Dosage & Administration
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Rituxan Hycela Prescribing Information
Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions
Severe, including fatal, mucocutaneous reactions can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation
HBV reactivation can occur in patients treated with rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Screen all patients for HBV infection before treatment initiation, and monitor patients during and after treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA. Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA and concomitant medications in the event of HBV reactivation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal PML, can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Follicular Lymphoma (FL)
RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:
- Relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma as a single agent.
- Previously untreated follicular lymphoma in combination with first line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy.
- Non-progressing (including stable disease), follicular lymphoma as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated, in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC), for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated and previously treated CLL.
Limitations of Use
- Initiate treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA only after patients have received at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
- RITUXAN HYCELA is not indicated for the treatment of non-malignant conditions.
Important Dosing Information
RITUXAN HYCELA is for subcutaneous use only. RITUXAN HYCELA should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage severe reactions that can be fatal if they occur.
All patients must first receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion without experiencing severe adverse reactions before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA. If patients are not able to receive one full dose by intravenous infusion, they should continue subsequent cycles with a rituximab product by intravenous infusion and not switch to RITUXAN HYCELA until a full intravenous dose is successfully administered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Refer to the prescribing information for a rituximab product for intravenous infusion for additional information.
Premedicate before each dose of RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
Dose reductions of RITUXAN HYCELA are not recommended. When RITUXAN HYCELA is given in combination with chemotherapy dose, reduce the chemotherapeutic drugs to manage adverse reactions.
Recommended Dosage for Follicular Lymphoma (FL)
All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Premedicate before each dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
The recommended dose is RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units (1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously at a fixed dose irrespective of patient's body surface area according to the following schedules:
- Relapsed or Refractory, Follicular Lymphoma
Administer once weekly for 3 or 7 weeks following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at week 1 (i.e., 4 or 8 weeks in total). - Retreatment for Relapsed or Refractory, Follicular Lymphoma
Administer once weekly for 3 weeks following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at week 1 (i.e., 4 weeks in total). - Previously Untreated, Follicular Lymphoma
Administer on Day 1 of Cycles 2–8 of chemotherapy (every 21 days), for up to 7 cycles following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion on Day 1 of Cycle 1 of chemotherapy (i.e., up to 8 cycles in total). In patients with complete or partial response, initiate RITUXAN HYCELA maintenance treatment 8 weeks following completion of RITUXAN HYCELA in combination with chemotherapy. Administer RITUXAN HYCELA as a single-agent every 8 weeks for 12 doses. - Non-progressing, Follicular Lymphoma after first line CVP chemotherapy
Following completion of 6–8 cycles of CVP chemotherapy and a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at week 1, administer once weekly for 3 weeks (i.e., 4 weeks in total) at 6 month intervals to a maximum of 16 doses.
Recommended Dosage for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion in combination with CHOP chemotherapy before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Premedicate before each dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
The recommended dose for DLBCL is RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units (1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human) at a fixed dose irrespective of patient's body surface area in combination with CHOP chemotherapy. Administer RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units on Day 1 of Cycles 2–8 of CHOP chemotherapy for up to 7 cycles following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at Day 1, Cycle 1 of CHOP chemotherapy (i.e., up to 6–8 cycles in total).
Recommended Dosage for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion in combination with FC chemotherapy before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Premedicate before each dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
The recommended dose for CLL is RITUXAN HYCELA 1,600 mg/26,800 Units (1,600 mg rituximab and 26,800 Units hyaluronidase human) in combination with FC chemotherapy, at a fixed dose, irrespective of patient's body surface area. Administer RITUXAN HYCELA 1,600 mg/26,800 Units on Day 1 of Cycles 2–6 (every 28 days) for a total of 5 cycles following a full intravenous dose at Day 1, Cycle 1 (i.e., 6 cycles in total).
Recommended Premedication and Prophylactic Medications
Premedicate with acetaminophen and an antihistamine before each dose of RITUXAN HYCELA. Premedication with a glucocorticoid should also be considered [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3, 2.4)].
Provide prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and herpes virus infections for patients with CLL during treatment and for up to 12 months following treatment as appropriate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Preparation and Administration
To prevent medication errors, check the vial labels to ensure that the drug being prepared and administered is RITUXAN HYCELA for subcutaneous use. Do not administer RITUXAN HYCELA intravenously.
RITUXAN HYCELA is ready to use.
Preparation
Use a sterile needle and syringe to prepare RITUXAN HYCELA. RITUXAN HYCELA is compatible with polypropylene and polycarbonate syringe material and stainless steel transfer and injection needles.
Using a 20 mL syringe, withdraw the required volume from the vial with a narrow (e.g., 25–30 gauge) needle of any length.
Label the syringe with the provided peel-off label.
Change the needle to a 1/2" to 5/8" long, narrow gauge needle (e.g., 25–30 gauge) immediately prior to subcutaneous administration to avoid needle clogging.
Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. RITUXAN HYCELA should be a clear to opalescent and colorless to yellowish liquid. Do not use if particulates or discoloration is present.
Administration
- Inject RITUXAN HYCELA into the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen over approximately 5–7 minutes. Never inject into areas where the skin is red, bruised, tender or hard, or areas where there are moles or scars. No data are available on performing the injection at other sites of the body.
