These Highlights Do Not Include All The Information Needed To Use Dactinomycin For Injection Safely And Effectively. See Full Prescribing Information For Dactinomycin For Injection.

Risk Summary

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, dactinomycin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. In animal reproduction studies, administration of dactinomycin to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Special Populations (8.3)].

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Storage Conditions

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Protect from light and humidity.

Store the reconstituted Dactinomycin for Injection, USP at room temperature for no more than 4 hours from reconstitution to completion of administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].

Dactinomycin for Injection, USP is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.¹

Discard unused portion.

Lyophilized.

Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free.

The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Principal Display Panel – Dactinomycin for Injection, USP 500 mcg Vial Label

NDC 71288-129-02

Rx Only

Dactinomycin for Injection, USP

500 mcg (0.5 mg) per vial

For Preparation of Intravenous Solutions

Caution: Cytotoxic Agent

Single-Dose Vial

1. “OSHA Hazardous Drugs.” OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html

Dactinomycin is an actinomycin. Dactinomycin is produced by Streptomyces parvullus. The chemical name is 8-amino-N-(2-amino-4,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-phenoxazin-1-yl)carbonyl-N'-[8-amino-4,6-dimethyl-7-oxo-9-[[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16-tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0]nonadec-11-yl]carbamoyl]phenoxazin-1-yl]carbonyl-4,6-dimethyl-7-oxo-N,N'-bis[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16 tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0]nonadec-11-yl]-1,9-bis[[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16-tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0] nonadec-11-yl]carbamoyl]phenoxazine-1,9-dicarboxamide. The molecular formula is C₆₂H₈₆N₁₂O₁₆ and the molecular weight is 1255.42 daltons. The structural formula of dactinomycin is shown below:

Dactinomycin for Injection, USP for intravenous use is a sterile, amorphous yellow to orange, lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial. Each vial contains 500 mcg of dactinomycin and 20 mg of mannitol.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with Wilms tumor, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

Extravasation of dactinomycin can result in severe local tissue injury manifesting as blistering, ulcerations and persistent pain requiring wide excision surgery followed by split-thickness skin grafting. If any signs or symptoms of extravasation occur, immediately interrupt the injection or infusion. Apply ice to the site intermittently for 15 minutes, 4 times a day for 3 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)]. Observe closely and consult plastic surgery if necessary based on severity of reaction.

The safety with live viral vaccines following dactinomycin has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment.

The safety and effectiveness of dactinomycin have been established in pediatric patients with Wilms tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and metastatic nonseminomatous testicular cancer.

The safety and effectiveness of dactinomycin have been established in post-menarchal pediatric patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

The safety and effectiveness of dactinomycin have not been established in pediatric patients undergoing regional perfusion for locally recurrent or locoregional solid malignancies.

Clinical studies of dactinomycin did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Abnormalities of renal function can occur with dactinomycin. Monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently during dactinomycin therapy.

Hepatotoxicity can occur with dactinomycin. Monitor AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin prior to and during dactinomycin therapy.

None.

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Secondary Malignancy and Leukemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Veno-occlusive Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Extravasation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Immunizations [see Warning and Precautions (5.5)]
• Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

Common adverse reactions are: infection, alopecia, rash, dysphagia, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, and hepatotoxicity.

The following adverse reactions have been identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Infections: infections including sepsis with fatal outcome

Hematologic: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, reticulocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation

Immune system: hypersensitivity

Metabolism and nutrition: anorexia, hypocalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome

Nervous system: peripheral neuropathy

Ocular: optic neuropathy

Vascular: thrombophlebitis, hemorrhage

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal: pneumonitis, pneumothorax

Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal ulceration, cheilitis, dysphagia, esophagitis, ulcerative stomatitis, ascites, proctitis, mucositis

Hepatobiliary: liver function test abnormalities, hepatomegaly, hepatitis, hepatic failure with reports of death, hepatic veno-occlusive disease

Dermatologic: alopecia, rash, dermatitis, acne, erythema multiforme, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, radiation recall, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue: myalgia, growth retardation

Renal and urinary: renal impairment, renal failure

General: fatigue, fever, malaise

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

Severe and fatal myelosuppression, which may include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia, can occur with dactinomycin. The nadir in neutrophil counts generally occurs 14 to 21 days after administration. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment cycle. Delay next dose of dactinomycin if severe myelosuppression has not improved. Consider dose reduction for patients with prolonged myelosuppression based on severity of reaction and disease being treated.

