Venetoclax: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 255: Line 255:
| StdInChIKey = LQBVNQSMGBZMKD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
| StdInChIKey = LQBVNQSMGBZMKD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
}}
}}
|mechAction=Venetoclax is a selective and orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of BCL-2, an anti-apoptotic protein. Overexpression of BCL-2 has been demonstrated in CLL cells where it mediates tumor cell survival and has been associated with resistance to chemotherapeutics. Venetoclax helps restore the process of apoptosis by binding directly to the BCL-2 protein, displacing pro-apoptotic proteins like BIM, triggering mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and the activation of caspases. In nonclinical studies, Venetoclax has demonstrated cytotoxic activity in tumor cells that overexpress BCL-2.
|PD=:*Cardiac Electrophysiology
The effect of multiple doses of Venetoclax up to 1200 mg once daily on the QTc interval was evaluated in an open-label, single-arm study in 176 patients with previously treated hematologic malignancies. Venetoclax had no large effect on QTc interval (i.e., > 20 ms) and there was no relationship between Venetoclax exposure and change in QTc interval.
|PK=======Absorption======
Following multiple oral administrations under fed conditions, maximum plasma concentration of Venetoclax was reached 5-8 hours after dose. Venetoclax steady state AUC increased proportionally over the dose range of 150-800 mg. Under low-fat meal conditions, Venetoclax mean (± standard deviation) steady state Cmax was 2.1 ± 1.1 μg/mL and AUC(0-24) was 32.8 ± 16.9 μg•h/mL at the 400 mg once daily dose.
:*Food Effect
Administration with a low-fat meal increased Venetoclax exposure by approximately 3.4-fold and administration with a high-fat meal increased Venetoclax exposure by 5.1- to 5.3-fold compared to fasting conditions. Venetoclax should be administered with a meal.
======Distribution======
Venetoclax is highly bound to human plasma protein with unbound fraction in plasma <0.01 across a concentration range of 1-30 µM (0.87-26 µg/mL). The mean blood-to-plasma ratio was 0.57. The population estimate for apparent volume of distribution (Vdss/F) of Venetoclax ranged from 256-321 L in patients.
======Elimination======
The population estimate for the terminal elimination half-life of Venetoclax was approximately 26 hours. The pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax does not change over time.
:*Metabolism
In vitro studies demonstrated that Venetoclax is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4/5. M27 was identified as a major metabolite in plasma with an inhibitory activity against BCL-2 that is at least 58-fold lower than Venetoclax in vitro.
:*Excretion
After single oral administration of 200 mg radiolabeled [14C]-Venetoclax dose to healthy subjects, >99.9% of the dose was recovered in feces and <0.1% of the dose was excreted in urine within 9 days, indicating that hepatic elimination is responsible for the clearance of Venetoclax from the systemic circulation. Unchanged Venetoclax accounted for 20.8% of the administered radioactive dose excreted in feces.
======Special Populations======
:*Age, Race, Sex, and Weight
Based on population pharmacokinetic analyses, age, race, sex, and weight do not have a clinically meaningful effect on Venetoclax clearance.
:*Renal Impairment
Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis that included 211 subjects with mild renal impairment (CrCl ≥60 and <90 mL/min, calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation), 83 subjects with moderate renal impairment (CrCl ≥30 and <60 mL/min) and 210 subjects with normal renal function (CrCl ≥90 mL/min), Venetoclax exposures in subjects with mild or moderate renal impairment are similar to those with normal renal function. The pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax has not been studied in subjects with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) or subjects on dialysis.
:*Hepatic Impairment
Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis that included 69 subjects with mild hepatic impairment, 7 subjects with moderate hepatic impairment and 429 subjects with normal hepatic function, Venetoclax exposures are similar in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment and normal hepatic function. The NCI Organ Dysfunction Working Group criteria for hepatic impairment were used in the analysis. Mild hepatic impairment was defined as normal total bilirubin and aspartate transaminase (AST) > upper limit of normal (ULN) or total bilirubin >1.0 to 1.5 times ULN, moderate hepatic impairment as total bilirubin >1.5 to 3.0 times ULN, and severe hepatic impairment as total bilirubin >3.0 times ULN. The pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax has not been studied in subjects with severe hepatic impairment.
======Drug Interactions======
:*Ketoconazole
Co-administration of 400 mg once daily ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A, P-gp and BCRP inhibitor, for 7 days in 11 previously treated NHL patients increased Venetoclax Cmax by 2.3-fold and AUC∞ by 6.4-fold.
:*Rifampin multiple doses
Co-administration of 600 mg once daily rifampin, a strong CYP3A inducer, for 13 days in 10 healthy subjects decreased Venetoclax Cmax by 42% and AUC∞ by 71%.
:*Rifampin single dose
Co-administration of a 600 mg single dose of rifampin, an OATP1B1/1B3 and P-gp inhibitor, in 11 healthy subjects increased Venetoclax  Cmax by 106% and AUC∞ by 78%.
:*Gastric Acid Reducing Agents
Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, gastric acid reducing agents (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, antacids) do not affect Venetoclax bioavailability.
:*Warfarin
In a drug-drug interaction study in three healthy subjects, administration of a single 400 mg dose of Venetoclax with 5 mg warfarin resulted in 18% to 28% increase in Cmax and AUC∞ of R-warfarin and S-warfarin.
======In vitro Studies======
In vitro studies indicated that Venetoclax is not an inhibitor or inducer of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 at clinically relevant concentrations. Venetoclax is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and UGT1A1 in vitro, but it is not predicted to cause clinically relevant inhibition due to high plasma protein binding. Venetoclax is not an inhibitor of UGT1A4, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, or UGT2B7.
Venetoclax is a P-gp and BCRP substrate as well as a P-gp and BCRP inhibitor and weak OATP1B1 inhibitor in vitro. To avoid a potential interaction in the gastrointestinal tract, co-administration of narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrates such as digoxin with Venetoclax should be avoided. If a narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrate must be used, it should be taken at least 6 hours before Venetoclax. Venetoclax is not expected to inhibit OATP1B3, OCT1, OCT2, OAT1, OAT3, MATE1, or MATE2K at clinically relevant concentrations.
}}
}}

