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PROCRIT

RxNorm 205913· ERYTHROPOIETIN· INTRAVENOUS, SUBCUTANEOUS

Janssen Products, LP

Boxed Warning

WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Chronic Kidney Disease: In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL ( 5.1 ). No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks ( 2.2 ). Use the lowest PROCRIT dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions ( 5.1 ). Cancer: ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers ( 5.2 ). Use the lowest dose to avoid RBC transfusions ( 2.4 ). Use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy ( 1.3 ). ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure ( 1.5 ). Discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course ( 2.4 ). Perisurgery: Due to increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), DVT prophylaxis is recommended ( 5.1 ). Chronic Kidney Disease: In controlled trials, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks [see Dosage and Administr…

Indications and usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PROCRIT is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) indicated for: Treatment of anemia due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis ( 1.1 ). Zidovudine in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection ( 1.2 ). The effects of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy ( 1.3 ). Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery ( 1.4 ). Limitations of Use PROCRIT has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being ( 1.5 ). PROCRIT is not indicated for use: In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy ( 1.5 ). In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure ( 1.5 ). In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in whom the anemia can be managed by transfusion ( 1.5 ). In patients scheduled for surgery who are willing to donate autologous blood ( 1.5 ). In patients undergoing cardiac or vascular surgery ( 1.5 ). As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia ( 1.5 ). 1.1 Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease PROCRIT is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and not on dialysis to decrease the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. 1.2 Anemia Due to Zidovudine in Patients with HIV Infection PROCRIT is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to zidovudine administered at ≤ 4200 mg/week in patients with HIV Infection with endogenous serum erythropoietin levels of ≤ 500 mUnits/mL. 1.3 Anemia Due to Chemotherapy in Patients with Cancer PROCRIT is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies where anemia is due to the effect of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy. 1.4 Reduction of Allogeneic Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Patients Undergoing Elective, Noncardiac, Nonvascular Surgery PROCRIT is indicated to reduce the need for allogeneic RBC transfusions among patients with perioperative hemoglobin > 10 to ≤ 13 g/dL who are at high risk for perioperative blood loss from elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery. PROCRIT is not indicated for patients who are willing to donate autologous blood pre-operatively. 1.5 Limitations of Use PROCRIT has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being. PROCRIT is not indicated for use: In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy. In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure. In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in whom the anemia can be managed by transfusion. In patients scheduled for surgery who are willing to donate autologous blood. In patients undergoing cardiac or vascular surgery. As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.

Dosage and administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Evaluate iron status before and during treatment and maintain iron repletion. Correct or exclude other causes of anemia before initiating treatment ( 2.1 ). In pregnant women, lactating women, neonates, infants: Use only single-dose vials ( 2.1 ). Patients with CKD: Initial dose: 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults) and 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly (pediatric patients). Individualize maintenance dose. Intravenous route recommended for patients on hemodialysis ( 2.2 ). Patients on Zidovudine due to HIV Infection: 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly ( 2.3 ). Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy: 40,000 Units weekly or 150 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults); 600 Units/kg intravenously weekly (pediatric patients ≥ 5 years) ( 2.4 ). Surgery Patients: 300 Units/kg per day daily for 15 days or 600 Units/kg weekly ( 2.5 ). 2.1 Important Dosing Information Evaluation of Iron Stores and Nutritional Factors Evaluate the iron status in all patients before and during treatment. Administer supplemental iron therapy when serum ferritin is less than 100 mcg/L or when serum transferrin saturation is less than 20%. The majority of patients with CKD will require supplemental iron during the course of ESA therapy. Monitoring of Response to Therapy Correct or exclude other causes of anemia (e.g., vitamin deficiency, metabolic or chronic inflammatory conditions, bleeding, etc.) before initiating PROCRIT. Following initiation of therapy and after each dose adjustment, monitor hemoglobin weekly until the hemoglobin level is stable and sufficient to minimize the need for RBC transfusion. Selection of Formulation In pregnant women, lactating women, neonates, and infants use only single-dose vials (the benzyl alcohol-free formulation) [see Contraindications (4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.2 , and 8.4) ]. 2.2 Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL. No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Individualize dosing and use the lowest dose of PROCRIT sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Physicians and patients should weigh the possible benefits of decreasing transfusions against the increased risks of death and other serious cardiovascular adverse reactions [see Boxed Warning and Clinical Studies (14) ]. For all patients with CKD: When initiating or adjusting therapy, monitor hemoglobin levels at least weekly until stable, then monitor at least monthly. When adjusting therapy consider hemoglobin rate of rise, rate of decline, ESA responsiveness and hemoglobin variability. A single hemoglobin excursion may not require a dosing change. Do not increase the dose more frequently than once every 4 weeks. Decreases in dose can occur more frequently. Avoid frequent dose adjustments. If the hemoglobin rises rapidly (e.g., more than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period), reduce the dose of PROCRIT by 25% or more as needed to reduce rapid responses. For patients who do not respond adequately, if the hemoglobin has not increased by more than 1 g/dL after 4 weeks of therapy, increase the dose by 25%. For patients who do not respond adequately over a 12-week escalation period, increasing the PROCRIT dose further is unlikely to improve response and may increase risks. Use the lowest dose that will maintain a hemoglobin level sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions. Evaluate other causes of anemia. Discontinue PROCRIT if responsiveness does not improve. For adult patients with CKD on dialysis: Initiate PROCRIT treatment when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL. If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of PROCRIT. The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 …

