HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION |
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use ZELBORAF safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for ZELBORAF.
ZELBORAF™ (vemurafenib) tablet, oral
Initial U.S. Approval: 2011
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INDICATIONS AND USAGE
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ZELBORAF™ is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAFV600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. (1, 5.10)
Limitation of Use: ZELBORAF is not recommended for use in patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma. (5.10, 14)
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DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
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Recommended dose: 960 mg orally twice daily. (2.1)
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Administer ZELBORAF approximately 12 hours apart with or without a meal. (2.1)
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ZELBORAF should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. ZELBORAF should not be chewed or crushed. (2.1)
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Management of symptomatic adverse drug reactions may require dose reduction, treatment interruption, or treatment discontinuation of ZELBORAF. Dose reductions resulting in a dose below 480 mg twice daily are not recommended. (2.2)
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DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
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Film-coated tablet: 240 mg (3)
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CONTRAINDICATIONS
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None (4)
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WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
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Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cuSCC) occurred in 24% of patients. Perform dermatologic eva luations prior to initiation of therapy and every two months while on therapy. Manage with excision and continue treatment without dose adjustment. (5.1)
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Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported during and upon re-initiation of treatment. Discontinue ZELBORAF in patients who experience severe hypersensitivity reactions. (5.2)
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Severe dermatologic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported. Discontinue treatment in patients who experience severe dermatologic reactions. (5.3)
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QT prolongation has been reported. Monitor ECG and electrolytes before treatment and after dose modification. Monitor ECGs at day 15, monthly during the first 3 months of treatment, every 3 months thereafter, or more often as clinically indicated. If the QTc exceeds 500 ms, temporarily interrupt ZELBORAF, correct electrolyte abnormalities, and control for cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation. (5.4)
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Liver laboratory abnormalities may occur. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin before initiation of treatment and monthly during treatment, or as clinically indicated. (5.5)
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Photosensitivity has been reported. Advise patients to avoid sun exposure while taking ZELBORAF. (5.6)
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Serious ophthalmologic reactions, including uveitis, iritis and retinal vein occlusion, have been reported. Monitor patients routinely for ophthalmologic reactions. (5.7)
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New primary malignant melanomas have been reported. Manage with excision, and continue treatment without dose modification. Perform dermatologic monitoring as outlined above. (5.8)
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Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. Advise women of potential risk to the fetus. (5.9, 8.1)
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BRAFV600E testing – confirmation of BRAFV600E mutation using an FDA-approved test is required for selection of patients appropriate for ZELBORAF therapy. The efficacy and safety of ZELBORAF have not been studied in patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma. (5.10, 14)
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ADVERSE REACTIONS
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Most common adverse reactions (≥ 30%) are arthralgia, rash, alopecia, fatigue, photosensitivity reaction, nausea, pruritus and skin papilloma. (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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DRUG INTERACTIONS
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CYP Substrates: Concomitant use of ZELBORAF with agents with narrow therapeutic windows that are metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 is not recommended. If coadministration cannot be avoided, exercise caution and consider a dose reduction of the concomitant CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 substrate drug. (7.1)
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ZELBORAF may increase exposure to concomitantly administered warfarin. Exercise caution and consider additional INR monitoring when ZELBORAF is used concomitantly with warfarin. (7.1)
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USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
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Nursing Mothers: Discontinue nursing when receiving ZELBORAF (8.3)
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See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling |
Revised: 08/2011 |
Back to Highlights and Tabs
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS* |
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1INDICATIONS AND USAGE
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1Recommended Dose
2.2Dose Modifications
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cuSCC)
5.2Hypersensitivity Reactions
5.3Dermatologic Reactions
5.4QT Prolongation
5.5Liver Laboratory Abnormalities
5.6Photosensitivity
5.7Ophthalmologic Reactions
5.8New Primary Malignant Melanoma
5.9Use in Pregnancy
5.10BRAFV600E Testing
6ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1Clinical Trials Experience
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1Effects of Vemurafenib on Drug Metabolizing Enzymes
7.2Drugs that Inhibit or Induce CYP3A4
8USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
8.3Nursing Mothers
8.4Pediatric Use
8.5Geriatric Use
8.6Gender
8.7Hepatic Impairment
8.8Renal Impairment
9DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
10OVERDOSAGE
11DESCRIPTION
12CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
12.4QT Prolongation
13NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
13.2Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
14CLINICAL STUDIES
16HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
17PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
17.1 Patient Counseling
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FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
1INDICATIONS AND USAGE
ZELBORAF™ is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAFV600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Limitation of Use: ZELBORAF is not recommended for use in patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1Recommended Dose
The recommended dose of ZELBORAF is 960 mg (four 240 mg tablets) twice daily. The first dose should be taken in the morning and the second dose should be taken in the evening approximately 12 hours later. Each dose can be taken with or without a meal.
