Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine Mylan 300 Mg/150 Mg/300 Mg Film-Coated Tablets
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine Mylan 300 mg/150 mg/300 mg film-coated tablets
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each film-coated tablet contains 300 mg of abacavir (as sulfate), 150 mg lamivudine and 300 mg zidovudine.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Film-coated tablet (tablet).
Light green colour, oval shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed with ‘ALZ1’ on one side and ‘M’ on other side. Dimensions approximately 21 mm by 10 mm.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine is indicated for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults. This fixed combination replaces the three components (abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine) used separately in similar doses. It is recommended that treatment is started with abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine separately for the first 6-8 weeks (see section 4.4). The choice of this fixed combination should be based not only on potential adherence criteria, but mainly on expected efficacy and risk related to the three nucleoside analogues.
The demonstration of the benefit of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine is mainly based on results of studies performed in treatment naive patients or moderately antiretroviral experienced patients with non-advanced disease. In patients with high viral load (> 100,000 copies/ml) choice of therapy needs special consideration (see section 5.1).
Overall, the virologic suppression with this triple nucleoside regimen could be inferior to that obtained with other multitherapies notably including boosted Protease inhibitors or non nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, therefore the use of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine should only be considered under special circumstances (e.g. co-infection with tuberculosis).
Before initiating treatment with abacavir, screening for carriage of the HLA-B*5701 allele should be performed in any HIV-infected patient, irrespective of racial origin. Screening is also recommended prior to re-initiation of abacavir in patients of unknown HLA-B*5701 status who have previously tolerated abacavir (see “Management after an interruption of Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy”). Abacavir should not be used in patients known to carry the HLA-B*5701 allele, unless no other therapeutic option is available in these patients, based on the treatment history and resistance testing (see section 4.4 and 4.8).
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Posology
Therapy should be prescribed by a physician experienced in the management of HIV infection.
The recommended dose of Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine Mylan in adults (18 years and over) is one tablet twice daily.
Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine Mylan can be taken with or without food.
Where discontinuation of therapy with one of the active substances of Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine Mylan is indicated, or where dose reduction is necessary, separate preparations of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine are available.
Renal impairment: Whilst no dose adjustment of abacavir is necessary in patients with renal dysfunction, lamivudine and zidovudine concentrations are increased in patients with renal impairment due to decreased clearance. Therefore, as dose adjustments of these may be necessary, it is recommended that separate preparations of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine be administered to patients with reduced renal function (creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min). Physicians should refer to the individual summary of product characteristics of these medicinal products. Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine should not be administered to patients with end-stage renal disease (see sections 4.3 and 5.2).
Hepatic impairment: Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine is contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment (see sections 4.3 and 5.2).
Older people: No pharmacokinetic data are currently available in patients over 65 years of age. Special care is advised in this age group due to age associated changes such as the decrease in renal function and alteration of haematological parameters.
Paediatric population: The safety and efficacy of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine in children has not been established. No data are available.
Dose adjustments in patients with haematological adverse reactions: Dose adjustment of zidovudine may be necessary if the haemoglobin level falls below 9 g/dl or 5.59 mmol/l or the neutrophil count falls below 1.0 x 109/l (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). As dose adjustment of zidovudine is not possible with a fixed-dose combination, separate preparations of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine should be used. Physicians should refer to the individual summary of product characteristics of these medicinal products.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. See BOXED INFORMATION ON HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS in section 4.4 and section 4.8.
Patients with end-stage renal disease.
Patients with hepatic impairment.
Due to the active substance zidovudine, Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine Mylan is contraindicated in patients with abnormally low neutrophil counts (< 0.75 x 109/l), or abnormally low haemoglobin levels (< 7.5 g/dl or 4.65 mmol/l) (see section 4.4).
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
The special warnings and precautions relevant to abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine are included in this section. There are no additional precautions or warnings relevant to fixed dose combinations of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine.
Hypersensitivity Reaction (see also section 4.8 ):
In a clinical study, 3.4 % of subjects with a negative HLA-B*5701 status receiving abacavir developed a hypersensitivity reaction.
Studies have shown that carriage of the HLA-B*5701 allele is associated with a significantly increased risk of a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir. Based on the prospective study CNA106030 (PREDICT-1), use of pre-therapy screening for the HLA-B*5701 allele and subsequently avoiding abacavir in patients with this allele significantly reduced the incidence of abacavir hypersensitivity reactions. In populations similar to that enrolled in the PREDICT-1 study, it is estimated that 48% to 61% of patients with the HLA-B*5701 allele will develop a hypersensitivity reaction during the course of abacavir treatment compared with 0% to 4% of patients who do not have the HLA-B*5701 allele.
These results are consistent with those of prior retrospective studies.
As a consequence, before initiating treatment with abacavir, screening for carriage of the HLA-B*5701 allele should be performed in any HIV-infected patient, irrespective of racial origin. Screening is also recommended prior to re-initiation of abacavir in patients of unknown HLA-B*5701 status who have previously tolerated abacavir (see “Management after an interruption of Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy”). Abacavir should not be used in patients known to carry the HLA-B*5701 allele, unless no other therapeutic option is available based on the treatment history and resistance testing (see section 4.1).
In any patient treated with abacavir, the clinical diagnosis of suspected hypersensitivity reaction must remain the basis of clinical decision-making. It is noteworthy that among patients with a clinically suspected hypersensitivity reaction, a proportion did not carry HLA-B*5701. Therefore, even in the absence of HLA-B*5701 allele, it is important to permanently discontinue abacavir and not rechallenge with abacavir if a hypersensitivity reaction cannot be ruled out on clinical grounds, due to the potential for a severe or even fatal reaction.
Skin patch testing was used as a research tool for the PREDICT-1 study but has no utility in the clinical management of patients and therefore should not be used in the clinical setting.
Clinical description
Hypersensitivity reactions are characterised by the appearance of symptoms indicating multi-organ system involvement. Almost all hypersensitivity reactions will have fever and/or rash as part of the syndrome.
Other signs and symptoms may include respiratory signs and symptoms such as dyspnoea, sore throat, cough, and abnormal chest x-ray findings (predominantly infiltrates, which can be localised), gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain, and may lead to misdiagnosis of hypersensitivity as respiratory disease (pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis), or gastroenteritis. Other frequently observed signs or symptoms of the hypersensitivity reaction may include lethargy or malaise and musculoskeletal symptoms (myalgia, rarely myolysis, arthralgia).
The symptoms related to this hypersensitivity reaction worsen with continued therapy and can be life-threatening. These symptoms usually resolve upon discontinuation of abacavir.
Clinical management
Hypersensitivity reaction symptoms usually appear within the first six weeks of initiation of treatment with abacavir, although these reactions may occur at any time during therapy. Patients should be monitored closely, especially during the first two months of treatment with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine, with consultation every two weeks.
Regardless of their HLA-B*5701 status, patients who are diagnosed with a hypersensitivity reaction whilst on therapy MUST discontinue abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine immediately.
Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found., or any other medicinal product containing abacavir, MUST NEVER be restarted in patients who have stopped therapy due to a hypersensitivity reaction. Restarting abacavir following a hypersensitivity reaction results in a prompt return of symptoms within hours. This recurrence is usually more severe than on initial presentation, and may include life-threatening hypotension and death.
To avoid a delay in diagnosis and minimise the risk of a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction, abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy must be permanently discontinued if hypersensitivity cannot be ruled out, even when other diagnoses are possible (respiratory diseases, flu-like illness, gastroenteritis or reactions to other medications).
Special care is needed for those patients simultaneously starting treatment with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine and other medicinal products known to induce skin toxicity (such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors - NNRTIs). This is because it is currently difficult to differentiate between rashes induced by these products and abacavir related hypersensitivity reactions.
