Xromi Drug Information
Generic name: HYDROXYUREA
Antimetabolite [EPC]
Uses of Xromi
is indicated to reduce the frequency of painful crises and reduce the need for blood transfusions in pediatric patients aged 6 months of age and older with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe painful crises. XROMI is an antimetabolite indicated to reduce the frequency of painful crises and reduce the need for blood transfusions in pediatric patients aged 6 months of age and older with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe painful crises.
Dosage & Administration of Xromi
| Initial Recommended dosing | 15 mg/kg/day (rounded to nearest 10 mg) orally as a single dose once daily based on the patient’s actual body weight. |
|---|---|
| Dosing Adjustment Based on Blood Counts in the acceptable range | Increase dose 5 mg/kg/day every 8 to 12 weeks. Maximal dose: 35 mg/kg/day.* *Maximal dose is the highest dose that does not produce toxic blood counts over 24 consecutive weeks. |
| Dosing Adjustment Based on Blood Counts below acceptable range | Do not increase dose. |
| Dosing after Hematologic Recovery | If hematologic toxicity resolved within 1 week, restart at the same XROMI dose. If hematologic toxicity persisted for more than 1 week or occurred twice in a 3 month period, reduce dose by 5 mg/kg/day. |
Side Effects of Xromi
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 XROMI was evaluated in 32 pediatric patients aged 10 months -16 years with sickle cell anemia in a single-arm, open-label, prospective, multi-center, pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy study (HUPK study). Only adverse reactions associated with the use of XROMI in pediatric patients aged 10 months to less than 2 years are presented. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in HUPK study (<33%) were neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Table 3. Adverse Reactions Reported in Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Months and Older Enrolled in HUPK 10 Months–<2 Years 2 –<6 Years 6 –<18 Years Overall Body System Adverse Reactions (n=6)% (n=16)% (n=10)% (n=32)% Neutropenia 3 1 0 4 Thrombocytopenia 2 1 0 3 Diarrhea 1 0 0 1 GGT Increased 0 0 1 1 Absolute Reticulocyte Count Decreased 1 0 0 1 Alopecia 0 1 0 1 Nail Discolouration 0 0 1 1 Rash 0 0 1 1 Rash Popular 0 1 1 2
Post marketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of hydroxyurea. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency. Reproductive System and Breast disorders: azoospermia, and oligospermia Gastrointestinal disorders: stomatitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation Metabolism and Nutrition disorders: anorexia Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: maculopapular rash, skin ulceration, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis-like skin changes, peripheral and facial erythema, hyperpigmentation, nail hyperpigmentation, atrophy of skin and nails, scaling, violet papules, and alopecia Renal and urinary disorders: dysuria, elevations in serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels Nervous system disorders: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, disorientation, hallucinations, and convulsions General disorders: fever, chills, malaise, edema, and asthenia Hepatobiliary disorders: elevation of hepatic enzymes, cholestasis, and hepatitis Respiratory disorders: diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, dyspnea, and pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, alveolitis, allergic alveolitis and cough Immune disorders: systemic lupus erythematosus Hypersensitivity: Drug-induced fever (pyrexia) (>39°C, >102°F) requiring hospitalization has been reported concurrently with gastrointestinal, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, hepatobiliary, dermatological or cardiovascular manifestations.
Onset typically occurred within 6 weeks of initiation and resolved upon discontinuation of hydroxyurea. Upon re-administration fever reoccurred typically within 24 hours. Blood and lymphatic system disorders: hemolytic anemia
Warnings & Cautions for Xromi
Myelosuppression Hydroxyurea causes severe myelosuppression. Do not initiate treatment with
XROMI in patients if bone marrow function is markedly depressed. Bone marrow suppression may occur, and leukopenia is generally its first and most common manifestation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occur less often and are seldom seen without a preceding leukopenia.
Some patients, treated at the recommended initial dose of 15 mg/kg/day, have experienced severe or life-threatening myelosuppression. Evaluate hematologic status (CBC, reticulocyte count) prior to and every 2 weeks during dose-escalation period of XROMI treatment. Once a stable dose of XROMI is achieved, monitor every 4 weeks.
