FLUDARABINE: 23,660 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

Fludarabine Phosphate Injection contains fludarabine phosphate, a nucleotide metabolic inhibitor. Fludarabine phosphate is a fluorinated nucleotide analog of the antiviral agent vidarabine, 9- ß -D-arabinofuranosyladenine (ara-A), that is relatively resistant to deamination by adenosine deaminase. The chemical name for fludarabine phosphate is 9H-Purin-6-amine, 2-fluoro-9-(5-0- phosphono- ß -D-arabinofuranosyl)(2-fluoro-ara-AMP). The molecular formula of fludarabine phosphate is C 10 H 13 FN 5 O 7 P (MW 365.2) and the structure is provided in Figure 1.

Figure

1: Chemical Structure of Fludarabine Phosphate Each mL contains 25 mg of the active ingredient fludarabine phosphate, 25 mg of mannitol, water for injection, q.s.; and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to 6.8. The pH range for the final product is 6.0 to 7.1.

Fludarabine Phosphate

Injection is a sterile solution intended for intravenous administration.

Chemical

Structure

AND USAGE Fludarabine Phosphate Injection is a nucleotide metabolic inhibitor indicated for: The treatment of adult patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have not responded to or whose disease has progressed during treatment with at least one standard alkylating-agent containing regimen. Benefit in treatment-naïve or non-refractory CLL patients is not established. ( 1.1 )

1.1 Indication Fludarabine Phosphate Injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have not responded to or whose disease has progressed during treatment with at least one standard alkylating-agent containing regimen. The safety and effectiveness of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection in previously untreated or non-refractory patients with CLL have not been established.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Usual Dose The recommended adult dose of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP is 25 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over a period of approximately 30 minutes daily for five consecutive days.

Each

5 day course of treatment should commence every 28 days. Dosage may be decreased or delayed based on evidence of hematologic or nonhematologic toxicity. Physicians should consider delaying or discontinuing the drug if neurotoxicity occurs. A number of clinical settings may predispose to increased toxicity from Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP. These include advanced age, renal insufficiency, and bone marrow impairment. Such patients should be monitored closely for excessive toxicity and the dose modified accordingly. The optimal duration of treatment has not been clearly established. It is recommended that three additional cycles of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP be administered following the achievement of a maximal response and then the drug should be discontinued.

Renal Insufficiency

Adult patients with moderate impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance 30 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) should have a 20% dose reduction of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP.

Fludarabine Phosphate

Injection, USP should not be administered to patients with severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). Preparation of Solutions Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP: Each mL contains 25 mg fludarabine phosphate, 25 mg mannitol, water for injection, q.s.; and sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 6.8. The pH range for the final product is 6.0 to 7.1. In clinical studies, the product has been diluted in 100 cc or 125 cc of 5% dextrose injection USP or 0.9% sodium chloride USP.

Fludarabine Phosphate

Injection, USP contains no antimicrobial preservative and thus should be used within 8 hours of initial entry. Care must be taken to assure the sterility of prepared solutions. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Handling and Disposal Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Procedures for proper handling and disposal should be considered. Consideration should be given to handling and disposal according to guidelines issued for cytotoxic drugs. Several guidelines on this subject have been published. 1–8 There is no general agreement that all of the procedures recommended in the guidelines are necessary or appropriate. Caution should be exercised in the handling of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP. The use of latex gloves and safety glasses is recommended to avoid exposure in case of breakage of the vial or other accidental spillage. If the solution contacts the skin or mucous membranes, wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes thoroughly with plain water. Avoid exposure by inhalation or by direct contact of the skin or mucous membranes.

Usual Dose

The recommended adult dose of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP is 25 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over a period of approximately 30 minutes daily for five consecutive days.

Each

5 day course of treatment should commence every 28 days. Dosage may be decreased or delayed based on evidence of hematologic or nonhematologic toxicity. Physicians should consider delaying or discontinuing the drug if neurotoxicity occurs. A number of clinical settings may predispose to increased toxicity from Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP. These include advanced age, renal insufficiency, and bone marrow impairment. Such patients should be monitored closely for excessive toxicity and the dose modified accordingly. The optimal duration of treatment has not been clearly established. It is recommended that three additional cycles of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP be administered following the achievement of a maximal response and then the drug should be discontinued.

