WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion under accelerated assessment1 recommending approval of the investigational medicine VICTRELISTM (boceprevir) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, in adult patients with compensated liver disease who are previously untreated or who have failed previous therapy.
The positive opinion will be reviewed by the European Commission, which grants marketing authorization with unified labeling that is valid in the 27 countries that are members of the European Union (EU), as well as European Economic Area members, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
"We are pleased with CHMP’s recommendation to approve VICTRELIS in combination with current standard therapy,” said Peter S. Kim, Ph.D., president, Merck Research Laboratories. “If approved, VICTRELIS would represent the first in a new class of medicines known as HCV protease inhibitors granted marketing authorization in the European Union, and would offer an important new treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1."
The CHMP positive opinion for VICTRELIS in combination with current standard therapy is based on the efficacy and safety results from two large Phase III clinical studies conducted at EU and U.S. sites that evaluated approximately 1,500 adult patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. The HCV SPRINT-2 study involved 1,097 patients who were new to treatment (treatment naïve) and the HCV RESPOND-2 study involved 403 patients who had failed previous therapy. Final results of the studies were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 31, 2011.
VICTRELIS is a Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) agent designed to interfere with the ability of the hepatitis C virus to replicate by inhibiting a key viral enzyme (NS3/4A serine protease).
VICTRELIS in the U.S.: First-in-class oral HCV protease inhibitor now available nationwide
VICTRELIS was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on May 13 and is now available to all U.S. pharmacies nationwide, including specialty pharmacies. Any U.S. pharmacy can order VICTRELIS through its wholesaler and have it delivered within 24 hours.
To support the availability of VICTRELIS in the U.S., the company has launched the Merck CARES (Commitment to Access, Resources, Education & Support) program, which offers U.S. patients and providers a single point of access for resources and support needed to help patients as they initiate HCV treatment. Resources include reimbursement support to help patients understand their insurance coverage for VICTRELIS and 24/7 nurse phone support. Eligible patients can also be referred to Merck's patient assistance program, which can determine if the patient qualifies for free product. Patients and providers can access the Merck CARES resources at 1-866-939-HEPC (4372).
VICTRELIS is indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, in adult patients (18 years of age and older) with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis, who are previously untreated or who have failed previous interferon and ribavirin therapy.
The following points should be considered when initiating VICTRELIS for treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection:
- VICTRELIS must not be used as monotherapy and should only be used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
- VICTRELIS efficacy has not been studied in patients who have previously failed therapy with a treatment regimen that includes VICTRELIS or other HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors.
- VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin has not been studied in patients documented to be historical null responders (less than a 2 log HCV-RNA decline by treatment week 12) during prior therapy with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. The clinical studies included patients who were poorly interferon responsive. Patients with less than 0.5 log HCV-RNA decline in viral load at treatment week 4 with peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin alone are predicted to have a null response (less than a 2 log HCV-RNA decline by treatment week 12) to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin therapy.
- Poorly interferon responsive patients who were treated with VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin have a lower likelihood of achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR)2, and a higher rate of detection of resistance-associated substitutions upon treatment failure, compared to patients with a greater response to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
Important U.S. safety information about VICTRELIS
All contraindications to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin also apply since VICTRELIS must be administered with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. Because ribavirin may cause birth defects and fetal death, VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnant women and in men whose female partners are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy in female patients and female partners of male patients. Patients must have a negative pregnancy test prior to therapy; have monthly pregnancy tests; and use two or more forms of effective contraception, including intrauterine devices and barrier methods, during treatment and for at least 6 months after treatment has concluded. Systemic hormonal contraceptives may not be as effective in women while taking VICTRELIS.
VICTRELIS is contraindicated in coadministration with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A4/5 for clearance, and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events. VICTRELIS also is contraindicated in coadministration with potent CYP3A4/5 inducers where significantly reduced boceprevir plasma concentrations may be associated with reduced efficacy. Drugs that are contraindicated with VICTRELIS include: alfuzosin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, cisapride, St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum), lovastatin, simvastatin, drosperinone, Revatio® (sildenafil) or Adcirca® (tadalafil) (when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension), pimozide, triazolam, and midazolam (orally administered).
Anemia has been reported with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin therapy. The addition of VICTRELIS to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin is associated with an additional decrease in hemoglobin concentrations. The addition of VICTRELIS may result in a worsening of neutropenia associated with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin alone. Complete blood counts should be obtained pretreatment, and at treatment weeks 4, 8 and 12, and should be monitored closely at other time points, as clinically appropriate. If a patient has a serious adverse reaction potentially related to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin therapy, the peginterferon alfa and/or ribavirin dose should be reduced or discontinued. VICTRELIS must not be administered in the absence of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions (greater than 35 percent) in clinical trials in adult patients receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin were fatigue, anemia, nausea, headache and dysgeusia. Of these commonly reported adverse reactions, fatigue, anemia, nausea, and dysgeusia occurred at rates greater than or equal to 5 percent above the rates for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin alone in either clinical study. The incidence of these adverse reactions in previously untreated patients that received VICTRELIS combination therapy compared with peginterferon and ribavirin alone were: fatigue (58 vs. 59 percent), anemia (50 vs. 30 percent), nausea (46 vs. 42 percent), dysgeusia (35 vs. 16 percent), respectively. The incidence of these adverse reactions in previously treated patients that received VICTRELIS combination therapy compared with peginterferon and ribavirin alone were: fatigue (55 vs. 50 percent), anemia (45 vs. 20 percent), nausea (43 vs. 38 percent), dysgeusia (44 vs. 11 percent), respectively.
VICTRELIS is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/5 and is partly metabolized by CYP3A4/5. The potential for drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy.
Please see U.S. prescribing information at: http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/v/victrelis/victrelis_pi.pdf.
Merck's global commitment to advancing hepatitis therapy
Merck is committed to building on its strong legacy in the field of viral hepatitis by continuing to discover, develop and deliver vaccines and medicines to help prevent and treat viral hepatitis. In hepatitis C, company researchers developed the first approved therapy for chronic HCV in 1991 and the first combination therapy in 1998. In addition to ongoing studies with VICTRELIS, extensive research efforts are underway to develop additional innovative oral therapies for viral hepatitis treatment.
About Merck
Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on the effectiveness of Merck’s patents and other protections for innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions.
Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Merck’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Please see attached Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for VICTRELIS. The Prescribing Information and Medication Guide are also available at: http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/v/victrelis/victrelis_pi.pdf and http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/v/victrelis/victrelis_mg.pdf.
1Accelerated assessment was introduced by the revised EU pharmaceutical legislation in November 2005. The aim of this new regulatory tool is to help speed up access of patients to new medicines of major public-health interest. Companies can request accelerated assessment provided they are able to demonstrate that their product responds to unmet medical needs or constitutes a significant improvement over the available methods of prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a condition.
2SVR, the protocol specified primary efficacy endpoint of the pivotal studies, is defined as achievement of undetectable HCV-RNA at 24 weeks after the end of treatment in all randomized patients treated with any study medication. Per protocol, if a patient did not have a 24-week post-treatment assessment, the patient’s 12-week post-treatment assessment was utilized.
VICTRELIS™is a trademark of Schering Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., USA.
Revatio® and Adcirca® are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., USA.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use VICTRELIS safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for VICTRELIS.
VICTRELIS™ (boceprevir) Capsules
Initial U.S. Approval: 2011
---------------------------INDICATIONS AND USAGE-----------------------------
VICTRELIS is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitor indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotype 1 infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, in adult patients (≥18 years of age) with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis, who are previously untreated or who have failed previous interferon and ribavirin therapy. (1)
VICTRELIS must not be used as a monotherapy. (1)
---------------------------DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION--------------------------
- 800 mg administered orally three times daily (every 7 - 9 hours) with food (a meal or light snack). (2)
- VICTRELIS must be administered in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. (2)
- Refer to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin Package Inserts for specific dosing instructions. (2)
-----------------------DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS--------------------
Capsules: 200 mg (3)
-----------------------------CONTRAINDICATIONS---------------------------------
- All contraindications to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin also apply since VICTRELIS must be administered with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. (4)
- Because ribavirin may cause birth defects and fetal death, boceprevir in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnant women and in men whose female partners are pregnant. (4)
- Coadministration with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A4/5 for clearance, and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events. (4)
- Potent CYP3A4/5 inducers where significantly reduced boceprevir plasma concentrations may be associated with reduced efficacy. (4)
-----------------------WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS------------------------
Use of VICTRELIS with Ribavirin and Peginterferon alfa:
- Ribavirin may cause birth defects and fetal death; avoid pregnancy in female patients and female partners of male patients. Patients must have a negative pregnancy test prior to therapy; use two or more forms of contraception, and have monthly pregnancy tests. (5.1)
- Anemia - The addition of VICTRELIS to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin is associated with an additional decrease in hemoglobin concentrations compared with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin alone. (5.2)
- Neutropenia - The addition of VICTRELIS to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin may result in worsening of neutropenia associated with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin therapy alone. (5.3)
-------------------------------ADVERSE REACTIONS------------------------------
The most commonly reported adverse reactions (greater than 35% of subjects) in clinical trials in adult subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL were fatigue, anemia, nausea, headache and dysgeusia. (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Schering Corporation, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., at 1-877-888-4231 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
-------------------------------DRUG INTERACTIONS------------------------------
- VICTRELIS is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/5 and is partly metabolized by CYP3A4/5. The potential for drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy. (4, 7, 12.3)
--------------------------USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS---------------------
- Cirrhosis: Safety and efficacy has not been studied in patients with decompensated cirrhosis or in patients with an organ transplant. (8.7, 8.10)
- Co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Safety and efficacy has not been established in patients co-infected with HCV and HIV. (8.8)
- Co-infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Safety and efficacy has not been studied in patients co-infected with HCV and HBV. (8.9)
- Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy has not been studied in pediatric patients. (8.4)
- Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry available. (8.1)
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and Medication Guide.
Revised: 05/2011
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 VICTRELIS Combination Therapy: Patients Without Cirrhosis Who Are Previously Untreated or Who Are Previous Partial Responders or Relapsers to Interferon and Ribavirin Therapy
2.2 VICTRELIS Combination Therapy: Patients with Cirrhosis
2.3 Dose Modification
2.4 Discontinuation of Dosing Based on Treatment Futility
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Pregnancy (Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa)
5.2 Anemia (Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa)
5.3 Neutropenia (Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa)
5.4 Drug Interactions
5.5 Laboratory Tests
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Potential for VICTRELIS to Affect Other Drugs
7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect VICTRELIS
7.3 Established and Other Potential Significant Drug Interactions
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
8.3 Nursing Mothers
8.4 Pediatric Use
8.5 Geriatric Use
8.6 Renal Impairment
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
8.8 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Co-Infection
8.9 Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Co-Infection
8.10 Organ Transplantation
10 OVERDOSAGE
11 DESCRIPTION
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
12.4 Microbiology
12.5 Pharmacogenomics
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1 How Supplied
16.2 Storage and Handling
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
17.1 Pregnancy
17.2 Anemia
17.3 Neutropenia
17.4 Usage Safeguards
17.5 Missed VICTRELIS Doses
17.6 Hepatitis C Virus Transmission
*Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed.
