NEULASTA 6mg injectible solution medication leaflet

L03AA13 pegfilgrastim • Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents | Immunostimulants | Colony stimulating factors

Pegfilgrastim is a medication used to reduce the risk of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy that causes neutropenia (a decrease in neutrophil count). It is a pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that stimulates the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow.

The medication is administered as a subcutaneous injection, usually once per chemotherapy cycle, as directed by your doctor. It is important to monitor neutrophil counts and report any adverse reactions.

Side effects may include bone pain, fatigue, nausea, or injection site reactions. In rare cases, severe reactions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome or splenic rupture may occur.

Patients should inform their doctor about any other medications being used or pre-existing conditions to ensure the safe use of pegfilgrastim.

General data about NEULASTA 6mg

Substance: pegfilgrastim

Date of last drug list: 01-01-2019

Commercial code: W51563003

Concentration: 6mg

Pharmaceutical form: injectible solution

Quantity: 1

Product type: original

Prescription restrictions: P-RF - Medicines prescription that is retained in the pharmacy (not renewable).

Marketing authorisation

Manufacturer: AMGEN EUROPE BV - OLANDA

Holder: AMGEN EUROPE B.V. - OLANDA

Number: 227/2002/01

Shelf life: 30 months

Concentrations available for pegfilgrastim

10mg/ml, 6mg, 6mg(10mg/ml), 6mg/l

Other substances similar to pegfilgrastim

Contents of the package leaflet for the medicine NEULASTA 6mg injectible solution

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Neulasta 6 mg solution for injection

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each pre-filled syringe contains 6 mg of pegfilgrastim* in 0.6 mL solution for injection. Theconcentration is 10 mg/mL based on protein only**.

* Produced in Escherichia coli cells by recombinant DNA technology followed by conjugation withpolyethylene glycol (PEG).

** The concentration is 20 mg/mL if the PEG moiety is included.

The potency of this product should not be compared to the potency of another pegylated ornon-pegylated protein of the same therapeutic class. For more information, see section 5.1.

Excipients with known effect

Each pre-filled syringe contains 30 mg sorbitol (E420) (see section 4.4).

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Solution for injection (injection).

Clear, colourless solution for injection.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Reduction in the duration of neutropenia and the incidence of febrile neutropenia in adult patientstreated with cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignancy (with the exception of chronic myeloid leukaemiaand myelodysplastic syndromes).

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Neulasta therapy should be initiated and supervised by physicians experienced in oncology and/orhaematology.

Posology

One 6 mg dose (a single pre-filled syringe) of Neulasta is recommended for each chemotherapy cycle,given at least 24 hours after cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Special populations
Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Neulasta in children has not yet been established. Currently available dataare described in sections 4.8, 5.1 and 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.

Patients with renal impairment

No dose change is recommended in patients with renal impairment, including those with end-stagerenal disease.

Method of administration

Neulasta is injected subcutaneously. The injections should be given into the thigh, abdomen or upperarm.

For instructions on handling of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (G-CSFs), the tradename of the administered product should be clearly recorded in the patient file.

Limited clinical data suggest a comparable effect on time to recovery of severe neutropenia forpegfilgrastim to filgrastim in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (see section 5.1).

However, the long-term effects of pegfilgrastim have not been established in AML; therefore, itshould be used with caution in this patient population.

G-CSF can promote growth of myeloid cells in vitro and similar effects may be seen on somenon-myeloid cells in vitro.

The safety and efficacy of pegfilgrastim have not been investigated in patients with myelodysplasticsyndrome, chronic myelogenous leukaemia, and in patients with secondary AML; therefore, it shouldnot be used in such patients. Particular care should be taken to distinguish the diagnosis of blasttransformation of chronic myeloid leukaemia from AML.

The safety and efficacy of pegfilgrastim administration in de novo AML patients aged < 55 years withcytogenetics t(15;17) have not been established.

The safety and efficacy of pegfilgrastim have not been investigated in patients receiving high dosechemotherapy. This medicinal product should not be used to increase the dose of cytotoxicchemotherapy beyond established dosage regimens.

Pulmonary adverse events

Pulmonary adverse reactions, in particular interstitial pneumonia, have been reported after G-CSFadministration. Patients with a recent history of pulmonary infiltrates or pneumonia may be at higherrisk (see section 4.8).

The onset of pulmonary signs such as cough, fever, and dyspnoea in association with radiologicalsigns of pulmonary infiltrates, and deterioration in pulmonary function along with increased neutrophilcount may be preliminary signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In such circumstancespegfilgrastim should be discontinued at the discretion of the physician and the appropriate treatmentgiven (see section 4.8).

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Generally,events of glomerulonephritis resolved after dose reduction or withdrawal of filgrastim andpegfilgrastim. Urinalysis monitoring is recommended.

Capillary leak syndrome

Capillary leak syndrome has been reported after G-CSF administration and is characterised byhypotension, hypoalbuminaemia, oedema and haemoconcentration. Patients who develop symptoms ofcapillary leak syndrome should be closely monitored and receive standard symptomatic treatment,which may include a need for intensive care (see section 4.8).

Splenomegaly and splenic rupture

Generally asymptomatic cases of splenomegaly and cases of splenic rupture, including some fatalcases, have been reported following administration of pegfilgrastim (see section 4.8). Therefore,spleen size should be carefully monitored (e.g. clinical examination, ultrasound). A diagnosis ofsplenic rupture should be considered in patients reporting left upper abdominal pain or shoulder tippain.

Thrombocytopenia and anaemia

Treatment with pegfilgrastim alone does not preclude thrombocytopenia and anaemia because fulldose myelosuppressive chemotherapy is maintained on the prescribed schedule. Regular monitoring ofplatelet count and haematocrit is recommended. Special care should be taken when administeringsingle or combination chemotherapeutic agents which are known to cause severe thrombocytopenia.

Myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia in breast and lung cancer patients

In the post-marketing observational study setting, pegfilgrastim in conjunction with chemotherapyand/or radiotherapy has been associated with development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) andacute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in breast and lung cancer patients (see section 4.8). Monitor breastand lung cancer patients for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML.

Sickle cell anaemia

Sickle cell crises have been associated with the use of pegfilgrastim in patients with sickle cell trait orsickle cell disease (see section 4.8). Therefore, physicians should use caution when prescribingpegfilgrastim in patients with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease, should monitor appropriate clinicalparameters and laboratory status and be attentive to the possible association of this medicine withsplenic enlargement and vaso-occlusive crisis.

Leukocytosis

White blood cell (WBC) counts of 100 × 109/L or greater have been observed in less than 1% ofpatients receiving pegfilgrastim. No adverse events directly attributable to this degree of leukocytosishave been reported. Such elevation in white blood cells is transient, typically seen 24 to 48 hours afteradministration and is consistent with the pharmacodynamic effects of this medicine. Consistent withthe clinical effects and the potential for leukocytosis, a WBC count should be performed at regularintervals during therapy. If leukocyte counts exceed 50 × 109/L after the expected nadir, this medicineshould be discontinued immediately.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity, including anaphylactic reactions, occurring on initial or subsequent treatment havebeen reported in patients treated with pegfilgrastim. Permanently discontinue pegfilgrastim in patientswith clinically significant hypersensitivity. Do not administer pegfilgrastim to patients with a historyof hypersensitivity to pegfilgrastim or filgrastim. If a serious allergic reaction occurs, appropriatetherapy should be administered, with close patient follow-up over several days.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), which can be life-threatening or fatal, has been reported rarely inassociation with pegfilgrastim treatment. If the patient has developed SJS with the use ofpegfilgrastim, treatment with pegfilgrastim must not be restarted in this patient at any time.

Immunogenicity

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity. Rates of generation ofantibodies against pegfilgrastim is generally low. Binding antibodies do occur as expected with allbiologics; however, they have not been associated with neutralising activity at present.

Aortitis

Aortitis has been reported after G-CSF administration in healthy subjects and in cancer patients. Thesymptoms experienced included fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain and increased inflammatorymarkers (e.g. c-reactive protein and white blood cell count). In most cases aortitis was diagnosed by

CT scan and generally resolved after withdrawal of G-CSF. See also section 4.8.

Other warnings

The safety and efficacy of Neulasta for the mobilisation of blood progenitor cells in patients or healthydonors has not been adequately evaluated.

The needle cap of the pre-filled syringe contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which maycause allergic reactions.

Increased haematopoietic activity of the bone marrow in response to growth factor therapy has beenassociated with transient positive bone-imaging findings. This should be considered when interpretingbone-imaging results.

Sorbitol

The additive effect of concomitantly administered products containing sorbitol (or fructose) anddietary intake of sorbitol (or fructose) should be taken into account.

Sodium

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 6 mg dose, that is to say essentially‘sodium-free’.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Due to the potential sensitivity of rapidly dividing myeloid cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy‚pegfilgrastim should be administered at least 24 hours after administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy.

In clinical trials, Neulasta has been safely administered 14 days before chemotherapy. Concomitantuse of Neulasta with any chemotherapy agent has not been evaluated in patients. In animal modelsconcomitant administration of Neulasta and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or other antimetabolites has beenshown to potentiate myelosuppression.

Possible interactions with other haematopoietic growth factors and cytokines have not beenspecifically investigated in clinical trials.

The potential for interaction with lithium, which also promotes the release of neutrophils, has not beenspecifically investigated. There is no evidence that such an interaction would be harmful.

The safety and efficacy of Neulasta have not been evaluated in patients receiving chemotherapyassociated with delayed myelosuppression e.g. nitrosoureas.

Specific interaction or metabolism studies have not been performed, however, clinical trials have notindicated an interaction of Neulasta with any other medicinal products.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of pegfilgrastim in pregnant women. Studies inanimals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Pegfilgrastim is not recommended duringpregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using contraception.

Breast-feeding

There is insufficient information on the excretion of pegfilgrastim/metabolites in human milk, a risk tothe newborns/infants cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinuebreast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from pegfilgrastim therapy taking into account the benefit ofbreast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

Pegfilgrastim did not affect reproductive performance or fertility in male or female rats at cumulativeweekly doses approximately 6 to 9 times higher than the recommended human dose (based on bodysurface area) (see section 5.3).

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Pegfilgrastim has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequently reported adverse reactions were bone pain (very common [≥ 1/10]) andmusculoskeletal pain (common [≥ 1/100 to < 1/10]). Bone pain was generally of mild to moderateseverity, transient and could be controlled in most patients with standard analgesics.

Hypersensitivity-type reactions, including skin rash, urticaria, angioedema, dyspnoea, erythaema,flushing, and hypotension occurred on initial or subsequent treatment with pegfilgrastim (uncommon[≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100]). Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis can occur in patientsreceiving pegfilgrastim (uncommon) (see section 4.4).

Capillary Leak Syndrome, which can be life-threatening if treatment is delayed, has been reported asuncommon (≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy followingadministration of G-CSFs; see section 4.4 and section “Description of selected adverse reactions”below.

Splenomegaly, generally asymptomatic, is uncommon.

Splenic rupture including some fatal cases is uncommonly reported following administration ofpegfilgrastim (see section 4.4).

Uncommon pulmonary adverse reactions including interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary oedema,pulmonary infiltrates and pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. Uncommonly, cases have resulted inrespiratory failure or ARDS, which may be fatal (see section 4.4).

Isolated cases of sickle cell crises have been reported in patients with sickle cell trait or sickle celldisease (uncommon in sickle cell patients) (see section 4.4).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The data in the table below describe adverse reactions reported from clinical trials and spontaneousreporting. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasingseriousness.

MedDRA Adverse reactionssystem organ Very common Common Uncommon Rareclass (≥ 1/10) (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) (≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100) (≥ 1/10 000 to< 1/1 000)

Neoplasms Myelodysplasticbenign, syndrome1malignant and Acute myeloidunspecified (incl leukaemia1cysts andpolyps)

Blood and Thrombocytopenia1 Sickle cell anaemialymphatic Leukocytosis1 with crisis2system disorders Splenomegaly2

Splenic rupture2

Immune system Hypersensitivitydisorders reactions

Anaphylaxis

Metabolism and Elevations in uric acidnutritiondisorders

Nervous system Headache1disorders

Vascular Capillary leak Aortitisdisorders syndrome1

Respiratory, Acute Respiratory Pulmonarythoracic and Distress Syndrome2 haemorrhagemediastinal Pulmonary adversedisorders reactions (interstitialpneumonia, pulmonaryoedema, pulmonaryinfiltrates andpulmonary fibrosis)

Haemoptysis

Gastrointestinal Nausea1disorders

Skin and Sweet’s syndrome Stevens-Johnsonsubcutaneous (acute febrile syndrometissue disorders neutrophilicdermatosis)1,2

Cutaneous vasculitis1,2

Musculoskeletal Bone pain Musculoskeletal painand connective (myalgia, arthralgia,tissue disorders pain in extremity, backpain, musculoskeletalpain, neck pain)

Renal and Glomerulonephritis2urinarydisorders

MedDRA Adverse reactionssystem organ Very common Common Uncommon Rareclass (≥ 1/10) (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) (≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100) (≥ 1/10 000 to< 1/1 000)

General Injection site pain1 Injection site reactions2disorders and Non-cardiac chest painadministrativesite conditions

Investigations Elevations in lactatedehydrogenase andalkaline phosphatase1

Transient elevations in

LFTs for ALT or AST11 See section “Description of selected adverse reactions” below.2 This adverse reaction was identified through post-marketing surveillance but not observed in randomised, controlled clinicaltrials in adults. The frequency category was estimated from a statistical calculation based upon 1 576 patients receiving

Neulasta in nine randomised clinical trials.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Uncommon cases of Sweet’s syndrome have been reported, although in some cases underlyinghaematological malignancies may play a role.

Uncommon events of cutaneous vasculitis have been reported in patients treated with pegfilgrastim.

The mechanism of vasculitis in patients receiving pegfilgrastim is unknown.

Injection site reactions, including injection site erythaema (uncommon) as well as injection site pain(common) have occurred on initial or subsequent treatment with pegfilgrastim.

Common cases of leukocytosis (White Blood Count [WBC] > 100 × 109/L) have been reported (seesection 4.4).

Reversible, mild to moderate elevations in uric acid and alkaline phosphatase, with no associatedclinical effects, were uncommon; reversible, mild to moderate elevations in lactate dehydrogenase,with no associated clinical effects, were uncommon in patients receiving Neulasta following cytotoxicchemotherapy.

Nausea and headaches were very commonly observed in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Uncommon elevations in liver function tests (LFTs) for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartateaminotransferase (AST), have been observed in patients after receiving pegfilgrastim followingcytotoxic chemotherapy. These elevations are transient and return to baseline.

An increased risk of MDS/AML following treatment with Neulasta in conjunction with chemotherapyand/or radiotherapy has been observed in an epidemiological study in breast and lung cancer patients(see section 4.4).

Common cases of thrombocytopenia have been reported.

Cases of capillary leak syndrome have been reported in the post-marketing setting with G-CSF use.

These have generally occurred in patients with advanced malignant diseases, sepsis, taking multiplechemotherapy medications or undergoing apheresis (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

The experience in children is limited. A higher frequency of serious adverse reactions in youngerchildren aged 0-5 years (92%) has been observed compared to older children aged 6-11 and12-21 years respectively (80% and 67%) and adults. The most common adverse reaction reported wasbone pain (see sections 5.1 and 5.2).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. Itallows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcareprofessionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting systemlisted in Appendix V.

4.9 Overdose

Single doses of 300 mcg/kg have been administered subcutaneously to a limited number of healthyvolunteers and patients with non-small cell lung cancer without serious adverse reactions. The adverseevents were similar to those in subjects receiving lower doses of pegfilgrastim.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: immunostimulants, colony stimulating factor; ATC Code: L03AA13

Human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein, which regulates theproduction and release of neutrophils from the bone marrow. Pegfilgrastim is a covalent conjugate ofrecombinant methionyl human G-CSF (r-metHuG-CSF) with a single 20 kd polyethylene glycol(PEG) molecule. Pegfilgrastim is a sustained duration form of filgrastim due to decreased renalclearance. Pegfilgrastim and filgrastim have been shown to have identical modes of action, causing amarked increase in peripheral blood neutrophil counts within 24 hours, with minor increases inmonocytes and/or lymphocytes. Similarly to filgrastim, neutrophils produced in response topegfilgrastim show normal or enhanced function as demonstrated by tests of chemotactic andphagocytic function. As with other haematopoietic growth factors, G-CSF has shown in vitrostimulating properties on human endothelial cells. G-CSF can promote growth of myeloid cells,including malignant cells, in vitro and similar effects may be seen on some non-myeloid cells in vitro.

In two randomised, double-blind, pivotal studies in patients with high-risk stage II-IV breast cancerundergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin and docetaxel, use ofpegfilgrastim, as a single once per cycle dose, reduced the duration of neutropenia and the incidence offebrile neutropenia similarly to that observed with daily administrations of filgrastim (a median of11 daily administrations). In the absence of growth factor support, this regimen has been reported toresult in a mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia of 5 to 7 days, and a 30-40% incidence of febrileneutropenia. In one study (n = 157), which used a 6 mg fixed dose of pegfilgrastim the mean durationof grade 4 neutropenia for the pegfilgrastim group was 1.8 days compared with 1.6 days in thefilgrastim group (difference 0.23 days, 95% CI -0.15, 0.63). Over the entire study, the rate of febrileneutropenia was 13% of pegfilgrastim-treated patients compared with 20% of filgrastim-treatedpatients (difference 7%, 95% CI of -19%, 5%). In a second study (n = 310), which used aweight-adjusted dose (100 mcg/kg), the mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia for the pegfilgrastimgroup was 1.7 days, compared with 1.8 days in the filgrastim group (difference 0.03 days, 95% CI

- 0.36, 0.30). The overall rate of febrile neutropenia was 9% of patients treated with pegfilgrastim and18% of patients treated with filgrastim (difference 9%, 95% CI of -16.8%, -1.1%).

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study in patients with breast cancer the effect of pegfilgrastim onthe incidence of febrile neutropenia was evaluated following administration of a chemotherapyregimen associated with a febrile neutropenia rate of 10-20% (docetaxel 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for4 cycles). Nine hundred and twenty-eight patients were randomised to receive either a single dose ofpegfilgrastim or placebo approximately 24 hours (day 2) after chemotherapy in each cycle. Theincidence of febrile neutropenia was lower for patients randomised to receive pegfilgrastim comparedwith placebo (1% versus 17%, p < 0.001). The incidence of hospitalisations and IV anti-infective useassociated with a clinical diagnosis of febrile neutropenia was lower in the pegfilgrastim groupcompared with placebo (1% versus 14%, p < 0.001; and 2% versus 10%, p < 0.001).

A small (n = 83), phase II, randomised, double-blind study in patients receiving chemotherapy for denovo acute myeloid leukaemia compared pegfilgrastim (single dose of 6 mg) with filgrastim,administered during induction chemotherapy. Median time to recovery from severe neutropenia wasestimated as 22 days in both treatment groups. Long-term outcome was not studied (see section 4.4).

In a phase II (n = 37) multicentre, randomised, open-label study of paediatric sarcoma patientsreceiving 100 mcg/kg pegfilgrastim following cycle 1 of vincristine, doxorubicin andcyclophosphamide (VAdriaC/IE) chemotherapy, a longer duration of severe neutropenia (neutrophils< 0.5 × 109/L) was observed in younger children aged 0-5 years (8.9 days) compared to older childrenaged 6-11 years and 12-21 years (6 days and 3.7 days, respectively) and adults. Additionally a higherincidence of febrile neutropenia was observed in younger children aged 0-5 years (75%) compared toolder children aged 6-11 years and 12-21 years (70% and 33%, respectively) and adults (seesections 4.8 and 5.2).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

After a single subcutaneous dose of pegfilgrastim, the peak serum concentration of pegfilgrastimoccurs at 16 to 120 hours after dosing and serum concentrations of pegfilgrastim are maintained duringthe period of neutropenia after myelosuppressive chemotherapy. The elimination of pegfilgrastim isnon-linear with respect to dose; serum clearance of pegfilgrastim decreases with increasing dose.

Pegfilgrastim appears to be mainly eliminated by neutrophil-mediated clearance, which becomessaturated at higher doses. Consistent with a self-regulating clearance mechanism, the serumconcentration of pegfilgrastim declines rapidly at the onset of neutrophil recovery (see figure 1).

Figure 1. Profile of median pegfilgrastim serum concentration and Absolute Neutrophil Count(ANC) in chemotherapy treated patients after a single 6 mg injection1 000 100

Pegfilgrastim Conc.

ANC0.1 0.10 3 6 9 12 15 18 21

Study Day

GRH0005 v3

Due to the neutrophil-mediated clearance mechanism, the pharmacokinetics of pegfilgrastim is notexpected to be affected by renal or hepatic impairment. In an open-label, single dose study (n = 31)

Median Serum Pegfilgrastim Conc. (ng/ml)

Median Absolute Neutrophil Count (cells × 109/L)various stages of renal impairment, including end-stage renal disease, had no impact on thepharmacokinetics of pegfilgrastim.

Elderly

Limited data indicate that the pharmacokinetics of pegfilgrastim in elderly subjects (> 65 years) issimilar to that in adults.

Paediatric population

The pharmacokinetics of pegfilgrastim were studied in 37 paediatric patients with sarcoma, whoreceived 100 mcg/kg pegfilgrastim after the completion of VAdriaC/IE chemotherapy. The youngestage group (0-5 years) had a higher mean exposure to pegfilgrastim (AUC) (± Standard Deviation)(47.9 ± 22.5 mcg·hr/mL) than older children aged 6-11 years and 12-21 years (22.0 ± 13.1 mcg·hr/mLand 29.3 ± 23.2 mcg·hr/mL, respectively) (see section 5.1). With the exception of the youngest agegroup (0-5 years), the mean AUC in paediatric subjects appeared similar to that for adult patients withhigh-risk stage II-IV breast cancer and receiving 100 mcg/kg pegfilgrastim after the completion ofdoxorubicin/docetaxel (see sections 4.8 and 5.1).

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Preclinical data from conventional studies of repeated dose toxicity revealed the expectedpharmacological effects including increases in leukocyte count, myeloid hyperplasia in bone marrow,extramedullary haematopoiesis and splenic enlargement.

There were no adverse effects observed in offspring from pregnant rats given pegfilgrastimsubcutaneously, but in rabbits pegfilgrastim has been shown to cause embryo/foetal toxicity (embryoloss) at cumulative doses approximately 4 times the recommended human dose, which were not seenwhen pregnant rabbits were exposed to the recommended human dose. In rat studies, it was shown thatpegfilgrastim may cross the placenta. Studies in rats indicated that reproductive performance, fertility,oestrous cycling, days between pairing and coitus, and intrauterine survival were unaffected bypegfilgrastim given subcutaneously. The relevance of these findings for humans is not known.

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Sodium acetate*

Sorbitol (E420)

Polysorbate 20

Water for injections

*Sodium acetate is formed by titrating glacial acetic acid with sodium hydroxide.

6.2 Incompatibilities

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products, particularly with sodiumchloride solutions.

6.3 Shelf life

3 years.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).

Neulasta may be exposed to room temperature (not above 30°C) for a maximum single period of up to72 hours. Neulasta left at room temperature for more than 72 hours should be discarded.

Do not freeze. Accidental exposure to freezing temperatures for a single period of less than 24 hoursdoes not adversely affect the stability of Neulasta.

Keep the pre-filled syringe in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Pre-filled syringe (Type I glass), with a rubber stopper, stainless steel needle and needle cap with orwithout an automatic needle guard.

The needle cap of the pre-filled syringe contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex) (seesection 4.4).

Each pre-filled syringe contains 0.6 mL of solution for injection. Pack size of one pre-filled syringe, ineither blistered or non-blistered packaging.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Before use, Neulasta solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter. Only a solution thatis clear and colourless should be injected.

Excessive shaking may aggregate pegfilgrastim, rendering it biologically inactive.

Allow the pre-filled syringe to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting.

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Amgen Europe B.V.

Minervum 70614817 ZK Breda

The Netherlands

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

EU/1/02/227/001 - 1 pack blistered syringe

EU/1/02/227/002 - 1 pack unblistered syringe

EU/1/02/227/004 - 1 pack blistered syringe with needle guard

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

Date of first authorisation: 22 August 2002

Date of latest renewal: 16 July 2007

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines

Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.