Rolapitant

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Varubi

Brand Names: Varubi
Dosage Form: POWDER
Product Type: BULK INGREDIENT

Description

11 DESCRIPTION VARUBI contains rolapitant, a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. Rolapitant hydrochloride is chemically described as (5S,8S)-8- { [(1R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy]methyl]}-8-phenyl-1,7-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one hydrochloride. Its empirical formula is C 25 H 26 F 6 N 2 O 2 . HCl.H 2 O, and its structural formula is: rolapitant hydrochloride Rolapitant hydrochloride is a white to off-white powder, with a molecular weight of 554.95. Solubility of rolapitant hydrochloride in aqueous solution is pH-dependent and is more soluble at lower pH. Rolapitant has good solubility in common pharmaceutical solvents such as ethanol, propylene glycol and 40% hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin. Each tablet contains 90 mg rolapitant (equivalent to 100 mg rolapitant hydrochloride) and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and pregelatinized starch. The tablets are coated in non-functional blue and clear coats. The tablet coating comprises the following inactive ingredients: FD&C Blue No. 2-Indigo Carmine Lake, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide. Figure

What Is Rolapitant Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VARUBI ® is indicated in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. VARUBI is a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist indicated in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of VARUBI in adults in combination with a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone for the prevention of nausea and vomiting with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy is shown in Table 1 . There is no drug interaction between rolapitant and dexamethasone, so no dosage adjustment for dexamethasone is required. Administer a dexamethasone dose of 20 mg on Day 1 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Administer VARUBI prior to the initiation of each chemotherapy cycle, but at no less than 2 week intervals. Administer VARUBI without regards to meals. Table 1: Recommended Dosing Regimen of VARUBI Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Cisplatin-Based Highly Emetogenic Cancer Chemotherapy VARUBI 180 mg as a single dose orally within 2 hours prior to initiation of chemotherapy None Dexamethasone 20 mg; 30 min prior to initiation of chemotherapy 8 mg twice daily 8 mg twice daily 8 mg twice daily 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist See the prescribing information for the co-administered 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist for appropriate dosing information. None Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Moderately Emetogenic Cancer Chemotherapy and Combinations of Anthracycline and Cyclophosphamide VARUBI 180 mg as a single dose orally within 2 hours prior to initiation of chemotherapy None Dexamethasone 20 mg; 30 min prior to initiation of chemotherapy None 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist See the prescribing information for the co-administered 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist for appropriate dosing information. See the prescribing information for the co-administered 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist for appropriate dosing information. Administer in combination with dexamethasone and a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist; see full prescribing information for dosing information. ( 2 ) No dosage adjustment for dexamethasone is required. ( 2 ) The recommended dosage of VARUBI is 180 mg as a single dose orally within 2 hours prior to the initiation of chemotherapy on Day 1. ( 2 ) Administer VARUBI prior to the initiation of each chemotherapy cycle, but at no less than 2 week intervals. ( 2 ) Administer VARUBI without regards to meals. ( 2 )

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Interaction with CYP2D6 Substrates [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥3%) are: Cisplatin Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: neutropenia, hiccups and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy and Combinations of Anthracycline and Cyclophosphamide: decreased appetite, neutropenia, dizziness, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, stomatitis and anemia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1-844-334-4035 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In 4 controlled clinical trials in patients receiving emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, VARUBI was given in combination with a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone. On Day 1 of Cycle 1 of chemotherapy, 1567 patients were treated with VARUBI and 1198 of these patients continued into the optional multiple cycle extension for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The median number of cycles administered 180 mg of VARUBI was four. VARUBI 180 mg was administered to 1294 patients. In Cycle 1 adverse reactions were reported in approximately 7% of patients treated with VARUBI compared with approximately 6% of patients treated with control therapy. The most common adverse reactions reported with an incidence of ≥3% and greater than control are listed in Table 2 and Table 3 . Table 2: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Cisplatin-Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy (Cycle 1)* * all reactions occurring at ≥3% in the VARUBI group and for which the rate for VARUBI exceeds the rate for control VARUBI Regimen (VARUBI, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 624 Control (Placebo, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 627 Neutropenia 9% 8% Hiccups 5% 4% Abdominal Pain 3% 2% Table 3: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy and Combinations of Anthracycline and Cyclophosphamide (Cycle 1)* *all reactions occurring at ≥3% in the VARUBI group and for which the rate for VARUBI exceeds the rate for control. VARUBI Regimen (VARUBI, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 670 Control (Placebo, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 674 Decreased appetite 9% 7% Neutropenia 7% 6% Dizziness 6% 4% Dyspepsia 4% 2% Urinary tract infection 4% 3% Stomatitis 4% 2% Anemia 3% 2% Adverse reactions in the multiple-cycle extensions of highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy studies for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy were generally similar to that observed in Cycle 1.

