Nelarabine

Generic Name: nelarabine

Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Nelarabine

11 DESCRIPTION Nelarabine Injection is a prodrug of the cytotoxic deoxyguanosine analogue, 9-β- D -arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G). The chemical name for nelarabine is 2-amino-9-β- D -arabinofuranosyl-6-methoxy-9 H -purine. It has the molecular formula C 11 H 15 N 5 O 5 and a molecular weight of 297.27. Nelarabine has the following structural formula: Nelarabine is slightly soluble in water and melts with decomposition between 209°C and 214°C.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Nelarabine Injection is a prodrug of the cytotoxic deoxyguanosine analogue, 9-β- D -arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G). The chemical name for nelarabine is 2-amino-9-β- D -arabinofuranosyl-6-methoxy-9 H -purine. It has the molecular formula C 11 H 15 N 5 O 5 and a molecular weight of 297.27. Nelarabine has the following structural formula: Nelarabine is slightly soluble in water and melts with decomposition between 209°C and 214°C.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nelarabine Injection is indicated for the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least 2 chemotherapy regimens. Nelarabine Injection is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens. ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adult Dose : 1,500 mg/m² administered by intravenous infusion over 2 hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 repeated every 21 days. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Dose : 650 mg/m² administered by intravenous infusion over 1 hour daily for 5 consecutive days repeated every 21 days. ( 2.1 ) Discontinue treatment for neurologic reactions greater than or equal to Grade 2. ( 2.2 ) Dosage may be delayed for hematologic reactions. ( 2.2 ) Take measures to prevent hyperuricemia. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage This product is for intravenous use only. Adult Dosage The recommended adult dose of nelarabine injection is 1,500 mg/m² administered by intravenous infusion over 2 hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 repeated every 21 days. Administer nelarabine injection undiluted.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically-significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Neurologic [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hematologic [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] The most common (≥ 20%) adverse reactions were: Adult : anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, and dyspnea. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric : anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Administration of nelarabine in combination with adenosine deaminase (ADA) inhibitors, such as pentostatin, is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Administration in combination with adenosine deaminase (ADA) inhibitors, such as pentostatin, is not recommended. ( 7 , 12.3 )

Warnings

WARNING: NEUROLOGIC ADVERSE REACTIONS Severe neurologic adverse reactions have been reported with the use of nelarabine. These adverse reactions have included altered mental states including severe somnolence, central nervous system effects including convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy ranging from numbness and paresthesias to motor weakness and paralysis. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neurologic Adverse Reactions : Severe neurologic reactions have been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity. ( 5.1 ) Hematologic Reactions : Complete blood counts including platelets should be monitored regularly. ( 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception; and advise males to use condoms. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines : Somnolence may occur. Advise patients to refrain from these activities until somnolence has resolved. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, nelarabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . Limited available data with nelarabine use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal, or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the pregnant woman associated with untreated leukemia or lymphoma (see Clinical Considerations ).

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Nelarabine Injection is a clear, colorless, sterile solution in Type I, clear glass single-dose vials with a gray bromobutyl rubber stopper (not made with natural rubber latex) and an aluminum seal with a snap-off cap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nelarabine used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nelarabine Injection is indicated for the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least 2 chemotherapy regimens. Nelarabine Injection is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Nelarabine?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically-significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Neurologic [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hematologic [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] The most common (≥ 20%) adverse reactions were: Adult : anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, and dyspnea. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric : anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia.

Can I take Nelarabine during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, nelarabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . Limited available data with nelarabine use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal, or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the pregnant woman associated with untreated leukemia or lymphoma (see Clinical Considerations ).

What are the important warnings for Nelarabine?

WARNING: NEUROLOGIC ADVERSE REACTIONS Severe neurologic adverse reactions have been reported with the use of nelarabine. These adverse reactions have included altered mental states including severe somnolence, central nervous system effects including convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy ranging from numbness and paresthesias to motor weakness and paralysis. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neurologic Adverse Reactions : Severe neurologic reactions have been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity. ( 5.1 ) Hematologic Reactions : Complete blood counts including platelets should be monitored regularly. ( 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception; and advise males to use condoms. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines : Somnolence may occur. Advise patients to refrain from these activities until somnolence has resolved. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 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.