Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Arsenic trioxide injection is supplied as a sterile, clear, colorless solution in 10 mL glass, single-dose vials. 12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) : 6 mL Single-Dose Vials Packaged in a Carton of 10 NDC 55150-366-10 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze. Arsenic trioxide is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 The vial stopper is not made with natural rubber latex.; PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) - Container Label Rx only NDC 55150-366-01 Arsenic Trioxide Injection 12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) For Intravenous Use only Cytotoxic Agent 6 mL Single-Dose Vial Discard Unused Portion PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) - Container Label; PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) - Container-Carton (10 Vials) Rx only NDC 55150-366-10 Arsenic Trioxide Injection 12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) For Intravenous Use Only 10 x 6 mL Single-Dose Vials - Discard Unused Portion eugia PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) - Container-Carton (10 Vials)
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Arsenic trioxide injection is supplied as a sterile, clear, colorless solution in 10 mL glass, single-dose vials. 12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) : 6 mL Single-Dose Vials Packaged in a Carton of 10 NDC 55150-366-10 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze. Arsenic trioxide is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 The vial stopper is not made with natural rubber latex.
- PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) - Container Label Rx only NDC 55150-366-01 Arsenic Trioxide Injection 12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) For Intravenous Use only Cytotoxic Agent 6 mL Single-Dose Vial Discard Unused Portion PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) - Container Label
- PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) - Container-Carton (10 Vials) Rx only NDC 55150-366-10 Arsenic Trioxide Injection 12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) For Intravenous Use Only 10 x 6 mL Single-Dose Vials - Discard Unused Portion eugia PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-12 mg per 6 mL (2 mg/mL) - Container-Carton (10 Vials)
Overview
Arsenic trioxide injection is a sterile injectable solution of arsenic trioxide. The molecular formula of arsenic trioxide in the solid state is As 2 O 3 , with a molecular weight of 197.8 and the following structural formula: Arsenic trioxide injection is available in 10 mL, single-dose vials containing 12 mg of arsenic trioxide. Arsenic trioxide injection is formulated as a sterile, nonpyrogenic, clear solution of arsenic trioxide in water for injection using sodium hydroxide and dilute hydrochloric acid to adjust to pH 8. Arsenic trioxide injection is preservative-free. Arsenic trioxide, the active ingredient, is present at a concentration of 2 mg/mL. Inactive ingredients and their respective approximate concentrations are sodium hydroxide (1.2 mg/mL) for solubilization, and sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment to pH 8. Chemical Structure
Indications & Usage
Arsenic trioxide injection is an arsenical indicated: In combination with tretinoin for treatment of adults with newly-diagnosed low-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t(15;17) translocation or PML/RAR-alpha gene expression. ( 1.1 ) For induction of remission and consolidation in patients with APL who are refractory to, or have relapsed from, retinoid and anthracycline chemotherapy, and whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t(15;17) translocation or PML/RAR-alpha gene expression. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Newly-Diagnosed Low-Risk APL Arsenic trioxide injection is indicated in combination with tretinoin for treatment of adults with newly-diagnosed low-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t(15;17) translocation or PML/RAR-alpha gene expression. 1.2 Relapsed or Refractory APL Arsenic trioxide injection is indicated for induction of remission and consolidation in patients with APL who are refractory to, or have relapsed from, retinoid and anthracycline chemotherapy, and whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t(15;17) translocation or PML/RAR-alpha gene expression.
