Busulfan
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use BUSULFAN INJECTION safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for BUSULFAN INJECTION. BUSULFAN Injection, for intravenous use Initial U.S. Approval: 1999
d0fe44f9-7747-4909-b927-3b24aa6e7e09
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
May 18, 2022
Pharmascience Inc.
DUNS: 202657094
Products 1
Detailed information about drug products covered under this FDA approval, including NDC codes, dosage forms, ingredients, and administration routes.
busulfan
Product Details
FDA regulatory identification and product classification information
FDA Identifiers
Product Classification
Product Specifications
INGREDIENTS (3)
Drug Labeling Information
BOXED WARNING SECTION
WARNING: MYELOSUPPRESSION
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Busulfan Injection is indicated for use in combination with cyclophosphamide as a conditioning regimen prior to allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation for chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Busulfan Injection is an alkylating drug indicated for:
- Use in combination with cyclophosphamide as a conditioning regimen prior to allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) ( 1)
CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
Busulfan Injection is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components.
- Busulfan Injection is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components ( 4)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Myelosuppression
The most frequent serious consequence of treatment with Busulfan Injection at the recommended dose and schedule is prolonged myelosuppression, occurring in all patients (100%). Severe granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, or any combination thereof may develop. Hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation is required to prevent potentially fatal complications of the prolonged myelosuppression. Monitor complete blood counts, including white blood cell differentials, and quantitative platelet counts daily during treatment and until engraftment is demonstrated. Absolute neutrophil counts dropped below 0.5x10 9/L at a median of 4 days post-transplant in 100% of patients treated in the Busulfan Injection clinical trial. The absolute neutrophil count recovered at a median of 13 days following allogeneic transplantation when prophylactic filgrastim was used in the majority of patients. Thrombocytopenia (less than 25,000/mm 3 or requiring platelet transfusion) occurred at a median of 5-6 days in 98% of patients. Anemia (hemoglobin less than 8.0 g/dL) occurred in 69% of patients. Use antibiotic therapy and platelet and red blood cell support when medically indicated.
5.2 Seizures
Seizures have been reported in patients receiving high-dose oral busulfan at doses producing plasma drug levels similar to those achieved following the recommended dosage of Busulfan Injection. Despite prophylactic therapy with phenytoin, one seizure (1/42 patients) was reported during an autologous transplantation clinical trial of Busulfan Injection. This episode occurred during the cyclophosphamide portion of the conditioning regimen, 36 hours after the last Busulfan Injection dose. Initiate phenytoin therapy or any other alternative anti-convulsant prophylactic therapy (e.g., benzodiazepines, valproic acid or levetiracetam) prior to Busulfan Injection treatment [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . Use caution when administering the recommended dose of Busulfan Injection to patients with a history of a seizure disorder or head trauma or who are receiving other potentially epileptogenic drugs.
5.3 Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease (HVOD)
Current literature suggests that high busulfan area under the plasma concentration verses time curve (AUC) values (greater than 1,500 μM•min) may be associated with an increased risk of developing HVOD. Patients who have received prior radiation therapy, greater than or equal to three cycles of chemotherapy, or a prior progenitor cell transplant may be at an increased risk of developing HVOD with the recommended Busulfan Injection dose and regimen. Based on clinical examination and laboratory findings, HVOD was diagnosed in 8% (5/61) of patients treated with Busulfan Injection in the setting of allogeneic transplantation, was fatal in 2/5 cases (40%), and yielded an overall mortality from HVOD in the entire study population of 2/61 (3%).Three of the five patients diagnosed with HVOD were retrospectively found to meet the Jones’ criteria. The incidence of HVOD reported in the literature from the randomized, controlled trials was 7.7% - 12% [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Monitor serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin daily through BMT Day +28 to detect hepatotoxicity, which may herald the onset of HVOD.
