MedPath
FDA Approval

Tasigna

FDA-approved pharmaceutical product with comprehensive regulatory information, manufacturing details, and complete labeling documentation.

FDA Approval Summary

Effective Date
February 29, 2024
Labeling Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
Nilotinib(150 mg in 1 1)

Products3

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

Tasigna

Product Details

NDC Product Code
0078-0592
Application Number
NDA022068
Marketing Category
NDA (C73594)
Route of Administration
ORAL
Effective Date
March 23, 2018
NilotinibActive
Code: F41401512XClass: ACTIBQuantity: 150 mg in 1 1
SILICON DIOXIDEInactive
Code: ETJ7Z6XBU4Class: IACT
CROSPOVIDONEInactive
Code: 68401960MKClass: IACT
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATEInactive
Code: EWQ57Q8I5XClass: IACT
POLOXAMER 188Inactive
Code: LQA7B6G8JGClass: IACT
MAGNESIUM STEARATEInactive
Code: 70097M6I30Class: IACT
GELATINInactive
Code: 2G86QN327LClass: IACT
FERRIC OXIDE REDInactive
Code: 1K09F3G675Class: IACT
FERRIC OXIDE YELLOWInactive
Code: EX438O2MRTClass: IACT
TITANIUM DIOXIDEInactive
Code: 15FIX9V2JPClass: IACT

Tasigna

Product Details

NDC Product Code
0078-0526
Application Number
NDA022068
Marketing Category
NDA (C73594)
Route of Administration
ORAL
Effective Date
March 23, 2018
NilotinibActive
Code: F41401512XClass: ACTIBQuantity: 200 mg in 1 1
CROSPOVIDONEInactive
Code: 68401960MKClass: IACT
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATEInactive
Code: EWQ57Q8I5XClass: IACT
MAGNESIUM STEARATEInactive
Code: 70097M6I30Class: IACT
SILICON DIOXIDEInactive
Code: ETJ7Z6XBU4Class: IACT
POLOXAMER 188Inactive
Code: LQA7B6G8JGClass: IACT
GELATINInactive
Code: 2G86QN327LClass: IACT
FERRIC OXIDE REDInactive
Code: 1K09F3G675Class: IACT
TITANIUM DIOXIDEInactive
Code: 15FIX9V2JPClass: IACT
FERRIC OXIDE YELLOWInactive
Code: EX438O2MRTClass: IACT

Tasigna

Product Details

NDC Product Code
0078-0951
Application Number
NDA022068
Marketing Category
NDA (C73594)
Route of Administration
ORAL
Effective Date
March 23, 2018
SILICON DIOXIDEInactive
Code: ETJ7Z6XBU4Class: IACT
CROSPOVIDONEInactive
Code: 68401960MKClass: IACT
NilotinibActive
Code: F41401512XClass: ACTIBQuantity: 50 mg in 1 1
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATEInactive
Code: EWQ57Q8I5XClass: IACT
MAGNESIUM STEARATEInactive
Code: 70097M6I30Class: IACT
FERRIC OXIDE REDInactive
Code: 1K09F3G675Class: IACT
GELATINInactive
Code: 2G86QN327LClass: IACT
FERRIC OXIDE YELLOWInactive
Code: EX438O2MRTClass: IACT
TITANIUM DIOXIDEInactive
Code: 15FIX9V2JPClass: IACT
POLOXAMER 188Inactive
Code: LQA7B6G8JGClass: IACT

Drug Labeling Information

Complete FDA-approved labeling information including indications, dosage, warnings, contraindications, and other essential prescribing details.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 0078-0526-87

Tasigna®
(nilotinib) capsules

200 mg
per capsule

DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE
ATTACHED OR PROVIDED SEPARATELY.

NOVARTIS

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL  								NDC 0078-0526-87 								Tasigna® 								(nilotinib) capsules 								200 mg per capsule 								DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE ATTACHED OR PROVIDED SEPARATELY. 								NOVARTIS


CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION

12** CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY**

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Nilotinib is an inhibitor of the BCR-ABL kinase. Nilotinib binds to and stabilizes the inactive conformation of the kinase domain of ABL protein. In vitro, nilotinib inhibited BCR-ABL mediated proliferation of murine leukemic cell lines and human cell lines derived from patients with Ph+ CML. Under the conditions of the assays, nilotinib was able to overcome imatinib resistance resulting from BCR-ABL kinase mutations, in 32 out of 33 mutations tested. Nilotinib inhibited the autophosphorylation of the following kinases at IC50 values as indicated: BCR-ABL (20 to 60 nM), PDGFR (69 nM), c-KIT (210 nM), CSF-1R (125 to 250 nM), and DDR1 (3.7 nM).

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Based on exposure-response analyses for efficacy, a relationship between drug exposure and a greater likelihood of response was observed in clinical studies. Based on exposure-response analyses for safety, a relationship between exposure and a greater likelihood of safety events, including a higher occurrence of total bilirubin elevations, was observed in clinical studies.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Tasigna is associated with concentration-dependent QT prolongation. At a dose of Tasigna 400 mg twice daily given without food in healthy subjects, the maximum mean placebo-adjusted QTcF changes were 10.4 msec (90% CI: 2.85, 18.0). After a single dose of Tasigna 800 mg (two times the maximum approved recommended dosage) given with a high fat meal to healthy subjects, the maximum mean placebo-adjusted QTcF changes were) 18.0 msec (90% CI: 9.65, 25.8). Peak plasma concentrations in the QT study were 26% lower than or comparable with those observed in patients enrolled in the single-arm study [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Steady-state nilotinib exposure was dose-dependent with less than dose- proportional increases in systemic exposure at dose levels higher than 400 mg given as once or twice daily dosing. In adult patients with resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML given Tasigna 400 mg twice daily, the steady-state mean (% CV) Cmax and AUC0-12h were 2260 ng/mL (35%) and 18000 ng∙h/mL (33%), respectively. In adult patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML given Tasigna 300 mg twice daily, the steady-state mean (% CV) Cmax and AUC0-12h were 1540 ng/mL (48%) and 13337 ng∙h/mL (46%), respectively.

Steady state conditions were achieved by Day 8. An increase in serum exposure to nilotinib between the first dose and steady state was approximately 2-fold for daily dosing and 3.8-fold for twice daily dosing. The average steady state nilotinib trough and peak concentrations did not change over 12 months.

Absorption

Relative bioavailability of nilotinib capsule is approximately 50%, as compared to an oral drink solution (pH of 1.2 to 1.3). Peak concentrations of nilotinib are reached 3 hours after oral administration. Nilotinib is a substrate of P-gp in vitro.

Median steady-state trough concentration of nilotinib was decreased by 53% in patients with total gastrectomy compared to patients who had not undergone surgeries [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Effect of Food

Compared to the fasted state, the systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 82% when the dose was given 30 minutes after a high fat meal (meal of 800 to 1000 calories with fat being 50% of total caloric content; approximately: 150 calories from protein, 250 calories from carbohydrates, and 500-600 calories from fat).

Single dose administration of two 200 mg nilotinib capsules each dispersed in 1 teaspoon of applesauce and administered within 15 minutes was shown to be bioequivalent to a single dose administration of two 200 mg intact capsules.

Distribution

The blood-to-serum ratio of nilotinib is 0.68. Serum protein binding is approximately 98%.

Elimination

The mean (CV%) apparent elimination half-life is estimated to be approximately 17 hours (69%) and the mean (CV%) apparent clearance approximates 29 L/h (61%).

Metabolism

Nilotinib is primarily metabolized via CYP3A4-mediated oxidation and to a minor extent by CYP2C8. Nilotinib is the main circulating component in the serum. None of the metabolites contribute significantly to the pharmacological activity of nilotinib.

Excretion

After a single dose of radiolabeled nilotinib, more than 90% of the administered dose was eliminated within 7 days: 93% of the dose in feces. Parent drug accounted for 69% of the dose.

Specific Populations

Age, sex, race/ethnicity, or body weight did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of nilotinib. The effect of renal impairment on nilotinib pharmacokinetics is unknown.

Pediatric Patients

Following administration of the approved recommend pediatric dosage of nilotinib, steady-state exposure of nilotinib were within 2-fold to adult patients treated with 400 mg twice daily. Steady-state Cmin was comparable across all age groups (pediatric patients from ages 2 to less than 18 years), diseases (patients with newly diagnosed and resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML) and studies.

Body surface area correlated with nilotinib clearance and was the primary factor responsible for the PK differences between pediatrics and adults.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Following a single dose of Tasigna 200 mg (0.5 times the maximum approved recommended dosage), the mean AUC of nilotinib increased 1.4-fold, 1.4-fold, and 1.6-fold in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh class A), moderate (Child-Pugh class B) and severe (Child-Pugh class C) hepatic impairment, respectively, compared to subjects with normal hepatic function.

Drug Interaction Studies

Clinical Studies

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Coadministration of ketoconazole (a strong CYP3A inhibitor) 400 mg once daily for 6 days increased nilotinib AUC by approximately 3-fold. A single concurrent intake of double-strength grapefruit juice increased the nilotinib AUC by 1.3-fold.

Strong CYP3A Inducers: Coadministration of rifampicin (a strong CYP3A inducer) 600 mg daily for 12 days decreased nilotinib AUC by approximately 80%.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Tasigna displays pH-dependent aqueous solubility. Coadministration of multiple doses of esomeprazole (a PPI) at 40 mg daily decreased the nilotinib AUC by 34%. No significant change in nilotinib pharmacokinetics was observed when a single 400 mg dose of Tasigna was administered 10 hours after and 2 hours before famotidine (an H2 blocker), or administered 2 hours after and 2 hours before an antacid (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone).

Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: Following coadministration of nilotinib 400 mg twice daily with imatinib (a moderate CYP3A inhibitor) 400 mg daily or 400 mg twice daily, the AUC increased 30% to 50% for nilotinib and approximately 20% for imatinib.

CYP3A4 Substrates: Multiple doses of Tasigna increased the systemic exposure of oral midazolam (a substrate of CYP3A4) 2.6-fold.

CYP2C9 Substrates: Single-dose of Tasigna did not change the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin (a CYP2C9 substrate).

In Vitro Studies Where Drug Interaction Potential was not Further Evaluated Clinically

CYP Substrates: Nilotinib is a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C8, CYP2D6, and is an inducer of CYP2B6 and CYP2C8.

Substrates of Transporters: Nilotinib is an inhibitor of UGT1A1 and P-gp.

12.5 Pharmacogenomics

Tasigna can increase bilirubin levels. The (TA)7/(TA)7 genotype of UGT1A1 was associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of hyperbilirubinemia relative to the (TA)6/(TA)6 and (TA)6/(TA)7 genotypes. However, the largest increases in bilirubin were observed in the (TA)7/(TA)7 genotype (UGT1A1*28) patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].


DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION

Highlight: * Recommended Adult Dose: Newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP: 300 mg orally twice daily. Resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML-CP and CML-AP: 400 mg orally twice daily. (2.1)

  • Recommended Pediatric Dose: Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP or Ph+ CML-CP and CML-AP resistant or intolerant to prior TKI therapy: 230 mg/m2 orally twice daily, rounded to the nearest 50 mg dose (to a maximum single dose of 400 mg). (2.1)
  • See Dosage and Administration for full dosing instructions and dose-reduction instructions for toxicity. (2.1)
  • Reduce starting dose in patients with baseline hepatic impairment. (2.7)
  • Eligible newly diagnosed adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP who have received Tasigna for a minimum of 3 years and have achieved a sustained molecular response (MR4.5) and patients with Ph+ CML-CP resistant or intolerant to imatinib who have received Tasigna for at least 3 years and have achieved a sustained molecular response (MR4.5) may be considered for treatment discontinuation. (2.2, 2.3, 5.16)

2** DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION**

2.1 Recommended Dosage

Dose Tasigna twice daily at approximately 12-hour intervals on an empty stomach. No food should be consumed for at least 2 hours before the dose is taken and for at least 1 hour after the dose is taken. Advise patients to swallow the capsules whole with water [see Boxed Warning, Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

For patients who are unable to swallow capsules, the contents of each capsule may be dispersed in 1 teaspoon of applesauce (puréed apple). The mixture should be taken immediately (within 15 minutes) and should not be stored for future use [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Tasigna may be given in combination with hematopoietic growth factors, such as erythropoietin or G-CSF if clinically indicated. Tasigna may be given with hydroxyurea or anagrelide if clinically indicated.

Dosage in Adult Patients with Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP

The recommended dosage of Tasigna is 300 mg orally twice daily.

Dosage in Adult Patients with Resistant or Intolerant Ph+ CML-CP and CML-AP

The recommended dosage of Tasigna is 400 mg orally twice daily.

Dosage in Pediatric Patients with Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP or Resistant or Intolerant Ph+ CML-CP and CML-AP

The recommended dosage of Tasigna for pediatric patients is 230 mg/m2 orally twice daily, rounded to the nearest 50 mg dose (to a maximum single dose of 400 mg) (see Table 1). If needed, attain the desired dose by combining different strengths of Tasigna capsules. Continue treatment as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unacceptable toxicity occurs.

Table 1: Pediatric Dosing of Tasigna (230 mg/m2 Twice Daily, Maximum Single Dose of 400 mg)

Body surface area

Single dose

Total daily dose

Up to 0.32 m2

50 mg

100 mg

0.33 – 0.54 m2

100 mg

200 mg

0.55 – 0.76 m2

150 mg

300 mg

0.77 – 0.97 m2

200 mg

400 mg

0.98 – 1.19 m2

250 mg

500 mg

1.20 – 1.41 m2

300 mg

600 mg

1.42 – 1.63 m2

350 mg

700 mg

≥ 1.64 m2

400 mg

800 mg

2.2 Discontinuation of Treatment After a Sustained Molecular Response

(MR4.5) on Tasigna

Patient Selection

Eligibility for Discontinuation of Treatment

Ph+ CML-CP patients with typical BCR-ABL transcripts, who have been taking Tasigna for a minimum of 3 years and have achieved a sustained molecular response (MR4.5, corresponding to = BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.0032% IS), may be eligible for treatment discontinuation [see Clinical Studies (14.3, 14.4)]. Information on FDA authorized tests for the detection and quantitation of BCR-ABL transcripts to determine eligibility for treatment discontinuation is available at http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.

Patients with typical BCR-ABL transcripts (e13a2/b2a2 or e14a2/b3a2), who achieve the sustained MR4.5 criteria, are eligible for discontinuation of Tasigna. Patients must continue to be monitored for possible loss of molecular remission after treatment discontinuation. Use the same FDA-authorized test to consistently monitor molecular response levels while on and off treatment.

Consider discontinuation in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP who have:

  • been treated with Tasigna for at least 3 years
  • maintained a molecular response of at least MR4.0 (corresponding to = BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.01% IS) for one year prior to discontinuation of therapy
  • achieved an MR4.5 for the last assessment taken immediately prior to discontinuation of therapy
  • been confirmed to express the typical BCR-ABL transcripts (e13a2/b2a2 or e14a2/b3a2)
  • no history of accelerated phase or blast crisis
  • no history of prior attempts of treatment-free remission discontinuation that resulted in relapse.

Consider discontinuation in patients with Ph+ CML-CP that are resistant or intolerant to imatinib who have achieved a sustained molecular response (MR4.5) on Tasigna who have:

  • been treated with Tasigna for a minimum of 3 years
  • been treated with imatinib only prior to treatment with Tasigna
  • achieved a molecular response of MR4.5 (corresponding to = BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.0032% IS)
  • sustained an MR4.5 for a minimum of one year immediately prior to discontinuation of therapy
  • been confirmed to express the typical BCR-ABL transcripts (e13a2/b2a2 or e14a2/b3a2)
  • no history of accelerated phase or blast crisis
  • no history of prior attempts of treatment-free remission discontinuation that resulted in relapse.

Monitor BCR-ABL transcript levels and complete blood count (CBC) with differential in patients who have discontinued Tasigna therapy monthly for one year, then every 6 weeks for the second year, and every 12 weeks thereafter [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)].

Upon the loss of MR4.0 (corresponding to = BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.01% IS) during the treatment-free phase, monitor BCR-ABL transcript levels every 2 weeks until BCR-ABL levels remain lower than major molecular response [(MMR), corresponding to MR3.0 or = BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.1% IS] for 4 consecutive measurements. The patient can then proceed to the original monitoring schedule.

2.3 Reinitiation of Treatment in Patients Who Lose Molecular Response After

Discontinuation of Therapy With Tasigna

  • Newly diagnosed patients who lose MMR must reinitiate treatment within 4 weeks at the dose level prior to discontinuation of therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)]. Patients who reinitiate Tasigna therapy should have their BCR-ABL transcript levels monitored monthly until major molecular response is re-established and every 12 weeks thereafter.
  • Patients resistant or intolerant to prior treatment that included imatinib with confirmed loss of MR4.0 (2 consecutive measures separated by at least 4 weeks showing loss of MR4.0) or loss of MMR must reinitiate treatment within 4 weeks at the dose level prior to discontinuation of therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)]. Patients who reinitiate Tasigna therapy should have their BCR-ABL transcript levels monitored monthly until previous major molecular response or MR4.0 is re-established and every 12 weeks thereafter.

2.4 Dosage Modification for QT Interval Prolongation

See Table 2 for dose adjustments for QT interval prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Table 2: Dosage Adjustments for Adult and Pediatric Patients With QT Prolongation

Abbreviation: ECG, electrocardiogram.

Degree of QTc prolongation

Dosage adjustment

ECGs with a QTc
greater than 480 msec

1. Withhold Tasigna, and perform an analysis of serum potassium and magnesium, and if below lower limit of normal, correct with supplements to within normal limits. Concomitant medication usage must be reviewed.
2. Resume within 2 weeks at prior dose if QTcF returns to less than 450 msec and to within 20 msec of baseline.
3. If QTcF is between 450 msec and 480 msec after 2 weeks, reduce the dose to 400 mg once daily in adults and 230 mg/m2 once daily in pediatric patients.
4. Discontinue Tasigna if, following dose-reduction to 400 mg once daily in adults and 230 mg/m2 once daily in pediatric patients, QTcF returns to greater than 480 msec.
5. An ECG should be repeated approximately 7 days after any dose adjustment.

2.5 Dosage Modifications for Myelosuppression

Withhold or reduce Tasigna dosage for hematological toxicities (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) that are not related to underlying leukemia (Table 3) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Table 3: Dosage Adjustments for Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia

Abbreviations: ANC, absolute neutrophil count; Ph+ CML, Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

Diagnosis

Degree of myelosuppression

Dosage adjustment

Adult patients with:

  • Newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase at 300 mg twice daily
  • Resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML in chronic phase or accelerated phase at 400 mg twice daily

ANC less than 1.0 x 109/L and/or platelet counts less than 50 x 109/L

1. Stop Tasigna, and monitor blood counts.
2. Resume within 2 weeks at prior dose if ANC greater than 1.0 x 109/L and platelets greater than 50 x 109/L.
3. If blood counts remain low for greater than 2 weeks, reduce the dose to 400 mg once daily.

Pediatric patients with:

  • Newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase at 230 mg/m2 twice daily
  • Resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML in chronic phase at 230 mg/m2 twice daily

ANC less than 1.0 x 109/L and/or platelet counts less than 50 x 109/L

1. Stop Tasigna and monitor blood counts.
2. Resume within 2 weeks at prior dose if ANC greater than 1.5 x 109/L and/or platelets greater than 75 x 109/L.
3. If blood counts remain low for greater than 2 weeks, a dose reduction to 230 mg/m2 once daily may be required.
4. If event occurs after dose reduction, consider discontinuing treatment.

2.6 Dosage Modifications for Selected Non-Hematologic Laboratory

Abnormalities and Other Toxicities

See Table 4 for dosage adjustments for elevations of lipase, amylase, bilirubin, and/or hepatic transaminases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.6), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Table 4: Dosage Adjustments for Selected Non-Hematologic Laboratory Abnormalities

Degree of non-hematologic laboratory abnormality

Dosage adjustment

Elevated serum lipase or amylase greater than or equal to Grade 3

Adult patients:
1. Withhold Tasigna, and monitor serum lipase or amylase.
2. Resume treatment at 400 mg once daily if serum lipase or amylase returns to less than or equal to Grade 1.

Pediatric patients:
1. Interrupt Tasigna until the event returns to less than or equal to Grade 1.
2. Resume treatment at 230 mg/m2 once daily if prior dose was 230 mg/m2 twice daily; discontinue treatment if prior dose was 230 mg/m2 once daily.

Elevated bilirubin greater than or equal to Grade 3 in adult patients and greater than or equal to Grade 2 in pediatric patients

Adult patients:
1. Withhold Tasigna, and monitor bilirubin.
2. Resume treatment at 400 mg once daily if bilirubin returns to less than or equal to
Grade 1.

