Cyclophosphamide (Page 2 of 6)

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Cyclophosphamide for injection, USP is a sterile white powder available in

• 500 mg
• 1 g
• 2 g

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Hypersensitivity

  Cyclophosphamide is contraindicated in patients who have a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to it, any of its metabolites, or to other components of the product. Anaphylactic reactions including death have been reported with cyclophosphamide. Possible cross-sensitivity with other alkylating agents can occur.

• Urinary Outflow Obstruction

Cyclophosphamide is contraindicated in patients with urinary outflow obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Myelosuppression, Immunosuppression, Bone Marrow Failure and Infections

Cyclophosphamide can cause myelosuppression (leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia), bone marrow failure, and severe immunosuppression which may lead to serious and sometimes fatal infections, including sepsis and septic shock. Latent infections can be reactivated [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Antimicrobial prophylaxis may be indicated in certain cases of neutropenia at the discretion of the managing physician. In case of neutropenic fever, antibiotic therapy is indicated. Antimycotics and/or antivirals may also be indicated.

Monitoring of complete blood counts is essential during cyclophosphamide treatment so that the dose can be adjusted, if needed. Cyclophosphamide should not be administered to patients with neutrophils ≤1,500/mm³ and platelets < 50,000/mm³. Cyclophosphamide treatment may not be indicated, or should be interrupted, or the dose reduced, in patients who have or who develop a serious infection. G-CSF may be administered to reduce the risks of neutropenia complications associated with cyclophosphamide use. Primary and secondary prophylaxis with G-CSF should be considered in all patients considered to be at increased risk for neutropenia complications. The nadirs of the reduction in leukocyte count and thrombocyte count are usually reached in weeks 1 and 2 of treatment. Peripheral blood cell counts are expected to normalize after approximately 20 days. Bone marrow failure has been reported. Severe myelosuppression may be expected particularly in patients pretreated with and/or receiving concomitant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

5.2 Urinary Tract and Renal Toxicity

Hemorrhagic cystitis, pyelitis, ureteritis, and hematuria have been reported with cyclophosphamide. Medical and/or surgical supportive treatment may be required to treat protracted cases of severe hemorrhagic cystitis. Discontinue cyclophosphamide therapy in case of severe hemorrhagic cystitis. Urotoxicity (bladder ulceration, necrosis, fibrosis, contracture and secondary cancer) may require interruption of cyclophosphamide treatment or cystectomy. Urotoxicity can be fatal. Urotoxicity can occur with short-term or long-term use of cyclophosphamide.

Before starting treatment, exclude or correct any urinary tract obstructions [see Contraindications (4)]. Urinary sediment should be checked regularly for the presence of erythrocytes and other signs of urotoxicity and/or nephrotoxicity. Cyclophosphamide should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active urinary tract infections. Aggressive hydration with forced diuresis and frequent bladder emptying can reduce the frequency and severity of bladder toxicity. Mesna has been used to prevent severe bladder toxicity.

5.3 Cardiotoxicity

Myocarditis, myopericarditis, pericardial effusion including cardiac tamponade, and congestive heart failure, which may be fatal, have been reported with cyclophosphamide therapy.

Supraventricular arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and flutter) and ventricular arrhythmias (including severe QT prolongation associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmia) have been reported after treatment with regimens that included cyclophosphamide.

The risk of cardiotoxicity may be increased with high doses of cyclophosphamide, in patients with advanced age, and in patients with previous radiation treatment to the cardiac region and/or previous or concomitant treatment with other cardiotoxic agents.

Particular caution is necessary in patients with risk factors for cardiotoxicity and in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease.

Monitor patients with risk factors for cardiotoxicity and with pre-existing cardiac disease.

5.4 Pulmonary Toxicity

Pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and other forms of pulmonary toxicity leading to respiratory failure have been reported during and following treatment with cyclophosphamide. Late onset pneumonitis (greater than 6 months after start of cyclophosphamide) appears to be associated with increased mortality. Pneumonitis may develop years after treatment with cyclophosphamide.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity.

5.5 Secondary Malignancies

Cyclophosphamide is genotoxic [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Secondary malignancies (urinary tract cancer, myelodysplasia, acute leukemias, lymphomas, thyroid cancer, and sarcomas) have been reported in patients treated with cyclophosphamide-containing regimens. The risk of bladder cancer may be reduced by prevention of hemorrhagic cystitis.

5.6 Veno-occlusive Liver Disease

Veno-occlusive liver disease (VOD) including fatal outcome has been reported in patients receiving cyclophosphamide-containing regimens. A cytoreductive regimen in preparation for bone marrow transplantation that consists of cyclophosphamide in combination with whole-body irradiation, busulfan, or other agents has been identified as a major risk factor. VOD has also been reported to develop gradually in patients receiving long-term low-dose immunosuppressive doses of cyclophosphamide. Other risk factors predisposing to the development of VOD include preexisting disturbances of hepatic function, previous radiation therapy of the abdomen, and a low performance status.

5.7 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Cyclophosphamide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Exposure to cyclophosphamide during pregnancy may cause birth defects, miscarriage, fetal growth retardation, and fetotoxic effects in the newborn. Cyclophosphamide is teratogenic and embryo-fetal toxic in mice, rats, rabbits and monkeys.

Advise female patients of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant and to use highly effective contraception during treatment and for up to 1 year after completion of therapy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

5.8 Infertility

Male and female reproductive function and fertility may be impaired in patients being treated with cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide interferes with oogenesis and spermatogenesis. It may cause sterility in both sexes. Development of sterility appears to depend on the dose of cyclophosphamide, duration of therapy, and the state of gonadal function at the time of treatment. Cyclophosphamide-induced sterility may be irreversible in some patients. Advise patients on the potential risks for infertility [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4 and 8.6)].

5.9 Impairment of Wound Healing

Cyclophosphamide may interfere with normal wound healing.

5.10 Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia associated with increased total body water, acute water intoxication, and a syndrome resembling SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), which may be fatal, has been reported.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling.

• Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4)]
• Myelosuppression, Immunosuppression, Bone Marrow Failure, and Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Urinary Tract and Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Cardiotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Pulmonary Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Veno-occlusive Liver Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Reproductive System Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4 and 8.6)]
• Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
• Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]