MedPath

sirolimus

These highlights do not include all the information needed to use SIROLIMUS TABLETS safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for SIROLIMUS TABLETS. SIROLIMUS tablets, for oral useInitial U.S. Approval: 1999

Approved
Approval ID

57fb4d90-3ccb-4a69-af1e-53be83f7a504

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL

Effective Date

Sep 27, 2022

Manufacturers
FDA

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA

DUNS: 130597813

Products 3

Detailed information about drug products covered under this FDA approval, including NDC codes, dosage forms, ingredients, and administration routes.

sirolimus

PRODUCT DETAILS

NDC Product Code68462-683
Application NumberANDA208691
Marketing CategoryC73584
Route of AdministrationORAL
Effective DateSeptember 27, 2022
Generic Namesirolimus

INGREDIENTS (12)

SIROLIMUSActive
Quantity: 1 mg in 1 1
Code: W36ZG6FT64
Classification: ACTIB
CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUMInactive
Code: M28OL1HH48
Classification: IACT
EDETATE DISODIUMInactive
Code: 7FLD91C86K
Classification: IACT
GLYCERYL DIBEHENATEInactive
Code: R8WTH25YS2
Classification: IACT
HYPROMELLOSE, UNSPECIFIEDInactive
Code: 3NXW29V3WO
Classification: IACT
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATEInactive
Code: EWQ57Q8I5X
Classification: IACT
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSEInactive
Code: OP1R32D61U
Classification: IACT
POLOXAMER 188Inactive
Code: LQA7B6G8JG
Classification: IACT
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, UNSPECIFIEDInactive
Code: 3WJQ0SDW1A
Classification: IACT
SUCROSEInactive
Code: C151H8M554
Classification: IACT
.ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL, DL-Inactive
Code: 7QWA1RIO01
Classification: IACT
TITANIUM DIOXIDEInactive
Code: 15FIX9V2JP
Classification: IACT

sirolimus

PRODUCT DETAILS

NDC Product Code68462-682
Application NumberANDA208691
Marketing CategoryC73584
Route of AdministrationORAL
Effective DateSeptember 27, 2022
Generic Namesirolimus

INGREDIENTS (15)

SIROLIMUSActive
Quantity: 0.5 mg in 1 1
Code: W36ZG6FT64
Classification: ACTIB
GLYCERYL DIBEHENATEInactive
Code: R8WTH25YS2
Classification: IACT
HYPROMELLOSE, UNSPECIFIEDInactive
Code: 3NXW29V3WO
Classification: IACT
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSEInactive
Code: OP1R32D61U
Classification: IACT
POLOXAMER 188Inactive
Code: LQA7B6G8JG
Classification: IACT
SUCROSEInactive
Code: C151H8M554
Classification: IACT
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, UNSPECIFIEDInactive
Code: 3WJQ0SDW1A
Classification: IACT
TITANIUM DIOXIDEInactive
Code: 15FIX9V2JP
Classification: IACT
FERROSOFERRIC OXIDEInactive
Code: XM0M87F357
Classification: IACT
.ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL, DL-Inactive
Code: 7QWA1RIO01
Classification: IACT
FERRIC OXIDE REDInactive
Code: 1K09F3G675
Classification: IACT
FERRIC OXIDE YELLOWInactive
Code: EX438O2MRT
Classification: IACT
CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUMInactive
Code: M28OL1HH48
Classification: IACT
EDETATE DISODIUMInactive
Code: 7FLD91C86K
Classification: IACT
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATEInactive
Code: EWQ57Q8I5X
Classification: IACT

sirolimus

PRODUCT DETAILS

NDC Product Code68462-684
Application NumberANDA208691
Marketing CategoryC73584
Route of AdministrationORAL
Effective DateSeptember 27, 2022
Generic Namesirolimus

INGREDIENTS (15)

CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUMInactive
Code: M28OL1HH48
Classification: IACT
SIROLIMUSActive
Quantity: 2 mg in 1 1
Code: W36ZG6FT64
Classification: ACTIB
EDETATE DISODIUMInactive
Code: 7FLD91C86K
Classification: IACT
HYPROMELLOSE, UNSPECIFIEDInactive
Code: 3NXW29V3WO
Classification: IACT
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATEInactive
Code: EWQ57Q8I5X
Classification: IACT
GLYCERYL DIBEHENATEInactive
Code: R8WTH25YS2
Classification: IACT
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSEInactive
Code: OP1R32D61U
Classification: IACT
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, UNSPECIFIEDInactive
Code: 3WJQ0SDW1A
Classification: IACT
POLOXAMER 188Inactive
Code: LQA7B6G8JG
Classification: IACT
SUCROSEInactive
Code: C151H8M554
Classification: IACT
TITANIUM DIOXIDEInactive
Code: 15FIX9V2JP
Classification: IACT
.ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL, DL-Inactive
Code: 7QWA1RIO01
Classification: IACT
D&C YELLOW NO. 10Inactive
Code: 35SW5USQ3G
Classification: IACT
FD&C BLUE NO. 2Inactive
Code: L06K8R7DQK
Classification: IACT
FD&C YELLOW NO. 6Inactive
Code: H77VEI93A8
Classification: IACT

Drug Labeling Information

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION

LOINC: 43685-7Updated: 9/27/2022

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Increased Susceptibility to Infection and the Possible Development of

Lymphoma

Increased susceptibility to infection and the possible development of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin, may result from immunosuppression. The rates of lymphoma/lymphoproliferative disease observed in Studies 1 and 2 were 0.7 to 3.2% (for sirolimus-treated patients) versus 0.6 to 0.8% (azathioprine and placebo control) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and (6.2)]. Oversuppression of the immune system can also increase susceptibility to infection, including opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, fatal infections, and sepsis. Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should use sirolimus for prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving renal transplants. Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physician responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient.

5.2 Liver Transplantation – Excess Mortality, Graft Loss, and Hepatic

Artery Thrombosis

The safety and efficacy of sirolimus as immunosuppressive therapy have not been established in liver transplant patients; therefore, such use is not recommended. The use of sirolimus has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients following liver transplantation, including excess mortality, graft loss and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT).

In a study in de novo liver transplant patients, the use of sirolimus in combination with tacrolimus was associated with excess mortality and graft loss (22% in combination versus 9% on tacrolimus alone). Many of these patients had evidence of infection at or near the time of death.

In this and another study in de novo liver transplant patients, the use of sirolimus in combination with cyclosporine or tacrolimus was associated with an increase in HAT (7% in combination versus 2% in the control arm); most cases of HAT occurred within 30 days post-transplantation, and most led to graft loss or death.

In a clinical study in stable liver transplant patients 6 to 144 months post- liver transplantation and receiving a CNI-based regimen, an increased number of deaths was observed in the group converted to a sirolimus-based regimen compared to the group who was continued on a CNI-based regimen, although the difference was not statistically significant (3.8% versus 1.4%) [see Clinical Studies (14.5)].

5.3 Lung Transplantation – Bronchial Anastomotic Dehiscence

Cases of bronchial anastomotic dehiscence, most fatal, have been reported in de novo lung transplant patients when sirolimus has been used as part of an immunosuppressive regimen.

The safety and efficacy of sirolimus as immunosuppressive therapy have not been established in lung transplant patients; therefore, such use is not recommended.

5.4 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis and hypersensitivity vasculitis, have been associated with the administration of sirolimus [see Adverse Reactions (6.7)].

5.5 Angioedema

Sirolimus has been associated with the development of angioedema. The concomitant use of sirolimus with other drugs known to cause angioedema, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, may increase the risk of developing angioedema. Elevated sirolimus levels (with/without concomitant ACE inhibitors) may also potentiate angioedema [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]. In some cases, the angioedema has resolved upon discontinuation or dose reduction of sirolimus.