Renal Insufficiency

Adult patients with moderate impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance 30 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) should have a 20% dose reduction of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP.

Fludarabine Phosphate

Injection, USP should not be administered to patients with severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ).

Preparation of Solutions Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP: Each mL contains 25 mg fludarabine phosphate, 25 mg mannitol, water for injection, q.s.; and sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 6.8. The pH range for the final product is 6.0 to 7.1. In clinical studies, the product has been diluted in 100 cc or 125 cc of 5% dextrose injection USP or 0.9% sodium chloride USP.

Fludarabine Phosphate

Injection, USP contains no antimicrobial preservative and thus should be used within 8 hours of initial entry. Care must be taken to assure the sterility of prepared solutions. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

Handling and Disposal Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Procedures for proper handling and disposal should be considered. Consideration should be given to handling and disposal according to guidelines issued for cytotoxic drugs. Several guidelines on this subject have been published. 1–8 There is no general agreement that all of the procedures recommended in the guidelines are necessary or appropriate. Caution should be exercised in the handling of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP. The use of latex gloves and safety glasses is recommended to avoid exposure in case of breakage of the vial or other accidental spillage. If the solution contacts the skin or mucous membranes, wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes thoroughly with plain water. Avoid exposure by inhalation or by direct contact of the skin or mucous membranes.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, USP is contraindicated in those patients who are hypersensitive to this drug or its components.

ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse events include myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia), fever and chills, infection, and nausea and vomiting. Other commonly reported events include malaise, fatigue, anorexia, and weakness. Serious opportunistic infections have occurred in CLL patients treated with fludarabine. The most frequently reported adverse events and those reactions which are more clearly related to the drug are arranged below according to body system.

Hematopoietic Systems

Hematologic events (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and/or anemia) were reported in the majority of CLL patients treated with fludarabine. During fludarabine treatment of 133 patients with CLL, the absolute neutrophil count decreased to less than 500/mm 3 in 59% of patients, hemoglobin decreased from pretreatment values by at least 2 grams percent in 60%, and platelet count decreased from pretreatment values by at least 50% in 55%. Myelosuppression may be severe, cumulative, and may affect multiple cell lines. Bone marrow fibrosis occurred in one CLL patient treated with fludarabine. Several instances of trilineage bone marrow hypoplasia or aplasia resulting in pancytopenia, sometimes resulting in death, have been reported in postmarketing surveillance. The duration of clinically significant cytopenia in the reported cases has ranged from approximately 2 months to approximately 1 year. These episodes have occurred both in previously treated or untreated patients. Life-threatening and sometimes fatal autoimmune hemolytic anemia have been reported to occur in patients receiving fludarabine (see WARNINGS ). The majority of patients rechallenged with fludarabine developed a recurrence in the hemolytic process.

Metabolic

Tumor lysis syndrome has been reported in CLL patients treated with fludarabine. This complication may include hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, hematuria, urate crystalluria, and renal failure. The onset of this syndrome may be heralded by flank pain and hematuria.

Nervous

System (See WARNINGS ). Objective weakness, agitation, confusion, visual disturbances, and coma have occurred in CLL patients treated with fludarabine at the recommended dose. Peripheral neuropathy has been observed in patients treated with fludarabine and one case of wrist-drop was reported.

Pulmonary System

Pneumonia, a frequent manifestation of infection in CLL patients, occurred in 16% and 22% of those treated with fludarabine in the MDAH and SWOG studies, respectively. Pulmonary hypersensitivity reactions to fludarabine characterized by dyspnea, cough and interstitial pulmonary infiltrate have been observed. In postmarketing experience, cases of severe pulmonary toxicity have been observed with fludarabine use which resulted in ARDS, respiratory distress, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory failure. After an infectious origin has been excluded, some patients experienced symptom improvement with corticosteroids.

Gastrointestinal System

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, stomatitis, and gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported in patients treated with fludarabine.

Cardiovascular

Edema has been frequently reported. One patient developed a pericardial effusion possibly related to treatment with fludarabine. No other severe cardiovascular events were considered to be drug related.

