Vinorelbine Injection USP
Drug Labeling and Warnings
Drug Details [pdf]
VINORELBINE TARTRATE- vinorelbine tartrate injection, solution
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.
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Vinorelbine Injection USP
WARNING
Vinorelbine should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. This product is for intravenous (IV) use only. Intrathecal administration of other vinca alkaloids has resulted in death. Syringes containing this product should be labeled "WARNING – FOR IV USE ONLY. FATAL if given intrathecally."
Severe granulocytopenia resulting in increased susceptibility to infection may occur. Granulocyte counts should be ≥ 1,000 cells/mm3 prior to the administration of vinorelbine. The dosage should be adjusted according to complete blood counts with differentials obtained on the day of treatment.
Caution - It is extremely important that the intravenous needle or catheter be properly positioned before vinorelbine is injected. Administration of vinorelbine may result in extravasation causing local tissue necrosis and/or thrombophlebitis (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Administration Precautions).
DESCRIPTION
Vinorelbine Injection USP is for intravenous administration. Each vial contains vinorelbine tartrate equivalent to 10 mg (1-mL vial) or 50 mg (5-mL vial) vinorelbine in Water for Injection. No preservatives or other additives are present. The aqueous solution is sterile and nonpyrogenic.
Vinorelbine tartrate is a semi-synthetic vinca alkaloid with antitumor activity. The chemical name 3',4'-didehydro-4'-deoxy-C'-norvincaleukoblastine [R-(R*,R*)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:2)(salt)].
Vinorelbine tartrate has the following structure:
Vinorelbine tartrate is a white to yellow or light brown amorphous powder with the molecular formula C45H54N4O82C4H6O6 and molecular weight of 1079.12. The aqueous solubility is >1,000 mg/mL in distilled water. The pH of Vinorelbine Injection USP is approximately 3.5.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Vinorelbine is a vinca alkaloid that interferes with microtubule assembly. The vinca alkaloids are structurally similar compounds comprised of 2 multiringed units, vindoline and catharanthine. Unlike other vinca alkaloids, the catharanthine unit is the site of structural modification for vinorelbine. The antitumor activity of vinorelbine is thought to be due primarily to inhibition of mitosis at metaphase through its interaction with tubulin. Like other vinca alkaloids, vinorelbine may also interfere with: 1) amino acid, cyclic AMP, and glutathione metabolism, 2) calmodulin-dependent Ca++-transport ATPase activity, 3) cellular respiration, and 4) nucleic acid and lipid biosynthesis. In intact tectal plates from mouse embryos, vinorelbine, vincristine, and vinblastine inhibited mitotic microtubule formation at the same concentration (2 µM), inducing a blockade of cells at metaphase. Vincristine produced depolymerization of axonal microtubules at 5 µM, but vinblastine and vinorelbine did not have this effect until concentrations of 30 µM and 40 µM, respectively. These data suggest relative selectivity of vinorelbine for mitotic microtubules.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine were studied in 49 patients who received doses of 30 mg/m2 in 4 clinical trials. Doses were administered by 15- to 20-minute constant-rate infusions. Following intravenous administration, vinorelbine concentration in plasma decays in a triphasic manner. The initial rapid decline primarily represents distribution of drug to peripheral compartments followed by metabolism and excretion of the drug during subsequent phases. The prolonged terminal phase is due to relatively slow efflux of vinorelbine from peripheral compartments. The terminal phase half-life averages 27.7 to 43.6 hours and the mean plasma clearance ranges from 0.97 to 1.26 L/hr/kg. Steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) values range from 25.4 to 40.1 L/kg.
Vinorelbine demonstrated high binding to human platelets and lymphocytes. The free fraction was approximately 0.11 in pooled human plasma over a concentration range of 234 to 1,169 ng/mL. The binding to plasma constituents in cancer patients ranged from 79.6% to 91.2%. Vinorelbine binding was not altered in the presence of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, or doxorubicin.
Vinorelbine undergoes substantial hepatic elimination in humans, with large amounts recovered in feces after intravenous administration to humans. Two metabolites of vinorelbine have been identified in human blood, plasma, and urine; vinorelbine N-oxide and deacetylvinorelbine.
Deacetylvinorelbine has been demonstrated to be the primary metabolite of vinorelbine in humans, and has been shown to possess antitumor activity similar to vinorelbine. Therapeutic doses of vinorelbine (30 mg/m2) yield very small, if any, quantifiable levels of either metabolite in blood or urine. The metabolism of vinca alkaloids has been shown to be mediated by hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in the CYP3A subfamily. This metabolic pathway may be impaired in patients with hepatic dysfunction or who are taking concomitant potent inhibitors of these isoenzymes (see PRECAUTIONS). The effects of renal or hepatic dysfunction on the disposition of vinorelbine have not been assessed, but based on experience with other anticancer vinca alkaloids, dose adjustments are recommended for patients with impaired hepatic function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
The disposition of radiolabeled vinorelbine given intravenously was studied in a limited number of patients. Approximately 18% and 46% of the administered dose was recovered in the urine and in the feces, respectively. Incomplete recovery in humans is consistent with results in animals where recovery is incomplete, even after prolonged sampling times. A separate study of the urinary excretion of vinorelbine using specific chromatographic analytical methodology showed that 10.9% ± 0.7% of a 30-mg/m2 intravenous dose was excreted unchanged in the urine.
The influence of age on the pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine was examined using data from 44 cancer patients (average age, 56.7 ± 7.8 years; range, 41 to 74 years; with 12 patients ≥60 years and 6 patients ≥65 years) in 3 studies. CL (the mean plasma clearance), t1/2 (the terminal phase half-life), and VZ (the volume of distribution during terminal phase) were independent of age. A separate pharmacokinetic study was conducted in 10 elderly patients with metastatic breast cancer (age range, 66 to 81 years; 3 patients >75 years; normal liver function tests) receiving vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 intravenously. CL, Vss, and t1/2 were similar to those reported for younger adult patients in previous studies. No relationship between age, systemic exposure (AUC0-∞), and hematological toxicity was observed.
The pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine are not influenced by the concurrent administration of cisplatin with vinorelbine (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions).
Clinical Trials
Data from 1 randomized clinical study (211 evaluable patients) with single-agent vinorelbine and 2 randomized clinical trials (1,044 patients) using vinorelbine combined with cisplatin support the use of vinorelbine in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Single-Agent Vinorelbine
Single-agent vinorelbine was studied in a North American, randomized clinical trial in which patients with Stage IV NSCLC, no prior chemotherapy, and Karnofsky Performance Status ≥70 were treated with vinorelbine (30 mg/m2) weekly or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (425 mg/m2 IV bolus) plus leucovorin (LV) (20 mg/m2 IV bolus) daily for 5 days every 4 weeks. A total of 211 patients were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to vinorelbine (143) or 5-FU/LV (68). Vinorelbine showed improved survival time compared to 5-FU/LV. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the median survival time was 30 weeks versus 22 weeks for patients receiving vinorelbine versus 5-FU/LV, respectively (P = 0.06). The 1-year survival rates were 24% (±4% SE) for vinorelbine and 16% (±5% SE) for the 5-FU/LV group, using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit estimates. The median survival time with 5-FU/LV was similar to or slightly better than that usually observed in untreated patients with advanced NSCLC, suggesting that the difference was not related to some unknown detrimental effect of 5-FU/LV therapy. The response rates (all partial responses) for vinorelbine and 5-FU/LV were 12% and 3%, respectively.
Vinorelbine in Combination with Cisplatin: Vinorelbine plus Cisplatin versus Single-Agent Cisplatin
A Phase III open-label, randomized study was conducted which compared vinorelbine (25 mg/m2 per week) plus cisplatin (100 mg/m2 every 4 weeks) to single-agent cisplatin (100 mg/m2 every 4 weeks) in patients with Stage IV or Stage IIIb NSCLC patients with malignant pleural effusion or multiple lesions in more than one lobe who were not previously treated with chemotherapy. Patients included in the study had a performance status of 0 or 1, and 34% had received prior surgery and/or radiotherapy. Characteristics of the 432 randomized patients are provided in Table 1. Two hundred and twelve patients received vinorelbine plus cisplatin and 210 received single-agent cisplatin. The primary objective of this trial was to compare survival between the 2 treatment groups. Survival (Figure 1) for patients receiving vinorelbine plus cisplatin was significantly better compared to the patients who received single-agent cisplatin. The results of this trial are summarized in Table 1.
Vinorelbine plus Cisplatin versus Vindesine plus Cisplatin versus Single-Agent: Vinorelbine
In a large European clinical trial, 612 patients with Stage III or IV NSCLC, no prior chemotherapy, and WHO Performance Status of 0, 1, or 2 were randomized to treatment with single-agent vinorelbine (30 mg/m2 per week), vinorelbine (30 mg/m2 per week) plus cisplatin (120 mg/m2 days 1 and 29, then every 6 weeks), and vindesine (3 mg/m2 per week for 7 weeks, then every other week) plus cisplatin (120 mg/m2 days 1 and 29, then every 6 weeks). Patient characteristics are provided in Table 1. Survival was longer in patients treated with vinorelbine plus cisplatin compared to those treated with vindesine plus cisplatin (Figure 2). Study results are summarized in Table 1.
Dose-Ranging Study
A dose-ranging study of vinorelbine (20, 25, or 30 mg/m2 per week) plus cisplatin (120 mg/m2 days 1 and 29, then every 6 weeks) in 32 patients with NSCLC demonstrated a median survival of 10.2 months. There were no responses at the lowest dose level; the response rate was 33% in the 21 patients treated at the 2 highest dose levels.
