Generic Name: darbepoetin alfa
Dosage Form: injection, solution
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
Chronic Kidney Disease:
- In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL.
- No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, Aranesp dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks.
- Use the lowest Aranesp dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Cancer:
- ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers [see Table 3, Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
- Because of these risks, prescribers and hospitals must enroll in and comply with the ESA APPRISE Oncology Program to prescribe and/or dispense Aranesp to patients with cancer. To enroll in the ESA APPRISE Oncology Program, visit www.esa-apprise.com or call 1-866-284-8089 for further assistance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
- To decrease these risks, as well as the risk of serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic reactions, use the lowest dose needed to avoid RBC transfusions [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
- Use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy [see Indications and Usage (1.2)].
- ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure [see Indications and Usage (1.3)].
- Discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Indications and Usage for Aranesp
Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease
Aranesp is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and patients not on dialysis.
Anemia Due to Chemotherapy in Patients With Cancer
Aranesp is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies where anemia is due to the effect of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.
Limitations of Use
Aranesp has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.
Aranesp is not indicated for use:
- In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
- In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure.
- As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
Aranesp Dosage and Administration
Evaluation of Iron Stores and Nutritional Factors
Evaluate the iron status in all patients before and during treatment and maintain iron repletion. Correct or exclude other causes of anemia (e.g., vitamin deficiency, metabolic or chronic inflammatory conditions, bleeding, etc.) before initiating Aranesp [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].
Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL. No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, Aranesp dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Individualize dosing and use the lowest dose of Aranesp sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Physicians and patients should weigh the possible benefits of decreasing transfusions against the increased risks of death and other serious cardiovascular adverse events [see Boxed Warning and Clinical Studies (14)].
For all patients with CKD
When initiating or adjusting therapy, monitor hemoglobin levels at least weekly until stable, then monitor at least monthly. When adjusting therapy consider hemoglobin rate of rise, rate of decline, ESA responsiveness and hemoglobin variability. A single hemoglobin excursion may not require a dosing change.
- Do not increase the dose more frequently than once every 4 weeks. Decreases in dose can occur more frequently. Avoid frequent dose adjustments.
- If the hemoglobin rises rapidly (e.g., more than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period), reduce the dose of Aranesp by 25% or more as needed to reduce rapid responses.
- For patients who do not respond adequately, if the hemoglobin has not increased by more than 1 g/dL after 4 weeks of therapy, increase the dose by 25%.
- For patients who do not respond adequately over a 12-week escalation period, increasing the Aranesp dose further is unlikely to improve response and may increase risks. Use the lowest dose that will maintain a hemoglobin level sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions. Evaluate other causes of anemia. Discontinue Aranesp if responsiveness does not improve.
For patients with CKD on dialysis:
- Initiate Aranesp treatment when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL.
- If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Aranesp.
- The recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg intravenously or subcutaneously as a weekly injection or 0.75 mcg/kg once every 2 weeks as appropriate. The intravenous route is recommended for patients on hemodialysis.
For patients with CKD not on dialysis:
- Consider initiating Aranesp treatment only when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL and the following considerations apply:
- The rate of hemoglobin decline indicates the likelihood of requiring a RBC transfusion and,
- Reducing the risk of alloimmunization and/or other RBC transfusion-related risks is a goal.
- If the hemoglobin level exceeds 10 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Aranesp, and use the lowest dose of Aranesp sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions.
- The recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg body weight intravenously or subcutaneously given once at four week intervals as appropriate.
When treating patients who have chronic kidney disease and cancer, physicians should refer to Warnings and Precautions (5.1 and 5.3).
Refer patients who self-administer Aranesp to the Instructions for Use [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Conversion from Epoetin alfa to Aranesp in patients with CKD on dialysis
Aranesp is administered less frequently than epoetin alfa.
- Administer Aranesp once weekly in patients who were receiving epoetin alfa 2 to 3 times weekly.
- Administer Aranesp once every 2 weeks in patients who were receiving epoetin alfa once weekly.
Estimate the starting weekly dose of Aranesp for adults and pediatric patients on the basis of the weekly epoetin alfa dose at the time of substitution (see Table 1). Maintain the route of administration (intravenous or subcutaneous injection).
| ||
| Previous Weekly Epoetin alfa Dose (Units/week) | Aranesp Dose (mcg/week) | |
| Adult | Pediatric | |
| < 1,500 | 6.25 | * |
| 1,500 to 2,499 | 6.25 | 6.25 |
| 2,500 to 4,999 | 12.5 | 10 |
| 5,000 to 10,999 | 25 | 20 |
| 11,000 to 17,999 | 40 | 40 |
| 18,000 to 33,999 | 60 | 60 |
| 34,000 to 89,999 | 100 | 100 |
| ≥ 90,000 | 200 | 200 |
Conversion from Epoetin alfa to Aranesp in patients with CKD not on dialysis
The dose conversion depicted in Table 1 does not accurately estimate the once monthly dose of Aranesp.
Patients on Cancer Chemotherapy
Only prescribers enrolled in the ESA APPRISE Oncology Program may prescribe and/or dispense Aranesp [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Initiate Aranesp in patients on cancer chemotherapy only if the hemoglobin is less than 10 g/dL, and if there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.
Use the lowest dose of Aranesp necessary to avoid RBC transfusions.
Recommended Starting Dose
The recommended starting dose and schedules are:
- 2.25 mcg/kg every week subcutaneously until completion of a chemotherapy course
- 500 mcg every 3 weeks subcutaneously until completion of a chemotherapy course
| Dose Adjustment | Weekly Schedule | Every 3 Week Schedule |
| Reduce dose by 40% | Reduce dose by 40% |
| If hemoglobin exceeds a level needed to avoid RBC transfusion |
|
|
| If hemoglobin increases by less than 1 g/dL and remains below 10 g/dL after 6 weeks of therapy | Increase dose to 4.5 mcg/kg/week | No dose adjustment |
| Discontinue Aranesp | Discontinue Aranesp |
Preparation and Administration
- The needle cover of the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions.
- Do not shake. Do not use Aranesp that has been shaken or frozen.
- Protect vials and prefilled syringes from light.
- Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use any vials or prefilled syringes exhibiting particulate matter or discoloration.
- Discard unused portion of Aranesp in vials or prefilled syringes. Do not re-enter vial.
- Do not dilute Aranesp and do not administer in conjunction with other drug solutions.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Aranesp is available as a polysorbate-containing solution.
- Single-dose vials: 25, 40, 60, 100, 200, 300, and 500 mcg Aranesp/1 mL, and 150 mcg Aranesp/0.75 mL
- Single-dose prefilled syringes: 25 mcg Aranesp/0.42 mL, 40 mcg Aranesp/0.4 mL, 60 mcg Aranesp/0.3 mL, 100 mcg Aranesp/0.5 mL, and 150 mcg Aranesp/0.3 mL, 200 mcg Aranesp/0.4 mL, 300 mcg Aranesp/0.6 mL, and 500 mcg Aranesp/1 mL
Contraindications
Aranesp is contraindicated in patients with:
- Uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
- Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Aranesp or other erythropoietin protein drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
- Serious allergic reactions to Aranesp [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Warnings and Precautions
5.1 Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism
- In controlled clinical trials of patients with CKD comparing higher hemoglobin targets (13 - 14 g/dL) to lower targets (9 - 11.3 g/dL), Aranesp and other ESAs increased the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, thrombosis of hemodialysis vascular access, and other thromboembolic events in the higher target groups.
- Using Aranesp to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Use caution in patients with coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Patients with CKD and an insufficient hemoglobin response to ESA therapy may be at even greater risk for cardiovascular reactions and mortality than other patients. A rate of hemoglobin rise of greater than 1 g/dL over 2 weeks may contribute to these risks.
- In controlled clinical trials of patients with cancer, Aranesp and other ESAs increased the risks for death and serious adverse cardiovascular reactions. These adverse reactions included myocardial infarction and stroke.
- In controlled clinical trials, ESAs increased the risk of death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing orthopedic procedures.
The design and overall results of the 3 large trials comparing higher and lower hemoglobin targets are shown in Table 2.
