient had enrolled in the study with pre-existing peripheral neurotoxicity. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

Pulmonary System

Pneumonia, a frequent manifestation of infection in patients with CLL, was observed in two clinical trials conducted with intravenous fludarabine phosphate (16% and 22%) and in two clinical trials with oral fludarabine phosphate (8% and 3%). Pulmonary hypersensitivity reactions to fludarabine phosphate characterized by dyspnea, cough and interstitial pulmonary infiltrate have been observed. In Study 1 conducted with oral fludarabine phosphate, severe pulmonary toxicity was reported in 5 of 78 patients, often in conjunction with respiratory or pulmonary infections and hence not regarded as isolated drug related pulmonary toxicity.

Gastrointestinal System

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, stomatitis and gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported in patients treated with fludarabine phosphate. Nausea and vomiting occurred in up to 38% of patients following treatment with oral fludarabine phosphate in the clinical trials.

Cardiovascular

Edema has been frequently reported. One patient developed a pericardial effusion possibly related to treatment with fludarabine phosphate. No other severe cardiovascular events were considered to be drug related.

Genitourinary System

Hemorrhagic cystitis has been reported in patients treated intravenously with fludarabine phosphate.

Skin

Skin toxicity, consisting primarily of skin rashes, has been reported in patients treated with oral and intravenous fludarabine phosphate.

Data in Table 2 are derived from the 159 patients with CLL who received fludarabine phosphate in Study 1 and Study 2.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of oral fludarabine phosphate. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possibly to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Hematopoietic Systems

Several instances of trilineage bone marrow hypoplasia or aplasia resulting in pancytopenia, sometimes resulting in death, have been reported in post-marketing surveillance. The duration of clinically significant cytopenia in the reported cases has ranged from approximately 2 months to approximately 1 year. These episodes have occurred both in previously treated or untreated patients.

Nervous System

In post-marketing experience, cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have been reported. Most cases had a fatal outcome. Many of these cases were confounded by prior and/or concurrent chemotherapy. The median time to onset was approximately one year.

Pulmonary System

In post-marketing experience, cases of severe pulmonary toxicity have been observed with fludarabine phosphate use which resulted in acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory distress, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory failure. After exclusion of an infectious origin, some patients experienced symptom improvement with corticosteroids.

The use of fludarabine phosphate in combination with pentostatin is not recommended due to the risk of severe pulmonary toxicity. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]

“Pregnancy Category D. See ‘Warnings and Precautions’ section.”

Based on its mechanism of action, fludarabine phosphate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of fludarabine phosphate in pregnant women. Fludarabine phosphate was embryolethal and teratogenic in both rats and rabbits. If fludarabine phosphate is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant. Women of childbearing potential and fertile males must take contraceptive measures during and at least for 6 months after the cessation of therapy.

In rats, repeated intravenous doses of fludarabine phosphate at 1.5 times and 4.5 times the recommended human oral dose (40 mg/m²) administered during organogenesis caused an increase in resorptions, skeletal and visceral malformations (cleft palate, exencephaly, and fetal vertebrae deformities) and decreased fetal body weights. Maternal toxicity was not apparent at 1.5 times the human oral dose, and was limited to slight body weight decreases at 4.5 times the human oral dose. In rabbits, repeated intravenous doses of fludarabine phosphate at 2.4 times the human oral dose administered during organogenesis increased embryo and fetal lethality as indicated by increased resorptions and a decrease in live fetuses. A significant increase in malformations including cleft palate, hydrocephaly, adactyly, brachydactyly, fusions of the digits, diaphragmatic hernia, heart/great vessel defects, and vertebrae/rib anomalies were seen in all dose levels (≥ 0.3 times the human oral dose).

It is not known whether fludarabine phosphate is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions including tumorgenicity in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Of 78 previously treated patients with B-CLL treated with oral fludarabine phosphate 50% were ≥ age 65 and 3% were ≥ age 75. The response rate was generally lower among patients age 65 and older.  Among previously treated patients (Study 1) age 65 and older, the overall objective response, according to standardized response criteria developed by the National Cancer Institute CLL Working Group (NCI criteria), was 41%. The safety profile among younger and older patients on study was similar. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses or safety between older and younger patients.

In patients receiving intravenous fludarabine phosphate, the total body clearance of the metabolite 2-fluoro-ara-adenine (2F-ara-A) correlated with the creatinine clearance, indicating the importance of the renal excretion pathway for the elimination of the drug. Renal clearance represented approximately 40% of the total body clearance. Patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (30 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m²) receiving 20% reduced fludarabine phosphate dose had a similar exposure compared to patients with normal renal function receiving the recommended dose (AUC; 21 nM•h/mL versus 20 nM•h/mL). Two patients with severe renal impairment (< 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) receiving 40% reduced fludarabine phosphate dose had a 40% increase in exposure compared to patients with normal renal function receiving the recommended dose. The mean total body clearance was 172 mL/min for patients with normal renal function, 124 mL/min for patients with mild to moderately impaired renal function, and 71 mL/min for the two patients with severe renal impairment.