Management after an interruption of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy
Regardless of a patient’s HLA-B*5701 status, if therapy with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine has been discontinued for any reason and restarting therapy is under consideration, the reason for discontinuation must be established to assess whether the patient had any symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. If a hypersensitivity reaction cannot be ruled out, Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. or any other medicinal product containing abacavir must not be restarted.
Hypersensitivity reactions with rapid onset, including life-threatening reactions have occurred after restarting abacavir in patients who had only one of the key symptoms of hypersensitivity (skin rash, fever, gastrointestinal, respiratory or constitutional symptoms such as lethargy and malaise) prior to stopping abacavir. The most common isolated symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction was a skin rash. Moreover, on very rare occasions hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients who have restarted therapy, and who had no preceding symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction (i.e. patients previously considered to be abacavir tolerant). In both cases if a decision is made to restart abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine this must be done in a setting where medical assistance is readily available.
Screening for carriage of the HLA B*5701 allele is recommended prior to reinitiation of abacavir in patients of unknown HLA-B*5701 status who have previously tolerated abacavir. Re-initiation of abacavir in such patients who test positive for the HLA B*5701 allele is not recommended and should be considered only under exceptional circumstances where potential benefit outweighs the risk and with close medical supervision.
Essential patient information
Prescribers must ensure that patients are fully informed regarding the following information on the hypersensitivity reaction:
- Patients must be made aware of the possibility of a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir that may result in a life-threatening reaction or death and that the risk of a hypersensitivity reaction is increased if they are HLA-B*5701 positive.
- Patients must also be informed that a HLA-B*5701 negative patient can also experience an abacavir hypersensitivity reaction. Therefore, ANY patient who develops signs or symptoms consistent with a possible hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir MUST CONTACT THEIR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
Patients who are hypersensitive to abacavir should be reminded that they must never take Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. or any other medicinal product containing abacavir again, regardless of their HLA-B*5701 status.
In order to avoid restarting abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy, patients who have experienced a hypersensitivity reaction should dispose of their remaining Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. tablets in their possession in accordance with the local requirements, and ask their doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Patients who have stopped abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy for any reason, and particularly due to possible adverse reactions or illness, must be advised to contact their doctor before restarting. Patients should be advised of the importance of taking abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine regularly.
Each patient should be reminded to read the Package Leaflet included in the Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. pack. They should be reminded of the importance of removing the Alert Card included in the pack, and keeping it with them at all times.
Lactic acidosis: lactic acidosis, usually associated with hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis, has been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues. Early symptoms (symptomatic hyperlactatemia) include benign digestive symptoms (nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain), non-specific malaise, loss of appetite, weight loss, respiratory symptoms (rapid and/or deep breathing) or neurological symptoms (including motor weakness).
Lactic acidosis has a high mortality and may be associated with pancreatitis, liver failure, or renal failure.
Lactic acidosis generally occurred after a few or several months of treatment.
Treatment with nucleoside analogues should be discontinued in the setting of symptomatic hyperlactatemia and metabolic/lactic acidosis, progressive hepatomegaly, or rapidly elevating aminotransferase levels.
Caution should be exercised when administering nucleoside analogues to any patient (particularly obese women) with hepatomegaly, hepatitis or other known risk factors for liver disease and hepatic steatosis (including certain medicinal products and alcohol). Patients co-infected with hepatitis C and treated with alpha interferon and ribavirin may constitute a special risk.
Patients at increased risk should be followed closely.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: nucleoside and nucleotide analogues have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo to cause a variable degree of mitochondrial damage. There have been reports of mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV-negative infants exposed in utero and/or post-natally to nucleoside analogues. The main adverse reactions reported are haematological disorders (anaemia, neutropenia), metabolic disorders (hyperlactatemia, hyperlipasemia). These adverse reactions are often transitory. Some late-onset neurological disorders have been reported (hypertonia, convulsion, abnormal behaviour). Whether the neurological disorders are transient or permanent is currently unknown. Any child exposed in utero to nucleoside and nucleotide analogues, even HIV-negative children, should have clinical and laboratory follow-up and should be fully investigated for possible mitochondrial dysfunction in case of relevant signs or symptoms. These findings do not affect current national recommendations to use antiretroviral therapy in pregnant women to prevent vertical transmission of HIV.
Lipodystrophy: combination antiretroviral therapy has been associated with the redistribution of body fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV patients. The long-term consequences of these adverse reactions are currently unknown. Knowledge about the mechanism is incomplete. A connection between visceral lipomatosis and protease inhibitors (PIs) and lipoatrophy and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) has been hypothesised. A higher risk of lipodystrophy has been associated with individual factors such as older age, and with drug related factors such as longer duration of antiretroviral treatment and associated metabolic disturbances. Clinical examination should include evaluation for physical signs of fat redistribution. Consideration should be given to the measurement of fasting serum lipids and blood glucose. Lipid disorders should be managed as clinically appropriate (see section 4.8).
Haematological adverse reactions: anaemia, neutropenia and leucopenia (usually secondary to neutropenia) can be expected to occur in patients receiving zidovudine. These occurred more frequently at higher zidovudine doses (1200-1500 mg/day) and in patients with poor bone marrow reserve prior to treatment, particularly with advanced HIV disease. Haematological parameters should therefore be carefully monitored (see section 4.3) in patients receiving abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy. These haematological effects are not usually observed before four to six week’s therapy. For patients with advanced symptomatic HIV disease, it is generally recommended that blood tests are performed at least every two weeks for the first three months of therapy and at least monthly thereafter.
In patients with early HIV disease haematological adverse reactions are infrequent. Depending on the overall condition of the patient, blood tests may be performed less often, for example every one to three months. Additionally, dose adjustment of zidovudine may be required if severe anaemia or myelosuppression occurs during treatment with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine, or in patients with pre-existing bone marrow compromise e.g. haemoglobin < 9 g/dl (5.59 mmol/l) or neutrophil count < 1.0 x 109/l (see section 4.2). As dose adjustment is not possible with fixed-dose combination tablets, separate preparations of zidovudine, abacavir and lamivudine should be used. Physicians should refer to the individual prescribing information for these medicinal products.
Pancreatitis: Cases of pancreatitis have occurred rarely in patients treated with abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine. However, it is not clear whether these cases were due to treatment with these medicinal products or to the underlying HIV disease. Treatment with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine should be stopped immediately if clinical signs, symptoms or laboratory abnormalities suggestive of pancreatitis occur.
Liver disease: If lamivudine is being used concomitantly for the treatment of HIV and HBV, additional information relating to the use of lamivudine in the treatment of hepatitis B infection is available in the lamivudine SPC.
The safety and efficacy of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine has not been established in patients with significant underlying liver disorders.
Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine is contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment (see section 4.3).
Patients with chronic hepatitis B or C and treated with combination antiretroviral therapy are at an increased risk of severe and potentially fatal hepatic adverse reactions. In case of concomitant antiviral therapy for hepatitis B or C, please refer also to the relevant product information for these medicinal products.
If abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy is discontinued in patients co-infected with hepatitis B virus, periodic monitoring of both liver function tests and markers of HBV replication is recommended, as withdrawal of lamivudine may result in an acute exacerbation of hepatitis (see lamivudine SPC).
Patients with pre-existing liver dysfunction including chronic active hepatitis have an increased frequency of liver function abnormalities during combination antiretroviral therapy and should be monitored according to standard practice. If there is evidence of worsening liver disease in such patients, interruption or discontinuation of treatment must be considered.
Patients co-infected with hepatitis C virus:
The concomitant use of ribavirin with zidovudine is not recommended due to an increased risk of anaemia (see section 4.5).
Paediatric population: Because insufficient data are available, the use of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine in children or adolescents is not recommended. In this patient population, hypersensitivity reactions are particularly difficult to identify.
