HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION |
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use ERBITUX safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for ERBITUX.
ERBITUX® (cetuximab)
Solution for intravenous infusion
Initial U.S. Approval: 2004
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WARNING: SERIOUS INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST
See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
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Serious infusion reactions, some fatal, occurred in approximately 3% of patients. (5.1)
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Cardiopulmonary arrest and/or sudden death occurred in 2% of patients receiving Erbitux in combination with radiation therapy. (5.2, 5.6)
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RECENT MAJOR CHANGES
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Indications and Usage
Colorectal Cancer (1.2) 07/2009
Warnings and Precautions
Infusion Reactions (5.1) 09/2008
Dermatologic Toxicity (5.4) 09/2008
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INDICATIONS AND USAGE
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Erbitux® is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist indicated for treatment of:
Head and Neck Cancer
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Locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy. (1.1, 14.1)
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Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck progressing after platinum-based therapy. (1.1, 14.1)
Colorectal Cancer
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As a single agent, EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of both irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based regimens or in patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based regimens. (1.2, 14.2)
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In combination with irinotecan, EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal carcinoma in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Approval is based on objective response rate; no data are available demonstrating an improvement in increased survival. (1.2, 14.2)
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Retrospective subset analyses of metastatic or advanced colorectal cancer trials have not shown a treatment benefit for Erbitux in patients whose tumors had KRAS mutations in codon 12 or 13. Use of Erbitux is not recommended for the treatment of colorectal cancer with these mutations. (1.2, 12.1, 14.2)
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DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
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Premedicate with an H1 antagonist. (2.3)
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Administer 400 mg/m2 initial dose as a 120-minute intravenous infusion followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly infused over 60 minutes. (2.1, 2.2)
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Initiate Erbitux one week prior to initiation of radiation therapy. (2.1)
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Reduce the infusion rate by 50% for NCI CTC Grade 1 or 2 infusion reactions and non-serious NCI CTC Grades 3–4 infusion reactions. (2.4)
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Permanently discontinue for serious infusion reactions. (2.4)
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Withhold infusion for severe, persistent acneform rash. Reduce dose for recurrent, severe rash. (2.4)
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DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
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100 mg/50 mL, single-use vial (3)
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200 mg/100 mL, single-use vial (3)
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CONTRAINDICATIONS
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None (4) |
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
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Infusion Reactions: Immediately stop and permanently discontinue Erbitux for serious infusion reactions. Monitor patients following infusion. (5.1)
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Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Closely monitor serum electrolytes during and after Erbitux. (5.2, 5.6)
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Pulmonary Toxicity: Interrupt therapy for acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms. (5.3)
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Dermatologic Toxicity: Limit sun exposure. Monitor for inflammatory or infectious sequelae. (2.4, 5.4)
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ADVERSE REACTIONS
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The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) are: cutaneous adverse reactions (including rash, pruritus, and nail changes), headache, diarrhea, and infection. (6)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
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USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
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Pregnancy: Administer Erbitux to a pregnant woman only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. (8.1)
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Nursing Mothers: Discontinue nursing during and for 60 days following treatment with Erbitux. (8.3)
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See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION |
Revised: 07/2009 |
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS* |
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FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
WARNING: SERIOUS INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST
Infusion Reactions: Serious infusion reactions occurred with the administration of Erbitux in approximately 3% of patients in clinical trials, with fatal outcome reported in less than 1 in 1000. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6).] Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue Erbitux infusion for serious infusion reactions. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Dosage and Administration (2.4).]
Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Cardiopulmonary arrest and/or sudden death occurred in 2% of 208 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with radiation therapy and Erbitux. Closely monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after Erbitux. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.6).]
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
1.1 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN)
Erbitux® is indicated in combination with radiation therapy for the initial treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. [See Clinical Studies (14.1).]
Erbitux, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck for whom prior platinum-based therapy has failed. [See Clinical Studies (14.1).]
1.2 Colorectal Cancer
Erbitux, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of both irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based regimens. Erbitux, as a single agent, is also indicated for the treatment of EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer in patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based regimens. [See Clinical Studies (14.2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.7).]
Erbitux, in combination with irinotecan, is indicated for the treatment of EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal carcinoma in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. The effectiveness of Erbitux in combination with irinotecan is based on objective response rates. Currently, no data are available that demonstrate an improvement in disease-related symptoms or increased survival with Erbitux in combination with irinotecan for the treatment of EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal carcinoma. [See Clinical Studies (14.2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.7).]
Retrospective subset analyses of metastatic or advanced colorectal cancer trials have not shown a treatment benefit for Erbitux in patients whose tumors had KRAS mutations in codon 12 or 13. Use of Erbitux is not recommended for the treatment of colorectal cancer with these mutations [see Clinical Studies (14.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1).]