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism: Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit ( 5.1 and 14.1 ). Use caution in patients with coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke ( 5.1 ). Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer ( 5.2 ). Hypertension: Control hypertension prior to initiating and during treatment with PROCRIT ( 5.3 ). Seizures: PROCRIT increases the risk for seizures in patients with CKD ( 5.4 ). Increase monitoring of these patients for changes in seizure frequency or premonitory symptoms ( 5.4 ). PRCA: If severe anemia and low reticulocyte count develop during PROCRIT treatment, withhold PROCRIT and evaluate for PRCA ( 5.6 ). Serious Allergic Reactions: Discontinue PROCRIT and manage reactions ( 5.7 ). Severe Cutaneous Reactions: Discontinue PROCRIT ( 5.8 ). 5.1 Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism In controlled clinical trials of patients with CKD comparing higher hemoglobin targets (13 – 14 g/dL) to lower targets (9 – 11.3 g/dL), PROCRIT and other ESAs increased the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, thrombosis of hemodialysis vascular access, and other thromboembolic events in the higher target groups. Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Use caution in patients with coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Patients with CKD and an insufficient hemoglobin response to ESA therapy may be at even greater risk for cardiovascular reactions and mortality than other patients. A rate of hemoglobin rise of greater than 1 g/dL over 2 weeks may contribute to these risks. In controlled clinical trials of patients with cancer, PROCRIT and other ESAs increased the risks for death and serious adverse cardiovascular reactions. These adverse reactions included myocardial infarction and stroke. In controlled clinical trials, ESAs increased the risk of death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing orthopedic procedures. The design and overall results of the 3 large trials comparing higher and lower hemoglobin targets are shown in Table 1. Table 1: Randomized Controlled Trials Showing Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With CKD Normal Hematocrit Study (NHS) (N=1265) CHOIR (N=1432) TREAT (N=4038) Time Period of Trial 1993 to 1996 2003 to 2006 2004 to 2009 Population CKD patients on hemodialysis with coexisting CHF or CAD, hematocrit 30 ± 3% on epoetin alfa CKD patients not on dialysis with hemoglobin < 11 g/dL not previously administered epoetin alfa CKD patients not on dialysis with type II diabetes, hemoglobin ≤ 11 g/dL Hemoglobin Target; Higher vs. Lower (g/dL) 14.0 vs. 10.0 13.5 vs. 11.3 13.0 vs. ≥ 9.0 Median (Q1, Q3) Achieved Hemoglobin level (g/dL) 12.6 (11.6, 13.3) vs. 10.3 (10.0, 10.7) 13.0 (12.2, 13.4) vs. 11.4 (11.1, 11.6) 12.5 (12.0, 12.8) vs. 10.6 (9.9, 11.3) Primary Endpoint All-cause mortality or non-fatal MI All-cause mortality, MI, hospitalization for CHF, or stroke All-cause mortality, MI, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and stroke Hazard Ratio or Relative Risk (95% CI) 1.28 (1.06 – 1.56) 1.34 (1.03 – 1.74) 1.05 (0.94 – 1.17) Adverse Outcome for Higher Target Group All-cause mortality All-cause mortality Stroke Hazard Ratio or Relative Risk (95% CI) 1.27 (1.04 – 1.54) 1.48 (0.97 – 2.27) 1.92 (1.38 – 2.68) Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Normal Hematocrit Study (NHS): A prospective, randomized, open-label study of 1265 patients with chronic kidney disease on dialys…

