Ixabepilone

Generic Name: ixabepilone

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Ixempra

11 DESCRIPTION IXEMPRA (ixabepilone) is a microtubule inhibitor belonging to a class of antineoplastic agents, the epothilones and their analogs. The epothilones are isolated from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. Ixabepilone is a semisynthetic analog of epothilone B, a 16-membered polyketide macrolide, with a chemically modified lactam substitution for the naturally existing lactone.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION IXEMPRA (ixabepilone) is a microtubule inhibitor belonging to a class of antineoplastic agents, the epothilones and their analogs. The epothilones are isolated from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. Ixabepilone is a semisynthetic analog of epothilone B, a 16-membered polyketide macrolide, with a chemically modified lactam substitution for the naturally existing lactone.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE IXEMPRA is indicated in combination with capecitabine for the treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer resistant to treatment with an anthracycline and a taxane, or whose cancer is taxane resistant and for whom further anthracycline therapy is contraindicated. Anthracycline resistance is defined as progression while on therapy or within 6 months in the adjuvant setting or 3 months in the metastatic setting. Taxane resistance is defined as progression while on therapy or within 12 months in the adjuvant setting or 4 months in the metastatic setting [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of IXEMPRA is 40 mg/m 2 administered as a 3-hour intravenous infusion once every 3 weeks ( 2.2 ). Dose reduction is required in patients with elevated AST, ALT, or bilirubin.( 2.3, 8.6 ) IXEMPRA must be reconstituted with the supplied DILUENT and further diluted to a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL to 0.6 mg/mL prior to administration ( 2.6 ). 2.1 Premedication All patients must be premedicated approximately 1 hour before the infusion of IXEMPRA with: An H 1 antagonist (eg, diphenhydramine 50 mg orally or equivalent) and An H 2 antagonist (eg, ranitidine 150 - 300 mg orally or equivalent).

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections. Peripheral neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Cardiac Adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue/asthenia, myalgia/arthralgia, alopecia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis/mucositis, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain. Additional reactions occurred in ≥20% in combination treatment: palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, anorexia, abdominal pain, nail disorder, and constipation ( 6 ).

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of IXEMPRA ( 2.5 , 7.1 ). Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of IXEMPRA ( 2.5 , 7.1 ). 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on IXEMPRA Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors The coadministration of IXEMPRA with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increased ixabepilone plasma concentration, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of IXEMPRA. Avoid coadministration of IXEMPRA with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If the coadministration of IXEMPRA with strong CYP3A4 cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of IXEMPRA [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ].

Warnings

WARNING: TOXICITY IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine is contraindicated in patients with AST or ALT >2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN due to increased risk of toxicity and neutropenia-related death [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. WARNING: TOXICITY IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Peripheral Neuropathy: Monitor for symptoms of neuropathy (sensory and motor neuropathy).) Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on severity. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ). Myelosuppression: Neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and infections have occurred. Monitor blood cell counts before and during treatment with IXEMPRA. Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on severity ( 2.3 , 5.2 ). Increased Toxicity in Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and serious adverse reactions may occur in patients with hepatic impairment during treatment with IXEMPRA. Reduce dose depending on severity. ( 2.3 , 5.3 , 6.1 ). Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) have occurred. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS IXEMPRA is contraindicated in patients who have: a neutrophil count 2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Baseline neutrophil count 2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN.( 4 ).

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, IXEMPRA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data on the use of IXEMPRA in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. IXEMPRA contains alcohol which can interfere with neurobehavioral development [see Clinical Considerations].

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING IXEMPRA is supplied as a Kit containing one single-dose vial of IXEMPRA ® (ixabepilone) for injection and one vial of DILUENT for IXEMPRA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ixabepilone used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE IXEMPRA is indicated in combination with capecitabine for the treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer resistant to treatment with an anthracycline and a taxane, or whose cancer is taxane resistant and for whom further anthracycline therapy is contraindicated. Anthracycline resistance is defined as progression while on therapy or within 6 months in the adjuvant setting or 3 months in the metastatic setting. Taxane resistance is defined as progression while on therapy or within 12 months in the adjuvant setting or 4 months in the metastatic setting [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].

What are the side effects of Ixabepilone?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections. Peripheral neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Cardiac Adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue/asthenia, myalgia/arthralgia, alopecia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis/mucositis, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain. Additional reactions occurred in ≥20% in combination treatment: palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, anorexia, abdominal pain, nail disorder, and constipation ( 6 ).

Can I take Ixabepilone during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, IXEMPRA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data on the use of IXEMPRA in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. IXEMPRA contains alcohol which can interfere with neurobehavioral development [see Clinical Considerations].

What are the important warnings for Ixabepilone?

WARNING: TOXICITY IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine is contraindicated in patients with AST or ALT >2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN due to increased risk of toxicity and neutropenia-related death [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. WARNING: TOXICITY IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Peripheral Neuropathy: Monitor for symptoms of neuropathy (sensory and motor neuropathy).) Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on severity. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ). Myelosuppression: Neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and infections have occurred. Monitor blood cell counts before and during treatment with IXEMPRA. Withhold, reduce, or discontinue IXEMPRA depending on severity ( 2.3 , 5.2 ). Increased Toxicity in Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and serious adverse reactions may occur in patients with hepatic impairment during treatment with IXEMPRA. Reduce dose depending on severity. ( 2.3 , 5.3 , 6.1 ). Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) have occurred. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS IXEMPRA is contraindicated in patients who have: a neutrophil count 2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Baseline neutrophil count 2.5 x ULN or bilirubin >1 x ULN.( 4 ).

Related Medications

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.