ETHYOL- amifostine injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution

Ethyol by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Ethyol by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    1.1 Reduction of Cumulative Renal Toxicity with Chemotherapy

    ETHYOL (amifostine) is indicated to reduce the cumulative renal toxicity associated with repeated administration of cisplatin in patients with advanced ovarian cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

    1.2 Reduction of Moderate to Severe Xerostomia from Radiation of the Head and Neck

    ETHYOL is indicated to reduce the incidence of moderate to severe xerostomia in patients undergoing post-operative radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, where the radiation port includes a substantial portion of the parotid glands [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

    Limitation of Use

    Do not use ETHYOL in other settings where chemotherapy can produce a significant survival benefit or cure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)], or in patients receiving definitive radiotherapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)], except in the context of a clinical study.

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Important Administration Instructions

    Hydration and Premedication
    Prior to ETHYOL infusion, verify that patients are adequately hydrated and correct existing dehydration if clinically indicated.

    When administering ETHYOL at the 910 mg/m2 dose, antiemetic medications, including intravenous dexamethasone 20 mg and a serotonin 5HT3 receptor antagonist, are recommended prior to ETHYOL administration. Additional antiemetics may be required based on the chemotherapy drugs administered.

    When administering ETHYOL at the 200 mg/m2 dose, it is recommended that antiemetic medication be administered prior to ETHYOL administration. Oral 5HT3 receptor antagonists, alone or in combination with other antiemetics are recommended in the radiotherapy setting. 

    Supine Position and Blood Pressure Monitoring
    Patients should be kept in a supine position during the ETHYOL infusion. 

    When administering ETHYOL at the 910 mg/m2 dose, monitor blood pressure before, at least every 5 minutes during the infusion, at the end of the infusion, and thereafter as clinically indicated.

    When administering ETHYOL at the 200 mg/m2 dose, monitor blood pressure before and at the end of the infusion, and thereafter as clinically indicated.

    2.2 Recommended Dose for Reduction of Cumulative Renal Toxicity with Chemotherapy

    The recommended starting dose of ETHYOL is 910 mg/m2 administered as a 15-minute intravenous infusion, starting 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy. Do not exceed a 15-minute infusion time due to the increased risk of infusion-related reactions. The use of less than 15-minute infusion times for ETHYOL use with chemotherapy have not been established.

    2.3 Recommended Dose for Reduction of Moderate to Severe Xerostomia from Radiation of the Head and Neck

    The recommended dose of ETHYOL is 200 mg/m2 administered as a 3-minute intravenous infusion, starting 15-30 minutes prior to standard fraction radiation therapy (1.8-2.0 Gy).

    2.4 Dose Modifications for Infusion-Related Reactions

    The infusion of ETHYOL should be interrupted if the systolic blood pressure decreases significantly from the baseline value as listed in Table 1.

    If severe infusion-related reactions occur, immediately and permanently discontinue ETHYOL. 

    Table 1: Interrupting ETHYOL Infusion Due to Decreases in Systolic Blood Pressure

    Baseline Systolic Blood Pressure (mm Hg)

    <100

    100-119

    120-139

    140-179

    ≥180

    Decrease in systolic blood pressure during infusion of ETHYOL (mm Hg)

    20

    25

    30

    40

    50

    If the blood pressure returns to normal within 5 minutes and the patient is asymptomatic, the infusion may be restarted so that the full dose of ETHYOL may be administered.

    When administering ETHYOL at the 910 mg/m2 dose, if the full dose of ETHYOL cannot be administered, the dose of ETHYOL for subsequent chemotherapy cycles should be 740 mg/m2.

    2.5 Preparation

    Reconstitution
    During reconstitution of ETHYOL, the use of gloves is recommended, and avoid contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Follow special handling and disposal procedures [see References (15)].

    A vial of ETHYOL may contain more drug than is required for the recommended dose or multiple vials may be needed to obtain the recommended dose.

