Nivestym
(filgrastim-aafi)Dosage & Administration
Nivestym Prescribing Information
Patients with Cancer Receiving Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy
NIVESTYM is indicated to decrease the incidence of infection‚ as manifested by febrile neutropenia‚ in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a significant incidence of severe neutropenia with fever [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy
NIVESTYM is indicated for reducing the time to neutrophil recovery and the duration of fever, following induction or consolidation chemotherapy treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Patients with Cancer Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation
NIVESTYM is indicated to reduce the duration of neutropenia and neutropenia-related clinical sequelae‚ e.g.‚ febrile neutropenia, in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies undergoing myeloablative chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplantation [see Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Patients Undergoing Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Collection and Therapy
NIVESTYM is indicated for the mobilization of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells into the peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
Patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia
NIVESTYM is indicated for chronic administration to reduce the incidence and duration of sequelae of neutropenia (e.g.‚ fever‚ infections‚ oropharyngeal ulcers) in symptomatic patients with congenital neutropenia‚ cyclic neutropenia‚ or idiopathic neutropenia [see Clinical Studies (14.5)].
Dosage in Patients with Cancer Receiving Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy or Induction and/or Consolidation Chemotherapy for AML
The recommended starting dosage of NIVESTYM is 5 mcg/kg/day‚ administered as a single daily injection by subcutaneous injection‚ by short intravenous infusion (15 to 30 minutes)‚ or by continuous intravenous infusion. Obtain a complete blood count (CBC) and platelet count before instituting NIVESTYM therapy and monitor twice weekly during therapy. Consider dose escalation in increments of 5 mcg/kg for each chemotherapy cycle‚ according to the duration and severity of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) nadir. Recommend stopping NIVESTYM if the ANC increases beyond 10‚000/mm3 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].
Administer NIVESTYM at least 24 hours after cytotoxic chemotherapy. Do not administer NIVESTYM within the 24-hour period prior to chemotherapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)]. A transient increase in neutrophil count is typically seen 1 to 2 days after initiation of NIVESTYM therapy. Therefore, to ensure a sustained therapeutic response‚ administer NIVESTYM daily for up to 2 weeks or until the ANC has reached 10‚000/mm3 following the expected chemotherapy-induced neutrophil nadir. The duration of NIVESTYM therapy needed to attenuate chemotherapy-induced neutropenia may be dependent on the myelosuppressive potential of the chemotherapy regimen employed.
Dosage in Patients with Cancer Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation
The recommended dosage of NIVESTYM following bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is 10 mcg/kg/day given as an intravenous infusion no longer than 24 hours. Administer the first dose of NIVESTYM at least 24 hours after cytotoxic chemotherapy and at least 24 hours after bone marrow infusion. Monitor CBCs and platelet counts frequently following marrow transplantation.
During the period of neutrophil recovery‚ titrate the daily dosage of NIVESTYM against the neutrophil response (see Table 1).
| Absolute Neutrophil Count | NIVESTYM Dosage Adjustment |
|---|---|
| |
When ANC greater than 1,000/mm3 for 3 consecutive days | Reduce to 5 mcg/kg/day * |
Then, if ANC remains greater than 1,000/mm3 for 3 more consecutive days | Discontinue NIVESTYM |
Then, if ANC decreases to less than 1,000/mm3 | Resume at 5 mcg/kg/day |
Dosage in Patients Undergoing Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Collection and Therapy
The recommended dosage of NIVESTYM for the mobilization of autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) is 10 mcg/kg/day given by subcutaneous injection. Administer NIVESTYM for at least 4 days before the first leukapheresis procedure and continue until the last leukapheresis. Although the optimal duration of NIVESTYM administration and leukapheresis schedule have not been established‚ administration of filgrastim for 6 to 7 days with leukaphereses on days 5‚ 6‚ and 7 was found to be safe and effective [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Monitor neutrophil counts after 4 days of NIVESTYM‚ and discontinue NIVESTYM if the white blood cell (WBC) count rises to greater than 100‚000/mm3.
Dosage in Patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia
Prior to starting NIVESTYM in patients with suspected chronic neutropenia, confirm the diagnosis of severe chronic neutropenia (SCN) by evaluating serial CBCs with differential and platelet counts‚ and evaluating bone marrow morphology and karyotype. The use of NIVESTYM prior to confirmation of a correct diagnosis of SCN may impair diagnostic efforts and may thus impair or delay evaluation and treatment of an underlying condition‚ other than SCN‚ causing the neutropenia.