Pediatric patients:
1. Interrupt Tasigna until the event returns to less than or equal to Grade 1.
2. Resume treatment at 230 mg/m2 once daily if prior dose was 230 mg/m2 twice daily; discontinue treatment if prior dose was 230 mg/m2 once daily, and recovery to less than or equal to Grade 1 takes longer than 28 days.

Elevated hepatic transaminases greater than or equal to Grade 3

Adult patients:
1. Withhold Tasigna, and monitor hepatic transaminases.
2. Resume treatment at 400 mg once daily if hepatic transaminases returns to less than or equal to Grade 1.

Pediatric patients:
1. Interrupt Tasigna until the event returns to less than or equal to Grade 1.
2. Resume treatment at 230 mg/m2 once daily if prior dose was 230 mg/m2 twice daily; discontinue treatment if prior dose was 230 mg/m2 once daily, and recovery to less than or equal to Grade 1 takes longer than 28 days.

If clinically significant moderate or severe non-hematologic toxicity develops (including medically severe fluid retention), see Table 5 for dosage adjustments [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Table 5: Dosage Adjustments for Other Non-Hematologic Toxicities

Abbreviations: CML-AP, chronic myeloid leukemia-accelerated phase; CML-CP, chronic myeloid leukemia-chronic phase; Ph+, Philadelphia chromosome positive.

Degree of “other Non-hematologic toxicity”

Dosage adjustment

Other clinically moderate or severe non-hematologic toxicity

Adult patients:
1. Withhold Tasigna until toxicity has resolved.
2. Resume treatment at 400 mg once daily if previous dose was 300 mg twice daily in adult patients newly diagnosed with CML-CP or 400 mg twice daily in adult patients with resistant or intolerant CML-CP and CML-AP.
3. Discontinue treatment if the prior dose was 400 mg once daily in adult patients.
4. If clinically appropriate, consider re-escalation of the dose to 300 mg (newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP) or 400 mg (resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML-CP and CML-AP) twice daily.

Pediatric patients:
1. Interrupt Tasigna until toxicity has resolved.
2. Resume treatment at 230 mg/m2 once daily if previous dose was 230 mg/m2 twice daily; discontinue treatment if prior dose was 230 mg/m2 once daily.
3. If clinically appropriate, consider re-escalation of the dose to 230 mg/m2 twice daily.

2.7 Dosage Modification for Hepatic Impairment

If possible, consider alternative therapies. If Tasigna must be administered to patients with hepatic impairment, consider the following dose reduction [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)]:

Table 6: Dose Adjustments for Adult Patients With Hepatic Impairment

Diagnosis

Degree of hepatic impairment

Dosage adjustment

Newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase

Mild (Child-Pugh A), Moderate (Child-Pugh B), or Severe (Child-Pugh C)

Reduce dosage to 200 mg twice daily. Increase dosage to 300 mg twice daily based on tolerability.

Resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML in chronic phase or accelerated phase

Mild or Moderate

Reduce dosage to 300 mg twice daily. Increase dosage to 400 mg twice daily based on tolerability.

Severe

Reduce dosage to 200 mg twice daily. Increase dosage to 300 mg twice daily and then to 400 mg twice daily based on tolerability.

2.8 Dosage Modification With Concomitant Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Avoid the concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Should treatment with any of these agents be required, interrupt therapy with Tasigna. If patients must be coadministered a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, reduce dosage to 300 mg once daily in patients with resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML or to 200 mg once daily in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP. However, there are no clinical data with this dose adjustment in patients receiving strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If the strong inhibitor is discontinued, allow a washout period before adjusting Tasigna dose upward to the indicated dose. For patients who cannot avoid use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, monitor closely for prolongation of the QT interval [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION

Highlight: Capsules: 50 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg (3)

3** DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS**

Capsules:

  • 50 mg red opaque cap and light-yellow opaque body hard gelatin capsules with black radial imprint “NVR/ABL.”
  • 150 mg red opaque hard gelatin capsules with black axial imprint “NVR/BCR.”
  • 200 mg light-yellow opaque hard gelatin capsules with a red axial imprint “NVR/TKI.”

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION

Highlight: Tasigna is contraindicated in patients with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or long QT syndrome. (4)

4** CONTRAINDICATIONS**

Tasigna is contraindicated in patients with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or long QT syndrome [see Boxed Warning].

BOXED WARNING SECTION

WARNING: QT PROLONGATION and SUDDEN DEATHS


DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION

Highlight: * Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use with Tasigna, or reduce Tasigna dose if coadministration cannot be avoided. (7.1)

  • Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use with Tasigna. (7.1)
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors: Use short-acting antacids or H2 blockers as an alternative to proton pump inhibitors. (7.1)

7** DRUG INTERACTIONS**

7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Tasigna

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors

Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inhibitor increased nilotinib concentrations compared to Tasigna alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may increase the risk of Tasigna toxicities. Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors with Tasigna. If patients must be coadministered a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, reduce Tasigna dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)].

Strong CYP3A Inducers

Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inducer decreased nilotinib concentrations compared to Tasigna alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may reduce Tasigna efficacy. Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP3A inducers with Tasigna.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Concomitant use with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) decreased nilotinib concentrations compared to Tasigna alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may reduce Tasigna efficacy. Avoid concomitant use of PPI with Tasigna. As an alternative to PPIs, use H2 blockers approximately 10 hours before or approximately 2 hours after the dose of Tasigna, or use antacids approximately 2 hours before or approximately 2 hours after the dose of Tasigna.

7.2 Drugs That Prolong the QT Interval

Avoid coadministration of Tasigna with agents that may prolong the QT interval, such as anti-arrhythmic drugs [see Boxed Warning, Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].


CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION

14** CLINICAL STUDIES**

14.1 Adult Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP

The ENESTnd (Evaluating Nilotinib Efficacy and Safety in clinical Trials-Newly Diagnosed patients) study (NCT00471497) was an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial conducted to determine the efficacy of Tasigna versus imatinib tablets in adult patients with cytogenetically confirmed newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP. Patients were within 6 months of diagnosis and were previously untreated for CML-CP, except for hydroxyurea and/or anagrelide. Efficacy was based on a total of 846 patients: 283 patients in the imatinib 400 mg once daily group, 282 patients in the Tasigna 300 mg twice daily group, 281 patients in the Tasigna 400 mg twice daily group.

Median age was 46 years in the imatinib group and 47 years in both Tasigna groups, with 12%, 13%, and 10% of patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age in imatinib 400 mg once daily, Tasigna 300 mg twice daily and Tasigna 400 mg twice daily treatment groups, respectively. There were slightly more male than female patients in all groups (56%, 56%, and 62% in imatinib 400 mg once daily, Tasigna 300 mg twice daily and Tasigna 400 mg twice daily treatment groups, respectively). More than 60% of all patients were Caucasian, and 25% were Asian.

The primary data analysis was performed when all 846 patients completed 12 months of treatment (or discontinued earlier). Subsequent analyses were done when patients completed 24, 36, 48, and 60 months of treatment (or discontinued earlier). The median time on treatment was approximately 61 months in all three treatment groups.