Dosage & Administration
Newly-diagnosed low-risk APL: Induction : Administer 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily in combination with tretinoin until bone marrow remission. Do not exceed 60 days. ( 2.1 ) Consolidation: Administer 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily for 5 days per week during weeks 1 to 4 of each 8-week cycle for a total of 4 cycles in combination with tretinoin. ( 2.1 ) Relapsed or refractory APL: Induction: Administer 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily until bone marrow remission. Do not exceed 60 days. ( 2.2 ) Consolidation: Administer 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily for 25 doses over a period of up to 5 weeks. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for Newly-Diagnosed Low-Risk Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) A treatment course for patients with newly-diagnosed low-risk APL consists of 1 induction cycle and 4 consolidation cycles. For the induction cycle, the recommended dosage of arsenic trioxide injection is 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily in combination with tretinoin until bone marrow remission but not to exceed 60 days (see Table 1). For the consolidation cycles, the recommended dosage of arsenic trioxide injection is 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily 5 days per week during weeks 1 to 4 of each 8-week cycle for a total of 4 cycles in combination with tretinoin (see Table 1). Omit tretinoin during weeks 5 to 6 of the fourth cycle of consolidation. Table 1: Recommended Dosage of Arsenic Trioxide Injection in Combination with Tretinoin Induction (1 cycle) Arsenic trioxide injection 0.15 mg/kg once daily intravenously until marrow remission but not to exceed 60 days Tretinoin a 22.5 mg/m 2 twice daily orally until marrow remission but not to exceed 60 days Consolidation (4 cycles) Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Arsenic trioxide injection 0.15 mg/kg once daily intravenously Days 1 to 5 Days 1 to 5 Days 1 to 5 Days 1 to 5 -- -- -- -- Tretinoin a 22.5 mg/m 2 twice daily orally Days 1 to 7 Days 1 to 7 -- -- Days b 1 to 7 Days b 1 to 7 -- -- a Rounded to the nearest 10 mg increment b Omitted during the 4th cycle of consolidation Differentiation syndrome prophylaxis consisting of prednisone 0.5 mg/kg daily from day 1 until the end of induction cycle with arsenic trioxide injection and tretinoin is recommended. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Relapsed or Refractory APL A treatment course for patients with relapsed or refractory APL consists of 1 induction cycle and 1 consolidation cycle [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . For the induction cycle, the recommended dosage of arsenic trioxide injection is 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily until bone marrow remission or up to a maximum of 60 days. For the consolidation cycle, the recommended dosage of arsenic trioxide injection is 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily for 25 doses over a period of up to 5 weeks. Begin consolidation 3 to 6 weeks after completion of induction cycle. 2.3 Monitoring and Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions During induction, monitor coagulation studies, blood counts, and chemistries at least 2 to 3 times per week through recovery. During consolidation, monitor coagulation studies, blood counts, and chemistries at least weekly. Table 2 shows the dosage modifications for adverse reactions due to arsenic trioxide injection when used alone or in combination with tretinoin. Table 2: Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions of Arsenic Trioxide Injection Adverse Reaction Dosage Modification Differentiation syndrome, defined by the presence of 2 or more of the following: - Unexplained fever - Dyspnea - Pleural and/or pericardial effusion - Pulmonary infiltrates - Renal failure - Hypotension - Weight gain greater than 5 kg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Temporarily withhold arsenic trioxide injection. Consider holding tretinoin if symptoms are severe. Administer dexamethasone 10 mg intravenously every 12 hours until the resolution of signs and symptoms for a minimum of 3 days. Resume treatment when the clinical condition improves and reduce the dose of the withheld drug(s) by 50%. Increase the dose of the withheld drug(s) to the recommended dosage after one week in the absence of recurrence of symptoms of differentiation syndrome. If symptoms re-appear, decrease arsenic trioxide injection and/or tretinoin to the previous dose. QTc (Framingham formula) Prolongation greater than 450 msec for men or greater than 460 msec for women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Withhold arsenic trioxide injection and any medication known to prolong the QTc interval. Correct electrolyte abnormalities. After the QTc normalizes and electrolyte abnormalities are corrected, resume treatment with arsenic trioxide injection at a 50% reduced dose (0.075 mg/kg/day daily) for one week after resolution. If the 50% reduced dose is tolerated for one week (in the absence of QTc prolongation), increase the dose of arsenic trioxide injection to 0.11 mg/kg/day daily for the next week [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . The dose of arsenic trioxide injection can be increased to 0.15 mg/kg/day in the absence of QTc prolongation during that 14-day dose-escalation period. Hepatotoxicity, defined by 1 or more of the following: −Total bilirubin (TB) greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) −Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) greater than 5 times the ULN −Alkaline phosphatase (AP) greater than 5 times the ULN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Withhold arsenic trioxide injection and/or tretinoin. Resume treatment at a 50% reduced dose of the withheld drug(s) when TB is less than 1.5 times the ULN and AP/AST are less than 3 times the ULN. Increase the dose of the withheld drug(s) back to the recommended dosage after one week on the reduced dose in the absence of worsening of hepatotoxicity. Discontinue the withheld drug(s) permanently if hepatotoxicity recurs. Other severe or life-threatening (grade 3 to 4) nonhematologic reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] Temporarily withhold arsenic trioxide injection and tretinoin. When the adverse reaction resolves to no more than mild (grade 1), resume arsenic trioxide injection and tretinoin reduced by 2 dose levels (see Table 3 below). Moderate (grade 2) nonhematologic reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] Reduce the dose of arsenic trioxide injection and/or tretinoin by 1 dose level (see Table 3 below). Leukocytosis (WBC count greater than 10 Gi/L) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] Administer hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea may be discontinued when the WBC declines below 10 Gi/L. Myelosuppression, defined by 1 or more of the following: - absolute neutrophil count less than 1 Gi/L - platelets less than 50 Gi/L lasting more than 5 weeks [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] Consider reducing the dose of arsenic trioxide injection and tretinoin by 1 dose level (see Table 3 below). If myelosuppression lasts ≥ 50 days or occurs on 2 consecutive cycles, assess a marrow aspirate for remission status. In the case of molecular remission, resume arsenic trioxide injection and tretinoin at 1 dose level lower (see Table 3 below). Table 3: Dose Reduction Levels for Hematologic and Nonhematologic Toxicities *Rounded to the nearest 10 mg increment Dose Level Arsenic Trioxide Injection mg/kg intravenously once daily Tretinoin* mg/m 2 orally twice daily Starting level 0.15 22.5 -1 0.11 18.75 -2 0.10 12.5 -3 0.075 10 2.4 Preparation and Administration Reconstitution Dilute arsenic trioxide injection with 100 to 250 mL 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, using proper aseptic technique, immediately after withdrawal from the vial. Do not save any unused portions for later administration. After dilution, store arsenic trioxide injection for no more than 24 hours at room temperature and 48 hours when refrigerated. Administration Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Administer arsenic trioxide injection as an intravenous infusion over 2 hours. The infusion duration may be extended up to 4 hours if acute vasomotor reactions are observed. A central venous catheter is not required. The arsenic trioxide injection vial is single-dose and does not contain any preservatives. Discard unused portions of each vial properly. Do not mix arsenic trioxide injection with other medications. Safe Handling Procedures Arsenic trioxide injection is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1
Warnings & Precautions
