Cresemba

Isavuconazole.

Each capsule contains 100 mg isavuconazole (as 186.3 mg isavuconazonium sulfate).
Each vial contains 200 mg isavuconazole (as 372.6 mg isavuconazonium sulfate).
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Cap: Capsule contents: magnesium citrate (anhydrous), microcrystalline cellulose, talc, colloidal anhydrous silica, stearic acid.
Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion: Mannitol, Sulfuric acid (for pH-adjustment).

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antimycotics for systemic use, triazole derivatives. ATC code: J02AC05.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of action: Isavuconazole is the active moiety formed after oral or intravenous administration of isavuconazonium sulfate (see Pharmacokinetics as follows).
Isavuconazole demonstrates a fungicidal effect by blocking the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane, through the inhibition of cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, responsible for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol. This results in an accumulation of methylated sterol precursors and a depletion of ergosterol within the cell membrane, thus weakening the structure and function of the fungal cell membrane.
Clinical efficacy and safety: Treatment of invasive aspergillosis: The safety and efficacy of isavuconazole for the treatment of patients with invasive aspergillosis was evaluated in a double-blind, active-controlled clinical study in 516 patients with invasive fungal disease caused by Aspergillus species or other filamentous fungi. In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, 258 patients received isavuconazole and 258 patients received voriconazole. CRESEMBA was administered intravenously (equivalent to 200 mg isavuconazole) every 8 hours for the first 48 hours, followed by once-daily intravenous or oral treatment (equivalent to 200 mg isavuconazole). The protocol-defined maximum treatment duration was 84 days. Median treatment duration was 45 days.
The overall response at end-of-treatment (EOT) in the myITT population (patients with proven and probable invasive aspergillosis based on cytology, histology, culture or galactomannan testing) was assessed by an independent blinded Data Review Committee. The myITT population comprised 123 patients receiving isavuconazole and 108 patients receiving voriconazole. The overall response in this population was n=43 (35%) for isavuconazole and n=42 (38.9%) for voriconazole. The adjusted treatment difference (voriconazole-isavuconazole) was 4.0 (95% confidence interval: -7.9; 15.9).
The all-cause mortality at Day 42 in this population was 18.7% for isavuconazole and 22.2% for voriconazole. The adjusted treatment difference (isavuconazole-voriconazole) was -2.7% (95% confidence interval: -12.9; 7.5).
Treatment of mucormycosis: In an open-label non-controlled study, 37 patients with proven or probable mucormycosis received isavuconazole at the same dose regimen as that used to treat invasive aspergillosis. Median treatment duration was 84 days for the overall mucormycosis patient population, and 102 days for the 21 patients not previously treated for mucormycosis. For patients with probable or proven mucormycosis as defined by the independent Data Review Committee (DRC), all-cause mortality at Day 84 was 43.2% (16/37) for the overall patient population, 42.9% (9/21) for mucormycosis patients receiving isavuconazole as primary treatment, and 43.8% (7/16) for mucormycosis patients receiving isavuconazole who were refractory to, or intolerant of, prior antifungal therapy (mainly amphotericin B-based treatments). The DRC-assessed overall success rate at EOT was 11/35 (31.4%), with 5 patients considered completely cured and 6 patients partially cured. A stable response was observed in an additional 10/35 patients (28.6%). In 9 patients with mucormycosis due to Rhizopus spp., 4 patients showed a favourable response to isavuconazole. In 5 patients with mucormycosis due to Rhizomucor spp., no favourable responses were observed. The clinical experience in other species is very limited (Lichtheimia spp. n=2, Cunninghamella spp. n=1, Actinomucor elegans n=1).
Paediatric population: No data are available for the safety and efficacy of CRESEMBA in children aged below 18 years.
Pharmacokinetics: Isavuconazonium sulfate is a water-soluble prodrug that can be administered as an intravenous infusion or orally as hard capsules. Following administration, isavuconazonium sulfate is rapidly hydrolysed by plasma esterases to the active moiety isavuconazole; plasma concentrations of the prodrug are very low, and detectable only for a short time after intravenous dosing.
Absorption: Following oral administration of CRESEMBA in healthy subjects, the active moiety isavuconazole is absorbed and reaches maximum plasma concentrations (C_max) approximately 2-3 hours after single and multiple dosing (see Table 1).


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As shown in Table 2 as follows, the absolute bioavailability of isavuconazole following oral administration of a single dose of CRESEMBA is 98%. Based on these findings, intravenous and oral dosing can be used interchangeably. (See Table 2.)


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Effect of food on absorption: Oral administration of CRESEMBA equivalent to 400 mg isavuconazole with a high-fat meal reduced isavuconazole C_max by 9% and increased AUC by 9%. CRESEMBA can be taken with or without food.
Distribution: Isavuconazole is extensively distributed, with a mean steady state volume of distribution (V_ss) of approximately 450 L. Isavuconazole is highly bound (> 99%) to human plasma proteins, predominantly to albumin.
Biotransformation: In vitro/in vivo studies indicate that CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and subsequently uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT), are involved in the metabolism of isavuconazole.
Following single doses of [cyano-¹⁴C] isavuconazonium and [pyridinylmethyl-¹⁴C] isavuconazonium sulfate in humans, in addition to the active moiety (isavuconazole) and the inactive cleavage product, a number of minor metabolites were identified. Except for the active moiety isavuconazole, no individual metabolite was observed with an AUC >10% of total radio-labelled material.
Elimination: Following oral administration of radio-labelled isavuconazonium sulfate to healthy subjects, a mean of 46.1% of the radioactive dose was recovered in faeces, and 45.5% was recovered in urine.
Renal excretion of intact isavuconazole was less than 1% of the dose administered.
The inactive cleavage product is primarily eliminated by metabolism and subsequent renal excretion of the metabolites.
Linearity/non-linearity: Studies in healthy subjects have demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole are proportional up to 600 mg per day.
Pharmacokinetics in special populations: Paediatric patients: The pharmacokinetics in paediatric patients (<18 years) have not yet been evaluated. No data are available.
Renal impairment: No clinically relevant changes were observed in the total C_max and AUC of isavuconazole in subjects with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment compared to subjects with normal renal function. Of the 403 patients who received CRESEMBA in the Phase 3 studies, 79 (20%) of patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m². No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment, including those patients with end-stage renal disease. Isavuconazole is not readily dialysable (see Dosage & Administration).
Hepatic impairment: After a single 100 mg dose of isavuconazole was administered to 32 patients with mild (Child-Pugh Class A) hepatic insufficiency and 32 patients with moderate (Child-Pugh Class B) hepatic insufficiency (16 intravenous and 16 oral patients per Child-Pugh class), the least square mean systemic exposure (AUC) increased 64% in the Child-Pugh Class A group, and 84% in the Child-Pugh Class B group, relative to 32 age- and weight-matched healthy subjects with normal hepatic function. Mean plasma concentrations (C_max) were 2% lower in the Child-Pugh Class A group and 30% lower in the Child-Pugh Class B group. The population pharmacokinetic evaluation of isavuconazole in healthy subjects and patients with mild or moderate hepatic dysfunction demonstrated that the mild and moderate hepatic impairment populations had 40% and 48% lower isavuconazole clearance (CL) values, respectively, than the healthy population.
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
CRESEMBA has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Use in these patients is not recommended unless the potential benefit is considered to outweigh the risks. See Dosage & Administration and Precautions.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: In rats and rabbits, isavuconazole at systemic exposures below the therapeutic level were associated with dose-related increases in the incidence of skeletal anomalies (rudimentary supernumerary ribs) in offspring. In rats, a dose-related increase in the incidence of zygomatic arch fusion was also noted in offspring (see Use in Pregnancy & Lactation).
Administration of isavuconazonium sulfate to rats at a dose of 90 mg/kg/day (2.3-fold the human maintenance dose [200 mg] based on mg/m²/day) during pregnancy through the weaning period showed an increased perinatal mortality of the pups. In utero exposure to the active moiety isavuconazole had no effect on the fertility of the surviving pups.
Intravenous administration of ¹⁴C-labelled isavuconazonium sulfate to lactating rats resulted in the recovery of radiolabel in the milk.
Isavuconazole did not affect the fertility of male or female rats treated with oral doses up to 90 mg/kg/day (2.3-fold the clinical maintenance dose based on mg/m²/day comparisons).
Isavuconazole has no discernible mutagenic or genotoxic potential. Isavuconazole was negative in a bacterial reverse mutation assay, was weakly clastogenic at cytotoxic concentrations in the L5178Y tk+/- mouse lymphoma chromosome aberration assay, and showed no biologically relevant or statistically significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in an in vivo rat micronucleus test.
No carcinogenicity studies have been performed.
Isavuconazole inhibited the hERG potassium channel and the L-type calcium channel with an IC₅₀ of 5.82 μM and 6.57 μM respectively (34- and 38-fold the human non-protein bound C_max at maximum recommended human dose [MRHD], respectively). The in vivo 39-week repeated-dose toxicology studies in monkeys did not show QTcF prolongation at doses up to 40 mg/kg/day (2.1-fold the recommended clinical maintenance dose, based on mg/m²/day comparisons).
Environmental risk assessment has shown that CRESEMBA may pose a risk for the aquatic environment.
Microbiology: In animal models of disseminated and pulmonary aspergillosis, the pharmacodynamic (PD) index important in efficacy is exposure divided by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (AUC/MIC).
No clear correlation between in vitro MIC and clinical response for the different species (Aspergillus and Mucorales) could be established.
Concentrations of isavuconazole required to inhibit Aspergillus species and genera/species of the order Mucorales in vitro have been very variable. Generally, concentrations of isavuconazole required to inhibit Mucorales are higher than those required to inhibit the majority of Aspergillus species.
Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated for the following Aspergillus species: Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, and A. terreus (see further as follows).
Mechanism(s) of resistance: Reduced susceptibility to triazole antifungal agents has been associated with mutations in the fungal cyp51A and cyp51B genes coding for the target protein lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase involved in ergosterol biosynthesis. Fungal strains with reduced in vitro susceptibility to isavuconazole have been reported, and cross-resistance with voriconazole and other triazole antifungal agents cannot be excluded.
Breakpoints: EUCAST MIC breakpoints are defined for the following species (susceptible S; resistant R): Aspergillus fumigatus: S ≤1 mg/L, R >1 mg/L.
Aspergillus nidulans: S ≤0.25 mg/L, R >0.25 mg/L.
Aspergillus terreus: S ≤1 mg/L, R >1 mg/L
There are currently insufficient data to set clinical breakpoints for other Aspergillus species.

CRESEMBA is indicated in adults for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis; mucormycosis in patients for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate (see Precautions & Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antifungal agents.
Usage: Specimens for fungal culture and other relevant laboratory studies (including histopathology) to isolate and identify causative organism(s) should be obtained prior to initiating antifungal therapy. Therapy may be instituted before the results of the cultures and other laboratory studies are known depending on national guideline. However, once these results become available, antifungal therapy should be adjusted accordingly.

Posology: Loading dose: Cap: The recommended loading dose is two capsules (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) every 8 hours for the first 48 hours (6 administrations in total).
Infusion: The recommended loading dose is one vial after reconstitution and dilution (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) every 8 hours for the first 48 hours (6 administrations in total).
Maintenance dose: Cap: The recommended maintenance dose is two capsules ( equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) once daily, starting 12 to 24 hours after the last loading dose.
Infusion: The recommended maintenance dose is one vial after reconstitution and dilution (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) once daily, starting 12 to 24 hours after the last loading dose.
Duration of therapy should be determined by the clinical response (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
For long-term treatment beyond 6 months, the benefit-risk balance should be carefully considered (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
Cap: Switch to intravenous infusion: CRESEMBA is also available as powder for concentrate for solution for infusion containing 200 mg isavuconazole, equivalent to 372 mg isavuconazonium sulfate.
On the basis of the high oral bioavailability (98%, see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions), switching between intravenous and oral administration is appropriate when clinically indicated.
Infusion: Switch to oral isavuconazole: CRESEMBA is also available as hard capsules containing 100 mg isavuconazole, equivalent to 186 mg isavuconazonium sulfate.
On the basis of the high oral bioavailability (98%, see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions), switching between intravenous and oral administration is appropriate when clinically indicated.
Cap/Inj: Elderly: No dose adjustment is necessary for elderly patients; however the clinical experience in elderly patients is limited.
Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment, including patients with end-stage renal disease (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Classes A and B) (see Precautions and Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
CRESEMBA has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Use in these patients is not recommended unless the potential benefit considered to outweigh the risks. See Precautions, Adverse Reactions and Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions.
Paediatric population: The safety and efficacy of CRESEMBA in children aged below 18 years has not yet been established. No data are available.
Method of Administration: Cap: CRESEMBA capsules can be taken with or without food.
CRESEMBA capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush, dissolve or open the capsules.
Infusion: Intravenous use.
Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product: CRESEMBA must be reconstituted and then further diluted to a concentration corresponding to approximately 0.8 mg/mL isavuconazole prior to administration by intravenous infusion over a minimum of 1 hour to reduce the risk of infusion-related reactions. The infusion must be administered via an infusion set with an in-line filter with a microporous membrane made of polyethersulfone (PES) and with a pore size of 0.2 μm to 1.2 μm. CRESEMBA must only be given as an intravenous infusion.
For details instructions on the reconstitution and dilution of CRESEMBA before administration, see Cautions for Usage.

Symptoms: Symptoms reported more frequently at supratherapeutic doses of CRESEMBA (equivalent to isavuconazole 600 mg/day) evaluated in a QT study than in the therapeutic dose group (equivalent to isavuconazole 200 mg/day dose) included: headache, dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, disturbance in attention, dysgeusia, dry mouth, diarrhea, oral hypoaesthesia, vomiting, hot flush, anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, tachycardia, photophobia and arthralgia.
Management of overdose: Isavuconazole is not removed by haemodialysis. There is no specific antidote for isavuconazole. In the event of an overdose, supportive treatment should be instituted.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in Description.
Co-administration with ketoconazole (see Interactions).
Co-administration with high-dose ritonavir (>200 mg every 12 hours) (see Interactions).
Co-administration with strong CYP3A4/5 inducers such as rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, long-acting barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), phenytoin and St. John's wort or with moderate CYP3A4/5 inducers such as efavirenz, nafcillin and etravirine (see Interactions).
Patients with familial short QT syndrome (see Precautions).

Hypersensitivity: Caution should be used in prescribing isavuconazole to patients with hypersensitivity to other azole antifungal agents. Hypersensitivity to isavuconazole may result in adverse reactions that include: hypotension, respiratory failure, dyspnea, drug eruption, pruritus, and rash.
Infusion-related reactions (Infusion only): During intravenous administration of isavuconazole, infusion-related reactions including hypotension, dyspnea, dizziness, paraesthesia, nausea, and headache were reported (see Adverse Reactions). The infusion should be stopped if these reactions occur.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported during treatment with azole antifungal agents. If a patient develops a severe cutaneous adverse reaction, CRESEMBA should be discontinued.
Cardiovascular: QT shortening: CRESEMBA is contraindicated in patients with familial short QT syndrome (see Contraindications).
In a QT study in healthy human subjects, isavuconazole shortened the QT interval in a concentration-related manner. For the 200 mg dosing regimen, the least squares mean (LSM) difference from placebo was 13.1 ms at 2 hours post dose [90% CI: 17.1, 9.1 ms]. Increasing the dose to 600 mg resulted in an LSM difference from placebo of 24.6 ms at 2 hours post dose [90% CI: 28.7, 20.4 ms].
Caution is warranted when prescribing CRESEMBA to patients taking other medicinal products known to decrease the QT interval, such as rufinamide.
Elevated liver transaminases: Elevated liver transaminases have been reported in clinical studies (see Adverse Reactions). The elevations in liver transaminases rarely required discontinuation of CRESEMBA. Monitoring of hepatic enzymes should be considered, as clinically indicated.
Severe hepatic impairment: CRESEMBA has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Use in these patients is not recommended unless the potential benefit is considered to outweigh the risks. These patients should be carefully monitored for potential drug toxicity. See Dosage & Administration, Adverse Reactions and Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions.
Concomitant use with other medicinal products: CYP3A4/5 inhibitors: Ketoconazole is contraindicated (see Contraindications). For the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir, a two-fold increase in isavuconazole exposure was observed. For other strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, a less pronounced effect can be expected. No dose adjustment of CRESEMBA is necessary when co-administered with strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, however caution is advised as adverse drug reactions may increase (see Interactions).
CYP3A4/5 inducers: Co-administration with mild CYP3A4/5 inducers such as aprepitant, prednisone, and pioglitazone, may result in mild to moderate decreases of isavuconazole plasma levels; co-administration with mild CYP3A4/5 inducers should be avoided unless the potential benefit is considered to outweigh the risk (see Interactions).
CYP3A4/5 substrates including immunosuppressants: Isavuconazole can be considered a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4/5, and systemic exposure to medicinal products metabolised by CYP3A4 may be increased when co-administered with CRESEMBA. Concomitant use of CRESEMBA with CYP3A4 substrates such as the immunosuppressants tacrolimus, sirolimus or ciclosporin may increase the systemic exposure to these medicinal products. Appropriate therapeutic drug monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary during co-administration (see Interactions).
CYP2B6 substrates: Isavuconazole is an inducer of CYP2B6. Systemic exposure to medicinal products metabolised by CYP2B6 may be decreased when co-administered with CRESEMBA. Therefore, caution is advised when CYP2B6 substrates, especially medicinal products with a narrow therapeutic index such as cyclophosphamide, are co-administered with CRESEMBA. The use of the CYP2B6 substrate efavirenz with CRESEMBA is contraindicated because efavirenz is a moderate inducer of CYP3A4/5 (see Contraindications).
P-gp substrates: Isavuconazole may increase the exposure of medicinal products that are P-gp substrates. Dose adjustment of medicinal products that are P-gp substrates, especially medicinal products with a narrow therapeutic index such as digoxin, colchicine and dabigatran etexilate, may be needed when concomitantly administered with CRESEMBA (see Interactions).
Limitations of the clinical data: The clinical data for isavuconazole in the treatment of mucormycosis are limited to one prospective non-controlled clinical study in 37 patients with proven or probable mucormycosis who received isavuconazole for primary treatment, or because other antifungal treatments (predominantly amphotericin B) were inappropriate.
For individual Mucorales species, the clinical efficacy data are very limited, often to one or two patients (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions). Susceptibility data were available in only a small subset of cases. These data indicate that concentrations of isavuconazole required for inhibition in vitro are very variable between genera/species within the order of Mucorales, and generally higher than concentrations required to inhibit Aspergillus species. It should be noted that there was no dose-finding study in mucormycosis, and patients were administered the same dose of isavuconazole as was used for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis.
Effects on ability to drive and use machine: Isavuconazole has a moderate potential to influence the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery if symptoms of confusional state, somnolence, syncope, and/or dizziness are experienced.

Pregnancy: There are no data from the use of CRESEMBA in pregnant women.
Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions). The potential risk for humans is unknown.
CRESEMBA must not be used during pregnancy except in patients with severe or potentially life-threatening fungal infections, in whom isavuconazole may be used if the anticipated benefits outweigh the possible risks to the foetus.
Women of child-bearing potential: CRESEMBA is not recommended for women of childbearing potential who are not using contraception.
Breast-feeding: Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of isavuconazole/metabolites in milk (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
A risk to newborns and infants cannot be excluded.
Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with CRESEMBA.
Fertility: There are no data on the effect of isavuconazole on human fertility. Studies in animals did not show impairment of fertility in male or female rats (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).

