1.1 Multiple Myeloma

REVLIMID in combination with dexamethasone is indicated for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior therapy.

1.2 Myelodysplastic Syndromes

REVLIMID is indicated for the treatment of patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities.

2.1 Multiple Myeloma

The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 25 mg once daily on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles. The recommended dose of dexamethasone is 40 mg once daily on Days 1-4, 9-12, and 17-20 of each 28-day cycle for the first 4 cycles of therapy and then 40 mg once daily orally on Days 1-4 every 28 days. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings.

Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Dose modification guidelines, as summarized below, are recommended to manage Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or other Grade 3 or 4 toxicity judged to be related to lenalidomide.

Platelet counts

Thrombocytopenia in MM

Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC)

Neutropenia in MM

Other Grade 3 / 4 Toxicities in MM

For other Grade 3/4 toxicities judged to be related to REVLIMID, hold treatment and restart at next lower dose level when toxicity has resolved to ≤ Grade 2.

Starting Dose Adjustment for Renal Impairment in MM
Since REVLIMID is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidney, adjustments to the starting dose of REVLIMID are recommended to provide appropriate drug exposure in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment and in patients on dialysis. Based on a pharmacokinetic study in patients with renal impairment due to nonmalignant conditions, REVLIMID starting dose adjustment is recommended for patients with CLcr < 60 mL/min. Non-dialysis patients with creatinine clearances less than 11 mL/min and dialysis patients with creatinine clearances less than 7 mL/min have not been studied. The recommendations for initial starting doses for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are as follows:

After initiation of REVLIMID therapy, subsequent REVLIMID dose modification should be based on individual patient treatment tolerance, as described elsewhere in this section.

2.2 Myelodysplastic Syndromes

The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 10 mg daily. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings.

Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MDS Treatment

Patients who are dosed initially at 10 mg and who experience thrombocytopenia should have their dosage adjusted as follows:

Platelet counts

If thrombocytopenia develops WITHIN 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS

If thrombocytopenia develops AFTER 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS

Patients who experience thrombocytopenia at 5 mg daily should have their dosage adjusted as follows:

If thrombocytopenia develops during treatment at 5 mg daily in MDS

Patients who are dosed initially at 10 mg and experience neutropenia should have their dosage adjusted as follows:

Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC)

If neutropenia develops WITHIN 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS

If neutropenia develops AFTER 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS

Patients who experience neutropenia at 5 mg daily should have their dosage adjusted as follows:

If neutropenia develops during treatment at 5 mg daily in MDS

Other Grade 3 / 4 Toxicities in MDS
For other Grade 3/4 toxicities judged to be related to REVLIMID, hold treatment and restart at next lower dose level when toxicity has resolved to ≤ Grade 2.

Starting Dose Adjustment for Renal Impairment in MDS:
Since REVLIMID is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidney, adjustments to the starting dose of REVLIMID are recommended to provide appropriate drug exposure in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment and in patients on dialysis. Based on a pharmacokinetic study in patients with renal impairment due to nonmalignant conditions, REVLIMID starting dose adjustment is recommended for patients with CLcr < 60 mL/min. Non-dialysis patients with creatinine clearances less than 11 mL/min and dialysis patients with creatinine clearances less than 7 mL/min have not been studied. The recommendations for initial starting doses for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are as follows:

After initiation of REVLIMID therapy, subsequent REVLIMID dose modification should be based on individual patient treatment tolerance, as described elsewhere in this section.

4.1 Pregnancy

REVLIMID can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. Limb abnormalities were seen in the offspring of monkeys that were dosed with lenalidomide during organogenesis. This effect was seen at all doses tested. Due to the results of this developmental monkey study, and lenalidomide’s structural similarities to thalidomide, a known human teratogen, lenalidomide is contraindicated in females who are pregnant [see Boxed Warning]. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2), Use in Special Populations (8.1),(8.6)].

4.2 Allergic Reactions

REVLIMID is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to lenalidomide [see Warnings and precautions (5.5)].