| VINORELBINE/Cisplatin vs. Single-Agent Cisplatin | VINORELBINE/ Cisplatin vs. Vindesine/Cisplatin vs. Single-Agent Vinorelbine | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VINORELBINE/ Cisplatin | Cisplatin | VINORELBINE/ Cisplatin | Vindesine/ Cisplatin | VINORELBINE | |
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| Demographics | |||||
| Number of patients | 214 | 218 | 206 | 200 | 206 |
| Number of males | 146 | 141 | 182 | 179 | 188 |
| Number of females | 68 | 77 | 24 | 21 | 18 |
| Median age (Years) | 63 | 64 | 59 | 59 | 60 |
| Range (years) | 33-84 | 37-81 | 32-75 | 31-75 | 30-74 |
| Stage of disease | |||||
| Stage IIIA | NA | NA | 11% | 11% | 10% |
| Stage IIIB | 8% | 8% | 28% | 25% | 32% |
| Stage IV | 92% | 92% | 50% | 55% | 47% |
| Local recurrence | NA | NA | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Metastatic after surgery | NA | NA | 9% | 8% | 9% |
| Histology | |||||
| Adenocarcinoma | 54% | 52% | 32% | 40% | 28% |
| Squamous | 19% | 22% | 56% | 50% | 56% |
| Large cell | 14% | 14% | 13% | 11% | 16% |
| Unspecified | 13% | 13% | NA | NA | NA |
| Results | 7.8 | 6.2 | 9.2*† | 7.4 | 7.2 |
| Median survival (months) | |||||
| P value | P = 0.01 | ||||
| 12-Month survival rate | 38% | 22% | 35% | 27% | 30% |
| Overall response | 19% | 8% | 28%ठ| 19% | 14% |
| P value | |||||
| P<0.001 | |||||
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Vinorelbine is indicated as a single agent or in combination with cisplatin for the first-line treatment of ambulatory patients with unresectable, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In patients with Stage IV NSCLC, vinorelbine is indicated as a single agent or in combination with cisplatin. In Stage III NSCLC, vinorelbine is indicated in combination with cisplatin.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Administration of Vinorelbine Injection USP is contraindicated in patients with pretreatment granulocyte counts <1,000 cells/mm3 (see WARNINGS).
WARNINGS
Vinorelbine should be administered in carefully adjusted doses by or under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Patients treated with vinorelbine should be frequently monitored for myelosuppression both during and after therapy. Granulocytopenia is dose-limiting. Granulocyte nadirs occur between 7 and 10 days after dosing with granulocyte count recovery usually within the following 7 to 14 days.
Complete blood counts with differentials should be performed and results reviewed prior to administering each dose of vinorelbine. Vinorelbine should not be administered to patients with granulocyte counts <1,000 cells/mm3. Patients developing severe granulocytopenia should be monitored carefully for evidence of infection and/or fever. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for recommended dose adjustments for granulocytopenia.
Acute shortness of breath and severe bronchospasm have been reported infrequently, following the administration of vinorelbine and other vinca alkaloids, most commonly when the vinca alkaloid was used in combination with mitomycin. These adverse events may require treatment with supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators, and/or corticosteroids, particularly when there is pre-existing pulmonary dysfunction.
Reported cases of interstitial pulmonary changes and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), most of which were fatal, occurred in patients treated with single-agent vinorelbine. The mean time to onset of these symptoms after vinorelbine administration was 1 week (range 3 to 8 days). Patients with alterations in their baseline pulmonary symptoms or with new onset of dyspnea, cough, hypoxia, or other symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Vinorelbine has been reported to cause severe constipation (e.g., Grade 3-4), paralytic ileus, intestinal obstruction, necrosis, and/or perforation. Some events have been fatal.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category D
Vinorelbine may cause fetal harm if administered to a pregnant woman. A single dose of vinorelbine has been shown to be embryo- and/or fetotoxic in mice and rabbits at doses of 9 mg/m2 and 5.5 mg/m2, respectively (one third and one sixth the human dose). At nonmaternotoxic doses, fetal weight was reduced and ossification was delayed. There are no studies in pregnant women. If vinorelbine is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving 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 during therapy with vinorelbine.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Most drug-related adverse events of vinorelbine are reversible. If severe adverse events occur, vinorelbine should be reduced in dosage or discontinued and appropriate corrective measures taken. Reinstitution of therapy with vinorelbine should be carried out with caution and alertness as to possible recurrence of toxicity.
Vinorelbine should be used with extreme caution in patients whose bone marrow reserve may have been compromised by prior irradiation or chemotherapy, or whose marrow function is recovering from the effects of previous chemotherapy (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Administration of vinorelbine to patients with prior radiation therapy may result in radiation recall reactions (see ADVERSE REACTIONS and Drug Interactions).
Patients with a prior history or pre-existing neuropathy, regardless of etiology, should be monitored for new or worsening signs and symptoms of neuropathy while receiving vinorelbine.
Care must be taken to avoid contamination of the eye with concentrations of vinorelbine used clinically. Severe irritation of the eye has been reported with accidental exposure to another vinca alkaloid. If exposure occurs, the eye should immediately be thoroughly flushed with water.
Information for Patients
Patients should be informed that the major acute toxicities of vinorelbine are related to bone marrow toxicity, specifically granulocytopenia with increased susceptibility to infection. They should be advised to report fever or chills immediately. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience increased shortness of breath, cough, or other new pulmonary symptoms, or if they experience symptoms of abdominal pain or constipation.
Laboratory Tests
Since dose-limiting clinical toxicity is the result of depression of the white blood cell count, it is imperative that complete blood counts with differentials be obtained and reviewed on the day of treatment prior to each dose of vinorelbine (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Hematologic).
