Drug Reference

Nelarabine

Purine analogues

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Fact box

Therapeutic class
Purine analogues
Action class
Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitor
Mechanism
Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Arranon

Available as

75 ML · Injection50 ML · Injection

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

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: NEUROLOGIC ADVERSE REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Severe neurologic adverse reactions have been reported with the use of nelarabine injection. These adverse reactions have included altered mental states including severe somnolence, central nervous system effects including convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy ranging from numbness and paresthesias to motor weakness and paralysis. There have also been reports of adverse reactions associated with demyelination, and ascending peripheral neuropathies similar in appearance to Guillain-Barré syndrome. ( 5.1 ) Full recovery from these adverse reactions has not always occurred with cessation of therapy with nelarabine injection. Monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity. Discontinue nelarabine injection for neurologic adverse reactions of NCI Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade 2 or greater. ( 5.1 ) WARNING: NEUROLOGIC ADVERSE REACTIONS Severe neurologic adverse reactions have been reported with the use of Nelarabine injection. These adverse reactions have included altered mental states including severe somnolence, central nervous system effects including convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy ranging from numbness and paresthesias to motor weakness and paralysis. There have also been reports of adverse reactions associated with demyelination, and ascending peripheral neuropathies similar in appearance to Guillain-Barré syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Full recovery from these adverse reactions has not always occurred with cessation of therapy with nelarabine injection. Monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during treatment with nelarabine injection. Discontinue nelarabine injection for neurologic adverse reactions of NCI Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade 2 or greater [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nelarabine injection is indicated for the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens. Nelarabine injection is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in adult and pediatric patients age 1 year and older whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens. (1)
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Nelarabine is a prodrug of the deoxyguanosine analogue 9-β- D -arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G), a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor. Nelarabine is demethylated by adenosine deaminase (ADA) to ara-G, mono-phosphorylated by deoxyguanosine kinase and deoxycytidine kinase, and subsequently converted to the active 5’-triphosphate, ara-GTP. Accumulation of ara-GTP in leukemic blasts allows for incorporation into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), leading to inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell death. Other mechanisms may contribute to the cytotoxic and systemic toxicity of nelarabine.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adult Dose : 1,500 mg/m² administered intravenously over 2 hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 repeated every 21 days. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Dose : 650 mg/m² administered intravenously over 1 hour daily for 5 consecutive days repeated every 21 days. ( 2.1 ) Discontinue treatment for neurologic reactions greater than or equal to Grade 2. ( 2.2 ) Dosage may be delayed for hematologic reactions. ( 2.2 ) Take measures to prevent hyperuricemia. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage This product is for intravenous use only. Adult Dosage : The recommended adult dose of nelarabine injection is 1,500 mg/m² administered intravenously over 2 hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 repeated every 21 days. Administer nelarabine injection undiluted. Pediatric Dosage : The recommended pediatric dose of nelarabine injection is 650 mg/m² administered intravenously over 1 hour daily for 5 consecutive days repeated every 21 days. Administer nelarabine injection undiluted. The recommended duration of treatment for adult and pediatric patients has not been clearly established. In clinical trials, treatment was generally continued until there was evidence of disease progression, the patient experienced unacceptable toxicity, the patient became a candidate for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or the patient no longer continued to benefit from treatment. 2.2 Dosage Modification Discontinue nelarabine injection if the patient develops a neurologic adverse reaction of NCI CTCAE Grade 2 or greater. Dosage may be delayed for other toxicity, including hematologic toxicity [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )]. 2.3 Dosage in Special Populations Nelarabine injection has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] . No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with a creatinine clearance (CLCr) greater than or equal to 50 mL/min [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . There are insufficient data to support a dose recommendation for patients with a CLCr less than 50 mL/min. 2.4 Prevention of Hyperuricemia Take precautions against hyperuricemia (e.g., hydration, urine alkalinization, and prophylaxis with allopurinol) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . 2.5 Instructions for Handling, Preparation, and Administration Handling : Nelarabine injection is a cytotoxic agent. Caution should be used during handling and preparation. Use of gloves and other protective clothing to prevent skin contact is recommended. Proper aseptic technique should be used. Guidelines for proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs have been published. 1 Preparation and Administration : Administer nelarabine injection undiluted. Transfer the appropriate dose of nelarabine injection into polyvinylchloride (PVC) infusion bags or glass containers and administer as a 2-hour infusion in adult patients and as a 1-hour infusion in pediatric patients. Prior to administration, inspect the drug product visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Discard unused portion. Stability: Nelarabine Injection is stable in PVC infusion bags and glass containers for up to 8 hours at up to 30°C.
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically-significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Neurologic [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hematologic [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] The most common (≥ 20%) adverse reactions were: Adult: anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, and dyspnea ( 6.1 ) Pediatric: anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia ( 6.1 ) The most common (> 10%) neurological adverse reactions were: Adult: somnolence, dizziness, peripheral neurologic disorders, hypoesthesia, headache, and paresthesia ( 6.1 ) Pediatric: headache and peripheral neurologic disorders ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-866-210-9797 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, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Relapsed or Refractory T-ALL and T-LBL Nelarabine injection was studied in 459 patients in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. Adult Patient: The safety profile of nelarabine injection is based on data from 103 adult patients treated with the recommended dose and schedule in 2 studies: an adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)/T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) trial and an adult chronic lymphocytic leukemia trial. The most common adverse reactions in adults were fatigue; gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation); hematologic disorders (anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia); respiratory disorders (cough and dyspnea); nervous system disorders (somnolence and dizziness); and pyrexia. The most common adverse reactions in adults by Body System, including severe or life-threatening adverse reactions (NCI CTCAE Grade 3 or Grade 4) and fatal adverse reactions (Grade 5) are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Most Commonly Reported (≥ 5% Overall) Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients Treated With ,500 mg/m 2 of Nelarabine Injection Administered Intravenously Over 2 Hours on Days 1, 3, and 5 Repeated Every 21 Days Percentage of Patients (N = 103) Body System Adverse Reaction Toxicity Grade Grade 3 % Grades 4 and 5 a % All Grades % Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Anemia 20 14 99 Thrombocytopenia 37 22 86 Neutropenia 14 49 81 Febrile neutropenia 9 1 12 Cardiac Disorders Sinus tachycardia 1 0 8 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 0 0 41 Diarrhea 1 0 22 Vomiting 1 0 22 Constipation 1 0 21 Abdominal pain 1 0 9 Stomatitis 1 0 8 Abdominal distension 0 0 6 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 10 2 50 Pyrexia 5 0 23 Asthenia 0 1 17 Edema, peripheral 0 0 15 Edema 0 0 11 Pain 3 0 11 Rigors 0 0 8 Gait, abnormal 0 0 6 Chest pain 0 0 5 Noncardiac chest pain 0 1 5 Infections Infection 2 1 9 Pneumonia 4 1 8 Sinusitis 1 0 7 Hepatobiliary Disorders AST increased 1 1 6 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Anorexia 0 0 9 Dehydration 3 1 7 Hyperglycemia 1 0 6 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Myalgia 1 0 13 Arthralgia 1 0 9 Back pain 0 0 8 Muscular weakness 5 0 8 Pain in extremity 1 0 7 Nervous System Disorders (see Table 2) Psychiatric Disorders Confusional state 2 0 8 Insomnia 0 0 7 Depression 1 0 6 Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 0 0 25 Dyspnea 4 2 20 Pleural effusion 5 1 10 Epistaxis 0 0 8 Dyspnea, exertional 0 0 7 Wheezing 0 0 5 Vascular Disorders Petechiae 2 0 12 Hypotension 1 1 8 Abbreviation: AST, aspartate transaminase. a Five patients had a fatal adverse reaction. Fatal adverse reactions included hypotension (n = 1), respiratory arres

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 its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, nelarabine injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . Limited available data with nelarabine injection use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the pregnant woman associated with untreated leukemia or lymphoma (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of nelarabine to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in teratogenicity at maternal doses below the recommended human adult dose of 1500 mg/m 2 /day (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. 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. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo-fetal Risk There are risks to the mother from untreated leukemia or lymphoma, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, and death. Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal development study in which pregnant rabbits were administered daily doses of nelarabine during organogenesis, increased incidences of fetal malformations, anomalies, and variations were observed at doses greater than or equal to 360 mg/m 2 /day (8-hour IV infusion; approximately 25% of the recommended human adult dose compared on a mg/m 2 basis), which was the lowest dose tested. Cleft palate was seen in rabbits given 3,600 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 2-fold the adult dose), absent pollices (digits) in rabbits given greater than or equal to 1,200 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 75% of the recommended adult dose), while absent gall bladder, absent accessory lung lobes, fused or extra sternebrae, and delayed ossification was seen at all doses. Maternal body weight gain and fetal body weights were reduced in rabbits given 3,600 mg/m 2 /day (approximately 2-fold the adult dose), but could not account for the increased incidence of malformations seen at this or lower administered doses.
BreastfeedingCaution
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation : Advise not to breastfeed.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…Nelarabine injection has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] .…
LiverCaution
…Nelarabine injection has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] .…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neurologic Adverse Reactions : Severe neurologic reactions have been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity. ( 5.1 ) Hematologic Reactions : Complete blood counts including platelets should be monitored regularly. ( 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; and advise males to use condoms. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines : Somnolence may occur. Advise patients to refrain from these activities until somnolence has resolved. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Neurologic Adverse Reactions Nervous system adverse reactions of any grade were reported for 223 (76%) adult patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials, and Grade 3 or higher (severe, life-threatening, or fatal) adverse reactions were reported for 55 (19%) patients following initiation of nelarabine injection therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Based on patients with complete data, the median time to onset of first event is 5 days from start of first infusion (range: 1-166), and the median duration is 6 days (range: 1-393 days). Nervous system adverse reactions of any grade were reported for 69 (42%) pediatric patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials, and Grade 3 or higher (severe, life-threatening, or fatal) adverse reactions were reported for 25 (15%) patients following initiation of nelarabine injection therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Based on patients with complete data, the median time to onset of first event is 8 days from start of first infusion (range: 1-269), and the median duration is 2 days (range: 1-82 days). Common signs and symptoms of nelarabine injection-related neurotoxicity include somnolence, headache, paresthesia and dysesthesia, dizziness, neuropathy (sensory and motor), cerebellar disturbances and tremor. Severe neurologic toxicity can manifest as coma, status epilepticus, craniospinal demyelination, or ascending neuropathy similar in presentation to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Full recovery from these adverse reactions has not always occurred with cessation of therapy with nelarabine injection. Patients treated previously or concurrently with intrathecal chemotherapy or previously with craniospinal irradiation may be at increased risk for neurologic adverse events. Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during and for at least 24 hours after completion of treatment with nelarabine injection. Discontinue nelarabine injection for neurologic adverse reactions of NCI CTCAE Grade 2 or greater and provide supportive care [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 5.2 Hematologic Adverse Reactions Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, have been associated with nelarabine injection therapy. Complete blood counts including platelets should be monitored regularly [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 5.3 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animal studies, Nelarabine injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of nelarabine to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in teratogenicity at maternal doses below the recommended human adult dose of 1,500 mg/m 2 /day (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with nelarabine injection. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with nelarabine injection and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]. 5.4 Tumor Lysis Syndrome Patients receiving nelarabine injection shou
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of nelarabine injection for relapsed or refractory T-ALL and T-LBL has been established in pediatric patients age 1 year and older. The effectiveness of nelarabine injection in pediatric patients is supported by one single-arm clinical trial, and safety has been asssessed in 165 pediatric patients age 1 year and older across multiple Phase I and Phase II trials. The trial establishing efficacy included 84 patients age 21 years and younger, who had relapsed or refractory T-ALL or T-LBL. The most frequent adverse reactions of any grade occurring on treatment in this study were hematologic laboratory abnormalities. Hematologic toxicity observed in the pediatric population was higher than that seen in the adult population. [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Nervous system adverse reactions have been reported for 42% of pediatric patients across the Phase I and Phase II trials. The incidence of nervous system adverse reactions was less in the pediatric population than that seen in adult patients with relapsed/refractory T-ALL/T-LBL [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . In a phase III study of nelarabine injection in combination with multi-agent chemotherapy as first-line therapy, there were 411 patients with T-ALL or T-LBL treated with nelarabine injection. The safety profile in the 357 patients age 1 to 16 years was consistent with that seen in older patients in the study. [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Due to lack of long-term follow up data, a determination of the impact of nelarabine injection on the growth and pubertal development of pediatric patients cannot be made.

⚑ 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 Administration of nelarabine injection in combination with adenosine deaminase inhibitors, such as pentostatin, is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Administration in combination with adenosine deaminase inhibitors, such as pentostatin, is not recommended. ( 7 , 12.3 )
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE There is no known antidote for overdoses of nelarabine injection. It is anticipated that overdosage would result in severe neurotoxicity (possibly including paralysis, coma), myelosuppression, and potentially death. In the event of overdose, supportive care consistent with good clinical practice should be provided. At a dose of 2,200 mg/m 2 given on Days 1, 3, and 5 every 21 days, 2 patients developed a significant Grade 3 ascending sensory neuropathy. MRI evaluations of the 2 patients demonstrated findings consistent with a demyelinating process in the cervical spine.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

3 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.