Pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab
Black Box Warning
Adult Indications & Dosage
Pediatric Indications & Dosage
Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Use in Specific Populations
Administration & Monitoring
Overdosage
Pharmacology
Clinical Studies
How Supplied
Images
Patient Counseling Information
Precautions with Alcohol
Brand Names
Look-Alike Names

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];

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Black Box Warning

Title See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning. ConditionName: Content

Overview

Pembrolizumab is a that is FDA approved for the {{{indicationType}}} of . There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include .

Adult Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)

Metastatic Melanoma

• KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and disease progression following ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor .

• This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. An improvement in survival or disease-related symptoms has not yet been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

Recommended Dosing

• The recommended dose of KEYTRUDA is 2 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Dose Modifications

• Withhold KEYTRUDA for any of the following:

• Grade 2 pneumonitis
• Grade 2 or 3 colitis
• Symptomatic hypophysitis
• Grade 2 nephritis
• Grade 3 hyperthyroidism
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) greater than 3 and up to 5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) or total bilirubin greater than 1.5 and up to 3 times ULN
• Any other severe or Grade 3 treatment-related adverse reaction

• Resume KEYTRUDA in patients whose adverse reactions recover to Grade 0-1.

• Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any of the following:

• Any life-threatening adverse reaction
• Grade 3 or 4 pneumonitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)]
• Grade 3 or 4 nephritis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)]
• AST or ALT greater than 5 times ULN or total bilirubin greater than 3 times ULN
  • For patients with liver metastasis who begin treatment with Grade 2 AST or ALT, if AST or ALT increases by greater than or equal to 50% relative to baseline and lasts for at least 1 week
• Grade 3 or 4 infusion-related reactions
• Inability to reduce corticosteroid dose to 10 mg or less of prednisone or equivalent per day within 12 weeks
• Persistent Grade 2 or 3 adverse reactions that do not recover to Grade 0-1 within 12 weeks after last dose of KEYTRUDA
• Any severe or Grade 3 treatment-related adverse reaction that recurs

Preparation and Administration

Reconstitution of KEYTRUDA for Injection (Lyophilized Powder)

• Add 2.3 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP by injecting the water along the walls of the vial and not directly on the lyophilized powder (resulting concentration 25 mg/mL).
• Slowly swirl the vial. Allow up to 5 minutes for the bubbles to clear. Do not shake the vial.

Preparation for Intravenous Infusion

• Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The solution is clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow. Discard the vial if visible particles are observed.
• Dilute KEYTRUDA injection (solution) or reconstituted lyophilized powder prior to intravenous administration.
• Withdraw the required volume from the vial(s) of KEYTRUDA and transfer into an intravenous (IV) bag containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. Mix diluted solution by gentle inversion. The final concentration of the diluted solution should be between 1 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL.
• Discard any unused portion left in the vial.

Storage of Reconstituted and Diluted Solutions

• The product does not contain a preservative.

• Store the reconstituted and diluted solution from the KEYTRUDA 50 mg vial either:

• At room temperature for no more than 6 hours from the time of reconstitution. This includes room temperature storage of reconstituted vials, storage of the infusion solution in the IV bag, and the duration of infusion.
• Under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for no more than 24 hours from the time of reconstitution. If refrigerated, allow the diluted solution to come to room temperature prior to administration.

• Store the diluted solution from the KEYTRUDA 100 mg/4 mL vial either:

• At room temperature for no more than 6 hours from the time of dilution. This includes room temperature storage of the infusion solution in the IV bag, and the duration of infusion.
• Under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for no more than 24 hours from the time of dilution. If refrigerated, allow the diluted solution to come to room temperature prior to administration.

• Do not freeze.

Administration

• Administer infusion solution intravenously over 30 minutes through an intravenous line containing a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low-protein binding 0.2 micron to 5 micron in-line or add-on filter.
• Do not co-administer other drugs through the same infusion line.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)

Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Pembrolizumab in adult patients.

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Pembrolizumab in adult patients.

Pediatric Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)

There is limited information regarding FDA-Labeled Use of Pembrolizumab in pediatric patients.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)

Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Pembrolizumab in pediatric patients.