Normal Hematocrit Study (NHS) (N = 1265) | CHOIR (N = 1432) | TREAT (N = 4038) | |
| Time Period of Trial | 1993 to 1996 | 2003 to 2006 | 2004 to 2009 |
| Population | CKD patients on hemodialysis with coexisting CHF or CAD, hematocrit 30 ± 3% on epoetin alfa | CKD patients not on dialysis with hemoglobin < 11 g/dL not previously administered epoetin alfa | CKD patients not on dialysis with type II diabetes, hemoglobin ≤ 11 g/dL |
| Hemoglobin Target; Higher vs. Lower (g/dL) | 14.0 vs. 10.0 | 13.5 vs. 11.3 | 13.0 vs. ≥ 9.0 |
| Median (Q1, Q3) Achieved Hemoglobin level (g/dL) | 12.6 (11.6, 13.3) vs. 10.3 (10.0, 10.7) | 13.0 (12.2, 13.4) vs. 11.4 (11.1, 11.6) | 12.5 (12.0, 12.8) vs. 10.6 (9.9, 11.3) |
| Primary Endpoint | All-cause mortality or non-fatal MI | All-cause mortality, MI, hospitalization for CHF, or stroke | All-cause mortality, MI, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and stroke |
| Hazard Ratio or Relative Risk (95% CI) | 1.28 (1.06 - 1.56) | 1.34 (1.03 - 1.74) | 1.05 (0.94 - 1.17) |
| Adverse Outcome for Higher Target Group | All-cause mortality | All-cause mortality | Stroke |
| Hazard Ratio or Relative Risk (95% CI) | 1.27 (1.04 - 1.54) | 1.48 (0.97 - 2.27) | 1.92 (1.38 - 2.68) |
Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Normal Hematocrit Study (NHS): A prospective, randomized, open-label study of 1265 patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis with documented evidence of congestive heart failure or ischemic heart disease was designed to test the hypothesis that a higher target hematocrit (Hct) would result in improved outcomes compared with a lower target Hct. In this study, patients were randomized to epoetin alfa treatment targeted to a maintenance hemoglobin of either 14 ± 1 g/dL or 10 ± 1 g/dL. The trial was terminated early with adverse safety findings of higher mortality in the high hematocrit target group. Higher mortality (35% vs. 29%) was observed for the patients randomized to a target hemoglobin of 14 g/dL than for the patients randomized to a target hemoglobin of 10 g/dL. For all-cause mortality, the HR = 1.27; 95% CI (1.04, 1.54); p=0.018. The incidence of nonfatal myocardial infarction, vascular access thrombosis, and other thrombotic events was also higher in the group randomized to a target hemoglobin of 14 g/dL.
CHOIR: A randomized, prospective trial, 1432 patients with anemia due to CKD who were not undergoing dialysis and who had not previously received epoetin alfa therapy were randomized to epoetin alfa treatment targeting a maintenance hemoglobin concentration of either 13.5 g/dL or 11.3 g/dL. The trial was terminated early with adverse safety findings. A major cardiovascular event (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalization for congestive heart failure) occurred in 125 of the 715 patients (18%) in the higher hemoglobin group compared to 97 of the 717 patients (14%) in the lower hemoglobin group [hazard ratio (HR) 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.74; p = 0.03].
TREAT: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial of 4038 patients with CKD not on dialysis (eGFR of 20 – 60 mL/min), anemia (hemoglobin levels ≤ 11 g/dL), and type 2 diabetes mellitus, patients were randomized to receive either Aranesp treatment or a matching placebo. Placebo group patients also received Aranesp when their hemoglobin levels were below 9 g/dL. The trial objectives were to demonstrate the benefit of Aranesp treatment of the anemia to a target hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL, when compared to a "placebo" group, by reducing the occurrence of either of two primary endpoints: (1) a composite cardiovascular endpoint of all-cause mortality or a specified cardiovascular event (myocardial ischemia, CHF, MI, and CVA) or (2) a composite renal endpoint of all-cause mortality or progression to end stage renal disease. The overall risks for each of the two primary endpoints (the cardiovascular composite and the renal composite) were not reduced with Aranesp treatment (see Table 2), but the risk of stroke was increased nearly two-fold in the Aranesp-treated group versus the placebo group: annualized stroke rate 2.1% vs. 1.1%, respectively, HR 1.92; 95% CI: 1.38, 2.68; p < 0.001. The relative risk of stroke was particularly high in patients with a prior stroke: annualized stroke rate 5.2% in the Aranesp treated group and 1.9% in the placebo group, HR 3.07; 95% CI: 1.44, 6.54. Also, among Aranesp-treated subjects with a past history of cancer, there were more deaths due to all causes and more deaths adjudicated as due to cancer, in comparison with the control group.
