FDA Label for Lenalidomide

Warning: Embryo-Fetal Toxicity, Hematologic Toxicity And Venous And Arterial Thromboembolism

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Do not use lenalidomide 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 embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting lenalidomide treatment. Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after lenalidomide treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Medication Guide (17)]. To avoid embryo-fetal exposure to lenalidomide, lenalidomide is only available through a restricted distribution program, the Lenalidomide REMS program (5.2).

Information about the Lenalidomide REMS program is available at www.lenalidomiderems.com or by calling the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.

Hematologic Toxicity (Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia)

Lenalidomide 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)].

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism

1.1 Multiple Myeloma

Lenalidomide capsules in combination with dexamethasone is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Lenalidomide capsules are indicated as maintenance therapy in adult patients with MM following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT).

1.2 Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Lenalidomide capsules is indicated for the treatment of adult 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.

1.6 Limitations Of Use

Lenalidomide capsules is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with CLL outside of controlled clinical trials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

2.1 Recommended Dosage For Multiple Myeloma

Lenalidomide Capsules Combination Therapy

The recommended starting dose of lenalidomide capsules is 25 mg orally once daily on Days 1 to 21 of repeated 28-day cycles in combination with dexamethasone. Refer to Section 14.1 for specific dexamethasone dosing. For patients greater than 75 years old, the starting dose of dexamethasone may be reduced [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

In patients who are not eligible for auto-HSCT, treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. For patients who are auto-HSCT-eligible, hematopoietic stem cell mobilization should occur within 4 cycles of a lenalidomide capsules-containing therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].

Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MM Treatment

Dose modification guidelines, as summarized in Table 1 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 capsules.

Table 1: Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities for MM

Lenalidomide Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT

Following auto-HSCT, initiate lenalidomide maintenance therapy after adequate hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1,000/mcL and/or platelet counts at least 75,000/mcL). The recommended starting dose of lenalidomide capsules is 10 mg once daily continuously (Days 1 to 28 of repeated 28-day cycles) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. After 3 cycles of maintenance therapy, the dose can be increased to 15 mg once daily if tolerated.

Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MM Treatment

Dose modification guidelines, as summarized in Table 2 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 capsules.

Table 2: Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities for MM

2.2 Recommended Dosage For Myelodysplastic Syndromes

The recommended starting dose of lenalidomide capsules is 10 mg daily. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

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

2.5 Dosage Modifications For Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions

For non-hematologic Grade 3/4 toxicities judged to be related to lenalidomide capsules, hold treatment and restart at the physician's discretion at next lower dose level when toxicity has resolved to Grade 2 or below.

Permanently discontinue lenalidomide capsules for angioedema, anaphylaxis, Grade 4 rash, skin exfoliation, bullae, or any other severe dermatologic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9, 5.15)].

2.6 Recommended Dosage For Patients With Renal Impairment

The recommendations for dosing patients with renal impairment are shown in the following table [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Table 3: Dose Adjustments for Patients with Renal Impairment

Lenalidomide Capsules Combination Therapy for MM: For CL_cr of 30 to 60 mL/min, consider escalating the dose to 15 mg after 2 cycles if the patient tolerates the 10 mg dose of lenalidomide without dose-limiting toxicity. 

Lenalidomide Capsules Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT for MM: Base subsequent lenalidomide capsules dose increase or decrease on individual patient treatment tolerance [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

2.7 Administration

Advise patients to take lenalidomide capsules orally at about the same time each day, either with or without food. Advise patients to swallow lenalidomide capsules whole with water and not to open, break, or chew them.

3 Dosage Forms And Strengths

Capsules:

• Lenalidomide capsules, 2.5 mg are size “4” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA17A” on blue green opaque cap with black ink and white opaque body.
• Lenalidomide capsules, 5 mg are size “2” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA18A” on white opaque cap with black ink and white opaque body.
• Lenalidomide capsules, 10 mg are size “0” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA19A” on blue green opaque cap with black ink and pale-yellow opaque body.
• Lenalidomide capsules, 15 mg are size “0” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA20A” on powder blue opaque cap with black ink and white opaque body.
• Lenalidomide capsules, 20 mg are size “0” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA21A” on blue green opaque cap with black ink and powder blue opaque body.
• Lenalidomide capsules, 25 mg are size “0” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA22A” on white opaque cap with black ink and white opaque body.

4.1 Pregnancy

Lenalidomide capsules can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. 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 females who are pregnant [see Boxed Warning]. 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 risk to a fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2), Use in Special Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

4.2 Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Lenalidomide capsules is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to lenalidomide [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9, 5.15)]. 

5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue and is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes life-threatening human birth defects or embryo-fetal death [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. An embryo-fetal development study in monkeys 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.

Lenalidomide is only available through the Lenalidomide REMS program [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Females of Reproductive Potential

Females of reproductive potential must avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks before beginning lenalidomide therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.

Females must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use two methods of reliable birth control, beginning 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with lenalidomide, during therapy, during dose interruptions and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of lenalidomide therapy.

Two negative pregnancy tests must be obtained prior to initiating therapy. The first test should be performed within 10 days to 14 days and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing lenalidomide therapy and then weekly during the first month, then monthly thereafter in females with regular menstrual cycles or every 2 weeks in females with irregular menstrual cycles [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

Males

Lenalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the drug. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking lenalidomide and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing lenalidomide, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking lenalidomide must not donate sperm and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing lenalidomide [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

Blood Donation

Patients must not donate blood during treatment with lenalidomide and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of the drug because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose fetus must not be exposed to lenalidomide.

5.2 Lenalidomide Rems Program

Because of the embryo-fetal risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)], lenalidomide is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), the Lenalidomide REMS program.

Required components of the Lenalidomide REMS program include the following:

• Prescribers must be certified with the Lenalidomide REMS program by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements.
• Patients must sign a Patient-Physician agreement form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)] and males must comply with contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
• Pharmacies must be certified with the Lenalidomide REMS program, must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive lenalidomide and comply with REMS requirements.

Further information about the Lenalidomide REMS program is available at www.lenalidomiderems.com or by telephone at 1-888-423-5436.

5.3 Hematologic Toxicity

Lenalidomide can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Advise patients to observe for bleeding or bruising, especially with use of concomitant medication that may increase risk of bleeding. Patients taking lenalidomide should have their complete blood counts assessed periodically as described below [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2].

Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone for MM every 7 days (weekly) for the first 2 cycles, on Days 1 and 15 of Cycle 3 and every 28 days (4 weeks) thereafter. A dose interruption and/or dose reduction may be required [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. In trials for another indication, Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was reported in up to 59% of lenalidomide-treated patients and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia in up to 38% of lenalidomide-treated patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking lenalidomide for MDS weekly for the first 8 weeks and at least monthly thereafter. 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 days to 411 days) and the median time to documented recovery was 17 days (range, 2 days to 170 days). In the 54% of patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to onset was 28 days (range, 8 days to 290 days) and the median time to documented recovery was 22 days (range, 5 days to 224 days) [see Boxed Warning and Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

5.4 Venous And Arterial Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolic events (VTE [DVT and PE]) and arterial thromboembolic events (ATE, myocardial infarction and stroke) are increased in patients treated with lenalidomide.

A significantly increased risk of DVT (7.4%) and of PE (3.7%) occurred in patients with MM after at least one prior therapy who were treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone therapy compared to patients treated in the placebo and dexamethasone group (3.1% and 0.9%) in clinical trials with varying use of anticoagulant therapies. In the newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) study in which nearly all patients received antithrombotic prophylaxis, DVT was reported as a serious adverse reaction (3.6%, 2.0% and 1.7%) in the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Arms, respectively. The frequency of serious adverse reactions of PE was similar between the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Arms (3.8%, 2.8% and 3.7%, respectively) [see Boxed Warning and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Myocardial infarction (1.7%) and stroke (CVA) (2.3%) are increased in patients with MM after at least one prior therapy who were treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone therapy compared to patients treated with placebo and dexamethasone (0.6% and 0.9%) in clinical trials. In the NDMM study, myocardial infarction (including acute) was reported as a serious adverse reaction (2.3%, 0.6% and 1.1%) in the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Arms, respectively. The frequency of serious adverse reactions of CVA was similar between the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Arms (0.8%, 0.6 % and 0.6%, respectively) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may be at greater risk and actions should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g. hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking).

In controlled clinical trials that did not use concomitant thromboprophylaxis, 21.5% overall thrombotic events (Standardized MedDRA Query Embolic and Thrombotic events) occurred in patients with refractory and relapsed MM who were treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone compared to 8.3% thrombosis in patients treated with placebo and dexamethasone. The median time to first thrombosis event was 2.8 months. In the NDMM study in which nearly all patients received antithrombotic prophylaxis, the overall frequency of thrombotic events was 17.4% in patients in the combined Rd Continuous and Rd18 Arms and was 11.6% in the MPT Arm. The median time to first thrombosis event was 4.3 months in the combined Rd Continuous and Rd18 Arms.

Thromboprophylaxis is recommended. The regimen of thromboprophylaxis should be based on an assessment of the patient’s underlying risks. Instruct patients to report immediately any signs and symptoms suggestive of thrombotic events. ESAs and estrogens may further increase the risk of thrombosis and their use should be based on a benefit-risk decision in patients receiving lenalidomide [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

5.5 Increased Mortality In Patients With Cll

In a prospective randomized (1:1) clinical trial in the first line treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, single agent lenalidomide therapy increased the risk of death as compared to single agent chlorambucil. In an interim analysis, there were 34 deaths among 210 patients on the lenalidomide treatment arm compared to 18 deaths among 211 patients in the chlorambucil treatment arm, and hazard ratio for overall survival was 1.92 [95% CI: 1.08 to 3.41], consistent with a 92% increase in the risk of death. The trial was halted for safety in July 2013.

Serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, including atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction and cardiac failure occurred more frequently in the lenalidomide treatment arm. Lenalidomide is not indicated and not recommended for use in CLL outside of controlled clinical trials.

5.6 Second Primary Malignancies

In clinical trials in patients with MM receiving lenalidomide, an increase of hematologic plus solid tumor second primary malignancies (SPM) notably AML and MDS have been observed. An increase in hematologic SPM including AML and MDS occurred in 5.3% of patients with NDMM receiving lenalidomide in combination with oral melphalan compared with 1.3% of patients receiving melphalan without lenalidomide. The frequency of AML and MDS cases in patients with NDMM treated with lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone without melphalan was 0.4%.

In patients receiving lenalidomide maintenance therapy following high dose intravenous melphalan and auto-HSCT, hematologic SPM occurred in 7.5% of patients compared to 3.3% in patients receiving placebo. The incidence of hematologic plus solid tumor (excluding squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) SPM was 14.9%, compared to 8.8% in patients receiving placebo with a median follow-up of 91.5 months. Non-melanoma skin cancer SPM, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, occurred in 3.9% of patients receiving lenalidomide maintenance, compared to 2.6% in the placebo arm.

In patients with relapsed or refractory MM treated with lenalidomide/dexamethasone, the incidence of hematologic plus solid tumor (excluding squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) SPM was 2.3% versus 0.6% in the dexamethasone alone arm. Non-melanoma skin cancer SPM, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, occurred in 3.1% of patients receiving lenalidomide/dexamethasone, compared to 0.6% in the dexamethasone alone arm.

Patients who received lenalidomide-containing therapy until disease progression did not show a higher incidence of invasive SPM than patients treated in the fixed duration lenalidomide-containing arms. Monitor patients for the development of second primary malignancies. Take into account both the potential benefit of lenalidomide and the risk of second primary malignancies when considering treatment with lenalidomide.

5.7 Increased Mortality In Patients With Mm When Pembrolizumab Is Added To A Thalidomide Analogue And Dexamethasone

In two randomized clinical trials in patients with MM, the addition of pembrolizumab to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone, a use for which no PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody is indicated, resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with MM with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

5.8 Hepatotoxicity

Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone. In clinical trials, 15% of patients experienced hepatotoxicity (with hepatocellular, cholestatic and mixed characteristics); 2% of patients with MM and 1% of patients with myelodysplasia had serious hepatotoxicity events. The mechanism of drug-induced hepatotoxicity is unknown. Pre-existing viral liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes and concomitant medications may be risk factors. Monitor liver enzymes periodically. Stop lenalidomide upon elevation of liver enzymes. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered.

5.9 Severe Cutaneous Reactions

Severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported. DRESS may present with a cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, fever and/or lymphadenopathy with systemic complications such as hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, myocarditis and/or pericarditis. These events can be fatal. Patients with a prior history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment should not receive lenalidomide. Consider lenalidomide interruption or discontinuation for Grade 2 to 3 skin rash. Permanently discontinue lenalidomide for Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or for other severe cutaneous reactions such as SJS, TEN or DRESS [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

5.10 Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Fatal instances of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) have been reported during treatment with lenalidomide. The patients at risk of TLS are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. Monitor patients at risk closely and take appropriate preventive approaches.

5.11 Tumor Flare Reaction

Tumor flare reaction (TFR), including fatal reactions, have occurred during investigational use of lenalidomide for CLL and lymphoma and is characterized by tender lymph node swelling, low grade fever, pain and rash. Lenalidomide is not indicated and not recommended for use in CLL outside of controlled clinical trials.

Tumor flare reaction may mimic progression of disease (PD).

Lenalidomide may be continued in patients with Grade 1 and 2 TFR without interruption or modification, at the physician’s discretion. Patients with Grade 1 and 2 TFR may also be treated with corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or narcotic analgesics for management of TFR symptoms. In patients with Grade 3 or 4 TFR, it is recommended to withhold treatment with lenalidomide until TFR resolves to ≤ Grade 1. Patients with Grade 3 or 4 TFR may be treated for management of symptoms per the guidance for treatment of Grade 1 and 2 TFR. 

5.12 Impaired Stem Cell Mobilization

A decrease in the number of CD34+ cells collected after treatment (> 4 cycles) with lenalidomide has been reported.  In patients who are auto-HSCT candidates, referral to a transplant center should occur early in treatment to optimize the timing of the stem cell collection. In patients who received more than 4 cycles of a lenalidomide-containing treatment or for whom inadequate numbers of CD 34+ cells have been collected with G-CSF alone, G-CSF with cyclophosphamide or the combination of G-CSF with a CXCR4 inhibitor may be considered.

5.13 Thyroid Disorders

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Measure thyroid function before start of lenalidomide treatment and during therapy.

5.15 Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity, including angioedema, anaphylaxis and anaphylactic reactions to lenalidomide has been reported. Permanently discontinue lenalidomide for angioedema and anaphylaxis [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

6 Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described in detail in other sections of the prescribing information:

• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)]
• Hematologic Toxicity [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Increased Mortality in Patients with CLL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Second Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Increased Mortality in Patients with MM When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
  • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
  • Severe Cutaneous Reactions[see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
  • Tumor Flare Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
  • Impaired Stem Cell Mobilization [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]
  • Thyroid Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)]
  • Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)]
  
  

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.

Newly Diagnosed MM – Lenalidomide Combination Therapy:

Data were evaluated from 1,613 patients in a large phase 3 study who received at least one dose of lenalidomide with low dose dexamethasone (Rd) given for 2 different durations of time (i.e., until progressive disease [Arm Rd Continuous; N=532] or for up to eighteen 28-day cycles [72 weeks, Arm Rd18; N=540] or who received melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (Arm MPT; N=541) for a maximum of twelve 42-day cycles (72 weeks). The median treatment duration in the Rd Continuous arm was 80.2 weeks (range 0.7 to 246.7) or 18.4 months (range 0.16 to 56.7).

In general, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were comparable in Arm Rd Continuous and Arm Rd18 and included diarrhea, anemia, constipation, peripheral edema, neutropenia, fatigue, back pain, nausea, asthenia and insomnia. The most frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 reactions included neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, asthenia, fatigue, back pain, hypokalemia, rash, cataract, lymphopenia, dyspnea, DVT, hyperglycemia and leukopenia. The highest frequency of infections occurred in Arm Rd Continuous (75%) compared to Arm MPT (56%). There were more grade 3 and 4 and serious adverse reactions of infection in Arm Rd Continuous than either Arm MPT or Rd18.

