Sorafenib
Brand names: Sorafenib Tosylate, sorafenib, Nexavar, Sorafenib
Warnings
Cardiovascular Events: Consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of sorafenib tablets.(2.2, 5.1) Hemorrhage: Discontinue sorafenib tablets if needed. (5.2) Hypertension: Monitor blood pressure weekly during the first 6 weeks and periodically thereafter. Consider temporary or permanent discontinuation for severe or persistent hypertension despite antihypertensive therapy.(5.3) Dermatologic Toxicities: Interrupt and/or decrease dose. Discontinue for severe or persistent reactions, or if Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis is suspected.(5.4) Gastrointestinal Perforation: Discontinue sorafenib tablets. (5.5) Risk of Impaired Wound Healing: Withhold sorafenib tablets for at least 10 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of sorafenib tablets after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. (5.7) QT Prolongation: Monitor electrocardiograms and electrolytes in patients at increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Correct electrolytes. Interrupt if QTc greater than 500 msec or increases greater than 60 msec from baseline.( 2.2, 5.9, 12.2) Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Monitor liver function tests regularly; discontinue for unexplained transaminase elevations. (5.10) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Sorafenib tablets may cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. (5.11, 8.1, 8.3) Impairment of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression (TSH) in DTC: Monitor TSH monthly and adjust thyroid replacement therapy in patients with thyroid cancer. (5.12) 5.1 Cardiovascular Events In the SHARP (HCC) study, the incidence of cardiac ischemia/infarction was 2.7% in sorafenib tablets-treated patients compared with 1.3% in those receiving placebo, and in the DECISION (DTC) study, the incidence of cardiac ischemia/infarction was 1.9% in the sorafenib tablets -treated group compared with 0% in patients receiving placebo. Patients with unstable coronary artery disease or recent myocardial infarction were excluded from this study. In multiple clinical trials, congestive heart failure has been reported in 1.9% of sorafenib tablets - treated patients (N=2276) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of sorafenib tablets in patients who develop cardiovascular events [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. 5.2 Hemorrhage An increased risk of bleeding may occur following sorafenib tablets administration. In the SHARP (HCC) study, the rates of bleeding from esophageal varices (2.4% and 4%) and of bleeding with a fatal outcome from any site (2.4% and 4%) were similar in sorafenib tablets -treated patients and those receiving placebo, respectively. In the DECISION (DTC) study, bleeding was reported in 17.4% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 9.6% of those receiving placebo; however, the incidence of Grade 3 bleeding was similar (1% and 1.4%) in sorafenib tablets -treated patients and in those receiving placebo. If any bleeding necessitates medical intervention, consider permanent discontinuation of sorafenib tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Due to the potential risk of bleeding, treat tracheal, bronchial, and esophageal infiltration with local therapy prior to administering sorafenib tablets in patients with DTC. 5.3 Hypertension In the SHARP (HCC) study, hypertension was reported in 9.4% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 4.3% of patients receiving placebo. In the DECISION (DTC) study, hypertension was reported in 40.6% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients and 12.4% of patients receiving placebo. Hypertension was usually mild to moderate, occurred early in the course of treatment, and was managed with standard antihypertensive therapy. Permanent discontinuation due to hypertension occurred in 1 of 297 sorafenib tablets -treated patients in the SHARP (HCC) study, and 1 of 207 sorafenib tablets -treated patients in the DECISION (DTC) study. Monitor blood pressure weekly during the first 6 weeks of sorafenib tablets. Thereafter, monitor blood pressure and treat hypertension, if required, in accordance with standard medical practice. In cases of severe or persistent hypertension despite institution of antihypertensive therapy, consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of sorafenib tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. 5.4 Dermatologic Toxicities Hand-foot skin reaction and rash represent the most common adverse reactions attributed to sorafenib tablets. Rash and hand-foot skin reaction are usually Grade 1 and 2 and generally appear during the first six weeks of treatment with sorafenib tablets. Permanent discontinuation of therapy due to hand-foot skin reaction occurred in 4 (1.3%) of 297 sorafenib tablets -treated patients with HCC, and 11 (5.3%) of 207 sorafenib tablets -treated patients with DTC. Management of dermatologic toxicities may include topical therapies for symptomatic relief, temporary treatment interruption and/or dose reduction of sorafenib tablets, or in severe or persistent cases, permanent discontinuation of sorafenib tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. There have been reports of severe dermatologic toxicities, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These cases may be life-threatening. Discontinue sorafenib tablets if SJS or TEN are suspected. 5.5 Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal perforation has been reported in less than 1% of patients taking sorafenib tablets. In some cases this was not associated with apparent intra-abdominal tumor. In the event of a gastrointestinal perforation, permanently discontinue sorafenib tablets. 5.6 Increased Risk of Bleeding with Concomitant Us e of Warfarin Infrequent bleeding or elevations in the International Normalized Ratio (INR) have been reported in some patients taking warfarin while on sorafenib tablets. Monitor patients taking concomitant warfarin regularly for changes in prothrombin time (PT), INR or clinical bleeding episodes. 5.7 Risk of Impaired Wound Healing Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the VEGF signaling pathway. Therefore, sorafenib tablets has the potential to adversely affect wound healing. Withhold sorafenib tablets for at least 10 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of sorafenib tablets after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. 5.8 Increased Mortality Observed with Sorafenib Tablets Administered in Combination with Carboplatin/Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine/Cisplatin in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer In a subset analysis of two randomized controlled trials in chemo-naive patients with Stage IIIB-IV non-small cell lung cancer, patients with squamous cell carcinoma experienced higher mortality with the addition of sorafenib tablets compared to those treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel alone (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1. 