Can Imatinib cause fatigue?

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

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