The recommended starting dosage in patients with Congenital Neutropenia is 6 mcg/kg as a twice daily subcutaneous injection and the recommended starting dosage in patients with Idiopathic or Cyclic Neutropenia is 5 mcg/kg as a single daily subcutaneous injection.
Dosage Adjustments in Patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia
Chronic daily administration is required to maintain clinical benefit. Individualize the dosage based on the patient's clinical course as well as ANC. In the SCN postmarketing surveillance study, the reported median daily doses of filgrastim were: 6 mcg/kg (congenital neutropenia), 2.1 mcg/kg (cyclic neutropenia), and 1.2 mcg/kg (idiopathic neutropenia). In rare instances, patients with congenital neutropenia have required doses of filgrastim greater than or equal to 100 mcg/kg/day.
Monitor CBCs for Dosage Adjustments
During the initial 4 weeks of NIVESTYM therapy and during the 2 weeks following any dosage adjustment‚ monitor CBCs with differential and platelet counts. Once a patient is clinically stable‚ monitor CBCs with differential and platelet counts monthly during the first year of treatment. Thereafter, if the patient is clinically stable, less frequent routine monitoring is recommended.
Important Administration Instructions
Patient self-administration and administration by a caregiver may benefit from training by a healthcare professional. Training should aim to demonstrate to those patients and caregivers how to measure the dose using the prefilled syringe, and the focus should be on ensuring that a patient or caregiver can successfully perform all of the steps in the Instructions for Use of NIVESTYM prefilled syringe with BD UltraSafe Plus™ Passive Needle Guard. If a patient or caregiver is not able to demonstrate that they can measure the dose and administer the product successfully, you should consider whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for self-administration of NIVESTYM [see Instructions for Use].
NIVESTYM prefilled syringe with BD UltraSafe Plus™ Passive Needle Guard is not designed to allow for direct administration of doses of less than 0.3 mL (180 mcg). The spring-mechanism of the needle guard apparatus affixed to the prefilled syringe interferes with the visibility of the graduation markings on the syringe barrel corresponding to 0.1 mL and 0.2 mL. The visibility of these markings is necessary to accurately measure doses of NIVESTYM less than 0.3 mL (180 mcg) for direct administration. Thus, the direct administration to patients requiring doses of less than 0.3 mL (180 mcg) is not recommended due to the potential for dosing errors. For direct administration of doses less than 0.3 mL (180 mcg) use NIVESTYM single-dose vial.
NIVESTYM is supplied in single-dose vials (for subcutaneous use or intravenous infusion) and single-dose prefilled syringes (for subcutaneous use) [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3)]. Prior to use‚ remove the vial or prefilled syringe from the refrigerator and allow NIVESTYM to reach room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. If not used immediately, the vial or prefilled syringe may be stored at room temperature [between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)] for up to 24 hours. Discard any vial or prefilled syringe left at room temperature for greater than 24 hours. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit (the solution is clear and colorless). Do not administer NIVESTYM if particulates or discoloration are observed.
Discard unused portion of NIVESTYM in vials or prefilled syringes; do not re-enter the vial. Do not save unused drug for later administration.
Subcutaneous Injection
Inject NIVESTYM subcutaneously in the outer area of upper arms, abdomen, thighs, or upper outer areas of the buttock. If patients or caregivers are to administer NIVESTYM, instruct them in appropriate injection technique and ask them to follow the subcutaneous injection procedures in the Instructions for Use for the vial or prefilled syringe [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Training by the healthcare provider should aim to demonstrate to those patients and caregivers how to measure the dose of NIVESTYM, and the focus should be on ensuring that a patient or caregiver can successfully perform all of the steps in the Instructions for Use for the vial or prefilled syringe. If a patient or caregiver is not able to demonstrate that they can measure the dose and administer the product successfully, you should consider whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for self-administration of NIVESTYM or whether the patient would benefit from a different NIVESTYM presentation. If a patient or caregiver experiences difficulty measuring the required dose, especially if it is other than the entire contents of the NIVESTYM prefilled syringe, use of the NIVESTYM vial may be considered.