The primary efficacy endpoint was major molecular response (MMR) at 12 months after the start of study medication. MMR was defined as less than or equal to 0.1% BCR-ABL/ABL % by international scale measured by RQ-PCR, which corresponds to a greater than or equal to 3 log reduction of BCR-ABL transcript from standardized baseline. Efficacy endpoints are summarized in Table 11.

Two patients in the Tasigna arm progressed to either accelerated phase or blast crisis (both within the first 6 months of treatment) while 12 patients on the imatinib arm progressed to either accelerated phase or blast crisis (7 patients within first 6 months, 2 patients within 6 to 12 months, 2 patients within 12 to 18 months and 1 patient within 18 to 24 months).

Table 11: Efficacy (MMR and CCyR) of Tasigna Compared to imatinib in Adult Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP (ENESTnd)

Abbreviation: CI, confidence interval.
aCMH test stratified by Sokal risk group.
bCCyR: 0% Ph+ metaphases. Cytogenetic responses were based on the percentage of Ph+ metaphases among greater than or equal to 20 metaphase cells in each bone marrow sample.

Tasigna
300 mg
twice daily

imatinib
400 mg
once daily

N = 282

N = 283

MMR at 12 months (95% CI)

44% (38.4, 50.3)

22% (17.6, 27.6)

P-Valuea

< 0.0001

CCyRb by 12 months (95% CI)

80% (75.0, 84.6)

65% (59.2, 70.6)

MMR at 24 months (95% CI)

62% (55.8, 67.4)

38% (31.8, 43.4)

CCyRb by 24 months (95% CI)

87% (82.4, 90.6)

77% (71.7, 81.8)

By the 60 months, MMR was achieved by 77% of patients on Tasigna and 60% of patients on imatinib; MR4.5 was achieved by 53.5% of patients on Tasigna and 31.4% on imatinib. Median overall survival was not reached in either arm. At the time of the 60-month final analysis, the estimated survival rate was 93.7% for patients on Tasigna and 91.7% for patients on imatinib.

14.2 Adult Patients With Resistant or Intolerant Ph+ CML-CP and CML-AP

Study CAMN107A2101 (referred to as Study A2101) (NCT00109707) was a single- arm, open-label, multicenter study conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tasigna (400 mg twice daily) in patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant CML with separate cohorts for chronic and accelerated phase disease. The definition of imatinib resistance included failure to achieve a complete hematologic response (by 3 months), cytogenetic response (by 6 months) or major cytogenetic response (by 12 months) or progression of disease after a previous cytogenetic or hematologic response. Imatinib intolerance was defined as discontinuation of treatment due to toxicity and lack of a major cytogenetic response at time of study entry. At the time of data cut-off, 321 patients with CML-CP and 137 patients with CML-AP with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were enrolled. In this study, about 50% of CML-CP and CML-AP patients were males, over 90% (CML-CP) and 80% (CML-AP) were Caucasian, and approximately 30% were age 65 years or older.

Overall, 73% of patients were imatinib resistant while 27% were imatinib intolerant. The median time of prior imatinib treatment was approximately 32 (CML-CP) and 28 (CML-AP) months. Prior therapy included hydroxyurea in 85% of patients, interferon in 56% and stem cell or bone marrow transplant in 8%. The median highest prior imatinib dose was 600 mg per day for patients with CML-CP and CML-AP, and the highest prior imatinib dose was greater than or equal to 600 mg/day in 74% of all patients with 40% of patients receiving imatinib doses greater than or equal to 800 mg/day.

Median duration of Tasigna treatment was 18.4 months in patients with CML-CP and 8.7 months in patients with CML-AP.

The efficacy endpoint in CML-CP was unconfirmed major cytogenetic response (MCyR) which included complete and partial cytogenetic responses.

The efficacy endpoint in CML-AP was confirmed hematologic response (HR), defined as either a complete hematologic response (CHR) or no evidence of leukemia (NEL). The rates of response for CML-CP and CML-AP patients are reported in Table 12.

Median durations of response had not been reached at the time of data analysis.

Table 12: Efficacy of Tasigna in Adult Resistant or Intolerant Ph+ CML-CP and CML-AP (Study A2101)

aCytogenetic response criteria: Complete (0% Ph+ metaphases) or partial (1% to 35%). Cytogenetic responses were based on the percentage of Ph-positive metaphases among greater than or equal to 20 metaphase cells in each bone marrow sample.
bHematologic response = CHR + NEL (all responses confirmed after 4 weeks).

**Cytogenetic response rate (unconfirmed) (%)**a

Chronic phase
(n = 321)

Major (95% CI)

51% (46% – 57%)

Complete (95% CI)

37% (32% – 42%)

Partial (95% CI)

15% (11% – 19%)

Accelerated phase
(n = 137)

**Hematologic response rate (confirmed) (95% CI)**b

39% (31% – 48%)

Complete hematologic response rate (95% CI)

30% (22% – 38%)

No evidence of leukemia (95% CI)

9% (5% – 16%)

CHR (CML-CP): WBC less than 10 x 109/L, platelets less than 450,000/mm3, no blasts or promyelocytes in peripheral blood, less than 5% myelocytes + metamyelocytes in bone marrow, less than 20% basophils in peripheral blood, and no extramedullary involvement.

CHR (CML-AP): neutrophils greater than or equal to 1.5 x 109/L, platelets greater than or equal to 100 x 109/L, no myeloblasts in peripheral blood, myeloblasts less than 5% in bone marrow, and no extramedullary involvement.

NEL: same criteria as for CHR but neutrophils greater than or equal to 1.0 x 109/L and platelets greater than or equal to 20 x 109/L without transfusions or bleeding.

Adult Patients With Chronic Phase

The MCyR rate in 321 CML-CP patients was 51%. The median time to MCyR among responders was 2.8 months (range, 1 to 28 months). The median duration of MCyR cannot be estimated. The median duration of exposure on this single arm-trial was 18.4 months. Among the CML-CP patients who achieved MCyR, 62% of them had MCyR lasting more than 18 months. The CCyR rate was 37%.

Adult Patients With Accelerated Phase

The overall confirmed hematologic response rate in 137 patients with CML-AP was 39%. The median time to first hematologic response among responders was 1 month (range, 1 to 14 months). Among the CML-AP patients who achieved HR, 44% of them had a response lasting for more than 18 months.

After imatinib failure, 24 different BCR-ABL mutations were noted in 42% of chronic phase and 54% of accelerated phase CML patients who were evaluated for mutations.

14.3 Treatment Discontinuation in Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP Patients Who

Have Achieved a Sustained Molecular Response (MR4.5)

The ENESTfreedom (Evaluating Nilotinib Efficacy and Safety in clinical Trials- freedom) study (NCT01784068) is an open-label, multicenter, single-arm study, where 215 adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP treated with Tasigna in first-line for ≥ 2 years who achieved MR4.5 as measured with the MolecularMD MRDx® BCR- ABL Test were enrolled to continue Tasigna treatment for an additional 52 weeks (Tasigna consolidation phase).