Provide supportive care and modify dose or discontinue XROMI as needed. Recovery from myelosuppression is usually rapid when therapy is interrupted. .
Hemolytic Anemia Cases of hemolytic anemia in patients treated with hydroxyurea for
myeloproliferative diseases have been reported . Patients who develop acute jaundice or hematuria in the presence of persistent or worsening of anemia should have laboratory tests evaluated for hemolysis (e.g., measurement of serum lactate dehydrogenase, haptoglobin, reticulocyte, unconjugated bilirubin levels, urinalysis, and direct and indirect antiglobulin tests). In the setting of confirmed diagnosis of hemolytic anemia and in the absence of other causes, discontinue XROMI.
Malignancies Hydroxyurea is a human carcinogen.
In patients receiving long-term hydroxyurea for myeloproliferative disorders (a condition for which XROMI is not approved), secondary leukemia has been reported. Secondary leukemia has also been reported in patients treated with long-term hydroxyurea for sickle cell anemia. Leukemia has also been reported in patients with sickle cell anemia and no prior history of treatment with hydroxyurea.
All patients using XROMI should be followed up on a long-term basis with regular blood counts to detect development of leukemia. Skin cancer has also been reported in patients receiving long-term hydroxyurea. Advise protection from sun exposure and monitor for the development of secondary malignancies.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity with Unapproved Use in Adolescents and Adults
Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animals, XROMI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Hydroxyurea was embryotoxic and teratogenic in rats and rabbits at doses 0.8 times and 0.3 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m 2 basis.
Vasculitic Toxicities Cutaneous vasculitic toxicities, including vasculitic ulcerations and gangrene, have occurred
in patients with myeloproliferative disorders during therapy with hydroxyurea. These vasculitic toxicities were reported most often in patients with a history of, or currently receiving, interferon therapy. If cutaneous vasculitic ulcers occur, institute treatment and discontinue XROMI.
Live Vaccinations
Avoid use of live vaccines in patients taking XROMI. Concomitant use of XROMI with a live virus vaccine may potentiate the replication of the virus and/or may increase the adverse reaction of the vaccine because normal defense mechanisms may be suppressed by XROMI. Vaccination with live vaccines in a patient receiving XROMI may result in severe infection . Patient’s antibody response to vaccines may be decreased. Consider consultation with a specialist.
Risks with
Concomitant Use of Antiretroviral Drugs Pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy have occurred when hydroxyurea was administered concomitantly with antiretroviral drugs, including didanosine and stavudine .
Macrocytosis
XROMI may cause macrocytosis, which is self-limiting, and is often seen early in the course of treatment. The morphologic change resembles pernicious anemia, but is not related to vitamin B 12 or folic acid deficiency. This may mask the diagnosis of pernicious anemia.
Prophylactic administration of folic acid is recommended.
Pulmonary Toxicity Interstitial lung disease including pulmonary fibrosis, lung infiltration, pneumonitis, and
alveolitis/allergic alveolitis (including fatal cases) have been reported in patients treated for myeloproliferative neoplasm. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for the use of XROMI in the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms and the use is not approved by the FDA. Monitor patients developing pyrexia, cough, dyspnea, or other respiratory symptoms frequently, investigate and treat promptly. Discontinue XROMI and manage with corticosteroids . 5.10 Laboratory Test Interference Interference with uric acid, urea, or lactic acid assays is possible, rendering falsely elevated results of these in patients treated with hydroxyurea . Hydroxyurea may falsely elevate sensor glucose results from certain continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and may lead to hypoglycemia if sensor glucose results are relied upon to dose insulin.
If a patient using a CGM is to be prescribed hydroxyurea, consult with the CGM prescriber about alternative glucose monitoring methods .
Drug Interactions with Xromi
Increased Toxicity with
Concomitant Use of Antiretroviral Drugs Pancreatitis In patients with HIV infection during therapy with hydroxyurea and didanosine, with or without stavudine, fatal and nonfatal cases of pancreatitis have occurred. Hydroxyurea is not indicated for the treatment of HIV infection; however, if patients with HIV infection are treated with hydroxyurea, and in particular, in combination with didanosine and/or stavudine, close monitoring for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis is recommended. Permanently discontinue therapy with hydroxyurea in patients who develop signs and symptoms of pancreatitis.