Immune Reactivation Syndrome: In HIV-infected patients with severe immune deficiency at the time of institution of combination antiretroviral therapy (CART), an inflammatory reaction to asymptomatic or residual opportunistic pathogens may arise and cause serious clinical conditions, or aggravation of symptoms. Typically, such reactions have been observed within the first few weeks or months of initiation of CART. Relevant examples are cytomegalovirus retinitis, generalised and/or focal mycobacterium infections, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Any inflammatory symptoms should be evaluated and treatment instituted when necessary. Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reactivation; however, the reported time to onset is more variable and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.
Osteonecrosis: Although the aetiology is considered to be multifactorial (including corticosteroid use, alcohol consumption, severe immunosuppression, higher body mass index), cases of osteonecrosis have been reported particularly in patients with advanced HIV-disease and/or long-term exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (CART). Patients should be advised to seek medical advice if they experience joint aches and pain, joint stiffness or difficulty in movement.
Opportunistic infections: Patients should be advised that
abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine or any other antiretroviral therapy does not cure HIV infection and that they may still develop opportunistic infections and other complications of HIV infection. Therefore, patients should remain under close clinical observation by physicians experienced in the treatment of these associated HIV diseases.
Myocardial infarction: Observational studies have shown an association between myocardial infarction and the use of abacavir. Those studied were mainly antiretroviral experienced patients. Data from clinical trials showed limited numbers of myocardial infarction and could not exclude a small increase in risk. Overall the available data from observational cohorts and from randomised trials show some inconsistency so can neither confirm nor refute a causal relationship between abacavir treatment and the risk of myocardial infarction. To date, there is no established biological mechanism to explain a potential increase in risk. When prescribing abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine, action should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable risk factors (e.g. smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia).
Miscellaneous: Patients should be advised that current antiretroviral therapy, including abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine, has not been proven to prevent the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Appropriate precautions should continue to be taken.
To date there are insufficient data on the efficacy and safety of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine given concomitantly with NNRTIs or PIs (see section 5.1).
Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. should not be taken with any other medicinal products containing lamivudine or medicinal products containing emtricitabine.
The concomitant use of stavudine with zidovudine should be avoided (see section 4.5).
The combination of lamivudine with cladribine is not recommended (see section 4.5).
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. contains abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine, therefore any interactions identified for these individually are relevant to Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found.. Clinical studies have shown that there are no clinically significant interactions between abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine.
Abacavir is metabolised by UDP-glucuronyltransferase (UGT) enzymes and alcohol dehydrogenase; co-administration of inducers or inhibitors of UGT enzymes or with compounds eliminated through alcohol dehydrogenase could alter abacavir exposure.
Zidovudine is primarily metabolised by UGT enzymes; co-administration of inducers or inhibitors of UGT enzymes could alter zidovudine exposure. Lamivudine is cleared renally. Active renal secretion of lamivudine in the urine is mediated through organic cation transporters (OCTs); co-administration of lamivudine with OCT inhibitors may increase lamivudine exposure.
Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine are not significantly metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes (such as CYP 3A4, CYP 2C9 or CYP 2D6) nor do they inhibit or induce this enzyme system. Therefore, there is little potential for interactions with antiretroviral protease inhibitors, non-nucleosides and other medicinal products metabolised by major P450 enzymes.
Interaction studies have only been performed in adults. The list below should not be considered exhaustive but is representative of the classes studied.
|
Drugs by Therapeutic Area |
Interaction Geometric mean change (%) (Possible mechanism) |
Recommendation concerning coadministration |
|
ANTIRETROVIRAL MEDICINAL PROD1 |
UCTS | |
|
Didanosine/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
No dosage adjustment necessary. |
|
Didanosine/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Didanosine/Zidovudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Stavudine/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
Combination not recommended. |
|
Stavudine/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Stavudine/Zidovudine |
In vitro antagonism of anti-HIV activity between stavudine and zidovudine could result in decreased efficacy of both drugs. | |
|
ANTI-INFECTIVE PRODUCTS | ||
|
Atovaquone/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
As only limited data available the clinical significance is unknown. |
|
Atovaquone/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Atovaquone/Zidovudine (750 mg twice daily with food/200 mg thrice daily) |
Zidovudine AUC |33% Atovaquone AUC <->■ | |
|
Clarithromycin/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
Separate administration of abacavir/lamivudine/zidov udine and clarithromycin by at least 2 hours |
|
Clarithromycin/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Clarithromycin/Zidovudine (500 mg twice daily/100 mg every 4 hours) |
Zidovudine AUC j.12% | |
|
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Co-trimoxazole)/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
No abacavir/lamivudine/zidov |
|
Drugs by Therapeutic Area |
Interaction Geometric mean change (%) (Possible mechanism) |
Recommendation concerning coadministration |
|
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Co-trimoxazole)/Lamivudine (160mg/800mg once daily for 5 days/300mg single dose) |
Lamivudine: AUC |40% Trimethoprim: AUC Sulfamethoxazole: AUC <->■ (organic cation transporter inhibition) |
udine dosage adjustment necessary, unless patient has renal impairment (See Section 4.2). When concomitant administration with co-trimoxazole is warranted, patients should be monitored clinically. High doses of trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole for the treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and toxoplasmosis have not been studied and should be avoided. |
|
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Co-trimoxazole)/Zidovudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
ANTIFUNGALS | ||
|
Fluconazole/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
As only limited data are available the clinical significance is not known. Monitor for signs of zidovudine toxicity (see section 4.8). |
|
Fluconazole/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Fluconazole/Zidovudine (400 mg once daily/200 mg thrice daily) |
Zidovudine AUC f 74% (UGT inhibition) | |
|
ANTIMYCOBACTERIALS | ||
|
Rifampicin/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. Potential to slightly decrease abacavir plasma concentrations through UGT induction. |
Insufficient data to recommend dosage adjustment. |
|
Rifampicin/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. |
Insufficient data to recommend dosage adjustment. |
|
Rifampicin/Zidovudine (600mg once daily/200 mg thrice daily) |
Zidovudine AUC j.48% (UGT induction) | |
|
ANTICONVULSANTS | ||
|
Phenobarbital/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. Potential to slightly decrease abacavir plasma concentrations through UGT induction. |
Insufficient data to recommend dosage adjustment. |
|
Phenobarbital/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Phenobarbital/Zidovudine |
Interaction not studied. Potential to slightly decrease zidovudine plasma concentrations through UGT induction. | |
|
Drugs by Therapeutic Area |
Interaction Geometric mean change (%) (Possible mechanism) |
Recommendation concerning coadministration |
|
Phenytoin/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. Potential to slightly decrease abacavir plasma concentrations through UGT induction. |
Insufficient data to recommend dosage adjustment. Monitor phenytoin concentrations. |
|
Phenytoin/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Phenytoin/Zidovudine |
Phenytoin AUC || | |
|
Valproic acid/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
As only limited data are available the clinical significance is not known. Monitor for signs of zidovudine toxicity (see section 4.8). |
|
Valproic acid/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Valproic acid/Zidovudine (250 mg or 500 mg thrice daily/100 mg thrice daily) |
Zidovudine AUC f 80% (UGT inhibition) | |
|
ANTIHISTAMINES (HISTAMINE H2 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS) | ||
|
Ranitidine/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
No dosage adjustment necessary. |
|
Ranitidine/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. Clinically significant interaction unlikely. Ranitidine eliminated only in part by renal organic cation transport system. | |
|
Ranitidine/Zidovudine |
Interaction not studied | |
|
Cimetidine/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
No dosage adjustment necessary. |
|
Cimetidine/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. Clinically significant interaction unlikely. Cimetidine eliminated only in part by renal organic cation transport system. | |
|
Cimetidine/Zidovudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
CYTOTOXICS | ||
|
Cladribine/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. In vitro lamivudine inhibits the intracellular phosphorylation of cladribine leading to a potential risk of cladribine loss of efficacy in case of combination in the clinical setting. Some clinical findings also support a possible interaction between lamivudine and cladribine. |