Genitourinary System

Rare cases of hemorrhagic cystitis have been reported in patients treated with fludarabine.

Skin

Skin toxicity, consisting primarily of skin rashes, has been reported in patients treated with fludarabine. Data in the following table are derived from the 133 patients with CLL who received fludarabine in the MDAH and SWOG studies. PERCENT OF CLL PATIENTS REPORTING NON-HEMATOLOGIC ADVERSE EVENTS ADVERSE EVENTS MDAH (N=101) SWOG (N=32) ANY ADVERSE EVENT 88% 91% BODY AS A WHOLE 72 84 FEVER 60 69 CHILLS 11 19 FATIGUE 10 38 INFECTION 33 44 PAIN 20 22 MALAISE 8 6 DIAPHORESIS 1 13 ALOPECIA 0 3 ANAPHYLAXIS 1 0 HEMORRHAGE 1 0 HYPERGLYCEMIA 1 6 DEHYDRATION 1 0 NEUROLOGICAL 21 69 WEAKNESS 9 65 PARESTHESIA 4 12 HEADACHE 3 0 VISUAL DISTURBANCE 3 15 HEARING LOSS 2 6 SLEEP DISORDER 1 3 DEPRESSION 1 0 CEREBELLAR SYNDROME 1 0 IMPAIRED MENTATION 1 0 PULMONARY 35 69 COUGH 10 44 PNEUMONIA 16 22 DYSPNEA 9 22 SINUSITIS 5 0 PHARYNGITIS 0 9 UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION 2 16 ALLERGIC PNEUMONITIS 0 6 EPISTAXIS 1 0 HEMOPTYSIS 1 6 BRONCHITIS 1 0 HYPOXIA 1 0 GASTROINTESTINAL 46 63 NAUSEA/VOMITING 36 31 DIARRHEA 15 13 ANOREXIA 7 34 STOMATITIS 9 0 GI BLEEDING 3 13 ESOPHAGITIS 3 0 MUCOSITIS 2 0 LIVER FAILURE 1 0 ABNORMAL LIVER FUNCTION TEST 1 3 CHOLELITHIASIS 0 3 CONSTIPATION 1 3 DYSPHAGIA 1 0 CUTANEOUS 17 18 RASH 15 15 PRURITUS 1 3 SEBORRHEA 1 0 GENITOURINARY 12 22 DYSURIA 4 3 URINARY INFECTION 2 15 HEMATURIA 2 3 RENAL FAILURE 1 0 ABNORMAL RENAL FUNCTION TEST 1 0 PROTEINURIA 1 0 HESITANCY 0 3 CARDIOVASCULAR 12 38 EDEMA 8 19 ANGINA 0 6 CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE 0 3 ARRHYTHMIA 0 3 SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA 0 3 MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION 0 3 DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS 1 3 PHLEBITIS 1 3 TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK 1 0 ANEURYSM 1 0 CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT 0 3 MUSCULOSKELETAL 7 16 MYALGIA 4 16 OSTEOPOROSIS 2 0 ARTHRALGIA 1 0 TUMOR LYSIS SYNDROME 1 0 More than 3,000 adult patients received fludarabine in studies of other leukemias, lymphomas, and other solid tumors. The spectrum of adverse effects reported in these studies was consistent with the data presented above.

Hematopoietic Systems

Hematologic events (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and/or anemia) were reported in the majority of CLL patients treated with fludarabine. During fludarabine treatment of 133 patients with CLL, the absolute neutrophil count decreased to less than 500/mm 3 in 59% of patients, hemoglobin decreased from pretreatment values by at least 2 grams percent in 60%, and platelet count decreased from pretreatment values by at least 50% in 55%. Myelosuppression may be severe, cumulative, and may affect multiple cell lines. Bone marrow fibrosis occurred in one CLL patient treated with fludarabine. Several instances of trilineage bone marrow hypoplasia or aplasia resulting in pancytopenia, sometimes resulting in death, have been reported in postmarketing surveillance. The duration of clinically significant cytopenia in the reported cases has ranged from approximately 2 months to approximately 1 year. These episodes have occurred both in previously treated or untreated patients. Life-threatening and sometimes fatal autoimmune hemolytic anemia have been reported to occur in patients receiving fludarabine (see WARNINGS ). The majority of patients rechallenged with fludarabine developed a recurrence in the hemolytic process.

