5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Serious and fatal hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur with oxaliplatin within minutes of administration and during any cycle. Grade 3–4 hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, occurred in 2% to 3% of patients with colon cancer who received oxaliplatin. Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, urticaria, erythema, pruritus, and rarely, bronchospasm and hypotension, were similar in nature and severity to those reported with other platinum-based drugs.

Oxaliplatin is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to platinum-based drugs [see Contraindications (4)] . Immediately and permanently discontinue oxaliplatin for hypersensitivity reactions and administer appropriate treatment for management of hypersensitivity reactions.

5.2 Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy

Oxaliplatin can cause acute and delayed neuropathy. Reduce the dose or permanently discontinue oxaliplatin for persistent neurosensory reactions based on the severity of the adverse reaction [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] .

Acute Neuropathy

Acute neuropathy typically presents as a reversible, primarily peripheral sensory neuropathy that occurs within hours or 2 days following a dose, resolves within 14 days, and frequently recurs with further dosing. The symptoms can be precipitated or exacerbated by exposure to cold temperature or cold objects and they usually present as transient paresthesia, dysesthesia and hypoesthesia in the hands, feet, perioral area, or throat. Jaw spasm, abnormal tongue sensation, dysarthria, eye pain, and a feeling of chest pressure have also been observed. The acute, reversible pattern of sensory neuropathy was observed in about 56% of patients who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin. In any individual cycle, acute neuropathy occurred in approximately 30% of patients. For grade 3 peripheral sensory neuropathy, the median time to onset was 9 cycles for adjuvant treatment and 6 cycles for previously treated advanced colorectal cancer.

An acute syndrome of pharyngolaryngeal dysesthesia occurred in 1% to 2% (grade 3–4) of patients previously untreated for advanced colorectal cancer. Subjective sensations of dysphagia or dyspnea, without any laryngospasm or bronchospasm (no stridor or wheezing) occurred in patients previously treated for advanced colorectal cancer.

Avoid topical application of ice for mucositis prophylaxis or other conditions, because cold temperature can exacerbate acute neurological symptoms .

Delayed Neuropathy

Delayed neuropathy typically presents as a persistent (greater than 14 days), primarily peripheral sensory neuropathy that is usually characterized by paresthesias, dysesthesias, and hypoesthesias, but may also include deficits in proprioception that can interfere with daily activities (e.g., writing, buttoning, swallowing, and difficulty walking from impaired proprioception). These forms of neuropathy occurred in 48% of patients receiving oxaliplatin. Delayed neuropathy can occur without any prior acute neuropathy. Most patients (80%) who developed grade 3 persistent neuropathy progressed from prior grade 1 or 2 reactions. These symptoms may improve in some patients upon discontinuation of oxaliplatin.

Adjuvant treatment

In the adjuvant treatment trial, neuropathy was graded using NCI CTC, version 1 as summarized in Table 3.

Table 3: Grading for Neuropathy in Adjuvant Treatment Trial

Grade	Definition
0	No change or none
1	Mild paresthesias, loss of deep tendon reflexes
2	Mild or moderate objective sensory loss, moderate paresthesias
3	Severe objective sensory loss or paresthesias that interfere with function
4	Not applicable

Peripheral sensory neuropathy occurred in 92% of patients (all grades), including 13% of patients (grade 3) who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin. At the 28-day follow-up after the last treatment cycle, 60% of patients had any grade (grade 1=40%, grade 2=16%, grade 3=5%) peripheral sensory neuropathy, decreasing to 39% at 6 months of follow-up (grade 1=31%, grade 2=7%, grade 3=1%) and 21% at 18 months of follow-up (grade 1=17%, grade 2=3%, grade 3=1%).

Advanced colorectal cancer

In the advanced colorectal cancer trials, neuropathy was graded using the neurotoxicity scale summarized in Table 4.

Table 4: Grading for Neuropathy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer Trials

Grade	Definition
1	Resolved and did not interfere with functioning
2	Interfered with function but not daily activities
3	Pain or functional impairment that interfered with daily activities
4	Persistent impairment that is disabling or life-threatening

Neuropathy occurred in 82% (all grades) of patients previously untreated for advanced colorectal cancer, including 19% grade 3–4; and in 74% (all grades) of patients previously treated for advanced colorectal cancer, including 7% grade 3–4.

