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Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions characterized by dyspnea and hypotension requiring treatment, angioedema, and generalized urticaria have occurred in 2 to 4% of patients receiving paclitaxel in clinical trials. Fatal reactions have occurred in patients despite premedication. All patients should be pretreated with corticosteroids, diphenhydramine, and H2 antagonists. (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION) Patients who experience severe hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel should not be rechallenged with the drug.
Bone marrow suppression (primarily neutropenia) is dose-dependent and is the dose-limiting toxicity. Neutrophil nadirs occurred at a median of 11 days. Paclitaxel Injection USP should not be administered to patients with baseline neutrophil counts of less than 1500 cells/mm3 (<1000 cells/mm3 for patients with KS). Frequent monitoring of blood counts should be instituted during Paclitaxel Injection USP treatment. Patients should not be re-treated with subsequent cycles of Paclitaxel Injection USP until neutrophils recover to a level >1500 cells/mm3 (>1000 cells/mm3 for patients with KS) and platelets recover to a level >100,000 cells/mm3.
Severe conduction abnormalities have been documented in <1% of patients during paclitaxel therapy and in some cases requiring pacemaker placement. If patients develop significant conduction abnormalities during paclitaxel infusion, appropriate therapy should be administered and continuous cardiac monitoring should be performed during subsequent therapy with paclitaxel.
Paclitaxel can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Administration of paclitaxel during the period of organogenesis to rabbits at doses of 3.0 mg/kg/day (about 0.2 the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis) caused embryo- and fetotoxicity, as indicated by intrauterine mortality, increased resorptions, and increased fetal deaths. Maternal toxicity was also observed at this dose. No teratogenic effects were observed at 1.0 mg/kg/day (about 1/15 the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis); teratogenic potential could not be assessed at higher doses due to extensive fetal mortality.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If Paclitaxel Injection USP is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving 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.
Legal Issues
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FDA Safety Alerts
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Manufacturer Warnings
There is currently no manufacturer warning information available for this drug.
FDA Labeling Changes
There are currently no FDA labeling changes available for this drug.
Uses
Paclitaxel Injection USP is indicated as first-line and subsequent therapy for the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the ovary. As first-line therapy, Paclitaxel Injection USP is indicated in combination with cisplatin.
Paclitaxel Injection USP is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer administered sequentially to standard doxorubicin-containing combination chemotherapy. In the clinical trial, there was an overall favorable effect on disease-free and overall survival in the total population of patients with receptor-positive and receptor-negative tumors, but the benefit has been specifically demonstrated by available data (median follow-up 30 months) only in the patients with estrogen and progesterone receptor-negative tumors. (see CLINICAL STUDIES: Breast Carcinoma)
Paclitaxel Injection USP is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline unless clinically contraindicated.
Paclitaxel Injection USP, in combination with cisplatin, is indicated for the first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in patients who are not candidates for potentially curative surgery and/or radiation therapy.
Paclitaxel Injection USP is indicated for the second-line treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma.
History
There is currently no drug history available for this drug.
Other Information
Paclitaxel Injection USP is a clear colorless to slightly yellow viscous solution. It is supplied as a nonaqueous solution intended for dilution with a suitable parenteral fluid prior to intravenous infusion. Paclitaxel Injection USP is available in 30 mg (5 mL), 100 mg (16.7 mL) and 300 mg (50 mL) multidose vials. Each mL of sterile nonpyrogenic solution contains 6 mg paclitaxel, USP, 527 mg of purified Cremophor® EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil), 2 mg citric acid, anhydrous, USP and 48.7% (v/v) dehydrated alcohol, USP.
Paclitaxel is a natural product with antitumor activity. Paclitaxel is obtained via a semi-synthetic process from Taxus baccata. The chemical name for paclitaxel is 5β,20-Epoxy-1,2α,4,7β,10β,13α-hexahydroxytax-11-en-9-one 4,10-diacetate 2-benzoate 13-ester with (2R,3S)-N-benzoyl-3-phenylisoserine.
Paclitaxel has the following structural formula:
Paclitaxel is a white to off-white crystalline powder with the empirical formula C47H51NO14 and a molecular weight of 853.9. It is highly lipophilic, insoluble in water, and melts at around 216 to 217°C.
Sources
Bimectin Pour-on Manufacturers
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Bimeda, Inc. Division Of Cross Vetpharm Group
Bimectin Pour-on | Actavis Pharma, Inc.
