Systemic lupus erythematosus, moderate to severe: IV: 300 mg every 4 weeks.
Missed doses : Administer a missed dose as soon as possible but maintain at least 14 days between infusions.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Intravenous [preservative free]:
Saphnelo: Anifrolumab-fnia 300 mg/2 mL (2 mL) [contains polysorbate 80]
No
Saphnelo: FDA approved August 2021; anticipated availability is currently unknown.
IV: Allow refrigerated solution to reach room temperature prior to administration. Administer by IV infusion using a low-protein binding 0.2 or 0.22 micron in-line filter over 30 minutes. Flush infusion set with 25 mL of NS upon completion. Do not administer other medication through same line.
Systemic lupus erythematosus, moderate to severe: Treatment of moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus in adults who are receiving standard therapy.
Limitations of use: Efficacy has not been evaluated in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including severe hypersensitivity reactions (ie, anaphylaxis and angioedema), have been reported. Most cases were considered mild or moderate intensity.
Onset: Varied; most reactions occurred during the first 12 weeks of treatment (ie, with the first 3 to 4 infusions) (Ref).
Infections commonly occurred in clinical trials during anifrolumab treatment; severe infection occurred at a much lower rate of incidence though fatal infections were reported. The most frequently reported types of infections across all clinical trials were respiratory tract infection (ie, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection) and herpes zoster infection, including cases of cutaneous (Ref) and disseminated herpes zoster.
Mechanism: Dose-dependent; anifrolumab binds to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR) and blocks the activity of type I interferons, thereby reducing production of proinflammatory and immunomodulatory proteins involved immune response (ie, B-cell, T-cell, and other immune cell migrations (Ref); cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6); CD80 and CD83 expression of dendritic cells (Ref)) (Ref)
Immunosuppressant therapy may increase the risk of malignancy. Impact on the development and course of malignancies is not fully defined; however, malignancies were observed in clinical trials. Malignant neoplasm (including malignant neoplasm of breast, squamous cell carcinoma) were rarely reported.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
>10%:
Infection: Infection (70%, including influenza, urinary tract infection, tuberculosis [Tanaka 2021]; severe infection: 5%) (table 1)
Drug (Anifrolumab) |
Placebo |
Number of Patients (Anifrolumab) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
70% |
55% |
459 |
466 |
N/A |
5% |
6% |
459 |
466 |
Severe infection |
Respiratory: Bronchitis (11%), upper respiratory tract infection (34%; including nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis [Tanaka 2021]) (table 2)
Drug (Anifrolumab) |
Placebo |
Number of Patients (Anifrolumab) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
---|---|---|---|
34% |
23% |
459 |
466 |
1% to 10%:
Hematologic & oncologic: Malignant neoplasm (1%; including malignant neoplasm of breast, squamous cell carcinoma) (table 3)
Drug (Anifrolumab) |
Placebo |
Number of Patients (Anifrolumab) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
---|---|---|---|
1% |
0.6% |
459 |
466 |
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (3%; severe hypersensitivity reaction: <1%) (table 4)
Drug (Anifrolumab) |
Placebo |
Number of Patients (Anifrolumab) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
---|---|---|---|
3% |
0.6% |
459 |
466 |
Immunologic: Antibody development (2%)
Infection: Herpes zoster infection (6%)
Drug (Anifrolumab) |
Placebo |
Number of Patients (Anifrolumab) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
---|---|---|---|
6% |
1% |
459 |
466 |
Respiratory: Cough (5%), respiratory tract infection (3%)
Drug (Anifrolumab) |
Placebo |
Number of Patients (Anifrolumab) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
---|---|---|---|
3% |
2% |
459 |
466 |
Miscellaneous: Infusion related reaction (9%)
<1%: Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, angioedema
Frequency not defined: Respiratory: Pneumonia
Severe hypersensitivity (eg, anaphylaxis) to anifrolumab or any component of the formulation.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Hypersensitivity: Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported. Other hypersensitivity reactions have been reported; consider premedication in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions. Discontinue treatment and initiate supportive treatment in patients who develop serious hypersensitivity reactions.
• Infections: Serious and potentially fatal infections may occur during treatment; increased risk of respiratory infections and herpes zoster have been reported. Prior to treatment initiation, carefully consider risk versus benefit in patients with chronic or recurrent infections or known risk factors for infection. Avoid initiating treatment in patients with a significant active infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. Consider interrupting treatment in patients who develop new infections; monitor closely.
• Infusion reactions: Infusion reactions have been reported; consider premedication in patients with a history of infusion reactions. Discontinue treatment and initiate supportive treatment in patients who develop infusion-related reactions.
• Malignancy: Immunosuppressant therapy may increase the risk of malignancy. Impact on the development and course of malignancies is not fully defined; however, malignancies were observed in clinical trials.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: Concurrent use with other biologic therapies, including B-cell–targeted therapies, is not recommended; has not been studied.
• Immunizations: Patients should be brought up to date with all immunizations before initiating therapy; live or live attenuated vaccines should not be given concurrently.
None known.
