Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Centratex


Pronunciation: FER-us FUE-ma-rate/FOE-lik AS-id/B KOM-pleks/VYE-ta-min C/MIN-er-als
Generic Name: Ferrous Fumarate/Folic Acid/B Complex/Vitamin C/Minerals
Brand Name: Centratex

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years of age. Keep this product out of the reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.





Centratex is used for:

Treating anemia caused by low levels of iron or folate in the blood. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Centratex is an iron, folic acid, vitamin, and mineral combination. It works by providing iron, folic acid, vitamins, and minerals when the body does not produce enough of its own.


Do NOT use Centratex if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Centratex

  • you have iron metabolism problems (eg, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis), certain types of anemia (pernicious, hemolytic), or high levels of iron in your blood

  • you have copper metabolism problems (Wilson disease)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Centratex:


Some medical conditions may interact with Centratex. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcer, bowel irritation or inflammation, Crohn disease)

  • if you have another type of anemia (eg, megaloblastic), a blood disorder (eg, thalassemia, porphyria), or if you have had multiple blood transfusions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Centratex. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Fluorouracil because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Centratex

  • Doxycycline, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), penicillamine, or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Centratex

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Centratex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Centratex:


Use Centratex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Centratex is absorbed better on an empty stomach, but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.

  • If you also take an antacid, bisphosphonate (eg, alendronate), cefdinir, eltrombopag, methyldopa, penicillamine, quinolone antibiotic (eg, levofloxacin), or tetracycline antibiotic (eg, minocycline), ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with Centratex.

  • Do NOT take Centratex within 1 hour before or 2 hours after eggs, whole grain breads or cereal, milk, milk products, coffee, or tea.

  • Take Centratex with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).

  • If you miss a dose of Centratex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Centratex.



Important safety information:


  • Centratex has iron in it. Iron overdose is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years of age. In case of an overdose, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

  • Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.

  • Centratex has folic acid, iron, and zinc in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has folic acid, iron, or zinc in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Do not take large doses of vitamins while you use Centratex unless your doctor tells you to.

  • While you are taking Centratex, you may notice a darkening of stools. This is normal.

  • Centratex may cause false test results with kits used to check for blood in the stool or blood cholesterol. Check with your doctor if you are using either kind of test kit.

  • Lab tests, including blood counts and blood iron levels, may be performed while you use Centratex. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

  • Centratex should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Centratex while you are pregnant. Centratex is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Centratex, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Centratex:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Constipation; darkened or green stools; diarrhea; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach discomfort.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood or streaks of blood in the stool; severe or persistent stomach pain.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Centratex side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org ), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; seizures; severe nausea; stomach pain; tarry stools; trouble breathing; unusual tiredness; or vomiting. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age. Keep Centratex out of the reach of children.


Proper storage of Centratex:

Store Centratex at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Centratex out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Centratex, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Centratex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Centratex. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Centratex resources


  • Centratex Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Centratex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Centratex Drug Interactions
  • Centratex Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Centratex - Add your own review/rating


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Tuesday, 3 July 2012

Ioexolo




Ioexolo may be available in the countries listed below.


Ingredient matches for Ioexolo



Iohexol

Ioexolo (DCIT) is known as Iohexol in the US.

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Glossary

DCITDenominazione Comune Italiana

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Sunday, 1 July 2012

VOLTAROL Ophtha





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Voltarol® Ophtha


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Eye drop solution containing 0.1% (w/v) diclofenac sodium in a preservative-free formulation.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Eye drop solution presented in single dose units for administration by instillation in the conjunctival sac.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



i. Inhibition of peroperative miosis during cataract surgery (Voltarol Ophtha has no intrinsic mydriatic properties and does not replace standard mydriatic agents).



ii. Treatment of post-operative inflammation in cataract surgery.



iii. Control of ocular pain and discomfort associated with corneal epithelial defects after excimer PRK surgery or accidental non- penetrating trauma.



iv. Control of inflammation after Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT).



v. The relief of the ocular signs and symptoms of Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC).



vi. Treatment of inflammation and discomfort after strabismus surgery



vii. Treatment of ocular pain and discomfort after radial keratotomy



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Voltarol Ophtha eye drop solution is for instillation into the conjunctival sac only. It should never be injected subconjunctivally, nor should it be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.



Adults:




















Prophylaxis of preoperative miosis




Apply 1 drop four times during the 2 hours before surgery.




Control of post-operative inflammation




Apply 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 28 days.




Control of post-PRK pain and discomfort




Apply 1 drop 2 times in the hour prior to surgery, 1 drop 2 times five minutes apart immediately after PRK surgery and then post-operatively 1 drop every 2-5 hours while awake for up to 24 hours.




Control of ocular pain associated with corneal epithelial defects after accidental non-penetrating trauma.