5.6 Fluid Accumulation and Impairment of Wound Healing

There have been reports of impaired or delayed wound healing in patients receiving sirolimus, including lymphocele and wound dehiscence [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors such as sirolimus have been shown in vitro to inhibit production of certain growth factors that may affect angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and vascular permeability. Lymphocele, a known surgical complication of renal transplantation, occurred significantly more often in a dose-related fashion in patients treated with sirolimus [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Appropriate measures should be considered to minimize such complications. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 may be at increased risk of abnormal wound healing based on data from the medical literature.

There have also been reports of fluid accumulation, including peripheral edema, lymphedema, pleural effusion, ascites, and pericardial effusions (including hemodynamically significant effusions and tamponade requiring intervention in children and adults), in patients receiving sirolimus.

5.7 Hyperlipidemia

Increased serum cholesterol and triglycerides requiring treatment occurred more frequently in patients treated with sirolimus compared with azathioprine or placebo controls in Studies 1 and 2 [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. There were increased incidences of hypercholesterolemia (43 to 46%) and/or hypertriglyceridemia (45 to 57%) in patients receiving sirolimus compared with placebo controls (each 23%). The risk/benefit should be carefully considered in patients with established hyperlipidemia before initiating an immunosuppressive regimen including sirolimus.

Any patient who is administered sirolimus should be monitored for hyperlipidemia. If detected, interventions such as diet, exercise, and lipid- lowering agents should be initiated as outlined by the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.

In clinical trials of patients receiving sirolimus plus cyclosporine or sirolimus after cyclosporine withdrawal, up to 90% of patients required treatment for hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia with anti-lipid therapy (e.g., statins, fibrates). Despite anti-lipid management, up to 50% of patients had fasting serum cholesterol levels >240 mg/dL and triglycerides above recommended target levels. The concomitant administration of sirolimus and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors resulted in adverse reactions such as CPK elevations (3%), myalgia (6.7%) and rhabdomyolysis (<1%). In these trials, the number of patients was too small and duration of follow-up too short to evaluate the long-term impact of sirolimus on cardiovascular mortality.

During sirolimus therapy with or without cyclosporine, patients should be monitored for elevated lipids, and patients administered an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and/or fibrate should be monitored for the possible development of rhabdomyolysis and other adverse effects, as described in the respective labeling for these agents.

5.8 Decline in Renal Function

Renal function should be closely monitored during the co-administration of sirolimus with cyclosporine, because long-term administration of the combination has been associated with deterioration of renal function. Patients treated with cyclosporine and sirolimus were noted to have higher serum creatinine levels and lower glomerular filtration rates compared with patients treated with cyclosporine and placebo or azathioprine controls (Studies 1 and 2). The rate of decline in renal function in these studies was greater in patients receiving sirolimus and cyclosporine compared with control therapies.

Appropriate adjustment of the immunosuppressive regimen, including discontinuation of sirolimus and/or cyclosporine, should be considered in patients with elevated or increasing serum creatinine levels. In patients at low- to moderate-immunologic risk, continuation of combination therapy with cyclosporine beyond 4 months following transplantation should only be considered when the benefits outweigh the risks of this combination for the individual patients. Caution should be exercised when using agents (e.g., aminoglycosides and amphotericin B) that are known to have a deleterious effect on renal function.

In patients with delayed graft function, sirolimus may delay recovery of renal function.

