Afinitor
(everolimus)Dosage & Administration
Do not combine AFINITOR and AFINITOR DISPERZ to achieve the total daily dose.
Modify the dose for patients with hepatic impairment or for patients taking drugs that inhibit or induce P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A4.
Breast Cancer:
NET:
RCC:
TSC-Associated Renal Angiomyolipoma:
TSC-Associated SEGA:
TSC-Associated Partial-Onset Seizures:
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Afinitor Prescribing Information
Hormone Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
AFINITOR® is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in combination with exemestane, after failure of treatment with letrozole or anastrozole.
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET)
AFINITOR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic origin (PNET) with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic disease.
AFINITOR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive, well-differentiated, non-functional NET of gastrointestinal (GI) or lung origin with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic disease.
Limitations of Use: AFINITOR is not indicated for the treatment of patients with functional carcinoid tumors [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
AFINITOR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC after failure of treatment with sunitinib or sorafenib.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Renal Angiomyolipoma
AFINITOR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with renal angiomyolipoma and TSC, not requiring immediate surgery.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA)
AFINITOR and AFINITOR DISPERZ® are indicated in adult and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with TSC for the treatment of SEGA that requires therapeutic intervention but cannot be curatively resected.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Partial-Onset Seizures
AFINITOR DISPERZ is indicated for the adjunctive treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with TSC-associated partial-onset seizures.
Important Dosage Information
- AFINITOR and AFINITOR DISPERZ are two different dosage forms. Select the recommended dosage form based on the indication [see Indications and Usage (1)]. Do not combine AFINITOR and AFINITOR DISPERZ to achieve the total dose.
- Modify the dosage for patients with hepatic impairment or for patients taking drugs that inhibit or induce P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A4 [see Dosage and Administration (2.10, 2.11, 2.12)].
Recommended Dosage for Hormone Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
The recommended dosage of AFINITOR is 10 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Recommended Dosage for Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET)
The recommended dosage of AFINITOR is 10 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Recommended Dosage for Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
The recommended dosage of AFINITOR is 10 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Recommended Dosage for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Renal Angiomyolipoma
The recommended dosage of AFINITOR is 10 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Recommended Dosage for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA)
The recommended starting dosage of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ is 4.5 mg/m2 orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)].
Recommended Dosage for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Partial-Onset Seizures
The recommended starting dosage of AFINITOR DISPERZ is 5 mg/m2 orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)].
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) and Dose Titration for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA) and TSC-Associated Partial-Onset Seizures
- Monitor everolimus whole blood trough concentrations at time points recommended in Table 1.
- Titrate the dose to attain trough concentrations of 5 ng/mL to 15 ng/mL.
- Adjust the dose using the following equation:
New dose* = current dose x (target concentration divided by current concentration)
*The maximum dose increment at any titration must not exceed 5 mg. Multiple dose titrations may be required to attain the target trough concentration.
- When possible, use the same assay and laboratory for TDM throughout treatment.
| Abbreviation: P-gp, P-glycoprotein. | |
| Event | When to Assess Trough Concentrations After Event |
| Initiation of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Modification of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ dose | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Switch between AFINITOR and AFINITOR DISPERZ | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Initiation or discontinuation of P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor | 2 weeks |
| Initiation or discontinuation of P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer | 2 weeks |
| Change in hepatic function | 2 weeks |
| Stable dose with changing body surface area (BSA) | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Stable dose with stable BSA | Every 6 to 12 months |
Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions
Table 2 summarizes recommendations for dosage modifications of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ for the management of adverse reactions.
