Bendeka

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

BENDEKA® is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Efficacy relative to first line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

BENDEKA is indicated for the treatment of patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.

Dosing Instructions for CLL

Recommended Dosage:        
The recommended dosage is 100 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 10 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, up to 6 cycles.

Dose Delays, Dosage Modifications and Reinitiation of Therapy for CLL:        
Delay BENDEKA administration in the event of Grade 4 hematologic toxicity or clinically significant greater than or equal to Grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity. Once non-hematologic toxicity has recovered to less than or equal to Grade 1 and/or the blood counts have improved [Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) greater than or equal to 1 x 109/L, platelets greater than or equal to 75 x 109/L], reinitiate BENDEKA (bendamustine hydrochloride) injection at the discretion of the treating physician. In addition, consider dose reduction. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

Dosage modifications for hematologic toxicity: for Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 50 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 3 or greater toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 25 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle.

Dosage modifications for non-hematologic toxicity: for clinically significant Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 50 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle.

Consider dosage re-escalation in subsequent cycles at the discretion of the treating physician.

Dosing Instructions for NHL

Recommended Dosage:        
The recommended dose is 120 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 10 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, up to 8 cycles.

Dose Delays, Dosage Modifications and Reinitiation of Therapy for NHL:        
Delay BENDEKA administration in the event of a Grade 4 hematologic toxicity or clinically significant greater than or equal to Grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity. Once non-hematologic toxicity has recovered to less than or equal to Grade 1 and/or the blood counts have improved [Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) greater than or equal to 1 x 109/L, platelets greater than or equal to 75 x 109/L], reinitiate BENDEKA at the discretion of the treating physician. In addition, consider dose reduction. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

Dosage modifications for hematologic toxicity: for Grade 4 toxicity, reduce the dose to 90 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 4 toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 60 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle.

Dosage modifications for non-hematologic toxicity: for Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 90 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 3 or greater toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 60 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle.

Preparation for Intravenous Administration

BENDEKA is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.1

BENDEKA is in a multiple-dose vial. At room temperature, BENDEKA is a clear, and colorless to yellow ready-to-dilute solution. Store BENDEKA at recommended refrigerated storage conditions (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F). When refrigerated, the contents may freeze. Allow the vial to reach room temperature (15°C to 30°C or 59°F to 86°F) prior to use. Do not use the product if particulate matter is observed after achieving room temperature.

Intravenous Infusion

• Aseptically withdraw the volume needed for the required dose from the 25 mg/mL solution as per Table A below and immediately transfer the solution to a 50 mL infusion bag of one of the following diluents:          

  –

  0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP; or

  –

  2.5% Dextrose/0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP; or

  –

  5% Dextrose Injection, USP.

The resulting final concentration of bendamustine hydrochloride in the infusion bag should be within 0.49 mg/mL to 5.6 mg/mL. After transferring, thoroughly mix the contents of the infusion bag. The admixture should be a clear, and colorless to yellow solution.

No other diluents have been shown to be compatible. The 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, offers a sodium-free method of administration for patients with certain medical conditions requiring restricted sodium intake.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Any unused solution should be discarded according to institutional procedures for antineoplastics.

Admixture Stability

BENDEKA contains no antimicrobial preservative. Prepare the admixture as close as possible to the time of patient administration.

If diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 2.5% Dextrose/0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, the final admixture is stable for 24 hours when stored refrigerated (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F) or for 6 hours when stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C or 59°F to 86°F) and room light. Administration of diluted BENDEKA (bendamustine hydrochloride) injection must be completed within this period of time.

In the event that 5% Dextrose Injection, USP is utilized, the final admixture is stable for 24 hours when stored refrigerated (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F) or for only 3 hours when stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C or 59°F to 86°F) and room light. Administration of diluted BENDEKA must be completed within this period of time.

Retain the partially used vial in original package to protect from light and store refrigerated (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F) if additional dose withdrawal from the same vial is intended.

Stability of Partially Used Vials (Needle Punched Vials)

BENDEKA is supplied in a multiple-dose vial. Although it does not contain any antimicrobial preservative, BENDEKA is bacteriostatic. The partially used vials are stable for up to 28 days when stored in its original carton under refrigeration (2°C to 8°C or 36°C to 46°F). Each vial is not recommended for more than a total of six (6) dose withdrawals.

