CAPECITABINE ACCORD Film-coated tablet Ref.[6502] Active ingredients: Capecitabine

Source: European Medicines Agency (EU)  Revision Year: 2018  Publisher: Accord Healthcare Limited Sage house, 319, Pinner road North Harrow Middlesex HA1 4HF, United Kingdom

Contraindications

  • History of severe and unexpected reactions to fluoropyrimidine therapy,
  • Hypersensitivity to capecitabine or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 or fluorouracil,
  • In patients with known complete absence of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity (see section 4.4),
  • During pregnancy and lactation,
  • In patients with severe leukopenia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia,
  • In patients with severe hepatic impairment,
  • In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min),
  • Treatment with sorivudine or its chemically related analogues, such as brivudine (see section 4.5),
  • If contraindications exist to any of the medicinal products in the combination regimen, that medicinal product should not be used.

Special warnings and precautions for use

Dose limiting toxicities

Dose limiting toxicities include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, stomatitis and hand-foot syndrome (hand-foot skin reaction, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia). Most adverse reactions are reversible and do not require permanent discontinuation of therapy, although doses may need to be withheld or reduced.

Diarrhoea

Patients with severe diarrhoea should be carefully monitored and given fluid and electrolyte replacement if they become dehydrated. Standard antidiarrhoeal treatments (e.g. loperamide) may be used. NCIC CTC grade 2 diarrhoea is defined as an increase of 4 to 6 stools/day or nocturnal stools, grade 3 diarrhoea as an increase of 7 to 9 stools/day or incontinence and malabsorption. Grade 4 diarrhoea is an increase of ≥10 stools/day or grossly bloody diarrhoea or the need for parenteral support. Dose reduction should be applied as necessary (see section 4.2).

Dehydration

Dehydration should be prevented or corrected at the onset. Patients with anorexia, asthenia, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea may rapidly become dehydrated. Dehydration may cause acute renal failure, especially in patients with pre-existing compromised renal function or when capecitabine is given concomitantly with known nephrotoxic drugs. Acute renal failure secondary to dehydration might be potentially fatal. If grade 2 (or higher) dehydration occurs, capecitabine treatment should be immediately interrupted and the dehydration corrected. Treatment should not be restarted until the patient is rehydrated and any precipitating causes have been corrected or controlled. Dose modifications applied should be applied for the precipitating adverse event as necessary (see section 4.2).

Hand-foot syndrome

Hand and foot syndrome also known as hand-foot skin reaction or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia or chemotherapy induced acral erythema.

Grade 1 hand-foot syndrome is defined as numbness, dysesthesia/paresthesia, tingling, painless swelling or erythema of the hands and/or feet and/or discomfort which does not disrupt the patient’s normal activities.

Grade 2 hand-foot syndrome is painful erythema and swelling of the hands and/or feet and/or discomfort affecting the patient’s activities of daily living.

Grade 3 hand-foot syndrome is moist desquamation, ulceration, blistering and severe pain of the hands and/or feet and/or severe discomfort that causes the patient to be unable to work or perform activities of daily living. Persistent or severe hand-foot syndrome (Grade 2 and above) can eventually lead to loss of fingerprints which could impact patient identification. If grade 2 or 3 hand-foot syndrome occurs, administration of capecitabine should be interrupted until the event resolves or decreases in intensity to grade 1. Following grade 3 hand-foot syndrome, subsequent doses of capecitabine should be decreased. When capecitabine and cisplatin are used in combination, the use of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is not advised for symptomatic or secondary prophylactic treatment of hand-foot syndrome, because of published reports that it may decrease the efficacy of cisplatin. There is some evidence that dexpanthenol is effective for hand-foot syndrome prophylaxis in patients treated with Capecitabine Accord.

Cardiotoxicity

Cardiotoxicity has been associated with fluoropyrimidine therapy, including myocardial infarction, angina, dysrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, sudden death and electrocardiographic changes (including very rare cases of QT prolongation). These adverse reactions may be more common in patients with a prior history of coronary artery disease. Cardiac arrhythmias (including ventricular fibrillation, torsade de pointes, and bradycardia), angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure and cardiomyopathy have been reported in patients receiving capecitabine.

Caution must be exercised in patients with history of significant cardiac disease, arrhythmias and angina pectoris (see section 4.8).

Hypo- or hypercalcaemia

Hypo- or hypercalcaemia has been reported during capecitabine treatment. Caution must be exercised in patients with pre-existing hypo- or hypercalcaemia (see section 4.8).