5.9 Proteinuria

Periodic quantitative monitoring of urinary protein excretion is recommended. In a study evaluating conversion from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) to sirolimus in maintenance renal transplant patients 6 to 120 months post- transplant, increased urinary protein excretion was commonly observed from 6 through 24 months after conversion to sirolimus compared with CNI continuation [see Clinical Studies (14.4), Adverse Reactions (6.4)]. Patients with the greatest amount of urinary protein excretion prior to sirolimus conversion were those whose protein excretion increased the most after conversion. New onset nephrosis (nephrotic syndrome) was also reported as a treatment-emergent adverse reaction in 2.2% of the sirolimus conversion group patients in comparison to 0.4% in the CNI continuation group of patients. Nephrotic range proteinuria (defined as urinary protein to creatinine ratio >3.5) was also reported in 9.2% in the sirolimus conversion group of patients in comparison to 3.7% in the CNI continuation group of patients. In some patients, reduction in the degree of urinary protein excretion was observed for individual patients following discontinuation of sirolimus. The safety and efficacy of conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to sirolimus in maintenance renal transplant patients have not been established.

5.10 Latent Viral Infections

Immunosuppressed patients are at increased risk for opportunistic infections, including activation of latent viral infections. These include BK virus- associated nephropathy, which has been observed in renal transplant patients receiving immunosuppressants, including sirolimus. This infection may be associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss [see Adverse Reactions (6.7)]. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for BK virus-associated nephropathy. Reduction in immunosuppression should be considered for patients who develop evidence of BK virus-associated nephropathy.

Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), sometimes fatal have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including sirolimus. PML commonly presents with hemiparesis, apathy, confusion, cognitive deficiencies and ataxia. Risk factors for PML include treatment with immunosuppressant therapies and impairment of immune function. In immunosuppressed patients, physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients reporting neurological symptoms and consultation with a neurologist should be considered as clinically indicated. Consideration should be given to reducing the amount of immunosuppression in patients who develop PML. In transplant patients, physicians should also consider the risk that reduced immunosuppression represents to the graft.

5.11 Interstitial Lung Disease/Non-Infectious Pneumonitis

Cases of interstitial lung disease [ILD] (including pneumonitis, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia [BOOP], and pulmonary fibrosis), some fatal, with no identified infectious etiology have occurred in patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens including sirolimus. In some cases, the ILD was reported with pulmonary hypertension (including pulmonary arterial hypertension [PAH]) as a secondary event. In some cases, the ILD has resolved upon discontinuation or dose reduction of sirolimus. The risk may be increased as the trough sirolimus concentration increases [see Adverse Reactions (6.7)].

5.12 De Novo Use Without Cyclosporine

The safety and efficacy of de novo use of sirolimus without cyclosporine is not established in renal transplant patients. In a multicenter clinical study, de novo renal transplant patients treated with sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), steroids, and an IL-2 receptor antagonist had significantly higher acute rejection rates and numerically higher death rates compared to patients treated with cyclosporine, MMF, steroids, and IL-2 receptor antagonist. A benefit, in terms of better renal function, was not apparent in the treatment arm with de novo use of sirolimus without cyclosporine. These findings were also observed in a similar treatment group of another clinical trial.

5.13 Increased Risk of Calcineurin Inhibitor-Induced Hemolytic Uremic

Syndrome/Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Thrombotic Microangiopathy

The concomitant use of sirolimus with a calcineurin inhibitor may increase the risk of calcineurin inhibitor-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/thrombotic microangiopathy (HUS/TTP/TMA) [seeAdverse Reactions (6.7)].

5.14 Antimicrobial Prophylaxis

Cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia have been reported in transplant patients not receiving antimicrobial prophylaxis. Therefore, antimicrobial prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia should be administered for 1 year following transplantation.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis is recommended for 3 months after transplantation, particularly for patients at increased risk for CMV disease.

5.15 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on animal studies and the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.)], sirolimus can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal studies, sirolimus caused embryo-fetal toxicity when administered during the period of organogenesis at maternal exposures that were equal to or less than human exposures at the recommended lowest starting dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant and to use highly effective contraception while using sirolimus and for 12 weeks after ending treatment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

5.16 Male Infertility

Azoospermia or oligospermia may be observed [see Adverse Reactions (6.7), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Sirolimus is an anti-proliferative drug and affects rapidly dividing cells like the germ cells.