Revision as of 21:45, 11 January 2017

Venetoclax
Adult Indications & Dosage
Pediatric Indications & Dosage
Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Use in Specific Populations
Administration & Monitoring
Overdosage
Pharmacology
Clinical Studies
How Supplied
Images
Patient Counseling Information
Precautions with Alcohol
Brand Names
Look-Alike Names

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Martin Nino, M.D. [2]

Disclaimer

WikiDoc MAKES NO GUARANTEE OF VALIDITY. WikiDoc is not a professional health care provider, nor is it a suitable replacement for a licensed healthcare provider. WikiDoc is intended to be an educational tool, not a tool for any form of healthcare delivery. The educational content on WikiDoc drug pages is based upon the FDA package insert, National Library of Medicine content and practice guidelines / consensus statements. WikiDoc does not promote the administration of any medication or device that is not consistent with its labeling. Please read our full disclaimer here.

Overview

Venetoclax is a BCL-2 inhibitor that is FDA approved for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 17p deletion, as detected by an FDA approved test, who have received at least one prior therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. Common adverse reactions include neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, thrombocytopenia, and fatigue (≥20%).

Adult Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)

Patient Selection

Select patients for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CLL with Venetoclax based on the presence of 17p deletions in blood specimens. Patients without 17p deletion at diagnosis should be retested at relapse because acquisition of 17p deletion can occur.

Dosage

Venetoclax should be taken orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity is observed. Assess patient-specific factors for level of risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) and provide prophylactic hydration and anti-hyperuricemics to patients prior to first dose of Venetoclax to reduce risk of TLS. Administer the Venetoclax dose according to a weekly ramp-up schedule over 5 weeks to the recommended daily dose of 400 mg as shown in Table 1. The 5-week ramp-up dosing schedule is designed to gradually reduce tumor burden (debulk) and decrease the risk of TLS. Once the ramp-up phase is completed, the 400 mg dose is achieved using 100 mg tablets.