5.4 Embryo-fetal Toxicity
Busulfan Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on animal data. Busulfan was teratogenic in mice, rats, and rabbits. The solvent, DMA, may also cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on findings in animals. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and after treatment with Busulfan Injection [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].
5.5 Cardiac Tamponade
Cardiac tamponade has been reported in pediatric patients with thalassemia (8/400 or 2% in one series) who received high doses of oral busulfan and cyclophosphamide as the preparatory regimen for hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation. Six of the eight children died and two were saved by rapid pericardiocentesis. Abdominal pain and vomiting preceded the tamponade in most patients. Monitor for signs and symptoms, promptly evaluate and treat if cardiac tamponade is suspected.
5.6 Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia with pulmonary fibrosis is a rare but serious complication following chronic busulfan therapy. The average onset of symptoms is 4 years after therapy (range 4 months to 10 years).
5.7 Cellular Dysplasia
Busulfan Injection may cause cellular dysplasia in many organs. Cytologic abnormalities characterized by giant, hyperchromatic nuclei have been reported in lymph nodes, pancreas, thyroid, adrenal glands, liver, lungs and bone marrow. This cytologic dysplasia may be severe enough to cause difficulty in the interpretation of exfoliative cytologic examinations of the lungs, bladder, breast and the uterine cervix.
- Seizures: Initiate anticonvulsant prophylactic therapy prior to treatment with Busulfan Injection. Monitor patients with history of seizure disorder, head trauma or receiving epileptogenic drugs ( 5.2)
- Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease (HVOD): Increased risk of developing HVOD at AUC greater than 1,500 μM•min. Monitor serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin daily ( 5.3)
- Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise of potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception ( 5.4, 8.1, 8.3)
- Cardiac tamponade has been reported in pediatric patients with thalassemia who received high doses of oral busulfan and cyclophosphamide. Abdominal pain and vomiting preceded the tamponade in most patients ( 5.5)
ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:
- Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease (HVOD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
- Embryo-fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Cardiac Tamponade [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
- Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
- Cellular Dysplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Adverse reaction information is primarily derived from the clinical study (N=61) of Busulfan Injection and the data obtained for high-dose oral busulfan conditioning in the setting of randomized, controlled trials identified through a literature review.
In the Busulfan Injection allogeneic stem cell transplantation clinical trial, all patients were treated with Busulfan Injection 0.8 mg per kg as a two-hour infusion every six hours for 16 doses over four days, combined with cyclophosphamide 60 mg per kg x2 days. Ninety-three percent (93%) of evaluable patients receiving this dose of Busulfan Injection maintained an AUC less than 1,500 µM•min for dose 9, which has generally been considered the level that minimizes the risk of HVOD.
Table 1 lists the non-hematologic adverse reactions events through Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) Day +28 at a rate greater than or equal to 20% in patients treated with Busulfan Injection prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Table 1: Summary of the Incidence (greater than or equal to 20%) of Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions through BMT Day +28 in Patients who Received Busulfan Injection Prior to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplantation
Non-Hematological Adverse Events Reactions****1 |
Percent Incidence |
BODY AS A WHOLE | |
Fever |
80 |
Headache |
69 |
Asthenia |
51 |
Chills |
46 |
Pain |
44 |
Edema General |
28 |
Allergic Reaction |
26 |
Chest Pain |
26 |
Inflammation at Injection Site |
25 |
Back Pain |
23 |
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM | |
Tachycardia |
44 |
Hypertension |
36 |
Thrombosis |
33 |
Vasodilation |
25 |
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM | |
Nausea |
98 |
Stomatitis (Mucositis) |
97 |
Vomiting |
95 |
Anorexia |
85 |
Diarrhea |
84 |
Abdominal Pain |
72 |
Dyspepsia |
44 |
Constipation |
38 |
Dry Mouth |
26 |
Rectal Disorder |
25 |
Abdominal Enlargement |
23 |
METABOLIC AND NUTRITIONAL SYSTEM | |
Hypomagnesemia |
77 |
Hyperglycemia |
66 |
Hypokalemia |
64 |
Hypocalcemia |
49 |
Hyperbilirubinemia |
49 |
Edema |
36 |
SGPT Elevation |
31 |
Creatinine Increased |
21 |
NERVOUS SYSTEM | |
Insomnia |
84 |
Anxiety |
72 |
Dizziness |
30 |
Depression |
23 |
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM | |
Rhinitis |
44 |
Lung Disorder |
34 |
Cough |
28 |
Epistaxis |
25 |
Dyspnea |
25 |
SKIN AND APPENDAGES | |
Rash |
57 |
Pruritus |
28 |
1. Includes all reported adverse reactions regardless of severity (toxicity grades 1-4)
Additional Adverse Reactions by Body System
Hematologic: Prolonged prothrombin time
Gastrointestinal: Esophagitis, ileus, hematemesis, pancreatitis, rectal discomfort
Hepatic: Alkaline phosphatase increases, jaundice, hepatomegaly
Graft-versus-host disease: Graft-versus-host disease. There were 3 deaths (5%) attributed to GVHD.
Edema: Hypervolemia, or documented weight increase
Infection: Infection, pneumonia (fatal in one patient and life-threatening in 3% of patients)
Cardiovascular: Arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, ventricular extrasystoles, third degree heart block, thrombosis (all episodes were associated with the central venous catheter), hypotension, flushing and hot flashes, cardiomegaly, ECG abnormality, left-sided heart failure, and pericardial effusion
Pulmonary: Hyperventilation, alveolar hemorrhage (fatal in 3%), pharyngitis, hiccup, asthma, atelectasis, pleural effusion, hypoxia, hemoptysis, sinusitis, and interstitial fibrosis (fatal in a single case)
Neurologic: Cerebral hemorrhage, coma, delirium, agitation, encephalopathy, confusion, hallucinations, lethargy, somnolence
Renal: BUN increased, dysuria, oliguria, hematuria, hemorrhagic cystitis
Skin: Alopecia, vesicular rash, maculopapular rash, vesiculo-bullous rash, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema nodosum, acne, skin discoloration
Metabolic: Hypophosphatemia, hyponatremia
Other Events: Injection site pain, myalgia, arthralgia, ear disorder
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Busulfan Injection:
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: febrile neutropenia
Gastrointestinal Disorders: tooth hypoplasia
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: tumor lysis syndrome
Vascular Disorders: thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)
Infections and Infestations: severe bacterial, viral (e.g., cytomegalovirus viremia) and fungal infections; and sepsis.
6.3 Oral Busulfan Literature Review
A literature review identified four randomized, controlled trials that evaluated a high-dose oral busulfan-containing conditioning regimen for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in the setting of CML [ see Clinical Studies (14)]. The safety outcomes reported in those trials are summarized in Table 2 below for a mixed population of hematological malignancies (AML, CML, and ALL).
Table 2: Summary of safety analyses from the randomized, controlled trials utilizing a high dose oral busulfan-containing conditioning regimen that were identified in a literature review.