Note: Contact of the undiluted concentrate with plasticized PVC equipment or devices used to prepare solutions for infusion is not recommended. In order to minimize patient exposure to the plasticizer DEHP [di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate], which may be leached from PVC infusion bags or sets, diluted Paclitaxel Injection USP solutions should be stored in bottles (glass, polypropylene) or plastic bags (polypropylene, polyolefin) and administered through polyethylene-lined administration sets.
All patients should be premedicated prior to Paclitaxel Injection USP administration in order to prevent severe hypersensitivity reactions. Such premedication may consist of dexamethasone 20 mg PO administered approximately 12 and 6 hours before Paclitaxel Injection USP, diphenhydramine (or its equivalent) 50 mg IV 30 to 60 minutes prior to Paclitaxel Injection USP, and cimetidine (300 mg) or ranitidine (50 mg) IV 30 to 60 minutes before Paclitaxel Injection USP.
For patients with carcinoma of the ovary, the following regimens are recommended (see CLINICAL STUDIES: Ovarian Carcinoma):
1) For previously untreated patients with carcinoma of the ovary, one of the following recommended regimens may be given every 3 weeks. In selecting the appropriate regimen, differences in toxicities should be considered (see TABLE 11 in ADVERSE REACTIONS: Disease-Specific Adverse Event Experiences).
Paclitaxel administered intravenously over 3 hours at a dose of 175 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin at a dose of 75 mg/m2; or Paclitaxel administered intravenously over 24 hours at a dose of 135 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin at a dose of 75 mg/m2.2) In patients previously treated with chemotherapy for carcinoma of the ovary, paclitaxel has been used at several doses and schedules; however, the optimal regimen is not yet clear. The recommended regimen is paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 or 175 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 3 hours every 3 weeks.
For patients with carcinoma of the breast, the following regimens are recommended (see CLINICAL STUDIES: Breast Carcinoma):
1) For the adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer, the recommended regimen is paclitaxel, at a dose of 175 mg/m2 intravenously over 3 hours every 3 weeks for 4 courses administered sequentially to doxorubicin-containing combination chemotherapy. The clinical trial used 4 courses of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (see CLINICAL STUDIES: Breast Carcinoma).
2) After failure of initial chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy, paclitaxel at a dose of 175 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 3 hours every 3 weeks has been shown to be effective.
For patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma, the recommended regimen, given every 3 weeks, is paclitaxel administered intravenously over 24 hours at a dose of 135 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin, 75 mg/m2.
For patients with AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, paclitaxel administered at a dose of 135 mg/m2 given intravenously over 3 hours every 3 weeks or at a dose of 100 mg/m2 given intravenously over 3 hours every 2 weeks is recommended (dose intensity 45 to 50 mg/m2/week). In the 2 clinical trials evaluating these schedules (see CLINICAL STUDIES: AIDS-Related Kaposi’s Sarcoma), the former schedule (135 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) was more toxic than the latter. In addition, all patients with low performance status were treated with the latter schedule (100 mg/m2 every 2 weeks).
Based upon the immunosuppression in patients with advanced HIV disease, the following modifications are recommended in these patients:
1) Reduce the dose of dexamethasone as 1 of the 3 premedication drugs to 10 mg PO (instead of 20 mg PO);
2) Initiate or repeat treatment with Paclitaxel Injection USP only if the neutrophil count is at least 1000 cells/mm3;
3) Reduce the dose of subsequent courses of Paclitaxel Injection USP by 20% for patients who experience severe neutropenia (neutrophil <500 cells/mm3 for a week or longer); and
4) Initiate concomitant hematopoietic growth factor (G-CSF) as clinically indicated.
For the therapy of patients with solid tumors (ovary, breast, and NSCLC), courses of Paclitaxel Injection USP should not be repeated until the neutrophil count is at least 1500 cells/mm3 and the platelet count is at least 100,000 cells/mm3. Paclitaxel Injection USP should not be given to patients with AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma if the baseline or subsequent neutrophil count is less than 1000 cells/mm3. Patients who experience severe neutropenia (neutrophil <500 cells/mm3 for a week or longer) or severe peripheral neuropathy during Paclitaxel Injection USP therapy should have dosage reduced by 20% for subsequent courses of Paclitaxel Injection USP. The incidence of neurotoxicity and the severity of neutropenia increase with dose.
