Nilotinib

Chemical formula: C₂₈H₂₂F₃N₇O  Molecular mass: 529.516 g/mol  PubChem compound: 644241

Interactions

Nilotinib interacts in the following cases:

CYP2C9 substrates

In vitro, nilotinib is a relatively strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and UGT1A1, with Ki value being lowest for CYP2C9 (Ki=0.13 microM).

A single-dose drug-drug interaction study in healthy volunteers with 25 mg warfarin, a sensitive CYP2C9 substrate, and 800 mg nilotinib did not result in any changes in warfarin pharmacokinetic parameters or warfarin pharmacodynamics measured as prothrombin time (PT) and international normalised ratio (INR). There are no steady-state data. This study suggests that a clinically meaningful drug-drug interaction between nilotinib and warfarin is less likely up to a dose of 25 mg of warfarin. Due to lack of steady-state data, control of warfarin pharmacodynamic markers (INR or PT) following initiation of nilotinib therapy (at least during the first 2 weeks) is recommended.

CYP3A4 inducers

Nilotinib is mainly metabolised in the liver with CYP3A4 expected to be the main contributor to the oxidative metabolism. Nilotinib is also a substrate for the multi-drug efflux pump, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Therefore, absorption and subsequent elimination of systemically absorbed nilotinib may be influenced by substances that affect CYP3A4 and/or P-gp.

Rifampicin, a potent CYP3A4 inducer, decreases nilotinib Cmax by 64% and reduces nilotinib AUC by 80%. Rifampicin and nilotinib should not be used concomitantly.

The concomitant administration of other medicinal products that induce CYP3A4 (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital and St. John’s Wort) is likewise likely to reduce exposure to nilotinib to a clinically relevant extent. In patients for whom CYP3A4 inducers are indicated, alternative agents with less enzyme induction potential should be selected.

CYP3A4 substrates

In vitro, nilotinib is a relatively strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and UGT1A1, with Ki value being lowest for CYP2C9 (Ki=0.13 microM).

In CML patients, nilotinib administered at 400 mg twice daily for 12 days increased the systemic exposure (AUC and Cmax) of oral midazolam (a substrate of CYP3A4) 2.6-fold and 2.0-fold, respectively. Nilotinib is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. As a result, the systemic exposure of other medicinal products primarily metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g. certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) may be increased when co-administered with nilotinib. Appropriate monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary for medicinal products that are CYP3A4 substrates and have a narrow therapeutic index (including but not limited to alfentanil, cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, sirolimus and tacrolimus) when co-administered with nilotinib.

Hepatic impairment

Hepatic impairment has a modest effect on the pharmacokinetics of nilotinib. Single dose administration of 200 mg of nilotinib resulted in increases in AUC of 35%, 35% and 19% in subjects with mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively, compared to a control group of subjects with normal hepatic function. The predicted steady-state Cmax of nilotinib showed an increase of 29%, 18% and 22%, respectively. Clinical studies have excluded patients with alanine transaminase (ALT) and/or aspartate transaminase (AST) >2.5 (or >5, if related to disease) times the upper limit of the normal range and/or total bilirubin >1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range. Metabolism of nilotinib is mainly hepatic. Patients with hepatic impairment might therefore have increased exposure to nilotinib and should be treated with caution.

For Grade 3-4 bilirubin and hepatic transaminase elevations in adult patients, doses should be reduced to 400 mg once daily or interrupted. For Grade ≥2 bilirubin elevations or Grade ≥3 hepatic transaminase elevations in paediatric patients, treatment must be interrupted until the levels return to Grade ≤1. Thereafter, if the prior dose was 230 mg/m² twice daily, treatment can be resumed at 230 mg/m² once daily. If the prior dose was 230 mg/m² once daily, and recovery to Grade ≤1 takes longer than 28 days, treatment should be discontinued. Bilirubin and hepatic transaminases levels should be tested monthly or as clinically indicated.

P-gp inhibitors, P-gp inducers

Nilotinib is mainly metabolised in the liver with CYP3A4 expected to be the main contributor to the oxidative metabolism. Nilotinib is also a substrate for the multi-drug efflux pump, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Therefore, absorption and subsequent elimination of systemically absorbed nilotinib may be influenced by substances that affect CYP3A4 and/or P-gp.