Abrocitinib: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents). Risk X: Avoid combination
Baricitinib: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Baricitinib. Risk X: Avoid combination
BCG Products: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of BCG Products. Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG Products. Risk X: Avoid combination
Belimumab: Anifrolumab may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Belimumab. Risk X: Avoid combination
Biologic Anti-Psoriasis Agents: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Anifrolumab. Risk X: Avoid combination
Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Anifrolumab. Risk X: Avoid combination
Brincidofovir: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Brincidofovir. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cladribine: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Cladribine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Coccidioides immitis Skin Test: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the diagnostic effect of Coccidioides immitis Skin Test. Management: Consider discontinuing therapeutic immunosuppressants several weeks prior to coccidioides immitis skin antigen testing to increase the likelihood of accurate diagnostic results. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
COVID-19 Vaccine (Adenovirus Vector): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of COVID-19 Vaccine (Adenovirus Vector). Risk C: Monitor therapy
COVID-19 Vaccine (Inactivated Virus): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of COVID-19 Vaccine (Inactivated Virus). Risk C: Monitor therapy
COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA). Management: Consider administration of a 3rd dose of COVID-19 vaccine, at least 28 days after completion of the primary 2-dose series, in patients 5 years of age and older taking immunosuppressive therapies. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
COVID-19 Vaccine (Subunit): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of COVID-19 Vaccine (Subunit). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine (Live): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine (Live). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine (Live). Risk X: Avoid combination
Denosumab: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Denosumab. Management: Consider the risk of serious infections versus the potential benefits of coadministration of denosumab and immunosuppressants. If combined, monitor for signs/symptoms of serious infections. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents). Management: Consider avoiding echinacea in patients receiving therapeutic immunosuppressants. If coadministered, monitor for reduced efficacy of the immunosuppressant during concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Efgartigimod Alfa: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Fc Receptor-Binding Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Inebilizumab: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Inebilizumab. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Influenza Virus Vaccines: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Influenza Virus Vaccines. Management: Administer influenza vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to initiating immunosuppressants if possible. If vaccination occurs less than 2 weeks prior to or during therapy, revaccinate 2 to 3 months after therapy discontinued if immune competence restored. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Leflunomide. Management: Increase the frequency of chronic monitoring of platelet, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin or hematocrit to monthly, instead of every 6 to 8 weeks, if leflunomide is coadministered with immunosuppressive agents. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Natalizumab. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ocrelizumab: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Ocrelizumab. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ofatumumab: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Ofatumumab. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pidotimod: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Pidotimod. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pimecrolimus: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Pimecrolimus. Risk X: Avoid combination
Poliovirus Vaccine (Live/Trivalent/Oral): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Poliovirus Vaccine (Live/Trivalent/Oral). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Poliovirus Vaccine (Live/Trivalent/Oral). Risk X: Avoid combination
Polymethylmethacrylate: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the potential for allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to Polymethylmethacrylate. Management: Use caution when considering use of bovine collagen-containing implants such as the polymethylmethacrylate-based Bellafill brand implant in patients who are receiving immunosuppressants. Consider use of additional skin tests prior to administration. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Rabies Vaccine: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Rabies Vaccine. Management: Complete rabies vaccination at least 2 weeks before initiation of immunosuppressant therapy if possible. If post-exposure rabies vaccination is required during immunosuppressant therapy, administer a 5th dose of vaccine and check for rabies antibodies. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Rubella- or Varicella-Containing Live Vaccines: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Rubella- or Varicella-Containing Live Vaccines. Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Rubella- or Varicella-Containing Live Vaccines. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ruxolitinib (Topical): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Ruxolitinib (Topical). Risk X: Avoid combination
Sipuleucel-T: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sipuleucel-T. Management: Consider reducing the dose or discontinuing the use of immunosuppressants prior to initiating sipuleucel-T therapy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P) Receptor Modulator: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tacrolimus (Topical): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tacrolimus (Topical). Risk X: Avoid combination
Talimogene Laherparepvec: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Talimogene Laherparepvec. Specifically, the risk of infection from the live, attenuated herpes simplex virus contained in talimogene laherparepvec may be increased. Risk X: Avoid combination
Tertomotide: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Tertomotide. Risk X: Avoid combination
Tofacitinib: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tofacitinib. Management: Coadministration of tofacitinib with potent immunosuppressants is not recommended. Use with non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) was permitted in psoriatic arthritis clinical trials. Risk X: Avoid combination
Typhoid Vaccine: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Typhoid Vaccine. Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Typhoid Vaccine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Upadacitinib: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Upadacitinib. Risk X: Avoid combination
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Management: Give inactivated vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressants when possible. Patients vaccinated less than 14 days before initiating or during therapy should be revaccinated at least 2 to 3 months after therapy is complete. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Vaccines (Live): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Vaccines (Live) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents). Risk X: Avoid combination
Yellow Fever Vaccine: Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Yellow Fever Vaccine. Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Yellow Fever Vaccine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Anifrolumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1). Human IgG is known to cross the placenta; exposure is dependent upon the IgG subclass, maternal serum concentrations, newborn birth weight, and GA, generally increasing as pregnancy progresses. The lowest exposure would be expected during the period of organogenesis (Palmeira 2012; Pentsuk 2009).
Data collection to monitor pregnancy and infant outcomes following exposure to anifrolumab is ongoing. Health care providers are encouraged to enroll patients exposed to anifrolumab during pregnancy in the Pregnancy Registry (1-877-693-9268).
It is not known if anifrolumab is present in breast milk; however, anifrolumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1). Human IgG is present in breast milk.
According to the manufacturer, the decision to breastfeed during therapy should consider the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, and the benefits of treatment to the mother.
Signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity and infection.
Anifrolumab is an IgG1-kappa monoclonal antibody that blocks the biologic activity of type 1 interferon receptors (IFNAR); elevated IFNAR plays a role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. This reduces inflammatory and immunological processes.
Distribution: Vdss: 6.23 L.
Excretion: Clearance: 0.193 L/day.
Solution (Saphnelo Intravenous)
300 mg/2 mL (per mL): $2,760.33
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