  • Table 1: Dosing Schedule for Ramp-Up Phase
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Instruct patients to take Venetoclax tablets with a meal and water at approximately the same time each day. Venetoclax tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken prior to swallowing.

Risk Assessment and Prophylaxis for Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Venetoclax can cause rapid reduction in tumor and thus poses a risk for TLS in the initial 5-week ramp-up phase. Changes in blood chemistries consistent with TLS that require prompt management can occur as early as 6 to 8 hours following the first dose of VENCLEXTA and at each dose increase.

The risk of TLS is a continuum based on multiple factors, including tumor burden and comorbidities. Perform tumor burden assessments, including radiographic evaluation (e.g., CT scan), assess blood chemistry (potassium, uric acid, phosphorus, calcium, and creatinine) in all patients and correct pre-existing abnormalities prior to initiation of treatment with Venetoclax. Reduced renal function (creatinine clearance [CrCl] <80 mL/min) further increases the risk. The risk may decrease as tumor burden decreases.

Table 2 below describes the recommended TLS prophylaxis and monitoring during Venetoclax treatment based on tumor burden determination from clinical trial data.

  • Table 2: Recommended TLS Prophylaxis Based on Tumor Burden From Clinical Trial Data (consider all patient co-morbidities before final determination of prophylaxis and monitoring schedule)
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
Dose Modifications Based on Toxicities

Interrupt dosing or reduce dose for toxicities. See Table 3 for dose modifications for hematologic and other toxicities related to Venetoclax, and Table 4 for dose. For patients who have had a dosing interruption greater than 1 week during the first 5 weeks of ramp-up phase or greater than 2 weeks when at the daily dose of 400 mg, reassess for risk of TLS to determine if reinitiation with a reduced dose is necessary (e.g., all or some levels of the dose ramp-up schedule).

  • Table 3: Recommended Dose Modifications for Toxicities (a)
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.


  • Table 4: Dose Modification for Toxicity During Venetoclax Treatment
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
Dose Modifications for Use with CYP3A and P-gp Inhibitors

Concomitant use of Venetoclax with strong CYP3A inhibitors at initiation and during ramp-up phase is contraindicated. Concomitant use of Venetoclax with strong CYP3A inhibitors increases Venetoclax exposure (i.e., Cmax and AUC) and may increase the risk for TLS at initiation and during ramp-up phase. For patients who have completed the ramp-up phase and are on a steady daily dose of Venetoclax, reduce the Venetoclax dose by at least 75% when strong CYP3A inhibitors must be used concomitantly.

Avoid concomitant use of Venetoclax with moderate CYP3A inhibitors or P-gp inhibitors. Consider alternative treatments. If a moderate CYP3A inhibitor or a P-gp inhibitor must be used, reduce the Venetoclax dose by at least 50%. Monitor these patients more closely for signs of toxicities.

Resume the Venetoclax dose that was used prior to initiating the CYP3A inhibitor or P-gp inhibitor 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of the inhibitor.

The recommendations for managing drug-drug interactions are summarized in Table 5.


  • Table 5: Management of Potential Venetoclax Interactions with CYP3A and P-gp Inhibitors
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.


Missed Dose

If the patient misses a dose of Venetoclax within 8 hours of the time it is usually taken, the patient should take the missed dose as soon as possible and resume the normal daily dosing schedule. If a patient misses a dose by more than 8 hours, the patient should not take the missed dose and should resume the usual dosing schedule the next day.

If the patient vomits following dosing, no additional dose should be taken that day. The next prescribed dose should be taken at the usual time.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)

Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Venetoclax in adult patients.

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Venetoclax in adult patients.

Pediatric Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)

Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Venetoclax in pediatric patients.