19, 2.74) and gemcitabine/cisplatin alone (HR 1.22; 95% CI 0.82, 1.80). The use of sorafenib tablets in combination with carboplatin/paclitaxel is contraindicated in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. Sorafenib tablets in combination with gemcitabine/cisplatin are not recommended in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. The safety and effectiveness of sorafenib tablets has not been established in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. 5.9 QT Interval Prolongation Sorafenib tablets can prolong the QT/QTc interval. QT/QTc interval prolongation increases the risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Avoid sorafenib tablets in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Monitor electrolytes and electrocardiograms in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, drugs known to prolong the QT interval, including Class Ia and III antiarrhythmics. Correct electrolyte abnormalities (magnesium, potassium, calcium). Interrupt sorafenib tablets if QTc interval is greater than 500 milliseconds or for an increase from baseline of 60 milliseconds or greater [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. 5.10 Drug-Induced Liver Injury Sorafenib-induced hepatitis is characterized by a hepatocellular pattern of liver damage with significant increases of transaminases which may result in hepatic failure and death. Increases in bilirubin and INR may also occur. The incidence of severe drug-induced liver injury, defined as elevated transaminase levels above 20 times the upper limit of normal or transaminase elevations with significant clinical sequelae (for example, elevated INR, ascites, fatal, or transplantation), was two of 3,357 patients (0.06%) in a global monotherapy database. Monitor liver function tests regularly. In case of significantly increased transaminases without alternative explanation, such as viral hepatitis or progressing underlying malignancy, discontinue sorafenib tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. 5.11 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, sorafenib tablets may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Sorafenib caused embryo-fetal toxicities in animals at maternal exposures that were significantly lower than the human exposures at the recommended dose of 400 mg twice daily. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose of sorafenib tablets. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential and pregnant partners to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months following the last dose of sorafenib tablets [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)]. 5.12 Impairment of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Sorafenib tablets impairs exogenous thyroid suppression. In the DECISION (DTC) study, 99% of patients had a baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level less than 0.5 mU/L. Elevation of TSH level above 0.5 mU/L was observed in 41% of sorafenib tablets -treated patients as compared with 16% of those receiving placebo patients. For patients with impaired TSH suppression while receiving sorafenib tablets, the median maximal TSH was 1.6 mU/L and 25% had TSH levels greater than 4.4 mU/L. Monitor TSH levels monthly and adjust thyroid replacement medication as needed in patients with DTC.
Contraindications
Sorafenib tablets are contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to sorafenib or any other component of sorafenib tablets. (4) Sorafenib tablets in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is contraindicated in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. (4) 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Sorafenib tablets are contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to sorafenib or any other component of sorafenib tablets. Sorafenib tablets in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel are contraindicated in patients with squamous cell lung cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Overdose
OVERDOSAGE The adverse reactions observed at a dose of 800 mg twice daily (2 times the recommended dose) were primarily diarrhea and dermatologic. No information is available on symptoms of acute overdose in animals because of the saturation of absorption in oral acute toxicity studies conducted in animals. In cases of suspected overdose, withhold sorafenib tablets and institute supportive care.
Drug interactions
Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers.(7.1) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Sorafenib Tablets Strong CYP3A4 Inducers The concomitant use of sorafenib tablets with rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer decreased the mean AUC of sorafenib, which may decrease the antitumor activity [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Avoid concomitant use of sorafenib tablets with strong CYP3A4 inducers, when possible, because these drugs can decrease the systemic exposure to sorafenib. Neomycin The concomitant use of sorafenib tablets with neomycin decreased the mean AUC of sorafenib, which may decrease the antitumor activity. Avoid concomitant use of sorafenib tablets with neomycin. The effects of other antibiotics on the pharmacokinetics of sorafenib have not been studied [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 7.2 Concomitant Use of Warfarin The concomitant use of sorafenib tablets and warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding or increased the INR. Monitor INR and for clinical bleeding episodes in patients taking warfarin while receiving sorafenib tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. 7.3 Drugs That Prolong the QT Interval Sorafenib tablets are associated with QTc interval prolongation. Avoid coadministration of sorafenib tablets with medicinal products with a known potential to prolong QT/QTc interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. The pharmacokinetics of sorafenib have not been studied in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Uses
Sorafenib tablets are a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(1.1) Locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine treatment (1.3) 1.1 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Sorafenib tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 1.3 Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Sorafenib tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive,differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) that is refractory to radioactive iodine treatment.
