Imatinib for Myelodysplastic Syndromes

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Imatinib mesylate tablets are a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of: • Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. ( 1.1 ) • Patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in blast crisis (BC), accelerated phase (AP), or in chronic phase (CP) after failure of interferon-alpha therapy. ( 1.2 ) • Adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). ( 1.3 ) • Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in combination with chemotherapy. ( 1.4 ) • Adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene re-arrangements. ( 1.5 ) • Adult patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown. ( 1.6 ) • Adult patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) who have the FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase (mutational analysis or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] demonstration of CHIC2 allele deletion) and for patients with HES and/or CEL who are FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase negative or unknown. ( 1.7 ) • Adult patients with unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). ( 1.8 ) • Patients with Kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). ( 1.9 ) • Adjuvant treatment of adult patients following resection of Kit (CD117) positive GIST. ( 1.10 ) 1.1 Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (Ph+ CML) Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. 1.2 Ph+ CML in Blast Crisis (BC), Accelerated Phase (AP) or Chronic Phase (CP) After Interferon-alpha (IFN) Therapy Patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis, accelerated phase, or in chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy. 1.3 Adult Patients With Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). 1.4 Pediatric Patients With Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in combination with chemotherapy. 1.5 Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Diseases (MDS/MPD) Adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene re-arrangements. 1.6 Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis (ASM) Adult patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown. 1.7 Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) and/or Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL) Adult patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia who have the FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase (mutational analysis or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] demonstration of CHIC2 allele deletion) and for patients with HES and/or CEL who are FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase negative or unknown. 1.8 Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) Adult patients with unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. 1.9 Kit+ Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) Patients with Kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors. 1.10 Adjuvant Treatment of GIST Adjuvant treatment of adult patients following complete gross resection of Kit (CD117) positive GIST.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults with Ph+ CML CP ( 2.2 ): 400 mg/day Adults with Ph+ CML AP or BC ( 2.2 ): 600 mg/day Pediatrics with Ph+ CML CP ( 2.3 ): 340 mg/m 2 /day Adults with Ph+ ALL ( 2.4 ): 600 mg/day Pediatrics with Ph+ ALL ( 2.5 ) 340 mg/m 2 /day Adults with MDS/MPD ( 2.6 ): 400 mg/day Adults with ASM ( 2.7 ): 100 mg/day or 400 mg/day Adults with HES/CEL ( 2.8 ): 100 mg/day or 400 mg/day Adults with DFSP ( 2.9 ): 800 mg/day Adults with metastatic and/or unresectable GIST ( 2.10 ): 400 mg/day Adjuvant treatment of adults with GIST ( 2.11 ): 400 mg/day Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment ( 2.12 ): 400 mg/day Patients with severe hepatic impairment ( 2.12 ): 300 mg/day All doses of imatinib mesylate tablets should be taken with a meal and a large glass of water. Doses of 400 mg or 600 mg (imatinib as free base) should be administered once daily, whereas a dose of 800 mg (imatinib as free base) should be administered as 400 mg (imatinib as free base) twice a day. Imatinib mesylate tablets can be dissolved in water or apple juice for patients having difficulty swallowing. Daily dosing of 800 mg (imatinib as free base) and above should be accomplished using the 400 mg tablet (imatinib as free base) to reduce exposure to iron. 2.1 Drug Administration The prescribed dose should be administered orally, with a meal and a large glass of water. Doses of 400 mg or 600 mg (imatinib as free base) should be administered once daily, whereas a dose of 800 mg (imatinib as free base) should be administered as 400 mg (imatinib as free base) twice a day. For patients unable to swallow the film-coated tablets, the tablets may be dispersed in a glass of water or apple juice. The required number of tablets should be placed in the appropriate volume of beverage (approximately 50 mL for a 100-mg tablet, and 200 mL for a 400-mg tablet) and stirred with a spoon. The suspension should be administered immediately after complete disintegration of the tablet(s). For daily dosing of 800 mg (imatinib as free base) and above, dosing should be accomplished using the 400-mg (imatinib as free base) tablet to reduce exposure to iron. Treatment may be continued as long as there is no evidence of progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. 