Metabolic

Tumor lysis syndrome has been reported in CLL patients treated with fludarabine. This complication may include hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, hematuria, urate crystalluria, and renal failure. The onset of this syndrome may be heralded by flank pain and hematuria.

Nervous

System (See WARNINGS ). Objective weakness, agitation, confusion, visual disturbances, and coma have occurred in CLL patients treated with fludarabine at the recommended dose. Peripheral neuropathy has been observed in patients treated with fludarabine and one case of wrist-drop was reported.

Pulmonary System

Pneumonia, a frequent manifestation of infection in CLL patients, occurred in 16% and 22% of those treated with fludarabine in the MDAH and SWOG studies, respectively. Pulmonary hypersensitivity reactions to fludarabine characterized by dyspnea, cough and interstitial pulmonary infiltrate have been observed. In postmarketing experience, cases of severe pulmonary toxicity have been observed with fludarabine use which resulted in ARDS, respiratory distress, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory failure. After an infectious origin has been excluded, some patients experienced symptom improvement with corticosteroids.

Gastrointestinal System

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, stomatitis, and gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported in patients treated with fludarabine.

Cardiovascular

Edema has been frequently reported. One patient developed a pericardial effusion possibly related to treatment with fludarabine. No other severe cardiovascular events were considered to be drug related.

Genitourinary System

Rare cases of hemorrhagic cystitis have been reported in patients treated with fludarabine.

Skin

Skin toxicity, consisting primarily of skin rashes, has been reported in patients treated with fludarabine. Data in the following table are derived from the 133 patients with CLL who received fludarabine in the MDAH and SWOG studies. PERCENT OF CLL PATIENTS REPORTING NON-HEMATOLOGIC ADVERSE EVENTS ADVERSE EVENTS MDAH (N=101) SWOG (N=32) ANY ADVERSE EVENT 88% 91% BODY AS A WHOLE 72 84 FEVER 60 69 CHILLS 11 19 FATIGUE 10 38 INFECTION 33 44 PAIN 20 22 MALAISE 8 6 DIAPHORESIS 1 13 ALOPECIA 0 3 ANAPHYLAXIS 1 0 HEMORRHAGE 1 0 HYPERGLYCEMIA 1 6 DEHYDRATION 1 0 NEUROLOGICAL 21 69 WEAKNESS 9 65 PARESTHESIA 4 12 HEADACHE 3 0 VISUAL DISTURBANCE 3 15 HEARING LOSS 2 6 SLEEP DISORDER 1 3 DEPRESSION 1 0 CEREBELLAR SYNDROME 1 0 IMPAIRED MENTATION 1 0 PULMONARY 35 69 COUGH 10 44 PNEUMONIA 16 22 DYSPNEA 9 22 SINUSITIS 5 0 PHARYNGITIS 0 9 UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION 2 16 ALLERGIC PNEUMONITIS 0 6 EPISTAXIS 1 0 HEMOPTYSIS 1 6 BRONCHITIS 1 0 HYPOXIA 1 0 GASTROINTESTINAL 46 63 NAUSEA/VOMITING 36 31 DIARRHEA 15 13 ANOREXIA 7 34 STOMATITIS 9 0 GI BLEEDING 3 13 ESOPHAGITIS 3 0 MUCOSITIS 2 0 LIVER FAILURE 1 0 ABNORMAL LIVER FUNCTION TEST 1 3 CHOLELITHIASIS 0 3 CONSTIPATION 1 3 DYSPHAGIA 1 0 CUTANEOUS 17 18 RASH 15 15 PRURITUS 1 3 SEBORRHEA 1 0 GENITOURINARY 12 22 DYSURIA 4 3 URINARY INFECTION 2 15 HEMATURIA 2 3 RENAL FAILURE 1 0 ABNORMAL RENAL FUNCTION TEST 1 0 PROTEINURIA 1 0 HESITANCY 0 3 CARDIOVASCULAR 12 38 EDEMA 8 19 ANGINA 0 6 CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE 0 3 ARRHYTHMIA 0 3 SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA 0 3 MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION 0 3 DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS 1 3 PHLEBITIS 1 3 TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK 1 0 ANEURYSM 1 0 CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT 0 3 MUSCULOSKELETAL 7 16 MYALGIA 4 16 OSTEOPOROSIS 2 0 ARTHRALGIA 1 0 TUMOR LYSIS SYNDROME 1 0 More than 3,000 adult patients received fludarabine in studies of other leukemias, lymphomas, and other solid tumors. The spectrum of adverse effects reported in these studies was consistent with the data presented above.