Hepatic
There is no evidence that the toxicity of vinorelbine is enhanced in patients with elevated liver enzymes. No data are available for patients with severe baseline cholestasis, but the liver plays an important role in the metabolism of vinorelbine. Because clinical experience in patients with severe liver disease is limited, caution should be exercised when administering vinorelbine to patients with severe hepatic injury or impairment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Drug Interactions
Acute pulmonary reactions have been reported with vinorelbine and other anticancer vinca alkaloids used in conjunction with mitomycin. Although the pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine are not influenced by the concurrent administration of cisplatin, the incidence of granulocytopenia with vinorelbine used in combination with cisplatin is significantly higher than with single-agent vinorelbine. Patients who receive vinorelbine and paclitaxel, either concomitantly or sequentially, should be monitored for signs and symptoms of neuropathy.
Administration of vinorelbine to patients with prior or concomitant radiation therapy may result in radiosensitizing effects.
Caution should be exercised in patients concurrently taking drugs known to inhibit drug metabolism by hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in the CYP3A subfamily, or in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Concurrent administration of vinorelbine tartrate with an inhibitor of this metabolic pathway may cause an earlier onset and/or an increased severity of side effects.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
The carcinogenic potential of vinorelbine has not been studied. Vinorelbine has been shown to affect chromosome number and possibly structure in vivo (polyploidy in bone marrow cells from Chinese hamsters and a positive micronucleus test in mice). It was not mutagenic in the Ames test and gave inconclusive results in the mouse lymphoma TK Locus assay. The significance of these or other short-term test results for human risk is unknown. Vinorelbine did not affect fertility to a statistically significant extent when administered to rats on either a once-weekly (9 mg/m2, approximately one third the human dose) or alternate-day schedule (4.2 mg/m2, approximately one seventh the human dose) prior to and during mating. However, biweekly administration for 13 or 26 weeks in the rat at 2.1 and 7.2 mg/m2 (approximately one fifteenth and one fourth the human dose) resulted in decreased spermatogenesis and prostate/seminal vesicle secretion.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from vinorelbine, it is recommended that nursing be discontinued in women who are receiving therapy with vinorelbine.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of vinorelbine in pediatric patients have not been established. Data from a single arm study in 46 patients with recurrent solid malignant tumors, including rhabdomyosarcoma/undifferentiated sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and CNS tumors, at doses similar to those used in adults showed no meaningful clinical activity. Toxicities were similar to those reported in adult patients.
Geriatric Use
Of the total number of patients in North American clinical studies of IV vinorelbine, approximately one third were 65 years of age or greater. No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between these patients and younger adult patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger adult patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
The pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine in elderly and younger adult patients are similar (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The pattern of adverse reactions is similar whether vinorelbine is used as a single agent or in combination. Adverse reactions from studies with single-agent and combination use of vinorelbine are summarized in Tables 2-4.
Single-Agent Vinorelbine
Data in the following table are based on the experience of 365 patients (143 patients with NSCLC; 222 patients with advanced breast cancer) treated with IV vinorelbine as a single agent in 3 clinical studies. The dosing schedule in each study was 30 mg/m2 vinorelbine on a weekly basis.
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| Adverse Event | All Patients (n=365) | NSCLC (n=143) |
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| Bone Marrow | ||||||
| Granulocytopenia | <2,000 cells/mm3 | 90% | 80% | |||
| <500 cells/mm3 | 36% | 29% | ||||
| Leukopenia | <4,000 cells/mm3 | 92% | 81% | |||
| <1,000 cells/mm3 | 15% | 12% | ||||
| Thrombocytopenia | <100,000 cells/mm3 | 5% | 4% | |||
| <50,000 cells/mm3 | 1% | 1% | ||||
| Anemia | <11 g/dL | 83% | 77% | |||
| <8 g/dL | 9% | 1% | ||||
| Hospitalizations due to granulocytopenic complications | 9% | 8% | ||||
| Adverse Event | All Grades | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | |||
| All Patients | NSCLC | All Patients | NSCLC | All Patients | NSCLC | |
| Clinical Chemistry Elevations | ||||||
| Total Bilirubin (n=351) | 13% | 9% | 4% | 3% | 3% | 2% |
| SGOT (n=346) | 67% | 54% | 5% | 2% | 1% | 1% |
| General | ||||||
| Asthenia | 36% | 27% | 7% | 5% | 0% | 0% |
| Injection Site Reactions | 28% | 38% | 2% | 5% | 0% | 0% |
| Injection Site Pain | 16% | 13% | 2% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Phlebitis | 7% | 10% | <1% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Digestive | ||||||
| Nausea | 44% | 34% | 2% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Vomiting | 20% | 15% | 2% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Constipation | 35% | 29% | 3% | 2% | 0% | 0% |
| Diarrhea | 17% | 13% | 1% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Peripheral Neuropathy ‡ | 25% | 20% | 1% | 1% | <1% | 0% |
| Dyspnea | 7% | 3% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 0% |
| Alopecia | 12% | 12% | ≤1% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
Hematologic
Granulocytopenia is the major dose-limiting toxicity with vinorelbine. Dose adjustments are required for hematologic toxicity and hepatic insufficiency (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Granulocytopenia was generally reversible and not cumulative over time. Granulocyte nadirs occurred 7 to 10 days after the dose, with granulocyte recovery usually within the following 7 to 14 days. Granulocytopenia resulted in hospitalizations for fever and/or sepsis in 8% of patients. Septic deaths occurred in approximately 1% of patients. Prophylactic hematologic growth factors have not been routinely used with vinorelbine. If medically necessary, growth factors may be administered at recommended doses no earlier than 24 hours after the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Growth factors should not be administered in the period 24 hours before the administration of chemotherapy.
