Istodax Drug Information

Generic name: ROMIDEPSIN

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Uses of Istodax

is indicated for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in adult patients who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. ISTODAX is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in adult patients who have received at least one prior systemic therapy.

Dosage & Administration of Istodax

ULN=Upper limit of normal.
Moderategreater than 1.5 × ULN to less than or equal to 3 × ULN
Severegreater than 3 × ULN

Side Effects of Istodax

  • The following adverse reactions are described in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information.
  • Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
  • Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
  • Electrocardiographic Changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥30%), excluding laboratory abnormalities, are nausea, fatigue, infections, vomiting, anorexia, electrocardiogram ST-T wave changes, dysgeusia, constipation and pruritis. Grade 3‐4 laboratory abnormalities (≥10%) include lymphopenia, neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 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 data in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to ISTODAX in four clinical trials involving 363 patients with T-cell lymphoma, including 185 patients with CTCL. ISTODAX was administered as a single agent at a dosage of 14 mg/m 2 on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Among 363 patients who received ISTODAX, 21% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 13% were exposed for greater than one year. Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma The safety of ISTODAX was evaluated in 185 patients with CTCL in 2 single arm clinical studies in which patients received a dosage of 14 mg/m 2 on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Treatment continued as long as the patient benefitted from and tolerated the drug. The mean duration of treatment in these studies was 5.6 months (range: <1 to 83.4 months). Common Adverse Reactions Table 2 summarizes the most frequent adverse reactions (>20%) regardless of causality using the National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE, Version 3.0). Due to methodological differences between the studies, the AE data are presented separately for Study 1 and Study 2. Adverse reactions are ranked by their incidence in Study 1. Laboratory abnormalities commonly reported (>20%) as adverse reactions are included in Table 2. Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring in >20% of Patients in Either CTCL Study (N=185) Adverse Reactions n (%) Study 1 (n=102) Study 2 (n=83) All grades Grade 3 or 4 All grades Grade 3 or 4 Any adverse reactions 99 (97) 36 (35) 83 (100) 68 (82) Nausea 57 (56) 3 (3) 71 (86) 5 (6) Asthenia/Fatigue 54 (53) 8 (8) 64 (77) 12 (14) Infections 47 (46) 11 (11) 45 (54) 27 (33) Vomiting 35 (34) 1 (<1) 43 (52) 8 (10) Anorexia 23 (23) 1 (<1) 45 (54) 3 (4) Hypomagnesemia 22 (22) 1 (<1) 23 (28) 0 Diarrhea 20 (20) 1 (<1) 22 (27) 1 (1) Pyrexia 20 (20) 4 (4) 19 (23) 1 (1) Anemia 19 (19) 3 (3) 60 (72) 13 (16) Thrombocytopenia 17 (17) 0 54 (65) 12 (14) Dysgeusia 15 (15) 0 33 (40) 0 Constipation 12 (12) 2 (2) 32 (39) 1 (1) Neutropenia 11 (11) 4 (4) 47 (57) 22 (27) Hypotension 7 (7) 3 (3) 19 (23) 3 (4) Pruritus 7 (7) 0 26 (31) 5 (6) Hypokalemia 6 (6) 0 17 (20) 2 (2) Dermatitis/Exfoliative dermatitis 4 (4) 1 (<1) 22 (27) 7 (8) Hypocalcemia 4 (4) 0 43 (52) 5 (6) Leukopenia 4 (4) 0 38 (46) 18 (22) Lymphopenia 4 (4) 0 47 (57) 31 (37) Alanine aminotransferase increased 3 (3) 0 18 (22) 2 (2) Aspartate aminotransferase increased 3 (3) 0 23 (28) 3 (4) Hypoalbuminemia 3 (3) 1 (<1) 40 (48) 3 (4) Electrocardiogram ST-T wave changes 2 (2) 0 52 (63) 0 Hyperglycemia 2 (2) 2 (2) 42 (51) 1 (1) Hyponatremia 1 (<1) 1 (<1) 17 (20) 2 (2) Hypermagnesemia 0 0 22 (27) 7 (8) Hypophosphatemia 0 0 22 (27) 8 (10) Hyperuricemia 0 0 27 (33) 7 (8) Serious Adverse Reactions Infections were the most common type of SAE reported in both studies with 8 patients (8%) in Study 1 and 26 patients (31%) in Study 2 experiencing a serious infection. Serious adverse reactions reported in >2% of patients in Study 1 were sepsis and pyrexia (3%). In Study 2, serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients were fatigue (7%), supraventricular arrhythmia, central line infection, neutropenia (6%), hypotension, hyperuricemia, edema (5%), ventricular arrhythmia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, leukopenia, dehydration, pyrexia, aspartate aminotransferase increased, sepsis, catheter related infection, hypophosphatemia and dyspnea (4%). There were eight deaths not due to disease progression. In Study 1, there were two deaths: one due to cardiopulmonary failure and one due to acute renal failure. There were six deaths in Study 2: four due to infection and one each due to myocardial ischemia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Discontinuations Discontinuation due to an adverse event occurred in 21% of patients in Study 1 and 11% in Study 2. Discontinuations occurring in at least 2% of patients in either study included infection, fatigue, dyspnea, QT prolongation, and hypomagnesemia. Other Clinical Trials Experience The following common adverse reactions have been reported following administration of ISTODAX as a single agent in 178 patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, for which ISTODAX is not indicated or recommended. The most common adverse reactions (≥30%) included nausea (63%), fatigue (61%), thrombocytopenia (49%), vomiting (39%), neutropenia (39%), pyrexia (38%), diarrhea (36%) and anemia (35%). Other common (≥10%) clinically significant adverse reactions included dysgeusia (22%), headache (20%), cough (19%), dyspnea (15%), abdominal pain (13%) and stomatitis (10%). Grade 3 and higher adverse reactions in ≥10% were hematologic toxicities (including thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, leukopenia and anemia) and fatigue.