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Venetoclax in pediatric patients.

Contraindications

Concomitant use of Venetoclax with strong CYP3A inhibitors at initiation and during ramp-up phase is contraindicated.

Warnings

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome, including fatal events and renal failure requiring dialysis, has occurred in previously treated CLL patients with high tumor burden when treated with Venetoclax.

Venetoclax can cause rapid reduction in tumor and thus poses a risk for TLS in the initial 5-week ramp-up phase. Changes in blood chemistries consistent with TLS that require prompt management can occur as early as 6 to 8 hours following the first dose of Venetoclax and at each dose increase.

The risk of TLS is a continuum based on multiple factors, including tumor burden (see TABLE 2) and comorbidities. Reduced renal function (CrCl <80 mL/min) further increases the risk. Patients should be assessed for risk and should receive appropriate prophylaxis for TLS, including hydration and anti-hyperuricemics. Monitor blood chemistries and manage abnormalities promptly. Interrupt dosing if needed. Employ more intensive measures (intravenous hydration, frequent monitoring, hospitalization) as overall risk increases.

Concomitant use of Venetoclax with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors and P-gp inhibitors increases venetoclax exposure, may increase the risk of TLS at initiation and during ramp-up phase and may require Venetoclax dose adjustment.

Neutropenia

Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 41% (98/240) of patients treated with Venetoclax. Monitor complete blood counts throughout the treatment period. Interrupt dosing or reduce dose for severe neutropenia. Consider supportive measures including antimicrobials for signs of infection and use of growth factors (e.g., G-CSF).

Immunization

Do not administer live attenuated vaccines prior to, during, or after treatment with Venetoclax until B-cell recovery occurs. The safety and efficacy of immunization with live attenuated vaccines during or following Venetoclax therapy have not been studied. Advise patients that vaccinations may be less effective.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, Venetoclax may cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In an embryo-fetal study conducted in mice, administration of Venetoclax to pregnant animals at exposures equivalent to that observed in patients at the recommended dose of 400 mg daily resulted in post-implantation loss and decreased fetal weight. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant woman using Venetoclax. Advise females of reproductive potential to avoid pregnancy during treatment. If Venetoclax is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking Venetoclax, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Adverse Reactions

Clinical Trials Experience

The following adverse drug reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome
  • Neutropenia

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely variable conditions, adverse event rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates of clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The safety of single agent Venetoclax at the 400 mg recommended daily dose following a dose ramp-up schedule is based on pooled data of 240 patients with previously treated CLL from two phase 2 trials and one phase 1 trial. In the pooled dataset, the median age was 66 years (range: 29 to 85 years), 95% were white, and 69% were male. The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range: 1 to 12). The median duration of treatment with Venetoclax at the time of data analysis was approximately 10.3 months (range: 0 to 34.1 months). Approximately 46% of patients received Venetoclax for more than 48 weeks.

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of any grade were neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, thrombocytopenia, and fatigue.

Serious adverse reactions were reported in 43.8% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were pneumonia, febrile neutropenia, pyrexia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), anemia, and TLS.

Discontinuations due to adverse reactions occurred in 8.3% of patients. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to drug discontinuation were thrombocytopenia and AIHA.

Dosage adjustments due to adverse reactions occurred in 9.6% of patients. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to dose adjustments were neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Adverse reactions reported in 3 trials of patients with previously treated CLL using single agent Venetoclax are presented in Table 6.

  • Table 6: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥10% (Any Grade) or ≥5% (Grade 3 or 4) of Patients with CLL
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.


Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome is an important identified risk when initiating Venetoclax. In the initial Phase 1 dose-finding trials, which had shorter (2-3 week) ramp-up phase and higher starting dose, the incidence of TLS was 12% (9/77; 4 laboratory TLS, 5 clinical TLS), including 2 fatal events and 3 events of acute renal failure, 1 requiring dialysis.

