Zarzio

INSTRUCTION FOR MEDICAL USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT ZARZIO® (ZARZIO®)

Composition:

Active substance: filgrastim (recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor);

1 ml of solution contains 60 million IU (600 µg) or 96 million IU (960 µg) of filgrastim;

prefilled syringe (syringe-dose) contains 30 million IU (300 µg) or 48 million IU (480 µg) of filgrastim in 0.5 ml;

Excipients: glutamic acid, sorbitol (E 420), polysorbate 80, water for injections.

Pharmaceutical form. Solution for injection or infusion.

Main physicochemical properties: clear, colorless or slightly yellowish solution.

Pharmacotherapeutic group.

Immunostimulants. Colony-stimulating factors. Filgrastim.

ATC code L03A A02.

Pharmacological properties.

Pharmacodynamics.

The active substance of the medicinal product is filgrastim – recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Filgrastim has the same biological activity as endogenous human G-CSF, differing from the latter only in that it is a non-glycosylated protein with an additional N-terminal methionine residue. Filgrastim produced by recombinant DNA technology is isolated from Escherichia coli bacterial cells, whose genetic apparatus has been modified by introduction of the gene encoding the G-CSF protein.

Human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, a glycoprotein, regulates the formation of functionally active neutrophilic granulocytes and their release into the bloodstream from the bone marrow. Filgrastim significantly increases the number of neutrophilic granulocytes in peripheral blood within the first 24 hours after administration and simultaneously causes a slight increase in the number of monocytes. The increase in neutrophilic granulocyte count with filgrastim administration within the recommended dose range is dose-dependent. Their functional properties are normal or enhanced, as evidenced by results of chemotaxis and phagocytosis studies. After discontinuation of treatment with the medicinal product, the number of neutrophilic granulocytes in peripheral blood decreases by 50% within 1–2 days and returns to normal levels within 1–7 days.

The use of filgrastim significantly reduces the frequency, severity, and duration of neutropenia in patients following cytotoxic chemotherapy or myeloablative therapy followed by bone marrow transplantation. Administration of filgrastim, both as primary treatment and after chemotherapy, activates peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cells (PBHPCs). These autologous PBHPCs can be harvested from the patient and reinfused after high-dose cytotoxic therapy, either instead of bone marrow transplantation or as an adjunct to it. Administration of PBHPCs accelerates hematopoietic recovery, reduces the risk of hemorrhagic complications and the need for platelet transfusions. In children and adults with congenital neutropenia, filgrastim consistently increases the number of neutrophilic granulocytes in peripheral blood and reduces the frequency of infectious complications.

Pharmacokinetics.

Following both intravenous and subcutaneous administration of the medicinal product, a positive linear relationship between plasma concentration and dose is observed. After subcutaneous administration of recommended doses, serum concentrations exceed 10 ng/mL for 8–16 hours; the volume of distribution in blood is approximately 150 mL/kg. Elimination of the medicinal product from the body follows first-order kinetics, both after subcutaneous and intravenous administration. The mean serum half-life of filgrastim is approximately 3.5 hours, and clearance rate is about 0.6 mL/min per 1 kg body weight. Continuous infusion over 28 days in patients recovering after autologous bone marrow transplantation did not result in signs of drug accumulation or prolonged half-life.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

Reduction of the duration and severity of neutropenia in patients receiving intensive myelosuppressive cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignant diseases (except chronic myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome), and reduction of the duration of neutropenia in patients receiving high-dose cytotoxic chemotherapy followed by autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

The safety and efficacy of filgrastim are similar in adults and children receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy.

• The drug is indicated for mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC).
• Long-term use is indicated in children and adults with severe congenital, cyclic, or

idiopathic neutropenia and neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count <0.5×10⁹/L, with the aim of increasing neutrophil counts and reducing the frequency of infections.

• Treatment of persistent neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count ≤1.0×10⁹/L) in patients with advanced HIV infection to reduce the risk of bacterial infections when other treatments for neutropenia are inappropriate.

Contraindications.

• Hypersensitivity to filgrastim, colony-stimulating factors, Escherichia coli, or to any excipients.
• Severe hereditary neutropenia (Kostmann’s syndrome) with cytogenetic abnormalities and autoimmune neutropenia.
• Terminal stage of chronic renal failure (CRF).
• Chronic myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction.