- -
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
VICTRELIS™ (boceprevir) is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, in adult patients (18 years and older) with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis, who are previously untreated or who have failed previous interferon and ribavirin therapy [see Clinical Studies (14)].
The following points should be considered when initiating VICTRELIS for treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection:
- VICTRELIS must not be used as monotherapy and should only be used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
- VICTRELIS efficacy has not been studied in patients who have previously failed therapy with a treatment regimen that includes VICTRELIS or other HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors.
- VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin has not been studied in patients documented to be historical null responders (less than a 2-log10 HCV-RNA decline by treatment week 12) during prior therapy with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. The clinical studies included subjects who were poorly interferon responsive. Subjects with less than 0.5-log10 HCV-RNA decline in viral load at Treatment Week 4 with peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin alone are predicted to have a null response (less than 2-log10 viral load decline at Treatment Week 12) to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin therapy [see Clinical Studies (14)].
- Poorly interferon responsive patients who were treated with VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin have a lower likelihood of achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR), and a higher rate of detection of resistance-associated substitutions upon treatment failure, compared to patients with a greater response to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin [see Microbiology (12.4) and Clinical Studies (14)].
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
VICTRELIS must be administered in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. The dose of VICTRELIS is 800 mg (four 200-mg capsules) three times daily (every 7-9 hours) with food [a meal or light snack] (see Table 1). Refer to the peginterferon alfa and ribavirin Package Inserts for instructions on dosing.
The following dosing recommendations differ for some subgroups from the dosing studied in the Phase 3 trials [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Response-Guided Therapy (RGT) is recommended for most individuals, but longer dosing is recommended in targeted subgroups (e.g., patients with cirrhosis).
2.1 VICTRELIS Combination Therapy: Patients Without Cirrhosis Who Are Previously Untreated or Who Are Previous Partial Responders or Relapsers to Interferon and Ribavirin therapy
- Initiate therapy with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for 4 weeks (Treatment Weeks 1-4).
- Add VICTRELIS 800 mg (four 200-mg capsules) orally three times daily (every 7-9 hours) to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin regimen after 4 weeks of treatment. Based on the patient's HCV-RNA levels at Treatment Week (TW) 8, TW12 and TW24, use the following Response-Guided Therapy (RGT) guidelines to determine duration of treatment (see Table 1).
|
Table 1 Duration of Therapy Using Response-Guided Therapy (RGT) Guidelines in Patients Without Cirrhosis Who Are Previously |
||||||
| ASSESSMENT*
(HCV-RNA Results†) |
RECOMMENDATION |
|||||
|
At Treatment |
At Treatment |
|||||
|
Previously |
Undetectable | Undetectable | Complete three-medicine regimen at TW28. | |||
| Detectable | Undetectable |
1. Continue all three medicines and finish through TW36; and then 2. Administer peginterferon alfa and ribavirin and finish through TW48. |
||||
|
Previous Partial |
Undetectable | Undetectable | Complete three-medicine regimen at TW36. | |||
| Detectable | Undetectable |
1. Continue all three medicines and finish through TW36; and then 2. Administer peginterferon alfa and ribavirin and finish through TW48. |
||||
|
*TREATMENT FUTILITY If the patient has HCV-RNA results greater than or equal to 100 IU/mL at TW12, then discontinue three-medicine regimen. If the patient has confirmed, detectable HCV-RNA at TW24, then discontinue three-medicine regimen.
†In clinical trials, HCV-RNA in plasma was measured using a Roche COBAS® TaqMan® assay with a lower limit of quantification of 25 IU/mL and a limit of detection of 9.3 IU/mL. See Warnings and Precautions (5.5) for a description of HCV-RNA assay recommendations. |
||||||
Response-Guided Therapy was not studied in subjects who had less than a 2-log10 HCV-RNA decline by treatment week 12 during prior therapy with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. If considered for treatment, these subjects should receive 4 weeks of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin followed by 44 weeks of VICTRELIS 800 mg orally three times daily (every 7-9 hours) in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. In addition, consideration should be given to treating previously untreated patients who are poorly interferon responsive (as determined at TW 4) with 4 weeks peginterferon alfa and ribavirin followed by 44 weeks of VICTRELIS 800 mg orally three times daily (every 7-9 hours) in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin in order to maximize rates of SVR [see Clinical Studies (14)].
2.2 VICTRELIS Combination Therapy: Patients with Cirrhosis
Patients with compensated cirrhosis should receive 4 weeks peginterferon alfa and ribavirin followed by 44 weeks VICTRELIS 800 mg (four 200-mg capsules) three times daily (every 7-9 hours) in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
2.3 Dose Modification
Dose reduction of VICTRELIS is not recommended.
If a patient has a serious adverse reaction potentially related to peginterferon alfa and/or ribavirin, the peginterferon alfa and/or ribavirin dose should be reduced or discontinued. Refer to the peginterferon alfa and ribavirin Package Inserts for additional information about how to reduce and/or discontinue the peginterferon alfa and/or ribavirin dose. VICTRELIS must not be administered in the absence of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
2.4 Discontinuation of Dosing Based on Treatment Futility
Discontinuation of therapy is recommended in all patients with 1) HCV-RNA levels of greater than or equal to 100 IU/mL at TW 12; or 2) confirmed detectable HCV-RNA levels at TW24.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
VICTRELIS 200 mg Capsules, red-colored cap with the Merck logo printed in yellow ink, and a yellow-colored body with “314” printed in red ink.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
Contraindications to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin also apply to VICTRELIS combination treatment.
VICTRELIS combination treatment is contraindicated in:
- Pregnant women and men whose female partners are pregnant because of the risks for birth defects and fetal death associated with ribavirin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
- Coadministration with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A4/5 for clearance, and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events, including those in Table 2 [see also Drug Interactions (7)].
- Coadministration with potent CYP3A4/5 inducers, where significantly reduced boceprevir plasma concentrations may be associated with reduced efficacy, including those in Table 2 [see also Drug Interactions (7)].
|
Table 2 Drugs that are contraindicated with VICTRELIS |
||||
| Drug Class |
Drugs Within Class that are |
Clinical Comments | ||
| Alpha 1-Adrenoreceptor antagonist | Alfuzosin |
Increased alfuzosin concentrations can |
||
| Anticonvulsants |
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, |
May lead to loss of virologic response to |
||
| Antimycobacterial | Rifampin |
May lead to loss of virologic response to |
||
| Ergot Derivatives |
Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, |
Potential for acute ergot toxicity |
||
| GI Motility Agent | Cisapride | Potential for cardiac arrhythmias. | ||
| Herbal Products | St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) |
May lead to loss of virologic response to |
||
| HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors | Lovastatin, simvastatin |
Potential for myopathy, including |
||
| Oral Contraceptives | Drosperinone | Potential for hyperkalemia. | ||
| PDE5 enzyme Inhibitor |
REVATIO® (sildenafil) or ADCIRCA® |
Potential for PDE5 inhibitor-associated |
||
| Neuroleptic | Pimozide | Potential for cardiac arrhythmias. | ||
| Sedative/Hypnotics |
Triazolam; orally administered |
Prolonged or increased sedation or |
||
|
* See Drug Interactions, Table 5 for coadministration of sildenafil and tadalafil when dosed for erectile dysfunction. † See Drug Interactions, Table 5 for parenterally administered midazolam. |
||||
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Pregnancy (Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa)
Ribavirin may cause birth defects and/or death of the exposed fetus. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and in female partners of male patients. Ribavirin therapy should not be started unless a report of a negative pregnancy test has been obtained immediately prior to initiation of therapy. Women of childbearing potential and men must use at least two forms of effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after treatment has concluded. Routine monthly pregnancy tests must be performed during this time. Systemic hormonal contraceptives may not be as effective in women while taking VICTRELIS. Two alternative effective methods of contraception, including intrauterine devices and barrier methods, should be used in women during treatment with VICTRELIS and concomitant ribavirin.
5.2 Anemia (Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa)
Anemia has been reported with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin therapy. The addition of VICTRELIS to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin is associated with an additional decrease in hemoglobin concentrations. Complete blood counts should be obtained pretreatment, and at Treatment Weeks 4, 8, and 12, and should be monitored closely at other time points, as clinically appropriate. If hemoglobin is less than 10 g/dL, a decrease in dosage or interruption of ribavirin is recommended; and if hemoglobin is less than 8.5 g/dL, discontinuation of ribavirin is recommended [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14)].
Refer to the Package Insert for ribavirin for additional information regarding dosage reduction and/or interruption.
In clinical trials with VICTRELIS, the proportion of subjects who experienced hemoglobin values less than 10 g/dL and less than 8.5 g/dL was higher in subjects treated with the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron®/REBETOL® than in those treated with PegIntron/REBETOL alone (see Table 4). With the interventions used for anemia management in the clinical trials, the average additional decrease of hemoglobin was approximately 1 g/dL. Certain adverse reactions consistent with symptoms of anemia, such as dyspnea, exertional dyspnea, dizziness and syncope were reported more frequently in subjects who received the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL than in those treated with PegIntron/REBETOL alone [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
In clinical trials with VICTRELIS, dose modifications (generally of PegIntron/REBETOL) due to anemia occurred twice as often in subjects treated with the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL (26%) compared to PegIntron/REBETOL (13%). The proportion of subjects who discontinued study drug due to anemia was 1% in subjects treated with the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL and 1% in subjects who received PegIntron/REBETOL. The use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents was permitted for management of anemia, at the investigator’s discretion, with or without ribavirin dose reduction in the Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. The proportion of subjects who received an erythropoiesis stimulating agent was 43% in the VICTRELIS-containing arms compared to 24% in the PegIntron/REBETOL arms. The proportion of subjects who received a transfusion for the management of anemia was 3% of subjects in the VICTRELIS-containing arms compared to less than 1% in subjects who received PegIntron/REBETOL alone.
