ZYMFENTRA

Serious injections, including invasive fungal infections: Avoid use of ZYMFENTRA in patients with an active infection. If infection develops during treatment, conduct a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient and initiate antimicrobial therapy. If systemic illness develops in patients who reside or travel to regions where mycoses are endemic, consider empiric antifungal therapy. ( 5.1 ) Malignancies : The incidence of malignancies, including lymphoma, was greater in TNF blocker-treated patients than in controls. Consider the higher risk of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) with combination therapy versus increased tisk of immunogenicity and hypersensitivity reactions with monotherapy. ( 5.2 ) Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation: Test for HBV infection before starting ZYMFENTRA. Monitor HBV carriers during and several months after therapy for active HBV infection. If reactivation occurs, stop ZYMFENTRA and begin anti-viral therapy. ( 5.3 ) Hepatotoxicity: Severe hepatic reactions, some fatal or necessitating liver transplantation with infliximab products. Monitor hepatic enzymes and liver function tests every 3 to 4 months during treatment; investigate liver enzyme elevations and interrupt treatment if drug-induced liver injury is suspected. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop. ( 5.4 ) Congestive heart failure (CHF) : New onset or worsening symptoms may occur. Avoid ZYMFENTRA in patients with CHF. Monitor for new or worsening symptoms if a decision is made to administer ZYMFENTRA. ( 5.5 ) Hematologic Reactions : Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if signs and symtoms of cytopenia develop; consider stopping ZYMFENTRA if significant hematologic abnormalities devlop. ( 5.6 ) Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions : Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis; institute appropriate therapy and discontinue ZYMFENTRA. ( 4 , 5.7 ) Neurologic Reactions : Exacerbation or new onset CNS demyelinating disorders may occurs; consider discontinuation of ZYMFENTRA. ( 5.8 ) Risk of infection with concurrent administration of other biological products : Concurrent use with other immunosuppressive biological products may increase the risk of injection ( 5.9 ) Risk of additive immunosuppressive effects from prior biologic products : Consider the half-life and mode of action of prior biological products. ( 5.10 ) Autoimmunity : Formation of autoantibodies and development of lupus-like syndrome may occur; discontinue ZYMFENTRA if symptoms develop. ( 5.11 ) V accinations and Use of Live Vaccines/Therapeutic Infectious Agents: Prior to initiating ZYMFENTRA bring patients up to date with all vaccinations. Live vaccines or therapeutic infectious agents should not be given with ZYMFENTRA. A 6-month waiting period following birth is recommended before the administration of live vaccines to infants exposed in utero to infliximab products. ( 5.12 ) 5.1 Serious Infections Patients treated with ZYMFENTRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death. Opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or parasitic organisms including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis, salmonellosis and tuberculosis have been reported with TNF blockers. Patients have frequently presented with disseminated rather than localized disease. Treatment with ZYMFENTRA should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including clinically important localized infections.Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with comorbid-conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or methotrexate may be at greater risk of infection. The risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating therapy in patients: with chronic or recurrent infection; who have been exposed to tuberculosis; with a history of an opportunistic infection; who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis; or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Tuberculosis Cases of reactivation of tuberculosis or new tuberculosis infections have been observed in patients receiving TNF-blockers, including patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis. Cases of active tuberculosis have also occurred in patients being treated with infliximab products during treatment for latent tuberculosis. Evaluate patients for tuberculosis risk factors and test for latent infection prior to initiating ZYMFENTRA and periodically during therapy. Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection prior to therapy with TNF blockers has been shown to reduce the risk of tuberculosis reactivation during therapy. Induration of 5 mm or greater with tuberculin skin testing should be considered a positive test result when assessing if treatment for latent tuberculosis is needed prior to initiating ZYMFENTRA even for patients previously vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of ZYMFENTRA in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis is recommended to aid in the decision whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate for an individual patient. Tuberculosis should be strongly considered in patients who develop a new infection during treatment with ZYMFENTRA especially in patients who have previously or recently traveled to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, or who have had close contact with a person with active tuberculosis. Monitoring Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with ZYMFENTRA including the development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. Tests for latent tuberculosis infection may also be falsely negative while on therapy with ZYMFENTRA. Discontinue ZYMFENTRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment with ZYMFENTRA should undergo prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient; and appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated, and the patient should be closely monitored. Invasive Fungal Infections For patients who reside or travel in regions where mycoses are endemic, invasive fungal infection should be suspected if they develop a serious systemic illness. Appropriate empiric antifungal therapy should be considered while a diagnostic workup is being performed. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. When feasible, the decision to administer empiric antifungal therapy in these patients should be made in consultation with a physician with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections and should take into account both the risk for severe fungal infection and the risks of antifungal therapy. 5.2 Malignancies Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents and young adults who received treatment with TNF blockers (initiation of therapy ≤ 18 years of age), including infliximab products. AApproximately half of these cases were lymphomas, including Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The other cases represented a variety of malignancies, including rare malignancies that are usually associated with immunosuppression and malignancies that are not usually observed in children and adolescents. The malignancies occurred after a median of 30 months (range 1 to 84 months) after the first dose of TNF blocker therapy. Most of the patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants. These cases were reported postmarketing and are derived from a variety of sources, including registries and spontaneous postmarketing reports. Lymphomas In the controlled portions of clinical trials of TNF blockers, more cases of lymphoma have been observed among patients receiving a TNF blocker compared with control patients. Cases of acute and chronic leukemia have been reported with postmarketing TNF blocker use, including infliximab products. Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma (HSTCL) Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers, including infliximab products. TThese cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. Almost all patients had received treatment with the immunosuppressants azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. The majority of reported cases have occurred in patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and most were in adolescent and young adult males. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to TNF blockers or TNF blockers in combination with these other immunosuppressants. When treating patients, consideration of whether to use ZYMFENTRA alone or in combination with other immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine should take into account a possibility that there is a higher risk of HSTCL with combination therapy versus an observed increased risk of immunogenicity and hypersensitivity reactions with TNF blocker monotherapy from the clinical trial data [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] Skin Cancer Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have been reported in patients treated with TNF blocker therapy, including infliximab products. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients during treatment with ZYMFENTRA, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. Cervical Cancer Cases of invasive cervical cancer have been reported postmarketing in women who received infliximab products for other conditions. A causal relationship between infliximab products and cervical cancer cannot be excluded. Routine cervical cancer screening is recommended during treatment with ZYMFENTRA. Other Malignancies In the controlled pportions of clinical trials of some TNF blockers, including infliximab products, more malignancies (excluding lymphoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer) have been observed in patients receiving those TNF blockers compared with control patients. The most common malignancies were breast, colorectal, and melanoma in these controlled trials of TNF blockers. In controlled trials of TNF blockers in adult patients at higher risk for malignancies (i.e., patients with COPD with a significant smoking history and cyclophosphamide-treated patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis), a greater proportion of malignancies occurred in the TNF blocker group compared to the control group. Patients had a history of heavy smoking. Avoid ZYMFENTRA in patients with moderate to severe COPD. The potential role of TNF blockers in the development of malignancies is not known. Avoid ZYMFENTRA treatment in patients with a history of malignancy or in continuing treatment in patients who develop malignancy while receiving ZYMFENTRA. 5.3 Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Use of TNF blockers has been associated with reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers of this virus. In some instances, HBV reactivation occurring in conjunction with TNF blocker therapy has been fatal. The majority of these reports have occurred in patients concomitantly receiving other medications that suppress the immune system, which may also contribute to HBV reactivation. Test patients for HBV infection before initiating TNF blocker therapy, including ZYMFENTRA. For patients who test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of hepatitis B is recommended. Adequate data are not available on the safety or efficacy of treating patients who are carriers of HBV with antiviral therapy in conjunction with TNF blocker therapy to prevent HBV reactivation. Patients who are carriers of HBV and require treatment with TNF blockers, including ZYMFENTRA, should be closely monitored for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV infection throughout therapy and for several months following termination of therapy. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, discontinue ZYMFENTRA and initiate antiviral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment. The safety of resuming TNF blocker therapy after HBV reactivation is controlled is not known. Therefore, prescribers should exercise caution when considering resumption of ZYMFENTRA in this situation and monitor patients closely. 