Gleostine Drug Information
Generic name: LOMUSTINE
Alkylating Drug [EPC]
Uses of Gleostine
Brain Tumors Gleostine is indicated for the treatment of patients with primary
and metastatic brain tumors following appropriate surgical and/or radiotherapeutic procedures.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma Gleostine is indicated as a component of combination chemotherapy for
the treatment of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma whose disease has progressed following initial chemotherapy.
Dosage & Administration of Gleostine
| ≥ 4000 | ≥ 100,000 |
|---|---|
| 3000 – 3999 | 75,000 – 99,999 |
| 2000 – 2999 | 25,000 – 74,999 |
| < 2000 | < 25,000 |
Side Effects of Gleostine
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Delayed myelosuppression Risks of overdosage Pulmonary toxicity Secondary malignancies Hepatotoxicity Nephrotoxicity The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Gleostine were identified in clinical trials or postmarketing reports. Because these reactions were reported from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to estimate their frequency, reliability, or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, and stomatitis Ocular disorders: optic atrophy, visual disturbances, and blindness Neurologic disorders: disorientation, lethargy, ataxia, and dysarthria Other: alopecia Common adverse reactions include delayed myelosupression, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, and alopecia.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-461-7449 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Warnings & Cautions for Gleostine
Delayed Myelosuppression Gleostine causes myelosuppression that can result in fatal infections and
bleeding. Myelosuppression from Gleostine is delayed, dose-related, and cumulative. It usually occurs 4 to 6 weeks after drug administration and persists for 1 to 2 weeks.
Thrombocytopenia is generally more severe than leukopenia. Cumulative myelosuppression from Gleostine is manifested by greater severity and longer duration of cytopenias. Monitor blood counts for at least 6 weeks after each dose.
Do not give Gleostine more frequently than every 6 weeks. Adjust dose based on nadir blood counts from prior dose.
Risk of Overdosage Fatal toxicity occurs with overdosage of Gleostine. Dispensing or
administering more than one dose can lead to fatal toxicity. Prescribe only one dose at a time. Dispense only enough capsules for one dose.
Both physician and pharmacist should emphasize to the patient that only one dose of Gleostine is taken every 6 weeks.
Pulmonary Toxicity Pulmonary toxicity characterized by pulmonary infiltrates and/or fibrosis occurs with
Gleostine. Patients with a baseline below 70% of the predicted Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) or Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity (DL CO ) are at increased risk. The onset of pulmonary toxicity occurs after an interval of 6 months or longer from the start of therapy, with cumulative doses of Gleostine usually greater than 1100 mg/m 2. Obtain baseline pulmonary function tests prior to initiating treatment and repeat frequently during treatment.
Permanently discontinue Gleostine in patients diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
Secondary Malignancies Secondary malignancies, including acute leukemia and myelodysplasia, occur with long
term use.
Hepatotoxicity Hepatic toxicity, manifested by increased levels of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and
bilirubin occurs with Gleostine. Monitor liver function.
Nephrotoxicity Progressive renal failure with a decrease in kidney size occurs with
Gleostine. Monitor renal function.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, Gleostine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Embryo-fetal toxicity and teratogenicity occurred in rats and rabbits receiving lomustine daily during organogenesis at doses approximately two to four times the total human dose of 130 mg/m 2 over 6 weeks (0.18 to 0.27 times the single human dose of 130 mg/m 2 ) based on body surface area (BSA). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Gleostine and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Gleostine and for 3.5 months after the final dose .
Pregnancy Safety for Gleostine
Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, Gleostine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman . There are no available data on Gleostine exposure in pregnant women. Lomustine was teratogenic in rats and embryotoxic in rabbits at total dose levels approximately two to four times the total human dose of 130 mg/m 2 over 6 weeks (0.18 to 0.27 times the single human dose of 130 mg/m 2 ) based on BSA . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. 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 Lomustine was administered by intraperitoneal injection daily to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at dose levels of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/kg. Resorption rates and post-implantation loss occurred at doses greater than or equal to 4 mg/kg (approximately 0.18 times the clinical dose of 130 mg/m 2 based on BSA or approximately twice the total clinical dose of lomustine over 6 weeks). Malformations (omphalocele, ectopia cordis, scoliosis, syndactyly, hydrocephalus, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, anomalies of aortic arch, dextrocardia, malpositioning of the ovaries and testes, sternoschisis, and shortened/misshapen bone of the fore or hind limbs) and decreased fetal body weight occurred at all dose levels. In pregnant rabbits treated with lomustine at 3 mg/kg (approximately 0.27 times the 130 mg/m 2 clinical dose based on BSA or approximately four times the total clinical dose of lomustine over 6 weeks) during organogenesis, there were increases in abortions and decreases in surviving pup weight that persisted postnatally.
Pediatric Use of Gleostine
Pediatric Use Pediatric use, including dose, is not based on adequate and well-controlled clinical studies.
Overdosage Information for Gleostine
Overdosage with Gleostine has occurred, including fatal cases. Overdosage causes severe myelosuppression, as well as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, dizziness, abnormal hepatic function, cough, and shortness of breath. No antidotes exist for Gleostine overdosage.
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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