Contents of the package leaflet for the medicine TEMOMEDAC 100mg capsules
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Temomedac 5 mg hard capsules
Temomedac 20 mg hard capsules
Temomedac 100 mg hard capsules
Temomedac 140 mg hard capsules
Temomedac 180 mg hard capsules
Temomedac 250 mg hard capsules
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Temomedac 5 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 5 mg temozolomide.
Temomedac 20 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 20 mg temozolomide.
Temomedac 100 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 100 mg temozolomide.
Temomedac 140 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 140 mg temozolomide.
Temomedac 180 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 180 mg temozolomide.
Temomedac 250 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 250 mg temozolomide.
Excipient with known effectTemomedac 5 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 87 mg of anhydrous lactose.
Temomedac 20 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 72 mg of anhydrous lactose and sunset yellow FCF (E110).
Temomedac 100 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 84 mg of anhydrous lactose.
Temomedac 140 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 117 mg of anhydrous lactose.
Temomedac 180 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 150 mg of anhydrous lactose.
Temomedac 250 mg hard capsules
Each hard capsule contains 209 mg of anhydrous lactose.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Hard capsule (capsule).
Temomedac 5 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules (length approx. 16 mm) have a white opaque body and cap with two stripes in greenink on the cap and with “T 5 mg” in green ink on the body.
Temomedac 20 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules (length approx. 18 mm) have a white opaque body and cap with two stripes inorange ink on the cap and with “T 20 mg” in orange ink on the body.
Temomedac 100 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules (length approx. 20 mm) have a white opaque body and cap with two stripes in pinkink on the cap and with “T 100 mg” in pink ink on the body.
Temomedac 140 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules (length approx. 22 mm) have a white body and cap with two stripes in blue ink onthe cap and with “T 140 mg” in blue ink on the body.
Temomedac 180 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules (length approx. 22 mm) have a white opaque body and cap with two stripes in redink on the cap and with “T 180 mg” in red ink on the body.
Temomedac 250 mg hard capsules
The hard capsules (length approx. 22 mm) have a white opaque body and cap with two stripes in blackink on the cap and with “T 250 mg” in black ink on the body.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Temomedac is indicated for the treatment of:
- adult patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme concomitantly with radiotherapy(RT) and subsequently as monotherapy treatment.
- children from the age of three years, adolescents and adult patients with malignant glioma, suchas glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma, showing recurrence or progression afterstandard therapy.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Temomedac should only be prescribed by physicians experienced in the oncological treatment of braintumours.
Anti-emetic therapy may be administered (see section 4.4).
PosologyAdult patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme
Temomedac is administered in combination with focal radiotherapy (concomitant phase) followed byup to 6 cycles of temozolomide (TMZ) monotherapy (monotherapy phase).
Concomitant phase
TMZ is administered orally at a dose of 75 mg/m² daily for 42 days concomitant with focalradiotherapy (60 Gy administered in 30 fractions). No dose reductions are recommended, but delay ordiscontinuation of TMZ administration should be decided weekly according to haematological andnon-haematological toxicity criteria. TMZ administration can be continued throughout the 42 dayconcomitant period (up to 49 days) if all of the following conditions are met:
- absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1.5 x 109/l
- thrombocyte count ≥ 100 x 109/l
- common toxicity criteria (CTC) non-haematological toxicity ≤ Grade 1 (except for alopecia,nausea and vomiting).
During treatment a complete blood count should be obtained weekly. TMZ administration should betemporarily interrupted or permanently discontinued during the concomitant phase according to thehaematological and non-haematological toxicity criteria as noted in Table 1.
Table 1. TMZ dosing interruption or discontinuation duringconcomitant radiotherapy and TMZ
Toxicity TMZ interruptiona TMZ discontinuation
Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 0.5 and < 1.5 x 109/l < 0.5 x 109/l
Thrombocyte count ≥ 10 and < 100 x 109/l < 10 x 109/l
CTC non-haematological toxicity (except CTC Grade 2 CTC Grade 3 or 4for alopecia, nausea, vomiting)a: Treatment with concomitant TMZ can be continued when all of the following conditions are met: absolute neutrophilcount ≥ 1.5 x 109/l; thrombocyte count ≥ 100 x 109/l; CTC non-haematological toxicity ≤ Grade 1 (except for alopecia,nausea, vomiting).
Monotherapy phase
Four weeks after completing the TMZ + RT concomitant phase, TMZ is administered for up to6 cycles of monotherapy treatment. Dose in Cycle 1 (monotherapy) is 150 mg/m² once daily for 5 daysfollowed by 23 days without treatment. At the start of Cycle 2, the dose is escalated to 200 mg/m² ifthe CTC non-haematological toxicity for Cycle 1 is Grade ≤ 2 (except for alopecia, nausea andvomiting), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is ≥ 1.5 x 109/l, and the thrombocyte count is≥ 100 x 109/l. If the dose was not escalated at Cycle 2, escalation should not be done in subsequentcycles. Once escalated, the dose remains at 200 mg/m² per day for the first 5 days of each subsequentcycle except if toxicity occurs. Dose reductions and discontinuations during the monotherapy phaseshould be applied according to Tables 2 and 3.
During treatment a complete blood count should be obtained on Day 22 (21 days after the first dose of
TMZ). The dose should be reduced or administration discontinued according to Table 3.
Table 2. TMZ dose levels for monotherapy treatment
Dose level TMZ dose Remarks(mg/m²/day)-1 100 Reduction for prior toxicity0 150 Dose during Cycle 11 200 Dose during Cycles 2 - 6 in absence of toxicity
Table 3. TMZ dose reduction or discontinuation during monotherapy treatment
Toxicity Reduce TMZ by 1 dose levela Discontinue TMZ
Absolute neutrophil count < 1.0 x 109/l See footnote b
Thrombocyte count < 50 x 109/l See footnote b
CTC non-haematological toxicity(except for alopecia, nausea, vomiting) CTC Grade 3 CTC Grade 4ba: TMZ dose levels are listed in Table 2.b: TMZ is to be discontinued if:
* dose level -1 (100 mg/m²) still results in unacceptable toxicity
* the same Grade 3 non-haematological toxicity (except for alopecia, nausea, vomiting) recurs after dose reduction.
Adult and paediatric patients 3 years of age or older with recurrent or progressive malignant glioma
A treatment cycle comprises 28 days. In patients previously untreated with chemotherapy, TMZ isadministered orally at a dose of 200 mg/m² once daily for the first 5 days followed by a 23 daytreatment interruption (total of 28 days). In patients previously treated with chemotherapy, the initialdose is 150 mg/m² once daily, to be increased in the second cycle to 200 mg/m² once daily, for 5 daysif there is no haematological toxicity (see section 4.4).
Special populationsPaediatric populationIn patients 3 years of age or older, TMZ is only to be used in recurrent or progressive malignantglioma. Experience in these children is very limited (see sections 4.4 and 5.1). The safety and efficacyof TMZ in children under the age of 3 years have not been established. No data are available.
Patients with hepatic or renal impairment
The pharmacokinetics of TMZ were comparable in patients with normal hepatic function and in thosewith mild or moderate hepatic impairment. No data are available on the administration of TMZ inpatients with severe hepatic impairment (Child’s Class C) or with renal impairment. Based on thepharmacokinetic properties of TMZ, it is unlikely that dose reductions are required in patients withsevere hepatic impairment or any degree of renal impairment. However, caution should be exercisedwhen TMZ is administered in these patients.
Elderly patientsBased on a population pharmacokinetic analysis in patients 19 - 78 years of age, clearance of TMZ isnot affected by age. However, elderly patients (> 70 years of age) appear to be at increased risk ofneutropenia and thrombocytopenia (see section 4.4).
Method of administrationTemomedac hard capsules should be administered in the fasting state.
The capsules must be swallowed whole with a glass of water and must not be opened or chewed.
If vomiting occurs after the dose is administered, a second dose should not be administered that day.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Hypersensitivity to dacarbazine (DTIC).
Severe myelosuppression (see section 4.4).
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Opportunistic infections and reactivation of infections
Opportunistic infections (such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia) and reactivation of infections(such as HBV, CMV) have been observed during the treatment with TMZ (see section 4.8).
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Patients who received concomitant TMZ and RT in a pilot trial for the prolonged 42-day schedulewere shown to be at particular risk for developing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). Thus,prophylaxis against PCP is required for all patients receiving concomitant TMZ and RT for the 42-dayregimen (with a maximum of 49 days) regardless of lymphocyte count. If lymphopenia occurs, theyare to continue the prophylaxis until recovery of lymphopenia to Grade ≤ 1.
There may be a higher occurrence of PCP when TMZ is administered during a longer dosing regimen.
However, all patients receiving TMZ, particularly patients receiving steroids, should be observedclosely for the development of PCP, regardless of the regimen. Cases of fatal respiratory failure havebeen reported in patients using TMZ, in particular in combination with dexamethasone or othersteroids.
HBV
Hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in death, has beenreported. Experts in liver disease should be consulted before treatment is initiated in patients withpositive hepatitis B serology (including those with active disease). During treatment patients should bemonitored and managed appropriately.
Meningoencephalitis herpetic
In post marketing cases, meningoencephalitis herpetic (including fatal cases) has been observed inpatients receiving TMZ in combination with radiotherapy, including cases of concomitant steroidsadministration.
HepatotoxicityHepatic injury, including fatal hepatic failure, has been reported in patients treated with TMZ (seesection 4.8). Baseline liver function tests should be performed prior to treatment initiation. Ifabnormal, physicians should assess the benefit/risk prior to initiating temozolomide including thepotential for fatal hepatic failure. For patients on a 42-day treatment cycle liver function tests shouldbe repeated midway during this cycle. For all patients, liver function tests should be checked after eachtreatment cycle. For patients with significant liver function abnormalities, physicians should assess thebenefit/risk of continuing treatment. Liver toxicity may occur several weeks or more after the lasttreatment with temozolomide.
MalignanciesCases of myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary malignancies, including myeloid leukaemia, havealso been reported very rarely (see section 4.8).
Anti-emetic therapy
Nausea and vomiting are very commonly associated with TMZ.
Anti-emetic therapy may be administered prior to or following administration of TMZ.
Adult patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme
Anti-emetic prophylaxis is recommended prior to the initial dose of concomitant phase and it isstrongly recommended during the monotherapy phase.
Patients with recurrent or progressive malignant glioma
Patients who have experienced severe (Grade 3 or 4) vomiting in previous treatment cycles mayrequire anti-emetic therapy.
Laboratory parametersPatients treated with TMZ may experience myelosuppression, including prolonged pancytopenia,which may result in aplastic anaemia, which in some cases has resulted in a fatal outcome. In somecases, exposure to concomitant medicinal products associated with aplastic anaemia, includingcarbamazepine, phenytoin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, complicates assessment. Prior todosing, the following laboratory parameters must be met: ANC ≥ 1.5 x 109/l and plateletcount ≥ 100 x 109/l. A complete blood count should be obtained on Day 22 (21 days after the firstdose) or within 48 hours of that day, and weekly until ANC > 1.5 x 109/l and plateletcount > 100 x 109 /l. If ANC falls to < 1.0 x 109/l or the platelet count is < 50 x 109/l during any cycle,the next cycle should be reduced one dose level (see section 4.2). Dose levels include 100 mg/m²,150 mg/m², and 200 mg/m². The lowest recommended dose is 100 mg/m².
Paediatric populationThere is no clinical experience with use of TMZ in children under the age of 3 years. Experience inolder children and adolescents is very limited (see sections 4.2 and 5.1).
Elderly patients (> 70 years of age)
Elderly patients appear to be at increased risk of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, compared withyounger patients. Therefore, special care should be taken when TMZ is administered in elderlypatients.
Female patients
Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while theyare receiving TMZ, and for at least 6 months following completion of treatment.
Male patients
Men being treated with TMZ should be advised not to father a child for at least 3 months afterreceiving the last dose and to seek advice on cryoconservation of sperm prior to treatment (seesection 4.6).
ExcipientsThis medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactoseintolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take thismedicine.
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per hard capsule, that is to sayessentially ‘sodium-free’.
Additional information for Temomedac 20 mg hard capsules
The excipient sunset yellow FCF (E110) included in the capsules shell may cause allergic reactions.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
In a separate phase I study, administration of TMZ with ranitidine did not result in alterations in theextent of absorption of temozolomide or the exposure to its active metabolite monomethyltriazenoimidazole carboxamide (MTIC).
Administration of TMZ with food resulted in a 33 % decrease in Cmax and a 9 % decrease in area underthe curve (AUC).
As it cannot be excluded that the change in Cmax is clinically significant, Temomedac should beadministered without food.
Based on an analysis of population pharmacokinetics in phase II trials, co-administration ofdexamethasone, prochlorperazine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, ondansetron, H2 receptor antagonists, orphenobarbital did not alter the clearance of TMZ. Co-administration with valproic acid was associatedwith a small but statistically significant decrease in clearance of TMZ.
No studies have been conducted to determine the effect of TMZ on the metabolism or elimination ofother medicinal products. However, since TMZ does not undergo hepatic metabolism and exhibits lowprotein binding, it is unlikely that it would affect the pharmacokinetics of other medicinal products(see section 5.2).
Use of TMZ in combination with other myelosuppressive agents may increase the likelihood ofmyelosuppression.
Paediatric populationInteraction studies have only been performed in adults.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
PregnancyThere are no data in pregnant women. In preclinical studies in rats and rabbits receiving 150 mg/m²
TMZ, teratogenicity and/or foetal toxicity were demonstrated (see section 5.3). Temomedac shouldnot be administered to pregnant women. If use during pregnancy must be considered, the patientshould be apprised of the potential risk to the foetus.
Breast-feedingIt is not known whether TMZ is excreted in human milk; thus, breast-feeding should be discontinuedwhile receiving treatment with TMZ.
Women of childbearing potentialWomen of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while theyare receiving TMZ, and for at least 6 months following completion of treatment.
Male fertilityTMZ can have genotoxic effects. Therefore, men being treated with it should use effectivecontraceptive measures and be advised not to father a child for at least 3 months after receiving the lastdose and to seek advice on cryoconservation of sperm prior to treatment, because of the possibility ofirreversible infertility due to therapy with TMZ.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
TMZ has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines due to fatigue and somnolence (seesection 4.8).
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profileClinical trial experience
In patients treated with TMZ in clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions were nausea,vomiting, constipation, anorexia, headache, fatigue, convulsions, and rash. Most haematologic adversereactions were reported commonly; the frequency of Grade 3-4 laboratory findings is presented after
Table 4.
For patients with recurrent or progressive glioma, nausea (43 %) and vomiting (36 %) were usually
Grade 1 or 2 (0 - 5 episodes of vomiting in 24 hours) and were either self-limiting or readilycontrolled with standard anti-emetic therapy. The incidence of severe nausea and vomiting was 4 %.
Tabulated list of adverse reactionsAdverse reactions observed in clinical studies and reported frompost-marketing use of TMZ are listed in Table 4.These reactions are classified according to System
Organ Class and frequency. Frequency groupings are defined according to 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), not known (cannot be estimated from the availabledata). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasingseriousness.
Table 4. Adverse reactions in patients treated with temozolomide
Infections and infestationsCommon: Infections, herpes zoster, pharyngitisa, candidiasis oral
Uncommon: Opportunistic infection (including PCP), sepsis†,meningoencephalitis herpetic†, CMV infection, CMVreactivation, hepatitis B virus†, herpes simplex, infectionreactivation, wound infection, gastroenteritisb
Neoplasm benign, malignant, and unspecified
Uncommon: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), secondarymalignancies, including myeloid leukaemia
Blood and lymphatic system disordersCommon: Febrile neutropenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia,lymphopenia, leukopenia, anaemia
Uncommon: Prolonged pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia†,pancytopenia, petechiae
Immune system disordersCommon: Allergic reaction
Uncommon: Anaphylaxis
Endocrine disordersCommon: Cushingoidc
Uncommon: Diabetes insipidus
Metabolism and nutrition disordersVery common: Anorexia
Common: Hyperglycaemia
Uncommon: Hypokalaemia, alkaline phosphatase increased
Psychiatric disordersCommon: Agitation, amnesia, depression, anxiety, confusion,insomnia
Uncommon: Behaviour disorder, emotional lability, hallucination,apathy
Nervous system disordersVery common: Convulsions, hemiparesis, aphasia/dysphasia, headache
Table 4. Adverse reactions in patients treated with temozolomide
Common: Ataxia, balance impaired, cognition impaired,concentration impaired, consciousness decreased,dizziness, hypoesthesia, memory impaired, neurologicdisorder, neuropathyd, paraesthesia, somnolence, speechdisorder, taste perversion, tremor
Uncommon: Status epilepticus, hemiplegia, extrapyramidal disorder,parosmia, gait abnormality, hyperaesthesia, sensorydisturbance, coordination abnormal
Eye disordersCommon: Hemianopia, vision blurred, vision disordere, visual fielddefect, diplopia, eye pain
Uncommon: Visual acuity reduced, eyes dry
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Common: Deafnessf, vertigo, tinnitus, earacheg
Uncommon: Hearing impairment, hyperacusis, otitis media
Cardiac disordersUncommon: Palpitation
Vascular disordersCommon: Haemorrhage, embolism pulmonary, deep veinthrombosis, hypertension
Uncommon: Cerebral haemorrhage, flushing, hot flushes
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disordersCommon: Pneumonia, dyspnoea, sinusitis, bronchitis, coughing,upper respiratory infection
Uncommon: Respiratory failure†, interstitialpneumonitis/pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, nasalcongestion
Gastrointestinal disordersVery common: Diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting
Common: Stomatitis, abdominal painh, dyspepsia, dysphagia
Uncommon: Abdominal distension, faecal incontinence,gastrointestinal disorder, haemorrhoids, mouth dry
Hepatobiliary disordersUncommon: Hepatic failure†, hepatic injury, hepatitis, cholestasis,hyperbilirubinemia
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersVery common: Rash, alopecia
Common: Erythema, dry skin, pruritus
Uncommon: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome,angioedema, erythema multiforme, erythroderma, skinexfoliation, photosensitivity reaction, urticaria,exanthema, dermatitis, sweating increased, pigmentationabnormal
Not known: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms(DRESS)
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disordersCommon: Myopathy, muscle weakness, arthralgia, back pain,musculoskeletal pain, myalgia
Table 4. Adverse reactions in patients treated with temozolomide
Renal and urinary disordersCommon: Micturition frequency, urinary incontinence
Uncommon: Dysuria
Reproductive system and breast disordersUncommon: Vaginal haemorrhage, menorrhagia, amenorrhoea,vaginitis, breast pain, impotence
General disorders and administration site conditionsVery common: Fatigue
Common: Fever, influenza-like symptoms, asthenia, malaise, pain,oedema, oedema peripherali
Uncommon: Condition aggravated, rigors, face oedema, tonguediscolouration, thirst, tooth disorder
InvestigationsCommon: Liver enzymes elevationj, weight decreased, weightincreased
Uncommon: Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased
Injury, poisoning and procedural complicationsCommon: Radiation injuryka Includes pharyngitis, nasopharyngeal pharyngitis, pharyngitis Streptococcalb Includes gastroenteritis, gastroenteritis viralc Includes cushingoid, Cushing syndromed Includes neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, polyneuropathy, peripheral sensory neuropathy,peripheral motor neuropathye Includes visual impairment, eye disorderf Includes deafness, deafness bilateral, deafness neurosensory, deafness unilateralg Includes earache, ear discomforth Includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, abdominal discomforti Includes oedema peripheral, peripheral swellingj Includes liver function test increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferaseincreased, hepatic enzymes increasedk Includes radiation injury, radiation skin injury† Including cases with fatal outcome
Newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme
Laboratory results
Myelosuppression (neutropenia and thrombocytopenia), which is known dose-limiting toxicity formost cytotoxic agents, including TMZ, was observed. When laboratory abnormalities and adverseevents were combined across concomitant and monotherapy treatment phases, Grade 3 or Grade 4neutrophil abnormalities including neutropenic events were observed in 8 % of the patients. Grade 3 or
Grade 4 thrombocyte abnormalities, including thrombocytopenic events were observed in 14 % of thepatients who received TMZ.
Recurrent or progressive malignant glioma
Laboratory results
Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 19 % and 17 % respectively, of patientstreated for malignant glioma. This led to hospitalisation and/or discontinuation of TMZ in 8 % and4 %, respectively. Myelosuppression was predictable (usually within the first few cycles, with thenadir between Day 21 and Day 28), and recovery was rapid, usually within 1 - 2 weeks. No evidenceof cumulative myelosuppression was observed. The presence of thrombocytopenia may increase therisk of bleeding, and the presence of neutropenia or leukopenia may increase the risk of infection.
GenderIn a population pharmacokinetics analysis of clinical trial experience there were 101 female and169 male subjects for whom nadir neutrophil counts were available and 110 female and 174 malesubjects for whom nadir platelet counts were available. There were higher rates of Grade 4neutropenia (ANC < 0.5 x 109/l), 12 % vs 5 %, and thrombocytopenia (< 20 x 109/l), 9 % vs 3 %, inwomen vs men in the first cycle of therapy. In a 400 subject recurrent glioma data set, Grade 4neutropenia occurred in 8 % of female vs 4 % of male subjects and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 8 %of female vs 3 % of male subjects in the first cycle of therapy. In a study of 288 subjects withnewly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme, Grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 3 % of female vs 0 % ofmale subjects and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 1 % of female vs 0 % of male subjects in the firstcycle of therapy.
Paediatric populationOral TMZ has been studied in paediatric patients (age 3 - 18 years) with recurrent brainstem glioma orrecurrent high grade astrocytoma, in a regimen administered daily for 5 days every 28 days. Althoughthe data is limited, tolerance in children is expected to be the same as in adults. The safety of TMZ inchildren under the age of 3 years has not been established.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactionsReporting 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
Doses of 500, 750, 1,000, and 1,250 mg/m² (total dose per cycle over 5 days) have been evaluatedclinically in patients. Dose-limiting toxicity was haematological and was reported with any dose but isexpected to be more severe at higher doses. An overdose of 10,000 mg (total dose in a single cycle,over 5 days) was taken by one patient and the adverse reactions reported were pancytopenia, pyrexia,multi-organ failure and death. There are reports of patients who have taken the recommended dose formore than 5 days of treatment (up to 64 days) with adverse events reported including bone marrowsuppression, with or without infection, in some cases severe and prolonged and resulting in death. Inthe event of an overdose, haematological evaluation is needed. Supportive measures should beprovided as necessary.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents - Other alkylating agents, ATC code: L01A X03
Mechanism of actionTemozolomide is a triazene, which undergoes rapid chemical conversion at physiologic pH to theactive monomethyl triazenoimidazole carboxamide (MTIC). The cytotoxicity of MTIC is thought tobe due primarily to alkylation at the O6 position of guanine with additional alkylation also occurring atthe N7 position. Cytotoxic lesions that develop subsequently are thought to involve aberrant repair ofthe methyl adduct.
Clinical efficacy and safetyNewly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme
A total of 573 patients were randomised to receive either TMZ + RT (n = 287) or RT alone (n = 286).
Patients in the TMZ + RT arm received concomitant TMZ (75 mg/m²) once daily, starting the first dayof RT until the last day of RT, for 42 days (with a maximum of 49 days). This was followed bymonotherapy TMZ (150 - 200 mg/m²) on Days 1 - 5 of every 28 day cycle for up to 6 cycles, starting4 weeks after the end of RT. Patients in the control arm received RT only. Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis was required during RT and combined TMZ therapy.
TMZ was administered as salvage therapy in the follow-up phase in 161 patients of the 282 (57 %) inthe RT alone arm, and 62 patients of the 277 (22 %) in the TMZ + RT arm.
The hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival was 1.59 (95 % CI for HR = 1.33 - 1.91) with a log-rankp < 0.0001 in favour of the TMZ arm. The estimated probability of surviving 2 years or more(26 % vs 10 %) is higher for the RT + TMZ arm. The addition of concomitant TMZ to RT, followedby TMZ monotherapy in the treatment of patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiformedemonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS) compared with RT alone(Figure 1).
Figure 1 Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival (intent-to-treat population)
The results from the trial were not consistent in the subgroup of patients with a poor performancestatus (WHO PS = 2, n = 70), where overall survival and time to progression were similar in botharms. However, no unacceptable risks appear to be present in this patient group.
Recurrent or progressive malignant glioma
Data on clinical efficacy in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (Karnofsky performance status[KPS] ≥ 70), progressive or recurrent after surgery and RT, were based on two clinical trials with oral
TMZ. One was a non-comparative trial in 138 patients (29 % received prior chemotherapy), and theother was a randomised active-controlled trial of TMZ vs procarbazine in a total of 225 patients (67 %received prior treatment with nitrosourea based chemotherapy). In both trials, the primary endpointwas progression-free survival (PFS) defined by MRI scans or neurological worsening. In thenoncomparative trial, the PFS at 6 months was 19 %, the median progression-free survival was2.1 months, and the median overall survival 5.4 months. The objective response rate (ORR) based on
MRI scans was 8 %.
In the randomised active-controlled trial, the PFS at 6 months was significantly greater for TMZ thanfor procarbazine (21 % vs 8 %, respectively - chi-square p = 0.008) with median PFS of 2.89 and1.88 months respectively (log rank p = 0.0063). The median survival was 7.34 and 5.66 months for
TMZ and procarbazine, respectively (log rank p = 0.33). At 6 months, the fraction of survivingpatients was significantly higher in the TMZ arm (60 %) compared with the procarbazine arm (44 %)(chi-square p = 0.019). In patients with prior chemotherapy a benefit was indicated in those with a
KPS ≥ 80.
Data on time to worsening of neurological status favoured TMZ over procarbazine as did data on timeto worsening of performance status (decrease to a KPS of < 70 or a decrease by at least 30 points). Themedian times to progression in these endpoints ranged from 0.7 to 2.1 months longer for TMZ than forprocarbazine (log rank p = < 0.01 to 0.03).
Recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma
In a multicentre, prospective phase II trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of oral TMZ in thetreatment of patients with anaplastic astrocytoma at first relapse, the 6 month PFS was 46 %. Themedian PFS was 5.4 months. Median overall survival was 14.6 months. Response rate, based on thecentral reviewer assessment, was 35 % (13 CR and 43 PR) for the intent-to-treat population (ITT)n = 162. In 43 patients stable disease was reported. The 6 month event-free survival for the ITTpopulation was 44 % with a median event-free survival of 4.6 months, which was similar to the resultsfor the progression-free survival. For the eligible histology population, the efficacy results weresimilar. Achieving a radiological objective response or maintaining progression-free status wasstrongly associated with maintained or improved quality of life.
Paediatric populationOral TMZ has been studied in paediatric patients (age 3 - 18 years) with recurrent brainstem glioma orrecurrent high grade astrocytoma, in a regimen administered daily for 5 days every 28 days. Toleranceto TMZ is similar to adults.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
TMZ is spontaneously hydrolysed at physiologic pH primarily to the active species, 3-methyl-(triazen-1-yl)imidazole-4-carboxamide (MTIC). MTIC is spontaneously hydrolysed to 5-amino-imidazole-4-carboxamide (AIC), a known intermediate in purine and nucleic acid biosynthesis, and tomethylhydrazine, which is believed to be the active alkylating species. The cytotoxicity of MTIC isthought to be primarily due to alkylation of DNA mainly at the O6 and N7 positions of guanine.
Relative to the AUC of TMZ, the exposure to MTIC and AIC is ~ 2.4 % and 23 %, respectively. Invivo, the t1/2 of MTIC was similar to that of TMZ, 1.8 hr.
AbsorptionAfter oral administration to adult patients, TMZ is absorbed rapidly, with peak concentrations reachedas early as 20 minutes post-administration (mean time between 0.5 and 1.5 hours). After oraladministration of 14C-labelled TMZ, mean faecal excretion of 14C over 7 days post-dose was 0.8 %indicating complete absorption.
DistributionTMZ demonstrates low protein binding (10 % to 20 %), and thus it is not expected to interact withhighly protein-bound substances.
PET studies in humans and preclinical data suggest that TMZ crosses the blood-brain barrier rapidlyand is present in the CSF. CSF penetration was confirmed in one patient; CSF exposure based on AUCof TMZ was approximately 30 % of that in plasma, which is consistent with animal data.
EliminationThe half-life (t1/2) in plasma is approximately 1.8 hours. The major route of 14C elimination is renal.
Following oral administration, approximately 5 % to 10 % of the dose is recovered unchanged in theurine over 24 hours, and the remainder excreted as temozolomide acid, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AIC) or unidentified polar metabolites.
Plasma concentrations increase in a dose-related manner. Plasma clearance, volume of distribution andhalf-life are independent of dose.
Special populationsAnalysis of population-based pharmacokinetics of TMZ revealed that plasma TMZ clearance wasindependent of age, renal function or tobacco use. In a separate pharmacokinetic study, plasmapharmacokinetic profiles in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment were similar to thoseobserved in patients with normal hepatic function.
Paediatric patients had a higher AUC than adult patients; however, the maximum tolerated dose(MTD) was 1,000 mg/m² per cycle both in children and in adults.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Single-cycle (5-day dosing, 23 days non-treatment), 3- and 6-cycle toxicity studies were conducted inrats and dogs. The primary targets of toxicity included the bone marrow, lymphoreticular system,testes, the gastrointestinal tract and, at higher doses, which were lethal to 60 % to 100 % of rats anddogs tested, degeneration of the retina occurred. Most of the toxicity showed evidence of reversibility,except for adverse events on the male reproductive system and retinal degeneration. However, becausethe doses implicated in retinal degeneration were in the lethal dose range, and no comparable effecthas been observed in clinical studies, this finding was not considered to have clinical relevance.
TMZ is an embryotoxic, teratogenic and genotoxic alkylating agent. TMZ is more toxic to the rat anddog than to humans, and the clinical dose approximates the minimum lethal dose in rats and dogs.
Dose-related reductions in leukocytes and platelets appear to be sensitive indicators of toxicity. Avariety of neoplasms, including mammary carcinomas, keratocanthoma of the skin and basal celladenoma were observed in the 6-cycle rat study while no tumours or pre-neoplastic changes wereevident in dog studies. Rats appear to be particularly sensitive to oncogenic effects of TMZ, with theoccurrence of first tumours within 3 months of initiating dosing. This latency period is very short evenfor an alkylating agent.
Results of the Ames/salmonella and Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte (HPBL) chromosomeaberration tests showed a positive mutagenicity response.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Capsule contentanhydrous lactose,sodium starch glycolate Type A,colloidal anhydrous silica,tartaric acid,stearic acid
Capsule shellgelatin,titanium dioxide (E171)
Printing inkTemomedac 5 mg hard capsulesshellac,propylene glycol,titanium dioxide (E171),yellow iron oxide (E172),indigo carmine (E132) aluminium lake
Temomedac 20 mg hard capsulesshellacpropylene glycol,titanium dioxide (E171)sunset yellow FCF (E110) aluminium lake
Temomedac 100 mg hard capsulesshellac,propylene glycol,red iron oxide (E172),yellow iron oxide (E172),titanium dioxide (E171)
Temomedac 140 mg hard capsulesshellac,propylene glycol,indigo carmine (E132) aluminium lake
Temomedac 180 mg hard capsulesshellac,propylene glycol,red iron oxide (E172)
Temomedac 250 mg hard capsulesshellac,black iron oxide (E172),propylene glycol
6.2 Incompatibilities
6.3 Shelf life
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 30 °C.
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
Keep the bottle tightly closed.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Amber glass bottle with white polypropylene child-resistant closure equipped with an induction seal ofpolyethylene containing 5 or 20 capsules.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Capsules should not be opened. If a capsule becomes damaged, contact of the powder contents withskin or mucous membrane must be avoided. If Temomedac comes into contact with skin or mucosa, itshould be washed immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
Patients should be advised to keep capsules out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in alocked cupboard. Accidental ingestion can be lethal for children.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with localrequirements.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
medac
Gesellschaft für klinische Spezialpräparate mbH
Theaterstr. 622880 Wedel
Germany
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 25 January 2010
Date of latest renewal: 18 July 2014
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.