2.2 Adult Patients With Ph+ CML CP, AP, or BC The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets is 400 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for adult patients in chronic phase CML and 600 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for adult patients in accelerated phase or blast crisis. In CML, a dose increase from 400 mg to 600 mg (imatinib as free base) in adult patients with chronic phase disease, or from 600 mg to 800 mg (imatinib as free base) (given as 400 mg twice daily) in adult patients in accelerated phase or blast crisis may be considered in the absence of severe adverse drug reaction and severe non-leukemia related neutropenia or thrombocytopenia in the following circumstances: disease progression (at any time), failure to achieve a satisfactory hematologic response after at least 3 months of treatment, failure to achieve a cytogenetic response after 6 to 12 months of treatment, or loss of a previously achieved hematologic or cytogenetic response. 2.3 Pediatric Patients With Ph+ CML CP The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets for children with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML is 340 mg/m 2 /day (imatinib as free base) (not to exceed 600 mg). Imatinib mesylate tablets treatment can be given as a once daily dose or the daily dose may be split into two–one portion dosed in the morning and one portion in the evening. There is no experience with imatinib mesylate treatment in children under 1 year of age. 2.4 Adult Patients With Ph+ ALL The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets is 600 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for adult patients with relapsed/refractory Ph+ ALL. 2.5 Pediatric Patients With Ph+ ALL The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets to be given in combination with chemotherapy to children with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL is 340 mg/m 2 /day (not to exceed 600 mg). Imatinib mesylate tablets treatment can be given as a once daily dose. 2.6 Adult Patients With MDS/MPD Determine PDGFRb gene rearrangements status prior to initiating treatment. The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets is 400 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for adult patients with MDS/MPD. 2.7 Adult Patients With ASM Determine D816V c-Kit mutation status prior to initiating treatment. The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets is 400 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for adult patients with ASM without the D816V c-Kit mutation. If c-Kit mutational status is not known or unavailable, treatment with imatinib mesylate tablets 400 mg/day (imatinib as free base) may be considered for patients with ASM not responding satisfactorily to other therapies. For patients with ASM associated with eosinophilia, a clonal hematological disease related to the fusion kinase FIP1L1-PDGFRα, a starting dose of 100 mg/day (imatinib as free base) is recommended. Dose increase from 100 mg to 400 mg (imatinib as free base) for these patients may be considered in the absence of adverse drug reactions if assessments demonstrate an insufficient response to therapy. 2.8 Adult Patients With HES/CEL The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets is 400 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for adult patients with HES/CEL. For HES/CEL patients with demonstrated FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase, a starting dose of 100 mg/day (imatinib as free base) is recommended. Dose increase from 100 mg to 400 mg (imatinib as free base) for these patients may be considered in the absence of adverse drug reactions if assessments demonstrate an insufficient response to therapy. 2.9 Adult Patients With DFSP The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets is 800 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for adult patients with DFSP. 2.10 Adult Patients With Metastatic and/or Unresectable GIST The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets is 400 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for adult patients with unresectable and/or metastatic, malignant GIST. A dose increase up to 800 mg daily (imatinib as free base) (given as 400 mg twice daily) may be considered, as clinically indicated, in patients showing clear signs or symptoms of disease progression at a lower dose and in the absence of severe adverse drug reactions. 2.11 Adult Patients With Adjuvant GIST The recommended dose of imatinib mesylate tablets is 400 mg/day (imatinib as free base) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients following complete gross resection of GIST. In clinical trials, one year of imatinib mesylate tablets and three years of imatinib mesylate tablets were studied. In the patient population defined in Study 2, three years of imatinib mesylate tablets is recommended [see Clinical Studies ( 14.8 )] . The optimal treatment duration with imatinib mesylate tablets is not known. 2.12 Dose Modification Guidelines Concomitant Strong CYP3A4 inducers: The use of concomitant strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided (e.g., dexamethasone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, rifampacin, phenobarbital). If patients must be coadministered a strong CYP3A4 inducer, based on pharmacokinetic studies, the dosage of imatinib mesylate tablets should be increased by at least 50%, and clinical response should be carefully monitored [ see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) ]. Hepatic Impairment: Patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment do not require a dose adjustment and should be treated per the recommended dose. A 25% decrease in the recommended dose should be used for patients with severe hepatic impairment [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 ) ]. Renal Impairment: Patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCL] = 20 to 39 mL/min) should receive a 50% decrease in the recommended starting dose and future doses can be increased as tolerated. Doses greater than 600 mg (imatinib as free base) are not recommended in patients with

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Edema and severe fluid retention have occurred. Weigh patients regularly and manage unexpected rapid weight gain by drug interruption and diuretics. ( 5.1 , 6.1 ) • Cytopenias, particularly anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, have occurred. Manage with dose reduction, dose interruption, or discontinuation of treatment. Perform complete blood counts weekly for the first month, biweekly for the second month, and periodically thereafter. ( 5.2 ) • Severe congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction have been reported, particularly in patients with comorbidities and risk factors. Monitor and treat patients with cardiac disease or risk factors for cardiac failure. ( 5.3 ) • Severe hepatotoxicity, including fatalities may occur. Assess liver function before initiation of treatment and monthly thereafter or as clinically indicated. Monitor liver function when combined with chemotherapy known to be associated with liver dysfunction. ( 5.4 ) • Grade 3/4 hemorrhage has been reported in clinical studies in patients with newly diagnosed CML and with GIST. GI tumor sites may be the source of GI bleeds in GIST. ( 5.5 ) • Gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, some fatal, have been reported. ( 5.6 ) • Cardiogenic shock/left ventricular dysfunction has been associated with the initiation of imatinib mesylate in patients with conditions associated with high eosinophil levels (e.g., HES, MDS/MPD, and ASM). ( 5.7 ) • Bullous dermatologic reactions (e.g., erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome) have been reported with the use of imatinib mesylate. ( 5.8 ) • Hypothyroidism has been reported in thyroidectomy patients undergoing levothyroxine replacement. Closely monitor TSH levels in such patients. ( 5.9 ) • Fetal harm can occur when administered to a pregnant woman. Apprise women of the potential harm to the fetus, and to use effective contraception. ( 5.10 , 8.1 ) • Growth retardation occurring in children and pre-adolescents receiving imatinib mesylate has been reported. Close monitoring of growth in children under imatinib mesylate treatment is recommended. ( 5.11 , 6.2 ) • Tumor Lysis Syndrome. Close monitoring is recommended. ( 5.12 ) • Reports of motor vehicle accidents have been received in patients receiving imatinib mesylate. Caution patients about driving a car or operating machinery. ( 5.13 ) • Renal Toxicity. A decline in renal function may occur in patients receiving imatinib mesylate tablets. Evaluate renal function at baseline and during therapy, with attention to risk factors for renal dysfunction. ( 5.14 ) 5.1 Fluid Retention and Edema Imatinib mesylate is often associated with edema and occasionally serious fluid retention [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ]. Weigh and monitor patients regularly for signs and symptoms of fluid retention. Investigate unexpected rapid weight gain carefully and provide appropriate treatment. The probability of edema was increased with higher imatinib mesylate dose and age greater than 65 years in the CML studies. Severe superficial edema was reported in 1.5% of newly diagnosed CML patients taking imatinib mesylate, and in 2% to 6% of other adult CML patients taking imatinib mesylate. In addition, other severe fluid retention (e.g., pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, pulmonary edema, and ascites) reactions were reported in 1.3% of newly diagnosed CML patients taking imatinib mesylate, and in 2% to 6% of other adult CML patients taking imatinib mesylate. Severe fluid retention was reported in 9% to 13.1% of patients taking imatinib mesylate for GIST [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. In a randomized trial in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+CML in chronic phase comparing imatinib mesylate and nilotinib, severe (Grade 3 or 4) fluid retention occurred in 2.5% of patients receiving imatinib mesylate and in 3.9% of patients receiving nilotinib 300 mg twice daily. Effusions (including pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites) or pulmonary edema were observed in 2.1% (none were Grade 3 or 4) of patients in the imatinib mesylate arm and 2.2% (0.7% Grade 3 or 4) of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm. 5.2 Hematologic Toxicity Treatment with imatinib mesylate tablets is associated with anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Perform complete blood counts weekly for the first month, biweekly for the second month, and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated (for example, every 2 to 3 months). In CML, the occurrence of these cytopenias is dependent on the stage of disease and is more frequent in patients with accelerated phase CML or blast crisis than in patients with chronic phase CML. In pediatric CML patients the most frequent toxicities observed were Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. These generally occur within the first several months of therapy [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.14 ) ]. 5.3 Congestive Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Dysfunction Congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction have been reported in patients taking imatinib mesylate. Cardiac adverse reactions were more frequent in patients with advanced age or co-morbidities, including previous medical history of cardiac disease. In an international randomized Phase 3 study in 1106 patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase, severe cardiac failure and left ventricular dysfunction were observed in 0.7% of patients taking imatinib mesylate compared to 0.9% of patients taking IFN + Ara-C. In another randomized trial with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML patients in chronic phase that compared imatinib mesylate and nilotinib, cardiac failure was observed in 1.1% of patients in the imatinib mesylate arm and 2.2% of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm and severe (Grade 3 or 4) cardiac failure occurred in 0.7% of patients in each group. Carefully monitor patients with cardiac disease or risk factors for cardiac or history of renal failure. Evaluate and treat any patient with signs or symptoms consistent with cardiac or renal failure. 5.4 Hepatotoxicity Hepatotoxicity, occasionally severe, may occur with imatinib mesylate [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ] . Cases of fatal liver failure and severe liver injury requiring liver transplants have been reported with both short-term and long-term use of imatinib mesylate. Monitor liver function (transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase) before initiation of treatment and monthly, or as clinically indicated. Manage laboratory abnormalities with imatinib mesylate interruption and/or dose reduction [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.13 ) ] . When imatinib mesylate is combined with chemotherapy, liver toxicity in the form of transaminase elevation and hyperbilirubinemia has been observed. Additionally, there have been reports of acute liver failure. Monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. 5.5 Hemorrhage In a trial of imatinib mesylate versus IFN+Ara-C in patients with the newly diagnosed CML, 1.8% of patients had Grade 3/4 hemorrhage. In the Phase 3 unresectable or metastatic GIST studies, 211 patients (12.9%) reported Grade 3/4 hemorrhage at any site. In the Phase 2 unresectable or metastatic GIST study, 7 patients (5%) had a total of 8 CTC Grade 3/4 hemorrhages; gastrointestinal (GI) (3 patients), intra-tumoral (3 patients) or both (1 patient). Gastrointestinal tumor sites may have been the source of GI hemorrhages. In a randomized trial in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing imatinib mesylate and nilotinib, GI hemorrhage occurred in 1.4% of patients in the imatinib mesylate arm, and in 2.9% of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm. None of these events were Grade 3 or 4 in the imatinib mesylate arm; 0.7% were Grade 3 or 4 in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm. In addition, gastric antral vascular ectasia has been reported in postmarketing experience. 5.6 Gastrointestinal Disorders Imatinib mesylate is sometimes as

DRUG INTERACTIONS • CYP3A4 inducers may decrease imatinib mesylate tablets Cmax and area under curve (AUC). ( 2.12 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) • CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase imatinib mesylate tablets Cmax and AUC. ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) • Imatinib mesylate tablets are an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 which may increase the Cmax and AUC of other drugs. ( 7.3 , 7.4 , 12.3 ) • Patients who require anticoagulation should receive low-molecular weight or standard heparin and not warfarin. ( 7.3 ) • Imatinib mesylate tablets may delay the clearance of methotrexate when methotrexate is used at high doses (> 500 mg/m 2 ). ( 7.5 ) 7.1 Agents Inducing CYP3A Metabolism Concomitant administration of imatinib mesylate tablets and strong CYP3A4 inducers may reduce total exposure of imatinib; consider alternative agents [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Agents Inhibiting CYP3A Metabolism Concomitant administration of imatinib mesylate tablets and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in a significant imatinib exposure increase. Grapefruit juice may also increase plasma concentrations of imatinib; avoid grapefruit juice [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 Interactions With Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4 Imatinib mesylate tablets will increase plasma concentration of CYP3A4 metabolized drugs (e.g., triazolobenzodiazepines, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, certain HMGCoA reductase inhibitors, etc.). Use caution when administering imatinib mesylate tablets with CYP3A4 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window. Because warfarin is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, use low-molecular weight or standard heparin instead of warfarin in patients who require anticoagulation [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.4 Interactions With Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Use caution when administering imatinib mesylate tablets with CYP2D6 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window. 7.5 Interactions With Methotrexate Imatinib mesylate tablets may delay the clearance of methotrexate and result in sustained methotrexate concentrations when methotrexate is used at high doses (> 500 mg/m 2 ). Refer to the prescribing information for methotrexate injection for recommendations on management of methotrexate concentrations. Drug Interactions Clinical Studies Agents Inducing CYP3A Metabolism Pretreatment of healthy volunteers with multiple doses of rifampin followed by a single dose of imatinib mesylate tablets, increased imatinib mesylate tablets oral-dose clearance by 3.8-fold, which significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased mean C max and AUC. Similar findings were observed in patients receiving 400 to 1200 mg/day imatinib mesylate tablets concomitantly with enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic drugs (EIAED) (e.g., carbamazepine, oxcarbamazepine, phenytoin, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone). The mean dose normalized AUC for imatinib in the patients receiving EIAED’s decreased by 73% compared to patients not receiving EIAED. Concomitant administration of imatinib mesylate tablets and St. John’s Wort led to a 30% reduction in the AUC of imatinib. Consider alternative therapeutic agents with less enzyme induction potential in patients when rifampin or other CYP3A4 inducers are indicated. Imatinib mesylate tablets doses up to 1,200 mg/day (600 mg twice daily) have been given to patients receiving concomitant strong CYP3A4 inducers [see Dosage and Administration (2.12) ] . Agents Inhibiting CYP3A Metabolism There was a significant increase in exposure to imatinib (mean Cmax and AUC increased by 26% and 40%, respectively) in healthy subjects when imatinib mesylate tablets were coadministered with a single dose of ketoconazole (a CYP3A4 inhibitor). Caution is recommended when administering imatinib mesylate tablets with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, atazanavir, indinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, and voriconazole). Grapefruit juice may also increase plasma concentrations of imatinib and should be avoided. Interactions with Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4 Imatinib mesylate tablets increase the mean C max and AUC of simvastatin (CYP3A4 substrate) 2- and 3.5-fold, respectively, suggesting an inhibition of the CYP3A4 by imatinib mesylate tablets. Particular caution is recommended when administering imatinib mesylate tablets with CYP3A4 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window (e.g., alfentanil, cyclosporine, diergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, or tacrolimus). Imatinib mesylate tablets will increase plasma concentration of other CYP3A4 metabolized drugs (e.g., triazolo-benzodiazepines, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, etc.). Because warfarin is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, patients who require anticoagulation should receive low-molecular weight or standard heparin instead of warfarin. Interactions with Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Imatinib mesylate tablets increased the mean C max and AUC of metoprolol by approximately 23% suggesting that imatinib mesylate tablets have a weak inhibitory effect on CYP2D6-mediated metabolism. No dose adjustment is necessary, however, caution is recommended when administering imatinib mesylate tablets with CYP2D6 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window. Interactions with Acetaminophen Coadministration of imatinib mesylate tablets (400 mg/day for 8 days) with acetaminophen (1,000 mg single dose on Day 8) in patients with CML did not result in any changes in the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen. Imatinib mesylate tablets pharmacokinetics were not altered in the presence of single-dose acetaminophen. There is no pharmacokinetic or safety data on the concomitant use of imatinib mesylate tablets at doses greater than 400 mg/day or the chronic use of concomitant acetaminophen and imatinib mesylate tablets. In Vitro Studies Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) Enzymes: Imatinib inhibits CYP2C9 and CYP2D6. Transporter Systems: Imatinib is a substrate of BCRP, P-gp, OATP1A2, OATP1B3, and OCT1. Imatinib inhibits BCRP, BSEP, P-gp, MATE1, MATE2-K, OCT1, and OCT2.

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Fluid Retention and Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Congestive Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Gastrointestinal Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypereosinophilic Cardiac Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Dermatologic Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hypothyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Growth Retardation in Children and Adolescents [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Impairments Related to Driving and Using Machinery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 4 ) ] The most frequently reported adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 30%) were edema, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex Corp. at 1-800-706-5575 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia The majority of imatinib mesylate-treated patients experienced adverse reactions at some time. Imatinib was discontinued due to drug-related adverse reactions in 2.4% of patients receiving imatinib mesylate in the randomized trial of newly diagnosed patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing imatinib mesylate versus IFN+Ara-C, and in 12.5% of patients receiving imatinib mesylate in the randomized trial of newly diagnosed patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing imatinib mesylate and nilotinib. Imatinib mesylate was discontinued due to drug-related adverse reactions in 4% of patients in chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy, in 4% of patients in accelerated phase and in 5% of patients in blast crisis. The most frequently reported drug-related adverse reactions were edema, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea and rash (Table 2 and Table 3 for newly diagnosed CML, Table 4 for other CML patients). Edema was most frequently periorbital or in lower limbs and was managed with diuretics, other supportive measures, or by reducing the dose of Imatinib [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.13 ) ]. The frequency of severe superficial edema was 1.5% to 6%. A variety of adverse reactions represent local or general fluid retention, including pleural effusion, ascites, pulmonary edema, and rapid weight gain with or without superficial edema. These reactions appear to be dose related, were more common in the blast crisis and accelerated phase studies (where the dose was 600 mg/day), and are more common in the elderly. These reactions were usually managed by interrupting imatinib mesylate treatment and using diuretics or other appropriate supportive care measures. These reactions may be serious or life threatening. Adverse reactions, regardless of relationship to study drug, that were reported in at least 10% of the imatinib mesylate-treated patients are shown in Tables 2, 3, and 4. Table 2: Adverse Reactions Regardless of Relationship to Study Drug Reported in Newly Diagnosed CML Clinical Trial in the Imatinib Mesylate versus IFN+Ara-C Study (Greater Than or Equal to 10% of Imatinib Mesylate-Treated Patients) (1) All Grades CTC* Grades 3/4 Imatinib mesylate IFN+Ara−C Imatinib mesylate IFN+Ara−C Preferred term N = 551 (%) N = 533 (%) N = 551 (%) N = 533 (%) Fluid retention 61.7 11.1 2.5 0.9 − Superficial edema 59.9 9.6 1.5 0.4 − Other fluid retention reactions 2 6.9 1.9 1.3 0.6 Nausea 49.5 61.5 1.3 5.1 Muscle cramps 49.2 11.8 2.2 0.2 Musculoskeletal pain 47 44.8 5.4 8.6 Diarrhea 45.4 43.3 3.3 3.2 Rash and related terms 40.1 26.1 2.9 2.4 Fatigue 38.8 67 1.8 25.1 Headache 37 43.3 0.5 3.8 Joint pain 31.4 38.1 2.5 7.7 Abdominal pain 36.5 25.9 4.2 3.9 Nasopharyngitis 