zelboraf

Important safety information

New Primary Cutaneous Malignancies: Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiation of therapy, every 2 months while on therapy, and for up to 6 months following discontinuation of ZELBORAF. Manage with excision and continue treatment without dose adjustment. ( 5.1 ) New Non-Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Evaluate for symptoms or clinical signs of new non-cutaneous SCC before initiation of treatment and periodically during treatment. ( 5.1 ) Other Malignancies: Monitor patients receiving ZELBORAF closely for signs or symptoms of other malignancies ( 5.1 ). Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Melanoma: Increased cell proliferation can occur with BRAF inhibitors ( 5.2 ). Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions including anaphylaxis and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS Syndrome): Discontinue ZELBORAF for severe hypersensitivity reactions. ( 5.3 ) Severe Dermatologic Reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Discontinue ZELBORAF for severe dermatologic reactions. ( 5.4 ) QT Prolongation: Monitor ECG and electrolytes before and during treatment. Withhold ZELBORAF for QTc of 500 ms or greater. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and control for cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation. ( 5.5 ) Hepatotoxicity: Measure liver enzymes and bilirubin before initiating ZELBORAF and monitor monthly during treatment. ( 5.6 ) Photosensitivity: Advise patients to avoid sun exposure. ( 5.7 ) Serious Ophthalmologic Reactions: Monitor for signs and symptoms of uveitis. ( 5.8 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.9 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Radiation Sensitization and Radiation Recall: Severe cases have been reported. ( 5.10 ). Renal Failure: Measure serum creatinine before initiating ZELBORAF and monitor periodically during treatment ( 5.11 ). Dupuytren's Contracture and plantar fascial fibromatosis: Events should be managed with dose reduction, treatment interruption, or treatment discontinuation. ( 5.12 ). 5.1 New Primary Malignancies Cutaneous Malignancies Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, and melanoma occurred at a higher incidence in patients receiving ZELBORAF compared to those in the control arm in Trial 1. The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cuSCC) and keratoacanthomas in the ZELBORAF arm was 24% compared to < 1% in the dacarbazine arm [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . The median time to the first appearance of cuSCC was 7 to 8 weeks; approximately 33% of patients who developed a cuSCC while receiving ZELBORAF experienced at least one additional occurrence with median time between occurrences of 6 weeks. Potential risk factors associated with cuSCC observed in clinical studies using ZELBORAF included age (≥ 65 years), prior skin cancer, and chronic sun exposure. In Trial 4, in patients with ECD, the incidence of cuSCC and/or keratoacanthomas was 40.9% (9/22). The median time to first appearance of cuSCC amongst patients with at least one occurrence was 12.1 weeks. In Trial 1, in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, new primary malignant melanoma occurred in 2.1% (7/336) of patients receiving ZELBORAF compared to none of the patients receiving dacarbazine. Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiation of therapy and every 2 months while on therapy. Manage suspicious skin lesions with excision and dermatopathologic evaluation. Consider dermatologic monitoring for 6 months following discontinuation of ZELBORAF. Non-Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Non-cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (non-cuSCC) of the head and neck can occur in patients receiving ZELBORAF [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Monitor patients receiving ZELBORAF closely for signs or symptoms of new non-cuSCC. Other Malignancies Based on mechanism of action, ZELBORAF may promote malignancies associated with activation of RAS through mutation or other mechanisms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Monitor patients receiving ZELBORAF closely for signs or symptoms of other malignancies. Cases of myeloid neoplasms amongst patients with ECD have been observed, including in patients who have received ZELBORAF. Monitoring complete blood count in ECD patients with co-existing myeloid malignancies is recommended. 5.2 Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Melanoma In vitro experiments have demonstrated paradoxical activation of MAP-kinase signaling and increased cell proliferation in BRAF wild-type cells that are exposed to BRAF inhibitors. Confirm evidence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of ZELBORAF [see Indications and Usage (1) and Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Anaphylaxis and other serious hypersensitivity reactions can occur during treatment and upon re-initiation of treatment with ZELBORAF. Severe hypersensitivity reactions included generalized rash and erythema, hypotension, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome). Permanently discontinue ZELBORAF in patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . 5.4 Dermatologic Reactions Severe dermatologic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, can occur in patients receiving ZELBORAF. Permanently discontinue ZELBORAF in patients who experience a severe dermatologic reaction [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. 5.5 QT Prolongation Concentration-dependent QT prolongation occurred in an uncontrolled, open-label QT sub-study in previously treated patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic melanoma [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . QT prolongation may lead to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsade de Pointes. Do not start treatment in patients with uncorrectable electrolyte abnormalities, QTc > 500 ms, or long QT syndrome, or in patients who are taking medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval. Prior to and following treatment initiation or after dose modification of ZELBORAF for QTc prolongation, evaluate ECG and electrolytes (including potassium, magnesium, and calcium) after 15 days, monthly during the first 3 months, and then every 3 months thereafter or more often as clinically indicated. Withhold ZELBORAF in patients who develop QTc > 500 ms (Grade 3). Upon recovery to QTc ≤ 500 ms (Grade ≤ 2), restart at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue ZELBORAF treatment if the QTc interval remains > 500 ms and increased > 60 ms from pre-treatment values after controlling cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g., electrolyte abnormalities, congestive heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.6 Hepatotoxicity Liver injury leading to functional hepatic impairment, including coagulopathy or other organ dysfunction, can occur with ZELBORAF [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Monitor transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin before initiation of treatment and monthly during treatment, or as clinically indicated. Manage laboratory abnormalities with dose reduction, treatment interruption, or treatment discontinuation [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Concurrent Administration with Ipilimumab The safety and effectiveness of ZELBORAF in combination with ipilimumab have not been established [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . In a dose-finding trial, Grade 3 increases in transaminases and bilirubin occurred in a majority of patients who received concurrent ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) and vemurafenib (960 mg BID or 720 mg BID) [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ]. 5.7 Photosensitivity Mild to severe photosensitivity can occur in patients treated with ZELBORAF [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Advise patients to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen and lip balm (SPF ≥ 30) when outdoors. Institute dose modifications for intolerable Grade 2 or greater…