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

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

• •
  POMALYST is contraindicated in pregnancy. POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting POMALYST treatment.
• •
  Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST treatment [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

POMALYST is only available through a restricted distribution program called PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by calling the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.

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

Care should be exercised in handling of POMALYST. Do not open or crush POMALYST capsules. If powder from POMALYST contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If POMALYST contacts the mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water.

Follow procedures for proper handling and disposal of hazardous drugs. ¹

Hemodialysis can remove pomalidomide from circulation.

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

POMALYST is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. POMALYST can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analogue and is teratogenic in both rats and rabbits when administered during the period of organogenesis. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus.

Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analog. The chemical name is (RS)-4-Amino-2-(2,6-dioxo-piperidin-3-yl)-isoindoline-1,3-dione and it has the following chemical structure:

The empirical formula for pomalidomide is C₁₃H₁₁N₃O₄ and the gram molecular weight is 273.24.

Pomalidomide is a yellow solid powder. It has limited to low solubility into organic solvents and it has low solubility in all pH solutions (about 0.01 mg/mL). Pomalidomide has a chiral carbon atom which exists as a racemic mixture of the R(+) and S(-) enantiomers.

POMALYST is available in 1-mg, 2-mg, 3-mg, and 4-mg capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains pomalidomide as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: mannitol, pregelatinized starch, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The 1-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, white ink, and black ink. The 2-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, FD&C red 3, and white ink. The 3-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, and white ink. The 4-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 1, FD&C blue 2, and white ink.

In trials 1 and 2 in patients who received POMALYST + Low-dose Dex, 18% of patients experienced neuropathy, with approximately 12% of the patients experiencing peripheral neuropathy. Two percent of patients experienced Grade 3 neuropathy in trial 2. There were no cases of Grade 4 neuropathy adverse reactions reported in either trial.

The safety and effectiveness of POMALYST have not been established in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness were assessed but not established in two open-label studies: a dose escalation study in 25 pediatric patients aged 5 to <17 with recurrent, progressive or refractory CNS tumors [NCT02415153] and a parallel-group study conducted in 47 pediatric patients aged 4 to <17 years with recurrent or progressive high-grade glioma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) [NCT03257631]. No new safety signals were observed in pediatric patients across these studies.

At the same dose by body surface area, pomalidomide exposure in 55 pediatric patients aged 4 to < 17 years old was within the range observed in adult patients with MM but higher than the exposure observed in adult patients with KS [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

POMALYST is indicated for the treatment of:

• •
  Adult patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
• •
  Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in adult patients who are HIV-negative.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not break, chew, or open the capsules.

POMALYST may be taken with or without food.

Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with POMALYST. Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin have also been observed in patients treated with POMALYST. Monitor liver function tests monthly. Stop POMALYST upon elevation of liver enzymes and evaluate. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered.

The clinical trial 12-C-0047 (NCT01495598), was an open label, single center, single arm clinical study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of POMALYST in patients with Kaposi sarcoma (KS). A total of 28 patients (18 HIV-positive, 10 HIV-negative) received POMALYST 5 mg orally once daily on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. All HIV-positive patients continued highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The trial excluded patients with symptomatic pulmonary or visceral KS, history of venous or arterial thromboembolism, or procoagulant disorders. Patients received thromboprophylaxis with aspirin 81 mg once daily throughout therapy.

The median age was 52.5 years, all were male, 75% were White, and 14% Black or African American. Seventy-five percent of patients had advanced disease (T1) at the time of enrollment, 11% had ≥ 50 lesions, and 75% had received prior chemotherapy.

The major efficacy outcome measure was overall response rate (ORR), which included complete response (CR), clinical complete response (cCR), and partial response (PR). Response was assessed by the investigator according to the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) Oncology Committee response criteria for KS. The median time to first response was 1.8 months (0.9 to 7.6). Efficacy results are presented in Table 11.

• •
  Pregnancy (4.1)
• •
  Hypersensitivity (4.2)

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described in detail in other labeling sections:

• •
  Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)]
• •
  Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• •
  Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• •
  Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• •
  Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• •
  Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• •
  Dizziness and Confusional State [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• •
  Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
• •
  Risk of Second Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
• •
  Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
• •
  Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]

Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. If concomitant use of a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce POMALYST dose to 2 mg (2.6, 7.1, 12.3).