The safety and efficacy of administering Zarzio® on the same day as myelosuppressive cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents have not been established. Due to the sensitivity of rapidly dividing myeloid cells to myelosuppressive cytotoxic chemotherapy, administration of Zarzio® within 24 hours before or after these agents is not recommended.

When Zarzio® is administered concurrently with 5-fluorouracil, the severity of neutropenia may be increased. Interactions with other hematopoietic growth factors and cytokines are unknown.

Since lithium stimulates neutrophil release, an enhanced effect of Zarzio® may occur when administered concomitantly; however, such studies have not been conducted.

Due to pharmaceutical incompatibility, the drug must not be mixed with 0.9% sodium chloride solution.

Special precautions for use.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions observed at the beginning or during treatment, have been reported in patients receiving filgrastim. Administration of ZARZIO® should be discontinued in patients experiencing clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions.

ZARZIO® should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to filgrastim or pegfilgrastim in their medical history.

Pulmonary adverse reactions

There are data on rare cases of adverse effects on the respiratory organs, including the development of interstitial pneumonia during G-CSF administration. Patients who have recently had infiltrative lung disease or pneumonia may be at higher risk. The appearance of symptoms such as cough, fever, and dyspnea, in combination with radiologically detected lung infiltrates and signs of progressive respiratory failure, may suggest adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). If ARDS is diagnosed, filgrastim administration should be discontinued and appropriate treatment initiated.

During post-marketing use, there have been very rare reports of pulmonary adverse events (hemoptysis, pulmonary hemorrhage, lung infiltration, dyspnea, and oxygen desaturation), including in healthy donors. If a pulmonary adverse event is suspected or confirmed, further administration of filgrastim should be discontinued and appropriate medical care provided.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Typically, glomerulonephritis resolves after dose reduction or discontinuation of filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Periodic urinalysis is recommended.

Capillary leak syndrome

Cases of capillary leak syndrome, potentially life-threatening if treatment is delayed, have been reported after G-CSF administration. This syndrome is characterized by arterial hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hemoconcentration. Patients exhibiting signs of capillary leak syndrome require careful monitoring and symptomatic therapy, including resuscitation measures.

Splenomegaly and splenic rupture

Cases of asymptomatic splenomegaly and splenic rupture have been observed in healthy donors and patients after filgrastim administration. Enlargement of the spleen is a direct consequence of filgrastim administration. Splenomegaly, detected by palpation, was observed in 31% of patients participating in clinical trials. Several fatal cases of splenic rupture have been reported. Therefore, careful monitoring of spleen size (clinical and ultrasound examination) is necessary. The diagnosis of splenic rupture should be ruled out in donors and/or patients complaining of pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen or left shoulder. Dose reduction may halt or stop progression of spleen enlargement; splenectomy was required in 3% of patients.

Growth of malignant cells

Since G-CSF is known to promote the growth of myeloid cells in vitro, similar effects may be observed for some non-myeloid cells in vitro.

Myelodysplastic syndrome or chronic myeloid leukemia

The safety and efficacy of filgrastim in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or chronic myeloid leukemia have not been established; therefore, filgrastim is not indicated for use in these conditions. Special caution is required when differentiating acute myeloid leukemia from blast transformation of chronic myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Due to limited data on the safety and efficacy of filgrastim in patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the drug should be used with caution.

The safety and efficacy of filgrastim administration in de novo AML patients under 55 years of age with favorable cytogenetic prognosis [t(8;21), t(15;17), and inv(16)] have not been established.

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia has been very commonly observed in patients receiving filgrastim. Careful monitoring of platelet count is necessary, especially during the first weeks of filgrastim therapy. In cases of thrombocytopenia development in patients with severe chronic neutropenia (SCN), i.e., persistent platelet count reduction to levels < 100 × 10⁹/L, further therapy with filgrastim should be temporarily discontinued or the dose reduced.

Leukocytosis

White blood cell counts reaching or exceeding 100 × 10⁹/L occur in less than 5% of patients receiving a daily dose of the drug exceeding 0.3 million IU/kg (3 mcg/kg body weight). There are no reports of adverse effects directly caused by leukocytosis of this severity. However, considering the potential risks associated with severe leukocytosis, regular monitoring of white blood cell counts is necessary during filgrastim therapy. If white blood cell count exceeds 50 × 10⁹/L after reaching the expected level, the drug should be immediately discontinued. When the drug is used for PBPC mobilization, administration should be discontinued or the dose adjusted if white blood cell count increases to > 70 × 10⁹/L.

