Summary of medicine characteristics - Rituzena (previously Tuxella)
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each vial contains 100 mg of rituximab.
Each mL of concentrate contains 10mg of rituximab.
Rituximab is a genetically engineered chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody representing a glycosylated immunoglobulin with human IgG1 constant regions and murine light-chain and heavy-chain variable region sequences. The antibody is produced by mammalian (Chinese hamster ovary) cell suspension culture and purified by affinity chromatography and ion exchange, including specific viral inactivation and removal procedures.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Concentrate for solution for infusion.
Clear, colourless liquid.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS4.1 Therapeutic indications
Rituzena is indicated in adults for the following indications:
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
Rituzena is indicated for the treatment of previously untreated patients with stage III-IV follicular lymphoma in combination with chemotherapy.
Rituzena monotherapy is indicated for treatment of patients with stage III-IV follicular lymphoma who are chemo-resistant or are in their second or subsequent relapse after chemotherapy.
Rituzena is indicated for the treatment of patients with CD20 positive diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) chemotherapy.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Rituzena in combination with chemotherapy is indicated for the treatment of patients with previously untreated and relapsed/refractory CLL. Only limited data are available on efficacy and safety for patients previously treated with monoclonal antibodies including Rituzena or patients refractory to previous Rituzena plus chemotherapy.
See section 5.1 for further information.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis
Rituzena, in combination with glucocorticoids, is indicated for the induction of remission in adult patients with severe, active granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Rituzena should be administered under the close supervision of an experienced healthcare professional, and in an environment where full resuscitation facilities are immediately available (see section 4.4).
Premedication consisting of an anti-pyretic and an antihistaminic, e.g. paracetamol and diphenhydramine, should always be given before each administration of Rituzena.
In patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and CLL, premedication with glucocortico ould be considered if Rituzena is not given in combination with glucocorticoid-containing chemotherapy.
In patients withgranulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) or microscopic polyangiitis,
per day is
rednisolone may be owed by oral prednisone based on clinical need)
methylprednisolone given intravenously for 1 to 3 days at a dose of 100 recommended prior to the first infusion of Rituzena (the last dose of given on the same day as the first infusion of Rituzena). This shoul 1 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 80 mg/day, and tapered as rapidly during and after Rituzena treatment.
Posology
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Combination therapy
combination with chemotherapy for induction treatment of tory patients with follicular lymphoma is: 375 mg/m2 body s.
n day 1 of each chemotherapy cycle, after intravenous
The recommended dose of Rituz previously untreated or relapsed surface area per cycle, for up
Rituzena should be administe
administration of the glucocorticoid component of the chemotherapy if applicable.
Monotherapy
- • Relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma
The recommended dose of Rituzena monotherapy used as induction treatment for adult patients with stage follicular lymphoma who are chemoresistant or are in their second or subsequent relapse therapy is: 375 mg/m2 body surface area, administered as an intravenous infusion once for four weeks.
For retreatment with Rituzena monotherapy for patients who have responded to previous treatment with Rituzena monotherapy for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma, the recommended dose is: 375 mg/m2 body surface area, administered as an intravenous infusion once weekly for four weeks (see section 5.1).
Diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Rituzena should be used in combination with CHOP chemotherapy. The recommended dosage is 375 mg/m2 body surface area, administered on day 1 of each chemotherapy cycle for 8 cycles after intravenous infusion of the glucocorticoid component of CHOP. Safety and efficacy of Rituzena have not been established in combination with other chemotherapies in diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Dose adjustments during treatment
No dose reductions of Rituzena are recommended. When Rituzena is given in combination with chemotherapy, standard dose reductions for the chemotherapeutic medicinal products should be applied.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Prophylaxis with adequate hydration and administration of uricostatics starting 48 hours prior to start of therapy is recommended for CLL patients to reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome. F CLL patients whose lymphocyte counts are > 25 × 109/L it is recommended to administer prednisone/prednisolone 100 mg intravenous shortly before infusion with Rituzena to decrease t rate and severity of acute infusion reactions and/or cytokine release syndrome.
of the first
The recommended dosage of Rituzena in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated and relapsed/refractory patients is 375 mg/m2 body surface area administered o treatment cycle followed by 500 mg/m2 body surface area administered on day 1 of each subsequent cycle for 6 cycles in total. The chemotherapy should be given after Rituzena infusion.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis
Patients treated with Rituzena must be given the patient ale
h each infusion.
The recommended dosage of Rituzena for induction of remission therapy of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis is 375 mg/m2 body surface area, administered as an intravenous infusion once weekly for 4 weeks (f
ions in total).
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis is recommended for patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis during and following Rituzena treatment, as appropriate.
Special populations
Elderly
No dose adjustment is
d in elderly patients (aged >65 years)
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Rituzena in children below 18 years has not been established. No data are available.
Meth
epared Rituzena solution should be administered as an intravenous infusion through a ted line. It should not be administered as an intravenous push or bolus.
Patients should be closely monitored for the onset of cytokine release syndrome (see section 4.4). Patients who develop evidence of severe reactions, especially severe dyspnoea, bronchospasm or hypoxia should have the infusion interrupted immediately. Patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma should then be evaluated for evidence of tumour lysis syndrome including appropriate laboratory tests and, for pulmonary infiltration, with a chest X-ray. In all patients, the infusion should not be restarted until complete resolution of all symptoms, and normalisation of laboratory values and chest X-ray findings. At this time, the infusion can be initially resumed at not more than one-half the previous rate. If the same severe adverse reactions occur for a second time, the decision to stop the treatment should be seriously considered on a case by case basis.
Mild or moderate infusion-related reactions (IRRs) (section 4.8) usually respond to a reduction in the rate of infusion. The infusion rate may be increased upon improvement of symptoms.
First infusion
The recommended initial rate for infusion is 50 mg/h; after the first 30 minutes, it can be escalated in 50 mg/h increments every 30 minutes, to a maximum of 400 mg/h.
Subsequent infusions
All indications
Subsequent doses of Rituzena can be infused at an initial rate of 100 mg/h, and increased by 100 mg/h increments at 30 minute intervals, to a maximum of 400 mg/h.
4.3 Contraindications
Contraindications for use in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lympho cvtic leukaemia
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to murine proteins, or to any of the other excipients listed in section 6.1.
Active, severe infections (see section 4.4).
Patients in a severely immunocompromised state.
Contraindications for use in rheumatoid arthritis, polyangiitis
matosis with polyangiitis and microscopic
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to murine proteins, or to any of the other excipients listed in section 6.1.
Active, severe infections (see section 4.4).
Patients in a severely im
Severe heart failure (New York Heart Association Class IV) or severe, uncontrolled cardiac disease
4.4 Spec
In order to improve traceability of biological medicinal products, the tradename and batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded (or stated) in the patient file.
- •essive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
All patients treated with rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis must be given the patient alert card with each infusion. The alert card contains important safety information for patients regarding potential increased risk of infections, including PML.
Very rare cases of fatal PML have been reported following the use of rituximab. Patients must be monitored at regular intervals for any new or worsening neurological symptoms or signs that may be suggestive of PML. If PML is suspected, further dosing must be suspended until PML has been excluded. The clinician should evaluate the patient to determine if the symptoms are indicative of neurological dysfunction, and if so, whether these symptoms are possibly suggestive of PML.
Consultation with a neurologist should be considered as clinically indicated.
If any doubt exists, further evaluation, including MRI scan preferably with contrast, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for JC Viral DNA and repeat neurological assessments, should be considered.
The physician should be particularly alert to symptoms suggestive of PML that the patient may not notice (e.g. cognitive, neurological or psychiatric symptoms). Patients should also be advised to inform their partner or caregivers about their treatment, since they may notice symptoms that the patient is not aware of.
If a patient develops PML the dosing of rituximab must be permanently discontinued.
Following reconstitution of the immune system in immunocompromised patients with PML, stabilisation or improved outcome has been seen. It remains unknown if early detectio and suspension of rituximab therapy may lead to similar stabilisation or improved out
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Infusion related reactions
Rituximab is associated with infusion-related reactions, which may b and/or other chemical mediators. Cytokine release syndrome may be from acute hypersensitivity reactions.
to release of cytokines indistinguishable
This set of reactions which includes syndrome of cytokine r anaphylactic and hypersensitivity reactions are described b
tumour lysis syndrome and
Severe infusion-related reactions with fatal outcom of the rituximab intravenous formulation, with an o starting the first rituximab intravenous infusion. Th
in some cases included rapid tumour lysis fever, chills, rigors, hypotension, urticaria
e have been reported during post-marketing use nset ranging within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ey were characterised by pulmonary events and res of tumour lysis syndrome in addition to
ioedema and other symptoms (see section 4.8).
Severe cytokine release syndro bronchospasm and hypoxia, in a syndrome may be associated wi
hyperkalaemia, hypocalc dehydrogenase (LDH) respiratory failure ma
haracterised by severe dyspnoea, often accompanied by
n to fever, chills, rigors, urticaria, and angioedema. This e features of tumour lysis syndrome such as hyperuricaemia, perphosphataemia, acute renal failure, elevated lactate ay be associated with acute respiratory failure and death. The acute ccompanied by events such as pulmonary interstitial infiltration or
-ray. The syndrome frequently manifests itself within one or two hours
oedema, visible o of initiating the fi pulmonary
increas inter
ti
t infusion. Patients with a history of pulmonary insufficiency or those with nfiltration may be at greater risk of poor outcome and should be treated with
. Patients who develop severe cytokine release syndrome should have their infusion ediately (see section 4.2) and should receive aggressive symptomatic treatment.
l improvement of clinical symptoms may be followed by deterioration, these patients e closely monitored until tumour lysis syndrome and pulmonary infiltration have been ed or ruled out. Further treatment of patients after complete resolution of signs and symptoms s rarely resulted in repeated severe cytokine release syndrome.