Of the 215 patients, 190 patients (88.4%) entered the “Treatment-Free Remission” (TFR) phase after achieving a sustained molecular response (MR4.5) during the consolidation phase, defined by the following criteria:

  • The 4 last quarterly assessments (taken every 12 weeks) were at least MR4 (BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.01% IS), and maintained for 1 year
  • The last assessment being MR4.5 (BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.0032% IS)
  • No more than two assessments falling between MR4 and MR4.5 (0.0032% IS < BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.01% IS).

The median age of patients who entered the TFR phase was 55 years, 49.5% were females, and 21.1% of the patients were ≥ 65 years of age. BCR-ABL levels were monitored every 4 weeks during the first 48 weeks of the TFR phase. Monitoring frequency was intensified to every 2 weeks upon the loss of MR4.0. Biweekly monitoring ended at one of the following time points:

  • Loss of MMR requiring patient to reinitiate Tasigna treatment
  • When the BCR-ABL levels returned to a range between MR4.0 and MR4.5
  • When the BCR-ABL levels remained lower than MMR for 4 consecutive measurements (8 weeks from initial loss of MR4.0).

Any patient with loss of MMR during the TFR phase reinitiated Tasigna treatment at 300 mg twice daily or at a reduced dose level of 400 mg once daily if required from the perspective of tolerance, within 5 weeks after the collection date of the blood sample demonstrating loss of MMR. Patients who required reinitiation of Tasigna treatment were monitored for BCR-ABL levels every 4 weeks for the first 24 weeks and then every 12 weeks thereafter in patients who regained MMR.

Efficacy was based on the 96-week analysis data cut-off date, by which time, 91 patients (47.9%) discontinued from the TFR phase due to loss of MMR, and 1 (0.5%), 1 (0.5%), 1 (0.5%) and 3 patients (1.6%) due to death from unknown cause, physician decision, lost to follow-up and subject decision, respectively. Among the 91 patients who discontinued the TFR phase due to loss of MMR, 88 patients restarted Tasigna treatment and 3 patients permanently discontinued from the study.

By the 96-week data cut-off, of the 88 patients who restarted treatment due to loss of MMR in the TFR phase, 87 patients (98.9%) patients regained MMR (one patient discontinued study permanently due to subject decision after 7.1 weeks of retreatment without regaining MMR) and 81 patients (92.0%) regained MR4.5 by the time of the cut-off date. The cumulative rate of MMR and MR4.5 regained at 24 weeks since treatment reinitiation was 97.7% (86/88 patients) and 86.4% (76/88 patients), respectively.

Table 13: Efficacy Results for ENEST Freedom

Abbreviation: CI, confidence interval.
1Patients in MMR at the specified time point in the TFR phase.
2Based on the time to event (loss of MMR) data during the TFR phase.

Patients who entered the treatment free remission (TFR) phase (full analysis Set, N = 190)

Patients in TFR phase**1**
at the specified time point

Loss of MMR2 by the specified time point

%

95% CI

%

24 weeks

62.1

(54.8, 69.0)

35.8

48 weeks

51.6

(44.2, 58.9)

45.8

96 weeks

48.9

(41.6, 56.3)

47.9

Among the 190 patients in the TFR phase, 98 patients had a treatment-free survival (TFS) event (defined as discontinuation from TFR phase due to any reason, loss of MMR, death due to any cause, progression to AP/BC up to the end of TFR phase, or reinitiation of treatment due to any cause in the study) by the 96-week cut-off date.

Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Estimate of Treatment-Free Survival After Start of TFR (Full Analysis Set ENESTfreedom)

Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Estimate of Treatment-Free Survival After Start of TFR (Full Analysis Set ENESTfreedom)

  1. For a given time point, the points on the dashed curves represent the 95% confidence limits for the associated KM estimate on the solid curve.

  2. By the time of the 96-week data cut-off date, one single patient lost MMR at Week 120, at the time when only 8 patients were considered at risk. This explains the artificial drop at the end of the curve.

14.4 Treatment Discontinuation in Ph+ CML-CP Patients Who Have Achieved a

Sustained Molecular Response (MR4.5) on Tasigna Following Prior Imatinib Therapy

The ENESTop (Evaluating Nilotinib Efficacy and Safety in clinical Trials-STop) study (NCT01698905) is an open-label, multicenter, single-arm study, where 163 adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP taking tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for ≥ 3 years (imatinib as initial TKI therapy for more than 4 weeks without documented MR4.5 on imatinib at the time of switch to Tasigna, then switched to Tasigna for at least 2 years), and who achieved MR4.5 on Tasigna treatment as measured with the MolecularMD MRDx® BCR-ABL Test were enrolled to continue Tasigna treatment for an additional 52 weeks (Tasigna consolidation phase). Of the 163 patients, 126 patients (77.3%) entered the TFR phase after achieving a sustained molecular response (MR4.5) during the consolidation phase, defined by the following criterion:

  • The 4 last quarterly assessments (taken every 12 weeks) showed no confirmed loss of MR4.5 (BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.0032% IS) during 1 year.

The median age of patients who entered the TFR phase was 56 years, 55.6% were females, and 27.8% of the patients were ≥ 65 years of age. The median actual dose intensity during the 52-week Tasigna consolidation phase was 771.8 mg/day with 52.4%, 29.4%, 0.8%, 16.7%, and 0.8% of patients receiving a daily Tasigna dose of 800 mg, 600 mg, 450 mg, 400 mg and 300 mg just before entry into the TFR phase, respectively.

Patients who entered the TFR phase but experienced two consecutive measurements of BCR-ABL/ABL > 0.01% IS were considered having a confirmed loss of MR4.0, triggering reinitiation of Tasigna treatment. Patients with loss of MMR in the TFR phase immediately restarted Tasigna treatment without confirmation. All patients who restarted Tasigna therapy had BCR-ABL transcript levels monitored every 4 weeks for the first 24 weeks, then once every 12 weeks.

Efficacy was based on the 96-week analysis data cut-off date, by which time, 61 patients (48.4%) had discontinued from the TFR phase: 58 patients (46.0%) due to loss of MMR or confirmed loss of MR4.0, 2 patients (1.6%) due to subject/guardian decision and one patient (0.8%) due to pregnancy. Among the 58 patients who discontinued from the TFR phase due to confirmed loss of MR4.0 or loss of MMR, 56 patients restarted Tasigna therapy and 2 patients permanently discontinued from the study.

By the 96-week data cut-off, of the 56 patients who restarted Tasigna treatment due to confirmed loss of MR4.0 or loss of MMR in the TFR phase, 52 patients (92.9%) regained MR4.0 and MR4.5; 4 patients (7.1%) did not regain MR4.0 by the time of the cut-off date. The cumulative rate of MR4 and MR4.5 regained by 48-weeks since treatment reinitiation, was 92.9% (52/56 patients) and 91.1% (51/56 patients), respectively.

