Vonjo Drug Information
Generic name: PACRITINIB
Kinase Inhibitor [EPC]
Uses of Vonjo
is indicated for the treatment of adults with intermediate or high-risk primary or secondary (post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia) myelofibrosis (MF) with a platelet count below 50 × 10 9 /L. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on spleen volume reduction . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). VONJO is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with intermediate or high-risk primary or secondary (post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia) myelofibrosis with a platelet count below 50 × 10 9 /L. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on spleen volume reduction. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).
Dosage & Administration of Vonjo
| aIncrease of at least 7 stools per day over baseline, or hospitalization indicated, or severe increase in ostomy output over baseline, or if limiting self-care. | |
|---|---|
| bIncrease of <4 stools per day over baseline or mild increase in ostomy output compared to baseline. | |
| New onset of diarrhea |
|
| Grade 3 or 4 a |
|
Side Effects of Vonjo
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. PERSIST-2 Trial The safety of VONJO was evaluated in the randomized, controlled PERSIST-2 trial . In PERSIST-2, key eligibility criteria included adults with intermediate or high-risk primary or secondary (post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia) MF with splenomegaly and a platelet count ≤100 × 10 9 /L. Prior Janus associated kinase (JAK) inhibitor therapy was permitted. Patients received VONJO at 200 mg twice daily (n=106), 400 mg once daily (n=104), or best available therapy (BAT) (n=98). Forty-seven (44%) of the 106 patients treated with VONJO 200 mg twice daily had a baseline platelet count of <50 × 10 9 /L. The 400 mg once daily dose could not be established to be safe, so further information on this arm is not provided.
In PERSIST-2, among the 106 patients treated with VONJO 200 mg twice daily, the median baseline hemoglobin was 9.7 g/dL and the median drug exposure was 25 weeks. Fifty-four percent of patients were exposed for 6 months, and 18% were exposed for approximately 12 months. Accounting for dose reductions, the average daily dose (mean relative dose intensity) and median daily dose (median relative dose intensity) were 380 mg (95%) and 400 mg (100%), respectively, for patients receiving VONJO twice daily.
The median age of patients who received VONJO 200 mg twice daily was 67 years (range: 39 to 85 years), 59% were male, 86% were White, 3% were Asian, 2% were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 0% were Black, 9% did not report race, and 87% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients treated with VONJO 200 mg twice daily and in 31% of patients treated with BAT. The most frequent serious adverse reactions occurring in ≥3% patients receiving VONJO 200 mg twice daily were anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (6%), pneumonia (6%), cardiac failure (4%), disease progression (3%), pyrexia (3%), and squamous cell carcinoma of skin (3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 8% of patients receiving VONJO 200 mg twice daily and in 9% of patients treated with BAT. The fatal adverse reactions among patients treated with VONJO 200 mg twice daily included events of disease progression (3%), and multiorgan failure, cerebral hemorrhage, meningorrhagia, and acute myeloid leukemia in <1% of patients each, respectively. Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 15% of patients receiving VONJO 200 mg twice daily compared to 12% of patients treated with BAT. The most frequent reasons for permanent discontinuation in ≥2% of patients receiving VONJO 200 mg twice daily included anemia (3%) and thrombocytopenia (2%). Drug interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 27% of patients who received VONJO 200 mg twice daily compared to 10% of patients treated with BAT. The most frequent reasons for drug interruption in ≥2% of patients receiving VONJO 200 mg twice daily were anemia (5%), thrombocytopenia (4%), diarrhea (3%), nausea (3%), cardiac failure (3%), neutropenia (2%), and pneumonia (2%). Dosage reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 12% of patients who received VONJO 200 mg twice daily compared to 7% of patients treated with BAT. Adverse reactions requiring dosage reduction in ≥2% of patients who received VONJO 200 mg twice daily included thrombocytopenia (2%), neutropenia (2%), conjunctival hemorrhage (2%), and epistaxis (2%). The most common adverse reactions in ≥20% of patients (N=106) were diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, nausea, anemia, and peripheral edema. Table 5 summarizes the common adverse reactions in PERSIST-2 during randomized treatment.