5.17 Different Sirolimus Trough Concentrations Reported between

Chromatographic and Immunoassay Methodologies

Currently in clinical practice, sirolimus whole blood concentrations are being measured by various chromatographic and immunoassay methodologies. Patient sample concentration values from different assays may not be interchangeable [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

5.18 Skin Cancer Events

Patients on immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk for skin cancer. Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2, 6.7)].

5.19 Immunizations

The use of live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with sirolimus; live vaccines may include, but are not limited to, the following: measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, and TY21a typhoid. Immunosuppressants may affect response to vaccination. Therefore, during treatment with sirolimus, vaccination may be less effective.

5.20 Interaction with Strong Inhibitors and Inducers of CYP3A4 and/or P-gp

Avoid concomitant use of sirolimus with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 and/or P-gp (such as ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, telithromycin, or clarithromycin) or strong inducers of CYP3A4 and/or P-gp (such as rifampin or rifabutin) [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

5.21 Cannabidiol Drug Interactions

When cannabidiol and sirolimus are co-administered, closely monitor for an increase in sirolimus blood levels and for adverse reactions suggestive of sirolimus toxicity. A dose reduction of sirolimus should be considered as needed when sirolimus is co-administered with cannabidiol [see Dosage and Administration (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.) and Drug Interactions (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.)].

Key Highlight

Hypersensitivity Reactions (5.4)

Angioedema (5.5)

Fluid Accumulation and Impairment of Wound Healing (5.6)

Hyperlipidemia (5.7)

Decline in Renal Function (5.8)

Proteinuria (5.9)

Latent Viral Infections (5.10)

Interstitial Lung Disease/Non-Infectious Pneumonitis (5.11)

 De Novo Use Without Cyclosporine (5.12)

Increased Risk of Calcineurin Inhibitor-Induced Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome/ Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/ Thrombotic Microangiopathy (5.13)

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Use of highly effective contraception is recommended for females of reproductive potential during treatment and for 12 weeks after final dose of sirolimus (5.15, 8.1)

Male Infertility: Azoospermia or oligospermia may occur (5.16, 13.1)

Immunizations: Avoid live vaccines (5.19)

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION

LOINC: 34076-0Updated: 9/27/2022

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Advise patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide and assist them in understanding its contents. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of the document.

See FDA-Approved Medication Guide.

17.1 Dosage

Patients should be given complete dosage instructions [see FDA-Approved Medication Guide].

17.2 Skin Cancer Events

Advise patients that exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor because of the increased risk for skin cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.18)].

17.3 Pregnancy and Lactation

Advise female patients of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant throughout treatment and for 12 weeks after sirolimus therapy has stopped. Sirolimus can cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy. Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risk to her fetus. Before making a decision to breastfeed, inform the patient that the effects of breastfeeding in infants while taking this drug are unknown, but there is potential for serious adverse effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14), Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.2, 8.3)].

17.4 Infertility

Inform male and female patients that sirolimus may impair fertility [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16), Adverse Reactions (6.7), Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

This product’s label may have been updated. For current Full Prescribing Information, please call 1 (888) 721-7115.

Medication Guide available atwww.glenmarkpharma- us.com/medguides

REFERENCES SECTION

LOINC: 34093-5Updated: 9/27/2022

15 REFERENCES

Clinical Therapeutics, Volume 22, Supplement B, April 2000 [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION

LOINC: 34068-7Updated: 9/27/2022

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Sirolimus tablets are to be administered orally once daily, consistently with or without food [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Tablets should not be crushed, chewed or split. Patients unable to take the tablets should be prescribed the solution and instructed in its use.

