On November 6, 2019 Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), reported that new data for its approved and investigational medicines across a range of blood diseases will be presented at the 61st American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting from December 7–10 in Orlando, Florida (Press release, Genentech, NOV 6, 2019, View Source [SID1234550540]). Ten Genentech medicines will be featured in more than 70 abstracts and 21 oral presentations. These data feature results in 15 blood diseases across numerous molecular targets and combinations, as well as different clinical endpoints that Genentech is exploring.
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"We are proud to present a broad range of data at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) this year, and of the progress and commitment these data represent," said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. "We believe that our science-driven approach to therapeutic development will continue to provide new options for people with aggressive blood cancers and rare blood diseases."
Key data presentations in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
Genentech will present data for two CD20-CD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies in NHL (mosunetuzumab and CD20-TCB), including a Plenary Session discussing the Phase I/Ib GO29781 study results of mosunetuzumab in people with poor prognosis NHL, which includes those who have had prior chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. The Plenary Session highlights the top six abstracts submitted to the meeting, as determined by the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Program Committee. Additionally, Genentech will present new preliminary data evaluating CD20-TCB in combination with other Genentech medicines.
Follow-up data on the pivotal Phase Ib/II GO29365 study, investigating Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq), a first-in-class antibody drug conjugate, in combination with Rituxan (rituximab) and bendamustine in people with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) will also be presented. This study was the basis of Polivy’s accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2019 for people with R/R DLBCL who have received at least two prior therapies, and has been submitted to other health authorities around the world for approval consideration.
Key data presentations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
Additionally, Genentech will be sharing results from three studies of Venclexta (venetoclax) representing chemotherapy-free treatment options for certain people with leukemia. Further long-term follow-up data from the pivotal Phase III MURANO study in CLL will be presented, as well as an updated analysis from the pivotal Phase III CLL14 study with progression-free survival as the primary endpoint and minimal residual disease as a secondary endpoint, confirming the potential of Venclexta as a fixed-duration treatment option. Results of the investigational medicine idasanutlin, an oral MDM2 inhibitor, in combination with Venclexta in elderly patients with R/R AML will be shared. Additionally, new data will be presented for Venclexta as a first-line treatment in MDS, a rare form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. Venclexta is being developed by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
Key data presentations in rare non-malignant blood conditions
Finally, data for rare blood conditions, including hemophilia A and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) will be presented. New analyse from the Phase III HAVEN 3 study of Hemlibra (emicizumab-kxwh) in people with hemophilia A without factor VIII inhibitors will be presented. The analyses include data on the positive effect of Hemlibra on joint health, as well as additional data on the use of on-demand factor VIII replacement therapy to treat breakthrough bleeding in people receiving Hemlibra prophylaxis in the HAVEN 3 study compared to factor VIII prophylaxis in a non-interventional study. Genentech is also sharing Phase I/II data from the COMPOSER study, which assessed the investigational medicine crovalimab in people with PNH, a life-threatening disease where red blood cells are destroyed by the body’s immune system. Crovalimab, a novel humanized anti-C5 monoclonal antibody designed to block the complement system, which plays a key role in PNH, was created by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and is being co-developed by Roche and Genentech.
Key abstracts featuring Genentech medicines that will be presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) can be found in the table below.
