Faslodex

Recommended Dose

Monotherapy

The recommended dose of FASLODEX is 500 mg to be administered intramuscularly into the buttocks (gluteal area) slowly (1 - 2 minutes per injection) as two 5 mL injections, one in each buttock, on Days 1, 15, 29, and once monthly thereafter [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Combination Therapy

When FASLODEX is used in combination with palbociclib, abemaciclib, or ribociclib, the recommended dose of FASLODEX is 500 mg to be administered intramuscularly into the buttocks (gluteal area) slowly (1 - 2 minutes per injection) as two 5 mL injections, one in each buttock, on Days 1, 15, 29, and once monthly thereafter.

When FASLODEX is used in combination with palbociclib, the recommended dose of palbociclib is a 125 mg capsule taken orally once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off treatment to comprise a complete cycle of 28 days. Palbociclib should be taken with food. Refer to the Full Prescribing Information for palbociclib.

When FASLODEX is used in combination with abemaciclib, the recommended dose of abemaciclib is 150 mg orally, twice daily. Abemaciclib may be taken with or without food. Refer to the Full Prescribing Information for abemaciclib.

When FASLODEX is used in combination with ribociclib, the recommended dose of ribociclib is 600 mg taken orally, once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off treatment resulting in a complete cycle of 28 days. Ribociclib can be taken with or without food. Refer to the Full Prescribing Information for ribociclib.

Pre/perimenopausal women treated with the combination of FASLODEX plus palbociclib, abemaciclib, or ribociclib, should be treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists according to current clinical practice standards [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Dose Modification

Monotherapy

Hepatic Impairment:

A dose of 250 mg is recommended for patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) to be administered intramuscularly into the buttock (gluteal area) slowly (1 - 2 minutes) as one 5 mL injection on Days 1, 15, 29, and once monthly thereafter.

FASLODEX has not been evaluated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Combination Therapy

When FASLODEX is used in combination with palbociclib, abemaciclib, or ribociclib, refer to monotherapy dose modification instructions for FASLODEX.

Refer to the Full Prescribing Information of co-administered palbociclib, abemaciclib, or ribociclib for dose modification guidelines in the event of toxicities, for use with concomitant medications, and other relevant safety information.

Administration Technique

Administer the injection according to the local guidelines for performing large volume intramuscular injections.

NOTE: Due to the proximity of the underlying sciatic nerve, caution should be taken if administering FASLODEX at the dorsogluteal injection site [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

The proper method of administration of FASLODEX for intramuscular use is described in the following instructions.

For each single-dose prefilled syringe:

1.

Remove glass syringe barrel from tray and check that it is not damaged.

2.

Remove perforated patient record label from syringe.

3.

Inspect drug product in glass syringe for any visible particulate matter or discoloration prior to use. Discard if particulate matter or discoloration is present.

4.

Peel open the safety needle (SafetyGlide™) outer packaging.

5.

Hold the syringe upright on the ribbed part (C). With the other hand, take hold of the cap (A) and carefully tilt cap back and forth (DO NOT TWIST CAP) until the cap disconnects for removal (see Figure 1).

6.

Pull the cap (A) off in a straight upward direction. DO NOT TOUCH THE STERILE SYRINGE TIP (Luer-Lok) (B) (see Figure 2).

1.

Attach the safety needle to the syringe tip (Luer-Lok). Twist needle until firmly seated (see Figure 3). Confirm that the needle is locked to the Luer connector before moving or tilting the syringe out of the vertical plane to avoid spillage of syringe contents.

 

For Administration:

1.

Pull shield straight off needle to avoid damaging needle point.

2.

Remove needle sheath.

3.

Expel excess gas from the syringe (a small gas bubble may remain).

4.

Administer intramuscularly slowly (1-2 minutes/injection) into the buttock (gluteal area). For user convenience, the needle ‘bevel up’ position is orientated to the lever arm, as shown in Figure 4.

1.

After injection, immediately activate the lever arm to deploy the needle shielding by applying a single-finger stroke to the activation assisted lever arm to push the lever arm completely forward. Listen for a click. Confirm that the needle shielding has completely covered the needle (see Figure 5).

