Esbriet Drug Information
Generic name: PIRFENIDONE
Pyridone [EPC]
Uses of Esbriet
is indicated for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). ESBRIET is a pyridone indicated for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Dosage & Administration of Esbriet
| Days 1 through 7 | 267 mg three times daily (801 mg/day) |
|---|---|
| Days 8 through 14 | 534 mg three times daily (1602 mg/day) |
| Days 15 onward | 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day) |
Side Effects of Esbriet
Clinical Trials 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. The safety of pirfenidone has been evaluated in more than 1400 subjects with over 170 subjects exposed to pirfenidone for more than 5 years in clinical trials. ESBRIET was studied in 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3) in which a total of 623 patients received 2403 mg/day of ESBRIET and 624 patients received placebo.
Subjects ages ranged from 40 to 80 years (mean age of 67 years). Most patients were male (74%) and Caucasian (95%). The mean duration of exposure to ESBRIET was 62 weeks (range: 2 to 118 weeks) in these 3 trials. At the recommended dosage of 2403 mg/day, 14.6% of patients on ESBRIET compared to 9.6% on placebo permanently discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. The most common (>1%) adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were rash and nausea.
The most common (>3%) adverse reactions leading to dosage reduction or interruption were rash, nausea, diarrhea, and photosensitivity reaction. The most common adverse reactions with an incidence of ≥10% and more frequent in the ESBRIET than placebo treatment group are listed in Table 2. Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥10% of ESBRIET-Treated Patients and More Commonly Than Placebo in Studies 1, 2, and 3 Adverse Reaction % of Patients (0 to 118 Weeks) ESBRIET 2403 mg/day (N = 623) Placebo (N = 624) Nausea 36% 16% Rash 30% 10% Abdominal Pain Includes abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and stomach discomfort. 24% 15% Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 27% 25% Diarrhea 26% 20% Fatigue 26% 19% Headache 22% 19% Decreased Appetite 21% 8% Dyspepsia 19% 7% Dizziness 18% 11% Vomiting 13% 6% Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease 11% 7% Sinusitis 11% 10% Insomnia 10% 7% Weight Decreased 10% 5% Arthralgia 10% 7% Adverse reactions occurring in ≥5 to <10% of ESBRIET-treated patients and more commonly than placebo are photosensitivity reaction (9% vs. 1%), pruritus (8% vs. 5%), asthenia (6% vs. 4%), dysgeusia (6% vs. 2%), and non-cardiac chest pain (5% vs. 4%).
Postmarketing Experience
In addition to adverse reactions identified from clinical trials the following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ESBRIET. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Agranulocytosis Hepatobiliary Disorders: Drug-induced liver injury Immune System Disorders: Angioedema Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCAR)
Warnings & Cautions for Esbriet
Elevated Liver Enzymes and Drug-Induced Liver Injury Cases of drug-induced liver injury
(DILI) have been observed with ESBRIET. In the postmarketing period, non-serious and serious cases of DILI, including severe liver injury with fatal outcome, have been reported. Patients treated with Esbriet 2403 mg/day in three Phase 3 trials had a higher incidence of elevations in ALT or AST ≥3× ULN than placebo patients (3.7% vs 0.8%, respectively). Elevations ≥10×ULN in ALT or AST occurred in 0.3% of patients in the Esbriet 2403 mg/day group and in 0.2% of patients in the placebo group. Increases in ALT and AST ≥3× ULN were reversible with dose modification or treatment discontinuation.
Conduct liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) prior to the initiation of therapy with ESBRIET, monthly for the first 6 months, every 3 months thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Measure liver function tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice. Dosage modification or interruption may be necessary for liver enzyme elevations .
Photosensitivity Reaction or Rash Patients treated with
ESBRIET 2403 mg/day in the three Phase 3 studies had a higher incidence of photosensitivity reactions (9%) compared with patients treated with placebo (1%). The majority of the photosensitivity reactions occurred during the initial 6 months. Instruct patients to avoid or minimize exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps), to use a sunblock (SPF 50 or higher), and to wear clothing that protects against sun exposure. Additionally, instruct patients to avoid concomitant medications known to cause photosensitivity.
Dosage reduction or discontinuation may be necessary in some cases of photosensitivity reaction or rash .