Dactinomycin exposure-response relationships and the time course of pharmacodynamics response are unknown.

The distribution and excretion of radiolabeled dactinomycin (³H actinomycin D) were assessed in three adult patients with malignant melanoma.

Dactinomycin for Injection is an actinomycin indicated for the treatment of:

• adult and pediatric patients with Wilms tumor, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.1)
• adult and pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.2)
• adult and pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.3)
• adult and pediatric patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular cancer, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.4)
• post-menarchal patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, as a single agent or as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.5)
• adult patients with locally recurrent or locoregional solid malignancies, as a component of palliative or adjunctive regional perfusion. (1.6)

Dactinomycin is a cytotoxic actinomycin that binds DNA and inhibits RNA synthesis. The cytotoxic activity of dactinomycin has been demonstrated in animal models of different human cancers.

• Secondary Malignancy or Leukemia: Increased risk of secondary malignancies following treatment. (5.1)
• Veno-occlusive Disease: Can cause severe or fatal VOD. Monitor for elevations in AST, ALT, total bilirubin, hepatomegaly, weight gain, or ascites. Consider delaying next dose. (5.2)
• Extravasation: Immediately interrupt the injection or infusion and apply ice. (2.7, 5.3)
• Myelosuppression: Monitor blood cell counts before each cycle. Delay next dose if severe myelosuppression has not improved. (5.4)
• Immunizations: Vaccination with live viral vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment. (5.5)
• Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions: Discontinue treatment (5.6)
• Renal Toxicity: Monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently. (5.7)
• Hepatotoxicity: Monitor transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin prior to and during treatment. (5.8)
• Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall: Reduce dose by 50% during concomitant radiation. Use caution when administering within two months of radiation. (5.9)
• Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. (5.10, 8.1, 8.3)

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, dactinomycin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of dactinomycin to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with dactinomycin and for at least 6 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with dactinomycin and for 3 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

Severe and fatal hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) can occur with dactinomycin. Risk factors for the development of VOD include age younger than 4 years or concomitant radiotherapy. After treatment with dactinomycin, monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of VOD; these include elevations in AST, ALT, total bilirubin, hepatomegaly, weight gain, or ascites. If patients develop VOD, considering delaying next dose of dactinomycin. Resume, reduce dose or permanently discontinue based on severity of reaction and disease being treated.

• Wilms Tumor: The recommended dose is 45 mcg/kg intravenously once every 3 to 6 weeks for up to 26 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. (2.1)
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: The recommended dose is 15 mcg/kg intravenously once daily for 5 days every 3 to 9 weeks for up to 112 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. (2.2)
• Ewing Sarcoma: The recommended dose is 1,250 mcg/m² intravenously once every 3 weeks for 51 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. (2.3)
• Metastatic Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer: The recommended dose is 1,000 mcg/m² intravenously every 3 weeks, as part of cisplatin-based, multi-drug chemotherapy regimen. (2.4)
• Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia:
  • Non-metastatic and Low-risk Metastatic Disease: The recommended dose is 12 mcg/kg intravenously daily for 5 days, as a single agent. (2.5)
  • High-risk Metastatic Disease: The recommended dose is 500 mcg intravenously on Days 1 and 2 every 2 weeks for up to 8 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. (2.5)
• Regional Perfusion in Locally Recurrent and Locoregional Solid Malignancies:
  • Lower Extremity or Pelvis: The recommend dose is 50 mcg/kg once with melphalan. (2.6)
  • Upper Extremity: The recommended dose is 35 mcg/kg once with melphalan. (2.6)

For injection: 500 mcg as a sterile, amorphous yellow to orange, lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial.

• Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. (8.2)

• Dactinomycin for injection is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.¹
• Visually inspect the vials for particulate matter and discoloration, whenever solution and container permit.

Preparation

• Reconstitute each vial by adding 1.1 mL of Sterile Water for Injection without preservative using aseptic techniques.
• The reconstituted product should be a clear, gold-colored solution at a concentration of 500 mcg per mL.
• Further dilute the reconstituted product with 5% Dextrose Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to yield concentrations greater than 10 mcg/mL.
• Store at room temperature for no more than 4 hours from reconstitution to completion of injection or infusion. Discard after 4 hours.
• Dactinomycin for injection does not contain a preservative. Discard any unused portions.

Administration

• Administer the diluted reconstituted product intravenously over 10 to 15 minutes.
• Do not use in-line filters with a cellulose ester membrane.

Management of Extravasation

• Discontinue dactinomycin for injection for burning or stinging sensation or other evidence indicating perivenous infiltration or extravasation.
• Manage confirmed or suspected extravasation as follows:
  • Terminate the injection or infusion immediately and restart in another vein.
  • Intermittent application of ice to the site for 15 minutes 4 times daily for 3 days [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Severe mucocutaneous reactions, such as Steven-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), can occur with dactinomycin. Permanently discontinue dactinomycin in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction.

Dactinomycin for Injection, USP for intravenous use is an amorphous yellow to orange powder. Each vial contains 500 mcg (0.5 mg) of dactinomycin and 20 mg of mannitol. It is supplied as follows:

The risk of developing secondary malignancies, including leukemia, is increased following treatment with dactinomycin.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 45 mcg/kg intravenously once every 3 to 6 weeks for up to 26 weeks.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of post-menarchal patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, as a single agent or as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 1,250 mcg/m² intravenously once every 3 weeks for 51 weeks.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 15 mcg/kg intravenously once daily for 5 days every 3 to 9 weeks for up to 112 weeks.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular cancer, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

Dactinomycin is a carcinogen in animals. Local sarcomas were produced in mice and rats after repeated subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections. Mesenchymal tumors occurred in male rats given intraperitoneal injections of 50 mcg/kg, 2 to 5 times per week, for 18 weeks, at doses (based on body surface area) 0.5 times the clinical dose of 1,250 mcg/m².

Dactinomycin was mutagenic in several in vitro and in vivo test systems including human fibroblasts and leukocytes, and HeLa cells. DNA damage and cytogenetic effects have been demonstrated in the mouse and the rat.

Dactinomycin can increase radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity, myelosuppression, or erythema and vesiculation of the skin or buccal and pharyngeal mucosa. Reduce the dose of dactinomycin by 50% during concomitant radiation.

Radiation recall, affecting previously treated radiation fields, can occur in patients who receive dactinomycin after prior radiation therapy. Although the risk can occur with distant radiation exposure, the risk appears highest when dactinomycin is administered within two months of prior radiation.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection for nonmetastatic and low-risk metastatic disease is 12 mcg/kg intravenously daily for five days as a single agent.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, for high-risk metastatic disease is 500 mcg intravenously on Days 1 and 2 every 2 weeks for up to 8 weeks.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a cisplatin-based, multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 1,000 mcg/m² intravenously once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally recurrent or locoregional solid malignancies, as a component of palliative or adjunctive regional perfusion.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, in combination with melphalan, is 50 mcg/kg once for lower extremity or pelvis.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, in combination with melphalan, is 35 mcg/kg once for upper extremity.

Calculate the dose for obese or edematous patients based on ideal body weight.

Risk Summary

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, dactinomycin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. In animal reproduction studies, administration of dactinomycin to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Special Populations (8.3)].