 

NOTE: Activate away from self and others.

1.

Discard the empty syringe into an approved sharps collector in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policy.

2.

Repeat steps 1 through 13 for second syringe.

How To Use FASLODEX

For the 2 x 5 mL syringe package, the contents of both syringes must be injected to receive the 500 mg recommended dose.

SAFETYGLIDE™ INSTRUCTIONS FROM BECTON DICKINSON

SafetyGlide™ is a trademark of Becton Dickinson and Company.

Important Administration Information

To help avoid HIV (AIDS), HBV (Hepatitis), and other infectious diseases due to accidental needlesticks, contaminated needles should not be recapped or removed, unless there is no alternative or that such action is required by a specific medical procedure. Hands must remain behind the needle at all times during use and disposal.

Do not autoclave SafetyGlide™ Needle before use.

Becton Dickinson guarantees the contents of their unopened or undamaged packages to be sterile, non-toxic, and non-pyrogenic.

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, FASLODEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of fulvestrant to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis caused embryo-fetal toxicity, including skeletal malformations and fetal loss, at daily doses that were 6% and 30% of the maximum recommended human dose based on mg/m2, respectively [see Data]. 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. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Administration of fulvestrant to rats prior to and up to implantation caused embryonic loss at daily doses that were 0.6% of the daily maximum recommended human dose based on mg/m2. When fulvestrant was administered to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, intramuscular doses ≥0.1 mg/kg/day (6% of the human recommended dose based on mg/m2) caused effects on embryo-fetal development consistent with its antiestrogenic activity. Fulvestrant caused an increased incidence of fetal abnormalities in rats (tarsal flexure of the hind paw at 2 mg/kg/day; equivalent to the human dose based on mg/m2) and non-ossification of the odontoid and ventral tubercle of the first cervical vertebra at doses ≥0.1 mg/kg/day. Fulvestrant administered at 2 mg/kg/day caused fetal loss.

When administered to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis, fulvestrant caused pregnancy loss at an intramuscular dose of 1 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the human dose based on mg/m2). Further, at 0.25 mg/kg/day (30% the human dose based on mg/m2), fulvestrant caused increases in placental weight and post-implantation loss in rabbits. Fulvestrant was associated with an increased incidence of fetal variations in rabbits (backwards displacement of the pelvic girdle, and 27 pre-sacral vertebrae at 0.25 mg/kg/day; 30% the human dose based on mg/m2) when administered during the period of organogenesis.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of fulvestrant in human milk, nor of its effects on milk production or breastfed infant. Fulvestrant can be detected in rat milk [see Data]. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from FASLODEX, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment with FASLODEX and for one year after the final dose.

Data

Levels of fulvestrant were approximately 12-fold higher in milk than in plasma after exposure of lactating rats to a dose of 2 mg/kg. Drug exposure in rodent pups from fulvestrant-treated lactating dams was estimated as 10% of the administered dose. In a study in rats of fulvestrant at 10 mg/kg given twice or 15 mg/kg given once (less than the recommended human dose based on mg/m2) during lactation, offspring survival was slightly reduced.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential within seven days prior to initiating FASLODEX.

Contraception

Females

FASLODEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for one year after the last dose.

Infertility

Based on animal studies, FASLODEX may impair fertility in females and males of reproductive potential. The effects of fulvestrant on fertility were reversible in female rats [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. A multi-center, single-arm, open-label, study of fulvestrant was conducted in 30 girls with McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS) associated with Progressive Precocious Puberty (PPP). The median age at informed consent was 6 years old (range: 1 to 8).

The first 10 patients initially received fulvestrant 2 mg/kg. Based on PK data from the first 6 patients, all 10 patients receiving 2 mg/kg were escalated to a dose of 4 mg/kg and all other patients received 4 mg/kg from study entry.

Baseline measurements for vaginal bleeding days, bone age, growth velocity, and Tanner staging for at least 6 months prior to study entry were provided retrospectively by the parent, guardian, or local consultant. All measurements during the study period were collected prospectively. Patients’ baseline characteristics included the following: a mean ± SD chronological age of 5.9 ± 1.8 years; a mean rate of bone age advancement (change in bone age in years divided by change in chronological age in years) of 2.0 ± 1.03; and a mean growth velocity z-score of 2.4 ± 3.26.