| Adverse Reaction | Severity | Dosage Modification |
| Non-infectious pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] | Grade 2 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. Permanently discontinue if toxicity does not resolve or improve to Grade 1 within 4 weeks. |
| Grade 3 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. If toxicity recurs at Grade 3, permanently discontinue. | |
| Grade 4 | Permanently discontinue. | |
| Stomatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] | Grade 2 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at same dose. If recurs at Grade 2, withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. |
| Grade 3 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. | |
| Grade 4 | Permanently discontinue. | |
| Metabolic events (e.g., hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] | Grade 3 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0, 1, or 2. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. |
| Grade 4 | Permanently discontinue. | |
| Other non-hematologic toxicities | Grade 2 | If toxicity becomes intolerable, withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at same dose. If toxicity recurs at Grade 2, withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. |
| Grade 3 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Consider resuming at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. If recurs at Grade 3, permanently discontinue. | |
| Grade 4 | Permanently discontinue. | |
| Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] | Grade 2 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at same dose. |
| Grade 3 OR Grade 4 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0 or 1. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. | |
| Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] | Grade 3 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0, 1, or 2. Resume at same dose. |
| Grade 4 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0, 1, or 2. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. | |
| Febrile neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] | Grade 3 | Withhold until improvement to Grade 0, 1, or 2, and no fever. Resume at 50% of previous dose; change to every other day dosing if the reduced dose is lower than the lowest available strength. |
| Grade 4 | Permanently discontinue. |
Dosage Modifications for Hepatic Impairment
The recommended dosages of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ for patients with hepatic impairment are described in Table 3 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]:
| Abbreviations: NET, Neuroendocrine Tumors; RCC, Renal Cell Carcinoma; SEGA, Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma; TSC, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. | ||
| Indication | Dose Modification for AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ | |
| Breast Cancer, NET, RCC, and TSC-Associated Renal Angiomyolipoma |
| |
| TSC-Associated SEGA and TSC- Associated Partial-Onset Seizures |
| |
Dosage Modifications for P-gp and CYP3A4 Inhibitors
- Avoid the concomitant use of P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
- Avoid ingesting grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- Reduce the dose for patients taking AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ with a P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor as recommended in Table 4 [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
| Indication | Dose Modification for AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ |
| Breast Cancer, NET, RCC, and TSC-Associated Renal Angiomyolipoma |
|
| TSC-Associated SEGA and TSC- Associated Partial-Onset Seizures |
|
Dosage Modifications for P-gp and CYP3A4 Inducers
- Avoid concomitant use of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).
- Increase the dose for patients taking AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ with a P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer as recommended in Table 5 [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
| Indication | Dose Modification for AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ |
| Breast Cancer, NET, RCC, and TSC-Associated Renal Angiomyolipoma |
|
| TSC-Associated SEGA and TSC- Associated Partial-Onset Seizures |
|
Administration and Preparation
- Administer AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ at the same time each day.
- Administer AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ consistently either with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
- If a dose of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ is missed, it can be administered up to 6 hours after the time it is normally administered. After more than 6 hours, the dose should be skipped for that day. The next day, AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ should be administered at its usual time. Double doses should not be administered to make up for the dose that was missed.
AFINITOR
- AFINITOR should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not break or crush tablets.
AFINITOR DISPERZ
- Wear gloves to avoid possible contact with everolimus when preparing suspensions of AFINITOR DISPERZ for another person.
- Administer as a suspension only.
- Administer suspension immediately after preparation. Discard suspension if not administered within 60 minutes after preparation.
- Prepare suspension in water only.
Using an Oral Syringe to Prepare Oral Suspension:
- Place the prescribed dose into a 10-mL syringe. Do not exceed a total of 10 mg per syringe. If higher doses are required, prepare an additional syringe. Do not break or crush tablets.
- Draw approximately 5 mL of water and 4 mL of air into the syringe.
- Place the filled syringe into a container (tip up) for 3 minutes, until the tablets are in suspension.
- Gently invert the syringe 5 times immediately prior to administration.
- After administration of the prepared suspension, draw approximately 5 mL of water and 4 mL of air into the same syringe, and swirl the contents to suspend remaining particles. Administer the entire contents of the syringe.
Using a Small Drinking Glass to Prepare Oral Suspension:
- Place the prescribed dose into a small drinking glass (maximum size 100 mL) containing approximately 25 mL of water. Do not exceed a total of 10 mg per glass. If higher doses are required, prepare an additional glass. Do not break or crush tablets.
- Allow 3 minutes for suspension to occur.
- Stir the contents gently with a spoon, immediately prior to drinking.
- After administration of the prepared suspension, add 25 mL of water and stir with the same spoon to re-suspend remaining particles. Administer the entire contents of the glass.
AFINITOR
Tablets, white to slightly yellow and elongated with a bevelled edge:
- 2.5 mg: engraved with “LCL” on one side and “NVR” on the other.
- 5 mg: engraved with “5” on one side and “NVR” on the other.
- 7.5 mg: engraved with “7P5” on one side and “NVR” on the other.
- 10 mg: engraved with “UHE” on one side and “NVR” on the other.