Patients with Cancer
An increased incidence of thromboembolic reactions, some serious and life-threatening, occurred in patients with cancer treated with ESAs.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled study (Study 1 in Table 3 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]) of 939 women with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, patients received either weekly epoetin alfa or placebo for up to a year. This study was designed to show that survival was superior when epoetin alfa was administered to prevent anemia (maintain hemoglobin levels between 12 and 14 g/dL or hematocrit between 36% and 42%). This study was terminated prematurely when interim results demonstrated a higher mortality at 4 months (8.7% vs. 3.4%) and a higher rate of fatal thrombotic reactions (1.1% vs. 0.2%) in the first 4 months of the study among patients treated with epoetin alfa. Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates, at the time of study termination, the 12-month survival was lower in the epoetin alfa group than in the placebo group (70% vs. 76%; HR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.75; p = 0.012).
Patients Having Surgery
Aranesp is not approved for reduction of RBC transfusions in patients scheduled for surgical procedures.
An increased incidence of DVT in patients receiving epoetin alfa undergoing surgical orthopedic procedures was demonstrated. In a randomized, controlled study, 680 adult patients, not receiving prophylactic anticoagulation and undergoing spinal surgery, received epoetin alfa and standard of care (SOC) treatment (n = 340) or SOC treatment alone (n = 340). A higher incidence of DVTs, determined by either color flow duplex imaging or by clinical symptoms, was observed in the epoetin alfa group (16 [4.7%] patients) compared with the SOC group (7 [2.1%] patients). In addition to the 23 patients with DVTs included in the primary analysis, 19 [2.8%] patients experienced 1 other thrombovascular event (TVE) each (12 [3.5%] in the epoetin alfa group and 7 [2.1%] in the SOC group).
Increased mortality was observed in a randomized, placebo-controlled study of epoetin alfa in adult patients who were undergoing CABG surgery (7 deaths in 126 patients randomized to epoetin alfa versus no deaths among 56 patients receiving placebo). Four of these deaths occurred during the period of study drug administration and all 4 deaths were associated with thrombotic events.
Prescribing and Distribution Program for Aranesp in Patients With Cancer
In order to prescribe and/or dispense Aranesp to patients with cancer and anemia due to myelosuppressive chemotherapy, prescribers and hospitals must enroll in and comply with the ESA APPRISE Oncology Program requirements. To enroll, visit www.esa-apprise.com or call 1-866-284-8089 for further assistance. Additionally, prior to each new course of Aranesp in patients with cancer, prescribers and patients must provide written acknowledgment of a discussion of the risks of Aranesp.
Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients With Cancer
ESAs resulted in decreased locoregional control/progression-free survival and/or overall survival (see Table 3). These findings were observed in studies of patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy (Studies 5 and 6), in patients receiving chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (Study 1) or lymphoid malignancy (Study 2), and in patients with non-small cell lung cancer or various malignancies who were not receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy (Studies 7 and 8).
| ||||
| Study/Tumor/ (n) | Hemoglobin Target | Hemoglobin(Median; Q1, Q3*) | Primary Efficacy Outcome | Adverse Outcome for ESA- containing Arm |
| Chemotherapy | ||||
Study 1 Metastatic breast cancer (n = 939) | 12-14 g/dL | 12.9 g/dL; 12.2, 13.3 g/dL | 12-month overall survival | Decreased 12-month survival |
Study 2 Lymphoid malignancy (n = 344) | 13-15 g/dL (M) 13-14 g/dL (F) | 11 g/dL; 9.8, 12.1 g/dL | Proportion of patients achieving a hemoglobin response | Decreased overall survival |
Study 3 Early breast cancer (n = 733) | 12.5-13 g/dL | 13.1 g/dL; 12.5, 13.7 g/dL | Relapse-free and overall survival | Decreased 3-year relapse-free and overall survival |
Study 4 Cervical cancer (n = 114) | 12-14 g/dL | 12.7 g/dL; 12.1, 13.3 g/dL | Progression-free and overall survival and locoregional control | Decreased 3-year progression-free and overall survival and locoregional control |
| Radiotherapy Alone | ||||
Study 5 Head and neck cancer (n = 351) | ≥15 g/dL (M) ≥14 g/dL (F) | Not available | Locoregional progression-free survival | Decreased 5-year locoregional progression-free and overall survival |
Study 6 Head and neck cancer (n = 522) | 14-15.5 g/dL | Not available | Locoregional disease control | Decreased locoregional disease control |
| No Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy | ||||
Study 7 Non-small cell lung cancer (n = 70) | 12-14 g/dL | Not available | Quality of life | Decreased overall survival |
Study 8 Non-myeloid malignancy (n = 989) | 12-13 g/dL | 10.6 g/dL; 9.4, 11.8 g/dL | RBC transfusions | Decreased overall survival |
Decreased Overall Survival
Study 1 was described in the previous section [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Mortality at 4 months (8.7% vs. 3.4%) was significantly higher in the epoetin alfa arm. The most common investigator-attributed cause of death within the first 4 months was disease progression; 28 of 41 deaths in the epoetin alfa arm and 13 of 16 deaths in the placebo arm were attributed to disease progression. Investigator-assessed time to tumor progression was not different between the 2 groups. Survival at 12 months was significantly lower in the epoetin alfa arm (70% vs. 76%; HR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.75; p = 0.012).