Central or peripheral nervous system disease

Caution must be exercised in patients with central or peripheral nervous system disease, e.g. brain metastasis or neuropathy (see section 4.8).

Diabetes mellitus or electrolyte disturbances

Caution must be exercised in patients with diabetes mellitus or electrolyte disturbances, as these may be aggravated during capecitabine treatment.

Coumarin-derivative anticoagulation

In a interaction study with single-dose warfarin administration, there was a significant increase in the mean AUC (+57%) of S-warfarin. These results suggest an interaction, probably due to an inhibition of the cytochrome P450 2C9 isoenzyme system by capecitabine. Patients receiving concomitant capecitabine and oral coumarin-derivative anticoagulant therapy should have their anticoagulant response (INR or prothrombin time) monitored closely and the anticoagulant dose adjusted accordingly (see section 4.5).

Hepatic impairment

In the absence of safety and efficacy data in patients with hepatic impairment, capecitabine use should be carefully monitored in patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction, regardless of the presence or absence of liver metastasis. Administration of capecitabine should be interrupted if treatment- related elevations in bilirubin of >3.0 x ULN or treatment-related elevations in hepatic aminotransferases (ALT, AST) of >2.5 x ULN occur. Treatment with capecitabine monotherapy may be resumed when bilirubin decreases to ≤3.0 x ULN or hepatic aminotransferases decrease to ≤2.5 x ULN.

Renal impairment

The incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-50 ml/min) is increased compared to the overall population (see sections 4.2 and 4.3).

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency

Rarely, unexpected, severe toxicity (e.g. stomatitis, diarrhoea, mucosal inflammation, neutropenia and neurotoxicity) associated with 5-FU has been attributed to a deficiency of DPD activity. Patients with low or absent DPD activity, an enzyme involved in fluorouracil degradation, are at increased risk for severe, life-threatening, or fatal adverse reactions caused by fluorouracil. Although DPD deficiency cannot be precisely defined, it is known that patients with certain homozygous or certain compound heterozygous mutations in the DPYD gene locus, which can cause complete or near complete absence of DPD enzymatic activity (as determined from laboratory assays), have the highest risk of life-threatening or fatal toxicity and should not be treated with Capecitabine Accord (see section 4.3). No dose has been proven safe for patients with complete absence of DPD activity.

For patients with partial DPD deficiency (such as those with heterozygous mutations in the DPYD gene) and where the benefits of Capecitabine Accord are considered to outweigh the risks (taking into account the suitability of an alternative non-fluoropyrimidine chemotherapeutic regimen), these patients must be treated with extreme caution and frequent monitoring with dose adjusment according to toxicity.There is insufficient data to recommend a specific dose in patients with partial DPD activity as measured by specific test.

In patients with unrecognised DPD deficiency treated with capecitabine, life-threatening toxicities manifesting as acute overdose may occur (see section 4.9). In the event of grade 2-4 acute toxicity, treatment must be discontinued immediately. Permanent discontinuation should be considered based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed toxicities.

Ophthalmologic complications

Patients should be carefully monitored for ophthalmological complications such as keratitis and corneal disorders, especially if they have a prior history of eye disorders. Treatment of eye disorders should be initiated as clinically appropriate.

Severe skin reactions

Capecitabine can induce severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Capecitabine should be permanently discontinued in patients who experience a severe skin reaction during treatment.

Excipients

As this medicinal product contains anhydrous lactose as an excipient, patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Interaction with other medicinal products

Cytochrome P-450 2C9 substrates

Other than warfarin, no formal interaction studies between capecitabine and other CYP2C9 substrates have been conducted. Care should be exercised when capecitabine is co-administered with 2C9 substrates (e.g. phenytoin). See also interaction with coumarin-derivative anticoagulants below, and section 4.4.

Coumarin-derivative anticoagulants

Altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding have been reported in patients taking capecitabine concomitantly with coumarin-derivative anticoagulants such as warfarin and phenprocoumon. These reactions occurred within several days and up to several months after initiating capecitabine therapy and, in a few cases, within one month after stopping capecitabine.In a clinical pharmacokinetic interaction study, after a single 20 mg dose of warfarin, capecitabine treatment increased the AUC of S-warfarin by 57% with a 91% increase in INR value. Since metabolism of R-warfarin was not affected, these results indicate that capecitabine down-regulates isozyme 2C9, but has no effect on isozymes 1A2 and 3A4. Patients taking coumarin-derivative anticoagulants concomitantly with capecitabine should be monitored regularly for alterations in their coagulation parameters (PT or INR) and the anticoagulant dose adjusted accordingly.

