Lenalidomide Capsule Combination Therapy

The recommended starting dose of lenalidomide capsules is 25 mg orally once daily on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles in combination with dexamethasone. Refer to Section 14.1 for specific dexamethasone dosing. For patients greater than 75 years old, the starting dose of dexamethasone may be reduced [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

In patients who are not eligible for auto-HSCT, treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. For patients who are auto-HSCT-eligible, hematopoietic stem cell mobilization should occur within 4 cycles of a lenalidomide capsule-containing therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].

Lenalidomide Capsule Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT

Following auto-HSCT, initiate lenalidomide capsule maintenance therapy after adequate hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1,000/mcL and/or platelet counts at least 75,000/mcL). The recommended starting dose of lenalidomide capsules is 10 mg once daily continuously (Days 1-28 of repeated 28-day cycles) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. After 3 cycles of maintenance therapy, the dose can be increased to 15 mg once daily if tolerated.

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:

Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MCL Treatment

Dose modification guidelines as summarized below are recommended to manage Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or other Grade 3 or 4 toxicities considered to be related to lenalidomide capsules.

Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During FL or MZL 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 capsules.

Lenalidomide Capsule Combination Therapy for MM

For CLcr of 30 to 60 mL/min, consider escalating the dose to 15 mg after 2 cycles if the patient tolerates the 10 mg dose of lenalidomide without dose-limiting toxicity.

Lenalidomide Capsule Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT for MM and for MCL and MDS

Base subsequent lenalidomide capsule dose increase or decrease on individual patient treatment tolerance [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.3)].

Lenalidomide Capsule Combination Therapy for FL or for MZL

For patients with CLcr of 30 to 60 mL/min, after 2 cycles, the lenalidomide capsule dose may be increased to 15 mg orally if the patient has tolerated therapy.

Females of Reproductive Potential

Females of reproductive potential must avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks before beginning lenalidomide capsule 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 lenalidomide capsules, during therapy, during dose interruptions and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of lenalidomide capsule 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 lenalidomide capsule therapy and then weekly during the first month, then monthly thereafter in females with regular menstrual cycles or every 2 weeks in females with irregular menstrual cycles [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

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 lenalidomide capsules and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing lenalidomide capsules, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking lenalidomide capsules must not donate sperm and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing lenalidomide capsules [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

Blood Donation

Patients must not donate blood during treatment with lenalidomide capsules and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of the drug because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose fetus must not be exposed to lenalidomide.

Newly Diagnosed MM – Lenalidomide Capsule Combination Therapy

Data were evaluated from 1613 patients in a large phase 3 study who received at least one dose of lenalidomide capsules with low dose dexamethasone (Rd) given for 2 different durations of time (i.e., until progressive disease [Arm Rd Continuous; N = 532] or for up to eighteen 28-day cycles [72 weeks, Arm Rd18; N = 540] or who received melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (Arm MPT; N = 541) for a maximum of twelve 42-day cycles (72 weeks). The median treatment duration in the Rd Continuous arm was 80.2 weeks (range 0.7 to 246.7) or 18.4 months (range 0.16 to 56.7).

In general, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were comparable in Arm Rd Continuous and Arm Rd18, and included diarrhea, anemia, constipation, peripheral edema, neutropenia, fatigue, back pain, nausea, asthenia, and insomnia. The most frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 reactions included neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, asthenia, fatigue, back pain, hypokalemia, rash, cataract, lymphopenia, dyspnea, DVT, hyperglycemia, and leukopenia. The highest frequency of infections occurred in Arm Rd Continuous (75%) compared to Arm MPT (56%). There were more grade 3 and 4 and serious adverse reactions of infection in Arm Rd Continuous than either Arm MPT or Rd18.

In the Rd Continuous arm, the most common adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of lenalidomide capsules were infection events (28.8%); overall, the median time to the first dose interruption of lenalidomide capsules was 7 weeks. The most common adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of lenalidomide capsules in the Rd Continuous arm were hematologic events (10.7%); overall, the median time to the first dose reduction of lenalidomide capsules was 16 weeks. In the Rd Continuous arm, the most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of lenalidomide capsules were infection events (3.4%).

In both Rd arms, the frequencies of onset of adverse reactions were generally highest in the first 6 months of treatment and then the frequencies decreased over time or remained stable throughout treatment, except for cataracts. The frequency of onset of cataracts increased over time with 0.7% during the first 6 months and up to 9.6% by the 2nd year of treatment with Rd Continuous.

Table 4 summarizes the adverse reactions reported for the Rd Continuous, Rd18, and MPT treatment arms.

Newly Diagnosed MM – Lenalidomide Capsule Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT

Data were evaluated from 1018 patients in two randomized trials who received at least one dose of lenalidomide capsules 10 mg daily as maintenance therapy after auto-HSCT until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. The mean treatment duration for lenalidomide capsule treatment was 30.3 months for Maintenance Study 1 and 24.0 months for Maintenance Study 2 (overall range across both studies from 0.1 to 108 months). As of the cut-off date of 1 Mar 2015, 48 patients (21%) in the Maintenance Study 1 lenalidomide capsules arm were still on treatment and none of the patients in the Maintenance Study 2 lenalidomide capsules arm were still on treatment at the same cut-off date.

The adverse reactions listed from Maintenance Study 1 included events reported post-transplant (completion of high-dose melphalan/auto-HSCT), and the maintenance treatment period. In Maintenance Study 2, the adverse reactions were from the maintenance treatment period only. In general, the most frequently reported adverse reactions (more than 20% in the lenalidomide capsules arm) across both studies were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, cough, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, asthenia, muscle spasm and pyrexia. The most frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 reactions (more than 20% in the lenalidomide capsules arm) included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. The serious adverse reactions lung infection and neutropenia (more than 4.5%) occurred in the lenalidomide capsules arm.

For lenalidomide capsules, the most common adverse reactions leading to dose interruption were hematologic events (29.7%, data available in Maintenance Study 2 only). The most common adverse reaction leading to dose reduction of lenalidomide capsules were hematologic events (17.7%, data available in Maintenance Study 2 only). The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of lenalidomide capsules were thrombocytopenia (2.7%) in Maintenance Study 1 and neutropenia (2.4%) in Maintenance Study 2.

The frequencies of onset of adverse reactions were generally highest in the first 6 months of treatment and then the frequencies decreased over time or remained stable throughout treatment.

Table 5 summarizes the adverse reactions reported for the lenalidomide capsules and placebo maintenance treatment arms.

After At Least One Prior Therapy for MM

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

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

Tables 6, 7, and 8 summarize the adverse reactions reported for lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups.

Median duration of exposure among patients treated with lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone was 44 weeks while median duration of exposure among patients treated with placebo/dexamethasone was 23 weeks. This should be taken into consideration when comparing frequency of adverse reactions between two treatment groups lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone vs placebo/dexamethasone.

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism

[See Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.4).]

VTE and ATE are increased in patients treated with lenalidomide capsules.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was reported as a serious (7.4%) or severe (8.2%) adverse drug reaction at a higher rate in the lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone group compared to 3.1% and 3.4% in the placebo/dexamethasone group, respectively in the 2 studies in patients with at least 1 prior therapy with discontinuations due to DVT adverse reactions reported at comparable rates between groups. In the NDMM study, DVT was reported as an adverse reaction (all grades: 10.3%, 7.2%, 4.1%), as a serious adverse reaction (3.6%, 2.0%, 1.7%), and as a Grade 3/4 adverse reaction (5.6%, 3.7%, 2.8%) in the Rd Continuous, Rd18, and MPT Arms, respectively. Discontinuations and dose reductions due to DVT adverse reactions were reported at comparable rates between the Rd Continuous and Rd18 Arms (both < 1%). Interruption of lenalidomide capsule treatment due to DVT adverse reactions was reported at comparable rates between the Rd Continuous (2.3%) and Rd18 (1.5%) arms. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was reported as a serious adverse drug reaction (3.7%) or Grade 3/4 (4.0%) at a higher rate in the lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone group compared to 0.9% (serious or grade 3/4) in the placebo/dexamethasone group in the 2 studies in patients with, at least 1 prior therapy, with discontinuations due to PE adverse reactions reported at comparable rates between groups. In the NDMM study, the frequency of adverse reactions of PE was similar between the Rd Continuous, Rd18, and MPT Arms for adverse reactions (all grades: 3.9%, 3.3%, and 4.3%, respectively), serious adverse reactions (3.8%, 2.8%, and 3.7%, respectively), and grade 3/4 adverse reactions (3.8%, 3.0%, and 3.7%, respectively).

Myocardial infarction was reported as a serious (1.7%) or severe (1.7%) adverse drug reaction at a higher rate in the lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone group compared to 0.6% and 0.6% respectively in the placebo/dexamethasone group. Discontinuation due to MI (including acute) adverse reactions was 0.8% in lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone group and none in the placebo/dexamethasone group. In the NDMM study, myocardial infarction (including acute) was reported as an adverse reaction (all grades: 2.4%, 0.6%, and 1.1%), as a serious adverse reaction, (2.3%, 0.6%, and 1.1%), or as a severe adverse reaction (1.9%, 0.6%, and 0.9%) in the Rd Continuous, Rd18, and MPT Arms, respectively.

Stroke (CVA) was reported as a serious (2.3%) or severe (2.0%) adverse drug reaction in the lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone group compared to 0.9% and 0.9% respectively in the placebo/dexamethasone group. Discontinuation due to stroke (CVA) was 1.4% in lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone group and 0.3% in the placebo/dexamethasone group. In the NDMM study, CVA was reported as an adverse reaction (all grades: 0.8%, 0.6%, and 0.6%), as a serious adverse reaction (0.8%, 0.6%, and 0.6%), or as a severe adverse reaction (0.6%, 0.6%, 0.2%) in the Rd Continuous, Rd18, and MPT arms respectively.

Other Adverse Reactions

After At Least One Prior Therapy for MM:

In these 2 studies, 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

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

A total of 148 patients received at least 1 dose of 10 mg lenalidomide capsules in the del 5q MDS clinical study. At least one adverse reaction was reported in all of the 148 patients who were treated with the 10 mg starting dose of lenalidomide capsules. The most frequently reported adverse reactions 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 reactions. The next most common adverse reactions observed were diarrhea (48.6%; 72/148), pruritus (41.9%; 62/148), rash (35.8%; 53/148) and fatigue (31.1%; 46/148). Table 9 summarizes the adverse reactions that were reported in ≥ 5% of the lenalidomide capsule-treated patients in the del 5q MDS clinical study. Table 10 summarizes the most frequently observed Grade 3 and Grade 4 adverse reactions regardless of relationship to treatment with lenalidomide capsules. In the single-arm studies conducted, it is often not possible to distinguish adverse reactions that are drug-related and those that reflect the patient’s underlying disease.

In other clinical studies of lenalidomide capsules in MDS patients, the following serious adverse reactions (regardless of relationship to study drug treatment) not described in Table 9 or 10 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

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

In the MCL trial, a total of 134 patients received at least 1 dose of lenalidomide capsules. Their median age was 67 (range 43-83) years, 128/134 (96%) were Caucasian, 108/134 (81%) were males and 82/134 (61%) had duration of MCL for at least 3 years.

Table 11 summarizes the most frequently observed adverse reactions regardless of relationship to treatment with lenalidomide capsules. Across the 134 patients treated in this study, median duration of treatment was 95 days (1-1002 days). Seventy-eight patients (58%) received 3 or more cycles of therapy, 53 patients (40%) received 6 or more cycles, and 26 patients (19%) received 12 or more cycles. Seventy-six patients (57%) underwent at least one dose interruption due to adverse reactions, and 51 patients (38%) underwent at least one dose reduction due to adverse reactions. Twenty-six patients (19%) discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions.

The following adverse reactions which have occurred in other indications including another MCL study and not described above have been reported (1%-10%) in patients treated with lenalidomide capsule monotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma.

Cardiac Disorders: Cardiac failure

Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Vertigo

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Chills

Infections and Infestations: Respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, oral herpes

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Pain in extremity

Nervous System Disorders: Dysgeusia, headache, neuropathy peripheral, lethargy

Psychiatric Disorders: Insomnia

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Dry skin, night sweats

The following serious adverse reactions not described above and reported in 2 or more patients treated with lenalidomide capsule monotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma.

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Neutropenia

Cardiac Disorders: Myocardial infarction (including acute MI), supraventricular tachycardia

Infections and Infestations: Clostridium difficile colitis, sepsis

Neoplasms Benign, Malignant and Unspecified (Including Cysts and Polyps): Basal cell carcinoma

Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary embolism

Follicular Lymphoma or Marginal Zone Lymphoma

The safety of lenalidomide capsules/rituximab was evaluated in 398 patients with either previously treated follicular lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma in two clinical trials; AUGMENT (N = 176) and MAGNIFY (N = 222) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Subjects were 18 years or older in age, had an ECOG PS ≤ 2, ANC ≥ 1,000 cells/mm3 and platelets ≥ 75,000/mm3 (unless secondary to bone marrow involvement by lymphoma), hemoglobin ≥ 8 g/dL, AST and ALT ≤ 3x ULN (unless documented liver involvement with lymphoma, and creatinine clearance of ≥ 30 mL/min. Subjects with active HIV, hepatitis B or C were not eligible.

In the AUGMENT trial, patients received lenalidomide capsules 20 mg daily by mouth on days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle with rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly (days 1, 8, 15 and 22 in cycle 1) then on day 1 of cycles 2-5 (n = 176) or placebo with rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly (days 1, 8, 15 and 22 in cycle 1) then on day 1 of cycles 2-5 (n = 180) for up to 12 cycles. In the MAGNIFY trial, patients received lenalidomide capsules 20 mg by mouth daily, days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle with rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly (days 1, 8, 15 and 22 in cycle 1) then on day 1 of cycles 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 in the induction phase of the trial (n = 222). In the AUGMENT trial, 88.1% of patients completed at least 6 cycles of lenalidomide capsules/rituximab, and 71% of patients completed 12 cycles. In the ongoing MAGNIFY trial as of May 1, 2017, 62.2% of patients completed at least 6 cycles of lenalidomide capsules/rituximab, and 30.6% of patients completed 12 cycles.

Across both clinical trials (AUGMENT and MAGNIFY), patients had a median age of 64.5 years (26 to 91); 49% were male; and 81% were White.

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 6 patients (1.5%) receiving lenalidomide capsules/rituximab. Fatal adverse reactions (1 each) included cardio-respiratory arrest, arrhythmia, cardiopulmonary failure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, sepsis, and acute kidney injury. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients receiving lenalidomide capsules/rituximab in AUGMENT and 29% in MAGNIFY. The most frequent serious adverse reaction that occurred in ≥ 2.5% of patients in the lenalidomide capsules/rituximab arm was febrile neutropenia (3%). Permanent discontinuation of lenalidomide capsules or rituximab due to an adverse reaction occurred in 14.6% of patients in the lenalidomide capsules/rituximab arm. The most common adverse reaction (in at least 1%) requiring permanent discontinuation of lenalidomide capsules or rituximab was neutropenia (4.8%).

The most common adverse reactions occurring in at least 20% of subjects were; neutropenia (48%), fatigue (37%), diarrhea (32%), constipation (27%), nausea (21%), and cough (20%).

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in females exposed to lenalidomide capsules during pregnancy as well as female partners of male patients who are exposed to lenalidomide capsules. This registry is also used to understand the root cause for the pregnancy. Report any suspected fetal exposure to lenalidomide to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.

Risk Summary

Based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] and findings from animal studies [see Data], lenalidomide capsules can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and are contraindicated during pregnancy [see Boxed Warning, Contraindications (4.1), and Use in Specific Populations (5.1)].

Lenalidomide capsules are 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. Lenalidomide crossed the placenta after administration to pregnant rabbits and pregnant rats [see Data]. 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 risk 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. Report any suspected fetal exposure to lenalidomide to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2%-4% and of miscarriage is 15%-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.

Data

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of lenalidomide in human milk, the effects of lenalidomide on the breastfed child, or the effects of lenalidomide on milk production. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed children from lenalidomide capsules, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with lenalidomide capsules.

Pregnancy Testing

Lenalidomide capsules can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating lenalidomide capsule therapy and during therapy. Advise females of reproductive potential that they must avoid pregnancy 4 weeks before therapy, while taking lenalidomide capsules, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.

Females of reproductive potential must have 2 negative pregnancy tests before initiating lenalidomide capsules. The first test should be performed within 10-14 days, and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing lenalidomide capsules. 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. Lenalidomide capsule treatment must be discontinued during this evaluation.

Contraception

MM In Combination

Overall, of the 1613 patients in the NDMM study who received study treatment, 94% (1521/1613) were 65 years of age or older, while 35% (561/1613) were over 75 years of age. The percentage of patients over age 75 was similar between study arms (Rd Continuous: 33%; Rd18: 34%; MPT: 33%). Overall, across all treatment arms, the frequency in most of the adverse reaction categories (e.g., all adverse reactions, grade 3/4 adverse reactions, serious adverse reactions) was higher in older (> 75 years of age) than in younger (≤ 75 years of age) subjects. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions body system were consistently reported at a higher frequency (with a difference of at least 5%) in older subjects than in younger subjects across all treatment arms. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the Infections and Infestations, Cardiac Disorders (including cardiac failure and congestive cardiac failure), Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders, and Renal and Urinary Disorders (including renal failure) body systems were also reported slightly, but consistently, more frequently (< 5% difference), in older subjects than in younger subjects across all treatment arms. For other body systems (e.g., Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders, Infections and Infestations, Cardiac Disorders, Vascular Disorders), there was a less consistent trend for increased frequency of grade 3/4 adverse reactions in older vs younger subjects across all treatment arms. Serious adverse reactions were generally reported at a higher frequency in the older subjects than in the younger subjects across all treatment arms.

MM Maintenance Therapy

Overall, 10% (106/1018) of patients were 65 years of age or older, while no patients were over 75 years of age. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were higher in the lenalidomide capsules arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients. The frequency of Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders were higher in the lenalidomide capsules arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients. There were not a sufficient number of patients 65 years of age or older in lenalidomide capsule maintenance studies who experienced either a serious adverse reaction, or discontinued therapy due to an adverse reaction to determine whether elderly patients respond relative to safety differently from younger patients.

MM After At Least One Prior Therapy

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 lenalidomide capsules/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups. Of the 353 patients who received lenalidomide capsules/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 lenalidomide capsules. No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.

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 reactions (100%) was the same in patients over 65 years of age as in younger patients, the frequency of serious adverse reactions 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 reactions 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.

Of the 134 patients with MCL enrolled in the MCL trial, 63% were age 65 and over, while 22% of patients were age 75 and over. The overall frequency of adverse reactions was similar in patients over 65 years of age and in younger patients (98% vs 100%). The overall incidence of grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions was also similar in these 2 patient groups (79% vs 78%, respectively). The frequency of serious adverse reactions was higher in patients over 65 years of age than in younger patients (55% vs 41%). No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.

FL or MZL in Combination

Overall, 48% (282/590) of patients were 65 years of age or older, while 14% (82/590) of patients were over 75 years of age. The overall frequency of adverse reactions was similar in patients 65 years of age or older and younger patients for both studies pooled (98%). Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were higher in the lenalidomide capsules arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients (71% versus 59%). The frequency of Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were higher in the lenalidomide capsules arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients in the Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders (47% versus 40%) and Infections and Infestations (16% versus 11%). Serious adverse reactions were higher in the lenalidomide capsules arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients (37% versus 18%). The frequency of serious adverse reactions were higher in the lenalidomide capsules arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients in Infections and Infestations (15% versus 6%).

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

Cardiac Electrophysiology

The effect of lenalidomide on the QTc interval was evaluated in 60 healthy male subjects in a thorough QT study. At a dose two times the maximum recommended dose, lenalidomide did not prolong the QTc interval. The largest upper bound of the two-sided 90% CI for the mean differences between lenalidomide and placebo was below 10 ms.

Absorption

Following single and multiple doses of lenalidomide capsules in patients with MM or MDS, the maximum plasma concentrations occurred between 0.5 and 6 hours post-dose. The single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic disposition of lenalidomide is linear with AUC and Cmax values increasing proportionally with dose. Multiple doses of lenalidomide capsules at the recommended dosage does not result in drug accumulation.

Administration of a single 25 mg dose of lenalidomide capsules 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 lenalidomide capsules, the drug was administered without regard to food intake. Lenalidomide capsules can be administered with or without food.

The oral absorption rate of lenalidomide in patients with MCL is similar to that observed in patients with MM or MDS.

Distribution

In vitro [14C]-lenalidomide binding to plasma proteins is approximately 30%.

Lenalidomide is present in semen at 2 hours (1379 ng/ejaculate) and 24 hours (35 ng/ejaculate) after the administration of lenalidomide capsules 25 mg daily.

Elimination

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

Metabolism

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

Excretion

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 was eliminated within ten days in urine and feces, respectively. Approximately 82% of the radioactive dose was excreted as lenalidomide in the urine within 24 hours. Hydroxy-lenalidomide and N-acetyl-lenalidomide represented 4.6% and 1.8% of the excreted dose, respectively. The renal clearance of lenalidomide exceeds the glomerular filtration rate.

Specific Populations

Drug Interactions

Co-administration of a single dose or multiple doses of dexamethasone (40 mg) had no clinically relevant effect on the multiple dose pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide capsules (25 mg).

Co-administration of lenalidomide capsules (25 mg) after multiple doses of a P-gp inhibitor such as quinidine (600 mg twice daily) did not significantly increase the Cmax or AUC of lenalidomide.

Co-administration of the P-gp inhibitor and substrate temsirolimus (25 mg) with lenalidomide capsules (25 mg) did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide, temsirolimus, or sirolimus (metabolite of temsirolimus).

In vitro studies demonstrated that lenalidomide capsules are a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Lenalidomide capsules are not a substrate of human breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), multidrug resistance protein (MRP) transporters MRP1, MRP2, or MRP3, organic anion transporters (OAT) OAT1 and OAT3, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), organic cation transporters (OCT) OCT1 and OCT2, multidrug and toxin extrusion protein (MATE) MATE1, and organic cation transporters novel (OCTN) OCTN1 and OCTN2. Lenalidomide is not an inhibitor of P-gp, bile salt export pump (BSEP), BCRP, MRP2, OAT1, OAT3, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or OCT2. Lenalidomide does not inhibit or induce CYP450 isoenzymes. Also, lenalidomide does not inhibit bilirubin glucuronidation formation in human liver microsomes with UGT1A1 genotyped as UGT1A1*1/*1, UGT1A1*1/*28, and UGT1A1*28/*28.

Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial in Patients with Newly Diagnosed MM

A randomized multicenter, open-label, 3-arm trial of 1,623 patients, was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide capsules and low-dose dexamethasone (Rd) given for 2 different durations of time to that of melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (MPT) in newly diagnosed MM patients who were not a candidate for stem cell transplant. In the first arm of the study, Rd was given continuously until progressive disease [Arm Rd Continuous]. In the second arm, Rd was given for up to eighteen 28-day cycles [72 weeks, Arm Rd18]). In the third arm, melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (MPT) was given for a maximum of twelve 42-day cycles (72 weeks). For the purposes of this study, a patient who was < 65 years of age was not a candidate for SCT if the patient refused to undergo SCT therapy or the patient did not have access to SCT due to cost or other reasons. Patients were stratified at randomization by age (≤ 75 versus > 75 years), stage (ISS Stages I and II versus Stage III), and country.

Patients in the Rd Continuous and Rd18 arms received lenalidomide capsules 25 mg once daily on Days 1 to 21 of 28-day cycles. Dexamethasone was dosed 40 mg once daily on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each 28-day cycle. For patients over > 75 years old, the starting dose of dexamethasone was 20 mg orally once daily on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of repeated 28-day cycles. Initial dose and regimens for Rd Continuous and Rd18 were adjusted according to age and renal function. All patients received prophylactic anticoagulation with the most commonly used being aspirin.

The demographics and disease-related baseline characteristics of the patients were balanced among the 3 arms. In general, study subjects had advanced-stage disease. Of the total study population, the median age was 73 in the 3 arms with 35% of total patients > 75 years of age; 59% had ISS Stage I/II; 41% had ISS stage III; 9% had severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CLcr] < 30 mL/min); 23% had moderate renal impairment (CLcr > 30 to 50 mL/min; 44% had mild renal impairment (CLcr > 50 to 80 mL/min). For ECOG Performance Status, 29% were Grade 0, 49% Grade 1, 21% Grade 2, 0.4% ≥ Grade 3.

The primary efficacy endpoint, progression-free survival (PFS), was defined as the time from randomization to the first documentation of disease progression as determined by Independent Response Adjudication Committee (IRAC), based on International Myeloma Working Group [IMWG] criteria or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first during the study until the end of the PFS follow-up phase. For the efficacy analysis of all endpoints, the primary comparison was between Rd Continuous and MPT arms. The efficacy results are summarized in the table below. PFS was significantly longer with Rd Continuous than MPT: HR 0.72 (95% CI: 0.61-0.85 p < 0.0001). A lower percentage of subjects in the Rd Continuous arm compared with the MPT arm had PFS events (52% versus 61%, respectively). The improvement in median PFS time in the Rd Continuous arm compared with the MPT arm was 4.3 months. The myeloma response rate was higher with Rd Continuous compared with MPT (75.1% versus 62.3%); with a complete response in 15.1% of Rd Continuous arm patients versus 9.3% in the MPT arm. The median time to first response was 1.8 months in the Rd Continuous arm versus 2.8 months in the MPT arm.

For the interim OS analysis with 03 March 2014 data cutoff, the median follow-up time for all surviving patients is 45.5 months, with 697 death events, representing 78% of prespecified events required for the planned final OS analysis (697/896 of the final OS events). The observed OS HR was 0.75 for Rd Continuous versus MPT (95% CI = 0.62, 0.90).