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Rolapitant is a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor. The inhibition of CYP2D6 persisted on Day 28 with a 2.3-fold increase in dextromethorphan concentrations, the last time point measured. The inhibitory effect of rolapitant on CYP2D6 is expected to persist beyond 28 days for an unknown duration following administration of VARUBI [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Oral rolapitant is an inhibitor of Breast-Cancer-Resistance Protein (BCRP) and p-glycoprotein (P-gp). Rolapitant, given as a single oral dose, is not an inhibitor or inducer of CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Therefore, no dosage adjustment for dexamethasone (CYP3A4 substrate) is needed when co-administered with VARUBI [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . Table 4 and Table 5 include drugs with clinically important drug interactions when administered concomitantly with VARUBI and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 4: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting Drugs Co-Administered with VARUBI CYP2D6 Substrates Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs (Thioridazine and Pimozide) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of thioridazine and pimozide are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events of QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes. Intervention: VARUBI is contraindicated in patients taking CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index such as thioridazine and pimozide. If patients require these drugs, use an alternative antiemetic to VARUBI or an alternative to thioridazine or pimozide that is not metabolized by CYP2D6 [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Other CYP2D6 Substrates Clinical Impact: VARUBI can increase plasma concentrations of other CYP2D6 substrates for at least 28 days following administration of VARUBI and may result in adverse reactions. Before starting treatment with VARUBI consult the prescribing information of CYP2D6 substrates to obtain further information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Before starting treatment with VARUBI consult the prescribing information of CYP2D6 substrates to obtain further information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. BCRP Substrates with a Narrow Therapeutic Index (e.g., methotrexate, topotecan, or irinotecan) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of BCRP substrates (e.g., methotrexate, topotecan, or irinotecan) may result in potential adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Monitor for adverse reactions related to the concomitant drug if use of VARUBI cannot be avoided. Use the lowest effective dose of rosuvastatin (see prescribing information for additional information on recommended dosing). P-gp Substrates with a Narrow Therapeutic Index (e.g. digoxin) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of P-gp substrates (e.g., digoxin) may result in potential adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology...

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VARUBI is contraindicated in patients taking CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as thioridazine and pimozide. VARUBI can significantly increase the plasma concentrations of thioridazine and pimozide, which may result in QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . VARUBI is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of irreversible impairment of sexual development and fertility observed in juvenile rats at clinically relevant dosages [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., thioridazine and pimozide) ( 4 , 5.1 , 7 ) Pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of irreversible impairment of sexual development and fertility in juvenile rats ( 4 , 8.4 )

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited data with VARUBI use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental effects observed with oral administration of rolapitant in rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 1.2 times and 2.9-times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data The potential embryo-fetal toxicity of rolapitant was assessed in pregnant rats administered oral doses up to 22.5 mg/kg per day throughout the period of organogenesis. Rats administered doses of 13.5 or 22.5 mg/kg per day rolapitant exhibited evidence of maternal toxicity including decreased body weight gain and/or body weight loss and a concomitant decrease in food consumption during the first week of dosing. No adverse embryo-fetal developmental effects were observed at doses up to 22.5 mg/kg per day rolapitant (approximately 1.2 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). In rabbits administered rolapitant throughout the period of organogenesis, oral doses up to 27 mg/kg per day (approximately 2.9 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) were without effects on the developing fetus. The pre- and postnatal developmental effects of rolapitant were assessed in rats administered oral doses of 2.25, 9 or 22.5 mg/kg per day during the periods of organogenesis and lactation. Maternal toxicity was evident based on mortality/moribund condition, decreased body weight and food consumption, total...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE There are no data on overdose with VARUBI. There is no antidote for VARUBI overdose. Discontinue VARUBI in the event of overdose, and institute general supportive measures and close observation.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING VARUBI is available as film-coated, capsule shaped, blue tablets, debossed with T0101 on one side and 100 on the other side. Each tablet contains 90 mg rolapitant. VARUBI is packaged in an Aclar blister shell with aluminum foil backing and supplied as follows: NDC 70720-101-02 A single dose child-resistant wallet (2 tablets as one set of twinned blisters) Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.