Drug Reference

Eribulin

Other antineoplastic agents

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Therapeutic class
Other antineoplastic agents
Action class
Microtubule Inhibitor
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Halaven

Available as

2 ML · Injection

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Eribulin mesylate injection is a microtubule inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with: Metastatic breast cancer who have previously received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of metastatic disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting. ( 1.1 ) Unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma who have received a prior anthracycline-containing regimen. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Metastatic Breast Cancer Eribulin mesylate injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer who have previously received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of metastatic disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. 1.2 Liposarcoma Eribulin mesylate injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma who have received a prior anthracycline-containing regimen [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] .
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Eribulin inhibits the growth phase of microtubules without affecting the shortening phase and sequesters tubulin into nonproductive aggregates. Eribulin exerts its effects via a tubulin-based antimitotic mechanism leading to G 2 /M cell-cycle block, disruption of mitotic spindles, and, ultimately, apoptotic cell death after prolonged mitotic blockage. In addition, eribulin treatment of human breast cancer cells caused changes in morphology and gene expression as well as decreased migration and invasiveness in vitro . In mouse xenograft models of human breast cancer, eribulin treatment was associated with increased vascular perfusion and permeability in the tumor cores, resulting in reduced tumor hypoxia, and changes in the expression of genes in tumor specimens associated with a change in phenotype.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer 1.4 mg/m 2 intravenously over 2 to 5 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. ( 2.1 ) Reduce dose in patients with hepatic impairment or with moderate or severe renal impairment. ( 2.1 ) Do not mix with other drugs or administer with dextrose-containing solutions. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dose The recommended dose of eribulin mesylate injection is 1.4 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 2 to 5 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. The recommended dose of eribulin mesylate injection in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A) is 1.1 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 2 to 5 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] . The recommended dose of eribulin mesylate injection in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) is 0.7 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 2 to 5 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] . The recommended dose of eribulin mesylate injection in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance (CLcr) 15 to 49 mL/min) is 1.1 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 2 to 5 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 )]. 2.2 Dose Modification Assess for peripheral neuropathy and obtain complete blood cell counts prior to each dose. Recommended dose delays • Do not administer eribulin mesylate injection on Day 1 or Day 8 for any of the following: - ANC < 1,000/mm 3 - Platelets < 75,000/mm 3 - Grade 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicities. • The Day 8 dose may be delayed for a maximum of 1 week. - If toxicities do not resolve or improve to ≤ Grade 2 severity by Day 15, omit the dose. - If toxicities resolve or improve to ≤ Grade 2 severity by Day 15, administer eribulin mesylate injection at a reduced dose and initiate the next cycle no sooner than 2 weeks later. Recommended dose reductions • If a dose has been delayed for toxicity and toxicities have recovered to Grade 2 severity or less, resume eribulin mesylate injection at a reduced dose as set out in Table 1. • Do not re-escalate eribulin mesylate injection dose after it has been reduced. Table 1: Recommended Dose Reductions Event Description Recommended Eribulin Mesylate Injection Dose Permanently reduce the 1.4 mg/m 2 eribulin mesylate injection dose for any of the following: 1.1 mg/m 2 ANC <500/mm 3 for >7 days ANC <1,000 /mm 3 with fever or infection Platelets <25,000/mm 3 Platelets <50,000/mm 3 requiring transfusion Non-hematologic Grade 3 or 4 toxicities Omission or delay of Day 8 eribulin mesylate injection dose in previous cycle for toxicity Occurrence of any event requiring permanent dose reduction while receiving 1.1 mg/m 2 0.7 mg/m 2 Occurrence of any event requiring permanent dose reduction while receiving 0.7 mg/m 2 Discontinue eribulin mesylate injection ANC = absolute neutrophil count. Toxicities graded in accordance with National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 3.0. 2.3 Instructions for Preparation and Administration Aseptically withdraw the required amount of eribulin mesylate injection from the single-dose vial and administer undiluted or diluted in 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Do not dilute in or administer through an intravenous line containing solutions with dextrose. Do not administer in the same intravenous line concurrent with the other medicinal products. Store undiluted eribulin mesylate injection in the syringe for up to 4 hours at room temperature or for up to 24 hours under refrigeration at 4°C (40°F). Store diluted solutions of eribulin mesylate injection for up to 4 hours at room temperature or up to 24 hours under refrigeration at 4°C (40°F). Discard unused portions of the vial.
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in metastatic breast cancer were neutropenia, anemia, asthenia/fatigue, alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, and constipation. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma were fatigue, nausea, alopecia, constipation, peripheral neuropathy, abdominal pain, and pyrexia. The most common (≥5%) Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities in liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma were neutropenia, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The following adverse reactions are discussed in detail in other sections of the labeling: Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1) ] Peripheral neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] In clinical trials, eribulin mesylate has been administered to 1,963 patients including 467 patients exposed to eribulin mesylate for 6 months or longer. The majority of the 1,963 patients were women (92%) with a median age of 55 years (range: 17 to 85 years). The racial and ethnic distribution was White (72%), Black (4%), Asian (9%), and other (3%). Metastatic Breast Cancer The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) reported in patients receiving eribulin mesylate were neutropenia, anemia, asthenia/fatigue, alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, and constipation. The most common serious adverse reactions reported in patients receiving eribulin mesylate were febrile neutropenia (4%) and neutropenia (2%). The most common adverse reaction resulting in discontinuation of eribulin mesylate was peripheral neuropathy (5%). The adverse reactions described in Table 2 were identified in 750 patients treated in Study 1 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . In Study 1, patients were randomized (2:1) to receive either eribulin mesylate (1.4 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle) or single agent treatment chosen by their physician (control group). A total of 503 patients received eribulin mesylate and 247 patients in the control group received therapy consisting of chemotherapy [total 97% (anthracyclines 10%, capecitabine 18%, gemcitabine 19%, taxanes 15%, vinorelbine 25%, other chemotherapies 10%)] or hormonal therapy (3%). The median duration of exposure was 118 days for patients receiving eribulin mesylate and 63 days for patients receiving control therapy. Table 2 reports the most common adverse reactions occurring in at least 10% of patients in either group. Table 2: Adverse Reactions a with a Per-Patient Incidence of at Least 10% in Study 1 Adverse Reactions Eribulin Mesylate n=503 Control Group n=247 All Grades ≥ Grade 3 All Grades ≥ Grade 3 Blood and lymphatic system disorders b Neutropenia 82% 57% 53% 23% Anemia 58% 2% 55% 4% Nervous system disorders Peripheral neuropathy c 35% 8% 16% 2% Headache 19% <1% 12% <1% General disorders Asthenia/Fatigue 54% 10% 40% 11% Pyrexia 21% <1% 13% <1% Mucosalinflammation 9% 1% 10% 2% Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 35% 1% 28% 3% Constipation 25% 1% 21% 1% Vomiting 18% 1% 18% 1% Diarrhea 18% 0 18% 0 Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Arthralgia/Myalgia 22% <1% 12% 1% Back pain 16% 1% 7% 2% Bone pain 12% 2% 9% 2% Pain in extremity 11% 1% 10% 1% Metabolism and nutrition disorders Decreased weight 21% 1% 14% <1% Anorexia 20% 1% 13% 1% Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders Dyspnea 16% 4% 13% 4% Cough 14% 0 9% 0 Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Alopecia 45% NA d 10% NA d Infections Urinary Tract Infection 10% 1% 5% 0 a. adverse reactions were graded per National Cancer Inst

