Epirubicin Hydrochloride
Generic Name: epirubicin hydrochloride
Brand Names:
Ellence
11 DESCRIPTION ELLENCE (epirubicin hydrochloride injection) is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor for intravenous administration. ELLENCE is supplied as a sterile, clear, red solution and is available in polypropylene vials containing 50 and 200 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride as a preservative-free, ready-to-use solution. Each milliliter of solution contains 2 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients include 9 mg sodium chloride, USP, and water for injection, USP.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION ELLENCE (epirubicin hydrochloride injection) is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor for intravenous administration. ELLENCE is supplied as a sterile, clear, red solution and is available in polypropylene vials containing 50 and 200 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride as a preservative-free, ready-to-use solution. Each milliliter of solution contains 2 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients include 9 mg sodium chloride, USP, and water for injection, USP.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELLENCE is indicated as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . ELLENCE is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer ( 1 ).
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • The recommended starting dose of ELLENCE is 100 to 120 mg/m 2 . Dosage reductions are possible when given in certain combinations ( 2.2 ). • Administer intravenously in repeated 3- to 4-week cycles, either total dose on Day 1 of each cycle or divided equally and given on Days 1 and 8 of each cycle ( 2.2 ). • Consider use of antiemetics when given in conjunction with other emetigenic drugs ( 2.1 ). • Patients administered the 120 mg/m 2 regimen of ELLENCE should receive prophylactic antibiotic therapy ( 2.1 ). • Adjust dosage after the first treatment cycle based on hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities ( 2.3 ). • Reduce dose in patients with hepatic impairment ( 2.3 , 8.6 ). • Consider lower doses in patients with severe renal impairment ( 2.3 , 8.7 ).
Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiac Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Severe Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Tumor-Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Thrombophlebitis and Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, amenorrhea, lethargy, nausea/vomiting, mucositis, diarrhea, infection, conjunctivitis/ker...
Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Avoid using cardiotoxic agents in combination with ELLENCE ( 7.1 ). • Discontinue cimetidine during treatment with ELLENCE ( 7.2 ). 7.1 Cardiotoxic Agents Closely monitor cardiac function when ELLENCE is used in combination with other cardiotoxic agents. Patients receiving ELLENCE after stopping treatment with other cardiotoxic agents, especially those with long half-lives such as trastuzumab, may be at an increased risk of developing cardiotoxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Trastuzumab may persist in the circulation for up to 7 months. Therefore, avoid anthracycline-based therapy for up to 7 months after stopping trastuzumab when possible.
Warnings
WARNING: CARDIAC TOXICITY, SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES, EXTRAVASATION AND TISSUE NECROSIS, and SEVERE MYELOSUPPRESSION • Cardiac Toxicity: Myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure, can occur with ELLENCE. The risk of cardiomyopathy is proportional to the cumulative exposure with incidence rates from 0.9% at a cumulative dose of 550 mg/m 2 , 1.6% at 700 mg/m 2 , and 3.3% at 900 mg/m 2 . The risk of cardiomyopathy is further increased with concomitant cardiotoxic therapy. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Monitor serum total bilirubin and AST levels before and during treatment with ELLENCE. In patients with elevated serum AST or serum total bilirubin, dosage reductions or discontinuation may be required ( 2.3 , 5.5 ). • Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Evaluate blood uric acid levels, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine after initial treatment. Consider hydration, urine alkalinization, and prophylaxis with allopurinol to minimize potential complications of hyperuricemia and tumor lysis syndrome ( 5.7 ). • Thrombophlebitis and Thromboembolic Events: Thrombophlebitis and thromboembolic events, including pulmonary embolism (in some cases fatal) have been reported with the use of ELLENCE. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ELLENCE is contraindicated in patients with: • Severe myocardial insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Recent myocardial infarction or severe arrhythmias, or previous treatment with maximum cumulative dose of anthracyclines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Severe hepat...
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, ELLENCE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] ; avoid the use of ELLENCE during the 1 st trimester. Available human data do not establish the presence or absence of major birth defects and miscarriage related to the use of epirubicin during the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters. There are reports of fetal and/or neonatal cardiotoxicity following in utero exposure to epirubicin (see Clinical Considerations ).
Storage
Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Storage of the solution for injection at refrigerated conditions can result in the formation of a gelled product. This gelled product will return to a slightly viscous to mobile solution after 2 to a maximum of 4 hours equilibration at controlled room temperature (15–25°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epirubicin Hydrochloride used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELLENCE is indicated as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . ELLENCE is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer ( 1 ).
What are the side effects of Epirubicin Hydrochloride?▼
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiac Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Severe Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Tumor-Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Thrombophlebitis and Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, amenorrhea, lethargy, nausea/vomiting, mucositis, diarrhea, infection, conjunctivitis/ker...
Can I take Epirubicin Hydrochloride during pregnancy?▼
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, ELLENCE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] ; avoid the use of ELLENCE during the 1 st trimester. Available human data do not establish the presence or absence of major birth defects and miscarriage related to the use of epirubicin during the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters. There are reports of fetal and/or neonatal cardiotoxicity following in utero exposure to epirubicin (see Clinical Considerations ).
What are the important warnings for Epirubicin Hydrochloride?▼
WARNING: CARDIAC TOXICITY, SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES, EXTRAVASATION AND TISSUE NECROSIS, and SEVERE MYELOSUPPRESSION • Cardiac Toxicity: Myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure, can occur with ELLENCE. The risk of cardiomyopathy is proportional to the cumulative exposure with incidence rates from 0.9% at a cumulative dose of 550 mg/m 2 , 1.6% at 700 mg/m 2 , and 3.3% at 900 mg/m 2 . The risk of cardiomyopathy is further increased with concomitant cardiotoxic therapy. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Monitor serum total bilirubin and AST levels before and during treatment with ELLENCE. In patients with elevated serum AST or serum total bilirubin, dosage reductions or discontinuation may be required ( 2.3 , 5.5 ). • Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Evaluate blood uric acid levels, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine after initial treatment. Consider hydration, urine alkalinization, and prophylaxis with allopurinol to minimize potential complications of hyperuricemia and tumor lysis syndrome ( 5.7 ). • Thrombophlebitis and Thromboembolic Events: Thrombophlebitis and thromboembolic events, including pulmonary embolism (in some cases fatal) have been reported with the use of ELLENCE. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ELLENCE is contraindicated in patients with: • Severe myocardial insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Recent myocardial infarction or severe arrhythmias, or previous treatment with maximum cumulative dose of anthracyclines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Severe hepat...
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.