    Reconstitute ETHYOL with 9.7 mL of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. The reconstituted solution contains a concentration of 50 mg/mL amifostine, and should be colorless. The reconstituted solution is chemically stable for up to 5 hours at room temperature (approximately 25°C) or up to 24 hours under refrigeration (2°C to 8°C).

    Dilution
    Further dilute to ETHYOL with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL to 40 mg/mL before administration.  ETHYOL prepared in polyvinylchloride (PVC) bags at concentrations ranging from 5 mg/mL to 40 mg/mL is chemically stable for up to 5 hours when stored at room temperature (approximately 25°C) or up to 24 hours when stored under refrigeration (2°C to 8°C).

    Parenteral products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Do not use ETHYOL if cloudiness or precipitate is observed.

    2.6 Incompatibilities

    The compatibility of ETHYOL with solutions other than 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection, or Sodium Chloride solutions with other additives, has not been examined. The use of other solutions is not recommended.

  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    For Injection: sterile lyophilized white powder in 10 mL single-dose vials. Each vial contains 500 mg of amifostine on the anhydrous basis.

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    ETHYOL is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to aminothiol compounds.

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Effectiveness of the Chemotherapy Regimen

    ETHYOL may interfere with the antitumor activity of chemotherapy regimens. Do not use of ETHYOL in patients receiving chemotherapy for other malignancies in which chemotherapy can produce a significant survival benefit or cure (e.g., certain malignancies of germ cell origin), except in the context of a clinical study. Limited data are currently available regarding interference with antitumor efficacy when ETHYOL is administered prior to cisplatin therapy in settings other than advanced ovarian cancer. 

    5.2 Effectiveness of Radiotherapy

    ETHYOL may interfere with the antitumor activity of the radiotherapy regimens. Do not use ETHYOL in patients receiving definitive radiotherapy, except in the context of a clinical trial, since there are insufficient data to exclude a tumor-protective effect in this setting. ETHYOL was studied with standard fractionated radiotherapy and when ≥75% of both parotid glands were exposed to radiation. The safety and efficacy of ETHYOL on the incidence of xerostomia in the setting of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and in the setting of accelerated or hyperfractionated therapy, have not been established.

    5.3 Hypotension and Cardiovascular Events

    Severe hypotension with serious sequelae have been reported in clinical studies and post-marketing experience in patients treated with ETHYOL. Severe hypotension events included apnea, dyspnea, hypoxia, chest pain, tachycardia, bradycardia, extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation/flutter, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, unconsciousness, syncope, seizure, renal failure, and respiratory and cardiac arrest. 

    In the WR-1 study of patients with ovarian cancer dosing ETHYOL at 910 mg/m2, transient hypotension was observed in 62% of the patients treated, with 8% of the patients experiencing > Grade 3 hypotension. The mean time of onset was 14 minutes after initiation of the ETHYOL infusion, the mean duration of hypotension was 6 minutes, and blood pressure returned to normal within 15 minutes after the onset of hypotension in most cases. Approximately 3% of patients permanently discontinued ETHYOL due to severe hypotension.

    In the WR-38 study of patients with head and neck cancer administering ETHYOL at a dose of 200 mg/m2 prior to radiotherapy, hypotension was observed in 15% of patients treated, with 3% of the patients experiencing > Grade 3 hypotension.

    Before administration of ETHYOL, verify that patients are not hypotensive or dehydrated. Adequately hydrate patients prior to initiating ETHYOL infusion.

    Patients receiving ETHYOL at doses recommended for chemotherapy should have antihypertensive therapy interrupted 24 hours preceding administration of ETHYOL. Patients receiving ETHYOL at doses recommended for chemotherapy who are taking antihypertensive therapy that cannot be stopped for 24 hours preceding ETHYOL treatment should avoid treatment with ETHYOL. During and after ETHYOL infusion, closely monitor the blood pressure of patients whose antihypertensive medication has been interrupted since hypertension may be exacerbated by discontinuation of antihypertensive medication or other causes such as intravenous hydration.

    During ETHYOL infusion, keep patients in a supine position and monitor blood pressure every 5 minutes during the infusion, and thereafter as clinically indicated. For infusion durations less than 5 minutes, blood pressure should be monitored at least before and immediately after the infusion, and thereafter as clinically indicated.