Apply 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.




Control of post-ALT inflammation




Apply one drop 4 times during the 2 hours before ALT, and then one drop 4 times daily for up to 7 days.




The relief of the ocular signs and symptoms of Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis.




Apply one drop 4 times daily for as long as required.




Treatment of inflammation and discomfort after strabismus surgery




one drop 4 times daily in the 1st week, thrice daily in the 2nd week, twice daily in the 3rd week and as required in the 4th week.




Treatment of ocular pain and discomfort after radial keratotomy




pre-operatively one drop before surgery, post-operatively one drop immediately after surgery, and then one drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.



NOTE: The contents remain sterile until the original closure is broken. Each Voltarol Ophtha SDU is for single use only. Discard the single dose unit immediately after use. Patients must discard residual contents after use.



Paediatric use: Voltarol Ophtha and Voltarol Ophtha CD are not indicated for use in children. Paediatric experience is limited to a few published clinical studies in strabismus surgery.



4.3 Contraindications



Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.



Like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, Voltarol Ophtha is also contraindicated in patients in whom attacks of asthma, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by acetylsalicylic acid or by other drugs with prostaglandin synthetase inhibiting activity. Intraocular use during surgical procedure is also contraindicated. There is the potential for cross-sensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid, phenylacetic acid derivatives, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



The anti-inflammatory activity of ophthalmic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) may mask the onset and/or progression of ocular infections. In the presence of infection, or if there is a risk of infection, appropriate therapy (e.g. antibiotics) should be given concurrently with Voltarol Ophtha.



Although there have been no reported adverse events, there is a theoretical possibility that patients receiving other medications which may prolong bleeding time, or with known haemostatic defects may experience exacerbation with Voltarol Ophtha.



Caution should be exercised when topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac are used concomitantly with topical steroids (see section 4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction).



Following instillation of the eye drops, nasolacrimal occlusion or closing the eyes for 3 minutes may reduce the systemic absorption. This may result in a decrease in systemic side effects and an increase in local activity.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Concomitant use of topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac and topical steroids in patients with significant pre-existing corneal inflammation may increase the risk of developing corneal complications, therefore caution should be used.



To prevent the active substances from being washed out when additional ophthalmic medication is used, an interval of at least 5 minutes between each application should be adhered to.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



There are no data on the use of Voltarol Ophtha or Voltarol Ophtha Multidose 0.1% in pregnancy. Studies in animals with diclofenac have shown reproductive toxicity (see Section 5.3).



1st and 2nd Trimester: Animal studies have so far shown no risk to the foetus but no controlled studies in pregnant women are available.



3rd Trimester: Voltarol Ophtha should not be used, due to possible risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and possible inhibition of contractions.



Lactation



Diclofenac is excreted in breast milk. However at therapeutic doses of Voltarol Ophtha no effects on the suckling child are anticipated. Use of ocular diclofenac is not recommended during breast feeding unless the expected benefits outweigh the possible risks.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



Patients with blurred vision should refrain from driving a vehicle or operating machines.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The most frequently observed adverse reaction is a transient, mild to moderate eye irritation.



Other less frequently observed reactions are eye pain, eye pruritus, ocular hyperaemia and blurred vision immediately after instillation of the eye drops.



Punctate keratitis or corneal disorders have been observed, usually after frequent application.



In patients with risk factors of corneal disorders such as during the use of corticosteroids or with concomitant diseases such as infections or rheumatoid arthritis, diclofenac has been associated, in rare cases, with ulcerative keratitis, corneal thinning, punctuate keratitis, corneal epithelium defect and corneal oedema, which might become sight-threatening. Most patients were treated for a prolonged period of time.



Allergic conditions have been reported for ocular reactions such as conjunctival hyperaemia, allergic conjunctivitis, eyelid erythema, oedema, and pruritus, and systemic hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, rash, eczema, erythema, pruritus, cough and rhinitis.



In rare cases dyspnoea and exacerbation of asthma have been reported.



4.9 Overdose



There is practically no risk of adverse effects due to accidental oral ingestion, since the eye drop solution in a block of 10 units contains only 3mg of diclofenac sodium, corresponding to about 1.8% of the recommended maximum daily adult dose of Voltarol after oral administration. By way of comparison, the maximum oral daily dose for diclofenac sodium recommended in children is 2mg/kg body weight.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Voltarol Ophtha contains diclofenac sodium, a non-steroidal compound with pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, which has been demonstrated experimentally, is regarded as having an important bearing on its mechanism of action. Prostaglandins play a major role in the causation of inflammation and pain.