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors

Nilotinib is mainly metabolised in the liver with CYP3A4 expected to be the main contributor to the oxidative metabolism. Nilotinib is also a substrate for the multi-drug efflux pump, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Therefore, absorption and subsequent elimination of systemically absorbed nilotinib may be influenced by substances that affect CYP3A4 and/or P-gp.

The exposure to nilotinib in healthy subjects was increased 3-fold when co-administered with the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole. Concomitant treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, and telithromycin, should therefore be avoided. Increased exposure to nilotinib might also be expected with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Alternative concomitant medicinal products with no or minimal CYP3A4 inhibition should be considered.

Antacids

Nilotinib has pH dependent solubility, with lower solubility at higher pH. In healthy subjects receiving esomeprazole at 40 mg once daily for 5 days, gastric pH was markedly increased, but nilotinib absorption was only decreased modestly (27% decrease in Cmax and 34% decrease in AUC0-∞). Nilotinib may be used concurrently with esomeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors as needed.

In a healthy subjects study, no significant change in nilotinib pharmacokinetics was observed when a single 400 mg dose of nilotinib was administered 10 hours after and 2 hours before famotidine. Therefore, when the concurrent use of a H2 blocker is necessary, it may be administered approximately 10 hours before and approximately 2 hours after the dose of nilotinib.

In the same study as above, administration of an antacid (aluminium hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) 2 hours before or after a single 400 mg dose of nilotinib also did not alter nilotinib pharmacokinetics. Therefore, if necessary, an antacid may be administered approximately 2 hours before or approximately 2 hours after the dose of nilotinib.

Imatinib

Nilotinib is mainly metabolised in the liver with CYP3A4 expected to be the main contributor to the oxidative metabolism. Nilotinib is also a substrate for the multi-drug efflux pump, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Therefore, absorption and subsequent elimination of systemically absorbed nilotinib may be influenced by substances that affect CYP3A4 and/or P-gp.

Concomitant administration of nilotinib with imatinib (a substrate and moderator of P-gp and CYP3A4), had a slight inhibitory effect on CYP3A4 and/or P-gp. The AUC of imatinib was increased by 18% to 39%, and the AUC of nilotinib was increased by 18% to 40%. These changes are unlikely to be clinically important.

Prolongation of the QT interval, drugs that prolong QT interval, cardiac disease, bradycardia

Nilotinib should be used with caution in patients who have or may develop prolongation of the QT interval, including those patients taking anti-arrhythmic medicinal products such as amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine and sotalol or other medicinal products that may lead to QT prolongation such as chloroquine, halofantrine, clarithromycin, haloperidol, methadone and moxifloxacin.

Nilotinib has been shown to prolong cardiac ventricular repolarisation as measured by the QT interval on the surface ECG in a concentration-dependent manner in adult and paediatric patients.

In the Phase III study in patients with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase receiving 300 mg nilotinib twice daily, the change from baseline in mean time-averaged QTcF interval at steady state was 6 msec. No patient had a QTcF >480 msec. No episodes of torsade de pointes were observed.

In the Phase II study in imatinib-resistant and intolerant CML patients in chronic and accelerated phase receiving 400 mg nilotinib twice daily, the change from baseline in mean time-averaged QTcF interval at steady state was 5 and 8 msec, respectively. QTcF of >500 msec was observed in <1% of these patients. No episodes of torsade de pointes were observed in clinical studies.

In a healthy volunteer study with exposures that were comparable to the exposures observed in patients, the time-averaged mean placebo-subtracted QTcF change from baseline was 7 msec (CI ± 4 msec). No subject had a QTcF >450 msec. Additionally, no clinically relevant arrhythmias were observed during the conduct of the trial. In particular, no episodes of torsade de pointes (transient or sustained) were observed.

Significant prolongation of the QT interval may occur when nilotinib is inappropriately taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and/or medicinal products with a known potential to prolong the QT interval, and/or food. The presence of hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia may further enhance this effect. Prolongation of the QT interval may expose patients to the risk of fatal outcome.

Nilotinib should be used with caution in patients who have or who are at significant risk of developing prolongation of QTc, such as those:

  • with congenital long QT prolongation
  • with uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease including recent myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, unstable angina or clinically significant bradycardia.
  • taking anti-arrhythmic medicinal products or other substances that lead to QT prolongation.

Close monitoring for an effect on the QTc interval is advisable and a baseline ECG is recommended prior to initiating nilotinib therapy and as clinically indicated. Hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia must be corrected prior to nilotinib administration and should be monitored periodically during therapy.

Total gastrectomy

The bioavailability of nilotinib might be reduced in patients with total gastrectomy. More frequent follow-up of these patients should be considered.

Tumour lysis syndrome

Due to possible occurrence of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) correction of clinically significant dehydration and treatment of high uric acid levels are recommended prior to initiating nilotinib therapy.

Pregnancy

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of nilotinib in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. Nilotinib should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment with nilotinib. If it is used during pregnancy, the patient must be informed of the potential risk to the foetus.

If a woman who is being treated with nilotinib is considering pregnancy, treatment discontinuation may be considered based on the eligibility criteria for discontinuing treatment. There is a limited amount of data on pregnancies in patients while attempting treatment-free remission (TFR). If pregnancy is planned during the TFR phase, the patient must be informed of a potential need to re-initiate nilotinib treatment during pregnancy.

Nursing mothers

It is unknown whether nilotinib is excreted in human milk. Available toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of nilotinib in milk. Since a risk to the newborns/infants cannot be excluded, women should not breast-feed during nilotinib treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and fertility

Women of childbearing potential/Contraception

Women of childbearing potential have to use highly effective contraception during treatment with nilotinib and for up to two weeks after ending treatment.

Fertility

Animal studies did not show an effect on fertility in male and female rats.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Nilotinib has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, it is recommended that patients experiencing dizziness, fatigue, visual impairment or other undesirable effects with a potential impact on the ability to drive or use machines safely should refrain from these activities as long as the undesirable effects persist.

Adverse reactions


Summary of the safety profile

The data described below reflect exposure to nilotinib in a total of 737 adult patients from a randomised Phase III study in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase treated at the recommended dose of 300 mg twice daily (n=279) and from an open-label multicentre Phase II study in adult patients with imatinib-resistant or intolerant CML in chronic phase (n=321) and accelerated phase (n=137) treated at the recommended dose of 400 mg twice daily. Safety information from two nilotinib treatment discontinuation studies is also provided.

In adult patients with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase

The median duration of exposure was 60.5 months (range 0.1-70.8 months).

The most frequent (≥10%) non-haematological adverse reactions were rash, pruritus, headache, nausea, fatigue, alopecia, myalgia and upper abdominal pain. Most of these adverse reactions were mild to moderate in severity. Constipation, dry skin, asthenia, muscle spasms, diarrhoea, arthralgia, abdominal pain, vomiting and peripheral oedema were observed less commonly (<10% and ≥5%) were of mild to moderate severity, manageable and generally did not require dose reduction.

Treatment-emergent haematological toxicities include myelosuppression: thrombocytopenia (18%), neutropenia (15%) and anaemia (8%). Biochemical adverse drug reactions include alanine aminotransferase increased (24%), hyperbilirubinaemia (16%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (12%), lipase increased (11%), blood bilirubin increased (10%), hyperglycaemia (4%), hypercholesterolaemia (3%) and hypertriglyceridaemia (<1%). Pleural and pericardial effusions, regardless of causality, occurred in 2% and <1% of patients, respectively, receiving nilotinib 300 mg twice daily. Gastrointestinal haemorrhage, regardless of causality, was reported in 3% of these patients.

The change from baseline in mean time-averaged QTcF interval at steady state was 6 msec. No patient had an absolute QTcF >500 msec while on the study medicinal product. QTcF increase from baseline exceeding 60 msec was observed in <1% of patients while on the study medicinal product. No sudden deaths or episodes of torsade de pointes (transient or sustained) were observed. No decrease from baseline in mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was observed at any time during treatment. No patient had a LVEF of <45% during treatment nor an absolute reduction in LVEF of more than 15%.

Discontinuation due to adverse drug reactions was observed in 10% of patients.

In adult patients with imatinib-resistant or intolerant CML in chronic phase and accelerated phase

The data described below reflect exposure to nilotinib in 458 adult patients in an open-label multicentre Phase II study in patients with imatinib-resistant or intolerant CML in chronic phase (n=321) and accelerated phase (n=137) treated at the recommended dose of 400 mg twice daily.

