OCRELIZUMAB Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know

INTERACTIONS

7.1 Immunosuppressive or Immune-Modulating Therapies The concomitant use of OCREVUS and other immune-modulating or immunosuppressive therapies, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids, is expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression. Consider the risk of additive immune system effects when coadministering immunosuppressive therapies with OCREVUS. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, such as daclizumab, fingolimod, natalizumab, teriflunomide, or mitoxantrone, consider the duration and mode of action of these drugs because of additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating OCREVUS <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]</span>.

7.2 Vaccinations A Phase 3b randomized, open-label study examined the concomitant use of OCREVUS and several non-live vaccines in adults 18-55 years of age with relapsing forms of MS (68 subjects undergoing treatment with OCREVUS at the time of vaccination and 34 subjects not undergoing treatment with OCREVUS at the time of vaccination). Concomitant exposure to OCREVUS attenuated antibody responses to tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharide, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, and seasonal inactivated influenza vaccines. The impact of the observed attenuation on vaccine effectiveness in this patient population is unknown. The safety and effectiveness of live or live-attenuated vaccines administered concomitantly with OCREVUS have not been assessed <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]</span> .

OCREVUS is contraindicated in patients with: Active HBV infection [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] A history of life-threatening infusion reaction to OCREVUS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Active hepatitis B virus infection ( 4 ) History of life-threatening infusion reaction to OCREVUS ( 4 )

AND PRECAUTIONS Infusion Reactions: Management recommendations for infusion reactions depend on the type and severity of the reaction. Permanently discontinue OCREVUS if a life-threatening or disabling infusion reaction occurs ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Infections: Serious, including life-threatening and fatal infections, have occurred. Delay OCREVUS administration in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved. Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with OCREVUS and after discontinuation, until B-cell repletion ( 5.2 )

Progressive Multifocal

Leukoencephalopathy (PML): Withhold OCREVUS at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML ( 5.3 ) Reduction in Immunoglobulins: Monitor the level of immunoglobulins at the beginning of treatment. Monitor during and after discontinuation of treatment with OCREVUS, until B-cell repletion, and especially when recurrent serious infections are suspected. Consider discontinuing OCREVUS in patients with serious opportunistic or recurrent serious infections, and if prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia requires treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins ( 2.1 , 5.4 ) Malignancies: An increased risk of malignancy, including breast cancer, may exist with OCREVUS ( 5.5 ) Immune-Mediated Colitis: Immune-mediated colitis has been reported in the postmarketing setting. Monitor patients for new or persistent diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, and evaluate promptly if colitis is suspected ( 5.6 )

Liver

Injury: Clinically significant liver injury has occurred. Obtain serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin levels before initiating OCREVUS, and during treatment as clinically indicated. Discontinue OCREVUS in patients with evidence of liver injury in the absence of an alternative etiology ( 5.7 ).

5.1 Infusion Reactions OCREVUS can cause infusion reactions, which can include pruritus, rash, urticaria, erythema, bronchospasm, throat irritation, oropharyngeal pain, dyspnea, pharyngeal or laryngeal edema, flushing, hypotension, pyrexia, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, tachycardia, and anaphylaxis. In multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials, the incidence of infusion reactions in OCREVUS-treated patients [who received methylprednisolone (or an equivalent steroid) and possibly other pre-medication to reduce the risk of infusion reactions prior to each infusion] was 34 to 40%, with the highest incidence with the first infusion. There were no fatal infusion reactions, but 0.3% of OCREVUS-treated MS patients experienced infusion reactions that were serious, some requiring hospitalization. Observe patients treated with OCREVUS for infusion reactions during the infusion and for at least one hour after completion of the infusion. Inform patients that infusion reactions can occur up to 24 hours after the infusion. Reducing the Risk of Infusion Reactions and Managing Infusion Reactions Administer pre-medication (e.g., methylprednisolone or an equivalent corticosteroid, and an antihistamine) to reduce the frequency and severity of infusion reactions. The addition of an antipyretic (e.g., acetaminophen) may also be considered <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]</span>. Management recommendations for infusion reactions depend on the type and severity of the reaction <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]</span>. For life-threatening infusion reactions, immediately and permanently stop OCREVUS and administer appropriate supportive treatment. For less severe infusion reactions, management may involve temporarily stopping the infusion, reducing the infusion rate, and/or administering symptomatic treatment.

5.2 Infections Serious, including life-threatening or fatal, bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections have been reported in patients receiving OCREVUS. An increased risk of infections (including serious and fatal bacterial, fungal, and new or reactivated viral infections) has been observed in patients during and following completion of treatment with anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies. A higher proportion of OCREVUS-treated patients experienced infections compared to patients taking REBIF or placebo. In RMS trials, 58% of OCREVUS-treated patients experienced one or more infections compared to 52% of REBIF-treated patients. In the PPMS trial, 70% of OCREVUS-treated patients experienced one or more infections compared to 68% of patients on placebo. OCREVUS increased the risk for upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and herpes-related infections <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]</span>. OCREVUS was not associated with an increased risk of serious infections in MS patients in controlled trials. Delay OCREVUS administration in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved.

Respiratory Tract

Infections A higher proportion of OCREVUS-treated patients experienced respiratory tract infections compared to patients taking REBIF or placebo. In RMS trials, 40% of OCREVUS-treated patients experienced upper respiratory tract infections compared to 33% of REBIF-treated patients, and 8% of OCREVUS-treated patients experienced lower respiratory tract infections compared to 5% of REBIF-treated patients. In the PPMS trial, 49% of OCREVUS-treated patients experienced upper respiratory tract infections compared to 43% of patients on placebo and 10% of OCREVUS-treated patients experienced lower respiratory tract infections compared to 9% of patients on placebo. The infections were predominantly mild to moderate and consisted mostly of upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis. Herpes In active-controlled (RMS) clinical trials, herpes infections were reported more frequently in OCREVUS-treated patients than in REBIF-treated patients, including herpes zoster (2.1% vs. 1.0%), herpes simplex (0.7% vs. 0.1%), oral herpes (3.0% vs. 2.2%), genital herpes (0.1% vs. 0%), and herpes virus infection (0.1% vs. 0%). Infections were predominantly mild to moderate in severity. In the placebo-controlled (PPMS) clinical trial, oral herpes was reported more frequently in the OCREVUS-treated patients than in the patients on placebo (2.7% vs 0.8%). Serious cases of infections caused by herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus, including central nervous system infections (encephalitis and meningitis), intraocular infections, and disseminated skin and soft tissue infections, have been reported in the postmarketing setting in multiple sclerosis patients receiving OCREVUS. Serious herpes virus infections may occur at any time during treatment with OCREVUS. Some cases were life-threatening. If serious herpes infections occur, OCREVUS should be discontinued or withheld until the infection has resolved, and appropriate treatment should be administered [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ]. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Reactivation

Hepatitis B reactivation has been reported in MS patients treated with OCREVUS in the postmarketing setting. Fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death caused by HBV reactivation have occurred in patients treated with anti-CD20 antibodies. Perform HBV screening in all patients before initiation of treatment with OCREVUS. Do not administer OCREVUS to patients with active HBV confirmed by positive results for HBsAg and anti-HB tests. For patients who are negative for surface antigen [HBsAg] and positive for HB core antibody [HBcAb+] or are carriers of HBV [HBsAg+], consult liver disease experts before starting and during treatment.

Possible Increased

Risk of Immunosuppressant Effects with Other Immunosuppressants When initiating OCREVUS after an immunosuppressive therapy or initiating an immunosuppressive therapy after OCREVUS, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive effects [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1 , 12.2) ]. OCREVUS has not been studied in combination with other MS therapies.