Whole blood and/or packed red blood cells were administered to 18% of patients who received vinorelbine.
Neurologic
Loss of deep tendon reflexes occurred in less than 5% of patients. The development of severe peripheral neuropathy was infrequent (1%) and generally reversible.
Skin
Like other anticancer vinca alkaloids, vinorelbine is a moderate vesicant. Injection site reactions, including erythema, pain at injection site, and vein discoloration, occurred in approximately one third of patients; 5% were severe. Chemical phlebitis along the vein proximal to the site of injection was reported in 10% of patients.
Gastrointestinal
Prophylactic administration of antiemetics was not routine in patients treated with single-agent vinorelbine. Due to the low incidence of severe nausea and vomiting with single-agent vinorelbine, the use of serotonin antagonists is generally not required.
Cardiovascular
Chest pain was reported in 5% of patients. Most reports of chest pain were in patients who had either a history of cardiovascular disease or tumor within the chest. There have been rare reports of myocardial infarction.
Pulmonary
Shortness of breath was reported in 3% of patients; it was severe in 2% (see WARNINGS). Interstitial pulmonary changes were documented.
Other
Fatigue occurred in 27% of patients. It was usually mild or moderate but tended to increase with cumulative dosing.
Other toxicities that have been reported in less than 5% of patients include jaw pain, myalgia, arthralgia, and rash. Hemorrhagic cystitis and the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion were each reported in <1% of patients.
Vinorelbine in Combination with Cisplatin
Vinorelbine plus Cisplatin versus Single-Agent Cisplatin (Table 3)
Myelosuppression was the predominant toxicity in patients receiving combination therapy, Grade 3 and 4 granulocytopenia of 82% compared to 5% in the single-agent cisplatin arm. Fever and/or sepsis related to granulocytopenia occurred in 11% of patients on vinorelbine and cisplatin compared to 0% on the cisplatin arm.
Four patients on the combination died of granulocytopenia-related sepsis. During this study, the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ([G-CSF] filgrastim) was permitted, but not mandated, after the first course of treatment for patients who experienced Grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia (≤1,000 cells/mm3) or in those who developed neutropenic fever between cycles of chemotherapy.
Beginning 24 hours after completion of chemotherapy, G-CSF was started at a dose of 5 mcg/kg per day and continued until the total granulocyte count was >1,000 cells/mm3 on 2 successive determinations. G-CSF was not administered on the day of treatment.
Grade 3 and 4 anemia occurred more frequently in the combination arm compared to control, 24% vs. 8%, respectively. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 6% of patients treated with vinorelbine plus cisplatin compared to 2% of patients treated with cisplatin.
The incidence of severe non-hematologic toxicity was similar among the patients in both treatment groups. Patients receiving vinorelbine plus cisplatin compared to single-agent cisplatin experienced more Grade 3 and/or 4 peripheral numbness (2% vs. <1%), phlebitis/thrombosis/embolism (3% vs. <1%), and infection (6% vs. <1%). Grade 3-4 constipation and/or ileus occurred in 3% of patients treated with combination therapy and in 1% of patients treated with cisplatin.
Seven deaths were reported on the combination arm; 2 were related to cardiac ischemia, 1 massive cerebrovascular accident, 1 multisystem failure due to an overdose of vinorelbine, and 3 from febrile neutropenia. One death, secondary to respiratory infection unrelated to granulocytopenia, occurred with single-agent cisplatin.
Vinorelbine plus Cisplatin versus Vindesine plus Cisplatin versus Single-Agent Vinorelbine (Table 4)
Myelosuppression, specifically Grade 3 and 4 granulocytopenia, was significantly greater with the combination of vinorelbine plus cisplatin (79%) than with either single-agent vinorelbine (53%) or vindesine plus cisplatin (48%), P<0.0001. Hospitalization due to documented sepsis occurred in 4.4% of patients treated with vinorelbine plus cisplatin; 2% of patients treated with vindesine and cisplatin, and 4% of patients treated with single-agent vinorelbine. Grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia was infrequent in patients receiving combination chemotherapy and no events were reported with single-agent vinorelbine.
The incidence of Grade 3 and/or 4 nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and renal toxicity were reported more frequently in the cisplatin-containing combinations compared to single-agent vinorelbine.