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from an animal reproduction study and its mechanism of action, eribulin mesylate, can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )]. There are no available data on the use of eribulin mesylate during pregnancy. In an animal reproduction study, eribulin mesylate caused embryo-fetal toxicity when administered to pregnant rats during organogenesis at doses below the recommended human dose [see Data] . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically-recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study, pregnant rats received intravenous infusion of eribulin mesylate during organogenesis (Gestation Days 8, 10, and 12) at doses approximately 0.04, 0.13, 0.43 and 0.64 times the recommended human dose, based on body surface area. Increased abortion and severe fetal external or soft tissue malformations, including the absence of a lower jaw and tongue, or stomach and spleen, were observed at doses 0.64 times the recommended human dose of 1.4 mg/m 2 based on body surface area. Increased embryo-fetal death/resorption, reduced fetal weights, and minor skeletal anomalies consistent with developmental delay were also reported at doses at or above a maternally toxic dose of approximately 0.43 times the recommended human dose.
BreastfeedingUnsafe
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Females Based on findings from an animal reproduction study and its mechanism of action, eribulin mesylate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with eribulin mesylate injection and for at least 2 weeks following the final dose . Males Based on its mechanism of action, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with eribulin mesylate injection and for 3.5 months following the final dose. Infertility Males Based on animal data, eribulin mesylate may result in damage to male reproductive tissues leading to impaired fertility of unknown duration [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )].
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyConsult your doctor
…dose in patients with hepatic impairment or with moderate or severe renal impairment.…
LiverCaution
…( 2.1 ) Reduce dose in patients with hepatic impairment or with moderate or severe renal impairment.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neutropenia : Monitor peripheral blood cell counts and adjust dose as appropriate. ( 5.1 ) Peripheral Neuropathy : Monitor for signs of neuropathy. Manage with dose delay and adjustment. ( 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) QT Prolongation : Monitor for prolonged QT intervals in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, drugs known to prolong the QT interval, and electrolyte abnormalities. Avoid in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Neutropenia In Study 1, severe neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm 3 ) lasting more than one week occurred in 12% (62/503) of patients with metastatic breast cancer, leading to discontinuation in <1% of patients. Febrile neutropenia (fever ≥38.5°C with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia) occurred in 5% (23/503) of patients; two patients (0.4%) died from complications of febrile neutropenia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . In Study 1, patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 3 × ULN (upper limit of normal) experienced a higher incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia than patients with normal aminotransferase levels. Patients with bilirubin > 1.5 × ULN also had a higher incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. In Study 2, severe neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm 3 ) lasting more than one week occurred in 12% (26/222) of patients with liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 0.9% of patients treated with eribulin mesylate and fatal neutropenic sepsis in 0.9% [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Monitor complete blood counts prior to each dose; increase the frequency of monitoring in patients who develop Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias. Delay administration of eribulin mesylate injection and reduce subsequent doses in patients who experience febrile neutropenia or Grade 4 neutropenia lasting longer than 7 days [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. Clinical studies of eribulin mesylate did not include patients with baseline neutrophil counts below 1,500/mm 3 . 5.2 Peripheral Neuropathy In Study 1, Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 8% (40/503) of patients, and Grade 4 in 0.4% (2/503) of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Peripheral neuropathy was the most common toxicity leading to discontinuation of eribulin mesylate (5% of patients; 24/503) in Study 1. Neuropathy lasting more than one year occurred in 5% (26/503) of patients. Twenty-two percent (109/503) of patients developed a new or worsening neuropathy that had not recovered within a median follow-up duration of 269 days (range 25 to 662 days). In Study 2, Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 3.1% (7/223) of eribulin mesylate-treated patients. Peripheral neuropathy led to discontinuation of eribulin mesylate in 0.9% of patients. The median time to first occurrence of peripheral neuropathy of any severity was 5 months (range: 3.5 months to 9 months). Neuropathy lasting more than 60 days occurred in 58% (38/65) of patients. Sixty three percent (41/65) had not recovered within a median follow-up duration of 6.4 months (range: 27 days to 29 months). Monitor patients closely for signs of peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy. Withhold eribulin mesylate in patients who experience Grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy, until resolution to Grade 2 or less [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . 5.3 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from an animal reproduction study and its mechanism of action, eribulin mesylate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of eribulin mesylate in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, eribulin mesylate caused embryo-fetal toxicity when administered to pregnant rats during organogenesis at doses below the recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of eribulin mesylate injection in pediatric patients have not been established. Pediatric use information describing clinical studies in which efficacy was not demonstrated is approved for Eisai Inc’s HALAVEN ® (eribulin mesylate) injection. However, due to Eisai Inc’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Eribulin Mesylate No drug-drug interactions are expected with CYP3A4 inhibitors, CYP3A4 inducers or P‑glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors. Clinically meaningful differences in exposure (AUC) were not observed in patients with advanced solid tumors when eribulin mesylate was administered with or without ketoconazole (a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 and a P-gp inhibitor) and when eribulin mesylate was administered with or without rifampin (a CYP3A4 inducer) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.2 Effects of Eribulin Mesylate on Other Drugs Eribulin does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 or CYP3A4 enzymes or induce CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 enzymes at relevant clinical concentrations. Eribulin is not expected to alter the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of these enzymes [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of eribulin mesylate has been reported at approximately 4 times the recommended dose, which resulted in Grade 3 neutropenia lasting seven days and a Grade 3 hypersensitivity reaction lasting one day. There is no known antidote for eribulin mesylate injection overdose.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

2 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.