MEDICATION SAFETY ISSUES
High alert medication: The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drugs which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
International issues:
Hexalen®: Brand name for hexetidine in Greece
U.S. BRAND NAMES — Hexalen®
PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY
Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous
DOSING: ADULTS — Refer to individual protocols.
Ovarian cancer: Oral: 260 mg/m2/day in 4 divided doses for 14 or 21 days of a 28-day cycle
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 4-12 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses for 21-90 days
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 240-320 mg/m2/day in 3-4 divided doses for 21 days, repeated every 6 weeks
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 150 mg/m2/day in 3-4 divided doses for 14 days of a 28-day cycle
DOSING: ELDERLY — Refer to adult dosing.
DOSING: ADJUSTMENT FOR TOXICITY — Temporarily withhold for 14 days or longer, and resume dose at 200 mg/m2/day for any of the following:
Platelet count <75,000/mm3
White blood cell count <2000/mm3 or granulocyte count <1000/mm3
Progressive neurotoxicity
Gastrointestinal intolerance not responsive to antiemetic regimens
DOSAGE FORMS — Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gelcap:
Hexalen®: 50 mg
DOSAGE FORMS: CONCISE
Gelcap:
Hexalen®: 50 mg
GENERIC EQUIVALENT AVAILABLE — No
ADMINISTRATION — Administer total daily dose as 3-4 divided doses after meals and at bedtime.
USE — Palliative treatment of persistent or recurrent ovarian cancer
ADVERSE REACTIONS SIGNIFICANT
>10%:
Central nervous system: Peripheral sensory neuropathy (31%; moderate-to-severe 9%), neurotoxicity (21%; may be progressive and dose limiting)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea/vomiting (33% to 70%; severe 1%), diarrhea (48%)
Hematologic: Anemia (33%), leukopenia (5% to 15%; grade 4: 1%), neutropenia
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Fatigue (1%), seizure (1%)
Gastrointestinal: Stomach cramps, anorexia (1%)
Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia (9%)
Hepatic: Alkaline phosphatase increased (9%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Alopecia, ataxia, depression, dizziness, hepatotoxicity, mood disorders, pruritus, rash, tremor, vertigo
CONTRAINDICATIONS — Hypersensitivity to altretamine or any component of the formulation; pre-existing severe bone marrow suppression or severe neurologic toxicity; pregnancy
WARNINGS / PRECAUTIONS
Boxed warnings: Bone marrow suppression: . Experienced physician: . Neurotoxicity: .
Special handling: Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal.
Concerns related to adverse effects: Bone marrow suppression: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Peripheral blood counts should be done routinely before and after drug therapy; bone marrow suppression is common. Use with caution in patients previously treated with other myelosuppressive drugs. Neurotoxicity: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Neurologic examinations should be done routinely before and after drug therapy; neurotoxicity is common. USe with caution in patients with pre-existing neurotoxicity.
Disease-related concerns: Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
Special populations: Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
Other warnings/precautions: Experienced physician: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Should be administered under the supervision of an experienced cancer chemotherapy physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
MAO Inhibitors: Altretamine may enhance the orthostatic effect of MAO Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy
MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the orthostatic effect of Orthostasis Producing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid combination
Pyridoxine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Altretamine. Specifically when altretamine is used in combination with Cisplatin the response duration may be diminished. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tricyclic Antidepressants: Altretamine may enhance the orthostatic effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Vaccinial infections may develop. Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Risk X: Avoid combination
PREGNANCY RISK FACTOR — D (show table)
PREGNANCY IMPLICATIONS — Teratogenic effects were noted in animal studies. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while on therapy.
LACTATION — Excretion in breast milk unknown/not recommended
BREAST-FEEDING CONSIDERATIONS — Due to the potential toxicity in the nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS — Should be taken after meals at bedtime.
PRICING — (data from drugstore.com)
Capsules (Hexalen)
50 mg (100): $1167.31
MONITORING PARAMETERS — CBC with differential, liver function tests; neurologic examination
CANADIAN BRAND NAMES — Hexalen®
INTERNATIONAL BRAND NAMES — Hexalen (AU, BG, GB, IL, JP, NO, NZ, SE, TH); Hexastat (AR, FR, IT, PT); Hexinawas (ES)
MECHANISM OF ACTION — Although altretamine's clinical antitumor spectrum resembles that of alkylating agents, the drug has demonstrated activity in alkylator-resistant patients. The drug selectively inhibits the incorporation of radioactive thymidine and uridine into DNA and RNA, inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis; reactive intermediates covalently bind to microsomal proteins and DNA; can spontaneously degrade to demethylated melamines and formaldehyde which are also cytotoxic.
PHARMACODYNAMICS / KINETICS
Absorption: Well absorbed (75% to 89%)
Distribution: Highly concentrated hepatically and renally; low in other organs
Protein binding: 50% to 94%
Metabolism: Hepatic; rapid and extensive demethylation to active metabolites (pentamethylmelamine and tetramethylmelamine)
Half-life elimination: 13 hours
Time to peak, plasma: 0.5-3 hours
Excretion: Urine (90%, <1% as unchanged drug)
PATIENT INFORMATION — Report any numbness or tingling in extremities. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
Showing posts with label Altretamine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Altretamine. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Altretamine
MEDICATION SAFETY ISSUES
High alert medication: The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drugs which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
International issues:
Hexalen®: Brand name for hexetidine in Greece
U.S. BRAND NAMES — Hexalen®
PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY
Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous
DOSING: ADULTS — Refer to individual protocols.
Ovarian cancer: Oral: 260 mg/m2/day in 4 divided doses for 14 or 21 days of a 28-day cycle
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 4-12 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses for 21-90 days
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 240-320 mg/m2/day in 3-4 divided doses for 21 days, repeated every 6 weeks
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 150 mg/m2/day in 3-4 divided doses for 14 days of a 28-day cycle
DOSING: ELDERLY — Refer to adult dosing.
DOSING: ADJUSTMENT FOR TOXICITY — Temporarily withhold for 14 days or longer, and resume dose at 200 mg/m2/day for any of the following:
Platelet count <75,000/mm3
White blood cell count <2000/mm3 or granulocyte count <1000/mm3
Progressive neurotoxicity
Gastrointestinal intolerance not responsive to antiemetic regimens
DOSAGE FORMS — Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gelcap:
Hexalen®: 50 mg
DOSAGE FORMS: CONCISE
Gelcap:
Hexalen®: 50 mg
GENERIC EQUIVALENT AVAILABLE — No
ADMINISTRATION — Administer total daily dose as 3-4 divided doses after meals and at bedtime.
USE — Palliative treatment of persistent or recurrent ovarian cancer
ADVERSE REACTIONS SIGNIFICANT
>10%:
Central nervous system: Peripheral sensory neuropathy (31%; moderate-to-severe 9%), neurotoxicity (21%; may be progressive and dose limiting)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea/vomiting (33% to 70%; severe 1%), diarrhea (48%)
Hematologic: Anemia (33%), leukopenia (5% to 15%; grade 4: 1%), neutropenia
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Fatigue (1%), seizure (1%)
Gastrointestinal: Stomach cramps, anorexia (1%)
Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia (9%)
Hepatic: Alkaline phosphatase increased (9%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Alopecia, ataxia, depression, dizziness, hepatotoxicity, mood disorders, pruritus, rash, tremor, vertigo
CONTRAINDICATIONS — Hypersensitivity to altretamine or any component of the formulation; pre-existing severe bone marrow suppression or severe neurologic toxicity; pregnancy
WARNINGS / PRECAUTIONS
Boxed warnings: Bone marrow suppression: . Experienced physician: . Neurotoxicity: .
Special handling: Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal.
Concerns related to adverse effects: Bone marrow suppression: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Peripheral blood counts should be done routinely before and after drug therapy; bone marrow suppression is common. Use with caution in patients previously treated with other myelosuppressive drugs. Neurotoxicity: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Neurologic examinations should be done routinely before and after drug therapy; neurotoxicity is common. USe with caution in patients with pre-existing neurotoxicity.
Disease-related concerns: Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
Special populations: Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
Other warnings/precautions: Experienced physician: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Should be administered under the supervision of an experienced cancer chemotherapy physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
MAO Inhibitors: Altretamine may enhance the orthostatic effect of MAO Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy
MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the orthostatic effect of Orthostasis Producing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid combination
Pyridoxine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Altretamine. Specifically when altretamine is used in combination with Cisplatin the response duration may be diminished. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tricyclic Antidepressants: Altretamine may enhance the orthostatic effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Vaccinial infections may develop. Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Risk X: Avoid combination
PREGNANCY RISK FACTOR — D (show table)
PREGNANCY IMPLICATIONS — Teratogenic effects were noted in animal studies. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while on therapy.
LACTATION — Excretion in breast milk unknown/not recommended
BREAST-FEEDING CONSIDERATIONS — Due to the potential toxicity in the nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS — Should be taken after meals at bedtime.
PRICING — (data from drugstore.com)
Capsules (Hexalen)
50 mg (100): $1167.31
MONITORING PARAMETERS — CBC with differential, liver function tests; neurologic examination
CANADIAN BRAND NAMES — Hexalen®
INTERNATIONAL BRAND NAMES — Hexalen (AU, BG, GB, IL, JP, NO, NZ, SE, TH); Hexastat (AR, FR, IT, PT); Hexinawas (ES)
MECHANISM OF ACTION — Although altretamine's clinical antitumor spectrum resembles that of alkylating agents, the drug has demonstrated activity in alkylator-resistant patients. The drug selectively inhibits the incorporation of radioactive thymidine and uridine into DNA and RNA, inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis; reactive intermediates covalently bind to microsomal proteins and DNA; can spontaneously degrade to demethylated melamines and formaldehyde which are also cytotoxic.
PHARMACODYNAMICS / KINETICS
Absorption: Well absorbed (75% to 89%)
Distribution: Highly concentrated hepatically and renally; low in other organs
Protein binding: 50% to 94%
Metabolism: Hepatic; rapid and extensive demethylation to active metabolites (pentamethylmelamine and tetramethylmelamine)
Half-life elimination: 13 hours
Time to peak, plasma: 0.5-3 hours
Excretion: Urine (90%, <1% as unchanged drug)
PATIENT INFORMATION — Report any numbness or tingling in extremities. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
High alert medication: The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drugs which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
International issues:
Hexalen®: Brand name for hexetidine in Greece
U.S. BRAND NAMES — Hexalen®
PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY
Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous
DOSING: ADULTS — Refer to individual protocols.
Ovarian cancer: Oral: 260 mg/m2/day in 4 divided doses for 14 or 21 days of a 28-day cycle
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 4-12 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses for 21-90 days
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 240-320 mg/m2/day in 3-4 divided doses for 21 days, repeated every 6 weeks
Alternatively (unlabeled use): 150 mg/m2/day in 3-4 divided doses for 14 days of a 28-day cycle
DOSING: ELDERLY — Refer to adult dosing.
DOSING: ADJUSTMENT FOR TOXICITY — Temporarily withhold for 14 days or longer, and resume dose at 200 mg/m2/day for any of the following:
Platelet count <75,000/mm3
White blood cell count <2000/mm3 or granulocyte count <1000/mm3
Progressive neurotoxicity
Gastrointestinal intolerance not responsive to antiemetic regimens
DOSAGE FORMS — Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gelcap:
Hexalen®: 50 mg
DOSAGE FORMS: CONCISE
Gelcap:
Hexalen®: 50 mg
GENERIC EQUIVALENT AVAILABLE — No
ADMINISTRATION — Administer total daily dose as 3-4 divided doses after meals and at bedtime.
USE — Palliative treatment of persistent or recurrent ovarian cancer
ADVERSE REACTIONS SIGNIFICANT
>10%:
Central nervous system: Peripheral sensory neuropathy (31%; moderate-to-severe 9%), neurotoxicity (21%; may be progressive and dose limiting)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea/vomiting (33% to 70%; severe 1%), diarrhea (48%)
Hematologic: Anemia (33%), leukopenia (5% to 15%; grade 4: 1%), neutropenia
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Fatigue (1%), seizure (1%)
Gastrointestinal: Stomach cramps, anorexia (1%)
Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia (9%)
Hepatic: Alkaline phosphatase increased (9%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Alopecia, ataxia, depression, dizziness, hepatotoxicity, mood disorders, pruritus, rash, tremor, vertigo
CONTRAINDICATIONS — Hypersensitivity to altretamine or any component of the formulation; pre-existing severe bone marrow suppression or severe neurologic toxicity; pregnancy
WARNINGS / PRECAUTIONS
Boxed warnings: Bone marrow suppression: . Experienced physician: . Neurotoxicity: .
Special handling: Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal.
Concerns related to adverse effects: Bone marrow suppression: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Peripheral blood counts should be done routinely before and after drug therapy; bone marrow suppression is common. Use with caution in patients previously treated with other myelosuppressive drugs. Neurotoxicity: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Neurologic examinations should be done routinely before and after drug therapy; neurotoxicity is common. USe with caution in patients with pre-existing neurotoxicity.
Disease-related concerns: Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
Special populations: Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
Other warnings/precautions: Experienced physician: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Should be administered under the supervision of an experienced cancer chemotherapy physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
MAO Inhibitors: Altretamine may enhance the orthostatic effect of MAO Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy
MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the orthostatic effect of Orthostasis Producing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid combination
Pyridoxine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Altretamine. Specifically when altretamine is used in combination with Cisplatin the response duration may be diminished. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tricyclic Antidepressants: Altretamine may enhance the orthostatic effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Vaccinial infections may develop. Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Risk X: Avoid combination
PREGNANCY RISK FACTOR — D (show table)
PREGNANCY IMPLICATIONS — Teratogenic effects were noted in animal studies. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while on therapy.
LACTATION — Excretion in breast milk unknown/not recommended
BREAST-FEEDING CONSIDERATIONS — Due to the potential toxicity in the nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS — Should be taken after meals at bedtime.
PRICING — (data from drugstore.com)
Capsules (Hexalen)
50 mg (100): $1167.31
MONITORING PARAMETERS — CBC with differential, liver function tests; neurologic examination
CANADIAN BRAND NAMES — Hexalen®
INTERNATIONAL BRAND NAMES — Hexalen (AU, BG, GB, IL, JP, NO, NZ, SE, TH); Hexastat (AR, FR, IT, PT); Hexinawas (ES)
MECHANISM OF ACTION — Although altretamine's clinical antitumor spectrum resembles that of alkylating agents, the drug has demonstrated activity in alkylator-resistant patients. The drug selectively inhibits the incorporation of radioactive thymidine and uridine into DNA and RNA, inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis; reactive intermediates covalently bind to microsomal proteins and DNA; can spontaneously degrade to demethylated melamines and formaldehyde which are also cytotoxic.
PHARMACODYNAMICS / KINETICS
Absorption: Well absorbed (75% to 89%)
Distribution: Highly concentrated hepatically and renally; low in other organs
Protein binding: 50% to 94%
Metabolism: Hepatic; rapid and extensive demethylation to active metabolites (pentamethylmelamine and tetramethylmelamine)
Half-life elimination: 13 hours
Time to peak, plasma: 0.5-3 hours
Excretion: Urine (90%, <1% as unchanged drug)
PATIENT INFORMATION — Report any numbness or tingling in extremities. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
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