Study 2 was a randomized, double-blind study (darbepoetin alfa vs. placebo) conducted in 344 anemic patients with lymphoid malignancy receiving chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 29 months, overall mortality rates were significantly higher among patients randomized to darbepoetin alfa as compared to placebo (HR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.82).
Study 7 was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study (epoetin alfa vs. placebo) in which patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer receiving only palliative radiotherapy or no active therapy were treated with epoetin alfa to achieve and maintain hemoglobin levels between 12 and 14 g/dL. Following an interim analysis of 70 patients (planned accrual 300 patients), a significant difference in survival in favor of the patients in the placebo arm of the study was observed (median survival 63 vs. 129 days; HR 1.84; p = 0.04).
Study 8 was a randomized, double-blind study (darbepoetin alfa vs. placebo) in 989 anemic patients with active malignant disease, neither receiving nor planning to receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy. There was no evidence of a statistically significant reduction in proportion of patients receiving RBC transfusions. The median survival was shorter in the darbepoetin alfa treatment group than in the placebo group (8 months vs. 10.8 months; HR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57).
Decreased Progression-free Survival and Overall Survival
Study 3 was a randomized, open-label, controlled, factorial design study in which darbepoetin alfa was administered to prevent anemia in 733 women receiving neo-adjuvant breast cancer treatment. A final analysis was performed after a median follow-up of approximately 3 years. The 3-year survival rate was lower (86% vs. 90%; HR 1.42, 95% CI: 0.93, 2.18) and the 3-year relapse-free survival rate was lower (72% vs. 78%; HR 1.33, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.79) in the darbepoetin alfa-treated arm compared to the control arm.
Study 4 was a randomized, open-label, controlled study that enrolled 114 of a planned 460 cervical cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive epoetin alfa to maintain hemoglobin between 12 and 14 g/dL or to RBC transfusion support as needed. The study was terminated prematurely due to an increase in thromboembolic adverse reactions in epoetin alfa-treated patients compared to control (19% vs. 9%). Both local recurrence (21% vs. 20%) and distant recurrence (12% vs. 7%) were more frequent in epoetin alfa-treated patients compared to control. Progression-free survival at 3 years was lower in the epoetin alfa-treated group compared to control (59% vs. 62%; HR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.58, 1.91). Overall survival at 3 years was lower in the epoetin alfa-treated group compared to control (61% vs. 71%; HR 1.28, 95% CI: 0.68, 2.42).
Study 5 was a randomized, placebo-controlled study in 351 head and neck cancer patients where epoetin beta or placebo was administered to achieve target hemoglobins ≥ 14 and ≥ 15 g/dL for women and men, respectively. Locoregional progression-free survival was significantly shorter in patients receiving epoetin beta (HR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.14; p = 0.0008) with medians of 406 days and 745 days in the epoetin beta and placebo arms respectively. Overall survival was significantly shorter in patients receiving epoetin beta (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.84; p = 0.02).
Decreased Locoregional Control
Study 6 was a randomized, open-label, controlled study conducted in 522 patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving radiation therapy alone (no chemotherapy) who were randomized to receive darbepoetin alfa to maintain hemoglobin levels of 14 to15.5 g/dL or no darbepoetin alfa. An interim analysis was performed on 484 patients demonstrated that locoregional control at 5 years was significantly shorter in patients receiving darbepoetin alfa (RR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.96; p = 0.02). Overall survival was shorter in patients receiving darbepoetin alfa (RR 1.28, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.68; p = 0.08).
