Paclitaxel
Active:
Paclitaxel
Inactive:
Each mL contains absolute ethanol 402mg, PEG-35 castor oil 522mg.
Molecular formula: C47H51NO14 Molecular weight: 853.9 CAS: 33069-62-4
Paclitaxel is a natural product with antitumour activity. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is extremely highly lipophilic and practically insoluble in water. Paclitaxel is partially soluble in ethanol and is therefore formulated with PEG-35 castor oil and absolute ethanol.
Paclitaxel is an antimicrotubule antineoplastic agent. It promotes microtubule assembly by enhancing the polymerisation of tubulin, the protein subunit of spindle microtubules, even in the absence of the mediators normally required for microtubule assembly (e.g. guanosine triphosphate (GTP)), thereby inducing the formation of stable, nonfunctional microtubules. While the precise mechanism of action of the medicine is not completely known, paclitaxel disrupts the dynamic equilibrium within the microtubule system and blocks cells in the late G2 phase and M phase of the cell cycle, inhibiting cell replication and impairing function of nervous tissue.
After paclitaxel is administered intravenously, its plasma concentration declines biphasically. The first phase shows rapid decline, representing distribution of paclitaxel to the peripheral compartment and elimination. This initial phase is followed by a relatively slow elimination of paclitaxel from the peripheral compartment. The following ranges for the pharmacokinetic parameters have been determined in patients given doses of 135 and 175 mg/m2 as 3- and 24-hour infusions of paclitaxel. Mean terminal half-life: 3.0 to 52.7 hours; total body clearance: 11.6 to 24.0 L/hour/ m2; mean steady-state volume of distribution: 198 to 688 L/ m2. These indicate extensive distribution of paclitaxel outside the vascular system and/or tissue binding. The volume of distribution is reduced in female subjects. The following mean values for the pharmacokinetic parameters have been reported following a three-hour infusion of 175 mg/ m2 paclitaxel. Mean terminal half-life: 9.9 hours; mean total body clearance: 12.4 L/hour/ m2. The serum protein binding of paclitaxel is 89%. The presence of cimetidine, ranitidine, dexamethasone or diphenhydramine does not affect protein binding of paclitaxel. The liver is thought to be the primary site of metabolism for paclitaxel. The mean cumulative urinary recovery of unchanged paclitaxel has been reported to be 1.8 to 12.6% of the dose, indicating extensive non-renal clearance.
Primary treatment of ovarian cancer in combination with a platinum agent. Treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer and metastatic breast cancer, after failure of standard therapy. Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer administered sequentially to doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Treatment of metastatic cancer of the breast, in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin), in patients who have tumours that overexpress HER-2 and who have not received previous chemotherapy for their metastatic disease.
Patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity effects to paclitaxel, or to any excipient especially patients who have a history of hypersensitivity effects to PEG-35 castor oil (Cremophor EL) or medicines formulated in PEG-35 castor oil (e.g. cyclosporin for injection concentrate, teniposide for injection concentrate). Paclitaxel should not be administered to patients with solid tumours who have baseline neutrophils counts of < 1.5x109 cells/L . Paclitaxel is contraindicated during lactation (see Pregnancy and Lactation).
Paclitaxel should be administered under the supervision of medical staff experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Since significant hypersensitivity effects may occur, appropriate supportive equipment should be available. Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate should be given before a platinum compound when it is given in combination with a platinum compound, e.g. cisplatin (see INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS).
In order to minimise the possibility of hypersensitivity effects due to histamine release, patients must be premedicated before every treatment cycle of paclitaxel. Premedication should include corticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone), antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine or promethazine) and an H2-receptor antagonist (e.g. cimetidine or ranitidine). (See Dosage and Administration.) The characteristic symptoms of hypersensitivity effects are dyspnoea and hypotension (both requiring treatment), angioedema and widespread urticaria. In clinical trials, 2% of patients treated with paclitaxel experienced severe hypersensitivity. One of these effects was fatal in a patient treated without premedication. Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate must not be used in patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity effects to paclitaxel.