Cigarette smoking reduces pomalidomide AUC due to CYP1A2 induction. Advise patients that smoking may reduce the efficacy of pomalidomide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

POMALYST, in combination with dexamethasone, is indicated for adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy.

POMALYST is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis) to pomalidomide or any of the excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Description (11)].

In patients with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, the AUC of pomalidomide increased by 38% and the rate of SAE increased by 64% relative to patients with normal renal function; therefore, starting dose adjustment is recommended. For patients with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, administer POMALYST after the completion of hemodialysis on dialysis days because exposure of pomalidomide could be significantly decreased during dialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pomalidomide exposure-response analyses showed that there was no relationship between systemic pomalidomide exposure level and efficacy or safety following pomalidomide dose of 4 mg.

In patients with MM who received POMALYST 4 mg daily alone or in combination with dexamethasone, pomalidomide steady-state drug exposure was characterized by AUC (CV%) of 860 (37%) ng∙h/mL and C_max (CV%) of 75 (32%) ng/mL. In patients with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) who received POMALYST 5 mg daily, pomalidomide steady-state drug exposure was characterized by AUC of 462.3 ng∙h/mL (82%) and C_max of 53.1 ng/mL (50%).

Hypersensitivity, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, and anaphylactic reactions to POMALYST have been reported. Permanently discontinue POMALYST for angioedema or anaphylaxis [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Pomalidomide is metabolized primarily by the liver. Following single dose administration, the AUC of pomalidomide increased 51%, 58%, and 72% in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh class A), moderate (Child-Pugh class B), and severe (Child-Pugh class C) hepatic impairment, respectively compared to subjects with normal liver function. Dose adjustment is recommended in patients with hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue indicated for the treatment of adult patients:

• •
  in combination with dexamethasone, for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy (1.1).
• •
  with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) or in patients with KS who are HIV-negative. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s) (1.2).

Pomalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of pomalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro, in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos and Ikaros) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. In in vitro cellular assays, pomalidomide inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of hematopoietic tumor cells. Additionally, pomalidomide inhibited the proliferation of lenalidomide-resistant multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and synergized with dexamethasone in both lenalidomide-sensitive and lenalidomide-resistant cell lines to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Pomalidomide enhanced T cell- and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immunity and inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. Pomalidomide demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in a mouse tumor model and in the in vitro umbilical cord model.

Because of the embryo-fetal risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , POMALYST is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), "PS-Pomalidomide REMS".

Required components of PS-Pomalidomide REMS include the following:

• •
  Prescribers must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements.
• •
  Patients must sign a Patient-Physician Agreement Form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] and males must comply with contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] .
• •
  Pharmacies must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS, must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive POMALYST and comply with REMS requirements.

Further information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by telephone at 1-888-423-5436.

POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue and is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . POMALYST is only available through PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) may occur in patients treated with POMALYST. Patients at risk for TLS are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate precautions taken.

• •
  Increased Mortality: Observed in patients with MM when pembrolizumab was added to dexamethasone and a thalidomide analogue (5.4).
• •
  Hematologic Toxicity: Neutropenia was the most frequently reported Grade 3/4 adverse event. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia (5.5).
• •
  Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure including fatalities; monitor liver function tests monthly (5.6).
• •
  Severe Cutaneous Reactions: Discontinue POMALYST for severe reactions (5.7).
• •
  Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Monitor patients at risk of TLS (i.e., those with high tumor burden) and take appropriate precautions (5.11).
• •
  Hypersensitivity: Monitor patients for potential hypersensitivity. Discontinue POMALYST for angioedema and anaphylaxis (5.12).

• •
  MM: 4 mg per day taken orally on Days 1 through 21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression (2.2). Refer to section 14.1 for dexamethasone dosing (14.1).
• •
  KS: 5 mg per day taken orally on Days 1 through 21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (2.3).
• •
  Modify the dosage for certain patients with renal impairment (2.7, 8.6) or hepatic impairment (2.8, 8.7).