2.1 General Dosing Guidance for Renal Transplant Patients

The initial dose of sirolimus tablets should be administered as soon as possible after transplantation. It is recommended that sirolimus tablets be taken 4 hours after administration of cyclosporine oral solution (MODIFIED) and or/cyclosporine capsules (MODIFIED) [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Frequent sirolimus tablets dose adjustments based on non-steady-state sirolimus concentrations can lead to overdosing or underdosing because sirolimus has a long half-life. Once sirolimus tablets maintenance dose is adjusted, patients should continue on the new maintenance dose for at least 7 to 14 days before further dosage adjustment with concentration monitoring. In most patients, dose adjustments can be based on simple proportion: new sirolimus tablets dose = current dose x (target concentration/current concentration). A loading dose should be considered in addition to a new maintenance dose when it is necessary to increase sirolimus trough concentrations: sirolimus tablets loading dose = 3 x (new maintenance dose - current maintenance dose). The maximum sirolimus tablets dose administered on any day should not exceed 40 mg. If an estimated daily dose exceeds 40 mg due to the addition of a loading dose, the loading dose should be administered over 2 days. Sirolimus trough concentrations should be monitored at least 3 to 4 days after a loading dose(s).

Two milligrams (2 mg) of sirolimus oral solution have been demonstrated to be clinically equivalent to 2 mg sirolimus tablets; hence, at this dose these two formulations are interchangeable. However, it is not known if higher doses of sirolimus oral solution are clinically equivalent to higher doses of sirolimus tablets on a mg-to-mg basis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.2 Renal Transplant Patients at Low- to Moderate-Immunologic Risk

Sirolimus Tablets and Cyclosporine Combination Therapy

For de novo renal transplant patients, it is recommended that sirolimus tablets be used initially in a regimen with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. A loading dose of sirolimus tablets equivalent to 3 times the maintenance dose should be given, i.e. a daily maintenance dose of 2 mg should be preceded with a loading dose of 6 mg. Therapeutic drug monitoring should be used to maintain sirolimus drug concentrations within the target-range [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Sirolimus Tablets Following Cyclosporine Withdrawal

At 2 to 4 months following transplantation, cyclosporine should be progressively discontinued over 4 to 8 weeks, and the sirolimus tablets dose should be adjusted to obtain sirolimus whole blood trough concentrations within the target-range [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]. Because cyclosporine inhibits the metabolism and transport of sirolimus, sirolimus concentrations may decrease when cyclosporine is discontinued, unless the sirolimus tablets dose is increased [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.3 Renal Transplant Patients at High-Immunologic Risk

In patients with high-immunologic risk, it is recommended that sirolimus tablets be used in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids for the first 12 months following transplantation [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]. The safety and efficacy of this combination in high-immunologic risk patients has not been studied beyond the first 12 months. Therefore, after the first 12 months following transplantation, any adjustments to the immunosuppressive regimen should be considered on the basis of the clinical status of the patient.

For patients receiving sirolimus tablets with cyclosporine, sirolimus tablets therapy should be initiated with a loading dose of up to 15 mg on day 1 post- transplantation. Beginning on day 2, an initial maintenance dose of 5 mg/day should be given. A trough level should be obtained between days 5 and 7, and the daily dose of sirolimus tablets should thereafter be adjusted [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

The starting dose of cyclosporine should be up to 7 mg/kg/day in divided doses and the dose should subsequently be adjusted to achieve target whole blood trough concentrations [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]. Prednisone should be administered at a minimum of 5 mg/day.

Antibody induction therapy may be used.

2.4 Dosing in Patients with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

For patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, the initial sirolimus tablets dose should be 2 mg/day. Sirolimus whole blood trough concentrations should be measured in 10 to 20 days, with dosage adjustment to maintain concentrations between 5 to 15 ng/mL [see Dosage and Administration (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.)].

In most patients, dose adjustments can be based on simple proportion: new sirolimus tablets dose = current dose x (target concentration/current concentration). Frequent sirolimus tablets dose adjustments based on non- steady-state sirolimus concentrations can lead to overdosing or under dosing because sirolimus has a long half-life. Once sirolimus tablets maintenance dose is adjusted, patients should continue on the new maintenance dose for at least 7 to 14 days before further dosage adjustment with concentration monitoring. Once a stable dose is achieved, therapeutic drug monitoring should be performed at least every three months.

