Treatment-Naive Adults
The safety of raltegravir tablets was evaluated in HIV-infected treatment-naive subjects in 2 Phase III studies: STARTMRK evaluated raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily versus efavirenz, both in combination with emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and ONCEMRK evaluated raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg (2 x 600 mg) once daily versus raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily, both in combination with emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Safety data from these two studies are presented side-by-side in Tables 6 and 7 to simplify presentation; direct comparisons across trials should not be made due to differing duration of follow-up and study design.
STARTMRK (Raltegravir Tablets 400 mg Twice Daily):
In STARTMRK, subjects received raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily (N=281) or efavirenz (EFV) 600 mg at bedtime (N=282) both in combination with emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, (N=282). During double-blind treatment, the total follow-up for subjects receiving raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily +emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was 1104 patient-years and 1036 patient-years for subjects receiving efavirenz 600 mg at bedtime + emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
In STARTMRK, the rate of discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events through Week 240 was 5 % in subjects receiving raltegravir tablets + emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and 10 % in subjects receiving efavirenz + emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
ONCEMRK (Raltegravir Tablets, 1200 mg [2 x 600 mg] Once Daily):
In ONCEMRK, subjects received raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg once daily (n=531) or raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily (n=266) both in combination with emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. During double-blind treatment, the total follow-up for subjects with raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg once daily was 913 patient-years and for raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily was 450 patient-years.
In ONCEMRK, the rate of discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events through Week 96 was 1 % in subjects receiving raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg (2 x 600 mg) once daily and 2 % in subjects receiving raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily.
Clinical adverse reactions of moderate to severe intensity occurring in ≥2 % of treatment-naïve subjects treated with raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily or efavirenz in STARTMRK through Week 240 or raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg once daily or raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily in ONCEMRK through Week 96 are presented in Table 6.
In STARTMRK, clinical adverse reactions of all intensities (mild, moderate and severe) occurring in ≥2 % of subjects on raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily through Week 240 also include diarrhea, flatulence, asthenia, decreased appetite, abnormal dreams, depression and nightmare. In ONCEMRK, clinical adverse reactions of all intensities (mild, moderate and severe) occurring in ≥2 % of subjects on raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily through Week 96 also include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
Table6: Adverse ReactionsIncludes adverse experiences considered by investigators to be at least possibly, probably, or definitely related to the drug.
of Moderate to Severe IntensityIntensities are defined as follows: Moderate (discomfort enough to cause interference with usual activity); Severe (incapacitating with inability to work or do usual activity).
Occurring in ≥2 % of Treatment-Naive Adult Subjects Receiving Raltegravir Tablets |
System Organ Class, Preferred Term
| STARTMRK Week 240
| ONCEMRK Week 96
|
Raltegravir Tablets, 400 mg Twice Daily (N=281)
| Efavirenz 600 mg At Bedtime (N= 282)
| Raltegravir Tablets, 1200 mg Once Daily (N=531)
| Raltegravir Tablets, 400 mg Twice Daily (N=266)
|
Headache
| 4 %
| 5 %
| 1 %
| <1 %
|
Insomnia
| 4 %
| 4 %
| <1 %
| <1 %
|
Nausea
| 3 %
| 4 %
| 1 %
| 0 %
|
Dizziness
| 2 %
| 6 %
| <1 %
| 0 %
|
Fatigue
| 2 %
| 3 %
| 0 %
| 0 %
|
N= total number of subjects per treatment group
Laboratory Abnormalities:
The percentages of adult subjects with selected Grade 2 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (that represent a worsening Grade from baseline) who were treated with raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily or efavirenz in STARTMRK or raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg once daily or raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily in ONCEMRK are presented in Table 7.