In the Rd Continuous arm, the most common adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of lenalidomide were infection events (28.8%); overall, the median time to the first dose interruption of lenalidomide was 7 weeks. The most common adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of lenalidomide in the Rd Continuous arm were hematologic events (10.7%); overall, the median time to the first dose reduction of lenalidomide was 16 weeks. In the Rd Continuous arm, the most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of lenalidomide were infection events (3.4%).

In both Rd arms, the frequencies of onset of adverse reactions were generally highest in the first 6 months of treatment and then the frequencies decreased over time or remained stable throughout treatment, except for cataracts. The frequency of onset of cataracts increased over time with 0.7% during the first 6 months and up to 9.6% by the 2nd year of treatment with Rd Continuous.

Table 4 summarizes the adverse reactions reported for the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT treatment arms.

Table 4: All Adverse Reactions in ≥ 5% and Grade 3/4 Adverse Reactions in ≥ 1% of Patients with MM in the Rd Continuous or Rd18 Arms^*

Newly Diagnosed MM - Lenalidomide Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT:

Data were evaluated from 1,018 patients in two randomized trials who received at least one dose of lenalidomide 10 mg daily as maintenance therapy after auto-HSCT until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. The mean treatment duration for lenalidomide treatment was 30.3 months for Maintenance Study 1 and 24 months for Maintenance Study 2 (overall range across both studies from 0.1 to 108 months). As of the cut-off date of 1 Mar 2015, 48 patients (21%) in the Maintenance Study 1 lenalidomide arm were still on treatment and none of the patients in the Maintenance Study 2 lenalidomide arm were still on treatment at the same cut-off date.

The adverse reactions listed from Maintenance Study 1 included events reported post-transplant (completion of high-dose melphalan/auto-HSCT) and the maintenance treatment period. In Maintenance Study 2, the adverse reactions were from the maintenance treatment period only. In general, the most frequently reported adverse reactions (more than 20% in the lenalidomide arm) across both studies were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, cough, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, asthenia, muscle spasm and pyrexia. The most frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 reactions (more than 20% in the lenalidomide arm) included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. The serious adverse reactions lung infection and neutropenia (more than 4.5%) occurred in the lenalidomide arm.

For lenalidomide, the most common adverse reactions leading to dose interruption were hematologic events (29.7%, data available in Maintenance Study 2 only). The most common adverse reaction leading to dose reduction of lenalidomide were hematologic events (17.7%, data available in Maintenance Study 2 only). The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of lenalidomide were thrombocytopenia (2.7%) in Maintenance Study 1 and neutropenia (2.4%) in Maintenance Study 2.

The frequencies of onset of adverse reactions were generally highest in the first 6 months of treatment and then the frequencies decreased over time or remained stable throughout treatment.

Table 5 summarizes the adverse reactions reported for the lenalidomide and placebo maintenance treatment arms.

Table 5: All Adverse Reactions in ≥ 5% and Grade 3/4 Adverse Reactions in ≥ 1% of Patients with MM in the Lenalidomide Vs Placebo Arms^*

After At Least One Prior Therapy for MM:

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

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

Tables 6, 7 and 8 summarize the adverse reactions reported for lenalidomide/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups.

Table 6: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Patients and with a ≥ 2% Difference in Proportion of Patients with MM between the lenalidomide/dexamethasone and Placebo/dexamethasone Groups

Table 7: Grade 3/4 Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% Patients and with a ≥ 1% Difference in Proportion of Patients with MM between the lenalidomide/dexamethasone and Placebo/dexamethasone groups

Table 8: Serious Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 1% Patients and with a ≥ 1% Difference in Proportion of Patients with MM between the lenalidomide/dexamethasone and Placebo/dexamethasone Groups

For Tables 6, 7 and 8 above:

^@ - adverse reactions in which at least one resulted in a fatal outcome.

^% - adverse reactions in which at least one was considered to be life threatening (if the outcome of the reaction was death, it is included with death cases).

Median duration of exposure among patients treated with lenalidomide/dexamethasone was 44 weeks while median duration of exposure among patients treated with placebo/dexamethasone was 23 weeks. This should be taken into consideration when comparing frequency of adverse reactions between two treatment groups lenalidomide/dexamethasone vs. placebo/dexamethasone.

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

VTE and ATE are increased in patients treated with lenalidomide.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was reported as a serious (7.4%) or severe (8.2%) adverse drug reaction at a higher rate in the lenalidomide/dexamethasone group compared to 3.1% and 3.4% in the placebo/dexamethasone group, respectively in the 2 studies in patients with at least 1 prior therapy with discontinuations due to DVT adverse reactions reported at comparable rates between groups. In the NDMM study, DVT was reported as an adverse reaction (all grades: 10.3%, 7.2%, 4.1%), as a serious adverse reaction (3.6%, 2.0%, 1.7%) and as a Grade 3/4 adverse reaction (5.6%, 3.7%, 2.8%) in the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Arms, respectively. Discontinuations and dose reductions due to DVT adverse reactions were reported at comparable rates between the Rd Continuous and Rd18 Arms (both <1%). Interruption of lenalidomide treatment due to DVT adverse reactions was reported at comparable rates between the Rd Continuous (2.3%) and Rd18 (1.5%) arms. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was reported as a serious adverse drug reaction (3.7%) or Grade 3/4 (4.0%) at a higher rate in the lenalidomide/dexamethasone group compared to 0.9% (serious or grade 3/4) in the placebo/dexamethasone group in the 2 studies in patients with, at least 1 prior therapy, with discontinuations due to PE adverse reactions reported at comparable rates between groups. In the NDMM study, the frequency of adverse reactions of PE was similar between the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Arms for adverse reactions (all grades: 3.9%, 3.3% and 4.3%, respectively), serious adverse reactions (3.8%, 2.8% and 3.7%, respectively), and grade 3/4 adverse reactions (3.8%, 3.0% and 3.7%, respectively).

Myocardial infarction was reported as a serious (1.7%) or severe (1.7%) adverse drug reaction at a higher rate in the lenalidomide/dexamethasone group compared to 0.6% and 0.6% respectively in the placebo/dexamethasone group. Discontinuation due to MI (including acute) adverse reactions was 0.8% in lenalidomide/dexamethasone group and none in the placebo/dexamethasone group. In the NDMM study, myocardial infarction (including acute) was reported as an adverse reaction (all grades: 2.4%, 0.6% and 1.1%), as a serious adverse reaction, (2.3%, 0.6% and 1.1%), or as a severe adverse reaction (1.9%, 0.6% and 0.9%) in the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Arms, respectively.

Stroke (CVA) was reported as a serious (2.3%) or severe (2.0%) adverse drug reaction in the lenalidomide/dexamethasone group compared to 0.9% and 0.9% respectively in the placebo/dexamethasone group. Discontinuation due to stroke (CVA) was 1.4% in lenalidomide/dexamethasone group and 0.3% in the placebo/dexamethasone group. In the NDMM study, CVA was reported as an adverse reaction (all grades: 0.8%, 0.6% and 0.6%), as a serious adverse reaction (0.8%, 0.6 % and 0.6%), or as a severe adverse reaction (0.6%, 0.6%, 0.2%) in the Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT arms respectively.

Other Adverse Reactions: After At Least One Prior Therapy for MM

In these 2 studies, 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

Myelodysplastic Syndromes:

A total of 148 patients received at least 1 dose of 10 mg lenalidomide in the del 5q MDS clinical study. At least one adverse reaction was reported in all of the 148 patients who were treated with the 10 mg starting dose of lenalidomide. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were related to blood and lymphatic system disorders, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and general disorders and administrative site conditions.

Thrombocytopenia (61.5%; 91/148) and neutropenia (58.8%; 87/148) were the most frequently reported adverse reactions. The next most common adverse reactions observed were diarrhea (48.6%; 72/148), pruritus (41.9%; 62/148), rash (35.8%; 53/148) and fatigue (31.1%; 46/148). Table 9 summarizes the adverse reactions that were reported in ≥ 5% of the lenalidomide treated patients in the del 5q MDS clinical study. Table 10 summarizes the most frequently observed Grade 3 and Grade 4 adverse reactions regardless of relationship to treatment with lenalidomide. In the single-arm studies conducted, it is often not possible to distinguish adverse reactions that are drug-related and those that reflect the patient’s underlying disease.