Clift CML Chronic Phase | |||||
TRM 1 |
VOD 2 |
GVHD 3 |
Pulmonary |
Hemorrhagic |
Seizure |
Death |
No Report |
Acute≥Grade 2 (30/73) |
1 death from |
No Report |
No Report |
Devergie CML Chronic Phase | |||||
TRM |
VOD |
GVHD |
Pulmonary |
Hemorrhagic |
Seizure |
38% |
7.7% (5/65) |
Acute≥Grade 2 |
Interstitial |
10.8% (7/65) |
No Report |
Ringden CML, AML, ALL | |||||
TRM |
VOD |
GVHD |
Pulmonary |
Hemorrhagic |
Seizure |
28% |
12% |
Acute≥Grade 2 |
Interstitial |
24% |
6% |
Blume CML, AML, ALL | |||||
TRM |
VOD |
GVHD |
Pulmonary |
Hemorrhagic |
Seizure |
No |
Deaths |
Acute≥Grade 2 (14/45 at risk) |
No Report |
No Report |
No Report |
- TRM = Transplantation Related Mortality
- VOD = Veno-Occlusive Disease of the liver
- GVHD = Graft versus Host Disease
Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 60%) were: myelosuppression, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, insomnia, fever, hypomagnesemia, abdominal pain, anxiety, headache, hyperglycemia and hypokalemia ( 6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pharmascience Inc. at 1-888-550-6060 or FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Drugs that Decrease Busulfan Injection Clearance
Itraconazole decreases busulfan clearance by up to 25%. Metronidazole decreases the clearance of busulfan to a greater extent than does itraconazole; metronidazole coadministration has been associated with increased busulfan toxicity. Fluconazole (200 mg) has been used with Busulfan Injection.
Decreased clearance of busulfan was observed with concomitant use with deferasirox. The mechanism of this interaction is not fully elucidated. Discontinue iron chelating agents well in advance of administration of Busulfan Injection to avoid increased exposure to busulfan.
Because busulfan is eliminated from the body via conjugation with glutathione, use of acetaminophen prior to (less than 72 hours) or concurrent with Busulfan Injection may result in reduced busulfan clearance based upon the known property of acetaminophen to decrease glutathione levels in the blood and tissues.
7.2 Drugs that Increase Busulfan Injection Clearance
Phenytoin increases the clearance of busulfan by 15% or more, possibly due to the induction of glutathione-S-transferase. Since the pharmacokinetics of Busulfan Injection were studied in patients treated with phenytoin, the clearance of Busulfan Injection at the recommended dose may be lower and exposure (AUC) higher in patients not treated with phenytoin.
- Drugs that Decrease Busulfan Injection Clearance: Metronidazole, itraconazole, iron chelating agents, acetaminophen. (7.1)
- Drugs that Increase Busulfan Injection Clearance: Phenytoin. ( 7.2)
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Initial Dosing Information
- Administer Busulfan Injection in combination with cyclophosphamide as a conditioning regimen prior to bone marrow or peripheral blood progenitor cell replacement. For patients weighing more than 12 kg, the recommended doses are:
- Busulfan Injection 0.8 mg per kg (ideal body weight or actual body weight, whichever is lower) intravenously via a central venous catheter as a two-hour infusion every six hours for four consecutive days for a total of 16 doses (Days -7, ‑6, -5 and -4).
- Cyclophosphamide 60 mg per kg intravenously as a one-hour infusion on each of two days beginning no sooner than six hours following the 16 th dose of Busulfan Injection (Days -3 and -2).
- Administer hematopoietic progenitor cells on Day 0.
-
Premedicate patients with anticonvulsants (e.g., benzodiazepines, phenytoin, valproic acid or levetiracetam) to prevent seizures reported with the use of high dose Busulfan Injection. Administer anticonvulsants 12 hours prior to Busulfan Injection to 24 hours after the last dose of Busulfan Injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
-
Administer antiemetics prior to the first dose of Busulfan Injection and continue on a fixed schedule through Busulfan Injection administration.
-
Busulfan Injection clearance is best predicted when the Busulfan Injection dose is administered based on adjusted ideal body weight. Dosing Busulfan Injection based on actual body weight, ideal body weight or other factors can produce significant differences in Busulfan Injection clearance among lean, normal and obese patients.
o Calculate ideal body weight (IBW) as follows (height in cm, and weight in kg):
Men: IBW (kg)=50+0.91x (height in cm -152)
Women: IBW (kg)=45+0.91x (height in cm -152)
o For obese or severely obese patients, base Busulfan Injection dosing on adjusted ideal body weight (AIBW):
AIBW= IBW +0.25x (actual weight -IBW).