Hepatic Impairment: Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity, particularly grade III–IV myelosuppression (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and PRECAUTIONS: Hepatic). Recommendations for dosage adjustment for the first course of therapy are shown in TABLE 17 for both 3- and 24-hour infusions. Further dose reduction in subsequent courses should be based on individual tolerance. Patients should be monitored closely for the development of profound myelosuppression.
TABLE 17 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOSING IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT BASED ON CLINICAL TRIAL DATAa Degree of Hepatic Impairment Transaminase Levels Bilirubin Levelsb Recommended PACLITAXEL Dosec a These recommendations are based on dosages for patients without hepatic impairment of 135 mg/m2 over 24 hours or 175 mg/m2 over 3 hours; data are not available to make dose adjustment recommendations for other regimens (eg, for AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma). b Differences in criteria for bilirubin levels between the 3- and 24-hour infusion are due to differences in clinical trial design. c Dosage recommendations are for the first course of therapy; further dose reduction in subsequent courses should be based on individual tolerance. 24-hour infusion <2 x ULN and ≤1.5 mg/dL 135 mg/m2 2 to <10 x ULN and ≤1.5 mg/dL 100 mg/m2 <10 x ULN and 1.6 to 7.5 mg/dL 50 mg/m2 ≥10 x ULN or >7.5 mg/dL Not recommended 3-hour infusion <10 x ULN and ≤1.25 x ULN 175 mg/m2 <10 x ULN and 1.26 to 2.0 x ULN 135 mg/m2 <10 x ULN and 2.01 to 5.0 x ULN 90 mg/m2 ≥10 x ULN or >5.0 x ULN Not recommended Preparation and Administration PrecautionsProcedures for proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered. Several guidelines on this subject have been published.1-4To minimize the risk of dermal exposure, always wear impervious gloves when handling vials containing Paclitaxel Injection USP. If Paclitaxel Injection USP solution contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Following topical exposure, events have included tingling, burning, and redness. If Paclitaxel Injection USP contacts mucous membranes, the membranes should be flushed thoroughly with water. Upon inhalation, dyspnea, chest pain, burning eyes, sore throat, and nausea have been reported.
Given the possibility of extravasation, it is advisable to closely monitor the infusion site for possible infiltration during drug administration (see PRECAUTION: Injection Site Reaction).
Preparation for Intravenous AdministrationPaclitaxel Injection USP must be diluted prior to infusion. Paclitaxel Injection USP should be diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 5% Dextrose in Ringer’s Injection to a final concentration of 0.3 to 1.2 mg/mL. The solutions are physically and chemically stable for up to 27 hours at ambient temperature (approximately 25° C) and room lighting conditions. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
Upon preparation, solutions may show haziness, which is attributed to the formulation vehicle. No significant losses in potency have been noted following simulated delivery of the solution through IV tubing containing an in-line (0.22 micron) filter.
Data collected for the presence of the extractable plasticizer DEHP [di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate] show that levels increase with time and concentration when dilutions are prepared in PVC containers. Consequently, the use of plasticized PVC containers and administration sets is not recommended. Paclitaxel Injection USP solutions should be prepared and stored in glass, polypropylene, or polyolefin containers. Non-PVC containing administration sets, such as those which are polyethylene-lined, should be used.
Paclitaxel Injection USP should be administered through an in-line filter with a microporous membrane not greater than 0.22 microns. Use of filter devices such as IVEX-2® filters which incorporate short inlet and outlet PVC-coated tubing has not resulted in significant leaching of DEHP.
The Chemo Dispensing Pin™ device or similar devices with spikes should not be used with vials of Paclitaxel Injection USP since they can cause the stopper to collapse resulting in loss of sterile integrity of the Paclitaxel Injection USP solution.
Parenteral products should be visually inspected for particulate matter.
StabilityUnopened vials of Paclitaxel Injection USP are stable until the date indicated on the package when stored between 20°–25° C (68°–77° F), in the original package. Neither freezing nor refrigeration adversely affects the stability of the product. Upon refrigeration, components in the Paclitaxel Injection USP vial may precipitate, but will redissolve upon reaching room temperature with little or no agitation. There is no impact on product quality under these circumstances. If the solution remains cloudy or if an insoluble precipitate is noted, the vial should be discarded. Solutions for infusion prepared as recommended are stable at ambient temperature (approximately 25° C) and lighting conditions for up to 27 hours.
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