Severe local reactions occurred in 2% of patients treated with combinations containing vinorelbine; none were observed in the vindesine plus cisplatin arm. Grade 3 and 4 neurotoxicity was significantly more frequent in patients receiving vindesine plus cisplatin (17%) compared to vinorelbine plus cisplatin (7%) and single-agent vinorelbine (9%) (P < 0.005). Cisplatin did not appear to increase the incidence of neurotoxicity observed with single-agent vinorelbine.
| VINORELBINE 25mg/m2 plus Cisplatin 100mg/m2
(n=212) | Cisplatin 100mg/m2
(n=210) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse Event | All Grades | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | All Grades | Grade 3 | Grade 4 |
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| Bone Marrow | ||||||
| Granulocytopenia | 89% | 22% | 60% | 26% | 4% | 1% |
| Anemia | 88% | 21% | 3% | 72% | 7% | <1% |
| Leukopenia | 88% | 39% | 19% | 31% | <1% | 0% |
| Thrombocytopenia | 29% | 4% | 1% | 21% | 1% | <1% |
| Febrile neutropenia | N/A | N/A | 11% | N/A | N/A | 0% |
| Hepatic | ||||||
| Elevated transaminase | 1% | 0% | 0% | <1% | <1% | 0% |
| Renal | ||||||
| Elevated creatinine | 37% | 2% | 2% | 28% | 4% | <1% |
| Non-Laboratory | ||||||
| Malaise/fatigue/lethargy | 67% | 12% | 0% | 49% | 8% | 0% |
| Vomiting | 60% | 7% | 6% | 60% | 10% | 4% |
| Nausea | 58% | 14% | 0% | 57% | 12% | 0% |
| Anorexia | 46% | 0% | 0% | 37% | 0% | 0% |
| Constipation | 35% | 3% | 0% | 16% | 1% | 0% |
| Alopecia | 34% | 0% | 0% | 14% | 0% | 0% |
| Weight loss | 34% | 1% | 0% | 21% | <1% | 0% |
| Fever without infection | 20% | 2% | 0% | 4% | 0% | 0% |
| Hearing | 18% | 4% | 0% | 18% | 3% | <1% |
| Local (injection site reactions) | 17% | <1% | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Diarrhea | 17% | 2% | <1% | 11% | 1% | <1% |
| Paresthesias | 17% | <1% | 0% | 10% | <1% | 0% |
| Taste alterations | 17% | 0% | 0% | 15% | 0% | 0% |
| Peripheral numbness | 11% | 2% | 0% | 7% | <1% | 0% |
| Myalgia/arthralgia | 12% | <1% | 0% | 3% | <1% | 0% |
| Phlebitis/thrombosis/embolism | 10% | 3% | 0% | <1% | 0% | <1% |
| Weakness | 12% | 2% | <1% | 7% | 2% | 0% |
| Dizziness/vertigo | 9% | <1% | 0% | 3% | <1% | 0% |
| Infection | 11% | 5% | <1% | <1% | <1% | 0% |
| Respiratory infection | 10% | 4% | <1% | 3% | 3% | 0% |
| VINORELBINE /Cisplatin† | Vindesine/Cisplatin‡ | VINORELBINE§ | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse Event | All Grades | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | All Grades | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | All Grades | Grade 3 | Grade 4 |
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| Bone Marrow | |||||||||
| Neutropenia | 95% | 20% | 58% | 79% | 26% | 22% | 85% | 25% | 28% |
| Leukopenia | 94% | 40% | 17% | 82% | 24% | 3% | 83% | 26% | 6% |
| Thrombocytopenia | 15% | 3% | 1% | 10% | 3% | 0.5% | 3% | 0% | 0% |
| Febrile neutropenia | N/A | N/A | 4% | N/A | N/A | 2% | N/A | N/A | 4% |
| Hepatic | |||||||||
| Elevated bilirubin¶ | 6% | N/A | N/A | 5% | N/A | N/A | 5% | N/A | N/A |
| Renal | |||||||||
| Elevated creatinine¶ | 46% | N/A | N/A | 37% | N/A | N/A | 13% | N/A | N/A |
| Non-Laboratory | |||||||||
| Nausea/Vomiting | 74% | 27% | 3% | 72% | 24% | 1% | 31% | 1% | 1% |
| Alopecia | 51% | 7% | 0.5% | 56% | 14% | 0% | 30% | 2% | 0% |
| Ototoxicity | 10% | 1% | 1% | 14% | 1% | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Local reactions | 17% | 2% | 0.5% | 7% | 0% | 0% | 22% | 2% | 0% |
| Diarrhea | 25% | 1.5% | 0% | 24% | 1% | 0% | 12% | 0% | 0.5% |
| Neurotoxicity# | 44% | 7% | 0% | 58% | 16% | 1% | 44% | 8% | 0.5% |
Observed During Clinical Practice
In addition to the adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following events have been identified during post-approval use of vinorelbine. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to vinorelbine.
Body as a Whole
Systemic allergic reactions reported as anaphylaxis, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema; flushing; and radiation recall events such as dermatitis and esophagitis (see PRECAUTIONS) have been reported.
Hematologic
Thromboembolic events, including pulmonary embolus and deep venous thrombosis, have been reported primarily in seriously ill and debilitated patients with known predisposing risk factors for these events.
Neurologic
Peripheral neurotoxicities such as, but not limited to, muscle weakness and disturbance of gait, have been observed in patients with and without prior symptoms. There may be increased potential for neurotoxicity in patients with pre-existing neuropathy, regardless of etiology, who receive vinorelbine. Vestibular and auditory deficits have been observed with vinorelbine, usually when used in combination with cisplatin.
Skin
Injection site reactions, including localized rash and urticaria, blister formation, and skin sloughing have been observed in clinical practice. Some of these reactions may be delayed in appearance.
Cardiovascular
Hypertension, hypotension, vasodilation, tachycardia, and pulmonary edema have been reported.