Table 9: Summary of Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of the lenalidomide Treated Patients in del 5q MDS Clinical Study

Table 10: Most Frequently Observed Grade 3 and 4 Adverse Reactions¹

Regardless of Relationship to Study Drug Treatment in the del 5q MDS Clinical Study

In other clinical studies of lenalidomide in MDS patients, the following serious adverse reactions (regardless of relationship to study drug treatment) not described in Table 9 or 10 were reported:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: warm type hemolytic anemia, splenic infarction, bone marrow depression, coagulopathy, hemolysis, hemolytic anemia, refractory anemia

Cardiac disorders: cardiac failure congestive, atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, cardio-respiratory arrest, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, atrial fibrillation aggravated, bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, supraventricular arrhythmia, tachyarrhythmia, ventricular dysfunction

Ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo

Endocrine disorders: Basedow’s disease

Gastrointestinal disorders: gastrointestinal hemorrhage, colitis ischemic, intestinal perforation, rectal hemorrhage, colonic polyp, diverticulitis, dysphagia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive inguinal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, melena, pancreatitis due to biliary obstruction, pancreatitis, perirectal abscess, small intestinal obstruction, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

General disorders and administration site conditions: disease progression, fall, gait abnormal, intermittent pyrexia, nodule, rigors, sudden death

Hepatobiliary disorders: hyperbilirubinemia, cholecystitis, acute cholecystitis, hepatic failure

Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity

Infections and infestations: infection bacteremia, central line infection, clostridial infection, ear infection, Enterobacter sepsis, fungal infection, herpes viral infection NOS, influenza, kidney infection, Klebsiella sepsis, lobar pneumonia, localized infection, oral infection, Pseudomonas infection, septic shock, sinusitis acute, sinusitis, Staphylococcal infection, urosepsis

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: femur fracture, transfusion reaction, cervical vertebral fracture, femoral neck fracture, fractured pelvis, hip fracture, overdose, post procedural hemorrhage, rib fracture, road traffic accident, spinal compression fracture

Investigations: blood creatinine increased, hemoglobin decreased, liver function tests abnormal, troponin I increased

Metabolism and nutrition disorders: dehydration, gout, hypernatremia, hypoglycemia

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthritis, arthritis aggravated, gouty arthritis, neck pain, chondrocalcinosis pyrophosphate

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified: acute leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, bronchoalveolar carcinoma, lung cancer metastatic, lymphoma, prostate cancer metastatic

Nervous system disorders: cerebrovascular accident, aphasia, cerebellar infarction, cerebral infarction, depressed level of consciousness, dysarthria, migraine, spinal cord compression, subarachnoid hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack

Psychiatric disorders: confusional state

Renal and urinary disorders: renal failure, hematuria, renal failure acute, azotemia, calculus ureteric, renal mass

Reproductive system and breast disorders: pelvic pain

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: bronchitis, chronic obstructive airways disease exacerbated, respiratory failure, dyspnea exacerbated, interstitial lung disease, lung infiltration, wheezing

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis

Vascular system disorders: deep vein thrombosis, hypotension, aortic disorder, ischemia, thrombophlebitis superficial, thrombosis

6.2 Post-Marketing Experience

The following adverse drug reactions have been identified from the worldwide post-marketing experience with lenalidomide. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure [see Warnings and Precautions Section (5.8 to 5.11 and 5.13)]

Endocrine disorders: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism

Hepatobiliary disorders: Hepatic failure (including fatality), toxic hepatitis, cytolytic hepatitis, cholestatic hepatitis, mixed cytolytic/cholestatic hepatitis, transient abnormal liver laboratory tests

Immune system disorders: Angioedema, anaphylaxis, acute graft-versus-host disease (following allogeneic hematopoietic transplant), solid organ transplant rejection

Infections and infestations: Viral reactivation (such as hepatitis B virus and herpes zoster), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps): Tumor lysis syndrome, tumor flare reaction

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Pneumonitis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

7.1 Digoxin

When digoxin was co-administered with multiple doses of lenalidomide (10 mg/day) the digoxin C_max and AUC_inf were increased by 14%. Periodically monitor digoxin plasma levels, in accordance with clinical judgment and based on standard clinical practice in patients receiving this medication, during administration of lenalidomide.

7.2 Concomitant Therapies That May Increase The Risk Of Thrombosis

Erythropoietic agents, or other agents that may increase the risk of thrombosis, such as estrogen containing therapies, should be used with caution after making a benefit-risk assessment in patients receiving lenalidomide [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

7.3 Warfarin

Co-administration of multiple doses of lenalidomide (10 mg/day) with a single-dose of warfarin (25 mg) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide or R- and S-warfarin. Expected changes in laboratory assessments of PT and INR were observed after warfarin administration, but these changes were not affected by concomitant lenalidomide administration. It is not known whether there is an interaction between dexamethasone and warfarin. Close monitoring of PT and INR is recommended in patients with MM taking concomitant warfarin.

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in females exposed to lenalidomide during pregnancy as well as female partners of male patients who are exposed to lenalidomide. This registry is also used to understand the root cause for the pregnancy. Report any suspected fetal exposure to lenalidomide to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.

Risk Summary

Based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] and findings from animal studies [see Data], lenalidomide can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy [see Boxed Warning, Contraindications (4.1) and Use in Specific Populations (5.1)].

Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a human teratogen, inducing a high frequency of severe and life-threatening birth defects such as amelia (absence of limbs), phocomelia (short limbs), hypoplasticity of the bones, absence of bones, external ear abnormalities (including anotia, micropinna, small or absent external auditory canals), facial palsy, eye abnormalities (anophthalmos, microphthalmos) and congenital heart defects. Alimentary tract, urinary tract and genital malformations have also been documented and mortality at or shortly after birth has been reported in about 40% of infants.

Lenalidomide caused thalidomide-type limb defects in monkey offspring. Lenalidomide crossed the placenta after administration to pregnant rabbits and pregnant rats [see Data]. 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 risk to a fetus.

If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug. Under these conditions, refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Report any suspected fetal exposure to lenalidomide to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.

Data

Animal data

In an embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study in monkeys, teratogenicity, including thalidomide-like limb defects, occurred in offspring when pregnant monkeys received oral lenalidomide during organogenesis. Exposure (AUC) in monkeys at the lowest dose was 0.17 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 25 mg. Similar studies in pregnant rabbits and rats at 20 times and 200 times the MRHD respectively, produced embryo lethality in rabbits and no adverse reproductive effects in rats.

In a pre- and post-natal development study in rats, animals received lenalidomide from organogenesis through lactation. The study revealed a few adverse effects on the offspring of female rats treated with lenalidomide at doses up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human dose of 25 mg based on body surface area). The male offspring exhibited slightly delayed sexual maturation and the female offspring had slightly lower body weight gains during gestation when bred to male offspring. As with thalidomide, the rat model may not adequately address the full spectrum of potential human embryo-fetal developmental effects for lenalidomide.

Following daily oral administration of lenalidomide from Gestation Day 7 through Gestation Day 20 in pregnant rabbits, fetal plasma lenalidomide concentrations were approximately 20% to 40% of the maternal C_max. Following a single oral dose to pregnant rats, lenalidomide was detected in fetal plasma and tissues; concentrations of radioactivity in fetal tissues were generally lower than those in maternal tissues. These data indicated that lenalidomide crossed the placenta.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of lenalidomide in human milk, the effects of lenalidomide on the breastfed child, or the effects of lenalidomide on milk production. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed children from lenalidomide, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with lenalidomide.

8.3 Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

Pregnancy Testing

Lenalidomide can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating lenalidomide therapy and during therapy. Advise females of reproductive potential that they must avoid pregnancy 4 weeks before therapy, while taking lenalidomide, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.

Females of reproductive potential must have 2 negative pregnancy tests before initiating lenalidomide. The first test should be performed within 10 days to 14 days and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing lenalidomide. Once treatment has started and during dose interruptions, pregnancy testing for females of reproductive 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 menstrual bleeding. Lenalidomide treatment must be discontinued during this evaluation.