Patients with a high tumour burden or with a high number (>25 × 109/L) of circulating malignant cells such as patients with CLL, who may be at higher risk of especially severe cytokine release syndrome, should only be treated with extreme caution. These patients should be very closely monitored throughout the first infusion. Consideration should be given to the use of a reduced infusion rate for the first infusion in these patients or a split dosing over two days during the first cycle and any subsequent cycles if the lymphocyte count is still >25 × 109/L.
Infusion related adverse reactions of all kinds have been observed in 77% of patients treated with rituximab (including cytokine release syndrome accompanied by hypotension and bronchospasm in 10 % of patients) see section 4.8. These symptoms are usually reversible with interruption of rituximab infusion and administration of an anti-pyretic, an antihistaminic, and, occasionally, oxygen, intravenous saline or bronchodilators, and glucocorticoids if required. Please see cytokine release syndrome above for severe reactions.
Anaphylactic and other hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following the intravenous administration of proteins to patients. In contrast to cytokine release syndrome, true hypersensitivity reactions typically occur within minutes after starting infusion. Medicinal products for the treatment of hypersensitivity reactions, e.g., epinephrine (adrenaline), antihistamines and glucocorticoids, should be available for immediate use in the event of an allergic reaction during administration of rituximab. Clinical manifestations of anaphylaxis may appear similar to clinical manifestations of the cytokine release syndrome (described above). Reactions attributed to hypersensitivity have been
reported less frequently than those attributed to cytokine release. rv
onary
Additional reactions reported in some cases were myocardial infarction, atrial fibrilla oedema and acute reversible thrombocytopenia.
Since hypotension may occur during rituximab administration, consideration should be given to withholding anti-hypertensive medicines 12 hours prior to the rituximab infusion.
Cardiac disorders
Angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial flutter and fibri myocardial infarction have occurred in patients treated with rituxi history of cardiac disease and/or cardiotoxic chemotherapy
art failure and/or. Therefore, patients with a monitored closely.
Haematological toxicities
Although rituximab is not myelosuppressive in monotherapy, caution should be exercised when considering treatment of patients with neutrophils < 1.5 × 109/L and/or platelet counts < 75 × 109/L as clinical experience in this population is limited. Rituximab has been used in 21 patients who underwent autologous bone marrow tran on and other risk groups with a presumable reduced bone marrow function without i
Regular full blood counts, inclu rituximab therapy.
sepsis and opport Physicians should
Infections
Serious infections, incl
Rituximab should not
istic
eutrophil and platelet counts, should be performed during
fatalities, can occur during therapy with rituximab (see section 4.8). ministered to patients with an active, severe infection (e.g. tuberculosis, ections, see section 4.3).
of recurrin patient
s infection (see section 4.8).
ercise caution when considering the use of rituximab in patients with a history ic infections or with underlying conditions which may further predispose
ses of hepatitis B reactivation have been reported in subjects receiving rituximab including
minant hepatitis with fatal outcome. The majority of these subjects were also exposed to cytotoxic therapy. Limited information from one study in relapsed/refractory CLL patients suggests that uximab treatment may also worsen the outcome of primary hepatitis B infections. Hepatitis B virus HBV) screening should be performed in all patients before initiation of treatment with rituximab. At minimum this should include HBsAg-status and HBcAb-status. These can be complemented with other appropriate markers as per local guidelines. Patients with active hepatitis B disease should not be treated with rituximab. Patients with positive hepatitis B serology (either HBsAg or HBcAb) should consult liver disease experts before start of treatment and should be monitored and managed following local medical standards to prevent hepatitis B reactivation.
Very rare cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported during post-marketing use of rituximab in NHL and CLL (see section 4.8). The majority of patients had
received rituximab in combination with chemotherapy or as part of a haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Immunisations
The safety of immunisation with live viral vaccines, following rituximab therapy has not been studied for NHL and CLL patients and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended. Patients treated with rituximab may receive non-live vaccinations. However, with non-live vaccines response rates may be reduced. In a non-randomised study, patients with relapsed low-grade NHL who received rituximab monotherapy when compared to healthy untreated controls had a lower rate of response to vaccination with tetanus recall antigen (16% vs. 81%) and Keyhole Limpet Haemocyanin (KLH) neoantigen (4% vs. 76% when assessed for >2-fold increase in antibody titer). For CLL patients similar results are assumable considering similarities between both diseases but that has not been investigated in clinical trials.
Mean pre-therapeutic antibody titres against a panel of antigens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza A, mumps, rubella, varicella) were maintained for at least 6 months after treatment with rituximab.
Skin reactions
Severe skin reactions such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see section 4.8). In case of such an event, with a suspected relationship to rituximab, treatment should be perman
scontinued.
Rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microsc opi yangiitis
Methotrexate (MTX) naïve populations with rheumatoid arthri The use of rituximab is not recommended in MTX-naïv relationship has not been established.
since a favourable benefit risk
Infusion related reactions
Rituximab is associated with infusion related r
cytokines and/or other chemical mediators medicinal product and an anti-histaminic m each infusion of rituximab. In rheumatoid administered before each infusion of rituxi (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).
ons (IRRs), which may be related to release of ication consisting of an analgesic/anti-pyretic
edicinal product, should always be administered before arthritis premedication with glucocorticoids should also be mab in order to reduce the frequency and severity of IRRs
Severe IRRs with fatal ou
post-marketing setting were mild to moderat
een reported in rheumatoid arthritis patients in the umatoid arthritis most infusion-related events reported in clinical trials erity. The most common symptoms were allergic reactions like headache, pruritus, throat i ushing, rash, urticaria, hypertension, and pyrexia. In general, the proportion
of patients exp g any infusion reaction was higher following the first infusion than following the second infu f any treatment course. The incidence of IRR decreased with subsequent courses (see section 4.8). The reactions reported were usually reversible with a reduction in rate, or inter , of rituximab infusion and administration of an anti-pyretic, an antihistamine, and, y, oxygen, intravenous saline or bronchodilators, and glucocorticoids if required. Closely or patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions and those who experienced prior pulmonary adverse reactions. Depending on the severity of the IRR and the required interventions, temporarily or permanently discontinue rituximab. In most cases, the infusion can be resumed at a 50 % reduction in rate (e.g. from 100 mg/h to 50 mg/h) when symptoms have completely resolved.
Medicinal products for the treatment of hypersensitivity reactions, e.g. epinephrine (adrenaline), antihistamines and glucocorticoids, should be available for immediate use in the event of an allergic reaction during administration of rituximab.
There are no data on the safety of rituximab in patients with moderate heart failure (NYHA class III) or severe, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. In patients treated with rituximab, the occurrence of
pre-existing ischemic cardiac conditions becoming symptomatic, such as angina pectoris, has been observed, as well as atrial fibrillation and flutter. Therefore, in patients with a known cardiac history,
and those who experienced prior cardiopulmonary adverse reactions the risk of cardiovascular complications resulting from infusion reactions should be considered before treatment with rituximab and patients closely monitored during administration. Since hypotension may occur during rituximab infusion, consideration should be given to withholding anti-hypertensive medicinal product 12 hours prior to the rituximab infusion.
n
IRRs for patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis were similar to those seen for rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical trials (see section 4.8).
Cardiac disorders
Angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial flutter and fibrillation, heart failure and/or myocardial infarction have occurred in patients treated with rituximab. Therefore patients wi a history of cardiac disease should be monitored closely (see Infusion related reactions,
Infections
Based on the mechanism of action of rituximab and the knowledge that B cells role in maintaining normal immune response, patients have an increased risk o
rituximab therapy (see section 5.1). Serious infections, including fatalities with rituximab (see section 4.8).Rituximab should not be administered to severe infection (e.g. tuberculosis, sepsis and opportunistic infection immunocompromised patients (e.g. where levels of CD4 or CD8 are v
portant ion following r during therapy
exercise caution when considering the use of rituximab in patie chronic infections or with underlying conditions which may infection, e.g. hypogammaglobulinaemia (see section 4.8). levels are determined prior to initiating treatment with rituxi
atients with an active, section 4.3) or severely ow). Physicians should istory of recurring or
r predispose patients to serious commended that immunoglobulin
Patients reporting signs and symptoms of infection following rituximab therapy should be promptly evaluated and treated appropriately. Before giving a subsequent course of rituximab treatment, patients should be re-evaluated for any po risk for infections.
Very rare cases of fatal progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported following use of rituximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and vasculitis.
Hepatitis B Infections
Cases of hepatitis B reactivation, including those with a fatal outcome, have been reported in rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis patients receiving rituximab.
Hepatitis B vi
V) screening should be performed in all patients before initiation of treatment
with rituximab. At minimum this should include HBsAg-status and HBcAb-status. These can be comp ted with other appropriate markers as per local guidelines. Patients with active hepatitis B uld not be treated with rituximab. Patients with positive hepatitis B serology (either or HBcAb) should consult liver disease experts before start of treatment and should be ored and managed following local medical standards to prevent hepatitis B reactivation.
ate neutropenia
Measure blood neutrophils prior to each course of rituximab, and regularly up to 6-months after cessation of treatment, and upon signs or symptoms of infection (see section 4.8).
Skin reactions
Severe skin reactions such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, some with fatal outcome, have been reported (see section 4.8). In case of such an event with a suspected relationship to rituximab, treatment should be permanently discontinued.