Other
Pain in tumor-containing tissue, back pain, and abdominal pain have been reported. Electrolyte abnormalities, including hyponatremia with or without the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion, have been reported in seriously ill and debilitated patients.
Combination Use
Patients with prior exposure to paclitaxel and who have demonstrated neuropathy should be monitored closely for new or worsening neuropathy. Patients who have experienced neuropathy with previous drug regimens should be monitored for symptoms of neuropathy while receiving vinorelbine. Vinorelbine may result in radiosensitizing effects with prior or concomitant radiation therapy (see PRECAUTIONS).
OVERDOSAGE
There is no known antidote for overdoses of vinorelbine. Overdoses involving quantities up to 10 times the recommended dose (30 mg/m2) have been reported. The toxicities described were consistent with those listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section including paralytic ileus, stomatitis, and esophagitis. Bone marrow aplasia, sepsis, and paresis have also been reported. Fatalities have occurred following overdose of vinorelbine. If overdosage occurs, general supportive measures together with appropriate blood transfusions, growth factors, and antibiotics should be instituted as deemed necessary by the physician.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Single-Agent Vinorelbine Injection USP
The usual initial dose of single-agent Vinorelbine Injection USP is 30 mg/m2 administered weekly. The recommended method of administration is an intravenous injection over 6 to 10 minutes. In controlled trials, single-agent Vinorelbine Injection USP was given weekly until progression or dose-limiting toxicity.
Vinorelbine Injection USP in Combination with Cisplatin
Vinorelbine Injection USP may be administered weekly at a dose of 25 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin given every 4 weeks at a dose of 100 mg/m2.
Blood counts should be checked weekly to determine whether dose reductions of Vinorelbine Injection USP and/or cisplatin are necessary. In the SWOG study, most patients required a 50% dose reduction of Vinorelbine Injection USP at day 15 of each cycle and a 50% dose reduction of cisplatin by cycle 3.
Vinorelbine Injection USP may also be administered weekly at a dose of 30 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin, given on days 1 and 29, then every 6 weeks at a dose of 120 mg/m2.
Dose Modifications for Vinorelbine Injection USP
The dosage should be adjusted according to hematologic toxicity or hepatic insufficiency, whichever results in the lower dose for the corresponding starting dose of Vinorelbine Injection USP (see Table 5).
Dose Modifications for Hematologic Toxicity
Granulocyte counts should be ≥1,000 cells/mm3 prior to the administration of Vinorelbine Injection USP. Adjustments in the dosage of Vinorelbine Injection USP should be based on granulocyte counts obtained on the day of treatment according to Table 5.
| Granulocytes on Day of Treatment (Cells/mm3) | Percentage of Starting Dose of VINORELBINE |
|---|---|
| ≥1,500 | 100% |
| 1,000 to 1,499 | 50% |
| <1,000 | Do not administer. Repeat granulocyte count in 1 week. If 3 consecutive weekly doses are held because granulocyte count is <1,000 cells/mm3, discontinue VINORELBINE. |
| Note: For patients who, during treatment with vinorelbine, experienced fever and/or sepsis while granulocytopenic or had 2 consecutive weekly doses held due to granulocytopenia, subsequent doses of vinorelbine should be: | |
| >1,500 | 75 |
| 1,000 to 1,499 | 37.5% |
| <1,000 | See above |
Dose Modifications for Hepatic Insufficiency
Vinorelbine Injection USP should be administered with caution to patients with hepatic insufficiency. In patients who develop hyperbilirubinemia during treatment with Vinorelbine Injection USP, the dose should be adjusted for total bilirubin according to Table 6.
| Total Bilirubin (mg/dL) | Percentage of Starting Dose of VINORELBINE |
|---|---|
| ≤2.0 | 100% |
| 2.1 to 3.0 | 50% |
| >3.0 | 25% |
Dose Modifications for Concurrent Hematologic Toxicity and Hepatic Insufficiency
In patients with both hematologic toxicity and hepatic insufficiency, the lower of the doses based on the corresponding starting dose of Vinorelbine Injection USP determined from Table 5 and Table 6 should be administered.
Dose Modifications for Renal Insufficiency
No dose adjustments for Vinorelbine Injection USP are required for renal insufficiency. Appropriate dose reductions for cisplatin should be made when Vinorelbine Injection USP is used in combination.
Dose Modifications for Neurotoxicity
If Grade ≥2 neurotoxicity develops, Vinorelbine Injection USP should be discontinued.
Administration Precautions
Caution - Vinorelbine Injection USP must be administered intravenously. It is extremely important that the intravenous needle or catheter be properly positioned before any Vinorelbine Injection USP is injected. Leakage into surrounding tissue during intravenous administration of Vinorelbine Injection USP may cause considerable irritation, local tissue necrosis, and/or thrombophlebitis. If extravasation occurs, the injection should be discontinued immediately, and any remaining portion of the dose should then be introduced into another vein. Since there are no established guidelines for the treatment of extravasation injuries with Vinorelbine Injection USP, institutional guidelines may be used. The ONS Chemotherapy Guidelines provide additional recommendations for the prevention of extravasation injuries.1
As with other toxic compounds, caution should be exercised in handling and preparing the solution of Vinorelbine Injection USP. Skin reactions may occur with accidental exposure. The use of gloves is recommended. If the solution of Vinorelbine Injection USP contacts the skin or mucosa, immediately wash the skin or mucosa thoroughly with soap and water. Severe irritation of the eye has been reported with accidental contamination of the eye with another vinca alkaloid. If this happens with Vinorelbine Injection USP, the eye should be flushed with water immediately and thoroughly.
Procedures for proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be used. Several guidelines on this subject have been published.2-8 There is no general agreement that all of the procedures recommended in the guidelines are necessary or appropriate.
Vinorelbine Injection USP is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. Parenteral drug products should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. If particulate matter is seen, Vinorelbine Injection USP should not be administered.
Preparation for Administration
Vinorelbine Injection USP must be diluted in either a syringe or IV bag using one of the recommended solutions. The diluted Vinorelbine Injection USP should be administered over 6 to 10 minutes into the side port of a free-flowing IV closest to the IV bag followed by flushing with at least 75 to 125 mL of one of the solutions. Diluted Vinorelbine Injection USP may be used for up to 24 hours under normal room light when stored in polypropylene syringes or polyvinyl chloride bags at 5° to 30°C (41° to 86°F).
Syringe
The calculated dose of Vinorelbine Injection USP should be diluted to a concentration between 1.5 and 3.0 mg/mL. The following solutions may be used for dilution:
5% Dextrose Injection, USP
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
IV Bag
The calculated dose of Vinorelbine Injection USP should be diluted to a concentration between 0.5 and 2 mg/mL. The following solutions may be used for dilution:
5% Dextrose Injection, USP
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
Ringer's Injection, USP
Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP
Stability
Unopened vials of Vinorelbine Injection USP are stable until the date indicated on the package when stored under refrigeration at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) and protected from light in the carton. Unopened vials of Vinorelbine Injection USP are stable at temperatures up to 25°C (77°F) for up to 72 hours. This product should not be frozen.
HOW SUPPLIED
Vinorelbine Injection USP is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution in Water for Injection, containing 10 mg vinorelbine per mL. Vinorelbine Injection USP is available in single-use, clear glass vials with bromobutyl stoppers and aluminum caps, individually packaged in a carton in the following vial sizes:
10 mg/1 mL Single-Use Vial, Carton of 1 (NDC: 66758-045-01)
50 mg/5 mL Single-Use Vial, Carton of 1 (NDC: 66758-045-02)
REFERENCES
- ONS Clinical Practice Committee. Cancer Chemotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice. Pittsburgh, Pa: Oncology Nursing Society; 1999:32-41.
- Recommendations for the safe handling of parenteral antineoplastic drugs. Washington, DC: Division of Safety, National Institutes of Health; 1983. US Dept of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service publication NIH 83-2621.
- AMA Council on Scientific Affairs. Guidelines for handling parenteral antineoplastics. JAMA. 1985;253:1590-1591.
- National Study Commission on Cytotoxic Exposure. Recommendations for handling cytotoxic agents. 1987. Available from Louis P. Jeffrey, Chairman, National Study Commission on Cytotoxic Exposure. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.
- Clinical Oncological Society of Australia. Guidelines and recommendations for safe handling of antineoplastic agents. Med J Australia. 1983;1:426-428.
- Jones RB, Frank R, Mass T. Safe handling of chemotherapeutic agents: a report from the Mount Sinai Medical Center. CA-A Cancer J for Clin. 1983;33:258-263.
- American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. ASHP technical assistance bulletin on handling cytotoxic and hazardous drugs. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1990;47:1033-1049.
- Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs. (OSHA Work-Practice Guidelines.) Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 1996;53:1669-1685.
Manufactured for
PARENTA®
pharmaceuticals
an Ebewe Pharma Company
West Columbia, SC 29169
Manufactured by:
Ebewe PHARMA
A-4866 Unterach, Austria
February 2008
Package Label - Principal Display Panel - 10 mg Vial
Rx only NDC: 66758-045-01
VINORELBINE
INJECTION, USP
10 mg/mL
Caution: Cytotoxic Agent
PARENTA®
pharmaceuticals
an Ebewe Pharma Company
Package Label - Principal Display Panel - 10 mg Carton
NDC: 66758-045-01
1 mL Single Dose Vial
VINORELBINE
INJECTION, USP
10 mg/mL
For Intravenous Use Only.
MUST BE DILUTED.
Caution: Cytotoxic Agent
Rx only
PARENTA®
pharmaceuticals
an Ebewe Pharma Company
Package Label - Principal Display Panel - 50 mg Vial
Rx only NDC: 66758-045-02
VINORELBINE
INJECTION, USP
50 mg/5 mL
(10 mg/mL)
Caution: Cytotoxic Agent
5 mL Single Dose Vial
PARENTA®
pharmaceuticals
an Ebewe Pharma Company
Package Label - Principal Display Panel - 50 mg Carton
NDC: 66758-045-02
5 mL Single Dose Vial
VINORELBINE
INJECTION, USP
50 mg/5 mL
(10 mg/mL)
For Intravenous Use Only.
MUST BE DILUTED.
Caution: Cytotoxic Agent
Rx only
PARENTA®
pharmaceuticals
an Ebewe Pharma Company
| VINORELBINE TARTRATE
vinorelbine tartrate injection, solution |
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| Labeler - Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. (113008515) |
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