Therefore, the concomitant use of abacavir/lamivudine/zidov udine with cladribine is not recommended (see section 4.4). |
|
OPIOIDS | ||
|
Drugs by Therapeutic Area |
Interaction Geometric mean change (%) (Possible mechanism) |
Recommendation concerning coadministration |
|
Methadone/Abacavir (40 to 90mg once daily for 14 days/600mg single dose, then 600mg twice daily for 14 days) |
Abacavir: AUC <->■ Cmax J.35% Methadone: CL/F |22% |
As only limited data are available the clinical significance is not known. Monitor for signs of zidovudine toxicity (see section 4.8). Methadone dosage adjustment unlikely in majority of patients; occasionally methadone re-titration may be required. |
|
Methadone/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Methadone/Zidovudine (30 to 90 mg once daily/200 mg every 4 hours) |
Zidovudine AUC f 43% Methadone AUC <-> | |
|
RETINOIDS | ||
|
Retinoid compounds (e.g. isotretinoin)/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. Possible interaction given common pathway of elimination via alcohol dehydrogenase. |
Insufficient data to recommend dosage adjustment. |
|
Retinoid compounds (e.g. isotretinoin)/Lamivudine No drug interaction studies |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Retinoid compounds (e.g. isotretinoin)/Zidovudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
URICOSURIC | ||
|
Probenecid/Abacavir |
Interaction not studied. |
As only limited data are available the clinical significance is not known. Monitor for signs of zidovudine toxicity (see section 4.8). |
|
Probenecid/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Probenecid/Zidovudine (500 mg four times daily/2mg/kg thrice daily) |
Zidovudine AUC f 106% (UGT inhibition) | |
|
MISCELLANEOUS | ||
|
Ethanol/Abacavir (0.7 g/kg single dose/600mg single dose) |
Abacavir: AUC |41% Ethanol: AUC (Inhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase) |
No dosage adjustment necessary. |
|
Ethanol/Lamivudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
|
Ethanol/Zidovudine |
Interaction not studied. | |
Abbreviations: | = Increase; 4=decrease; <->= no significant change; AUC=area under the concentration versus time curve; Cmax=maximum observed concentration; CL/F=apparent oral clearance
Exacerbation of anaemia due to ribavirin has been reported when zidovudine is part of the regimen used to treat HIV although the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. The concomitant use of ribavirin with zidovudine is not recommended due to an increased risk of anaemia (see section 4.4). Consideration should be given to replacing zidovudine in a combination ART regimen if this is already established.
This would be particularly important in patients with a known history of zidovudine induced anaemia.
Concomitant treatment, especially acute therapy, with potentially nephrotoxic or myelosuppressive medicinal products (e.g. systemic pentamidine, dapsone, pyrimethamine, co-trimoxazole, amphotericin, flucytosine, ganciclovir, interferon, vincristine, vinblastine and doxorubicin) may also increase the risk of adverse reactions to zidovudine (see section 4.8). If concomitant therapy with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine and any of these medicinal products is necessary then extra care should be taken in monitoring renal function and haematological parameters and, if required, the dosage of one or more agents should be reduced.
Limited data from clinical trials do not indicate a significantly increased risk of adverse reactions to zidovudine with cotrimoxazole (see interaction information above relating to lamivudine and co-trimoxazole), aerosolised pentamidine, pyrimethamine and acyclovir at doses used in prophylaxis.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
As a general rule, when deciding to use antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection in pregnant women and consequently for reducing the risk of HIV vertical transmission to the newborn, the animal data as well as the clinical experience in pregnant women should be taken into account. In the present case, the use in pregnant women of zidovudine, with subsequent treatment of the newborn infants, has been shown to reduce the rate of maternal-foetal transmission of HIV. There are no data on the use of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine in pregnancy. A moderate amount of data on pregnant women taking the individual actives abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine in combination indicates no malformative toxicity (more than 300 outcomes from first trimester exposures). A large amount of data on pregnant women taking lamivudine or zidovudine indicate no malformative toxicity (more than 3000 outcomes from first trimester exposure each, of which over 2000 outcomes involved exposure to both lamivudine and zidovudine). Moderate amount of data (more than 600 outcomes from first trimester) indicates no malformative toxicity for abacavir. The malformative risk is unlikely in humans based on the mentioned moderate amount of data.
The active ingredients of Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. may inhibit cellular DNA replication, zidovudine has been shown to be transplacental carcinogen in one animal study and abacavir has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal models (see section 5.3). The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.
For patients co-infected with hepatitis who are being treated with a lamivudine containing medicinal product such as Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. and subsequently become pregnant, consideration should be given to the possibility of a recurrence of hepatitis on discontinuation of lamivudine.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: nucleoside and nucleotide analogues have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo to cause a variable degree of mitochondrial damage. There have been reports of mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV-negative infants exposed in utero and/or post-natally to nucleoside analogues (see section 4.4).
Breast-feeding
Both lamivudine and zidovudine are excreted in human milk at similar concentrations to those found in serum. It is expected that abacavir will also be excreted into human milk, although this has not been confirmed. It is therefore recommended that mothers do not breast-feed their babies while receiving abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine treatment. As a general rule, it is recommended that mothers infected by HIV do not breast-feed their infants under any circumstances in order to avoid transmission of HIV.
Fertility
Studies in animals showed that neither abacavir nor lamivudine nor zidovudine had any effect on fertility (see section 5.3). Zidovudine has been shown not to affect the number of sperm, sperm morphology and motility in man.
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. The clinical status of the patient and the adverse event profile of Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found. should be borne in mind when considering the patient’s ability to drive or operate machinery.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profile
Adverse reactions have been reported with abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine used separately or in combination for therapy of HIV disease. Because abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine contains abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine, the adverse reactions associated with these compounds may be expected.
Hypersensitivity to abacavir (see also section 4.4):
In a clinical study, 3.4 % of subjects with a negative HLA-B*5701 status receiving abacavir developed a hypersensitivity reaction.
Some hypersensitivity reactions were life-threatening and resulted in fatal outcome despite taking precautions. This reaction is characterised by the appearance of symptoms indicating multi-organ/body-system involvement.
Almost all patients developing hypersensitivity reactions will have fever and/or rash (usually maculopapular or urticarial) as part of the syndrome, however hypersensitivity reactions have occurred without rash or fever.
The signs and symptoms associated with hypersensitivity to abacavir are summarised in Table 1. These have been identified either from clinical studies or post marketing surveillance.
Some patients with hypersensitivity reactions were initially thought to have gastroenteritis, respiratory disease (pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis) or a flu-like illness. This delay in diagnosis of hypersensitivity has resulted in abacavir being continued or re-introduced, leading to more severe hypersensitivity reactions or death. Therefore, the diagnosis of hypersensitivity reaction should be carefully considered for patients presenting with symptoms of these diseases.
Symptoms usually appeared within the first six weeks (median time to onset 11 days) of initiation of treatment with abacavir, although these reactions may occur at any time during therapy. Close medical supervision is necessary during the first two months, with consultations every two weeks.
It is likely that intermittent therapy may increase the risk of developing sensitisation and therefore occurrence of clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions. Consequently, patients should be advised of the importance of taking abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine regularly.
Restarting Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found., or any other medicinal product containing abacavir, following a hypersensitivity reaction would result in a prompt return of symptoms within hours. This recurrence of the hypersensitivity reaction is usually more severe than on initial presentation and may include life-threatening hypotension and death. Regardless of their HLA-B*5701 status, patients who develop this hypersensitivity reaction must discontinue abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy and must never be rechallenged with Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found., or any other medicinal product containing abacavir.
To avoid a delay in diagnosis and minimise the risk of a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction, abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy must be permanently discontinued if hypersensitivity cannot be ruled out, even when other diagnoses are possible (respiratory disease, flu-like illness, gastroenteritis or reactions to other medications).
Hypersensitivity reactions with rapid onset, including life-threatening reactions have occurred after restarting abacavir in patients who had only one of the key symptoms of hypersensitivity (skin rash, fever, gastrointestinal, respiratory or constitutional symptoms such as lethargy and malaise) prior to stopping abacavir. The most common isolated symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction was a skin rash. Moreover, on very rare occasions hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients who have restarted therapy and who had no preceding symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. In both cases if a decision is made to restart abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine this must be done in a setting where medical assistance is readily available.
Each patient must be warned about this hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir.
Table 1: Summary of signs and symptoms associated with hypersensitivity to abacavir (Signs and symptoms reported in at least 10 % of patients with a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir are in bold text).
|
Body system |
Adverse reactions |
|
Blood and the lymphatic system disorders |
Lymphopenia, lymphadenopathy |
|
Immune system disorders |
Anaphylaxis |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Headache, paraesthesia, lethargy |
|
Eye disorders |
Conjunctivitis |
|
Vascular disorders |
Hypotension |
|
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Dyspnoea, sore throat, cough, adult respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, mouth ulceration |
|
Hepato-biliary disorders |
Hepatitis, hepatic failure |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Rash (usually maculopapular or urticarial) |
|
Musculoskeletal connective tissue and bone disorders |
Myalgia, rarely myolysis, arthralgia |
|
Renal and urinary disorders |
Renal failure |
|
General disorders and administration site conditions |
Fever, malaise, oedema |
|
Investigations |
Elevated liver function tests, elevated creatine phosphokinase, elevated creatinine |
Tabulated list of adverse reactions reported with the individual substances
The adverse reactions reported with abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine are presented in Table 2. They are listed by body system, organ class and absolute frequency. Frequencies are defined as very common (> 1/10), common (> 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (> 1/1000 to < 1/100), rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1000), very rare (< 1/10,000). Care must be taken to eliminate the possibility of a hypersensitivity reaction if any of these symptoms occur.
Table 2: Adverse reactions reported with the individual components of Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine MylanError! Reference source not found.
|
Abacavir |
Lamivudine |
Zidovudine |
|
IMPORTANT: for information on abacavir hypersensitivity, see the description above in the boxed information and Table 1 | ||
|
Blood and lymphatic system disorders | ||
|
Uncommon: neutropenia, anaemia (both occasionally severe), thrombocytopenia Very rare: pure red cell aplasia |
Common: anaemia, neutropenia and leucopenia Uncommon: thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia with marrow hypoplasia Rare: pure red cell aplasia Very rare: aplastic anaemia | |
|
Immune system disorders | ||
|
Common: hypersensitivity | ||
|
Metabolism and nutrition disorders | ||
|
Common: anorexia |
Rare: anorexia, lactic acidosis in the absence of hypoxaemia | |
|
Psychiatric disorders | ||
|
Rare: anxiety, depression | ||
|
Nervous system disorders | ||
|
Common: headache |
Common: headache, insomnia Very rare: peripheral neuropathy (paraesthesiae) |
Very common: headache Common: dizziness Rare: insomnia, paraesthesia, somnolence, loss of mental acuity, convulsions |
|
Cardiac disorders | ||
|
Rare: cardiomyopathy | ||
|
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | ||
|
Common: cough, nasal symptoms |
Uncommon: dyspnoea Rare: cough | |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders | ||
|
Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Rare: pancreatitis |
Common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea Rare: rises in serum amylase, pancreatitis |
Very common: Nausea Common: vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea Uncommon: flatulence Rare: oral mucosa pigmentation, taste disturbance dyspepsia, pancreatitis |
|
Hepatobiliary disorders | ||
|
Abacavir |
Lamivudine |
Zidovudine |
|
Uncommon: transient rises in liver enzymes (AST, ALT) Rare: hepatitis |
Common: raised blood levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin Rare: liver disorders such as severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, | |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | ||
|
Common: rash (without systemic symptoms) Very rare: erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis |
Common: rash, alopecia |
Uncommon: rash and pruritus Rare: nail and skin pigmentation, urticaria and sweating |
|
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | ||
|
Common: arthralgia, muscle disorders Rare: rhabdomyolysis |
Common: myalgia Uncommon: myopathy | |
|
Renal and urinary disorders | ||
|
Rare: urinary frequency | ||
|
Reproductive system and breast disorders | ||
|
Rare: gynaecomastia | ||
|
General disorders and administration site conditions | ||
|
Common: fever, lethargy, fatigue |
Common: fatigue, malaise, fever |
Common: malaise Uncommon: fever, generalised pain and asthenia Rare: chills, chest pain, and influenza-like syndrome |
Description of selected adverse reactions Adverse reactions associated with abacavir:
Many of the adverse reactions listed above occur commonly (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy, rash) in patients with abacavir hypersensitivity. Therefore, patients with any of these symptoms should be carefully evaluated for the presence of this hypersensitivity reaction. If abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine therapy has been discontinued in patients due to experiencing any one of these symptoms and a decision is made to restart a medicinal product containing abacavir, this must be done in a setting where medical assistance is readily available (see Section 4.4). Very rarely cases of erythema multiforme, Stevens Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported where abacavir hypersensitivity could not be ruled out. In such cases medicinal products containing abacavir should be permanently discontinued.
Haematological adverse reactions with zidovudine
Anaemia, neutropenia and leucopenia occurred more frequently at higher doses (1,200-1,500 mg/day) and in patients with advanced HIV disease (especially when there is poor bone marrow reserve prior to treatment) and particularly in patients with CD4 cell counts less than 100/mm3. Dose reduction or cessation of therapy may become necessary (see section 4.4). The anaemia may necessitate transfusions.
The incidence of neutropenia was also increased in those patients whose neutrophil counts, haemoglobin levels and serum vitamin B12 levels were low at the start of zidovudine therapy.
Lactic acidosis
Treatment with nucleoside analogues has been associated with cases of lactic acidosis, sometimes fatal, usually associated with severe hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis, (see section 4.4).
Lipodystrophy/metabolic abnormalities
Combination antiretroviral therapy has been associated with redistribution of body fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV patients including the loss of peripheral and facial subcutaneous fat, increased intra-abdominal and visceral fat, breast hypertrophy and dorsocervical fat accumulation (buffalo hump).
Combination antiretroviral therapy has been associated with metabolic abnormalities such as hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia and hyperlactataemia (see section 4.4).
Immune Reactivation Syndrome
In HIV-infected patients with severe immune deficiency at the time of initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (CART), an inflammatory reaction to asymptomatic or residual opportunistic infections may arise. Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reactivation; however, the reported time to onset is more variable and these events can occur many months after initiation of treatment (see section 4.4).
Osteonecrosis
Cases of osteonecrosis have been reported, particularly in patients with generally acknowledged risk factors, advanced HIV disease or long-term exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (CART). The frequency of this is unknown (see section 4.4).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation 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 Yellow Card Scheme website www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9 Overdose
There is no experience of overdose with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine. No specific symptoms or signs have been identified following acute overdose with zidovudine or lamivudine apart from those listed as adverse reactions. No fatalities occurred, and all patients recovered. Single doses up to 1,200 mg and daily doses up to 1,800 mg of abacavir have been administered to patients in clinical studies. No unexpected adverse reactions were reported. The effects of higher doses are not known.
If overdose occurs the patient should be monitored for evidence of toxicity (see section 4.8), and standard supportive treatment applied as necessary. Since lamivudine is dialysable, continuous haemodialysis could be used in the treatment of overdose, although this has not been studied. Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis appear to have a limited effect on elimination of zidovudine, but enhance the elimination of the glucuronide metabolite. It is not known whether abacavir can be removed by peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antivirals for systemic use, antivirals for treatment of HIV infections, combinations. ATC Code: J05AR04.
Mechanism of action: Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine are all NRTIs, and are potent selective inhibitors of HIV-1 and HIV-2.All three medicinal products are metabolised sequentially by intracellular kinases to the respective 5'-triphosphate (TP). Lamivudine-TP, carbovir-TP (the active triphosphate form of abacavir) and zidovudine-TP are substrates for and competitive inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT). However, their main antiviral activity is through incorporation of the monophosphate form into the viral DNA chain, resulting in chain termination. Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine triphosphates show significantly less affinity for host cell DNA polymerases.
Lamivudine has been shown to be highly synergistic with zidovudine, inhibiting the replication of HIV in cell culture. Abacavir shows synergy in vitro in combination with nevirapine and zidovudine. It has been shown to be additive in combination with didanosine, stavudine and lamivudine.
In vitro resistance: HIV-1 resistance to lamivudine involves the development of a M184I or, more commonly, M184V amino acid change close to the active site of the viral RT.
Abacavir-resistant isolates of HIV-1 have been selected in vitro and are associated with specific genotypic changes in the RT codon region (codons M184V, K65R,
L74V and Y115F). Viral resistance to abacavir develops relatively slowly in vitro, requiring multiple mutations for a clinically relevant increase in EC50 over wild-type virus.
In vivo resistance (therapy naive patients): The M184V or M184I variants arise in HIV-1 infected patients treated with lamivudine-containing antiretroviral therapy. Most patients experiencing virological failure with a regimen containing abacavir in a pivotal clinical trial with Combivir (fixed dose combination of lamivudine and zidovudine) showed either no NRTI-related changes from baseline (15 %) or only M184V or M184I selection (78 %). The overall selection frequency for M184V or M184I was high (85 %), and selection of L74V, K65R and Y115F was not observed (see Table). Thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs) which are selected by zidovudine (ZDV) were also found (8%).
|
Therapy |
Abacavir + Combivir |
|
Number of Subjects |
282 |
|
Number of Virological Failures |
43 |
|
Number of On-Therapy Genotypes |
40 (100 %) |
|
K65R |
0 |
|
L74V |
0 |
|
Y115F |
0 |
|
M184V/I |
34 (85 %) |
|
TAMs1 |
3 (8 %) |
1 Number of subjects with >1 TAM.
TAMs might be selected when thymidine analogs are associated with abacavir. In a meta-analysis of six clinical trials, TAMs were not selected by regimens containing abacavir without zidovudine (0/127), but were selected by regimens containing abacavir and the thymidine analogue zidovudine (22/86, 26 %). In addition, the selection of L74V and K65R was reduced when co-administered with ZDV (K65R: without ZDV: 13/127, 10 %; with ZDV: 1/86, 1 %; L74V: without ZDV: 51/127, 40 %; with ZDV: 2/86, 2 %).
In vivo resistance (Therapy experienced patients): The M184V or M184I variants arise in HIV-1 infected patients treated with lamivudine-containing antiretroviral therapy and confers high-level resistance to lamivudine. In vitro data tend to suggest that the continuation of lamivudine in anti-retroviral regimen despite the development of M184V might provide residual anti-retroviral activity (likely through impaired viral fitness). The clinical relevance of these findings is not established. Indeed, the available clinical data are very limited and preclude any reliable conclusion in the field. In any case, initiation of susceptible NRTIs should always be preferred to maintenance of lamivudine therapy. Therefore, maintaining lamivudine therapy despite emergence of M184V mutation should only be considered in cases where no other active NRTIs are available. Similarly, the presence of TAMs gives rise to resistance to ZDV.
Clinically significant reduction of susceptibility to abacavir has been demonstrated in clinical isolates of patients with uncontrolled viral replication, who have been pretreated with and are resistant to other nucleoside inhibitors. In a meta-analysis of five clinical trials where abacavir was added to intensify therapy, of 166 subjects, 123 (74 %) had M184V/I, 50 (30 %) had T215Y/F, 45 (27%) had M41L, 30 (18 %) had K70R and 25 (15%) had D67N. K65R was absent and L74V and Y115F were uncommon (<3 %). Logistic regression modelling of the predictive value for genotype (adjusted for baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA [vRNA], CD4+ cell count, number and duration of prior antiretroviral therapies) showed that the presence of 3 or more NRTI resistance-associated mutations was associated with reduced response at Week 4 (p=0.015) or 4 or more mutations at median Week 24 (p<0.012). In addition, the 69 insertion complex or the Q151M mutation, usually found in combination with A62V, V75I, F77L and F116Y, cause a high level of resistance to abacavir.
|
Baseline Reverse Transcriptase Mutation |
Week 4 (n = 166) | ||
|
n |
Median Change vRNA (log10 c/mL) |
Percent with <400 copies/mL vRNA | |
|
None |
15 |
-0.96 |
40 % |
|
M184V alone |
75 |
-0.74 |
64 % |
|
Any one NRTI mutation |
82 |
-0.72 |
65 % |
|
Any two NRTI-associated mutations |
22 |
-0.82 |
32 % |
|
Any three NRTI-associated mutations |
19 |
-0.30 |
5 % |
|
Four or more NRTI-associated mutations |
28 |
-0.07 |
11 % |
Phenotypic resistance and cross-resistance: Phenotypic resistance to abacavir requires M184V with at least one other abacavir-selected mutation, or M184V with multiple TAMs. Phenotypic cross-resistance to other NRTIs with M184V or M184I mutation alone is limited. Zidovudine, didanosine, stavudine and tenofovir maintain their antiretroviral activities against such HIV-1 variants. The presence of M184V with K65R does give rise to cross-resistance between abacavir, tenofovir, didanosine and lamivudine, and M184V with L74V gives rise to cross-resistance between abacavir, didanosine and lamivudine. The presence of M184V with Y115F gives rise to cross-resistance between abacavir and lamivudine. Appropriate use of abacavir can be guided using currently recommended resistance algorithms.
Cross-resistance between abacavir, lamivudine or zidovudine and antiretrovirals from other classes e.g. PIs or NNRTIs is unlikely.
Clinical experience
One randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical study has compared the combination of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine to the combination of indinavir, lamivudine and zidovudine in treatment naive patients. Due to the high proportion of premature discontinuation (42 % of patients discontinued randomised treatment by week 48), no definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding the equivalence between the treatment regimens at week 48. Although a similar antiviral effect was observed between the abacavir and indinavir containing regimens in terms of proportion of patients with undetectable viral load (< 400 copies/ml; intention to treat analysis (ITT), 47 % versus 49 %; as treated analysis (AT), 86 % versus 94 % for abacavir and indinavir combinations respectively), results favoured the indinavir combination, particularly in the subset of patients with high viral load (> 100,000 copies/ml at baseline; ITT, 46 % versus 55 %; AT, 84 % versus 93 % for abacavir and indinavir respectively).
ACTG5095 was a randomised (1:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed in 1147 antiretroviral naive HIV-1 infected adults, comparing 3 regimens: zidovudine (ZDV), lamivudine (3TC), abacavir (ABC), efavirenz (EFV) vs ZDV/3TC/EFV vs ZDV/3TC/ABC. After a median follow-up of 32 weeks, the tritherapy with the three nucleosides ZDV/3TC/ABC was shown to be virologically inferior to the two other arms regardless of baseline viral load (< or > 100 000 copies/ml) with 26 % of subjects on the ZDV/3TC/ABC arm, 16 % on the ZDV/3TC/EFV arm and 13 % on the 4 drug arm categorised as having virological failure (HIV RNA >200 copies/ml). At week 48 the proportion of subjects with HIV RNA <50 copies/ml were 63 %, 80 % and 86 % for the ZDV/3TC/ABC, ZDV/3TC/EFV and ZDV/3TC/ABC/EFV arms, respectively. The study Data Safety Monitoring Board stopped the ZDV/3TC/ABC arm at this time based on the higher proportion of patients with virologic failure. The remaining arms were continued in a blinded fashion. After a median follow-up of 144 weeks, 25 % of subjects on the ZDV/3TC/ABC/EFV arm and 26 % on the ZDV/3TC/EFV arm were categorised as having virological failure. There was no significant difference in the time to first virologic failure (p=0.73, log-rank test) between the 2 arms. In this study, addition of ABC to ZDV/3TC/EFV did not significantly improve efficacy.
|
ZDV/3TC/ABC |
ZDV/3TC/EFV |
ZDV/3TC/ABC/EFV | ||
|
Virologic failure (HIV RNA >200 copies/ml) |
32 weeks |
26 % |
16 % |
13 % |
|
144 weeks |
- |
26 % |
25 % | |
|
Virologic success (48 weeks HIV RNA < 50 copies/ml) |
63 % |
80 % |
86 % | |
In an ongoing clinical study over 16 weeks in treatment-naive patients, the combination of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine showed a similar antiviral effect to the combination with nelfinavir, lamivudine and zidovudine.