Neutropenia (See ADVERSE EFFECTS). Bone marrow suppression (primarily neutropenia) is the dose-limiting toxicity. Blood counts should be frequently monitored during treatment with paclitaxel. Extreme care should be taken when paclitaxel is given to patients with a pretreatment neutrophil count of less than 1.5 x 109 cells/L (1,500 cells/mm3). Pretreatment with paclitaxel should not be administered until the patient's neutrophil count is greater than 100 x 109 cells/L (100,000 cells/mm3). If there is severe neutropenia during a course of paclitaxel (i.e. neutrophil count less than 0.5 x 109 cells/L (500 cells/ mm3) for seven or more days), the dose of paclitaxel in subsequent cycles should be reduced by 20%. Previous radiation therapy may induce more severe myelosuppression. There is little information available from such patients at doses above 135 mg/m2.
Hypotension, hypertension and bradycardia have been observed during Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate administration, but generally do not require treatment. Frequent monitoring of vital signs, particularly during the first hour of Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate infusion is recommended. (See also ADVERSE EFFECTS). Electrocardiographic monitoring is recommended for patients with serious conduction abnormalities, and should be commenced for patients who develop abnormal cardiovascular symptoms or signs during monitoring of vital signs. Severe cardiac conduction abnormalities have been reported rarely during paclitaxel therapy. If patients develop significant conduction abnormalities during paclitaxel infusion, appropriate therapy should be administered and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring should be commenced and performed during subsequent therapy with paclitaxel. (See also ADVERSE EFFECTS). Severe cardiovascular events have been observed more frequently in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than breast or ovarian cancer. When Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate is used in combination with trastuzumab or doxorubicin for initial treatment of metastatic breast cancer, monitoring of cardiac function is recommended.
In patients receiving Paclitaxel who complain of abdominal pain with other signs and symptoms, bowel perforation should be excluded.
A specific treatment for extravasation reactions is unknown at this time. Given the possibility of extravasation, it is advisable to closely monitor the infusion site for possible infiltration during drug administration. Special care should be taken to avoid intra-arterial application of paclitaxel, since in animal studies testing for local tolerance severe tissue reactions were observed after intra-arterial application.
Severe hypersensitivity (anaphylactoid) reactions characterised by dyspnoea and hypotension requiring treatment, angioedema, and generalised urticaria have occurred rarely in premedicated patients receiving paclitaxel. Rare fatal reactions have occurred in patients despite pretreatment. Patients receiving paclitaxel should be under continuous observation for at least the first 30 minutes following the start of the infusion and frequently thereafter. In case of a severe hypersensitivity reaction, paclitaxel infusion should be discontinued immediately and appropriate treatment given as indicated for anaphylaxis. The patient should not be rechallenged with the drug. Minor hypersensitivity reactions such as flushing, skin reactions, etc, do not require interruption of therapy (see also ADVERSE EFFECTS).
There is evidence that the toxicity of paclitaxel is enhanced in patients with elevated liver enzymes. Caution should be exercised when administering paclitaxel to patients with moderate impairment and dose adjustments should be considered. Patients with severe hepatic impairment must not be treated with paclitaxel. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity, particularly Grade 3-4 myelosuppression. When paclitaxel is given as a 24-hour infusion to patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment, increased myelosuppression may be seen as compared to patients with mildly elevated liver function tests given 24-hour infusions. Patients should be monitored closely for the development of profound myelosuppression (see Dosage and Administration). Inadequate data are available to recommend dosage alterations in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairments (see Pharmacology section). No data are available for patients with severe baseline cholestasis.
Patients may develop hypotension and bradycardia during paclitaxel treatment, but generally not to a level requiring treatment. Vital signs should be monitored frequently, particularly during the first hour of paclitaxel infusion. Only patients with serious conduction abnormalities require continuous cardiac monitoring (see Conduction abnormalities (above) and Adverse Effects).
The occurrence of peripheral neuropathy is frequent and the severity is dose-dependent. Patients with pre-existing neuropathy should be carefully monitored. Although the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy is frequent, the development of severe symptoms is rare. In severe cases, a dose reduction of 20% for all subsequent doses of paclitaxel is recommended (See Adverse Effects). In NSCLC patients, the administration of paclitaxel in combination with cisplatin resulted in a greater incidence of neurotoxicity than usually seen in patients receiving single-agent paclitaxel. Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate contains absolute ethanol, 402mg/mL and consideration should be given to possible central nervous system and other effects of absolute ethanol. For instance, children may be more sensitive than adults to the effects of absolute ethanol.
No studies have examined the carcinogenic potential of paclitaxel, however medicines similar to paclitaxel are carcinogens. In vitro studies (chromosome abnormalities in human lymphocytes) and in vivo (micronucleus test using mice) mammalian test systems have shown paclitaxel to be mutagenic. When tested using the Ames test or the CHO/HGPRT (Chinese hamster ovary/ hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase) gene mutation assay, paclitaxel did not induce mutagenicity.
Following treatment with intravenous paclitaxel at a dose of 1 mg/kg (6 mg/m2), rats showed decreased fertility and toxicity in unborn offspring. Paclitaxel administered intravenously to rabbits during organogenesis at a dose of 3 mg/kg (33 mg/m2) was toxic to both mother and foetus.
Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate may cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There is no adequate data from the use of paclitaxel in pregnant women. Studies have shown paclitaxel to be embryotoxic and foetotoxic in rabbits at an intravenous dose of 3mg/kg (33mg/m2) given during organogenesis. Paclitaxel is toxic to rat foetuses at a dose of 1mg/kg (6mg/m2). As with other cytotoxic medicinal products, paclitaxel may cause foetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Therefore, paclitaxel should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Examination revealed that no gross external, soft tissue or skeletal alterations occurred. There are no studies in pregnant women. Women of children-bearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant and to inform the treating physician immediately should this occur during therapy with Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate. If Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving this medicine, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard. Female and male patients of fertile age, and/or their partners should use contraceptions for at least 6 months after treatment with paclitaxel. Male patients should seek advice regarding cryoconservation of sperm prior to treatment with paclitaxel because of the possibility of infertility.
Paclitaxel is contraindicated during lactation (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). It is not known whether paclitaxel is excreted in human milk. The evidence from many medicines would suggest that paclitaxel could be excreted in breast milk, though this has not been established. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects in breastfeeding infants, it is recommended that breastfeeding be discontinued when receiving paclitaxel therapy.
The safety and effectiveness of paclitaxel in children have not been established. There have been reports of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity (rarely associated with death) in a clinical trial in paediatric patients in which paclitaxel was infused over 3 hours at doses ranging from 350mg/m2 to 420mg/m2. The toxicity is most likely attributable to the high dose of the ethanol component of paclitaxel vehicle given over a short infusion time. The use of concomitant antihistamines may intensify this effect. Although a direct effect of the paclitaxel itself cannot be discounted, the high doses used in this study (over twice the recommended adult dosage) must be considered in assessing the safety of paclitaxel for use in this population.
Of 2228 patients who received paclitaxel in eight clinical studies evaluating its safety and efficacy in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, breast carcinoma, or NSCLC, and 1570 patients who were randomised to receive paclitaxel in the adjuvant breast cancer study, 649 patients (17%) were 65 years or older, including 49 patients (1%) 75 years or older. In most studies, severe myelosuppression was more frequent in elderly patients; in some studies, severe neuropathy was more common in elderly patients. In two clinical studies in NSCLC, the elderly patients treated with paclitaxel had a higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Estimates of efficacy appeared similar in elderly patients and in younger patients; however, comparative efficacy cannot be determined with confidence due to the small number of elderly patients studied. In a study of first-line treatment of ovarian cancer, elderly patients had a lower medical survival than younger patients, but no other efficacy parameters favoured the younger group.
Cisplatin
In a dose-finding trial in which paclitaxel was administered as a 24-hour infusion and cisplatin was administered as a 1mg/min infusion, myelosuppression was more profound when paclitaxel was given after cisplatin than when paclitaxel was given before cisplatin. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated a reduction in paclitaxel clearance of approximately 33% when paclitaxel was administered following cisplatin.
Ketoconazole
As ketoconazole may inhibit the metabolism of paclitaxel, patients receiving paclitaxel and ketoconazole should be closely monitored or the combination of these medicines should be avoided.
Doxorubicin
Sequence effects characterised by more profound neutropenic and stomatitis episodes have been observed with combination use of paclitaxel and doxorubicin when paclitaxel was administered before doxorubicin and using longer than recommended infusion times (paclitaxel administered over 24 hours; doxorubicin over 48 hours). Plasma levels of doxorubicin (and its active metabolite doxorubicinol) may be increased when paclitaxel and doxorubicin are used in combination. However, data from a trial using bolus doxorubicin and three-hour paclitaxel infusion found no sequence effects on the pattern of toxicity.
Caution should be exercised during concurrent administration of medicines which are metabolised in the liver (e.g. erythromycin), as such medicines may inhibit the metabolism of paclitaxel. The metabolism of paclitaxel is catalysed by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2C8 and CYP3A4. In the absence of formal clinical medicine interaction studies caution should be exercised when administering Paclitaxel Injection Concentrate concomitantly with known substrates or inhibitors of these isoenzymes. In the clinical trial of paclitaxel in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin), mean serum trough concentration of trastuzumab were consistently elevated 1.5-fold as compared with serum concentrations of trastuzumab in combination with anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide (AC). Arthralgia or myalgia adverse events of paclitaxel appear to be of a higher incidence in patients being treated concurrently with filgrastim (granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)).Paclitaxel clearance is not affected by cimetidine premedication.
It is not known whether paclitaxel interferes with the ability to drive and use machines, however Paclitaxel Ebewe does contain alcohol. Patients should exercise caution.
Unless otherwise noted, the following is based on the experience of 812 patients treated in phase II and III clinical trials. The frequency and severity of adverse effects are generally similar between patients receiving paclitaxel for the treatment of ovarian, breast or lung cancer. None of the observed effects were clearly influenced by age. Unless stated otherwise percent figures, where given, are based on observed incidence when using the recommended dosing regimen. If other regimens are used, the incidence of effect may be higher. Safety of the paclitaxel/ platinum combination has been investigated in a large randomised trial in ovarian cancer and in two phase III trials in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer). Unless otherwise mentioned the combination of paclitaxel with platinum agents did not result in any clinically relevant changes to the safety profile of single-agent paclitaxel. Adverse effects reported were those occurring during or following the first course of therapy, and have, where possible, been grouped by frequency according to the following criteria: Very common:greater than or equal to 1/10; common:greater than or equal to 1/100 and < 1/10; uncommon:greater than or equal to 1/1,000 and < 1/100; rare:greater than or equal to 1/10,000 and < 1/1,000 and very rare:< 1/10,000.
Infections and Infestations
Very common:infection (mainly urinary tract and upper respiratory tract infections), with reported cases of fatal outcome Uncommon:Septic shock Rare:Sepsis, peritonitis, pneumonia
Cardiovascular
Very common:hypotension. Common:bradycardia; ECG abnormalities (nonspecific repolarisation and sinus tachycardia). Uncommon:ECG abnormalities (premature beats) , cardiomyopathy. Rare:myocardial infarction; congestive heart failure (typically in patients who have received other chemotherapy, notably anthracyclines). Very rare:Atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia Six severe cardiovascular events possibly related to paclitaxel administration occurred including asymptomatic ventricular tachycardia, tachycardia with bigeminy, atrioventricular block (two patients), and syncopal episodes (two patients, in one associated with severe hypotension and coronary stenosis resulting in death). Severe hypotensive effects have been associated with serious hypersensitivity effects and have required intervention.
Haematological
Very common:myelosuppression, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, fever, bleeding, anaemia; neutropenia (overall, 52% of the patients experienced severe grade IV neutropenia and 56% had grade III/IV severe neutropenia on their first course. Neutrophil nadirs occurred at a median of eleven days after paclitaxel administration). Common:febrile neutropenia (associated with an infectious episode, including urinary tract infection (UTI) and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)). Rare:, five septic episodes, which were associated with severe neutropenia attributable to paclitaxel administration, had a fatal outcome. Very Rare:Acute myeloid leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome Patients who have received prior radiation or cisplatin therapy exhibit more frequent myelosuppression, which is generally of greater severity (see Precautions and Interactions with Other Medicines). Reports of thrombocytopenia after paclitaxel therapy are less frequent and less severe than neutropenia, with platelet nadir (< 50 x 109 cells/L) observed eight or nine days after paclitaxel administration in 5% of patients. Haemorrhage has been reported in patients receiving paclitaxel but this does not appear to be related to thrombocytopenia. Patients (3%) may require platelet transfusions.
Hepatobiliary
Very common:elevated alkaline phosphatase; elevated AST; elevated ALT. Common:elevated bilirubin. Rare:hepatic necrosis (leading to death); hepatic encephalopathy (leading to death).
Immune System Disorders
Very common:Minor hypersensitivity reactions (mainly flushing and rash). Common:dyspnoea; hypotension; chest pains; tachycardia. Uncommon:significant hypersensitivity reactions requiring therapy (e.g. hypotension, angioneurotic oedema, respiratory distress, generalised urticaria, oedema, back pain, chills Infections: Febrile neutropenia occurred in 5% of all courses and 30% of all courses were associated with an infectious episode. The most common infections involve the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract and blood (sepsis). In phase II clinical trials, five septic episodes resulted in death. Rare:Anaphylactic reactions Very Rare:Anaphylactic shock
Vascular Disorders
Very common:hypotension Uncommon:hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis. Very Rare:Shock Not known:Phlebitis
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Very Rare:Anorexia Not Known:Tumor lysis syndrome
Gastrointestinal
Very common:nausea; vomiting; diarrhoea; mucositis (these manifestations were usually mild to moderate at the recommended dose). Rare:bowel obstruction, ischaemic colitis, pancreatitis, bowel perforation (there have been several cases of bowel perforation associated with patients receiving paclitaxel. Patients receiving paclitaxel who complain of abdominal pain with other signs and symptoms should have bowel perforation excluded). Neutropenic enterocolitis has been reported. Very rare:Mesenteric thrombosis, pseudomembranous colitis, neutropenic colitis, ascites, oesophagitis, constipation
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders
Very common:arthralgia; myalgia (the symptoms were usually transient occurring two to three days after paclitaxel administration and resolving within a few days). Not Known:Systemic lupus erythematosus
Neurological
Very common:Neurotoxicity (mainly: peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy occurs and is dose-dependent with 60% of patients experiencing grade I toxicity, 10% grade II and 2% grade III at the recommended doses. Neuropathy was present in 87% of patients at higher doses. Severity of symptoms also increased with dose; 4% of patients experienced severe symptoms at the recommended dose versus 10% at higher doses. Neurological symptoms may occur following the first course and symptoms may worsen with increasing exposure to paclitaxel. Peripheral neuropathy was the cause of paclitaxel discontinuation in 2% of patients. Sensory symptoms have usually improved or resolved within several months of paclitaxel discontinuation). Rare:Motor neuropathy (with resultant minor distal weakness).Optic nerve and/or visual disturbances (scintillating scotomata) particularly in patients who have received higher doses than recommended; these effects generally have been reversible; motor neuropathy with resultant minor distal weakness and autonomic neuropathy resulting in paralytic ileus and orthostatic hypotension. There is a report of a grand mal seizure in a patient receiving paclitaxel and the seizure recurred after treatment with paclitaxel was recommenced. There is also a second report of a grand mal seizure in a patient with significant hepatic impairment during infusion with paclitaxel. Very rare:Grand mal seizures, autonomic neuropathy (resulting in paralytic ileus and orthostatic hypotension), encephalopathy, convulsions, dizziness, ataxia, headache
Psychiatric disorders
Very rare:Confusional state
Eye disorders
Very rare:Hearing loss, ototoxicity, tinnitus, vertigo. Optic nerve and/or visual disturbances (scintilating scotomata), particularly in patients who have received higher doses than recommended. Not known:Macular oedema, photopsia, vitreous floaters
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Very rare:Hearing loss, ototoxicity, tinnitus, vertigo
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Rare:Respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, lung fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, dyspnoea, pleural effusion Very Rare:Cough
Skin and appendages
Very common:Alopecia. Common:Transient and mild nail and skin changes Rare:Pruritus, rash, erythema, radiation recall dermatitis; recall dermatitis. Local effects: phlebitis following intravenous administration has been reported. Extravasation leading to oedema, pain, erythema and induration has been reported. On occasions extravasation can lead to cellulitis. Skin discolouration may also occur. Very Rare:Stevens-Johnson syndrome, epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, onycholysis (patients on therapy should wear sun protection on hands and feet). Not known:Scleroderma In some cases, the onset of the injection site reaction either occurred during a prolonged infusion or was delayed by a week to 10 days.
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions
Common:Injection site reactions (including localised oedema, pain, erythema, induraton, on occasion extravasation can result in cellulitis, skin fibrosis and skin necrosis). Rare:Pyrexia, dehydration, asthenia, oedema, malaise Injection site reactions, including reactions secondary to extravasation, were usually mild and consisted of erythema, tenderness, skin discolouration, or swelling at the injection site. These reactions have been observed more frequently with the 24-hour infusion than with the 3-hour infusion. Recurrence of skin reactions at a site of previous extravasation following administration of paclitaxel at a different site, i.e. 'recall', has been reported rarely. Rare reports of more severe events such as phlebitis, cellulitis, induration, skin exfoliation, necrosis and fibrosis have been received as part of the continuing surveillance of paclitaxel safety. In some cases the onset of the injection site reaction either occurred during a prolonged infusion or was delayed by a week to ten days. A specific treatment for extravasation reactions is unknown at this time. Given the possibility of extravasation, it is advisable to closely monitor the infusion site for possible infiltration during frug administration. Radiation pneumonitis has been reported in patients receiving concurrent radiotherapy.