The risk of TLS was reduced after revision of the dosing regimen and modification to prophylaxis and monitoring measures. In Venetoclax clinical trials, patients with any measurable lymph node ≥10 cm or those with both an ALC ≥25 x 109/L and any measurable lymph node ≥5 cm were hospitalized to enable more intensive hydration and monitoring for the first day of dosing at 20 mg and 50 mg during the ramp-up phase.

In 66 patients with CLL starting with a daily dose of 20 mg and increasing over 5 weeks to a daily dose of 400 mg, the rate of TLS was 6%. All events either met laboratory TLS criteria (laboratory abnormalities that met ≥2 of the following within 24 hours of each other: potassium >6 mmol/L, uric acid >476 µmol/L, calcium <1.75 mmol/L, or phosphorus >1.5 mmol/L); or were reported as TLS events. The events occurred in patients who had a lymph node(s) ≥5 cm or ALC ≥25 x 109/L. No TLS with clinical consequences such as acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias or sudden death and/or seizures was observed in these patients. All patients had CrCl ≥50 mL/min.

Laboratory abnormalities relevant to TLS observed in 66 patients with CLL who followed the dose ramp-up schedule and TLS prophylaxis measures are presented in Table 7.

  • Table 7: Adverse Reactions of TLS and Relevant Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in Patients with CLL
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Postmarketing Experience

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Postmarketing Experience in the drug label.

Drug Interactions

Effects of Other Drugs on Venetoclax

Venetoclax is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4/5.

  • Strong CYP3A Inhibitors

Concomitant use of Venetoclax with strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, conivaptan, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, lopinavir, ritonavir, telaprevir, posaconazole and voriconazole) at initiation and during ramp-up phase is contraindicated.

For patients who have completed the ramp-up phase and are on a steady daily dose of Venetoclax, reduce the Venetoclax dose by at least 75% when used concomitantly with strong CYP3A inhibitors. Resume the Venetoclax dose that was used prior to initiating the CYP3A inhibitor 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of the inhibitor.

Co-administration of ketoconazole increased Venetoclax Cmax by 2.3-fold and AUC∞ by 6.4-fold.

  • Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors and P-gp Inhibitors

Avoid concomitant use of moderate CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, dronedarone, fluconazole, verapamil) or P-gp inhibitors (e.g., amiodarone, azithromycin, captopril, carvedilol, cyclosporine, felodipine, quercetin, quinidine, ranolazine, ticagrelor) with Venetoclax. Consider alternative treatments. If a moderate CYP3A inhibitor or a P-gp inhibitor must be used, reduce the Venetoclax dose by at least 50%. Monitor patients more closely for signs of Venetoclax toxicities.

Resume the Venetoclax dose that was used prior to initiating the CYP3A inhibitor or P-gp inhibitor 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of the inhibitor.

Avoid grapefruit products, Seville oranges, and starfruit during treatment with Venetoclax, as they contain inhibitors of CYP3A.

Co-administration of a single dose of rifampin, a P-gp inhibitor, increased Venetoclax Cmax by 106% and AUC∞ by 78%.

  • CYP3A Inducers

Avoid concomitant use of Venetoclax with strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John’s wort) or moderate CYP3A inducers (e.g., bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil, nafcillin). Consider alternative treatments with less CYP3A induction [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Co-administration of multiple doses of rifampin, a strong CYP3A inducer, decreased Venetoclax Cmax by 42% and AUC∞ by 71%.

Effects of Venetoclax on Other Drugs
  • Warfarin

In a drug-drug interaction study in healthy subjects, administration of a single dose of Venetoclax with warfarin resulted in an 18% to 28% increase in Cmax and AUC∞ of R-warfarin and S-warfarin. Because Venetoclax was not dosed to steady state, it is recommended that the international normalized ratio (INR) be monitored closely in patients receiving warfarin.

  • P-gp substrates

In vitro data suggest Venetoclax has inhibition potential on P-gp substrates at therapeutic dose levels in the gut. Therefore, co-administration of narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrates (e.g., digoxin, everolimus, and sirolimus) with Venetoclax should be avoided. If a narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrate must be used, it should be taken at least 6 hours before Venetoclax.