5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

REVLIMID is a thalidomide analogue and is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes life-threatening human birth defects or embryo-fetal death [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. An embryo-fetal development study in non-human primates indicates that lenalidomide produced malformations in the offspring of female monkeys who received the drug during pregnancy, similar to birth defects observed in humans following exposure to thalidomide during pregnancy.

REVLIMID is only available through the REVLIMID REMS™ program (formerly known as the “RevAssist® program”) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Females of Reproductive Potential
Females of reproductive potential must avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks before beginning REVLIMID therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.

Females must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use two methods of reliable birth control, beginning 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with REVLIMID, during therapy, during dose interruptions and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of REVLIMID therapy.

Two negative pregnancy tests must be obtained prior to initiating therapy. The first test should be performed within 10-14 days and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing REVLIMID therapy and then weekly during the first month, then monthly thereafter in women with regular menstrual cycles or every 2 weeks in women with irregular menstrual cycles [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Males
Lenalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the drug. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking REVLIMID and for up to 28 days after discontinuing REVLIMID, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking REVLIMID must not donate sperm [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Blood Donation
Patients must not donate blood during treatment with REVLIMID and for 1 month following discontinuation of the drug because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose fetus must not be exposed to REVLIMID.

5.2 REVLIMID REMS™ program

Because of the embryo-fetal risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)], REVLIMID is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), the REVLIMID REMS™ program (formerly known as the “RevAssist®” program).

Required components of the REVLIMID REMS™ program include the following:

• Prescribers must be certified with the REVLIMID REMS™ program by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements.
• Patients must sign a Patient-Prescriber agreement form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] and males must comply with contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
• Pharmacies must be certified with the REVLIMID REMS™ program, must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive REVLIMID and comply with REMS requirements.

Further information about the REVLIMID REMS™ program is available at www.celgeneriskmanagement.com or by telephone at 1-888-423-5436.

5.3 Hematologic Toxicity

REVLIMID can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Patients taking REVLIMID for MDS should have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for the first 8 weeks and at least monthly thereafter. Patients taking REVLIMID for MM should have their complete blood counts monitored every 2 weeks for the first 12 weeks and then monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients enrolled in the MDS study. In the 48% of patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, the median time to onset was 42 days (range, 14-411 days), and the median time to documented recovery was 17 days (range, 2-170 days). In the 54% of patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to onset was 28 days (range, 8-290 days), and the median time to documented recovery was 22 days (range, 5-224 days [see Boxed Warning and Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

In the pooled multiple myeloma studies Grade 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities were more frequent in patients treated with the combination of REVLIMID and dexamethasone than in patients treated with dexamethasone alone [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.4 Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolic events (predominantly deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) have occurred in patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide combination therapy [see Boxed Warning] and patients with MDS treated with lenalidomide monotherapy. A significantly increased risk of DVT and PE was observed in patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with REVLIMID and dexamethasone therapy in a clinical trial [see Boxed Warning]. It is not known whether prophylactic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy prescribed in conjunction with REVLIMID may lessen the potential for venous thromboembolism. The decision to take prophylactic measures should be done carefully after an assessment of an individual patient’s underlying risk factors.

5.5 Allergic Reactions

Angioedema and serious dermatologic reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported. These events can be fatal. Patients with a prior history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment should not receive REVLIMID. REVLIMID interruption or discontinuation should be considered for Grade 2-3 skin rash. REVLIMID must be discontinued for angioedema, Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or if SJS or TEN is suspected and should not be resumed following discontinuation for these reactions.

REVLIMID capsules contain lactose. Risk-benefit of REVLIMID treatment should be evaluated in patients with lactose intolerance.

5.6 Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Fatal instances of tumor lysis syndrome have been reported during treatment with lenalidomide. The patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate precautions taken.

5.7 Tumor Flare Reaction

Tumor flare reaction has occurred during investigational use of lenalidomide for CLL and lymphoma, and is characterized by tender lymph node swelling, low grade fever, pain and rash. Treatment of CLL or lymphoma with lenalidomide outside of a well-monitored clinical trial is discouraged.

5.8 Hepatotoxicity

Cases of transient liver laboratory abnormalities (predominantly transaminases) were reported in patients treated with lenalidomide. Treatment with lenalidomide should be interrupted until the levels return to baseline. Successful re-challenge without recurrence of liver laboratory elevation was reported in some patients.

5.9 Second Primary Malignancies

Patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide in studies including melphalan and stem cell transplantation had a higher incidence of second primary malignancies, particularly acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and Hodgkin lymphoma, compared to patients in the control arms who received similar therapy but did not receive lenalidomide. Monitor patients for the development of second malignancies. Take into account both the potential benefit of lenalidomide and the risk of second primary malignancies when considering treatment with lenalidomide.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience in Multiple Myeloma

Data were evaluated from 703 patients in two studies who received at least one dose of REVLIMID/dexamethasone (353 patients) or placebo/dexamethasone (350 patients).

In the REVLIMID/dexamethasone treatment group, 269 patients (76%) underwent at least one dose interruption with or without a dose reduction of REVLIMID compared to 199 patients (57%) in the placebo/dexamethasone treatment group. Of these patients who had one dose interruption with or without a dose reduction, 50% in the REVLIMID/dexamethasone treatment group underwent at least one additional dose interruption with or without a dose reduction compared to 21% in the placebo/dexamethasone treatment group. Most adverse events and Grade 3/4 adverse events were more frequent in patients who received the combination of REVLIMID/dexamethasone compared to placebo/dexamethasone.

Tables 3, 4, and 5 summarize the adverse reactions reported for REVLIMID/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups.

Venous Thromboembolism

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was reported as a serious adverse drug reaction (7.4%) or Grade 3/4 (8.2%) at a higher rate in the REVLIMID/dexamethasone group compared to 3.1 % and 3.4% in the placebo/dexamethasone group, respectively. Discontinuations due to DVT adverse reactions were reported at comparable rates between groups.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) was reported as a serious adverse drug reaction including Grade 3/4 (3.7%) at a higher rate in the REVLIMID/dexamethasone group compared to 0.9% in the placebo/dexamethasone group. Discontinuations due to PE adverse reactions were reported at comparable rates between groups.

Other Adverse Reactions

In these clinical studies of REVLIMID in patients with multiple myeloma, the following adverse drug reactions (ADRs) not described above that occurred at ≥1% rate and of at least twice of the placebo percentage rate were reported:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: pancytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Cardiac disorders: bradycardia, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris

Endocrine disorders: hirsutism

 Eye disorders: blindness, ocular hypertension

Gastrointestinal disorders: gastrointestinal hemorrhage, glossodynia

General disorders and administration site conditions: malaise

Investigations: liver function tests abnormal, alanine aminotransferase increased

Nervous system disorders: cerebral ischemia

Psychiatric disorders: mood swings, hallucination, loss of libido

Reproductive system and breast disorders: erectile dysfunction

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: cough, hoarseness

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: exanthem, skin hyperpigmentation

6.2 Clinical Trials Experience in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

A total of 148 patients received at least 1 dose of 10 mg REVLIMID in the del 5q MDS clinical study. At least one adverse event was reported in all of the 148 patients who were treated with the 10 mg starting dose of REVLIMID. The most frequently reported adverse events were related to blood and lymphatic system disorders, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and general disorders and administrative site conditions.

Thrombocytopenia (61.5%; 91/148) and neutropenia (58.8%; 87/148) were the most frequently reported adverse events. The next most common adverse events observed were diarrhea (48.6%; 72/148), pruritus (41.9%; 62/148), rash (35.8%; 53/148) and fatigue (31.1%; 46/148). Table 6 summarizes the adverse events that were reported in ≥ 5% of the REVLIMID treated patients in the del 5q MDS clinical study. Table 7 summarizes the most frequently observed Grade 3 and Grade 4 adverse reactions regardless of relationship to treatment with REVLIMID. In the single-arm studies conducted, it is often not possible to distinguish adverse events that are drug-related and those that reflect the patient’s underlying disease.

In other clinical studies of REVLIMID in MDS patients, the following serious adverse events (regardless of relationship to study drug treatment) not described in Table 6 or 7 were reported:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: warm type hemolytic anemia, splenic infarction, bone marrow depression, coagulopathy, hemolysis, hemolytic anemia refractory anemia

Cardiac disorders: cardiac failure congestive, atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, cardio-respiratory arrest, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, atrial fibrillation aggravated, bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema supraventricular arrhythmia, tachyarrhythmia, ventricular dysfunction

Ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo

Endocrine disorders: Basedow's disease

Gastrointestinal disorders: gastrointestinal hemorrhage, colitis ischemic, intestinal perforation, rectal hemorrhage, colonic polyp, diverticulitis, dysphagia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive inguinal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, melena, pancreatitis due to biliary obstruction, pancreatitis, perirectal abscess, small intestinal obstruction, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

General disorders and administration site conditions: disease progression, fall, gait abnormal, intermittent pyrexia, nodule, rigors, sudden death

Hepatobiliary disorders: hyperbilirubinemia, cholecystitis, acute cholecystitis, hepatic failure

Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity

Infections and infestations infection bacteremia, central line infection, clostridial infection, ear infection Enterobacter sepsis, fungal infection herpes viral infection NOS, influenza, kidney infection Klebsiella sepsis, lobar pneumonia, localized infection, oral infection, Pseudomonas infection, septic shock, sinusitis acute  sinusitis, Staphylococcal infection, urosepsis

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: femur fracture, transfusion reaction, cervical vertebral fracture, femoral neck fracture, fractured pelvis, hip fracture, overdose, post procedural hemorrhage, rib fracture, road traffic accident, spinal compression fracture

Investigations: blood creatinine increased, hemoglobin decreased, liver function tests  abnormal, troponin I increased

Metabolism and nutrition disorders: dehydration, gout, hypernatremia, hypoglycemia

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthritis, arthritis aggravated, gouty arthritis, neck pain, chondrocalcinosis pyrophosphate

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified: acute leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, bronchoalveolar carcinoma, lung cancer metastatic, lymphoma, prostate cancer metastatic

Nervous system disorders: cerebrovascular accident, aphasia, cerebellar infarction, cerebral infarction, depressed level of consciousness, dysarthria, migraine, spinal cord compression, subarachnoid hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack

Psychiatric disorders: confusional state

Renal and urinary disorders: renal failure, hematuria, renal failure acute, azotemia, calculus ureteric, renal mass

Reproductive system and breast disorders: pelvic pain

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: bronchitis, chronic obstructive airways disease exacerbated, respiratory failure, dyspnea exacerbated, interstitial lung disease, lung infiltration, wheezing

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis

Vascular system disorders: deep vein thrombosis, hypotension, aortic disorder, ischemia, thrombophlebitis superficial, thrombosis

6.3 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse drug reactions have been identified from the worldwide post-marketing experience with REVLIMID. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Allergic conditions (angioedema, SJS, TEN), tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) and tumor flare reaction (TFR), pneumonitis, and transient abnormal liver laboratory tests. [see Warnings and Precautions Section (5.5 to 5.8)].

7.1 Digoxin

When digoxin was co-administered with multiple doses of REVLIMID (10 mg/day) the digoxin Cmax and AUC0-∞ were increased by 14%. Periodic monitoring of digoxin plasma levels, in accordance with clinical judgment and based on standard clinical practice in patients receiving this medication, is recommended during administration of REVLIMID.

7.2 Warfarin

Co-administration of multiple dose REVLIMID (10 mg) with single dose warfarin (25 mg) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of total lenalidomide or R- and S-warfarin. Expected changes in laboratory assessments of PT and INR were observed after warfarin administration, but these changes were not affected by concomitant REVLIMID administration. It is not known whether there is an interaction between dexamethasone and warfarin. Close monitoring of PT and INR is recommended in multiple myeloma patients taking concomitant warfarin.

7.3 Concomitant Therapies That May Increase the Risk of Thrombosis

Erythropoietic agents, or other agents that may increase the risk of thrombosis, such as estrogen containing therapies, should be used with caution in multiple myeloma patients receiving lenalidomide with dexamethasone. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category X [see Boxed Warnings and Contraindications (4.1)]

Risk Summary

REVLIMID can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy. REVLIMID is a thalidomide analogue.

Thalidomide is a human teratogen, inducing a high frequency of severe and life-threatening birth defects such as amelia (absence of limbs), phocomelia (short limbs), hypoplasticity of the bones, absence of bones, external ear abnormalities (including anotia, micropinna, small or absent external auditory canals), facial palsy, eye abnormalities (anophthalmos, microphthalmos), and congenital heart defects. Alimentary tract, urinary tract, and genital malformations have also been documented and mortality at or shortly after birth has been reported in about 40% of infants.

Lenalidomide caused thalidomide-type limb defects in monkey offspring. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus

If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug. Under these conditions, refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Any suspected fetal exposure to REVLIMID must be reported to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-332-1088 and also to Celgene Corporation at 1-888-423-5436.

Animal data

In an embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study in monkeys, teratogenicity, including thalidomide-like limb defects, occurred in offspring when pregnant monkeys received oral lenalidomide during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.17 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 25 mg, based on body surface area. Similar studies in pregnant rabbits and rats at 20 times and 200 times the MRHD respectively, produced embryo lethality in rabbits and no adverse reproductive effects in rats.

In a pre- and post-natal development study in rats, animals received lenalidomide from organogenesis through lactation. The study revealed a few adverse effects on the offspring of female rats treated with lenalidomide at doses up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human dose of 25 mg based on body surface area). The male offspring exhibited slightly delayed sexual maturation and the female offspring had slightly lower body weight gains during gestation when bred to male offspring. As with thalidomide, the rat model may not adequately address the full spectrum of potential human embryo-fetal developmental effects for lenalidomide.

8.3 Nursing mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from lenalidomide, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

8.4 Pediatric use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric use

REVLIMID has been used in multiple myeloma (MM) clinical trials in patients up to 86 years of age.

Of the 703 MM patients who received study treatment in Studies 1 and 2, 45% were age 65 or over while 12% of patients were age 75 and over. The percentage of patients age 65 or over was not significantly different between the REVLIMID/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups. Of the 353 patients who received REVLIMID/dexamethasone, 46% were age 65 and over. In both studies, patients > 65 years of age were more likely than patients ≤ 65 years of age to experience DVT, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, and renal failure following use of REVLIMID. No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.

REVLIMID has been used in del 5q MDS clinical trials in patients up to 95 years of age.

Of the 148 patients with del 5q MDS enrolled in the major study, 38% were age 65 and over, while 33% were age 75 and over. Although the overall frequency of adverse events (100%) was the same in patients over 65 years of age as in younger patients, the frequency of serious adverse events was higher in patients over 65 years of age than in younger patients (54% vs. 33%). A greater proportion of patients over 65 years of age discontinued from the clinical studies because of adverse events than the proportion of younger patients (27% vs.16%). No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.

Since elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection. Monitor renal function.

8.6 Females of Reproductive Potential and Males

REVLIMID can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Females of reproductive potential must avoid pregnancy 4 weeks before therapy, while taking REVLIMID, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.

Females
Females of reproductive potential must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use two methods of reliable birth control simultaneously (one highly effective form of contraception – tubal ligation, IUD, hormonal (birth control pills, injections, hormonal patches, vaginal rings or implants) or partner’s vasectomy and one additional effective contraceptive method – male latex or synthetic condom, diaphragm or cervical cap. Contraception must begin 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with REVLIMID, during therapy, during dose interruptions and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of REVLIMID therapy. Reliable contraception is indicated even where there has been a history of infertility, unless due to hysterectomy. Females of reproductive potential should be referred to a qualified provider of contraceptive methods, if needed.

Females of reproductive potential must have 2 negative pregnancy tests before initiating REVLIMID. The first test should be performed within 10-14 days, and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing REVLIMID. Once treatment has started and during dose interruptions, pregnancy testing for females of reproductive potential should occur weekly during the first 4 weeks of use, then pregnancy testing should be repeated every 4 weeks in females with regular menstrual cycles. If menstrual cycles are irregular, the pregnancy testing should occur every 2 weeks. Pregnancy testing and counseling should be performed if a patient misses her period or if there is any abnormality in her menstrual bleeding. REVLIMID treatment must be discontinued during this evaluation.

Males
Lenalidomide is present in the semen of males who take REVLIMID. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking REVLIMID, during dose interruptions and for up to 28 days after discontinuing REVLIMID, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking REVLIMID must not donate sperm

8.7 Renal Impairment

Since lenalidomide is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidney, adjustments to the starting dose of REVLIMID are recommended to provide appropriate drug exposure in patients with moderate (CLcr 30-60 mL/min) or severe renal impairment (CLcr < 30 mL/min) and in patients on dialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)].

8.8 Hepatic Impairment

No study has been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. The elimination of unchanged lenalidomide is predominantly by the renal route.

12.1 Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of lenalidomide remains to be fully characterized. Lenalidomide possesses immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Experiments have demonstrated that lenalidomide inhibits the growth of cells derived from patients with multiple myeloma and del (5q) myelodysplastic syndromes in vitro. Lenalidomide causes a delay in tumor growth in some in vivo nonclinical hematopoietic tumor models, including multiple myeloma. Lenalidomide inhibits the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Lenalidomide also inhibited the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) but not COX-1 in vitro.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

The effect of lenalidomide on the QTc interval was evaluated in 60 healthy male subjects in a randomized, thorough QT study with placebo and positive controls. At a dose two times the maximum recommended dose, lenalidomide does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent. The largest upper bound of the 2-sided 90% CI for the mean differences between lenalidomide and placebo was below 10 ms.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Lenalidomide is rapidly absorbed following oral administration. Following single and multiple doses of REVLIMID in patients with MM or MDS the maximum plasma concentrations occurred between 0.5 and 6.0 hours post-dose. The single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic disposition of lenalidomide is linear with AUC and Cmax values increasing proportionally with dose. Multiple dosing at the recommended dose-regimen does not result in drug accumulation.

Systemic exposure (AUC) of lenalidomide in MM and MDS patients with normal or mild renal function (CLcr ≥ 60 mL/min) is approximately 60% higher as compared to young healthy male subjects.

Administration of a single 25 mg dose of REVLIMID with a high-fat meal in healthy subjects reduces the extent of absorption, with an approximate 20% decrease in AUC and 50% decrease in Cmax. In the trials where the efficacy and safety were established for REVLIMID, the drug was administered without regard to food intake. REVLIMID can be administered with or without food.

Distribution

In vitro (14C)-lenalidomide binding to plasma proteins is approximately 30%.

Metabolism

Lenalidomide -undergoes limited metabolism. Unchanged lenalidomide is the predominant circulating component in humans. Two identified metabolites are hydroxy-lenalidomide and N-acetyl-lenalidomide; each constitutes less than 5% of parent levels in circulation.

Elimination

Elimination is primarily renal. Following a single oral administration of [14C]-lenalidomide (25 mg) to healthy subjects, approximately 90% and 4% of the radioactive dose is eliminated within ten days in urine and feces, respectively. Approximately 82% of the radioactive dose is excreted as lenalidomide in the urine within 24 hours. Hydroxy-lenalidomide and N-acetyl-lenalidomide represent 4.59% and 1.83% of the excreted dose, respectively. The renal clearance of lenalidomide exceeds the glomerular filtration rate.

The mean half-life of lenalidomide is 3 hours in healthy subjects and 3 to 5 hours in patients with multiple myeloma or MDS.

Special Populations

Patients with Renal Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide were studied in patients with renal impairment due to nonmalignant conditions. In this study, 5 patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 57-74 mL/min), 6 patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 33-46 mL/min), 6 patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 17-29 mL/min), and 6 patients with end stage renal disease requiring dialysis were administered a single oral 25-mg dose of REVLIMID. As a control group comparator, 7 healthy subjects of similar age with normal renal function (creatinine clearance 83-145 mL/min) were also administered a single oral 25-mg dose of REVLIMID. As creatinine clearance decreased from mild to severe impairment, half-life increased and drug clearance decreased linearly. Patients with moderate and severe renal impairment had a 3-fold increase in half-life and a 66% to 75% decrease in drug clearance compared to healthy subjects. Patients on hemodialysis (n=6) given a single, 25-mg dose of lenalidomide has an approximate 4.5-fold increase in half-life and an 80% decrease in drug clearance compared to healthy subjects. Approximately 40% of the administered dose was removed from the body during a single dialysis session.

In multiple myeloma patients, those patients with mild renal impairment had an AUC 56% greater than those with normal renal function.

Adjustment of the starting dose of REVLIMID is recommended in patients with moderate or severe (CLcr < 60 mL/min) renal impairment and in patients on dialysis. [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)].

Patients with Hepatic Disease: The pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide in patients with hepatic impairment have not been studied.

Age: The effects of age on the pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide have not been studied.

Pediatric: No pharmacokinetic data are available in patients below the age of 18 years.

Gender: The effects of gender on the pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide have not been studied.

Race: Pharmacokinetic differences due to race have not been studied

13.1 Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility

Carcinogenicity studies with lenalidomide have not been conducted.

Lenalidomide did not induce mutation in the Ames test, chromosome aberrations in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes, or mutation at the thymidine kinase (tk) locus of mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells. Lenalidomide did not increase morphological transformation in Syrian Hamster Embryo assay or induce micronuclei in the polychromatic erythrocytes of the bone marrow of male rats.

A fertility and early embryonic development study in rats, with administration of lenalidomide up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human dose of 25 mg, based on body surface area) produced no parental toxicity and no adverse effects on fertility.

14.1 Multiple Myeloma

Two randomized studies (Studies 1 and 2) were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of REVLIMID. These multicenter, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies compared REVLIMID plus oral pulse high-dose dexamethasone therapy to dexamethasone therapy alone in patients with multiple myeloma who had received at least one prior treatment. These studies enrolled patients with absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) ≥ 1000/mm3 platelet counts ≥ 75,000/mm3, serum creatinine ≤ 2.5 mg/dL, serum SGOT/AST or SGPT/ALT ≤ 3.0 x upper limit of normal (ULN), and serum direct bilirubin ≤ 2.0 mg/dL.

In both studies, patients in the REVLIMID/dexamethasone group took 25 mg of REVLIMID orally once daily on Days 1 to 21 and a matching placebo capsule once daily on Days 22 to 28 of each 28-day cycle. Patients in the placebo/dexamethasone group took 1 placebo capsule on Days 1 to 28 of each 28-day cycle. Patients in both treatment groups took 40 mg of dexamethasone orally once daily on Days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 of each 28-day cycle for the first 4 cycles of therapy.

The dose of dexamethasone was reduced to 40 mg orally once daily on Days 1 to 4 of each 28-day cycle after the first 4 cycles of therapy. In both studies, treatment was to continue until disease progression.

In both studies, dose adjustments were allowed based on clinical and laboratory findings. Sequential dose reductions to 15 mg daily, 10 mg daily and 5 mg daily were allowed for toxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Table 8 summarizes the baseline patient and disease characteristics in the two studies. In both studies, baseline demographic and disease-related characteristics were comparable between the REVLIMID/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups.

The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was time to progression (TTP). TTP was defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of progressive disease.

Preplanned interim analyses of both studies showed that the combination of REVLIMID/dexamethasone was significantly superior to dexamethasone alone for TTP. The studies were unblinded to allow patients in the placebo/dexamethasone group to receive treatment with the REVLIMID/dexamethasone combination. For both studies, the extended follow-up survival data with crossovers were analyzed. In study 1, the median survival time was 39.4 months (95%CI: 32.9, 47.4) in REVLIMID/dexamethasone group and 31.6 months (95%CI: 24.1, 40.9) in placebo/dexamethasone group, with a hazard ratio of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.61-1.03). In study 2, the median survival time was 37.5 months (95%CI: 29.9, 46.6) in REVLIMID/dexamethasone group and 30.8 months (95%CI: 23.5, 40.3) in placebo/dexamethasone group, with a hazard ratio of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.65-1.14).

Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Estimate of Time to Progression — Study 1

Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Estimate of Time to Progression — Study 2

14.2. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) with a Deletion 5q Cytogenetic Abnormality

The efficacy and safety of REVLIMID were evaluated in patients with transfusion-dependent anemia in low- or intermediate-1- risk MDS with a 5q (q31-33) cytogenetic abnormality in isolation or with additional cytogenetic abnormalities, at a dose of 10 mg once daily or 10 mg once daily for 21 days every 28 days in an open-label, single-arm, multi-center study. The major study was not designed nor powered to prospectively compare the efficacy of the 2 dosing regimens. Sequential dose reductions to 5 mg daily and 5 mg every other day, as well as dose delays, were allowed for toxicity [Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

This major study enrolled 148 patients who had RBC transfusion dependent anemia. RBC transfusion dependence was defined as having received ≥ 2 units of RBCs within 8 weeks prior to study treatment. The study enrolled patients with absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) ≥ 500/mm3, platelet counts ≥ 50,000/mm3, serum creatinine ≤ 2.5 mg/dL, serum SGOT/AST or SGPT/ALT ≤ 3.0 x upper limit of normal (ULN), and serum direct bilirubin ≤ 2.0 mg/dL. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was permitted for patients who developed neutropenia or fever in association with neutropenia. Baseline patient and disease-related characteristics are summarized in Table 10.

The frequency of RBC transfusion independence was assessed using criteria modified from the International Working Group (IWG) response criteria for MDS. RBC transfusion independence was defined as the absence of any RBC transfusion during any consecutive “rolling” 56 days (8 weeks) during the treatment period.

Transfusion independence was seen in 99/148 (67%) patients (95% CI [59, 74]). The median duration from the date when RBC transfusion independence was first declared (i.e., the last day of the 56-day RBC transfusion-free period) to the date when an additional transfusion was received after the 56-day transfusion-free period among the 99 responders was 44 weeks (range of 0 to >67 weeks). Ninety percent of patients who achieved a transfusion benefit did so by completion of three months in the study.

RBC transfusion independence rates were unaffected by age or gender.

The dose of REVLIMID was reduced or interrupted at least once due to an adverse event in 118 (79.7%) of the 148 patients; the median time to the first dose reduction or interruption was 21 days (mean, 35.1 days; range, 2-253 days), and the median duration of the first dose interruption was 22 days (mean, 28.5 days; range, 2-265 days). A second dose reduction or interruption due to adverse events was required in 50 (33.8%) of the 148 patients. The median interval between the first and second dose reduction or interruption was 51 days (mean, 59.7 days; range, 15-205 days) and the median duration of the second dose interruption was 21 days (mean, 26 days; range, 2-148 days).

16.1 How Supplied

 

White and blue-green opaque hard capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “2.5 mg” on the other half in black ink:

 

2.5 mg bottles of 28     (NDC 59572-402-28)

 

2.5 mg bottles of 100    (NDC 59572-402-00)

 

White opaque capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “5 mg” on the other half in black ink:

 

5 mg bottles of 28     (NDC 59572-405-28)

 

5 mg bottles of 100    (NDC 59572-405-00)

 

Blue/green and pale yellow opaque capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “10 mg” on the other half in black ink:

 

10 mg bottles of 28     (NDC 59572-410-28)

 

10 mg bottles of 100    (NDC 59572-410-00)

 

Powder blue and white opaque capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “15 mg” on the other half in black ink:

 

15 mg bottles of 21     (NDC 59572-415-21)

 

15 mg bottles of 100     (NDC 59572-415-00)

 

White opaque capsules imprinted “REV” on one half and “25 mg” on the other half in black ink:

 

25 mg bottles of 21     (NDC 59572-425-21)

 

25 mg bottles of 100    (NDC 59572-425-00)

16.2 Storage

Store at 20°C- 25°C (68°F -77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

16.3 Handling and Disposal

Care should be exercised in the handling of REVLIMID. REVLIMID capsules should not be opened or crushed. If powder from REVLIMID contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If REVLIMID contacts the mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water.

Procedures for the proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered. Several guidelines on the subject have been published.1

Dispense no more than a 28-day supply.