Table 7: Selected Grade 2 to 4 Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in Treatment-Naïve Subjects | STARTMRK Week 240
| ONCEMRK Week 96
|
Laboratory Parameter Preferred Term (Unit)
| Limit
| Raltegravir Tablets, 400 mg Twice Daily (N=281)
| Efavirenz 600 mg At Bedtime (N=282)
| Raltegravir Tablets, 1200 mg Once Daily (N=531)
| Raltegravir Tablets, 400 mg Twice Daily (N=266)
|
Hematology
|
|
|
Absolute neutrophil count (103/mcL)
|
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 0.75 to 0.999 0.50 to 0.749 <0.50
| 3 % 3 % 1 %
| 5 % 1 % 1 %
| 2 % 1 % <1 %
| 1 % 1 % 0 %
|
Hemoglobin(gm/dL)
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 7.5 to 8.4 6.5 to 7.4 <6.5
| 1 % 1 % <1 %
| 1 % 1 % 0 %
| 0 % 0 % 0%
| 0 % 0 % 0 %
|
Platelet count (103/mcL)
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 50 to 99.999 25 to 49.999 <25
| 1 % <1 % 0 %
| 0 % <1 % 0 %
| 1 % 0 % 0%
| < 1 % 0 % <1 %
|
Blood chemistry
|
|
|
Fasting (non-random) serum glucose test (mg/dL)†
|
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 126 to 250 251 to 500 >500
| 7 % 2 % 0 %
| 6 % 1 % 0 %
| - - -
| - - -
|
Total serum bilirubin
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 1.6 to 2.5 x ULN 2.6 to 5 x ULN >5 x ULN
| 5 % 1 % <1 %
| <1 % 0 % 0 %
| 3 % 1 % <1 %
| 2 % <1 % 0 %
|
Creatinine
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 1.4 to 1.8 x ULN 1.9 to 3.4 x ULN ≥3.5 x ULN
| 1 % 0 % 0 %
| 1 % <1 % 0 %
| 0 % 0 % 0%
| <1 % 0 % 0 %
|
Serum aspartate aminotransferase
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 2.6 to 5 x ULN 5.1 to 10 x ULN >10 x ULN
| 8 % 5 % 1 %
| 10 % 3 % <1 %
| 5 % 2 % 1 %
| 3 % <1 % <1 %
|
Serum alanine aminotransferase
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 2.6 to 5 x ULN 5.1 to 10 x ULN >10 x ULN
| 11 % 2 % 2 %
| 12 % 2 % 1 %
| 4 % 1 % 1 %
| 2 % <1 % <1 %
|
Serum alkaline phosphatase
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 2.6 to 5 x ULN 5.1 to 10 x ULN >10 x ULN
| 1 % 0 % <1 %
| 3 % 1 % <1 %
| 1 % <1 % 0 %
| 0 % 0 % 0 %
|
Lipase*
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 1.6 to 3 x ULN 3.1 to 5 x ULN >5 x ULN
| - - -
| - - -
| 7 % 2 % 2 %
| 5 % 1 % 1 %
|
Creatine kinase*
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 6 to 9.9 x ULN 10 to 19.9 x ULN ≥20 x ULN
| - - -
| - - -
| 4 % 3 % 3 %
| 5 % 3 % 2 %
|
ULN = Upper limit of normal range
|
Note: Raltegravir BID, Raltegravir tablets and Efavirenz were administered with emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate *Test not done in STARTMRK †Test not done in ONCEMRK
|
Lipids, Change from Baseline:
Changes from baseline in fasting lipids are shown in Table 8.