Thromboembolic events have been associated with erythropoiesis stimulating agent use in other disease states; and have also been reported with peginterferon alfa use in hepatitis C patients. Thromboembolic events were reported in clinical trials with VICTRELIS among subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL, and among those receiving PegIntron/REBETOL alone, regardless of erythropoiesis stimulating agent use. No definite causality assessment or benefit risk assessment can be made for these events due to the presence of confounding factors and lack of randomization of erythropoiesis stimulating agent use.
5.3 Neutropenia (Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa)
In Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, seven percent of subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL had neutrophil counts of less than 0.5 x 109/L compared to 4% of subjects receiving PegIntron/REBETOL alone (see Table 4). Three subjects experienced severe or life-threatening infections associated with neutropenia, and two subjects experienced life-threatening neutropenia while receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL. Complete blood count (with white blood cell differential counts) must be conducted in all patients prior to initiating VICTRELIS combination therapy. Complete blood counts should be obtained at Treatment Weeks 4, 8, and 12, and should be monitored closely at other time points, as clinically appropriate. Decreases in neutrophil counts may require dose reduction or discontinuation of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
Refer to Package Inserts for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for additional information regarding dose reduction or discontinuation for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
5.4 Drug Interactions
See Table 2 for a listing of drugs that are contraindicated for use with VICTRELIS due to potentially life-threatening adverse events, significant drug interactions or loss of virologic activity [see Contraindications (4)]. Please refer to Table 5 for established and other potentially significant drug interactions [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].
5.5 Laboratory Tests
HCV-RNA levels should be monitored at Treatment Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24, at the end of treatment, during treatment follow-up, and for other time points as clinically indicated. Use of a sensitive real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for monitoring HCV-RNA levels during treatment is recommended. The assay should have a lower limit of HCV-RNA quantification of equal to or less than 25 IU/mL, and a limit of HCV-RNA detection of approximately 10-15 IU/mL. For the purposes of assessing Response-Guided Therapy milestones, a confirmed “detectable but below limit of quantification” HCV-RNA result should not be considered equivalent to an “undetectable” HCV-RNA result.
Complete blood count (with white blood cell differential counts) must be conducted in all patients prior to initiating VICTRELIS combination therapy. Complete blood counts should be obtained at Treatment Weeks 4, 8, and 12, and should be monitored closely at other time points, as clinically appropriate.
Refer to the Package Inserts for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, including pregnancy testing requirements.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
See peginterferon alfa and ribavirin Package Inserts for description of adverse reactions associated with their use.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of VICTRELIS cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The following serious and otherwise important adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are discussed in detail in another section of the labeling: Anemia and neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)].
The most commonly reported adverse reactions (>35% subjects of regardless of investigator's causality assessment) in adult subjects were fatigue, anemia, nausea, headache, and dysgeusia when VICTRELIS was used in combination with PegIntron and REBETOL.
The safety of the combination of VICTRELIS 800 mg three times daily with PegIntron/REBETOL was assessed in 2095 subjects with chronic hepatitis C in one Phase 2, open-label trial and two Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. SPRINT-1 (subjects who were previously untreated) evaluated the use of VICTRELIS in combination with PegIntron/REBETOL with or without a four-week lead-in period with PegIntron/REBETOL compared to PegIntron/REBETOL alone. SPRINT-2 (subjects who were previously untreated) and RESPOND-2 (subjects who had failed previous therapy) evaluated the use of VICTRELIS 800 mg three times daily in combination with PegIntron/REBETOL with a four-week lead-in period with PegIntron/REBETOL compared to PegIntron/REBETOL alone [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The population studied had a mean age of 49 years (3% of subjects were >65 years of age), 39% were female, 82% were white and 15% were black.
During the four week lead-in period with PegIntron/REBETOL in the VICTRELIS-containing arms, 28/1263 (2%) subjects experienced adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of treatment. During the entire course of treatment, the proportion of subjects who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions was 13% for subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL and 12% for subjects receiving PegIntron/REBETOL alone. Events resulting in discontinuation were similar to those seen in previous studies with PegIntron/REBETOL. Only anemia and fatigue were reported as events that led to discontinuation in >1% of subjects in any arm.
Adverse reactions that led to dose modifications of any drug (primarily PegIntron and REBETOL) occurred in 39% of subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL compared to 24% of subjects receiving PegIntron/REBETOL alone. The most common reason for dose reduction was anemia, which occurred more frequently in subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL than in subjects receiving PegIntron/REBETOL alone.
Serious adverse events were reported in 11% of subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL and in 8% of subjects receiving PegIntron/REBETOL.
Adverse events (regardless of investigator's causality assessment) reported in greater than or equal to 10% of subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL and reported at a rate of greater than or equal to 5% than PegIntron/REBETOL alone in SPRINT-1, SPRINT-2, and RESPOND-2 are presented in Table 3.
|
Table 3 Adverse Events Reported in ≥10% of Subjects Receiving the Combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL and |
||||||||
| Adverse Events |
Previously Untreated |
Previous Treatment Failures |
||||||
|
Percentage of Subjects Reporting Adverse |
Percentage of Subjects Reporting Adverse |
|||||||
|
Body System Organ |
VICTRELIS + |
PegIntron + |
VICTRELIS + |
PegIntron + |
||||
| Median Exposure (days) | 197 | 216 | 253 | 104 | ||||
| Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders | ||||||||
| Anemia | 50 | 30 | 45 | 20 | ||||
| Neutropenia | 25 | 19 | 14 | 10 | ||||
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||||||
| Nausea | 46 | 42 | 43 | 38 | ||||
| Dysgeusia | 35 | 16 | 44 | 11 | ||||
| Diarrhea | 25 | 22 | 24 | 16 | ||||
| Vomiting | 20 | 13 | 15 | 8 | ||||
| Dry Mouth | 11 | 10 | 15 | 9 | ||||
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||||||||
| Fatigue | 58 | 59 | 55 | 50 | ||||
| Chills | 34 | 29 | 33 | 30 | ||||
| Asthenia | 15 | 18 | 21 | 16 | ||||
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||||||||
| Decreased Appetite | 25 | 24 | 26 | 16 | ||||
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | ||||||||
| Arthralgia | 19 | 19 | 23 | 16 | ||||
| Nervous System Disorders | ||||||||
| Dizziness | 19 | 16 | 16 | 10 | ||||
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||||||||
| Insomnia | 34 | 34 | 30 | 24 | ||||
| Irritability | 22 | 23 | 21 | 13 | ||||
| Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders | ||||||||
| Dyspnea Exertional | 8 | 8 | 11 | 5 | ||||
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||||||||
| Alopecia | 27 | 27 | 22 | 16 | ||||
| Dry Skin | 18 | 18 | 22 | 9 | ||||
| Rash | 17 | 19 | 16 | 6 | ||||
Other Important Adverse Reactions Reported in Clinical Trials
Among subjects (previously untreated subjects or those who failed previous therapy) who received VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, the following adverse drug reactions were reported. These events are notable because of their seriousness, severity, or increased frequency in subjects who received VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin compared with subjects who received only peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Dysgeusia (alteration of taste) was an adverse event reported at an increased frequency in subjects receiving VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin compared with subjects receiving peginterferon alfa and ribavirin alone (Table 3). Adverse events such as dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were also reported at an increased frequency in subjects receiving VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
Laboratory Values
Changes in selected hematological parameters during treatment of adult subjects with the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL are described in Table 4.
Hemoglobin
Decreases in hemoglobin may require a decrease in dosage/interruption or discontinuation of ribavirin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Studies (14); see Package Insert for ribavirin].
Neutrophils and Platelets
The proportion of subjects with decreased neutrophil and platelet counts was higher in the VICTRELIS-containing arms compared to subjects receiving PegIntron/REBETOL alone. Three percent of subjects receiving the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron/REBETOL had platelet counts of less than 50 x 109/L compared to 1% of subjects receiving PegIntron/REBETOL alone. Decreases in neutrophils or platelets may require a decrease in dosage or interruption of peginterferon alfa, or discontinuation of therapy [see Package Inserts for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin].
|
Table 4 Selected Hematological Parameters |
||||||||
|
Previously Untreated |
Previous Treatment Failures |
|||||||
|
Percentage of Subjects Reporting Selected |
Percentage of Subjects Reporting Selected |
|||||||
|
Hematological |
VICTRELIS + |
PegIntron + |
VICTRELIS + |
PegIntron + REBETOL |
||||
| Hemoglobin (g/dL) | ||||||||
| <10 | 49 | 29 | 49 | 25 | ||||
| <8.5 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 1 | ||||
| Neutrophils (x 109/L) | ||||||||
| <0.75 | 31 | 18 | 26 | 13 | ||||
| <0.5 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 4 | ||||
| Platelets (x 109/L) | ||||||||
| <50 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | ||||
| <25 | <1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
See also Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.4), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).
7.1 Potential for VICTRELIS to Affect Other Drugs
Boceprevir is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/5. Drugs metabolized primarily by CYP3A4/5 may have increased exposure when administered with VICTRELIS, which could increase or prolong their therapeutic and adverse effects. Boceprevir does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 or CYP2E1 in vitro. In addition, boceprevir does not induce CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 or CYP3A4/5 in vitro.
Boceprevir is a potential inhibitor of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) based on in vitro studies. The potential for a drug interaction with sensitive substrates of p-glycoprotein (e.g., digoxin) has not been evaluated in a clinical trial.
7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect VICTRELIS
Boceprevir is primarily metabolized by aldo-ketoreductase (AKR). In drug interaction trials conducted with AKR inhibitors diflunisal and ibuprofen, boceprevir exposure did not increase to a clinically significant extent. VICTRELIS may be coadministered with AKR inhibitors.
Boceprevir is partly metabolized by CYP3A4/5. It is also a substrate for p-glycoprotein. Coadministration of VICTRELIS with drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A4/5 could decrease or increase exposure to boceprevir.
7.3 Established and Other Potential Significant Drug Interactions
Table 5 provides recommendations based on established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. VICTRELIS is contraindicated with drugs that are potent inducers of CYP3A4/5 and drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A4/5 for clearance, and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events [see Contraindications (4)].
|
Table 5 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions |
|||||
|
Concomitant Drug Class: Drug |
Effect on |
Recommendations | |||
|
Antiarrhythmics: amiodarone,
digoxin |
↑ antiarrhythmics
↑ digoxin |
Coadministration with VICTRELIS has the potential to
Digoxin concentrations may be increased with |
|||
|
Anticoagulant: warfarin |
↑ or ↓ warfarin |
Concentrations of warfarin may be altered when co- |
|||
|
Antidepressants: trazadone, |
↑ trazadone ↑ desipramine |
Plasma concentrations of trazadone and desipramine |
|||
|
Antifungals: ketoconazole, |
↑ boceprevir*
↑ itraconazole ↑ ketoconazole ↑ posaconazole ↑ voriconazole |
Plasma concentrations of ketoconazole, itraconazole, |
|||
|
Anti-gout: colchicine |
↑ colchicine |
Significant increases in colchicine levels are expected;
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be
Treatment of gout flares (during treatment with
Prophylaxis of gout flares (during treatment with
Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) (during |
|||
|
Anti-infective: clarithromycin |
↑ clarithromycin |
Concentrations of clarithromycin may be increased with |
|||
|
Antimycobacterial: |
↓ boceprevir
↑ rifabutin |
Increases in rifabutin exposure are anticipated, while |
|||
|
Calcium Channel Blockers, |
↑ dihydropyridine |
Plasma concentrations of dihydropyridine calcium |
|||
|
Corticosteroid, systemic: |
↓ boceprevir |
Coadministration of VICTRELIS with CYP3A4/5 inducers |
|||
|
Corticosteroid, inhaled: |
↑ budesonide
↑ fluticasone |
Concomitant use of inhaled budesonide or fluticasone |
|||
|
Endothelin Receptor Antagonist: |
↑ bosentan |
Concentrations of bosentan may be increased when |
|||
|
HIV Non-Nucleoside Reverse |
↓ boceprevir* |
Plasma trough concentrations of boceprevir were |
|||
|
HIV Protease Inhibitors: ritonavir |
↓ boceprevir* ↑ or ↓ HIV protease |
Boceprevir concentrations decreased with ritonavir; the |
|||
|
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: |
↑ atorvastatin |
Titrate atorvastatin dose carefully and do not exceed |
|||
|
Immunosuppressants: |
↑immunosuppressants |
Plasma concentrations of cyclosporine, sirolimus and |
|||
|
Inhaled beta-agonist: salmeterol |
↑ salmeterol |
Concurrent use of inhaled salmeterol and VICTRELIS is |
|||
|
Narcotic Analgesic/Opioid |
↑ or ↓ methadone
↑ or ↓ buprenorphine |
Plasma concentrations of methadone or buprenorphine |
|||
|
Oral hormonal contraceptives: |
↑ drospirenone*
↓ ethinyl estradiol* |
The effect of boceprevir on other progestins is unknown;
Concentrations of ethinyl estradiol decreased in the |
|||
|
PDE5 inhibitors: sildenafil, |
↑ sildenafil
↑ tadalafil ↑ vardenafil |
Increases in PDE5 inhibitor concentrations are expected,
Use of REVATIO® (sildenafil) or ADCIRCA® (tadalafil) for
Use of PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction:
Sildenafil: 25 mg every 48 hours
Tadalafil: 10 mg every 72 hours
Vardenafil: 2.5 mg every 24 hours |
|||
|
Sedative/hypnotics: alprazolam; |
↑ midazolam
↑ alprazolam |
Close clinical monitoring for respiratory depression and/or |
|||
|
* These combinations have been studied; see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) for magnitude of interaction. |
|||||
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
VICTRELIS must be administered in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin [see Dosage and Administration (2)].
Pregnancy Category X: Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa
Significant teratogenic and/or embryocidal effects have been demonstrated in all animal species exposed to ribavirin; and therefore ribavirin is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and in the male partners of women who are pregnant [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and ribavirin Package Inserts]. Interferons have abortifacient effects in animals and should be assumed to have abortifacient potential in humans [see peginterferon alfa Package Inserts].
Extreme caution must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and female partners of male patients while taking this combination. Women of childbearing potential and their male partners should not receive ribavirin unless they are using effective contraception (two reliable forms) during treatment with ribavirin and for 6 months after treatment. Systemic hormonal contraceptives may not be as effective in women while taking VICTRELIS. Therefore, two alternative effective methods of contraception, including intrauterine devices and barrier methods, should be used in women during treatment with VICTRELIS and concomitant ribavirin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
In case of exposure during pregnancy, a Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry has been established to monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnancies in female patients and female partners of male patients exposed to ribavirin during treatment and for 6 months following cessation of treatment. Physicians and patients are encouraged to report such cases by calling 1-800-593-2214.
Pregnancy Category B: VICTRELIS
VICTRELIS must not be used as a monotherapy [see Indications and Usage (1)]. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with VICTRELIS in pregnant women.
No effects on fetal development have been observed in rats and rabbits at boceprevir AUC exposures approximately 11.8- and 2.0-fold higher, respectively, than those in humans at the recommended dose of 800 mg three times daily [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].
8.3 Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether VICTRELIS is excreted into human breast milk. Levels of boceprevir and/or metabolites in the milk of lactating rats were slightly higher than levels observed in maternal blood. Peak blood concentrations of boceprevir and/or metabolites in nursing pups were less than 1% of those of maternal blood concentrations. Because of the potential for adverse reactions from the drug in nursing infants, a decision must be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue treatment with VICTRELIS, taking into account the importance of the therapy to the mother.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic profile of VICTRELIS in pediatric patients have not been studied.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of VICTRELIS did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, caution should be exercised in the administration and monitoring of VICTRELIS in geriatric patients due to the greater frequency of decreased hepatic function, concomitant diseases and other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.6 Renal Impairment
No dosage adjustment of VICTRELIS is required for patients with any degree of renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
No dose adjustment of VICTRELIS is required for patients with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Safety and efficacy of VICTRELIS have not been studied in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. See Package Inserts for peginterferon alfa for contraindication in hepatic decompensation.
8.8 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Co-Infection
The safety and efficacy of VICTRELIS alone or in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection have not been established in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV.
8.9 Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Co-Infection
The safety and efficacy of VICTRELIS alone or in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in patients co-infected with HBV and HCV have not been studied.
8.10 Organ Transplantation
The safety and efficacy of VICTRELIS alone or in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in liver or other organ transplant recipients have not been studied.
10 OVERDOSAGE
Daily doses of 3600 mg have been taken by healthy volunteers for 5 days without untoward symptomatic effects.
There is no specific antidote for overdose with VICTRELIS. Treatment of overdosage with VICTRELIS should consist of general supportive measures, including monitoring of vital signs, and observation of the patient’s clinical status.
11 DESCRIPTION
VICTRELIS (boceprevir) is an inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural protein 3 (NS3) serine protease.
Boceprevir has the following chemical name: (1R,5S)-N-[3-Amino-1-(cyclobutylmethyl)-2,3-dioxopropyl]-3-[2(S)-[[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutyl]-6,6-dimethyl-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2(S)-carboxamide. The molecular formula is C27H45N5O5 and its molecular weight is 519.7. Boceprevir has the following structural formula:
(Graphic Omitted)
Boceprevir is manufactured as an approximately equal mixture of two diastereomers. Boceprevir is a white to off-white amorphous powder. It is freely soluble in methanol, ethanol and isopropanol and slightly soluble in water.
VICTRELIS 200 mg capsules are available as hard gelatin capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains 200 mg of boceprevir and the following inactive ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, pre-gelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate. The red capsule cap consists of gelatin, titanium dioxide, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Blue #1, and FD&C Red #40. The yellow capsule body contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Red #40, and FD&C Yellow #6. The capsule is printed with red and yellow ink. The red ink contains shellac and red iron oxide, while the yellow ink consists of shellac, titanium dioxide, povidone and D&C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
VICTRELIS is a direct acting antiviral drug against the hepatitis C virus [see Microbiology (12.4)].
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Evaluation of Effect of VICTRELIS on QTc Interval
The effect of boceprevir 800 mg and 1200 mg on QTc interval was evaluated in a randomized, multiple-dose, placebo-, and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) 4-way crossover thorough QT study in 36 healthy subjects. In the study with demonstrated ability to detect small effects, the upper bound of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for the largest placebo-adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc based on individual correction method (QTcI) was below 10 ms, the threshold for regulatory concern. The dose of 1200 mg yields a boceprevir maximum exposure increase of approximately 15% which may not cover exposures due to coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or use in patients with severe hepatic impairment. However, at the doses studied in the thorough QT study, no apparent concentration-QT relationship was identified. Thus, there is no expectation of a QTc effect under a higher exposure scenario.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
VICTRELIS capsules contain a 1:1 mixture of two diastereomers, SCH534128 and SCH534129. In plasma the diastereomer ratio changes to 2:1, favoring the active diastereomer, SCH534128. Plasma concentrations of boceprevir described below consist of both diastereomers SCH534128 and SCH534129, unless otherwise specified.
In healthy subjects who received 800 mg three times daily alone, boceprevir drug exposure was characterized by AUC(т) of 5408 ng.hr/mL (n=71), Cmax of 1723 ng/mL (n=71), and Cmin of 88 ng/mL (n=71). Pharmacokinetic results were similar between healthy subjects and HCV-infected subjects.
Absorption
Boceprevir was absorbed following oral administration with a median Tmax of 2 hours. Steady state AUC, Cmax, and Cmin increased in a less-than-dose-proportional manner and individual exposures overlapped substantially at 800 mg and 1200 mg, suggesting diminished absorption at higher doses. Accumulation is minimal (0.8- to 1.5-fold) and pharmacokinetic steady state is achieved after approximately 1 day of three times daily dosing.
The absolute bioavailability of boceprevir has not been studied.
Effects of Food on Oral Absorption
VICTRELIS should be administered with food. Food enhanced the exposure of boceprevir by up to 65% at the 800 mg three times daily dose, relative to the fasting state. The bioavailability of boceprevir was similar regardless of meal type (e.g., high-fat vs. low-fat) or whether taken 5 minutes prior to eating, during a meal, or immediately following completion of the meal. Therefore, VICTRELIS may be taken without regard to either meal type or timing of the meal.
Distribution
Boceprevir has a mean apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) of approximately 772 L at steady state in healthy subjects. Human plasma protein binding is approximately 75% following a single dose of boceprevir 800 mg. Boceprevir is administered as an approximately equal mixture of two diastereomers, SCH534128 and SCH534129, which rapidly interconvert in plasma. The predominant diastereomer, SCH534128, is pharmacologically active and the other diastereomer is inactive.
Metabolism
Studies in vitro indicate that boceprevir primarily undergoes metabolism through the aldo-ketoreductase (AKR)-mediated pathway to ketone-reduced metabolites that are inactive against HCV. After a single 800-mg oral dose of 14C-boceprevir, the most abundant circulating metabolites were a diasteriomeric mixture of ketone-reduced metabolites with a mean exposure approximately 4-fold greater than that of boceprevir. Boceprevir also undergoes, to a lesser extent, oxidative metabolism mediated by CYP3A4/5.