• •
  Capsules:1 mg, dark blue opaque cap and yellow opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap in white ink and "1 mg" on the body in black ink
• •
  2 mg, dark blue opaque cap and orange opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "2 mg" on the body in white ink
• •
  3 mg, dark blue opaque cap and green opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "3 mg" on the body in white ink
• •
  4 mg, dark blue opaque cap and blue opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "4 mg" on the body in white ink

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of POMALYST. Because these reactions are 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.

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia

Endocrine Disorders: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hepatic failure (including fatal cases), elevated liver enzymes

Immune system Disorders: Allergic reactions (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria), solid organ transplant rejection

Infections and Infestations: Hepatitis B virus reactivation, Herpes zoster, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps): Tumor lysis syndrome, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

• •
  Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed (8.2).

Severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported. DRESS may present with a cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, fever, and/or lymphadenopathy with systemic complications such as hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, myocarditis, and/or pericarditis. These reactions can be fatal. Consider POMALYST interruption or discontinuation for Grade 2 or 3 skin rash. Permanently discontinue POMALYST for Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or for other severe cutaneous reactions such as SJS, TEN or DRESS [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

In trials 1 and 2 in patients who received POMALYST + Low-dose Dex, 14% of patients experienced dizziness and 7% of patients experienced a confusional state; 1% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 dizziness, and 3% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 confusional state. Instruct patients to avoid situations where dizziness or confusional state may be a problem and not to take other medications that may cause dizziness or confusional state without adequate medical advice.

Dark blue opaque cap and yellow opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap in white ink and "1 mg" on the body in black ink

Dark blue opaque cap and orange opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "2 mg" on the body in white ink

Dark blue opaque cap and green opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "3 mg" on the body in white ink

Dark blue opaque cap and blue opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "4 mg" on the body in white ink

NDC 59572-501-21

Pomalyst®

(pomalidomide) capsules

1 mg

WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN BIRTH DEFECTS.

Rx only

21 Capsules

Bristol Myers Squibb

NDC 59572-502-21

Pomalyst®

(pomalidomide) capsules

2 mg

WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN BIRTH DEFECTS.

Rx only

21 Capsules

Bristol Myers Squibb

NDC 59572-503-21

Pomalyst®

(pomalidomide) capsules

3 mg

WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN BIRTH DEFECTS.

Rx only

21 Capsules

Bristol Myers Squibb

NDC 59572-504-21

Pomalyst®

(pomalidomide) capsules

4 mg

WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN BIRTH DEFECTS.

Rx only

21 Capsules

Bristol Myers Squibb

Venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction and stroke) have been observed in patients treated with POMALYST. In Trial 2, where anticoagulant therapies were mandated, thromboembolic events occurred in 8.0% of patients treated with POMALYST and low dose-dexamethasone (Low-dose Dex), and 3.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) occurred in 4.7% of patients treated with POMALYST and Low-dose Dex, and 1.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Arterial thromboembolic events include terms for arterial thromboembolic events, ischemic cerebrovascular conditions, and ischemic heart disease. Arterial thromboembolic events occurred in 3.0% of patients treated with POMALYST and Low-dose Dex, and 1.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone.

Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may be at greater risk, and actions should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking). Thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on assessment of the patient's underlying risk factors.

Cases of acute myelogenous leukemia have been reported in patients receiving POMALYST as an investigational therapy outside of MM.

The recommended dosage of POMALYST is 5 mg once daily taken orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Continue HAART as HIV treatment in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

The recommended dosage of POMALYST is 4 mg once daily orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression. Give POMALYST in combination with dexamethasone [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

Females of reproductive potential must have negative pregnancy testing and use contraception methods before initiating POMALYST [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

Avoid concomitant use of POMALYST with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. If concomitant use of a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce POMALYST dose to 2 mg [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Studies examining the carcinogenic potential of pomalidomide have not been conducted. One of 12 monkeys dosed with 1 mg/kg of pomalidomide (an exposure approximately 15-fold of the exposure in patients at the recommended dose of 4 mg/day) developed acute myeloid leukemia in a 9-month repeat-dose toxicology study.

Pomalidomide was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a battery of tests, including the bacteria reverse mutation assay (Ames test), the in vitro assay using human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the micronucleus test in orally treated rats administered doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day.

In a fertility and early embryonic development study in rats, drug-treated males were mated with untreated or treated females. Pomalidomide was administered to males and females at doses of 25 to 1000 mg/kg/day. When treated males were mated with treated females, there was an increase in post-implantation loss and a decrease in mean number of viable embryos at all dose levels. There were no other effects on reproductive functions or the number of pregnancies. The lowest dose tested in animals resulted in an exposure (AUC) approximately 100-fold of the exposure in patients at the recommended dose of 4 mg/day. When treated males in this study were mated with untreated females, all uterine parameters were comparable to the controls. Based on these results, the observed effects were attributed to the treatment of females.

Permanently discontinue POMALYST for angioedema, anaphylaxis, Grade 4 rash, skin exfoliation, bullae, or any other severe dermatologic reaction [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7, 5.12)].

For other Grade 3 or 4 toxicities, hold treatment and restart treatment at 1 mg less than the previous dose when toxicity has resolved to less than or equal to Grade 2 at the physician's discretion.

Take POMALYST after completion of dialysis procedure on hemodialysis days [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

• •
  For patients with MM with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, reduce the recommended dosage to 3 mg orally daily.
• •
  For patients with KS with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, reduce the recommended dosage to 4 mg orally daily.

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning

EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

• •
  POMALYST is contraindicated in pregnancy. POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe life-threatening birth defects (4, 5.1, 8.1).
• •
  For females of reproductive potential: Exclude pregnancy before start of treatment. Prevent pregnancy during treatment by the use of 2 reliable methods of contraception (5.1, 8.3).

POMALYST is available only through a restricted program called PS-Pomalidomide REMS (5.2).

VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM

• •
  Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with POMALYST. Antithrombotic prophylaxis is recommended (5.3).

In two randomized clinical trials in patients with MM, the addition of pembrolizumab to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone, a use for which no PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody is indicated, resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with MM with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

• •
  POMALYST is contraindicated in pregnancy. POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting POMALYST treatment.
• •
  Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST treatment [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

POMALYST is only available through a restricted distribution program called PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by calling the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.

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

Care should be exercised in handling of POMALYST. Do not open or crush POMALYST capsules. If powder from POMALYST contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If POMALYST contacts the mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water.

Follow procedures for proper handling and disposal of hazardous drugs. ¹

Hemodialysis can remove pomalidomide from circulation.

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

POMALYST is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. POMALYST can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analogue and is teratogenic in both rats and rabbits when administered during the period of organogenesis. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus.

Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analog. The chemical name is (RS)-4-Amino-2-(2,6-dioxo-piperidin-3-yl)-isoindoline-1,3-dione and it has the following chemical structure:

The empirical formula for pomalidomide is C₁₃H₁₁N₃O₄ and the gram molecular weight is 273.24.

Pomalidomide is a yellow solid powder. It has limited to low solubility into organic solvents and it has low solubility in all pH solutions (about 0.01 mg/mL). Pomalidomide has a chiral carbon atom which exists as a racemic mixture of the R(+) and S(-) enantiomers.

POMALYST is available in 1-mg, 2-mg, 3-mg, and 4-mg capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains pomalidomide as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: mannitol, pregelatinized starch, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The 1-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, white ink, and black ink. The 2-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, FD&C red 3, and white ink. The 3-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, and white ink. The 4-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 1, FD&C blue 2, and white ink.

In trials 1 and 2 in patients who received POMALYST + Low-dose Dex, 18% of patients experienced neuropathy, with approximately 12% of the patients experiencing peripheral neuropathy. Two percent of patients experienced Grade 3 neuropathy in trial 2. There were no cases of Grade 4 neuropathy adverse reactions reported in either trial.

The safety and effectiveness of POMALYST have not been established in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness were assessed but not established in two open-label studies: a dose escalation study in 25 pediatric patients aged 5 to <17 with recurrent, progressive or refractory CNS tumors [NCT02415153] and a parallel-group study conducted in 47 pediatric patients aged 4 to <17 years with recurrent or progressive high-grade glioma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) [NCT03257631]. No new safety signals were observed in pediatric patients across these studies.

At the same dose by body surface area, pomalidomide exposure in 55 pediatric patients aged 4 to < 17 years old was within the range observed in adult patients with MM but higher than the exposure observed in adult patients with KS [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

POMALYST is indicated for the treatment of:

• •
  Adult patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
• •
  Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in adult patients who are HIV-negative.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not break, chew, or open the capsules.

POMALYST may be taken with or without food.

Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with POMALYST. Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin have also been observed in patients treated with POMALYST. Monitor liver function tests monthly. Stop POMALYST upon elevation of liver enzymes and evaluate. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered.

The clinical trial 12-C-0047 (NCT01495598), was an open label, single center, single arm clinical study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of POMALYST in patients with Kaposi sarcoma (KS). A total of 28 patients (18 HIV-positive, 10 HIV-negative) received POMALYST 5 mg orally once daily on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. All HIV-positive patients continued highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The trial excluded patients with symptomatic pulmonary or visceral KS, history of venous or arterial thromboembolism, or procoagulant disorders. Patients received thromboprophylaxis with aspirin 81 mg once daily throughout therapy.

The median age was 52.5 years, all were male, 75% were White, and 14% Black or African American. Seventy-five percent of patients had advanced disease (T1) at the time of enrollment, 11% had ≥ 50 lesions, and 75% had received prior chemotherapy.

The major efficacy outcome measure was overall response rate (ORR), which included complete response (CR), clinical complete response (cCR), and partial response (PR). Response was assessed by the investigator according to the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) Oncology Committee response criteria for KS. The median time to first response was 1.8 months (0.9 to 7.6). Efficacy results are presented in Table 11.

• •
  Pregnancy (4.1)
• •
  Hypersensitivity (4.2)

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described in detail in other labeling sections:

• •
  Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)]
• •
  Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• •
  Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• •
  Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• •
  Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• •
  Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• •
  Dizziness and Confusional State [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• •
  Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
• •
  Risk of Second Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
• •
  Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
• •
  Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]

Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. If concomitant use of a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce POMALYST dose to 2 mg (2.6, 7.1, 12.3).

Cigarette smoking reduces pomalidomide AUC due to CYP1A2 induction. Advise patients that smoking may reduce the efficacy of pomalidomide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

POMALYST, in combination with dexamethasone, is indicated for adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy.

POMALYST is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis) to pomalidomide or any of the excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Description (11)].

In patients with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, the AUC of pomalidomide increased by 38% and the rate of SAE increased by 64% relative to patients with normal renal function; therefore, starting dose adjustment is recommended. For patients with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, administer POMALYST after the completion of hemodialysis on dialysis days because exposure of pomalidomide could be significantly decreased during dialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pomalidomide exposure-response analyses showed that there was no relationship between systemic pomalidomide exposure level and efficacy or safety following pomalidomide dose of 4 mg.

In patients with MM who received POMALYST 4 mg daily alone or in combination with dexamethasone, pomalidomide steady-state drug exposure was characterized by AUC (CV%) of 860 (37%) ng∙h/mL and C_max (CV%) of 75 (32%) ng/mL. In patients with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) who received POMALYST 5 mg daily, pomalidomide steady-state drug exposure was characterized by AUC of 462.3 ng∙h/mL (82%) and C_max of 53.1 ng/mL (50%).

Hypersensitivity, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, and anaphylactic reactions to POMALYST have been reported. Permanently discontinue POMALYST for angioedema or anaphylaxis [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Pomalidomide is metabolized primarily by the liver. Following single dose administration, the AUC of pomalidomide increased 51%, 58%, and 72% in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh class A), moderate (Child-Pugh class B), and severe (Child-Pugh class C) hepatic impairment, respectively compared to subjects with normal liver function. Dose adjustment is recommended in patients with hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue indicated for the treatment of adult patients:

• •
  in combination with dexamethasone, for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy (1.1).
• •
  with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) or in patients with KS who are HIV-negative. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s) (1.2).

Pomalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of pomalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro, in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos and Ikaros) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. In in vitro cellular assays, pomalidomide inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of hematopoietic tumor cells. Additionally, pomalidomide inhibited the proliferation of lenalidomide-resistant multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and synergized with dexamethasone in both lenalidomide-sensitive and lenalidomide-resistant cell lines to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Pomalidomide enhanced T cell- and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immunity and inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. Pomalidomide demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in a mouse tumor model and in the in vitro umbilical cord model.

Because of the embryo-fetal risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , POMALYST is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), "PS-Pomalidomide REMS".

Required components of PS-Pomalidomide REMS include the following:

• •
  Prescribers must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements.
• •
  Patients must sign a Patient-Physician Agreement Form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] and males must comply with contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] .
• •
  Pharmacies must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS, must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive POMALYST and comply with REMS requirements.

Further information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by telephone at 1-888-423-5436.

POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue and is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . POMALYST is only available through PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) may occur in patients treated with POMALYST. Patients at risk for TLS are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate precautions taken.

• •
  Increased Mortality: Observed in patients with MM when pembrolizumab was added to dexamethasone and a thalidomide analogue (5.4).
• •
  Hematologic Toxicity: Neutropenia was the most frequently reported Grade 3/4 adverse event. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia (5.5).
• •
  Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure including fatalities; monitor liver function tests monthly (5.6).
• •
  Severe Cutaneous Reactions: Discontinue POMALYST for severe reactions (5.7).
• •
  Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Monitor patients at risk of TLS (i.e., those with high tumor burden) and take appropriate precautions (5.11).
• •
  Hypersensitivity: Monitor patients for potential hypersensitivity. Discontinue POMALYST for angioedema and anaphylaxis (5.12).

• •
  MM: 4 mg per day taken orally on Days 1 through 21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression (2.2). Refer to section 14.1 for dexamethasone dosing (14.1).
• •
  KS: 5 mg per day taken orally on Days 1 through 21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (2.3).
• •
  Modify the dosage for certain patients with renal impairment (2.7, 8.6) or hepatic impairment (2.8, 8.7).

• •
  Capsules:1 mg, dark blue opaque cap and yellow opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap in white ink and "1 mg" on the body in black ink
• •
  2 mg, dark blue opaque cap and orange opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "2 mg" on the body in white ink
• •
  3 mg, dark blue opaque cap and green opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "3 mg" on the body in white ink
• •
  4 mg, dark blue opaque cap and blue opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "4 mg" on the body in white ink

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of POMALYST. Because these reactions are 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.

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia

Endocrine Disorders: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hepatic failure (including fatal cases), elevated liver enzymes

Immune system Disorders: Allergic reactions (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria), solid organ transplant rejection

Infections and Infestations: Hepatitis B virus reactivation, Herpes zoster, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps): Tumor lysis syndrome, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

• •
  Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed (8.2).

Severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported. DRESS may present with a cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, fever, and/or lymphadenopathy with systemic complications such as hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, myocarditis, and/or pericarditis. These reactions can be fatal. Consider POMALYST interruption or discontinuation for Grade 2 or 3 skin rash. Permanently discontinue POMALYST for Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or for other severe cutaneous reactions such as SJS, TEN or DRESS [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

In trials 1 and 2 in patients who received POMALYST + Low-dose Dex, 14% of patients experienced dizziness and 7% of patients experienced a confusional state; 1% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 dizziness, and 3% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 confusional state. Instruct patients to avoid situations where dizziness or confusional state may be a problem and not to take other medications that may cause dizziness or confusional state without adequate medical advice.

Dark blue opaque cap and yellow opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap in white ink and "1 mg" on the body in black ink

Dark blue opaque cap and orange opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "2 mg" on the body in white ink

Dark blue opaque cap and green opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "3 mg" on the body in white ink

Dark blue opaque cap and blue opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "4 mg" on the body in white ink

NDC 59572-501-21

Pomalyst®

(pomalidomide) capsules

1 mg

WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN BIRTH DEFECTS.

Rx only

21 Capsules

Bristol Myers Squibb

NDC 59572-502-21

Pomalyst®

(pomalidomide) capsules

2 mg

WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN BIRTH DEFECTS.