Investigations
Common:Severe elevation in AST (SGOT), severe elevation in alkaline phosphatase Uncommon:Severe elevation in bilirubin Rare:Increase in blood creatinine Combination treatment When paclitaxel was administered as a 3-hour infusion in combination with trastuzumab for the first- line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer, the following events (regardless of relationship to paclitaxel or trastuzumab) were reported more frequently than with single-agent paclitaxel: heart failure , infection , chills, fever , cough , rash , arthralgia , tachycardia , diarrhoea , hypertonia, epistaxis , acne , herpes simplex , accidental injury , insomnia , rhinitis , sinusitis , and injection site reaction . Some of these frequency differences may be due to the increased number and duration of treatments with paclitaxel/trastuzumab combination vs. single-agent paclitaxel. Severe events were reported at similar rates for paclitaxel/trastuzumab and single-agent paclitaxel.
Postmarketing Experience
The following additional adverse effects have been identified during post-approval use of Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate. Because their 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 medicine exposure. Infections and infestations: Pneumonia, sepsis Cardiac Disorders: Atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction, ventricular failure. Hematological Disorders: Acute myeloid leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome. Immune System Disorders: Anaphylactic reactions (with fatal outcome); Anaphylactic shock Metabolic, and Nutrition Disorders: Anorexia Psychiatric Disorder: Confusional state Vascular Disorders; Shock Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Dyspnoea, pleural effusion, respiratory failure, interstitial pneumonia, lung fibrosis, pulmonary embolism, cough Gastrointestinal Disorders: Bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, ischemic colitis, pancreatitis, mesenteric thrombosis, pseudoemembranous colitis, oesophagitis, constipation, ascites Neurological Disorders: Autonomic neuropathy (resulting in paralytic ileus and orthostatic hypotension), grand mal seizures, convulsions, encephalopathy, dizziness, headache, ataxia, paresthesia, hyperesthesia. Eye Disorders: Photopsia, visual floaters Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, ototoxicity Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Stevens- Johnson syndrome, epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, onycholysis (patients on therapy should wear sun protection on hands and feet), scleroderma, pruritus, rash, erythema, phlebitis, cellulitis, skin exfoliation, necrosis and fibrosis. Investigations: Increase in blood creatine. General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Asthenia, malaise, pyrexia, dehydration, oedema.
Product is for single use in one patient only. All patients must be premedicated before paclitaxel is administered to prevent severe hypersensitivity effects (see Precautions). Such premedication may consist of dexamethasone 20 mg orally (or its equivalent), approximately 12 and 6 hours prior to starting the paclitaxel infusion; promethazine 25 mg or 50 mg intravenously or other suitable H1-antagonist, 30 minutes prior to starting the paclitaxel infusion; and cimetidine 300 mg or ranitidine 50 mg by intravenous infusion over 15 minutes, starting 30 minutes prior to the paclitaxel infusion. Repeat courses of Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate should not be administered to patients with solid tumors until the neutrophil count is at least 1.5 x 109 cells/L and the platelet count is at least 100 x 109 cells/L. Patients who experience severe neutropenia (<0.5 x 109 cells/L) or severe peripheral neuropathy should receive a dosage reduction by 20% for subsequent courses. The incidence of neurotoxicity and the severity of neutropenia increase with dose within a regimen. For primary treatment of ovarian cancer - it is recommended that paclitaxel be used at a dose of 135 mg/m2, administered intravenously over three hours, followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2. The infusion should be repeated every three weeks. For the treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer or metastatic breast cancer - it is recommended that paclitaxel be used as a single agent at a dose of 175 mg/m2. Paclitaxel should be administered as an intravenous infusion over three hours. The infusion should be repeated every three weeks as tolerated. Patients have tolerated treatment with up to nine cycles of paclitaxel therapy, but the optimal course of therapy remains to be established. For primary or secondary treatment of NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) - the recommended dose of paclitaxel is 175 mg/m2 administered intravenously over three hours with a three-week interval between courses. For node-positive breast cancer - the recommended dose of paclitaxel is 175 mg/m2 administered intravenously over three hours every three weeks for four courses following doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide combination therapy. For overexpression of HER-2 breast cancer - paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 administered intravenously over three hours with a three-week interval between courses for six cycles. Herceptin 2 mg/kg administered intravenously once a week until progression of disease after an initial loading dose of 4 mg/kg bodyweight. Repetition of a course of paclitaxel is not recommended until the patient's neutrophil count is at least 1.5 x 109 cells/L (1,500 cells/mm3) and the platelet count is at least 100 x 109 cells/L (100,000 cells/mm3). If there is severe neutropenia (neutrophil count less than 0.5 x 109 cells/L for seven or more days) or severe peripheral neuropathy during paclitaxel therapy, the dose of paclitaxel in subsequent courses should be reduced by 20% (see Precautions).
Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate must be diluted prior to intravenous infusion. It should be diluted in glucose 5% or sodium chloride 0.9% intravenous infusion. Dilution should be made to a final concentration of 0.3 to 1.2 mg/mL. After the final dilution of Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate, the bottle should be swirled gently to disperse the paclitaxel. Do not shake. Avoid contact of paclitaxel solutions with plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC) equipment, infusion lines or devices used when preparing infusion solutions. Prepare and store diluted paclitaxel solutions in glass or polyethylene containers. These precautions are to avoid leaching of the plasticiser DEHP (di-[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate) from PVC infusion bags or sets. Paclitaxel solutions should be administered through polyethylene lined administration sets (e.g. Gemini 20 giving set) using an IMED pump. To reduce microbiological hazard, use as soon as practicable after reconstitution/preparation. If storage is necessary, hold at 2-8degC for not more than 24 hours after preparation. Administration should be completed within 24 hours of preparation of the infusion and any residue discarded according to the guidelines for the disposal of cytotoxic medicines (see Handling and disposal, below). Facilities preparing paclitaxel solutions reconstituted under controlled aseptic conditions for IV infusion, may apply a shelf life of 14 days at 2 to 8 deg. C (refrigerate; do not freeze) when diluted with glucose 5% or sodium chloride 0.9% for intravenous infusion and stored in glass or polyethylene containers. Diluted solutions prepared this way have been shown to be chemically stable for these periods. Administration should be completed within 24 hours of the start of the infusion and any residue discarded according to the guidelines for the disposal of cytotoxic medicines. Filtration. A microporous membrane of 0.22 microns or less in size should be used as the in-line filter for all infusions of paclitaxel. The IMED 0.2 micron add-on filter set composed of polysulfone and the IVEX II 0.2 micron filter composed of cellulose have both been found to be suitable for Paclitaxel Injection Concentrate. Devices with spikes should not be used with vials of Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate since they can cause the stopper to collapse, resulting in a loss of sterile integrity of the Paclitaxel Ebewe Injection Concentrate solution.
Paclitaxel is a cytotoxic anti-cancer medicine and, as with other potentially toxic compounds, caution should be exercised in handling Paclitaxel. The use of gloves is recommended. Following topical exposure, tingling, burning and redness have been observed. If Paclitaxel solution contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If Paclitaxel contacts mucous membranes, the membranes should be flushed thoroughly with water. Upon inhalation, dyspnoea, chest pain, burning eyes, sore throat and nausea have been reported. Given the possibility of extravasation, it is advisable to closely monitor the infusion site for possible infiltration during medicine administration.
The published guidelines related to procedures for the proper handling and disposal of cytotoxic medicines should be followed. Care must be taken whenever handling cytotoxic products. Always take steps to prevent exposure. This includes appropriate equipment, such as, wearing gloves, and washing hands with soap and water after handling such products.
There is no known antidote for paclitaxel overdose. At present there is no specific treatment for paclitaxel overdosage. Probable consequences of an overdosage are mucositis, severe bone marrow suppression and peripheral neurotoxicity and treatment should be supportive. Overdosage in paediatric patients may be associated with acute ethanol toxicity.
30mg in 5mL glass vials: 1's and 5's 100mg in 16.7mL glass vials: 1's 150mg in 25mL glass vials: 1's 300mg in 50mL glass vials: 1's 600mg in 100mL glass vials: 1's Store below 25 degC. Protect from light.
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20 June 2013