5.3 Severe Myelosuppression

Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 41% to 44% of patients with colorectal cancer who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin. Sepsis, neutropenic sepsis and septic shock, including fatal outcomes, occurred in patients who received oxaliplatin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)] .

Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 2% to 5% of patients with colorectal cancer who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin.

Monitor complete blood cell count at baseline, before each subsequent cycle and as clinically indicated .Delay oxaliplatin until neutrophils are greater than or equal to 1.5 × 10 9/L and platelets are greater than or equal to 75 × 10 9/L. Withhold oxaliplatin for sepsis or septic shock. Dose reduce oxaliplatin after recovery from grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia or grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] .

5.4 Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

PRES occurred in less than 0.1% of patients across clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Signs and symptoms of PRES can include headache, altered mental functioning, seizures, abnormal vision from blurriness to blindness, associated or not with hypertension. Confirm the diagnosis of PRES with magnetic resonance imaging. Permanently discontinue oxaliplatin in patients who develop PRES.

5.5 Pulmonary Toxicity

Oxaliplatin has been associated with pulmonary fibrosis (less than 1% of patients), which may be fatal [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .

In the adjuvant treatment trial, the combined incidence of cough and dyspnea was 7.4% (any grade), including less than 1% (grade 3) in the oxaliplatin arm. One patient died from eosinophilic pneumonia in the oxaliplatin arm.

In the previously untreated advanced colorectal cancer trial, the combined incidence of cough, dyspnea, and hypoxia was 43% (any grade), including 7% (grade 3–4) in the oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin arm.

In case of unexplained respiratory symptoms, such as non-productive cough, dyspnea, crackles, or radiological pulmonary infiltrates, withhold oxaliplatin until further pulmonary investigation excludes interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis. Permanently discontinue oxaliplatin for confirmed interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis.

5.6 Hepatotoxicity

In the adjuvant treatment trial, increased transaminases (57% vs 34%) and alkaline phosphatase (42% vs 20%) occurred more commonly in the oxaliplatin arm than in the fluorouracil/leucovorin arm [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . The incidence of increased bilirubin was similar on both arms. Changes noted on liver biopsies include: peliosis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia or sinusoidal alterations, perisinusoidal fibrosis, and veno-occlusive lesions.

Consider evaluating patients who develop abnormal liver tests or portal hypertension, which cannot be explained by liver metastases, for hepatic vascular disorders. Monitor liver function tests at baseline, before each subsequent cycle, and as clinically indicated.

5.7 QT Interval Prolongation and Ventricular Arrhythmias

QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, including fatal torsade de pointes, have been reported with oxaliplatin [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] .

Avoid oxaliplatin in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Monitor electrocardiograms (ECG) in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, and electrolyte abnormalities and in patients taking drugs known to prolong the QT interval, including Class Ia and III antiarrhythmics [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] . Monitor and correct electrolyte abnormalities prior to initiating oxaliplatin and periodically during treatment.

5.8 Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis, including fatal cases, has been reported with oxaliplatin [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . Permanently discontinue oxaliplatin for any signs or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis.

5.9 Hemorrhage

The incidence of hemorrhage in clinical trials was higher on the oxaliplatin combination arm compared to the fluorouracil/leucovorin arm. These reactions included gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, and epistaxis. In the adjuvant treatment trial, 2 patients died from intracerebral hemorrhage [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .

Prolonged prothrombin time and INR occasionally associated with hemorrhage have been reported in patients who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin while on anticoagulants [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . Increase frequency of monitoring in patients who are receiving oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin and oral anticoagulants [see Drug Interactions (7.3)] .

Thrombocytopenia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia have been observed with oxaliplatin. Rapid onset of thrombocytopenia and greater risk of bleeding have been observed in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. In this case, consider discontinuing oxaliplatin.

5.10 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, oxaliplatin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The available human data do not establish the presence or absence of major birth defects or miscarriage related to the use of oxaliplatin. Reproductive toxicity studies demonstrated adverse effects on embryo-fetal development in rats at maternal doses that were below the recommended human dose based on body surface area. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with oxaliplatin and for 9 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with oxaliplatin and for 6 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

7.1 Drugs that Prolong the QT Interval

QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias can occur with oxaliplatin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] . Avoid coadministration of oxaliplatin with medicinal products with a known potential to prolong the QT interval.