2.2 Preparation and Administration Precautions
Busulfan Injection is incompatible with polycarbonate. Do not use any infusion components (syringes, filter needles, intravenous tubing, etc.) containing polycarbonate with Busulfan Injection.
Use an administration set with minimal residual hold-up volume (2 mL to 5 mL) for product administration.
Busulfan Injection is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. Skin reactions may occur with accidental exposure. Use gloves when preparing Busulfan Injection. If Busulfan Injection or diluted Busulfan Injection solution contacts the skin or mucosa, wash the skin or mucosa thoroughly with water.
Visually inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever the solution and container permit. Do not use if particulate matter is seen in the Busulfan Injection vial.
2.3 Preparation for Intravenous Administration
Busulfan Injection must be diluted prior to intravenous infusion with either 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (normal saline) or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP (D5W). The diluent quantity should be 10 times the volume of Busulfan Injection, so that the final concentration of busulfan is approximately 0.5 mg per mL. Calculation of the dose for a 70 kg patient would be performed as follows:
(70 kg patient) × (0.8 mg per kg) ÷ (6 mg per mL) =9.3 mL Busulfan Injection (56 mg total dose).
To prepare the final solution for infusion, add 9.3 mL of Busulfan Injection to 93 mL of diluent (normal saline or D5W) as calculated below:
(9.3 mL Busulfan Injection) × (10) =93 mL of either diluent plus the 9.3 mL of Busulfan Injection to yield a final concentration of busulfan of 0.54 mg per mL
(9.3 mL ×6 mg per mL ÷102.3 mL =0.54 mg per mL).
All transfer procedures require strict adherence to aseptic techniques, preferably employing a vertical laminar flow safety hood while wearing gloves and protective clothing.
Always add the Busulfan Injection to the diluent, not the diluent to the
Busulfan Injection. Mix thoroughly by inverting several times.
Discard unused portion.
Infusion pumps should be used to administer the diluted Busulfan Injection solution. Set the flow rate of the pump to deliver the entire prescribed Busulfan Injection dose over two hours. Prior to and following each infusion, flush the indwelling catheter line with approximately 5 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. DO NOT infuse concomitantly with another intravenous solution of unknown compatibility. WARNING: RAPID INFUSION OF BUSULFAN INJECTION HAS NOT BEEN TESTED AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
- Pre-medicate with anticonvulsants (e.g. benzodiazepines, phenytoin, valproic acid or levetiracetam) and antiemetic ( 2.1, 5.2)
- Dilute and administer as intravenous infusion. Do not administer as intravenous push or bolus ( 2.1, 2.3)
- Recommended adult dose: 0.8 mg per kg of ideal body weight or actual body weight, whichever is lower, administered intravenously via a central venous catheter as a two-hour infusion every six hours for four consecutive days for a total of 16 doses ( 2.1)
DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Injection: 60 mg per 10 mL (6 mg per mL) as a clear, colorless, sterile, solution in a single-dose vial for intravenous use only.
- Injection: 60 mg per 10 mL (6 mg per mL) single-dose vial ( 3)
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Busulfan Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on animal data. Busulfan was teratogenic in mice, rats, and rabbits following administration during organogenesis. The solvent, DMA, may also cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In rats, DMA doses of approximately 40% of the daily dose of DMA in the Busulfan Injection dose on a mg/m 2 basis given during organogenesis caused significant developmental anomalies ( see Data). There are no available human data informing the drug- associated risk. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Animal Data
Following administration during organogenesis in animals, busulfan caused malformations and anomalies, including significant alterations in the musculoskeletal system, body weight gain, and size. In pregnant rats, busulfan produced sterility in both male and female offspring due to the absence of germinal cells in the testes and ovaries. The solvent, N.N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), administered to rats at doses of 400 mg/kg/day (about 40% of the daily dose of DMA in the Busulfan Injection dose on a mg/m 2 basis) during organogenesis caused significant developmental anomalies. The most striking abnormalities included anasarca, cleft palate, vertebral anomalies, rib anomalies, and serious anomalies of the vessels of the heart.