Table 8: Lipid Values, Mean Change from Baseline, STARTMRK Study Laboratory Parameter Preferred Term
| Raltegravir Tablets, 400 mg Twice Daily + Emtricitabine (+) Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate N = 207
| Efavirenz 600 mg At Bedtime + Emtricitabine (+) Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate N = 187
|
| | | Change from Baseline at Week 240
| | | Change from Baseline at Week 240
|
| Baseline Mean (mg/dL)
| Week 240 Mean (mg/dL)
| Mean Change
(mg/dL)
| Baseline Mean (mg/dL)
| Week 240 Mean (mg/dL)
| Mean Change
(mg/dL)
|
LDL-Cholesterol*
| 96
| 106
| 10
| 93
| 118
| 25
|
HDL-Cholesterol*
| 38
| 44
| 6
| 38
| 51
| 13
|
Total Cholesterol*
| 159
| 175
| 16
| 157
| 201
| 44
|
Triglyceride*
| 128
| 130
| 2
| 141
| 178
| 37
|
* Fasting (non-random) laboratory tests at Week 240. Notes: N = total number of subjects per treatment group with at least one lipid test result available. The analysis is based on all available data. If subjects initiated or increased serum lipid-reducing agents, the last available lipid values prior to the change in therapy were used in the analysis. If the missing data was due to other reasons, subjects were censored thereafter for the analysis. At baseline, serum lipid-reducing agents were used in 5 % of subjects in the group receiving raltegravir tablets and 3 % in the efavirenz group. Through Week 240, serum lipid-reducing agents were used in 9 % of subjects in the group receiving raltegravir tablets and 15 % in the efavirenz group.
|
Treatment-Experienced Adults
The safety assessment of raltegravir tablets in treatment-experienced subjects is based on the pooled safety data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, BENCHMRK 1 and BENCHMRK 2 in antiretroviral treatment-experienced HIV-1 infected adult subjects. A total of 462 subjects received the recommended dose of raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily in combination with optimized background therapy (OBT) compared to 237 subjects taking placebo in combination with OBT. The median duration of therapy in these trials was 96 weeks for subjects receiving raltegravir tablets and 38 weeks for subjects receiving placebo. The total exposure to raltegravir tablets was 708 patient-years versus 244 patient-years on placebo. The rates of discontinuation due to adverse events were 4 % in subjects receiving raltegravir tablets and 5 % in subjects receiving placebo.
Clinical ADRs were considered by investigators to be causally related to raltegravir tablets + OBT or placebo + OBT. Clinical ADRs of moderate to severe intensity occurring in ≥2 % of subjects treated with raltegravir tablets and occurring at a higher rate compared to placebo are presented in Table 9.
Table9: Adverse Drug ReactionsIncludes adverse reactions at least possibly, probably, or definitely related to the drug.
of Moderate to Severe IntensityIntensities are defined as follows: Moderate (discomfort enough to cause interference with usual activity); Severe (incapacitating with inability to work or do usual activity).
Occurring in ≥2 % of Treatment-Experienced Adult Subjects Receiving Raltegravir Tablets and at a Higher Rate Compared to Placebo (96 Week Analysis) System Organ Class, Adverse Reactions
| Randomized Studies BENCHMRK 1 and BENCHMRK 2
|
Raltegravir Tablets, 400 mg Twice Daily +OBT (n=462)
| Placebo + OBT (n = 237)
|
Nervous System Disorders
|
Headache
| 2 %
| <1 %
|
n=total number of subjects per treatment group.
Laboratory Abnormalities
The percentages of adult subjects treated with raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily or placebo in Studies BENCHMRK 1 and BENCHMRK 2 with selected Grade 2 to 4 laboratory abnormalities representing a worsening Grade from baseline are presented in Table 10.