AFINITOR DISPERZ
Tablets for oral suspension, white to slightly yellowish, round, and flat with a bevelled edge:
- 2 mg: engraved with “D2” on one side and “NVR” on the other.
- 3 mg: engraved with “D3” on one side and “NVR” on the other.
- 5 mg: engraved with “D5” on one side and “NVR” on the other.
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on animal studies and the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)], AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are limited case reports of AFINITOR use in pregnant women; however, these reports are not sufficient to inform about risks of birth defects or miscarriage. In animal studies, everolimus caused embryo-fetal toxicities in rats when administered during the period of organogenesis at maternal exposures that were lower than human exposures at the recommended dose of AFINITOR 10 mg orally once daily (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In animal reproductive studies, oral administration of everolimus to female rats before mating and through organogenesis induced embryo-fetal toxicities, including increased resorption, pre-implantation and post-implantation loss, decreased numbers of live fetuses, malformation (e.g., sternal cleft), and retarded skeletal development. These effects occurred in the absence of maternal toxicities. Embryo-fetal toxicities in rats occurred at doses ≥ 0.1 mg/kg (0.6 mg/m2) with resulting exposures of approximately 4% of the human exposure at the recommended dose of AFINITOR 10 mg orally once daily based on area under the curve (AUC). In rabbits, embryo-toxicity evident as an increase in resorptions occurred at an oral dose of 0.8 mg/kg (9.6 mg/m2), approximately 1.6 times the recommended dose of AFINITOR 10 mg orally once daily or the median dose administered to patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), and 1.3 times the median dose administered to patients with TSC-associated partial-onset seizures based on BSA. The effect in rabbits occurred in the presence of maternal toxicities.
In a pre- and post-natal development study in rats, animals were dosed from implantation through lactation. At the dose of 0.1 mg/kg (0.6 mg/m2), there were no adverse effects on delivery and lactation or signs of maternal toxicity; however, there were reductions in body weight (up to 9% reduction from the control) and in survival of offspring (~5% died or missing). There were no drug-related effects on the developmental parameters (morphological development, motor activity, learning, or fertility assessment) in the offspring.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of everolimus or its metabolites in human milk, the effects of everolimus on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Everolimus and its metabolites passed into the milk of lactating rats at a concentration 3.5 times higher than in maternal serum. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from everolimus, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Pregnancy Testing
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to starting AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Contraception
AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Females: Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ and for 8 weeks after the last dose.
Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ and for 4 weeks after the last dose.
Infertility
Females: Menstrual irregularities, secondary amenorrhea, and increases in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) occurred in female patients taking AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ. Based on these findings, AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ may impair fertility in female patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].
Males: Cases of reversible azoospermia have been reported in male patients taking AFINITOR. In male rats, sperm motility, sperm count, plasma testosterone levels and fertility were diminished at AUC similar to those of the clinical dose of AFINITOR 10 mg orally once daily. Based on these findings, AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ may impair fertility in male patients [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].
Pediatric Use
TSC-Associated SEGA
The safety and effectiveness of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ have been established in pediatric patients age 1 year and older with TSC-associated SEGA that requires therapeutic intervention but cannot be curatively resected. Use of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ for this indication is supported by evidence from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adult and pediatric patients (EXIST-1); an open-label, single-arm trial in adult and pediatric patients (Study 2485); and additional pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.5)]. The safety and effectiveness of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ have not been established in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age with TSC-associated SEGA.
In EXIST-1, the incidence of infections and serious infections were reported at a higher frequency in patients < 6 years of age. Ninety-six percent of 23 AFINITOR-treated patients < 6 years had at least one infection compared to 67% of 55 AFINITOR-treated patients ≥ 6 years. Thirty-five percent of 23 AFINITOR-treated patients < 6 years of age had at least 1 serious infection compared to 7% of 55 AFINITOR-treated patients ≥ 6 years.
Although a conclusive determination cannot be made due to the limited number of patients and lack of a comparator arm in the open label follow-up periods of EXIST-1 and Study 2485, AFINITOR did not appear to adversely impact growth and pubertal development in the 115 pediatric patients treated with AFINITOR for a median duration of 4.1 years.
TSC-Associated Partial-Onset Seizures
The safety and effectiveness of AFINITOR DISPERZ has been established for the adjunctive treatment of pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with TSC-associated partial-onset seizures. Use of AFINITOR DISPERZ for this indication is supported by evidence from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adult and pediatric patients (EXIST-3) with additional pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.6)]. The safety and effectiveness of AFINITOR DISPERZ and AFINITOR have not been established for the adjunctive treatment of pediatric patients less than 2 years of age with TSC-associated partial-onset seizures.