Fludarabine phosphate (2F-ara-AMP) is a synthetic purine nucleotide antimetabolite agent. Upon administration, 2F-ara-AMP is rapidly dephosphorylated in the plasma to 2F-ara-A, which then enters into the cell. Intracellularly, 2F-ara-A is converted to the 5'-triphosphate, 2-fluoro-ara-ATP (2F-ara-ATP). 2F-ara-ATP competes with deoxyadenosine triphosphate for incorporation into DNA. Once incorporated into DNA, 2F-ara-ATP functions as a DNA chain terminator, inhibits DNA polymerase alpha, gamma, and delta, and inhibits ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase. 2F-ara-A also inhibits DNA primase and DNA ligase I. The mechanism of action of this antimetabolite is not completely characterized and may be multi-faceted.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

In a randomized, uncontrolled, open-label, parallel study, patients with B-cell CLL were administered a single dose of oral fludarabine phosphate 40 mg/m² (n = 42) or intravenous fludarabine phosphate 25 mg/m² (n=14). The maximum increase in the baseline-corrected mean change in QTcI (individual-corrected QT interval) following treatment with oral fludarabine phosphate was less than 10 milliseconds.

Studies with the intravenous product have demonstrated that fludarabine phosphate is converted to the active metabolite, 2F-ara-A. Clinical pharmacology studies have focused on 2F-ara-A pharmacokinetics.

Following administration of the intravenous product, systemic plasma clearance of 2F-ara-A is approximately 117 mL/min to 145 mL/min. After five daily 30 minute intravenous infusions of 25 mg 2F-ara- AMP/m² to cancer patients, trough concentrations of 2F-ara-A increased by a factor of about 2. The terminal half-life of 2F-ara-A was approximately 20 hours. Plasma protein binding of 2F-ara-A was approximately 19% to 29%. A correlation was noted between the degree of absolute granulocyte count nadir and increased area under the concentration x time curve (AUC).

2F-ara-A exhibits dose proportional increases in AUC and C_max after single oral doses of 50 mg, 70 mg or 90 mg of 2F-ara-AMP. C_max of 2F-ara-A occurs 1 hour to 2 hours after single or multiple oral doses and is approximately 20 % to 30 % of the maximum plasma concentrations produced at the end of a 30 minute intravenous infusion of the same dose. The absolute oral bioavailability of 2F-ara-A is 50 - 65% following single and repeated doses of the immediate release tablet formulation. Similar systemic exposure (AUC) was observed after a single 40 mg/m² fludarabine phosphate oral dose and a single 25 mg/m² fludarabine phosphate intravenous dose. The terminal half-life of 2F-ara-A was similar to that following intravenous administration; approximately 20 hours. The C_max, AUC and terminal half-life of 2F-ara-A are unaffected when administered with a high fat meal, although T_max is slightly delayed from 1.3 hours to 2.2 hours.

Following intravenous administration, renal clearance of 2F-ara-A represents approximately 40% of the total body clearance of fludarabine phosphate, and total body clearance is inversely correlated with serum creatinine and creatinine clearance. In two patients with median creatinine clearance of 22 mL/min/1.73 m², 2F-ara-A clearance was reduced by 56%. Dosage adjustment based on creatinine clearance is recommended as follows:

Reduce dose by 20% in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m²). [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

Reduce dose by 50% in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²). [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

No animal carcinogenicity studies with fludarabine phosphate have been conducted.

Fludarabine phosphate is a clastogen.

Fludarabine phosphate was clastogenic in vitro to Chinese hamster ovary cells (chromosome aberration assay) in the presence of metabolic activation and induced sister chromatid exchanges both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. In addition, fludarabine phosphate was clastogenic in vivo (mouse micronucleus assay) but was not mutagenic to germ cells (dominant lethal test in male mice). Fludarabine phosphate was not mutagenic to bacteria (Ames test) or mammalian cells either in the presence or absence of metabolic activation.

Studies in mice, rats and dogs have demonstrated dose-related adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Observations consisted of a decrease in mean testicular weights in mice and rats with a trend toward decreased testicular weights in dogs and degeneration and necrosis of spermatogenic epithelium of the testes in mice, rats and dogs.

Inform patients that fludarabine phosphate decreases blood cell counts such as white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. Thus, it is important that periodic assessment of their blood count be performed to detect the development of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

Instruct patients to notify their physician promptly if fever or other signs of infection such as chills, cough, or burning pain on urination occurs while on therapy. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

Women of childbearing potential and fertile males must take contraceptive measures during and at least for 6 months after the cessation of therapy.

Fludarabine phosphate may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

Instruct patients that caution should be exercised in the handling of fludarabine phosphate. Do not crush tablets. Avoid exposure by direct contact of the skin or mucous membranes or by inhalation. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water or wash the eyes immediately with gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes. Consult healthcare provider in case of a skin reaction or if the drug gets in the eyes. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for directions about how to safely dispose of fludarabine phosphate.

Manufactured for: Antisoma Research Limited, Cambridge, MA 02139

Manufactured by: Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany

Patient Package Insert

[TRADENAME] (phonetic spelling)
(oral fludarabine phosphate film-coated tablets)

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[TRADENAME] is a prescription anticancer medicine that slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). [TRADENAME] also stops or slows the growth of some healthy cells. This can cause side effects that you should know about and report to your healthcare provider.

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[TRADENAME] may cause serious side effects, including:

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Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information. Do not use [TRADENAME] for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give [TRADENAME] to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

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Active ingredients: fludarabine phosphate

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, colloidal anhydrous silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate. The film-coat contains hypromellose, talc, titanium dioxide (E171) and ferric oxide pigment (red/E172, yellow/E172).

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