In antiretroviral-naive patients the triple combination of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine was superior in terms of durability of viral load response over 48 weeks to lamivudine and zidovudine. In a similar patient population durability of antiviral response over 120 weeks was demonstrated in approximately 70 % of subjects.
In antiretroviral-naive patients treated with a combination of abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine and efavirenz in a small, ongoing, open label pilot study, the proportion of patients with undetectable viral load (< 400 copies/ml) was approximately 90 % with 80 % having < 50 copies/ml after 24 weeks of treatment.
In patients with a low baseline viral load (< 5,000 copies/ml) and moderate exposure to antiretroviral therapy, addition of abacavir to previous treatment including lamivudine and zidovudine, produced a moderate impact on viral load at 48 weeks.
Currently there are no data on the use of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine in heavily pre-treated patients, patients failing on other therapies or patients with advanced disease (CD4 cells < 50 cells/mm3).
The degree of benefit of this nucleoside combination in heavily pre-treated patients will depend on the nature and duration of prior therapy that may have selected for HIV-1 variants with cross-resistance to abacavir, lamivudine or zidovudine.
To date there are insufficient data on the efficacy and safety of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine given concomitantly with NNRTIs or PIs.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine are rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. The absolute bioavailability of oral abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine in adults is about 83 %, 80 - 85 % and 60 - 70 % respectively.
In a pharmacokinetic study in HIV-1 infected patients, the steady state pharmacokinetic parameters of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine were similar when either the abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine fixed dose combination tablet alone or the combination tablet lamivudine/zidovudine and abacavir in combination were administered, and also similar to the values obtained in the bioequivalence study of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine in healthy volunteers.
A bioequivalence study compared the abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine combination tablet with abacavir 300 mg, lamivudine 150 mg and zidovudine 300 mg taken together. The effect of food on the rate and extent of absorption was also studied. The abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine combination tablet was shown to be bioequivalent to abacavir 300 mg, lamivudine 150 mg and zidovudine 300 mg given as separate tablets for AUC0^> and Cmax. Food decreased the rate of absorption of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine (slight decrease Cmax (mean 18 - 32 %) and increase tmax (approximately 1 hour), but not the extent of absorption (AUC0^>). These changes are not considered clinically relevant and no food restrictions are recommended for administration of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine.
At a therapeutic dose (one abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine combination tablet twice daily) in patients, the mean (CV) steady-state Cmax of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine in plasma are 3.49 pg/ml (45 %), 1.33 pg/ml (33 %) and 1.56 pg/ml (83 %), respectively. Corresponding values for Cmin could not be established for abacavir and are 0.14 pg/ml (70 %) for lamivudine and 0.01 pg/ml (64 %) for zidovudine. The mean (CV) AUCs for abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine over a dosing interval of 12 hours are 6.39 pg.h/ml (31 %), 5.73 pg.h/ml (31 %) and 1.50 pg.h/ml (47 %), respectively.
A modest increase in Cmax (28 %) was observed for zidovudine when administered with lamivudine, however overall exposure (AUC) was not significantly altered. Zidovudine has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of lamivudine. An effect of abacavir is observed on zidovudine (Cmax reduced with 20 %) and on lamivudine (Cmax reduced with 35 %).
Distribution
Intravenous studies with abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine showed that the mean apparent volume of distribution is 0.8, 1.3 and 1.6 l/kg respectively. Lamivudine exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over the therapeutic dose range and displays limited binding to the major plasma protein albumin (< 36 % serum albumin in vitro). Zidovudine plasma protein binding is 34 % to 38 %. Plasma protein binding studies in vitro indicate that abacavir binds only low to moderately (~ 49 %) to human plasma proteins at therapeutic concentrations. This indicates a low likelihood for interactions with other medicinal products through plasma protein binding displacement.
Interactions involving binding site displacement are not anticipated with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine.
Data show that abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine penetrate the central nervous system (CNS) and reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The mean ratios of CSF/serum lamivudine and zidovudine concentrations 2 - 4 hours after oral administration were approximately 0.12 and 0.5 respectively. The true extent of CNS penetration of lamivudine and its relationship with any clinical efficacy is unknown.
Studies with abacavir demonstrate a CSF to plasma AUC ratio of between 30 to 44 %. The observed values of the peak concentrations are 9 fold greater than the IC50 of abacavir of 0.08 pg/ml or 0.26 pM when abacavir is given at 600 mg twice daily.
Biotransformation
Metabolism of lamivudine is a minor route of elimination. Lamivudine is predominately cleared by renal excretion of unchanged lamivudine. The likelihood of metabolic drug interactions with lamivudine is low due to the small extent of hepatic metabolism (5 - 10 %) and low plasma binding.
The 5’-glucuronide of zidovudine is the major metabolite in both plasma and urine, accounting for approximately 50 - 80 % of the administered dose eliminated by renal excretion. 3’-amino-3’-deoxythymidine (AMT) has been identified as a metabolite of zidovudine following intravenous dosing.
Abacavir is primarily metabolised by the liver with approximately 2 % of the administered dose being renally excreted, as unchanged compound. The primary pathways of metabolism in man are by alcohol dehydrogenase and by glucuronidation to produce the 5’-carboxylic acid and 5’-glucuronide which account for about 66 % of the dose excreted in the urine.
Elimination
The observed lamivudine half-life of elimination is 5 to 7 hours. The mean systemic clearance of lamivudine is approximately 0.32 l/h/kg, with predominantly renal clearance (> 70 %) via the organic cationic transport system. Studies in patients with renal impairment show lamivudine elimination is affected by renal dysfunction. Dose reduction is required for patients with creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min (see section 4.2).
From studies with intravenous zidovudine, the mean terminal plasma half-life was 1.1 hours and the mean systemic clearance was 1.6 l/h/kg. Renal clearance of zidovudine is estimated to be 0.34 l/h/kg, indicating glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion by the kidneys. Zidovudine concentrations are increased in patients with advanced renal failure.
The mean half-life of abacavir is about 1.5 hours. Following multiple oral doses of abacavir 300 mg twice a day there is no significant accumulation of abacavir. Elimination of abacavir is via hepatic metabolism with subsequent excretion of metabolites primarily in the urine. The metabolites and unchanged abacavir account for about 83 % of the administered abacavir dose in the urine the remainder is eliminated in the faeces.
Special populations
Hepatically impaired: There are no data available on the use of abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine in hepatically impaired patients. Limited data in patients with cirrhosis suggest that accumulation of zidovudine may occur in patients with hepatic impairment because of decreased glucuronidation. Data obtained in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment show that lamivudine pharmacokinetics are not significantly affected by hepatic dysfunction.