    It is important that the duration of the 910 mg/m2 infusion not exceed 15 minutes, as administration of ETHYOL as a longer infusion is associated with a higher incidence of adverse reactions.

    If hypotension occurs, place patients in the Trendelenburg position and give an infusion of normal saline using a separate intravenous line. If the blood pressure returns to normal within 5 minutes and the patient is asymptomatic, the infusion may be restarted, so that the full dose of ETHYOL can be administered. Guidelines for interrupting and restarting ETHYOL infusion if a decrease in systolic blood pressure should occur are provided [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

    5.4 Severe Cutaneous Reactions

    Fatal and severe cutaneous reactions have been reported in clinical studies and post-marketing experience in patients treated with ETHYOL. Severe cutaneous reactions include erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, toxicoderma, exfoliative dermatitis and drug reaction with biopsy‑confirmed eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

    These reactions have been reported more frequently when ETHYOL is used as a radioprotectant [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. Severe cutaneous reactions may develop weeks after initiation of ETHYOL administration. Monitor patients carefully prior to, during, and after ETHYOL administration.

    Discontinue ETHYOL for cutaneous reactions or mucosal lesions appearing outside of the injection site or radiation port and for erythematous, edematous or bullous lesions on the palms or soles. 

    5.5 Hypersensitivity

    Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in clinical studies and post-marketing experience with ETHYOL administration. Hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions observed during or after ETHYOL administration have included pyrexia, chills, dyspnea, hypoxia, chest discomfort, cutaneous eruptions, pruritus, urticaria, and laryngeal edema.

    Epinephrine and other appropriate measures should be available for treatment of serious infusion-related reactions when administering ETHYOL. When severe allergic reactions occur, immediately and permanently discontinue ETHYOL. 

    5.6 Nausea and Vomiting

    Nausea and/or vomiting occur frequently after ETHYOL infusion and may be severe. In the WR-1 study of patients with ovarian cancer dosing ETHYOL at 910 mg/m2, vomiting was observed in 96% of the patients treated, with severe nausea/vomiting on day 1 of cyclophosphamide-cisplatin chemotherapy in 19% of patients.

    In the WR-38 study of patients with head and neck cancer administering ETHYOL at a dose of 200 mg/m2 prior to radiotherapy, vomiting was observed in 53% of patients treated, with severe nausea/vomiting in 8% of patients. 

    Administer antiemetic medication(s) prior to and in conjunction with ETHYOL [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. When ETHYOL is administered with highly emetogenic chemotherapy, closely monitor the fluid balance of the patient.

    5.7 Hypocalcemia

    Monitor serum calcium levels in patients at risk of hypocalcemia, such as those with nephrotic syndrome, or patients receiving multiple doses of ETHYOL.

    At the recommended doses, clinically significant hypocalcemia was reported in 1% of patients in the head and neck cancer study (WR-38).

    If necessary, calcium supplements can be administered.

    5.8 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

    Based on findings in animals, ETHYOL can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of ETHYOL to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis was embryotoxic at doses approximately sixty percent of the recommended dose in humans based on body surface area. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.

    When ETHYOL is used in combination with cisplatin, refer to the cisplatin full prescribing information for pregnancy and contraception information.

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:

    • Hypotension and Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
    • Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
    • Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
    • Nausea and Vomiting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
    • Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions(5.7)]

    6.1 Clinical Trial Experience

    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.

    ETHYOLwas administered to patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents for advanced ovarian cancer (WR-1 study) or who were receiving standard fractionated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (WR-38 study) [see Clinical Studies (14)].  

    In the WR-38 study of patients with head and neck cancer, 17% (26/150) discontinued ETHYOL due to adverse reactions. All but one of these patients continued to receive radiation treatment until completion. 

    Table 2 summarizes adverse reactions reported in patients from the WR-1 and WR-38 clinical trials.