AND PRECAUTIONS ( see BOXED WARNINGS ) Severe bone marrow suppression, notably anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Monitor blood counts before and during treatment. ( 5.2 ) Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. Use only irradiated blood products for transfusions. ( 5.4 ) Infections. Monitor for infection. ( 5.2 )

Renal

Insufficiency. Reduce dose for moderate renal impairment and monitor closely. Do not administer to patients with severe renal impairment. ( 5.9 ) Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Take precautions for patients at high risk for TLS. ( 5.8 ) Can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant. ( 5.6 )

5.1 Dose Dependent Neurologic Toxicities There are clear dose dependent toxic effects seen with fludarabine phosphate. Dose levels approximately 4 times greater (96 mg/m 2 /day for 5 to 7 days) than that recommended for CLL (25 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days) were associated with a syndrome characterized by delayed blindness, coma and death. Symptoms appeared from 21 to 60 days following the last dose. Thirteen of 36 patients (36%) who received fludarabine phosphate at high doses (96 mg/m 2 /day for 5 to 7 days) developed this severe neurotoxicity. Similar severe central nervous system toxicity, including coma, seizures, agitation and confusion, has been reported in patients treated at doses in the range of the dose recommended for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In post-marketing experience neurotoxicity has been reported to occur either earlier or later than in clinical trials (range 7 to 225 days). The effect of chronic administration of fludarabine phosphate on the central nervous system is unknown; however, patients have received the recommended dose for up to 15 courses of therapy. Fludarabine phosphate may reduce the ability to drive or use mechanical equipment, since fatigue, weakness, visual disturbances, confusion, agitation and seizures have been observed.

5.2 Bone Marrow Suppression Severe bone marrow suppression, notably anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, has been reported in patients treated with fludarabine phosphate. In a Phase I study in adult solid tumor patients, the median time to nadir counts was 13 days (range, 3 to 25 days) for granulocytes and 16 days (range, 2 to 32 days) for platelets. Most patients had hematologic impairment at baseline either as a result of disease or as a result of prior myelosuppressive therapy. Cumulative myelosuppression may be seen. While chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is often reversible, administration of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection requires careful hematologic monitoring. Several instances of trilineage bone marrow hypoplasia or aplasia resulting in pancytopenia, sometimes resulting in death, have been reported in adult patients. The duration of clinically significant cytopenia in the reported cases has ranged from approximately 2 months to approximately 1 year. These episodes have occurred both in previously treated or untreated patients.

5.3 Autoimmune Reactions Instances of life-threatening and sometimes fatal autoimmune phenomena such as hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia/thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Evans syndrome, and acquired hemophilia have been reported to occur after one or more cycles of treatment with fludarabine phosphate in patients with or without a previous history of autoimmune hemolytic anemia or a positive Coombs' test and who may or may not be in remission from their disease. Steroids may or may not be effective in controlling these hemolytic episodes. The majority of patients rechallenged with fludarabine phosphate developed a recurrence in the hemolytic process. The mechanism(s) which predispose patients to the development of this complication has not been identified. Patients undergoing treatment with Fludarabine Phosphate Injection should be evaluated and closely monitored for hemolysis. Discontinuation of therapy with Fludarabine Phosphate Injection is recommended in case of hemolysis.

5.4 Transfusion Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease has been observed after transfusion of non-irradiated blood in fludarabine phosphate treated patients. Fatal outcome as a consequence of this disease has been reported. Therefore, to minimize the risk of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease, patients who require blood transfusion and who are undergoing, or who have received, treatment with Fludarabine Phosphate Injection should receive irradiated blood only.