Phenytoin

Increased phenytoin plasma concentrations resulting in symptoms of phenytoin intoxication in single cases have been reported during concomitant use of capecitabine with phenytoin. Patients taking phenytoin concomitantly with capecitabine should be regularly monitored for increased phenytoin plasma concentrations.

Folinic acid/folic acid

A combination study with capecitabine and folinic acid indicated that folinic acid has no major effect on the pharmacokinetics of capecitabine and its metabolites. However, folinic acid has an effect on the pharmacodynamics of capecitabine and its toxicity may be enhanced by folinic acid: the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of capecitabine alone using the intermittent regimen is 3000 mg/m² per day whereas it is only 2000 mg/m² per day when capecitabine was combined with folinic acid (30 mg orally bid). The enhanced toxicity may be relevant when switching from 5-FU/LV to a capecitabine regimen. This may also be relevant with folic acid supplementation for folate deficiency due to the similarity between folinic acid and folic acid.

Sorivudine and analogues

A clinically significant interaction between sorivudine and 5-FU, resulting from the inhibition of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase by sorivudine, has been described.

This interaction, which leads to increased fluoropyrimidine toxicity, is potentially fatal. Therefore, capecitabine must not be administered concomitantly with sorivudine or its chemically related analogues, such as brivudine (see section 4.3). There must be at least a 4-week waiting period between end of treatment with sorivudine or its chemically related analogues such as brivudine and start of capecitabine therapy.

Antacid

The effect of an aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide-containing antacid on the pharmacokinetics of capecitabine was investigated. There was a small increase in plasma concentrations of capecitabine and one metabolite (5'-DFCR); there was no effect on the 3 major metabolites (5'-DFUR, 5-FU and FBAL).

Allopurinol

Interactions with allopurinol have been observed for 5-FU; with possible decreased efficacy of 5-FU. Concomitant use of allopurinol with capecitabine should be avoided.

Interferon alpha

The MTD of capecitabine was 2000 mg/m² per day when combined with interferon alpha-2a (3 MIU/m² per day) compared to 3000 mg/m² per day when capecitabine was used alone.

Radiotherapy

The MTD of capecitabine alone using the intermittent regimen is 3000 mg/m² per day, whereas, when combined with radiotherapy for rectal cancer, the MTD of capecitabine is 2000 mg/m² per day using either a continuous schedule or given daily Monday through Friday during a 6-week course of radiotherapy.

Oxaliplatin

No clinically significant differences in exposure to capecitabine or its metabolites, free platinum or total platinum occurred when capecitabine was administered in combination with oxaliplatin or in combination with oxaliplatin and bevacizumab.

Bevacizumab

There was no clinically significant effect of bevacizumab on the pharmacokinetic parameters of capecitabine or its metabolites in the presence of oxaliplatin.

Food interaction

In all clinical trials, patients were instructed to administer capecitabine within 30 minutes after a meal. Since current safety and efficacy data are based upon administration with food, it is recommended that capecitabine be administered with food. Administration with food decreases the rate of capecitabine absorption (see section 5.2).

Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females

Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with capecitabine. If the patient becomes pregnant while receiving capecitabine, the potential hazard to the foetus must be explained. An effective method of contraception should be used during treatment.

Pregnancy

There are no studies in pregnant women using capecitabine; however, it should be assumed that capecitabine may cause foetal harm if administered to pregnant women. In reproductive toxicity studies in animals, capecitabine administration caused embryolethality and teratogenicity. These findings are expected effects of fluoropyrimidine derivatives. Capecitabine is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether capecitabine is excreted in human breast milk. In lactating mice, considerable amounts of capecitabine and its metabolites were found in milk. Breast-feeding should be discontinued while receiving treatment with capecitabine.

Fertility

There is no data on capecitabine and impact on fertility. The capecitabine pivotal studies included females of childbearing potential and males only if they agreed to use an acceptable method of birth control to avoid pregnancy for the duration of the study and for a reasonable period thereafter. In animal studies effects on fertility were observed (see section 5.3).

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Capecitabine has minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Capecitabine may cause dizziness, fatigue and nausea.

Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The overall safety profile of capecitabine is based on data from over 3,000 patients treated with capecitabine as monotherapy or capecitabine in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications. The safety profiles of capecitabine monotherapy for the metastatic breast cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer and adjuvant colon cancer populations are comparable. See section 5.1 for details of major studies, including study designs and major efficacy results.