    Table 2: Incidence of Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving ETHYOL

    Ovarian Cancer

    (WR-1 Trial)
    910 mg/m2

    _____________________________________________

    Per Patient                     Per Infusion

    Head and Neck Cancer

    (WR-38 Trial)
    200 mg/m2
    _______________________________________________

    Per Patient                      Per Infusion

    Nausea/Vomiting
       ≥Grade 3
       All Grades


    36/122 (30%)
    117/122 (96%)


    53/592 (9%)
    520/592 (88%)


    12/150 (8%)
    80/150 (53%)


    13/4314 (<1%)
    233/4314 (5%)

    Hypotension
       ≥Grade 3
       All Grades


    10/122 (8%)
    75/122 (62%)


    159/592 (27%)


    4/150 (3%)
    22/150 (15%)


    46/4314 (1%)

    Other clinically relevant adverse reactions reported in patients in the WR-1 and WR-38 trials include the following:

    Infusion-related Reactions: flushing/feeling of warmth, chills/feeling of coldness, malaise, pyrexia, rash, dizziness, somnolence, hiccups, diarrhea, sneezing, diplopia and blurred vision. These effects have not generally precluded the completion of therapy.

    Injection site reactions (including rash/erythema, pruritus, urticaria, pain, inflammation, bruising and local swelling) were also observed.

    6.2 Post-Marketing Experience

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

    The following reported post-marketing adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

    • Hypotension and Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
    • Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
    • Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

    Adverse reactions associated with the use of ETHYOL that have been identified in other clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports are described below:

    Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions including pruritus, urticaria, laryngeal edema, anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactoid reactions.

    Nervous system disorders: Seizure.

    Cardiac disorders: Myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, arrhythmias including tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation/flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles.

    Vascular disorders: Transient hypertension and exacerbations of preexisting hypertension.

    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Apnea, dyspnea, hypoxia, respiratory arrest.

    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Erythema multiforme, dermatitis exfoliative, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

    Renal and urinary disorders: Renal failure.

    General disorders and administration site conditions: Chest discomfort and chest pain.

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Closely monitor patients receiving anti-hypertensive medications or other drugs that could cause or potentiate hypotension.

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Risk Summary

    When ETHYOL is used in combination with cisplatin, refer to the cisplatin full prescribing information for pregnancy information.

    Based on findings in animals, ETHYOL can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on ETHYOL use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of ETHYOL to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis was embryotoxic at doses approximately sixty percent of the recommended dose in humans based on body surface area (see Data). Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.

    The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. However, the estimated background risk of major birth defects is 2-4% and of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general population.

    Data

    Animal Data

    ETHYOL has been shown to be embryotoxic in rabbits at intravenous doses of 50 mg/kg, approximately sixty percent of the recommended dose in humans on a body surface area basis.

    8.2 Lactation

    Risk Summary

    When ETHYOL is used in combination with cisplatin, refer to the cisplatin full prescribing information for lactation information.

    There are no data on the presence of amifostine or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with ETHYOL.

    8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

    When ETHYOL is used in combination with cisplatin, refer to the cisplatin full prescribing information for contraception and infertility information.

    Pregnancy Testing

    Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ETHYOL.

    Infertility

    Males
    Based on findings from animal studies, ETHYOL may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    The clinical studies did not include sufficient number of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy in elderly patients.

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    In clinical trials, the maximum single dose of ETHYOL was 1300 mg/m2. No information is available on single doses higher than this in adults. At the higher doses, anxiety and reversible urinary retention occurred.

    The most likely symptom of overdosage is hypotension, which should be managed by infusion of normal saline and other supportive measures, as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    ETHYOL (amifostine) is an organic thiophosphate cytoprotective agent known chemically as 2-[(3-aminopropyl)amino]ethanethiol dihydrogen phosphate (ester) and has the following structural formula:

    H2N(CH2)3NH(CH2)2S-PO3H2

    Amifostine is a white crystalline powder which is freely soluble in water. Its empirical formula is C5H15N2O3PS and it has a molecular weight of 214.22.