If the patient or caregiver misses a dose of NIVESTYM, instruct them to contact their healthcare provider.
Administration Instructions for the Prefilled Syringe
The NIVESTYM syringe plunger stopper and needle cover are not made with natural rubber latex.
Administration Instructions for Dilution (Vial Only)
If required for intravenous administration‚ NIVESTYM (vial only) may be diluted in 5% Dextrose Injection, USP from a concentration of 300 mcg/mL to 5 mcg/mL (do not dilute to a final concentration less than 5 mcg/mL). NIVESTYM diluted to concentrations from 5 mcg/mL to 15 mcg/mL should be protected from adsorption to plastic materials by the addition of Albumin (Human) to a final concentration of 2 mg/mL. When diluted in 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose plus Albumin (Human)‚ NIVESTYM is compatible with glass bottles‚ polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyolefin intravenous bags‚ and polypropylene syringes. Do not dilute with saline at any time because the product may precipitate.
Diluted NIVESTYM solution can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This 24-hour time period includes the time during room temperature storage of the infusion solution and the duration of the infusion.
NIVESTYM is a clear, colorless solution available as:
Vial:
- •
- Injection: 300 mcg/mL in a single-dose vial
- •
- Injection: 480 mcg/1.6 mL (300 mcg/mL) in a single-dose vial
Prefilled Syringe:
- •
- Injection: 300 mcg/0.5 mL in a single-dose prefilled syringe
- •
- Injection: 480 mcg/0.8 mL in a single-dose prefilled syringe
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Available data from published studies, including several observational studies of pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to filgrastim products and those who were unexposed, have not established an association with filgrastim products use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data). Reports in the scientific literature have described transplacental passage of filgrastim in pregnant women when administered ≤ 30 hours prior to preterm delivery (≤ 30 weeks gestation). In animal reproduction studies, effects of filgrastim on prenatal development have been studied in rats and rabbits. No malformations were observed in either species. No maternal or fetal effects were observed in pregnant rats at doses up to 58 times the human doses. Filgrastim has been shown to have adverse effects in pregnant rabbits at doses 2 to 10 times higher than the human doses (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations 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 risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.
Data
Human data
Several observational studies based on the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry (SCNIR) described pregnancy outcomes in women with severe chronic neutropenia (SCN) who were exposed to filgrastim products during pregnancy and women with SCN who were unexposed. No major differences were seen between treated and untreated women with respect to pregnancy outcome (including miscarriage and preterm labor), newborn complications (including birth weight) and infections. Methodological limitations of these studies, include small sample size, and lack of generalizability due to the underlying maternal condition.
Animal data
Effects of filgrastim on prenatal development have been studied in rats and rabbits. No malformations were observed in either species. Filgrastim has been shown to have adverse effects in pregnant rabbits at doses 2 to 10 times higher than the human doses. In pregnant rabbits showing signs of maternal toxicity, reduced embryo-fetal survival (at 20 and 80 mcg/kg/day) and increased abortions (at 80 mcg/kg/day) were observed. In pregnant rats, no maternal or fetal effects were observed at doses up to 575 mcg/kg/day, which is approximately 58 times higher than the human dose of 10 mcg/kg/day.
Offspring of rats administered filgrastim during the peri-natal and lactation periods exhibited a delay in external differentiation and growth retardation (≥ 20 mcg/kg/day) and slightly reduced survival rate (100 mcg/kg/day).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is published literature documenting transfer of filgrastim into human milk. There are a few case reports describing the use of filgrastim in breastfeeding mothers with no adverse effects noted in the infants. There are no data on the effects of filgrastim products on milk production. Other filgrastim products are secreted poorly into breast milk, and filgrastim products are not absorbed orally by neonates. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for NIVESTYM and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from NIVESTYM or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
NIVESTYM prefilled syringe with BD UltraSafe Plus™ Passive Needle Guard may not accurately measure volumes less than 0.3 mL due to the needle spring mechanism design. Therefore, the direct administration of a volume less than 0.3 mL using NIVESTYM prefilled syringe is not recommended due to the potential for dosing errors. For direct administration of doses less than 0.3 mL (180 mcg) use NIVESTYM single-dose vial.