The incidence of infections and serious infections were reported at a higher frequency in patients < 6 years of age compared to patients ≥ 6 years old. Seventy-seven percent of 70 AFINITOR DISPERZ-treated patients < 6 years had at least one infection, compared to 53% of 177 AFINITOR DISPERZ-treated patients ≥ 6 years. Sixteen percent of 70 AFINITOR DISPERZ-treated patients < 6 years of age had at least 1 serious infection, compared to 4% of 177 AFINITOR DISPERZ-treated patients ≥ 6 years of age. Two fatal cases due to infections were reported in pediatric patients.
Other Indications
The safety and effectiveness of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ in pediatric patients have not been established in:
- Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NET)
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- TSC-associated renal angiomyolipoma
Geriatric Use
In BOLERO-2, 40% of patients with breast cancer treated with AFINITOR were ≥ 65 years of age, while 15% were ≥ 75 years of age. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients. The incidence of deaths due to any cause within 28 days of the last AFINITOR dose was 6% in patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to 2% in patients < 65 years of age. Adverse reactions leading to permanent treatment discontinuation occurred in 33% of patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to 17% in patients < 65 years of age.
In RECORD-1, 41% of patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with AFINITOR were ≥ 65 years of age, while 7% were ≥ 75 years of age. In RADIANT-3, 30% of patients with PNET treated with AFINITOR were ≥ 65 years of age, while 7% were ≥ 75 years of age. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients.
Hepatic Impairment
AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ exposure may increase in patients with hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
For patients with breast cancer, NET, RCC, and TSC-associated renal angiomyolipoma who have hepatic impairment, reduce the AFINITOR dose as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.10)].
For patients with TSC-associated SEGA and TSC-associated partial-onset seizures who have severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C), reduce the starting dose of AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ as recommended and adjust the dose based on everolimus trough concentrations [see Dosage and Administration (2.8, 2.10)].
AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ is contraindicated in patients with clinically significant hypersensitivity to everolimus or to other rapamycin derivatives [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Non-infectious Pneumonitis
Non-infectious pneumonitis is a class effect of rapamycin derivatives. Non-infectious pneumonitis was reported in up to 19% of patients treated with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ in clinical trials, some cases were reported with pulmonary hypertension (including pulmonary arterial hypertension) as a secondary event. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 non-infectious pneumonitis was up to 4% and up to 0.2%, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Fatal outcomes have been observed.
Consider a diagnosis of non-infectious pneumonitis in patients presenting with non-specific respiratory signs and symptoms. Consider opportunistic infections, such as pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) in the differential diagnosis. Advise patients to report promptly any new or worsening respiratory symptoms.
Continue AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ without dose alteration in patients who develop radiological changes suggestive of non-infectious pneumonitis and have few or no symptoms. Imaging appears to overestimate the incidence of clinical pneumonitis.
For Grade 2 to 4 non-infectious pneumonitis, withhold or permanently discontinue AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)]. Corticosteroids may be indicated until clinical symptoms resolve. Administer prophylaxis for PJP when concomitant use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents are required. The development of pneumonitis has been reported even at a reduced dose.
Infections
AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ has immunosuppressive properties and may predispose patients to bacterial, fungal, viral, or protozoal infections, including infections with opportunistic pathogens [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Localized and systemic infections, including pneumonia, mycobacterial infections, other bacterial infections, invasive fungal infections (e.g., aspergillosis, candidiasis, or PJP), and viral infections (e.g., reactivation of hepatitis B virus) have occurred. Some of these infections have been severe (e.g., sepsis, septic shock, or resulting in multisystem organ failure) or fatal. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 infections was up to 10% and up to 3%, respectively. The incidence of serious infections was reported at a higher frequency in patients < 6 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
Complete treatment of preexisting invasive fungal infections prior to starting treatment. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Withhold or permanently discontinue AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ based on severity of infection [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)].
Administer prophylaxis for PJP when concomitant use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents are required.
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions to AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ have been observed and include anaphylaxis, dyspnea, flushing, chest pain, and angioedema (e.g., swelling of the airways or tongue, with or without respiratory impairment) [see Contraindications (4)]. The incidence of Grade 3 hypersensitivity reactions was up to 1%. Permanently discontinue AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ for the development of clinically significant hypersensitivity.