Table 10: Selected Grade 2 to 4 Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in Treatment-Experienced Subjects (96 Week Analysis) |
Laboratory Parameter Preferred Term (Unit)
| Limit
| Randomized Studies BENCHMRK 1 and BENCHMRK 2
|
Raltegravir Tablets, 400 mg Twice Daily + OBT (N = 462))
| Placebo + OBT (N =237)
|
Hematology
|
Absolute neutrophil count (103/mcL)
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 0.75 to 0.999 0.50 to 0.749 <0.50
| 4 % 3 % 1 %
| 5 % 3 % <1 %
|
Hemoglobin(gm/dL)
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 7.5 to 8.4 6.5 to 7.4 <6.5
| 1 % 1% <1 %
| 3 % 1 % 0 %
|
Platelet count (103/mcL)
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 50 to 99.999 25 to 49.999 <25
| 3 % 1 % 1 %
| 5 % <1 % <1 %
|
Blood chemistry
|
Fasting (non-random) serum glucose test (mg/dL)
| |
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 126 to 250 251 to 500 >500
| 10 % 3 % 0 %
| 7 % 1 % 0 %
|
Total serum bilirubin
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 1.6 to 2.5 x ULN 2.6 to 5 x ULN >5 x ULN
| 6 % 3 % 1 %
| 3 % 3 % 0 %
|
Serum aspartate aminotransferase
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 2.6 to 5 x ULN 5.1 to 10 x ULN >10 x ULN
| 9 % 4 % 1 %
| 7 % 3 % 1 %
|
Serum alanine aminotransferase
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 2.6 to 5 x ULN 5.1 to 10 x ULN >10 x ULN
| 9 % 4 % 1 %
| 9 % 2 % 2 %
|
Serum alkaline phosphatase
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 2.6 to 5 x ULN 5.1 to 10 x ULN >10 x ULN
| 2 % <1 % 1 %
| <1 % 1 % <1 %
|
Serum pancreatic amylase test
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 1.6 to 2 x ULN 2.1 to 5 x ULN >5 x ULN
| 2 % 4 % <1 %
| 1 % 3 % <1 %
|
Serum lipase test
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 1.6 to 3 x ULN 3.1 to 5 x ULN >5 x ULN
| 5 % 2 % 0 %
| 4 % 1 % 0 %
|
Serum creatine kinase
|
Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
| 6 to 9.9 x ULN 10 to 19.9 x ULN ≥20 x ULN
| 2 % 4 % 3 %
| 2 % 3 % 1 %
|
Less Common Adverse Reactions Observed in Treatment-Naive and Treatment-Experienced Studies
The following ADRs occurred in <2 % of treatment-naive or treatment-experienced subjects receiving raltegravir tablets in a combination regimen. These events have been included because of their seriousness, increased frequency compared with efavirenz or placebo, or investigator's assessment of potential causal relationship.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: abdominal pain, gastritis, dyspepsia, vomiting
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: asthenia
Hepatobiliary Disorders: hepatitis
Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity
Infections and Infestations: genital herpes, herpes zoster
Psychiatric Disorders: depression (particularly in subjects with a pre-existing history of psychiatric illness), including suicidal ideation and behaviors
Renal and Urinary Disorders: nephrolithiasis, renal failure
Selected Adverse Events – Adults
In studies of raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily, cancers were reported in treatment-experienced subjects who initiated raltegravir tablets or placebo, both with OBT, and in treatment-naïve subjects who initiated raltegravir tablets or efavirenz, both with emtricitabine (+) tenofovir disoproxil fumarate; several were recurrent. The types and rates of specific cancers were those expected in a highly immunodeficient population (many had CD4+ counts below 50 cells/mm3 and most had prior AIDS diagnoses). The risk of developing cancer in these studies was similar in the group receiving raltegravir tablets and the group receiving the comparator.
Grade 2 to 4 creatine kinase laboratory abnormalities were observed in subjects treated with raltegravir tablets (see Tables 6 and 8). Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with raltegravir tablets. Use with caution in patients at increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, such as patients receiving concomitant medications known to cause these conditions and patients with a history of rhabdomyolysis, myopathy or increased serum creatine kinase.
Rash occurred more commonly in treatment-experienced subjects receiving regimens containing raltegravir tablets + darunavir/ritonavir compared to subjects receiving raltegravir tablets without darunavir/ritonavir or darunavir/ritonavir without raltegravir tablets. However, rash that was considered drug related occurred at similar rates for all three groups. These rashes were mild to moderate in severity and did not limit therapy; there were no discontinuations due to rash.