In clinical trials, Voltarol Ophtha has been found to:



i. inhibit miosis during cataract surgery



ii. reduce inflammation following surgical interventions



iii. reduce ocular pain and discomfort associated with corneal epithelial defects after excimer PRK surgery or accidental non-penetrating trauma.



iv. reduce the incidence of angiographic cystoid macular oedema after cataract surgery but clinical significance remains to be established.



v. reduce ocular inflammation and discomfort more effectively than topical steroids after strabismus surgery whilst avoiding steroidal adverse effects such as delayed conjunctival wound healing and raised intraocular pressure



vi. reduce ocular inflammation, pain and discomfort (photophobia, burning/stinging, foreign body sensation, deep headache-like ocular pain and itching) more effectively than placebo eye drops after corneal incisional surgery such as radial keratotomy.



The effective daily dose after ocular application of Voltarol Ophtha (approximately 0.25 - 0.5 mg diclofenac sodium) corresponds to less than 1% of the daily dose recommended for Voltarol in rheumatic indications.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



In rabbits, peak concentrations of 14C-labelled diclofenac could be demonstrated in the cornea and conjunctiva 30 minutes after application. The highest amounts are found in these two tissues and in the choroid and retina. Elimination was fast and almost complete after 6 hours.



Penetration of diclofenac into the anterior chamber has been confirmed in humans. No measurable levels of diclofenac could be found in humans after ocular application of diclofenac sodium eye drops.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Preclinical data of systemically applied diclofenac from acute and repeated dose toxicity studies, as well as from genotoxicity and carcinogenicity studies revealed no specific hazard for humans at the intended therapeutic doses.



In reproductive and developmental toxicity studies systemic diclofenac has been shown to cross the placental barrier in mice and rats. Whilst no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated, maternally toxic doses were associated with dystocia, prolonged gestation, decreased foetal survival, and intrauterine growth retardation. The effects of diclofenac on fertility and delivery as well as the constriction of the ductus arteriosus in utero are pharmacological consequences of this class of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors



Local ocular tolerance and toxicity of Voltarol Ophtha and Voltarol Ophtha Multidose 0.1% eye drops (containing hydroxypropyl-gamma cyclodextrin) were investigated and no evidence of toxicity and local adverse effects was found.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Boric acid



Polyoxyl 35 castor oil



Tromethamine



Water for injections



6.2 Incompatibilities



None known to date



6.3 Shelf Life










Unopened:




24 months




Blister opened:




28 days




Opened:




Single Dose Unit



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 25°C. Stable for 28 days after opening the blister.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Sealed single dose units composed of low density polyethylene granulate. Each unit contains 0.3ml solution. Available in packs of 5, 40.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



No special requirements.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd



Frimley Business Park



Frimley



Surrey



GU16 7SR



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 00101/0478



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



26 February 2009



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



30 November 2011



LEGAL CATEGORY


POM




Saturday, 30 June 2012

Sprycel 20mg, 50mg, 70mg and 100mg Film-Coated Tablets





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



SPRYCEL®



SPRYCEL®



SPRYCEL®



SPRYCEL®



SPRYCEL®



SPRYCEL®


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each film-coated tablet contains 20 mg, 50 mg, 70 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg or 140 mg dasatinib (as monohydrate).



Excipients



Each 20 mg tablet contains 27 mg of lactose monohydrate.



Each 50 mg tablet contains 67.5 mg of lactose monohydrate.



Each 70 mg tablet contains 94.5 mg of lactose monohydrate.



Each 80 mg tablet contains 108 mg of lactose monohydrate.



Each 100 mg tablet contains 135.0 mg of lactose monohydrate.



Each 140 mg tablet contains 189 mg of lactose monohydrate.



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Film-coated tablet (tablet).



20 mg: White to off-white, biconvex, round tablet with “BMS” debossed on one side and “527” on the other side.



50 mg: White to off-white, biconvex, oval tablet with “BMS” debossed on one side and “528” on the other side.



70 mg: White to off-white, biconvex, round tablet with “BMS” debossed on one side and “524” on the other side.



80 mg: White to off-white, biconvex, triangular tablet with "BMS 80" debossed on one side and "855" on the other side.



100 mg: White to off-white, biconvex, oval tablet with “BMS 100” debossed on one side and “852” on the other side.



140 mg: White to off-white, biconvex, round tablet with "BMS 140" debossed on one side and "857" on the other side.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



SPRYCEL is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:



• newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) in the chronic phase.



• chronic, accelerated or blast phase CML with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy including imatinib mesilate.



• Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and lymphoid blast CML with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Therapy should be initiated by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with leukaemia.



Posology



The recommended starting dose for chronic phase CML is 100 mg dasatinib once daily, administered orally.



The recommended starting dose for accelerated, myeloid or lymphoid blast phase (advanced phase) CML or Ph+ ALL is 140 mg once daily, administered orally (see section 4.4).



Treatment duration



In clinical studies, treatment with SPRYCEL was continued until disease progression or until no longer tolerated by the patient. The effect of stopping treatment after the achievement of a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) has not been investigated.



To achieve the recommended dose, SPRYCEL is available as 20 mg, 50 mg, 70 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg and 140 mg film-coated tablets. Dose increase or reduction is recommended based on patient response and tolerability.



Dose escalation



In clinical studies in adult CML and Ph+ ALL patients, dose escalation to 140 mg once daily (chronic phase CML) or 180 mg once daily (advanced phase CML or Ph+ ALL) was allowed in patients who did not achieve a haematologic or cytogenetic response at the recommended starting dose.



Dose adjustment for adverse reactions



Myelosuppression



In clinical studies, myelosuppression was managed by dose interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation of study therapy. Platelet transfusion and red cell transfusion were used as appropriate. Haematopoietic growth factor has been used in patients with resistant myelosuppression.



Guidelines for dose modifications are summarized in Table 1.













Table 1: Dose adjustments for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia


  


Chronic Phase CML



(starting dose 100 mg once daily)




ANC < 0.5 x 109/l



and/or



Platelets < 50 x 109/l




1 Stop treatment until ANC 9/l and platelets 9/l.



2 Resume treatment at the original starting dose.



3 If platelets < 25 x 109/l and/or recurrence of ANC < 0.5 x 109/l for > 7 days, repeat step 1 and resume treatment at a reduced dose of 80 mg once daily for second episode. For third episode, further reduce dose to 50 mg once daily (for newly diagnosed patients) or discontinue (for patients resistant or intolerant to prior therapy including imatinib).




Accelerated and Blast Phase CML and Ph+ ALL



(starting dose 140 mg once daily)




ANC < 0.5 x 109/l



and/or



Platelets < 10 x 109/l




1 Check if cytopenia is related to leukaemia (marrow aspirate or biopsy).



2 If cytopenia is unrelated to leukaemia, stop treatment until ANC 9/l and platelets 9/l and resume at the original starting dose.



3 If recurrence of cytopenia, repeat step 1 and resume treatment at a reduced dose of 100 mg once daily (second episode) or 80 mg once daily (third episode).



4 If cytopenia is related to leukaemia, consider dose escalation to 180 mg once daily.



ANC: absolute neutrophil count



Non-haematological adverse reactions



If a moderate, grade 2, non-haematological adverse reaction develops with dasatinib, interrupt treatment until the event has resolved or returned to baseline. Resume at the same dose if this is the first occurrence and at a reduced dose if this is a recurrent event. If a severe grade 3 or 4, non-haematological adverse reaction develops with dasatinib, treatment must be withheld until the event has resolved. Thereafter, treatment can be resumed as appropriate at a reduced dose depending on the initial severity of the event. For patients with chronic phase CML who received 100 mg once daily, dose reduction to 80 mg once daily with further reduction from 80 mg once daily to 50 mg once daily, if needed, is recommended. For patients with advanced phase CML or Ph+ ALL who received 140 mg once daily, dose reduction to 100 mg once daily with further reduction from 100 mg once daily to 50 mg once daily, if needed, is recommended.



Pleural effusion: if a pleural effusion is diagnosed, interrupt dasatinib until patient is asymptomatic or has returned to baseline. If the episode does not improve within approximately one week, consider a course of diuretics or corticosteroids or both concurrently (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). Following resolution of the first episode, consider reintroduction of dasatinib at the same dose level. Following resolution of a subsequent episode, reintroduce dasatinib at one dose level reduction. Following resolution of a severe (grade 3 or 4) episode, treatment can be resumed as appropriate at a reduced dose depending on the initial severity of the event.



Paediatric population



The safety and efficacy of SPRYCEL in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not yet been established. No data are available (see section 5.1).



Elderly population



No clinically relevant age-related pharmacokinetic differences have been observed in these patients. No specific dose recommendation is necessary in the elderly.



Hepatic impairment



Patients with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment may receive the recommended starting dose. However, SPRYCEL should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).



Renal impairment



No clinical studies were conducted with SPRYCEL in patients with decreased renal function (the study in patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML excluded patients with serum creatinine concentration > 3 times the upper limit of the normal range, and studies in patients with chronic phase CML with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy excluded patients with serum creatinine concentration > 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range). Since the renal clearance of dasatinib and its metabolites is < 4%, a decrease in total body clearance is not expected in patients with renal insufficiency.



Method of administration



SPRYCEL must be administered orally.



Tablets must not be crushed or cut in order to minimize the risk of dermal exposure, they must be swallowed whole. They can be taken with or without a meal and should be taken consistently either in the morning or in the evening.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Clinically relevant interactions



Dasatinib is a substrate and an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. Therefore, there is a potential for interaction with other concomitantly administered medicinal products that are metabolized primarily by or modulate the activity of CYP3A4 (see section 4.5).



Concomitant use of dasatinib and medicinal products that potently inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, telithromycin) may increase exposure to dasatinib. Therefore, in patients receiving dasatinib, coadministration of a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor is not recommended (see section 4.5).



Concomitant use of dasatinib and medicinal products that induce CYP3A4 (e.g. dexamethasone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenobarbital or herbal preparations containing Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort) may substantially reduce exposure to dasatinib, potentially increasing the risk of therapeutic failure. Therefore, in patients receiving dasatinib, coadministration of alternative medicinal products with less potential for CYP3A4 induction should be selected (see section 4.5).



Concomitant use of dasatinib and a CYP3A4 substrate may increase exposure to the CYP3A4 substrate. Therefore, caution is warranted when dasatinib is coadministered with CYP3A4 substrates of narrow therapeutic index, such as astemizole, terfenadine, cisapride, pimozide, quinidine, bepridil or ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine) (see section 4.5).



The concomitant use of dasatinib and a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist (e.g. famotidine), proton pump inhibitor (e.g. omeprazole), or aluminium hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide may reduce the exposure to dasatinib. Thus, H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are not recommended and aluminium hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide products should be administered up to 2 hours prior to, or 2 hours following the administration of dasatinib (see section 4.5).



Special populations



Based on the findings from a single-dose pharmacokinetic study, patients with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment may receive the recommended starting dose (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). Due to the limitations of this clinical study, caution is recommended when administering dasatinib to patients with hepatic impairment (see section 4.2).



Important adverse reactions



Myelosuppression



Treatment with dasatinib is associated with anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Their occurrence is more frequent in patients with advanced phase CML or Ph+ ALL than in chronic phase CML. Complete blood counts should be performed weekly for the first 2 months, and then monthly thereafter, or as clinically indicated. Myelosuppression was generally reversible and usually managed by withholding dasatinib temporarily or by dose reduction (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).



In a Phase III dose-optimisation study in patients with chronic phase CML with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy, grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression was reported more frequently in patients treated with 70 mg twice daily than in patients treated with 100 mg once daily.



Bleeding



In the Phase III study in patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML, 1 patient (< 1%) receiving dasatinib compared to 2 patients (1%) receiving imatinib had grade 3 or 4 haemorrhage. In clinical studies in patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy, severe central nervous system (CNS) haemorrhage occurred in < 1% of patients. Eight cases were fatal and 6 of them were associated with Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal haemorrhage occurred in 4% of patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy and generally required treatment interruptions and transfusions. Other grade 3 or 4 haemorrhage occurred in 2% of patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy. Most bleeding related events in these patients were typically associated with grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia (see section 4.8). Additionally, in vitro and in vivo platelet assays suggest that SPRYCEL treatment reversibly affects platelet activation.



Patients were excluded from participation in initial SPRYCEL clinical studies if they took medicinal products that inhibit platelet function or anticoagulants. In subsequent studies, the use of anticoagulants, acetylsalicylic acid, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was allowed concurrently with SPRYCEL if the platelet count was > 50,000-75,000/mm3. Caution should be exercised if patients are required to take medicinal products that inhibit platelet function or anticoagulants.



Fluid retention



Dasatinib is associated with fluid retention. In the Phase III clinical study in patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML, grade 3 or 4 fluid retention was reported in 2 patients (1%) in each of the dasatinib and the imatinib-treatment groups (see section 4.8). In clinical studies in patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy, grade 3 or 4 fluid retention was reported in 10% of patients, including grade 3 or 4 pleural and pericardial effusion reported in 7% and 1% of patients, respectively. In these studies, grade 3 or 4 ascites and generalised oedema were each reported in < 1% of patients, and grade 3 or 4 pulmonary oedema was reported in 1% of patients.



Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of pleural effusion such as dyspnoea or dry cough should be evaluated by chest X-ray. Grade 3 or 4 pleural effusion may require thoracocentesis and oxygen therapy. Fluid retention events were typically managed by supportive care measures that include diuretics and short courses of steroids (see sections 4.2 and 4.8). While the safety profile of SPRYCEL in the elderly population was similar to that in the younger population, patients aged 65 years and older are more likely to experience fluid retention events and dyspnoea and should be monitored closely. Fluid retention was reported less frequently in patients treated with once daily schedule compared to twice daily in two Phase III dose-optimisation studies (see section 4.8).



Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)



PAH (pre-capillary pulmonary arterial hypertension confirmed by right heart catheterization) has been reported in association with dasatinib treatment in post-marketing reports (see section 4.8). In these cases, PAH was reported after initiation of dasatinib therapy, including after more than one year of treatment.



Patients should be evaluated for signs and symptoms of underlying cardiopulmonary disease prior to initiating dasatinib therapy. An echocardiography should be performed at treatment initiation in every patient presenting symptoms of cardiac disease and considered in patients with risk factors for cardiac or pulmonary disease. Patients who develop dyspnoea and fatigue after initiation of therapy should be evaluated for common etiologies including pleural effusion, pulmonary oedema, anaemia, or lung infiltration. In accordance with recommendations for management of non-haematologic adverse reactions (see section 4.2) the dose of dasatinib should be reduced or therapy interrupted during this evaluation. If no explanation is found, or if there is no improvement with dose reduction or interruption, the diagnosis of PAH should be considered. The diagnostic approach should follow standard practice guidelines. If PAH is confirmed, dasatinib should be permanently discontinued. Follow up should be performed according to standard practice guidelines. Improvements in haemodynamic and clinical parameters have been observed in dasatinib-treated patients with PAH following cessation of dasatinib therapy.



QT Prolongation



In vitro data suggest that dasatinib has the potential to prolong cardiac ventricular repolarisation (QT Interval) (see section 5.3). In 258 dasatinib-treated patients and 258 imatinib-treated patients in the Phase III study in newly diagnosed chronic phase CML, 1 patient (< 1%) in each group had QTc prolongation reported as an adverse reaction. The median changes in QTcF from baseline were 3.0 msec in dasatinib-treated patients compared to 8.2 msec in imatinib-treated patients. One patient (< 1%) in each group experienced a QTcF > 500 msec. In 865 patients with leukaemia treated with dasatinib in Phase II clinical trials, the mean changes from baseline in QTc interval using Fridericia's method (QTcF) were 4 - 6 msec; the upper 95% confidence intervals for all mean changes from baseline were < 7 msec (see section 4.8).



Of the 2,182 patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy who received dasatinib in clinical studies, 14 (< 1%) had QTc prolongation reported as an adverse reaction. Twenty-one of these patients (1%) experienced a QTcF > 500 msec.



Dasatinib should be administered with caution to patients who have or may develop prolongation of QTc. These include patients with hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia, patients with congenital long QT syndrome, patients taking anti-arrhythmic medicinal products or other medicinal products which lead to QT prolongation, and cumulative high dose anthracycline therapy. Hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia should be corrected prior to dasatinib administration.



Cardiac adverse reactions



Dasatinib was studied in a randomised trial of 519 patients with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase which included patients with prior cardiac disease. The cardiac adverse reactions of congestive heart failure/cardiac dysfunction and fatal myocardial infarction were reported in patients taking dasatinib. Adverse cardiac events were more frequent in patients with risk factors or a history of cardiac disease. Patients with risk factors (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes) or a history of cardiac disease (e.g. prior percutaneous coronary intervention, documented coronary artery disease) should be monitored carefully for clinical signs or symptoms consistent with cardiac dysfunction such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis.



If these clinical signs or symptoms develop, physicians are advised to interrupt dasatinib administration. After resolution, a functional assessment should be performed prior to resuming treatment with dasatinib. Dasatinib may be resumed at the original dose for mild/moderate events (



Patients with uncontrolled or significant cardiovascular disease were not included in the clinical studies.



Lactose



This medicinal product contains 135 mg of lactose monohydrate in a 100 mg daily dose and 189 mg of lactose monohydrate in a 140 mg daily dose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Active substances that may increase dasatinib plasma concentrations



In vitro studies indicate that dasatinib is a CYP3A4 substrate. Concomitant use of dasatinib and medicinal products which potently inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, telithromycin) may increase exposure to dasatinib. Therefore, in patients receiving dasatinib, systemic administration of a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor is not recommended.



At clinically relevant concentrations, binding of dasatinib to plasma proteins is approximately 96% on the basis of in vitro experiments. No studies have been performed to evaluate dasatinib interaction with other protein-bound medicinal products. The potential for displacement and its clinical relevance are unknown.



Active substances that may decrease dasatinib plasma concentrations



When dasatinib was administered following 8 daily evening administrations of 600 mg rifampicin, a potent CYP3A4 inducer, the AUC of dasatinib was decreased by 82%. Other medicinal products that induce CYP3A4 activity (e.g. dexamethazone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital or herbal preparations containing Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John´s Wort) may also increase metabolism and decrease dasatinib plasma concentrations. Therefore, concomitant use of potent CYP3A4 inducers with dasatinib is not recommended. In patients in whom rifampicin or other CYP3A4 inducers are indicated, alternative medicinal products with less enzyme induction potential should be used.



Histamine-2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors



Long-term suppression of gastric acid secretion by H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (e.g. famotidine and omeprazole) is likely to reduce dasatinib exposure. In a single-dose study in healthy subjects, the administration of famotidine 10 hours prior to a single dose of SPRYCEL reduced dasatinib exposure by 61%. In a study of 14 healthy subjects, administration of a single 100-mg dose of SPRYCEL 22 hours following a 4-day, 40-mg omeprazole dose at steady state reduced the AUC of dasatinib by 43% and the Cmax of dasatinib by 42%. The use of antacids should be considered in place of H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors in patients receiving SPRYCEL therapy (see section 4.4).



Antacids



Non-clinical data demonstrate that the solubility of dasatinib is pH-dependent. In healthy subjects, the concomitant use of aluminium hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide antacids with SPRYCEL reduced the AUC of a single dose of SPRYCEL by 55% and the Cmax by 58%. However, when antacids were administered 2 hours prior to a single dose of SPRYCEL, no relevant changes in dasatinib concentration or exposure were observed. Thus, antacids may be administered up to 2 hours prior to or 2 hours following SPRYCEL (see section 4.4).



Active substances that may have their plasma concentrations altered by dasatinib



Concomitant use of dasatinib and a CYP3A4 substrate may increase exposure to the CYP3A4 substrate. In a study in healthy subjects, a single 100 mg dose of dasatinib increased AUC and Cmax exposure to simvastatin, a known CYP3A4 substrate, by 20 and 37% respectively. It cannot be excluded that the effect is larger after multiple doses of dasatinib. Therefore, CYP3A4 substrates known to have a narrow therapeutic index (e.g. astemizole, terfenadine, cisapride, pimozide, quinidine, bepridil or ergot alkaloids [ergotamine, dihydroergotamine]) should be administered with caution in patients receiving dasatinib (see section 4.4).



In vitro data indicate a potential risk for interaction with CYP2C8 substrates, such as glitazones.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



There are no adequate data from the use of dasatinib in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown.



SPRYCEL should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. If it is used during pregnancy, the patient must be informed of the potential risk to the foetus.



Breastfeeding



There is insufficient/limited information on the excretion of dasatinib in human or animal breast milk. Physico-chemical and available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data on dasatinib point to excretion in breast milk and a risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded.



Breast-feeding should be stopped during treatment with SPRYCEL.



Fertility



The effect of dasatinib on sperm is unknown, therefore both sexually active men and women should use effective methods of contraception during treatment.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Patients should be advised that they may experience adverse reactions such as dizziness or blurred vision during treatment with dasatinib. Therefore, caution should be recommended when driving a car or operating machines.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Summary of the safety profile



The data described below reflect exposure to SPRYCEL in 2,440 patients in clinical studies, including 258 patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML with a minimum of 12 months follow-up (starting dose 100 mg once daily) and 2,182 patients with imatinib resistant or intolerant CML or Ph+ ALL with a minimum of 24 months follow-up (starting dose 100 mg once daily, 140 mg once daily, 50 mg twice daily, or 70 mg twice daily). The median duration of therapy in this patient population was 15 months (range 0.03 - 36 months).



Of the 2,440 patients treated, 23% were



In the Phase III study in patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML the median duration of therapy was 14 months (range 0.03-24 months) for SPRYCEL and 14 months (range 0.3-26 months) for imatinib; the median average daily dose was 99 mg and 400 mg, respectively.



The majority of SPRYCEL-treated patients experienced adverse reactions at some time. Most reactions were of mild-to-moderate grade.



In the Phase III study in patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML, treatment was discontinued for adverse reactions in 5% of SPRYCEL-treated patients and 4% of imatinib-treated patients. Among patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy, the rates of discontinuation for adverse reactions were 15% in chronic phase CML, 16% in accelerated phase CML, 15% in myeloid blast phase CML, 8% in lymphoid blast phase CML and 8% in Ph+ ALL. In the Phase III dose-optimisation study in patients with chronic phase CML, the rate of discontinuation for adverse reactions was lower for patients treated with 100 mg once daily than for those treated with 70 mg twice daily (10% and 16%, respectively); the rates of dose interruption and reduction were also lower for patients treated with 100 mg once daily than for those treated with 70 mg twice daily. Less frequent dose reductions and interruptions were also reported for patients with advanced phase CML and Ph+ ALL treated with 140 mg once daily than for those treated with 70 mg twice daily.



The majority of imatinib-intolerant patients with chronic phase CML were able to tolerate treatment with SPRYCEL. In clinical studies in chronic phase CML, 10 of the 215 imatinib-intolerant patients had the same grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity with SPRYCEL as they did with prior imatinib; 8 of these 10 patients were managed with dose reduction and were able to continue SPRYCEL treatment.



The most frequently reported adverse reactions reported in SPRYCEL-treated patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML were fluid retention (including pleural effusion) (19%), diarrhoea (17%), headache (12%), rash (11%), musculoskeletal pain (11%), nausea (8%), fatigue (8%), myalgia (6%), vomiting (5%), and muscle inflammation (4%). The most frequently reported adverse reactions reported in SPRYCEL-treated patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy were fluid retention (including pleural effusion), diarrhoea, headache, nausea, skin rash, dyspnoea, haemorrhage, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, infection, vomiting, cough, abdominal pain and pyrexia. Drug-related febrile neutropenia was reported in 5% of SPRYCEL-treated patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy.



In clinical studies with patients with resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy, it was recommended that treatment with imatinib be discontinued at least 7 days before starting treatment with SPRYCEL.



Tabulated summary of adverse reactions



The following adverse reactions, excluding laboratory abnormalities, were reported in patients in SPRYCEL clinical studies and post-marketing experience (Table 2). These reactions are presented by system organ class and by frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (common (uncommon (rare (



Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.












































































































































Table 2: Tabulated summary of adverse reactions


 


Infections and infestations


 


Very common




infection (including bacterial, viral, fungal, non-specified)




Common




pneumonia (including bacterial, viral, and fungal), upper respiratory tract infection/inflammation, herpes virus infection, enterocolitis infection




Uncommon




sepsis (including fatal outcome)




Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)


 


Uncommon




tumour lysis syndrome




Blood and lymphatic system disorders


 


Common




febrile neutropenia, pancytopenia




Rare




aplasia pure red cell




Immune system disorders


 


Uncommon




hypersensitivity (including erythema nodosum)




Metabolism and nutrition disorders


 


Common




anorexia, appetite disturbances




Uncommon




hyperuricaemia, hypoalbuminemia




Psychiatric disorders


 


Common




depression, insomnia




Uncommon




anxiety, confusional state, affect lability, libido decreased




Nervous system disorders


 


Very common




headache




Common




neuropathy (including peripheral neuropathy), dizziness, dysgeusia, somnolence




Uncommon




CNS bleeding*a, syncope, tremor, amnesia




Rare




cerebrovascular accident, transient ischaemic attack, convulsion, optic neuritis




Eye disorders


 


Common




visual disorder (including visual disturbance, vision blurred, and visual acuity reduced), dry eye




Uncommon




conjunctivitis




Ear and labyrinth disorders


 


Common




tinnitus




Uncommon




vertigo




Cardiac disorders


 


Common




congestive heart failure/cardiac dysfunction*b, pericardial effusion*, arrhythmia (including tachycardia), palpitations




Uncommon




myocardial infarction (including fatal outcome)*, electrocardiogram QT prolonged*, pericarditis, ventricular arrhythmia (including ventricular tachycardia), angina pectoris, cardiomegaly




Rare




cor pulmonale, myocarditis, acute coronary syndrome




Not known




atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter




Vascular disorders


 


Very common




haemorrhage*c




Common




hypertension, flushing




Uncommon




hypotension, thrombophlebitis




Rare




livedo reticularis




Not known




thrombosis/embolism (including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis)




Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders


 


Very common




pleural effusion*, dyspnoea




Common




cough, pulmonary oedema*, pulmonary hypertension*, lung infiltration, pneumonitis




Uncommon




bronchospasm, asthma




Rare




acute respiratory distress syndrome




Not known




interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension (pre-capillary pulmonary arterial hypertension)




Gastrointestinal disorders


 


Very common




diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain




Common




gastrointestinal bleeding*, colitis (including neutropenic colitis), gastritis, mucosal inflammation (including mucositis/stomatitis), dyspepsia, abdominal distension, constipation, oral soft tissue disorder




Uncommon




pancreatitis, upper gastrointestinal ulcer, oesophagitis, ascites*, anal fissure, dysphagia




Rare




protein-losing gastroenteropathy




Not known




fatal gastrointestinal haemorrhage*




Hepatobiliary disorders


 


Uncommon




hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholestasis




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders


 


Very common




skin rashd




Common




alopecia, dermatitis (including eczema), pruritus, acne, dry skin, urticaria, hyperhidrosis




Uncommon




acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, photosensitivity, pigmentation disorder, panniculitis, skin ulcer, bullous conditions, nail disorder, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome




Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders


 


Very common




musculoskeletal pain




Common




arthralgia, myalgia, muscle inflammation, muscular weakness




Uncommon




musculoskeletal stiffness, rhabdomyolysis




Rare




tendonitis




Renal and urinary disorders


 


Uncommon




renal failure, urinary frequency, proteinuria




Reproductive system and breast disorders


 


Uncommon




gynecomastia, irregular menstruation




General disorders and administration site conditions