Contraception

Females

Females of reproductive potential must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use 2 methods of reliable birth control simultaneously: one highly effective form of contraception – tubal ligation, IUD, hormonal (birth control pills, injections, hormonal patches, vaginal rings, or implants), or partner’s vasectomy and 1 additional effective contraceptive method – male latex or synthetic condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Contraception must begin 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with lenalidomide, during therapy, during dose interruptions and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of lenalidomide therapy. Reliable contraception is indicated even where there has been a history of infertility, unless due to hysterectomy. Females of reproductive potential should be referred to a qualified provider of contraceptive methods, if needed.

Males

Lenalidomide is present in the semen of males who take lenalidomide. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking lenalidomide and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing lenalidomide, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking lenalidomide must not donate sperm and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing lenalidomide.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.

8.5 Geriatric Use

MM In Combination: Overall, of the 1,613 patients in the NDMM study who received study treatment, 94% (1,521/1,613) were 65 years of age or older, while 35% (561/1,613) were over 75 years of age. The percentage of patients over age 75 was similar between study arms (Rd Continuous: 33%; Rd18: 34%; MPT: 33%). Overall, across all treatment arms, the frequency in most of the adverse reaction categories (eg, all adverse reactions, grade 3/4 adverse reactions, serious adverse reactions) was higher in older (> 75 years of age) than in younger (≤ 75 years of age) subjects. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions body system were consistently reported at a higher frequency (with a difference of at least 5%) in older subjects than in younger subjects across all treatment arms. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the Infections and Infestations, Cardiac Disorders (including cardiac failure and congestive cardiac failure), Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders and Renal and Urinary Disorders (including renal failure) body systems were also reported slightly, but consistently, more frequently (< 5% difference), in older subjects than in younger subjects across all treatment arms. For other body systems (e.g., Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders, Infections and Infestations, Cardiac Disorders, Vascular Disorders), there was a less consistent trend for increased frequency of grade 3/4 adverse reactions in older vs younger subjects across all treatment arms Serious adverse reactions were generally reported at a higher frequency in the older subjects than in the younger subjects across all treatment arms.

MM Maintenance Therapy: Overall, 10% (106/1,018) of patients were 65 years of age or older, while no patients were over 75 years of age. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were higher in the lenalidomide arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients. The frequency of Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders were higher in the lenalidomide arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients. There were not a sufficient number of patients 65 years of age or older in lenalidomide maintenance studies who experienced either a serious adverse reaction, or discontinued therapy due to an adverse reaction to determine whether elderly patients respond relative to safety differently from younger patients.

MM After At Least One Prior Therapy: Of the 703 MM patients who received study treatment in Studies 1 and 2, 45% were age 65 or over while 12% of patients were age 75 and over. The percentage of patients age 65 or over was not significantly different between the lenalidomide/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups. Of the 353 patients who received lenalidomide/dexamethasone, 46% were age 65 and over. In both studies, patients > 65 years of age were more likely than patients ≤ 65 years of age to experience DVT, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation and renal failure following use of lenalidomide. No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.

Of the 148 patients with del 5q MDS enrolled in the major study, 38% were age 65 and over, while 33% were age 75 and over. Although the overall frequency of adverse reactions (100%) was the same in patients over 65 years of age as in younger patients, the frequency of serious adverse reactions was higher in patients over 65 years of age than in younger patients (54% vs. 33%). A greater proportion of patients over 65 years of age discontinued from the clinical studies because of adverse reactions than the proportion of younger patients (27% vs. 16%). No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.

Since elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection. Monitor renal function.

8.6 Renal Impairment

Adjust the starting dose of lenalidomide based on the creatinine clearance value and for patients on dialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].

10 Overdosage

There is no specific experience in the management of lenalidomide overdose in patients with MM or MDS. In dose-ranging studies in healthy subjects, some were exposed to up to 200 mg (administered 100 mg BID) and in single-dose studies, some subjects were exposed to up to 400 mg. Pruritus, urticaria, rash and elevated liver transaminases were the primary reported AEs. In clinical trials, the dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

11 Description

Lenalidomide capsules contains lenalidomide dimethyl sulphoxide, a thalidomide analogue, is an immunomodulatory agent with antiangiogenic and antineoplastic properties. The chemical name of lenalidomide dimethyl sulphoxide is 3-(4-amino-1-oxoisoindolin-2-yl) piperidine-2,6-dione dimethyl sulphoxide and it has the following chemical structure:

1 - lenalidomide capsules 1

The molecular formula for lenalidomide dimethyl sulphoxide is C₁₃H₁₃N₃O₃.&frac12; (C₂H₆OS), and the gram molecular weight is 298.33.

Lenalidomide dimethyl sulphoxide is an off-white to brown color powder. It is soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-Dimethyl formamide and practically insoluble in water. Lenalidomide dimethyl sulphoxide contains one chiral center, hence a pair of stereoisomer is possible, and is produced as a racemic in nature. 

Lenalidomide is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 25 mg capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains lenalidomide dimethyl sulphoxide as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose anhydrous, microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate.

The 5 mg and 25 mg capsule shell contains gelatin and titanium dioxide.

The 2.5 mg and 10 mg capsule shell contains FD&C blue #1, gelatin, ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow and titanium dioxide.

The 15 mg capsule shell contains FD&C blue #1, gelatin and titanium dioxide.

The 20 mg capsule shell contains FD&C blue #1, gelatin, ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow and titanium dioxide.

Each capsule is imprinted with black pharmaceutical ink which contains ferrosoferric oxide, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water and shellac.

12.1 Mechanism Of Action

Lenalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of lenalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro, in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos, Ikaros and CK1α) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. Lenalidomide inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of certain hematopoietic tumor cells including MM and del (5q) myelodysplastic syndromes in vitro. Lenalidomide causes a delay in tumor growth in some in vivo nonclinical hematopoietic tumor models including MM. Immunomodulatory properties of lenalidomide include increased number and activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells leading to direct and enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) via increased secretion of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, increased numbers of NKT cells and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. In MM cells, the combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone synergizes the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Cardiac Electrophysiology

The effect of lenalidomide on the QTc interval was evaluated in 60 healthy male subjects in a thorough QT study. At a dose two times the maximum recommended dose, lenalidomide did not prolong the QTc interval. The largest upper bound of the two-sided 90% CI for the mean differences between lenalidomide and placebo was below 10 ms.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Following single and multiple doses of lenalidomide in patients with MM or MDS, the maximum plasma concentrations occurred between 0.5 and 6 hours post-dose. The single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic disposition of lenalidomide is linear with AUC and C_max values increasing proportionally with dose. Multiple doses of lenalidomide at the recommended dosage does not result in drug accumulation.

Administration of a single 25 mg dose of lenalidomide with a high-fat meal in healthy subjects reduces the extent of absorption, with an approximate 20% decrease in AUC and 50% decrease in C_max. In the trials where the efficacy and safety were established for lenalidomide, the drug was administered without regard to food intake. Lenalidomide can be administered with or without food.

Distribution

In vitro [¹⁴C]-lenalidomide binding to plasma proteins is approximately 30%.

Lenalidomide is present in semen at 2 hours (1,379 ng/ejaculate) and 24 hours (35 ng/ejaculate) after the administration of lenalidomide 25 mg daily.

Elimination

The mean half-life of lenalidomide is 3 hours in healthy subjects and 3 hours to 5 hours in patients with MM or MDS.

Metabolism

Lenalidomide undergoes limited metabolism. Unchanged lenalidomide is the predominant circulating component in humans. Two identified metabolites are 5-hydroxy-lenalidomide and N-acetyl-lenalidomide; each constitutes less than 5% of parent levels in circulation.

Excretion

Elimination is primarily renal. Following a single oral administration of [¹⁴C]-lenalidomide 25 mg to healthy subjects, approximately 90% and 4% of the radioactive dose was eliminated within ten days in urine and feces, respectively. Approximately 82% of the radioactive dose was excreted as lenalidomide in the urine within 24 hours. Hydroxy-lenalidomide and N-acetyl-lenalidomide represented 4.6% and 1.8% of the excreted dose, respectively. The renal clearance of lenalidomide exceeds the glomerular filtration rate.