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category (FDA):

  • Risk Summary

There are no available human data on the use of Venetoclax in pregnant women. Based on toxicity observed in mice, Venetoclax may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. In mice, Venetoclax was fetotoxic at exposures 1.2 times the human clinical exposure based on AUC at the recommended human dose of 400 mg daily. If Venetoclax is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking Venetoclax, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus.

The 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 embryo-fetal development studies, Venetoclax was administered to pregnant mice and rabbits during the period of organogenesis. In mice, Venetoclax was associated with increased post-implantation loss and decreased fetal body weight at 150 mg/kg/day (maternal exposures approximately 1.2 times the human AUC exposure at the recommended dose of 400 mg daily). No teratogenicity was observed in either the mouse or the rabbit.
Pregnancy Category (AUS): There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Venetoclax in women who are pregnant.

Labor and Delivery

There is no FDA guidance on use of Venetoclax during labor and delivery.

Nursing Mothers

There are no data on the presence of Venetoclax in human milk, the effects of Venetoclax on the breastfed child, or the effects of Venetoclax on milk production. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from Venetoclax is unknown, advise nursing women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with Venetoclax.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatic Use

Of the 106 patients with previously treated CLL with 17p deletion who were evaluated for efficacy, 57% were ≥65 years of age and 17% were ≥75 years of age. Of the 240 patients with previously treated CLL evaluated for safety from 3 open-label trials, 58% were ≥65 years of age and 17% were ≥75 years of age.

No overall differences in safety and effectiveness were observed between older and younger patients.

Gender

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Venetoclax with respect to specific gender populations.

Race

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Venetoclax with respect to specific racial populations.

Renal Impairment

Patients with reduced renal function (CrCl <80 mL/min) are at increased risk of TLS. These patients may require more intensive prophylaxis and monitoring to reduce the risk of TLS when initiating treatment with Venetoclax.

No specific clinical trials have been conducted in subjects with renal impairment. Less than 0.1% of radioactive Venetoclax dose was detected in urine. No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (CrCl ≥30 mL/min) based on results of the population pharmacokinetic analysis. A recommended dose has not been determined for patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) or patients on dialysis.

Hepatic Impairment

No specific clinical trials have been conducted in subjects with hepatic impairment, however human mass balance study showed that Venetoclax undergoes hepatic elimination. Although no dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment based on results of the population pharmacokinetic analysis, a trend for increased adverse events was observed in patients with moderate hepatic impairment; monitor these patients more closely for signs of toxicity during the initiation and dose ramp-up phase. A recommended dose has not been determined for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Females of Reproductive Potential and Males

Venetoclax may cause fetal harm.

  • Pregnancy Testing

Females of reproductive potential should undergo pregnancy testing before initiation of Venetoclax.

  • Contraception

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Venetoclax and for at least 30 days after the last dose.

  • Infertility

Based on findings in animals, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with Venetoclax.

Immunocompromised Patients

There is no FDA guidance one the use of Venetoclax in patients who are immunocompromised.

Administration and Monitoring

Administration

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Administration in the drug label.

Monitoring

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Monitoring in the drug label.

IV Compatibility

There is limited information regarding the compatibility of Venetoclax and IV administrations.

Overdosage

There is no specific antidote for Venetoclax. For patients who experience overdose, closely monitor and provide appropriate supportive treatment; during ramp-up phase interrupt Venetoclax and monitor carefully for signs and symptoms of TLS along with other toxicities. Based on Venetoclax large volume of distribution and extensive protein binding, dialysis is unlikely to result in significant removal of Venetoclax.