Patients with Co-existing Conditions - Adults
Patients Co-infected with Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C Virus:
In Phase III studies of raltegravir tablets, patients with chronic (but not acute) active hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co-infection were permitted to enroll provided that baseline liver function tests did not exceed 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). In the treatment-experienced studies, BENCHMRK 1 and BENCHMRK 2, 16 % of all patients (114/699) were co-infected; in the treatment-naïve studies, STARTMRK and ONCEMRK, 6 % (34/563) and 3 % (23/797), respectively, were co-infected. In general, the safety profile of raltegravir tablets in subjects with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co-infection was similar to that in subjects without hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co-infection, although the rates of AST and ALT abnormalities were higher in the subgroup with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co-infection for all treatment groups.
At 96 weeks, in treatment-experienced subjects receiving raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily, Grade 2 or higher laboratory abnormalities that represent a worsening Grade from baseline of AST, ALT or total bilirubin occurred in 29 %, 34 % and 13 %, respectively, of co-infected subjects treated with raltegravir tablets as compared to 11 %, 10 % and 9 % of all other subjects treated with raltegravir tablets. At 240 weeks, in treatment naïve subjects receiving raltegravir tablets, 400 mg twice daily, Grade 2 or higher laboratory abnormalities that represent a worsening Grade from baseline of AST, ALT or total bilirubin occurred in 22 %, 44 % and 17 %, respectively, of co-infected subjects treated with raltegravir tablets as compared to 13 %, 13 % and 5 % of all other subjects treated with raltegravir tablets.
At 96 weeks, in treatment-naive subjects receiving raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg (2 x 600 mg) once daily, Grade 2 or higher laboratory abnormalities that represent a worsening Grade from baseline of AST, ALT or total bilirubin occurred in 27 %, 40 % and 13 %, respectively, of co-infected subjects treated with raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg once daily as compared to 7 %, 5 % and 3 % of all other subjects treated with raltegravir tablets, 1200 mg once daily.
Pediatrics
2 to 18 Years of Age:
Raltegravir tablets have been studied in 126 antiretroviral treatment-experienced HIV-1 infected children and adolescents 2 to 18 years of age, in combination with other antiretroviral agents in IMPAACT P1066 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Of the 126 patients, 96 received the recommended dose of raltegravir tablets.
In these 96 children and adolescents, frequency, type and severity of drug related adverse reactions through Week 24 were comparable to those observed in adults.
One patient experienced drug related clinical adverse reactions of Grade 3 psychomotor hyperactivity, abnormal behavior and insomnia; one patient experienced a Grade 2 serious drug related allergic rash.
One patient experienced drug related laboratory abnormalities, Grade 4 AST and Grade 3 ALT, which were considered serious.
4 Weeks to Less than 2 Years of Age:
Raltegravir tablets have also been studied in 26 HIV-1 infected infants and toddlers 4 weeks to less than 2 years of age, in combination with other antiretroviral agents in IMPAACT P1066 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Clinical Studies (14.4)].
In these 26 infants and toddlers, the frequency, type and severity of drug-related adverse reactions through Week 48 were comparable to those observed in adults.
One patient experienced a Grade 3 serious drug-related allergic rash that resulted in treatment discontinuation.
HIV-1 Exposed Neonates:
Forty-two neonates were treated with raltegravir tablets for up to 6 weeks from birth, and followed for a total of 24 weeks in IMPAACT P1110 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. There were no drug related clinical adverse reactions and three drug-related laboratory adverse reactions (one case of transient Grade 4 neutropenia in a subject receiving zidovudine-containing regimen for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), and two bilirubin elevations (one each, Grade 1 and Grade 2) considered non- serious and not requiring specific therapy). The safety profile in neonates was generally similar to that observed in older patients treated with raltegravir tablets. No clinically meaningful differences in the adverse event profile of neonates were observed when compared to adults.