The most frequent (≥10%) non-haematological drug-related adverse events were rash, pruritus, nausea, fatigue, headache, vomiting, myalgia, constipation and diarrhoea. Most of these adverse events were mild to moderate in severity. Alopecia, muscle spasms, decreased appetite, arthralgia, abdominal pain, bone pain, peripheral oedema, asthenia, upper abdominal pain, dry skin, erythema and pain in extremity were observed less commonly (<10% and ≥5%) and have been of mild to moderate severity (Grade 1 or 2). Discontinuation due to adverse drug reactions was observed in 16% of chronic phase and 10% of accelerated phase patients.

Treatment-emergent haematological toxicities include myelosuppression: thrombocytopenia (31%), neutropenia (17%) and anaemia (14%). Pleural and pericardial effusions as well as complications of fluid retention occurred in <1% of patients receiving nilotinib. Cardiac failure was observed in <1% of patients. Gastrointestinal and CNS haemorrhage were reported in 1% and <1% of patients, respectively.

QTcF exceeding 500 msec was observed in <1% of patients. No episodes of torsade de pointes (transient or sustained) were observed.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The adverse reactions are ranked under heading of frequency using the following convention: 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), very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Most frequently reported adverse reactions in nilotinib clinical studies

Non-haematological adverse reactions (excluding laboratory abnormalities) that are reported in at least 5% of the adult patients in nilotinib clinical studies that serve as the basis for the approved indications are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Non-haematological adverse reactions (≥5% of all patients)*:

 Newly diagnosed CML-CP 300 mg twice daily n=279Imatinib-resistant or intolerant CML-CP and CML-AP 400 mg twice daily n=458
60-month analysis 24-month analysis
System organ class/ Adverse reactionFrequency All gradesGrade 3-4Frequency All gradesGrade 3-4CML-CP n=321 Grade 3-4CML-AP n=137 Grade 3-4
 % %  % % % %
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite** Common 4 0 Common 8 <1 <1 0
Nervous system disorders
Headache Very common16 2 Very common15 1 2 <1
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea Very common14 <1 Very common20 <1 <1 <1
Constipation Common 10 0 Very common12 <1 <1 0
Diarrhoea Common 9 <1 Very common11 2 2 <1
Vomiting Common 6 0 Very common 10 <1 <1 0
Upper abdominal painVery common10 1 Common 5 <1 <1 0
Abdominal pain Common 6 0 Common 6 <1 <1 <1
Dyspepsia Common 5 0 Common 3 0 0 0
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash Very common33 <1 Very common28 1 2 0
Pruritus Very common18 <1 Very common24 <1 <1 0
Alopecia Very common10 0 Common 9 0 0 0
Dry skin Common 10 0 Common 5 0 0 0
Erythema Common 3 0 Common 5 <1 <1 0
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia Very common10 <1 Very common10 <1<1<1
Muscle spasms Common 9 0 Common 8 <1 <1 0
Arthralgia Common 8 <1 Common 7 <1 <1 0
Bone pain Common 4 0 Common 6 <1<1 0
Pain in extremity Common 5<1 Common 5<1<1<1
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue Very common12 0 Very common17 1 1<1
Asthenia Common 9<1 Common60 0 0
Oedema peripheral Συχνές 5<1 Common 6 0 0 0

* Percentages are rounded to integer for presentation in this table. However, percentages with one decimal precision are used to identify terms with a frequency of at least 5% and to classify terms according to frequency categories.
** Also includes preferred term anorexia.

Adverse reactions that were reported in adult patients in the nilotinib clinical studies which serve as a basis for the approved indications at a frequency of less than 5% are shown in the following list. For laboratory abnormalities, very common adverse reactions not included in Table 1 are also reported. These adverse reactions are included based on clinical relevance.

Adverse reactions in adult patients in nilotinib clinical studies (<5% of all patients):

Infections and infestations

Common: Folliculitis, upper respiratory tract infection (including pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis, rhinitis)

Uncommon: Pneumonia, urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, bronchitis, herpes virus infection, candidiasis (including oral candidiasis)

Not known: Sepsis, subcutaneous abscess, anal abscess, furuncle, tinea pedis, hepatitis B reactivation

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)

Common: Skin papilloma

Not known: Oral papilloma, paraproteinaemia

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common: Leukopenia, eosinophilia, febrile neutropenia, pancytopenia, lymphopenia

Uncommon: Thrombocythaemia, leukocytosis

Immune system disorders

Not known: Hypersensitivity

Endocrine disorders

Uncommon: Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism

Not known: Hyperparathyroidism secondary, thyroiditis

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common: Hypophosphataemia (including blood phosphorus decreased)