Pharmacology

Template:Px
Venetoclax
Systematic (IUPAC) name
4-(4-{[2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]methyl}-1-piperazinyl)-N-({3-nitro-4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylmethyl)amino]phenyl}sulfonyl)-2-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yloxy)benzamide
Identifiers
CAS number 1257044-40-8
ATC code L01XX52
PubChem 49846579
Chemical data
Formula Template:OrganicBox atomTemplate:OrganicBox atomTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBox atomTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBox atomTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBox atomTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBox atomTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBoxTemplate:OrganicBox 
Mol. mass 868.44 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability ?
Protein binding >99.9%[1]
Metabolism Hepatic (CYP3A4, CYP3A5)
Half life ~26 hours
Excretion Feces (>99.9%; 20.8% as unchanged venetoclax)
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

?

Legal status

[[Prescription drug|Template:Unicode-only]](US)

Routes Oral (tablets)

Mechanism of Action

Venetoclax is a selective and orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of BCL-2, an anti-apoptotic protein. Overexpression of BCL-2 has been demonstrated in CLL cells where it mediates tumor cell survival and has been associated with resistance to chemotherapeutics. Venetoclax helps restore the process of apoptosis by binding directly to the BCL-2 protein, displacing pro-apoptotic proteins like BIM, triggering mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and the activation of caspases. In nonclinical studies, Venetoclax has demonstrated cytotoxic activity in tumor cells that overexpress BCL-2.

Structure

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Structure in the drug label.

Pharmacodynamics

  • Cardiac Electrophysiology

The effect of multiple doses of Venetoclax up to 1200 mg once daily on the QTc interval was evaluated in an open-label, single-arm study in 176 patients with previously treated hematologic malignancies. Venetoclax had no large effect on QTc interval (i.e., > 20 ms) and there was no relationship between Venetoclax exposure and change in QTc interval.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Following multiple oral administrations under fed conditions, maximum plasma concentration of Venetoclax was reached 5-8 hours after dose. Venetoclax steady state AUC increased proportionally over the dose range of 150-800 mg. Under low-fat meal conditions, Venetoclax mean (± standard deviation) steady state Cmax was 2.1 ± 1.1 μg/mL and AUC(0-24) was 32.8 ± 16.9 μg•h/mL at the 400 mg once daily dose.

  • Food Effect

Administration with a low-fat meal increased Venetoclax exposure by approximately 3.4-fold and administration with a high-fat meal increased Venetoclax exposure by 5.1- to 5.3-fold compared to fasting conditions. Venetoclax should be administered with a meal.

Distribution

Venetoclax is highly bound to human plasma protein with unbound fraction in plasma <0.01 across a concentration range of 1-30 µM (0.87-26 µg/mL). The mean blood-to-plasma ratio was 0.57. The population estimate for apparent volume of distribution (Vdss/F) of Venetoclax ranged from 256-321 L in patients.

Elimination

The population estimate for the terminal elimination half-life of Venetoclax was approximately 26 hours. The pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax does not change over time.

  • Metabolism

In vitro studies demonstrated that Venetoclax is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4/5. M27 was identified as a major metabolite in plasma with an inhibitory activity against BCL-2 that is at least 58-fold lower than Venetoclax in vitro.

  • Excretion

After single oral administration of 200 mg radiolabeled [14C]-Venetoclax dose to healthy subjects, >99.9% of the dose was recovered in feces and <0.1% of the dose was excreted in urine within 9 days, indicating that hepatic elimination is responsible for the clearance of Venetoclax from the systemic circulation. Unchanged Venetoclax accounted for 20.8% of the administered radioactive dose excreted in feces.

Special Populations
  • Age, Race, Sex, and Weight

Based on population pharmacokinetic analyses, age, race, sex, and weight do not have a clinically meaningful effect on Venetoclax clearance.

  • Renal Impairment

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis that included 211 subjects with mild renal impairment (CrCl ≥60 and <90 mL/min, calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation), 83 subjects with moderate renal impairment (CrCl ≥30 and <60 mL/min) and 210 subjects with normal renal function (CrCl ≥90 mL/min), Venetoclax exposures in subjects with mild or moderate renal impairment are similar to those with normal renal function. The pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax has not been studied in subjects with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) or subjects on dialysis.