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Storage Conditions

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Protect from light and humidity.

Store the reconstituted Dactinomycin for Injection, USP at room temperature for no more than 4 hours from reconstitution to completion of administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].

Dactinomycin for Injection, USP is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.¹

Discard unused portion.

Lyophilized.

Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free.

The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Principal Display Panel – Dactinomycin for Injection, USP 500 mcg Vial Label

NDC 71288-129-02

Rx Only

Dactinomycin for Injection, USP

500 mcg (0.5 mg) per vial

For Preparation of Intravenous Solutions

Caution: Cytotoxic Agent

Single-Dose Vial

1. “OSHA Hazardous Drugs.” OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html

Dactinomycin is an actinomycin. Dactinomycin is produced by Streptomyces parvullus. The chemical name is 8-amino-N-(2-amino-4,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-phenoxazin-1-yl)carbonyl-N'-[8-amino-4,6-dimethyl-7-oxo-9-[[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16-tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0]nonadec-11-yl]carbamoyl]phenoxazin-1-yl]carbonyl-4,6-dimethyl-7-oxo-N,N'-bis[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16 tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0]nonadec-11-yl]-1,9-bis[[3,6,10-trimethyl-7,14-bis(1-methylethyl)-2,5,8,12,15-pentaoxo-9-oxa-3,6,13,16-tetrazabicyclo[14.3.0] nonadec-11-yl]carbamoyl]phenoxazine-1,9-dicarboxamide. The molecular formula is C₆₂H₈₆N₁₂O₁₆ and the molecular weight is 1255.42 daltons. The structural formula of dactinomycin is shown below:

Dactinomycin for Injection, USP for intravenous use is a sterile, amorphous yellow to orange, lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial. Each vial contains 500 mcg of dactinomycin and 20 mg of mannitol.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with Wilms tumor, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

Extravasation of dactinomycin can result in severe local tissue injury manifesting as blistering, ulcerations and persistent pain requiring wide excision surgery followed by split-thickness skin grafting. If any signs or symptoms of extravasation occur, immediately interrupt the injection or infusion. Apply ice to the site intermittently for 15 minutes, 4 times a day for 3 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)]. Observe closely and consult plastic surgery if necessary based on severity of reaction.

The safety with live viral vaccines following dactinomycin has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment.

The safety and effectiveness of dactinomycin have been established in pediatric patients with Wilms tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and metastatic nonseminomatous testicular cancer.

The safety and effectiveness of dactinomycin have been established in post-menarchal pediatric patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

The safety and effectiveness of dactinomycin have not been established in pediatric patients undergoing regional perfusion for locally recurrent or locoregional solid malignancies.

Clinical studies of dactinomycin did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Abnormalities of renal function can occur with dactinomycin. Monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently during dactinomycin therapy.

Hepatotoxicity can occur with dactinomycin. Monitor AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin prior to and during dactinomycin therapy.

None.

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Secondary Malignancy and Leukemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Veno-occlusive Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Extravasation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Immunizations [see Warning and Precautions (5.5)]
• Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

Common adverse reactions are: infection, alopecia, rash, dysphagia, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, and hepatotoxicity.

The following adverse reactions have been identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Infections: infections including sepsis with fatal outcome

Hematologic: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, reticulocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation

Immune system: hypersensitivity

Metabolism and nutrition: anorexia, hypocalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome

Nervous system: peripheral neuropathy

Ocular: optic neuropathy

Vascular: thrombophlebitis, hemorrhage

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal: pneumonitis, pneumothorax

Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal ulceration, cheilitis, dysphagia, esophagitis, ulcerative stomatitis, ascites, proctitis, mucositis

Hepatobiliary: liver function test abnormalities, hepatomegaly, hepatitis, hepatic failure with reports of death, hepatic veno-occlusive disease

Dermatologic: alopecia, rash, dermatitis, acne, erythema multiforme, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, radiation recall, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue: myalgia, growth retardation

Renal and urinary: renal impairment, renal failure

General: fatigue, fever, malaise

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

Severe and fatal myelosuppression, which may include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia, can occur with dactinomycin. The nadir in neutrophil counts generally occurs 14 to 21 days after administration. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment cycle. Delay next dose of dactinomycin if severe myelosuppression has not improved. Consider dose reduction for patients with prolonged myelosuppression based on severity of reaction and disease being treated.