7.2 Use with Nephrotoxic Products

Because platinum-containing species are eliminated primarily through the kidney, clearance of these products may be decreased by coadministration of potentially nephrotoxic compounds [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Avoid coadministration of oxaliplatin with medicinal products known to cause nephrotoxicity.

7.3 Use with Anticoagulants

Prolonged prothrombin time and INR occasionally associated with hemorrhage have been reported in patients who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin while on anticoagulants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . Increase frequency of monitoring in patients who are receiving oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin and oral anticoagulants.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Based on its direct interaction with DNA, oxaliplatin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The available human data do not establish the presence or absence of major birth defects or miscarriage related to the use of oxaliplatin. Reproductive toxicity studies demonstrated adverse effects on embryo-fetal development in rats at maternal doses that were below the recommended human dose based on body surface area (see Data) . Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risk to a fetus.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal data

Pregnant rats were administered oxaliplatin at less than one-tenth the recommended human dose based on body surface area during gestation days (GD)1–5 (preimplantation), GD 6–10, or GD 11–16 (during organogenesis). Oxaliplatin caused developmental mortality (increased early resorptions) when administered on days GD 6–10 and GD 11–16 and adversely affected fetal growth (decreased fetal weight, delayed ossification) when administered on days GD 6–10.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of oxaliplatin or its metabolites in human or animal milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with oxaliplatin and for 3 months after the final dose.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Pregnancy Testing

Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating oxaliplatin [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] .

Contraception

Oxaliplatin can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] .

Females

Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving oxaliplatin and for 9 months after the final dose.

Males

Based on its mechanism action as a genotoxic drug, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving oxaliplatin and for 6 months after the final dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)] .

Infertility

Based on animal studies, oxaliplatin may impair fertility in males and females [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)] .

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of oxaliplatin in pediatrics have not been established. Safety and effectiveness were assessed across 4 open-label studies in 235 patients aged 7 months to 22 years with solid tumors.

In a multicenter, open-label, non-comparative, non-randomized study (ARD5531), oxaliplatin was administered to 43 patients with refractory or relapsed malignant solid tumors, mainly neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma. The dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was sensory neuropathy at a dose of 110 mg/m 2. The main adverse reactions were: paresthesia (60%, grade 3–4: 7%), fever (40%, grade 3–4: 7%), and thrombocytopenia (40%, grade 3–4: 27%). No responses were observed.

In an open-label non-randomized study (DFI7434), oxaliplatin was administered to 26 pediatric patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors, mainly neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma. The DLT was sensory neuropathy at a dose of 160 mg/m 2. No responses were observed.

In an open-label, single-agent study (ARD5021), oxaliplatin was administered to 43 pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory embryonal CNS tumors. The most common adverse reactions reported were: leukopenia (67%, grade 3–4: 12%), anemia (65%, grade 3–4: 5%), thrombocytopenia (65%, grade 3–4: 26%), vomiting (65%, grade 3–4: 7%), neutropenia (58%, grade 3–4: 16%), and sensory neuropathy (40%, grade 3–4: 5%).

In an open-label single-agent study (ARD5530), oxaliplatin was administered to 123 pediatric patients with recurrent solid tumors, including neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma or peripheral PNET, ependymoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, hepatoblastoma, high grade astrocytoma, brain stem glioma, low grade astrocytoma, malignant germ cell tumor and other tumors. The most common adverse reactions reported were: sensory neuropathy (52%, grade 3–4: 12%), thrombocytopenia (37%, grade 3–4: 17%), anemia (37%, grade 3–4: 9%), vomiting (26%, grade 3–4: 4%), increased ALT (24%, grade 3–4: 6%), increased AST (24%, grade 3–4: 2%), and nausea (23%, grade 3–4: 3%).

The pharmacokinetic parameters of ultrafiltrable platinum were evaluated in 105 pediatric patients during the first cycle. The mean clearance in pediatric patients estimated by the population pharmacokinetic analysis was 4.7 L/h (%CV, 41%). Mean platinum pharmacokinetic parameters in ultrafiltrate were C maxof 0.75 ± 0.24 mcg/mL, AUC 0–48hof 7.52 ± 5.07 mcg∙h/mL and AUC infof 8.83 ± 1.57 mcg∙h/mL at 85 mg/m 2of oxaliplatin and C maxof 1.10 ± 0.43 mcg/mL, AUC 0–48hof 9.74 ± 2.52 mcg∙h/mL and AUC infof 17.3 ± 5.34 mcg∙h/mL at 130 mg/m 2of oxaliplatin.

8.5 Geriatric Use

In the adjuvant treatment trial [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] , 400 patients who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin were greater than or equal to 65 years. The effect of oxaliplatin in patients greater than or equal to 65 years was not conclusive. Patients greater than or equal to 65 years receiving oxaliplatin experienced more diarrhea and grade 3–4 neutropenia (45% vs 39%) compared to patients less than 65 years.

In the previously untreated advanced colorectal cancer trial [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] , 99 patients who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil and leucovorin were greater than or equal to 65 years. The same efficacy improvements in response rate, time to tumor progression, and overall survival were observed in the greater than or equal to 65 years patients as in the overall study population. Adverse reactions were similar in patients less than 65 and greater than or equal to 65 years, but older patients may have been more susceptible to diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalemia, leukopenia, fatigue, and syncope.

In the previously treated advanced colorectal cancer trial [see Clinical Studies (14.3)] , 55 patients who received oxaliplatin with fluorouracil and leucovorin were greater than or equal to 65 years. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger adults. Adverse reactions were similar in patients less than 65 and greater than or equal to 65 years, but older patients may have been more susceptible to diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalemia, and fatigue.

No significant effect of age on the clearance of ultrafiltrable platinum has been observed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

8.6 Patients with Renal Impairment

The AUC of unbound platinum in plasma ultrafiltrate was increased in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . No dose reduction is recommended for patients with mild (creatinine clearance 50 to 79 mL/min) or moderate (creatinine clearance 30 to 49 mL/min) renal impairment, calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation. Reduce the dose of oxaliplatin in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

11 DESCRIPTION

Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based drug with the molecular formula C 8H 14N 2O 4Pt and the chemical name of cis-[(1 R,2 R)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine- N, N′][oxalato(2-)- O, O′]platinum. Oxaliplatin is an organoplatinum complex in which the platinum atom is complexed with 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) and with an oxalate ligand as a leaving group.


The molecular weight is 397.3. Oxaliplatin is slightly soluble in water at 6 mg/mL, very slightly soluble in methanol, and practically insoluble in ethanol and acetone.

Oxaliplatin Injection, for intravenous use, is supplied in vials containing 50 mg or 100 mg of oxaliplatin as a sterile, preservative-free, aqueous solution at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Water for Injection, USP is present as an inactive ingredient.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin was not mutagenic to bacteria (Ames test) but was mutagenic to mammalian cells in vitro (L5178Y mouse lymphoma assay). Oxaliplatin was clastogenic both in vitro (chromosome aberration in human lymphocytes) and in vivo (mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay).

In a fertility study, male rats were given oxaliplatin at 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg/day for five days every 21 days for a total of three cycles prior to mating with females that received two cycles of oxaliplatin on the same schedule. A dose of 2 mg/kg/day (less than one-seventh the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) did not affect pregnancy rate, but resulted in 97% postimplantation loss (increased early resorptions, decreased live fetuses, decreased live births), and delayed growth (decreased fetal weight).

Testicular damage, characterized by degeneration, hypoplasia, and atrophy, was observed in dogs administered oxaliplatin at 0.75 mg/kg/day (approximately one-sixth of the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) × 5 days every 28 days for three cycles. A no effect level was not identified.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Oxaliplatin Injection is supplied in clear, glass, single-dose vials with gray elastomeric stoppers and aluminum flip-off seals containing 50 mg or 100 mg of oxaliplatin as a clear, colorless, sterile, preservative-free, aqueous solution at a concentration of 5 mg/mL.

NDC 0955-1731-10: 50 mg single-dose vial with green flip-off seal individually packaged in a carton.

NDC 0955-1733-20: 100 mg single-dose vial with dark blue flip-off seal individually packaged in a carton.

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Do not freeze and protect from light (keep in original outer carton). Discard unused portion.

Oxaliplatin is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1The use of gloves is recommended. If a solution of oxaliplatin contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If oxaliplatin contacts the mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water.