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Pembrolizumab in pediatric patients.

Contraindications

• None.

Warnings

Title See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning. ConditionName: Content

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

• Pneumonitis occurred in 12 (2.9%) of 411 melanoma patients, including Grade 2 or 3 cases in 8 (1.9%) and 1 (0.2%) patients, respectively, receiving KEYTRUDA in Trial 1. The median time to development of pneumonitis was 5 months (range 0.3 weeks to 9.9 months). The median duration was 4.9 months (range 1 week to 14.4 months). Five of eight patients with Grade 2 and the one patient with Grade 3 pneumonitis required initial treatment with high-dose systemic corticosteroids (greater than or equal to 40 mg prednisone or equivalent per day) followed by a corticosteroid taper. The median initial dose of high-dose corticosteroid treatment was 63.4 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent with a median duration of treatment of 3 days (range 1 to 34) followed by a corticosteroid taper. Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 3 (0.7%) patients. Pneumonitis completely resolved in seven of the nine patients with Grade 2-3 pneumonitis.

• Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis. Evaluate patients with suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging and administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for moderate (Grade 2) pneumonitis, and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) pneumonitis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1)].

Immune-Mediated Colitis

• Colitis (including microscopic colitis) occurred in 4 (1%) of 411 patients, including Grade 2 or 3 cases in 1 (0.2%) and 2 (0.5%) patients, respectively, receiving KEYTRUDA in Trial 1. The median time to onset of colitis was 6.5 months (range 2.3 to 9.8). The median duration was 2.6 months (range 0.6 weeks to 3.6 months). All three patients with Grade 2 or 3 colitis were treated with high-dose corticosteroids (greater than or equal to 40 mg prednisone or equivalent per day) with a median initial dose of 70 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent; the median duration of initial treatment was 7 days (range 4 to 41), followed by a corticosteroid taper. One patient (0.2%) required permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to colitis. All four patients with colitis experienced complete resolution of the event.

• Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for moderate (Grade 2) or severe (Grade 3) colitis, and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for life-threatening (Grade 4) colitis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2)and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1)].

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

• Hepatitis (including autoimmune hepatitis) occurred in 2 (0.5%) of 411 patients, including a Grade 4 case in 1 (0.2%) patient, receiving KEYTRUDA in Trial 1. The time to onset was 22 days for the case of Grade 4 hepatitis which lasted 1.1 months. The patient with Grade 4 hepatitis permanently discontinued KEYTRUDA and was treated with high-dose (greater than or equal to 40 mg prednisone or equivalent per day) systemic corticosteroids followed by a corticosteroid taper. Both patients with hepatitis experienced complete resolution of the event.

• Monitor patients for changes in liver function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis and, based on severity of liver enzyme elevations, withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA [seeDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1)].

Immune-Mediated Hypophysitis

• Hypophysitis occurred in 2 (0.5%) of 411 patients, consisting of one Grade 2 and one Grade 4 case (0.2% each), in patients receiving KEYTRUDA in Trial 1. The time to onset was 1.7 months for the patient with Grade 4 hypophysitis and 1.3 months for the patient with Grade 2 hypophysitis. Both patients were treated with high-dose (greater than or equal to 40 mg prednisone or equivalent per day) corticosteroids followed by a corticosteroid taper and remained on a physiologic replacement dose.

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for moderate (Grade 2) hypophysitis, withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA for severe (Grade 3) hypophysitis, and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for life-threatening (Grade 4) hypophysitis .

Renal Failure and Immune-Mediated Nephritis

• Nephritis occurred in 3 (0.7%) patients, consisting of one case of Grade 2 autoimmune nephritis (0.2%) and two cases of interstitial nephritis with renal failure (0.5%), one Grade 3 and one Grade 4. The time to onset of autoimmune nephritis was 11.6 months after the first dose of KEYTRUDA (5 months after the last dose) and lasted 3.2 months; this patient did not have a biopsy. Acute interstitial nephritis was confirmed by renal biopsy in two patients with Grades 3-4 renal failure. All three patients fully recovered renal function with treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (greater than or equal to 40 mg prednisone or equivalent per day) followed by a corticosteroid taper.

• Monitor patients for changes in renal function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for moderate (Grade 2) nephritis, and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for severe (Grade 3), or life-threatening (Grade 4) nephritis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1)].

Immune-Mediated Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism occurred in 5 (1.2%) of 411 patients, including Grade 2 or 3 cases in 2 (0.5%) and 1 (0.2%) patients, respectively, receiving KEYTRUDA in Trial 1. The median time to onset was 1.5 months (range 0.5 to 2.1). The median duration was 2.8 months (range 0.9 to 6.1). One of two patients with Grade 2 and the one patient with Grade 3 hyperthyroidism required initial treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (greater than or equal to 40 mg prednisone or equivalent per day) followed by a corticosteroid taper. One patient (0.2%) required permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to hyperthyroidism. All five patients with hyperthyroidism experienced complete resolution of the event.

• Hypothyroidism occurred in 34 (8.3%) of 411 patients, including a Grade 3 case in 1 (0.2%) patient, receiving KEYTRUDA in Trial 1. The median time to onset of hypothyroidism was 3.5 months (range 0.7 weeks to 19 months). All but two of the patients with hypothyroidism were treated with long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The other two patients only required short-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy. No patient received corticosteroids or discontinued KEYTRUDA for management of hypothyroidism.

• Thyroid disorders can occur at any time during treatment. Monitor patients for changes in thyroid function (at the start of treatment, periodically during treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation) and for clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders.

• Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or greater hyperthyroidism, withhold KEYTRUDA for severe (Grade 3) hyperthyroidism, and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for life-threatening (Grade 4) hyperthyroidism. Isolated hypothyroidism may be managed with replacement therapy without treatment interruption and without corticosteroids [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) andADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1)].

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

• Other clinically important immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur.

• The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% of patients treated with KEYTRUDA in Trial 1: exfoliative dermatitis, uveitis, arthritis, myositis, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, partial seizures arising in a patient with inflammatory foci in brain parenchyma, and adrenal insufficiency.

• Across clinical studies with KEYTRUDA in approximately 2000 patients, the following additional clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions were reported in less than 1% of patients: myasthenic syndrome, optic neuritis, and rhabdomyolysis.

• For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, ensure adequate evaluation to confirm etiology or exclude other causes. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Restart KEYTRUDA if the adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any severe or Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1)].

Embryofetal Toxicity

• Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal models link the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway with maintenance of pregnancy through induction of maternal immune tolerance to fetal tissue. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA

Adverse Reactions

Clinical Trials Experience

• The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling.

• Immune-mediated pneumonitis
• Immune-mediated colitis
• Immune-mediated hepatitis
• Immune-mediated hypophysitis
• Renal failure and immune-mediated nephritis .
• Immune-mediated hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism .
• Immune-mediated adverse reactions

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 to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

• The data described in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section reflect exposure to KEYTRUDA in Trial 1, an uncontrolled, open-label, multiple cohort trial in which 411 patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma received KEYTRUDA at either 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks or 10 mg/kg every 2 or 3 weeks. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 6.2 months (range 1 day to 24.6 months) with a median of 10 doses (range 1 to 51). The study population characteristics were: median age of 61 years (range 18 to 94), 39% age 65 years or older, 60% male, 97% white, 73% with M1c disease, 8% with brain metastases, 35% with elevated LDH, 54% with prior exposure to ipilimumab, and 47% with two or more prior systemic therapies for advanced or metastatic disease.

• KEYTRUDA was discontinued for adverse reactions in 9% of the 411 patients. Adverse reactions, reported in at least two patients, that led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were: pneumonitis, renal failure, and pain. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. The most frequent serious adverse drug reactions reported in 2% or more of patients in Trial 1 were renal failure, dyspnea, pneumonia, and cellulitis.

• Table 1 presents adverse reactions identified from analyses of the 89 patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who received KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg every three weeks in one cohort of Trial 1. Patients had documented disease progression following treatment with ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor. This cohort of Trial 1 excluded patients with severe immune-related toxicity related to ipilimumab, defined as any Grade 4 toxicity requiring treatment with corticosteroids or Grade 3 toxicity requiring corticosteroid treatment (greater than 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent dose) for greater than 12 weeks; a medical condition that required systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medication; a history of pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease; or any active infection requiring therapy, including HIV or hepatitis B or C. Of the 89 patients in this cohort, the median age was 59 years (range 18 to 88), 33% were age 65 years or older, 53% were male, 98% were white, 44% had an elevated LDH, 84% had Stage M1c disease, 8% had brain metastases, and 70% received two or more prior therapies for advanced or metastatic disease. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 6.2 months (range 1 day to 15.3 months) with a median of nine doses (range 1 to 23). Fifty-one percent of patients were exposed to KEYTRUDA for greater than 6 months and 21% for greater than 1 year.

• KEYTRUDA was discontinued for adverse reactions in 6% of the 89 patients. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) were fatigue, cough, nausea, pruritus, rash, decreased appetite, constipation, arthralgia, and diarrhea.

TABLE02

Immunogenicity

• As with all therapeutic proteins, there is the potential for immunogenicity. Because trough levels of pembrolizumab interfere with the electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assay results, a subset analysis was performed in the patients with a concentration of pembrolizumab below the drug tolerance level of the anti-product antibody assay. In this analysis, none of the 97 patients who were treated with 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks tested positive for treatment-emergent anti-pembrolizumab antibodies.

• The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of incidence of antibodies to KEYTRUDA with the incidences of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

Postmarketing Experience

There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Pembrolizumab in the drug label.

Drug Interactions

• No formal pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies have been conducted with KEYTRUDA.

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category (FDA):

• Pregnancy Category D.

Risk Summary

• Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal models link the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway with maintenance of pregnancy through induction of maternal immune tolerance to fetal tissue. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus.

Animal Data

• Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with KEYTRUDA to evaluate its effect on reproduction and fetal development, but an assessment of the effects on reproduction was provided. A central function of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is to preserve pregnancy by maintaining maternal immune tolerance to the fetus. Blockade of PD-L1 signaling has been shown in murine models of pregnancy to disrupt tolerance to the fetus and to result in an increase in fetal loss; therefore, potential risks of administering KEYTRUDA during pregnancy include increased rates of abortion or stillbirth. As reported in the literature, there were no malformations related to the blockade of PD-1 signaling in the offspring of these animals; however, immune-mediated disorders occurred in PD-1 knockout mice.

• Human IgG4 (immunoglobulins) are known to cross the placenta; therefore, pembrolizumab has the potential to be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure to pembrolizumab may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or of altering the normal immune response.

Pregnancy Category (AUS): There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Pembrolizumab in women who are pregnant.

Labor and Delivery

There is no FDA guidance on use of Pembrolizumab during labor and delivery.

Nursing Mothers

• It is not known whether KEYTRUDA is excreted in human milk. No studies have been conducted to assess the impact of KEYTRUDA on milk production or its presence in breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, instruct women to discontinue nursing during treatment with KEYTRUDA

Pediatric Use

• Safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatic Use

• Of the 411 patients treated with KEYTRUDA, 39% were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were reported between elderly patients and younger patients.

Gender

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Pembrolizumab with respect to specific gender populations.

Race

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Pembrolizumab with respect to specific racial populations.

Renal Impairment

• Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, no dose adjustment is needed for patients with renal impairment

Hepatic Impairment

• Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, no dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild hepatic impairment [total bilirubin (TB) less than or equal to ULN and AST greater than ULN or TB greater than 1 to 1.5 times ULN and any AST]. KEYTRUDA has not been studied in patients with moderate (TB greater than 1.5 to 3 times ULN and any AST) or severe (TB greater than 3 times ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment

Females of Reproductive Potential and Males

• Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8) and USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for at least 4 months following the last dose of pembrolizumab.

Immunocompromised Patients

There is no FDA guidance one the use of Pembrolizumab in patients who are immunocompromised.

Administration and Monitoring

Administration

• Oral

• Intravenous

Monitoring

There is limited information regarding Monitoring of Pembrolizumab in the drug label.

• Description

IV Compatibility

There is limited information regarding IV Compatibility of Pembrolizumab in the drug label.

Overdosage

• There is no information on overdosage with KEYTRUDA.

Pharmacology

There is limited information regarding Pembrolizumab Pharmacology in the drug label.

Mechanism of Action

• Binding of the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, to the PD-1 receptor found on T cells, inhibits T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Upregulation of PD-1 ligands occurs in some tumors and signaling through this pathway can contribute to inhibition of active T-cell immune surveillance of tumors. Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth.

Structure

• Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. Pembrolizumab is an IgG4 kappa immunoglobulin with an approximate molecular weight of 149 kDa.

• KEYTRUDA for injection is a sterile, preservative-free, white to off-white lyophilized powder in single-use vials. Each vial is reconstituted and diluted for intravenous infusion. Each 2 mL of reconstituted solution contains 50 mg of pembrolizumab and is formulated in L-histidine (3.1 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.4 mg), and sucrose (140 mg). May contain hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to 5.5.

KEYTRUDA injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution that requires dilution for intravenous infusion. Each vial contains 100 mg of pembrolizumab in 4 mL of solution. Each 1 mL of solution contains 25 mg of pembrolizumab and is formulated in: L-histidine (1.55 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.2 mg), sucrose (70 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.

File:Pembrolizumab01.png

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Pharmacodynamics

There is limited information regarding Pharmacodynamics of Pembrolizumab in the drug label.

Pharmacokinetics

• The pharmacokinetics of pembrolizumab was studied in 479 patients who received doses of 1 to 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 2 to 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, the mean [% coefficient of variation (CV%)] clearance (CL) is 0.22 L/day (28%) and the mean (CV%) elimination half-life (t1/2) is 26 days (24%). Steady-state concentrations of pembrolizumab were reached by 18 weeks of repeated dosing with an every 3-week regimen and the systemic accumulation was 2.1-fold. The peak concentration (Cmax), trough concentration (Cmin), and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve at steady state (AUCss) of pembrolizumab increased dose proportionally in the dose range of 2 to 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks.

• Specific Populations: The effects of various covariates on the pharmacokinetics of pembrolizumab were assessed in population pharmacokinetic analyses. The CL of pembrolizumab increased with increasing body weight; the resulting exposure differences were adequately addressed by the administration of a weight-based dose. The following factors had no clinically important effect on the CL of pembrolizumab: age (range 18 to 94 years), gender, renal impairment, mild hepatic impairment, and tumor burden. The effect of race could not be assessed due to limited data available in non-White patients.

• Renal Impairment: The effect of renal impairment on the CL of pembrolizumab was evaluated by population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients with mild (eGFR 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2; n=210), moderate (eGFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2; n=43), or severe (eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2; n=2) renal impairment compared to patients with normal (eGFR greater than or equal to 90 mL/min/1.73 m2; n=221) renal function. No clinically important differences in the CL of pembrolizumab were found between patients with renal impairment and patients with normal renal function [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.6)].

• Hepatic Impairment: The effect of hepatic impairment on the CL of pembrolizumab was evaluated by population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients with mild hepatic impairment (TB less than or equal to ULN and AST greater than ULN or TB between 1 and 1.5 times ULN and any AST; n=59) compared to patients with normal hepatic function (TB and AST less than or equal to ULN; n=410). No clinically important differences in the CL of pembrolizumab were found between patients with mild hepatic impairment and normal hepatic function. KEYTRUDA has not been studied in patients with moderate (TB greater than 1.5 to 3 times ULN and any AST) or severe (TB greater than 3 times ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment [

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

• No studies have been performed to test the potential of pembrolizumab for carcinogenicity or genotoxicity.

• Fertility studies have not been conducted with pembrolizumab. In 1-month and 6-month repeat-dose toxicology studies in monkeys, there were no notable effects in the male and female reproductive organs; however, most animals in these studies were not sexually mature.

Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

• In animal models, inhibition of PD-1 signaling resulted in an increased severity of some infections and enhanced inflammatory responses. M. tuberculosis-infected PD-1 knockout mice exhibit markedly decreased survival compared with wild-type controls, which correlated with increased bacterial proliferation and inflammatory responses in these animals. PD-1 knockout mice have also shown decreased survival following infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Administration of pembrolizumab in chimpanzees with naturally occurring chronic hepatitis B infection resulted in two out of four animals with significantly increased levels of serum ALT, AST, and GGT, which persisted for at least 1 month after discontinuation of pembrolizumab.

Clinical Studies

• The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in a multicenter, open-label, randomized (1:1), dose-comparative, activity-estimating cohort of Trial 1. Key eligibility criteria were unresectable or metastatic melanoma with progression of disease; refractory to two or more doses of ipilimumab (3 mg/kg or higher) and, if BRAF V600 mutation-positive, a BRAF or MEK inhibitor; and disease progression within 24 weeks following the last dose of ipilimumab. The trial excluded patients with autoimmune disease; a medical condition that required immunosuppression; and a history of severe immune-mediated adverse reactions with ipilimumab, defined as any Grade 4 toxicity requiring treatment with corticosteroids or Grade 3 toxicity requiring corticosteroid treatment (greater than 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent dose) for greater than 12 weeks. Patients were randomized to receive 2 mg/kg (n=89) or 10 mg/kg (n=84) of KEYTRUDA every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression that was symptomatic, was rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, occurred with a decline in performance status, or was confirmed at 4 to 6 weeks with repeat imaging. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 12 weeks. The major efficacy outcome measures were confirmed overall response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) as assessed by blinded independent central review and duration of response.

• Among the 173 patients enrolled, the median age was 61 years (36% age 65 or older); 60% male; 97% White; and 66% and 34% with an ECOG performance status 0 and 1, respectively. Disease characteristics were BRAF V600 mutation (17%), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (39%), M1c (82%), brain metastases (9%), and two or more prior therapies for advanced or metastatic disease (73%).

• The ORR was 24% (95% confidence interval: 15, 34) in the 2 mg/kg arm, consisting of 1 complete response and 20 partial responses. Among the 21 patients with an objective response, 3 (14%) had progression of disease 2.8, 2.9, and 8.2 months after initial response. The remaining 18 patients (86%) had ongoing responses with durations ranging from 1.4+ to 8.5+ months, which included 8 patients with ongoing responses of 6 months or longer. One additional patient developed two new asymptomatic lesions at the first tumor assessment concurrent with a 75% decrease in overall tumor burden; KEYTRUDA was continued and this reduction in tumor burden was durable for 5+ months.

• There were objective responses in patients with and without BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma. Similar ORR results were observed in the 10 mg/kg arm.

How Supplied

• KEYTRUDA for injection (lyophilized powder): carton containing one 50 mg single-use vial (NDC 0006-3029-02).

• Store vials under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

• KEYTRUDA injection (solution): carton containing one 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-use vial (NDC 0006-3026-02)

• Store vials under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake.

Storage

There is limited information regarding Pembrolizumab Storage in the drug label.

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Patient Counseling Information

• Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (MEDICATION GUIDE).
• Inform patients of the risk of immune-mediated adverse reactions that may require corticosteroid treatment and interruption or discontinuation of KEYTRUDA, including:

• Pneumonitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for new or worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• Colitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for diarrhea or severe abdominal pain .
• Hepatitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for jaundice, severe nausea or vomiting, or easy bruising or bleeding
• Hypophysitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for persistent or unusual headache, extreme weakness, dizziness or fainting, or vision changes .
• Nephritis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of nephritis .
• Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism .

• Advise patients of the importance of keeping scheduled appointments for blood work or other laboratory tests .
• Advise women that KEYTRUDA may cause fetal harm. Instruct women of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA .
• Advise nursing mothers not to breastfeed while taking KEYTRUDA

Precautions with Alcohol

• Alcohol-Pembrolizumab interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.

Brand Names

• ®

Look-Alike Drug Names

• A® — B®

Drug Shortage Status

Price

References

The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.

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