Immunisation
Physicians should review the patient’s vaccination status and follow current immunisation guidelines prior to rituximab therapy. Vaccination should be completed at least 4 weeks prior to first administration of rituximab.
The safety of immunisation with live viral vaccines following rituximab therapy has not been studied. Therefore vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended whilst on rituximab or whilst peripherally B cell depleted.
Patients treated with rituximab may receive non-live vaccinations. However, response rates to non-live vaccines may be reduced. In a randomised trial, patients with rheumatoid arthritis treate with rituximab and methotrexate had comparable response rates to tetanus recall antigen (39% v
42%), reduced rates to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (43% vs. 82% to at least 2 pneumococcal antibody serotypes), and KLH neoantigen (47% vs. 93%), when given rituximab as compared to patients only receiving methotrexate. Should non-live vacci required whilst receiving rituximab therapy, these should be completed at least 4 wee commencing the next course of rituximab.
er
e
r to
In the overall experience of rituximab repeat treatment over one year in rheumatoid arthritis, the proportions of patients with positive antibody titres against S. pneumoniae, influenza, mumps, rubella, varicella and tetanus toxoid were generally similar to the proportions at baseline.
Concomitant/sequential use of other DMARDs in rheumatoid a The concomitant use of rituximab and anti-rheumatic therapies rheumatoid arthritis indication and posology is not recommende
those specified under the
There are limited data from clinical trials to fully assess the safety of the sequential use of other DMARDs (including TNF inhibitors and other biologics) following rituximab (see section 4.5). The available data indicate that the rate of clinically relevant infection is unchanged when such therapies are used in patients previously treated with rituximab, however patients should be closely observed for signs of infection if biologi nts and/or DMARDs are used following rituximab therapy.
Malignancy
Immunomodulatory medicin
limited experience with ri do not seem to suggest development of solid
ts may increase the risk of malignancy. On the basis of in rheumatoid arthritis patients (see section 4.8) the present data increased risk of malignancy. However, the possible risk for the rs cannot be excluded at this time.
Curren
4.5 Interacti
re limited data on possible medicinal product interactions with rituximab.
ients, co-administration with rituximab did not appear to have an effect on the okinetics of fludarabine or cyclophosphamide. In addition, there was no apparent effect of abine and cyclophosphamide on the pharmacokinetics of rituximab.
o-administration with methotrexate had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Patients with human anti-mouse antibody or human anti-chimeric antibody (HAMA/HACA) titres may have allergic or hypersensitivity reactions when treated with other diagnostic or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 283 patients received subsequent therapy with a biologic DMARD following rituximab. In these patients the rate of clinically relevant infection while on rituximab was 6.01 per 100 patient years compared to 4.97 per 100 patient years following treatment with the biologic DMARD.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Contraception in males and females
Due to the long retention time of rituximab in B cell depleted patients, women of childbearing potential should use effective contraceptive methods during and for 12 months following treatment with rituximab.
Pregnancy
IgG immunoglobulins are known to cross the placental barrier.
B cell levels in human neonates following maternal exposure to rituximab have not been studied in clinical trials. There are no adequate and well-controlled data from studies in pregnant women, however transient B-cell depletion and lymphocytopenia have been reported in some infants born to mothers exposed to rituximab during pregnancy. Similar effects have been observed in animal studies (see section 5.3). For these reasons rituximab should not be administered to pregnant women unless the possible benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Breast-feeding
Whether rituximab is excreted in human milk is not known. However, because maternal IgG is excreted in human milk, and rituximab was detectable in milk from lactating monkeys, women should not breastfeed while treated with rituximab and for 12 months following rituximab treatment.
Fertility
Animal studies did not reveal deleterious effects of rituximab on reproductive organs.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No studies on the effects of rituximab on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed, although the pharmacological activity and adverse reactions reported to date suggest that rituximab would have no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the Safety profile (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia)
The overall safety profile of rituximab in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and CLL is based on data from patients from clinical trials and from post-marketing surveillance. These patients were treated either with rituximab monotherapy (as induction treatment or maintenance treatment following induction treatment) or in combination with chemotherapy.
The most frequently observed adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients receiving rituximab were IRRs which occurred in the majority of patients during the first infusion. The incidence of infusion-related symptoms decreases substantially with subsequent infusions and is less than 1% after eight doses of rituximab.
Infectious events (predominantly bacterial and viral) occurred in approximately 30–55% of patients during clinical trials in patients with NHL and in 30–50% of patients during clinical trials in patients with CLL
The most frequent reported or observed serious adverse drug reactions were:
- • IRRs (including cytokine-release syndrome, tumour-lysis syndrome), see section 4.4.
Other serious ADRs reported include hepatitis B reactivation and PML (see section 4.4.)
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The frequencies of ADRs reported with rituximab alone or in combination with chemotherapy are summarised in Table 1. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. Frequencies are defined as very common (> 1/10), common (> 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1000), very rare 1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
The ADRs identified only during post-marketing surveillance, and for which a frequenc not be estimated, are listed under “not known”.
ADRs reported in clinical trials or during post-marketing surveillance in patients with NHL and CLL disease treated with rituximab monotherapy/maintenance or in combination with chemotherapy
Table 1
System organ class | Very common | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Very Rare | Not known |
Infections and infestations | bacterial infection, viral infections, +bronchitis | sepsis, 'pneumonia, 'febrile infection, 'herpes zoster, 'respiratory tract infection, fungal infections, infections of unknown aetiology, 'acute bronchitis, 'sinusitis, hepatitis B1 | K o° 1 | serious viral L infection2 Pneumcysti > jiro/ecii^^ Çr | PMl | |
Blood and lymphatic system disorders | neutropenia, leucopenia, ‚febrile neutropenia, ' thromb‘ openia | anaemia 'pancytopenia, gra nulocytopen | coagulation disorders, aplastic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, lymphadenop athy | transient increase in serum IgM levels3 | late neutropenia3 | |
Immune system disorders | infusion delated reactions4, angioedema | hypersensitivity | anaphylaxis | tumour lysis syndrome, cytokine release syndrome4, serum sickness | infusion-relate d acute reversible thrombocytop enia4 | |
Metabolism land nutrition disorders | hyperglycaemia, weight decrease, peripheral oedema, face oedema, increased LDH, hypocalcaemia | |||||
Psychiatric disorders | depression, nervousness, | |||||
Nervous system disorders | paraesthesia, hypoaesthesia, agitation, | dysgeusia | peripheral neuropathy, facial nerve | cranial neuropathy, loss of other |
System organ class | Very common | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Very Rare | Not known |
insomnia, vasodilatation, dizziness, anxiety | palsy5 | senses5 | ||||
Eye disorders | lacrimation disorder, conjunctivitis | severe vision loss5 | ||||
Ear and labyrinth disorders | tinnitus, ear pain | hearing loss5 | ||||
Cardiac disorders | +myocardial infarction4and 6, arrhythmia, +atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, +cardiac disorder | +left ventricular failure, +supraventri-cular tachycardia, +ventricular tachycardia, +angina, +myocardial ischaemia, bradycardia | severe cardiac disoders4and 6 | heart failure4 and 6 | ||
Vascular disorders | hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, hypotension | v asculitis ^predominate] y cutaneous), leukocytoclast ic vasculiti | ||||
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | bronchospasm4, respiratory disease, chest pain, dyspnoea, increased cough, rhinitis | asthma, bronchiolitis obliterans, lung disorder, hypoxia | interstitial lung disease7 | respiratory failure4 | lung infiltration | |
Gastrointesti nal disorders | nausea | vomiting , diarrhoea, abdominal p in, dysphagia, stomatilis,V constipation, ano rexia, throat ^irritation | abdominal enlargement | gastro-intestin al perforation7 | ||
Skin and Subcutaneous tissue disorders * | pruritus, rash, +aopecia | urticaria, sweating, night sweats, +skin disorder | severe bullous skin reactions, Stevens-Johns on Syndrome toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome)7, | |||
Mus 'uloskele tal, connective tissue and bone disorders | hypertonia, myalgia, arthralgia, back pain, neck pain, pain | |||||
Renal and urinary disorders | renal failure4 | |||||
General disorders and administratio nsite conditions | fever , chills, asthenia, headache | tumour pain, flushing, malaise, cold syndrome, +fatigue, +shivering, | infusion site pain |
System organ class | Very common | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Very Rare | Not known |
+multi-organ failure4 | ||||||
Investigations | decreased IgG levels |
For each term, the frequency count was based on reactions of all grades (from mild to severe), except for terms marked with „+“ where the frequency count was based only on severe (> grade 3 NCI common toxicity criteria) reactions. Only the highest frequency observed in the trials is reported
1 includes reactivation and primary infections; frequency based on R-FC regimen in relapsed/refractory CLL 2 see also section infection below
3 see also section haematologic adverse reactions below
4 see also section infusion-related reactions below. Rarely fatal cases reported
5 signs and symptoms of cranial neuropathy. Occurred at various times up to several months after completion of rituxima therapy
6 observed mainly in patients with prior cardiac condition and/or cardiotoxic chemotherapy and were mostly associated with infusion-related reactions
7 includes fatal cases
The following terms have been reported as adverse events during clinical trials, however, were reported at a similar or lower incidence in the rituximab-arms compared to control arms: haematotoxicity, neutropenic infection, urinary tract infection, sensory disturbance, pyrexia.