Angioedema With Concomitant Use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Patients taking concomitant ACE inhibitors with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ may be at increased risk for angioedema (e.g., swelling of the airways or tongue, with or without respiratory impairment). In a pooled analysis of randomized double-blind oncology clinical trials, the incidence of angioedema in patients taking AFINITOR with an ACE inhibitor was 6.8% compared to 1.3% in the control arm with an ACE inhibitor. Permanently discontinue AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ for angioedema.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis, including mouth ulcers and oral mucositis, has occurred in patients treated with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ at an incidence ranging from 44% to 78% across clinical trials. Grades 3-4 stomatitis was reported in 4% to 9% of patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Stomatitis most often occurs within the first 8 weeks of treatment. When starting AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ, initiating dexamethasone alcohol-free oral solution as a swish and spit mouthwash reduces the incidence and severity of stomatitis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. If stomatitis does occur, mouthwashes and/or other topical treatments are recommended. Avoid alcohol-, hydrogen peroxide-, iodine-, or thyme- containing products, as they may exacerbate the condition. Do not administer antifungal agents, unless fungal infection has been diagnosed.
Renal Failure
Cases of renal failure (including acute renal failure), some with a fatal outcome, have occurred in patients taking AFINITOR. Elevations of serum creatinine and proteinuria have been reported in patients taking AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 elevations of serum creatinine was up to 2% and up to 1%, respectively. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 proteinuria was up to 1% and up to 0.5%, respectively. Monitor renal function prior to starting AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ and annually thereafter. Monitor renal function at least every 6 months in patients who have additional risk factors for renal failure.
Risk of Impaired Wound Healing
Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the VEGF signaling pathway. Therefore, AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ have the potential to adversely affect wound healing.
Withhold AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ for at least 1 week prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of treatment upon resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.
Geriatric Patients
In the randomized hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer study (BOLERO-2), the incidence of deaths due to any cause within 28 days of the last AFINITOR dose was 6% in patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to 2% in patients < 65 years of age. Adverse reactions leading to permanent treatment discontinuation occurred in 33% of patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to 17% in patients < 65 years of age. Careful monitoring and appropriate dose adjustments for adverse reactions are recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.9), Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Metabolic Disorders
Hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia have been reported in patients taking AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ at an incidence up to 75%, 86%, and 73%, respectively. The incidence of these Grade 3 and 4 laboratory abnormalities was up to 15% and up to 0.4%, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In non-diabetic patients, monitor fasting serum glucose prior to starting AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ and annually thereafter. In diabetic patients, monitor fasting serum glucose more frequently as clinically indicated. Monitor lipid profile prior to starting AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ and annually thereafter. When possible, achieve optimal glucose and lipid control prior to starting AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ. For Grade 3 to 4 metabolic events, withhold or permanently discontinue AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)].
Myelosuppression
Anemia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients taking AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ. The incidence of these Grade 3 and 4 laboratory abnormalities was up to 16% and up to 2%, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor complete blood count (CBC) prior to starting AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ every 6 months for the first year of treatment and annually thereafter. Withhold or permanently discontinue AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)].
Risk of Infection or Reduced Immune Response With Vaccination
The safety of immunization with live vaccines during AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ therapy has not been studied. Due to the potential increased risk of infection, avoid the use of live vaccines and close contact with individuals who have received live vaccines during treatment with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ. Due to the potential increased risk of infection or reduced immune response with vaccination, complete the recommended childhood series of vaccinations according to American Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines prior to the start of therapy. An accelerated vaccination schedule may be appropriate.
5.12 Radiation Sensitization and Radiation Recall
Radiation sensitization and recall, in some cases severe, involving cutaneous and visceral organs (including radiation esophagitis and pneumonitis) have been reported in patients treated with radiation prior to, during, or subsequent to AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Monitor patients closely when AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ is administered during or sequentially with radiation treatment.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on animal studies and the mechanism of action, AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal studies, everolimus caused embryo-fetal toxicities in rats when administered during the period of organogenesis at maternal exposures that were lower than human exposures at the clinical dose of 10 mg once daily. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant and to use effective contraception during treatment with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ and for 8 weeks after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with AFINITOR/AFINITOR DISPERZ and for 4 weeks after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].