How IXEMPRA is supplied1

IXEMPRA (ixabepilone) is supplied as a kit containing one vial of IXEMPRA and one vial of diluent for IXEMPRA. A sufficient
excess of drug is provided in the respective vials to allow for withdrawal losses.

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  • Both IXEMPRA and diluent are packaged together:
    1. 10-digit NDC 0015-1910-12/11-digit NDC 00015-1910-12
    2. IXEMPRA Kit containing one 15-mg vial of IXEMPRA and one 8-mL vial of diluent for IXEMPRA

    3. 10-digit NDC 0015-1911-13/11-digit NDC 00015-1911-13
    4. IXEMPRA Kit containing one 45-mg vial of IXEMPRA and one 23.5-mL vial of diluent for IXEMPRA

  • IXEMPRA Kit must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original package
    to protect from light

Required materials for dose preparation and administration1,7

For preparation:

  • Qualified infusion fluid (DEHP-free)
  • Sterile, disposable syringes/needles
  • Impervious gloves; gown
  • Other safety precautions required by your institution

For administration:

  • One IV administration set (DEHP-free)
  • One IV catheter
  • Alcohol pads
  • In-line filter (0.2 to 1.2 microns)

DEHP = di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate.

NextHandling guidelines

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Toxicity in hepatic impairment

  • IXEMPRA® (ixabepilone) 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
  • In combination with capecitabine, the overall frequency of grade 3/4 adverse reactions, febrile neutropenia, serious
    adverse reactions, and toxicity-related deaths was greater in patients with hepatic impairment
  • Caution should be used when using IXEMPRA as monotherapy in patients with AST or ALT >5 x ULN. Use of
    IXEMPRA in patients with AST or ALT >10 x ULN or bilirubin >3 x ULN is not recommended
  • With monotherapy, grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and serious adverse reactions were more frequent in
    patients with hepatic impairment

Contraindications

  • IXEMPRA is contraindicated in patients:
    • with a known history of a severe (CTC grade 3/4) hypersensitivity reaction to agents containing Cremophor® EL
      or its derivatives such as polyoxyethylated castor oil
    • who have a baseline neutrophil count <1500 cells/mm3 or a platelet count <100,000 cells/mm3

Peripheral neuropathy

  • Peripheral neuropathy was common. Patients treated with IXEMPRA should be monitored for symptoms of
    neuropathy, such as burning sensation, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, or neuropathic pain
  • Neuropathy occurred early during treatment; ~75% of new onset or worsening neuropathy occurred during the first
    3 cycles. Patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy may require changes in the dose or
    discontinuation of IXEMPRA
  • Neuropathy was the most frequent cause of treatment discontinuation due to drug toxicity. Caution should be used
    when treating patients with diabetes mellitus or preexisting peripheral neuropathy

Myelosuppression

  • Myelosuppression is dose-dependent and primarily manifested as neutropenia
  • Patients should be monitored for myelosuppression; frequent peripheral blood cell counts are recommended for all
    patients receiving IXEMPRA
  • Patients who experience severe neutropenia or thrombocytopenia should have their dose reduced. Neutropenia-
    related deaths occurred in 1.9% of 414 patients with normal hepatic function or mild hepatic impairment treated
    with IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine. Neutropenia-related death occurred in 0.4% of 240 patients with
    IXEMPRA as monotherapy

Hypersensitivity reaction

  • Premedicate with an H1 and an H2 antagonist approximately 1 hour before IXEMPRA infusion and observe for
    hypersensitivity reactions (eg, flushing, rash, dyspnea, and bronchospasm)
  • In case of severe hypersensitivity reactions, infusion of IXEMPRA should be stopped and aggressive supportive
    treatment (eg, epinephrine, corticosteroids) started
  • Patients who experience a hypersensitivity reaction in one cycle of IXEMPRA must be premedicated in
    subsequent cycles with a corticosteroid in addition to the H1 and H2 antagonists, and extension of the infusion
    time should be considered

Pregnancy

  • Women should be advised not to become pregnant when taking IXEMPRA. If this drug is used during pregnancy or
    the patient becomes pregnant, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus

Cardiac adverse reactions

  • Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of cardiac disease. Discontinuation of IXEMPRA should be
    considered in patients who develop cardiac ischemia or impaired cardiac function due to reports of cardiovascular
    adverse reactions (eg, myocardial ischemia, supraventricular arrhythmia, and ventricular dysfunction). The
    frequency of cardiac adverse reactions (myocardial ischemia and ventricular dysfunction) was higher in the
    IXEMPRA in combination with capecitabine (1.9%) than in the capecitabine alone (0.3%) treatment group

Potential for cognitive impairment from excipients

  • IXEMPRA contains dehydrated alcohol USP. Consideration should be given to the possibility of central nervous
    system and other effects of alcohol

Adverse reactions

  • The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported by patients receiving IXEMPRA were peripheral sensory
    neuropathy, fatigue/asthenia, myalgia/arthralgia, alopecia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis/mucositis, diarrhea, and
    musculoskeletal pain. The following additional events occurred in ≥20% in combination treatment: palmar-plantar
    erythrodysesthesia (hand-foot) syndrome, anorexia, abdominal pain, nail disorder, and constipation.
    Drug-associated hematologic abnormalities (>40%) include neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, and
    thrombocytopenia

Cremophor is a registered trademark of BASF AG.

AST = aspartate aminotransferase; ALT = alanine aminotransferase;
ULN = upper limit of normal; CTC = common terminology criteria.

Please see Full US Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING regarding hepatic impairment.

 

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