Rx only

21 Capsules

Bristol Myers Squibb

NDC 59572-503-21

Pomalyst®

(pomalidomide) capsules

3 mg

WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN BIRTH DEFECTS.

Rx only

21 Capsules

Bristol Myers Squibb

NDC 59572-504-21

Pomalyst®

(pomalidomide) capsules

4 mg

WARNING: POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN BIRTH DEFECTS.

Rx only

21 Capsules

Bristol Myers Squibb

Venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction and stroke) have been observed in patients treated with POMALYST. In Trial 2, where anticoagulant therapies were mandated, thromboembolic events occurred in 8.0% of patients treated with POMALYST and low dose-dexamethasone (Low-dose Dex), and 3.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) occurred in 4.7% of patients treated with POMALYST and Low-dose Dex, and 1.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Arterial thromboembolic events include terms for arterial thromboembolic events, ischemic cerebrovascular conditions, and ischemic heart disease. Arterial thromboembolic events occurred in 3.0% of patients treated with POMALYST and Low-dose Dex, and 1.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone.

Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may be at greater risk, and actions should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking). Thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on assessment of the patient's underlying risk factors.

Cases of acute myelogenous leukemia have been reported in patients receiving POMALYST as an investigational therapy outside of MM.

The recommended dosage of POMALYST is 5 mg once daily taken orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Continue HAART as HIV treatment in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

The recommended dosage of POMALYST is 4 mg once daily orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression. Give POMALYST in combination with dexamethasone [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

Females of reproductive potential must have negative pregnancy testing and use contraception methods before initiating POMALYST [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

Avoid concomitant use of POMALYST with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. If concomitant use of a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce POMALYST dose to 2 mg [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Studies examining the carcinogenic potential of pomalidomide have not been conducted. One of 12 monkeys dosed with 1 mg/kg of pomalidomide (an exposure approximately 15-fold of the exposure in patients at the recommended dose of 4 mg/day) developed acute myeloid leukemia in a 9-month repeat-dose toxicology study.

Pomalidomide was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a battery of tests, including the bacteria reverse mutation assay (Ames test), the in vitro assay using human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the micronucleus test in orally treated rats administered doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day.

In a fertility and early embryonic development study in rats, drug-treated males were mated with untreated or treated females. Pomalidomide was administered to males and females at doses of 25 to 1000 mg/kg/day. When treated males were mated with treated females, there was an increase in post-implantation loss and a decrease in mean number of viable embryos at all dose levels. There were no other effects on reproductive functions or the number of pregnancies. The lowest dose tested in animals resulted in an exposure (AUC) approximately 100-fold of the exposure in patients at the recommended dose of 4 mg/day. When treated males in this study were mated with untreated females, all uterine parameters were comparable to the controls. Based on these results, the observed effects were attributed to the treatment of females.

Permanently discontinue POMALYST for angioedema, anaphylaxis, Grade 4 rash, skin exfoliation, bullae, or any other severe dermatologic reaction [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7, 5.12)].

For other Grade 3 or 4 toxicities, hold treatment and restart treatment at 1 mg less than the previous dose when toxicity has resolved to less than or equal to Grade 2 at the physician's discretion.

Take POMALYST after completion of dialysis procedure on hemodialysis days [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

• •
  For patients with MM with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, reduce the recommended dosage to 3 mg orally daily.
• •
  For patients with KS with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, reduce the recommended dosage to 4 mg orally daily.

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning

EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

• •
  POMALYST is contraindicated in pregnancy. POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe life-threatening birth defects (4, 5.1, 8.1).
• •
  For females of reproductive potential: Exclude pregnancy before start of treatment. Prevent pregnancy during treatment by the use of 2 reliable methods of contraception (5.1, 8.3).

POMALYST is available only through a restricted program called PS-Pomalidomide REMS (5.2).

VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM

• •
  Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with POMALYST. Antithrombotic prophylaxis is recommended (5.3).

In two randomized clinical trials in patients with MM, the addition of pembrolizumab to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone, a use for which no PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody is indicated, resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with MM with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.