Table 14: Efficacy Results for ENESTop

Abbreviation: CI, confidence interval.
1Patients without loss of MMR or confirmed loss of MR4 by specified time point of TFR phase.
2Based on the time to event (loss of MMR or confirmed loss of MR4) data during the TFR phase.

Patients who entered the treatment free remission (TFR) phase (full analysis set, N = 126)

Patients in TFR phase**1**
at the specified time point

Loss of MMR or confirmed loss of MR42 by the specified time point

%

95% CI

%

24 weeks

60.3

(51.2, 68.9)

38.9

48 weeks

57.9

(48.8, 66.7)

41.3

96 weeks

53.2

(44.1, 62.1)

43.7

Among the 126 patients in the TFR phase, 61 patients (48.4%) had a treatment- free survival (TFS) event (defined as discontinuation from TFR phase due to any reason, loss of MMR, confirmed loss of MR4, death due to any cause, progression to AP/BC up to the end of TFR phase, or reinitiation of treatment due to any cause in the study) on or before the 96-month cut-off date.

Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Estimate of Treatment-Free Survival after Start of TFR (Full Analysis Set ENESTop)

Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Estimate of Treatment-Free Survival after Start of TFR (Full Analysis Set ENESTop)

  1. For a given time point, the points on the dashed curves represent the 95% confidence limits for the associated KM estimate on the solid curve.

14.5 Pediatric Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP or Resistant or

Intolerant Ph+ CML-CP

The safety and efficacy of Tasigna in pediatric patients with Ph+ CML-CP have been investigated in two studies: Study CAMN107A2120 (NCT01077544), an open- label, single-arm, multi-center study that evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and preliminary efficacy of Tasigna in pediatric patients with Ph+ CML resistant or intolerant to imatinib or dasatinib (n = 11), and Study CAMN107A2203 (NCT01844765), an open-label, single-arm, multi-center study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Tasigna in pediatric patients (from 2 to less than 18 years of age) with Ph+ CML-CP resistant or intolerant to imatinib or dasatinib (n = 33) and newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP (n = 25). In both studies, patients received Tasigna treatment at a dose of 230 mg/m2 twice daily, rounded to the nearest 50 mg dose (to a maximum single dose of 400 mg). Data up to 12 cycles was pooled from a total of 69 pediatric patients (from 2 to less than 18 years of age) with either newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP (n = 25; 6 children from 2 to less than 12 years and 19 adolescents from 12 to less than 18 years) or imatinib/dasatinib resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML-CP (n = 44; 18 children from 2 to less than 12 years and 26 adolescents from 12 to less than 18 years).

In patients with resistant or intolerant CML, the major molecular response [(MMR); BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.1% IS] rate was 40.9% (18/44, 95% CI: 26.3%, 56.8%) at 12 cycles (28 days per cycle). In patients with newly diagnosed CML, the MMR rate was 60.0% (15/25, 95% CI: 38.7%, 78.9%) at 12 cycles. In patients with resistant or intolerant CML, the cumulative MMR rate was 47.7% (21/44) by Cycle 12. In patients with newly diagnosed CML, the cumulative MMR rate was 64.0% (16/25) by Cycle 12.

Among the 21 patients with resistant or intolerant CML who were in MMR at any time on treatment, the median time to first MMR was 2.8 months (range, 0.0 to 11.3). For the 17 patients with newly diagnosed CML who achieved MMR, the median time to first MMR was 5.6 months (range, 2.7 to 16.6).

Study CAMN107A2203 provided long term data with follow up of approximately 5 years.

By the time of final analysis, the median time on treatment with Tasigna was 51.9 months (range, 1.4 to 61.2 months) for patients with newly diagnosed CML and 60.5 months (range: 0.7 to 63.5 months) for patients with resistant or intolerant CML.

In the patients with resistant or intolerant CML, the major molecular response (MMR; BCR-ABL/ABL ≤0.1% IS) rates were 57.6%, 57.6% by Cycles 24, and 36, respectively. The MMR rate increased to 60.6% by Cycle 48 and was the same until end of study (Cycle 66). In the patients with newly diagnosed CML, the MMR rates were 68.0% by Cycle 24. The MMR rate increased to 76.0% by Cycle 36 and was the same until end of study (Cycle 66).

Among patients with resistant or intolerant CML, 12.1% of patients achieved BCR-ABL/ABL ≤ 0.0032% IS (MR4.5) by Cycle 66. Among patients with newly diagnosed CML, the percentage of patients who achieved MR4.5 was 44%.

None of the 20 patients with resistant or intolerant CML who achieved MMR at any time on treatment by Cycle 66 had confirmed loss of MMR by the end of Cycle 66 or at the time of early discontinuation. Among the 19 patients with newly diagnosed CML who achieved MMR at any time on treatment by the end of Cycle 66, three patients had confirmed loss of MMR. The median durations of MMR could not be estimated in either population as more than half responders did not have a confirmed loss of response by the study end. Range of duration of response was 0.03 to 61 months for resistant or intolerant CML patients and 2.8 to 57.9 months for newly diagnosed CML patients. One patient with resistant or intolerant CML progressed to AP/BC after 10.1 months on treatment.


OVERDOSAGE SECTION

10** OVERDOSAGE**

Overdose with nilotinib has been reported, where an unspecified number of Tasigna capsules were ingested in combination with alcohol and other drugs. Events included neutropenia, vomiting, and drowsiness. In the event of overdose, observe the patient and provide appropriate supportive treatment.


SPL MEDGUIDE SECTION

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Revised: September 2021

Medication Guide
TASIGNA® (ta-sig-na)
(nilotinib)
capsules

What is the most important information I should know about Tasigna?
Tasigna can cause a possible life-threatening heart problem called QTc prolongation. QTc prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death.
Your healthcare provider should check the electrical activity of your heart with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG):

• before starting Tasigna
• 7 days after starting Tasigna

• with any dose changes
• regularly during Tasigna treatment

You may lower your chances for having QTc prolongation with Tasigna if you:

*Take Tasigna on an empty stomach: * Avoid eating food for at least 2 hours before the dose is taken, and * Avoid eating food for at least 1 hour after the dose is taken.

  • Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract during treatment with Tasigna. Food and grapefruit products increase the amount of Tasigna in your body.
  • Avoid taking other medicines or supplements with Tasigna that can also cause QTc prolongation.
  • Tasigna can interact with many medicines and supplements and increase your chance for serious and life-threatening side effects.
  • Do not take any other medicine during treatment with Tasigna unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay to do so.
  • If you cannot swallow Tasigna capsules whole, you may open the Tasigna capsule and sprinkle the contents of each capsule in 1 teaspoon of applesauce (puréed apple). Swallow the mixture right away (within 15 minutes). For more information, see “How should I take Tasigna?”

Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel lightheaded, faint, or have an irregular heartbeat during treatment with Tasigna. These can be symptoms of QTc prolongation.

What is Tasigna?
Tasigna is a prescription medicine used to treat:

  • adults and children who have been newly diagnosed with a certain type of leukemia called Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase.
  • adults with chronic phase Ph+ CML or accelerated phase Ph+ CML who:
    • are no longer benefiting from other treatments, including imatinib (Gleevec),or
    • have taken other treatments, including imatinib (Gleevec), and cannot tolerate them.
  • children with chronic phase Ph+ CML or accelerated phase Ph+ CML who:
    • are no longer benefiting from treatment with a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor medicine,or
    • have taken a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor medicine and cannot tolerate it.