In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy‚ 15 pediatric patients median age 2.6 (range 1.2 to 9.4) years with neuroblastoma were treated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide‚ cisplatin‚ doxorubicin‚ and etoposide) followed by subcutaneous filgrastim at doses of 5, 10, or 15 mcg/kg/day for 10 days (n = 5/dose) (Study 8). The pharmacokinetics of filgrastim in pediatric patients after chemotherapy were similar to those in adults receiving the same weight-normalized doses, suggesting no age-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of filgrastim. In this population‚ filgrastim was well-tolerated. There was one report of palpable splenomegaly and one report of hepatosplenomegaly associated with filgrastim therapy; however‚ the only consistently reported adverse event was musculoskeletal pain‚ which is no different from the experience in the adult population.
The safety and effectiveness of NIVESTYM have been established in pediatric patients with SCN [see Clinical Studies (14.5)]. Use of NIVESTYM for this indication is supported by NIVESTYM’s approval as a biosimilar to filgrastim and evidence from a phase 3 study (Study 7) to assess the safety and efficacy of filgrastim in the treatment of SCN where 123 patients with a median age of 12 years (range 7 months to 76 years) were studied. Of the 123 patients, 12 were infants (7 months to 2 years of age), 49 were children (2 to 12 years of age), and 9 were adolescents (12 to 16 years of age). Additional information is available from a SCN postmarketing surveillance study, which includes long-term follow-up of patients in the clinical studies and information from additional patients who entered directly into the postmarketing surveillance study. Of the 731 patients in the surveillance study, 429 were pediatric patients < 18 years of age (range 0.9 to 17) [see Indications and Usage (1.5), Dosage and Administration (2.5), and Clinical Studies (14.5)].
Long-term follow-up data from the postmarketing surveillance study suggest that height and weight are not adversely affected in patients who received up to 5 years of filgrastim treatment. Limited data from patients who were followed in the phase 3 study for 1.5 years did not suggest alterations in sexual maturation or endocrine function.
Pediatric patients with congenital types of neutropenia (Kostmann's syndrome, congenital agranulocytosis, or Schwachman-Diamond syndrome) have developed cytogenetic abnormalities and have undergone transformation to MDS and AML while receiving chronic filgrastim treatment. The relationship of these events to filgrastim product administration is unknown [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Adverse Reactions (6)].
Geriatric Use
Among 855 subjects enrolled in 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of filgrastim-treated patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, there were 232 subjects age 65 or older, and 22 subjects age 75 or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.
Clinical studies of filgrastim in other approved indications (i.e., BMT recipients, PBPC mobilization, and SCN) did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether elderly subjects respond differently from younger subjects.
NIVESTYM is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors such as filgrastim products or pegfilgrastim products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Splenic Rupture
Splenic rupture, including fatal cases, has been reported following the administration of filgrastim products. Evaluate patients who report left upper abdominal or shoulder pain for an enlarged spleen or splenic rupture.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim products. Evaluate patients who develop fever and lung infiltrates or respiratory distress for ARDS. Discontinue NIVESTYM in patients with ARDS.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients receiving filgrastim products. The majority of reported events occurred upon initial exposure. Provide symptomatic treatment for allergic reactions. Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in patients receiving filgrastim products can recur within days after the discontinuation of initial anti-allergic treatment. Permanently discontinue NIVESTYM in patients with serious allergic reactions. NIVESTYM is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors such as filgrastim products or pegfilgrastim products.
Sickle Cell Disorders
Severe and sometimes fatal sickle cell crises can occur in patients with sickle cell disorders receiving filgrastim products. Discontinue NIVESTYM if sickle cell crisis occurs.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis has occurred in patients receiving filgrastim products. The diagnoses were based upon azotemia, hematuria (microscopic and macroscopic), proteinuria, and renal biopsy. Generally, events of glomerulonephritis resolved after dose reduction or discontinuation of filgrastim products. If glomerulonephritis is suspected, evaluate for cause. If causality is likely, consider dose-reduction or interruption of NIVESTYM.
Alveolar Hemorrhage and Hemoptysis
Alveolar hemorrhage manifesting as pulmonary infiltrates and hemoptysis requiring hospitalization have been reported in healthy donors treated with filgrastim products undergoing peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) collection mobilization. Hemoptysis resolved with discontinuation of filgrastim products. The use of NIVESTYM for PBPC mobilization in healthy donors is not an approved indication.