    ETHYOL is the trihydrate form of amifostine and is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution for intravenous infusion. Each single-dose 10 mL vial contains 500 mg of amifostine on the anhydrous basis.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    ETHYOL is a prodrug that is dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase in tissues to a pharmacologically active free thiol metabolite. This metabolite is believed to be responsible for the reduction of the cumulative renal toxicity of cisplatin and for the reduction of the toxic effects of radiation on normal oral tissues. The ability of ETHYOL to differentially protect normal tissues is attributed to the higher capillary alkaline phosphatase activity, higher pH and better vascularity of normal tissues relative to tumor tissue, which results in a more rapid generation of the active thiol metabolite as well as a higher rate constant for uptake into cells. The higher concentration of the thiol metabolite in normal tissues is available to bind to, and thereby detoxify, reactive metabolites of cisplatin. This thiol metabolite can also scavenge reactive oxygen species generated by exposure to either cisplatin or radiation.

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    Clinical pharmacokinetic studies show that ETHYOL is rapidly cleared from the plasma with a distribution half-life of < 1 minute and an elimination half-life of approximately 8 minutes. Less than 10% of ETHYOL remains in the plasma 6 minutes after drug administration. ETHYOL is rapidly metabolized to an active free thiol metabolite. A disulfide metabolite is produced subsequently and is less active than the free thiol. After a 10-second bolus dose of 150 mg/m2 of ETHYOL, renal excretion of the parent drug and its two metabolites was low during the hour following drug administration, averaging 0.69%, 2.64% and 2.22% of the administered dose for the parent, thiol and disulfide, respectively. Measurable levels of the free thiol metabolite have been found in bone marrow cells 5-8 minutes after intravenous infusion of ETHYOL. Pretreatment with dexamethasone or metoclopramide has no effect on ETHYOL pharmacokinetics.

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with ETHYOL.

    ETHYOL was negative in the Ames test and in the mouse micronucleus test. The free thiol metabolite was positive in the Ames test with S9 microsomal fraction in the TA1535 Salmonella typhimurium strain and at the TK locus in the mouse L5178Y cell assay. The metabolite was negative in the mouse micronucleus test and negative for clastogenicity in human lymphocytes.

    Fertility studies in animals have not been conducted with amifostine. In a 3-month repeat-dose toxicity study in rats, intravenous administration of amifostine resulted in bilateral degeneration of the germinal epithelium of the testes and bilateral hypospermia in the epididymides at doses of 50 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.3 times the maximum clinical dose based on body surface area).

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    14.1 Reduction of Cumulative Renal Toxicity with Chemotherapy

    A randomized controlled trial (WR-1) compared six cycles of cyclophosphamide 1000 mg/m2, and cisplatin 100 mg/m2 with or without ETHYOL pretreatment at 910 mg/m2, in two successive cohorts with a total of 242 patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

    In both cohorts, after multiple cycles of chemotherapy, pretreatment with ETHYOL significantly reduced the cumulative renal toxicity associated with cisplatin, as assessed by the proportion of patients who had ≥40% decrease in creatinine clearance from pretreatment values, protracted elevations in serum creatinine (>1.5 mg/dL), or severe hypomagnesemia.

    Table 3: Patients with ≥40% Reduction in Calculated Creatinine Clearance*
  • * Creatinine clearance values were calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula.
    		•
    ETHYOL+ CPCPp-value
    (2-sided)
    All Patients16/122 (13%)36/120 (30%)0.001
    First Cohort10/6320/580.018
    Second Cohort6/5916/620.026
    Table 4: Patients with Increasing Grades of Hypomagnesemia
  • * NCI toxicity grades of serum magnesium levels for each patient's last cycle of therapy.
  • † Based on 2-sided Mantel-Haenszel Chi-Square statistic.
    		•
    NCI-CTC Grade*:
    (mEq/L)    		    0    
    >1.4    		      1      
    ≤1.4->1.1    		       2       
    ≤1.1->0.8    		      3      
    ≤0.8->0.5    		   4   
    ≤0.5    		p-value†
    All Patients
       ETHYOL+CP
       CP    		92
    73    		13
    18    		3
    7    		0
    5    		0
    1    		0.001
    First Cohort
       ETHYOL+CP
       CP    		49
    35    		10
    8    		3
    6    		0
    3    		0
    1    		0.017
    Second Cohort
       ETHYOL+CP
       CP    		43
    38    		3
    10    		0
    1    		0
    2    		0
    0    		0.012

    Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested that the effect of ETHYOL was consistent in patients with increased risks for nephrotoxicity (i.e., nephrotoxic antibiotics, preexisting diabetes, or hypertension) compared to patients who lacked these risks. The effects of ETHYOL in reducing the cumulative renal toxicity of cisplatin in the randomized ovarian cancer study are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

    In the randomized ovarian cancer study, ETHYOL had no detectable effect on the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin-cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. Objective response rates (including pathologically confirmed complete remission rates), time to progression, and survival duration were all similar in the ETHYOL and control study groups. Table 5 summarizes the efficacy findings of the WR-1 ovarian cancer study.

    Table 5: Efficacy Results from the WR-1 Study
    ETHYOL + CPCP
    Complete pathologic tumor
    response rate    		21.3%15.8%
    Time to progression (months)
    Median (± 95% CI)15.8 (13.2, 25.1)18.1 (12.5, 20.4)
    Mean (± Std error)19.8 (±1.04)19.1 (±1.58)
    Hazard ratio
    (95% Confidence Interval)    		.98 (.64, 1.4)
    Survival (months)
    Median (± 95% CI)31.3 (28.3, 38.2)31.8 (26.3, 39.8)
    Mean (± Std error)33.7 (±2.03)34.3 (±2.04)
    Hazard ratio
    (95% Confidence Interval)    		.97 (.69, 1.32)

    14.2 Reduction of Moderate to Severe Xerostomia from Radiation of the Head and Neck

    A randomized controlled trial (WR-38) of standard fractionated radiation (1.8 Gy - 2.0 Gy/day for 5 days/week for 5-7 weeks) with or without ETHYOL, administered at 200 mg/m2 as a 3 minute intravenous infusion 15‑30 minutes prior to each fraction of radiation, was conducted in 315 patients with head and neck cancer. Patients were required to have at least 75% of both parotid glands in the radiation field.

    The incidence of Grade 2 or higher acute (90 days or less from start of radiation) and late xerostomia (9‑12 months following radiation) as assessed by RTOG Acute and Late Morbidity Scoring Criteria, was significantly reduced in patients receiving ETHYOL (Table 6).

    Table 6: Incidence of Grade 2 or Higher Xerostomia (RTOG criteria)
  • * Based on the number of patients for whom actual data were available.
    		•
    ETHYOL + RTRTp-value
    Acute
    (≤90 days from
    start of radiation)    		51% (75/148)78% (120/153)p<0.0001
    Late*
    (9-12 months
    post radiation)    		35% (36/103)57% (63/111)p=0.0016

    At one year following radiation, whole saliva collection following radiation showed that more patients given ETHYOL produced >0.1 gm of saliva (72% vs. 49%). In addition, the median saliva production at one year was higher in those patients who received ETHYOL (0.26 gm vs. 0.1 gm). Stimulated saliva collections did not show a difference between treatment arms. These improvements in saliva production were supported by the patients' subjective responses to a questionnaire regarding oral dryness.

    In the randomized head and neck cancer study, locoregional control, disease-free survival and overall survival were all comparable in the two treatment groups after one year of follow-up (see Table 7).