Dactinomycin exposure-response relationships and the time course of pharmacodynamics response are unknown.

The distribution and excretion of radiolabeled dactinomycin (³H actinomycin D) were assessed in three adult patients with malignant melanoma.

Dactinomycin for Injection is an actinomycin indicated for the treatment of:

• adult and pediatric patients with Wilms tumor, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.1)
• adult and pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.2)
• adult and pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.3)
• adult and pediatric patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular cancer, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.4)
• post-menarchal patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, as a single agent or as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen. (1.5)
• adult patients with locally recurrent or locoregional solid malignancies, as a component of palliative or adjunctive regional perfusion. (1.6)

Dactinomycin is a cytotoxic actinomycin that binds DNA and inhibits RNA synthesis. The cytotoxic activity of dactinomycin has been demonstrated in animal models of different human cancers.

• Secondary Malignancy or Leukemia: Increased risk of secondary malignancies following treatment. (5.1)
• Veno-occlusive Disease: Can cause severe or fatal VOD. Monitor for elevations in AST, ALT, total bilirubin, hepatomegaly, weight gain, or ascites. Consider delaying next dose. (5.2)
• Extravasation: Immediately interrupt the injection or infusion and apply ice. (2.7, 5.3)
• Myelosuppression: Monitor blood cell counts before each cycle. Delay next dose if severe myelosuppression has not improved. (5.4)
• Immunizations: Vaccination with live viral vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment. (5.5)
• Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions: Discontinue treatment (5.6)
• Renal Toxicity: Monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently. (5.7)
• Hepatotoxicity: Monitor transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin prior to and during treatment. (5.8)
• Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall: Reduce dose by 50% during concomitant radiation. Use caution when administering within two months of radiation. (5.9)
• Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. (5.10, 8.1, 8.3)

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, dactinomycin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of dactinomycin to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with dactinomycin and for at least 6 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with dactinomycin and for 3 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

Severe and fatal hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) can occur with dactinomycin. Risk factors for the development of VOD include age younger than 4 years or concomitant radiotherapy. After treatment with dactinomycin, monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of VOD; these include elevations in AST, ALT, total bilirubin, hepatomegaly, weight gain, or ascites. If patients develop VOD, considering delaying next dose of dactinomycin. Resume, reduce dose or permanently discontinue based on severity of reaction and disease being treated.

• Wilms Tumor: The recommended dose is 45 mcg/kg intravenously once every 3 to 6 weeks for up to 26 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. (2.1)
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: The recommended dose is 15 mcg/kg intravenously once daily for 5 days every 3 to 9 weeks for up to 112 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. (2.2)
• Ewing Sarcoma: The recommended dose is 1,250 mcg/m² intravenously once every 3 weeks for 51 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. (2.3)
• Metastatic Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer: The recommended dose is 1,000 mcg/m² intravenously every 3 weeks, as part of cisplatin-based, multi-drug chemotherapy regimen. (2.4)
• Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia:
  • Non-metastatic and Low-risk Metastatic Disease: The recommended dose is 12 mcg/kg intravenously daily for 5 days, as a single agent. (2.5)
  • High-risk Metastatic Disease: The recommended dose is 500 mcg intravenously on Days 1 and 2 every 2 weeks for up to 8 weeks, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen. (2.5)
• Regional Perfusion in Locally Recurrent and Locoregional Solid Malignancies:
  • Lower Extremity or Pelvis: The recommend dose is 50 mcg/kg once with melphalan. (2.6)
  • Upper Extremity: The recommended dose is 35 mcg/kg once with melphalan. (2.6)

For injection: 500 mcg as a sterile, amorphous yellow to orange, lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial.

• Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. (8.2)

• Dactinomycin for injection is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.¹
• Visually inspect the vials for particulate matter and discoloration, whenever solution and container permit.

Preparation

• Reconstitute each vial by adding 1.1 mL of Sterile Water for Injection without preservative using aseptic techniques.
• The reconstituted product should be a clear, gold-colored solution at a concentration of 500 mcg per mL.
• Further dilute the reconstituted product with 5% Dextrose Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to yield concentrations greater than 10 mcg/mL.
• Store at room temperature for no more than 4 hours from reconstitution to completion of injection or infusion. Discard after 4 hours.
• Dactinomycin for injection does not contain a preservative. Discard any unused portions.

Administration

• Administer the diluted reconstituted product intravenously over 10 to 15 minutes.
• Do not use in-line filters with a cellulose ester membrane.

Management of Extravasation

• Discontinue dactinomycin for injection for burning or stinging sensation or other evidence indicating perivenous infiltration or extravasation.
• Manage confirmed or suspected extravasation as follows:
  • Terminate the injection or infusion immediately and restart in another vein.
  • Intermittent application of ice to the site for 15 minutes 4 times daily for 3 days [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Severe mucocutaneous reactions, such as Steven-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), can occur with dactinomycin. Permanently discontinue dactinomycin in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction.

Dactinomycin for Injection, USP for intravenous use is an amorphous yellow to orange powder. Each vial contains 500 mcg (0.5 mg) of dactinomycin and 20 mg of mannitol. It is supplied as follows:

The risk of developing secondary malignancies, including leukemia, is increased following treatment with dactinomycin.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 45 mcg/kg intravenously once every 3 to 6 weeks for up to 26 weeks.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of post-menarchal patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, as a single agent or as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 1,250 mcg/m² intravenously once every 3 weeks for 51 weeks.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 15 mcg/kg intravenously once daily for 5 days every 3 to 9 weeks for up to 112 weeks.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular cancer, as part of a multi-phase, combination chemotherapy regimen.

Dactinomycin is a carcinogen in animals. Local sarcomas were produced in mice and rats after repeated subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections. Mesenchymal tumors occurred in male rats given intraperitoneal injections of 50 mcg/kg, 2 to 5 times per week, for 18 weeks, at doses (based on body surface area) 0.5 times the clinical dose of 1,250 mcg/m².

Dactinomycin was mutagenic in several in vitro and in vivo test systems including human fibroblasts and leukocytes, and HeLa cells. DNA damage and cytogenetic effects have been demonstrated in the mouse and the rat.

Dactinomycin can increase radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity, myelosuppression, or erythema and vesiculation of the skin or buccal and pharyngeal mucosa. Reduce the dose of dactinomycin by 50% during concomitant radiation.

Radiation recall, affecting previously treated radiation fields, can occur in patients who receive dactinomycin after prior radiation therapy. Although the risk can occur with distant radiation exposure, the risk appears highest when dactinomycin is administered within two months of prior radiation.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection for nonmetastatic and low-risk metastatic disease is 12 mcg/kg intravenously daily for five days as a single agent.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, for high-risk metastatic disease is 500 mcg intravenously on Days 1 and 2 every 2 weeks for up to 8 weeks.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, as part of a cisplatin-based, multi-agent combination chemotherapy regimen, is 1,000 mcg/m² intravenously once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks.

Dactinomycin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally recurrent or locoregional solid malignancies, as a component of palliative or adjunctive regional perfusion.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, in combination with melphalan, is 50 mcg/kg once for lower extremity or pelvis.

The recommended dose of dactinomycin for injection, in combination with melphalan, is 35 mcg/kg once for upper extremity.

Calculate the dose for obese or edematous patients based on ideal body weight.