Description of selected adverse reactions
Signs and symptoms suggestive of an infusion-related reaction were reported in more than 50% of patients in clinical trials, and were predominantly seen during the first infusion, usually in the first one to two hours. These symptoms mainly comprised fever, chills and rigors. Other symptoms included flushing, angioedema, bronchospasm, vomiting, nausea, urticaria/rash, fatigue, headache, throat irritation, rhinitis, pruritus, pain, tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, dyspnoea, dyspepsia, asthenia and features of tumour lysis syndrome. Severe infusion-related reactions (such as bronchospasm, hypotension) occurred in up to 12% of the cases. Additional reactions reported in some cases were myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary oedema and acute reversible thrombocytopenia. Exacerbations of pre-existing cardiac conditions such as angina pectoris or congestive heart failure or severe cardiac disorders (heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation), pulmonary oedema, multi-organ failure, tumour lysis syndrome, cytokine release syndrome, renal failure, and respiratory failure were reported at lower or unknown frequencies. The incidence of infusion-related symptoms decreased substantially with subsequent infusions and is <1% of patients by the eighth cycle of rituximab-containing treatment.
Infections
Rituximab induces B-cell depletion in about 70–80% of patients, but was associated with decreased serum immunoglobulins only in a minority of patients.
Localised candida infections as well as Herpes zoster were reported at a higher incidence in the rituximab-containing arm of randomised studies. Severe infections were reported in about 4% of patients treated with rituximab monotherapy. Higher frequencies of infections overall, including grade 3 or 4 infections, were observed during rituximab maintenance treatment up to 2 years when compared to observation. There was no cumulative toxicity in terms of infections reported over a 2 year treatment period. In addition, other serious viral infections either new, reactivated or exacerbated, some of which were fatal, have been reported with rituximab treatment. The majority of patients had received rituximab in combination with chemotherapy or as part of a haematopoetic stem cell transplant. Examples of these serious viral infections are infections caused by the herpes viruses (Cytomegalovirus, Varicella Zoster Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus), JC virus (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)) and hepatitis C virus. Cases of fatal PML that occurred after disease progression and retreatment have also been reported in clinical trials. Cases of hepatitis B reactivation,have been reported, the majority of which were in patients receiving rituximab in combination with
cytotoxic chemotherapy. In patients with relapsed/refractory CLL, the incidence of grade 3/4 hepatitis B infection (reactivation and primary infection) was 2% in R-FC vs 0% FC. Progression of Kaposi’s sarcoma has been observed in rituximab-exposed patients with preexisting Kaposi’s sarcoma. These cases occurred in non-approved indications and the majority of patients were HIV positive.
Haematologic adverse reactions
In clinical trials with rituximab monotherapy given for 4 weeks, haematological abnormalities occurred in a minority of patients and were usually mild and reversible. Severe (grade 3/4) neutropenia was reported in 4.2%, anaemia in 1.1% and thrombocytopenia in 1.7% of the patients. During rituximab maintenance treatment for up to 2 years, leucopenia (5% vs. 2%, grade 3/4) and neutropenia (10% vs. 4%, grade 3/4) were reported at a higher incidence when compared to observation. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was low (<1% , grade 3/4) and was not differe between treatment arms. During the treatment course in studies with rituximab in combination chemotherapy, grade 3/4 leucopenia (R-CHOP 88% vs. CHOP 79%, R-FC 23% vs. FC 12%),
neutropenia (R-CVP 24% vs. CVP 14%; R-CHOP 97% vs. CHOP 88%, R-FC 30% v previously untreated CLL), pancytopenia (R-FC 3% vs. FC 1% in previously untreat
usually reported with higher frequencies when compared to chemotherapy alone higher incidence of neutropenia in patients treated with rituximab and chemother
associated with a higher incidence of infections and infestations compared chemotherapy alone. Studies in previously untreated and relapsed/refra that in up to 25% of patients treated with R-FC neutropenia was prolon
count remaining below 1×109/L between day 24 and 42 afte onset (defined as neutrophil count below 1×109/L later than no previous prolonged neutropenia or who recovered prior t rituximab plus FC. There were no differences reported for t late neutropenia occurring more than four weeks after the la
pat
LL have established fined as neutrophil
C 19% in LL) were r, the
was not ts treated with
In the CLL first-line study, Binet stage C patients e
occurred with a late last dose in patients with owing treatment with f anaemia. Some cases of rituximab were reported.
compared to the FC arm (R-FC 83% vs. FC 71% thrombocytopenia was reported in 11% of pati the FC group.
ienced more adverse events in the R-FC arm relapsed/refractory CLL study grade %
s in the R-FC group compared to 9% of patients in
In studies of rituximab in patients with nstrom’s macroglobulinaemia, transient increases in serum IgM levels have been obs following treatment initiation, which may be associated with hyperviscosity and related symp The transient IgM increase usually returned to at least baseline level within 4 months.
Cardiovascular adverse reactions
Cardiovascular reactions during clinical trials with rituximab monotherapy were reported in 18.8% of patients with the most frequently reported events being hypotension and hypertension. Cases of grade 3 or 4 arrhythmia (including ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia) and angina pectoris during infusion were reported. During maintenance treatment, the incidence of grade 3/4 cardiac disorders was e between patients treated with rituximab and observation. Cardiac events were
repo us adverse events (including atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, left ventricular
dial ischaemia) in 3% of patients treated with rituximab compared to <1% on tion. In studies evaluating rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, the incidence of 3 and 4 cardiac arrhythmias, predominantly supraventricular arrhythmias such as tachycardia d atrial flutter/fibrillation, was higher in the R-CHOP group (14 patients, 6.9%) as compared to the HOP group (3 patients, 1.5%). All of these arrhythmias either occurred in the context of a rituximab infusion or were associated with predisposing conditions such as fever, infection, acute myocardial infarction or pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. No difference between the R-CHOP and CHOP group was observed in the incidence of other grade 3 and 4 cardiac events including heart failure, myocardial disease and manifestations of coronary artery disease. In CLL, the overall incidence of grade 3 or 4 cardiac disorders was low both in the first-line study (4% R-FC, 3% FC) and in the relapsed/refractory study (4% R-FC, 4% FC).
Respiratory system
Cases of interstitial lung disease, some with fatal outcome, have been reported.
Neurologic disorders
During the treatment period (induction treatment phase comprising of R-CHOP for at most eight cycles), four patients (2 %) treated with R-CHOP, all with cardiovascular risk factors, experienced thromboembolic cerebrovascular accidents during the first treatment cycle. There was no difference between the treatment groups in the incidence of other thromboembolic events. In contrast, three patients (1.5 %) had cerebrovascular events in the CHOP group, all of which occurred during the follow-up period. In CLL, the overall incidence of grade 3 or 4 nervous system disorders was low both in the first-line study (4% R-FC, 4% FC) and in the relapsed/refractory study (3% R-FC, 3% FC).
A
nised
Cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) / reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) have been reported. Signs and symptoms included v disturbance, headache, seizures and altered mental status, with or without associated h diagnosis of PRES/RPLS requires confirmation by brain imaging. The reported cases risk factors for PRES/RPLS, including the patients’ underlying disease, hypertension, immunosuppressive therapy and/or chemotherapy.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal perforation in some cases leading to death has been ob d in patients receiving
rituximab for treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In the majority o e cases, rituximab was
administered with chemotherapy.
IgG levels
In the clinical trial evaluating rituximab maintenance treat lymphoma, median IgG levels were below the lower limit
relapsed/refractory follicular rmal (LLN) (<7 g/L) after induction the observation group, the median IgG
treatment in both the observation and the rituximab
level subsequently increased to above the LLN, but ned constant in the rituximab group. The proportion of patients with IgG levels below the LLN was about 60% in the rituximab group
throughout the 2 year treatment period, while it decreased in the observation group (36% after 2 years).
A small number of spontaneous observed in paediatric patients t immunoglobulin substitutio patients are unknown.
erature cases of hypogammaglobulinaemia have been with rituximab, in some cases severe and requiring long-term. The consequences of long term B cell depletion in paediatric
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell Syndrome) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, some with fatal outcome, have eported very rarely.
Patient s
Elder
pulations – rituximab monotherapy
s (> 65 years):
ce of ADRs of all grades and grade 3 /4 ADR was similar in elderly patients compared er patients (<65 years).
Bulky disease
There was a higher incidence of grade 3/4 ADRs in patients with bulky disease than in patients without bulky disease (25.6 % vs. 15.4 %). The incidence of ADRs of any grade was similar in these two groups.
Re-treatment
The percentage of patients reporting ADRs upon re-treatment with further courses of rituximab was similar to the percentage of patients reporting ADRs upon initial exposure (any grade and grade 3/4 ADRs).
Patient subpopulations – rituximab combination therapy
Elderly patients (^ 65 years)
The incidence of grade 3/4 blood and lymphatic adverse events was higher in elderly patients compared to younger patients (<65 years), with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory CLL.
Summary of the safety profile (rheumatoid arthritis)
The overall safety profile of rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis is based on data from patients from clinical trials and from post-marketing surveillance.
The safety profile of rituximab in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is summarised in the sections below. In clinical trials more than 3,100 patients received at least o treatment course and were followed for periods ranging from 6 months to over 5 years; approximately 2,400 patients received two or more courses of treatment with over 1,000 havin received 5 or more courses. The safety information collected during post-marketing experience reflects the expected adverse reaction profile as seen in clinical trials for rituximab (see section 4.4).
Patients received 2 × 1,000 mg of rituximab separated by an interval of two we
in addition to avenous infusion
methotrexate (10–25 mg/week). Rituximab infusions were administered a of 100 mg methylprednisolone; patients also received treatment with oral
nisone for 15 days.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Frequencies are defined as very common (>1/10), common to <1/100) and very rare (<1/10,000). Within each freq presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
The most frequent adverse reactions considered incidence of IRRs in clinical trials was 23% wit
o <1/10), uncommon (>1/1,000 ng, undesirable effects are
infusions. Serious IRRs were uncommon ( the initial course. In addition to adverse progressive multifocal leukoencephal reaction have been reported duri
ceipt of rituximab were IRRs. The overall e first infusion and decreased with subsequent atients) and were predominantly seen during
s seen in RA clinical trials for rituximab, PML) (see section 4.4) and serum sickness-like rketing experience.