Drug Interactions
Drug interaction studies were performed with boceprevir and drugs likely to be coadministered or drugs commonly used as probes for pharmacokinetic interactions. The effects of coadministration of boceprevir on AUC, Cmax and Cmin are summarized in Table 6 (effects of coadministered drugs on boceprevir) and Table 7 (effects of boceprevir on coadministered drugs).
|
Table 6 Summary of the Effect of Co-administered Drugs on Boceprevir in Healthy Subjects or HCV Positive Genotype-1 |
||||||||||
|
Co- |
Co-administered |
Boceprevir |
Ratio Estimate of Boceprevir Pharmacokinetic Parameters (in
(90% CI of the Ratio Estimate) * |
|||||||
|
Change in mean |
Change in mean |
Change in mean |
||||||||
| Ketoconazole |
400 mg two times
|
400 mg single oral |
1.41 |
2.31 |
N/A | |||||
| Ibuprofen |
600 mg three times |
400 mg single oral |
0.94 |
1.04 |
N/A | |||||
| Diflunisal |
250 mg two times |
800 mg three times |
0.86 |
0.96 |
1.31 |
|||||
| Ritonavir |
100 mg daily x 12 |
400 mg three times |
0.73 |
0.81 |
1.04 |
|||||
| Efavirenz |
600 mg daily x 16 |
800 mg three times |
0.92 |
0.81 |
0.56 |
|||||
| Tenofovir |
300 mg daily x 7
|
800 mg three times |
1.05 |
1.08 |
1.08 |
|||||
|
Peginterferon |
1.5 mcg/kg |
400 mg three times |
0.88 |
1.00* |
N/A | |||||
| *No effect = 1.00
N/A = not available |
||||||||||
|
Table 7 Summary of the Effect of Boceprevir on Co-administered Drugs in Healthy Subjects or HCV Positive Genotype-1 |
||||||||
|
Co- |
Co-administered |
Boceprevir |
Ratio Estimate of Co-administered Pharmacokinetic
(90% CI of the Ratio Estimate) * |
|||||
| Change in mean Cmax | Change in mean AUC(τ) | |||||||
| Midazolam |
4 mg single oral |
800 mg three times |
2.77 |
5.30 |
||||
| Efavirenz |
600 mg daily x 16 |
800 mg three times |
1.11 |
1.20 |
||||
|
Drospirenone/ |
Drospirenone: |
800 mg three times |
Drospirenone: 1.57
Ethinyl estradiol: 1.00 |
Drospirenone: 1.99
Ethinyl estradiol: 0.76 |
||||
| Tenofovir |
300 mg daily x 7 |
800 mg three times |
1.32 |
1.05 |
||||
|
Peginterferon |
1.5 mcg/kg |
200 mg or 400 mg |
N/A |
0.99†,‡
|
||||
| *No effect = 1.00
†0-168 hours ‡Reported AUC is 200 mg and 400 mg cohorts combined. N/A = not available |
||||||||
Elimination
Boceprevir is eliminated with a mean plasma half-life (t½) of approximately 3.4 hours. Boceprevir has a mean total body clearance (CL/F) of approximately 161 L/hr. Following a single 800 mg oral dose of 14C-boceprevir, approximately 79% and 9% of the dose was excreted in feces and urine, respectively, with approximately 8% and 3% of the dosed radiocarbon eliminated as boceprevir in feces and urine. The data indicate that boceprevir is eliminated primarily by the liver.
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of boceprevir was studied in adult non-HCV infected subjects with normal, mild (Child-Pugh score 5-6), moderate (Child-Pugh score 7-9), and severe (Child-Pugh score 10-12) hepatic impairment following a single 400 mg dose of VICTRELIS. The mean AUC of the active diastereomer of boceprevir (SCH534128) was 32% and 45% higher in subjects with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively, relative to subjects with normal hepatic function. Mean Cmax values for SCH534128 were 28% and 62% higher in moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively. Subjects with mild hepatic impairment had similar SCH534128 exposure as subjects with normal hepatic function. A similar magnitude of effect is anticipated for boceprevir. No dosage adjustment of VICTRELIS is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)]. See peginterferon alfa Package Insert for contraindication in patients with hepatic decompensation.
Renal Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of boceprevir was studied in non-HCV-infected subjects with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis following a single 800 mg dose of VICTRELIS. The mean AUC of boceprevir was 10% lower in subjects with ESRD requiring hemodialysis relative to subjects with normal renal function. Hemodialysis removed less than 1% of the boceprevir dose. No dosage adjustment of VICTRELIS is required in patients with any degree of renal impairment.
Gender
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of VICTRELIS indicated that gender had no apparent effect on exposure.
Race
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of VICTRELIS indicated that race had no apparent effect on exposure.
Age
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of VICTRELIS showed that boceprevir exposure was not different across subjects 19 to 65 years old.
12.4 Microbiology
Mechanism of Action
Boceprevir is an inhibitor of the HCV NS3/4A protease that is necessary for the proteolytic cleavage of the HCV encoded polyprotein into mature forms of the NS4A, NS4B, NS5A and NS5B proteins. Boceprevir covalently, yet reversibly, binds to the NS3 protease active site serine (S139) through an (alpha)-ketoamide functional group to inhibit viral replication in HCV-infected host cells. In a biochemical assay, boceprevir inhibited the activity of recombinant HCV genotype 1a and 1b NS3/4A protease enzymes, with Ki values of 14 nM for each subtype.
Activity in Cell Culture
The EC50 and EC90 values for boceprevir against an HCV replicon constructed from a single genotype 1b isolate were approximately 200 nM and 400 nM, respectively, in a 72-hour cell culture assay. Boceprevir cell culture anti-HCV activity was approximately 2-fold lower for an HCV replicon derived from a single genotype 1a isolate, relative to the 1b isolate-derived replicon. In replicon assays, boceprevir had approximately 2-fold reduced activity against a genotype 2a isolate relative to genotype 1a and 1b replicon isolates. In a biochemical assay, boceprevir had approximately 3- and 2-fold reduced activity against NS3/4A proteases derived from single isolates representative of HCV genotypes 2 and 3a, respectively, relative to a genotype 1b-derived NS3/4A protease. The presence of 50% human serum reduced the cell culture anti-HCV activity of boceprevir by approximately 3-fold.
Evaluation of varying combinations of boceprevir and interferon alfa-2b that produced 90% suppression of replicon RNA in cell culture showed additivity of effect without evidence of antagonism.
Resistance
In Cell Culture
Resistance to boceprevir was characterized in biochemical and HCV genotype 1b replicon assays. The activity of boceprevir against the HCV NS3/4A protease or genotype 1b replicon was reduced (2- to 10- fold) by the following amino acid substitutions in the NS3 protease domain: V36A/I/M, Q41R, F43C/S, T54A/S, V55A/I, R155K/M/Q, V158I, V170A/T and M175L. A greater than 15-fold reduction in boceprevir anti-HCV activity was conferred by the substitutions T54C, R155G/I/T and A156S/T/V. The fold decrease in boceprevir anti-HCV activity conferred by double resistance-associated substitutions was approximately equal to the product of that for the individual substitutions. In cell-based protease assays, an NS3 Q80K substitution did not reduce HCV sensitivity to boceprevir. In addition, the decreased sensitivity to boceprevir observed with R155K was not further decreased when combined with either Q80K or Q80R.
In Clinical Studies
An as-treated, pooled genotypic resistance analysis was conducted for subjects who received four weeks of PegIntron/REBETOL followed by VICTRELIS 800 mg three times daily in combination with PegIntron/REBETOL in two Phase 3 studies, SPRINT-2 and RESPOND-2. Among VICTRELIS-treated subjects who did not achieve a sustained virologic response, and for whom samples were analyzed, 53% had one or more specific post-baseline, treatment-emergent NS3 protease domain amino acid substitutions detected by a population-based sequencing assay (Table 8). Nearly all of these substitutions have been shown to reduce boceprevir anti-HCV activity in cell culture or biochemical assays. Among VICTRELIS-treated subjects who did not achieve SVR and for whom post-baseline samples were analyzed, 31% of PegIntron/REBETOL-responsive subjects, as defined by greater than or equal to 1-log10 decline in viral load at Treatment Week 4 (end of 4-week PegIntron/REBETOL lead-in period), had detectable treatment-emergent substitutions, compared to 68% of subjects with less than 1-log10 decline in viral load at Treatment Week 4. Clear patterns of boceprevir treatment-emergent substitutions in the NS3 helicase domain or NS4A coding regions of the HCV genome were not observed.
|
Table 8 Pooled Analysis of Treatment-Emergent NS3 Protease Domain Amino Acid Substitutions Detected Among |
||||
| Subjects Infected with
HCV Genotype 1a |
Subjects Infected with
HCV Genotype 1b |
|||
|
>10% of VICTRELIS treated subjects who |
V36M, T54S, R155K | T54A, T54S, V55A, A156S, I/V170A | ||
|
<1% to 10% of VICTRELIS treated subjects |
V36A, T54A, V55A, V55I, V107I, R155T, |
V36A, V36M, T54C, T54G, V107I, |
||
Persistence of Resistance-Associated Substitutions
Data from an ongoing, long-term follow-up study of subjects who did not achieve SVR in Phase 2 trials with VICTRELIS, with a median duration of follow-up of approximately 2 years, indicate that HCV populations harboring certain post-baseline, VICTRELIS-treatment-emergent substitutions may decline in relative abundance over time. However, among those subjects with available data, one or more VICTRELIS-treatment-emergent substitutions remained detectable with a population-based sequencing assay in 25% of subjects after 2.5 years of follow-up. The most common NS3 substitutions detected after 2.5 years of follow-up were T54S and R155K. The lack of detection of a substitution based on a population-based assay does not necessarily indicate that viral populations carrying that substitution have declined to a background level that may have existed prior to treatment. The long-term clinical impact of the emergence or persistence of boceprevir-resistance-associated substitutions is unknown. No data are available regarding the efficacy of VICTRELIS among subjects who were previously exposed to VICTRELIS, or who previously failed treatment with a VICTRELIS-containing regimen.
Effect of Baseline HCV Polymorphisms on Treatment Response
A pooled analysis was conducted to explore the association between the detection of baseline NS3/4A amino acid polymorphisms and treatment outcome in the two Phase 3 studies, SPRINT-2 and RESPOND-2.
Baseline resistance associated polymorphisms were detected in 7% of subjects by a population-based sequencing method. Overall, the presence of these polymorphisms alone did not impact SVR rates in subjects treated with VICTRELIS. However, among subjects with a relatively poor response to PegIntron/REBETOL during the 4-week lead-in period, the efficacy of VICTRELIS appeared to be reduced for those who had V36M, T54A, T54S, V55A or R155K detected at baseline. Subjects with these baseline polymorphisms and reduced response to PegIntron/REBETOL represented approximately 1% of the total number of subjects treated with VICTRELIS.