Medicine
Abstract title
Abstract number/presentation details
Mosunetuzumab
(investigational)
Mosunetuzumab Induces Complete Remissions in Poor Prognosis Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients, Including Those Who Are Resistant to or Relapsing After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapies, and Is Active in Treatment through Multiple Lines
#6 Oral presentation
(session: plenary scientific session)
Dec. 8, 2019
2:00 – 4:00 PM ET
CD20-TCB
(investigational)
Dual CD20-Targeted Therapy With Concurrent CD20-TCB and Obinutuzumab Shows Highly Promising Clinical Activity and Manageable Safety in Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Preliminary Results From a Phase Ib Trial
#1584 Poster presentation
(session: 626)
Dec. 7, 2019
5:30 – 7:30 PM ET
CD20-TCB, a Novel T-Cell-Engaging Bispecific Antibody, Can be Safely Combined with the Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Atezolizumab in Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
#2871 Poster presentation
(session: 626)
Dec. 8, 2019
6:00 – 8:00 PM ET
Polivy
(approved use; updated study results)
Polatuzumab Vedotin Plus Bendamustine with Rituximab in Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Updated Results of a Phase Ib/II Randomized Study
#4081 Poster presentation
(session: 626)
Dec. 9, 2019
6:00 – 8:00 PM ET
Polivy
(investigational)
Polatuzumab Vedotin Plus Obinutuzumab and Lenalidomide in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma: Primary Analysis of the Full Efficacy Population in a Phase Ib/II Trial
#126 Oral presentation
(session: 623)
Dec. 7, 2019
10:45 AM ET
Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) Treated With Polatuzumab Vedotin Plus Rituximab in the ROMULUS Study
#4767 Poster presentation
(session: 905)
Dec. 9, 2019
6:00 – 8:00 PM ET
Venclexta
(approved use)
Quantitative Analysis of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Shows High Rates of Undetectable MRD after Fixed-Duration Chemotherapy-Free Treatment and Serves As Surrogate Marker for Progression-Free Survival: A Prospective Analysis of the Randomized CLL14 Trial
#36 Oral presentation
(session: 642)
Dec. 7, 2019
8:45 AM ET
Four-Year Analysis of MURANO Study Confirms Sustained Benefit of Time-Limited Venetoclax-Rituximab (VenR) in Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
#355 Oral presentation
(session: 642)
Dec. 8, 2019
7:30 AM ET
Venclexta
(investigational)
A Phase Ib Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Venetoclax in Combination with Azacitidine in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome
#568 Oral presentation
(session: 637)
Dec. 9, 2019
7:45 AM ET
Phase I/II Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Venetoclax in Combination with Dexamethasone as Targeted Therapy for Patients with t(11;14) Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
#926 Oral presentation
(session: 653)
Dec. 9, 2019
6:30 PM ET
Idasanutlin
(investigational)
Updated Results from the Venetoclax (Ven) in Combination with Idasanutlin (Idasa) Arm of a Phase Ib Trial in Elderly Patients (Pts) with Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) AML Ineligible for Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
#229 Oral presentation
(session: 616)
Dec. 7, 2019
2:00 PM ET
Hemlibra
(approved use)
Bone and Joint Health Markers in Persons with Hemophilia A (PwHA) Treated with Emicizumab in HAVEN 3
#626 Oral presentation
(session: 322)
Dec. 9, 2019
10:45 AM ET
Factor VIII Use in the Treatment of Breakthrough Bleeds in Hemophilia A Patients without Inhibitors on Emicizumab Prophylaxis: the Phase III HAVEN 3 Study Experience
#2395 Poster presentation
(session: 322)
Dec. 8, 2019
6:00 – 8:00 PM ET
Crovalimab
(investigational)
Exposure-Response Relationship of the SMART-Ig Anti-hC5 Antibody crovalimab (SKY59): Results from the umbrella Phase I/II COMPOSER Trial in healthy volunteers and PNH patients
#3745 Poster presentation
(session: 508)
Dec. 9, 2019
6:00 – 8:00 PM ET
Polivy U.S. Indication
Polivy is a prescription medicine used with other medicines, bendamustine and a rituximab product, to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in adults who have had at least two prior therapies.
The approval of Polivy is based on a type of response rate. There is an ongoing study to confirm the clinical benefit of Polivy.
Important Safety Information
Possible serious side effects
Everyone reacts differently to Polivy therapy, so it’s important to know what the side effects are. Some people who have been treated with Polivy have experienced serious to fatal side effects. A patient’s doctor may stop or adjust a patient’s treatment if any serious side effects occur. Patients must contact their healthcare team if there are any signs of these side effects.
Infections: Patients should contact their healthcare team, if they experience a fever of 100.4°F or higher, chills, cough, or pain during urination. Also, a patient’s doctor may give medication, which may prevent some infections, before giving Polivy and monitor blood counts throughout treatment with Polivy
Infusion-related reactions: A patient may experience fever, chills, rash, or breathing problems within 24 hours of the infusion
Nerve problems in arms and legs: This may happen as early as after the first dose and may worsen with every dose. If a patient already has nerve pain, Polivy may make it worse. The patient’s doctor will monitor for signs and symptoms, such as numbness and tingling
Rare and serious brain infections: A patient’s doctor will monitor the patient closely for signs and symptoms of these types of infections. Patients should contact their doctor if they experience confusion, dizziness or loss of balance, trouble talking or walking, or vision changes
Tumor lysis syndrome: Caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. Signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy
Potential harm to liver: Some signs include tiredness, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or the white part of the eyes. Patients may be at higher risk if they already have liver problems or are taking other medication
Side effects seen most often
The most common side effects during treatment were
Low blood cell counts (platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells)
Nerve problems in arms and legs
Tiredness or lack of energy
Diarrhea
Nausea
Fever
Decreased appetite
Infections
Polivy may not be for everyone. A patient should talk to their doctor if they are
Pregnant or may be pregnant: Data have shown that Polivy may harm an unborn baby
Planning to become pregnant: Women should avoid getting pregnant while taking Polivy. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after their last Polivy treatment. Men taking Polivy should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after their last Polivy treatment
Breastfeeding: Women should not breastfeed while taking Polivy and for 2 months after the last dose
These may not be all the side effects. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider for more information about the benefits and risks of Polivy treatment.
Report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or View Source Report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
Please visit View Source for the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
Venclexta Indications
Venclexta is a prescription medicine used:
To treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
In combination with azacitidine, or decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine to treat adults with newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who:
‒ Are 75 years of age or older, or
‒ Have other medical conditions that prevent the use of standard chemotherapy.
Venclexta was approved based on response rates. Continued approval for this use may depend on the results of an ongoing study to find out how Venclexta works over a longer period of time.
It is not known if Venclexta is safe and effective in children.
Important Safety Information
Venclexta can cause serious side effects, including:
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause kidney failure, the need for dialysis treatment, and may lead to death. The patient’s doctor will do tests to check their risk of getting TLS before they start taking Venclexta. The patient will receive other medicines before starting and during treatment with Venclexta to help reduce the risk of TLS. The patient may also need to receive intravenous (IV) fluids through their vein.
The patient’s doctor will do blood tests to check for TLS when the patient first starts treatment and during treatment with Venclexta. It is important for patients to keep appointments for blood tests. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they have any symptoms of TLS during treatment with Venclexta, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, seizures, irregular heartbeat, dark or cloudy urine, unusual tiredness, or muscle or joint pain.
Patients should drink plenty of water during treatment with Venclexta to help reduce the risk of getting TLS.
Patients should drink 6 to 8 glasses (about 56 ounces total) of water each day, starting 2 days before the first dose, on the day of the first dose of Venclexta, and each time a dose is increased.
The patient’s doctor may delay, decrease the dose, or stop treatment with Venclexta if the patient has side effects.
Certain medicines must not be taken when the patient first starts taking Venclexta and while the dose is being slowly increased because of the risk of increased tumor lysis syndrome.
Patients must tell their doctor about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Venclexta and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects.
Patients must not start new medicines during treatment with Venclexta without first talking with their doctor.
Before taking Venclexta, patients must tell their doctor about all of their medical conditions, including if they:
Have kidney problems.
Have problems with body salts or electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphorus, or calcium.
Have a history of high uric acid levels in the blood or gout.
Are scheduled to receive a vaccine. The patient should not receive a "live vaccine" before, during, or after treatment with Venclexta, until the patient’s doctor tells them it is okay. If the patient is not sure about the type of immunization or vaccine, the patient should ask their doctor. These vaccines may not be safe or may not work as well during treatment with Venclexta.
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Venclexta may harm an unborn baby. If the patient is able to become pregnant, the patient’s doctor should do a pregnancy test before the patient starts treatment with Venclexta, and the patient should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 30 days after the last dose of Venclexta. If the patient becomes pregnant or thinks they are pregnant, the patient should tell their doctor right away.
Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Venclexta passes into the patient’s breast milk. Patients should not breastfeed during treatment with Venclexta.
What to avoid while taking Venclexta:
Patients should not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit, Seville oranges (often used in marmalades), or starfruit while they are taking Venclexta. These products may increase the amount of Venclexta in the patient’s blood.
Venclexta can cause serious side effects, including:
Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). Low white blood cell counts are common with Venclexta, but can also be severe. The patient’s doctor will do blood tests to check their blood counts during treatment with Venclexta.
Infections. Death and serious infections such as pneumonia and blood infection (sepsis) have happened during treatment with Venclexta. The patient’s doctor will closely monitor and treat the patient right away if they have a fever or any signs of infection during treatment with Venclexta. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they have a fever or any signs of an infection during treatment with Venclexta.
The most common side effects of Venclexta when used in combination with obinutuzumab or rituximab or alone in people with CLL or SLL include low white blood cell counts; low platelet counts; low red blood cell counts; diarrhea; nausea; upper respiratory tract infection; cough; muscle and joint pain; tiredness; and swelling of your arms, legs, hands, and feet.
The most common side effects of Venclexta in combination with azacitidine, or decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine in people with AML include low white blood cell counts; nausea; diarrhea; low platelet counts; constipation; fever with low white blood cell counts; low red blood cell counts; infection in blood; rash; dizziness; low blood pressure; fever; swelling of arms, legs, hands, and feet; vomiting; tiredness; shortness of breath; bleeding; infection in lung; stomach (abdominal) pain; pain in muscles or back; cough; and sore throat.
Venclexta may cause fertility problems in males. This may affect the ability to father a child. Patients should talk to their doctor if they have concerns about fertility.
These are not all the possible side effects of Venclexta. For more information, patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist.
Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or View Source Report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Please visit View Source for the Venclexta full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for additional Important Safety Information.
Gazyva Indications
Gazyva (obinutuzumab) is a prescription medicine used:
With the chemotherapy drug, chlorambucil, to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults who have not had previous CLL treatment.
With the chemotherapy drug, bendamustine, followed by Gazyva alone for follicular lymphoma (FL) in adults who did not respond to a rituximab-containing regimen, or whose FL returned after such treatment.
With chemotherapy, followed by Gazyva alone in those who responded, to treat stage II bulky, III, or IV FL in adults who have not had previous FL treatment.
Important Safety Information
The most important safety information patients should know about Gazyva
Patients must tell their doctor right away about any side effect they experience. Gazyva can cause side effects that can become serious or life threatening, including:
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Hepatitis B can cause liver failure and death. If the patient has a history of hepatitis B infection, Gazyva could cause it to return. Patients should not receive Gazyva if they have active hepatitis B liver disease. The patient’s doctor or healthcare team will need to screen them for hepatitis B before, and monitor the patient for hepatitis during and after, their treatment with Gazyva. Sometimes this will require treatment for hepatitis B. Symptoms of hepatitis include: worsening of fatigue and yellow discoloration of skin or eyes.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is a rare and serious brain infection caused by a virus. PML can be fatal. The patient’s weakened immune system could put them at risk. The patient’s doctor will watch for symptoms. Symptoms of PML include: confusion, difficulty talking or walking, dizziness or loss of balance, and vision problems.
Who should not receive Gazyva:
Patients should NOT receive Gazyva if they have had an allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis or serum sickness) to Gazyva. Patients must tell their healthcare provider if they have had an allergic reaction to obinutuzumab or any other ingredients in Gazyva in the past.
Additional possible serious side effects of Gazyva:
Patients must tell their doctor right away about any side effect they experience. Gazyva can cause side effects that may become severe or life threatening, including:
Infusion Reactions: These side effects may occur during or within 24 hours of any Gazyva infusion. Some infusion reactions can be serious, including, but not limited to, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), acute life-threatening breathing problems, or other life-threatening infusion reactions. If the patient has a reaction, the infusion is either slowed or stopped until their symptoms are resolved. Most patients are able to complete infusions and receive medication again. However, if the infusion reaction is life threatening, the infusion of Gazyva will be permanently stopped. The patient’s healthcare team will take steps to help lessen any side effects the patient may have to the infusion process. The patient may be given medicines to take before each Gazyva treatment. Symptoms of infusion reactions may include: fast heartbeat, tiredness, dizziness, headache, redness of the face, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and chest discomfort.
Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Serum Sickness: Some patients receiving Gazyva may have severe or life-threatening allergic reactions. This reaction may be severe, may happen during or after an infusion, and may affect many areas of the body. If an allergic reaction occurs, the patient’s doctor will stop the infusion and permanently discontinue Gazyva.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Tumor lysis syndrome, including fatal cases, has been reported in patients receiving Gazyva. Gazyva works to break down cancer cells quickly. As cancer cells break apart, their contents are released into the blood. These contents may cause damage to organs and the heart, and may lead to kidney failure requiring the need for dialysis treatment. The patient’s doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent TLS. The patient’s doctor will also conduct regular blood tests to check for TLS. Symptoms of TLS may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.
Infections: While the patient is taking Gazyva, they may develop infections. Some of these infections may be fatal and severe, so the patient should be sure to talk to their doctor if they think they have an infection. Patients administered Gazyva in combination with chemotherapy, followed by Gazyva alone are at a high risk of infections during and after treatment. Patients with a history of recurring or chronic infections may be at an increased risk of infection. Patients with an active infection should not be treated with Gazyva. Patients taking Gazyva plus bendamustine may be at higher risk for fatal or severe infections compared to patients taking Gazyva plus CHOP or CVP.
Low White Blood Cell Count: When the patient has an abnormally low count of infection-fighting white blood cells, it is called neutropenia. While the patient is taking Gazyva, their doctor will do blood work to check their white blood cell count. Severe and life-threatening neutropenia can develop during or after treatment with Gazyva. Some cases of neutropenia can last for more than one month. If the patient’s white blood cell count is low, their doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent infections.
Low Platelet Count: Platelets help stop bleeding or blood loss. Gazyva may reduce the number of platelets the patient has in their blood; having low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. This may affect the clotting process. While the patient is taking Gazyva, their doctor will do blood work to check their platelet count. Severe and life-threatening thrombocytopenia can develop during treatment with Gazyva. Fatal bleeding events have occurred in patients treated with Gazyva. If the patient’s platelet count gets too low, their treatment may be delayed or reduced.
The most common side effects of Gazyva in CLL were infusion reactions, low white blood cell counts, low platelet counts, low red blood cell counts, fever, cough, nausea, and diarrhea.
The safety of Gazyva was evaluated based on 392 patients with relapsed or refractory NHL, including FL (81 percent), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) (a disease for which Gazyva is not indicated), who did not respond to or progressed within 6 months of treatment with rituximab product or a rituximab product-containing regimen. In patients with follicular lymphoma, the profile of side effects that were seen were consistent with the overall population who had NHL. The most common side effects of Gazyva were infusion reactions, low white blood cell counts, nausea, fatigue, cough, diarrhea, constipation, fever, low platelet counts, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased appetite, joint or muscle pain, sinusitis, low red blood cell counts, general weakness, and urinary tract infection.
A randomized, open-label multicenter trial (GALLIUM) evaluated the safety of Gazyva as compared to rituximab product in 1,385 patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma (86 percent) or marginal zone lymphoma (14 percent).The most common side effects of Gazyva were infusion reactions, low white blood cell count, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, constipation and diarrhea.
Before receiving Gazyva, patients should talk to their doctor about:
Immunizations: Before receiving Gazyva therapy, the patient should tell their healthcare provider if they have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. Patients who are treated with Gazyva should not receive live vaccines.
Pregnancy: The patient should tell their doctor if they are pregnant, think that they might be pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Gazyva may harm their unborn baby. The patient should speak to their doctor about using Gazyva while they are pregnant. The patient should talk to their doctor or their child’s doctor about the safety and timing of live virus vaccinations to their infant if they received Gazyva during pregnancy. It is not known if Gazyva may pass into the patient’s breast milk. The patient should speak to their doctor about using Gazyva if they are breastfeeding.
Patients should tell their doctor about any side effects.
These are not all of the possible side effects of Gazyva. For more information, patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist.
Gazyva is available by prescription only.
Report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088, or View Source Report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
Please visit View Source for the Gazyva full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS, for additional Important Safety Information.