ZELBORAF tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. ZELBORAF tablets should not be chewed or crushed.
Duration of treatment
It is recommended that patients are treated with ZELBORAF until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
Missed doses
If a dose is missed, it can be taken up to 4 hours prior to the next dose to maintain the twice daily regimen. Both doses should not be taken at the same time.
2.2Dose Modifications
Management of symptomatic adverse drug reactions or prolongation of QTc may require dose reduction, treatment interruption, or treatment discontinuation of ZELBORAF (Table 1). Dose modifications or interruptions are not recommended for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Dose reductions resulting in a dose below 480 mg twice daily are not recommended.
Table 1 Dose Modification Information
Grade (CTC-AE)* |
Recommended ZELBORAF Dose Modification |
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Grade 1 or Grade 2 (tolerable) |
Maintain ZELBORAF at a dose of 960 mg twice daily. |
Grade 2 (Intolerable) or Grade 3 |
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1st Appearance |
Interrupt treatment until grade 0 – 1. Resume dosing at 720 mg twice daily. |
2nd Appearance |
Interrupt treatment until grade 0 – 1. Resume dosing at 480 mg twice daily. |
3rd Appearance |
Discontinue permanently |
Grade 4 |
|
1st Appearance |
Discontinue permanently or interrupt ZELBORAF treatment until grade 0 – 1.
Resume dosing at 480 mg twice daily. |
2nd Appearance |
Discontinue permanently |
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Film-coated tablet: 240 mg
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cuSCC)
Cases of cuSCC, including both SCCs of the skin and keratoacanthomas, have been reported in patients treated with ZELBORAF [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The incidence of cuSCC in ZELBORAF-treated patients in Trial 1 was 24%. CuSCC usually occurred early in the course of treatment with a median time to the first appearance of 7 to 8 weeks. Of the patients who experienced cuSCC, approximately 33% experienced > 1 occurrence with median time between occurrences of 6 weeks. Potential risk factors associated with cuSCC in ZELBORAF clinical studies included age (≥ 65 years), prior skin cancer, and chronic sun exposure. In the clinical trials, cases of cuSCC were managed with excision, and patients were able to continue treatment without dose adjustment.
It is recommended that all patients receive a dermatologic eva luation prior to initiation of therapy and every two months while on therapy. Any suspicious skin lesions should be excised, sent for dermatopathologic eva luation and treated as per standard of care. Monitoring should be considered for 6 months following discontinuation of ZELBORAF.
5.2Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in association with ZELBORAF and upon re-initiation of treatment. Severe hypersensitivity reactions included generalized rash and erythema or hypotension. In patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction, ZELBORAF treatment should be permanently discontinued.
5.3Dermatologic Reactions
Severe dermatologic reactions have been reported in patients receiving ZELBORAF, including one case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and one case of toxic epidermal necrolysis in Trial 1. In patients who experience a severe dermatologic reaction, ZELBORAF treatment should be permanently discontinued.
