Limitations of Use

MAVENCLAD is not recommended for use in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) because of its safety profile [see Warnings and Precautions (5)].

2.1 Assessments Prior to Starting Each MAVENCLAD Treatment Course

2.2 Recommended Dosage

The recommended cumulative dosage of MAVENCLAD is 3.5 mg per kg body weight administered orally and divided into 2 yearly treatment courses (1.75 mg per kg per treatment course) (see Table 1). Each treatment course is divided into 2 treatment cycles:

2.3 Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, patients should not take double or extra doses.

If a dose is not taken on the scheduled day, then the patient must take the missed dose on the following day and extend the number of days in that treatment cycle. If two consecutive doses are missed, the treatment cycle is extended by 2 days.

2.4 Administration

MAVENCLAD tablets are taken orally, with water, and swallowed whole without chewing. MAVENCLAD can be taken with or without food.

Separate administration of MAVENCLAD and any other oral drugs by at least 3 hours during the 4 to 5 day MAVENCLAD treatment cycles [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.6)].

MAVENCLAD is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures [see References (15)]. MAVENCLAD is an uncoated tablet and must be swallowed immediately once removed from the blister. If a tablet is left on a surface, or if a broken or fragmented tablet is released from the blister, the area must be thoroughly washed with water.

The patient's hands must be dry when handling the tablets and washed thoroughly afterwards. Avoid prolonged contact with skin.

2.5 Laboratory Testing and Monitoring to Assess Safety

2.6 Recommended Concomitant Medication

5.1 Malignancies

Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. In controlled and extension clinical studies worldwide, malignancies occurred more frequently in MAVENCLAD-treated patients [10 events in 3,754 patient-years (0.27 events per 100 patient-years)], compared to placebo patients [3 events in 2,275 patient-years (0.13 events per 100 patient-years)]. Malignancy cases in MAVENCLAD patients included metastatic pancreatic carcinoma, malignant melanoma (2 cases), ovarian cancer, compared to malignancy cases in placebo patients, all of which were curable by surgical resection [basal cell carcinoma, cervical carcinoma in situ (2 cases)]. The incidence of malignancies in United States MAVENCLAD clinical study patients was higher than the rest of the world [4 events in 189 patient-years (2.21 events per 100 patient-years) compared to 0 events in United States placebo patients]; however, the United States results were based on a limited amount of patient data.

After the completion of 2 treatment courses, do not administer additional MAVENCLAD treatment during the next 2 years [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. In clinical studies, patients who received additional MAVENCLAD treatment within 2 years after the first 2 treatment courses had an increased incidence of malignancy [7 events in 790 patient-years (0.91 events per 100 patient-years) calculated from the start of cladribine treatment in Year 3]. The risk of malignancy with reinitiating MAVENCLAD more than 2 years after the completion of 2 treatment courses has not been studied.

MAVENCLAD is contraindicated in patients with current malignancy. In patients with prior malignancy or with increased risk of malignancy, evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of MAVENCLAD on an individual patient basis. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD.

5.2 Risk of Teratogenicity

MAVENCLAD may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Malformations and embryolethality occurred in animals [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course.

In females of reproductive potential, pregnancy should be excluded before initiation of each treatment course of MAVENCLAD and prevented by the use of effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each treatment course. Women who become pregnant during treatment with MAVENCLAD should discontinue treatment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)]. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception.

5.3 Lymphopenia

MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count. In clinical studies, 87% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients experienced lymphopenia. The lowest absolute lymphocyte counts occurred approximately 2 to 3 months after the start of each treatment course and were lower with each additional treatment course. In patients treated with a cumulative dose of MAVENCLAD 3.5 mg per kg over 2 courses as monotherapy, 26% and 1% had nadir absolute lymphocyte counts less than 500 and less than 200 cells per microliter, respectively. At the end of the second treatment course, 2% of clinical study patients had lymphocyte counts less than 500 cells per microliter; median time to recovery to at least 800 cells per microliter was approximately 28 weeks.

Additive hematological adverse reactions may be expected if MAVENCLAD is administered prior to or concomitantly with other drugs that affect the hematological profile [see Drug Interactions (7.3)]. The incidence of lymphopenia less than 500 cells per microliter was higher in patients who had used drugs to treat relapsing forms of MS prior to study entry (32.1%), compared to those with no prior use of these drugs (23.8%).

Obtain complete blood count (CBC) with differential including lymphocyte count prior to, during, and after treatment with MAVENCLAD. See Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) for timing of CBC measurements and additional instructions based on the patient's lymphocyte counts and clinical status (e.g., infections).

5.4 Infections

Serious, including life-threatening or fatal, bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections have been reported in patients receiving MAVENCLAD. MAVENCLAD reduces the body's immune defense, and an increased risk of infections has been observed in patients receiving MAVENCLAD.

Infections occurred in 49% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients compared to 44% of placebo patients in clinical studies; serious or severe infections occurred in 2.4% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients and 2.0% of placebo-treated patients. The most frequent serious infections in MAVENCLAD- treated patients included herpes zoster and pyelonephritis (see Herpes Virus Infections). Fungal infections were observed, including cases of coccidioidomycosis.

In the postmarketing setting, serious infections have been reported, including nocardiosis, varicella zoster, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and toxoplasmosis. The majority of patients with these infections who had an available absolute lymphocyte count at the time of the event had concurrent lymphopenia, consistent with the mechanism of action of MAVENCLAD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

HIV infection, active tuberculosis, and active hepatitis must be excluded before initiation of each treatment course of MAVENCLAD [see Contraindications (4)].

Delay initiation of MAVENCLAD in patients with an acute infection until the infection is fully resolved or controlled.

Initiation of MAVENCLAD in patients currently receiving immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive therapy is not recommended [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with these therapies could increase the risk of immunosuppression.

5.5 Hematologic Toxicity

In addition to lymphopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)], decreases in other blood cells and hematological parameters have been reported with MAVENCLAD in clinical studies. Mild to moderate decreases in neutrophil counts (cell count between 1,000 cells per microliter and < lower limit of normal (LLN)) were observed in 27% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 13% of placebo patients whereas severe decreases in neutrophil counts (cell count below 1,000 cells per microliter) were observed in 3.6% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 2.8% of placebo patients. Decreases in hemoglobin levels, in general mild to moderate (hemoglobin 8.0 g per dL to < LLN), were observed in 26% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 19% of placebo patients. Decreases in platelet counts were generally mild (cell count 75,000 cells per microliter to < LLN) and were observed in 11% of MAVENCLAD- treated patients, compared to 4% of placebo patients.

In clinical studies at dosages similar to or higher than the approved MAVENCLAD dosage, serious cases of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and pancytopenia (some with documented bone marrow hypoplasia) requiring transfusion and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor treatment have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) for information regarding graft-versus- host disease with blood transfusion].

Obtain complete blood count (CBC) with differential prior to, during, and after treatment with MAVENCLAD [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.5)].

5.6 Graft-Versus-Host Disease With Blood Transfusion

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease has been observed rarely after transfusion of nonirradiated blood in patients treated with cladribine for non-MS treatment indications.

In patients who require blood transfusion, irradiation of cellular blood components is recommended prior to administration to decrease the risk of transfusion-related graft-versus-host disease. Consultation with a hematologist is advised.

5.7 Liver Injury

In clinical studies, 0.3% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients had liver injury (serious or causing treatment discontinuation) considered related to treatment, compared to 0 placebo patients. Onset has ranged from a few weeks to several months after initiation of treatment with MAVENCLAD. Signs and symptoms of liver injury, including elevation of serum aminotransferases to greater than 20-fold the upper limit of normal, have been observed. These abnormalities resolved upon treatment discontinuation.

Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels prior to the first and second treatment course [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. If a patient develops clinical signs, including unexplained liver enzyme elevations or symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfunction (e.g., unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, or jaundice and/or dark urine), promptly measure serum transaminases and total bilirubin and interrupt or discontinue treatment with MAVENCLAD, as appropriate.

5.8 Hypersensitivity

In clinical studies, 11% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients had hypersensitivity reactions, compared to 7% of placebo patients. Hypersensitivity reactions that were serious and/or led to discontinuation of MAVENCLAD (e.g., dermatitis, pruritis) occurred in 0.5% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 0.1% of placebo patients. One patient had a serious hypersensitivity reaction with rash, mucous membrane ulceration, throat swelling, vertigo, diplopia, and headache after the first dose of MAVENCLAD.

If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue MAVENCLAD therapy. Do not use MAVENCLAD in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine [see Contraindications (4)].

5.9 Cardiac Failure

In clinical studies, one MAVENCLAD-treated patient experienced life-threatening acute cardiac failure with myocarditis, which improved after approximately one week. Cases of cardiac failure have also been reported with parenteral cladribine used for treatment indications other than multiple sclerosis.

Instruct patients to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of cardiac failure (e.g., shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, swelling).

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In the clinical trial program of cladribine in MS, 1,976 patients received cladribine for a total of 9,509 patient years. The mean time on study including follow-up was approximately 4.8 years, and approximately 24% of cladribine-treated patients had approximately 8 years of time on study including follow-up. Of these, 923 patients aged 18 to 66 years received MAVENCLAD as monotherapy at a cumulative dose of 3.5 mg per kg.

Table 2 shows adverse reactions in Study 1 [see Clinical Studies (14)] with an incidence of at least 5% for MAVENCLAD and higher than placebo. The most common (> 20%) adverse reactions reported in Study 1 are upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and lymphopenia.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of MAVENCLAD. 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.

Infections and Infestations: nocardiosis, varicella zoster, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and toxoplasmosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients (below 18 years of age) have not been established. Use of MAVENCLAD is not recommended in pediatric patients because of the risk of malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies with MAVENCLAD did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Caution is recommended when MAVENCLAD is used in elderly patients, taking into account the potential greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, concomitant diseases, and other drug therapy.

8.6 Patients with Renal Impairment

The concentration of cladribine is predicted to increase in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. No dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 60 to 89 mL per minute). MAVENCLAD is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 60 mL per minute) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.7 Patients with Hepatic Impairment

The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of cladribine is unknown [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. No dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with mild hepatic impairment. MAVENCLAD is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score greater than 6) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The mechanism by which cladribine exerts its therapeutic effects in patients with multiple sclerosis has not been fully elucidated but is thought to involve cytotoxic effects on B and T lymphocytes through impairment of DNA synthesis, resulting in depletion of lymphocytes.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count. The lowest absolute lymphocyte counts occurred approximately 2 to 3 months after the start of each treatment cycle and were lower with each additional treatment cycle. At the end of Year 2, 2% of patients continued to have absolute lymphocyte counts less than 500 cells per microliter. The median time to recovery from lymphocyte counts less than 500 cells per microliter to at least 800 cells per microliter was approximately 28 weeks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Cladribine is a prodrug that becomes active upon phosphorylation to its 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine triphosphate (Cd-ATP) metabolite.

The pharmacokinetic parameters presented below were assessed following oral administration of cladribine 10 mg, unless otherwise specified. The cladribine mean maximum concentration (Cmax) was in the range of 22 to 29 ng/ mL and corresponding mean AUC was in the range of 80 to 101 ng∙h/mL.

The Cmax and AUC of cladribine increased proportionally across a dose range from 3 to 20 mg.

No accumulation of cladribine concentration in plasma was observed after repeated dosing.

