Overview
11 DESCRIPTION ELLENCE (epirubicin hydrochloride injection) is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor for intravenous administration. ELLENCE is supplied as a sterile, clear, red solution and is available in polypropylene vials containing 50 and 200 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride as a preservative-free, ready-to-use solution. Each milliliter of solution contains 2 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Epirubicin is an anthracycline cytotoxic agent. Although it is known that anthracyclines can interfere with a number of biochemical and biological functions within eukaryotic cells, the precise mechanisms of epirubicin's cytotoxic and/or antiproliferative properties have not been completely elucidated. Epirubicin forms a complex with DNA by intercalation of its planar rings between nucleotide base pairs, with consequent inhibition of nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) and protein synthesis. Such intercalation triggers DNA cleavage by topoisomerase II, resulting in cytocidal activity. Epirubicin also inhibits DNA helicase activity, preventing the enzymatic separation of double-stranded DNA and interfering with replication and transcription.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELLENCE is indicated as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . ELLENCE is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer ( 1 ).
Common Doses
- 120 mg
- 75 mg
- 60 mg
- 500 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • The recommended starting dose of ELLENCE is 100 to 120 mg/m 2 . Dosage reductions are possible when given in certain combinations ( 2.2 ). • Administer intravenously in repeated 3- to 4-week cycles, either total dose on Day 1 of each cycle or divided equally and given on Days 1 and 8 of each cycle ( 2.2 ). • Consider use of antiemetics when given in conjunction with other emetigenic drugs ( 2.1 ). • Patients administered the 120 mg/m 2 regimen of ELLENCE should receive prophylactic antibiotic therapy ( 2.1 ).
Black Box Warning
WARNING: CARDIAC TOXICITY, SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES, EXTRAVASATION AND TISSUE NECROSIS, and SEVERE MYELOSUPPRESSION • Cardiac Toxicity: Myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure, can occur with ELLENCE. The risk of cardiomyopathy is proportional to the cumulative exposure with incidence rates from 0.9% at a cumulative dose of 550 mg/m 2 , 1.6% at 700 mg/m 2 , and 3.3% at 900 mg/m 2 . The risk of cardiomyopathy is further increased with concomitant cardiotoxic therapy.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ELLENCE is contraindicated in patients with: • Severe myocardial insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Recent myocardial infarction or severe arrhythmias, or previous treatment with maximum cumulative dose of anthracyclines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Severe hepatic impairment (defined as Child-Pugh Class C or serum bilirubin level greater than 5 mg/dL) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiac Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Severe Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Tumor-Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Thrombophlebitis and Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Avoid using cardiotoxic agents in combination with ELLENCE ( 7.1 ). • Discontinue cimetidine during treatment with ELLENCE ( 7.2 ). 7.1 Cardiotoxic Agents Closely monitor cardiac function when ELLENCE is used in combination with other cardiotoxic agents. Patients receiving ELLENCE after stopping treatment with other cardiotoxic agents, especially those with long half-lives such as trastuzumab, may be at an increased risk of developing cardiotoxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .