RoActemra 20 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion.

*
Pharmacy Only: Prescription
  • Company:

    Roche Registration GmbH
  • Status:

    Updated
  • Legal Category:

    Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)
  • Active Ingredient(s):

    *Additional information is available within the SPC or upon request to the company

Updated on 27 March 2024

File name

PI2024-299554_SmPC_1_IB_0122_RoActemra IV 20Mar2024.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 6.3 - Shelf life
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Updated on 03 October 2022

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RoActemra IV PIL dated 15 Sep 2022.pdf

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  • Correction of spelling/typing errors

Updated on 03 October 2022

File name

RoActemra IV SmPC dated 15 Sep 2022.pdf

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  • Change to section 6.3 - Shelf life
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EDM Updated on 22 July 2022

File name

RoActemra Dosing Guide IE Version 27.1.1.pdf

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  • Add New Doc

EDM Updated on 22 July 2022

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RoActemra HCP Brochure IE Version 27.1.2.pdf

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EDM Updated on 22 July 2022

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RoActemra Patient Alert Card IE Version 27.1.0.pdf

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EDM Updated on 22 July 2022

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RoActemra Patient Brochure IE Version 27.1.0.pdf

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Updated on 21 December 2021

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SmPC_RoActemra_IV_II-0101_06-Dec-2021_V2_Clean.pdf

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Updated on 21 December 2021

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PIL_RoActemra_IV_II-0101_06-Dec-2021_V2_Clean.pdf

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  • New PIL for new product

Updated on 14 December 2021

File name

SPC RoActemra_IV_II-0101_06-Dec-2021_Clean.pdf

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  • Change to section 4.1 - Therapeutic indications
  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.3 - Contraindications
  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 5.2 - Pharmacokinetic properties
  • Change to section 6.6 - Special precautions for disposal and other handling
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Updated on 21 May 2021

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SmPC_RoActemra IV_IB-0100_29-Mar-2021_V2.0_Clean.pdf

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  • Change to Section 4.8 – Undesirable effects - how to report a side effect
  • Change to section 6.6 - Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

Free text change information supplied by the pharmaceutical company

EMEA/H/C/000955/IB/0100. Update the SmPC to include ‘use sterile needle and syringe to prepare Actemra’ into Section 6.6. Update the Annex IIIB Package Leaflet section This Information is Intended for Healthcare Professionals Only to include the following instruction: 'Use a sterile needle and syringe to prepare RoActemra'. Typographical change in Section 4.2 Posology and method of administration (Page 4): In the table ‘Low platelet count’, ‘> 100 x 10 3 / μ’ revised to ‘> 100 x 10 3 / μl’. QRD 10.2 template to add Northern Ireland as a representative. 21-May-2021: Local PI re-publication to incorporate QRD template 10.2 updates by the addition of Northern Ireland details in the ADRS reporting section in the SmPC and PIL and Legal representative section in the PIL, which ​was not included in the original publication as all applicable actions for responsibility handover had to take place first.

Updated on 07 April 2021

File name

SmPC_RoActemra IV_IB-0100_29-Mar-2021_Clean.pdf

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  • Change to section 6.6 - Special precautions for disposal and other handling
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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EDM Updated on 25 November 2020

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RoActemra IE Version 25.4.1 Dosing Guide (1).pdf

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EDM Updated on 25 November 2020

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RoActemra IE Version 25.4.1 HCP Brochure (1).pdf

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EDM Updated on 25 November 2020

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RoActemra IE Version 25.4.1 Patient Alert Card (2).pdf

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EDM Updated on 25 November 2020

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RoActemra IE Version 25.4.1 Patient Brochure (2).pdf

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Updated on 24 August 2020

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SmPC_RoActemra IV_II-097-23-07-2020_clean.pdf

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  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
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EMEA/H/C/000955/II/97 Minor update to RoActemra IV SmPC to account for the ARTHUR CSR results.

Updated on 04 June 2020

File name

PIL_RoActemra IV_II-093G_30-Apr-2020_clean.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to other sources of information section
  • Change to date of revision

Free text change information supplied by the pharmaceutical company

EMEA/H/C/000955/II/93G. G6 new drug substance manufacturing process for RoActemra IV and SC.

Updated on 20 November 2019

File name

SmPC_RoActemra_IV_II-0086G_17-Oct-2019_CLEAN.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects

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Updated on 20 November 2019

File name

PIL_RoActemra_IV_II-0086G_17-Oct-2019_CLEAN.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4 - possible side effects

Updated on 02 September 2019

File name

SmPC RoActemra_IV_V8.0_IB-088G_23-Aug-2019.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

Free text change information supplied by the pharmaceutical company

ACTEMRA, EMEA/H/C/000955/IB/0088/G

CDS Update - Safety, 18.0

Update safety information to include PRAC-agreed wording on Hepatotoxicity.

Updated on 02 September 2019

File name

PIL RoActemra_IV_V8.0_IB-088G_23-Aug-2019.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4 - possible side effects

Updated on 23 January 2019

File name

uk-ie-mt-pil-RoActemra-clean-190115-20mg.inf.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4 - possible side effects
  • Change to section 6 - date of revision
  • Change to other sources of information section

Updated on 23 January 2019

File name

uk-ie-mt-spc-RoActemra-clean-190115-20mg.inf.pdf

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  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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Addition of new ADR hypofibrinogenaemia

Updated on 07 November 2018

File name

uk-ie-mt-pil-RoActemra-clean-181029-20mg.inf.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 2 - what you need to know - warnings and precautions
  • Change to section 2 - use in children and adolescents
  • Change to section 6 - date of revision

Updated on 07 November 2018

File name

uk-ie-mt-spc-RoActemra-clean-181029-20mg.inf.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 5.2 - Pharmacokinetic properties
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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New indication: sJIA (II/76)

Updated on 29 August 2018

File name

uk-ie-mt-pil-RoActemra-clean-180823-20mg-inf.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 1 - what the product is used for
  • Change to section 3 - dose and frequency
  • Change to section 6 - date of revision
  • Change to information for healthcare professionals

Updated on 29 August 2018

File name

uk-ie-mt-spc-RoActemra-clean-180823-20mg.inf.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.1 - Therapeutic indications
  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 6.6 - Special precautions for disposal and other handling
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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New Indication : Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) 

Updated on 17 August 2018

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uk-ie-mt-pil-RoActemra-clean-180809-20mg-inf.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 6 - date of revision
  • Change to other sources of information section

Updated on 29 May 2018

File name

uk-ie-mt-spc-RoActemra-clean-180412-20mg-inf.docx

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  • Change to section 9 - Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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date of last renewal changed to 25 September 2013

Updated on 18 May 2018

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uk-ie-mt-spc-RoActemra-clean-180412-20mg-inf.docx

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  • New SPC for new product

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

Updated on 18 May 2018

File name

uk-ie-mt-spc-RoActemra-clean-180412-20mg-inf.docx

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  • Change to section 7 - Marketing authorisation holder
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MAH transfer from Roche Registration Limited (UK) to Roche Registration GmBH (Germany)

Updated on 24 April 2018

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uk-ie-mt-pil-RoActemra-clean-180406-20mg-inf.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 6 - marketing authorisation holder
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Updated on 26 September 2017

Reasons for updating

  • New SPC for new product

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

Updated on 26 September 2017

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.5 - Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
  • Change to Section 4.8 – Undesirable effects - how to report a side effect
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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4.4     Special warnings and precautions for use

 

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number

of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

 

[ … ]

 

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number

of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

 

Paediatric population

 

sJIA Patients

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a serious life-threatening disorder that may develop in sJIA patients. In clinical trials, tocilizumab has not been studied in patients during an episode of active MAS.

 

4.5     Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

 

[ … ]

 

When starting or stopping therapy with tocilizumab, patients taking medicinal products which are individually adjusted and are metabolised via CYP450 3A4, 1A2 or 2C9 (e.g. . methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, (with the possibility for oral glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome), atorvastatin, calcium channel blockers, theophylline, warfarin, phenprocoumon, phenytoin, ciclosporin, or benzodiazepines) should be monitored as doses may need to be increased to maintain therapeutic effect. Given its long elimination half-life (t1/2), the effect of tocilizumab on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping therapy.

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

 

[ … ]

 

United Kingdom

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

 

 

10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

18 September 2017

 

Updated on 21 September 2017

File name

PIL_14280_116.pdf

Reasons for updating

  • New PIL for new product

Updated on 21 September 2017

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 2 - interactions with other medicines, food or drink
  • Change to section 4 - how to report a side effect
  • Change to section 6 - date of revision

Updated on 16 June 2017

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

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4.4     Special warnings and precautions for use

 

[....]


Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the tradename and batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded (or stated) in the patient file.

 




10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

24 May 2017

 

Updated on 09 August 2016

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 2 - Qualitative and quantitative composition
  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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2.       QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION


[...]

For  the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

4.2    Posology and method of administration

 

[...]

 

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children below 2 years of age has not been established.

 

No data are available.

[...]

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children below 2 years of age has not been

established.

 

No data are available.

 

[...]

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild renal impairment. RoActemra

has not been studied in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (see section 5.2). Renal

function should be monitored closely in these patients.


4.8     Undesirable effects

 

[...]

The ADRs listed in Table 1 are presented by system organ class and frequency categories, defined using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10),  uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000) or very rare (<1/10,000) Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

 

[...]

Table 2:  Summary of ADRs occurring in patients with sJIA or pJIA receiving tocilizumab as  monotherapy or in combination with MTX.

 

1.  Infusion related reaction events in pJIA patients included but were not limited to headache, nausea and hypotension

2.  Infusion related reaction events in sJIA patients included but were not limited to rash, urticaria, diarrhoea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia and headache

 

pJIA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab in pJIA has been studied in 188 patients from 2 to 17 years of age. The total patient exposure was 184.4 patient years. The frequency of ADRs in pJIA patients can be found in Table 2 . The types of ADRs in pJIA patients were similar to those seen in RA and sJIA patients, see section 4.8. When compared to the adult RA population, events of nasopharyngitis, headache, nausea, and decreased neutrophil count were more frequently reported in the pJIA population.  Events of cholesterol increased were less frequently reported in the pJIA population than in the adult RA population.

 

[...]

10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

29 July 2016

 

Updated on 05 August 2016

Reasons for updating

  • Change to date of revision
  • Change to MA holder contact details
  • Correction of spelling/typing errors

Updated on 09 July 2015

Reasons for updating

  • Change to improve clarity and readability

Updated on 24 April 2015

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 5.2 - Pharmacokinetic properties
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

Free text change information supplied by the pharmaceutical company

Underlined text = new text

Strike through text = deleted text

 

 

5.2     Pharmacokinetic properties

 

RA Patients

 

AbsorptionIntravenous use

The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab were determined using a population pharmacokinetic analysis on a database composed of 1,7933552 RA patients treated with a one‑hour infusion of 4 and or 8 mg/kg tocilizumab every 4 weeks for 24 weeks or with 162 mg tocilizumab given subcutaneously either once a week or every other week  for 24 weeks.

 

The following parameters (predicted mean ± SD) were estimated for a dose of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab given every 4 weeks: steady-state area under curve (AUC) = 35000 38000 ± 15500 13000 h µg/ml, trough concentration (Cmin) = 9.7415.9 ± 10.513.1 mg/ml and maximum concentration (Cmax) = 183 182 ± 85.650.4 µg/ml, and the accumulation ratios for AUC and Cmax were small, 1.221.32 and 1.061.09, respectively. The accumulation ratio was higher for Cmin (2.352.49), which was expected based on the non‑linear clearance contribution at lower concentrations. Steady-state was reached following the first administration for Cmax and after 8 and 20 weeks for AUC and Cmin, respectively. Tocilizumab AUC, Cmin and Cmax increased with increase of body weight. At body weight ≥ 100 kg, the predicted mean (± SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin and Cmax of tocilizumab were 55500 50000

 ± 14100 16800 μg•h/mL, 19.024.4 ± 12.017.5 μg/mL, and 269 226 ± 57 50.3 μg/mL, respectively, which are higher than mean exposure values for the patient population (i.e. all body weights) reported above. (AUC = 35000 ± 15500 h µg/ml, Cmin = 9.74 ± 10.5 mg/ml and Cmax = 183 ± 85.6 µg/ml). The dose-response curve for tocilizumab flattens at higher exposure, resulting in smaller efficacy gains for each incremental increase in tocilizumab concentration such that clinically meaningful increases in efficacy were not demonstrated in patients treated with > 800 mg of tocilizumab. Therefore, tocilizumab doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended (see section 4.2).

 

Distribution

In RA patients the central volume of distribution was 3.5 l3.72, the peripheral volume of distribution was 2.9 l3.35 resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 6.4 l7.07.

 

Elimination

Following intravenous administration, tocilizumab undergoes biphasic elimination from the circulation. The total clearance of tocilizumab was concentration-dependent and is the sum of the linear and non‑linear clearance. The linear clearance was estimated as a parameter in the population pharmacokinetic analysis and was 12.59.5 ml/h. The concentration-dependent non‑linear clearance plays a major role at low tocilizumab concentrations. Once the non‑linear clearance pathway is saturated, at higher tocilizumab concentrations, clearance is mainly determined by the linear clearance.

 

The t1/2 of tocilizumab was concentration-dependent. At steady‑state following a dose of 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks, the effective t1/2 decreased with decreasing concentrations within a dosing interval from 14 18 days to 8 6 days.

 

Linearity

Pharmacokinetic parameters of tocilizumab did not change with time. A more than dose-proportional increase in the AUC and Cmin was observed for doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks. Cmax increased dose-proportionally. At steady-state, predicted AUC and Cmin were 2.73.2 and 6.530 fold higher at 8 mg/kg as compared to 4 mg/kg, respectively.

 

Special populations

 

[  … ]

 

10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

26 March 2015

 

 

 

Updated on 15 September 2014

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.1 - Therapeutic indications
  • Change to section 4.5 - Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 4.9 - Overdose
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

Free text change information supplied by the pharmaceutical company

Underlined text = new text

Strike through text = deleted text

 

 

4.1     Therapeutic indications

 

RoActemra, in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for:

 

·  the treatment of severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults not previously treated with MTX.

·          the treatment of moderate to severe active  rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients who have either responded inadequately to, or who were intolerant to, previous therapy with one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists.

 

[ … ]

 

RoActemra in combination with methotrexate (MTX) is indicated for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic polyarthritis (pJIA; rheumatoid factor positive or negative and extended oligoarthritis) in patients 2 years of age and older, who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with MTX. RoActemra can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.

 

 

4.5     Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

 

[ … ]

 

When starting or stopping therapy with tocilizumab, patients taking medicinal products which are individually adjusted and are metabolised via CYP450 3A4, 1A2 or 2C9 (e.g. atorvastatin, calcium channel blockers, theophylline, warfarin, phenprocoumon, phenytoin, ciclosporin, or benzodiazepines) should be monitored as doses may need to be increased to maintain therapeutic effect. Given its long elimination half-life (t1/2), the effect of tocilizumab on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping therapy.

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

 

[ … ]

 

The rate of anaphylactic reactions (occurring in a total of 68/34,778 009 patients, 0.2%) was several fold higher with the 4 mg/kg dose, compared to the 8 mg/kg dose. Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation were reported in a total of 13 56 out of 34,778 009 patients (01.34%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and open label clinical studies. These reactions were generally observed during the second to fifth infusions of tocilizumab (see section 4.4). Fatal anaphylaxis has been reported after marketing authorisation during treatment with tocilizumab (see section 4.4).

 

[ … ]

 

4.9       Overdose

 

There are limited data available on overdose with RoActemra. One case of accidental overdose was reported in which a patient with multiple myeloma received a single dose of 40 mg/kg. No adverse reactions were observed.

 

No serious adverse reactions were observed in healthy volunteers who received a single dose up to 28 mg/kg, although dose limiting neutropenia was observed.

 

Paediatric population

 

No case of an overdose in the paediatric population has been observed.

 

 

5.       PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

 

5.1     Pharmacodynamic properties

 

[ … ]

 

MTX naïve, Early RA

Study VII (WA19926), a 2 year study with the planned primary analysis at week 52 evaluated 1162 MTX-naïve adult patients with moderate to severe, active early RA (mean disease duration ≤ 6 months). Approximately 20% of patients had received prior treatment with DMARDs other than MTX. This study evaluated the efficacy of IV tocilizumab 4 or 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks/MTX combination therapy, IV tocilizumab 8 mg/kg monotherapy and MTX monotherapy in reducing the signs and symptoms and rate of progression of joint damage for 104 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving DAS28 remission (DAS28 < 2.6) at week 24. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg + MTX and tocilizumab monotherapy groups met the primary endpoint compared with MTX alone. The tocilizumab 8 mg/kg + MTX group also showed statistically significant results across the key secondary endpoints. Numerically greater responses compared with MTX alone were observed in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg monotherapy group in all secondary endpoints, including radiographic endpoints. In this study, ACR/EULAR remission (Boolean and Index) were also analysed as pre-specified exploratory endpoints, with higher responses observed in the tocilizumab groups. The results from study VII are shown in Table 6.

 

Table 6:           Efficacy Results for Study VII (WA19926) on MTX-naïve, early RA patients

 

TCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX

N=290

TCZ 8 mg/kg + placebo

N=292

TCZ 4 mg/kg +
MTX

N=288

Placebo + MTX

N=287

 

Primary Endpoint

DAS28 Remission                       

 

 

 

 

Week 24                        n (%)

130 (44.8)***

113 (38.7)***

92 (31.9)

43 (15.0)

 

Key Secondary Endpoints

DAS 28 remission

 

 

 

 

Week 52                          n (%)

142 (49.0)***

115 (39.4)

98 (34.0)

56 (19.5)

ACR

 

 

 

 

Week 24            ACR20, n (%)

216 (74.5)*

205 (70.2)

212 (73.6)

187 (65.2)

ACR50, n (%)

165 (56.9)**

139 (47.6)

138 (47.9)

124 (43.2)

ACR70, n (%)

112 (38.6)**

88 (30.1)

100 (34.7)

73 (25.4)

Week 52            ACR20, n (%)

195 (67.2)*

184 (63.0)

181 (62.8)

164 (57.1)

ACR50, n (%)

162 (55.9)**

144 (49.3)

151 (52.4)

117 (40.8)

ACR70, n (%)

125 (43.1)**

105 (36.0)

107 (37.2)

83 (28.9)

HAQ-DI (adjusted mean change from baseline)

 

 

 

 

Week 52

-0.81*

-0.67

-0.75

-0.64

 

Radiographic Endpoints (mean change from baseline)

Week 52                          mTSS

0.08***

0.26

0.42

1.14

Erosion Score

0.05**

0.15

0.25

0.63

JSN

0.03

0.11

0.17

0.51

Radiographic Non-Progression n (%) (change from baseline in mTSS of ≤0)

226 (83)

226 (82)

211 (79)

194 (73)

 

Exploratory Endpoints

Week 24: ACR/EULAR Boolean Remission, n (%)

47 (18.4)

38 (14.2)

43 (16.7)

25 (10.0)

      ACR/EULAR Index Remission, n (%)

73 (28.5)

60 (22.6)

58 (22.6)

41 (16.4)

Week 52: ACR/EULAR Boolean Remission, n (%)

59 (25.7)

43 (18.7)

48 (21.1)

34 (15.5)

                    ACR/EULAR Index Remission, n (%)

83 (36.1)

69 (30.0)

66 (29.3)

49 (22.4)

mTSS                       - modified Total Sharp Score

JSN                          - Joint space narrowing

All efficacy comparisons vs Placebo + MTX. ***p≤0.0001; **p<0.001; *p<0.05;

‡p-value < 0.05 vs. Placebo + MTX, but endpoint was exploratory (not included in the hierarchy of statistical testing and has therefore not been controlled for multiplicity)

 

 

 

Paediatric population

 

[ … ]

The percent of patients achieving JIA ACR 30, 50, 70 and 90 responses are shown in Table 67.

 

Table 67. JIA ACR response rates at week 12 (% patients)

 

[ … ]

 

[ … ]

 

During the withdrawal phase (Part II), the percentage of patients achieving JIA ACR 30, 50, and 70 responses at Week 40 relative to baseline are shown in Table 78. In this statistical analysis, patients who flared (and escaped to TCZ) during Part II or who withdrew, were classified as non-responders.  An additional analyses of JIA ACR responses, considering observed data at Week 40, regardless of flare status, showed that by Week 40, 95.1% of patients who had received continuous TCZ therapy, had achieved JIA ACR30 or higher.

 

Table 78.  JIA ACR Response Rates at Week 40 Relative to baseline (Percentage of Patients)

 

[ … ]

 

The ACR response rates were numerically lower for patients with prior biologic treatment as shown in Table 89 below.

 

Table 89. Number and Proportion of Patients with a JIA ACR30 Flare and Proportion of Patients with JIA ACR30/50/70/90 Responses at Week 40, by Previous Biologic Use (ITT Population - Study Part II)

 

[ … ]

 

10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

24 July1 September 2014

 

 

 

Updated on 10 September 2014

Reasons for updating

  • Change to side-effects
  • Change to drug interactions
  • Change to date of revision
  • Changes to therapeutic indications

Updated on 03 September 2014

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to Section 4.8 – Undesirable effects - how to report a side effect
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

Free text change information supplied by the pharmaceutical company

Underlined text = new text

Strike through text = deleted text

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

 

RA Patients

 

[ … ]

 

Skin Reactions

Very rare reports of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome have occurred in the post marketing setting.

 

 

Paediatric population

 

The safety of tocilizumab in the pediatric population in the sections on pJIA and sJIA below.  In general, the ADRs in pJIA and sJIA patients were similar in type to those see in RA patients, see section 4.8.

 

[ … ]

 

Ireland

IMBHPRA Pharmacovigilance

Earlsfort Terrace

IRL - Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 6764971

Fax: +353 1 6762517

Website: www.hpra.ie

email: medsafety@hpra.ie

Website: www.imb.ie

e-mail: imbpharmacovigilance@imb.ie

 

[ … ]

 

10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

24 July 2014

 

Updated on 27 August 2014

Reasons for updating

  • Change to date of revision
  • Change to side-effects

Updated on 08 April 2014

Reasons for updating

  • Change to further information section

Updated on 21 February 2014

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to Section 4.8 – Undesirable effects - how to report a side effect
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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Section 4.4

[…]

Vaccinations

Live and live attenuated vaccines should not be given concurrently with RoActemra as clinical safety has not been established. In a randomized open-label study, adult RA patients treated with RoActemra and MTX were able to mount an effective response to both the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide and tetanus toxoid vaccines which was comparable to the response seen in patients on MTX only. It is recommended that all patients, particularly sJIA and pJIA patients, be brought up to date with all immunisations in agreement with current immunisation guidelines prior to initiating RoActemra therapy. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of RoActemra therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.

 […]

Section 4.8

[…]

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via (see details below).

Ireland

Pharmacovigilance Section

Irish Medicines Board

Kevin O’Malley House

Earlsfort Centre

IMB Pharmacovigilance

Earlsfort Terrace

IRL - Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 6764971

Fax: +353 1 6762517

Website: www.imb.ie

e-mail: imbpharmacovigilance@imb.ie

 

Section 10:

10.       DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

23 January 2014

 

Updated on 21 February 2014

Reasons for updating

  • Change to side-effects
  • Change to date of revision

Updated on 07 October 2013

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 2 - Qualitative and quantitative composition
  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.5 - Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
  • Change to section 4.6 - Pregnancy and lactation
  • Change to section 4.7 - Effects on ability to drive and use machines
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to Section 4.8 – Undesirable effects - how to report a side effect
  • Change to section 4.9 - Overdose
  • Change to section 6.3 - Shelf life
  • Change to section 9 - Date of renewal of authorisation
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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2.            QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

 

Each ml concentrate contains 20 mg tocilizumab*.

 

Each vial contains 80 mg of tocilizumab* in 4 ml (20 mg/ml).

Each vial contains 200 mg of tocilizumab* in 10 ml (20 mg/ml).

Each vial contains 400 mg of tocilizumab* in 20 ml (20 mg/ml).

 

*humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody against the human interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by recombinant DNA technology.

 

Excipients with known effects:

Each 80 mg vial contains 0.10 mmol (2.21 mg) sodium.

Each 200 mg vial contains 0.20 mmol (4.43 mg) sodium.

Each 400 mg vial contains 0.39 mmol (8.85 mg) sodium.

 

For a the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

 

4.2    Posology and method of administration

 

Treatment should be initiated by healthcare professionals experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of RA, sJIA or pJIA.  All patients treated with RoActemra should be given the Patient Alert Card.

 

RA Patients

Posology

The recommended posology is 8 mg/kg body weight, given once every four weeks.

 

For individuals whose body weight is more than 100 kg, doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended (see Ssection 5.2).

 

Doses above 1.2 g have not been evaluated in clinical studies (see section 5.1).

 

Dose adjustments due to laboratory abnormalities (see section 4.4).

 

·          Liver enzyme abnormalities

 

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN)

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, reduce RoActemra dose to 4 mg/kg or interrupt RoActemra until alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have normalised

Restart with 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg, as clinically appropriate

> 3 to 5 x ULN

(confirmed by repeat testing, see section 4.4).

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3 x ULN and follow recommendations above for > 1 to 3 x ULN

For persistent increases > 3 x ULN, discontinue RoActemra

> 5 x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra

 

·          Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

 

In patients not previously treated with RoActemra, initiation is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2 x 109/l.

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg and increase to 8 mg/kg as clinically appropriate

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

 

·          Low platelet count

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/ μl)

Action

50 to 100

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count > 100 x 103/ μl resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg and increase to 8 mg/kg as clinically appropriate

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra

 

Special populations

Paediatric patients: 

 

sJIA Patients

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children below 2 years of age has not been

established.

 

No data are available.

 

The recommended posology in patients above 2 years of age is 8 mg/kg once every 2 weeks in patients weighing greater than or equal

to 30 kg or 12 mg/kg once every 2 weeks in patients weighing less than 30 kg. The dose should be

calculated based on the patient’s body weight at each administration. A change in dose should only be

based on a consistent change in the patient’s body weight over time.

 

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children below 2 years of age has not been established.

 

No data are available.

 

Dose interruptions of tocilizumab for the following laboratory abnormalities are recommended in sJIA

patients in the tables below. If appropriate, the dose of concomitant MTX and/or other medications

should be modified or dosing stopped and tocilizumab dosing interrupted until the clinical situation

has been evaluated. As there are many co-morbid conditions that may affect laboratory values in sJIA,

the decision to discontinue tocilizumab for a laboratory abnormality should be based upon the medical

assessment of the individual patient.

 

·      Liver enzyme abnormalities

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x ULN

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, interrupt RoActemra until ALT/AST have normalized.

> 3 x ULN to 5x ULN

 

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3x ULN and follow recommendations above for >1 to 3x ULN

 

> 5x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·      Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases to > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·    Low platelet count

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/
ml)

Action

50 to 100

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count is > 100 x 103/ml resume RoActemra

 

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

Reduction of tocilizumab dose due to laboratory abnormalities has not been studied in sJIA patients.

 

Available data suggest that clinical improvement is observed within 6 weeks of initiation of

treatment with RoActemra. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient exhibiting

no improvement within this timeframe.

 

pJIA Patients

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children below 2 years of age has not been

established.

 

No data are available.

 

The recommended posology in patients above 2 years of age is 8 mg/kg once every 4 weeks in patients weighing greater than or equal to 30 kg or 10 mg/kg once every 4 weeks in patients weighing less than 30 kg. The dose should be calculated based on the patient’s body weight at each administration. A change in dose should only be based on a consistent change in the patient’s body weight over time.

 

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children below 2 years of age has not been

established.

 

No data are available.

 

Dose interruptions of tocilizumab for the following laboratory abnormalities are recommended in pJIA patients in the tables below. If appropriate, the dose of concomitant MTX and/or other medications should be modified or dosing stopped and tocilizumab dosing interrupted until the clinical situation has been evaluated. As there are many co-morbid conditions that may effect laboratory values in pJIA, the decision to discontinue tocilizumab for a laboratory abnormality should be based upon the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·    Liver enzyme abnormalities

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x ULN

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, interrupt RoActemra until ALT/AST have normalized.

> 3 x ULN to 5x ULN

 

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3x ULN and follow recommendations above for >1 to 3x ULN

 

> 5x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in pJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·    Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases to > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in pJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·    Low platelet count

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/
ml)

Action

50 to 100

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count is > 100 x 103/ml resume RoActemra

 

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in pJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

Reduction of tocilizumab dose due to laboratory abnormalities has not been studied in pJIA patients.

 

Available data suggest that clinical improvement is observed within 12 weeks of initiation of treatment with RoActemra. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient exhibiting no improvement within this timeframe.

 

Elderly patients

: No dose adjustment is required in patients aged 65 years and older.

 

Renal impairment

: No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild renal impairment. RoActemra

has not been studied in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (see section 5.2). Renal

function should be monitored closely in these patients.

 

Hepatic impairment

: RoActemra has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Therefore, no dose recommendations can be made.

 

Method of administration

After dilution, RoActemra for RA sJIA and pJIA patients should be administered as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour.

 

RA sJIA and pJIA Patients ≥ 30 kg

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 100 ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For instructions on dilution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

 

sJIA and pJIA Patients < 30 kg

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 50 ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For instructions on dilution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

 

4.4     Special warnings and precautions for use

 

Infections

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents including RoActemra (see section 4.8, Uundesirable Eeffects). RoActemra treatment should must not be initiated in patients with active infections (see section 4.3). Administration of RoActemra should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled (see section 4.8). Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when considering the use of RoActemra in patients with a history of recurring or chronic infections or with underlying conditions (e.g. diverticulitis, diabetes and interstitial lung disease which may predispose patients to infections.

 

Vigilance for the timely detection of serious infection is recommended for patients receiving biological treatments for moderate to severe RA sJIA or pJIA as signs and symptoms of acute inflammation may be lessened, associated with suppression of the acute phase reaction. The effects of tocilizumab on C‑reactive protein (CRP), neutrophils and signs and symptoms of infection should be considered when evaluating a patient for a potential infection. Patients (which includes younger children with sJIA or pJIA who may be less able to communicate their symptoms) and parents/guardians of sJIA patients, should be instructed to contact their healthcare professional immediately when any symptoms suggesting infection appear, in order to assure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment.

 

Tuberculosis

As recommended for other biological treatments, RA sJIA and pJIA patients should be screened for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to starting RoActemra therapy. Patients with latent TB should be treated with standard anti‑mycobacterial therapy before initiating RoActemra. Prescribers are reminded of the risk of false negative tuberculin skin and interferon-gamma TB blood test results, especially in patients who are severely ill or immunocompromised.

 

Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms (e.g., persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever) suggestive of a tuberculosis infection occur during or after therapy with RoActemra. 

 

 

Viral reactivation

Viral reactivation (e.g. hepatitis B virus) has been reported with biologic therapies for RA. In clinical studies with tocilizumab, patients who screened positive for hepatitis were excluded.

 

Complications of diverticulitis

Events of diverticular perforations as complications of diverticulitis have been reported uncommonly with RoActemra in RA patients (see section 4.8). RoActemra should be used with caution in patients with previous history of intestinal ulceration or diverticulitis. Patients presenting with symptoms potentially indicative of complicated diverticulitis, such as abdominal pain, haemorrhage and/or unexplained change in bowel habits with fever should be evaluated promptly for early identification of diverticulitis which can be associated with gastrointestinal perforation.

 

Hypersensitivity reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in association with infusion of RoActemra (see section 4.8). Such reactions may be more severe, and potentially fatal in patients who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions during previous infusions even if they have received premedication with steroids and antihistamines. Appropriate treatment should be available for immediate use in the event of an anaphylactic reaction during treatment with RoActemra. If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious hypersensitivity / serious infusion related reaction occurs, administration of RoActemra should be stopped immediately and RoActemra should be permanently discontinued.

 

Active hepatic disease and hepatic impairment

Treatment with RoActemra, particularly when administered concomitantly with MTX, may be associated with elevations in hepatic transaminases, therefore, caution should be exercised when considering treatment of patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

In clinical trials, transient or intermittent mild and moderate elevations of hepatic transaminases have been reported commonly with RoActemra treatment, without progression to hepatic injury (see section 4.8). An increased frequency of these elevations was observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. MTX) were used in combination with RoActemra. When clinically indicated, other liver function tests including bilirubin should be considered.

 

Caution should be exercised when considering initiation of RoActemra treatment in patients with elevated ALT or AST > 1.5 x ULN. In patients with baseline ALT or AST > 5 x ULN, treatment is not recommended.

 

In RA patients, ALT and AST levels should be monitored every 4 to 8 weeks for the first 6 months of treatment followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. For recommended modifications based on transaminases see section 4.2. For ALT or AST elevations > 3–5 x ULN, confirmed by repeat testing, RoActemra treatment should be interrupted.

 

In sJIA and pJIA patients, ALT and AST levels should be monitored at the time of the second infusion and thereafter according to good clinical practice, see section 4.2.

 

Haematological abnormalities

Decreases in neutrophil and platelet counts have occurred following treatment with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with MTX (see section 4.8). There may be an increased risk of neutropenia in patients who have previously been treated with a TNF antagonist.

 

In patients not previously treated with RoActemra, initiation is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2 x 109/l. Caution should be exercised when considering initiation of RoActemra treatment in patients with a low platelet count (i.e. platelet count below 100 x 103/ μl). In patients who develop an ANC < 0.5 x 109/ l or a platelet count < 50 x 103/μl, continued treatment is not recommended.

 

Severe neutropenia may be associated with an increased risk of serious infections, although there has been no clear association between decreases in neutrophils and the occurrence of serious infections in clinical trials with RoActemra to date. 

 

In RA patients, neutrophils and platelets should be monitored 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and thereafter according to standard clinical practice. For recommended dose modifications based on ANC and platelet counts, see section 4.2.

 

In sJIA and pJIA patients, neutrophils and platelets should be monitored at the time of second infusion and thereafter according to good clinical practice, see section 4.2.

 

Lipid parameters

Elevations in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides were observed in patients treated with tocilizumab (see section 4.8). In the majority of patients, there was no increase in atherogenic indices, and elevations in total cholesterol responded to treatment with lipid lowering agents.

 

In sJIA, pJIA and RA patients, assessment of lipid parameters should be performed 4 to 8 weeks following initiation of RoActemra therapy. Patients should be managed according to local clinical guidelines for management of hyperlipidaemia.

 

Neurological disorders

Physicians should be vigilant for symptoms potentially indicative of new‑onset central demyelinating disorders. The potential for central demyelination with RoActemra is currently unknown.

 

Malignancy

The risk of malignancy is increased in patients with RA. Immunomodulatory medicinal products may

increase the risk of malignancy.

 

Vaccinations

Live and live attenuated vaccines should not be given concurrently with RoActemra as clinical safety has not been established. It is recommended that all patients, particularly sJIA and pJIA patients, be brought up to date with all immunisations in agreement with current immunisation guidelines prior to initiating RoActemra therapy. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of RoActemra therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.

 

Cardiovascular risk

RA patients have an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders and should have risk factors (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia) managed as part of usual standard of care.

 

Combination with TNF antagonists

There is no experience with the use of RoActemra with TNF antagonists or other biological treatments for RA sJIA or pJIA patients. RoActemra is not recommended for use with other biological agents.

 

Sodium

This medicinal product contains 1.17 mmol (or 26.55 mg) sodium per maximum dose of 1200 mg. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet. Doses below 1025 mg of this medicinal product contain less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg), i.e. essentially ‘sodium free’.

 

Paediatric population

 

sJIA and pJIA Patients

As described above.

 

sJIA Patients

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a serious life-threatening disorder that may develop in sJIA patients. In clinical trials, tocilizumab has not been studied in patients during an episode of active MAS.

 

4.5     Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

 

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

 

Concomitant administration of a single dose of 10 mg/kg tocilizumab with 10-25 mg MTX once weekly had no clinically significant effect on MTX exposure.

 

Population pharmacokinetic analyses did not detect any effect of MTX, non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids on tocilizumab clearance.

 

The expression of hepatic CYP450 enzymes is suppressed by cytokines, such as IL‑6, that stimulate chronic inflammation. Thus, CYP450 expression may be reversed when potent cytokine inhibitory therapy, such as tocilizumab, is introduced.

 

In vitro studies with cultured human hepatocytes demonstrated that IL-6 caused a reduction in CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzyme expression. Tocilizumab normalises expression of these enzymes.

 

In a study in RA patients, levels of simvastatin (CYP3A4) were decreased by 57% one week following a single dose of tocilizumab, to the level similar to, or slightly higher than, those observed in healthy subjects.

 

When starting or stopping therapy with tocilizumab, patients taking medicinal products which are individually adjusted and are metabolised via CYP450 3A4, 1A2 or 2C9 (e.g. atorvastatin, calcium channel blockers, theophylline, warfarin, phenytoin, ciclosporin, or benzodiazepines) should be monitored as doses may need to be increased to maintain therapeutic effect. Given its long elimination half-life (t1/2), the effect of tocilizumab on CYP450 enzyme activity may persist for several weeks after stopping therapy.

 

Paediatric population

 

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

 

4.6     Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

 

Women of childbearing potential

Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and up to 3 months after  treatment.

 

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data from the use of tocilizumab in pregnant women. A study in animals has shown an increased risk of spontaneous abortion/embryo‑foetal death at a high dose (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and up to 3 months after treatment.

 

RoActemra should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.

 

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether tocilizumab is excreted in human breast milk. The excretion of tocilizumab in milk has not been studied in animals. A decision on whether to continue/discontinue breast‑feeding or to continue/discontinue therapy with RoActemra should be made taking into account the benefit of breast‑feeding to the child and the benefit of RoActemra therapy to the woman.

 

Fertility

Available non-clinical data do not suggest an effect on fertility under tocilizumab treatment.

 

4.7     Effects on ability to drive and use machines

 

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, given that dizziness has been commonly reported, patients who experience this adverse reaction should be advised not to drive or use machines until it has resolved.

RoActemra has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines (see section 4.8, dizziness).

 

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

 

RA Patients

Summary of the safety profile

The most commonly reported ADRs (occurring in ≥ 5% of patients treated with tocilizumab monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension and increased ALT.

 

The most serious ADRs were serious infections, complications of diverticulitis, and hypersensitivity

reactions.

SJIA Patients

Summary of safety profile

The most commonly reported ADRs (occurring in ≥ 5% of patients treated with tocilizumab monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis and decreased neutrophil count.

The most serious ADRs were serious infections.

 

PJIA Patients

Summary of safety profile

The most commonly reported ADRs (occurring in ≥ 5% of patients treated with tocilizumab monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis and headache.

The most serious ADRs were serious infections.

 

RA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab has been studied in 4 placebo‑controlled studies (studies II, III, IV and V), 1 MTX‑controlled study (study I) and their extension periods (see section 5.1).

 

The double-blind controlled period was 6 months in four studies (studies I, III, IV and V) and was up to 2 years in one study (study II). In the double-blind controlled studies, 774 patients received tocilizumab 4 mg/kg in combination with MTX, 1870 patients received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with MTX or other DMARDs and 288 patients received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg monotherapy.

 

The long‑term exposure population includes all patients who received at least one dose of tocilizumab either in the double-blind control period or open label extension phase in the studies. Of the 4009 patients in this population, 3577 received treatment for at least 6 months, 3296 for at least one year, 2806 received treatment for at least 2 years and 1222 for 3 years.

 

The most commonly reported ADRs (occurring in ≥ 5% of patients treated with tocilizumab monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension and increased ALT.

 

The ADRs listed in Table 1 are presented by system organ class and frequency categories, defined using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), or uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000) or very rare (<1/10,000). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

 

Table 1. Summary of ADRs occurring in patients with RA receiving tocilizumab as monotherapy or in combination with MTX or other DMARDs in the double-blind controlled period

System Organ Class

Very Common

 

Common

 

Uncommon

 

Infections and infestations

Upper respiratory tract infections

Cellulitis, Pneumonia, Oral herpes simplex, Herpes zoster

Diverticulitis

Gastrointestinal disorders

 

Abdominal pain, Mouth ulceration, Gastritis

Stomatitis, Gastric ulcer

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

 

Rash, Pruritus, Urticaria

 

Nervous system disorders

 

Headache, Dizziness

 

Investigations

 

Hepatic transaminases increased, Weight increased, Total bilirubin increased*

 

Vascular disorders

 

Hypertension

 

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

 

Leukopenia,

Neutropenia

 

 

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Hypercholesterolaemia*

 

Hypertriglyceridaemia

General disorders and administration site conditions

 

Peripheral oedema, Hypersensitivity reactions

 

Eye disorders

 

Conjunctivitis

 

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

 

Cough, Dyspnoea

 

Renal disorders

 

 

Nephrolithiasis

Endocrine disorders

 

 

Hypothyroidism

* Includes elevations collected as part of routine laboratory monitoring (see text below)

 

Infections

In the 6-month controlled studies the rate of all infections reported with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD treatment was 127 events per 100 patient years compared to 112 events per 100 patient years in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the long‑term exposure population, the overall rate of infections with RoActemra was 108 events per 100 patient years exposure.

 

In 6-month controlled clinical studies, the rate of serious infections with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs was 5.3 events per 100 patient years exposure compared to 3.9 events per 100 patient years exposure in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the monotherapy study the rate of serious infections was 3.6 events per 100 patient years of exposure in the tocilizumab group and 1.5 events per 100 patient years of exposure in the MTX group.

 

In the long‑term exposure population, the overall rate of serious infections (bacterial, viral and fungal) was 4.7 events per 100 patient years. Reported serious infections, some with fatal outcome, included active tuberculosis, which may present with intrapulmonary or extrapulmonary disease, invasive pulmonary infections, including candidiasis, aspergillosis, coccidioidomycosis and pneumocystis jirovecii, pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Cases of opportunistic infections have been reported.

 

Interstitial Lung Disease

Impaired lung function may increase the risk for developing infections. There have been post-marketing reports of interstitial lung disease (including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis), some of which had fatal outcomes.

 

Gastrointestinal Perforation

During the 6-month controlled clinical trials, the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.26 events per 100 patient years with tocilizumab therapy. In the long-term exposure population the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.28 events per 100 patient years. Reports of gastrointestinal perforation on tocilizumab were primarily reported as complications of diverticulitis including generalised purulent peritonitis, lower gastrointestinal perforation, fistulae and abscess.

 

Infusion reactions

In the 6-month controlled trials adverse events associated with infusion (selected events occurring during or within 24 hours of infusion) were reported by 6.9% of patients in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD group and 5.1% of patients in the placebo plus DMARD group. Events reported during the infusion were primarily episodes of hypertension; events reported within 24 hours of finishing an infusion were headache and skin reactions (rash, urticaria). These events were not treatment limiting.

 

The rate of anaphylactic reactions (occurring in a total of 6/3,778 patients, 0.2%) was several fold higher with the 4 mg/kg dose, compared to the 8 mg/kg dose. Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation were reported in a total of 13 out of 3,778 patients (0.3%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and open label clinical studies. These reactions were generally observed during the second to fifth infusions of tocilizumab (see section 4.4). Fatal anaphylaxis has been reported after marketing authorisation during treatment with tocilizumab (see section 4.4).

 

Immunogenicity

A total of 2,876 patients have been tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies in the 6-month controlled clinical trials. Of the 46 patients (1.6%) who developed anti-tocilizumab antibodies, 6 had an associated medically significant hypersensitivity reaction, of which 5 led to permanent discontinuation of treatment. Thirty patients (1.1%) developed neutralising antibodies.

 

Haematological abnormalities:

Neutrophils

In the 6-month controlled trials decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/ l occurred in 3.4% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 0.1% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs. Approximately half of the patients who developed an ANC < 1 x 109/ l did so within 8 weeks after starting therapy. Decreases below 0.5 x 109/ l were reported in 0.3% patients receiving tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs. Infections with neutropenia have been reported. 

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of decreases in neutrophil counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Platelets

In the 6-month controlled trials decreases in platelet counts below 100 x 103μl occurred in 1.7% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 1% on placebo plus DMARDs. These decreases occurred without associated bleeding events.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of decreases in platelet counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Very rare reports of pancytopenia have occurred in the post marketing setting.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

During the 6-month controlled trials transient elevations in ALT/AST > 3 x ULN were observed in 2.1% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg compared to 4.9% of patients on MTX and in 6.5% of patients who received 8 mg/kg tocilizumab plus DMARDs compared to 1.5% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs.

 

The addition of potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. MTX) to tocilizumab monotherapy resulted in increased frequency of these elevations. Elevations of ALT/AST > 5 x ULN were observed in 0.7% of tocilizumab monotherapy patients and 1.4% of tocilizumab plus DMARD patients, the majority of whom were discontinued permanently from tocilizumab treatment. These elevations were not associated with clinically relevant increase in direct bilirubin, nor were they associated with clinical evidence of hepatitis or hepatic impairment. During the double-blind controlled period, the incidence of indirect bilirubin greater than the upper limit of normal, collected as a routine laboratory parameter, is 6.2% in patients treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab + DMARD. A total of 5.8% of patients experienced an elevation of indirect bilirubin of > 1 to 2 x ULN and 0.4% had an elevation of > 2 x ULN.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of elevation in ALT/AST remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Lipid parameters

During the 6-month controlled trials, increases of lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and/or HDL cholesterol have been reported commonly. With routine laboratory monitoring it was seen that approximately 24% of patients receiving RoActemra in clinical trials experienced sustained elevations in total cholesterol ≥ 6.2 mmol/ l, with 15% experiencing a sustained increase in LDL to ≥ 4.1 mmol/ l. Elevations in lipid parameters responded to treatment with lipid-lowering agents.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled trials.

 

Malignancies

The clinical data are insufficient to assess the potential incidence of malignancy following exposure to tocilizumab. Long-term safety evaluations are ongoing.

 

Paediatric population

 

The safety of toclizumab in the paediatric population in the sections on pJIA and sJIA below.  In general, the ADRs in pJIA and sJIA patients were similar in type to those see in RA patients, see section 4.8.

 

The ADRs in the pJIA and sJIA patients treated with tocilizumab are described below and are presented in the Table 2 by system organ class and frequency categories, defined using the following convention:  very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) or uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100)

 

Table 2:  Summary of ADRs occurring in patients with sJIA or pJIA receiving tocilizumab as monotherapy or in combination with MTX.

SOC

PT

Frequency

Infections and Infestations

Very Common

Common

Uncommon

 

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

pJIA, sJIA

 

 

 

Nasopharyngitis

pJIA, sJIA

 

 

Gastrointestinal Disorders

 

 

 

 

Nausea

 

pJIA

 

 

diarrhoea

 

pJIA, sJIA

 

General disorders and administration site conditions

 

 

 

 

Infusion related reactions

 

pJIA1, sJIA2

 

Nervous system disorders

 

 

 

 

Headache

pJIA

sJIA

 

Investigations

 

 

 

 

Hepatic transaminases increased

 

pJIA

 

 

Decrease in neutrophil count

sJIA

pJIA

 

 

Platelet count decreased

 

sJIA

pJIA

 

Cholesterol increased

 

sJIA

pJIA

1.  Infusion related reaction events in pJIA patients included but were not limited to headache, nausea and hypotension

2.  Infusion related reaction events in sJIA patients included but were not limited to rash, urticaria, diarrhoea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia and headache

 

pJIA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab in pJIA has been studied in 188 patients from 2 to 17 years of age. The total patient exposure was 184.4 patient years. The frequency of ADRs in pJIA patients can be found in Table 2. The types of ADRs in pJIA patients were similar to those seen in RA and sJIA patients, see section 4.8. When compared to the adult RA population, events of nasopharyngitis, headache, nausea, and decreased neutrophil count were more frequently reported in the pJIA population.  Events of cholesterol increased were less frequently reported in the pJIA population than in the adult RA population.

 

Infections

The rate of infections in the tocilizumab all exposure population was 163.7 per 100 patient years. The most common events observed were nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The rate of serious infections was numerically higher in patients weighing <30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (12.2 per 100 patient years) compared to patients weighing ≥30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (4.0 per 100 patient years). The incidence of infections leading to dose interruptions was also numerically higher in patients weighing <30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (21.4%) compared to patients weighing ≥30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (7.6%).

 

Infusion Reactions

In pJIA patients, infusion related reactions are defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours of an infusion. In the tocilizumab all exposure population, 11 patients (5.9%) experienced infusion reactions during the infusion and 38 patients (20.2%) experienced an event within 24 hours of an infusion. The most common events occurring during infusion were headache, nausea and hypotension and within 24 hours of infusion were dizziness and hypotension. In general, the adverse drug reactions observed during or within 24 hours of an infusion were similar in nature to those seen in RA and sJIA patients, see section 4.8.

 

No clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation were reported.

 

Immunogenicity

One patient in the 10 mg/kg < 30 kg group developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies without developing a hypersensitivity reaction and subsequently withdrew from the study.   

 

Neutrophils

During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, a decrease in neutrophil count below 1 × 109/L occurred in 3.7% of patients.

 

Platelets

During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, 1% of patients had a decrease in platelet count to 50 × 103/µL without associated bleeding events.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

 

During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3xULN occurred in 3.7% and <1% of patients, respectively.

 

Lipid parameters

During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, elevation in total cholesterol >1.5-2 x ULN occurred in one patient (0.5%) and elevation in LDL >1.5-2 x ULN in one patient (0.5%).

 

sJIA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab in sJIA has been studied in 112 patients from 2 to 17 years of age. In the 12 week double-blind, controlled phase, 75 patients received treatment with tocilizumab (8 mg/kg or 12 mg/kg based upon body weight). After 12 weeks or at the time of switching to tocilizumab, due to disease worsening, patients were treated in the ongoing open label extension phase.

 

In general, the ADRs in sJIA patients were similar in type to those seen in RA patients, see section 4.8.  The frequency of ADRs in sJIA patients can be found in Table 2.  When compared to the adult RA population, patients with sJIA experienced a higher frequency of nasopharyngitis, decrease in neutrophil counts, hepatic transaminases increased, and diarrhoea. Events of cholesterol increased were less frequently reported in the sJIA population than in the adult RA population.

 

Infections

In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of all infections in the tocilizumab group was 344.7 per 100 patient years and 287.0 per 100 patient years in the placebo group. In the ongoing open label extension phase (Part II), the overall rate of infections remained similar at 306.6 per 100 patient years.

 

In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of serious infections in the tocilizumab group was 11.5 per 100 patient years. At one year in the ongoing open label extension phase the overall rate of serious infections remained stable at 11.3 per 100 patient years. Reported serious infections were similar to those seen in RA patients with the addition of varicella and otitis media.

 

Infusion Reactions

Infusion related reactions are defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours of an infusion. In the 12 week controlled phase, 4% of patients from the tocilizumab group experienced events occurring during infusion. One event (angioedema) was considered serious and life-threatening, and the patient was discontinued from study treatment.

 

In the 12 week controlled phase, 16% of patients in the tocilizumab group and 5.4% of patients in the placebo group experienced an event within 24 hours of infusion. In the tocilizumab group, the events included, but were not limited to rash, urticaria, diarrhoea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia and headache. One of these events, urticaria, was considered serious.

 

Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation, were reported in 1 out of 112 patients (< 1%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and up to and including the open label clinical trial.

 

Immunogenicity

All 112 patients were tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies at baseline. Two patients developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies with one of these patients having a hypersensitivity reaction leading to withdrawal. The incidence of anti-tocilizumab antibody formation might be underestimated because of interference of tocilizumab with the assay and higher drug concentration observed in children compared to adults.

 

Neutrophils

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l occurred in 7% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and no decreases in the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l, occurred in 15% of the tocilizumab group.

 

Platelets

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, 3% of patients in the placebo group and 1% in the tocilizumab group had a decrease in platelet count to ≤ 100 x 103/µl.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in platelet counts below 100 x 103/µl, occurred in 3% of patients in the tocilizumab group, without associated bleeding events.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 5% and 3% of patients, respectively, in the tocilizumab group, and 0% in the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 12% and 4% of patients, respectively, in the tocilizumab group.

 

Immunoglobulin G

IgG levels decrease during therapy. A decrease to the lower limit of normal occurred in 15 patients at some point in the study.

 

Lipid parameters

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in total cholesterol > 1.5 x ULN to 2 x ULN occurred in 1.5% of the tocilizumab group and none in the placebo group. Elevation in LDL > 1.5 x ULN to 2 x ULN occurred in 1.9% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and in 0% of the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with the 12 week controlled phase data.

 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.(see details below).

 

Ireland

Pharmacovigilance Section

Irish Medicines Board

Kevin O’Malley House

Earlsfort Centre

Earlsfort Terrace

IRL - Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 6764971

Fax: +353 1 6762517

Website: www.imb.ie

e-mail: imbpharmacovigilance@imb.ie

 

Malta

ADR Reporting

The Medicines Authority

Post-Licensing Directorate

203 Level 3, Rue D'Argens

GŻR-1368 Gżira

Website: www.medicinesauthority.gov.mt

e-mail: postlicensing.medicinesauthority@gov.mt

 

United Kingdom

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

 

4.9     Overdose

 

There are limited data available on overdose with RoActemra. One case of accidental overdose was reported in which a patient with multiple myeloma received a single dose of 40 mg/kg. No adverse reactions were observed.

 

No serious adverse reactions were observed in healthy volunteers who received a single dose up to 28 mg/kg, although dose limiting neutropenia was observed.

 

Paediatric population

 

No cases of an overdose in the paediatric population has been observed.

 

6.3     Shelf life

 

Unopened vial: 30 months

 

Diluted product: After dilution, the prepared solution for infusion is physically and chemically stable in sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection at 30ºC for 24 hours.

 

From a microbiological point of view, the prepared solution for infusion should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2°C–8°C, unless dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

 

RoActemra is supplied as a sterile concentrate that does not contain preservatives.

 

9.       DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/DATE OF LATEST RENEWAL

 

Date of first authorisation: 16 January 2009

 

 

 

10.    DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

25 September 2013

 

 

Updated on 01 October 2013

Reasons for updating

  • Change to warnings or special precautions for use
  • Change of contraindications
  • Change to side-effects
  • Change to drug interactions
  • Change to information about driving or using machinery
  • Change to date of revision
  • Change to dosage and administration

Updated on 20 June 2013

Reasons for updating

  • Change to side-effects
  • Change to drug interactions
  • Change to information about pregnancy or lactation
  • Change to date of revision
  • Change to dosage and administration
  • Changes to therapeutic indications

Updated on 07 June 2013

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.1 - Therapeutic indications
  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 5.2 - Pharmacokinetic properties
  • Change to section 6.6 - Special precautions for disposal and other handling
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

Legal category:Product subject to medical prescription which may not be renewed (A)

Free text change information supplied by the pharmaceutical company

Underlined text has been added, text with strike through deleted:

 

4.1     Therapeutic indications

 

[…]

 

RoActemra in combination with methotrexate (MTX) is indicated for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic polyarthritis (rheumatoid factor positive or negative and extended oligoarthritis) in patients 2 years of age and older, who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with MTX. RoActemra can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.



4.2     Posology and method of administration

 

Treatment should be initiated by healthcare professionals experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of RA or sJIA or pJIA . All patients treated with RoActemra should be given the Patient Alert Card.

 

RA Patients

Posology

The recommended posology is 8 mg/kg body weight, given once every four weeks.

 

For individuals whose body weight is more than 100 kg, doses exceeding 800  mg per infusion are not recommended (see Section 5.2).

 

Doses above 1.2 g have not been evaluated in clinical studies (see section 5.1).

 

Dose adjustments due to laboratory abnormalities (see section 4.4).

 

·          Liver enzyme abnormalities

 

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN)

Dose mModify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, reduce RoActemra dose to 4 mg/kg or interrupt RoActemra until alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have normalised

Restart with 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg, as clinically appropriate

> 3 to 5 x ULN

(confirmed by repeat testing, see section 4.4).

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3 x ULN and follow recommendations above for > 1 to 3 x ULN

For persistent increases > 3 x ULN, discontinue RoActemra

> 5 x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra

 

·          Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

 

In patients not previously treated with RoActemra, initiation is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2 x 109/l.

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg and increase to 8 mg/kg as clinically appropriate

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

 

·          Low platelet count

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/
 μl)

Action

50 to 100

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count > 100 x 103/ μl resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg and increase to 8 mg/kg as clinically appropriate

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra

 

Special populations

Paediatric patients: 

 

SJIA sJIA Patients

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children below 2 years of age has not been

established.

 

No data are available.

 

The recommended posology is 8  mg/kg once every 2 weeks in patients weighing greater than or equal

to 30  kg or 12  mg/kg once every 2 weeks in patients weighing less than 30  kg. The dose should be

calculated based on the patient’s body weight at each administration. A change in dose should only be

based on a consistent change in the patient’s body weight over time.

 

Dose interruptions of tocilizumab for the following laboratory abnormalities are recommended in sJIA

patients in the tables below. If appropriate, the dose of concomitant MTX and/or other medications

should be modified or dosing stopped and tocilizumab dosing interrupted until the clinical situation

has been evaluated. As there are many co-morbid conditions that may aeffect laboratory values in sJIA,

the decision to discontinue tocilizumab for a laboratory abnormality should be based upon the medical

assessment of the individual patient.

 

 

·      Liver enzyme abnormalities

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x ULN

Dose modifyModify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, interrupt RoActemra until ALT/AST have normalized.

> 3 x ULN to 5x ULN

 

Modify the dose of the Dose modify concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3x ULN and follow recommendations above for >1 to 3x ULN

 

> 5x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·      Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases to > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

 

·    Low platelet count

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/
ml)

Action

50 to 100

Modify the dose of the Dose modify concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count is > 100 x 103/ml resume RoActemra

 

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

Reduction of tocilizumab dose due to laboratory abnormalities has not been studied in sJIA patients.

 

Available data suggest that clinical improvement is observed within 6 weeks of initiation of

treatment with RoActemra. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient exhibiting

no improvement within this timeframe.

 

pJIA Patients

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children below 2 years of age has not been

established.

 

No data are available.

 

The recommended posology is 8 mg/kg once every 4 weeks in patients weighing greater than or equal to 30 kg or 10 mg/kg once every 4 weeks in patients weighing less than 30 kg. The dose should be calculated based on the patient’s body weight at each administration. A change in dose should only be based on a consistent change in the patient’s body weight over time.

 

Dose interruptions of tocilizumab for the following laboratory abnormalities are recommended in pJIA patients in the tables below. If appropriate, the dose of concomitant MTX and/or other medications should be modified or dosing stopped and tocilizumab dosing interrupted until the clinical situation has been evaluated. As there are many co-morbid conditions that may effect laboratory values in pJIA, the decision to discontinue tocilizumab for a laboratory abnormality should be based upon the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·    Liver enzyme abnormalities

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x ULN

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, interrupt RoActemra until ALT/AST have normalized.

> 3 x ULN to 5x ULN

 

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3x ULN and follow recommendations above for >1 to 3x ULN

 

> 5x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in pJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·    Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases to > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in pJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·    Low platelet count

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/
ml)

Action

50 to 100

Modify the dose of the concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count is > 100 x 103/ml resume RoActemra

 

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in pJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

Reduction of tocilizumab dose due to laboratory abnormalities has not been studied in pJIA patients.

 

Available data suggest that clinical improvement is observed within 12 weeks of initiation of treatment with RoActemra. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient exhibiting no improvement within this timeframe.

 

 

Elderly patients: No dose adjustment is required in patients aged 65 years and older.

 

Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild renal impairment. RoActemra

has not been studied in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (see section 5.2). Renal

function should be monitored closely in these patients.

 

Hepatic impairment: RoActemra has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Therefore, no dose recommendations can be made.

 

Method of administration

After dilution, RoActemra for RA and sJIA and pJIA patients should be administered as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour.

 

RA Patients, and sSJIA and pJIA Patients ≥ 30  kg

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 100 ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For instructions on dilution of the medicinal product  before administration, see section 6.6.

 

sSJIA and pJIA Patients < 30 kg

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 50  ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For  instructions on dilution of the medicinal product  before administration, see section 6.6.

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

 

[…]

 

Paediatric population

 

The safety of toclizumab in the pediatric population in the sections on pJIA and sJIA below.  In general, the ADRs in pJIA and sJIA patients were similar in type to those see in RA patients, see section 4.8.

 

The ADRs in the pJIA and sJIA patients treated with tocilizumab are described below and are presented in the Table 2 by system organ class and frequency categories, defined using the following convention:  very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) or uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100)

 

 

Table 2:  Summary of ADRs occurring in patients with sJIA or pJIA receiving tocilizumab as monotherapy or in combination with MTX.

SOC

PT

Frequency

Infections and Infestations

Very Common

Common

Uncommon

 

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

pJIA, sJIA

 

 

 

Nasopharyngitis

pJIA, sJIA

 

 

Gastrointestinal Disorders

 

 

 

 

Nausea

 

pJIA

 

 

Diarrhea

 

pJIA, sJIA

 

General disorders and administration site conditions

 

 

 

 

Infusion related reactions

 

pJIA1, sJIA2

 

Nervous system disorders

 

 

 

 

Headache

pJIA

sJIA

 

Investigations

 

 

 

 

Hepatic transaminases increased

 

pJIA

 

 

Decrease in neutrophil count

sJIA

pJIA

 

 

Platelet count decreased

 

sJIA

pJIA

 

Cholesterol increased

 

sJIA

pJIA

1.  Infusion related reaction events in pJIA patients included but were not limited to headache, nausea and hypotension

2.  Infusion related reaction events in sJIA patients included but were not limited to rash, urticaria, diarrhea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia and headache

 

pJIA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab in pJIA has been studied in 188 patients from 2 to 17 years of age. The total patient exposure was 184.4 patient years. The frequency of ADRs in pJIA patients can be found in Table 2 . The types of ADRs in pJIA patients were similar to those seen in RA and sJIA patients, see section 4.8. When compared to the adult RA population, events of nasopharyngitis, headache, nausea, and decreased neutrophil count were more frequently reported in the pJIA population.  Events of cholesterol increased were less frequently reported in the pJIA population than in the adult RA population.

 

 

Infections

The rate of infections in the tocilizumab all exposure population was 163.7 per 100 patient years. The most common events observed were nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The rate of serious infections was numerically higher in patients weighing <30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (12.2 per 100 patient years) compared to patients weighing ≥30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (4.0 per 100 patient years). The incidence of infections leading to dose interruptions was also numerically higher in patients weighing <30 kg treated with 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (21.4%) compared to patients weighing ≥30 kg, treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (7.6%).

 

Infusion Reactions

In pJIA patients, infusion related reactions are defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours of an infusion. In the tocilizumab all exposure population, 11 patients (5.9%) experienced infusion reactions during the infusion and 38 patients (20.2%) experienced an event within 24 hours of an infusion. The most common events occurring during infusion were headache, nausea and hypotension and within 24 hours of infusion were dizziness and hypotension. In general, the adverse drug reactions observed during or within 24 hours of an infusion were similar in nature to those seen in RA and sJIA patients, see section 4.8.

 

No clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation were reported.

 

Immunogenicity

One patient in the 10 mg/kg < 30kg group developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies without developing a hypersensitivity reaction and subsequently withdrew from the study.   

 

Neutrophils

During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, a decrease in neutrophil count below 1 × 109/L occurred in 3.7% of patients.

 

Platelets

During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, 1% of patients had a decrease in platelet count to 50 × 103/µL without associated bleeding events. Hepatic transaminase elevations

During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3xULN occurred in 3.7% and <1% of patients, respectively.

 

Lipid parameters

During routine laboratory monitoring in the tocilizumab all exposure population, elevation in total cholesterol >1.5-2 x ULN occurred in one patient (0.5%) and elevation in LDL >1.5-2 x ULN in one patient (0.5%).

 

 

sJIA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab in sJIA has been studied in 112 patients from 2 to 17 years of age. In the 12 week double-blind, controlled phase, 75 patients received treatment with tocilizumab (8 mg/kg or 12 mg/kg based upon body weight). After 12 weeks or at the time of switching to tocilizumab, due to disease worsening, patients were treated in the ongoing open label extension phase.

 

In general, the ADRs in sJIA patients were similar in type to those seen in RA patients, see section 4.8.  The frequency of ADRs in sJIA patients can be found in Table 2.  When compared to the adult RA population, patients with sJIA experienced a higher frequency of nasopharyngitis, decrease in neutrophil counts, hepatic transaminases increased, and diarrhea. Events of cholesterol increased were less frequently reported in the sJIA population than in the adult RA population.

 

 

Infections

In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of all infections in the tocilizumab group was 344.7 per 100 patient years and 287.0 per 100 patient years in the placebo group. In the ongoing open label extension phase (Part II), the overall rate of infections remained similar at 306.6 per 100 patient years.

 

In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of serious infections in the tocilizumab group was 11.5 per 100 patient years. At one year in the ongoing open label extension phase the overall rate of serious infections remained stable at 11.3 per 100 patient years. Reported serious infections were similar to those seen in RA patients with the addition of varicella and otitis media.

 

Infusion Reactions

Infusion related reactions are defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours of an infusion. In the 12 week controlled phase, 4% of patients from the tocilizumab group experienced events occurring during infusion. One event (angioedema) was considered serious and life-threatening, and the patient was discontinued from study treatment.

 

In the 12 week controlled phase, 16% of patients in the tocilizumab group and 5.4% of patients in the placebo group experienced an event within 24 hours of infusion. In the tocilizumab group, the events included, but were not limited to rash, urticaria, diarrhea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia and headache. One of these events, urticaria, was considered serious.

 

Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation, were reported in 1 out of 112 patients (< 1%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and up to and including the open label clinical trial.

 

Immunogenicity

All 112 patients were tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies at baseline. Two patients developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies with one of these patients having a hypersensitivity reaction leading to withdrawal. The incidence of anti-tocilizumab antibody formation might be underestimated because of interference of tocilizumab with the assay and higher drug concentration observed in children compared to adults.

 

Neutrophils

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l occurred in 7% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and no decreases in the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l, occurred in 15% of the tocilizumab group.

 

Platelets

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, 3% of patients in the placebo group and 1% in the tocilizumab group had a decrease in platelet count to ≤ 100 x 103/µl.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in platelet counts below 100 x 103/µl, occurred in 3% of patients in the tocilizumab group, without associated bleeding events.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 5% and 3% of patients, respectively, in the tocilizumab group, and 0% in the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 12% and 4% of patients, respectively, in the tocilizumab group.

 

Immunoglobulin G

IgG levels decrease during therapy. A decrease to the lower limit of normal occurred in 15 patients at some point in the study.

 

Lipid parameters

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in total cholesterol > 1.5 x ULN to 2 x ULN occurred in 1.5% of the tocilizumab group and none in the placebo group. Elevation in LDL > 1.5 x ULN to 2 x ULN occurred in 1.9% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and in 0% of the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with the 12 week controlled phase data.

 

SJIA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab in sJIA has been studied in 112 patients from 2 to 17 years of age. In the 12 week double-blind, controlled phase, 75 patients received treatment with tocilizumab (8  mg/kg or 12 mg/kg based upon body weight). After 12 weeks or at the time of switching to tocilizumab, due to disease worsening, patients were treated in the ongoing open label extension phase.

 

In general, the ADRs in sJIA patients were similar in type to those seen in RA patients, see section 4.8.

 

Infections

In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of all infections in the tocilizumab group was 344.7 per 100 patient years and 287.0 per 100 patient years in the placebo group. In the ongoing open label extension phase (Part II), the overall rate of infections remained similar at 306.6 per 100 patient years.

 

In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of serious infections in the tocilizumab group was 11.5 per 100 patient years. At one year in the ongoing open label extension phase the overall rate of serious infections remained stable at 11.3 per 100 patient years. Reported serious infections were similar to those seen in RA patients with the addition of varicella and otitis media.

 

Infusion Reactions

Infusion related reactions are defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours of an infusion. In the 12 week controlled phase, 4% of patients from the tocilizumab group experienced events occurring during infusion. One event (angioedema) was considered serious and life-threatening, and the patient was discontinued from study treatment.

 

In the 12 week controlled phase, 16% of patients in the tocilizumab group and 5.4% of patients in the placebo group experienced an event within 24 hours of infusion. In the tocilizumab group, the events included, but were not limited to rash, urticaria, diarrhoea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia and headache. One of these events, urticaria, was considered serious.

 

Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation, were reported in 1 out of 112 patients (< 1%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and up to and including the open label clinical trial.

 

Immunogenicity

All 112 patients were tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies at baseline. Two patients developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies with one of these patients having a hypersensitivity reaction leading to withdrawal. The incidence of anti-tocilizumab antibody formation might be underestimated because of interference of tocilizumab with the assay and higher drug concentration observed in children compared to adults.

 

Neutrophils

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l occurred in 7% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and no decreases in the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l, occurred in 15% of the tocilizumab group.

 

Platelets

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, 3% of patients in the placebo group and 1% in the tocilizumab group had a decrease in platelet count to ≤ 100 x 103/µl.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in platelet counts below 100 x 103/µl, occurred in 3% of patients in the tocilizumab group, without associated bleeding events.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 5% and 3% of patients, respectively, in the tocilizumab group, and 0% in the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 12% and 4% of patients, respectively, in the tocilizumab group.

 

 

Immunoglobuilin G

IgG levels decrease during therapy. A decrease to the lower limit of normal occurred in 15 patients at some point in the study.

 

Lipid parameters

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in total cholesterol > 1.5 x ULN to 2 x ULN occurred in 1.5% of the tocilizumab group and none in the placebo group. Elevation in LDL > 1.5 x ULN to 2 x ULN occurred in 1.9% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and in 0% of the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with the 12 week controlled phase data.

 

 

5.1     Pharmacodynamic properties

 

[…]

RA Patients

Pharmacodynamic effects

In clinical studies with tocilizumab, rapid decreases in CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were observed. Consistent with the effect on acute phase reactants, treatment with tocilizumab was associated with reduction in platelet count within the normal range. Increases in haemoglobin levels were observed, through tocilizumab decreasing the IL-6 driven effects on hepcidin production to increase iron availability. In tocilizumab‑treated patients, decreases in the levels of CRP to within normal ranges were seen as early as week 2, with decreases maintained while on treatment.

 

In healthy subjects administered tocilizumab in doses from 2 to 28  mg/kg, absolute neutrophil counts decreased to their lowest 3 to 5 days following administration. Thereafter, neutrophils recovered towards baseline in a dose dependent manner. Rheumatoid arthritis patients demonstrated a similar pattern of absolute neutrophil counts following tocilizumab administration (see section 4.8).

 

Clinical efficacy and safety

The efficacy of tocilizumab in alleviating the signs and symptoms of RA was assessed in five randomised, double-blind, multi-centre studies. Studies I-V enrolled patients ³ 18 years of age with active RA diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and who had at least eight tender and six swollen joints at baseline.

 

In Study I, tocilizumab was administered intravenously every four weeks as monotherapy. In Studies II, III and V, tocilizumab was administered intravenously every four weeks in combination with MTX vs. placebo and MTX. In Study IV, tocilizumab was administered intravenously every 4 weeks in combination with other DMARDs vs. placebo and other DMARDs. The primary endpoint for each of the five studies was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24.

 

Study I evaluated 673 patients who had not been treated with MTX within six months prior to randomisation and who had not discontinued previous MTX treatment as a result of clinically important toxic effects or lack of response. The majority (67%) of patients were MTX‑naïve. Doses of 8 mg/kg of tocilizumab were given every four weeks as monotherapy. The comparator group was weekly MTX (dose titrated from 7.5 mg to a maximum of 20 mg weekly over an eight week period).

 

Study II, a two year study with planned analyses at week 24, week 52 and week 104, evaluated 1,196 patients who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Doses of 4 or 8 mg/kg of tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks as blinded therapy for 52 weeks in combination with stable MTX (10 mg to 25 mg weekly). After week 52, all patients could receive open-label treatment with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg. Of the patients who completed the study who were originally randomised to placebo + MTX, 86% received open-label tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in year 2. The primary endpoint at week 24 was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response. At week 52 and week 104 the co-primary endpoints were prevention of joint damage and improvement in physical function.

 

Study III evaluated 623 patients who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Doses of 4 or 8 mg/kg tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks, in combination with stable MTX (10 mg to 25 mg weekly).

 

Study IV evaluated 1,220 patients who had an inadequate response to their existing rheumatologic therapy, including one or more DMARDs. Doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks in combination with stable DMARDs.

 

Study V evaluated 499 patients who had an inadequate clinical response or were intolerant to one or more TNF antagonist therapies. The TNF antagonist therapy was discontinued prior to randomisation. Doses of 4 or 8 mg/kg tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks in combination with stable MTX (10 mg to 25 mg weekly).

 

Clinical response

In all studies, patients treated with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg had statistically significant higher ACR 20, 50, 70 response rates at 6 months compared to control (Table 23). In study I, superiority of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg was demonstrated against the active comparator MTX.

 

The treatment effect was similar in patients independent of rheumatoid factor status, age, gender, race, number of prior treatments or disease status. Time to onset was rapid (as early as week 2) and the magnitude of response continued to improve with duration of treatment. Continued durable responses were seen for over 3 years in the ongoing open label extension studies I-V.

 

In patients treated with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg, significant improvements were noted on all individual components of the ACR response including: tender and swollen joint counts; patients and physician global assessment; disability index scores; pain assessment and CRP compared to patients receiving placebo plus MTX or other DMARDs in all studies.

 

Patients in studies I – V had a mean Disease Activity Score (DAS28) of 6.5–6.8 at baseline. Significant reduction in DAS28 from baseline (mean improvement) of 3.1–3.4 were observed in tocilizumab-treated patients compared to control patients (1.3-2.1). The proportion of patients achieving a DAS28 clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6) was significantly higher in patients receiving tocilizumab (28–34%) compared to 1–12% of control patients at 24 weeks. In study II, 65% of patients achieved a DAS28 < 2.6 at week 104 compared to 48% at 52 weeks and 33% of patients at week 24.

 

In a pooled analysis of studies II, III and IV, the proportion of patients achieving an ACR 20, 50 and 70 response was significantly higher (59% vs. 50%, 37% vs. 27%, 18% vs. 11%, respectively) in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD vs. the tocilizumab 4 mg/kg plus DMARD group (p< 0.03). Similarly the proportion of patients achieving a DAS 28 remission (DAS28 < 2.6) was significantly higher (31% vs. 16% respectively) in patients receiving tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD than in patients receiving tocilizumab 4 mg/kg plus DMARD (p< 0.0001).

 

Table 23. ACR responses in placebo-/MTX-/DMARDs-controlled studies (% patients)

 

Study I

AMBITION

Study II

LITHE

Study III

OPTION

Study IV

TOWARD

Study V

RADIATE

Week

TCZ

8 mg/kg

MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + DMARD

PBO + DMARD

TCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

 

N =

286

N =

284

N =

398

N =

393

N =

205

N =

204

N =

803

N =

413

N =

170

N =

158

ACR 20

24

70%***

52%

56%***

27%

59%***

26%

61%***

24%

50%***

10%

52

 

 

56%***

25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACR 50

24

44%**

33%

32%***

10%

44%***

11%

38%***

9%

29%***

4%

52

 

 

36%***

10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACR 70

24

28%**

15%

13%***

2%

22%***

2%

21%***

3%

12%**

1%

52

 

 

20%***

4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCZ                         - Tocilizumab

MTX                        - Methotrexate

PBO                        - Placebo

DMARD - Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug

*                              - p< 0.05, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

**                            - p< 0.01, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

***                          - p< 0.0001, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

 

Major Clinical Response

After 2 years of treatment with tocilizumab plus MTX, 14% of patients achieved a major clinical response (maintenance of an ACR70 response for 24 weeks or more).

 

Radiographic response

In Study II, in patients with an inadequate response to MTX, inhibition of structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in modified Sharp score and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score. Inhibition of joint structural damage was shown with significantly less radiographic progression in patients receiving tocilizumab compared to control (Table 34).

 

In the open-label extension of Study II the inhibition of progression of structural joint damage in tocilizumab plus MTX-treated patients was maintained in the second year of treatment. The mean change from baseline at week 104 in total Sharp-Genant score was significantly lower for patients randomised to tocilizumab 8  mg/kg plus MTX (p<0.0001) compared with patients who were randomised to placebo plus MTX. 

 

Table 34. Radiographic mean changes over 52 weeks in Study II

 

PBO + MTX

(+ TCZ from week 24)

N = 393

TCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX

N = 398

Total Sharp-Genant score

1.13

0.29*

Erosion score

0.71

0.17*

JSN score

0.42

0.12**

PBO                        - Placebo

MTX                        - Methotrexate

TCZ                         - Tocilizumab

JSN                          - Joint space narrowing

*                              - p≤ 0.0001, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX

**                            - p< 0.005, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX

 

Following 1 year of treatment with tocilizumab plus MTX, 85% of patients (n=348) had no progression of structural joint damage, as defined by a change in the Total Sharp Score of zero or less, compared with 67% of placebo plus MTX-treated patients (n=290) (p £ 0.001). This remained consistent following 2 years of treatment (83%; n=353). Ninety three percent (93%; n=271) of patients had no progression between week 52 and week 104.

 

Health‑related and quality of life outcomes

Tocilizumab‑treated patients reported an improvement in all patient‑reported outcomes (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index - HAQ-DI), Short Form-36 and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy questionnaires. Statistically significant improvements in HAQ-DI scores were observed in patients treated with RoActemra compared with patients treated with DMARDs. During the open-label period of Study II, the improvement in physical function has been maintained for up to 2 years. At Week 52, the mean change in HAQ-DI was -0.58 in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus MTX group compared with -0.39 in the placebo + MTX group. The mean change in HAQ-DI was maintained at Week 104 in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus MTX group (-0.61).

 

Haemoglobin levels

Statistically significant improvements in haemoglobin levels were observed with tocilizumab compared with DMARDs (p< 0.0001) at week 24. Mean haemoglobin levels increased by week 2 and remained within normal range through to week 24.

 

Tocilizumab versus adalimumab in monotherapy

Study WA19924, a 24 week double-blinded study that compared tocilizumab monotherapy with adalimumab monotherapy, evaluated 326 patients with RA who were intolerant of MTX or where continued treatment with MTX was considered inappropriate (including MTX inadequate responders). Patients in the tocilizumab arm received an intravenous (IV) infusion of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg) every 4 weeks (q4w) and a subcutaneous (SC) placebo injection every 2 weeks (q2w). Patients in the adalimumab arm received an adalimumab SC injection (40  mg) q2w plus an IV placebo infusion q4w.

A statistically significant superior treatment effect was seen in favour of tocilizumab over adalimumab in control of disease activity from baseline to week 24 for the primary endpoint of change in DAS28 and for all secondary endpoints (Table 45).

 

Table 45: Efficacy Results for Study WA19924

 

ADA + Placebo (IV)

N = 162

TCZ + Placebo (SC)

N = 163

p-value(a)

 

Primary Endpoint - Mean Change from baseline at Week 24

DAS28 (adjusted mean)

-1.8

-3.3

 

 

Difference in adjusted mean (95% CI)

-1.5 (-1.8, -1.1)

<0.0001

 

Secondary Endpoints - Percentage of Responders at Week 24 (b)

 

DAS28 < 2.6, n (%)

187 (10.5)

65 (39.9)

<0.0001

 

DAS28 ≤ 3.2, n (%)

32 (19.8)

84 (51.5)

<0.0001

 

ACR20 response, n (%)

80 (49.4)

106 (65.0)

0.0038

 

ACR50 response, n (%)

45 (27.8)

77 (47.2)

0.0002

 

ACR70 response, n (%)

29 (17.9)

53 (32.5)

0.0023

 

ap value is adjusted for region and duration of RA for all endpoints and additionally baseline value for all continuous  endpoints.
b Non-responder Imputation used for missing data. Multiplicity controlled using Bonferroni-Holm Procedure

 

[…]

pJIA Patients

Clinical efficacy

The efficacy of tocilizumab was assessed in a three-part study WA19977 including an open-label extension in children with active pJIA. Part I consisted of a 16‑week active tocilizumab treatment lead‑in period (n=188) followed by Part II, a 24‑week randomized double‑blind placebo‑controlled withdrawal period (n=163), followed by Part III, a 64‑week open‑label period. In Part 1, eligible patients ≥ 30 kg received tocilizumab at 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks for 4 doses. Patients < 30 kg were randomized 1:1 to receive either tocilizumab 8 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks for 4 doses. Patients who completed Part I of the study and achieved at least a JIA ACR30 response at week 16 compared to baseline were eligible to enter the blinded withdrawal period (Part II) of the study. In Part II, patients were randomized to tocilizumab (same dose received in Part I) or placebo in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by concurrent MTX use and concurrent corticosteroid use. Each patient continued in Part II of the study until Week 40 or until the patient satisfied JIA ACR30 flare criteria (relative to Week 16) and qualified for escape to tocilizumab therapy (same dose received in Part I). 

 

Clinical response

The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a JIA ACR30 flare at week 40 relative to week 16. Forty eight percent (48.1%, 39/81) of the patients treated with placebo flared compared with 25.6% (21/82) of tocilizumab treated patients. These proportions were statistically significantly different (p=0.0024).

 

At the conclusion of Part I, JIA ACR 30/50/70/90 responses were 89.4%, 83.0%, 62.2%, and 26.1%, respectively.

 

During the withdrawal phase (Part II), the percentage of patients achieving JIA ACR 30, 50, and 70 responses at Week 40 relative to baseline are shown in Table 7. In this statistical analysis, patients who flared (and escaped to TCZ) during Part II or who withdrew, were classified as non-responders.  An additional analyses of JIA ACR responses, considering observed data at Week 40, regardless of flare status, showed that by Week 40, 95.1% of patients who had received continuous TCZ therapy, had achieved JIA ACR30 or higher.

Table 7. JIA ACR Response Rates at Week 40 Relative to baseline (Percentage of Patients)

Response Rate

Tocilizumab

N=82

Placebo

N=81

ACR 30

74.4%*

54.3%*

ACR 50

73.2%*

51.9%*

ACR 70

64.6%*

42.0%*

* p<0.01, tocilizumab vs. placebo

 

The number of active joints was significantly reduced compared to baseline in patients receiving tocilizumab compared to placebo (adjusted mean changes of -14.3 vs -11.4, p=0.0435).  The physician’s global assessment of disease activity, as measured on a 0-100 mm scale, showed a greater reduction in disease activity for tocilizumab compared to placebo (adjusted mean changes of -45.2 mm vs -35.2 mm, p=0.0031).

The adjusted mean change in the pain VAS after 40 weeks of tocilizumab treatment was 32.4 mm on a 0‑100 mm scale compared to a reduction of 22.3 mm for placebo patients (highly statistically significant; p=0.0076).

The ACR response rates were numerically lower for patients with prior biologic treatment as shown in Table 8 below.

 

Table 8. Number and Proportion of Patients with a JIA ACR30 Flare and Proportion of Patients with JIA ACR30/50/70/90 Responses at Week 40, by Previous Biologic Use (ITT Population - Study Part II)

 

 

Placebo

All TCZ

Biologic Use

Yes (N = 23)

No (N = 58)

Yes (N = 27)

No (N = 55)

JIA ACR30 Flare

18 (78.3)

21 (36.2)

12 (44.4)

9 (16.4)

JIA ACR30 Response

6 (26.1)

38 (65.5)

15 (55.6)

46 (83.6)

JIA ACR50 Response

5 (21.7)

37 (63.8)

14 (51.9)

46 (83.6)

JIA ACR70 Response

2 (8.7)

32 (55.2)

13 (48.1)

40 (72.7)

JIA ACR90 Response

2 (8.7)

17 (29.3)

5 (18.5)

32 (58.2)

 

Patients randomized to tocilizumab had fewer ACR30 flares and higher overall ACR responses than patients receiving placebo regardless of a history of prior biologic use.

 

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with RoActemra in all subsets of the paediatric population in rheumatoid arthritis and has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with RoActemra in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. See section 4.2 for information on paediatric use.

 

 

5.2     Pharmacokinetic properties

 

[…]

 

pJIA Patients:  

The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab was determined using a population pharmacokinetic analysis on a database composed of 188 patients with pJIA.

 

The following parameters are valid for a dose of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight ≥ 30 kg) given every 4 weeks. The predicted mean (± SD) AUC4weeks, Cmax and Cmin of tocilizumab were 29500 ± 8660 µg×hr/mL, 182 ± 37 µg/mL and 7.49 ± 8.20 µg/mL, respectively.

 

The following parameters are valid for a dose of 10 mg/kg tocilizumab (patients with a body weight < 30 kg) given every 4 weeks. The predicted mean (± SD) AUC4weeks, Cmax and Cmin of tocilizumab were 23200 ± 6100 µg×hr/mL, 175 ± 32 µg/mL and 2.35 ± 3.59 µg/mL, respectively.

 

The accumulation ratios were 1.05 and 1.16 for AUC4weeks, and 1.43 and 2.22 for Cmin for 10 mg/kg (body weight < 30 kg) and 8 mg/kg (body weight ≥ 30 kg) doses, respectively. No accumulation for Cmax was observed.

 

In pJIA patients, the central volume of distribution was 50 ml/kg, the peripheral volume of distribution was 53 ml/kg, resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 103 ml/kg. The linear clearance estimated as a parameter in the population pharmacokinetic analysis was 0.146 ml/hr/kg.

 

The half life of tocilizumab in pJIA patients is up to 16 days for the two body weight categories (8 mg/kg for body weight ≥ 30 kg or 10 mg/kg for body weight < 30 kg) during a dosing interval at steady state.

 

6.6     Special precautions for disposal and other handling

 

Instructions for dilution prior to administration

Parenteral medicinal products should be inspected visually for particulate matter or discolouration prior to administration. Only solutions which are clear to opalescent, colourless to pale yellow and free of visible particles should be diluted

 

RA Patients

Withdraw a volume of sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection from a 100 ml infusion bag, equal to the volume of RoActemra concentrate required for the patients dose, under aseptic conditions. The required amount of RoActemra concentrate (0.4 ml/kg) should be withdrawn from the vial and placed in the 100 ml infusion bag. This should be a final volume of 100 ml. To mix the solution, gently invert the infusion bag to avoid foaming.

 

Use in the paediatric population

 

SsJIA and pJIA Patients ≥ 30  kg

Withdraw a volume of sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection from a 100 ml infusion bag, equal to the volume of RoActemra concentrate required for the patients dose, under aseptic conditions. The required amount of RoActemra concentrate (0.4 ml/kg) should be withdrawn from the vial and placed in the 100 ml infusion bag. This should be a final volume of 100 ml. To mix the solution, gently invert the infusion bag to avoid foaming.

 

sSJIA Patients < 30  kg

Withdraw a volume of sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection from a 50 ml infusion bag, equal to the volume of RoActemra concentrate required for the patients dose, under aseptic conditions. The required amount of RoActemra concentrate (0.6 ml/kg) should be withdrawn from the vial and placed in the 50 ml infusion bag. This should be a final volume of 50 ml. To mix the solution, gently invert the infusion bag to avoid foaming.

 

pJIA Patients < 30 kg

Withdraw a volume of sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection from a 50 ml infusion bag, equal to the volume of RoActemra concentrate required for the patients dose, under aseptic conditions. The required amount of RoActemra concentrate (0.5 ml/kg) should be withdrawn from the vial and placed in the 50 ml infusion bag. This should be a final volume of 50 ml. To mix the solution, gently invert the infusion bag to avoid foaming.

 

 

RoActemra is for single-use only.

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

 

 

10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

30 May 2013

 

Updated on 22 January 2013

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.5 - Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
  • Change to section 4.6 - Pregnancy and lactation
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 4.9 - Overdose
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 5.2 - Pharmacokinetic properties
  • Change to section 6.6 - Special precautions for disposal and other handling
  • Change to section 9 - Date of renewal of authorisation
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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4.2     Posology and method of administration

 

[…]

 

Special populations

Paediatric patients: 

 

SsJIA Ppatients:

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in children patients below 2 years of age has not been

established.

 

No data are available.

 

[…]

 

Method of administration

After dilution, RoActemra for RA and sJIA patients should be administered as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour.

 

RA Patients, and SJIA Patients ≥ 30  kg

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 100 ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For further information instructions on dilution of the medicinal product prior to  before administration, see section 6.6.

 

SJIA Patients < 30 kg

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 50  ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For further information instructions on dilution of the medicinal product prior to before administration, see section 6.6.

 

[…]

 

 

Sodium

This medicinal product contains 1.17 mmol (or 26.55 mg) sodium per maximum dose of 1200 mg. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet. Doses below 1025 mg of this medicinal product contain less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg), i.e. essentially ‘sodium free’.

 

Paediatric population

 

SJIA Patients

As described above.

 

[…]

 

4.5     Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

 

[…]

 

Paediatric population

 

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

 

[…]

 

4.6     Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

 

[…]

 

Lactation Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether tocilizumab is excreted in human breast milk. The excretion of tocilizumab in milk has not been studied in animals. A decision on whether to continue/discontinue breast‑feeding or to continue/discontinue therapy with RoActemra should be made taking into account the benefit of breast‑feeding to the child and the benefit of RoActemra therapy to the woman.

 

Fertility

Available non-clinical data do not suggest an effect on fertility under tocilizumab treatment.

 

[…]

 

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

 

[…]

 

Malignancies

The clinical data are insufficient to assess the potential incidence of malignancy following exposure to tocilizumab. Long-term safety evaluations are ongoing.

 

Paediatric population

 

SJIA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab in sJIA has been studied in 112 patients from 2 to 17 years of age. In the 12 week double-blind, controlled phase, 75 patients received treatment with tocilizumab (8  mg/kg or 12 mg/kg based upon body weight). After 12 weeks or at the time of switching to tocilizumab, due to disease worsening, patients were treated in the ongoing open label extension phase.

 

[…]

 

4.9     Overdose

 

There are limited data available on overdose with RoActemra. One case of accidental overdose was reported in which a patient with multiple myeloma received a single dose of 40 mg/kg. No adverse reactions were observed.

 

No serious adverse reactions were observed in healthy volunteers who received a single dose up to 28 mg/kg, although dose limiting neutropenia was observed.

 

Paediatric population

 

No cases of an overdose in the paediatric population has been observed.

 

5.1     Pharmacodynamic properties

 

[…]

 

Tocilizumab versus adalimumabin monotherapy

Study WA19924, a 24 week double-blinded study that compared tocilizumab monotherapy with adalimumab monotherapy, evaluated 326 patients with RA who were intolerant of MTX or where continued treatment with MTX was considered inappropriate (including MTX inadequate responders). Patients in the tocilizumab arm received an intravenous (IV) infusion of tocilizumab (8  mg/kg) every 4 weeks (q4w) and a subcutaneous (SC) placebo injection every 2 weeks (q2w). Patients in the adalimumab arm received an adalimumab SC injection (40  mg) q2w plus an IV placebo infusion q4w.

A statistically significant superior treatment effect was seen in favour of tocilizumab over adalimumab in control of disease activity from baseline to week 24 for the primary endpoint of change in DAS28 and for all secondary endpoints (Table 4).

 

Table 4: Efficacy Results for Study WA19924

 

ADA + Placebo (IV)

N = 162

TCZ + Placebo (SC)

N = 163

p-value(a)

 

Primary Endpoint - Mean Change from baseline at Week 24

DAS28 (adjusted mean)

-1.8

-3.3

 

 

Difference in adjusted mean (95% CI)

-1.5 (-1.8, -1.1)

<0.0001

 

Secondary Endpoints - Percentage of Responders at Week 24 (b)

 

DAS28 < 2.6, n (%)

187 (10.5)

65 (39.9)

<0.0001

 

DAS28 ≤ 3.2, n (%)

32 (19.8)

84 (51.5)

<0.0001

 

ACR20 response, n (%)

80 (49.4)

106 (65.0)

0.0038

 

ACR50 response, n (%)

45 (27.8)

77 (47.2)

0.0002

 

ACR70 response, n (%)

29 (17.9)

53 (32.5)

0.0023

 

ap value is adjusted for region and duration of RA for all endpoints and additionally baseline value for all continuous  endpoints.
b Non-responder Imputation used for missing data. Multiplicity controlled using Bonferroni-Holm Procedure

 

The overall clinical adverse event profile was similar between tocilizumab and adalimumab. The proportion of patients with serious adverse events was balanced between the treatment groups (tocilizumab 11.7% vs. adalimumab 9.9%) with the most common event being infections (3.1% each).  The types of adverse drug reactions in the tocilizumab arm were consistent with the known safety profile of tocilizumab and adverse drug reactions were reported at a similar frequency compared with Table 1.  A higher incidence of infections and infestations was reported in the tocilizumab arm (48% vs. 42%), with no difference in the incidence of serious infections (3.1%).  Both study treatments induced the same pattern of changes in laboratory safety parameters (decreases in neutrophil and platelet counts, increases in ALT, AST and lipids), however, the magnitude of change and the frequency of marked abnormalities was higher with tocilizumab compared with adalimumab.  Four (2.5%) patients in the tocilizumab arm and two (1.2%) patients in the adalimumab arm experienced CTC grade 3 or 4 neutrophil count decreases.  Eleven (6.8%) patients in the tocilizumab arm and five (3.1%) patients in the adalimumab arm experienced ALT increases of CTC grade 2 or higher.  The mean LDL increase from baseline was 0.64 mmol/L (25  mg/dL) for patients in the tocilizumab arm and 0.19  mmol/L (7  mg/dL) for patients in the adalimumab arm.  The safety observed in the tocilizumab arm was consistent with the known safety profile of tocilizumab and no new or unexpected adverse drug reactions were observed (see Table 1).

 

[…]

 

 

5.2     Pharmacokinetic properties

 

RA Patients

 

Absorption

The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab were determined using a population pharmacokinetic analysis on a database composed of 1,793 RA patients treated with a one‑hour infusion of 4 and 8 mg/kg tocilizumab every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.

 

[…]

 

6.6     Special precautions for disposal and other handling

 

Instructions for dilution prior to administration

Parenteral medicinal products should be inspected visually for particulate matter or discolouration prior to administration. Only solutions which are clear to opalescent, colourless to pale yellow and free of visible particles should be diluted

 

RA Patients, and SJIA Patients ≥ 30 kg

Withdraw a volume of sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection from a 100 ml infusion bag, equal to the volume of RoActemra concentrate required for the patients dose, under aseptic conditions. The required amount of RoActemra concentrate (0.4 ml/kg) should be withdrawn from the vial and placed in the 100 ml infusion bag. This should be a final volume of 100 ml. To mix the solution, gently invert the infusion bag to avoid foaming.

 

Use in the paediatric population

 

SJIA Patients ≥ 30  kg

Withdraw a volume of sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection from a 100 ml infusion bag, equal to the volume of RoActemra concentrate required for the patients dose, under aseptic conditions. The required amount of RoActemra concentrate (0.4 ml/kg) should be withdrawn from the vial and placed in the 100 ml infusion bag. This should be a final volume of 100 ml. To mix the solution, gently invert the infusion bag to avoid foaming.

 

[…]

 

9.       DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/DATE OF LATEST RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

 

16 January 2009

 

 

10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

13 December 2012

 

Updated on 17 January 2013

Reasons for updating

  • Change to date of revision
  • Change due to user-testing of patient information

Updated on 04 December 2012

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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4.4     Special warnings and precautions for use

[...]

Tuberculosis

As recommended for other biological treatments, RA and sJIA patients should be screened for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to starting RoActemra therapy. Patients with latent TB should be treated with standard anti‑mycobacterial therapy before initiating RoActemra. Prescribers are reminded of the risk of false negative tuberculin skin and interferon-gamma TB blood test results, especially in patients who are severely ill or immunocompromised.

 

Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms (e.g., persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever) suggestive of a tuberculosis infection occur during or after therapy with RoActemra.  

 


[...]

Date of revision: 22 November 2012

[...]Date of revision: 22 November 2012

Updated on 29 November 2012

Reasons for updating

  • Change to warnings or special precautions for use
  • Change to date of revision

Updated on 06 July 2012

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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4.8 Undesirable effects

[…]

Haematological abnormalities:

Neutrophils

In the 6-month controlled trials decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/ l occurred in 3.4% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 0.1% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs. Approximately half of the patients who developed an ANC < 1 x 109/ l did so within 8 weeks after starting therapy. Decreases below 0.5 x 109/ l were reported in 0.3% patients receiving tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs. Infections with neutropenia have been reported.  It is not clear if the infections were related to neutropenia.

[…]

Neutrophils

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l occurred in 7% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and no decreases  in the placebo group.

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l, occurred in 15% of the tocilizumab group. There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1 x 109/l and the occurrence of serious infections.

Date of revision of text updated to:

28 June 2012

 

 

Updated on 12 June 2012

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 10 - Date of revision of the text

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4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Infections

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents including RoActemra (see section 4.8, Undesirable Effects). RoActemra treatment should not be initiated in patients with active infections (see section 4.3). Administration of RoActemra should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled (see section 4.8). Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when considering the use of RoActemra in patients with a history of recurring or chronic infections or with underlying conditions (e.g. diverticulitis, diabetes and interstitial lung disease) which may predispose patients to infections.

 
[....]

4.8 Undesirable effects

[....]

 

In the long‑term exposure population, the overall rate of serious infections (bacterial, viral and fungal) was 4.7 events per 100 patient years. Reported serious infections, some with fatal outcome, included active tuberculosis, which may present with intrapulmonary or extrapulmonary disease, invasive pulmonary infections, including candidiasis, aspergillosis, coccidioidomycosis and pneumocystis jirovecii, pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Cases of opportunistic infections have been reported.

 

Interstitial Lung Disease

Impaired lung function may increase the risk for developing infections. There have been post-marketing reports of interstitial lung disease (including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis), some of which had fatal outcomes.

 

[....]

10 Date of revision of the text

1 August 201125 May 2012

Updated on 01 June 2012

Reasons for updating

  • Change to date of revision

Updated on 09 August 2011

Reasons for updating

  • Change to section 4.1 - Therapeutic indications
  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 5.2 - Pharmacokinetic properties
  • Change to section 5.3 - Preclinical safety data

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4.1      Therapeutic indications

 

RoActemra, in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients who have either responded inadequately to, or who were intolerant to, previous therapy with one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. In these patients, RoActemra can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate. 

RoActemra has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by X-ray and to improve physical function when given in combination with methotrexate.

 

RoActemra is indicated for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in patients 2 years of age and older, who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with NSAIDs and systemic corticosteroids. RoActemra can be given as monotherapy (in case of intolerance to MTX or where treatment with MTX is inappropriate) or in combination with MTX.

 

4.2      Posology and method of administration

 

Treatment should be initiated by healthcare professionals experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of RA. Patients or sJIA. All patients treated with RoActemra should be given the Patient Alert Card.

 

RA Patients

Posology

The recommended posology is 8 mg/kg body weight, given once every four weeks.

 

For individuals whose body weight is more than 100 kg, doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended (see Section 5.2).

 

Doses above 1.2 g have not been evaluated in clinical studies (see section 5.1).

 

Dose adjustments due to laboratory abnormalities (see section 4.4).

 

·              Liver enzyme abnormalities

 

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN)

Dose modify concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, reduce RoActemra dose to 4 mg/kg or interrupt RoActemra until alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have normalised

Restart with 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg, as clinically appropriate

> 3 to 5 x ULN

(confirmed by repeat testing, see section 4.4).

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3 x ULN and follow recommendations above for > 1 to 3 x ULN

For persistent increases > 3 x ULN, discontinue RoActemra

> 5 x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra

 

·              Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

 

In patients not previously treated with RoActemra, initiation is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2 x 109/l.

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg and increase to 8 mg/kg as clinically appropriate

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

 

·              Low platelet count

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/
 μl)

Action

50 to 100

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count > 100 x 103/ μl resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg and increase to 8 mg/kg as clinically appropriate

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra

 

Special populations

Paediatric patients: RoActemra is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.

 

sJIA patients:

The safety and efficacy of RoActemra in patients below 2 years of age has not been established.

No data are available.

 

The recommended posology is 8 mg/kg once every 2 weeks in patients weighing greater than or equal

to 30 kg or 12 mg/kg once every 2 weeks in patients weighing less than 30 kg. The dose should be

calculated based on the patient’s body weight at each administration. A change in dose should only be

based on a consistent change in the patient’s body weight over time.

 

Dose interruptions of tocilizumab for the following laboratory abnormalities are recommended in sJIA

patients in the tables below. If appropriate, the dose of concomitant MTX and/or other medications

should be modified or dosing stopped and tocilizumab dosing interrupted until the clinical situation

has been evaluated. As there are many co-morbid conditions that may effect laboratory values in sJIA,

In sJIA, the decision to discontinue tocilizumab for a laboratory abnormality should be based upon the

medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·         Liver enzyme abnormalities

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x ULN

Dose modify concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, interrupt RoActemra until ALT/AST have normalized.

> 3 x ULN to 5x ULN

 

Dose modify concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3x ULN and follow recommendations above for >1 to 3x ULN

 

> 5x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·         Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases to > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

·         Low platelet count

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/
ml)

Action

50 to 100

Dose modify concomitant MTX if appropriate

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count is > 100 x 103/ml resume RoActemra

 

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra.

The decision to discontinue RoActemra in sJIA for a laboratory abnormality should be based on the medical assessment of the individual patient.

 

Reduction of tocilizumab dose due to laboratory abnormalities has not been studied in sJIA patients.

 

Available data suggest that clinical improvement is observed within 6 weeks of initiation of

treatment with RoActemra. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient exhibiting

no improvement within this timeframe.

 

Elderly patients: No dose adjustment is required in patients aged 65 years and older.

 

Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild renal impairment. RoActemra

has not been studied in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (see section 5.2). Renal

function should be monitored closely in these patients.

 

Hepatic impairment: RoActemra has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Therefore, no dose recommendations can be made.

 

Method of administration

After dilution, RoActemra for RA and sJIA patients should be administered as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour.

 

RA Patients, and SJIA Patients ≥ 30 kg

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 100 ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For further information on dilution prior to administration, see section 6.6.

 

SJIA Patients < 30 kg

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 50 ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For further information on dilution prior to administration, see section 6.6.

 

4.4      Special warnings and precautions for use

 

Infections

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents including RoActemra (see section 4.8, Undesirable Effects). RoActemra treatment should not be initiated in patients with active infections (see section 4.3). Administration of RoActemra should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled (see section 4.8). Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when considering the use of RoActemra in patients with a history of recurring or chronic infections or with underlying conditions (e.g. diverticulitis, diabetes) which may predispose patients to infections.

 

Vigilance for the timely detection of serious infection is recommended for patients receiving biological treatments for moderate to severe RA or sJIA as signs and symptoms of acute inflammation may be lessened, associated with suppression of the acute phase reaction. The effects of tocilizumab on C‑reactive protein (CRP), neutrophils and signs and symptoms of infection should be considered when evaluating a patient for a potential infection. Patients (which includes younger children with sJIA who may be less able to communicate their symptoms) and parents/guardians of sJIA patients, should be instructed to contact their healthcare professional immediately when any symptoms suggesting infection appear, in order to assure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment.

 

Tuberculosis

As recommended for other biological treatments in, RA, and sJIA patients should be screened for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to starting RoActemra therapy. Patients with latent TB should be treated with standard anti‑mycobacterial therapy before initiating RoActemra.

 

Viral reactivation

Viral reactivation (e.g. hepatitis B virus) has been reported with biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis.RA. In clinical studies with tocilizumab, patients who screened positive for hepatitis were excluded.

 

Complications of diverticulitis

Events of diverticular perforations as complications of diverticulitis have been reported uncommonly with RoActemra in RA patients (see section 4.8). RoActemra should be used with caution in patients with previous history of intestinal ulceration or diverticulitis. Patients presenting with symptoms potentially indicative of complicated diverticulitis, such as abdominal pain, haemorrhage and/or unexplained change in bowel habits with fever should be evaluated promptly for early identification of diverticulitis which can be associated with gastrointestinal perforation.

 

Hypersensitivity reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in association with infusion of RoActemra (see section 4.8). Such reactions may be more severe, and potentially fatal in patients who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions during previous infusions even if they have received premedication with steroids and antihistamines. Appropriate treatment should be available for immediate use in the event of an anaphylactic reaction during treatment with RoActemra. If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious hypersensitivity / serious infusion related reaction occurs, administration of RoActemra should be stopped immediately and RoActemra should be permanently discontinued.

 

Active hepatic disease and hepatic impairment

Treatment with RoActemra, particularly when administered concomitantly with MTX, may be associated with elevations in hepatic transaminases, therefore, caution should be exercised when considering treatment of patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

In clinical trials, transient or intermittent mild and moderate elevations of hepatic transaminases have been reported commonly with RoActemra treatment, without progression to hepatic injury (see section 4.8). An increased frequency of these elevations was observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. MTX) were used in combination with RoActemra. When clinically indicated, other liver function tests including bilirubin should be considered.

 

Caution should be exercised when considering initiation of RoActemra treatment in patients with elevated ALT or AST > 1.5 x ULN. In patients with baseline ALT or AST > 5 x ULN, treatment is not recommended.

 

In RA patients, ALT and AST levels should be monitored every 4 to 8 weeks for the first 6 months of treatment followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. For recommended modifications based on transaminases see section 4.2. For ALT or AST elevations > 3–5 x ULN, confirmed by repeat testing, RoActemra treatment should be interrupted.

 

In sJIA patients, ALT and AST levels should be monitored at the time of the second infusion and thereafter according to good clinical practice, see section 4.2.

 

Haematological abnormalities

Decreases in neutrophil and platelet counts have occurred following treatment with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with MTX (see section 4.8). There may be an increased risk of neutropenia in patients who have previously been treated with a TNF antagonist.

 

In patients not previously treated with RoActemra, initiation is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2 x 109/l. Caution should be exercised when considering initiation of RoActemra treatment in patients with a low platelet count (i.e. platelet count below 100 x 103/ μl). In patients who develop an ANC < 0.5 x 109/ l or a platelet count < 50 x 103/μl, continued treatment is not recommended.

 

Severe neutropenia may be associated with an increased risk of serious infections, although there has been no clear association between decreases in neutrophils and the occurrence of serious infections in clinical trials with RoActemra to date. 

 

NeutrophilsIn RA patients, neutrophils and platelets should be monitored 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and thereafter according to standard clinical practice. For recommended dose modifications based on ANC and platelet counts, see section 4.2.

 

In sJIA patients, neutrophils and platelets should be monitored at the time of second infusion and thereafter according to good clinical practice, see section 4.2.

 

Lipid parameters

Elevations in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides were observed in patients treated with tocilizumab (see section 4.8). In the majority of patients, there was no increase in atherogenic indices, and elevations in total cholesterol responded to treatment with lipid lowering agents.

 

AssessmentIn sJIA and RA patients, assessment of lipid parameters should be performed 4 to 8 weeks following initiation of RoActemra therapy. Patients should be managed according to local clinical guidelines for management of hyperlipidaemia.

 

Neurological disorders

Physicians should be vigilant for symptoms potentially indicative of new‑onset central demyelinating disorders. The potential for central demyelination with RoActemra is currently unknown.

 

Malignancy

The risk of malignancy is increased in patients with RA. Immunomodulatory medicinal products may

increase the risk of malignancy.

 

Vaccinations

Live and live attenuated vaccines should not be given concurrently with RoActemra as clinical safety has not been established. It is recommended that all patients, particularly sJIA patients, be brought up to date with all immunisations in agreement with current immunisation guidelines prior to initiating RoActemra therapy. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of RoActemra therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.

 

Cardiovascular risk

RA patients have an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders and should have risk factors (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia) managed as part of usual standard of care.

 

Combination with TNF antagonists

There is no experience with the use of RoActemra with TNF antagonists or other biological treatments for RA or sJIA patients. RoActemra is not recommended for use with other biological agents.

 

Sodium

This medicinal product contains 1.17 mmol (or 26.55 mg) sodium per maximum dose of 1200 mg. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet. Doses below 1025 mg of this medicinal product contain less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg), i.e. essentially ‘sodium free’.

 

SJIA Patients

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a serious life-threatening disorder that may develop in sJIA patients. In clinical trials, tocilizumab has not been studied in patients during an episode of active MAS.

4.8      Undesirable effects

 

RA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab has been studied in 4 placebo‑controlled studies (studies II, III, IV and V), 1 MTX‑controlled study (study I) and their extension periods (see section 5.1).

 

The double-blind controlled period was 6 months in four studies (studies I, III, IV and V) and was up to 2 years in one study (study II). In the double-blind controlled studies, 774 patients received tocilizumab 4 mg/kg in combination with MTX, 1870 patients received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with MTX or other DMARDs and 288 patients received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg monotherapy.

 

The long‑term exposure population includes all patients who received at least one dose of tocilizumab either in the double-blind control period or open label extension phase in the studies. Of the 4009 patients in this population, 3577 received treatment for at least 6 months, 3296 for at least one year, 2806 received treatment for at least 2 years and 1222 for 3 years.

 

The most commonly reported ADRs (occurring in ≥ 5% of patients treated with tocilizumab monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension and increased ALT.

 

The ADRs listed in Table 1 are presented by system organ class and frequency categories, defined using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) or uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

 

Table 1. Summary of ADRs occurring in patients with RA receiving tocilizumab as monotherapy or in combination with MTX or other DMARDs in the double-blind controlled period

System Organ Class

Very Common

 

Common

 

Uncommon

 

Infections and infestations

Upper respiratory tract infections

Cellulitis, Pneumonia, Oral herpes simplex, Herpes zoster

Diverticulitis

Gastrointestinal disorders

 

Abdominal pain, Mouth ulceration, Gastritis

Stomatitis, Gastric ulcer

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

 

Rash, Pruritus, Urticaria

 

Nervous system disorders

 

Headache, Dizziness

 

Investigations

 

Hepatic transaminases increased, Weight increased, Total bilirubin increased*

 

Vascular disorders

 

Hypertension

 

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

 

Leukopenia,

Neutropenia

 

 

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Hypercholesterolaemia*

 

Hypertriglyceridaemia

General disorders and administration site conditions

 

Peripheral oedema Hypersensitivity reactions

 

Eye disorders

 

Conjunctivitis

 

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

 

Cough, Dyspnoea

 

Renal disorders

 

 

Nephrolithiasis

Endocrine disorders

 

 

Hypothyroidism

* Includes elevations collected as part of routine laboratory monitoring (see text below)

 

Infections

In the 6-month controlled studies the rate of all infections reported with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD treatment was 127 events per 100 patient years compared to 112 events per 100 patient years in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the long‑term exposure population, the overall rate of infections with RoActemra was 108 events per 100 patient years exposure.

 

In 6-month controlled clinical studies, the rate of serious infections with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs was 5.3 events per 100 patient years exposure compared to 3.9 events per 100 patient years exposure in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the monotherapy study the rate of serious infections was 3.6 events per 100 patient years of exposure in the tocilizumab group and 1.5 events per 100 patient years of exposure in the MTX group.

 

In the long‑term exposure population, the overall rate of serious infections (bacterial, viral and fungal) was 4.7 events per 100 patient years. Reported serious infections, some with fatal outcome, included active tuberculosis, which may present with intrapulmonary or extrapulmonary disease, invasive pulmonary infections, including candidiasis, aspergillosis, coccidioidomycosis and pneumocystis jirovecii, pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Cases of opportunistic infections have been reported.

 

Gastrointestinal Perforation

During the six month controlled clinical trials, the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.26 events per 100 patient years with tocilizumab therapy. In the long-term exposure population the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.28 events per 100 patient years. Reports of gastrointestinal perforation on tocilizumab were primarily reported as complications of diverticulitis including generalised purulent peritonitis, lower gastrointestinal perforation, fistulae and abscess.

 

Infusion reactions

In the 6-month controlled trials adverse events associated with infusion (selected events occurring during or within 24 hours of infusion) were reported by 6.9% of patients in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD group and 5.1% of patients in the placebo plus DMARD group. Events reported during the infusion were primarily episodes of hypertension; events reported within 24 hours of finishing an infusion were headache and skin reactions (rash, urticaria). These events were not treatment limiting.

 

The rate of anaphylactic reactions (occurring in a total of 6/3,778 patients, 0.2%) was several fold higher with the 4 mg/kg dose, compared to the 8 mg/kg dose. Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation were reported in a total of 13 out of 3,778 patients (0.3%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and open label clinical studies. These reactions were generally observed during the second to fifth infusions of tocilizumab (see section 4.4). Fatal anaphylaxis has been reported after marketing authorisation during treatment with tocilizumab (see section 4.4).

 

Immunogenicity

A total of 2,876 patients have been tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies in the 6-month controlled clinical trials. Of the 46 patients (1.6%) who developed anti-tocilizumab antibodies, 6 had an associated medically significant hypersensitivity reaction, of which 5 led to permanent discontinuation of treatment. Thirty patients (1.1%) developed neutralising antibodies.

 

Haematological abnormalities:

Neutrophils

In the 6-month controlled trials decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/ l occurred in 3.4% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 0.1% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs. Approximately half of the patients who developed an ANC < 1 x 109/ l did so within 8 weeks after starting therapy. Decreases below 0.5 x 109/ l were reported in 0.3% patients receiving tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs. Infections with neutropenia have been reported.  It is not clear if the infections were related to neutropenia.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of decreases in neutrophil counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Platelets

In the 6-month controlled trials decreases in platelet counts below 100 x 103μl occurred in 1.7% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 1% on placebo plus DMARDs. These decreases occurred without associated bleeding events.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of decreases in platelet counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Very rare reports of pancytopenia have occurred in the post marketing setting.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

During the 6-month controlled trials transient elevations in ALT/AST > 3 x ULN were observed in 2.1% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg compared to 4.9% of patients on MTX and in 6.5% of patients who received 8 mg/kg tocilizumab plus DMARDs compared to 1.5% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs.

 

The addition of potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. MTX) to tocilizumab monotherapy resulted in increased frequency of these elevations. Elevations of ALT/AST > 5 x ULN were observed in 0.7% of tocilizumab monotherapy patients and 1.4% of tocilizumab plus DMARD patients, the majority of whom were discontinued permanently from tocilizumab treatment. These elevations were not associated with clinically relevant increase in direct bilirubin, nor were they associated with clinical evidence of hepatitis or hepatic impairment. During the double-blind controlled period, the incidence of indirect bilirubin greater than the upper limit of normal, collected as a routine laboratory parameter, is 6.2% in patients treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab + DMARD. A total of 5.8% of patients experienced an elevation of indirect bilirubin of > 1 to 2 x ULN and 0.4% had an elevation of > 2 x ULN. 

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of elevation in ALT/AST remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Lipid parameters

During the six month controlled trials, increases of lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and/or HDL cholesterol have been reported commonly. With routine laboratory monitoring it was seen that approximately 24% of patients receiving RoActemra in clinical trials experienced sustained elevations in total cholesterol ≥ 6.2 mmol/ l, with 15% experiencing a sustained increase in LDL to ≥ 4.1 mmol/ l. Elevations in lipid parameters responded to treatment with lipid-lowering agents.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled trials.

 

Malignancies

The clinical data are insufficient to assess the potential incidence of malignancy following exposure to tocilizumab. Long-term safety evaluations are ongoing.

 

SJIA Patients

The safety of tocilizumab in sJIA has been studied in 112 patients from 2 to 17 years of age. In the 12 week double-blind, controlled phase, 75 patients received treatment with tocilizumab (8 mg/kg or 12 mg/kg based upon body weight). After 12 weeks or at the time of switching to tocilizumab, due to disease worsening, patients were treated in the ongoing open label extension phase.

 

In general, the ADRs in sJIA patients were similar in type to those seen in RA patients, see section 4.8.

 

Infections

In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of all infections in the tocilizumab group was 344.7 per 100  patient years and 287.0 per 100 patient years in the placebo group. In the ongoing open label extension phase (Part II), the overall rate of infections remained similar at 306.6 per 100 patient years.

 

In the 12 week controlled phase, the rate of serious infections in the tocilizumab group was 11.5 per 100 patient years. At one year in the ongoing open label extension phase the overall rate of serious infections remained stable at 11.3 per 100 patient years. Reported serious infections were similar to those seen in RA patients with the addition of varicella and otitis media.

 

Infusion Reactions

Infusion related reactions are defined as all events occurring during or within 24 hours of an infusion. In the 12 week controlled phase, 4% of patients from the tocilizumab group experienced events occurring during infusion. One event (angioedema) was considered serious and life-threatening, and the patient was discontinued from study treatment.

 

In the 12 week controlled phase, 16% of patients in the tocilizumab group and 5.4% of patients in the placebo group experienced an event within 24 hours of infusion. In the tocilizumab group, the events included, but were not limited to rash, urticaria, diarrhea, epigastric discomfort, arthralgia and headache. One of these events, urticaria, was considered serious.

 

Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation, were reported in 1 out of 112 patients (< 1%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and up to and including the open label clinical trial.

 

Immunogenicity

All 112 patients were tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies at baseline. Two patients developed positive anti-tocilizumab antibodies with one of these patients having a hypersensitivity reaction leading to withdrawal. The incidence of anti-tocilizumab antibody formation might be underestimated because of interference of tocilizumab with the assay and higher drug concentration observed in children compared to adults.

 

Neutrophils

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, a decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l occurred in 7% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and no decreases  in the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/l, occurred in 15% of the tocilizumab group. There was no clear relationship between decreases in neutrophils below 1 x 109/l and the occurrence of serious infections.

 

Platelets

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, 3% of patients in the placebo group and 1% in the tocilizumab group had a decrease in platelet count to ≤ 100 x 103/µl.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, decreases in platelet counts below 100 x 103/µl, occurred in 3% of patients in the tocilizumab group, without associated bleeding events.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 5% and 3% of patients, respectively, in the tocilizumab group, and 0% in the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, elevation in ALT or AST ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 12% and 4% of patients, respectively, in the tocilizumab group.

 

Immunoglobuilin G

IgG levels decrease during therapy. A decrease to the lower limit of normal occurred in 15 patients at some point in the study.

 

Lipid parameters

During routine laboratory monitoring in the 12 week controlled phase, elevation in total cholesterol > 1.5 x ULN to 2 x ULN occurred in 1.5% of the tocilizumab group and none in  the placebo group. Elevation in LDL > 1.5 x ULN to 2 x ULN occurred in 1.9% of patients in the tocilizumab group, and in 0% of the placebo group.

 

In the ongoing open label extension phase, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with the 12 week controlled phase data.

5.1      Pharmacodynamic properties

 

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunosupressants, Interleukin inhibitors; ATC code: L04AC07.

 

Mechanism of action

Tocilizumab binds specifically to both soluble and membrane-bound IL‑6 receptors (sIL‑6R and mIL‑6R). Tocilizumab has been shown to inhibit sIL‑6R and mIL‑6R-mediated signalling. IL-6 is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by a variety of cell types including T- and B-cells, monocytes and fibroblasts. IL-6 is involved in diverse physiological processes such as T-cell activation, induction of immunoglobulin secretion, induction of hepatic acute phase protein synthesis and stimulation of haemopoiesis. IL-6 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases including inflammatory diseases, osteoporosis and neoplasia.

 

RA Patients

In clinical studies with tocilizumab, rapid decreases in CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were observed. Consistent with the effect on acute phase reactants, treatment with tocilizumab was associated with reduction in platelet count within the normal range. Increases in haemoglobin levels were observed, through tocilizumab decreasing the IL-6 driven effects on hepcidin production to increase iron availability. In tocilizumab‑treated patients, decreases in the levels of CRP to within normal ranges were seen as early as week 2, with decreases maintained while on treatment.

 

In healthy subjects administered tocilizumab in doses from 2 to 28 mg/kg, absolute neutrophil counts decreased to their lowest 3 to 5 days following administration. Thereafter, neutrophils recovered towards baseline in a dose dependent manner. Rheumatoid arthritis patients demonstrated a similar pattern of absolute neutrophil counts following tocilizumab administration (see section 4.8).

 

Clinical efficacy

The efficacy of tocilizumab in alleviating the signs and symptoms of RA was assessed in five randomised, double-blind, multi-centre studies. Studies I-V enrolled patients ³ 18 years of age with active RA diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and who had at least eight tender and six swollen joints at baseline.

 

In Study I, tocilizumab was administered intravenously every four weeks as monotherapy. In Studies II, III and V, tocilizumab was administered intravenously every four weeks in combination with MTX vs. placebo and MTX. In Study IV, tocilizumab was administered intravenously every 4 weeks in combination with other DMARDs vs. placebo and other DMARDs. The primary endpoint for each of the five studies was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24.

 

Study I evaluated 673 patients who had not been treated with MTX within six months prior to randomisation and who had not discontinued previous MTX treatment as a result of clinically important toxic effects or lack of response. The majority (67%) of patients were MTX‑naïve. Doses of 8 mg/kg of tocilizumab were given every four weeks as monotherapy. The comparator group was weekly MTX (dose titrated from 7.5 mg to a maximum of 20 mg weekly over an eight week period).

 

Study II, a two year study with planned analyses at week 24, week 52 and week 104, evaluated 1196 patients who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Doses of 4 or 8 mg/kg of tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks as blinded therapy for 52 weeks in combination with stable MTX (10 mg to 25 mg weekly). After week 52, all patients could receive open-label treatment with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg. Of the patients who completed the study who were originally randomised to placebo + MTX, 86% received open-label tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in year 2. The primary endpoint at week 24 was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response. At week 52 and week 104 the co-primary endpoints were prevention of joint damage and improvement in physical function.

 

Study III evaluated 623 patients who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Doses of 4 or 8 mg/kg tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks, in combination with stable MTX (10 mg to 25 mg weekly).

 

Study IV evaluated 1,220 patients who had an inadequate response to their existing rheumatologic therapy, including one or more DMARDs. Doses of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks in combination with stable DMARDs.

 

Study V evaluated 499 patients who had an inadequate clinical response or were intolerant to one or more TNF antagonist therapies. The TNF antagonist therapy was discontinued prior to randomisation. Doses of 4 or 8 mg/kg tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks in combination with stable MTX (10 mg to 25 mg weekly).

 

Clinical response

In all studies, patients treated with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg had statistically significant higher ACR 20, 50, 70 response rates at 6 months compared to control (Table 2). In study I, superiority of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg was demonstrated against the active comparator MTX.

 

The treatment effect was similar in patients independent of rheumatoid factor status, age, gender, race, number of prior treatments or disease status. Time to onset was rapid (as early as week 2) and the magnitude of response continued to improve with duration of treatment. Continued durable responses were seen for over 3 years in the ongoing open label extension studies I-V.

 

In patients treated with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg, significant improvements were noted on all individual components of the ACR response including: tender and swollen joint counts; patients and physician global assessment; disability index scores; pain assessment and CRP compared to patients receiving placebo plus MTX or other DMARDs in all studies.

 

Patients in studies I – V had a mean Disease Activity Score (DAS28) of 6.5–6.8 at baseline. Significant reduction in DAS28 from baseline (mean improvement) of 3.1–3.4 were observed in tocilizumab-treated patients compared to control patients (1.3-2.1). The proportion of patients achieving a DAS28 clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6) was significantly higher in patients receiving tocilizumab (28–34%) compared to 1–12% of control patients at 24 weeks. In study II, 65% of patients achieved a DAS28 < 2.6 at week 104 compared to 48% at 52 weeks and 33% of patients at week 24.

 

In a pooled analysis of studies II, III and IV, the proportion of patients achieving an ACR 20, 50 and 70 response was significantly higher (59% vs. 50%, 37% vs. 27%, 18% vs. 11%, respectively) in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD vs. the tocilizumab 4 mg/kg plus DMARD group (p< 0.03). Similarly the proportion of patients achieving a DAS 28 remission (DAS28 < 2.6) was significantly higher (31% vs. 16% respectively) in patients receiving tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD than in patients receiving tocilizumab 4 mg/kg plus DMARD (p< 0.0001).

 

Table 2. ACR responses in placebo-/MTX-/DMARDs-controlled studies (% patients)

 

Study I

AMBITION

Study II

LITHE

Study III

OPTION

Study IV

TOWARD

Study V

RADIATE

Week

TCZ

8 mg/kg

MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + DMARD

PBO + DMARD

TCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

 

N =

286

N =

284

N =

398

N =

393

N =

205

N =

204

N =

803

N =

413

N =

170

N =

158

ACR 20

24

70%***

52%

56%***

27%

59%***

26%

61%***

24%

50%***

10%

52

 

 

56%***

25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACR 50

24

44%**

33%

32%***

10%

44%***

11%

38%***

9%

29%***

4%

52

 

 

36%***

10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACR 70

24

28%**

15%

13%***

2%

22%***

2%

21%***

3%

12%**

1%

52

 

 

20%***

4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCZ                         - Tocilizumab

MTX                       - Methotrexate

PBO                         - Placebo

DMARD                 - Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug

*                              - p< 0.05, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

**                             - p< 0.01, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

***                           - p< 0.0001, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

 

Major Clinical Response

After 2 years of treatment with tocilizumab plus MTX, 14% of patients achieved a major clinical response (maintenance of an ACR70 response for 24 weeks or more).

 

Radiographic response

In Study II, in patients with an inadequate response to MTX, inhibition of structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in modified Sharp score and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score. Inhibition of joint structural damage was shown with significantly less radiographic progression in patients receiving tocilizumab compared to control (Table 3).

 

In the open-label extension of Study II the inhibition of progression of structural joint damage in tocilizumab plus MTX-treated patients was maintained in the second year of treatment. The mean change from baseline at week 104 in total Sharp-Genant score was significantly lower for patients randomised to tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus MTX (p<0.0001) compared with patients who were randomised to placebo plus MTX. 

 

Table 3. Radiographic mean changes over 52 weeks in Study II

 

PBO + MTX

(+ TCZ from week 24)

N = 393

TCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX

N = 398

Total Sharp-Genant score

1.13

0.29*

Erosion score

0.71

0.17*

JSN score

0.42

0.12**

PBO                         - Placebo

MTX                       - Methotrexate

TCZ                         - Tocilizumab

JSN                          - Joint space narrowing

*                              - p≤ 0.0001, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX

**                             - p< 0.005, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX

 

Following 1 year of treatment with tocilizumab plus MTX, 85% of patients(n=348) had no progression of structural joint damage, as defined by a change in the Total Sharp Score of zero or less, compared with 67% of placebo plus MTX-treated patients(n=290) (p £ 0.001). This remained consistent following 2 years of treatment (83%; n=353). Ninety three percent (93%; n=271) of patients had no progression between week 52 and week 104.

 

Health‑related and quality of life outcomes

Tocilizumab‑treated patients reported an improvement in all patient‑reported outcomes (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index - HAQ-DI), Short Form-36 and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy questionnaires. Statistically significant improvements in HAQ-DI scores were observed in patients treated with RoActemra compared with patients treated with DMARDs. During the open-label period of Study II, the improvement in physical function has been maintained for up to 2 years. At Week 52, the mean change in HAQ-DI was -0.58 in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus MTX group compared with -0.39 in the placebo + MTX group. The mean change in HAQ-DI was maintained at Week 104 in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus MTX group (-0.61).

 

Haemoglobin levels

Statistically significant improvements in haemoglobin levels were observed with tocilizumab compared with DMARDs (p< 0.0001) at week 24. Mean haemoglobin levels increased by week 2 and remained within normal range through to week 24.

 

SJIA Patients

Clinical efficacy

The efficacy of tocilizumab for the treatment of active sJIA was assessed in a 12 week randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, two arm study. Patients included in the trial had a total disease duration of at least 6 months and active disease but were not experiencing an acute flare requiring corticosteroid doses of more than 0.5 mg/kg prednisone equivalent. Efficacy for the treatment of macrophage activation syndrome has not been investigated.

 

Patients (treated with or without MTX) were randomised (tocilizumab:placebo = 2:1) to one of two treatment groups, 75 patients received tocilizumab infusions every two weeks, either 8 mg/kg for patients ≥ 30 kg or 12 mg/kg for patients < 30 kg and 37 patients were assigned to receiving placebo infusions every two weeks. Corticosteroid tapering was permitted from week six for patients who achieved a JIA ACR70 response. After 12 weeks or at the time of escape, due to disease worsening, patients were treated in the open label phase at weight appropriate dosing.

 

Clinical response

 

The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with at least 30% improvement in the JIA ACR core set (JIA ACR30 response) at week 12 and absence of fever (no temperature recording ≥ 37.5°C in the preceding 7 days). Eighty five percent (64/75) of tocilizumab treated patients and 24.3% (9/37) of placebo treated patients achieved this endpoint. These proportions were highly significantly different (p<0.0001).

 

The percent of patients achieving JIA ACR 30, 50, 70 and 90 responses are shown in Table 4.

 

Table 4. JIA ACR response rates at week 12 (% patients)

Response Rate

Tocilizumab

N = 75

Placebo

N = 37

JIA ACR 30

90.7%1

24.3%

JIA ACR 50

85.3%1

10.8%

JIA ACR 70

70.7%1

8.1%

JIA ACR 90

37.3%1

5.4%

1p<0.0001, tocilizumab vs. placebo

 

Systemic Effects

In the tocilizumab treated patients, 85% who had fever due to sJIA at baseline were free of fever (no temperature recording ≥ 37.5°C in the preceding 14 days) at week 12 versus 21% of placebo patients (p<0.0001).

 

The adjusted mean change in the pain VAS after 12 weeks of tocilizumab treatment was a reduction of 41 points on a scale of 0 - 100 compared to a reduction of 1 for placebo patients (p<0.0001).

 

Corticosteroid Tapering

Patients achieving a JIA ACR70 response were permitted  corticosteroid dose reduction. Seventeen (24%) tocilizumab treated patients versus 1 (3%) placebo patient were able to reduce their dose of corticosteroid by at least 20% without experiencing a subsequent JIA ACR30 flare or occurrence of systemic symptoms to week 12 (p=0.028). Reductions in corticosteroids continued, with 44 patients off oral corticosteroids at week 44, while maintaining JIA ACR responses.

 

Health related and quality of life outcomes

At week 12, the proportion of tocilizumab treated patients showing a minimally clinically important improvement in the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire – Disability Index (defined as an individual total score decrease of ≥ 0.13) was significantly higher than in placebo treated patients, 77% versus 19% (p<0.0001).

 

Laboratory Parameters

Fifty out of seventy five (67%) tocilizumab treated patients had a haemoglobin < LLN baseline. Forty (80%) of these patients had an increase in their haemoglobin to within the normal range at week 12, in comparison to 2 out of 29 (7%) of placebo treated patients with haemoglobin at baseline (p<0.0001).

 

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with RoActemra in all subsets of the paediatric population in rheumatoid arthritis and has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. See 4.2 for information on paediatric use.

5.2      Pharmacokinetic properties

 

RA Patients

The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab were determined using a population pharmacokinetic analysis on a database composed of 1,793 RA patients treated with a one‑hour infusion of 4 and 8 mg/kg tocilizumab every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.

 

The following parameters (predicted mean ± SD) were estimated for a dose of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab given every 4 weeks: steady-state area under curve (AUC) = 35000 ± 15500 h µg/ml, trough concentration (Cmin) = 9.74 ± 10.5 mg/ml and maximum concentration (Cmax) = 183 ± 85.6 µg/ml, and. the accumulation ratios for AUC and Cmax were small, 1.22 and 1.06, respectively. The accumulation ratio was higher for Cmin (2.35), which was expected based on the non‑linear clearance contribution at lower concentrations. Steady-state was reached following the first administration for Cmax and after 8 and 20 weeks for AUC and Cmin, respectively. Tocilizumab AUC, Cmin and Cmax increased with increase of body weight. At body weight ≥ 100 kg, the predicted mean (± SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin and Cmax of tocilizumab were 55500 ± 14100 μg•h/mL, 19.0 ± 12.0 μg/mL, and 269 ± 57 μg/mL, respectively, which are higher than mean exposure values for the patient population (AUC = 35000 ± 15500 h µg/ml, Cmin = 9.74 ± 10.5 mg/ml and Cmax = 183 ± 85.6 µg/ml). The dose-response curve for tocilizumab flattens at higher exposure, resulting in smaller efficacy gains for each incremental increase in tocilizumab concentration such that clinically meaningful increases in efficacy were not demonstrated in patients treated with > 800 mg of tocilizumab. Therefore, tocilizumab doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended (see section 4.2).

 

Distribution

In RA patients the central volume of distribution was 3.5 l, the peripheral volume of distribution was 2.9 l resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 6.4 l.

 

Elimination

Following intravenous administration, tocilizumab undergoes biphasic elimination from the circulation. The total clearance of tocilizumab was concentration-dependent and is the sum of the linear and non‑linear clearance. The linear clearance was estimated as a parameter in the population pharmacokinetic analysis and was 12.5 ml/h. The concentration-dependent non‑linear clearance plays a major role at low tocilizumab concentrations. Once the non‑linear clearance pathway is saturated, at higher tocilizumab concentrations, clearance is mainly determined by the linear clearance.

The t1/2 of tocilizumab was concentration-dependent. At steady‑state following a dose of 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks, the effective t1/2 decreased with decreasing concentrations within a dosing interval from 14 days to 8 days.

 

Linearity

Pharmacokinetic parameters of tocilizumab did not change with time. A more than dose-proportional increase in the AUC and Cmin was observed for doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks. Cmax increased dose-proportionally. At steady-state, predicted AUC and Cmin were 2.7 and 6.5 fold higher at 8 mg/kg as compared to 4 mg/kg, respectively.

 

Special populations

Renal impairment: No formal study of the effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab has been conducted. Most of the patients in the population pharmacokinetic analysis had normal renal function or mild renal impairment. Mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance based on Cockcroft-Gault < 80 ml/min and ≥ 50 ml/min) did not impact the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab.

 

Hepatic impairment: No formal study of the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab has been conducted.

 

Age, gender and ethnicity: Population pharmacokinetic analyses in adult RA patients, showed that age, gender and ethnic origin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab.

 

SJIA Patients: The pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab were determined using a population pharmacokinetic analysis on a database composed of 75 sJIA patients treated with 8 mg/kg (patients with a body weight ≥ 30 kg ) or 12 mg/kg (patients with a body weight < 30 kg), given every 2 weeks. The predicted mean (± SD) AUC2weeks, Cmax and Cmin of tocilizumab were 32200 ± 9960 µg×hr/ml, 245 ± 57.2 µg/ml and 57.5 ± 23.3 µg/ml, respectively. The accumulation ratio for Cmin (week 12 / week 2) was 3.2 ± 1.3. The tocilizumab Cmin was stabilized after week 12. Mean predicted tocilizumab exposure parameters were similar between the two body weight groups.

 

In sJIA patients, the central volume of distribution was 35 ml/kg and the peripheral volume of distribution was 60 ml/kg resulting in a volume of distribution at a steady state of 95 ml/kg. The linear clearance estimated as a parameter in the population pharmacokinetic analysis, was 0.142 ml/hr/kg.

The half life of tocilizumab in sJIA patients is up to 23 days for the two body weight categories (8 mg/kg for body weight ≥ 30 kg or 12 mg/kg for body weight < 30 kg) at week 12.

 

5.3      Preclinical safety data

 

Non‑clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity and genotoxicity.

 

Carcinogenicity studies were not performed because IgG1 monoclonal antibodies are not deemed to have intrinsic carcinogenic potential.

 

Available non-clinical data demonstrated the effect of IL-6 on malignant progression and apoptosis resistance to various cancer types. This data does not suggest a relevant risk for cancer initiation and progression under tocilizumab treatment. Additionally, proliferative lesions were not observed in a 6‑month chronic toxicity study in cynomolgus monkeys or in IL-6 deficient mice.

 

Available non-clinical data do not suggest an effect on fertility under tocilizumab treatment. Effects on endocrine active and reproductive system organs were not observed in a chronic cynomolgus monkey toxicity study and reproductive performance was not affected in IL-6 deficient mice. Tocilizumab administered to cynomolgus monkeys during early gestation, was observed to have no direct or indirect harmful effect on pregnancy or embryonal-foetal development. However, a slight increase in abortion/embryonal‑foetal death was observed with high systemic exposure (> 100 x human exposure) in the 50 mg/kg/day high‑dose group compared to placebo and other low‑dose groups. Although IL-6 does not seem to be a critical cytokine for foetal growth or the immunological control of the maternal/foetal interface, a relation of this finding to tocilizumab cannot be excluded.

 

Treatment with a murine analogue did not exert toxicity in juvenile mice. In particular, there was no impairment of skeletal growth, immune function and sexual maturation.

 

 

Updated on 04 August 2011

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Updated on 29 March 2011

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4.2     Posology and method of administration

 

Treatment should be initiated by healthcare professionals experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of RA. Patients treated with RoActemra should be given the Patient Alert Card.

 

Posology

The recommended posology is 8 mg/kg body weight, given once every four weeks.

 

For individuals whose body weight is more than 100 kg, doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended (see Section 5.2).

 

Doses above 1.2 g have not been evaluated in clinical studies (see section 5.1).

 

Dose adjustments due to laboratory abnormalities (see section 4.4).

 

·           Liver enzyme abnormalities

 

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN)

Dose modify concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, reduce RoActemra dose to 4 mg/kg or interrupt RoActemra until alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have normalised

Restart with 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg, as clinically appropriate

> 3 to 5 x ULN

(confirmed by repeat testing, see section 4.4).

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3 x ULN and follow recommendations above for > 1 to 3 x ULN

For persistent increases > 3 x ULN, discontinue RoActemra

> 5 x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra

 

·           Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

 

In patients not previously treated with RoActemra, initiation is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2 x 109/l.

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 109/ l )

Action

ANC > 1

Maintain dose

ANC 0.5 to 1

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When ANC increases > 1 x 109/ l resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg and increase to 8 mg/kg as clinically appropriate

ANC < 0.5

Discontinue RoActemra

 

·           Low platelet count

 

Laboratory Value
(cells x 103/
 μl)

Action

50 to 100

Interrupt RoActemra dosing

When platelet count > 100 x 103/ μl resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg and increase to 8 mg/kg as clinically appropriate

< 50

Discontinue RoActemra

 

 

 

Special populations

Paediatric patients: RoActemra is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.

 

Elderly patients: No dose adjustment is required in patients aged 65 years and older.

 

Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild renal impairment. RoActemra

has not been studied in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (see section 5.2). Renal

function should be monitored closely in these patients.

 

Hepatic impairment: RoActemra has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Therefore, no dose recommendations can be made.

 

Method of administration

After dilution, RoActemra should be administered as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour.

 

RoActemra should be diluted to a final volume of 100 ml with sterile, non-pyrogenic sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection using aseptic technique.

 

For further information on dilution prior to administration, see section 6.6.

 

4.4     Special warnings and precautions for use

 

[…]

 

Infections

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents including RoActemra (see section 4.8, Undesirable Effects). RoActemra treatment should not be initiated in patients with active infections (see section 4.3). Administration of RoActemra should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled (see section 4.8). Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when considering the use of RoActemra in patients with a history of recurring or chronic infections or with underlying conditions (e.g. diverticulitis, diabetes) which may predispose patients to infections.

 

[…]

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

In clinical trials, transient or intermittent mild and moderate elevations of hepatic transaminases have been reported commonly with RoActemra treatment, without progression to hepatic injury (see section 4.8). An increased frequency of these elevations was observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. MTX) were used in combination with RoActemra. When clinically indicated, other liver function tests including bilirubin should be considered.

 

[…]

 

In patients not previously treated with RoActemra, initiation is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2 x 109/l. Caution should be exercised when considering initiation of RoActemra treatment in patients with a low neutrophil or platelet count (i.e. ANC < 2 x 109/ l or platelet count below 100 x 103/ μl). In patients with an who develop an ANC < 0.5 x 109/ l or a platelet count < 50 x 103/μl, continued treatment is not recommended.

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

 

The safety of tocilizumab has been studied in 4 placebo‑controlled studies (studies II, III, IV and V), 1 MTX‑controlled study (study I) and their extension periods (see section 5.1).

 

The double-blind controlled period was 6 months in four studies (studies I, III, IV and V) and was up to 2 years in one study (study II). In the double-blind controlled studies, 774 patients received tocilizumab 4 mg/kg in combination with MTX, 1870 patients received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with MTX or other DMARDs and 288 patients received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg monotherapy.

 

The long‑term exposure population includes all patients who received at least one dose of tocilizumab either in the double-blind control period or open label extension phase in the studies. Of the 4009 patients in this population, 3577 received treatment for at least 6 months, 3296 for at least one year, 2806 received treatment for at least 2 years and 1222 for 3 years..

 

The most commonly reported ADRs (occurring in ≥ 5% of patients treated with tocilizumab monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension and increased ALT.

 

The ADRs listed in Table 1 are presented by system organ class and frequency categories, defined using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) or uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

 

Table 1. Summary of ADRs occurring in patients with RA receiving tocilizumab as monotherapy or in combination with MTX or other DMARDs in the double-blind controlled period

System Organ Class

Very Common

 

Common

 

Uncommon

 

Infections and infestations

Upper respiratory tract infections

Cellulitis, Pneumonia, Oral herpes simplex, Herpes zoster

Diverticulitis

Gastrointestinal disorders

 

Abdominal pain, Mouth ulceration, Gastritis

Stomatitis, Gastric ulcer

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

 

Rash, Pruritus, Urticaria

 

Nervous system disorders

 

Headache, Dizziness

 

Investigations

 

Hepatic transaminases increased, Weight increased, Total bilirubin increased*

Total bilirubin increased

Vascular disorders

 

Hypertension

 

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

 

Leukopenia,

Neutropenia

 

 

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Hypercholesterolaemia*

Hypercholesterolaemia

Hypertriglyceridaemia

General disorders and administration site conditions

 

Peripheral oedema Hypersensitivity reactions

 

Eye disorders

 

Conjunctivitis

 

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

 

Cough, Dyspnoea

 

Renal disorders

 

 

Nephrolithiasis

Endocrine disorders

 

 

Hypothyroidism

* Includes elevations collected as part of routine laboratory monitoring (see text below)

 

Infections

In the 6-month controlled studies the rate of all infections reported with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD treatment was 127 events per 100 patient years compared to 112 events per 100 patient years in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the long‑term exposure population, the overall rate of infections with RoActemra was 108 events per 100 patient years exposure.

 

In 6-month controlled clinical studies, the rate of serious infections with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs was 5.3 events per 100 patient years exposure compared to 3.9 events per 100 patient years exposure in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the monotherapy study the rate of serious infections was 3.6 events per 100 patient years of exposure in the tocilizumab group and 1.5 events per 100 patient years of exposure in the MTX group.

 

In the long‑term exposure population, the overall rate of serious infections (bacterial, viral and fungal) was 4.7 events per 100 patient years. Reported serious infections, some with fatal outcome, included active tuberculosis, which may present with intrapulmonary or extrapulmonary disease, invasive pulmonary infections, including candidiasis, aspergillosis, coccidioidomycosis and pneumocystis jirovecii,pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Cases of opportunistic infections have been reported.

 

Gastrointestinal Perforation

During the six month controlled clinical trials, the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.26 events per 100 patient years with tocilizumab therapy. In the long-term exposure population the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.28 events per 100 patient years. Reports of gastrointestinal perforation on tocilizumab were primarily reported as complications of diverticulitis including generalised purulent peritonitis, lower gastrointestinal perforation, fistulae and abscess.

 

Infusion reactions

In the 6-month controlled trials adverse events associated with infusion (selected events occurring during or within 24 hours of infusion) were reported by 6.9% of patients in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD group and 5.1% of patients in the placebo plus DMARD group. Events reported during the infusion were primarily episodes of hypertension; events reported within 24 hours of finishing an infusion were headache and skin reactions (rash, urticaria). These events were not treatment limiting.

 

The rate of anaphylactic reactions (occurring in a total of 6/3,778 patients, 0.2%) was several fold higher with the 4 mg/kg dose, compared to the 8 mg/kg dose. Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation were reported in a total of 13 out of 3,778 patients (0.3%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and open label clinical studies. These reactions were generally observed during the second to fifth infusions of tocilizumab (see section 4.4). Fatal anaphylaxis has been reported after marketing authorisation during treatment with tocilizumab (see section 4.4).

 

Immunogenicity

A total of 2,876 patients have been tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies in the 6-month controlled clinical trials. Of the 46 patients (1.6%) who developed anti-tocilizumab antibodies, 6 had an associated medically significant hypersensitivity reaction, of which 5 led to permanent discontinuation of treatment. Thirty patients (1.1%) developed neutralising antibodies.

 

Haematological abnormalities:

Neutrophils

In the 6-month controlled trials decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/ l occurred in 3.4% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 0.1% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs. Approximately half of the patients who developed an ANC < 1 x 109/ l did so within 8 weeks after starting therapy. Decreases below 0.5 x 109/ l were reported in 0.3% patients receiving tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs. There was no clear association between decreases in neutrophils and the occurrence of serious infections. Infections with neutropenia have been reported.  It is not clear if the infections were related to neutropenia.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of decreases in neutrophil counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Platelets

In the 6-month controlled trials decreases in platelet counts below 100 x 103μl occurred in 1.7% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 1% on placebo plus DMARDs. These decreases occurred without associated bleeding events.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of decreases in platelet counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Very rare reports of pancytopenia have occurred in the post marketing setting.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

During the 6-month controlled trials transient elevations in ALT/AST > 3 x ULN were observed in 2.1% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg compared to 4.9% of patients on MTX and in 6.5% of patients who received 8 mg/kg tocilizumab plus DMARDs compared to 1.5% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs.

 

The addition of potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. MTX) to tocilizumab monotherapy resulted in increased frequency of these elevations. Elevations of ALT/AST > 5 x ULN were observed in 0.7% of tocilizumab monotherapy patients and 1.4% of tocilizumab plus DMARD patients, the majority of whom were discontinued permanently from tocilizumab treatment. These elevations were not associated with clinically relevant increase in direct bilirubin, nor were they associated with clinical evidence of hepatitis or hepatic impairment. During the double-blind controlled period, tThe incidence of indirect bilirubin greater than the upper limit of normal , collected as a routine laboratory parameter,is 6.2% in patients treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab + DMARD.  A total of 5.8% of patients experienced an elevation of indirect bilirubin of > 1 to 2 x ULN and 0.4% had an elevation of > 2 x ULN. 

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of elevation in ALT/AST remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Lipid parameters

During the six month controlled trials, increases of lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and/or HDL cholesterol have been reported commonly. With routine laboratory monitoring it was seen that Aapproximately 24% of patients receiving RoActemra in clinical trials experienced sustained elevations in total cholesterol ≥ 6.2 mmol/ l, with 15% experiencing a sustained increase in LDL to ≥ 4.1 mmol/ l. Elevations in lipid parameters responded to treatment with lipid-lowering agents.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled trials.

 

Malignancies

The clinical data are insufficient to assess the potential incidence of malignancy following exposure to tocilizumab. Long-term safety evaluations are ongoing.

 

Updated on 25 March 2011

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Updated on 13 January 2011

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4.4     Special warnings and precautions for use

Hypersensitivity reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in association with infusion of RoActemra in approximately 0.3% of patients (see section 4.8). Such reactions may be more severe, and potentially fatal in patients who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions during previous infusions even if they have received premedication with steroids and antihistamines. Appropriate treatment should be available for immediate use in the event of an anaphylactic reaction during administration oftreatment with RoActemra. If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious hypersensitivity / serious infusion related reaction occurs, administration of RoActemra should be stopped immediately and RoActemra should be permanently discontinued.

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

The rate of anaphylactic reactions (occurring in a total of 6/3,778 patients, 0.2%) was several fold higher with the 4 mg/kg dose, compared to the 8 mg/kg dose. Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation were reported in a total of 13 out of 3,778 patients (0.3%) treated with tocilizumab during the controlled and open label clinical studies. These reactions were generally observed during the second to fifth infusions of tocilizumab (see section 4.4). Fatal anaphylaxis has been reported after marketing authorisation during treatment with tocilizumab (see section 4.4).

 

Updated on 12 January 2011

Reasons for updating

  • Change to side-effects

Updated on 10 June 2010

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  • Change to section 4.1 - Therapeutic indications
  • Change to section 4.2 - Posology and method of administration
  • Change to section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use
  • Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable effects
  • Change to section 5.1 - Pharmacodynamic properties
  • Change to section 5.2 - Pharmacokinetic properties
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4.1     Therapeutic indications

 

RoActemra, in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients who have either responded inadequately to, or who were intolerant to, previous therapy with one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. In these patients, RoActemra can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate. 

RoActemra has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by X-ray and to improve physical function when given in combination with methotrexate.

 

4.2     Posology and method of administration

 

Posology

The recommended posology is 8 mg/kg body weight, but no lower than 480 mg, given once every four weeks.

 

For individuals whose body weight is more than 100 kg, doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended (see Section 5.2).

 

4.4     Special warnings and precautions for use

 

Viral reactivation

Viral reactivation (e.g. hepatitis B virus) has been reported with biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. In clinical studies with tocilizumab, patients who screened positive for hepatitis were excluded.

 

Active hepatic disease and hepatic impairment

Treatment with RoActemra, particularly when administered concomitantly with MTX, may be associated with elevations in hepatic transaminases, (see section 4.8). Ttherefore, caution should be exercised when considering treatment of patients with active hepatic disease or hepatic impairment, as the safety of RoActemra in these patients has not been adequately studied (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).

 

4.8     Undesirable effects

 

A total of 3,778 patients received at least one dose of RoActremra 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg.

 

The adverse drug reactions (ADRs) presented in Table 1 are based on tThe safety of tocilizumab has been studied in 4 placebo‑controlled studies (studies II, III, IV and V), and 1 MTX‑controlled study (study I) and their extension periods (see section 5.1).

 

The double-blind controlled period was 6 months in four studies (studies I, III, IV and V) and was up to 2 years in one study (study II).  In these double-blind controlled studies, 774 patients received tocilizumab 4 mg/kg in combination with MTX, 1,5821870 patients received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in combination with MTX or other DMARDs and 288 patients received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg monotherapy.

 

The long‑term exposure population open label extension studies includesd 2,562all patients who received at least one dose of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg with or without DMARDseither in the double-blind control period or open label extension phase in the studies. Of the 4009 patients in this population, 3577 received treatment for at least 6 months, 3296 for at least one year, 2806 received treatment for at least 2 years and 1222 for 3 years.The total exposure in the long‑term safety analysis was 3,685 patient years.

 

Table 1. Summary of ADRs occurring in patients with RA receiving tocilizumab as monotherapy or in combination with MTX or other DMARDs in the double-blind controlled period

 

System Organ Class

Very Common

 

Common

 

Uncommon

 

Infections and infestations

Upper respiratory tract infections

Cellulitis, Pneumonia, Oral herpes simplex, Herpes zoster

Diverticulitis

Gastrointestinal disorders

 

Abdominal pain, Mouth ulceration, Gastritis

Stomatitis, Gastric ulcer

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

 

Rash, Pruritus, Urticaria

Urticaria

Nervous system disorders

 

Headache, Dizziness

 

Investigations

 

Hepatic transaminases increased, Weight increased

Total bilirubin increased

Vascular disorders

 

Hypertension

 

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

 

Leukopenia,

Neutropenia

 

 

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

 

Hypercholesterolaemia

Hypertriglyceridaemia

General disorders and administration site conditions

 

Peripheral oedema Hypersensitivity reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions

Eye disorders

 

Conjunctivitis

 

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

 

Cough, Dyspnoea

 

Renal disorders

 

 

Nephrolithiasis

Endocrine disorders

 

 

Hypothyroidism

 

Infections

In the 6-month controlled studies the rate of all infections reported with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD treatment was 127 events per 100 patient years compared to 112 events per 100 patient years in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the long‑term open label extension studiesexposure population, the overall rate of infections with RoActemra plus DMARDs was 116 108 events per 100 patient years exposure.

 

In 6-month controlled clinical studies, the rate of serious infections with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs was 5.3 events per 100 patient years exposure compared to 3.9 events per 100 patient years exposure in the placebo plus DMARD group. In the monotherapy study the rate of serious infections was 3.6 events per 100 patient years of exposure in the tocilizumab group and 1.5 events per 100 patient years of exposure in the MTX group.

 

In the long‑term safety exposure population (core and extension studies), the overall rate of serious infections (bacterial, viral and fungal) observed with tocilizumab plus DMARD treatment was 3.94.7 events per 100 patient years exposure. Reported serious infections, some with fatal outcome, included pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis and bacterial arthritis. Serious infections were rarely fatal. Cases of opportunistic infections have been reported.

 

Complications of diverticulitis Gastrointestinal Perforation

During the six month controlled clinical trials, the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.26 events per 100 patient years with tocilizumab therapy.  In the long-term exposure population the overall rate of gastrointestinal perforation was 0.28 events per 100 patient years.  Reports of gastrointestinal perforation on tocilizumab were primarily reported as complications of diverticulitis including generalised purulent peritonitis, lower gastrointestinal perforation, fistulae and abscess.

 

Infusion reactions

In the 6-month controlled trials aAdverse events associated with infusion (selected events occurring during or within 24 hours of infusion) were reported by 6.9% of patients in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARD group and 5.1% of patients in the placebo plus DMARD group. Events reported during the infusion were primarily episodes of hypertension; events reported within 24 hours of finishing an infusion were headache and skin reactions (rash, urticaria). These events were not treatment limiting.

 

Immunogenicity

A total of 2,876 patients have been tested for anti-tocilizumab antibodies in the 6-month controlled clinical trials. Of the 46 patients (1.6%) who developed anti-tocilizumab antibodies, 6 had an associated medically significant hypersensitivity reaction, of which 5 led to permanent discontinuation of treatment. In 30 Thirty patients (1.1%) who developed neutralising antibodies, no apparent correlation to clinical response was observed.

 

Haematological abnormalities:

Neutrophils

In the 6-month controlled trials dDecreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109/ l occurred in 3.4% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 0.1% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs. Approximately half of the patients who developed an ANC < 1 x 109/ l did so within 8 weeks after starting therapy. Decreases below 0.5 x 109/ l were reported in 0.3% patients receiving tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs. There was no clear association between decreases in neutrophils and the occurrence of serious infections.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of decreases in neutrophil counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Platelets

In the 6-month controlled trials dDecreases in platelet counts below 100 x 103μl occurred in 1.7% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus DMARDs compared to < 1% on placebo plus DMARDs. These decreases occurred without associated bleeding events.

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of decreases in platelet counts remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Hepatic transaminase elevations

During the 6-month controlled trials tTransient elevations in ALT/AST > 3 x ULN were observed in 2.1% of patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg compared to 4.9% of patients on MTX and in 6.5% of patients who received 8 mg/kg tocilizumab plus DMARDs compared to 1.5% of patients on placebo plus DMARDs.

 

The addition of potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. MTX) to tocilizumab monotherapy resulted in increased frequency of these elevations. Elevations of ALT/AST > 5 x ULN were observed in 0.7% of tocilizumab monotherapy patients and 1.4% of tocilizumab plus DMARD patients, the majority of whom were discontinued permanently from tocilizumab treatment. These elevations were not associated with clinically relevant increase in direct bilirubin, nor were they associated with clinical evidence of hepatitis or hepatic impairment.  The incidence of indirect bilirubin greater than the upper limit of normal is 6.2% in patients treated with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab. 

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of elevation in ALT/AST remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled clinical trials.

 

Lipid parameters

 

During the double-blind controlled period and with long-term exposure, the pattern and incidence of elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with what was seen in the 6-month controlled trials.

 

5.1     Pharmacodynamic properties

 

In healthy subjects administered tocilizumab in doses from 2 to 28 mg/kg, absolute neutrophil counts decreased to their lowest 3 to 5 days following administration. Thereafter, neutrophils recovered towards baseline in a dose dependent manner. Rheumatoid arthritis patients demonstrated a similar pattern of absolute neutrophil counts following tocilizumab administration (see section 4.8).

 

Study II, a two year study with planned analyses at week 24 and, week 52 and week 104, evaluated 1196 patients who had an inadequate clinical response to MTX. Doses of 4 or 8 mg/kg of tocilizumab or placebo were given every four weeks as blinded therapy for 52 weeks in combination with stable MTX (10 mg to 25 mg weekly). After week 52, all patients could receive open-label treatment with tocilizumab 8 mg/kg.   Of the patients who completed the study who were originally randomised to placebo + MTX, 86% received open-label tocilizumab 8 mg/kg in year 2. The primary endpoint at week 24 was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response. At week 52 and week 104 the co-primary endpoints were prevention of joint damage and improvement in physical function.

 

The treatment effect was similar in patients independent of rheumatoid factor status, age, gender, race, number of prior treatments or disease status. Time to onset was rapid (as early as week 2) and the magnitude of response continued to improve with duration of treatment. Continued durable responses were seen for over 24 months 3 years in the ongoing open label extension studies I, III, IV and -V.

 

Patients in studies I – V had a mean Disease Activity Score (DAS28) of 6.5–6.8 at baseline. Significant reduction in DAS28 from baseline (mean improvement) of 3.1–3.4 were observed in tocilizumab-treated patients compared to control patients (1.3-2.1). The proportion of patients achieving a DAS28 clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6) was significantly higher in patients receiving tocilizumab (28–34%) compared to 1–12% of control patients at 24 weeks. In study II, 65% of patients achieved a DAS28 < 2.6 at week 104 compared to 4748% of patients achieved a DAS28 < 2.6 at 52 weeks compared to and 33% of patients at week 24.

 

Table 2. ACR responses in placebo-/MTX-/DMARDs-controlled studies (% patients)

 

Study I

AMBITION

Study II

LITHE

Study III

OPTION

Study IV

TOWARD

Study V

RADIATE

Week

TCZ

8 mg/kg

MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

TCZ

8 mg/kg + DMARD

PBO + DMARD

TCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX

PBO + MTX

 

N =

286

N =

284

N =

398

N =

393

N =

205

N =

204

N =

803

N =

413

N =

170

N =

158

ACR 20

24

70%***

5352%

56%***

27%

59%***

2726%

61%***

2524%

50%***

10%

52

 

 

56%***

25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACR 50

24

44%**

3433%

32%***

10%

44%***

11%

38%***

9%

29%***

4%

52

 

 

36%***

10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACR 70

24

28%**

15%

13%***

2%

22%***

2%

21%***

3%

12%**

1%

52

 

 

20%***

4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCZ                         - Tocilizumab

MTX                        - Methotrexate

PBO                        - Placebo

DMARD - Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug

*                              - p< 0.05, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

**                            - p< 0.01, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

***                          - p< 0.0001, TCZ vs. PBO + MTX/DMARD

 

Major Clinical Response

After 2 years of treatment with tocilizumab plus MTX, 14% of patients achieved a major clinical response (maintenance of an ACR70 response for 24 weeks or more).

 

Radiographic response

 

In the open-label extension of Study II the inhibition of progression of structural joint damage in tocilizumab plus MTX-treated patients was maintained in the second year of treatment. The mean change from baseline at week 104 in total Sharp-Genant score was significantly lower for patients randomised to tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus MTX (p<0.0001) compared with patients who were randomised to placebo plus MTX. 

 

Following 1 year of treatment with tocilizumab plus MTX, 85% of patients(n=348) had no progression of structural joint damage, as defined by a change in the Total Sharp Score of zero or less, compared with 67% of placebo plus MTX-treated patients(n=290) (p £ 0.001). This remained consistent following 2 years of treatment (83%; n=353). Ninety three percent (93%; n=271) of patients had no progression between week 52 and week 104.

 

Health‑related and quality of life outcomes

Tocilizumab‑treated patients reported an improvement in all patient‑reported outcomes (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index - HAQ-DI), Short Form-36 and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy questionnaires. Statistically significant improvements in HAQ-DI scores were observed in patients treated with RoActemra compared with patients treated with DMARDs. During the open-label period of Study II, the improvement in physical function has been maintained for up to 2 years. At Week 52, the mean change in HAQ-DI was -0.58 in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus MTX group compared with -0.39 in the placebo + MTX group.   The mean change in HAQ-DI was maintained at Week 104 in the tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus MTX group (-0.61).

 

5.2     Pharmacokinetic properties

 

The following parameters (predicted mean ± SD) were estimated for a dose of 8 mg/kg tocilizumab given every 4 weeks: steady-state area under curve (AUC) = 35000 ± 15500 h µg/ml, trough concentration (Cmin) = 9.74 ± 10.5 mg/ml and maximum concentration (Cmax) = 183 ± 85.6 µg/ml, and. the accumulation ratios for AUC and Cmax were small, 1.22 and 1.06, respectively. The accumulation ratio was higher for Cmin (2.35), which was expected based on the non‑linear clearance contribution at lower concentrations. Steady-state was reached following the first administration for Cmax and after 8 and 20 weeks for AUC and Cmin, respectively. Tocilizumab AUC, Cmin and Cmax increased with increase of body weight. At body weight ≥ 100 kg, the predicted mean (± SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin and Cmax of tocilizumab were 55500 ± 14100 μg•h/mL, 19.0 ± 12.0 μg/mL, and 269 ± 57 μg/mL, respectively, which are higher than mean exposure values for the patient population (AUC = 35000 ± 15500 h µg/ml, Cmin = 9.74 ± 10.5 mg/ml and Cmax = 183 ± 85.6 µg/ml). The dose-response curve for tocilizumab flattens at higher exposure, resulting in smaller   efficacy gains for each incremental increase in tocilizumab concentration such that clinically meaningful increases in efficacy were not demonstrated in patients treated with > 800 mg of tocilizumab. Therefore, tocilizumab doses exceeding 800 mg per infusion are not recommended (see section 4.2).

 

 

5.3     Preclinical safety data

 

Carcinogenicity and fertility studies were not performed with tocilizumab due to the lack of appropriate models for an antibody with no reactivity to rodent IL-6 receptorsbecause IgG1 monoclonal antibodies are not deemed to have intrinsic carcinogenic potential.

 

 

10.     DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

 

30 March 2009 4 June 2010

 

 

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) http://www.ema.europa.eu/http://www.emea.europa.eu/.

 

 

 

Updated on 09 June 2010

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Updated on 16 April 2010

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4.4     Special warnings and precautions for use

Severe neutropenia may be associated with an increased risk of serious infections, although there has been no clear association between decreases in neutrophils and the occurrence of serious infections in clinical trials with RoActemra to date.

 

4.6     Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data from the use of tocilizumab in pregnant women. A study in animals has shown an increased risk of spontaneous abortion/embryo‑foetal death at a high dose (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and up to 63 months after treatment.

RoActemra should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.

 

Updated on 09 April 2010

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Updated on 16 December 2009

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Updated on 03 December 2009

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Complications of diverticulitis Gastrointestinal Perforation

During the six month controlled clinical trials, gastrointestinal perforation has been reported uncommonly (in 0.1% of patients) with tocilizumab therapy. Reports of gastrointestinal perforation on tocilizumab were primarily reported as complications of diverticulitis including generalized purulent peritonitis, lower GI perforation, fistula and abscess. complications of diverticulitis including generalised purulent peritonitis, lower gastrointestinal perforation, fistulae and abscess have been reported uncommonly with tocilizumab therapy.

Updated on 16 November 2009

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4.2     Posology and method of administration

 

 

Laboratory Value

Action

> 1 to 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN)

Dose modify concomitant MTX if appropriate

For persistent increases in this range, reduce RoActemra dose to 4 mg/kg or interrupt RoActemra until alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have normalised

Restart with 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg, as clinically appropriate

> 3 to 5 x ULN

(confirmed by repeat testing, see section 4.4).

Interrupt RoActemra dosing until < 3 x ULN and follow recommendations above for >1 to 3 x ULN

When values reach < 3 x ULN, resume RoActemra at 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg dose

For persistent increases > 3 x ULN, discontinue RoActemra

> 5 x ULN

Discontinue RoActemra

 

4.5     Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

In a study in RA patients, levels of simvastatin (CYP3A4) were decreased by 57% one week following a single dose of tocilizumab, to the level similar to, or slightly higher than, those observed in healthy subjects.

Updated on 05 May 2009

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None provided

Updated on 05 May 2009

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