Immunogenicity

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity. The rate of antibody development against filgrastim is generally low. Binding antibodies have been detected, as with all biopharmaceuticals; however, they are currently not associated with neutralizing activity.

Special precautions and warnings related to concomitant diseases

Special precautions in patients with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease

Sickle cell crises, sometimes fatal, have been reported during filgrastim administration in patients with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. Physicians should exercise caution when prescribing filgrastim to patients with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease.

In patients with sickle cell anemia, cases of acute hemolytic crisis (increased number of abnormal cells) have been observed, sometimes with fatal outcomes. Filgrastim should be administered with caution to such patients, and appropriate clinical and laboratory parameters should be closely monitored, with special attention to possible spleen enlargement and development of vascular thrombosis.

Osteoporosis

In patients with concomitant bone pathology and osteoporosis, bone mineral density should be regularly monitored during prolonged (>6 months) filgrastim therapy.

Special precautions in oncology patients

Filgrastim should not be used to increase the dose of cytotoxic chemotherapy beyond established dosing regimens.

Risk associated with increased chemotherapy dose

Particular caution is required when treating patients with malignant tumors receiving high-dose cytotoxic agents, as treatment efficacy has not been established in these cases. It is known that higher doses of chemotherapeutic agents may cause more pronounced toxicity, leading to cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and dermatological adverse reactions (see instructions for concomitant cytotoxic medicinal products).

Impact of chemotherapy on erythrocytes and platelets

Filgrastim monotherapy does not prevent thrombocytopenia and anemia caused by myelosuppressive chemotherapy. When higher doses of chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., full doses according to prescribed regimens) are used, the risk of severe thrombocytopenia and anemia increases.

Regular monitoring of hematocrit and platelet count is recommended. Particular caution should be exercised when using single-agent or combination chemotherapeutic regimens that may cause severe thrombocytopenia.

When filgrastim is used for PBPC mobilization, a reduction in the severity and duration of thrombocytopenia caused by myelosuppressive or myeloablative chemotherapy has been observed.

Other special precautions

The efficacy of the drug has not been studied in patients with significantly reduced numbers of myeloid precursor cells. Filgrastim increases neutrophil counts primarily by affecting neutrophil precursor cells. Therefore, in patients with reduced precursor cell counts (e.g., due to intensive radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or bone marrow infiltration by tumor cells), the number of neutrophils produced may be reduced.

Vascular complications, such as venous occlusion and fluid imbalance, have occasionally been observed in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation.

There are data on the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and fatal cases in patients receiving G-CSF after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Enhanced hematopoiesis in the bone marrow in response to growth factor therapy is associated with transient pathological changes detectable by bone scintigraphy. This should be considered when interpreting diagnostic bone images.

Cases of aortitis after filgrastim administration have been reported in both healthy individuals and cancer patients. Symptoms included fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain, and elevated inflammatory markers (e.g., increased C-reactive protein and leukocytosis). In most cases, aortitis was diagnosed by CT scanning and typically resolved after discontinuation of filgrastim.

Special precautions for patients requiring PBPC mobilization

Mobilization

There is no randomized comparison of the two recommended mobilization methods (filgrastim alone or in combination with myelosuppressive chemotherapy) within the same patient population. The degree of variability among individual patients and between CD34+ cell laboratory assays makes direct comparison of different studies difficult. Therefore, it is difficult to recommend an optimal method. The choice of mobilization method should be considered in relation to the overall treatment goals for the individual patient.

Prior exposure to cytotoxic agents

In patients previously treated with intensive myelosuppressive therapy, filgrastim administration for PBPC mobilization may not result in an increase in PBPC count to the recommended minimum level (≥ 2.0 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg) or improved platelet recovery rate.

Some cytotoxic agents exhibit specific toxicity toward hematopoietic precursor cells and negatively affect their mobilization. Prolonged use of melphalan, carboplatin, or carmustine (BCNU) prior to precursor cell mobilization may impair outcomes. However, concurrent use of melphalan, carboplatin, or BCNU with filgrastim is effective for PBPC mobilization. If PBPC transplantation is planned, stem cell mobilization should be performed at an early stage of the patient's treatment. Special attention should be paid to the number of precursor cells activated in these patients before high-dose chemotherapy. If mobilization results are insufficient according to the above criteria, alternative treatment methods not requiring precursor cells should be considered.