2.5 Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Monitoring of sirolimus trough concentrations is recommended for all patients, especially in those patients likely to have altered drug metabolism, in patients ≥ 13 years who weigh less than 40 kg, in patients with hepatic impairment, when a change in the sirolimus tablets dosage form is made, and during concurrent administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors [seeWarnings and Precautions (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid., Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.), Drug Interactions (7)].

Therapeutic drug monitoring should not be the sole basis for adjusting sirolimus tablets therapy. Careful attention should be made to clinical signs/symptoms, tissue biopsy findings, and laboratory parameters.

When used in combination with cyclosporine, sirolimus trough concentrations should be maintained within the target-range [see Clinical Studies (14), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Following cyclosporine withdrawal in transplant patients at low- to moderate-immunologic risk, the target sirolimus trough concentrations should be 16 to 24 ng/mL for the first year following transplantation. Thereafter, the target sirolimus concentrations should be 12 to 20 ng/mL.

The above recommended 24-hour trough concentration ranges for sirolimus are based on chromatographic methods. Currently in clinical practice, sirolimus whole blood concentrations are being measured by both chromatographic and immunoassay methodologies. Because the measured sirolimus whole blood concentrations depend on the type of assay used, the concentrations obtained by these different methodologies are not interchangeable [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Adjustments to the targeted range should be made according to the assay utilized to determine sirolimus trough concentrations. Since results are assay and laboratory dependent, and the results may change over time, adjustments to the targeted therapeutic range must be made with a detailed knowledge of the site-specific assay used. Therefore, communication should be maintained with the laboratory performing the assay. A discussion of different assay methods is contained in Clinical Therapeutics, Volume 22, Supplement B, April 2000 [see References (15)].

2.6 Patients with Low Body Weight

The initial dosage in patients ≥13 years who weigh less than 40 kg should be adjusted, based on body surface area, to 1 mg/m2/day. The loading dose should be 3 mg/m2.

2.7 Patients with Hepatic Impairment

It is recommended that the maintenance dose of sirolimus tablets be reduced by approximately one third in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment and by approximately one half in patients with severe hepatic impairment. It is not necessary to modify the sirolimus tablets loading dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.8 Patients with Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustment is not needed in patients with impaired renal function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

Key Highlight

Renal Transplant Patients:

Administer once daily by mouth, consistently with or without food (2).

Administer the initial dose as soon as possible after transplantation and 4 hours after CsA (2.1, 7.1).

Adjust the sirolimus tablets maintenance dose to achieve sirolimus trough concentrations within the target-range (2.5).

Hepatic impairment: Reduce maintenance dose in patients with hepatic impairment (2.7, 8.6, 12.3).

In renal transplant patients at low-to moderate-immunologic risk:

Sirolimus Tablets and CsA Combination Therapy: One loading dose of 6 mg on day 1, followed by daily maintenance doses of 2 mg (2.2).

Sirolimus Tablets Following CsA Withdrawal: 2 to 4 months post-transplantation, withdraw CsA over 4 to 8 weeks (2.2).

In renal transplant patients at high-immunologic risk:

Sirolimus Tablets and CsA Combination Therapy (for the first 12 months post-transplantation): One loading dose of up to 15 mg on day 1, followed by daily maintenance doses of 5 mg (2.3).

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Patients:

Administer once daily by mouth, consistently with or without food (2).

Recommended initial sirolimus tablets dose is 2 mg/day (**Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.**).

Adjust the sirolimus tablets dose to achieve sirolimus trough concentrations between 5 to 15 ng/mL (**Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.**).

Hepatic impairment: Reduce maintenance dose in patients with hepatic impairment (**Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.**,**Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.**,**Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.**).

Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for all patients (2.5, 5.17).

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath
sirolimus - FDA Approval | MedPath