Table 5 Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥10% Patients Receiving VONJO 200 mg Twice Daily or Best Available Therapy During Randomized Treatment in PERSIST-2 a Grade by CTCAE Version 4.03 Adverse Reactions VONJO (200 mg Twice Daily) (N=106) Best Available Therapy (N=98) All Grades a % Grade ≥3 % All Grades a % Grade ≥3 % Diarrhea 48 4 15 0 Thrombocytopenia 34 32 23 18 Nausea 32 1 11 1 Anemia 24 22 15 14 Peripheral edema 20 1 15 0 Vomiting 19 0 5 1 Dizziness 15 1 5 0 Pyrexia 15 1 3 0 Epistaxis 12 5 13 1 Dyspnea 10 0 9 3 Pruritus 10 2 6 0 Upper respiratory tract infection 10 0 6 0 Cough 8 2 10 0
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of VONJO. 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: Renal: Acute or subacute kidney injury (secondary to diarrhea)
Warnings & Cautions for Vonjo
Hemorrhage Serious (11%) and fatal (2%) hemorrhages have occurred in
VONJO-treated patients with platelet counts <100 x 10 9 /L. Serious (13%) and fatal (2%) hemorrhages have occurred in VONJO-treated patients with platelet counts <50 x 10 9 /L. Grade ≥3 bleeding events (defined as requiring transfusion or invasive intervention) occurred in 15% of patients treated with VONJO compared to 7% of patients treated on the control arm. Due to hemorrhage, VONJO dose-reductions, dose interruptions, or permanent discontinuations occurred in 3%, 3%, and 5% of patients, respectively. Avoid use of VONJO in patients with active bleeding and hold VONJO 7 days prior to any planned surgical or invasive procedures.
Assess platelet counts periodically, as clinically indicated . Manage hemorrhage using treatment interruption and medical intervention .
Diarrhea
VONJO caused diarrhea in approximately 48% of patients compared to 15% of patients treated on the control arm in a clinical trial. The median time to resolution in VONJO-treated patients was 2 weeks. The incidence of reported diarrhea decreased over time with 41% of patients reporting diarrhea in the first 8 weeks of treatment, 15% in Weeks 8 through 16, and 8% in Weeks 16 through 24. Diarrhea resulted in treatment interruption in 3% of VONJO-treated patients.
Serious diarrhea adverse reactions occurred in 2% of patients treated with VONJO compared to no such adverse reactions in patients in the control arm. In postmarketing reports, severe diarrhea leading to acute kidney injury and treatment discontinuation has been reported with VONJO. Control pre-existing diarrhea before starting VONJO treatment. Manage diarrhea with antidiarrheal medications, fluid replacement, and dose-modification.
Upon initiation of therapy, prescribe an anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., loperamide), and instruct patients to treat diarrhea promptly at the first onset of symptoms (change in frequency or consistency of bowel movements) after starting VONJO. Interrupt or reduce VONJO dose in patients with significant diarrhea despite optimal supportive care .
Thrombocytopenia
VONJO can cause worsening thrombocytopenia. VONJO dosing was reduced due to worsening thrombocytopenia in 2% of patients with pre-existing moderate to severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100 x 10 9 /L). VONJO dosing was reduced due to worsening thrombocytopenia in 2% of patients with pre-existing severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50 x 10 9 /L). Monitor platelet count prior to VONJO treatment and as clinically indicated during treatment . Interrupt VONJO in patients with clinically significant worsening of thrombocytopenia that lasts for more than 7 days. Restart VONJO at 50% of the last given dose once the toxicity has resolved.
If toxicity recurs hold VONJO. Restart VONJO at 50% of the last given dose once the toxicity has resolved .
Prolonged QT Interval
VONJO can cause prolongation of the QTc interval. QTc prolongation of >500 msec was higher in VONJO-treated patients than in patients in the control arm (1.4% vs 1%). QTc increase from baseline by 60 msec or higher was greater in VONJO-treated patients than in control arm patients (1.9% vs 1%). Adverse reactions of QTc prolongation were reported for 3.8% of VONJO-treated patients and 2% of control arm patients. No cases of torsades de pointes were reported.
