SOLTAMOX
RxNorm 389230· TAMOXIFEN CITRATE· ORAL
Mayne Pharma
Boxed Warning
WARNING: UTERINE MALIGNANCIES and THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS Serious and life-threatening events from the use of SOLTAMOX include uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ] . Fatal cases of each type of event have occurred. Incidence rates per 1000 women-years for these events were estimated from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) P-1 trial in women at high risk for breast cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] : Endometrial adenocarcinoma: 2.20 for tamoxifen vs. 0.71 for placebo Uterine sarcoma: 0.17 for tamoxifen vs. 0.04 for placebo Stroke: 1.43 for tamoxifen vs. 1.00 for placebo. Pulmonary embolism: 0.75 for tamoxifen versus 0.25 for placebo. Discuss the potential benefits of tamoxifen versus the potential risks of these serious events with women at high risk for breast cancer and women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) considering tamoxifen to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. For most patients already diagnosed with breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh its risks. WARNING: UTERINE MALIGNANCIES and THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Serious, life-threatening, and fatal events from use of tamoxifen include uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. ( 5.1 , 5.2 ) Discuss risks and benefits of tamoxifen with women at high risk for breast cancer and women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) when considering tamoxifen use to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. ( 5.1 , 5.2 ) For most patients already diagnosed with breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh its risks. ( 5.1 , 5.2 )
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SOLTAMOX is an estrogen agonist/antagonist indicated: For treatment of adult patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer ( 1.1 ) For adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage estrogen receptor- positive breast cancer ( 1.2 ) To reduce risk of invasive breast cancer following breast surgery and radiation in adult women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) ( 1.3 ) To reduce the incidence of breast cancer in adult women at high risk ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Metastatic Breast Cancer SOLTAMOX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. 1.2 Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer SOLTAMOX is indicated: for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer to reduce the occurrence of contralateral breast cancer in adult patients when used as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of breast cancer. 1.3 Ductal Carcinoma in Situ In adult women with DCIS, following breast surgery and radiation, SOLTAMOX is indicated to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer [see Boxed Warning and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . 1.4 Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in Women at High Risk SOLTAMOX is indicated to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in adult women at high risk for breast cancer. [see Boxed Warning and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] .
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Metastatic breast cancer: 20-40 mg per day. For doses greater than 20 mg per day, administer in divided doses (morning and evening). ( 2 ) Adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, DCIS, reduction of breast cancer incidence in women at high risk: 20 mg per day ( 2 ) Metastatic Breast Cancer For patients with breast cancer, the recommended daily dose of SOLTAMOX is 20 to 40 mg. Doses greater than 20 mg per day should be given in divided doses (morning and evening). Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer For use in the adjuvant setting, the recommended dose of SOLTAMOX is 20 mg daily for 5-10 years [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Doses greater than 20 mg daily yield no additional clinical benefit. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ For patients with DCIS, the recommended dose of SOLTAMOX is 20 mg daily for 5 years. Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in Women at High Risk In the risk reduction setting, the recommended dose of SOLTAMOX is 20 mg daily for 5 years .