It is not known if Tasigna is safe and effective in children younger than 1 year of age with newly diagnosed, resistant, or intolerant Ph+ CML in chronic phase.

The long-term effects of treating children with Tasigna for a long period of time are not known.

Who should not take Tasigna?
Do not take if you have:

  • low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
  • long QTc syndrome

Before taking Tasigna, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have heart problems
  • have had a stroke or other problems due to decreased blood flow to the brain
  • have problems with decreased blood flow to your legs
  • have irregular heartbeat
  • have QTc prolongation or a family history of it
  • have liver problems
  • have had pancreatitis
  • have low blood levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
  • have a severe problem with lactose (milk sugar) or other sugars. Tasigna capsules contain lactose. Most people who have mild or moderate lactose intolerance can take Tasigna.
  • have bleeding problems
  • had a surgical procedure involving the removal of the entire stomach (total gastrectomy)
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tasigna can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are pregnant, or if you become pregnant during treatment with Tasigna.

In females who are able to become pregnant:

  • Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Tasigna.
  • Use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Tasigna and for 14 days after the last dose.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Tasigna passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 14 days after your last dose of Tasigna.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

If you need to take antacids (medicines to treat heartburn) do not take them at the same time that you take Tasigna. If you take:

*a medicine to block the amount of acid produced in the stomach (H2 blocker): Take these medicinesabout 10 hours before you take Tasigna,or about 2 hours after you take Tasigna. *an antacid that contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach: Take these medicinesabout 2 hours before or about 2 hours after you take Tasigna.

Tasigna can interact with many medicines and supplements and increase your chance for serious and life-threatening side effects.See “What is the most important information I should know about Tasigna?”

How should I take Tasigna?

  • Take Tasigna exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
  • Do not change your dose or stop taking Tasigna unless your healthcare provider tells you.
  • Tasigna is a long-term treatment.
  • Your healthcare provider will tell you how many Tasigna capsules to take and when to take them.
  • If your child takes Tasigna, your healthcare provider will change the dose as your child grows. *Tasigna must be taken on an empty stomach. *Avoid eating food for at least 2 hours before the dose is taken, and *Avoid eating food for at least 1 hour after the dose is taken.
  • Swallow Tasigna capsules whole with water. If you cannot swallow Tasigna capsules whole, tell your healthcare provider. *If you cannot swallow Tasigna capsules whole: *Open the Tasigna capsules and sprinkle the contents in 1 teaspoon of applesauce (puréed apple). *Do not use more than 1 teaspoon of applesauce. *Only use applesauce. Do not sprinkle Tasigna onto other foods. *Swallow the mixture right away (within 15 minutes).
  • Do not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit, or take supplements containing grapefruit extract at any time during treatment.See “What is the most important information I should know about Tasigna?”
  • If you miss a dose, just take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
  • If you take too much Tasigna, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. Symptoms may include vomiting and drowsiness.
  • During treatment with Tasigna your healthcare provider will do tests to check for side effects and to see how well Tasigna is working for you. The tests will check your:
    • heart
    • blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). Your blood cells should be checked every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly.
    • electrolytes (potassium, magnesium)
    • pancreas and liver function
    • bone marrow samples

Your healthcare provider may change your dose. Your healthcare provider may have you stop Tasigna for some time or lower your dose if you have side effects with it.

  • Your healthcare provider will monitor your CML during treatment with Tasigna to see if you are in a remission. After at least 3 years of treatment with Tasigna, your healthcare provider may do certain tests to determine if you continue to be in remission. Based on your test results, your healthcare provider may decide if you may be eligible to try stopping treatment with Tasigna. This is called Treatment Free Remission (TFR).
  • Your healthcare provider will carefully monitor your CML during and after you stop taking Tasigna. Based on your test results, your healthcare provider may need to re-start your Tasigna if your CML is no longer in remission.
  • It is important that you are followed by your healthcare provider and undergo frequent monitoring to find out if you need to re-start your Tasigna treatment because you are no longer in TFR. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about re-starting Tasigna if you are no longer in TFR.

What are the possible side effects of Tasigna?
Tasigna may cause serious side effects, including:

*See “What is the most important information I should know about Tasigna?” *Low blood cell counts. Low blood cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) are common with Tasigna, but can also be severe. Your healthcare provider will check your blood counts regularly during treatment with Tasigna. Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of low blood counts, including: * fever * chills or other signs of infection * unexplained bleeding or bruising * unexplained weakness * shortness of breath *Decreased blood flow to the leg, heart, or brain. People who have recently been diagnosed with Ph+ CML and take Tasigna may develop decreased blood flow to the leg, the heart, or brain.
Get medical help right away if you suddenly develop any of the following symptoms:

* chest pain or discomfort
* numbness or weakness
* problems walking or speaking
* leg pain
* your leg feels cold
* change in the skin color of your leg

*Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any symptoms of pancreatitis, including sudden stomach area pain with nausea and vomiting. *Liver problems. Tasigna can increase your risk of liver problems. People who have had liver problems in the past may be at risk for getting liver problems with Tasigna. Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of liver problems, including:

  • stomach area (abdominal) pain
  • yellow skin and eyes
  • dark-colored urine

*Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by a fast breakdown of cancer cells. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check you for TLS. TLS can cause you to have: *kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment *an abnormal heart beat

*Bleeding problems. Serious bleeding problems and death have happened during treatment with Tasigna. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs and symptoms of bleeding during treatment with Tasigna. *Fluid retention. Your body may hold too much fluid (fluid retention). Symptoms of fluid retention include shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, and swelling. *Abnormal growth or development in children. Effects on growth and development have happened in children with chronic phase Ph+ CML during treatment with Tasigna. Some children and adolescents may have slower than normal growth during treatment with Tasigna.

The most common side effects of Tasigna in adults and children include:

• nausea
• rash
• headache
• tiredness
• itching
• vomiting

• diarrhea
• cough
• constipation
• muscle and joint pain
• runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
• fever
• night sweats

Side effects in adult patients attempting treatment free remission:
If you and your healthcare provider decide that you can stop taking Tasigna and try treatment free remission (TFR), you may have more muscle and bone (musculoskeletal) symptoms than before you stopped treatment. Symptoms may include:

• muscle pain
• arm and leg pain
• joint pain

• bone pain
• spine pain

Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tasigna.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store Tasigna?

  • Store Tasigna at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.

Keep Tasigna and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of Tasigna.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Tasigna for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Tasigna to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Tasigna that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in Tasigna?
Active ingredient: nilotinib
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and poloxamer 188.
The capsules contain gelatin, iron oxide (red), iron oxide (yellow), iron oxide (black), and titanium dioxide.

Distributed by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936

© Novartis

For more information, go to www.Tasigna.com or call 1-866-411-8274.

T2021-128


© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath