Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Cladribine tablets contains the nucleoside metabolic inhibitor cladribine, which is a white to off-white crystalline powder with the molecular formula C 10 H 12 ClN 5 O 3 and molecular weight 285.69 g/mol. It differs in structure from the naturally occurring nucleoside, deoxyadenosine, by the substitution of chlorine for hydrogen in the 2-position of the purine ring.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism by which cladribine exerts its therapeutic effects in patients with multiple sclerosis has not been fully elucidated but is thought to involve cytotoxic effects on B and T lymphocytes through impairment of DNA synthesis, resulting in depletion of lymphocytes. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Cladribine tablets causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count. The lowest absolute lymphocyte counts occurred approximately 2 to 3 months after the start of each treatment cycle and were lower with each additional treatment cycle. At the end of Year 2, 2% of patients continued to have absolute lymphocyte counts less than 500 cells per microliter.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cladribine tablets are indicated for the treatment of relapsing form of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease in adults. Because of its safety profile, use of cladribine tablets is generally recommended for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, an alternate drug indicated for the treatment of MS [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ].
Common Doses
- 3.5 mg
- 1.75 mg
- 10 mg
- 40 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Assessments are required prior to starting each cladribine treatment course. (2.1) Cumulative dosage of 3.5 mg/kg administered orally and divided into 2 treatment courses (1.75 mg/kg per treatment course). Each treatment course is divided into 2 treatment cycles. (2.2) Cladribine tablets are a cytotoxic drug. (2.4) Separate administration from any other oral drug by at least 3 hours. (2.4) 2.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: MALIGNANCIES AND RISK OF TERATOGENICITY Malignancies Treatment with cladribine tablets may increase the risk of malignancy. Cladribine tablets are contraindicated in patients with current malignancy. In patients with prior malignancy or with increased risk of malignancy, evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of cladribine tablets on an individual patient basis. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with cladribine tablets [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Cladribine tablets are contraindicated: in patients with current malignancy [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . in pregnant women and in women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception during cladribine tablets dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. May cause fetal harm [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3 )]. in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. in patients with active chronic infections (e.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions and potential risks are discussed, or discussed in greater detail, in other sections of the labeling: Malignancies [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Risk of Teratogenicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Lymphopenia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Infections [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hematologic Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Graft-Versus-Host Disease With Blood Transfusion [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Liver Injury [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 3 Drug Interactions with cladribine tablets 7.1 Immunomodulatory, Immunosuppressive, or Myelosuppressive Drugs Clinical Impact Concomitant use of cladribine with immunomodulatory, immunosuppressive, or myelosuppressive drugs may increase the risk of adverse reactions because of the additive effects on the immune system [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. Prevention or Management Concomitant use with myelosuppressive or other immunosuppressive drugs is not recommended. Acute short-term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered.