valrubicin 40 MG/ML Intravesical Solution [Valstar]

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Valrubicin intravesical solution is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for intravesical therapy of BCG-refractory carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder in patients for whom immediate cystectomy would be associated with unacceptable morbidity or mortality. • Valrubicin intravesical solution is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for intravesical therapy of BCG-refractory carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder in patients for whom immediate cystectomy would be associated with unacceptable morbidity or mortality. ( 1 )

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • For Intravesical Use Only. ( 2.1 ) • Valrubicin intravesical solution is recommended at a dose of 800 mg administered intravesically once a week for six weeks. ( 2.1 ) • Delay administration at least two weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration. ( 2.1 ) • Warm valrubicin intravesical solution slowly to room temperature, but do not heat. ( 2.1 ) • Use caution when handling and preparing the solution of valrubicin intravesical solution. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosing For Intravesical Use Only. Do NOT administer by intravenous or intramuscular routes. Valrubicin intravesical solution is recommended at a dose of 800 mg administered intravesically once a week for six weeks. Delay administration at least two weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 )]. 2.2 Preparation, Handling, and Administration Handle and dispose of valrubicin intravesical solution in a manner consistent with other cytotoxic drugs. 1 The use of goggles, gloves, and protective gowns is recommended during preparation and administration of the drug. Valrubicin intravesical solution contains polyoxyl castor oil, which has been known to cause leaching of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) a hepatotoxic plasticizer, from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags and intravenous tubing. Valrubicin intravesical solution should be prepared and stored in glass, polypropylene, or polyolefin containers and tubing. It is recommended that non-DEHP containing administration sets, such as those that are polyethylene-lined, be used. Valrubicin intravesical solution is a clear red solution. Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. At temperatures below 4°C (39°F), polyoxyl castor oil may begin to form a waxy precipitate. If this happens, the vial should be warmed in the hand until the solution is clear. If particulate matter is still seen, do not administer valrubicin intravesical solution. For each instillation, slowly allow four 5 mL vials (200 mg valrubicin/5 mL vial) to warm to room temperature, but do not heat. Withdraw 20 mL of valrubicin intravesical solution from the four vials and dilute with 55 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to provide 75 mL of a diluted valrubicin intravesical solution. Valrubicin intravesical solution diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP for administration is stable for 12 hours at temperatures up to 25°C (77°F). Since compatibility data are not available, do not mix valrubicin intravesical solution with other drugs. Insert a urethral catheter into the patient's bladder under aseptic conditions, drain the bladder, and instill the diluted 75 mL valrubicin intravesical solution slowly via gravity flow over a period of several minutes. Withdraw the catheter and retain valrubicin intravesical solution in the bladder for two hours before voiding. At the end of two hours, all patients should void. Some patients may be unable to retain the drug for the full two hours. Instruct patients to maintain adequate hydration following valrubicin intravesical solution treatment [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )] .

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Delaying cystectomy can lead to development of metastatic bladder cancer, which is lethal. ( 5.1 ) • Do not administer valrubicin intravesical solution to patients with a perforated bladder or to those in whom the integrity of the bladder mucosa has been compromised. ( 5.2 , 12.3 ) • Evaluate the status of the bladder before the intravesical instillation of valrubicin intravesical solution. ( 5.3 ) • Use with caution in patients with severe irritable bladder symptoms. ( 5.4 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Valrubicin intravesical solution can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.5 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Risk of Metastatic Bladder Cancer with Delayed Cystectomy Inform patients that valrubicin intravesical solution has been shown to induce complete response in only about 1 in 5 patients with BCG-refractory CIS, and that delaying cystectomy could lead to development of metastatic bladder cancer, which is lethal. The exact risk of developing metastatic bladder cancer from such a delay may be difficult to assess [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] but increases the longer cystectomy is delayed in the presence of persisting CIS. If there is not a complete response of CIS to treatment after 3 months or if CIS recurs, reconsider cystectomy. 5.2 Risk in Patients with Perforated Bladder Evaluate the bladder before the intravesical instillation of drug and do not administer valrubicin intravesical solution to patients with a perforated bladder or to those in whom the integrity of the bladder mucosa has been compromised [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . In case of bladder perforation, delay the administration of valrubicin intravesical solution until bladder integrity has been restored. One patient with a perforated bladder who received 800 mg of valrubicin intravesical solution intravesically developed severe leukopenia and neutropenia approximately two weeks after drug administration [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 5.3 Risk in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Bladder (TURB) To avoid systemic exposure to valrubicin intravesical solution for the patients undergoing TURB, evaluate the status of the bladder before the intravesical instillation of drug. Delay administration at least two weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration. 5.4 Risk in Patients with Irritable Bladder Symptoms Use valrubicin intravesical solution with caution in patients with severe irritable bladder symptoms. Bladder spasm and spontaneous discharge of the intravesical instillate may occur; clamping of the urinary catheter is not advised. 5.5 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings in animal studies and its mechanism of action, valrubicin intravesical solution can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 and 12.3 )] . In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of valrubicin to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at a dose about 0.2 times the recommended human intravesical dose caused embryo-fetal malformations and increased resorptions. Advise females who might become pregnant of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with valrubicin intravesical solution and for 6 months following the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 and 8.3 )] .

CONTRAINDICATIONS Valrubicin intravesical solution is contraindicated in patients with: • Perforated bladder [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Known hypersensitivity to anthracyclines or polyoxyl castor oil • Active urinary tract infection • Small bladder capacity and unable to tolerate a 75 mL instillation • Perforated bladder or compromised bladder mucosa ( 4 , 5.2 ) • Hypersensitivity to anthracyclines or polyoxyl castor oil. ( 4 ) • Concurrent urinary tract infections. ( 4 ) • Patients with a small bladder capacity unable to tolerate a 75 mL instillation. ( 4 )

Mechanism of Action Valrubicin is an anthracycline that affects a variety of interrelated biological functions, most of which involve nucleic acid metabolism. In cells, it inhibits the incorporation of nucleosides into nucleic acids, causes chromosomal damage, and arrests the cell cycle in G 2 . Although valrubicin does not bind strongly to DNA, valrubicin metabolites interfere with the normal DNA breaking-resealing action of DNA topoisomerase II.