akeega

Important safety information

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML) : MDS/AML, including a case with fatal outcome, has been observed in patients treated with AKEEGA. Monitor patients for hematological toxicity and discontinue if MDS/AML is confirmed. ( 5.1 ) Myelosuppression: Test complete blood counts weekly for the first month, every two weeks for the next two months, monthly for the remainder of the first year, then every other month, and as clinically indicated. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Hypokalemia, Fluid Retention, and Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions: Monitor patients for hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention at least weekly for the first two months, then once a month. Closely monitor patients whose underlying medical conditions might be compromised by increases in blood pressure, hypokalemia, or fluid retention. Control hypertension and correct hypokalemia before and during treatment with AKEEGA. ( 5.3 ) Hepatotoxicity: Can be severe and fatal. Monitor liver function and modify, interrupt, or discontinue treatment as recommended. ( 2.3 , 5.4 ) Adrenocortical insufficiency : Monitor for symptoms and signs of adrenocortical insufficiency. Increased dosage of corticosteroids may be indicated before, during and after stressful situations. ( 5.5 ) Hypoglycemia: Severe hypoglycemia has been reported when abiraterone acetate, a component of AKEEGA, was administered to patients receiving medications containing thiazolidinediones (including pioglitazone) or repaglinide. Monitor blood glucose in patients with diabetes during and assess if antidiabetic agent dose modifications are required. ( 5.6 ) Increased fractures and mortality in combination with radium Ra 223 dichloride : Use of AKEEGA plus prednisone in combination with radium Ra 223 dichloride is not recommended. ( 5.7 ) Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): PRES has been observed in patients treated with niraparib, a component of AKEEGA. Discontinue AKEEGA if PRES is confirmed. ( 5.8 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: AKEEGA can cause fetal harm. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception. ( 5.9 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia AKEEGA may cause myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML). In the individual AMPLITUDE and MAGNITUDE studies, MDS or AML, including cases with fatal outcomes, were reported in 0.6% (2/347) and 0.5% (1/212) of patients treated with AKEEGA plus prednisone, respectively. All patients in other tumor types treated with niraparib, a component of AKEEGA, who developed secondary MDS/cancer-therapy-related AML had received previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA-damaging agents, including radiotherapy. For suspected MDS/AML or prolonged hematological toxicities, refer the patient to a hematologist for further evaluation. Discontinue AKEEGA if MDS/AML is confirmed. 5.2 Myelosuppression AKEEGA may cause myelosuppression (anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia). In AMPLITUDE, Grade 3–4 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were reported, respectively in 29%, 10%, and 4.9% of patients receiving AKEEGA. Overall, 25% of patients with anemia required a red blood cell transfusion, including 15% who required more than one transfusion. Discontinuation due to anemia occurred in 1.2% of patients. In MAGNITUDE Cohort 1, Grade 3–4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia were reported, respectively in 28%, 8%, and 7% of patients receiving AKEEGA. Overall, 27% of patients with anemia required a red blood cell transfusion, including 19.5% who required more than one transfusion. Discontinuation due to anemia occurred in 3% of patients. Monitor complete blood counts weekly during the first month of AKEEGA treatment, every two weeks for the next two months, monthly for the remainder of the first year and then every other month, and as clinically indicated. Do not start AKEEGA until patients have adequately recovered from hematologic toxicity caused by previous therapy. If hematologic toxicities do not resolve within 28 days following interruption, discontinue AKEEGA and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations, including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.3 Hypokalemia, Fluid Retention, and Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions AKEEGA may cause hypokalemia and fluid retention as a consequence of increased mineralocorticoid levels resulting from CYP17 inhibition [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . In post-marketing experience, QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes have been observed in patients who develop hypokalemia while taking abiraterone acetate, a component of AKEEGA. Hypertension and hypertensive crisis have also been reported in patients treated with niraparib, a component of AKEEGA. In AMPLITUDE, which used prednisone 5 mg daily in combination with AKEEGA, Grades 3–4 hypokalemia was detected in 9% of patients on the AKEEGA arm, and Grades 3–4 hypertension was observed in 30% of patients on the AKEEGA arm. In MAGNITUDE Cohort 1, which used prednisone 10 mg daily in combination with AKEEGA, Grade 3–4 hypokalemia was detected in 2.7% of patients on the AKEEGA arm and Grade 3–4 hypertension was observed in 14% of patients on the AKEEGA arm. Monitor patients for hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention at least weekly for the first two months, then once a month. Closely monitor patients whose underlying medical conditions might be compromised by increases in blood pressure, hypokalemia, or fluid retention, such as those with heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease, or ventricular arrhythmia. Control hypertension and correct hypokalemia before and during treatment with AKEEGA. Discontinue AKEEGA in patients who develop hypertensive crisis or other severe cardiovascular adverse reactions. The safety of AKEEGA in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II to IV heart failure has not been established because these patients were excluded from AMPLITUDE and MAGNITUDE. 5.4 Hepatotoxicity AKEEGA may cause hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity in patients receiving abiraterone acetate, a component of AKEEGA, has been reported in clinical trials. In post-marketing experience, there have been abiraterone acetate-associated severe hepatic toxicity, including fulminant hepatitis, acute liver failure, and deaths. In AMPLITUDE, Grade 3–4 ALT or AST increases (at least 5 × ULN) were reported in 1.9% and 1.3% of patients, respectively. In MAGNITUDE Cohort 1, Grade 3–4 ALT or AST increases (at least 5 × ULN) were reported in 1.8% and 0.9% of patients, respectively. The safety of AKEEGA in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment has not been established as these patients were excluded from AMPLITUDE and MAGNITUDE. Measure serum transaminases (ALT and AST) and bilirubin levels prior to starting treatment with AKEEGA, every two weeks for the first three months of treatment and monthly thereafter. Promptly measure serum total bilirubin, AST, and ALT if clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of hepatotoxicity develop. Elevations of AST, ALT, or bilirubin from the patient's baseline should prompt more frequent monitoring and may require dosage modifications [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. Permanently discontinue AKEEGA for patients who develop a concurrent elevation of ALT greater than 3 × ULN and total bilirubin greater than 2 × ULN in the absence of biliary obstruction or other causes responsible for the concurrent elevation, or in patients who develop ALT or AST ≥20 × ULN at any time after receiving AKEEGA. 5.5 Adrenocortical Insufficiency AKEEGA may cause adrenal insufficiency. Adrenocortical insufficiency has been reported in clinical trials in patients receiving abiraterone acetate, a component of AKEEGA, in combination with prednisone, following interruption of daily steroids and/or with concurrent infection or stress. Monitor patients for symptoms and…