5.5 Pulmonary Toxicity In a clinical investigation using fludarabine phosphate in combination with pentostatin (deoxycoformycin) for the treatment of refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults, there was an unacceptably high incidence of fatal pulmonary toxicity. Therefore, the use of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection in combination with pentostatin is not recommended.

5.6 Pregnancy Based on its mechanism of action, fludarabine phosphate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection in pregnant women. Fludarabine phosphate was embryolethal and teratogenic in rats and rabbits. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]</span>.

5.7 Male Fertility and Reproductive Outcomes Males with female sexual partners of childbearing potential should use contraception during and after cessation of fludarabine phosphate therapy. Fludarabine phosphate may damage testicular tissue and spermatozoa. Possible sperm DNA damage raises concerns about loss of fertility and genetic abnormalities in fetuses. The duration of this effect is uncertain <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]</span>.

5.8 Tumor Lysis Tumor lysis syndrome has been associated with fludarabine phosphate treatment. This syndrome has been reported in CLL patients with large tumor burdens. Since fludarabine phosphate can induce a response as early as the first week of treatment, precautions should be taken in those patients at risk of developing this complication.

5.9 Renal Impairment Fludarabine Phosphate Injection must be administered cautiously in patients with renal impairment. The total body clearance of 2-fluoro-ara-A has been shown to be directly correlated with creatinine clearance. Patients with creatinine clearance 30 to 79 mL/min should have their fludarabine phosphate dose reduced and be monitored closely for excessive toxicity. Fludarabine phosphate should not be administered to patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]</span>. In patients aged 65 years or older, creatinine clearance should be measured before start of treatment.

5.10 Vaccination During and after treatment with Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, vaccination with live vaccines should be avoided.

PRECAUTIONS General Fludarabine is a potent antineoplastic agent with potentially significant toxic side effects. Patients undergoing therapy should be closely observed for signs of hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity. Periodic assessment of peripheral blood counts is recommended to detect the development of anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Tumor lysis syndrome associated with fludarabine treatment has been reported in CLL patients with large tumor burdens. Since fludarabine can induce a response as early as the first week of treatment, precautions should be taken in those patients at risk of developing this complication. There are inadequate data on dosing of patients with renal insufficiency. Fludarabine must be administered cautiously in patients with renal insufficiency. The total body clearance of 2-fluoro-ara-A has been shown to be directly correlated with creatinine clearance. Patients with moderate impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance 30 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) should have their fludarabine dose reduced by 20% and be monitored closely. Fludarabine is not recommended for patients with severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ).

Laboratory Tests

During treatment, the patient’s hematologic profile (particularly neutrophils and platelets) should be monitored regularly to determine the degree of hematopoietic suppression.

Drug Interactions

The use of fludarabine in combination with pentostatin is not recommended due to the risk of severe pulmonary toxicity (see WARNINGS ). Carcinogenesis No animal carcinogenicity studies with fludarabine have been conducted.

Mutagenesis

Fludarabine phosphate was not mutagenic to bacteria (Ames test) or mammalian cells (HGRPT assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells) either in the presence or absence of metabolic activation. Fludarabine phosphate was clastogenic in vitro to Chinese hamster ovary cells (chromosome aberrations in the presence of metabolic activation) and induced sister chromatid exchanges both with and without metabolic activation. In addition, fludarabine phosphate was clastogenic in vivo (mouse micronucleus assay) but was not mutagenic to germ cells (dominant lethal test in male mice). Impairment of Fertility Studies in mice, rats and dogs have demonstrated dose-related adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Observations consisted of a decrease in mean testicular weights in mice and rats with a trend toward decreased testicular weights in dogs and degeneration and necrosis of spermatogenic epithelium of the testes in mice, rats and dogs. The possible adverse effects on fertility in humans have not been adequately evaluated.

Pregnancy Teratogenic

Effects: Pregnancy Category D (See WARNINGS ).

Nursing

Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from fludarabine, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug for the mother.

Pediatric Use

Data submitted to the FDA was insufficient to establish efficacy in any childhood malignancy. Fludarabine was evaluated in 62 pediatric patients (median age 10, range 1 to 21) with refractory acute leukemia (45 patients) or solid tumors (17 patients). The fludarabine regimen tested for pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients was a loading bolus of 10.5 mg/m 2 /day followed by a continuous infusion of 30.5 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days.

