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CONEXXENCE

RxNorm 2717531· DENOSUMAB· SUBCUTANEOUS

RANK Ligand Inhibitor [EPC] · Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC

Boxed Warning

WARNING: SEVERE HYPOCALCEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED KIDNEY DISEASE Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), including dialysis-dependent patients, are at greater risk of severe hypocalcemia following denosumab products administration. Severe hypocalcemia resulting in hospitalization, life-threatening events and fatal cases have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . The presence of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) markedly increases the risk of hypocalcemia in these patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Prior to initiating Conexxence in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, evaluate for the presence of CKD-MBD. Treatment with Conexxence in these patients should be supervised by a healthcare provider with expertise in the diagnosis and management of CKD-MBD [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. WARNING: SEVERE HYPOCALCEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED KIDNEY DISEASE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease are at greater risk of severe hypocalcemia following denosumab products administration. Severe hypocalcemia resulting in hospitalization, life-threatening events and fatal cases have been reported. ( 5.1 ) The presence of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) markedly increases the risk of hypocalcemia. ( 5.1 ) Prior to initiating Conexxence in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, evaluate for the presence of CKD-MBD. Treatment with Conexxence in these patients should be supervised by a healthcare provider with expertise in the diagnosis and management of CKD-MBD. ( 2.2 ), ( 5.1 )

Indications and usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Conexxence is a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor indicated for treatment: of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture ( 1.1 ) to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture ( 1.2 ) of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women at high risk for fracture ( 1.3 ) to increase bone mass in men at high risk for fracture receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer ( 1.4 ) to increase bone mass in women at high risk for fracture receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer ( 1.5 ) 1.1 Treatment of Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis at High Risk for Fracture Conexxence is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, defined as a history of osteoporotic fracture, or multiple risk factors for fracture; or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, denosumab reduces the incidence of vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. 1.2 Treatment to Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis Conexxence is indicated for treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, defined as a history of osteoporotic fracture, or multiple risk factors for fracture; or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. 1.3 Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Conexxence is indicated for the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women at high risk of fracture who are either initiating or continuing systemic glucocorticoids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and expected to remain on glucocorticoids for at least 6 months. High risk of fracture is defined as a history of osteoporotic fracture, multiple risk factors for fracture, or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . 1.4 Treatment of Bone Loss in Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Conexxence is indicated as a treatment to increase bone mass in men at high risk for fracture receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. In these patients denosumab also reduced the incidence of vertebral fractures [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )] . 1.5 Treatment of Bone Loss in Women Receiving Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy for Breast Cancer Conexxence is indicated as a treatment to increase bone mass in women at high risk for fracture receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer [see Clinical Studies ( 14.5 )] .

Dosage and administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Pregnancy must be ruled out prior to administration of Conexxence. ( 2.1 ) Before initiating Conexxence in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, including dialysis patients, evaluate for the presence of chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder with intact parathyroid hormone, serum calcium, 25(OH) vitamin D, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D. ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 8.6 ) Conexxence should be administered by a healthcare provider. ( 2.3 ) Administer 60 mg every 6 months as a subcutaneous injection in the upper arm, upper thigh, or abdomen. ( 2.3 ) Instruct patients to take calcium 1000 mg daily and at least 400 IU vitamin D daily. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Pregnancy Testing Prior to Initiation of Conexxence Pregnancy must be ruled out prior to administration of Conexxence. Perform pregnancy testing in all females of reproductive potential prior to administration of Conexxence. Based on findings in animals, denosumab products can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )] . 2.2 Laboratory Testing in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Prior to Initiation of Conexxence In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease [i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ], including dialysis-dependent patients, evaluate for the presence of chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) with intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum calcium, 25(OH) vitamin D, and 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D prior to decisions regarding Conexxence treatment. Consider also assessing bone turnover status (serum markers of bone turnover or bone biopsy) to evaluate the underlying bone disease that may be present [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . 2.3 Recommended Dosage Conexxence should be administered by a healthcare provider. The recommended dose of Conexxence is 60 mg administered as a single subcutaneous injection once every 6 months. Administer Conexxence via subcutaneous injection in the upper arm, the upper thigh, or the abdomen. All patients should receive calcium 1000 mg daily and at least 400 IU vitamin D daily [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . If a dose of Conexxence is missed, administer the injection as soon as the patient is available. Thereafter, schedule injections every 6 months from the date of the last injection. 2.4 Preparation and Administration Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Conexxence is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution that is free from visible particles. Do not use if the solution is discolored or cloudy or if the solution contains particles or foreign particulate matter. Prior to administration, Conexxence may be removed from the refrigerator and brought to room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) by standing in the original container. This generally takes 15 to 30 minutes. Do not warm Conexxence in any other way [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling ( 16 )]. Do not shake the prefilled syringe. Instructions for Administration of Conexxence Prefilled Syringe with Needle Safety Guard IMPORTANT: In order to minimize accidental needlesticks, the Conexxence single-dose prefilled syringe has an automatic clear needle safety guard. Conexxence prefilled syringe (Before & After Use) . See figure below. Step 1: Remove Needle Cap (see Figure A ) Do not hold the prefilled syringe by the plunger rod. Do not twist or bend the needle cap. Figure A Step 2: Administer Subcutaneous Injection Choose an injection site. The recommended injection sites for Conexxence include (see Figure B ): upper thigh abdomen upper arm Figure B Do not administer into muscle or blood vessel. Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Push the plunger with a slow and constant pressure until you cannot press further and have injected all the liquid subcutaneously (see Figure C ). You may hear or feel…