8.2 Lactation
Risk Summary
It is not known whether Busulfan Injection is present in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for busulfan in human and animal studies, discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with Busulfan Injection.
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Contraception
Females
Busulfan Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Busulfan Injection and for 6 months following cessation of therapy.
Males
Busulfan Injection may damage spermatozoa and testicular tissue, resulting in possible genetic fetal abnormalities. Males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment with Busulfan Injection and for 3 months after cessation of therapy [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].
Infertility
Females
Ovarian suppression and amenorrhea commonly occur in premenopausal women undergoing chronic, low-dose busulfan therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Busulfan Injection may cause temporary or permanent infertility in prepubertal girls or in females of child-bearing potential treated with high- dose Busulfan Injection in the conditioning regimen prior to allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.
Males
Sterility, azoospermia, and testicular atrophy have been reported in male patients.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The effectiveness of Busulfan Injection in the treatment of CML has not been specifically studied in pediatric patients. An open-label, uncontrolled study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of Busulfan Injection in 24 pediatric patients receiving Busulfan Injection as part of a conditioning regimen administered prior to hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation for a variety of malignant hematologic (N=15) or non-malignant diseases (N=9). Patients ranged in age from 5 months to 16 years (median 3 years). Busulfan Injection dosing was targeted to achieve an area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC) of 900-1350 μM•min with an initial dose of 0.8 mg per kg or 1.0 mg per kg (based on Actual Body Weight (ABW)) if the patient was greater than 4 or less than or equal to 4 years, respectively. The dose was adjusted based on plasma concentration after completion of dose 1.
Patients received Busulfan Injection doses every six hours as a two-hour infusion over four days for a total of 16 doses, followed by cyclophosphamide 50 mg per kg once daily for four days. After one rest day, hematopoietic progenitor cells were infused. All patients received phenytoin as seizure prophylaxis. The target AUC (900-1350±5% μM•min) for Busulfan Injection was achieved at dose 1 in 71% (17/24) of patients. Steady state pharmacokinetic testing was performed at dose 9 and 13. Busulfan Injection levels were within the target range for 21 of 23 evaluable patients.
All 24 patients experienced neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 0.5x10 9/L) and thrombocytopenia (platelet transfusions or platelet count less than 20,000/mm 3). Seventy-nine percent (19/24) of patients experienced lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count less than 0.1x10 9). In 23 patients, the ANC recovered to greater than 0.5x10 9/L (median time to recovery = BMT day +13; range = BMT day +9 to +22). One patient who died on day +20 had not recovered to an ANC >0.5x10 9/L.
Four (17%) patients died during the study. Two patients died within 28 days of transplant; one with pneumonia and capillary leak syndrome, and the other with pneumonia and veno-occlusive disease. Two patients died prior to day 100; one due to progressive disease and one due to multi-organ failure.
Adverse reactions were reported in all 24 patients during the study period (BMT day -10 through BMT day +28) or post-study surveillance period (day +29 through +100). These included vomiting (100%), nausea (83%), stomatitis (79%), HVOD (21%), graft-versus host disease (GVHD) (25%), and pneumonia (21%).
Based on the results of this 24-patient clinical trial, a suggested dosing regimen of Busulfan Injection in pediatric patients is shown in the following dosing nomogram:
Busulfan Injection Dosing Nomogram
Patient's Actual |
Busulfan Injection Dosage |
Less than or equal to 12 kgs |
1.1 (mg per kg) |
Greater than 12 kgs |
0.8 (mg per kg) |
Simulations based on a pediatric population pharmacokinetic model indicate that approximately 60% of pediatric patients will achieve a target Busulfan Injection exposure (AUC) between 900 to 1350 μM•min with the first dose of Busulfan Injection using this dosing nomogram. Therapeutic drug monitoring and dose adjustment following the first dose of Busulfan Injection is recommended.