Cross-Resistance
Many of the treatment-emergent NS3 amino acid substitutions detected in VICTRELIS-treated subjects who did not achieve SVR in the Phase 3 clinical trials have been demonstrated to reduce the anti-HCV activity of other HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors. The impact of prior exposure to VICTRELIS or treatment failure on the efficacy of other HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors has not been studied. The efficacy of VICTRELIS has not been established for patients with a history of exposure to other NS3/4A protease inhibitors. Cross-resistance is not expected between VICTRELIS and interferons, or VICTRELIS and ribavirin.
12.5 Pharmacogenomics
A genetic variant near the gene encoding interferon-lambda-3 (IL28B rs12979860, a C to T change) is a strong predictor of response to PegIntron/REBETOL. IL28B rs12979860 was genotyped in 653 of 1048 (62%) subjects in SPRINT-2 (previously untreated) and 259 of 394 (66%) subjects in RESPOND-2 (previous treatment failure) [see Clinical Studies (14) for trial descriptions]. Among subjects that received at least one dose of placebo or VICTRELIS (Modified-Intent-to-Treat population), SVR rates tended to be lower in subjects with the C/T and T/T genotypes compared to those with the C/C genotype, particularly among previously untreated subjects receiving 48 weeks of PegIntron and REBETOL (see Table 9). Among previous treatment failures, subjects of all genotypes appeared to have higher SVR rates with VICTRELIS-containing regimens. The results of this retrospective subgroup analysis should be viewed with caution because of the small sample size and potential differences in demographic or clinical characteristics of the substudy population relative to the overall trial population.
|
Table 9 Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) Rates by IL28B rs12979860 Genotype |
||||||||||||
| SVR, % (n/N) | ||||||||||||
| Clinical Study |
IL28B rs12979860 |
PR48* | VICTRELIS-RGT* | VICTRELIS-PR48* | ||||||||
| SPRINT-2 (Previously Untreated Subjects) | ||||||||||||
| C/C | 78 (50/64) | 82 (63/77) | 80 (44/55) | |||||||||
| C/T | 28 (33/116) | 65 (67/103) | 71 (82/115) | |||||||||
| T/T | 27 (10/37) | 55 (23/42) | 59 (26/44) | |||||||||
| RESPOND-2 (Subjects Who Have Failed Previous Therapy) | ||||||||||||
| C/C | 46 (6/13) | 79 (22/28) | 77 (17/22) | |||||||||
| C/T | 17 (5/29) | 61 (38/62) | 73 (48/66) | |||||||||
| T/T | 50 (5/10) | 55 (6/11) | 72 (13/18) | |||||||||
|
*For description of each treatment arm, see Clinical Studies (14). |
||||||||||||
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis
Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon alfa: Ribavirin is genotoxic in in vitro and in vivo assays. Ribavirin was not oncogenic in mouse and rat carcinogenicity studies at doses less than the maximum recommended daily human dose. Please refer to ribavirin Package Inserts for additional information.
Two-year carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats were conducted with boceprevir. Mice were administered doses of up to 500 mg/kg in males and 650 mg/kg in females, and rats were administered doses of up to 125 mg/kg in males and 100 mg/kg in females. In mice, no significant increases in the incidence of drug-related neoplasms were observed at the highest doses tested resulting in boceprevir AUC exposures approximately 2.3- and 6.0-fold higher in males and females, respectively, than those in humans at the recommended dose of 800 mg three times daily. In rats, no increases in the incidence of drug-related neoplasms were observed at the highest doses tested resulting in boceprevir AUC exposures similar to those in humans at the recommended dose of 800 mg three times daily.
Boceprevir was not genotoxic in a battery of in vitro or in vivo assays, including bacterial mutagenicity, chromosomal aberration in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and mouse micronucleus assays.
Impairment of Fertility
Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon alfa: In fertility studies in male animals, ribavirin induced reversible testicular toxicity; while peginterferon alfa may impair fertility in females. Please refer to Package Inserts for ribavirin and peginterferon alfa for additional information.
Boceprevir-induced reversible effects on fertility and early embryonic development in female rats, with no effects observed at a 75 mg/kg dose level. At this dose, boceprevir AUC exposures are approximately 1.3-fold higher than those in humans at the recommended dose of 800 mg three times daily. Decreased fertility was also observed in male rats, most likely as a consequence of testicular degeneration. No testicular degeneration was observed at a 15 mg/kg dose level resulting in boceprevir AUC exposures of less than those in humans at the recommended dose of 800 mg three times daily. Testicular degeneration was not observed in mice or monkeys administered boceprevir for 3 months at doses of up to 900 or 1000 mg/kg, respectively. At these doses, boceprevir AUC exposures are approximately 6.8- and 4.4-fold higher in mice and monkeys, respectively, than those in humans at the recommended dose of 800 mg three times daily. Additionally, limited clinical monitoring has revealed no evidence of testicular toxicity in human subjects.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
The efficacy of VICTRELIS as a treatment for chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1) infection was assessed in approximately 1500 adult subjects who were previously untreated (SPRINT-2) or who had failed previous peginterferon alfa and ribavirin therapy (RESPOND-2) in Phase 3 clinical studies.
Previously Untreated Subjects
SPRINT-2 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing two therapeutic regimens of VICTRELIS 800 mg orally three times daily in combination with PR [PegIntron 1.5 µg/kg/week subcutaneously and weight-based dosing with REBETOL (600-1400 mg/day orally divided twice daily)] to PR alone in adult subjects who had chronic hepatitis C (HCV genotype 1) infection with detectable levels of HCV-RNA and were not previously treated with interferon alfa therapy. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio within two separate cohorts (Cohort 1/non-Black and Cohort 2/Black) and were stratified by HCV genotype (1a or 1b) and by HCV-RNA viral load (≤400,000 IU/mL vs. >400,000 IU/mL) to one of the following three treatment arms:
- PegIntron + REBETOL for 48 weeks (PR48).
- PegIntron + REBETOL for four weeks followed by VICTRELIS 800 mg three times daily + PegIntron + REBETOL for 24 weeks. The subjects were then continued on different regimens based on Treatment Week (TW) 8 through TW 24 response-guided therapy (VICTRELIS-RGT). All subjects in this treatment arm were limited to 24 weeks of therapy with VICTRELIS.
- Subjects with undetectable HCV-RNA at TW 8 (early responders) and who were also negative through TW24 discontinued therapy and entered follow-up at the TW 28 visit.
- Subjects with detectable HCV-RNA at TW 8 or any subsequent treatment week but subsequently negative at TW 24 (late responders) were changed in a blinded fashion to placebo at the TW 28 visit and continued therapy with PegIntron + REBETOL for an additional 20 weeks, for a total treatment duration of 48 weeks.
- PegIntron + REBETOL for four weeks followed by VICTRELIS 800 mg three times daily + PegIntron + REBETOL for 44 weeks (VICTRELIS-PR48).
All subjects with detectable HCV-RNA in plasma at TW24 were discontinued from treatment. Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) was defined as plasma HCV-RNA undetectable at Follow-up Week 24. Plasma HCV-RNA results at Follow-up Week 12 were used if plasma HCV-RNA results at Follow-up Week 24 were missing.
Mean age of subjects randomized was 49 years. The racial distribution of subjects was as follows: 82% White, 14% Black, and 4% others. The distribution of subjects by gender was 60% men and 40% women.
The addition of VICTRELIS to PegIntron and REBETOL significantly increased the SVR rates compared to PegIntron and REBETOL alone in the combined cohort (63% to 66% VICTRELIS-containing arms vs. 38% PR48 control) for randomized subjects who received at least one dose of any study medication (Full-Analysis-Set population). SVR rates for Blacks in a predefined analysis who received the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL were 42% to 53% (see Table 10).
|
Table 10 Sustained Virologic Response (SVR)*, †and Relapse Rates‡for Previously Untreated Subjects |
||||||
| Study Cohorts | VICTRELIS-RGT | VICTRELIS-PR48 | PR48 | |||
| Cohort 1 Plus Cohort 2 (all subjects) | n=368 | n=366 | n=363 | |||
| SVR† % | 63 | 66 | 38 | |||
| Relapse‡ %
(n/N) |
9
(24/257) |
9
(24/265) |
22
(39/176) |
|||
| Cohort 1 Plus Cohort 2 (subjects without cirrhosis) | ||||||
| SVR†,§ %
(n/N) |
65
(228/352) |
68
(232/342) |
38
(132/350) |
|||
| Cohort 1 (non-Black) | n=316 | n=311 | n=311 | |||
| SVR† % | 67 | 68 | 40 | |||
| Relapse‡ %
(n/N) |
9
(21/232) |
8
(18/230) |
23
(37/162) |
|||
| Cohort 2 (Black) | n=52 | n=55 | n=52 | |||
| SVR† % | 42 | 53 | 23 | |||
| Relapse‡ %
(n/N) |
12
(3/25) |
17
(6/35) |
14
(2/14) |
|||
|
*The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all randomized subjects (N=1097) who received at least one dose of any study medication †Sustained Virologic Response (SVR): reported as plasma HCV-RNA < 25 IU/mL at follow-up week (FW) 24. The last available HCV- ‡Relapse rate was the proportion of subjects with undetectable HCV-RNA at End of Treatment (EOT) and detectable HCV-RNA (≥ 25 § Includes subjects with missing baseline data regarding cirrhosis as diagnosed by liver biopsy. |
||||||
In subjects with cirrhosis at baseline, sustained virologic response was higher in those who received treatment with the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL for 44 weeks after lead-in therapy with PegIntron and REBETOL (10/24, 42%) compared to those who received RGT (5/16 , 31%).
Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) Based on TW 8 HCV-RNA Results
Table 11 presents sustained virologic response based on TW 8 HCV-RNA results in previously untreated subjects. Fifty-seven percent (208/368) of subjects in the VICTRELIS-RGT arm and 56% (204/366) of subjects in the VICTRELIS-PR48 arm had undetectable HCV-RNA at TW8 (early responders) compared with 17% (60/363) of subjects in the PR48 arm.
|
Table 11 Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) by HCV-RNA Detectability at TW8 in Previously Untreated Subjects in the Combined Cohort |
||||||
| VICTRELIS-RGT | VICTRELIS-PR48 | PR48 | ||||
|
SVR by TW8 Detectability, % |
N=337 | N=335 | N=331 | |||
| Undetectable | 88 (184/208) | 90 (184/204) | 85 (51/60) | |||
| Detectable | 36 (46/129) | 40 (52/131) | 30 (82/271) | |||
| *Denominator included only subjects with HCV-RNA results at TW8. | ||||||
Among subjects with detectable HCV-RNA at TW 8 who had attained undetectable HCV-RNA at TW 24 and completed at least 28 weeks of treatment, the SVR rates were 66% (45/68) in VICTRELIS-RGT arm (4 weeks of PegIntron and REBETOL then 24 weeks of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL followed by 20 weeks of PegIntron and REBETOL alone) and 75% (55/73) in VICTRELIS-PR48 arms (4 weeks of PegIntron and REBETOL then 44 weeks of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL).
Subjects Who Failed Previous Therapy with Peginterferon Alfa and Ribavirin
RESPOND-2 was a randomized, parallel-group, double-blind study comparing two therapeutic regimens of VICTRELIS 800 mg orally three times daily in combination with PR [PegIntron 1.5 µg/kg/week subcutaneously and weight-based ribavirin (600-1400 mg/day orally divided twice daily)] compared to PR alone in adult subjects with chronic hepatitis C (HCV genotype 1) infection with demonstrated interferon responsiveness (as defined historically by a decrease in HCV-RNA viral load greater than or equal to 2-log10 by Week 12, but never achieved SVR [partial responders] or undetectable HCV-RNA at end of prior treatment with a subsequent detectable HCV-RNA in plasma [relapsers]). Subjects with less than 2-log10 decrease in HCV-RNA by week 12 of previous treatment (prior null responders) were not eligible for enrollment in this trial. Subjects were randomized in a 1:2:2 ratio and stratified based on response to their previous qualifying regimen (relapsers vs. partial responders) and by HCV subtype (1a vs. 1b) to one of the following treatment arms:
- PegIntron + REBETOL for 48 weeks (PR48)
- PegIntron + REBETOL for 4 weeks followed by VICTRELIS 800 mg three times daily + PegIntron + REBETOL for 32 weeks. The subjects were then continued on different treatment regimens based on TW8 and TW12 response-guided therapy (VICTRELIS-RGT). All subjects in this treatment arm were limited to 32 weeks of VICTRELIS.
- Subjects with undetectable HCV-RNA at TW 8 (early responders) and TW 12 completed therapy at TW36 visit.
- Subjects with a detectable HCV-RNA at TW 8 but subsequently undetectable at TW 12 (late responders) were changed in a blinded fashion to placebo at the TW 36 visit and continued treatment with PegIntron + REBETOL for an additional 12 weeks, for a total treatment duration of 48 weeks.
- PegIntron + REBETOL for 4 weeks followed by VICTRELIS 800 mg three times daily + PegIntron + REBETOL for 44 weeks (VICTRELIS-PR48).
All subjects with detectable HCV-RNA in plasma at TW 12 were discontinued from treatment. Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) was defined as plasma HCV-RNA undetectable at Follow-up Week 24. Plasma HCV-RNA results at Follow-up Week 12 were used if plasma HCV-RNA results at Follow-up Week 24 were missing.
Mean age of subjects randomized was 53 years. The racial distribution of subjects was as follows: 85% White, 12% Black, and 3% others. The distribution of subjects by gender was 67% men and 33% women.
The addition of VICTRELIS to the PegIntron and REBETOL therapy significantly increased the SVR rates compared to PegIntron/REBETOL alone (59% to 66% VICTRELIS-containing arms vs. 23% PR48 control) for randomized subjects who received at least one dose of any study medication (Full-Analysis-Set population) (see Table 12).
|
Table 12 Sustained Virologic Response (SVR)*, †and Relapse‡Rates for Subjects Who have Failed Previous Therapy with |
|||||||
| VICTRELIS-RGT | VICTRELIS-PR48 | PR48 | |||||
| N=162 | N=161 | N=80 | |||||
| SVR† % | 59 | 66 | 23 | ||||
|
Relapse‡ % |
14
(16/111) |
12
(14/121) |
28
(7/25) |
||||
| SVR (subjects without cirrhosis) § (n/N) |
62
(90/145) |
65
(90/139) |
26
(18/70) |
||||
| SVR by Response to Previous Peginterferon and Ribavirin Therapy | |||||||
|
Previous Response |
Relapser, % (n/N) | 70 (73/105) | 75 (77/103) | 31 (16/51) | |||
| Partial responder, % (n/N) | 40 (23/57) | 52 (30/58) | 7 (2/29) | ||||
|
*The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all randomized subjects (N=403) who received at least one dose of any study †Sustained Virologic Response (SVR): reported as plasma HCV-RNA < 25 IU/mL at follow-up week (FW) 24. The last available ‡Relapse rate was the proportion of subjects with undetectable HCV-RNA at End of Treatment (EOT) and detectable HCV-RNA § Includes subjects with missing baseline data regarding cirrhosis as diagnosed by liver biopsy. |
|||||||
In subjects with cirrhosis at baseline, sustained virologic response was higher in those who received treatment with the combination of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL for 44 weeks after 4 weeks of lead-in therapy with PegIntron and REBETOL (17/22, 77%) compared to those who received RGT (6/17, 35%).
Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) Based on TW8 HCV-RNA Results
Table 13 presents sustained virologic response based on TW 8 HCV-RNA results in subjects who have failed previous therapy. Forty-six percent (74/162) of subjects in the VICTRELIS-RGT arm and 52% (84/161) in the VICTRELIS-PR48 had undetectable HCV-RNA at TW 8 (early responders) compared with 9% (7/80) in the PR48 arm.
|
Table 13 Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) by HCV-RNA Detectability at TW8 in Subjects Who Have Failed Previous Therapy |
||||||
| VICTRELIS-RGT | VICTRELIS-PR48 | PR48 | ||||
|
SVR by TW8 Detectability, % |
N=146 | N=154 | N=72 | |||
| Undetectable | 88 (65/74) | 88 (74/84) | 100 (7/7) | |||
| Detectable | 40 (29/72) | 43 (30/70) | 14 (9/65) | |||
| *Denominator included only subjects with HCV-RNA results at TW8. | ||||||
Among subjects with detectable HCV-RNA at TW 8 who attained an undetectable HCV-RNA at TW 12 and completed at least 36 weeks of treatment, the SVR rates were 79% (27/34) in VICTRELIS-RGT arm (4 weeks of PegIntron and REBETOL then 32 weeks of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL followed by 12 weeks of PegIntron and REBETOL alone) and 72% (29/40) in VICTRELIS-PR48 arm (4 weeks of PegIntron and REBETOL then 44 weeks of VICTRELIS with PegIntron and REBETOL).
Interferon Responsiveness during Lead-In Therapy with Peginterferon alfa and Ribavirin
Previously Untreated Subjects
In previously untreated subjects evaluated in SPRINT-2, interferon-responsiveness (defined as greater than or equal to 1-log10 decline in viral load at TW 4) was predictive of SVR. VICTRELIS-treated subjects who demonstrated interferon responsiveness at TW 4 achieved SVR rates of 81% (203/252) in VICTRELIS-RGT arm and 79% (200/254) in VICTRELIS-PR48 arm, compared to 52% (134/260) in subjects treated with PegIntron/REBETOL.
VICTRELIS-treated subjects who demonstrated poor interferon responsiveness (defined as less than 1-log10 decline in viral load at TW 4), achieved SVR rates of 28% (27/97) in VICTRELIS-RGT arm and 38% (36/95) in VICTRELIS-PR48 arm, compared to 4% (3/83) in subjects treated with PegIntron/REBETOL. Subjects with less than a 0.5-log10 decline in viral load at TW4 achieved SVR rates of 28% (13/47) in VICTRELIS-RGT arm and 30% (11/37) in VICTRELIS-PR48 arm, compared to 0% (0/25) in subjects treated with PegIntron/REBETOL. Subjects with less than a 0.5-log10 decline in viral load at TW4 with peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin therapy alone are predicted to have a null response (less than 2-log10 viral load decline at TW12) to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.
Subjects Who Failed Previous Therapy with Peginterferon Alfa and Ribavirin
In subjects who were previous relapsers and partial responders evaluated in RESPOND-2, interferon-responsiveness (defined as greater than or equal to 1-log10 decline in viral load at TW4) was predictive of SVR. VICTRELIS-treated subjects who demonstrated interferon responsiveness at TW4 achieved SVR rates of 74% (81/110) in VICTRELIS-RGT arm and 79% (90/114) in VICTRELIS-PR48 arm, compared to 27% (18/67) in subjects treated with PegIntron/REBETOL. VICTRELIS-treated subjects who demonstrated poor interferon responsiveness (defined as less than 1-log10 decline in viral load at TW4) achieved SVR rates of 33% (15/46) in VICTRELIS-RGT arm and 34% (15/44) in VICTRELIS-PR48 arm, compared to 0% (0/12) in subjects treated with PegIntron/REBETOL.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1 How Supplied
VICTRELIS 200 mg capsules are comprised of a red-colored cap with the Merck logo printed in yellow ink, and a yellow-colored body with "314" printed in red ink. The capsules are packaged into a carton with 28 bottles containing 12 capsules (NDC 0085-0314-02).
16.2 Storage and Handling
VICTRELIS Capsules should be refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F) until dispensed. Avoid exposure to excessive heat. For patient use, refrigerated capsules of VICTRELIS can remain stable until the expiration date printed on the label. VICTRELIS can also be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for 3 months. Keep container tightly closed.
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
[See FDA-approved Medication Guide.]
VICTRELIS must be used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, and thus all contraindications and warnings for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin also apply.
17.1 Pregnancy
Ribavirin must not be used by women who are pregnant or by men whose female partners are pregnant. Ribavirin therapy should not be initiated until a report of a negative pregnancy test has been obtained immediately before starting therapy. Female patients of childbearing potential and male patients with female partners of childbearing potential must be advised of the teratogenic/embryocidal risks of ribavirin and must be instructed to practice effective contraception during therapy and for 6 months post-therapy. Patients should be advised to notify the healthcare provider immediately in the event of a pregnancy [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Women of childbearing potential and men must use at least two forms of effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after treatment has been stopped; routine monthly pregnancy tests must be performed during this time. Because systemic hormonal contraceptives may not be as effective in women while taking VICTRELIS, two alternative effective methods of contraception, such as intrauterine devices and barrier methods, should be used in women during treatment with VICTRELIS and concomitant ribavirin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
To monitor maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to ribavirin, the Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry has been established. Patients should be encouraged to register by calling 1-800-593-2214.
17.2 Anemia
Patients should be informed that anemia may be increased when VICTRELIS is administered with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients should be advised that laboratory evaluations are required prior to starting therapy and periodically thereafter [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
17.3 Neutropenia
Patients should be informed that neutropenia may be increased when VICTRELIS is administered with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients should be advised that laboratory evaluations are required prior to starting therapy and periodically thereafter [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
17.4 Usage Safeguards
Patients should be advised that VICTRELIS must not be used alone due to the high probability of resistance without combination anti-HCV therapies [see Indications and Usage (1)]. See peginterferon alfa and ribavirin Package Inserts for additional patient counseling information on the use of these drugs in combination with VICTRELIS.
Patients should be informed of the potential for serious drug interactions with VICTRELIS, and that some drugs should not be taken with VICTRELIS [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Patients should be advised that the total daily dose of VICTRELIS is packaged into a single bottle containing 12-capsules and the patient should take four capsules three times daily with food.
17.5 Missed VICTRELIS Doses
If a patient misses a dose and it is less than 2 hours before the next dose is due, the missed dose should be skipped. If a patient misses a dose and it is 2 or more hours before the next dose is due, the patient should take the missed dose with food and resume the normal dosing schedule.
17.6 Hepatitis C Virus Transmission
Patients should be informed that the effect of treatment of hepatitis C infection on transmission is not known, and that appropriate precautions to prevent transmission of the hepatitis C virus should be taken.
Schering Corporation, a subsidiary of MERCK & CO., INC., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA
U.S. Patent Nos. 7,012,066; 7,244,721
Trademarks depicted herein are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2011 Schering Corporation, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
Issued: 05/11
B-35071601
34965501T
503034-BCV-CP-MG-6
MEDICATION GUIDE
VICTRELIS™(vĭc-TRÉL-ĭs)
(boceprevir)
Read this Medication Guide before you start taking VICTRELIS, and each time you get a refill. There may be important new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor, nurse or physician assistant (healthcare provider) about your medical condition or your care.
VICTRELIS is taken along with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. You should also read those Medication Guides.
What is the most important information I should know about VICTRELIS?
VICTRELIS, in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, may cause birth defects or death of your unborn baby. If you are pregnant or your sexual partner is pregnant or plans to become pregnant, do not take these medicines. You or your sexual partner should not become pregnant while taking VICTRELIS, peginterferon alfa, and ribavirin combination therapy and for 6 months after treatment is over.
- Females and males must use 2 forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after treatment with VICTRELIS, peginterferon alfa, and ribavirin. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as birth control pills, vaginal rings, implants and injections, may not work as well during treatment with VICTRELIS. You may get pregnant while using these birth control methods while on VICTRELIS. Talk to your healthcare provider about other forms of birth control that may be used during this time.
- Females must have a pregnancy test before starting treatment with VICTRELIS combination therapy, every month while being treated, and every month for 6 months after treatment with VICTRELIS, peginterferon alfa, and ribavirin is over.
- If you or your female sexual partner becomes pregnant while taking VICTRELIS, peginterferon alfa, and ribavirin or within 6 months after you stop taking these medicines, tell your healthcare provider right away. You or your healthcare provider should contact the Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-800-593-2214. The Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry collects information about what happens to mothers and their babies if the mother takes ribavirin while she is pregnant.
- Do not take VICTRELIS alone to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. VICTRELIS must be used with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin to treat chronic hepatitis C infection.
What is VICTRELIS?
VICTRELIS is a prescription medicine used with the medicines peginterferon alfa and ribavirin to treat chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis C infection in adults who have not been treated before or who have failed previous treatment.
It is not known if VICTRELIS is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
Who should not take VICTRELIS?
See “What is the most important information I should know about VICTRELIS?”
Do not take VICTRELIS if you:
- take certain medicines. VICTRELIS may cause serious side effects when taken with certain medicines. Read the section "What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking VICTRELIS?"
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking VICTRELIS if you have any of the conditions listed below.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking VICTRELIS?
Before you take VICTRELIS, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have certain blood disorders such as anemia (low red blood cell count).
- have liver problems other than hepatitis C infection.
- have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or any other immunity problems.
- have had an organ transplant.
- plan to have surgery.
- have any other medical condition.
- are breastfeeding. It is not known if VICTRELIS passes into breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take VICTRELIS or breastfeed. You should not do both.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
VICTRELIS and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects or affecting the way VICTRELIS and your other medicines work. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Do not take VICTRELIS if you take:
- alfuzosin hydrochloride (UROXATRAL®)
- anti-seizure medicines:
- carbamazepine (CARBATROL®, EPITOL®, EQUETRO®, TEGRETOL®, TEGRETOL XR®, TERIL®)
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin (DILANTIN®)
- cisapride (PROPULSID®)
- drosperinone-containing medicines, including:
- YAZ®, YASMIN®, ZARAH®, OCELLA®, GIANVI®, BEYAZ®, SAFYRAL®
- ergot-containing medicines, including:
- dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, MIGRANAL®)
- ergonovine and methylergonovine (ERGOTRATE®, METHERGINE®), ergotamine
- ergotamine tartrate (CAFERGOT®, MIGERGOT®, ERGOMAR®, ERGOSTAT®, MEDIHALER ERGOTAMINE®, WIGRAINE®, WIGRETTES®)
- lovastatin (ADVICOR®, ALTOPREV®, MEVACOR®)
- midazolam (VERSED®), when taken by mouth
- pimozide (ORAP®)
- rifampin (RIFADIN®, RIFAMATE®, RIFATER®, RIMACTANE®)
- sildenafil (REVATIO®), when used for treating lung problems
- simvastatin (SIMCOR®, VYTORIN®, ZOCOR®)
- St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or products containing St. John’s Wort
- tadalafil (ADCIRCA®), when used for treating lung problems
- triazolam (HALCION®)
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking or starting to take any of these medicines:
- clarithromycin (BIAXIN®, BIAXIN XL®, PREVPAC®)
- dexamethasone
- efavirenz (SUSTIVA®, ATRIPLA®)
- itraconazole (SPORANOX®)
- ketoconazole (NIZORAL®)
- posaconazole (NOXAFIL®)
- rifabutin (MYCOBUTIN®)
- ritonavir (NORVIR®, KALETRA®)
- voriconazole (VFEND®)
Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your therapy more closely if you take VICTRELIS with the following medicines. Talk to your doctor if you are taking or starting to take these medicines:
- alprazolam (XANAX®)
- amiodarone (CORDARONE®, EXTERONE®, PACERONE®)
- atorvastatin (LIPITOR®)
- bepridil (VASCOR®)
- bosentan (TRACLEER®)
- budesonide (PULMICORT®, PULMICORT FLEXIHALER®, RHINOCORT®, PULMICORT RESPULES®, SYMBICORT®)
- buprenorphine (BUTRANS®, BUPRENEX®, SUBOXONE®, SUBUTEX®)
- cyclosporine (GENGRAF ®, NEORAL®, SANDIMMUNE®)
- desipramine (NORPRAMIN®)
- digoxin (LANOXIN®)
- felodipine (PLENDIL®)
- flecainide (TAMBOCOR®)
- fluticasone (VERAMYST®, FLOVENT HFA®, FLOVENT DISKUS®, ADVAIR HFA®, ADVAIR DISKUS®)
- hormonal forms of birth control, including birth control pills, vaginal rings, implants and injections
- methadone (DOLOPHINE®)
- nifedipine (PROCARDIA®, ADALAT CC®, PROCARDIA XL®, AFEDITAB CR®)
- nicardipine (CARDENE SR®, CARDENE®)
- propafenone (RHYTHMOL®, RHYTHMOL SR®)
- quinidine
- salmeterol (ADVAIR HFA®, ADVAIR DISKUS®, SEREVENT®)
- sirolimus (RAPAMUNE®)
- tacrolimus (PROGRAF®)
- voriconazole (VFEND®)
- colchicine (COLCRYS®, Probenecid and Colchicine, COL-Probenecid)
- trazadone (DESYREL®)
- vardenafil (STAXYN®, LEVITRA®)
- warfarin (COUMARIN®)
How should I take VICTRELIS?
- Take VICTRELIS exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much to take and when to take it.
- Take VICTRELIS with food (a meal or light snack).
- VICTRELIS is packaged into single daily-use bottles. Each bottle has your entire day’s worth of medicine. Make sure you are taking the correct amount of medicine each time.
- If you miss a dose of VICTRELIS and it is less than 2 hours before the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped.
- If you miss a dose of VICTRELIS and it is more than 2 hours before the next dose, take the missed dose with food. Take your next dose at your normal time and continue the normal dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. If you have questions about what to do, call your healthcare provider.
- Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you start treatment, at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24, and at other times as needed during treatment, to see how well the medicines are working and to check for side effects.
- If you take too much VICTRELIS, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
What are the possible side effects of VICTRELIS?
VICTRELIS may cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about VICTRELIS?”
Blood problems. VICTRELIS can affect your bone marrow and cause low red blood cell, and low white blood cell, counts. In some people, these blood counts may fall to dangerously low levels. If your blood cell counts become very low, you can get anemia or infections.
The most common side effects of VICTRELIS in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin include:
- tiredness
- nausea
- headache
- change in taste
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of VICTRELIS. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store VICTRELIS?
- Store VICTRELIS capsules in a refrigerator at 36°-46°F (2-8°C). Safely throw away refrigerated VICTRELIS after the expiration date.
- VICTRELIS capsules may also be stored at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for 3 months.
- Keep VICTRELIS in a tightly closed container and away from heat.
Keep VICTRELIS and all medicines out of the reach of children.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF VICTRELIS.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide.
Do not use VICTRELIS for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give VICTRELIS to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about VICTRELIS. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about VICTRELIS that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.victrelis.com or call 1-877-888-4231.
What are the ingredients in VICTRELIS?
Active ingredients: boceprevir
Inactive ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, pre-gelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate.
Red capsule shell: gelatin, titanium dioxide, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40.
Yellow capsule shell: gelatin, titanium dioxide, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Yellow #6.
Red printing ink: shellac, red iron oxide. Yellow printing ink: shellac, povidone, titanium dioxide, D&C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Schering Corporation, a subsidiary of MERCK & CO., INC., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA
Issued: May 2011
B-35071601
34966400T
Trademarks depicted herein are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2011 Schering Corporation, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTACT:
Merck
Media:
Pamela Eisele, 908-423-5042
Robert Consalvo, 908-423-6595
or
Investors:
Alex Kelly, 908-423-5185
Carol Ferguson, 908-423-4465
KEYWORDS: United States North America New Jersey
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Biotechnology Clinical Trials Infectious Diseases Pharmaceutical Other Health
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