Vaccinations

Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of OCREVUS for live or live-attenuated vaccines and, whenever possible, at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of OCREVUS for non-live vaccines. OCREVUS may interfere with the effectiveness of non-live vaccines [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. The safety of immunization with live or live-attenuated vaccines following OCREVUS therapy has not been studied, and vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Vaccination of Infants Born to Mothers Treated with OCREVUS During Pregnancy In infants of mothers exposed to OCREVUS during pregnancy, do not administer live or live-attenuated vaccines before confirming the recovery of B-cell counts as measured by CD19 + B-cells. Depletion of B-cells in these infants may increase the risks from live or live-attenuated vaccines. You may administer non-live vaccines, as indicated, prior to recovery from B-cell depletion, but should consider assessing vaccine immune responses, including consultation with a qualified specialist, to assess whether a protective immune response was mounted [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ].

5.3 Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients with MS treated with OCREVUS in the postmarketing setting. PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the JC virus (JCV) that typically only occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. PML has occurred in OCREVUS-treated patients who had not been treated previously with natalizumab (which has a known association with PML), were not taking any immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medications associated with the risk of PML prior to or concomitantly with OCREVUS, and did not have any known ongoing systemic medical conditions resulting in compromised immune system function. JCV infection resulting in PML has also been observed in patients treated with other anti-CD20 antibodies and other MS therapies. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold OCREVUS and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes. MRI findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. Cases of PML, diagnosed based on MRI findings and the detection of JCV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms specific to PML, have been reported in patients treated with other MS medications associated with PML. Many of these patients subsequently became symptomatic with PML. Therefore, monitoring with MRI for signs that may be consistent with PML may be useful, and any suspicious findings should lead to further investigation to allow for an early diagnosis of PML, if present. Following discontinuation of another MS medication associated with PML, lower PML-related mortality and morbidity have been reported in patients who were initially asymptomatic at diagnosis compared to patients who had characteristic clinical signs and symptoms at diagnosis. It is not known whether these differences are due to early detection and discontinuation of MS treatment or due to differences in disease in these patients. If PML is confirmed, treatment with OCREVUS should be discontinued.

5.4 Reduction in Immunoglobulins As expected with any B-cell depleting therapy, decreased immunoglobulin levels are observed with OCREVUS treatment. The pooled data of OCREVUS clinical studies (RMS and PPMS) and their open-label extensions (up to approximately 7 years of exposure) have shown an association between decreased levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG&lt;LLN) and increased rates of serious infections. Monitor the levels of quantitative serum immunoglobulins during OCREVUS treatment and after discontinuation of treatment, until B-cell repletion, and especially in the setting of recurrent serious infections. Consider discontinuing OCREVUS therapy in patients with serious opportunistic or recurrent serious infections, and if prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia requires treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]</span> .

5.5 Malignancies An increased risk of malignancy with OCREVUS may exist. In controlled trials, malignancies, including breast cancer, occurred more frequently in OCREVUS-treated patients. Breast cancer occurred in 6 of 781 females treated with OCREVUS and none of 668 females treated with REBIF or placebo. Patients should follow standard breast cancer screening guidelines.

5.6 Immune-Mediated Colitis Immune-mediated colitis, which can present as a severe and acute-onset form of colitis, has been reported in patients receiving OCREVUS in the postmarketing setting. Some cases of colitis were serious, requiring hospitalization, with a few patients requiring surgical intervention. Systemic corticosteroids were required in many of these patients. The time from treatment initiation to onset of symptoms in these cases ranged from a few weeks to years. Monitor patients for immune-mediated colitis during OCREVUS treatment, and evaluate promptly if signs and symptoms that may indicate immune-mediated colitis, such as new or persistent diarrhea or other gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, occur.

5.7 Liver Injury Clinically significant liver injury, without findings of viral hepatitis, has been reported in the postmarketing setting in patients treated with anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies approved for the treatment of MS, including OCREVUS. Signs of liver injury, including markedly elevated serum hepatic enzymes with elevated total bilirubin, have occurred from weeks to months after administration. Patients treated with OCREVUS found to have an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) greater than 3× the upper limit of normal (ULN) with serum total bilirubin greater than 2× ULN are potentially at risk for severe drug-induced liver injury. Obtain liver function tests prior to initiating treatment with OCREVUS <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]</span> , and monitor for signs and symptoms of any hepatic injury during treatment. Measure serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin levels promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including new or worsening fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice. If liver injury is present and an alternative etiology is not identified, discontinue OCREVUS.