Common: Electrolyte imbalance (including hypomagnesaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, hypocalcaemia, hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia), diabetes mellitus, hyperglycaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia

Uncommon: Dehydration, increased appetite, gout, dyslipidaemia

Not known: Hyperuricaemia, hypoglycaemia

Psychiatric disorders

Common: Depression, insomnia, anxiety

Not known: Disorientation, confusional state, amnesia, dysphoria

Nervous system disorders

Common: Dizziness, peripheral neuropathy, hypoaesthesia, paraesthesia

Uncommon: Intracranial haemorrhage, ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, cerebral infarction, migraine, loss of consciousness (including syncope), tremor, disturbance in attention, hyperaesthesia

Not known: Cerebrovascular accident, brain oedema, optic neuritis, lethargy, dysaesthesia, restless legs syndrome

Eye disorders

Common: Eye haemorrhage, periorbital oedema, eye pruritus, conjunctivitis, dry eye (including xerophthalmia)

Uncommon: Visual impairment, vision blurred, conjunctival haemorrhage, visual acuity reduced, eyelid oedema, photopsia, hyperaemia (scleral, conjunctival, ocular), eye irritation

Not known: Papilloedema, chorioretinopathy, diplopia, photophobia, eye swelling, blepharitis, eye pain, conjunctivitis allergic, ocular surface disease

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Common: Vertigo

Not known: Hearing impaired, ear pain, tinnitus

Cardiac disorders

Common: Angina pectoris, arrhythmia (including atroventricular block, cardiac flutter, extrasystoles, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia), palpitations, electrocardiogram QT prolonged

Uncommon: Cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, cardiac murmur, pericardial effusion, cyanosis

Not known: Ventricular dysfunction, pericarditis, ejection fraction decreased

Vascular disorders

Common: Hypertension, flushing, peripheral artery stenosis

Uncommon: Hypertensive crisis, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, intermittent
claudication, arterial stenosis limb, haematoma, arteriosclerosis

Not known: Shock haemorrhagic, hypotension, thrombosis

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common: Dyspnoea, dyspnoea exertional, epistaxis, cough, dysphonia

Uncommon: Pulmonary oedema, pleural effusion, interstitial lung disease, pleuritic pain, pleurisy, pharyngolaryngeal pain, throat irritation

Not known: Pulmonary hypertension, wheezing, oropharyngeal pain

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common: Pancreatitis, abdominal discomfort, abdominal distension, dysgeusia,
flatulence

Uncommon: Gastrointestinal haemorrhage, melaena, mouth ulceration, gastroesophageal reflux, stomatitis, oesophageal pain, dry mouth, gastritis, sensitivity of teeth

Not known: Gastrointestinal ulcer perforation, retroperitoneal haemorrhage, haematemesis, gastric ulcer, oesophagitis ulcerative, subileus, enterocolitis, haemorrhoids, hiatus hernia, rectal haemorrhage, gingivitis

Hepatobiliary disorders

Very common: Hyperbilirubinaemia (including blood bilirubin increased)

Common: Hepatic function abnormal

Uncommon: Hepatotoxicity, toxic hepatitis, jaundice

Not known: Cholestasis, hepatomegaly

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common: Night sweats, eczema, urticaria, hyperhidrosis, contusion, acne, dermatitis (including allergic, exfoliative and acneiform)

Uncommon: Exfoliative rash, drug eruption, skin pain, ecchymosis, swelling face

Not known: Erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, skin ulcer, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome, petechiae, photosensitivity, blister, dermal cysts, sebaceous hyperplasia, skin atrophy, skin discolouration, skin exfoliation, skin hyperpigmentation, skin hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis, psoriasis

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Common: Musculoskeletal chest pain, musculoskeletal pain, back pain, flank pain, neck pain, muscular weakness

Uncommon: Musculoskeletal stiffness, joint swelling

Not known: Arthritis

Renal and urinary disorders

Common: Pollakiuria

Uncommon: Dysuria, micturition urgency, nocturia

Not known: Renal failure, haematuria, urinary incontinence, chromaturia

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Uncommon: Breast pain, gynaecomastia, erectile dysfunction

Not known: Breast induration, menorrhagia, nipple swelling

General disorders and administration site conditions

Common: Chest pain (including non-cardiac chest pain), pain, pyrexia, chest discomfort, malaise