Twenty-nine of 30 patients completed the 12-month study period. The following results were observed: 35% (95% CI: 16%, 57%) of the 23 patients with baseline vaginal bleeding experienced a complete cessation of vaginal bleeding on-treatment (month 0 to 12); a reduction in the rate of bone age advancement during the 12-month study period compared to baseline (mean change=-0.9 [95% CI: -1.4, -0.4]); and a reduction in mean growth velocity Z-score on-treatment compared to baseline (mean change=-1.1 [95% CI: -2.7, 0.4]). There were no clinically meaningful changes in median Tanner stage (breast or pubic), mean uterine volume, or mean ovarian volume, or predicted adult height (PAH) on-treatment compared to baseline. The effect of FASLODEX on bone mineral density in children has not been studied and is not known.

Eight patients (27%) experienced adverse reactions that were considered possibly related to FASLODEX. These included injection site reactions (inflammation, pain, hematoma, pruritus, rash), abdominal pain, contusion, tachycardia, hot flash, extremity pain, and vomiting. Nine (30%) patients reported an SAE, none of which were considered related to FASLODEX. No patients discontinued study treatment due to an AE and no patients died.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of fulvestrant was characterized using a population pharmacokinetic analysis with sparse samples per patient obtained from 30 female pediatric patients aged 1 to 8 years with PPP associated with MAS. Pharmacokinetic data from 294 postmenopausal women with breast cancer who received 125 or 250 mg monthly dosing regimen were also included in the analysis.

In these pediatric patients receiving 4 mg/kg monthly intramuscular dose of fulvestrant, the geometric mean (SD) CL/F was 444 (165) mL/min which was 32% lower than adults. The geometric mean (SD) steady state trough concentration (Cmin,ss) and AUCss was 4.19 (0.87) ng/mL and 3680 (1020) ng*hr/mL, respectively.

Geriatric Use

For FASLODEX 250 mg, when tumor response was considered by age, objective responses were seen in 22% and 24% of patients under 65 years of age and in 11% and 16% of patients 65 years of age and older, who were treated with FASLODEX in Study 0021 and Study 0020, respectively.

Hepatic Impairment

FASLODEX is metabolized primarily in the liver.

The pharmacokinetics of fulvestrant were evaluated after a single dose of 100 mg in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment and normal hepatic function (n=7 subjects/group), using a shorter-acting intramuscular injection formulation. Subjects with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A) had comparable mean AUC and clearance values to those with normal hepatic function. In subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B), the average AUC of fulvestrant increased by 70% compared to patients with normal hepatic function. AUC was positively correlated with total bilirubin concentration (p=0.012). FASLODEX has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).

A dose of FASLODEX 250 mg is recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Renal Impairment

Negligible amounts of fulvestrant are eliminated in urine; therefore, a study in patients with renal impairment was not conducted. In the advanced breast cancer trials, fulvestrant concentrations in women with estimated creatinine clearance as low as 30 mL/min were similar to women with normal creatinine.

Risk of Bleeding

Because FASLODEX is administered intramuscularly, it should be used with caution in patients with bleeding diatheses, thrombocytopenia, or anticoagulant use.

Increased Exposure in Patients with Hepatic Impairment

The safety and pharmacokinetics of FASLODEX were evaluated in a study in seven subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) and seven subjects with normal hepatic function. Exposure was increased in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, therefore, a dose of 250 mg is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

FASLODEX has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Injection Site Reaction

Injection site related events including sciatica, neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and peripheral neuropathy have been reported with FASLODEX injection. Caution should be taken while administering FASLODEX at the dorsogluteal injection site due to the proximity of the underlying sciatic nerve [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, FASLODEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of fulvestrant to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in embryo-fetal toxicity at daily doses that are significantly less than the maximum recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with FASLODEX and for one year after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1), (8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].

Immunoassay Measurement of Serum Estradiol

Due to structural similarity of fulvestrant and estradiol, FASLODEX can interfere with estradiol measurement by immunoassay, resulting in falsely elevated estradiol levels.