    Table 7: Efficacy Results at 1 Year from the WR-38 Study
  • * 1 year rates estimated using Kaplan-Meier method
  • † Hazard ratio >1.0 is in favor of the ETHYOL + RT arm
    		•
    ETHYOL + RTRT
    Locoregional Control Rate*76.1%75.0%
    Hazard Ratio†1.013
    95% Confidence Interval(0.671, 1.530)
    Disease-Free Survival Rate*74.6%70.4%
    Hazard Ratio†1.035
    95% Confidence Interval(0.702, 1.528)
    Overall Survival Rate*89.4%82.4%
    Hazard Ratio†1.585
    95% Confidence Interval(0.961, 2.613)

  • 15 REFERENCES

    1. "OSHA Hazardous Drugs." OSHA, http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    ETHYOL (amifostine) for Injection is supplied as a sterile lyophilized white powder in 10 mL single-dose vials (NDC: 66220-017-03). Each vial contains 500 mg of amifostine on the anhydrous basis. The vials are available packaged as follows:

    Carton containing 3 vials (NDC: 66220-017-03)

    Discard unused portion.

    Store the lyophilized dosage form at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    Follow special handling and disposal procedures [see References (15)].

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    Hypotension and Cardiovascular Events
    Inform the patient that he or she may experience hypotension after ETHYOL infusion [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Advise the patient to inform the prescriber if he or she is receiving anti-hypertensive medications or other drugs that could cause or potentiate hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Interactions (7)].

    Severe Cutaneous Reactions
    Inform the patient that severe cutaneous reactions may develop during or weeks after initiation of ETHYOL administration. Advise the patient to inform the prescriber if they experience any cutaneous reactions or mucosal lesions outside of the injection site or radiation port, or on the palms or soles, as discontinuation of the drug may be necessary [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

    Hypersensitivity
    Inform the patient that he or she may experience allergic reactions after ETHYOL infusion [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. ETHYOL might need to be discontinued for severe acute allergic reactions and the patient receive other treatments [See Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

    Nausea and Vomiting
    Inform the patient that he or she may experience severe nausea and/or vomiting after ETHYOL infusion [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

    Hypocalcemia
    Inform the patient that calcium supplements may be necessary if hypocalcemia is identified [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. Blood tests may be needed to identify this, and correct the condition.

    Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
    Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Refer to the cisplatin full prescribing information for pregnancy and contraception information.

    Lactation
    Advise lactating women not to breastfed during treatment with ETHYOL [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)]. Refer to the cisplatin full prescribing information for lactation information.

    Infertility
    Advise males of reproductive potential that ETHYOL may impair fertility [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]. Refer to the cisplatin full prescribing information for infertility information.

    U.S. Patent 5,994,409

    Manufactured for:
    Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Nashville, TN 37203

    Cumberland Logo

    Clinigen Logo ETHYOL is a registered trademark owned by the Clinigen Group.

    For product information, please call Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. Medical Information at 1 877 484 2700

    Revision Date: 07/2019

  • LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 500 mg

    NDC: 66220-017-03

    Ethyol®
    (amifostine)
    for Injection

    500 mg per vial

    For Intravenous Use

    Sterile

    Rx only

    Label 500mg

  • CARTON PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 500 mg

    NDC: 66220-017-03

    Ethyol®
    (amifostine) for Injection

    500 mg per vial

    For Intravenous Use

    Sterile

    Rx only  CUMBERLAND PHARMACEUTICALS ONCOLOGY  3 VIALS

    Carton 500 mg

  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    ETHYOL 
    amifostine injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 66220-017
    Route of AdministrationINTRAVENOUS
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    AMIFOSTINE (UNII: M487QF2F4V) (AMIFOSTINE ANHYDROUS - UNII:ILA426L95O) AMIFOSTINE ANHYDROUS500 mg  in 10 mL
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 66220-017-033 in 1 CARTON08/01/201610/31/2020
    110 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    NDANDA02022108/01/201610/31/2020
    Labeler - Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (069532880)

    • Trademark Results [Ethyol]

    Mark Image

    Registration | Serial
    Company
    Trademark
    Application Date
    ETHYOL
    ETHYOL
    76339868 2585403 Dead/Cancelled
    CLINIGEN GROUP PLC
    2001-11-20
    ETHYOL
    ETHYOL
    73751893 1618361 Live/Registered
    U.S. BIOSCIENCE, INC.
    1988-09-14
    ETHYOL
    ETHYOL
    73722551 not registered Dead/Abandoned
    U.S. BIOSCIENCE, INC.
    1988-04-15
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