Summary of the safety profile: The frequency of adverse reactions shown in Table 3 is based on data from 403 patients with invasive fungal infections treated with CRESEMBA in phase 3 studies.
The most common treatment-related adverse reactions were elevated liver chemistry tests (7.9%), nausea (7.4%), vomiting (5.5%), dyspnea (3.2%), abdominal pain (2.7%), diarrhea (2.7%), injection site reaction (2.2%), headache (2.0%), hypokalaemia (1.7%) and rash (1.7%).
The adverse reactions which most often led to permanent discontinuation of CRESEMBA treatment were confusional state (0.7%), acute renal failure (0.7%), increased blood bilirubin (0.5%), convulsion (0.5%), dyspnea (0.5%), epilepsy (0.5%), respiratory failure (0.5%) and vomiting (0.5%).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions: Table 3 presents adverse reactions with isavuconazole in the treatment of invasive fungal infections, by System Organ Class and frequency.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined as follows: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); and uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100).
Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. (See Table 3.)


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Description of selected adverse reactions: Delirium includes reactions of confusional state.
Elevated liver chemistry tests includes events of alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, blood bilirubin increased, blood lactate dehydrogenase increased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased, hepatic function abnormal, hyperbilirubinemia, liver function test abnormal, and transaminases increased.
Laboratory effects: In a double-blind, randomized, active-controlled clinical study of 516 patients with invasive fungal disease caused by Aspergillus species or other filamentous fungi, elevated liver transaminases (alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase) >3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) were reported at the end of study treatment in 4.4% of patients who received CRESEMBA. Marked elevations of liver transaminases >10 x ULN developed in 1.2% of patients on isavuconazole.
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.

Potential of medicinal products to affect the pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole: Isavuconazole is a substrate of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions). Co-administration of medicinal products which are inhibitors of CYP3A4 and/or CYP3A5 may increase the plasma concentrations of isavuconazole. Co-administration of medicinal products which are inducers of CYP3A4 and/or CYP3A5 may decrease the plasma concentrations of isavuconazole.
Medicinal products that inhibit CYP3A4/5: Co-administration of CRESEMBA with the strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor ketoconazole is contraindicated, since this medicinal product can significantly increase plasma concentrations of isavuconazole (see Contraindications and the following text).
For the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir, a two-fold increase in isavuconazole exposure was observed. For other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as clarithromycin, indinavir and saquinavir, a less pronounced effect can be expected, based on their relative potency. No dose adjustment of CRESEMBA is necessary when co-administered with strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, however caution is advised as adverse drug reactions may increase (see Precautions).
No dose adjustment is warranted for moderate to mild CYP3A4/5 inhibitors.
Medicinal products that induce CYP3A4/5: Co-administration of CRESEMBA with potent CYP3A4/5 inducers such as rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, long-acting barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), phenytoin and St. John's wort, or with moderate CYP3A4/5 inducers such as efavirenz, nafcillin and etravirine, is contraindicated, since these medicinal products can significantly decrease plasma concentrations of isavuconazole (see Contraindications).
Co-administration with mild CYP3A4/5 inducers such as aprepitant, prednisone and pioglitazone, may result in mild to moderate decreases of isavuconazole plasma levels; co-administration with mild CYP3A4/5 inducers should be avoided unless the potential benefit is considered to outweigh the risk (see Precautions).
Co-administration with high-dose ritonavir (>200 mg twice daily) is contraindicated, as at high doses ritonavir may induce CYP3A4/5 and decrease isavuconazole plasma concentrations (see Contraindications).
Potential for CRESEMBA to affect exposures of other medicines: Medicinal products metabolised by CYP3A4/5: Isavuconazole is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4/5; co-administration of CRESEMBA with medicinal products which are substrates of CYP3A4/5 may result in increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products.
Medicinal products metabolised by CYP2B6: Isavuconazole is a mild CYP2B6 inducer; co-administration of CRESEMBA may result in decreased plasma concentrations of CYP2B6 substrates.
Medicinal products transported by P-gp in the intestine: Isavuconazole is a mild inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp); co-administration with CRESEMBA may result in increased plasma concentrations of P-gp substrates.
Medicinal products transported by BCRP: Isavuconazole is an inhibitor in vitro of BCRP, and plasma concentrations of substrates of BCRP may therefore be increased. Caution is advised when CRESEMBA is given concomitantly with substrates of BCRP.
Medicinal products renally excreted via transport proteins: Isavuconazole is a mild inhibitor of the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2). Co-administration of CRESEMBA with medicinal products which are substrates of OCT2 may result in increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products.
Uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) substrates: Isavuconazole is a mild inhibitor of UGT. Co-administration of CRESEMBA with medicinal products which are substrates of UGT may result in mildly increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products.
Interaction table: Interactions between isavuconazole and co-administered medicinal products are listed in Table 4 (increase is indicated as "↑", decrease as "↓"), ordered by therapeutic class. Unless otherwise stated, studies detailed in Table 4 have been performed with the recommended dose of CRESEMBA. (See Table 4.)