Warnings & Cautions for Istodax

  • Myelosuppression: ISTODAX can cause thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (neutropenia and lymphopenia), and anemia; monitor blood counts during treatment with ISTODAX; interrupt and/or modify the dose as necessary ( 5.1 ).
  • Infections: Fatal and serious infections. Reactivation of DNA viruses (Epstein Barr and hepatitis B). Consider monitoring and prophylaxis in patients with evidence of prior hepatitis B ( 5.2 ).
  • Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes: Consider cardiovascular monitoring in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, a history of significant cardiovascular disease, and patients taking medicinal products that lead to significant QT prolongation. Ensure that potassium and magnesium are within the normal range before administration of ISTODAX ( 5.3 ).
  • Tumor lysis syndrome: Patients with advanced stage disease and/or high tumor burden are at greater risk and should be closely monitored and appropriate precautions taken ( 5.4 ).
  • Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception ( 5.5 , 8.1 , 8.3 ). 5.1 Myelosuppression Treatment with ISTODAX can cause thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (neutropenia and lymphopenia), and anemia. Monitor blood counts regularly during treatment with ISTODAX and modify the dose as necessary [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. 5.2 Infections Fatal and serious infections have been reported in clinical trials of ISTODAX, including pneumonia, sepsis, and viral reactivation, including reactivation of Epstein Barr and hepatitis B viruses. These infections can occur during and following treatment. The risk of life-threatening infections may be greater in patients with a history of prior treatment with monoclonal antibodies directed against lymphocyte antigens and in patients with disease involvement of the bone marrow [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection was reported in 1% of patients in clinical trials. In patients with evidence of prior hepatitis B infection, consider monitoring for reactivation, and consider antiviral prophylaxis. Reactivation of Epstein Barr viral infection leading to liver failure has occurred in recipients of ISTODAX including after ganciclovir prophylaxis. 5.3 Electrocardiographic Changes Several treatment-emergent morphological changes in ECGs (including T-wave and ST-segment changes) have been reported in clinical studies. The clinical significance of these changes is unknown [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. In patients with congenital long QT syndrome, patients with a history of significant cardiovascular disease, and patients taking anti-arrhythmic medicines or medicinal products that lead to significant QT prolongation, consider cardiovascular monitoring of ECGs at baseline and periodically during treatment. Confirm that potassium and magnesium levels are within normal range before administration of ISTODAX [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.4 Tumor Lysis Syndrome Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) has been reported to occur in recipients of ISTODAX, including in 1% of patients with tumor stage CTCL. Patients with advanced stage disease and/or high tumor burden are at greater risk, should be closely monitored, and managed as appropriate. 5.5 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, ISTODAX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In an animal reproductive study, romidepsin was embryocidal and caused adverse developmental outcomes at exposures below those in patients at the recommended dose of 14 mg/m 2 . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] .