5.4 Hepatotoxicity Hepatobiliary disorders, including acute liver failure, jaundice abnormal hepatic function, hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, hyperbilirubinemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver, have been reported in postmarketing data in patients receiving infliximab products. Autoimmune hepatitis has been diagnosed in some of these cases. Severe hepatic reactions occurred between two weeks to more than one year after initiation of infliximab products administered intravenously; elevations in hepatic aminotransferase levels were not noted prior to discovery of the liver injury in many of these cases. Some of these cases were fatal or necessitated liver transplantation. In clinical trials, three subjects treated with ZYMFENTRA had drug induced liver injury based on hepatic transaminase elevations, including one subject with accompanying bilirubin elevation [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ]. Monitor hepatic enzymes and liver function tests every 3 to 4 months during treatment with ZYMFENTRA. Prompt investigation of the cause of liver enzyme elevation should be undertaken to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury. Interrupt treatment if drug-induced liver injury is suspected, until this diagnosis is excluded. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfuction. 5.5 Congestive Heart Failure Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF, with and without identifiable precipitating factors (e.g., pre-existing cardiovascular disease), have been reported with TNF blockers, including infliximab products. Some of these patients have been under 50 years of age, and some cases had a fatal outcome. In several exploratory trials of other TNF blockers in the treatment of CHF, there were greater proportions of TNF-blocker-treated patients who had CHF exacerbations requiring hospitalization or increased mortality. ZYMFENTRA has not been studied in patients with a history of CHF. Avoid ZYMFENTRA in patients with CHF. If a decision is made to administer ZYMFENTRA to patients with CHF, closely monitor patients during therapy for new or worsening symptoms of heart failure and discontinue ZYMFENTRA if symptoms appear . 5.6 Hematologic Reactions Report of pancytopenia including aplastic anemia have been reported with TNF blocking agents. Cases of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia, some with a fatal outcome, have been reported in patients receiving infliximab products. Clinically significant events of neutropenia were noted in the clinical trials of ZYMFENTRA. The causal relationship to infliximab product therapy remains unclear. Although no high-risk group(s) has been identified, avoid ZYMFENTRA in patients who have ongoing or a history of significant hematologic abnormalities. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever) during treatment with ZYMFENTRA. Consider discontinuation of ZYMFENTRA therapy in patients who develop significant hematologic abnormalities. 5.7 Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions In clinical trials of ZYMFENTRA, symptoms compatible with hypersensitivity reactions have been reported including bronchospasm, dyspnea, rash, and edema. In post-marketing experience, serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, hypotension, and serum sickness) have been reported following administration of infliximab products. If an anaphylactic or other clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, institute appropriate therapy and discontinue ZYMFENTRA. There are no data on the risks of using ZYMFENTRA in patients who have experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction towards another TNF blocker; in these patients, caution is needed. 5.8 Neurologic Reactions Agents that inhibit TNF have been associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestation of systemic vasculitis, seizure and new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of CNS demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disorders, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Avoid the use of ZYMFENTRA in patients with these neurologic disorders and consider discontinuation of ZYMFENTRA if these disorders develop. 5.9 Risk of Infection with Concurrent Administration with Other Biological Products Serious infections and neutropenia have been reported with concurrent use of TNF-blockers and other immunosuppressive biological products (e.g., anakinra and abatacept). The concurrent use of ZYMFENTRA with other immunosuppressive biological products used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease may increase the risk of infection and is not recommended [ see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) ]. 5.10 Risk of Additive Immunosuppressive Effects from Prior Biological Products Consider the half-life and mode of action of prior biological products to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating ZYMFENTRA [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) ]. 5.11 Autoimmunity Treatment with TNF blockers, iincluding ZYMFENTRA may result in the formation of autoantibodies and in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. If a patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with ZYMFENTRA, discontinue treatment. 5.12 Vaccinations and Use of Live Vaccines/Therapeutic Infectious Agents Vaccinations Prior to initiating ZYMFENTRA in adult patients, update vaccinations in accordance with current vaccination guidelines. Live Vaccines and Theraeputic Infectious Agents In patients receiving TNF blockers, limited data are available on the response to vaccination with live vaccines or on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines. Use of live vaccines can result in clinical infections, including disseminated infections. The concurrent administration of live vaccines with ZYMFENTRA is not recommended. Fatal outcome due to disseminated BCG infection has been reported in an infant who received a BCG vaccine after in utero exposure to infliximab products. Infliximab is known to cross the placenta and has been detected in the serum of infants up to 6 months following birth. A 6-month waiting period following birth is recommended before the administration of any live vaccine to infants exposed in utero to infliximab products. Other uses of therapeutic infectious agents such as live attenuated bacteria (e.g., BCG bladder instillation for the treatment of cancer) could result in clinical infections, including disseminated infections. It is recommended that therapeutic infectious agents not be given concurrently with ZYMFENTRA.