Bexxar (Tositumomab / Iodine I 131 Tositumomab) - Drug Interactions, Contraindications, Overdosage

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Drug Interactions

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed. Due to the frequent occurrence of severe and prolonged thrombocytopenia, the potential benefits of medications that interfere with platelet function and/or anticoagulation should be weighed against the potential increased risk of bleeding and hemorrhage.

OVERDOSAGE

The maximum dose of the BEXXAR therapeutic regimen that was administered in clinical trials was 88 cGy. Three patients were treated with a total body dose of 85 cGy of Iodine I 131 Tositumomab in a dose escalation study. Two of the 3 patients developed Grade 4 toxicity of 5 weeks duration with subsequent recovery. In addition, accidental overdose of the BEXXAR therapeutic regimen occurred in one patient at a total body dose of 88 cGy. The patient developed Grade 3 hematologic toxicity of 18 days duration. Patients who receive an accidental overdose of Iodine I 131 Tositumomab should be monitored closely for cytopenias and radiation-related toxicity. The effectiveness of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a supportive care measure for marrow injury has not been studied; however, the timing of such support should take into account the pharmacokinetics of the BEXXAR therapeutic regimen and decay rate of the Iodine-131 in order to minimize the possibility of irradiation of infused hematopoietic stem cells.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The BEXXAR therapeutic regimen is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to murine proteins or any other component of the BEXXAR therapeutic regimen.

PREGNANCY CATEGORY X

Iodine I 131 Tositumomab (a component of the BEXXAR therapeutic regimen) is contraindicated for use in women who are pregnant. Iodine-131 may cause harm to the fetal thyroid gland when administered to pregnant women. Review of the literature has shown that transplacental passage of radioiodide may cause severe, and possibly irreversible, hypothyroidism in neonates. While there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of the BEXXAR therapeutic regimen in pregnant animals or humans, use of the BEXXAR therapeutic regimen in women of childbearing age should be deferred until the possibility of pregnancy has been ruled out. If the patient becomes pregnant while being treated with the BEXXAR therapeutic regimen, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus (see BOXED WARNING, Pregnancy Category X).