Dose Adjustment Based on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Instructions for measuring the AUC of busulfan at dose 1 (seeBlood Sample Collection for AUC Determination) and the formula for adjustment of subsequent doses to achieve the desired target AUC (1125 μM•min), are provided below.
Adjusted dose (mg) = Actual Dose (mg) x Target AUC (μM•min)/Actual AUC (μM•min)
For example, if a patient received a dose of 11 mg busulfan and if the corresponding AUC measured was 800 μM•min, for a target AUC of 1125 μM•min, the target mg dose would be:
Mg dose =11 mg x 1125 μM•min /800 μM•min =15.5 mg
Busulfan Injection dose adjustment may be made using this formula and instructions below.
Blood Sample Collection for AUC Determination
Calculate the AUC (μM•min) based on blood samples collected at the following time points:
For dose 1:2 hr (end of infusion), 4 hr and 6 hr (immediately prior to the next scheduled Busulfan Injection administration). Actual sampling times should be recorded.
For doses other than dose 1: Pre-infusion (baseline), 2 hr (end of infusion), 4 hr and 6 hr (immediately prior to the next scheduled Busulfan Injection administration).
AUC calculations based on fewer than the three specified samples may result in inaccurate AUC determinations.
For each scheduled blood sample, collect one to three mL of blood into heparinized (Na or Li heparin) Vacutainer ® tubes. The blood samples should be placed on wet ice immediately after collection and should be centrifuged (at 4°C) within one hour. The plasma, harvested into appropriate cryovial storage tubes, is to be frozen immediately at -20°C. All plasma samples are to be sent in a frozen state (i.e., on dry ice) to the assay laboratory for the determination of plasma busulfan concentrations.
Calculation of AUC
Busulfan Injection AUC calculations may be made using the following instructions and appropriate standard pharmacokinetic formula:
Dose 1 AUC infinity Calculation: AUC infinity = AUC 0-6hr +AUC extrapolated, where AUC 0-6hr is to be estimated using the linear trapezoidal rule and AUC extrapolated can be computed by taking the ratio of the busulfan concentration at Hour 6 and the terminal elimination rate constant, λ z. The λ z must be calculated from the terminal elimination phase of the busulfan concentration vs. time curve. A “0” pre-dose busulfan concentration should be assumed, and used in the calculation of AUC.
If the AUC is assessed subsequent to Dose 1, steady-state AUC ss (AUC 0-6hr) is to be estimated from the trough, 2 hr, 4 hr and 6 hr concentrations using the linear trapezoidal rule.
Instructions for Drug Administration and Blood Sample Collection for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Use an administration set with minimal residual hold up (priming) volume (1 to 3 mL) for drug infusion to ensure accurate delivery of the entire prescribed dose and to ensure accurate collection of blood samples for therapeutic drug monitoring and dose adjustment.
Prime the administration set tubing with drug solution to allow accurate documentation of the start time of Busulfan Injection infusion. Collect the blood sample from a peripheral IV line to avoid contamination with infusing drug. If the blood sample is taken directly from the existing central venous catheter (CVC),DO NOT COLLECT THE BLOOD SAMPLE WHILE THE DRUG IS INFUSING to ensure that the end of infusion sample is not contaminated with any residual drug. At the end of infusion (2 hr), disconnect the administration tubing and flush the CVC line with 5 mL of normal saline prior to the collection of the end of infusion sample from the CVC port. Collect the blood samples from a different port than that used for the Busulfan Injection infusion. When recording the Busulfan Injection infusion stop time, do not include the time required to flush the indwelling catheter line. Discard the administration tubing at the end of the two-hour infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
8.5 Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of Busulfan Injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
- Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed ( 8.2)