After first use, store the partially used vial in the refrigerator in the original carton at 2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F and then discard after 28 days.

Pregnancy

Risk Summary
In animal reproduction studies, intraperitoneal administration of bendamustine to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis at doses 0.6 to 1.8 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) resulted in embryo-fetal and/or infant mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations to growth (see Data). There are no available data on bendamustine hydrochloride use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data
Bendamustine hydrochloride was intraperitoneally administered once to mice from 210 mg/m2 (approximately 1.8 times the MRHD) during organogenesis and caused an increase in resorptions, skeletal and visceral malformations (exencephaly, cleft palates, accessory rib, and spinal deformities) and decreased fetal body weights. This dose did not appear to be maternally toxic and lower doses were not evaluated. Repeat intraperitoneal administration of bendamustine hydrochloride to mice on gestation days 7 to 11 resulted in an increase in resorptions from 75 mg/m2 (approximately 0.6 times the MRHD) and an increase in abnormalities from 112.5 mg/m2 (approximately 0.9 times the MRHD), similar to those seen after a single intraperitoneal administration.

Bendamustine hydrochloride was intraperitoneally administered once to rats from 120 mg/m2 (approximately the MRHD) on gestation days 4, 7, 9, 11, or 13 and caused embryo and fetal lethality as indicated by increased resorptions and a decrease in live fetuses. A significant increase in external (effect on tail, head, and herniation of external organs [exomphalos]) and internal (hydronephrosis and hydrocephalus) malformations were seen in dosed rats.

Lactation

Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of bendamustine hydrochloride or its metabolites in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with BENDEKA, and for 1 week after the last dose.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

BENDEKA can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of BENDEKA [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Contraception

Females
Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BENDEKA and for 6 months after the last dose.

Males
Based on genotoxicity findings, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BENDEKA and for 3 months after the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

Infertility

Males
Based on findings from clinical studies, BENDEKA may impair male fertility. Impaired spermatogenesis, azoospermia, and total germinal aplasia have been reported in male patients treated with alkylating agents, especially in combination with other drugs. In some instances, spermatogenesis may return in patients in remission, but this may occur only several years after intensive chemotherapy has been discontinued. Advise patients of the potential risk to their reproductive capacities.

Based on findings from animal studies, BENDEKA may impair male fertility due to an increase in morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. The long-term effects of BENDEKA on male fertility, including the reversibility of adverse effects, have not been studied [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy were assessed in a single open-label trial (NCT01088984) in patients aged 1 to 19 years with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia, including 27 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and 16 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Bendamustine hydrochloride was administered as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of each 21-day cycle. There was no treatment response (CR+ CRp) in any patient. The safety profile in these patients was consistent with that seen in adults, and no new safety signals were identified.

The pharmacokinetics of bendamustine in 43 patients, aged 1 to 19 years (median age of 10 years) were within range of values previously observed in adults given the same dose based on body surface area.

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age and younger patients. Efficacy was lower in patients 65 and over with CLL receiving bendamustine hydrochloride based upon an overall response rate of 47% for patients 65 and over and 70% for younger patients. Progression free survival was also longer in younger patients with CLL receiving bendamustine (19 months vs. 12 months). No overall differences in efficacy in patients with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma were observed between geriatric patients and younger patients.

Renal Impairment

Do not use BENDEKA in patients with creatinine clearance (CLcr) < 30 mL/min [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Hepatic Impairment

Do not use BENDEKA in patients with AST or ALT 2.5-10 × upper limit of normal (ULN) and total bilirubin 1.5-3 × ULN, or total bilirubin > 3 × ULN [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Myelosuppression

Bendamustine hydrochloride caused severe myelosuppression (Grade 3-4) in 98% of patients in the two NHL studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Three patients (2%) died from myelosuppression-related adverse reactions; one each from neutropenic sepsis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with Grade 3 thrombocytopenia, and pneumonia from an opportunistic infection (CMV).