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Erbitux in combination with radiation therapy:
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The recommended initial dose is 400 mg/m2 administered one week prior to initiation of a course of radiation therapy as a 120-minute intravenous infusion (maximum infusion rate 10 mg/min).
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The recommended subsequent weekly dose (all other infusions) is 250 mg/m2 infused over 60 minutes (maximum infusion rate 10 mg/min) for the duration of radiation therapy (6–7 weeks). Complete Erbitux administration 1 hour prior to radiation therapy.
Erbitux monotherapy:
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The recommended initial dose is 400 mg/m2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion (maximum infusion rate 10 mg/min).
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The recommended subsequent weekly dose (all other infusions) is 250 mg/m2 infused over 60 minutes (maximum infusion rate 10 mg/min) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
2.2 Colorectal Cancer
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The recommended initial dose, either as monotherapy or in combination with irinotecan, is 400 mg/m2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion (maximum infusion rate 10 mg/min).
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The recommended subsequent weekly dose, either as monotherapy or in combination with irinotecan, is 250 mg/m2 infused over 60 minutes (maximum infusion rate 10 mg/min) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
2.3 Recommended Premedication
Premedicate with an H1 antagonist (eg, 50 mg of diphenhydramine) intravenously 30–60 minutes prior to the first dose; premedication should be administered for subsequent Erbitux doses based upon clinical judgment and presence/severity of prior infusion reactions.
2.4 Dose Modifications
Infusion Reactions
Reduce the infusion rate by 50% for NCI CTC Grade 1 or 2 and non-serious NCI CTC Grades 3–4 infusion reactions.
Immediately and permanently discontinue Erbitux for serious infusion reactions requiring medical intervention and/or hospitalization. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1).]
Dermatologic Toxicity
Recommended dose modifications for severe (NCI CTC Grade 3 or 4) acneform rash are specified in Table 1. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4).]
Table 1: Erbitux Dose Modification Guidelines for Rash
Severe Acneform
Rash |
Erbitux |
Outcome |
Erbitux Dose
Modification |
1st occurrence |
Delay infusion 1 to 2 weeks |
Improvement |
Continue at 250 mg/m2 |
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No Improvement |
Discontinue Erbitux |
2nd occurrence |
Delay infusion 1 to 2 weeks |
Improvement |
Reduce dose to 200 mg/m2 |
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No Improvement |
Discontinue Erbitux |
3rd occurrence |
Delay infusion 1 to 2 weeks |
Improvement |
Reduce dose to 150 mg/m2 |
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No Improvement |
Discontinue Erbitux |
4th occurrence |
Discontinue Erbitux |
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2.5 Preparation for Administration
Do not administer Erbitux as an intravenous push or bolus.
Administer via infusion pump or syringe pump. Do not exceed an infusion rate of 10 mg/min.
Administer through a low protein binding 0.22-micrometer in-line filter.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
The solution should be clear and colorless and may contain a small amount of easily visible, white, amorphous, cetuximab particulates. Do not shake or dilute.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
100 mg/50 mL, single-use vial
200 mg/100 mL, single-use vial
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
None.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Infusion Reactions
Serious infusion reactions, requiring medical intervention and immediate, permanent discontinuation of Erbitux, included rapid onset of airway obstruction (bronchospasm, stridor, hoarseness), hypotension, shock, loss of consciousness, myocardial infarction, and/or cardiac arrest. Severe (NCI CTC Grades 3 and 4) infusion reactions occurred in 2–5% of 1373 patients in clinical trials, with fatal outcome in 1 patient.
Approximately 90% of severe infusion reactions occurred with the first infusion despite premedication with antihistamines.
Monitor patients for 1 hour following Erbitux infusions in a setting with resuscitation equipment and other agents necessary to treat anaphylaxis (eg, epinephrine, corticosteroids, intravenous antihistamines, bronchodilators, and oxygen). Monitor longer to confirm resolution of the event in patients requiring treatment for infusion reactions.
Immediately and permanently discontinue Erbitux in patients with serious infusion reactions. [See Boxed Warning and Dosage and Administration (2.4).]
5.2 Cardiopulmonary Arrest
Cardiopulmonary arrest and/or sudden death occurred in 4 (2%) of 208 patients treated with radiation therapy and Erbitux as compared to none of 212 patients treated with radiation therapy alone in a randomized, controlled trial in patients with SCCHN. Three patients with prior history of coronary artery disease died at home, with myocardial infarction as the presumed cause of death. One of these patients had arrhythmia and one had congestive heart failure. Death occurred 27, 32, and 43 days after the last dose of Erbitux. One patient with no prior history of coronary artery disease died one day after the last dose of Erbitux. Carefully consider use of Erbitux in combination with radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmias in light of these risks. Closely monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after Erbitux. [See Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.6).]
