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Tanzeum (Albiglutide) - Warnings and Precautions

 
 



WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS

  • Thyroid C-cell tumors have been observed in rodent studies with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether TANZEUM causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans [see Warnings and Precautions].
  • TANZEUM is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Routine serum calcitonin or thyroid ultrasound monitoring is of uncertain value in patients treated with TANZEUM. Patients should be counseled regarding the risk and symptoms of thyroid tumors [see Contraindications Warnings and Precautions].
 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors

Nonclinical studies in rodents of clinically relevant doses of GLP-1 receptor agonists showed dose-related and treatment-duration-dependent increases in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas). Carcinogenicity studies could not be conducted with TANZEUM because drug-clearing, anti-drug antibodies develop in animals used for these types of studies [see Nonclinical Toxicology]. It is unknown whether GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with thyroid C-cell tumors, including MTC in humans [see Boxed Warning, Contraindications].

Across 8 Phase III clinical trials [see Clinical Studies], MTC was diagnosed in 1 patient receiving TANZEUM and 1 patient receiving placebo. Both patients had markedly elevated serum calcitonin levels at baseline.

TANZEUM is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the risk for MTC with the use of TANZEUM and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). The clinical value of routine monitoring of serum calcitonin to diagnose MTC in patients at risk for MTC has not been established.

Elevated serum calcitonin is a biological marker of MTC. Patients with MTC usually have calcitonin values >50 ng/L. Patients with thyroid nodules noted on physical examination or neck imaging should be referred to an endocrinologist for further evaluation. Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with TANZEUM. Such monitoring may increase the risk of unnecessary procedures, due to the low specificity of serum calcitonin testing for MTC and a high background incidence of thyroid disease. If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated, the patient should be referred to an endocrinologist for further evaluation.

Acute Pancreatitis

In clinical trials, acute pancreatitis has been reported in association with TANZEUM.

Across 8 Phase III clinical trials [see Clinical Studies], pancreatitis adjudicated as likely related to therapy occurred more frequently in patients receiving TANZEUM (6 of 2,365 [0.3%]) than in patients receiving placebo (0 of 468 [0%]) or active comparators (2 of 2,065 [0.1%]).

After initiation of TANZEUM, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (including persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back and which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue TANZEUM. If pancreatitis is confirmed, TANZEUM should not be restarted.

TANZEUM has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis to determine whether these patients are at increased risk for pancreatitis. Consider other antidiabetic therapies in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin

The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when TANZEUM is used in combination with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) or insulin. Therefore, patients may require a lower dose of sulfonylurea or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in this setting [see Adverse Reactions].

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Across 8 Phase III clinical trials [see Clinical Studies], a serious hypersensitivity reaction with pruritus, rash, and dyspnea occurred in a patient treated with TANZEUM. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue use of TANZEUM; treat promptly per standard of care and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve [see Contraindications].

Renal Impairment

In patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, there have been postmarketing reports of acute renal failure and worsening of chronic renal failure, which may sometimes require hemodialysis. Some of these events were reported in patients without known underlying renal disease. A majority of reported events occurred in patients who had experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. In a trial of TANZEUM in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Studies], the frequency of such gastrointestinal reactions increased as renal function declined [see Use in Specific Populations]. Because these reactions may worsen renal function, use caution when initiating or escalating doses of TANZEUM in patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration Use in Specific Populations].

Macrovascular Outcomes

There have been no clinical trials establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with TANZEUM or any other antidiabetic drug.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of TANZEUM in pregnant women. Nonclinical studies have shown reproductive toxicity, but not teratogenicity, in mice treated with albiglutide at up to 39 times human exposure resulting from the maximum recommended dose of 50 mg/week, based on AUC [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1, 13.3)]. TANZEUM should not be used during pregnancy unless the expected benefit outweighs the potential risks.

Due to the long washout period for TANZEUM, consider stopping TANZEUM at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy.

There are no data on the effects of TANZEUM on human fertility. Studies in mice showed no effects on fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology]. The potential risk to human fertility is unknown.

Nursing Mothers

There are no adequate data to support the use of TANZEUM during lactation in humans.

It is not known if TANZEUM is excreted into human milk during lactation. Given that TANZEUM is an albumin-based protein therapeutic, it is likely to be present in human milk. Decreased body weight in offspring was observed in mice treated with TANZEUM during gestation and lactation [see Nonclinical Toxicology]. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue TANZEUM, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother and the potential risks to the infant.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of TANZEUM have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years).

Geriatric Use

Of the total number of patients (N = 2,365) in 8 Phase III clinical trials who received TANZEUM, 19% (N = 444) were 65 years and older, and <3% (N = 52) were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Renal Impairment

Of the total number of patients (N = 2,365) in 8 Phase III clinical trials who received TANZEUM, 54% (N = 1,267) had mild renal impairment (eGFR 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2), 12% (N = 275) had moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2) and 1% (N = 19) had severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to <30 mL/min/1.73 m2).

No dosage adjustment is required in patients with mild (eGFR 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2), moderate (eGFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2), or severe (eGFR 15 to <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) renal impairment.

Efficacy of TANZEUM in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment is described elsewhere [see Clinical Studies]. There is limited clinical experience in patients with severe renal impairment (19 subjects). The frequency of GI events increased as renal function declined. For patients with mild, moderate, or severe impairment, the respective event rates were: diarrhea (6%, 13%, 21%), nausea (3%, 5%, 16%), and vomiting (1%, 2%, 5%). Therefore, caution is recommended when initiating or escalating doses of TANZEUM in patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Clinical Pharmacology].

Page last updated: 2014-06-16

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