TEZSPIRE
RxNorm 2587794· TEZEPELUMAB-EKKO· SUBCUTANEOUS
Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Blocker [EPC] · Amgen Inc
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TEZSPIRE is a thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) blocker, human monoclonal antibody (IgG2λ), indicated: • for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with severe asthma. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use: Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. ( 1.1 ) • for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Asthma TEZSPIRE is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with severe asthma. Limitations of Use: TEZSPIRE is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. 1.2 Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps TEZSPIRE is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended dosage is 210 mg administered once every 4 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • Administer by subcutaneous injection. ( 2.1 ) • See full prescribing information for preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of TEZSPIRE is 210 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. Missed Dose Information If a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible. Thereafter, the patient can continue (resume) dosing on the usual day of administration. If the next dose is already due, then administer as planned. 2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions TEZSPIRE vial and pre‑filled syringe are intended for administration by a healthcare provider. TEZSPIRE pre-filled pen can be administered by patients/caregivers or healthcare providers. Patients/caregivers may administer TEZSPIRE pre-filled pen after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique and after the healthcare provider determines it is appropriate. Each vial, pre-filled syringe and pre‑filled pen contain a single dose of TEZSPIRE. • Prior to administration, remove TEZSPIRE from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. This generally takes 60 minutes. Do not expose to heat and do not shake. Do not use if the security seal on the carton has been broken. Do not put back in the refrigerator once TEZSPIRE has reached room temperature. • Visually inspect TEZSPIRE for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. TEZSPIRE is a clear to opalescent, colorless to light yellow solution. Do not use TEZSPIRE if liquid is cloudy, discolored, or if it contains large particles or foreign particulate matter. Do not use if the vial, pre-filled syringe or pre‑filled pen has been dropped or damaged or if the expiration date has passed. • Inject TEZSPIRE 210 mg (contents of one vial, one pre-filled syringe or one pre-filled pen as described below) subcutaneously into the thigh or abdomen, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the navel. If a healthcare provider or caregiver administers the injection, the upper arm can also be used. A patient should not self-inject in the upper arm. TEZSPIRE should not be injected into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, erythematous, or hardened. It is recommended to rotate the injection site with each injection. Administration Instructions for Single-Dose Pre-filled Syringe Refer to Figure 1 to identify the pre-filled syringe components for use in the administration steps. Do not remove the needle cover until Step 2 of these instructions when you are ready to inject TEZSPIRE. Do not touch the needle guard activation clips to prevent premature activation of the needle safety guard. Figure 1 TEZSPIRE Pre-filled Syringe Components 1. Grasp the syringe body to remove the pre-filled syringe from its carton. Do not grab the pre-filled syringe by the plunger. The pre-filled syringe may contain small air bubbles; this is normal. Do not expel the air bubbles prior to administration. 2. Do not remove the needle cover until ready to inject. Hold the syringe body and remove the needle cover by pulling straight off. Do not hold the plunger or plunger head while removing the needle cover. You may see a drop of liquid at the end of the needle. This is normal. 3. Gently pinch the skin and administer subcutaneously at approximately 45° angle into the recommended injection site (i.e., upper arm, thigh, or abdomen). 4. Inject all of the medication by pushing in the plunger all the way until the plunger head is completely between the needle guard activation clips. This is necessary to activate the needle guard. 5. After injection, maintain pressure on the plunger head and remove the needle from the skin. Release pressure on the plunger head to allow the needle guard to cover the needle. Do not re-cap the pre-filled syringe. 6. Discard the used syringe into a sharps container. Administration Instructions for Single-Dose Pre-filled Pen These administration…
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions have been observed in the clinical trials (e.g., rash, allergic conjunctivitis) following the administration of TEZSPIRE. Postmarketing cases of anaphylaxis have been reported. Initiate appropriate treatment as clinically indicated in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction. ( 5.1 ) • Risk Associated with Abrupt Reduction in Corticosteroid Dosage: Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with TEZSPIRE. Decrease corticosteroids gradually, if appropriate. ( 5.3 ) • Parasitic (Helminth) Infection: Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before therapy with TEZSPIRE. If patients become infected while receiving TEZSPIRE and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue TEZSPIRE until the parasitic infection resolves. ( 5.4 ) • Vaccination: Avoid use of live attenuated vaccines. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions were observed in the clinical trials (e.g., rash and allergic conjunctivitis) following the administration of TEZSPIRE. Postmarketing cases of anaphylaxis have also been reported [see Contraindications (4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . These reactions can occur within hours of administration, but in some instances have a delayed onset (i.e., days). In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient to determine whether to continue or discontinue treatment with TEZSPIRE. 5.2 Acute Asthma Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease TEZSPIRE should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Do not use TEZSPIRE to treat acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Patients should seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with TEZSPIRE. 5.3 Risk Associated with Abrupt Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with TEZSPIRE. Reductions in corticosteroid dose, if appropriate, should be gradual and performed under the direct supervision of a physician. Reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy. 5.4 Parasitic (Helminth) Infection Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) may be involved in the immunological response to some helminth infections. Patients with known helminth infections were excluded from participation in clinical trials. It is unknown if TEZSPIRE will influence a patient’s response against helminth infections. Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before initiating therapy with TEZSPIRE. If patients become infected while receiving treatment with TEZSPIRE and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue treatment with TEZSPIRE until infection resolves. 5.5 Live Attenuated Vaccines The concomitant use of TEZSPIRE and live attenuated vaccines has not been evaluated. The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided in patients receiving TEZSPIRE.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS TEZSPIRE is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to tezepelumab-ekko or any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to tezepelumab-ekko or excipients. ( 4 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with TEZSPIRE.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on TEZSPIRE use in pregnant women to evaluate for any drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Placental transfer of monoclonal antibodies such as tezepelumab-ekko is greater during the third trimester of pregnancy; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the third trimester of pregnancy. In an enhanced pre- and post-natal development (ePPND) study conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, placental transport of tezepelumab-ekko was observed but there was no evidence of fetal harm following intravenous administration of tezepelumab-ekko throughout pregnancy at doses that produced maternal exposures up to 168 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 210 mg administered subcutaneously (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages 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 risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk: In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, evidence demonstrates that there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. The level of asthma control should be closely monitored in pregnant women and treatment adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control. Data Animal Data In the ePPND study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received tezepelumab-ekko from GD20 to GD22 (dependent on pregnancy determination), at the beginning of organogenesis, and once every 7 days until the end of gestation at doses that produced exposures up to 168 times that achieved with the MRHD (on an AUC basis with maternal intravenous doses up to 300 mg/kg/week). There were no tezepelumab-ekko related adverse effects on maternal health, pregnancy outcome, embryo-fetal development, or neonatal growth and development up to 6.5 months of age. Tezepelumab-ekko crossed the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys and tezepelumab-ekko serum concentrations were 0.5- to 6.7-fold higher in infants relative to maternal animals.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- asthma865
- dyspnoea516
- arthralgia476
- drug ineffective472
- cough264
- pneumonia249
- product dose omission issue243
- headache224
- fatigue214
- back pain213
- rash205
- pain200
- dizziness176
- injection site pain171
- death162
- pruritus137
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 3%) are: • Asthma: pharyngitis, arthralgia, and back pain. ( 6.1 ) • Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, epistaxis, pharyngitis, back pain, influenza, injection site reaction and arthralgia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 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. Adverse Reactions in Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older with Asthma The safety of TEZSPIRE in asthma was based on the pooled safety population from PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR, which consists of 665 adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with severe asthma who received at least one dose of TEZSPIRE 210 mg subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. The two placebo-controlled clinical trials were of 52 weeks duration. In addition, a similar safety profile was seen in a trial that enrolled 150 adult patients with severe asthma who required treatment with daily oral corticosteroids [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Adverse reactions that occurred at an incidence greater than or equal to 3% and more common than in the placebo group from the pooled safety population (PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR) are shown in Table 1. Table 1 Adverse Reactions with TEZSPIRE with Incidence Greater than or Equal to 3% and More Common than Placebo in Patients with Severe Asthma in the Pooled Safety Population (PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR) Adverse Reaction TEZSPIRE N=665 % Placebo N=669 % Pharyngitis Pharyngitis (including Pharyngitis, Pharyngitis bacterial, Pharyngitis streptococcal and Viral pharyngitis) 4 3 Arthralgia 4 3 Back pain 4 3 Specific Adverse Reactions Cardiovascular Events In a randomized, double-blind, long term extension trial, patients 12 years and older with severe asthma from trials NAVIGATOR and the additional trial [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] received TEZSPIRE 210 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks or placebo for up to 104 weeks. In the trial, the incidence rates (IR) per 100 patient-years (PY) for serious cardiac adverse events in patients treated with TEZSPIRE or placebo were 1.08 and 0.21, respectively, with an incidence rate difference (IRD) of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.24, 1.53). The types of serious cardiac adverse events were heterogeneous. In the trial, the IR per 100 PY for adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, defined as cardiovascular deaths, non-fatal myocardial infarctions, and non-fatal strokes) in patients treated with TEZSPIRE or placebo were 0.60 and 0.42, respectively, with an IRD of 0.18 (95% CI: -0.51, 0.75). Injection Site Reactions In the pooled safety population (PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR), in which TEZSPIRE or placebo was administered using the vial by a healthcare provider, injection site reactions (e.g., injection site erythema, injection site swelling, injection site pain) occurred at a rate of 3.3% in patients treated with TEZSPIRE compared with 2.7% in patients treated with placebo. In an open-label trial of 216 patients with asthma in which TEZSPIRE was administered by healthcare providers and patients or caregivers using either the pre-filled pen or pre-filled syringe, injection site reactions (e.g., injection site erythema, injection site swelling, injection site pain) were observed in 5.7% patients using the pre-filled pen and 0% using the pre-filled syringe. However, the trial was not designed to compare injection site reactions between patients who received TEZSPIRE by the pre-filled pen versus pre-f…
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