Assessment of precursor cell count

When evaluating the number of PBPCs mobilized in patients receiving filgrastim therapy, special attention should be paid to the method of quantitative determination. Results of flow cytometric analysis of CD34+ cell counts vary significantly depending on the methodology used; therefore, results obtained in other laboratories should be interpreted with caution.

Statistical analysis of the relationship between the number of infused CD34+ cells and the rate of platelet count recovery after high-dose chemotherapy shows a complex but consistent correlation. Recommendations for ensuring a minimum content of ≥ 2.0 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg are based on published data on adequate hematological recovery. Faster recovery is observed at levels exceeding the minimum recommended, while recovery is prolonged at levels below the recommended minimum.

Special precautions for healthy donors undergoing PBPC mobilization

Mobilization of PBPCs in healthy donors affects their health status and is used exclusively for obtaining allogeneic stem cells for transplantation.

Donors undergoing PBPC mobilization for transplantation must meet standard clinical and laboratory requirements for stem cell donors. Special attention should be paid to blood test results and the presence of infectious diseases. The safety and efficacy of filgrastim administration in healthy donors under 16 years of age or over 60 years of age have not been evaluated.

Transient thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 × 10⁹/L) after filgrastim administration and leukapheresis was observed in 35% of patients. Among them, two cases of platelet count reduction < 50 × 10⁹/L were reported and attributed to the leukapheresis procedure.

If more than one leukapheresis procedure is required, special attention should be paid to donors whose platelet count before the start of leukapheresis is < 100 × 10⁹/L; leukapheresis is generally not recommended if platelet count is < 75 × 10⁹/L.

Leukapheresis should not be performed in donors requiring anticoagulant therapy or with coagulation disorders.

Monitoring of donors receiving G-CSF for PBPC mobilization should continue until hematological parameters normalize.

Transient cytogenetic changes have been observed in healthy donors after G-CSF administration. The significance of these changes is unknown.

Long-term safety of the drug in donors is still being evaluated. The risk of promoting the formation of malignant myeloid cell clones cannot be excluded. Apheresis centers are recommended to conduct systematic follow-up of stem cell donors for at least 10 years to ensure monitoring of long-term safety parameters.

Special precautions for recipients undergoing PBPC mobilization with filgrastim

Data indicate that allogeneic PBPCs and recipient immunological interaction carries a higher risk of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease compared to bone marrow transplantation.

Special precautions for patients with SCN

Filgrastim should not be administered to patients with severe congenital neutropenia who have developed leukemia or show signs of leukemic transformation.

Blood composition studies

Other blood formula changes may occur, including anemia and transient increase in myeloid precursor cells; careful monitoring of blood formula is required.

Transformation to leukemia or preleukemia

Particular caution is required in diagnosing SCN to differentiate it from other hematological disorders such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplasia, and myeloid leukemia. Before starting treatment, a complete blood count with leukocyte formula and platelet count, as well as bone marrow morphology and karyotype, should be determined.

Development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or leukemia in patients with severe chronic neutropenia participating in clinical trials of filgrastim use is rare (approximately in 3% of cases). These disorders were observed only in patients with congenital neutropenia. MDS and leukemia are common complications of the disease; their association with filgrastim therapy is uncertain. Approximately 12% of patients (without cytogenetic abnormalities before treatment initiation) showed abnormalities in subsequent tests, including monosomy 7. In patients with severe chronic neutropenia developing cytogenetic abnormalities, the benefit-risk ratio of continued filgrastim use should be carefully evaluated. Continued administration of filgrastim in patients developing MDS or leukemia should be discontinued. It is unknown whether long-term filgrastim therapy in patients with severe chronic neutropenia increases the risk of cytogenetic abnormalities, MDS, or disease transformation to leukemia. Morphological and cytogenetic examination of bone marrow should be performed regularly, approximately every 12 months.

Other special precautions

Other causes of neutropenia, such as viral infections, should be ruled out.

Hematuria was frequently observed, while proteinuria was observed in a small number of patients. Regular urinalysis is necessary for timely detection of these phenomena.

Safety and efficacy in newborns and patients with autoimmune neutropenia have not been established.