Hepatotoxicit y : Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin have occurred in patients with newly-diagnosed low-risk APL treated with arsenic trioxide in combination with tretinoin. Monitor hepatic function tests at least twice weekly during induction and at least once weekly during consolidation. Withhold arsenic trioxide for certain elevations in AST, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin and resume at reduced dose upon resolution. ( 2.3 , 5.4 ) Carcinogenesis : Arsenic trioxide is a human carcinogen. Monitor patients for the development of second primary malignancies. ( 5.5 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise of potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception. ( 5.6 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Differentiation Syndrome Differentiation syndrome, which may be life-threatening or fatal, has been observed in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treated with arsenic trioxide. In clinical trials, 16 to 23% of patients treated with arsenic trioxide for APL developed differentiation syndrome. Signs and symptoms include unexplained fever, dyspnea, hypoxia, acute respiratory distress, pulmonary infiltrates, pleural or pericardial effusion, weight gain, peripheral edema, hypotension, renal insufficiency, hepatopathy and multi-organ dysfunction. Differentiation syndrome has been observed with and without concomitant leukocytosis, and it has occurred as early as day 1 of induction to as late as the second month induction therapy. When arsenic trioxide is used in combination with tretinoin, prophylaxis with prednisone is recommended during the induction cycle [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. If differentiation syndrome is suspected, temporarily withhold arsenic trioxide and immediately initiate dexamethasone 10 mg intravenously every 12 hours and hemodynamic monitoring until resolution of signs and symptoms for a minimum of 3 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.2 Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities Patients treated with arsenic trioxide can develop QTc prolongation, torsade de pointes, and complete atrioventricular block. In the clinical trials of patients with newly-diagnosed low-risk APL treated with arsenic trioxide in combination with tretinoin, 11% experienced QTc (Framingham formula) prolongation > 450 msec for men and > 460 msec for women throughout the treatment cycles. In the clinical trial of patients with relapsed or refractory APL treated with arsenic trioxide monotherapy, 40% had at least one ECG tracing with a QTc interval greater than 500 msec. A prolonged QTc was observed between 1 and 5 weeks after start of arsenic trioxide infusion, and it usually resolved by 8 weeks after arsenic trioxide infusion. There are no data on the effect of arsenic trioxide on the QTc interval during the infusion of the drug. The risk of torsade de pointes is related to the extent of QTc prolongation, concomitant administration of QTc prolonging drugs, a history of torsade de pointes, pre-existing QTc interval prolongation, congestive heart failure, administration of potassium-wasting diuretics, or other conditions that result in hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. The risk may be increased when arsenic trioxide is coadministered with medications that can lead to electrolyte abnormalities (such as diuretics or amphotericin B) [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Prior to initiating therapy with arsenic trioxide, assess the QTc interval by electrocardiogram, correct pre-existing electrolyte abnormalities, and consider discontinuing drugs known to prolong QTc interval. Do not administer arsenic trioxide to patients with a ventricular arrhythmia or prolonged QTc. If possible, discontinue drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval. If it is not possible to discontinue the interacting drug, perform cardiac monitoring frequently [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . During arsenic trioxide therapy, maintain potassium concentrations above 4 mEq/L and magnesium concentrations above 1.8 mg/dL. Monitor ECG weekly and more frequently for clinically unstable patients. For patients who develop a QTc Framingham greater than 450 msec for men or greater than 460 msec for women, withhold arsenic trioxide and any medication known to prolong the QTc interval. Correct electrolyte abnormalities. When the QTc normalizes and electrolyte abnormalities are corrected, resume arsenic trioxide at a reduced dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.3 Encephalopathy Serious encephalopathies were reported in patients receiving arsenic trioxide. Monitor patients for neurological symptoms, such as confusion, decreased level of consciousness, seizures, cognitive deficits, ataxia, visual symptoms and ocular motor dysfunction. Advise patients and caregivers of the need for close observation. Wernicke's Encephalopathy Wernicke's encephalopathy occurred in patients receiving arsenic trioxide. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a neurologic emergency that can be prevented and treated with thiamine. Consider testing thiamine levels in patients at risk for thiamine deficiency (e.g., chronic alcohol use, malabsorption, nutritional deficiency, concomitant use of furosemide). Administer parenteral thiamine in patients with or at risk for thiamine deficiency. Monitor patients for neurological symptoms and nutritional status while receiving arsenic trioxide. If Wernicke's encephalopathy is suspected, immediately interrupt arsenic trioxide and initiate parenteral thiamine. Monitor until symptoms resolve or improve and thiamine levels normalize. 5.4 Hepatotoxicity In the clinical trials, 44% of patients with newly-diagnosed low-risk APL treated with arsenic trioxide in combination with tretinoin experienced elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, and/or serum bilirubin. These abnormalities resolved with temporary discontinuation of arsenic trioxide and/or tretinoin. Long-term liver abnormalities can occur in patients with APL treated with arsenic trioxide in combination with tretinoin. In a published series, mild liver dysfunction and hepatic steatosis were seen in 15% and 43%, respectively, of patients at a median of 7 years (range 0 to 14 years) after treatment with arsenic trioxide in combination with tretinoin. During treatment with arsenic trioxide, monitor hepatic function tests at least twice weekly during induction and at least once weekly during consolidation. Withhold arsenic trioxide and/or tretinoin if elevations in AST or alkaline phosphatase occur to greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal and/or elevation in serum total bilirubin occurs to greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal and resume at reduced dose upon resolution [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.5 Carcinogenesis The active ingredient of arsenic trioxide injection, arsenic trioxide, is a human carcinogen. Monitor patients for the development of second primary malignancies. 5.6 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Arsenic trioxide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Arsenic trioxide was embryolethal and teratogenic in rats when administered on gestation day 9 at a dose approximately 10 times the recommended human daily dose on a mg/m² basis. A related trivalent arsenic, sodium arsenite, produced teratogenicity when administered during gestation in mice at a dose approximately 5 times the projected human dose on a mg/m² basis and in hamsters at an intravenous dose approximately equivalent to the projected human daily dose on a mg/m² basis. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with arsenic trioxide and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with arsenic trioxide and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] .
Boxed Warning
DIFFERENTIATION SYNDROME, CARDIAC CONDUCTION ABNORMALITIES AND ENCEPHALOPATHY INCLUDING WERNICKE'S Differentiation Syndrome: Patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treated with arsenic trioxide have experienced differentiation syndrome, which may be life-threatening or fatal. Signs and symptoms may include unexplained fever, dyspnea, hypoxia, acute respiratory distress, pulmonary infiltrates, pleural or pericardial effusions, weight gain, peripheral edema, hypotension, renal insufficiency, hepatopathy, and multi-organ dysfunction, in the presence or absence of leukocytosis. If differentiation syndrome is suspected, immediately initiate high-dose corticosteroids and hemodynamic monitoring until resolution. Temporarily withhold arsenic trioxide [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities: Arsenic trioxide can cause QTc interval prolongation, complete atrioventricular block and torsade de pointes, which can be fatal. Before administering arsenic trioxide, assess the QTc interval, correct electrolyte abnormalities, and consider discontinuing drugs known to prolong QTc interval. Do not administer arsenic trioxide to patients with a ventricular arrhythmia or prolonged QTc interval. Withhold arsenic trioxide until resolution and resume at reduced dose for QTc prolongation [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Encephalopathy: Serious encephalopathy, including Wernicke's, has occurred with arsenic trioxide. Wernicke's is a neurologic emergency. Consider testing thiamine levels in patients at risk for thiamine deficiency. Administer parenteral thiamine in patients with or at risk for thiamine deficiency. Monitor patients for neurological symptoms and nutritional status while receiving arsenic trioxide. If Wernicke's encephalopathy is suspected, immediately interrupt arsenic trioxide and initiate parenteral thiamine. Monitor until symptoms resolve or improve and thiamine levels normalize [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. WARNING: DIFFERENTIATION SYNDROME, CARDIAC CONDUCTION ABNORMALITIES, and ENCEPHALOPATHY INCLUDING WERNICKE’S See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treated with arsenic trioxide have experienced symptoms of differentiation syndrome, which may be life-threatening or fatal. If differentiation syndrome is suspected, immediately initiate high-dose corticosteroids and hemodynamic monitoring until resolution. Temporarily withhold arsenic trioxide. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Arsenic trioxide can cause QTc interval prolongation, complete atrioventricular block and torsade de pointes, which can be fatal. Before administering arsenic trioxide, assess the QTc interval, correct electrolyte abnormalities, and consider discontinuing drugs known to prolong QTc interval. Do not administer arsenic trioxide to patients with ventricular arrhythmia or prolonged QTc interval. Withhold arsenic trioxide until resolution and resume at reduced dose for QTc prolongation. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Serious encephalopathy, including Wernicke’s, has occurred with arsenic trioxide. If Wernicke’s encephalopathy is suspected, immediately interrupt arsenic trioxide and initiate parenteral thiamine. Monitor until symptoms resolve or improve and thiamine levels normalize. ( 5.3 )
Contraindications
Arsenic trioxide is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to arsenic. Hypersensitivity to arsenic. ( 4 )
Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Differentiation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Carcinogenesis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (> 30%) are nausea, cough, fatigue, pyrexia, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, tachycardia, diarrhea, dyspnea, hypokalemia, leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, hypomagnesemia, insomnia, dermatitis, edema, QTc prolongation, rigors, sore throat, arthralgia, paresthesia, and pruritus ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eugia US LLC at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience 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. Newly-Diagnosed Low-Risk APL The safety of arsenic trioxide in combination with tretinoin was evaluated in Study APL0406, a randomized trial comparing arsenic trioxide plus tretinoin (n=129) versus chemotherapy plus tretinoin (n=137) in patients with newly-diagnosed APL [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] . In the arsenic trioxide/tretinoin group, 98% of patients completed induction therapy and 89% completed at least three consolidation cycles. In the chemotherapy/tretinoin group, 96% completed induction therapy and 87% patients completed all three courses of consolidation therapy. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 25% of patients on the arsenic trioxide/tretinoin arm and 24% on the chemotherapy/tretinoin arm. The serious adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients who received arsenic trioxide/tretinoin were abnormal liver tests, differentiation syndrome, dyspnea, pneumonia, and other infections. Fatal adverse reactions were reported in 1 (1%) patient on the arsenic trioxide/tretinoin arm and 8 (6%) patients on the chemotherapy/tretinoin arm. Arsenic trioxide /tretinoin was discontinued due to toxicity in 1 patient during induction and in 4 patients during the first three consolidation courses, whereas chemotherapy/tretinoin was discontinued due to toxicity in 4 patients during induction and in 6 patients during consolidation. Selected hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities that occurred during induction or consolidation are presented in Table 4. Table 4: Select Adverse Reactions of Arsenic Trioxide in Combination with Tretinoin in Patients with Newly-Diagnosed