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Uterine malignancies: Promptly evaluate abnormal vaginal bleeding in a woman with current or past tamoxifen use. ( 5.1 ) Thromboembolic events: Risk increases with coadministered chemotherapy. For treatment of breast cancer, consider risks and benefits in patients with a history of thromboembolic events. ( 5.2 ) Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Effects on the liver: Liver cancer and liver abnormalities, some fatal, have occurred. Perform periodic liver function testing. ( 5.4 , 5.9 ) 5.1 Endometrial Cancer, Uterine Sarcoma, and Other Effects on the Uterus Endometrial Cancer and Uterine Sarcoma An increased incidence of uterine malignancies (endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine sarcoma), including fatal cases, has been reported with tamoxifen treatment. The underlying mechanism is unknown, but may be related to the estrogen-like effect of tamoxifen. Most uterine malignancies seen with tamoxifen are classified as adenocarcinoma of the endometrium; however, uterine sarcomas, including malignant mixed mullerian tumors (MMMT), have also been reported. Uterine sarcoma was generally associated with a higher FIGO stage (III/IV) at diagnosis, poor prognosis, and short survival. Uterine sarcoma has been reported to occur more frequently among long-term users (≥2 years) of tamoxifen than non-users. Promptly evaluate any patient receiving or who has previously received tamoxifen who reports abnormal vaginal bleeding. Patients receiving or who have previously received tamoxifen should have annual gynecological examinations. Advise patients to promptly inform a healthcare provider if they experience any abnormal gynecological symptoms (e.g., menstrual irregularities, abnormal vaginal bleeding, changes in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure). There are no data to suggest that routine endometrial sampling in asymptomatic women taking tamoxifen is beneficial. In a review of long-term data (median length of total follow-up was 6.9 years, including blinded follow-up) on 8,306 women with an intact uterus at randomization in the NSABP P-1 risk reduction trial, the incidence of both adenocarcinomas and uterine sarcomas was increased in women taking tamoxifen. During blinded follow-up, there were 36 cases of FIGO Stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma (22 were FIGO Stage IA, 13 IB, and 1 IC) in women receiving tamoxifen and 15 cases in women receiving placebo [14 were FIGO Stage I (9 IA and 5 IB), and 1 case was FIGO Stage IV]. During total follow-up, endometrial adenocarcinoma was reported in 53 women randomized to tamoxifen (30 cases of FIGO Stage IA, 20 were Stage IB, 1 was Stage IC, and 2 were Stage IIIC), and 17 women randomized to placebo (9 cases were FIGO Stage IA, 6 were Stage IB, 1 was Stage IIIC, and 1 was Stage IVB) (incidence per 1,000 women-years of 2.20 and 0.71, respectively). Uterine sarcomas were reported in 4 women randomized to tamoxifen (1 was FIGO IA, 1 was FIGO IB, 1 was FIGO IIA, and 1 was FIGO IIIC) and 1 patient randomized to placebo (FIGO IA); incidence per 1,000 women-years of 0.17 and 0.04, respectively. Of the patients randomized to tamoxifen, the FIGO IA and IB cases were a MMMT and sarcoma, respectively; the FIGO II was a MMMT; and the FIGO III was a sarcoma; and the 1 patient randomized to placebo had a MMMT. A similar increased incidence in endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine sarcoma was observed among women receiving tamoxifen in 5 other NSABP clinical trials. In the NSABP P-1 trial, endometrial sampling did not alter the endometrial cancer detection rate compared to women who did not undergo endometrial sampling (0.6% with sampling, 0.5% without sampling) for women who had not undergone hysterectomy. Non-Malignant Effects on the Uterus An increased incidence of endometrial changes including hyperplasia and polyps has been reported with t…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SOLTAMOX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, serious skin reactions) to tamoxifen or any other SOLTAMOX ingredient [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . SOLTAMOX is contraindicated in patients who require concomitant warfarin therapy or have a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus if the indication for treatment is either reduction of breast cancer incidence in high-risk patients or risk reduction of invasive breast cancer after treatment of DCIS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. Known hypersensitivity to tamoxifen or any other SOLTAMOX ingredient ( 4 ) In patients who require concomitant warfarin therapy or have a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus, if the indication for treatment is either reduction of breast cancer incidence in high-risk patients or risk reduction of invasive breast cancer after treatment of DCIS ( 4 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Anastrozole and letrozole: Should not be used in combination with tamoxifen. ( 7.1 ) Warfarin: Do not use in patients taking tamoxifen for DCIS and for reduction in breast cancer incidence in women at high risk. ( 4 ) Closely monitor coagulation indices for increased anticoagulant effect when used with tamoxifen for metastatic breast cancer or as adjuvant therapy. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Aromatase Inhibitors Anastrozole The combination of anastrozole and tamoxifen did not demonstrate any benefit when compared to tamoxifen alone and should be avoided in all patients [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . In the ATAC trial, coadministration of anastrozole and tamoxifen in breast cancer patients reduced the anastrozole plasma concentration by 27% compared to that achieved with anastrozole alone. The tamoxifen concentration was not altered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Letrozole The concomitant use of letrozole with tamoxifen is not recommended because the efficacy of the combination in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer has not been established. Tamoxifen reduced the plasma concentration of letrozole by 38% when these drugs were co-administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2. Warfarin A marked increase in anticoagulant effect may occur when tamoxifen is used in combination with warfarin. Closely monitor coagulation indices in patients who are taking tamoxifen for either the treatment of metastatic breast cancer or as adjuvant therapy who require concomitant use of warfarin [see Contraindications (4) ] . 7.3 Inducers of CYP3A4 Strong CYP3A4 inducers should not be used with tamoxifen. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) reduce tamoxifen AUC and C max [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.4 Strong Inhibitors of CYP2D6 The impact on the efficacy of tamoxifen with co-administration of strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., paroxetine) is not well established. Some studies have shown that the efficacy of tamoxifen may be reduced when the drugs are co-administered as a result of reduced levels of potent active metabolites of tamoxifen . However, other studies have failed to demonstrate such an effect [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.5 Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions There are postmarketing reports of T 4 elevations in postmenopausal patients taking tamoxifen that may be explained by increases in thyroid-binding globulin. These elevations were not accompanied by clinical hyperthyroidism. Variations in the karyopyknotic index on vaginal smears and various degrees of estrogen effect on Pap smears have been seen in postmenopausal patients taking tamoxifen.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary SOLTAMOX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman . There are no adequate and well- controlled studies of tamoxifen in pregnant women. There are limited postmarketing reports of vaginal bleeding, spontaneous abortions, birth defects, and fetal deaths in pregnant women taking tamoxifen. In a primate model administration of tamoxifen at doses 2 times higher than the maximum recommended human dose resulted in spontaneous abortion. In rat and rabbit studies, doses of tamoxifen less than or equal to human doses resulted in increased embryotoxicity, abortions, and altered learning behaviors. Additionally, rodent models showed reproductive tract changes often associated with DES in offspring of both sexes [ see Data ]. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus, including the potential long-term risk of a DES-like syndrome. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In embryofetal development studies in rats using doses significantly below those used in humans (0.01 to 0.03 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis), a lower incidence of embryo implantation and a higher incidence of fetal death or delayed in utero growth occurred, along with slower learning behavior in some rat pups when compared to historical controls. When pregnant rabbits received tamoxifen during organogenesis, abortion and premature delivery occurred at doses of greater than 0.125 mg/kg/day (about 0.05 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis). Although reversible nonteratogenic skeletal variations occurred in rat reproductive studies at doses less than or equal to the human dose, there were no teratogenic changes in either rats or rabbits. In pregnant marmosets, administration of 10 mg/kg/day tamoxifen (about 2 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis) during organogenesis or in the last half of pregnancy terminated pregnancy in some animals. In pregnancies that continued, there were no malformations or deformations in offspring. In rodent models of fetal reproductive tract development, tamoxifen (at doses 0.002 to 2.4 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis) caused changes in both sexes that are similar to those caused by estradiol, ethynylestradiol and diethylstilbestrol. Although the clinical relevance of these changes is unknown, some of these changes, especially vaginal adenosis, are similar to those seen in young women who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero and who have a 1 in 1,000 risk of developing clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix. To date, in utero exposure to tamoxifen has not been shown to cause vaginal adenosis, or clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix, in young women; however, only a small number of young women have been exposed to tamoxifen in utero , and a smaller number have been followed long enough (to age 15 to 20) to determine whether vaginal or cervical neoplasia could occur as a result of this exposure.