Drug Interactions with Istodax

  • Carefully monitor prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) in patients concurrently administered ISTODAX and warfarin or coumarin derivatives ( 7.1 ).
  • Monitor for toxicities related to increased romidepsin exposure when co-administering romidepsin with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors ( 7.2 ).
  • Avoid use with rifampin and strong CYP3A4 inducers ( 7.3 ). 7.1 Warfarin or Coumarin Derivatives Prolongation of PT and elevation of INR were observed in a patient receiving ISTODAX concomitantly with warfarin. Monitor PT and INR more frequently in patients concurrently receiving ISTODAX and warfarin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Drugs That Inhibit CYP3A4 Enzymes Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase concentrations of romidepsin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Monitor for toxicity related to increased romidepsin exposure and follow the dose modifications for toxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] when ISTODAX is initially co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. 7.3 Drugs That Induce CYP3A4 Enzymes Rifampin (a potent CYP3A4 inducer) increased the concentrations of romidepsin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Avoid co-administration of ISTODAX with rifampin. The use of other potent CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided when possible.

Pregnancy Safety for Istodax

Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, ISTODAX can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman . There are no available data on ISTODAX use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In an animal reproductive study, romidepsin was embryocidal and caused adverse developmental outcomes including embryo-fetal toxicity and malformations at exposures below those in patients at the recommended dose (see Data ). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus and to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving ISTODAX and for at least 1 month after the last dose. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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 Romidepsin was administered intravenously to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at doses of 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5 mg/kg/day.

Substantial resorption or postimplantation loss was observed at the high dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day, a maternally toxic dose. Adverse embryo-fetal effects were noted at romidepsin doses of ≥0.1 mg/kg/day, with systemic exposures (AUC) ≥0.2% of the human exposure at the recommended dose of 14 mg/m 2 /week. Drug-related fetal effects consisted of reduced fetal body weights, folded retina, rotated limbs, and incomplete sternal ossification.

Pediatric Use of Istodax

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ISTODAX in pediatric patients have not been established.

Overdosage Information for Istodax

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage of ISTODAX. Toxicities in a single-dose study in rats or dogs, at intravenous romidepsin doses up to 2.2-fold the recommended human dose based on the body surface area, included irregular respiration, irregular heartbeat, staggering gait, tremor, and tonic convulsions. In the event of an overdose, it is reasonable to employ the usual supportive measures, e.g., clinical monitoring and supportive therapy, if required. There is no known antidote for ISTODAX and it is not known if ISTODAX is dialyzable.

Clinical Studies of Istodax

was evaluated in 2 multicenter, single-arm clinical studies in patients with CTCL (Study 1 and Study 2 ). Overall, 167 patients with CTCL were treated in the US, Europe, and Australia. Study 1 included 96 patients with confirmed CTCL after failure of at least 1 prior systemic therapy. Study 2 included 71 patients with a primary diagnosis of CTCL who received at least 2 prior skin directed therapies or one or more systemic therapies.

Patients were treated with ISTODAX at a starting dose of 14 mg/m 2 infused over 4 hours on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. In both studies, patients could be treated until disease progression at the discretion of the investigator and local regulators. Objective disease response was evaluated according to a composite endpoint that included assessments of skin involvement, lymph node and visceral involvement, and abnormal circulating T-cells ("Sézary cells"). The primary efficacy endpoint for both studies was overall objective disease response rate (ORR) based on the investigator assessments, and was defined as the proportion of patients with confirmed complete response (CR) or partial response (PR). CR was defined as no evidence of disease and PR as ≥ 50% improvement in disease.

Secondary endpoints in both studies included duration of response and time to response. Baseline Patient Characteristics Demographic and disease characteristics of the patients in Study 1 and Study 2 are provided in Table 3. Table 3. Baseline Patient Characteristics (CTCL Population) Characteristic Study 1 (N=96) Study 2 (N=71) Age N 96 71 Mean (SD) 57 56 Median (Range) 57 57 Sex, n (%) Men 59 48 Women 37 23 Race, n (%) White 90 55 Black 5 15 Other/Not Reported 1 1 Stage of Disease at Study Entry, n (%) IA 0 1 IB 15 6 IIA 13 2 IIB 21 14 III 23 9 IVA 24 27 IVB 0 12 Number of Prior Skin-Directed Therapies Median (Range) 2 1 Number of Prior Systemic Therapies Median (Range) 2 2 Clinical Results Efficacy outcomes for CTCL patients are provided in Table 4. Median time to first response was 2 months (range 1 to 6) in both studies. Median time to CR was 4 months in Study 1 and 6 months in Study 2 (range 2 to 9). Table 4. Clinical Results for CTCL Patients Response Rate Study 1 (N=96) Study 2 (N=71) ORR (CR + PR), n (%) 33 25 CR, n (%) 6 4 PR, n (%) 27 21 Duration of Response (months) N 33 25 Median (range) 15 (1, 20*) 11 (1, 66*) *Denotes censored value.

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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