5.4QT Prolongation
Exposure-dependent QT prolongation was observed in an uncontrolled, open-label Phase 2 QT sub-study in previously treated patients with BRAFV600E mutation-positive metastatic melanoma [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. QT prolongation may lead to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsade de Pointes. Treatment with ZELBORAF is not recommended in patients with uncorrectable electrolyte abnormalities, long QT syndrome, or who are taking medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval.
ECG and electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium, should be monitored before treatment with ZELBORAF and after dose modification. Monitoring of ECGs should occur 15 days after treatment initiation and then monthly during the first 3 months of treatment, followed by every 3 months thereafter or more often as clinically indicated. Initiation of treatment with ZELBORAF is not recommended in patients with QTc > 500 ms. If during treatment the QTc exceeds 500 ms (CTC-AE ≥ Grade 3), ZELBORAF treatment should be temporarily interrupted, electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected, and cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g., congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias) should be controlled. Re-initiation of treatment should occur at a lower dose once the QTc decreases below 500 ms [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Permanent discontinuation of ZELBORAF treatment is recommended if after correction of associated risk factors, the QTc increase meets values of both > 500 ms and > 60 ms change from pre-treatment values.
5.5Liver Laboratory Abnormalities
Liver laboratory abnormalities have occurred with ZELBORAF (Table 3) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Liver enzymes (transaminases and alkaline phosphatase) and bilirubin should be monitored before initiation of treatment and monthly during treatment, or as clinically indicated. Laboratory abnormalities should be managed with dose reduction, treatment interruption, or treatment discontinuation [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
5.6Photosensitivity
Mild to severe photosensitivity was reported in patients treated with ZELBORAF in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. All patients should be advised to avoid sun exposure while taking ZELBORAF. While taking the drug, patients should be advised to wear protective clothing and use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen and lip balm (SPF ≥ 30) when outdoors to help protect against sunburn.
For intolerable grade 2 (tender erythema covering 10 - 30% body surface area) or greater photosensitivity, dose modifications are recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
5.7Ophthalmologic Reactions
In Trial 1, five cases of uveitis have been reported in patients treated with ZELBORAF. Treatment with steroid and mydriatic ophthalmic drops may be required to manage uveitis. Patients should be routinely monitored for signs and symptoms of uveitis. Additionally, there were five patients with blurry vision, five patients with iritis and six patients with photophobia. There was one case of retinal vein occlusion in Trial 2.
5.8New Primary Malignant Melanoma
There were eight skin lesions in seven patients reported as new primary malignant melanoma in Trial 1. Cases were managed with excision, and patients continued treatment without dose adjustment. Monitoring for skin lesions should occur as outlined above [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
5.9Use in Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category D
ZELBORAF may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on its mechanism of action. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. 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 a fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
5.10BRAFV600E Testing
Confirmation of BRAFV600E mutation-positive melanoma as detected by an FDA-approved test is required for selection of patients for ZELBORAF therapy because these are the only patients studied and for whom benefit has been shown. For patients in ZELBORAF clinical studies, including Trial 1 and Trial 2, all enrolled patients tested positive when their tumor tissue was assessed with the cobas® 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test [see Clinical Studies (14)]. This test is designed to detect BRAFV600E mutations in DNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human melanoma tissue. The safety and efficacy of ZELBORAF have not been eva luated in patients whose melanoma tested negative by the cobas® 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test. Refer to the package inserts of FDA approved test kits, for detailed information.
6ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in another section of the label:
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Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
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Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
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Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
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QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
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Liver Laboratory Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
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Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
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Ophthalmologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
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New Primary Malignant Melanoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
6.1Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population in clinical practice.