Table 2 Summary of advers g reactions reported in clinical trials or during post marketing surveillance occurring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving rituximab
System organ class | Very common | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Very rare |
Infections and infestations | upper respiratory t act infection, urinary tract infections | bronchitis, sinusitis, gastroenteritis, tinea pedis | PML, reactivation of hepatitis B | ||
Blood and lymph atic disc rders | neutropenia1 | late neutropenia2 | serum sicknesslike reaction | ||
immune system disorders | 3infusion related reactions (hypertension, nausea, rash, | 3infusion related reactions (generalised oedema, |
System organ class | Very common | Common |
General disorders and administration site conditions | pyrexia, pruritus, urticaria, throat irritation, hot flush, hypotension, rhinitis, rigors, tachycardia, fatigue, oropharyngeal pain, peripheral oedema, erythma) | |
Metabolism and nutritional Disorders | hypercholesterole mia | |
Psychiatric disorders | depression, anxiety | |
Nervous system disorders | headache | paraesthesia, migraine, dizziness, sciatica |
Cardiac disorders | ||
Gastrointestinal disorders | dyspepsia, diarrhoea, gastro-oesophageal reflux, mouth ulceration, upper abdominal pain | |
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | J | alopecia It X? |
Musculoskeletal disorders | arthralgia / musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, bursitis | |
Investigations^ | | decreased IgM levels4 | decreased IgG levels4 |
|
Uncommon | Rare | Very rare |
bronchospasm, wheezing, laryngeal oedema, angioneurotic oedema, generalised pruritis, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reaction) | kC | |
Cr | ||
angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, m y ocardial infa rction | atrial flutter | |
p | ||
toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome5 | ||
d as part of routine laboratory monitoring in clinical trials >ee also infusion-related reactions below. IRRs may occur as a monitoring. |
Description of selected adverse reactions
Multiple courses
Multiple courses of treatment are associated with a similar ADR profile to that observed following first exposure. The rate of all ADRs following first rituximab exposure was highest during the first 6 months and declined thereafter. This is mostly accounted for by IRRs (most frequent during the first treatment course), RA exacerbation and infections all of which were more frequent in the first 6 months of treatment.
Infusion-related reactions
The most frequent ADRs following receipt of rituximab in clinical studies were IRRs. Among the 3189 patients treated with rituximab, 1,135 (36%) experienced at least one IRR with 733/3,189 (23%) of patients experiencing an IRR following first infusion of the first exposure to rituximab. The incidence of IRRs declined with subsequent infusions. In clinical trials fewer than 1% (17/3189) of patients experienced a serious IRR. There were no CTC Grade 4 IRRs and no deaths due to IRRs in the clinical trials. The proportion of CTC Grade 3 events, and of IRRs leading to withdrawal decreased by course and were rare from course 3 onwards. Premedication with intravenous glucocorticoid significantly reduced the incidence and severity of IRRs (see sections 4.2 and 4.4). Severe IRRs with fatal outcome have been reported in the postmarketing setting.
In a trial designed to evaluate the safety of a more rapid rituximab infusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, patients with moderate-to-severe active RA who did not experience a se IRR during or within 24 hours of their first studied infusion were allowed to receive a 2-hour intravenous infusion of rituximab. Patients with a history of a serious infusion reactio therapy for RA were excluded from entry. The incidence, types and severity of IRRs with that observed historically. No serious IRRs were observed.
logic istent
Infections
The overall rate of infection was approximately 94 per 100 patient years i patients. The infections were predominately mild to moderate and cons respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. The incidence
fections that were serious rate of serious infections
or required IV antibiotics, was approximately 4 per 100 patient did not show any significant increase following multiple co tract infections (including pneumonia) have been report in the rituximab-arms compared to control arms.
ituximab. Lower respiratory clinical trials, at a similar incidence
Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalo following use of rituximab for the treatment of auto arthritis and off-label autoimmune disease vasculitis.
h fatal outcome have been reported mune diseases. This includes rheumatoid g Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and
In patients with non-Hodgkin’s l chemotherapy, cases of hepatitis Reactivation of hepatitis B i receiving rituximab (see sec
ma receiving rituximab in combination with cytotoxic ivation have been reported (see non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma).
as also been very rarely reported in rheumatoid arthritis patients.4).
Cardiovascular adverse reactions
Serious cardiac reactions were reported at a rate of 1.3 per 100 patient years in the rituximab treated patients compared to 1.3 per 100 patient years in placebo treated patients. The proportions of patients experiencing cardiac reactions (all or serious) did not increase over multiple courses.
Neurologic events
of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) reversible posterior
ncephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) have been reported. Signs and symptoms included visual
ance, headache, seizures and altered mental status, with or without associated hypertension. A agnosis of PRES/RPLS requires confirmation by brain imaging. The reported cases had recognised risk factors for PRES/RPLS, including the patients’ underlying disease, hypertension, immunosuppressive therapy and/or chemotherapy.
Neutropenia
Events of neutropenia were observed with rituximab treatment, the majority of which were transient and mild or moderate in severity. Neutropenia can occur several months after the administration of rituximab (see section 4.4).
In placebo-controlled periods of clinical trials, 0.94% (13/1382) of rituximab treated patients and
0.27% (2/731) of placebo-treated patients developed severe neutropenia.
Neutropenic events, including severe late onset and persistent neutropenia, have been rarely reported in the post-marketing setting, some of which were associated with fatal infections.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, some with fatal outcome, have been reported very rarely.
Laboratory abnormalities
Hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgG or IgM below the lower limit of normal) has been observed in RA patients treated with rituximab. There was no increased rate in overall infections or serious infectio after the development of low IgG or IgM (see section 4.4).
A small number of spontaneous and literature cases of hypogammaglobulinaemia have in paediatric patients treated with rituximab, in some cases severe and requiring long-immunoglobulin substitution therapy. The consequences of long-term B cell depletion in patients are unknown.
ed
Summary of the Safety Profile (granulomatosis with polyangiitis and micr
ilyangiitis)
In the clinical trial in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microsc treated with rituximab (375 mg/m2, once weekly for 4 weeks) and g
s were
5.1).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The ADRs listed in Table 3 were all adverse events whi rituximab group.
irred at an incidence of > 5% in the
Adverse drug reactions occur
6-months in > 5% of patients receiving
Table 3
rituximab, and at a higher frequency than the comparator group, in the pivotal clinical study.
Body system Adverse reaction X.X,, | Rituximab (n=99) | |
Infections and infestations | ||
Urinary tract infection | 7% | |
Bronchitis | 5% | |
Herpes zoster | 5% | |
Nasopharyngitis f | 5% | |
Blood and lym system disorde | i | |
♦ Thrombocytopenia | 7% | |
Immune system disorders | ||
^^^rfytokine release syndrome | 5% | |
Metabolism and nutrition disorders | ||
Hyperkalaemia | 5% | |
Psychiatric disorders | ||
Insomnia | 14% | |
Nervous system disorders | ||
Dizziness | 10% | |
Tremor | 10% | |
Vascular disorders | ||
Hypertension | 12% | |
Flushing | 5% |
Body system
_______ Adverse reaction
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough Dyspnoea Epistaxis
Nasal congestion
Gastrointestinal disorders __________
Diarrhoea Dyspepsia Constipation
Skin and subcutaneous
tissue disorders ________
Acne
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders ________________
Muscle spasms
Arthralgia
Back pain
Muscle weakness Musculoskeletal pain Pain in extremities
General disorders and administration site conditions
Peripheral oedema
Investigations
12%
11%
11%
18%
16%
6%
5%
5%
5%
ons
r 2.
tremor. Rituximab was given in combination with intravenous glucocorticoids e incidence and severity of these events.
Decreased haemoglobin
Description of selected adverse
Infusion related reactions IRRs in the GPA and MP hours of an infusion an Ninety nine patients
were CTC Grade throat irritation, a which may reduc
inical trial were defined as any adverse event occurring within 24 idered to be infusion-related by investigators in the safety population. eated with rituximab and 12% experienced at least one IRR. All IRRs e most common IRRs included cytokine release syndrome, flushing,
tuximab patients, the overall rate of infection was approximately 237 per 100 patient years I 197–285) at the 6-month primary endpoint. Infections were predominately mild to moderate nsisted mostly of upper respiratory tract infections, herpes zoster and urinary tract infections.
e rate of serious infections was approximately 25 per 100 patient years. The most frequently reported serious infection in the rituximab group was pneumonia at a frequency of 4%.
Malignancies
The incidence of malignancy in rituximab treated patients in the granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis clinical study was 2.00 per 100 patient years at the study common closing date (when the final patient had completed the follow-up period). On the basis of standardised incidence ratios, the incidence of malignancies appears to be similar to that previously reported in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.
Cardiovascular adverse reactions
Cardiac events occurred at a rate of approximately 273 per 100 patient years (95% CI 149–470) at the 6-month primary endpoint. The rate of serious cardiac events was 2.1 per 100 patient years (95% CI 3–15). The most frequently reported events were tachycardia (4%) and atrial fibrillation (3%) (see section 4.4).
Neurologic events
Cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) have been reported in autoimmune conditions. Signs and symptoms included visual disturbance, headache, seizures and altered mental status, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES/RPLS requires confirmation by brain imaging. The reported cases had recognised risk factors for PRES/RPLS, including the patients’ underlying disease, hypertension, immunosuppressive therapy and/or chemotherapy. V’
Hepatitis B reactivation
A small number of cases of hepatitis B reactivation, some with fatal outcome, have been reported in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis patients receiving rituximab in the postmarketing setting.