APL in Study APL0406 Adverse Reaction Induction n (%) First Consolidation n (%) Second Consolidation n (%) Third Consolidation n (%) Thrombocytopenia > 15 days (Grade 3 to 4) arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 74 (58%) 120 (88%) 6 (5%) 17 (14%) 6 (5%) 77 (63%) 8 (7%) 26 (22%) Neutropenia >15 days (Grade 3 to 4) arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 61 (48%) 109 (80%) 8 (7%) 40 (32%) 7 (6%) 90 (73%) 5 (4%) 28 (24%) Hepatic toxicity (Grade 3 to 4) arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 51 (40%) 4 (3%) 5 (4%) 1 (1%) 1 (1%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) Infection and fever of unknown origin arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 30 (23%) 75 (55%) 10 (8%) 8 (6%) 4 (3%) 46 (38%) 2 (2%) 2 (2%) Hypertriglyceridemia arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 29 (22%) 29 (22%) 22 (18%) 19 (15%) 17 (14%) 10 (8%) 16 (14%) 13 (11%) Hypercholesterolemia arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 14 (10%) 12 (9%) 19 (16%) 12 (10%) 19 (16%) 12 (10%) 16 (14%) 11 (9%) QT prolongation arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 11 (9%) 1 (1%) 3 (2%) 0 (0%) 3 (2%) 0 (0%) 2 (2%) 0 (0%) Gastrointestinal toxicity (Grade 3 to 4) arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 3 (2%) 25 (18%) 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 0 (0%) 6 (5%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) Neurotoxicity* arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 1 (1%) 0 (0%) 5 (4%) 0 (0%) 6 (5%) 0 (0%) 7 (6%) 0 (0%) Cardiac function (Grade 3 to 4) arsenic trioxide/tretinoin Chemotherapy/tretinoin 0 (0%) 5 (4%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) *Mostly cases of reversible peripheral neuropathy Relapsed or Refractory APL Safety information was available for 52 patients with relapsed or refractory APL who participated in clinical trials of arsenic trioxide. Forty patients in the Study PLRXAS01 received the recommended dose of 0.15 mg/kg, of whom 28 completed both induction and consolidation cycles. An additional 12 patients with relapsed or refractory APL received doses generally similar to the recommended dose. Serious adverse reactions observed in the 40 patients with refractory or relapsed APL enrolled in Study PLRXAS01 included differentiation syndrome (n=3), hyperleukocytosis (n=3), QTc interval ≥ 500 msec (n=16, 1 with torsade de pointes), atrial dysrhythmias (n=2), and hyperglycemia (n=2). The most common adverse reactions (> 30%) were nausea, cough, fatigue, pyrexia, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, tachycardia, diarrhea, dyspnea, hypokalemia, leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, hypomagnesemia, insomnia, dermatitis, edema, QTc prolongation, rigors, sore throat, arthralgia, paresthesia, and pruritus. Table 5 describes the adverse reactions in patients aged 5 to 73 years with APL who received arsenic trioxide at the recommended dose. Similar adverse reactions profiles were seen in the other patient populations who received arsenic trioxide. Table 5: Adverse Reactions (≥ 5%) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory APL Who Received Arsenic Trioxide in Study PLRXAS01 Body System Adverse reaction Any Grade Adverse Reactions Grade ≥3 Adverse Reactions n % n % Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 30 75 Abdominal pain (lower & upper) 23 58 4 10 Vomiting 23 58 Diarrhea 21 53 Sore throat 14 35 Constipation 11 28 1 3 Anorexia 9 23 Appetite decreased 6 15 Loose stools 4 10 Dyspepsia 4 10 Oral blistering 3 8 Fecal incontinence 3 8 Gastrointestinal hemorrhage 3 8 Dry mouth 3 8 Abdominal tenderness 3 8 Diarrhea hemorrhagic 3 8 Abdominal distension 3 8 Respiratory Cough 26 65 Dyspnea 21 53 4 10 Epistaxis 10 25 Hypoxia 9 23 4 10 Pleural effusion 8 20 1 3 Post nasal drip 5 13 Wheezing 5 13 Decreased breath sounds 4 10 Crepitations 4 10 Rales 4 10 Hemoptysis 3 8 Tachypnea 3 8 Rhonchi 3 8 General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue 25 63 2 5 Pyrexia (fever) 25 63 2 5 Edema - non-specific 16 40 Rigors 15 38 Chest pain 10 25 2 5 Injection site pain 8 20 Pain - non-specific 6 15 1 3 Injection site erythema 5 13 Weight gain 5 13 Injection site edema 4 10 Weakness 4 10 2 5 Hemorrhage 3 8 Weight loss 3 8 Drug hypersensitivity 2 5 1 3 Nervous system disorders Headache 24 60 1 3 Insomnia 17 43 1 3 Paresthesia 13 33 2 5 Dizziness (excluding vertigo) 9 23 Tremor 5 13 Convulsion 3 8 2 5 Somnolence 3 8 Coma 2 5 2 5 Cardiac disorders Tachycardia 