Special precautions for patients with HIV infection

Blood formula

Careful monitoring of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is required, especially during the first weeks of filgrastim therapy. In some patients, a very rapid response with a significant increase in neutrophil count in response to the first dose of filgrastim has been observed. Daily determination of ANC is recommended during the first 2-3 days of filgrastim administration. Subsequently, during the first 2 weeks, ANC determination is recommended at least twice a week, then once a week and every two weeks during maintenance therapy. During scheduled filgrastim administration at individually determined doses and at a dose of 30 million IU/day (300 mcg/day), greater fluctuations in patient ANC values are possible. To determine minimum values (lowest ANC values), blood samples for ANC analysis should be obtained immediately before scheduled filgrastim administration.

Risk associated with use of myelosuppressive medicinal products at higher doses

Filgrastim administration alone does not prevent thrombocytopenia and anemia caused by myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Due to the use of higher doses of chemotherapeutic agents or a greater number of such agents in combination with filgrastim, the risk of thrombocytopenia and anemia in patients may increase. Regular monitoring of blood formula parameters is recommended.

Infectious and malignant diseases causing myelosuppression

Neutropenia may result from bone marrow infiltration by opportunistic infection agents, such as Mycobacterium avium, or by malignant tumors, such as lymphoma. In patients with infectious diseases or malignant tumors affecting the bone marrow, appropriate therapy to treat the disease is necessary in addition to filgrastim administration to resolve neutropenia. The effect of filgrastim on resolving neutropenia caused by infectious diseases or malignant tumors affecting the bone marrow has not been determined.

Excipients

ZARZIO® contains sorbitol; therefore, this product should not be used in patients with rare hereditary fructose intolerance.

The protective cap contains derivatives of natural rubber latex. Although the medicinal product itself does not contain natural rubber latex, the safety of using the product in latex-sensitive patients has not been studied.

To improve traceability of G-CSF, the name of the administered medicinal product should be clearly documented in the patient's file.

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg)/dose of sodium, i.e., essentially "sodium-free."

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

The safety of filgrastim in pregnant women has not been established. Data indicate that filgrastim crosses the placental barrier. No teratogenic effects of filgrastim were observed in animal studies. Reproductive toxicity was observed in animal studies. In animals receiving filgrastim, an increased rate of abortions was observed.

ZARZIO® is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

It is unknown whether filgrastim and its metabolites are excreted in human breast milk; therefore, the risk to infants cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or filgrastim therapy, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Animal studies have shown that filgrastim does not affect reproductive function or fertility in animals.

Ability to affect reaction speed when driving or operating machinery

Filgrastim may have a minor effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery, specifically due to possible dizziness.

Method of Administration and Dosage

Treatment with ZARZIO® can be administered in healthcare facilities equipped with appropriate diagnostic equipment. Physicians should have experience in using medicinal products containing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and in managing patients with hematological disorders.

Procedures for mobilization and apheresis should be performed in collaboration with physicians experienced in these techniques and capable of appropriate monitoring of hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Neutropenia in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignant diseases.

The recommended daily dose of the medicinal product is 0.5 million IU/kg (5 μg/kg) body weight, administered once daily. The first dose should be given no sooner than 24 hours after completion of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Treatment should continue until the total neutrophil count in the blood exceeds the expected threshold level and reaches normal values. After chemotherapy for solid tumors, lymphomas, and lympholeukosis, the duration of treatment to achieve these values is up to 14 days. After induction and consolidation therapy for acute myeloid leukemia, the treatment duration may be significantly prolonged (up to 38 days), depending on the type, dose, and regimen of the cytotoxic chemotherapy used.

In patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, a transient increase in neutrophil count is usually observed within 1–2 days after initiation of ZARZIO® treatment. However, to achieve a stable therapeutic effect, treatment should be continued until neutrophil counts exceed the expected minimum threshold and reach normal levels. Premature discontinuation of ZARZIO® before neutrophil counts cross the expected minimum threshold is not recommended.

Route of Administration

ZARZIO® should be administered either as subcutaneous injections or as intravenous infusions (diluted in 5% glucose solution) over 30 minutes, once daily. In most cases, the subcutaneous route is preferred. With intravenous administration of a single dose, the duration of the drug’s effect may be shortened. The clinical significance of these findings with regard to repeated dosing has not been established. The choice of administration route depends on the specific clinical circumstances and should be determined individually for each patient.

Patients undergoing myeloablative therapy followed by bone marrow transplantation.