12.6 Hydroxypropyl Betadex-Related Complex Formation

MAVENCLAD contains hydroxypropyl betadex that may be available for complex formation with the active ingredients of other drugs. Complex formation between free hydroxypropyl betadex, released from the cladribine tablet formulation, and concomitant ibuprofen, furosemide, and gabapentin was observed. Concomitant use with MAVENCLAD may increase the bioavailability of other drugs (especially agents with low solubility), which may increase the risk or severity of adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

16.1 How Supplied

MAVENCLAD tablets, 10 mg, are uncoated, white, round, biconvex, and engraved with a "C" on one side and "10" on the other side. Each tablet is packaged in a child-resistant day pack containing one or two tablets in a blister card.

Dispense one box for each treatment cycle with a Medication Guide [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

16.2 Storage and Handling

Store at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in original package in order to protect from moisture.

MAVENCLAD is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures [see References (15)].1

Malignancies

Inform patients that MAVENCLAD may increase their risk of malignancies. Instruct patients to follow standard cancer screening guidelines [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Risk of Teratogenicity

Inform patients that MAVENCLAD may cause fetal harm. Discuss with women of childbearing age whether they are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant. Before initiating each treatment course, inform patients about the potential risk to the fetus, if female patients or partners of male patients get pregnant during MAVENCLAD dosing or within 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

Instruct female patients of childbearing potential to use effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course to avoid pregnancy.

Instruct male patients to take precautions to prevent pregnancy of their partner during MAVENCLAD dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course.

Advise patients that female patients or partners of male patients who get pregnant immediately inform their healthcare provider.

Advise patients that there is a pregnancy safety study that monitors the pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to cladribine during pregnancy or within 6 months before conception, as well as pregnancies fathered by men exposed to cladribine within 6 months before conception, and they can report the pregnancy by calling EMD Serono's Adverse Event reporting line at 1-800-283-8088 ext. 5563 or by faxing 1-781-681-2961. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Lactation

Inform women that they cannot breastfeed on a MAVENCLAD treatment day and for 10 days after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Lymphopenia and Other Hematologic Toxicity

Inform patients that MAVENCLAD decreases lymphocyte counts and may also decrease counts of other blood cells. A blood test should be obtained before starting a treatment course, 2 and 6 months after start of treatment in each treatment course, periodically thereafter, and when clinically needed. Advise patients to keep all appointments for lymphocyte monitoring during and after MAVENCLAD treatment [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.5)].

Infections

Inform patients that infections, some of which were serious, have been reported in patients receiving MAVENCLAD. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider promptly if fever or other signs of infection such as aching, painful muscles, headache, generally feeling unwell or loss of appetite occur while on therapy or after a course of treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Advise patients that PML has happened with parenteral cladribine used in oncologic indications. Inform the patient that PML is characterized by a progression of deficits and usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months. Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor if they develop any symptoms suggestive of PML. Inform the patient that typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Advise patients that some vaccines containing live virus (live attenuated vaccines) should be avoided during and after treatment with MAVENCLAD. Advise patients to complete any live or live-attenuated vaccinations at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to initiation of MAVENCLAD. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider prior to receiving any vaccinations.

Liver Injury

Inform patients that MAVENCLAD may cause liver injury. Instruct patients treated with MAVENCLAD to report promptly any symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice. A blood test should be obtained prior to each treatment course with MAVENCLAD and as clinically indicated thereafter [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Hypersensitivity

Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of serious or severe hypersensitivity reactions, including skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Cardiac Failure

Advise patients that MAVENCLAD may cause cardiac failure. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of cardiac failure (e.g., shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, swelling) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Treatment Handling and Administration

Instruct patients that MAVENCLAD is a cytotoxic drug and to use care when handling MAVENCLAD tablets, limit direct skin contact with the tablets, and wash exposed areas thoroughly. Advise patients to keep the tablets in the original package until just prior to each scheduled dose and consult their pharmacist on the proper disposal of unused tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.2)].