Specific Populations

Renal Impairment: Eight subjects with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance (CL_cr) 50 mL/min to 79 mL/min calculated using Cockcroft-Gault), 9 subjects with moderate renal impairment (CL_cr 30 mL/min to 49 mL/min), 4 subjects with severe renal impairment (CL_cr < 30 mL/min) and 6 patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis were administered a single 25 mg dose of lenalidomide. Three healthy subjects of similar age with normal renal function (CL_cr > 80 mL/min) were also administered a single 25 mg dose of lenalidomide. As CL_cr decreased, half-life increased and drug clearance decreased linearly. Patients with moderate and severe impairment had a 3-fold increase in half-life and a 66% to 75% decrease in drug clearance compared to healthy subjects. Patients on hemodialysis (n=6) had an approximate 4.5-fold increase in half-life and an 80% decrease in drug clearance compared to healthy subjects. Approximately 30% of the drug in body was removed during a 4-hour hemodialysis session.

Adjust the starting dose of lenalidomide in patients with renal impairment based on the CL_cr value [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].

Hepatic Impairment: Mild hepatic impairment (defined as total bilirubin > 1 to 1.5 times upper limit normal (ULN) or any aspartate transaminase greater than ULN) did not influence the disposition of lenalidomide. No pharmacokinetic data is available for patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.

Other Intrinsic Factors: Age (39 years to 85 years), body weight (33 kg to 135 kg), sex, race and type of hematological malignancies (MM or MDS) did not have a clinically relevant effect on lenalidomide clearance in adult patients.

Drug Interactions

Co-administration of a single-dose or multiple doses of dexamethasone (40 mg) had no clinically relevant effect on the multiple dose pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide (25 mg).

Co-administration of lenalidomide (25 mg) after multiple doses of a P-gp inhibitor such as quinidine (600 mg twice daily) did not significantly increase the C_max or AUC of lenalidomide.

Co-administration of the P-gp inhibitor and substrate temsirolimus (25 mg), with lenalidomide (25 mg) did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide, temsirolimus, or sirolimus (metabolite of temsirolimus).

In vitro studies demonstrated that lenalidomide is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Lenalidomide is not a substrate of human breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), multidrug resistance protein (MRP) transporters MRP1, MRP2, or MRP3, organic anion transporters (OAT) OAT1 and OAT3, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), organic cation transporters (OCT) OCT1 and OCT2, multidrug and toxin extrusion protein (MATE) MATE1 and organic cation transporters novel (OCTN) OCTN1 and OCTN2. Lenalidomide is not an inhibitor of P-gp, bile salt export pump (BSEP), BCRP, MRP2, OAT1, OAT3, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or OCT2. Lenalidomide does not inhibit or induce CYP450 isoenzymes. Also, lenalidomide does not inhibit bilirubin glucuronidation formation in human liver microsomes with UGT1A1 genotyped as UGT1A1*1/*1, UGT1A1*1/*28 and UGT1A1*28/*28. 

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenicity studies with lenalidomide have not been conducted.

Lenalidomide was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) and did not induce chromosome aberrations in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes, or mutations at the thymidine kinase (tk) locus of mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells. Lenalidomide did not increase morphological transformation in Syrian Hamster Embryo assay or induce micronuclei in the polychromatic erythrocytes of the bone marrow of male rats.

A fertility and early embryonic development study in rats, with administration of lenalidomide up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human dose of 25 mg, based on body surface area) produced no parental toxicity and no adverse effects on fertility.

14.1 Multiple Myeloma

Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial in Patients with Newly Diagnosed MM:

A randomized multicenter, open-label, 3-arm trial of 1,623 patients, was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone (Rd) given for 2 different durations of time to that of melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (MPT) in newly diagnosed MM patients who were not a candidate for stem cell transplant. In the first arm of the study, Rd was given continuously until progressive disease [Arm Rd Continuous]. In the second arm, Rd was given for up to eighteen 28-day cycles [72 weeks, Arm Rd18]). In the third arm, melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (MPT) was given for a maximum of twelve 42-day cycles (72 weeks). For the purposes of this study, a patient who was < 65 years of age was not a candidate for SCT if the patient refused to undergo SCT therapy or the patient did not have access to SCT due to cost or other reasons. Patients were stratified at randomization by age (≤ 75 versus > 75 years), stage (ISS Stages I and II versus Stage III) and country.

Patients in the Rd Continuous and Rd18 arms received lenalidomide 25 mg once daily on Days 1 to 21 of 28-day cycles. Dexamethasone was dosed 40 mg once daily on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of each 28-day cycle. For patients over > 75 years old, the starting dose of dexamethasone was 20 mg orally once daily on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of repeated 28-day cycles. Initial dose and regimens for Rd Continuous and Rd18 were adjusted according to age and renal function. All patients received prophylactic anticoagulation with the most commonly used being aspirin.

The demographics and disease-related baseline characteristics of the patients were balanced among the 3 arms. In general, study subjects had advanced-stage disease. Of the total study population, the median age was 73 in the 3 arms with 35% of total patients > 75 years of age; 59% had ISS Stage I/II; 41% had ISS stage III; 9% had severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CL_cr] < 30 mL/min); 23% had moderate renal impairment (CL_cr > 30 mL/min to 50 mL/min; 44% had mild renal impairment (CL_cr > 50 mL/min to 80 mL/min). For ECOG Performance Status, 29% were Grade 0, 49% Grade 1, 21% Grade 2, 0.4% ≥ Grade 3.

The primary efficacy endpoint, progression-free survival (PFS), was defined as the time from randomization to the first documentation of disease progression as determined by Independent Response Adjudication Committee (IRAC), based on International Myeloma Working Group [IMWG] criteria or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first during the study until the end of the PFS follow-up phase. For the efficacy analysis of all endpoints, the primary comparison was between Rd Continuous and MPT arms. The efficacy results are summarized in the table below. PFS was significantly longer with Rd Continuous than MPT: HR 0.72 (95% CI: 0.61 to 0.85 p < 0.0001). A lower percentage of subjects in the Rd Continuous arm compared with the MPT arm had PFS events (52% versus 61%, respectively). The improvement in median PFS time in the Rd Continuous arm compared with the MPT arm was 4.3 months. The myeloma response rate was higher with Rd Continuous compared with MPT (75.1% versus 62.3%); with a complete response in 15.1% of Rd Continuous arm patients versus 9.3% in the MPT arm. The median time to first response was 1.8 months in the Rd Continuous arm versus 2.8 months in the MPT arm.

For the interim OS analysis with 03 March 2014 data cutoff, the median follow-up time for all surviving patients is 45.5 months, with 697 death events, representing 78% of prespecified events required for the planned final OS analysis (697/896 of the final OS events). The observed OS HR was 0.75 for Rd Continuous versus MPT (95% CI = 0.62, 0.90).

Table 13: Overview of Efficacy Results - Study MM-020 (Intent-to-treat Population)

Kaplan-Meier Curves of Progression-free Survival Based on IRAC Assessment (ITT MM Population) Between Arms Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Cutoff date: 24 May 2013

2 - lenalidomide capsules 2

CI = confidence interval; d = low-dose dexamethasone; HR = hazard ratio; IRAC = Independent Response Adjudication Committee; M = melphalan; P = prednisone; R = lenalidomide; Rd Continuous = Rd given until documentation of progressive disease; Rd18 = Rd given for ≤ 18 cycles; T = thalidomide.

Kaplan-Meier Curves of Overall Survival (ITT MM Population) Between Arms Rd Continuous, Rd18 and MPT Cutoff date: 03 Mar 2014

CI = confidence interval; d = low-dose dexamethasone; HR = hazard ratio; M = melphalan; P = prednisone; R = lenalidomide; Rd Continuous = Rd given until documentation of progressive disease; Rd18 = Rd given for ≤18 cycles; T = thalidomide.