Abacavir is metabolised primarily by the liver. The pharmacokinetics of abacavir have been studied in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5-6) receiving a single 600 mg dose. The results showed that there was a mean increase of 1.89 fold [1.32; 2.70] in the abacavir AUC, and 1.58 [1.22; 2.04] fold in the elimination half-life. No recommendation on dose reduction is possible in patients with mild hepatic impairment due to substantial variability of abacavir exposure in this patient population. The pharmacokinetics of abacavir have not been studied in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Plasma concentrations of abacavir are expected to be variable and substantially increased in these patients (see section 4.3).
Renally impaired: The observed lamivudine half-life of elimination is 5 to 7 hours. The mean systemic clearance of lamivudine is approximately 0.32 l/h/kg, with predominantly renal clearance (> 70 %) via the organic cationic transport system. Studies in patients with renal impairment show lamivudine elimination is affected by renal dysfunction.
From studies with intravenous zidovudine, the mean terminal plasma half-life was 1.1 hours and the mean systemic clearance was 1.6 l/h/kg. Renal clearance of zidovudine is estimated to be 0.34 l/h/kg, indicating glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion by the kidneys. Zidovudine concentrations are increased in patients with advanced renal failure.
Abacavir is primarily metabolised by the liver with approximately 2 % of abacavir excreted unchanged in the urine. The pharmacokinetics of abacavir in patients with end-stage renal disease is similar to patients with normal renal function, and, therefore, no dose reduction is required in patients with renal impairment.
As dose adjustments of lamivudine and zidovudine may be necessary it is recommended that separate preparations of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine be administered to patients with reduced renal function (creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min). Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine is contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease (see section 4.3).
Older people: No pharmacokinetic data are available in patients over 65 years of age.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
There are no data available on treatment with the combination of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine in animals. The clinically relevant toxicological effects of these three medicinal products are anaemia, neutropenia and leucopenia.
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity
Neither abacavir, lamivudine nor zidovudine is mutagenic in bacterial tests, but consistent with other nucleoside analogues, inhibit cellular DNA replication in in vitro mammalian tests such as the mouse lymphoma assay.
Lamivudine has not shown any genotoxic activity in the in vivo studies at doses that gave plasma concentrations up to 40 - 50 times higher than clinical plasma levels. Zidovudine showed clastogenic effects in oral repeated dose micronucleus tests in mice and rats. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from AIDS patients receiving zidovudine treatment have also been observed to contain higher numbers of chromosome breakages.
A pilot study has demonstrated that zidovudine is incorporated into leukocyte nuclear DNA of adults, including pregnant women, taking zidovudine as treatment for HIV-1 infection, or for the prevention of mother to child viral transmission. Zidovudine was also incorporated into DNA from cord blood leukocytes of infants from zidovudine-treated mothers. A transplacental genotoxicity study conducted in monkeys compared zidovudine alone with the combination of zidovudine and lamivudine at human-equivalent exposures. The study demonstrated that foetuses exposed in utero to the combination sustained a higher level of nucleoside analogue-DNA incorporation into multiple foetal organs, and showed evidence of more telomere shortening than in those exposed to zidovudine alone. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
Abacavir has a weak potential to cause chromosomal damage both in vitro and in vivo at high test concentrations and therefore any potential risk to man must be balanced against the expected benefits of treatment.
The carcinogenic potential of a combination of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine has not been tested. In long-term oral carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, lamivudine did not show any carcinogenic potential. In oral carcinogenicity studies with zidovudine in mice and rats, late appearing vaginal epithelial tumours were observed. A subsequent intravaginal carcinogenicity study confirmed the hypothesis that the vaginal tumours were the result of long term local exposure of the rodent vaginal epithelium to high concentrations of unmetabolised zidovudine in urine. There were no other zidovudine-related tumours observed in either sex of either species.
In addition, two transplacental carcinogenicity studies have been conducted in mice. In one study, by the US National Cancer Institute, zidovudine was administered at maximum tolerated doses to pregnant mice from day 12 to 18 of gestation. One year postnatally, there was an increase in the incidence of tumours in the lung, liver and female reproductive tract of offspring exposed to the highest dose level (420 mg/kg term body weight).
In a second study, mice were administered zidovudine at doses up to 40 mg/kg for 24 months, with exposure beginning prenatally on gestation day 10. Treatment related findings were limited to late-occurring vaginal epithelial tumours, which were seen with a similar incidence and time of onset as in the standard oral carcinogenicity study. The second study thus provided no evidence that zidovudine acts as a transplacental carcinogen.
It is concluded that as the increase in incidence of tumours in the first transplacental carcinogenicity study represents a hypothetical risk, this should be balanced against the proven therapeutic benefit.
Carcinogenicity studies with orally administered abacavir in mice and rats showed an increase in the incidence of malignant and non-malignant tumours. Malignant tumours occurred in the preputial gland of males and the clitoral gland of females of both species, and in rats in the thyroid gland of males and and in the liver, urinary bladder, lymph nodes and the subcutis of females.
The majority of these tumours occurred at the highest abacavir dose of 330 mg/kg/day in mice and 600 mg/kg/day in rats. The exception was the preputial gland tumour which occurred at a dose of 110 mg/kg in mice. The systemic exposure at the no effect level in mice and rats was equivalent to 3 and 7 times the human systemic exposure during therapy.
While the clinical relevance of these findings is unknown, these data suggest that a carcinogenic risk to humans is outweighed by the potential clinical benefit.
Repeat-dose toxicity
In toxicology studies abacavir was shown to increase liver weights in rats and monkeys. The clinical relevance of this is unknown. There is no evidence from clinical studies that abacavir is hepatotoxic. Additionally, autoinduction of abacavir metabolism or induction of the metabolism of other medicinal products hepatically metabolised has not been observed in man.
Mild myocardial degeneration in the heart of mice and rats was observed following administration of abacavir for two years. The systemic exposures were equivalent to 7 to 24 times the expected systemic exposure in humans. The clinical relevance of this finding has not been determined.
Reproductive toxicology
Lamivudine was not teratogenic in animal studies but there were indications of an increase in early embryonic deaths in the rabbit at relatively low systemic exposures, comparable to those achieved in humans. A similar effect was not seen in rats even at very high systemic exposure.
Zidovudine had a similar effect in both species, but only at very high systemic exposures. At maternally toxic doses, zidovudine given to rats during organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of malformations, but no evidence of foetal abnormalities was observed at lower doses.
Abacavir demonstrated toxicity to the developing embryo and foetus in rats, but not in rabbits. These findings included decreased foetal body weight, foetal oedema, and an increase in skeletal variations/malformations, early intra-uterine deaths and still births. No conclusion can be drawn with regard to the teratogenic potential of abacavir because of this embryo-foetal toxicity.
A fertility study in the rat has shown that abacavir had no effect on male or female fertility. Likewise, neither lamivudine nor zidovudine had any effect on fertility. Zidovudine has not been shown to affect the number of sperm, sperm morphology and motility in man.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Tablet Core
Cellulose, microcrystalline (PH 102) Silica, colloidal anhydrous Sodium starch glycolate (Type A) Magnesium stearate
Film-coating
Opadry Green 03B510004, containing: Hypromellose 6cP Titanium dioxide (E171)
Macrogol 400
Indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132) Iron oxide yellow (E172)
Iron oxide red (E172)
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
Blisters: 2 years
Bottles: 2 years. The shelf life after first opening is 60 days.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Blisters: Do not store above 30°C.
Bottles: This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
PVC/ACLAR / Aluminium foil blister pack.
Pack Sizes: 30, 50x1 (unit dose), 60, 60x1 (unit dose), 90 and 120 film-coated
tablets
Al/Al blister pack.
Pack Sizes: 30, 50x1 (unit dose), 60, 60x1 (unit dose), 90 and 120 film-coated
tablets
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) bottle with white opaque polypropylene screw cap and aluminium induction sealing liner wad.
Pack Sizes: 60 film-coated tablets
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Generics [UK] Ltd trading as Mylan
Station Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1TL
United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 04569/1386
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
25/04/2014
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
25/04/2014