The adverse drug reactions (ADRs) described in this section were identified from Trial 1 and Trial 2 [see Clinical Studies (14)]. In Trial 1, treatment naive patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma (n=675) were allocated to ZELBORAF 960 mg orally twice daily or to dacarbazine 1000 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks. In Trial 2, (n=132) patients with metastatic melanoma and failure of at least one prior systemic therapy received treatment with ZELBORAF 960 mg orally twice daily. Adverse reactions reported in at least 10% of patients treated with ZELBORAF are presented in Table 2. The most common adverse reactions of any grade (≥ 30% in either study) reported in ZELBORAF-treated patients were arthralgia, rash, alopecia, fatigue, photosensitivity reaction, nausea, pruritus and skin papilloma. The most common (≥ 5%) Grade 3 adverse reactions were cuSCC and rash. The incidence of Grade 4 adverse reactions was ≤ 4% in both studies.
The incidence of adverse events resulting in permanent discontinuation of study medication in Trial 1 was 7% for the ZELBORAF arm and 4% for the dacarbazine arm. In Trial 2, the incidence of adverse events resulting in permanent discontinuation of study medication was 3% in ZELBORAF-treated patients. The median duration of study treatment was 4.2 months for ZELBORAF and 0.8 months for dacarbazine in Trial 1, and 5.7 months for ZELBORAF in Trial 2.
Table 2 Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 10% of Patients Treated with ZELBORAF*
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Trial 1: Treatment Naive Patients |
Trial 2: Patients with Failure of at Least One Prior Systemic Therapy |
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ZELBORAF
n= 336 |
Dacarbazine
n= 287 |
ZELBORAF
n= 132 |
ADRs |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
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Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
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|
|
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Rash |
37 |
8 |
- |
2 |
- |
- |
52 |
7 |
- |
Photosensitivity reaction |
33 |
3 |
- |
4 |
- |
- |
49 |
3 |
- |
Alopecia |
45 |
<1 |
- |
2 |
- |
- |
36 |
- |
- |
Pruritus |
23 |
1 |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
30 |
2 |
- |
Hyperkeratosis |
24 |
1 |
- |
<1 |
- |
- |
28 |
- |
- |
Rash maculo-papular |
9 |
2 |
- |
<1 |
- |
- |
21 |
6 |
- |
Actinic keratosis |
8 |
- |
- |
3 |
- |
- |
17 |
- |
- |
Dry skin |
19 |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
16 |
- |
- |
Rash papular |
5 |
<1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13 |
- |
- |
Erythema |
14 |
- |
- |
2 |
- |
- |
8 |
- |
- |
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arthralgia |
53 |
4 |
- |
3 |
<1 |
- |
67 |
8 |
- |
Myalgia |
13 |
<1 |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
24 |
<1 |
- |
Pain in extremity |
18 |
<1 |
- |
6 |
2 |
- |
9 |
- |
- |
Musculoskeletal pain |
8 |
- |
- |
4 |
<1 |
- |
11 |
- |
- |
Back pain |
8 |
<1 |
- |
5 |
<1 |
- |
11 |
<1 |
- |
General disorders and administration site conditions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fatigue |
38 |
2 |
- |
33 |
2 |
- |
54 |
4 |
- |
Edema peripheral |
17 |
<1 |
- |
5 |
- |
- |
23 |
- |
- |
Pyrexia |
19 |
<1 |
- |
9 |
<1 |
- |
17 |
2 |
- |
Asthenia |
11 |
<1 |
- |
9 |
<1 |
- |
2 |
- |
- |
Gastrointestinal disorders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nausea |
35 |
2 |
- |
43 |
2 |
- |
37 |
2 |
- |
Diarrhea |
28 |
<1 |
- |
13 |
<1 |
- |
29 |
<1 |
- |
Vomiting |
18 |
1 |
- |
26 |
1 |
- |
26 |
2 |
- |
Constipation |
12 |
<1 |
- |
24 |
- |
- |
16 |
- |
- |
Nervous system disorders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Headache |
23 |
<1 |
- |
10 |
- |
- |
27 |
- |
- |
Dysgeusia |
14 |
- |
- |
3 |
- |
- |
11 |
- |
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