These highlights do not include all the information needed to use REVLIMID safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for REVLIMID. REVLIMID (lenalidomide) capsules Initial U.S. Approval: 2005

WARNING: FETAL RISK, HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, and DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AND PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Do not use REVLIMID during pregnancy. Lenalidomide, a thalidomide analogue, caused limb abnormalities in a developmental monkey study. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe life-threatening human birth defects. If lenalidomide is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or death to a developing baby. In women of childbearing potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting REVLIMID treatment. Women of childbearing potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after REVLIMID treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Medication Guide (17)]. To avoid fetal exposure to lenalidomide, REVLIMID is only available under a restricted distribution program called “RevAssist” (5.2).

Information about the RevAssist program is available at www.REVLIMID.com or by calling the manufacturer’s toll-free number 1-888-423-5436.

Hematologic Toxicity (Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia)

REVLIMID can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Eighty percent of patients with del 5q myelodysplastic syndromes had to have a dose delay/reduction during the major study. Thirty-four percent of patients had to have a second dose delay/reduction. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients enrolled in the study. Patients on therapy for del 5q myelodysplastic syndromes should have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for the first 8 weeks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or reduction. Patients may require use of blood product support and/or growth factors [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ].

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

REVLIMID has demonstrated a significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with REVLIMID and dexamethasone therapy. Patients and physicians are advised to be observant for the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism. Patients should be instructed to seek medical care if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling. It is not known whether prophylactic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy prescribed in conjunction with REVLIMID may lessen the potential for venous thromboembolic events. The decision to take prophylactic measures should be done carefully after an assessment of an individual patient’s underlying risk factors.

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

1INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1Multiple Myeloma

REVLIMID in combination with dexamethasone is indicated for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior therapy.

1.2Myelodysplastic Syndromes

REVLIMID is indicated for the treatment of patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities.

2DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Multiple Myeloma

The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 25 mg once daily orally with water on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles. Patients should not break, chew or open the capsules. The recommended dose of dexamethasone is 40 mg once daily on Days 1-4, 9-12, and 17-20 of each 28-day cycle for the first 4 cycles of therapy and then 40 mg once daily orally on Days 1-4 every 28 days. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings.

Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Dose modification guidelines, as summarized below, are recommended to manage Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or other Grade 3 or 4 toxicity judged to be related to lenalidomide.

Platelet counts

Thrombocytopenia in MM

Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC)

Neutropenia in MM

Other Grade 3 / 4 Toxicities in MM

For other Grade 3/4 toxicities judged to be related to REVLIMID, hold treatment and restart at next lower dose level when toxicity has resolved to ≤ Grade 2.

Starting Dose Adjustment for Renal Impairment in MM

Since REVLIMD is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidney, adjustments to the starting dose of REVLIMID are recommended to provide appropriate drug exposure in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment and in patients on dialysis. Based on a pharmacokinetic study in patients with renal impairment due to nonmalignant conditions, REVLIMID starting dose adjustment is recommended for patients with CLcr < 60 mL/min. Non-dialysis patients with creatinine clearances less than 11 mL/min and dialysis patients with creatinine clearances less than 7 mL/min have not been studied. The recommendations for initial starting doses for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are as follows:

After initiation of REVLIMID therapy, subsequent REVLIMID dose modification should be based on individual patient treatment tolerance, as described elsewhere in this section.

2.2Myelodysplastic Syndromes

The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 10 mg daily with water. Patients should not break, chew or open the capsules. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings.

Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MDS Treatment

Patients who are dosed initially at 10 mg and who experience thrombocytopenia should have their dosage adjusted as follows:

Platelet counts

If thrombocytopenia develops WITHIN 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS

If thrombocytopenia develops AFTER 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS

Patients who experience thrombocytopenia at 5 mg daily should have their dosage adjusted as follows:

If thrombocytopenia develops during treatment at 5 mg daily in MDS

Patients who are dosed initially at 10 mg and experience neutropenia should have their dosage adjusted as follows:

Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC)

If neutropenia develops WITHIN 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS

If neutropenia develops AFTER 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS

Patients who experience neutropenia at 5 mg daily should have their dosage adjusted as follows:

If neutropenia develops during treatment at 5 mg daily in MDS

Starting Dose Adjustment for Renal Impairment in MDS: Since REVLIMID is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidney, adjustments to the starting dose of REVLIMID are recommended to provide appropriate drug exposure in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment and in patients on dialysis. Based on a pharmacokinetic study in patients with renal impairment due to nonmalignant conditions, REVLIMID starting dose adjustment is recommended for patients with CLcr < 60 mL/min. Non-dialysis patients with creatinine clearances less than 11 mL/min and dialysis patients with creatinine clearances less than 7 mL/min have not been studied. The recommendations for initial starting doses for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are as follows:

After initiation of REVLIMID therapy, subsequent REVLIMID dose modification should be based on individual patient treatment tolerance, as described elsewhere in this section.

3DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

REVLIMID 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 25 mg capsules will be supplied through the RevAssist program

REVLIMID is available in the following capsule strengths:

5 mg: White opaque capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “5 mg” on the other half in black ink 10 mg: Blue/green and pale yellow opaque capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “10 mg” on the other half in black ink 15 mg: Powder blue and white opaque capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “15 mg” on the other half in black ink 25 mg: White opaque capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “25 mg” on the other half in black ink

4CONTRAINDICATIONS

4.1Pregnancy

REVLIMID may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Limb abnormalities were seen in the offspring of monkeys that were dosed with lenalidomide during organogenesis. This effect was seen at all doses tested. Due to the results of this developmental monkey study, and lenalidomide’s structural similarities to thalidomide, a known human teratogen, lenalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women and women capable of becoming pregnant [see Boxed Warning]. Females of childbearing potential may be treated with lenalidomide provided adequate precautions are taken to avoid pregnancy. Females must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use two methods of reliable birth control, including at least one highly effective method (e.g., hormonal contraception, tubal ligation, IUD or partner’s vasectomy) and one additional effective method (e.g., latex condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap), beginning 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with REVLIMID, during therapy, during therapy delay, and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of REVLIMID therapy. If hormonal or IUD contraception is medically contraindicated, two other effective or highly effective methods may be used.

Females of childbearing potential being treated with REVLIMID must have pregnancy testing (sensitivity of at least 50 mIU/mL). The first test should be performed within 10-14 days and the second test within 24 hours prior to beginning REVLIMID therapy and then weekly during the first month, then monthly thereafter in women with regular menstrual cycles or every 2 weeks in women with irregular menstrual cycles. Pregnancy testing and counseling must be performed if a patient misses her period or if there is any abnormality in menstrual bleeding. If pregnancy occurs, REVLIMID must be immediately discontinued. Under these conditions, the patient should be referred to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further eva luation and counseling.

4.2Allergic Reactions

REVLIMID is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to lenalidomide [see Warnings and precautions (5.5)}.

5WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1Fetal Risk

REVLIMID is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes life-threatening human birth defects. An embryofetal development study in non-human primates indicates that lenalidomide produced malformations in the offspring of female monkeys who received the drug during pregnancy, similar to birth defects observed in humans following exposure to thalidomide during pregnancy. If REVLIMID is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or death to a developing baby. Females of childbearing potential must be advised to avoid pregnancy while on REVLIMID. Two effective contraceptive methods should be used during therapy, during therapy interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant females.

5.2 Reproductive Risk and Special Prescribing Requirements (RevAssist Program)

Because of this potential toxicity and to avoid fetal exposure, REVLIMID is only available under a special restricted distribution program called "RevAssist". Prescribers and pharmacists registered with the program can prescribe and dispense the product to patients who are registered and meet all the conditions of the RevAssist program.

Please see the following information for prescribers, female patients, and male patients about this restricted distribution program.

RevAssist Program Description

Prescribers

REVLIMID can be prescribed only by licensed prescribers who are registered in the RevAssist program and understand the potential risk of teratogenicity if lenalidomide is used during pregnancy.

Effective contraception must be used by female patients of childbearing potential for at least 4 weeks before beginning REVLIMID therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of REVLIMID therapy. Reliable contraception is indicated even where there has been a history of infertility, unless due to hysterectomy or because the patient has been postmenopausal naturally for at least 24 consecutive months. Females of childbearing potential should be referred to a qualified provider of contraceptive methods, if needed. Sexually mature females who have not undergone a hysterectomy, have not had a bilateral oophorectomy or who have not been postmenopausal naturally for at least 24 consecutive months (i.e., who have had menses at some time in the preceding 24 consecutive months) are considered to be females of childbearing potential. Two reliable forms of contraception must be used simultaneously unless continuous abstinence from heterosexual sexual contact is the chosen method.

Females of childbearing potential must have 2 negative pregnancy tests (sensitivity of at least 50 mIU/mL). The first test should be performed within 10-14 days, and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing REVLIMID. A prescription for REVLIMID for a female of childbearing potential must not be issued by the prescriber until negative pregnancy tests have been verified by the prescriber.

Male Patients: It is not known whether lenalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the drug. Therefore, males receiving REVLIMID must always use a latex condom during any sexual contact with females of childbearing potential even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy.

Once treatment has started and during dose interruptions, pregnancy testing for females of childbearing potential should occur weekly during the first 4 weeks of use, then pregnancy testing should be repeated every 4 weeks in females with regular menstrual cycles. If menstrual cycles are irregular, the pregnancy testing should occur every 2 weeks. Pregnancy testing and counseling should be performed if a patient misses her period or if there is any abnormality in her pregnancy test or in her menstrual bleeding. REVLIMID treatment must be discontinued during this eva luation.

Pregnancy test results should be verified by the prescriber and the pharmacist prior to dispensing any prescription.

If pregnancy does occur during treatment, REVLIMID must be discontinued immediately.