Capillary Leak Syndrome
Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) has been reported after G-CSF administration, including filgrastim products, and is characterized by hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, edema and hemoconcentration. Episodes vary in frequency, severity and may be life-threatening if treatment is delayed. Patients who develop symptoms of capillary leak syndrome should be closely monitored and receive standard symptomatic treatment, which may include a need for intensive care.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia
Confirm the diagnosis of SCN before initiating NIVESTYM therapy.
MDS and AML have been reported to occur in the natural history of congenital neutropenia without cytokine therapy. Cytogenetic abnormalities, transformation to MDS, and AML have also been observed in patients treated with filgrastim products for SCN. Based on available data including a postmarketing surveillance study, the risk of developing MDS and AML appears to be confined to the subset of patients with congenital neutropenia. Abnormal cytogenetics and MDS have been associated with the eventual development of myeloid leukemia. The effect of filgrastim products on the development of abnormal cytogenetics and the effect of continued filgrastim products administration in patients with abnormal cytogenetics or MDS are unknown. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML in these settings. If a patient with SCN develops abnormal cytogenetics or myelodysplasia‚ the risks and benefits of continuing NIVESTYM should be carefully considered.
Patients with Breast and Lung Cancer
MDS and AML have been associated with the use of filgrastim products in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in patients with breast and lung cancer. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML in these settings.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim products. Monitor platelet counts.
Leukocytosis
Patients with Cancer Receiving Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy
White blood cell counts of 100‚000/mm3 or greater were observed in approximately 2% of patients receiving filgrastim at dosages above 5 mcg/kg/day. In patients with cancer receiving NIVESTYM as an adjunct to myelosuppressive chemotherapy‚ to avoid the potential risks of excessive leukocytosis‚ it is recommended that NIVESTYM therapy be discontinued if the ANC surpasses 10‚000/mm3 after the chemotherapy-induced ANC nadir has occurred. Monitor CBCs at least twice weekly during therapy. Dosages of NIVESTYM that increase the ANC beyond 10‚000/mm3 may not result in any additional clinical benefit. In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy‚ discontinuation of filgrastim therapy usually resulted in a 50% decrease in circulating neutrophils within 1 to 2 days‚ with a return to pretreatment levels in 1 to 7 days.
Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Collection and Therapy
During the period of administration of NIVESTYM for PBPC mobilization in patients with cancer, discontinue NIVESTYM if the leukocyte count rises to > 100,000/mm3.
Cutaneous Vasculitis
Cutaneous vasculitis has been reported in patients treated with filgrastim products. In most cases‚ the severity of cutaneous vasculitis was moderate or severe. Most of the reports involved patients with SCN receiving long-term filgrastim therapy. Hold NIVESTYM therapy in patients with cutaneous vasculitis. NIVESTYM may be started at a reduced dose when the symptoms resolve and the ANC has decreased.
Potential Effect on Malignant Cells
NIVESTYM is a growth factor that primarily stimulates neutrophils. The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptor through which NIVESTYM acts has also been found on tumor cell lines. The possibility that NIVESTYM acts as a growth factor for any tumor type cannot be excluded. The safety of filgrastim products in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and myelodysplasia has not been established.
When NIVESTYM is used to mobilize PBPC‚ tumor cells may be released from the marrow and subsequently collected in the leukapheresis product. The effect of reinfusion of tumor cells has not been well studied‚ and the limited data available are inconclusive.
Simultaneous Use with Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Not Recommended
The safety and efficacy of NIVESTYM given simultaneously with cytotoxic chemotherapy have not been established. Because of the potential sensitivity of rapidly dividing myeloid cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy‚ do not use NIVESTYM in the period 24 hours before through 24 hours after the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
The safety and efficacy of NIVESTYM have not been evaluated in patients receiving concurrent radiation therapy. Avoid the simultaneous use of NIVESTYM with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Nuclear Imaging
Increased hematopoietic activity of the bone marrow in response to growth factor therapy has been associated with transient positive bone-imaging changes. This should be considered when interpreting bone-imaging results.
Aortitis
Aortitis has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim products. It may occur as early as the first week after start of therapy. Manifestations may include generalized signs and symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain, and increased inflammatory markers (e.g., c-reactive protein and white blood cell count). Consider aortitis in patients who develop these signs and symptoms without known etiology. Discontinue NIVESTYM if aortitis is suspected.