Hepatotoxicity Hepatotoxicity and hepatic failure resulting in death have been reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients with HIV infection treated with hydroxyurea and other antiretroviral drugs. Fatal hepatic events were reported most often in patients treated with the combination of hydroxyurea, didanosine, and stavudine. Avoid this combination.
Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy, which was severe in some cases, has been reported in patients with HIV infection receiving hydroxyurea in combination with antiretroviral drugs, including didanosine, with or without stavudine.
Laboratory Test Interference Interference with Uric Acid, Urea, or Lactic Acid Assays
Studies have shown that there is an analytical interference of hydroxyurea with the enzymes (urease, uricase, and lactate dehydrogenase) used in the determination of urea, uric acid, and lactic acid, rendering falsely elevated results of these in patients treated with hydroxyurea. Interference with Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Hydroxyurea may falsely elevate sensor glucose results from certain continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and may lead to hypoglycemia if sensor glucose results are relied upon to dose insulin. If a patient using a CGM is to be prescribed hydroxyurea, consult with the CGM prescriber about alternative glucose monitoring methods.
Pregnancy Safety for Xromi
Pregnancy Risk Summary XROMI can cause fetal harm based on findings from animal studies and the drug’s mechanism of action. There are no data with XROMI use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of hydroxyurea to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis produced embryotoxic and teratogenic effects at doses 0.8 times and 0.3 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m 2 basis (see Data ). Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus and to avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with XROMI. 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 Hydroxyurea has been demonstrated to be a potent teratogen in a wide variety of animal models, including mice, hamsters, cats, miniature swine, dogs, and monkeys at doses within 1-fold of the human dose given on a mg/m 2 basis. Hydroxyurea is embryotoxic and causes fetal malformations (partially ossified cranial bones, absence of eye sockets, hydrocephaly, bipartite sternebrae, missing lumbar vertebrae) at 180 mg/kg/day (about 0.8 times the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m 2 basis) in rats and at 30 mg/kg/day (about 0.3 times the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m 2 basis) in rabbits. Embryotoxicity was characterized by decreased fetal viability, reduced live litter sizes, and developmental delays.
Hydroxyurea crosses the placenta. Single doses of ≥375 mg/kg (about 1.7 times the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m 2 basis) to rats caused growth retardation and impaired learning ability.
Pediatric Use of Xromi
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of XROMI have been established in pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe painful crises. Use of XROMI in these age groups is supported by evidence from a pharmacokinetic, efficacy and safety study, in which 32 pediatric patients ages 6 months to <18 years were enrolled. Among the 32 pediatric patients treated with XROMI, 6 were infants (6 months – 2 years), 16 children (2-6 years) and 10 were adolescents (6-18 years). Continuous follow-up of the growth of treated children is recommended.
Contraindications for Xromi
is contraindicated in patients: who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any other component of its formulation. . In patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any other component of its formulation.
Overdosage Information for Xromi
Acute mucocutaneous toxicity and neutropenia has been reported in patients receiving hydroxyurea at doses several times above the therapeutic dose. Soreness, violet erythema, oedema on palms and soles followed by scaling of hand and feet, severe generalized hyperpigmentation of the skin and stomatitis have been observed.
Clinical Studies of Xromi
The effectiveness of XROMI has been established for the indication, “to reduce the frequency of painful crises and to reduce the need for blood transfusions in pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe painful crises” based on an adequate and well-controlled study of hydroxyurea capsules in adult patients with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe pain crises and additional pharmacokinetic data from a single-arm, open-label study of XROMI in pediatric patients aged 10 months to less than 18 years with sickle cell anemia, who were treatment naïve or had not received hydroxyurea in the 6 months prior to enrollment: HUPK study.
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 Xromi?
Compare prescription prices at over 70,000 pharmacies and start saving today—no enrollment required.
Compare Xromi Prices