The most commonly reported and/or clinically relevant treatment-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were gastrointestinal disorders (especially diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stomatitis), hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), fatigue, asthenia, anorexia, cardiotoxicity, increased renal dysfunction on those with preexisting compromised renal function, and thrombosis/embolism.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

ADRs considered by the investigator to be possibly, probably, or remotely related to the administration of capecitabine are listed in Table 5 for capecitabine given as monotherapy and in Table 6 for capecitabine given in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications. The following headings are used to rank the ADRs by frequency: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10) uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000) and very rare (<1/10,000). Within each frequency grouping, ADRs are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Capecitabine monotherapy

Table 5 lists ADRs associated with the use of capecitabine monotherapy based on a pooled analysis of safety data from three major studies including over 1900 patients (studies M66001, SO14695, and SO14796). ADRs are added to the appropriate frequency grouping according to the overall incidence from the pooled analysis.

Table 5. Summary of related ADRs reported in patients treated with capecitabine monotherapy:

Very Common All grades, Common All grades, Uncommon Severe and/or Life- threatening (grade 3-4) or considered medically relevant, Rare/Very Rare (Post-Marketing Experience)

Infections and infestations

Common: Herpes viral infection, Nasopharyngitis, Lower respiratory tract infection

Uncommon: Sepsis, Urinary tract infection, Cellulitis, Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis, Oral candidiasis, Influenza, Gastroenteritis, Fungal infection, Infection, Tooth abscess

Neoplasm benign, malignant and unspecified

Uncommon: Lipoma

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common: Neutropenia, Anaemia

Uncommon: Febrile neutropenia, Pancytopenia, Granulocytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Leukopenia, Haemolytic anaemia, International Normalised Ratio (INR) increased/Prothrombin time prolonged

Immune system disorders

Uncommon: Hypersensitivity

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very Common: Anorexia

Common: Dehydration, Weight decreased

Uncommon: Diabetes, Hypokalaemia, Appetite disorder, Malnutrition, Hypertriglyceridaemia

Psychiatric disorders

Common: Insomnia, Depression

Uncommon: Confusional state, Panic attack, Depressed mood, Libido decreased

Nervous system disorders

Common: Headache, Lethargy Dizziness, Parasthesia, Dysgeusia

Uncommon: Aphasia, Memory impairment, Ataxia, Syncope, Balance disorder, Sensory disorder, Neuropathy peripheral

Rare/Very Rare: Toxic leukoencephalopathy (very rare)

Eye disorders

Common: Lacrimation increased, Conjunctivitis, Eye irritation

Uncommon: Visual acuity reduced, Diplopia

Rare/Very Rare: Lacrimal duct stenosis (rare), Corneal disorders(rare), keratitis (rare), punctate keratitis (rare)

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Uncommon: Vertigo, Ear pain

Cardiac disorders

Uncommon: Angina unstable, Angina pectoris, Myocardial ischaemia, Atrial fibrillation, Arrhythmia, Tachycardia, Sinus tachycardia, Palpitations

Rare/Very Rare: Ventricular fibrillation (rare), QT prolongation (rare), Torsade de pointes (rare), Bradycardia (rare), Vasospasm (rare)

Vascular disorders

Common: Thrombophlebitis

Uncommon: Deep vein thrombosis, Hypertension, Petechiae, Hypotension, Hot flush, Peripheral coldness

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common: Dyspnoea, Epistaxis, Cough, Rhinorrhoea

Uncommon: Pulmonary embolism, Pneumothorax, Haemoptysis, Asthma, Dyspnoea exertional

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very Common: Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Nausea, Stomatitis, Abdominal pain

Common: Gastrointestinal haemorrhage, Constipation, Upper abdominal pain, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Dry mouth

Uncommon: Intestinal obstruction, Ascites, Enteritis, Gastritis, Dysphagia, Abdominal pain lower, Oesophagitis, Abdominal discomfort, Gastrooesophageal reflux disease, Colitis, Blood in stool

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common: Hyperbilirubinemia, Liver function test abnormalities

Uncommon: Jaundice

Rare/Very Rare: Hepatic failure (rare), Cholestatic hepatitis (rare)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very Common: Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome**

Common: Rash, Alopecia, Erythema, Dry skin, Pruritus, Skin hyper-pigmentation, Rash macular, Skin desquamation, Dermatitis, Pigmentation disorder, Nail disorder

Uncommon: Blister, Skin ulcer, Rash, Urticaria, Photosensitivity reaction, Palmar erythema, Swelling face, Purpura, Radiation recall syndrome

Rare/Very Rare: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (rare), Severe skin reactions such as Stevens- Johnson Syndrome and toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (very rare) (see section 4.4.)

Muskuloskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Common: Pain in extremity, Back pain, Arthralgia

Uncommon: Joint swelling, Bone pain, Facial pain,

Musculoskeletal stiffness, Muscular weakness

Renal and urinary disorders

Uncommon: Hydronephrosis, Urinary incontinence, Haematuria, Nocturia, Blood creatinine increased

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Uncommon: Vaginal haemorrhage

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very Common: Fatigue, Asthenia

Common: Pyrexia, Oedema peripheral, Malaise, Chest pain

Uncommon: Oedema, Chills, Influenza like illness, Rigors, Body temperature increased

Capecitabine in combination therapy

Table 6 lists ADRs associated with the use of capecitabine in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications based on safety data from over 3000 patients. ADRs are added to the appropriate frequency grouping (very common or common) according to the highest incidence seen in any of the major clinical trials and are only added when they were seen in addition to those seen with capecitabine monotherapy or seen at a higher frequency grouping compared to capecitabine monotherapy (see Table 5). Uncommon ADRs reported for capecitabine in combination therapy are consistent with the ADRs reported for capecitabine monotherapy or reported for monotherapy with the combination medicinal product (in literature and/or respective summary of product characteristics).

Some of the ADRs are reactions commonly seen with the combination medicinal product (e.g. peripheral sensory neuropathy with docetaxel or oxaliplatin, hypertension seen with bevacizumab); however an exacerbation by capecitabine therapy can not be excluded.

Table 6. Summary of related ADRs reported in patients treated with capecitabine in combination treatment in addition to those seen with capecitabine monotherapy or seen at a higher frequency grouping compared to capecitabine monotherapy:

Very Common All grades, Common All grades, Rare/Very Rare (Post-Marketing Experience)

Infections and infestations

Common: Herpes zoster, Urinary tract infection, Oral candidiasis, Upper respiratory tract infection, Rhinitis, Influenza, +Infection, Oral herpes

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Very Common: +Neutropenia, +Leucopenia, +Anaemia, +Neutropenic fever, Thrombocytopenia

Common: Bone marrow depression, +Febrile Neutropenia

Immune system disorders

Common: Hypersensitivity

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very Common: Appetite decreased

Common: Hypokalaemia, Hyponatraemia, Hypomagnesaemia, Hypocalcaemia, Hyperglycaemia

Psychiatric disorders

Common: Sleep disorder, Anxiety

Nervous system disorders

Very Common: Paraesthesia, Dysaesthesia, Peripheral neuropathy, Peripheral sensory neuropathy, Dysgeusia, Headache

Common: Neurotoxicity, Tremor, Neuralgia, Hypersensitivity reaction, Hypoaesthesia

Eye disorders

Very Common: Lacrimation increased

Common: Visual disorders, Dry eye, Eye pain, Visual impairment, Vision blurred

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Common: Tinnitus, Hypoacusis

Cardiac disorders

Common: Atrial fibrillation, Cardiac ischaemia/infarction

Vascular disorders

Very Common: Lower limb oedema, Hypertension, +Embolism and thrombosis

Common: Flushing, Hypotension, Hypertensive crisis, Hot flush, Phlebitis

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal system disorders

Very Common: Sore throat, Dysaesthesia pharynx

Common: Hiccups, Pharyngolaryngeal pain, Dysphonia

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very Common: Constipation, Dyspepsia

Common: Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, Mouth ulceration, Gastritis, Abdominal distension, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Oral pain, Dysphagia, Rectal haemorrhage, Abdominal pain lower, Oral dysaesthesia, Paraesthesia oral, Hypoaesthesia oral,

Abdominal discomfort

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common: Hepatic function abnormal

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very Common: Alopecia, Nail disorder

Common: Hyperhidrosis, Rash erythematous, Urticaria, Night sweats

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Very Common: Myalgia, Arthralgia, Pain in extremity

Common: Pain in jaw, Muscle spasms, Trismus, Muscular weakness

Renal and urinary disorders

Common: Haematuria, Proteinuria, Creatinine renal clearance decreased, Dysuria

Rare/Very Rare: Acute renal failure secondary to dehydration (rare)

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very Common: Pyrexia, Weakness, +Lethargy, Temperature intolerance