30.5 8.8 0 0.4 Hemorrhage 28.9 21.2 1.8 1.7 - GI hemorrhage 1.6 1.1 0.5 0.2 - CNS hemorrhage 0.2 0.4 0 0.4 Myalgia 24.1 38.8 1.5 8.3 Vomiting 22.5 27.8 2 3.4 Dyspepsia 18.9 8.3 0 0.8 Cough 20 23.1 0.2 0.6 Pharyngolaryngeal pain 18.1 11.4 0.2 0 Upper respiratory tract infection 21.2 8.4 0.2 0.4 Dizziness 19.4 24.4 0.9 3.8 Pyrexia 17.8 42.6 0.9 3 Weight increased 15.6 2.6 2 0.4 Insomnia 14.7 18.6 0 2.3 Depression 14.9 35.8 0.5 13.1 Influenza 13.8 6.2 0.2 0.2 Bone pain 11.3 15.6 1.6 3.4 Constipation 11.4 14.4 0.7 0.2 Sinusitis 11.4 6 0.2 0.2 Abbreviations: CML, chronic myeloid leukemia; CNS, central nervous system; CTC, common terminology criteria; GI, gastrointestinal; IFN, Interferon-alpha. *NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. (1) All adverse reactions occurring in greater than or equal to 10% of imatinib mesylate-treated patients are listed regardless of suspected relationship to treatment. (2) Other fluid retention reactions include pleural effusion, ascites, pulmonary edema, pericardial effusion, anasarca, edema aggravated, and fluid retention not otherwise specified. Table 3: Most Frequently Reported Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions (regardless of relationship to study drug) in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP in the Imatinib Mesylate Versus Nilotinib Study (Greater Than or Equal to 10% in Imatinib Mesylate 400 mg Once Daily or Nilotinib 300 mg Twice Daily groups) 60-Month Analysis a Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP Imatinib mesylate 400 mg once-daily N = 280 Nilotinib 300 mg twice-daily N = 279 Imatinib mesylate 400 mg once-daily N = 280 Nilotinib 300 mg twice-daily N = 279 Body system and preferred term All Grades (%) CTC Grades b 3/4 (%) Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash 19 38 2 <1 Pruritus 7 21 0 <1 Alopecia 7 13 0 0 Dry skin 6 12 0 0 Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 41 22 2 2 Constipation 8 20 0 <1 Diarrhea 46 19 4 1 Vomiting 27 15 <1 <1 Abdominal pain upper 14 18 <1 1 Abdominal pain 12 15 0 2 Dyspepsia 12 10 0 0 Nervous system disorders Headache 23 32 <1 3 Dizziness 11 12 <1 <1 General disorders and administration-site conditions Fatigue 20 23 1 1 Pyrexia 13 14 0 <1 Asthenia 12 14 0 <1 Peripheral edema 20 9 0 <1 Face edema 14 <1 <1 0 Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Myalgia 19 19 <1 <1 Arthralgia 17 22 <1 <1 Muscle spasms 34 12 1 0 Pain in extremity 16 15 <1 <1 Back pain 17 19 1 1 Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Cough 13 17 0 0 Oropharyngeal pain 6 12 0 0 Dyspnea 6 11 <1 2 Infections and infestations Nasopharyngitis 21 27 0 0 Upper respiratory tract infection 14 17 0 <1 Influenza 9 13 0 0 Gastroenteritis 10 7 <1 0 Eye disorders Eyelid edema 19 1 <1 0 Periorbital edema 15 <1 0 0 Psychiatric disorders Insomnia 9 11 0 0 Vascular disorder Hypertension 4 10 <1 1 Abbreviation: Ph+ CML-CP, Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia-chronic phase. a Excluding laboratory abnormalities. b NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. Table 4: Adverse Reactions Regardless of Relationship to Study Drug Reported in Other CML Clinical Trials (Greater Than or Equal to 10% of All Patients in Any Trial) (1) Myeloid blast Crisis Accelerated phase Chronic phase, IFN (n = 260) (n = 235) failure (n = 532) % % % Preferred term All Grades Grade 3/4 All Grades Grade 3/4 All Grades Grade 3/4 Fluid retention 72 11 76 6 69 4 -Superficial edema 66 6 74 3 67 2 -Other fluid retention reactions (2) 22 6 15 4 7 2 Nausea 71 5 73 5 63 3 Muscle cramps 28 1 47 0.4 62 2 Vomiting 54 4 58 3 36 2 Diarrhea 43 4 57 5 48 3 Hemorrhage 53 19 49 11 30 2 - CNS hemorrhage 9 7