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Incompatibilities: Cap: Not applicable.
Infusion: In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in Special precautions for disposal and other handling as follows.
Special precautions for disposal and other handling: Cap: This medicinal product may pose a risk to the environment (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Infusion: Reconstitution: One vial of the powder for concentrate for solution for infusion should be reconstituted by addition of 5 mL water for injections to the vial. The vial should be shaken to dissolve the powder completely. The reconstituted solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Reconstituted concentrate should be clear and free of visible particulate. It must be further diluted prior to administration.
Dilution and administration: After reconstitution, the entire content of the reconstituted concentrate should be removed from the vial and added to an infusion bag containing at least 250 mL of either sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection or 50 mg/mL (5%) dextrose solution. The infusion solution contains approximately 1.5 mg/mL isavuconazonium sulfate (corresponding to approximately 0.8 mg isavuconazole per mL). After the reconstituted concentrate is further diluted, the diluted solution may show fine white-to-translucent particulates of isavuconazole, that do not sediment (but will be removed by in-line filtration). The diluted solution should be mixed gently, or the bag should be rolled to minimise the formation of particulates. Unnecessary vibration or vigorous shaking of the solution should be avoided. The solution for infusion must be administered via an infusion set with an in-line filter (pore size 0.2 μm to 1.2 μm) made of polyether sulfone (PES).
Isavuconazole should not be infused into the same line or cannula concomitantly with other intravenous products.
Storage conditions after reconstitution and dilution are 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C, or 6 hours at room temperature.
If possible, the intravenous administration of isavuconazole should be completed within 6 hours after reconstitution and dilution at room temperature. If this is not possible, the infusion solution should be immediately refrigerated after dilution, and infusion should be completed within 24 hours. Further information regarding the storage conditions after reconstitution and dilution of the medicinal product is provided in Shelf life under Storage.
An existing intravenous line should be flushed with sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection or 50 mg/mL (5%) dextrose solution.
This medicinal product is for single use only. Discard partially-used vials.
This medicinal product may pose a risk to the environment (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Cap: Store below 30°C. Store in the original packaging in order to protect from moisture.
Infusion: Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
Storage conditions after reconstitution and dilution are 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C, or 6 hours at room temperature.
Shelf life: Cap: 30 months.
Infusion: 48 months.
Chemical and physical in-use stability after reconstitution and dilution has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C, or 6 hours at room temperature.
From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C, unless reconstitution and dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

Antifungals

J02AC05 - isavuconazole ; Belongs to the class of triazole and tetrazole derivatives. Used in the systemic treatment of mycotic infections.

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