Hypogammaglobulinaemia
normal) has been observed in treated with rituximab. At 6 e, non-inferiority trial, in the
Hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgA, IgG or IgM below the lower limit o granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis patient months, in the active-controlled, randomised, double-blind, multicent
rituximab group, 27%, 58% and 51% of patients with normal immunoglobulin levels at baseline, had low IgA, IgG and IgM levels, respectively compared to 2 cyclophosphamide group. There was no increased rate in patients with low IgA, IgG or IgM.
% and 46% in the
infections or serious infections in
Neutropenia
In the active-controlled, randomised, double-blind, multicentre, non-inferiority trial of rituximab in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, 24% of patients in the rituximab group (single course) and 23% of patients in the cyclophosphamide group developed CTC grade 3 or greater neutropenia. Neutropenia was not associated with an observed increase in serious infection in rituximab-treated patients. The effect of multiple rituximab courses on the development of neutropenia in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis patients has not been studied in clinical trials.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, some with fatal outcome, have been reported very rarely.
Reportingof SUsPected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.
4.9 Overdose
Limited experience with doses higher than the approved dose of intravenous rituximab formulation is available from clinical trials in humans. The highest intravenous dose of rituximab tested in humans to date is 5000 mg (2250 mg/m2), tested in a dose escalation study in patients with CLL. No additional safety signals were identified.
Patients who experience overdose should have immediate interruption of their infusion and be closely
monitored.
In the post-marketing setting five cases of rituximab overdose have been reported. Three cases had no reported adverse event. The two adverse events that were reported were flu-like symptoms, with a dose of 1.8 g of rituximab and fatal respiratory failure, with a dose of 2 g of rituximab.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: antineoplastic agents, monoclonal antibodies, ATC code: L01XC02
Rituzena is a biosimilar medicinal product. Detailed information is available on the we European Medicines Agency.
Rituximab binds specifically to the transmembrane antigen, CD20, a non-glycosyla phosphoprotein, located on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. The antigen is expres all B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
>95 % of
CD20 is found on both normal and malignant B cells, but not on haema pro-B cells, normal plasma cells or other normal tissue. This antigen upon antibody binding and is not shed from the cell surface. CD20 do plasma as a free antigen and, thus, does not compete for antibo
tic stem cells, t internalize
t circulate in the
The Fab domain of rituximab binds to the CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes and the Fc domain can recruit immune effector functions to mediate B cell lysis. Possible mechanisms of effector-mediated cell lysis include complement-dependent cytotoxici C) resulting from C1q binding, and
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC the surface of granulocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes has also been demonstrated to induc
ia ted by one or more of the Fcy receptors on cells. Rituximab binding to CD20 antigen on B ell death via apoptosis.
Peripheral B cell counts declined belo In patients treated for haematolo treatment and generally returne although in some patients thi
normal following completion of the first dose of rituximab.
post-induction therapy). polyangiitis, the numb infusions of rituxima
point. The majori month 12, increas
of p
alignancies, B cell recovery began within 6 months of rmal levels within 12 months after completion of therapy, e longer (up to a median recovery time of 23 months s with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic
ripheral blood B cells decreased to <10 cells/^L after two weekly g/m2, and remained at that level in most patients up to the 6 month time nts (81%) showed signs of B cell return, with counts >10 cells/^L by
o 87% of patients by month 18.
lymphoma
therapy
Clinical experience in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia itial treatment, weekly for 4 doses
In the pivotal trial, 166 patients with relapsed or chemoresistant low-grade or follicular B cell NHL received 375 mg/m2 of rituximab as an intravenous infusion once weekly for four weeks. The overall response rate (ORR) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population was 48 % (CI95% 41% – 56%) with a 6% complete response (CR) and a 42% partial response (PR) rate. The projected median time to progression (TTP) for responding patients was 13.0 months. In a subgroup analysis, the ORR was higher in patients with IWF B, C, and D histological subtypes as compared to IWF A subtype (58% vs. 12%), higher in patients whose largest lesion was < 5 cm vs. > 7 cm in greatest diameter (53% vs. 38%), and higher in patients with chemosensitive relapse as compared to chemoresistant (defined as duration of response < 3 months) relapse (50% vs. 22%). ORR in patients previously treated with autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT) was 78% versus 43% in patients with no ABMT. Neither age, sex, lymphoma grade, initial diagnosis, presence or absence of bulky disease, normal or high LDH nor presence of extranodal disease had a statistically significant effect (Fisher’s exact test) on response to rituximab. A statistically significant correlation was noted between response rates and bone marrow involvement. 40% of patients with bone marrow involvement responded compared to 59% of patients with no bone marrow involvement (p=0.0186). This finding was not supported by a stepwise logistic regression analysis in which the following factors were identified as prognostic factors: histological type, bcl-2 positivity at baseline, resistance to last chemotherapy and bulky disease.
Initial treatment, weekly for 8 doses
In a multicentre, single-arm trial, 37 patients with relapsed or chemoresistant, low grade or follicular B cell NHL received 375 mg/m2 of rituximab as intravenous infusion weekly for eight doses. The ORR was 57% (95% Confidence interval (CI); 41% – 73%; CR 14%, PR 43%) with a projected median TTP for responding patients of 19.4 months (range 5.3 to 38.9 months).
Initial treatment, bulky disease, weekly for 4 doses
In pooled data from three trials, 39 patients with relapsed or chemoresistant, bulky disease (single lesion > 10 cm in diameter), low grade or follicular B cell NHL received 375 mg/m2 of rituximab as intravenous infusion weekly for four doses. The ORR was 36 % (CI95% 21% – 51%; CR 3%, PR 33%) with a median TTP for responding patients of 9.6 months (range 4.5 to 26.8 months).
Re-treatment, weekly for 4 doses
In a multicentre, single-arm trial, 58 patients with relapsed or chemoresistant low grade or follicular B cell NHL, who had achieved an objective clinical response to a prior course of rituximab, were re-treated with 375 mg/m2 of rituximab as intravenous infusion weekly for four doses. Three of the patients had received two courses of rituximab before enrolment and thus were given a third course in the study. Two patients were re-treated twice in the study. For the 60 re-treatments on study, the ORR was 38% (CI95 % 26% – 51%; 10% CR, 28% PR) with a projected median TTP for responding patients of 17.8 months (range 5.4 – 26.6). This compares favourably with the TTP achieved after the prior course of rituximab (12.4 months).
Initial treatment, in combination with chemotherapy
In an open-label randomised trial, a total of 322 previously untreated patients with follicular lymphoma were randomised to receive either CVP chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 up to a maximum of 2 mg on day 1, and prednisolone 40 mg/m2/day on days 1 –5) every 3 weeks for 8 cycles or rituximab 375 mg/m2 in combination with CVP (R-CVP). Rituximab was administered on the first day of each treatment cycle. A total of 321 patients (162 R-CVP, 159 CVP) received therapy and were analysed for efficacy. The median follow up of patients was 53 months. R-CVP led to a significant benefit over CVP for the primary endpoint, time to treatment failure (27 months vs. 6.6 months, p < 0.0001, log-rank test). The proportion of patients with a tumour response (CR, CRu, PR) was significantly higher (p< 0.0001 Chi-Square test) in the R-CVP group (80.9%) than the CVP group (57.2%). Treatment with R-CVP significantly prolonged the time to disease progression or death compared to CVP, 33.6 months and 14.7 months, respectively (p < 0.0001, log-rank test). The median duration of response was 37.7 months in the R-CVP group and was 13.5 months in the CVP group (p < 0.0001, log-rank test).
The difference between the treatment groups with respect to overall survival showed a significant clinical difference (p=0.029, log-rank test stratified by centre): survival rates at 53 months were 80.9% for patients in the R-CVP group compared to 71.1 % for patients in the CVP group.
Results from three other randomised trials using rituximab in combination with chemotherapy regimen other than CVP (CHOP, MCP, CHVP/Interferon-a) have also demonstrated significant improvements in response rates, time-dependent parameters as well as in overall survival. Key
results from all four studies are summarised in table 4.
Table 4
Summary of key results from four phase III randomised studies evaluating the benefit of rituximab with different chemotherapy regimens in follicular lymphoma
Study | Treatment, N | Median FU, months | ORR, % | CR,% | Median TTF/PFS/ EFS mo | OS rates, % |
M39021 | CVP, 159 R-CVP, 162 | 53 | 57 81 | 10 41 | Median TTP: 14.7 33.6 P<0.0001 | 53-months 71.1 80.9 » £ p=0.029 |
GLSG’00 | CHOP, 205 R-CHOP, 223 | 18 | 90 96 | 17 20 | Median TTF: 2.6 years Not reached 1 p < 0.001 > | 18—months 90 rO95 p = 0.016 |
OSHO-39 | MCP, 96 R-MCP, 105 | 47 | 75 92 | 25 50 | Median PFS: 28.8 Not reached p < 0 0001 | P 48-months 74 87 p = 0.0096 |
FL2000 | CHVP-IFN, 183 R-CHVP-IFN, 175 | 42 | 85 94 | 49 76 | Median EFS: 36 Not reached ► p < 0.0001 | 42-months 84 91 p = 0.029 |
years) with diffuse large B ce (cyclophosphamide 750 m mg on day 1, and predn rituximab 375 mg/m2 treatment cycle.