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
(SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have been reported in association with the use of ESBRIET in the postmarketing setting. If signs or symptoms of SCAR occur, interrupt ESBRIET treatment until the etiology of the reaction has been determined. Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended.
If a SCAR is confirmed, permanently discontinue ESBRIET.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
In the clinical studies, gastrointestinal events of nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, vomiting, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and abdominal pain were more frequently reported by patients in the ESBRIET treatment groups than in those taking placebo. Dosage reduction or interruption for gastrointestinal events was required in 18.5% of patients in the 2403 mg/day group, as compared to 5.8% of patients in the placebo group; 2.2% of patients in the ESBRIET 2403 mg/day group discontinued treatment due to a gastrointestinal event, as compared to 1.0% in the placebo group. The most common (>2%) gastrointestinal events that led to dosage reduction or interruption were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and dyspepsia.
The incidence of gastrointestinal events was highest early in the course of treatment (with highest incidence occurring during the initial 3 months) and decreased over time. Dosage modifications may be necessary in some cases of gastrointestinal adverse reactions .
Drug Interactions with Esbriet
CYP1A2 Inhibitors Pirfenidone is metabolized primarily (70 to 80%) via
CYP1A2 with minor contributions from other CYP isoenzymes including CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 2E1. Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors The concomitant administration of ESBRIET and fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., enoxacin) is not recommended because it significantly increases exposure to ESBRIET. Use of fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors should be discontinued prior to administration of ESBRIET and avoided during ESBRIET treatment. In the event that fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors are the only drug of choice, dosage reductions are recommended. Monitor for adverse reactions and consider discontinuation of ESBRIET as needed . Moderate CYP1A2 Inhibitors Concomitant administration of ESBRIET and ciprofloxacin (a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2) moderately increases exposure to ESBRIET . If ciprofloxacin at the dosage of 750 mg twice daily cannot be avoided, dosage reductions are recommended.
Monitor patients closely when ciprofloxacin is used at a dosage of 250 mg or 500 mg once daily. Concomitant CYP1A2 and other CYP Inhibitors Agents or combinations of agents that are moderate or strong inhibitors of both CYP1A2 and one or more other CYP isoenzymes involved in the metabolism of ESBRIET (i.e., CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 2E1) should be discontinued prior to and avoided during ESBRIET treatment.
CYP1A2 Inducers
The concomitant use of ESBRIET and a CYP1A2 inducer may decrease the exposure of ESBRIET and this may lead to loss of efficacy. Therefore, discontinue use of strong CYP1A2 inducers prior to ESBRIET treatment and avoid the concomitant use of ESBRIET and a strong CYP1A2 inducer .
Pregnancy Safety for Esbriet
Pregnancy Risk Summary The data with ESBRIET use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform on drug associated risks for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, pirfenidone was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits at oral doses up to 3 and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily dose (MRDD) in adults . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Animal reproductive studies were conducted in rats and rabbits.
In a combined fertility and embryofetal development study, female rats received pirfenidone at oral doses of 0, 50, 150, 450, and 1000 mg/kg/day from 2 weeks prior to mating, during the mating phase, and throughout the periods of early embryonic development from gestation days (GD) 0 to 5 and organogenesis from GD 6 to 17. In an embryofetal development study, pregnant rabbits received pirfenidone at oral doses of 0, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day throughout the period of organogenesis from GD 6 to 18. In these studies, pirfenidone at doses up to 3 and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily dose (MRDD) in adults (on mg/m 2 basis at maternal oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day in rats and 300 mg/kg/day in rabbits, respectively) revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to pirfenidone. In the presence of maternal toxicity, acyclic/irregular cycles (e.g., prolonged estrous cycle) were seen in rats at doses approximately equal to and higher than the MRDD in adults (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal doses of 450 mg/kg/day and higher). In a pre- and post-natal development study, female rats received pirfenidone at oral doses of 0, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day from GD 7 to lactation day 20. Prolongation of the gestation period, decreased numbers of live newborn, and reduced pup viability and body weights were seen in rats at an oral dosage approximately 3 times the MRDD in adults (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 1000 mg/kg/day).
Pediatric Use of Esbriet
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of ESBRIET in pediatric patients have not been established.
Overdosage Information for Esbriet
There is limited clinical experience with overdosage. Multiple dosages of ESBRIET up to a maximum tolerated dose of 4005 mg per day were administered as five 267 mg capsules three times daily to healthy adult volunteers over a 12-day dose escalation. In the event of a suspected overdosage, appropriate supportive medical care should be provided, including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient.
Clinical Studies of Esbriet
The efficacy of ESBRIET was evaluated in patients with IPF in three phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3). Study 1 was a 52-week trial comparing ESBRIET 2403 mg/day (n=278) versus placebo (n=277) in patients with IPF. Study 2 and Study 3 were nearly identical to each other in design, with few exceptions, including an intermediate dose treatment arm in Study 2. Study 2 compared treatment with either ESBRIET 2403 mg/day (n=174) or ESBRIET 1197 mg/day (n=87) to placebo (n=174), while Study 3 compared ESBRIET 2403 mg/day (n=171) to placebo (n=173). Study drug was administered three times daily with food for a minimum of 72 weeks. Patients continued on treatment until the last patient completed 72 weeks of treatment, which included observations to approximately 120 weeks of study treatment. The primary endpoint was the change in percent predicted forced vital capacity (%FVC) from baseline to study end, measured at 52 weeks in Study 1, and at 72 weeks in Studies 2 and 3. Studies 1, 2 and 3 enrolled adult patients who had a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of IPF (with or without accompanying surgical lung biopsy), without evidence or suspicion of an alternative diagnosis for interstitial lung disease.
Eligible patients were to have %FVC greater than or equal to 50% at baseline and a percent predicted diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (%DL CO ) greater than or equal to 30% (Study 1) or 35% (Studies 2 and 3) at baseline. In all three trials, over 80% of patients completed study treatment. A total of 1247 patients with IPF were randomized to receive ESBRIET 2403 mg/day (n=623) or placebo (n=624) in these three trials.
Baseline characteristics were generally balanced across treatment groups. The study population ranged from 40 to 80 years of age (mean age 67 years). Most patients were male (74%), white (95%), and current or former smokers (65%). Approximately 93% of patients met criteria for definite IPF on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Baseline mean %FVC and %DL CO were 72% and 46%, respectively. Approximately 15% subjects discontinued from each treatment group.
Change from Baseline in Percent Predicted Forced Vital Capacity In Study 1, the primary efficacy analysis for the change in %FVC from baseline to Week 52 demonstrated a statistically significant treatment effect of ESBRIET 2403 mg/day (n=278) compared with placebo (n=277) using a rank ANCOVA with the lowest rank imputation for missing data due to death. In Study 2, there was a statistically significant difference at Week 72 for the change in %FVC from baseline. In Study 3, there was no statistically significant difference at Week 72 for the change in %FVC from baseline.
Figure 1 presents the cumulative distribution for all cut-offs for the change from baseline in %FVC at Week 52 for Study 1. For all categorical declines in lung function, the proportion of patients declining was lower on ESBRIET than on placebo. Study 2 showed similar results. Figure 1. Cumulative Distribution of Patients by Change in Percent Predicted FVC from Baseline to Week 52 (Study 1). The Dashed Lines Indicate ≥10% Decline or ≥0% Decline.
Figure 1 Mean Change from Baseline in FVC (mL) In Study 1, a reduction in the mean decline in FVC (in mL) was observed in patients receiving ESBRIET 2403 mg/day (-235 mL) compared to placebo (-428 mL) (mean treatment difference 193 mL) at Week 52 (see Figure 2 ). In Study 2, a reduction in the decline in FVC volume was also observed in patients receiving ESBRIET 2403 mg/day compared with placebo (mean treatment difference 157 mL) at Week 72. There was no statistically significant difference in decline in FVC volume seen in Study 3. Figure 2. Mean Change from Baseline in Forced Vital Capacity (Study 1) Figure 2 Survival Survival was evaluated for ESBRIET compared to placebo in Studies 1, 2, and 3 as an exploratory analysis to support the primary endpoint (FVC). All-cause mortality was assessed over the study duration and available follow-up period, irrespective of cause of death and whether patients continued treatment. All-cause mortality did not show a statistically significant difference (see Figure 3 ). Figure 3. Kaplan-Meier Estimates of All-Cause Mortality at Vital Status – End of Study: Studies 1, 2, and 3 Figure 3
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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