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials - Maintenance Following Auto-HSCT:

Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide maintenance therapy in the treatment of MM patients after auto-HSCT. In Maintenance Study 1, patients between 18 and 70 years of age who had undergone induction therapy followed by auto-HSCT were eligible. Induction therapy must have occurred within 12 months. Within 90 to 100 days after auto-HSCT, patients with at least a stable disease response were randomized 1:1 to receive either lenalidomide or placebo maintenance. In Maintenance Study 2, patients aged < 65 years at diagnosis who had undergone induction therapy followed by auto-HSCT and had achieved at least a stable disease response at the time of hematologic recovery were eligible. Within 6 months after auto-HSCT, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either lenalidomide or placebo maintenance. Patients eligible for both trials had to have CL_cr ≥ 30 mL/minute.

In both studies, the lenalidomide maintenance dose was 10 mg once daily on days 1 to 28 of repeated 28-day cycles, could be increased to 15 mg once daily after 3 months in the absence of dose-limiting toxicity and treatment was to be continued until disease progression or patient withdrawal for another reason. The dose was reduced, or treatment was temporarily interrupted or stopped, as needed to manage toxicity. A dose increase to 15 mg once daily occurred in 135 patients (58%) in Maintenance Study 1 and in 185 patients (60%) in Maintenance Study 2.

The demographics and disease-related baseline characteristics of the patients were similar across the two studies and reflected a typical MM population after auto-HSCT (see Table 14).

Table 14: Baseline Demographic and Disease-Related Characteristics – MM Maintenance Studies 1 and 2

The major efficacy endpoint of both studies was PFS defined from randomization to the date of progression or death, whichever occurred first; the individual studies were not powered for an overall survival endpoint. Both studies were unblinded upon the recommendations of their respective data monitoring committees and after surpassing the respective thresholds for preplanned interim analyses of PFS. After unblinding, patients continued to be followed as before. Patients in the placebo arm of Maintenance Study 1 were allowed to cross over to receive lenalidomide before disease progression (76 patients [33%] crossed over to lenalidomide); patients in Maintenance Study 2 were not recommended to cross over. The efficacy results are summarized in the following table. In both studies, the primary analysis of PFS at unblinding was significantly longer with lenalidomide compared to placebo: Maintenance Study 1 HR 0.38 (95% CI: 0.27 to 0.54 p < 0.001) and Maintenance Study 2 HR 0.50 (95% CI: 0.39 to 0.64 p < 0.001). For both studies, PFS was updated with a cutoff date of 1 March 2015 as shown in the table and the following Kaplan Meier graphs. With longer follow-up (median 72.4 and 86 months, respectively), the updated PFS analyses for both studies continue to show a PFS advantage for lenalidomide compared to placebo: Maintenance Study 1 HR 0.38 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.50) with median PFS of 68.6 months and Maintenance Study 2 HR 0.53 (95% CI: 0.44 to 0.64) with median PFS of 46.3 months.

Descriptive analysis of OS data with a cutoff date of 1 February 2016 are provided in Table 15. Median follow-up time was 81.6 and 96.7 months for Maintenance Study 1 and Maintenance Study 2, respectively. Median OS was 111 and 84.2 months for lenalidomide and placebo, respectively, for Maintenance Study 1 and 105.9 and 88.1 months, for lenalidomide and placebo, respectively, for Maintenance Study 2.

Table 15: Progression-free Survival and Overall Survival from Randomization in MM Maintenance Studies 1 and 2 (ITT Post-Auto-HSCT Population)

Kaplan-Meier Curves of Progression-free Survival from Randomization (ITT Post-Auto-HSCT Population) in MM Maintenance Study 1 between Lenalidomide and Placebo Arms (Updated Cutoff Date 1 March 2015)

Auto-HSCT = autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; CI = confidence interval; HR = hazard ratio; ITT = intent to treat; KM = Kaplan-Meier; PFS = progression-free survival; vs = versus.

Kaplan-Meier Curves of Progression-free Survival from Randomization (ITT Post-Auto-HSCT Population) in MM Maintenance Study 2 between Lenalidomide and Placebo Arms (Updated Cutoff Date 1 March 2015)

Auto-HSCT = autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; CI = confidence interval; HR = hazard ratio; ITT = intent to treat; KM = Kaplan-Meier; NE = not estimable; PFS = progression-free survival; vs = versus.

Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Studies in Patients with MM After At Least One Prior Therapy

Two randomized studies (Studies 1 and 2) were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide. These multicenter, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies compared lenalidomide plus oral pulse high-dose dexamethasone therapy to dexamethasone therapy alone in patients with MM who had received at least one prior treatment. These studies enrolled patients with absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) ≥ 1,000/mm³, platelet counts ≥ 75,000/mm³, serum creatinine ≤ 2.5 mg/dL, serum SGOT/AST or SGPT/ALT ≤ 3 x upper limit of normal (ULN) and serum direct bilirubin ≤ 2 mg/dL.

In both studies, patients in the lenalidomide/dexamethasone group took 25 mg of lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1 to 21 and a matching placebo capsule once daily on Days 22 to 28 of each 28-day cycle. Patients in the placebo/dexamethasone group took 1 placebo capsule on Days 1 to 28 of each 28-day cycle. Patients in both treatment groups took 40 mg of dexamethasone orally once daily on Days 1 to 4, 9 to 12 and 17 to 20 of each 28-day cycle for the first 4 cycles of therapy.

The dose of dexamethasone was reduced to 40 mg orally once daily on Days 1 to 4 of each 28-day cycle after the first 4 cycles of therapy. In both studies, treatment was to continue until disease progression.

In both studies, dose adjustments were allowed based on clinical and laboratory findings. Sequential dose reductions to 15 mg daily, 10 mg daily and 5 mg daily were allowed for toxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Table 16 summarizes the baseline patient and disease characteristics in the two studies. In both studies, baseline demographic and disease-related characteristics were comparable between the lenalidomide/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups.

Table 16: Baseline Demographic and Disease-Related Characteristics - MM Studies 1 and 2

The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was time to progression (TTP). TTP was defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of progressive disease.

Preplanned interim analyses of both studies showed that the combination of lenalidomide/dexamethasone was significantly superior to dexamethasone alone for TTP. The studies were unblinded to allow patients in the placebo/dexamethasone group to receive treatment with the lenalidomide/dexamethasone combination. For both studies, the extended follow-up survival data with crossovers were analyzed. In study 1, the median survival time was 39.4 months (95% CI: 32.9, 47.4) in lenalidomide/dexamethasone group and 31.6 months (95% CI: 24.1, 40.9) in placebo/dexamethasone group, with a hazard ratio of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.61 to 1.03). In study 2, the median survival time was 37.5 months (95% CI: 29.9, 46.6) in lenalidomide/dexamethasone group and 30.8 months (95% CI: 23.5, 40.3) in placebo/dexamethasone group, with a hazard ratio of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.65 to 1.14).

Table 17: TTP Results in MM Study 1 and Study 2

Kaplan-Meier Estimate of Time to Progression - MM Study 1

Kaplan-Meier Estimate of Time to Progression — MM Study 2

14.2 Myelodysplastic Syndromes (Mds) With A Deletion 5Q Cytogenetic Abnormality

The efficacy and safety of lenalidomide were evaluated in patients with transfusion-dependent anemia in low- or intermediate-1- risk MDS with a 5q (q31-33) cytogenetic abnormality in isolation or with additional cytogenetic abnormalities, at a dose of 10 mg once daily or 10 mg once daily for 21 days every 28 days in an open-label, single-arm, multi-center study. The major study was not designed nor powered to prospectively compare the efficacy of the 2 dosing regimens. Sequential dose reductions to 5 mg daily and 5 mg every other day, as well as dose delays, were allowed for toxicity [Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

This major study enrolled 148 patients who had RBC transfusion dependent anemia. RBC transfusion dependence was defined as having received ≥ 2 units of RBCs within 8 weeks prior to study treatment. The study enrolled patients with absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) ≥ 500/mm³, platelet counts ≥ 50,000/mm³, serum creatinine ≤ 2.5 mg/dL, serum SGOT/AST or SGPT/ALT ≤ 3 x upper limit of normal (ULN) and serum direct bilirubin ≤ 2 mg/dL. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was permitted for patients who developed neutropenia or fever in association with neutropenia. Baseline patient and disease-related characteristics are summarized in Table 18.