Avoid use of VONJO in patients with a baseline QTc of >480 msec. Avoid use of drugs with significant potential for QTc prolongation in combination with VONJO. Correct hypokalemia prior to and during VONJO treatment. Manage QTc prolongation using VONJO interruption and electrolyte management .
Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) Another Janus associated kinase (JAK)-inhibitor has increased
the risk of MACE, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke (compared to those treated with TNF blockers) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which VONJO is not indicated. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with VONJO particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur.
Thrombosis Another
JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of thrombosis, including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thrombosis (compared to those treated with TNF blockers) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which VONJO is not indicated. Patients with symptoms of thrombosis should be promptly evaluated and treated appropriately.
Secondary Malignancies Another
JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of lymphoma and other malignancies excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (compared to those treated with TNF blockers) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which VONJO is not indicated. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with VONJO, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than a successfully treated NMSC), patients who develop a malignancy, and patients who are current or past smokers.
Risk of Infection Another
JAK-inhibitor increased the risk of serious infections (compared to best available therapy) in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and viral infections may occur in patients treated with VONJO. Delay starting therapy with VONJO until active serious infections have resolved. Observe patients receiving VONJO for signs and symptoms of infection and manage promptly.
Use active surveillance and prophylactic antibiotics according to clinical guidelines.
Symptom
Exacerbation Following Interruption or Discontinuation of Treatment Following discontinuation of JAK-inhibitors, including VONJO, signs and symptoms from myeloproliferative neoplasms may flare. Some patients with MF have experienced one or more of the following after discontinuing JAK-inhibitors: fever, respiratory distress, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or multi-organ failure. If one or more of these signs and symptoms occur after discontinuation of VONJO, evaluate for and treat any intercurrent illness and consider restarting VONJO. Instruct patients not to interrupt or discontinue therapy without consulting their healthcare provider.
When discontinuing or interrupting therapy with VONJO for reasons other than potentially life-threatening toxicities, consider tapering the dose of VONJO gradually rather than discontinuing abruptly . 5.10 Interactions With CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers Co-administration of VONJO with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers is contraindicated. Monitor for increased adverse reactions of VONJO when administered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors .
Drug Interactions with Vonjo
Effect of Other Drugs on
VONJO Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Pacritinib is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4. Concomitant use of VONJO with strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors increases pacritinib exposure, which may increase the risk of exposure-related adverse reactions Co-administration of VONJO with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated. Monitor patients concomitantly receiving moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) for increased adverse reactions and consider VONJO dose modifications based on safety . Concomitant use of VONJO with doses of fluconazole greater than 200 mg once daily has not been studied. Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Pacritinib is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4. Concomitant use of VONJO with strong CYP3A4 inducers decreases pacritinib exposure, which may reduce efficacy of VONJO . Co-administration of VONJO with strong CYP3A4 inducers is contraindicated.
Effect of
VONJO on Other Drugs CYP1A2 Substrates Pacritinib is an inhibitor of CYP1A2. VONJO increases the plasma concentrations of CYP1A2 substrates ,which may increase the risk of adverse reactions from the CYP1A2 substrate. Monitor for CYP1A2 substrate related adverse reactions more frequently, unless otherwise recommended in the substrate Prescribing Information, when VONJO is used concomitantly with CYP1A2 substrates where minimal substrate concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions. CYP2C19 Substrates Pacritinib is an inducer of CYP2C19. VONJO decreases the plasma concentrations of CYP2C19 substrates , which may decrease the efficacy from the CYP2C19 substrate.
Monitor the efficacy of CYP2C19 substrate more frequently, unless otherwise recommended in the substrate Prescribing Information, when VONJO is used concomitantly with CYP2C19 substrates where minimal substrate concentration changes may lead to diminished efficacy. Dose adjustment of CYP2C19 substrates may be needed. CYP3A4 Substrates Pacritinib is an inducer of CYP3A4. VONJO decreases the plasma concentrations of CYP3A4 substrates , which may decrease the efficacy from the CYP3A4 substrate.