5.3 Pulmonary Toxicity
Interstitial lung disease (ILD), including 1 fatality, occurred in 4 of 1570 (<0.5%) patients receiving Erbitux in clinical trials. Interrupt Erbitux for acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms. Permanently discontinue Erbitux for confirmed ILD.
5.4 Dermatologic Toxicity
Dermatologic toxicities, including acneform rash, skin drying and fissuring, paronychial inflammation, infectious sequelae (for example S. aureus sepsis, abscess formation, cellulitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, cheilitis), and hypertrichosis occurred in patients receiving Erbitux therapy. Acneform rash occurred in 76–88% of 1373 patients receiving Erbitux in clinical trials. Severe acneform rash occurred in 1–17% of patients.
Acneform rash usually developed within the first two weeks of therapy and resolved in a majority of the patients after cessation of treatment, although in nearly half, the event continued beyond 28 days. Monitor patients receiving Erbitux for dermatologic toxicities and infectious sequelae. Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during Erbitux therapy. [See Dose Modifications (2.4).]
5.5 Use of Erbitux in Combination With Radiation and Cisplatin
The safety of Erbitux in combination with radiation therapy and cisplatin has not been established. Death and serious cardiotoxicity were observed in a single-arm trial with Erbitux, radiation therapy, and cisplatin (100 mg/m2) in patients with locally advanced SCCHN. Two of 21 patients died, one as a result of pneumonia and one of an unknown cause. Four patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Two of these discontinuations were due to cardiac events.
5.6 Hypomagnesemia and Electrolyte Abnormalities
In patients eva luated during clinical trials, hypomagnesemia occurred in 55% of patients (199/365) receiving Erbitux and was severe (NCI CTC Grades 3 and 4) in 6–17%. The onset of hypomagnesemia and accompanying electrolyte abnormalities occurred days to months after initiation of Erbitux. Periodically monitor patients for hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and hypokalemia, during and for at least 8 weeks following the completion of Erbitux. Replete electrolytes as necessary.
5.7 Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Expression and Response
Because expression of EGFR has been detected in nearly all SCCHN tumor specimens, patients enrolled in the head and neck cancer clinical studies were not required to have immunohistochemical evidence of EGFR tumor expression prior to study entry.
Patients enrolled in the colorectal cancer clinical studies were required to have immunohistochemical evidence of EGFR tumor expression. Primary tumor or tumor from a metastatic site was tested with the DakoCytomation EGFR pharmDx™ test kit. Specimens were scored based on the percentage of cells expressing EGFR and intensity (barely/faint, weak-to-moderate, and strong). Response rate did not correlate with either the percentage of positive cells or the intensity of EGFR expression.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
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Infusion reactions [See Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1).]
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Cardiopulmonary arrest [See Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.2).]
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Pulmonary toxicity [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3).]
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Dermatologic toxicity [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4).]
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Hypomagnesemia and Electrolyte Abnormalities [See Warnings and Precautions (5.6).]
The most common adverse reactions with Erbitux (incidence ≥25%) are cutaneous adverse reactions (including rash, pruritus, and nail changes), headache, diarrhea, and infection.
The most serious adverse reactions with Erbitux are infusion reactions, cardiopulmonary arrest, dermatologic toxicity and radiation dermatitis, sepsis, renal failure, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary embolus.
Across all studies, Erbitux was discontinued in 3–10% of patients because of adverse reactions.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The data below reflect exposure to Erbitux in 1373 patients with colorectal cancer or SCCHN in randomized Phase 3 (Studies 1 and 3) or Phase 2 (Studies 2 and 4) trials treated at the recommended dose and schedule for a median of 7 to 14 weeks. [See Clinical Studies (14).]
Infusion reactions: Infusion reactions, which included pyrexia, chills, rigors, dyspnea, bronchospasm, angioedema, urticaria, hypertension, and hypotension, occurred in 15–21% of patients across studies. Grades 3 and 4 infusion reactions occurred in 2–5% of patients; infusion reactions were fatal in 1 patient.
Infections: The incidence of infection was variable across studies, ranging from 13–35%. Sepsis occurred in 1–4% of patients.
Renal: Renal failure occurred in 1% of patients with colorectal cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Table 2 contains selected adverse events in 420 patients receiving radiation therapy either alone or with Erbitux for locally or regionally advanced SCCHN in Study 1. Erbitux was administered at the recommended dose and schedule (400 mg/m2 initial dose, followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly). Patients received a median of 8 infusions (range 1–11).
Table 2: Incidence of Selected Adverse Events (≥10%) in Patients with Locoregionally Advanced SCCHN
Body System
Preferred Term |
Erbitux plus Radiation
(n=208) |
Radiation Therapy Alone
(n=212) |
Grades
1–4 |
Grades
3 and 4 |
Grades
1–4 |
Grades
3 and 4 |
% of Patients |
1 Includes cases also report |