The recommended initial dose of ZARZIO® is 1 million IU/kg (10 μg/kg) body weight per day. The first dose should be administered no sooner than 24 hours after cytotoxic chemotherapy and no sooner than 24 hours after bone marrow transplantation.

After the nadir (lowest point) of neutrophil count is reached, the daily dose of ZARZIO® should be adjusted according to changes in neutrophil count (see table).

Dose adjustment of ZARZIO® in response to reaching the nadir.

Route of Administration

The medication should be dissolved in 20 mL of 5% glucose solution and administered as a short intravenous infusion over 30 minutes or as a prolonged subcutaneous or intravenous infusion over 24 hours.

Mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) in patients receiving myelosuppressive or myeloablative therapy followed by autologous PBSC transplantation

Patients receiving myelosuppressive or myeloablative therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation.

For PBSC mobilization using ZARZIO® as monotherapy, the recommended dose is 1 million IU/kg (10 mcg/kg) body weight per day for 5–7 consecutive days as a prolonged subcutaneous infusion over 24 hours. Usually, 1–2 leukapheresis sessions on days 5 and 6 are sufficient. In some cases, an additional leukapheresis session should be performed. The dose of ZARZIO® should not be changed before the final leukapheresis.

For PBSC mobilization after myelosuppressive chemotherapy, the recommended dose of ZARZIO® is 0.5 million IU/kg (5 mcg/kg) body weight per day, starting on the first day after completion of chemotherapy, until the neutrophil count passes the expected nadir and returns to normal. Leukapheresis should be performed during the period of rising ANC from < 0.5 × 10⁹/L to > 5 × 10⁹/L. Patients who have not received intensive chemotherapy usually require only one leukapheresis session. In individual cases, additional leukapheresis sessions are recommended.

Route of Administration

Filgrastim for PBSC mobilization when used alone may be administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion over 24 hours or by subcutaneous injection. For infusions, filgrastim should be diluted in 20 mL of 5% glucose solution.

Filgrastim for PBSC mobilization after myelosuppressive chemotherapy should be administered subcutaneously.

PBSC mobilization in healthy donors prior to allogeneic PBSC transplantation

For PBSC mobilization prior to allogeneic PBSC transplantation in healthy donors, the recommended dose of ZARZIO® is 1 million IU/kg (10 mcg/kg) body weight per day for 4–5 consecutive days. Leukapheresis should begin on day 5 and, if necessary, continue on day 6 to obtain 4 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg of recipient body weight.

Route of Administration

Filgrastim should be administered by subcutaneous injection.

In patients with severe chronic neutropenia (SCN)

Congenital neutropenia

The recommended initial dose is 1.2 million IU/kg (12 mcg/kg) body weight per day administered as a single subcutaneous injection or in divided doses.

Idiopathic and cyclic neutropenia

The recommended initial dose is 0.5 million IU/kg (5 mcg/kg) body weight per day administered as a single dose or in divided doses.

Dose titration

ZARZIO® should be administered daily by subcutaneous injection until the neutrophil count exceeds and stabilizes above 1.5 × 10⁹/L. After achieving the therapeutic effect, the minimal effective dose required to maintain this level should be determined. Maintenance of the required neutrophil count requires long-term daily administration. After 1–2 weeks of treatment, the initial dose may be doubled or halved depending on the therapeutic response. Thereafter, individual dose adjustments should be made every 1–2 weeks to stabilize the mean neutrophil count within the range of 1.5 × 10⁹/L to 10 × 10⁹/L. In patients with severe infections, a more rapid dose escalation regimen may be used. The safety of long-term treatment with filgrastim doses exceeding 2.4 million IU (24 mcg/kg) per day has not been established.

Route of Administration

Filgrastim should be administered by subcutaneous injection.

In patients with HIV infection

Neutrophil count recovery

The recommended initial dose of the medication is 0.1 million IU/kg (1 mcg/kg) body weight per day, increasing the dose up to 0.4 million IU/kg (4 mcg/kg) body weight per day by single subcutaneous injection until normalization of the neutrophil count (ANC > 2.0 × 10⁹/L). Neutrophil count normalization usually occurs within 2 days. In a small number of cases (< 10% of patients), the dose may be increased up to 1 million IU/kg (10 mcg/kg body weight per day) to restore neutrophil count.