Rituxan Indications
Rituxan (rituximab) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with:
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL): alone or with other chemotherapy medicines
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): with the chemotherapy medicines fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
Important Safety Information:
Rituxan can cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including:
Infusion-Related Reactions: Infusion-related reactions are very common side effects of Rituxan treatment. Serious infusion-related reactions can happen during the patient’s infusion or within 24 hours after the patient’s infusion of Rituxan. The patient’s doctor should give the patient medicines before infusion of Rituxan to decrease the chance of having a severe infusion-related reaction.
Patients must tell their doctor or get medical help right away about any of these symptoms during or after an infusion of Rituxan
Hives (red itchy welts) or rash
Itching
Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
Sudden cough
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing
Weakness
Dizziness or feel faint
Palpitations (feel like the heart is racing or fluttering)
Chest pain
Severe Skin and Mouth Reactions: Patients must tell their doctor or get medical help right away about any of these symptoms at any time during treatment with Rituxan:
Painful sores or ulcers on the skin, lips, or in the mouth
Blisters
Peeling skin
Rash
Pustules
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation: Before receiving Rituxan treatment, the patient’s doctor will do blood tests to check for HBV infection. If the patient has had hepatitis B or is a carrier of hepatitis B virus, receiving Rituxan could cause the virus to become an active infection again. Hepatitis B reactivation may cause serious liver problems, including liver failure, and death. The patient’s doctor will monitor for hepatitis B infection during and for several months after the patient stops receiving Rituxan.
Patients must tell their doctor right away about worsening tiredness, or yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes during treatment with Rituxan.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is a rare, serious brain infection caused by a virus that can happen in people who receive Rituxan. People with weakened immune systems can get PML. PML can result in death or severe disability. There is no known treatment, prevention, or cure for PML.
Patients must tell their doctor right away about new or worsening symptoms or if anyone close to the patient notices these symptoms:
Confusion
Dizziness or loss of balance
Difficulty walking or talking
Decreased strength or weakness on one side of the body
Vision problems, such as blurred vision or loss of vision
What should patients tell their doctor before receiving Rituxan?
Before receiving Rituxan, patients should tell their doctor if they:
Have had a severe reaction to Rituxan or a rituximab product
Have a history of heart problems, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
Have lung or kidney problems
Have had an infection, currently have an infection, or have a weakened immune system
Have or have had any severe infections including:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Parvovirus B19
Varicella zoster virus (chickenpox or shingles)
West Nile Virus
Have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive vaccinations. Patients should not receive certain vaccines before or during treatment with Rituxan
Have any other medical conditions
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Patients must talk to their doctor about the risks to the patient’s unborn baby if receiving Rituxan during pregnancy. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Rituxan and for 12 months after the last dose of Rituxan. Patients should talk to their doctor about effective birth control. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they become pregnant or think that they are pregnant during treatment with Rituxan
Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Rituxan passes into the breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose of Rituxan
Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements
What are the possible side effects of Rituxan?
Rituxan can cause serious side effects, including:
Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause the patient to have:
Kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment
Abnormal heart rhythm
TLS can happen within 12 to 24 hours after an infusion of Rituxan. The patient’s doctor may do blood tests to check for TLS. The patient’s doctor may give medicine to help prevent TLS. Patients must tell their doctor right away if they have any of the following signs or symptoms of TLS:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack of energy
Serious Infections: Serious infections can happen during and after treatment with Rituxan, and can lead to death. Rituxan can increase the patient’s risk of getting infections and can lower the ability of the patient’s immune system to fight infections. Types of serious infections that can happen with Rituxan include bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. After receiving Rituxan, some people have developed low levels of certain antibodies in their blood for a long period of time (longer than 11 months). Some of these patients with low antibody levels developed infections. People with serious infections should not receive Rituxan. Patients must tell their doctor right away if they have any symptoms of infection:
Fever
Cold symptoms, such as runny nose or sore throat that do not go away
Flu symptoms, such as cough, tiredness, and body aches
Earache or headache
Pain during urination
Cold sores in the mouth or throat
Cuts, scrapes, or incisions that are red, warm, swollen, or painful
Heart Problems: Rituxan may cause chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and heart attack. The patient’s doctor may monitor the patient’s heart during and after treatment with Rituxan if they have symptoms of heart problems or have a history of heart problems. Patients must tell their doctor right away if they have chest pain or irregular heartbeats during treatment with Rituxan.