Table 18: Baseline Demographic and Disease-Related Characteristics in the MDS Study

The frequency of RBC transfusion independence was assessed using criteria modified from the International Working Group (IWG) response criteria for MDS. RBC transfusion independence was defined as the absence of any RBC transfusion during any consecutive “rolling” 56 days (8 weeks) during the treatment period.

Transfusion independence was seen in 99/148 (67%) patients (95% CI [59, 74]). The median duration from the date when RBC transfusion independence was first declared (i.e., the last day of the 56-day RBC transfusion-free period) to the date when an additional transfusion was received after the 56-day transfusion-free period among the 99 responders was 44 weeks (range of 0 to > 67 weeks). Ninety percent of patients who achieved a transfusion benefit did so by completion of three months in the study.

RBC transfusion independence rates were unaffected by age or gender.

The dose of lenalidomide was reduced or interrupted at least once due to an adverse event in 118 (79.7%) of the 148 patients; the median time to the first dose reduction or interruption was 21 days (mean, 35.1 days; range, 2 days to 253 days) and the median duration of the first dose interruption was 22 days (mean, 28.5 days; range, 2 days to 265 days). A second dose reduction or interruption due to adverse events was required in 50 (33.8%) of the 148 patients. The median interval between the first and second dose reduction or interruption was 51 days (mean, 59.7 days; range, 15 days to 205 days) and the median duration of the second dose interruption was 21 days (mean, 26 days; range, 2 days to 148 days).

15 References

1. OSHA Hazardous Drugs. OSHA [Accessed on 29 January 2013, from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html]

16.1 How Supplied

Lenalidomide Capsules, 2.5 mg are supplied as size “4” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA17A” on blue green opaque cap with black ink and white opaque body. They are available as below:

Bottles of 28:                          NDC 60219-1714-1

Bottles of 100:                        NDC 60219-1714-2

Lenalidomide Capsules, 5 mg are supplied as size “2” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA18A” on white opaque cap with black ink and white opaque body. They are available as below:

Bottles of 28:                          NDC 60219-1715-1

Bottles of 100:                        NDC 60219-1715-2

Lenalidomide Capsules, 10 mg are supplied as size “0” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA19A” on blue green opaque cap with black ink and pale yellow opaque body. They are available as below:

Bottles of 28:                          NDC 60219-1716-1

Bottles of 100:                        NDC 60219-1716-2

Lenalidomide Capsules, 15 mg are supplied as size “0” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA20A” on powder blue opaque cap with black ink and white opaque body. They are available as below:

Bottles of 21:                          NDC 60219-1717-1

Bottles of 100:                        NDC 60219-1717-2

Lenalidomide Capsules, 20 mg are supplied as size “0” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA21A” on blue green opaque cap with black ink and powder blue opaque body. They are available as below:

Bottles of 21:                          NDC 60219-1718-1

Bottles of 100:                        NDC 60219-1718-2

Lenalidomide Capsules, 25 mg are supplied as size “0” hard gelatin capsules, filled with white to off-white powder, imprinted “AA22A” on white opaque cap with black ink and white opaque body. They are available as below:

Bottles of 21:                          NDC 60219-1719-1

Bottles of 100:                        NDC 60219-1719-2

16.2 Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

16.3 Handling And Disposal

Care should be exercised in the handling of lenalidomide capsules. Lenalidomide capsules should not be opened or broken. If powder from lenalidomide capsules contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If lenalidomide capsules contacts the mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water.

Procedures for the proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered. Several guidelines on the subject have been published¹.

Dispense no more than a 28-day supply.

17 Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved Patient labeling (Medication Guide).

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Advise patients that lenalidomide is contraindicated in pregnancy [see Boxed Warning and Contraindications (4.1)]. Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue and can cause serious birth defects or death to a developing baby [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

• Advise females of reproductive potential that they must avoid pregnancy while taking lenalidomide capsules and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.
• Initiate lenalidomide capsules treatment in females of reproductive potential only following a negative pregnancy test.
• Advise females of reproductive potential of the importance of monthly pregnancy tests and the need to use 2 different forms of contraception including at least 1 highly effective form, simultaneously during lenalidomide capsules therapy, during dose interruption and for 4 weeks after she has completely finished taking lenalidomide capsules. Highly effective forms of contraception other than tubal ligation include IUD and hormonal (birth control pills, injections, patch or implants) and a partner’s vasectomy. Additional effective contraceptive methods include latex or synthetic condom, diaphragm and cervical cap.
• Instruct patient to immediately stop taking lenalidomide capsules and contact her healthcare provider if she becomes pregnant while taking this drug, if she misses her menstrual period, or experiences unusual menstrual bleeding, if she stops taking birth control, or if she thinks FOR ANY REASON that she may be pregnant.
• Advise patient that if her healthcare provider is not available, she should call the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
• Advise males to always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking lenalidomide capsules and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing lenalidomide capsules, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy.
• Advise male patients taking lenalidomide capsules that they must not donate sperm and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuation of lenalidomide capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
• All patients must be instructed to not donate blood while taking lenalidomide capsules, during dose interruptions and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of lenalidomide capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Lenalidomide REMS program

Because of the risk of embryo-fetal toxicity, lenalidomide is only available through a restricted program called the Lenalidomide REMS program [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

• Patients must sign a Patient-Physician agreement form and comply with the requirements to receive lenalidomide capsules. In particular, females of reproductive potential must comply with the pregnancy testing, contraception requirements and participate in monthly telephone surveys. Males must comply with the contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
• Lenalidomide is available only from pharmacies that are certified in the Lenalidomide REMS program. Provide patients with the telephone number and website for information on how to obtain the product.

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

Inform females there is a Pregnancy Exposure Registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in females exposed to lenalidomide during pregnancy and that they can contact the Pregnancy Exposure Registry by calling 1-888-423-5436 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Hematologic Toxicity

Inform patients that lenalidomide capsules is associated with significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism

Inform patients of the risk of thrombosis including DVT, PE, MI and stroke and to report immediately any signs and symptoms suggestive of these events for evaluation [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Increased Mortality in Patients with CLL

Inform patients that lenalidomide capsules had increased mortality in patients with CLL and serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, including atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction and cardiac failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Second Primary Malignancies

Inform patients of the potential risk of developing second primary malignancies during treatment with lenalidomide capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Hepatotoxicity

Inform patients of the risk of hepatotoxicity, including hepatic failure and death and to report any signs and symptoms associated with this event to their healthcare provider for evaluation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Severe Cutaneous Reactions

Inform patients of the potential risk for severe skin reactions such as SJS, TEN and DRESS and report any signs and symptoms associated with these reactions to their healthcare provider for evaluation. Patients with a prior history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment should not receive lenalidomide capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Inform patients of the potential risk of tumor lysis syndrome and to report any signs and symptoms associated with this event to their healthcare provider for evaluation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Tumor Flare Reaction

Inform patients of the potential risk of tumor flare reaction and to report any signs and symptoms associated with this event to their healthcare provider for evaluation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].

Hypersensitivity

Inform patients of the potential for severe hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylaxis to lenalidomide capsules. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider right away for signs and symptoms of these reactions. Advise patients to seek emergency medical attention for signs or symptoms of severe hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)].

Dosing Instructions

Inform patients how to take lenalidomide capsules [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

• Lenalidomide capsules should be taken once daily at about the same time each day,
• Lenalidomide capsules may be taken either with or without food.
• The capsules should not be opened, broken, or chewed. Lenalidomide capsules should be swallowed whole with water.
• Instruct patients that if they miss a dose of lenalidomide capsules, they may still take it up to 12 hours after the time they would normally take it. If more than 12 hours have elapsed, they should be instructed to skip the dose for that day. The next day, they should take lenalidomide capsules at the usual time. Warn patients to not take 2 doses to make up for the one that they missed.

Manufactured by:

Amneal Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.

Oral Solid Dosage Unit

Ahmedabad 382213, INDIA

Distributed by:

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Rev. 01-2025-00

Dispense with Medication Guide available at:

documents.amneal.com/mg/lenalidomide-cap.pdf

Medication Guide

Dispense with Medication Guide available at:

documents.amneal.com/mg/lenalidomide-cap.pdf

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