Dosage forms & strengths
2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of sorafenib tablets is 400 mg orallytwice daily without food (at least 1 hourbefore or 2 hours after a meal) until the patient is no longer clinically benfiting from therapy or until unacceptable toxicity. •The recommended dosage is 400 mg orally twice daily without food. (2.1) 2.2 Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions Recommended Dosage Modifications The recommended dosage modifications for adverse reactions are provided in Tables 1, 2, and 3. Table 1: Recommended Dose Reductions forAdverse Reactions Dose Reduction Hepatocellular Carcinoma Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma First Dose Reduction 400 mg orally once daily 400 mg orally in the morning and 200 mg orally in the evening about 12 hours apart OR 200 mg orally in the morning and 400 mg orally in the evening about 12 hours apart Second Dose Reduction 200 mg orally once daily OR 400 every other day 200 mg orally twice daily Third Dose Reduction None 200 mg orally once daily Table 2: Recommended Dosage Modifications of Sorafenib Tablets for Adverse Reactions Adverse Reaction Severity 1 Sorafenib T ablets Dosage M odification Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Cardiac Ischemia and/or Infarction Grade 2 and above Permanently discontinue. Congestive Heart Failure Grade 3 Interrupt2 until Grade 1 or less, resume at reduced dose by 1 dose level.3 Grade 4 Permanently discontinue. Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Grade 2 and above requiring medical intervention Permanently discontinue. Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Grade 2 (symptomatic/persistent) OR Grade 2 symptomatic increase by greater than 20 mm Hg (diastolic) or greater than 140/90 mm Hg if previously within normal limits OR Grade 3 Interrupt until symptoms resolve and diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg, then resume at reduced dose by 1 dose level.3 If needed, reduce another dose level.3 Grade 4 Permanently discontinue. G astrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Any grade Permanently discontinue. QT Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Greater than 500 milliseconds OR Increase from baseline of 60 milliseconds or greater Interrupt and correct electrolyte abnormalities (magnesium, potassium, calcium). Use medical judgement before restarting. Drug-Induced Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] Grade 3 ALT or higher in the absence of another cause4 OR AST/ALT greater than 3 × upper limit normal (ULN) with bilirubin greater than 2 × ULN in the absence of another cause4 Permanently discontinue. Non-hematological toxicities [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] Grade 2 Continue treatment at reduced dose by 1 dose level. Grade 3 1st occurrence Interrupt until Grade 2 or less, then resume at reduced dose by 1 dose level. No improvement within 7 days OR 2nd or 3rd occurrence Interrupt until Grade 2 or less, then resume at reduced dose by 2 dose levels. 4th occurrence Interrupt until Grade 2 or less, then resume at reduced dose by 2 dose levels for HCC or 3 dose levels for DTC. Grade 4 Permanently discontinue. 1 Adverse reactions graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (NCI CTCAE v3.0). 2 If no recovery after 30 day interruption, discontinue treatment unless the patient is deriving clinical benefit. 3 If more than 2 dose reductions are required, permanently discontinue treatment. 4 In addition, any grade increased alkaline phosphatase in the absence of known bone pathology and Grade 2 or worse increased bilirubin; any 1 of the following: INR of 1.5 or greater, ascites and/or encephalopathy in the absence of underlying cirrhosis or other organ failure considered to be due to drug-induced liver injury. Table 3: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Dermatologic Toxicities Dermatologic Toxicity Grade Occurrence Sorafenib T ablets Dosage Modification Hepatocellular Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Grade 2: Painful erythema and swelling of the hands or feet and/or discomfort affecting the patient’s normal activities 1st occurrence Continue sorafenib tablets and consider topical therapy for symptomatic relief. If no improvement within 7 days, see below. Decrease sorafenib tablets to 600 mg daily If no improvement within 7 days, see below. No improvement within 7 days at reduced dose OR 2nd and 3rd occurrence Interrupt sorafenib tablets until resolved or improved to Grade 0 to 1. Interrupt sorafenib tablets until completely resolved or improved to Grade 1. When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level. When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level for 2nd occurrence and 2 dose levels for 3rd occurrence. 4th occurrence Discontinue sorafenib tablets treatment. Grade 3:Moist desquamation, ulceration, blistering, or severe pain of the hands or feet, resulting in inability to work or perform activities of daily living 1st occurrence Interrupt sorafenib tablets until resolved or improved to Grade 0 to 1. Interrupt sorafenib tablets until completely resolved or improved to Grade 1. When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level. When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level. 2nd occurrence Interrupt sorafenib tablets until resolved or improved to Grade 0 to 1. Interrupt sorafenib tablets until completely resolved or improved to Grade 1. When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 1 dose level. When resuming treatment, decrease dose by 2 dose levels. 3rd occurrence Discontinue sorafenib tablets treatment. Following improvement of Grade 2 or 3 dermatologic toxicity to Grade 0 or 1 for at least 28 days on a reduced dose of sorafenib tablets, the dose of sorafenib tablets may be increased 1 dose level from the reduced dose. Approximately 50% of patients requiring a dose reduction for dermatologic toxicity are expected to meet these criteria for resumption of the higher dose and roughly 50% of patients resuming the previous dose are expected to tolerate the higher dose (that is, maintain the higher dose level without recurrent Grade 2 or higher dermatologic toxicity).