Pharmacogenomics
12.5 Pharmacogenomics The impact of CYP2D6 polymorphisms on the efficacy of tamoxifen is not well established. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers carrying two non-functional alleles exhibit significantly lower endoxifen plasma concentrations compared to patients carrying one or more fully functional alleles of CYP2D6. In patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who were participating in the WHEL (Women's Health Eating and Living) Study (NCT00003787), the mean (SD) serum concentration of endoxifen was 22.8 (11.3), 15.9 (9.2), 8.1 (4.9) and 5.6 (3.8) ng/mL in 27 ultrarapid, 1,097 normal, 164 intermediate and 82 poor metabolizers (p<0.001), respectively. This finding is consistent with other published studies that report lower endoxifen concentrations in poor metabolizers compared to normal metabolizers.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- fatigue394
- nausea343
- diarrhoea278
- arthralgia276
- malignant neoplasm progression257
- pain245
- vomiting227
- dyspnoea225
- breast cancer217
- dizziness213
- headache204
- hot flush198
- drug ineffective195
- disease progression188
- asthenia184
- metastases to bone179
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in the labeling: Uterine malignancies [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] Thromboembolic events [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] Liver cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Most common adverse reactions: hot flashes, mood disturbances, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, nausea, and fluid retention ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mayne Pharma at 1-844-825-8500 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 Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer In patients treated with tamoxifen for metastatic breast cancer, the most frequent adverse reaction was hot flashes. Other adverse reactions which were seen less commonly are hypercalcemia, peripheral edema, distaste for food, pruritus vulvae, depression, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, hair thinning and/or partial hair loss, and vaginal dryness. Increased bone, tumor pain and local disease flare have occurred. Patients with soft tissue disease may have sudden increases in the size of preexisting lesions, sometimes associated with marked erythema within and surrounding the lesions and/or the development of new lesions. When they occurred, the bone pain or disease flares were seen shortly after starting tamoxifen and generally subsided rapidly. Premenopausal Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Table 1 summarizes the incidence of adverse reactions reported at a frequency of 2% or greater from clinical trials that compared tamoxifen therapy to ovarian ablation in premenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer. Table 1: Adverse Reactions (frequency ≥2% in either arm) from Trials Comparing Tamoxifen to Ovarian Ablation in Premenopausal Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer % of Women Tamoxifen N=104 Ovarian Ablation N=100 Adverse Reactions Some women had more than one adverse reaction. Flush 33 46 Amenorrhea 16 69 Altered menses 13 5 Oligomenorrhea 9 1 Bone pain 6 6 Menstrual disorder 6 4 Nausea 5 4 Cough/coughing 4 1 Edema 4 1 Fatigue 4 1 Musculoskeletal pain 3 0 Pain 3 4 Ovarian cyst(s) 3 2 Depression 2 2 Abdominal cramps 1 2 Anorexia 1 2 Adverse Reactions in Adjuvant Breast Cancer In the NSABP B-14 study, women with axillary node-negative breast cancer were randomized to 5 years of tamoxifen 20 mg per day or placebo following primary surgery [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. Table 2 presents the most common adverse reactions (mean follow-up of approximately 6.9 years) that were more common on tamoxifen than placebo. Table 2: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Women with Axillary Node-Negative Breast Cancer (Study NSABP B-14) % of Women Tamoxifen N=1,422 Placebo N=1,437 Hot flashes 64 48 Fluid retention 32 30 Vaginal discharge 30 15 Nausea 26 24 Irregular menses 25 19 Weight loss (>5%) 23 18 Skin changes 19 15 Increased SGOT 5 3 Increased bilirubin 2 1 Increased creatinine 2 1 Thrombocytopenia Defined as a platelet count of < 100,000/mm 3 2 1 Thrombotic events Two of the tamoxifen-treated patients who had thrombotic events died. Deep vein thrombosis 0.8 0.2 Pulmonary embolism 0.5 0.2 Superficial phlebitis 0.4 0 In the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) adjuvant breast cancer trial [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] , tamoxifen or placebo was administered for 2 years to women following mastectomy. When compared to placebo, tamoxifen showed a higher incidence of hot flashes (19% vs. 8% for placebo). The incidence of all other adverse reactions w…
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