Hypertension
Aranesp is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. In Aranesp clinical studies, approximately 40% of patients with CKD required initiation or intensification of antihypertensive therapy during the early phase of treatment. Hypertensive encephalopathy and seizures have been reported in patients with CKD receiving Aranesp.
Appropriately control hypertension prior to initiation of and during treatment with Aranesp. Reduce or withhold Aranesp if blood pressure becomes difficult to control. Advise patients of the importance of compliance with antihypertensive therapy and dietary restrictions [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Seizures
Aranesp increases the risk of seizures in patients with CKD. During the first several months following initiation of Aranesp, monitor patients closely for premonitory neurologic symptoms. Advise patients to contact their healthcare practitioner for new-onset seizures, premonitory symptoms, or change in seizure frequency.
Lack or Loss of Hemoglobin Response to Aranesp
For lack or loss of hemoglobin response to Aranesp, initiate a search for causative factors (e.g., iron deficiency, infection, inflammation, bleeding). If typical causes of lack or loss of hemoglobin response are excluded, evaluate for PRCA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. In the absence of PRCA, follow dosing recommendations for management of patients with an insufficient hemoglobin response to Aranesp therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Pure Red Cell Aplasia
Cases of PRCA and of severe anemia, with or without other cytopenias that arise following the development of neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin have been reported in patients treated with Aranesp. This has been reported predominantly in patients with CKD receiving ESAs by subcutaneous administration. PRCA has also been reported in patients receiving ESAs for anemia related to hepatitis C treatment (an indication for which Aranesp is not approved).
If severe anemia and low reticulocyte count develop during treatment with Aranesp, withhold Aranesp and evaluate patients for neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin. Contact Amgen (1-800-77-AMGEN) to perform assays for binding and neutralizing antibodies. Permanently discontinue Aranesp in patients who develop PRCA following treatment with Aranesp or other erythropoietin protein drugs. Do not switch patients to other ESAs.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, skin rash, and urticaria may occur with Aranesp. Immediately and permanently discontinue Aranesp and administer appropriate therapy if a serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction occurs.
Dialysis Management
Patients may require adjustments in their dialysis prescriptions after initiation of Aranesp. Patients receiving Aranesp may require increased anticoagulation with heparin to prevent clotting of the extracorporeal circuit during hemodialysis.
Laboratory Monitoring
Evaluate transferrin saturation and serum ferritin prior to and during Aranesp treatment. Administer supplemental iron therapy when serum ferritin is less than 100 mcg/L or when serum transferrin saturation is less than 20% [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. The majority of patients with CKD will require supplemental iron during the course of ESA therapy. Following initiation of therapy and after each dose adjustment, monitor hemoglobin weekly until the hemoglobin is stable and sufficient to minimize the need for RBC transfusion. Thereafter, hemoglobin may be monitored less frequently provided hemoglobin levels remain stable.
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
- Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Increased mortality and/or increased risk of tumor progression or recurrence in Patients With Cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
- Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
- PRCA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
- Serious allergic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
Clinical Trial 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 other drugs and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Adult Patients
Adverse reactions were determined based on pooled data from 5 randomized, active-controlled studies of Aranesp with a total of 1357 patients (Aranesp 766, epoetin alfa 591). The median duration of exposure for patients receiving Aranesp was 340 days, with 580 patients exposed for greater than 6 months and 360 patients exposed for greater than 1 year. The median (25th, 75th percentiles) weight-adjusted dose of Aranesp was 0.50 mcg/kg (0.32, 0.81). The median (range) age for patients administered Aranesp was 62 years (18 to 88). In the Aranesp group, 55% were male, 72% were white, 83% were receiving dialysis, and 17% were not receiving dialysis.
Table 4 lists adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 5% of patients treated with Aranesp.
| Adverse Reaction | Patients Treated With Aranesp (n = 766) |
| Hypertension | 31% |
| Dyspnea | 17% |
| Peripheral edema | 17% |
| Cough | 12% |
| Procedural hypotension | 10% |
| Angina pectoris | 8% |
| Vascular access complications | 8% |
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