BENDEKA causes myelosuppression. Monitor complete blood counts, including leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin (Hgb), and neutrophils frequently. In the clinical trials, blood counts were monitored every week initially. Hematologic nadirs occurred predominantly in the third week of therapy. Myelosuppression may require dose delays and/or subsequent dose reductions if recovery to the recommended values has not occurred by the first day of the next scheduled cycle. Prior to the initiation of the next cycle of therapy, the ANC should be ≥ 1 x 109/L and the platelet count should be ≥ 75 x 109/L. [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]

Infections

Infection, including pneumonia, sepsis, septic shock, hepatitis and death has occurred in adult and pediatric patients in clinical trials and in postmarketing reports for bendamustine hydrochloride [see Adverse Reactions ]. Patients with myelosuppression following treatment with bendamustine hydrochloride are more susceptible to infections. Advise patients with myelosuppression following BENDEKA treatment to contact a physician immediately if they have symptoms or signs of infection.

Patients treated with BENDEKA are at risk for reactivation of infections including (but not limited to) hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and herpes zoster. Patients should undergo appropriate measures (including clinical and laboratory monitoring, prophylaxis, and treatment) for infection and infection reactivation prior to administration.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal cases, have occurred following treatment with bendamustine, primarily in combination with rituximab or obinutuzumab [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients with new or worsening neurological, cognitive or behavioral signs or symptoms. If PML is suspected, withhold BENDEKA treatment and perform appropriate diagnostic evaluations. Consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in patients who develop PML.

Anaphylaxis and Infusion Reactions

Infusion reactions to bendamustine hydrochloride have occurred commonly in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Symptoms include fever, chills, pruritus and rash. In rare instances, severe anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions have occurred, particularly in the second and subsequent cycles of therapy. Monitor clinically and discontinue drug for severe reactions. Ask patients about symptoms suggestive of infusion reactions after their first cycle of therapy. Patients who experienced Grade 3 or worse allergic-type reactions were not typically rechallenged. Consider measures to prevent severe reactions, including antihistamines, antipyretics and corticosteroids in subsequent cycles in patients who have experienced Grade 1 or 2 infusion reactions. Discontinue BENDEKA for patients with Grade 4 infusion reactions. Consider discontinuation for Grade 3 infusion reactions as clinically appropriate considering individual benefits, risks, and supportive care.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome associated with bendamustine hydrochloride has occurred in patients in clinical trials and in postmarketing reports [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The onset tends to be within the first treatment cycle of bendamustine hydrochloride and, without intervention, may lead to acute renal failure and death. Preventive measures include vigorous hydration and close monitoring of blood chemistry, particularly potassium and uric acid levels. Allopurinol has also been used during the beginning of bendamustine hydrochloride therapy. However, there may be an increased risk of severe skin toxicity when bendamustine hydrochloride and allopurinol are administered concomitantly. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]

Skin Reactions

Fatal and serious skin reactions have been reported with bendamustine hydrochloride injection treatment in clinical trials and postmarketing safety reports, including toxic skin reactions [Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)], bullous exanthema, and rash [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 and 6.2)]. Events occurred when bendamustine hydrochloride injection was given as a single agent and in combination with other anticancer agents or allopurinol.

Where skin reactions occur, they may be progressive and increase in severity with further treatment. Monitor patients with skin reactions closely. If skin reactions are severe or progressive, withhold or discontinue BENDEKA.

Hepatotoxicity

Fatal and serious cases of liver injury have been reported with bendamustine hydrochloride injection [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Combination therapy, progressive disease or reactivation of hepatitis B were confounding factors in some patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Most cases were reported within the first three months of starting therapy. Monitor liver chemistry tests prior to and during BENDEKA therapy.

Other Malignancies

There are reports of pre-malignant and malignant diseases that have developed in patients who have been treated with bendamustine hydrochloride, including myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative disorders, acute myeloid leukemia, bronchial carcinoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Monitor patients for the development of secondary malignancies. Perform dermatologic evaluations during and after treatment with BENDEKA.

Extravasation Injury

Bendamustine hydrochloride extravasations have been reported in postmarketing resulting in hospitalizations from erythema, marked swelling, and pain [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Assure good venous access prior to starting drug infusion and monitor the intravenous infusion site for redness, swelling, pain, infection, and necrosis during and after administration of BENDEKA.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and the drug’s mechanism of action, BENDEKA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Single intraperitoneal doses of bendamustine (that approximated the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area) to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis caused adverse developmental outcomes, including an increase in resorptions, skeletal and visceral malformations, and decreased fetal body weights. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with BENDEKA and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BENDEKA and for 3 months after the last dose. [see ( Use in Specific Populations 8.1, 8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]