Kidney Problems: especially if the patient is receiving Rituxan for NHL. Rituxan can cause severe kidney problems that lead to death. The patient’s doctor should do blood tests to check how well their kidneys are working.
Stomach and Serious Bowel Problems That Can Sometimes Lead to Death: Bowel problems, including blockage or tears in the bowel can happen if the patient receives Rituxan with chemotherapy medicines. Patients must tell their doctor right away if they have any stomach-area (abdomen) pain or repeated vomiting during treatment with Rituxan.
The patient’s doctor will stop treatment with Rituxan if they have severe, serious, or life-threatening side effects.
What are the most common side effects during treatment with Rituxan?
Infusion-related reactions
Infections (may include fever, chills)
Body aches
Tiredness
Nausea
Other side effects include:
Aching joints during or within hours of receiving an infusion
More frequent upper respiratory tract infections
These are not all of the possible side effects with Rituxan.
Please see the Rituxan full Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide, for additional Important Safety Information at View Source
Report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or View Source Report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
Hemlibra U.S. Indication
Hemlibra is a prescription medicine used for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adults and children, ages newborn and older, with hemophilia A with or without factor VIII inhibitors.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information to know about Hemlibra?
Hemlibra increases the potential for blood to clot. Patients should carefully follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding when to use an on-demand bypassing agent or factor VIII, and the dose and schedule to use for breakthrough bleed treatment. Hemlibra may cause the following serious side effects when used with activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC; FEIBA), including:
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). This is a condition involving blood clots and injury to small blood vessels that may cause harm to one’s kidneys, brain, and other organs. Patients should get medical help right away if they have any of the following signs or symptoms during or after treatment with Hemlibra:
confusion
weakness
swelling of arms and legs
yellowing of skin and eyes
stomach (abdomen) or back pain
nausea or vomiting
feeling sick
decreased urination
Blood clots (thrombotic events). Blood clots may form in blood vessels in the arm, leg, lung, or head. Patients should get medical help right away if they have any of these signs or symptoms of blood clots during or after treatment with Hemlibra:
swelling in arms or legs
pain or redness in the arms or legs
shortness of breath
chest pain or tightness
fast heart rate
cough up blood
feel faint
headache
numbness in the face
eye pain or swelling
trouble seeing
If aPCC (FEIBA) is needed, patients should talk to their healthcare provider in case they feel they need more than 100 U/kg of aPCC (FEIBA) total.
Before using Hemlibra, patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they:
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Hemlibra may harm an unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with Hemlibra.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Hemlibra passes into breast milk.
Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Patients should keep a list of them to show their healthcare provider and pharmacist when they get a new medicine.
How should patients use Hemlibra?
Patients should see the detailed "Instructions for Use" that comes with Hemlibra for information on how to prepare and inject a dose of Hemlibra, and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used needles and syringes.
Stop (discontinue) prophylactic use of bypassing agents the day before starting Hemlibra prophylaxis.
Patients may continue prophylactic use of factor VIII for the first week of Hemlibra prophylaxis.
What should patients know about lab monitoring?
Hemlibra may interfere with laboratory tests that measure how well blood is clotting and may cause a false reading. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about how this may affect their care.
The most common side effects of Hemlibra include: redness, tenderness, warmth, or itching at the site of injection; headache; and joint pain.
These are not all of the possible side effects of Hemlibra. Patients should speak to their healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Patients should not use Hemlibra for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Patients should not give Hemlibra to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that they have. It may harm them. Patients can ask their pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Hemlibra that is written for health professionals.
Side effects may be reported to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or View Source Side effects may also be reported to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
Please see the Hemlibra full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for more important safety information including Serious Side Effects.
About Genentech in Hematology
For more than 20 years, Genentech has been developing medicines with the goal to redefine treatment in hematology. Today, we’re investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options to people with diseases of the blood. Genentech now has five approved medicines in our broader hematology portfolio. For more information visit View Source