The final e median fol balanced in
EFS – Event Free Survival
TTP – Time to progression or death
PFS – Progression-Free Survival
TTF – Time to Treatment Failure
OS rates – survival rates at the time of the analyses
Diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin S ly
In a randomised, open-label trial
f 399 previously untreated elderly patients (age 60 to 80 oma received standard CHOP chemotherapy
, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 up to a maximum of 2 e 40 mg/m2/day on days 1–5) every 3 weeks for eight cycles, or OP (R-CHOP). Rituzena was administered on the first day of the
alysis included all randomised patients (197 CHOP, 202 R-CHOP), and had a ration of approximately 31 months. The two treatment groups were well disease characteristics and disease status. The final analysis confirmed that R-
CHOP treatment was associated with a clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement in the duration of event-free survival (the primary efficacy parameter; where events were death, relapse or progression of lymphoma, or institution of a new anti-lymphoma treatment) (p = 0.0001). Kaplan Meier estimates of the median duration of event-free survival were 35 months in the R-CHOP arm compared to 13 months in the CHOP arm, representing a risk reduction of 41 %. At 24 months, estimates for overall survival were 68.2 % in the R-CHOP arm compared to 57.4 % in the CHOP arm. A subsequent analysis of the duration of overall survival, carried out with a median follow-up duration of 60 months, confirmed the benefit of R-CHOP over CHOP treatment (p=0.0071), representing a risk reduction of 32 %.
The analysis of all secondary parameters (response rates, progression-free survival, disease-free survival, duration of response) verified the treatment effect of R-CHOP compared to CHOP. The complete response rate after cycle 8 was 76.2 % in the R-CHOP group and 62.4 % in the CHOP
group (p=0.0028). The risk of disease progression was reduced by 46 % and the risk of relapse by 51 %. In all patients subgroups (gender, age, age adjusted IPI, Ann Arbor stage, ECOG, P2 microglobulin, LDH, albumin, B symptoms, bulky disease, extranodal sites, bone marrow involvement), the risk ratios for event-free survival and overall survival (R-CHOP compared with CHOP) were less than 0.83 and 0.95 respectively. R-CHOP was associated with improvements in outcome for both high- and low-risk patients according to age adjusted IPI.
Clinical laboratory findings
Of 67 patients evaluated for human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA), no responses were noted. Of 356 patients evaluated for HACA, 1.1 % (4 patients) were positive.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
In two open-label randomised trials, a total of 817 previously untreated patients and 55
with relapsed/refractory CLL were randomised to receive either FC chemotherap mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2, days 1–3) every 4 weeks for 6 cycles or r combination with FC (R-FC). Rituximab was administered at a dosage of 375 m cycle one day prior to chemotherapy and at a dosage of 500 mg/m2 on day 1 of treatment cycle. Patients were excluded from the study in relapsed/refractory CL
previously been treated with monoclonal antibodies or if they were re achieve a partial remission for at least 6 months) to fludarabine or an of 810 patients (403 R-FC, 407 FC) for the first-line study (Table (276 R-FC, 276 FC) for the relapsed/refractory study (Table 6)
In the first-line study, after a median observation time of 4 months in the R-FC group and 33 months in the FC group
25
during the first ubsequent f they had
(defined as failure to side analogue. A total able 5b) and 552 patients sed for efficacy.
nths, the median PFS was 55
.0001, log-rank test). The analysis of
overall survival showed a significant benefit of R-FC treatment over FC chemotherapy alone (p = 0.0319, log-rank test) (Table 5a). The benefit in terms of PFS was consistently observed in most patient subgroups analysed according to disease risk at baseline (i.e. Binet stages A-C) (Table 5b).
Table 5a First-line treatment of
Overview of efficacy re median observation ti
Efficacy parameter | Kaplan-Meier estimate to event (mont | of median time is) | Risk reduction | |
FC (N = 409) | R-FC (N=408) | Log-rank p value | ||
Progression-free survival (PFS) | 32.8 | 55.3 | <0.0001 | 45% |
Overall survival | NR | NR | 0.0319 | 27% |
Event free survival | 31.3 | 51.8 | <0.0001 | 44% |
Response r ate (CR, nPR, or PR) CR rates | 72.6% 16.9% | 85.8% 36.0% | <0.0001 <0.0001 | n.a. n.a. |
Duration of response* | 36.2 | 57.3 | <0.0001 | 44% |
Disease free survival (DFS) | 48.9 | 60.3 | 0.0520 | 31% |
T ime to new treatment | 47.2 | 69.7 | <0.0001 | 42% |
Response rate and CR rates analysed using Chi-squared Test. NR: not reached; n.a.: not applicable
: only applicable to patients achieving a CR, nPR, PR
: only applicable to patients achieving a CR
Table 5b First-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Hazard ratios of progression-free survival according to Binet stage
_____________ (ITT) – 48.1 months median observation time ____________________
Number of patients | Hazard ratio (95% CI) | p-value (Wald test, not |
Progression -free survival (PFS) | FC | R -FC | adjusted) | |
Binet stage A | 22 | 18 | 0.39 (0.15; 0.98) | 0.0442 |
Binet stage B | 259 | 263 | 0.52 (0.41; 0.66) | <0.0001 |
Binet stage C | 126 | 126 | 0.68 (0.49; 0.95) | 0.0224 |
CI: Confidence Interval
In the relapsed/refractory study, the median progression-free survival (primary endpoint) was 30.6 months in the R-FC group and 20.6 months in the FC group (p=0.0002, log-rank test). The benefit in terms of PFS was observed in almost all patient subgroups analysed according to disease risk at baseline. A slight but not significant improvement in overall survival was reported in the R-FC compared to the FC arm.
Table 6 Treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia – overview
of efficacy results for rituximab plus FC vs. FC alone (25.3 months medi observation time)
Efficacy parameter | Kaplan-Meier estimate of < median time to event (months) | Risk reduction | ||
FC (N = 276) | R-FC (N=276 | Log-. X Rank p | ||
Progression-free survival (PFS) | 20.6 | 30.6 | 0 0002 | 35% |
Overall survival | 51.9 | NR / | 1 0.2874 | 17% |
Event free survival | 19.3 | 28.7 V | ^zj.0002 | 36% |
Response rate (CR, nPR, or PR) | 58.0% | 69 9% | 0.0034 | n.a. |
CR rates | 13.0% | 24.3% | 0.0007 | n.a. |
Duration of response * | 27 6 | 39.6 | 0.0252 | 31% |
Disease free survival (DFS) | 42. | 39.6 | 0.8842 | –6% |
Time to new CLL treatment | |t 34.2 | NR | 0.0024 | 35% |
Response rate and CR rates analysed using Chi-squared Test. NR: not reached n.a. not applicable
: only applicable to patients achieving a CR, nPR, PR;
: only applicable to patients achieving a CR;
Results from other supportive studies using rituximab in combination with other chemotherapy regimens (including CHOP, FCM, PC, PCM, bendamustine and cladribine) for the treatment of previously untreated and/or relapsed/refractory CLL patients have also demonstrated high overall response rates with benefit in terms of PFS rates, albeit with modestly higher toxicity (especially myelotoxicity). These studies support the use of rituximab with any chemotherapy.
Data in approximately 180 patients pre-treated with rituximab have demonstrated clinical benefit (including CR) and are supportive for rituximab re-treatment.
Paediatric population
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with rituximab in all subsets of the paediatric population with follicular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. See section 4.2 for information on paediatric use.
Clinical experience in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) and microscopic polyangiitis
A total of 197 patients aged 15 years or older with severely, active granulomatosis with polyangiitis
(75%) and microscopic polyangiitis (24%) were enrolled and treated in an active-comparator, randomised, double-blind, multicentre, non-inferiority trial.
Patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either oral cyclophosphamide daily (2mg/kg/day) for 3–6 months or rituximab (375 mg/m2) once weekly for 4 weeks. All patients in the cyclophosphamide arm received azathioprine maintenance therapy during follow-up. Patients in both arms received 1000mg of pulse intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone (or another equivalent-dose glucocorticoid) per day for 1 to 3 days, followed by oral prednisone (1 mg/kg/day, not exceeding 80 mg/day). Prednisone tapering was to be completed by 6 months from the start of study treatment.
The primary outcome measure was achievement of complete remission at 6 months defined as a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener’s granulomatosis (BVAS/WG) of 0, and off glucocorticoid therapy. The prespecified non-inferiority margin for the treatment difference was The trial demonstrated non-inferiority of rituximab to cyclophosphamide for complete remission (CR) at 6 months (Table 7).
relapsing
Efficacy was observed both for patients with newly diagnosed disease and for patien disease (Table 8).
63.6%
-
– CI = confidence interval.
-
– * Worst case imputation
a Non-inferiority was demonstrated since the non-inferiority margin ( – 20%).
b The 95.1% confidence level reflects an
(-3.2%) was higher than the pre-determined
Cyclophosphami (n = 98)
ths
Treatment difference (Rituximab –cyclophosphamide)
10.6%
95.1%b CI (-3.2%, 24.3%) a
l 0.001 alpha to account for an interim efficacy analysis.
Complete remis;
months by disease status
Table 8
Rituximab | Cyclophosphamide | Difference (CI 95%) | |
All patients | n=99 | n=98 | |
Newly | V* n=48 | n=48 | |
diagnosed | n=51 | n=50 | |
Complete remission | |||
All Patients | 63.6% | 53.1% | 10.6% (-3.2, 24.3) |
Newly diagnosed | 60.4% | 64.6% | – 4.2% (- 23.6, 15.3) |
Rela psing | 66.7% | 42.0% | 24.7% (5.8, 43.6) |
imputation is applied for patients with missing data
Complete remission at 12 and 18 months
In the rituximab group, 48% of patients achieved CR at 12 months, and 39% of patients achieved CR at 18 months. In patients treated with cyclophosphamide (followed by azathioprine for maintenance of complete remission), 39% of patients achieved CR at 12 months, and 33% of patients achieved CR at 18 months. From month 12 to month 18, 8 relapses were observed in the rituximab group compared with four in the cyclophosphamide group.