22 55 ECG QT corrected interval prolonged > 500 msec 16 40 Palpitations 4 10 ECG abnormal other than QT interval prolongation 3 8 Metabolism and nutrition disorders Hypokalemia 20 50 5 13 Hypomagnesemia 18 45 5 13 Hyperglycemia 18 45 5 13 ALT increased 8 20 2 5 Hyperkalemia 7 18 2 5 AST increased 5 13 1 3 Hypocalcemia 4 10 Hypoglycemia 3 8 Acidosis 2 5 Hematologic disorders Leukocytosis 20 50 1 3 Anemia 8 20 2 5 Thrombocytopenia 7 18 5 13 Febrile neutropenia 5 13 3 8 Neutropenia 4 10 4 10 Disseminated intravascular coagulation 3 8 3 8 Lymphadenopathy 3 8 Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Dermatitis 17 43 Pruritus 13 33 1 3 Ecchymosis 8 20 Dry skin 6 15 Erythema - non-specific 5 13 Increased sweating 5 13 Facial edema 3 8 Night sweats 3 8 Petechiae 3 8 Hyperpigmentation 3 8 Non-specific skin lesions 3 8 Urticaria 3 8 Local exfoliation 2 5 Eyelid edema 2 5 Musculoskeletal, connective tissue, and bone disorders Arthralgia 13 33 3 8 Myalgia 10 25 2 5 Bone pain 9 23 4 10 Back pain 7 18 1 3 Neck pain 5 13 Pain in limb 5 13 2 5 Psychiatric disorders Anxiety 12 30 Depression 8 20 Agitation 2 5 Confusion 2 5 Vascular disorders Hypotension 10 25 2 5 Flushing 4 10 Hypertension 4 10 Pallor 4 10 Infections and infestations Sinusitis 8 20 Herpes simplex 5 13 Upper respiratory tract infection 5 13 1 3 Bacterial infection - non-specific 3 8 1 3 Herpes zoster 3 8 Nasopharyngitis 2 5 Oral candidiasis 2 5 Sepsis 2 5 2 5 Reproductive system disorders Vaginal hemorrhage 5 13 Intermenstrual bleeding 3 8 Ocular disorders Eye irritation 4 10 Blurred vision 4 10 Dry eye 3 8 Painful red eye 2 5 Renal and urinary disorders Renal failure 3 8 1 3 Renal impairment 3 8 Oliguria 2 5 Incontinence 2 5 Ear disorders Earache 3 8 Tinnitus 2 5 Other Clinically Relevant Adverse Reactions Leukocytosis Arsenic trioxide can induce proliferation of leukemic promyelocytes resulting in a rapid increase in white blood cell count. Leukocytosis greater than 10 Gi/L developed during induction therapy in 43% patients receiving arsenic trioxide/tretinoin for newly-diagnosed low-risk APL and in 50% of patients receiving arsenic trioxide monotherapy for relapsed/refractory APL. In the relapsed/refractory setting, a relationship did not exist between baseline WBC counts and development of hyperleukocytosis nor baseline WBC counts and peak WBC counts. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of arsenic trioxide. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiac disorders: Ventricular extrasystoles in association with QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia in association with QT prolongation, including torsade de pointes, atrioventricular block, and congestive heart failure Ear and labyrinth disorders: Deafness Hematologic disorders: Pancytopenia, bone marrow necrosis Infections: Herpes zoster Investigations: Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Bone pain, myalgia, rhabdomyolysis Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified: Melanoma, pancreatic cancer, squamous cell carcinoma Nervous system disorders: Peripheral neuropathy, paresis, seizures, confusion, encephalopathy, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Drug Interactions
Drugs That Can Prolong the QT/QTc Interval Concomitant use of these drugs and arsenic trioxide may increase the risk of serious QT/QTc interval prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Discontinue or replace with an alternative drug that does not prolong the QT/QTc interval while the patient is using arsenic trioxide. Monitor ECGs more frequently in patients when it is not feasible to avoid concomitant use. Drugs That Can Lead to Electrolyte Abnormalities Electrolyte abnormalities increase the risk of serious QT/QTc interval prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Avoid concomitant use of drugs that can lead to electrolyte abnormalities. Monitor electrolytes more frequently in patients who must receive concomitant use of these drugs and arsenic trioxide. Drugs That Can Lead to Hepatotoxicity Concomitant use of these drugs and arsenic trioxide, particularly when given in combination with tretinoin, may increase the risk of serious hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] . Discontinue or replace with an alternative drug that does not cause hepatotoxicity while the patient is using arsenic trioxide. Monitor liver function tests more frequently in patients when it is not feasible to avoid concomitant use.
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