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS PROCRIT is contraindicated in patients with: Uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with PROCRIT or other erythropoietin protein drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Serious allergic reactions to PROCRIT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] PROCRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in: Neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.2 , 8.4) ]. Uncontrolled hypertension ( 4 ) Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with PROCRIT or other erythropoietin protein drugs ( 4 ) Serious allergic reactions to PROCRIT ( 4 ) Use of the multiple-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol in neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary PROCRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in pregnant women [see Contraindications (4) ] . When therapy with PROCRIT is needed during pregnancy, use a benzyl alcohol-free formulation (i.e., single-dose vial). Do not mix PROCRIT with bacteriostatic saline when administering to pregnant women because it contains benzyl alcohol (see Clinical Considerations ) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . The limited available data on PROCRIT use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, adverse fetal effects including embryo-fetal death, skeletal anomalies, and growth defects occurred when pregnant rats received epoetin alfa at doses approximating the clinical recommended starting doses (see Data ) . Consider the benefits and risks of PROCRIT single-dose vials for the mother and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing PROCRIT to a pregnant woman. The estimated 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 risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions The multiple-dose vials of PROCRIT contain benzyl alcohol. The preservative benzyl alcohol has been associated with serious adverse reactions and death when administered intravenously to neonates and infants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) , Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]. There is a potential for similar risks to fetuses exposed to benzyl alcohol in utero . Data Human Data There are reports of pregnant women with anemia alone or anemia associated with severe renal disease and other hematologic disorders who received PROCRIT. Polyhydramnios and intrauterine growth restriction were reported in women with chronic renal disease, which is associated with an increased risk for these adverse pregnancy outcomes. Due to the limited number of exposed pregnancies and multiple confounding factors (such as underlying maternal conditions, other maternal medications, and gestational timing of exposure), these published case reports and studies do not reliably estimate the frequency, presence or absence of adverse outcomes. Animal Data When rats received PROCRIT at doses greater than or equal to 100 Units/kg/day during mating and through early pregnancy (dosing stopped prior to organogenesis), there were slight increases in the incidences of pre- and post-implantation loss, and a decrease in live fetuses in the presence of maternal toxicity (red limbs/pinna, focal splenic capsular toxicity, increased organ weights). This animal dose level of 100 Units/kg/day may approximate the clinical recommended starting dose, depending on the treatment indication. When pregnant rats and rabbits received intravenous doses of up to 500 mg/kg/day of PROCRIT only during organogenesis (gestational days 7 to 17 in rats and gestational days 6 to 18 in rabbits), no teratogenic effects were observed in the offspring. The offspring (F1 generation) of the treated rats were observed postnatally; rats from the F1 generation reached maturity and were mated; no PROCRIT-related effects were apparent for their offspring (F2 generation fetuses). When pregnant rats received PROCRIT at doses of 500 Units/kg/day late in pregnancy (after the period of organogenesis from day 17 of gestation through day 21 of lactation), pups exhibited decreased number of caudal vertebrae, decreased body weight gain, and delayed appearance of abdominal hair, eyelid opening, and ossification in the presence of maternal toxicity (red limbs/pinna, increased organ weights). This animal dose level of 500 U/kg/day is approximately five times the …

Adverse events

Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.

  • death2,600
  • anaemia1,513
  • fatigue1,427
  • haemoglobin decreased1,390
  • asthenia1,032
  • diarrhoea1,017
  • nausea974
  • off label use875
  • dyspnoea850
  • pneumonia771
  • drug ineffective690
  • pain679
  • vomiting623
  • pyrexia605
  • platelet count decreased592
  • renal failure541

Adverse reactions (label)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] PRCA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Serious Allergic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Patients with CKD: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of PROCRIT-treated patients in clinical studies were hypertension, arthralgia, muscle spasm, pyrexia, dizziness, medical device malfunction, vascular occlusion, and upper respiratory tract infection ( 6.1 ). Patients on Zidovudine due to HIV Infection: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of PROCRIT-treated patients in clinical studies were pyrexia, cough, rash, and injection site irritation ( 6.1 ). Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of PROCRIT-treated patients in clinical studies were nausea, vomiting, myalgia, arthralgia, stomatitis, cough, weight decrease, leukopenia, bone pain, rash, hyperglycemia, insomnia, headache, depression, dysphagia, hypokalemia, and thrombosis ( 6.1 ). Surgery Patients: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of PROCRIT-treated patients in clinical studies were nausea, vomiting, pruritus, headache, injection site pain, chills, deep vein thrombosis, cough, and hypertension ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Janssen Products, LP at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial 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 other drugs and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Adult Patients Three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, including 244 patients with CKD on dialysis, were used to identify the adverse reactions to PROCRIT. In these studies, the mean age of patients was 48 years (range: 20 to 80 years). One hundred and thirty-three (55%) patients were men. The racial distribution was as follows: 177 (73%) patients were white, 48 (20%) patients were black, 4 (2%) patients were Asian, 12 (5%) patients were other, and racial information was missing for 3 (1%) patients. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, including 210 patients with CKD not on dialysis, were used to identify the adverse reactions to PROCRIT. In these studies, the mean age of patients was 57 years (range: 24 to 79 years). One hundred and twenty-one (58%) patients were men. The racial distribution was as follows: 164 (78%) patients were white, 38 (18%) patients were black, 3 (1%) patients were Asian, 3 (1%) patients were other, and racial information was missing for 2 (1%) patients. The adverse reactions with a reported incidence of ≥ 5% in PROCRIT-treated patients and that occurred at a ≥ 1% higher frequency than in placebo-treated patients are shown in the table below: Table 3: Adverse Reactions in Patients with CKD on Dialysis Adverse Reaction PROCRIT-treated Patients (n=148) Placebo-treated Patients (n=96) Hypertension 27.7% 12.5% Arthralgia 16.2% 3.1% Muscle spasm 7.4% 6.3% Pyrexia 10.1% 8.3% Dizziness 9.5% 8.3% Medical Device Malfunction (artificial kidney clotting during dialysis) 8.1% 4.2% Vascular Occlusion (vascular access thrombosis) 8.1% 2.1% Upper respiratory tract infection 6.8% 5.2% An additional serious adverse reaction that occurred in less than 5% of epoetin alfa-treated dialysis patients and greater than placebo was thrombosis (2.7% PROCRIT and 1% placebo) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. The adverse reactions with a reported incide…