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypocalcemia: Pre-existing hypocalcemia must be corrected before initiating Conexxence. May worsen, especially in patients with renal impairment. Adequately supplement all patients with calcium and vitamin D. Concomitant use of calcimimetic drugs may also worsen hypocalcemia risk. Evaluate for presence of chronic kidney disease mineral-bone disorder. Monitor serum calcium. ( 5.1 ) Same Active Ingredient: Patients receiving Conexxence should not receive other denosumab products concomitantly ( 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity including anaphylactic reactions may occur. Discontinue permanently if a clinically significant reaction occurs. ( 5.3 ) Osteonecrosis of the jaw: Has been reported with denosumab products. Monitor for symptoms. ( 5.4 ) Atypical femoral fractures: Have been reported. Evaluate patients with thigh or groin pain to rule out a femoral fracture. ( 5.5 ) Multiple vertebral fractures have been reported following treatment discontinuation. Patients should be transitioned to another antiresorptive agent if Conexxence is discontinued. ( 5.6 ) Serious infections including skin infections: May occur, including those leading to hospitalization. Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, including cellulitis. ( 5.7 ) Dermatologic reactions: Dermatitis, rashes, and eczema have been reported. Consider discontinuing Conexxence if severe symptoms develop. ( 5.8 ) Severe bone, joint, muscle pain may occur. Discontinue use if severe symptoms develop. ( 5.9 ) Suppression of bone turnover: Significant suppression has been demonstrated. Monitor for consequences of bone over-suppression. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Severe Hypocalcemia and Mineral Metabolism Changes Denosumab products can cause severe hypocalcemia and fatal cases have been reported. Pre-existing hypocalcemia must be corrected prior to initiating therapy with Conexxence. Adequately supplement all patients with calcium and vitamin D [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. In patients without advanced chronic kidney disease who are predisposed to hypocalcemia and disturbances of mineral metabolism (e.g. history of hypoparathyroidism, thyroid surgery, parathyroid surgery, malabsorption syndromes, excision of small intestine, treatment with other calcium-lowering drugs), assess serum calcium and mineral levels (phosphorus and magnesium) 10 to14 days after Conexxence injection. In some postmarketing cases, hypocalcemia persisted for weeks or months and required frequent monitoring and intravenous and/or oral calcium replacement, with or without vitamin D. Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease [i.e., eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ] including dialysis-dependent patients are at greater risk for severe hypocalcemia following denosumab products administration. Severe hypocalcemia resulting in hospitalization, life-threatening events and fatal cases have been reported. The presence of underlying chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD, renal osteodystrophy) markedly increases the risk of hypocalcemia. Concomitant use of calcimimetic drugs may also worsen hypocalcemia risk. To minimize the risk of hypocalcemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, evaluate for the presence of chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder with intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum calcium, 25(OH) vitamin D, and 1,25(OH) 2 vitamin D prior to decisions regarding Conexxence treatment. Consider also assessing bone turnover status (serum markers of bone turnover or bone biopsy) to evaluate the underlying bone disease that may be present. Monitor serum calcium weekly for the first month after Conexxence administration and monthly thereafter. Instruct all patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, including those who are dialysis-dependent, about the symptoms of hypocalcemia and the importance of maintaini…

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Conexxence is contraindicated in: Patients with hypocalcemia: Pre-existing hypocalcemia must be corrected prior to initiating therapy with Conexxence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Pregnant women: Denosumab products may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In women of reproductive potential, pregnancy testing should be performed prior to initiating treatment with Conexxence [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Patients with hypersensitivity to denosumab products: Conexxence is contraindicated in patients with a history of systemic hypersensitivity to any component of the product. Reactions have included anaphylaxis, facial swelling, and urticaria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Hypocalcemia ( 4 , 5.1 ) Pregnancy ( 4 , 8.1 ) Known hypersensitivity to denosumab products ( 4 , 5.3 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Conexxence is contraindicated for use in pregnant women because it may cause harm to a fetus. There are insufficient data with denosumab products use in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks for adverse developmental outcomes. In utero denosumab exposure from cynomolgus monkeys dosed monthly with denosumab throughout pregnancy at a dose 50-fold higher than the recommended human dose based on body weight resulted in increased fetal loss, stillbirths, and postnatal mortality, and absent lymph nodes, abnormal bone growth, and decreased neonatal growth [see Data ] . Data Animal Data The effects of denosumab on prenatal development have been studied in both cynomolgus monkeys and genetically engineered mice in which RANK ligand (RANKL) expression was turned off by gene removal (a “knockout mouse”). In cynomolgus monkeys dosed subcutaneously with denosumab throughout pregnancy starting at gestational day 20 and at a pharmacologically active dose 50-fold higher than the recommended human dose based on body weight, there was increased fetal loss during gestation, stillbirths, and postnatal mortality. Other findings in offspring included absence of axillary, inguinal, mandibular, and mesenteric lymph nodes; abnormal bone growth, reduced bone strength, reduced hematopoiesis, dental dysplasia, and tooth malalignment; and decreased neonatal growth. At birth out to 1 month of age, infants had measurable blood levels of denosumab (22-621% of maternal levels). Following a recovery period from birth out to 6 months of age, the effects on bone quality and strength returned to normal; there were no adverse effects on tooth eruption, though dental dysplasia was still apparent; axillary and inguinal lymph nodes remained absent, while mandibular and mesenteric lymph nodes were present, though small; and minimal to moderate mineralization in multiple tissues was seen in one recovery animal. There was no evidence of maternal harm prior to labor; adverse maternal effects occurred infrequently during labor. Maternal mammary gland development was normal. There was no fetal NOAEL (no observable adverse effect level) established for this study because only one dose of 50 mg/kg was evaluated. Mammary gland histopathology at 6 months of age was normal in female offspring exposed to denosumab in utero; however, development and lactation have not been fully evaluated. In RANKL knockout mice, absence of RANKL (the target of denosumab) also caused fetal lymph node agenesis and led to postnatal impairment of dentition and bone growth. Pregnant RANKL knockout mice showed altered maturation of the maternal mammary gland, leading to impaired lactation [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.2 )] . The no effect dose for denosumab product-induced teratogenicity is unknown. However, a C max of 22.9 ng/mL was identified in cynomolgus monkeys as a level in which no biologic effects (NOEL) of denosumab were observed (no inhibition of RANKL) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

Adverse events

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

  • off label use36,585
  • death20,087
  • arthralgia8,763
  • osteonecrosis of jaw8,521
  • fatigue7,591
  • pain in extremity6,950
  • pain6,838
  • back pain6,822
  • nausea5,374
  • diarrhoea5,218
  • fall5,037
  • rash4,268
  • myalgia4,202
  • bone pain4,010
  • asthenia4,009
  • product storage error3,673

Adverse reactions (label)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and also elsewhere in the labeling: Severe Hypocalcemia and Mineral Metabolism Changes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Multiple Vertebral Fractures (MVF) Following Treatment Discontinuation of Treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Dermatologic Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] The most common adverse reactions reported with denosumab products in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis are back pain, pain in extremity, musculoskeletal pain, hypercholesterolemia, and cystitis. The most common adverse reactions reported with denosumab products in men with osteoporosis are back pain, arthralgia, and nasopharyngitis. The most common adverse reactions reported with denosumab products in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis are back pain, hypertension, bronchitis, and headache. The most common (per patient incidence ≥ 10%) adverse reactions reported with denosumab products in patients with bone loss receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer or adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer are arthralgia and back pain. Pain in extremity and musculoskeletal pain have also been reported in clinical trials. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of denosumab products in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis are back pain and constipation. Postmenopausal osteoporosis: Most common adverse reactions (> 5% and more common than placebo) were: back pain, pain in extremity, hypercholesterolemia, musculoskeletal pain, and cystitis. Pancreatitis has been reported in clinical trials. ( 6.1 ) Male osteoporosis: Most common adverse reactions (> 5% and more common than placebo) were: back pain, arthralgia, and nasopharyngitis. ( 6.1 ) Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: Most common adverse reactions (> 3% and more common than active-control group) were: back pain, hypertension, bronchitis, and headache. ( 6.1 ) Bone loss due to hormone ablation for cancer: Most common adverse reactions (≥ 10% and more common than placebo) were: arthralgia and back pain. Pain in extremity and musculoskeletal pain have also been reported in clinical trials. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Treatment of Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis The safety of denosumab in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was assessed in a 3-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study of 7808 postmenopausal women aged 60 to 91 years. A total of 3876 women were exposed to placebo and 3886 women were exposed to denosumab administered subcutaneously once every 6 months as a single 60 mg dose. All women were instructed to take at least 1000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day. The incidence of all-cause mortality was 2.3% (n = 90) in the placebo group and 1.8% (n = 70) in the denosumab group. The incidence of nonfatal serious adverse events was 24.2% in the placebo group and 25.0% in the denosumab group. The percentage of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse events was 2.1% and 2.4% for the placebo and denosumab groups, respectively. The most common adverse reactions reported with denosumab in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis are back pain…