- Inject 11.7 mL of RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units vial (1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously into the abdomen over approximately 5 minutes.
- Inject 13.4 mL of RITUXAN HYCELA 1,600 mg/26,800 Units vial (1,600 mg rituximab and 26,800 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously into the abdomen over approximately 7 minutes.
If administration of RITUXAN HYCELA is interrupted, continue administering at the same site, or at a different site, but restricted to the abdomen.
Observe patients for at least 15 minutes following RITUXAN HYCELA administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
During treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA, do not administer other medications for subcutaneous use at the same sites as RITUXAN HYCELA.
Storage
Use immediately.
If not used immediately store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) up to 48 hours and subsequently for 8 hours at room temperature up to 30°C (86°F) in diffuse light.
RITUXAN HYCELA is a colorless to yellowish, clear to opalescent solution for subcutaneous injection:
- Injection: 1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human per 11.7 mL (120 mg/2,000 Units per mL) in a single-dose vial.
- Injection: 1,600 mg rituximab and 26,800 Units hyaluronidase human per 13.4 mL (120 mg/2,000 Units per mL) in a single-dose vial.
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on human data, rituximab-containing products can cause fetal harm due to B-cell lymphocytopenia in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero (see Clinical Considerations). There are no available data on RITUXAN HYCELA use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of a rituximab product to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis caused lymphoid B cell depletion in the newborn offspring at doses resulting in 80% of the exposure (based on AUC) of those achieved following a dose of 2 grams in humans. Reduced fetal weight and increased fetal lethality were observed following subcutaneous administration of hyaluronidase human in mice at a dose > 2700 times higher than the human dose. Comparable systemic exposure levels could occur in a pregnant patient following accidental intravenous administration of an entire vial of RITUXAN HYCELA (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 populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2%–4% and of miscarriage is 15%–20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Observe newborns and infants for signs of infection and manage accordingly.
Data
Human Data
Postmarketing data indicate that B-cell lymphocytopenia generally lasting less than 6 months can occur in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero. Rituximab was detected postnatally in the serum of infants exposed in-utero.
Animal Data
RITUXAN HYCELA for subcutaneous injection contains rituximab and hyaluronidase human [see Description (11)].
Rituximab Product:
- An embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study was performed on pregnant cynomolgus monkeys. Pregnant animals received rituximab via the intravenous route during early gestation (organogenesis period; post coitum days 20 through 50). Rituximab was administered as loading doses on post coitum (PC) Days 20, 21 and 22, at 15, 37.5 or 75 mg/kg/day, and then weekly on PC Days 29, 36, 43 and 50, at 20, 50 or 100 mg/kg/week. The 100 mg/kg/week dose resulted in 80% of the exposure (based on AUC) of those achieved following a dose of 2 grams in humans. Rituximab crosses the monkey placenta. Exposed offspring did not exhibit any teratogenic effects but did have decreased lymphoid tissue B cells.
- A subsequent pre-and postnatal reproductive toxicity study in cynomolgus monkeys was completed to assess developmental effects including the recovery of B cells and immune function in infants exposed to rituximab in utero. Animals were treated with a loading dose of 0, 15, or 75 mg/kg every day for 3 days, followed by weekly dosing with 0, 20, or 100 mg/kg dose. Subsets of pregnant females were treated from PC Day 20 through postpartum Day 78, PC Day 76 through PC Day 134, and from PC Day 132 through delivery and postpartum Day 28. Regardless of the timing of treatment, decreased B cells and immunosuppression were noted in the offspring of rituximab-treated pregnant animals. The B-cell counts returned to normal levels, and immunologic function was restored within 6 months postpartum.
Hyaluronidase Human:
- In an embryo-fetal study, mice have been dosed daily by subcutaneous injection during the period of organogenesis with hyaluronidase human at dose levels up to 2,200,000 U/kg, which is > 2700 times higher than the human dose. The study found no evidence of teratogenicity. Reduced fetal weight and increased numbers of fetal resorptions were observed, with no effects found at a daily dose of 360,000 U/kg, which is > 450 times higher than the human dose.
- In a peri-and post-natal reproduction study, mice have been dosed daily by subcutaneous injection, with hyaluronidase human from implantation through lactation and weaning at dose levels up to 1,100,000 U/kg, which is > 1,300 times higher than the human dose. The study found no adverse effects on sexual maturation, learning and memory or fertility of the offspring.
Lactation
There are no data on the presence of hyaluronidase human in human milk or the effect of rituximab on milk production, and there is limited data on the effect of rituximab on the breastfed child. However, rituximab is detected in the milk of lactating cynomolgus monkeys and maternal IgG is present in human breast milk. Rituximab has also been reported to be excreted at low concentrations in human breast milk. Given that the clinical significance of this finding for children is not known, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA and for 6 months after the last dose due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Rituximab-containing products can cause fetal harm [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Pregnancy Testing
Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating RITUXAN HYCELA.
Contraception
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA and for 12 months after the last dose of rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of RITUXAN HYCELA in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects in the SABRINA, MabEase, and SAWYER studies, 37% were 65 and over, while 10% were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
None