Uncommon: Face oedema, gravitational oedema, influenza-like illness, chills, feeling body temperature change (including feeling hot, feeling cold)

Not known: Localised oedema

Investigations

Very common: Alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, lipase increased, lipoprotein cholesterol (including low density and high density) increased, total cholesterol increased, blood triglycerides increased

Common: Haemoglobin decreased, blood amylase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, blood creatinine phosphokinase increased, weight decreased, weight increased, blood insulin increased, globulins decreased

Uncommon: Blood lactate dehydrogenase increased, blood glucose decreased, blood urea increased

Not known: Troponin increased, blood bilirubin unconjugated increased, blood insulin decreased, insulin C-peptide decreased, blood parathyroid hormone increased

Clinically relevant or severe abnormalities of routine haematological or biochemistry laboratory values in adult patients are presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities*:

 Newly diagnosed CML-CP 300 mg twice dailyImatinib-resistant or intolerant CML-CP and CML-AP 400 mg twice daily
n=279 (%) CML-CP n=321 (%) CML-AP n=137 (%)
Haematological parameters
Myelosuppression   
Neutropenia 12 31 42
Thrombocytopenia 10 30 42
Anaemia 4 11 27
Biochemistry parameters
Elevated creatinine 0 1<1
Elevated lipase 9 18 18
Elevated SGOT (AST) 1 3 2
Elevated SGPT (ALT) 4 4 4
Hypophosphataemia 8 17 15
Elevated bilirubin (total) 4 7 9
Elevated glucose 7 12 6
Elevated cholesterol (total) 0 ** **
Elevated triglycerides 0 ** **

* Percentages with one decimal precision are used and rounded to integer for presentation in this table.
** Parameters not collected.

Treatment discontinuation in adult Ph+ CML patients in chronic phase who have achieved a sustained deep molecular response

After discontinuation of nilotinib therapy within the framework of attempting TFR, patients may experience musculoskeletal symptoms more frequently than before treatment discontinuation, e.g., myalgia, pain in extremity, arthralgia, bone pain, spinal pain or musculoskeletal pain.

In a Phase II clinical study with newly diagnosed adult patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase (N=190), musculoskeletal symptoms were reported within a year of nilotinib discontinuation in 24.7% versus 16.3% within the previous year on nilotinib treatment.

In a Phase II clinical study with adult patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase on nilotinib treatment and previously treated with imatinib (N=126), musculoskeletal symptoms were reported within a year of discontinuation in 42.1% versus 14.3% within the previous year on nilotinib treatment.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Sudden death

Uncommon cases (0.1 to 1%) of sudden deaths have been reported in nilotinib clinical trials and/or compassionate use programs in patients with imatinib-resistant or intolerant CML in chronic phase or accelerated phase with a past medical history of cardiac disease or significant cardiac risk factors.

Hepatitis B reactivation

Hepatitis B reactivation has been reported in association with BCR-ABL TKIs. Some cases resulted in acute hepatic failure or fulminant hepatitis leading to liver transplantation or a fatal outcome.

Post-marketing experience

The following adverse reactions have been derived from post – marketing experience with nilotinib via spontaneous case reports, literature cases, expanded access programmes, and clinical studies other than the global registration trials. Since these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to nilotinib exposure.

Frequency very common: Growth retardation has been documented in paediatric patients treated with nilotinib.

Frequency rare: Cases of tumour lysis syndrome have been reported in patients treated with nilotinib.

Paediatric population

The safety of nilotinib in paediatric patients (from 2 to <18 years of age) with Philadelphia chromosome positive CML in chronic phase (n=69) has been investigated in two studies. In paediatric patients, the frequency, type and severity of adverse reactions observed have been generally consistent with those observed in adults, with the exception of the laboratory abnormalities hyperbilirubinaemia (Grade 3/4: 13.0%) and transaminase elevation (AST Grade 3/4: 1.4%, ALT Grade 3/4: 8.7%) which were reported at a higher frequency than in adult patients. Bilirubin and hepatic transaminase levels should be monitored during treatment.

Growth retardation in paediatric population

In an interim analysis in a study in the CML paediatric population, with a median exposure of 33 months in each cohort (newly diagnosed and resistant or intolerant Ph+ CML-CP), growth retardation (crossing two main percentile lines from baseline) has been documented in 12.1%. Close monitoring of growth in paediatric patients under nilotinib treatment is recommended.

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