Any suspected fetal exposure to REVLIMID must be reported to the FDA via the MedWatch number at 1-800-332-1088 and also to Celgene Corporation at 1-888-423-5436. The patient should be referred to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further eva luation and counseling.

Female Patients

REVLIMID may be used in females of childbearing potential only when the PATIENT MEETS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS (i.e., she is unable to become pregnant while on REVLIMID therapy):

Male Patients

REVLIMID may be used in sexually active males when the PATIENT MEETS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

5.3 Hematologic Toxicity

REVLIMID can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Patients taking REVLIMID for MDS should have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for the first 8 weeks and at least monthly thereafter. Patients taking REVLIMID for MM should have their complete blood counts monitored every 2 weeks for the first 12 weeks and then monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients enrolled in the MDS study. In the 48% of patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, the median time to onset was 42 days (range, 14-411 days), and the median time to documented recovery was 17 days (range, 2-170 days). In the 54% of patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to onset was 28 days (range, 8-290 days), and the median time to documented recovery was 22 days (range, 5-224 days [see Boxed Warning and Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

In the pooled multiple myeloma studies Grade 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities were more frequent in patients treated with the combination of REVLIMID and dexamethasone than in patients treated with dexamethasone alone [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.4 Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Venous thromboembolic events (predominantly deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) have occurred in patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide combination therapy [see Boxed Warning] and patients with MDS treated with lenalidomide monotherapy. A significantly increased risk of DVT and PE was observed in patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with REVLIMID and dexamethasone therapy in a clinical trial [see Boxed Warning]. It is not known whether prophylactic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy prescribed in conjunction with REVLIMID may lessen the potential for venous thromboembolic events. The decision to take prophylactic measures should be done carefully after an assessment of an individual patient’s underlying risk factors.

5.5 Allergic Reactions

Angioedema and serious dermatologic reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported. These events can be fatal. Patients with a prior history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment should not receive REVLIMID. REVLIMID interruption or discontinuation should be considered for Grade 2-3 skin rash. REVLIMID must be discontinued for angioedema, Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or if SJS or TEN is suspected and should not be resumed following discontinuation for these reactions.

5.6 Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Fatal instances of tumor lysis syndrome have been reported during treatment with lenalidomide. The patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate precautions taken.

5.7 Tumor Flare Reaction

Tumor flare reaction has occurred during investigational use of lenalidomide for CLL and lymphoma, and is characterized by tender lymph node swelling, low grade fever, pain and rash. Treatment of CLL or lymphoma with lenalidomide outside of a well-monitored clinical trial is discouraged.

6.ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following adverse reactions are described in detail in other labeling sections:

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.

6.1Clinical Trials Experience in Multiple Myeloma

Data were eva luated from 703 patients in two studies who received at least one dose of REVLIMID/dexamethasone (353 patients) or placebo/dexamethasone (350 patients).

In the REVLIMID/dexamethasone treatment group, 269 patients (76%) underwent at least one dose interruption with or without a dose reduction of REVLIMID compared to 199 patients (57%) in the placebo/dexamethasone treatment group. Of these patients who had one dose interruption with or without a dose reduction, 50% in the REVLIMID/dexamethasone treatment group underwent at least one additional dose interruption with or without a dose reduction compared to 21% in the placebo/dexamethasone treatment group. Most adverse events and Grade 3/4 adverse events were more frequent in patients who received the combination of REVLIMID/dexamethasone compared to placebo/dexamethasone.

Tables 3, 4, and 5 summarize the adverse reactions reported for REVLIMID/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups.

Venous Thromboembolism

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was reported as a serious adverse drug reaction (7.4%) or Grade 3/4 (8.2%) at a higher rate in the REVLIMID/dexamethasone group compared to 3.1 % and 3.4% in the placebo/dexamethasone group, respectively. Discontinuations due to DVT adverse reactions were reported at comparable rates between groups.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) was reported as a serious adverse drug reaction including Grade 3/4 (3.7%) at a higher rate in the REVLIMID/dexamethasone group compared to 0.9% in the placebo/dexamethasone group. Discontinuations due to PE adverse reactions were reported at comparable rates between groups.

Other Adverse Events

In these clinical studies of REVLIMID in patients with multiple myeloma, the following adverse drug reactions (ADRs) not described above that occurred at ≥1% rate and of at least twice of the placebo percentage rate were reported:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: pancytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Cardiac disorders: bradycardia, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris

Endocrine disorders: hirsutism

Eye disorders: blindness, ocular hypertension

Gastrointestinal disorders: gastrointestinal hemorrhage, glossodynia

General disorders and administration site conditions: malaise

Investigations: liver function tests abnormal, alanine aminotransferase increased,

Nervous system disorders: cerebral ischemia

Psychiatric disorders: mood swings, hallucination loss of libido

Reproductive system and breast disorders: erectile dysfunction,

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: cough, hoarseness

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: exanthem, skin hyperpigmentation

Manufacturer

Celgene Corporation

Active Ingredients

Source

• U.S. National Library of Medicine
• DailyMed
•  Last Updated: 2nd of March 2011