Retreatment with rituximab
Based upon investigator judgment, 15 patients received a second course of rituximab therapy for treatment of relapse of disease activity which occurred between 6 and 18 months after the first course of rituximab. The limited data from the present trial preclude any conclusions regarding the efficacy of subsequent courses of rituximab in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis.
Continued immunosuppressive therapy may be especially appropriate in patients at risk for relapses (i.e. with history of earlier relapses and granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or patients with reconstitution of B-lymphocytes in addition to PR3-ANCA at monitoring). When remission with rituximab has been achieved, continued immunosuppressive therapy may be considered to prevent relapse. The efficacy and safety of rituximab in maintenance therapy has not been established.
Laboratory evaluations
A total of 23/99 (23%) rituximab-treated patients in the trial tested positive for HACA by 18 mo None of the 99 rituximab-treated patients were HACA positive at screening. The clinical relevance o HACA formation in rituximab-treated patients is unclear. rv
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis in 298 NHL patients who received single or multiple infusions of rituximab as a single agent or in combination with CHOP therapy (applied rituximab doses ranged from 100 to 500 mg/m2), the typical populati timates of nonspecific
clearance (CL1), specific clearance (CL2) likely contributed by B tumour burden, and
central compartment volume of distribution (V1) were 0.14 L/day, 0. /day, and 2.7 L, respectively. The estimated median terminal elimination half-l f rituximab was 22 days (range,
6.1 to 52 days). Baseline CD19-positive cell counts and size of measurable tumour lesions contributed to some of the variability in CL2 of rituximab i ata from 161 patients given 375
mg/m2 as an intravenous infusion for 4 we counts or tumour lesions had a higher CL2 variability remained for CL2 after correctio V1 varied by body surface area (BSA) and
contributed by the range in BSA (1. relatively small. Age, gender and W rituximab. This analysis suggests th is not expected to result in a meanin
ly doses. Patients with higher CD19-positive cell owever, a large component of inter-individual for CD19-positive cell counts and tumour lesion size. HOP therapy. This variability in V1 (27.1% and 19.0%) m2) and concurrent CHOP therapy, respectively, were rmance status had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of ose adjustment of rituximab with any of the tested covariates l reduction in its pharmacokinetic variability.
Rituximab, administered doses to 203 patients infUsion of 486 ^g/m patients 3 – 6 months afte
intravenous infusion at a dose of 375 mg/m2 at weekly intervals for 4 L naive to rituximab, yielded a mean Cmax following the fourth
ge, 77.5 to 996.6 ^g/mL). Rituximab was detectable in the serum of completion of last treatment.
Upon administration of rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m2 as an intravenous infusion at weekly intervals for 8 doses to 37 patients with NHL, the mean Cmax increased with each successive infusi i, s panning from a mean of 243 ^g/mL (range, 16 – 582 ^g/mL) after the first infusion to 550 ige, 171 – 1177 ^g/mL) after the eighth infUsion.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
pharmacokinetic profile of rituximab when administered as 6 infusions of 375 mg/m2 in ombination with 6 cycles of CHOP chemotherapy was similar to that seen with rituximab alone.
Rituximab was administered as an intravenous infusion at a first-cycle dose of 375 mg/m2 increased to 500 mg/m2 each cycle for 5 doses in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide in CLL patients. The mean Cmax (N=15) was 408 ^g/mL (range, 97 – 764 ^g/mL) after the fifth 500 mg/ m2 infusion and the mean terminal half-life was 32 days (range, 14 – 62 days).
Rheumatoid arthritis
Following two intravenous infusions of rituximab at a dose of 1000 mg, two weeks apart, the mean terminal half-life was 20.8 days (range, 8.58 to 35.9 days), mean systemic clearance was 0.23 L/day (range, 0.091 to 0.67 L/day), and mean steady-state distribution volume was 4.6 L (range, 1.7 to 7.51
-
L). Population pharmacokinetic analysis of the same data gave similar mean values for systemic clearance and half-life, 0.26 L/day and 20.4 days, respectively. Population pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that BSA and gender were the most significant covariates to explain inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetic parameters. After adjusting for BSA, male subjects had a larger volume of distribution and a faster clearance than female subjects. The gender- related pharmacokinetic differences are not considered to be clinically relevant and dose adjustment is not required. No pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
re ng first /mL for 2
/mL for the2 x minal elimination for the 2 × 1000
The pharmacokinetics of rituximab were assessed following two intravenous (IV) doses of 5 and 1000 mg on Days 1 and 15 in four studies. In all these studies, rituximab pharmacoki dose proportional over the limited dose range studied. Mean Cmax for serum rituxim
infusion ranged from 157 to 171 ^g/mL for 2 × 500 mg dose and ranged from 298 × 1000 mg dose. Following second infusion, mean Cmax ranged from 183 to 198 500 mg dose and ranged from 355 to 404 ^g/mL for the 2 × 1000 mg dose. Me; n , half-life ranged from 15 to 16 days for the 2 × 500 mg dose group and 17 to 21 da mg dose group. Mean Cmax was 16 to 19% higher following secon infusion for both doses.
compared to the first
The pharmacokinetics of rituximab were assessed following tw of 500 mg and 1000 mg
upon re-treatment in the second course. Mean Cmax for serum ab following first infusion was 170 to 175 ^g/mL for 2 × 500 mg dose and 317 to 370 ^g/r. L r 2 × 1000 mg dose. Cmax following second infusion, was 207 ^g/mL for the 2 × 500 mg dose and ranged from 377 to 386 ^g/mL for the 2 × 1000 mg dose. Mean terminal elimination half-life after the second infusion, following the second course, was 19 days for 2 × 500 mg dose and ranged from 21 to 22 days for the 2 × 1000 mg dose.
PK parameters for rituximab were comparable over the two treatment courses.
The pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters i same dosage regimen (2 × 1000 mg, I concentration of 369 ^g/mL and
nti-TNF inadequate responder population, following the ks apart), were similar with a mean maximum serum
rminal half-life of 19.2 days.
Granulomatosis with polyangiif
microscopic polyangiitis
Based on the populatio acokinetic analysis of data in 97 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and micr opic polyangiitis who received 375 mg/m2 rituximab once weekly for four doses, the estimated terminal elimination half-life was 23 days (range, 9 to 49 days).
Rituximab mean clearance and volume of distribution were 0.313 L/day (range, 0.116 to 0.726 L/day) and 4.50 L (range 2.25 to 7.39 L) respectively. The PK parameters of rituximab in these patients appear similar to what has been observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
linical safety data
mab has shown to be highly specific to the CD20 antigen on B cells. Toxicity studies in nomolgus monkeys have shown no other effect than the expected pharmacological depletion of B cells in peripheral blood and in lymphoid tissue.
Developmental toxicity studies have been performed in cynomolgus monkeys at doses up to 100 mg/kg (treatment on gestation days 20–50) and have revealed no evidence of toxicity to the foetus due to rituximab. However, dose-dependent pharmacologic depletion of B cells in the lymphoid organs of the foetuses was observed, which persisted post natally and was accompanied by a decrease in IgG level in the newborn animals affected. B cell counts returned to normal in these animals within 6 months of birth and did not compromise the reaction to immunisation.
Standard tests to investigate mutagenicity have not been carried out, since such tests are not relevant for this molecule. No long-term animal studies have been performed to establish the carcinogenic potential of rituximab.
Specific studies to determine the effects of rituximab on fertility have not been performed. In general toxicity studies in cynomolgus monkeys no deleterious effects on reproductive organs in males or females were observed.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Sodium chloride
Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate
Polysorbate 80
Water for injections
6.2 Incompatibilitiese bags or infusion sets
No incompatibilities between rituximab and polyvinyl chloride or po have been observed.
6.3 Shelf life
Unopened vial
3 years
Diluted product
The prepared infusion solution of rituximab is at 2 °C – 8 °C and subsequently 12 hours at ro
stable for 24 hours than 30 °C).
From a microbiological point of view, not used immediately, in-use sto user and would normally not be in controlled and validated a
Store in a refrige light.
6.4 Special precauti
r storage
pared infusion solution should be used immediately. If mes and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the ■ than 24 hours at 2 °C – 8 °C, unless dilution has taken place ditions.
– 8 °C). Keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect from
For sto
re and contents of container
onditions after dilution of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.
ype I glass vials with butyl rubber stopper containing 100 mg of rituximab in 10 mL. Pack of 2
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Rituzena is provided in sterile, preservative-free, non-pyrogenic, single use vials.
Aseptically withdraw the necessary amount of Rituzena, and dilute to a calculated concentration of 1 to 4 mg/mL rituximab into an infusion bag containing sterile, pyrogen-free sodium chloride9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection or 5 % D-Glucose in water. For mixing the solution, gently invert the bag in order to avoid foaming. Care must be taken to ensure the sterility of prepared solutions. Since the medicinal product does not contain any anti-microbial preservative or bacteriostatic agents, aseptic technique must be observed. Parenteral medicinal products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
EU/1/17/1206/002
Celltrion Healthcare Hungary Kft.
1062 Budapest
Vaci ut 1–3. WestEnd Office Building B torony
Hungary
Date of first authorisation: 13 July 2017 Date of latest renewal:
Detailed information on this medicin Agency
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF T
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
ORISATION
lable on the website of the European Medicines
This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. See section 4.8 for how to report adverse reactions.