Common: Mucosal inflammation, Pain in limb, Pain, Chills, Chest pain, Influenza-like illness, +Fever, Infusion related reaction, Injection site reaction, Infusion site pain, Injection site pain

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Common: Contusion

+ For each term, the frequency count was based on ADRs of all grades. For terms marked with a “+”, the frequency count was based on grade 3-4 ADRs. ADRs are added according to the highest incidence seen in any of the major combination trials.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) (see section 4.4)

For the capecitabine dose of 1250 mg/m² twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks, a frequency of 53% to 60% of all-grades HFS was observed in capecitabine monotherapy trials (comprising studies in adjuvant therapy in colon cancer, treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, and treatment of breast cancer) and a frequency of 63% was observed in the capecitabine/docetaxel arm for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. For the capecitabine dose of 1000 mg/m² twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3weeks, a frequency of 22% to 30% of all-grade HFS was observed in capecitabine combination therapy.

A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with capecitabine monotherapy or capecitabine in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications (colon, colorectal, gastric and breast cancer) showed that HFS (all grades) occurred in 2066 (43%) patients after a median time of 239 [95% CI 201, 288] days after starting treatment with capecitabine. In all studies combined, the following covariates were statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of developing HFS: increasing capecitabine starting dose (gram), decreasing cumulative capecitabine dose (0.1*kg), increasing relative dose intensity in the first six weeks, increasing duration of study treatment (weeks), increasing age (by 10 year increments), female gender, and good ECOG performance status at baseline (0 versus ≥1).

Diarrhoea (see section 4.4)

Capecitabine can induce the occurrence of diarrhoea, which has been observed in up to 50% of patients.

The results of a meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with capecitabine showed that in all studies combined, the following covariates were statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of developing diarrhoea: increasing capecitabine starting dose (gram), increasing duration of study treatment (weeks), increasing age (by 10 year increments), and female gender. The following covariates were statistically significantly associated with a decreased risk of developing diarrhoea: increasing cumulative capecitabine dose (0.1*kg) and increasing relative dose intensity in the first six weeks.

Cardiotoxicity (see section 4.4)

In addition to the ADRs described in tables 4 and 5, the following ADRs with an incidence of less than 0.1% were associated with the use of capecitabine monotherapy based on a pooled analysis from clinical safety data from 7 clinical trials including 949 patients (2 phase III and 5 phase II clinical trials in metastatic colorectal cancer and metastatic breast cancer): cardiomyopathy, cardiac failure, sudden death, and ventricular extrasystoles.

Encephalopathy

In addition to the ADRs described in tables 4 and 5, and based on the above pooled analysis from clinical safety data from 7 clinical trials, encephalopathy was also associated with the use of capecitabine monotherapy with an incidence of less than 0.1%.

Special populations

Elderly patients (see section 4.2)

An analysis of safety data in patients ≥60 years of age treated with capecitabine monotherapy and an analysis of patients treated with capecitabine plus docetaxel combination therapy showed an increase in the incidence of treatment-related grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions and treatment-related serious adverse reactions compared to patients <60 years of age. Patients ≥60 years of age treated with capecitabine plus docetaxel also had more early withdrawals from treatment due to adverse reactions compared to patients <60 years of age.

The results of a meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with capecitabine showed that in all studies combined, increasing age (by 10 year increments) was statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of developing HFS and diarrhoea and with a decreased risk of developing neutropenia.

Gender

The results of a meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with capecitabine showed that in all studies combined, female gender was statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of developing HFS and diarrhoea and with a decreased risk of developing neutropenia.

Patients with renal impairment (see section 4.2, 4.4, and 5.2):

An analysis of safety data in patients treated with capecitabine monotherapy (colorectal cancer) with baseline renal impairment showed an increase in the incidence of treatment-related grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions compared to patients with normal renal function (36% in patients without renal impairment n=268, vs. 41% in mild n=257 and 54% in moderate n=59, respectively) (see section 5.2). Patients with moderately impaired renal function show an increased rate of dose reduction (44%) vs. 33% and 32% in patients with no or mild renal impairment and an increase in early withdrawals from treatment (21% withdrawals during the first two cycles) vs. 5% and 8% in patients with no or mild renal impairment.

Reporting of 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.

Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

© All content on this website, including data entry, data processing, decision support tools, "RxReasoner" logo and graphics, is the intellectual property of RxReasoner and is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of any part of this content without explicit written permission from RxReasoner is strictly prohibited. Any third-party content used on this site is acknowledged and utilized under fair use principles.