  • Hepatic Impairment

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis that included 69 subjects with mild hepatic impairment, 7 subjects with moderate hepatic impairment and 429 subjects with normal hepatic function, Venetoclax exposures are similar in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment and normal hepatic function. The NCI Organ Dysfunction Working Group criteria for hepatic impairment were used in the analysis. Mild hepatic impairment was defined as normal total bilirubin and aspartate transaminase (AST) > upper limit of normal (ULN) or total bilirubin >1.0 to 1.5 times ULN, moderate hepatic impairment as total bilirubin >1.5 to 3.0 times ULN, and severe hepatic impairment as total bilirubin >3.0 times ULN. The pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax has not been studied in subjects with severe hepatic impairment.

Drug Interactions
  • Ketoconazole

Co-administration of 400 mg once daily ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A, P-gp and BCRP inhibitor, for 7 days in 11 previously treated NHL patients increased Venetoclax Cmax by 2.3-fold and AUC∞ by 6.4-fold.

  • Rifampin multiple doses

Co-administration of 600 mg once daily rifampin, a strong CYP3A inducer, for 13 days in 10 healthy subjects decreased Venetoclax Cmax by 42% and AUC∞ by 71%.

  • Rifampin single dose

Co-administration of a 600 mg single dose of rifampin, an OATP1B1/1B3 and P-gp inhibitor, in 11 healthy subjects increased Venetoclax Cmax by 106% and AUC∞ by 78%.

  • Gastric Acid Reducing Agents

Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, gastric acid reducing agents (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, antacids) do not affect Venetoclax bioavailability.

  • Warfarin

In a drug-drug interaction study in three healthy subjects, administration of a single 400 mg dose of Venetoclax with 5 mg warfarin resulted in 18% to 28% increase in Cmax and AUC∞ of R-warfarin and S-warfarin.

In vitro Studies

In vitro studies indicated that Venetoclax is not an inhibitor or inducer of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 at clinically relevant concentrations. Venetoclax is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and UGT1A1 in vitro, but it is not predicted to cause clinically relevant inhibition due to high plasma protein binding. Venetoclax is not an inhibitor of UGT1A4, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, or UGT2B7.

Venetoclax is a P-gp and BCRP substrate as well as a P-gp and BCRP inhibitor and weak OATP1B1 inhibitor in vitro. To avoid a potential interaction in the gastrointestinal tract, co-administration of narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrates such as digoxin with Venetoclax should be avoided. If a narrow therapeutic index P-gp substrate must be used, it should be taken at least 6 hours before Venetoclax. Venetoclax is not expected to inhibit OATP1B3, OCT1, OCT2, OAT1, OAT3, MATE1, or MATE2K at clinically relevant concentrations.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Nonclinical Toxicology in the drug label.

Clinical Studies

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Clinical Studies in the drug label.

How Supplied

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax How Supplied in the drug label.

Storage

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Storage in the drug label.

Images

Drug Images

{{#ask: Page Name::Venetoclax |?Pill Name |?Drug Name |?Pill Ingred |?Pill Imprint |?Pill Dosage |?Pill Color |?Pill Shape |?Pill Size (mm) |?Pill Scoring |?NDC |?Drug Author |format=template |template=DrugPageImages |mainlabel=- |sort=Pill Name }}

Package and Label Display Panel

{{#ask: Label Page::Venetoclax |?Label Name |format=template |template=DrugLabelImages |mainlabel=- |sort=Label Page }}

Patient Counseling Information

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Patient Counseling Information in the drug label.

Precautions with Alcohol

Alcohol-Venetoclax interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor regarding the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.

Brand Names

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Brand Names in the drug label.

Look-Alike Drug Names

There is limited information regarding Venetoclax Look-Alike Drug Names in the drug label.

Drug Shortage Status

Price

References

The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.

  1. "US Venetoclax label" (PDF). FDA. April 2016.