Monitor the efficacy of CYP3A4 substrate more frequently, unless otherwise recommended in the substrate Prescribing Information, when VONJO is used concomitantly with CYP3A4 substrates where minimal substrate concentration changes may lead to diminished efficacy. Dose adjustment of CYP3A4 substrates may be needed. Hormonal Contraceptives Avoid concomitant use of VONJO with hormonal contraceptives except for intrauterine systems containing levonorgestrel.
The effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, except for intrauterine systems containing levonorgestrel, may be reduced when used with VONJO. If contraception is needed or desired, an alternate contraceptive that is not affected by CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., an intrauterine system) or additional nonhormonal contraceptive (e.g., condoms) should be used when treated concomitantly with VONJO, and for 30 days after last dose of VONJO. P-gp Substrates Pacritinib is an inhibitor of P-gp. VONJO increases the plasma concentrations of P-gp substrates , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions from the P-gp substrate. Monitor for P-gp substrate related adverse reactions more frequently, unless otherwise recommended in the substrate Prescribing Information, when VONJO is used concomitantly with P-gp substrates where minimal substrate concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions.
Digoxin: Measure serum digoxin concentrations before initiating concomitant use with VONJO and continue monitoring serum digoxin concentrations as recommended in the Prescribing Information for digoxin . BCRP substrates Pacritinib is an inhibitor of BCRP. VONJO increases the plasma concentrations of BCRP substrates , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions from the BCRP substrate. When used concomitantly with VONJO, monitor for BCRP substrate related adverse reactions more frequently and consider dose reduction of the BCRP substrate according to its Prescribing Information. Rosuvastatin: The dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 20 mg once daily when concomitantly used with VONJO .
Pregnancy Safety for Vonjo
Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on VONJO 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, administration of pacritinib to pregnant mice or rabbits at exposures that were considerably lower than those observed at the recommended human dose were associated with maternal toxicity and embryonic and fetal loss (see Data ). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Consider the benefits and risks of VONJO for the mother and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing VONJO to a pregnant woman.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) 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% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data Animal Data Pacritinib was administered orally to pregnant mice at doses of 30, 100, or 250 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 to gestation day 15. Pacritinib was also administered orally to pregnant rabbits at doses of 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg/day from gestation day 7 until gestation day 20. In both species, pacritinib was associated with maternal toxicity, which resulted in post-implantation loss in mice, abortions in rabbits, and reduced fetal body weights in mice and rabbits at exposures 0.1 times (mice) and 0.3 times (rabbits) the exposure at the recommended human dose (AUC-based). In mice, the high dose was associated with an increased incidence of an external malformation (cleft palate) in the presence of maternal toxicity. In a pre- and post-natal development study in mice, pregnant animals were dosed with pacritinib from implantation through lactation at 30, 100, or 250 mg/kg/day. Maternal toxicity was noted at 250 mg/kg and associated with increased gestation length and dystocia, lowered mean birth weights and neonatal survival, and transiently delayed startle response, learning, and memory development at weaning.
Pediatric Use of Vonjo
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Contraindications for Vonjo
is contraindicated in patients concomitantly using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers as these medications can significantly alter exposure to pacritinib, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions or impair efficacy . Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers
Overdosage Information for Vonjo
Overdosage may lead to gastrointestinal toxicities, myelosuppression, blurred vision, dizziness, worsening performance status, and sepsis. There is no known antidote for overdose with VONJO. Hemodialysis is not expected to enhance the elimination of VONJO.
Clinical Studies of Vonjo
Difference (VONJO-BAT) 95% CI 25.9
A waterfall plot of the percentage of change in spleen volume from baseline to Week 24 is presented in Figure 1 for the PERSIST-2 patients with baseline platelet counts <50 × 10 9 /L. The median reduction in spleen volume for patients with a platelet count <50 × 10 9 /L was 27.3% for patients in the VONJO 200 mg twice daily group compared to 0.9% in the BAT group. Figure 1 Waterfall Plot of Median Percent Change From Baseline in Spleen Volume at Week 24 in Patients With <50 × 109/L Platelet Counts in PERSIST-2 a a Dropout rates in VONJO and BAT arms were 26% and 44%, respectively. image description
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.
Ready to save on Vonjo?
Compare prescription prices at over 70,000 pharmacies and start saving today—no enrollment required.
Compare Vonjo Prices