In

12 pediatric patients with solid tumors, dose-limiting myelosuppression was observed with a loading dose of 8 mg/m 2 /day followed by a continuous infusion of 23.5 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days. The maximum tolerated dose was a loading dose of 7 mg/m 2 /day followed by a continuous infusion of 20 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days. Treatment toxicity included bone marrow suppression. Platelet counts appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of fludarabine than hemoglobin and white blood cell counts. Other adverse events included fever, chills, asthenia, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and infection. There were no reported occurrences of peripheral neuropathy or pulmonary hypersensitivity reaction.

General

Fludarabine is a potent antineoplastic agent with potentially significant toxic side effects. Patients undergoing therapy should be closely observed for signs of hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity. Periodic assessment of peripheral blood counts is recommended to detect the development of anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Tumor lysis syndrome associated with fludarabine treatment has been reported in CLL patients with large tumor burdens. Since fludarabine can induce a response as early as the first week of treatment, precautions should be taken in those patients at risk of developing this complication. There are inadequate data on dosing of patients with renal insufficiency. Fludarabine must be administered cautiously in patients with renal insufficiency. The total body clearance of 2-fluoro-ara-A has been shown to be directly correlated with creatinine clearance. Patients with moderate impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance 30 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) should have their fludarabine dose reduced by 20% and be monitored closely. Fludarabine is not recommended for patients with severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ).

Laboratory Tests

During treatment, the patient’s hematologic profile (particularly neutrophils and platelets) should be monitored regularly to determine the degree of hematopoietic suppression.

Drug Interactions

The use of fludarabine in combination with pentostatin is not recommended due to the risk of severe pulmonary toxicity (see WARNINGS ).

Carcinogenesis No animal carcinogenicity studies with fludarabine have been conducted.

Mutagenesis

Fludarabine phosphate was not mutagenic to bacteria (Ames test) or mammalian cells (HGRPT assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells) either in the presence or absence of metabolic activation. Fludarabine phosphate was clastogenic in vitro to Chinese hamster ovary cells (chromosome aberrations in the presence of metabolic activation) and induced sister chromatid exchanges both with and without metabolic activation. In addition, fludarabine phosphate was clastogenic in vivo (mouse micronucleus assay) but was not mutagenic to germ cells (dominant lethal test in male mice).

Impairment of Fertility Studies in mice, rats and dogs have demonstrated dose-related adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Observations consisted of a decrease in mean testicular weights in mice and rats with a trend toward decreased testicular weights in dogs and degeneration and necrosis of spermatogenic epithelium of the testes in mice, rats and dogs. The possible adverse effects on fertility in humans have not been adequately evaluated.

Pregnancy Teratogenic

Effects: Pregnancy Category D (See WARNINGS ).

Nursing

Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from fludarabine, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug for the mother.

Pediatric Use

Data submitted to the FDA was insufficient to establish efficacy in any childhood malignancy. Fludarabine was evaluated in 62 pediatric patients (median age 10, range 1 to 21) with refractory acute leukemia (45 patients) or solid tumors (17 patients). The fludarabine regimen tested for pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients was a loading bolus of 10.5 mg/m 2 /day followed by a continuous infusion of 30.5 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days.

In

12 pediatric patients with solid tumors, dose-limiting myelosuppression was observed with a loading dose of 8 mg/m 2 /day followed by a continuous infusion of 23.5 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days. The maximum tolerated dose was a loading dose of 7 mg/m 2 /day followed by a continuous infusion of 20 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days. Treatment toxicity included bone marrow suppression. Platelet counts appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of fludarabine than hemoglobin and white blood cell counts. Other adverse events included fever, chills, asthenia, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and infection. There were no reported occurrences of peripheral neuropathy or pulmonary hypersensitivity reaction.

INTERACTIONS Fludarabine phosphate injection in combination with pentostatin is not recommended due to the risk of severe pulmonary toxicity ( 5.5 and 7.1 ).

7.1 Pentostatin The use of Fludarabine Phosphate Injection in combination with pentostatin is not recommended due to the risk of fatal pulmonary toxicity <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]</span>.