Maintenance of normal neutrophil count

Once neutropenia has resolved, the minimal effective dose to maintain normal neutrophil levels should be established. After achieving the therapeutic effect, the maintenance dose is 300 mcg/day 2–3 times per week on an alternate-day schedule. Subsequently, individual dose adjustments may be required, and long-term treatment may be necessary to maintain a mean neutrophil count > 2.0 × 10⁹/L.

Route of Administration

Filgrastim should be administered by subcutaneous injection.

Special patient populations

Dose adjustment is not required in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment, as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters have been found to be similar to those in healthy volunteers.

There are no specific recommendations for the use of ZARZIO® in elderly patients.

Children

In pediatric clinical practice, the safety profile of ZARZIO® in children with SCN and oncological diseases is similar to that in adults. The safety and efficacy of the medication in neonates have not been established.

Dosage recommendations for pediatric patients are the same as for adults receiving myelosuppressive cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Recommendations prior to administration

Before administration, visually inspect the contents of the pre-filled syringe. The solution should be clear and free of particles. Short-term exposure to low temperatures does not adversely affect the stability of the medication. The medication contains no preservatives. To avoid microbial contamination, note that ZARZIO® in a pre-filled syringe is intended for single use only. For storage and outpatient use, the product may be removed from the refrigerator and stored at room temperature (not exceeding 25°C) once for up to 8 days. After this period, it should not be returned to the refrigerator and must be discarded.

Recommendations for dilution of the medication

ZARZIO® may be administered diluted in 5% glucose solution. Dilution to a concentration below 0.2 million IU/mL (2 mcg/mL) is not recommended. When diluting to a concentration < 1.5 million IU/mL (15 mcg/mL), human albumin should be added to achieve a final concentration of 2 mg/mL. For example, to achieve a total volume of 20 mL and a total dose of ZARZIO® 30 million IU (300 mcg), an additional 0.2 mL of 20% albumin solution should be added.

When diluted in glucose solution, the medication may be adsorbed onto glass and other materials used for infusion administration. Sodium chloride solution must not be used for dilution of the medication.

Chemical and physical stability of the diluted infusion solution after opening the packaging has been confirmed for 24 hours when stored at 2–8°C. From a microbiological standpoint, the medication should be used immediately. If not used immediately, the responsibility for storage conditions and duration after opening until administration lies with the user. Dilution must be performed under controlled and approved aseptic conditions.

Preferred body sites for subcutaneous injection of ZARZIO® are shown in the figure:

Instructions for patient self-injection of ZARZIO®

This section contains information on patient self-injection of ZARZIO®. Important! Do not attempt to self-administer the injection unless you have been trained in the injection technique by a physician or nurse. ZARZIO® is supplied with a needle safety device to prevent needlestick injury after use, and your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the syringe. If you are unsure whether you can perform the injection or have any questions, contact your doctor or nurse for assistance.

Warning! Do not use the syringe if it has fallen on a hard surface or if it has fallen after removal of the needle cap.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove one syringe from the packaging and remove the needle safety device from the injection needle. The syringes have raised graduation marks in case the syringe needs to be partially filled with medication. Each graduation mark corresponds to a volume of 0.1 mL. If the syringe is to be partially filled, expel the excess solution before administration.
3. Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe.
4. Form a skin fold by pinching the skin between your thumb and index finger.
5. Insert the needle into the skin fold with a quick, confident motion. Administer the ZARZIO® solution as demonstrated by your physician. If you are unsure, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only.

The needlestick injury protection device activated after use covers the needle after injection to prevent needlestick injuries. This does not affect the normal operation of the syringe. Slowly and steadily press the plunger until the full dose has been administered and the plunger can no longer be advanced. While continuing to apply pressure on the plunger, withdraw the needle from the skin. The needlestick injury protection device will cover the needle once the plunger is released.

Disposal

Any unused medicinal product or waste material must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Overdose

Symptoms of ZARZIO® overdose are unknown. Within 1–2 days after discontinuation of treatment with the medicinal product, the number of circulating neutrophilic granulocytes typically decreases by 50%, and returns to normal within 1–7 days.

Adverse Reactions

The frequency of adverse reactions is classified as follows: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100, < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1000, < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000, < 1/1000); very rare (< 1/10,000).

The most serious adverse reactions associated with filgrastim treatment include: anaphylactic reactions, severe pulmonary adverse effects (including interstitial pneumonia and acute respiratory distress), capillary leak syndrome, severe splenomegaly/rupture of the spleen, myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia in patients with severe congenital neutropenia, graft rejection reactions in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation or peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation, and sickle cell crisis in patients with sickle cell disease.

The most commonly observed adverse effects during filgrastim therapy are pyrexia, bone and muscle pain (including bone pain, back pain, arthralgia, myalgia, limb pain, musculoskeletal pain, chest musculoskeletal pain, neck pain), anemia, nausea, and vomiting. In oncology patients, musculoskeletal pain of low to moderate severity was observed in 10% of patients, and high severity pain in 3%. Bone and muscle pain is generally relieved with standard analgesics.

In healthy donors undergoing mobilization of PBPCs, the most common adverse reaction was skeletal-muscular pain.

In patients with SCN, the most common adverse reactions during filgrastim therapy were bone pain, generalized skeletal-muscular pain, splenomegaly, and rupture of the spleen. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or leukemia has been observed in patients with congenital neutropenia receiving filgrastim.

Capillary leak syndrome, a life-threatening condition if not immediately treated, has been reported uncommonly (≥1/1000 to <1/100) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and in healthy donors undergoing peripheral blood stem cell mobilization following administration of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors.

In clinical trials in HIV-infected patients, the only adverse reactions considered to be related to filgrastim were skeletal-muscular pain, bone pain, and myalgia.

Administration of filgrastim did not increase the frequency of adverse events caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy. Adverse events observed with similar frequency in patients receiving filgrastim/chemotherapy and those receiving placebo/chemotherapy included nausea and vomiting, alopecia, diarrhea, fatigue, anorexia, mucositis, headache, cough, skin rash, chest pain, general weakness, sore throat, constipation, and unspecified pain.

Vascular disorders were observed in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation.

The list below includes adverse reactions reported in clinical trials and spontaneous post-marketing reports.

Infections and infestations

Common: sepsis, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Very common: thrombocytopenia, anemia¹.

Common: splenomegaly¹, decreased hemoglobin levels⁵.

Uncommon: leukocytosis¹, spleen function disorders.

Rare: rupture of the spleen¹, sickle cell crises.

Immune system disorders

Common: allergic reactions, skin rash, urticaria, angioneurotic edema.

Uncommon: hypersensitivity reactions, drug hypersensitivity reactions¹, graft-versus-host reactions².

Rare: anaphylactic reactions.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Common: increased blood lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, decreased appetite⁵.

Uncommon: increased blood uric acid levels, hyperuricemia.

Rare: pseudogout¹, decreased blood glucose levels, fluid balance disturbances.

Psychiatric disorders

Common: insomnia.

Nervous system disorders

Very common: headache¹.

Common: dizziness, hypesthesia, paresthesia.

Vascular disorders

Common: arterial hypertension, arterial hypotension.

Uncommon: veno-occlusive disease⁴.

Rare: capillary leak syndrome¹, aortitis.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common: hemoptysis, dyspnea, cough¹, oropharyngeal pain^1,5, epistaxis, shortness of breath.

Uncommon: acute respiratory distress syndrome¹, respiratory failure¹, pulmonary edema¹, interstitial lung disease¹, lung infiltrates¹, pulmonary hemorrhage, oxygen deficiency.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common: diarrhea^1,5, vomiting^1,5, nausea¹.

Common: oral pain, constipation.

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common: hepatomegaly, increased blood alkaline phosphatase levels.

Uncommon: increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very common: alopecia¹.

Common: rash¹, erythema.

Uncommon: maculopapular rash, Sweet’s syndrome, cutaneous vasculitis¹.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Very common: bone and muscle pain³.

Common: muscle spasm.

Uncommon: osteoporosis.

Rare: exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis symptoms, decreased bone density.

Renal and urinary disorders

Common: dysuria, hematuria.

Uncommon: proteinuria.

Rare: pathological changes in urine analysis, glomerulonephritis.

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common: fatigue¹, weakness, mucosal inflammation¹, pyrexia.

Common: chest pain¹, pain¹, asthenia¹, malaise⁵, peripheral edema⁵, injection site pain.

Uncommon: injection site reactions.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Common: transfusion reaction⁵.

¹ See description of individual adverse reactions.

² Reports of graft-versus-host reactions and fatal cases have been received in patients receiving G-CSF after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (see description of individual adverse reactions).

³ Includes bone pain, back pain, arthralgia, myalgia, limb pain, musculoskeletal pain, chest musculoskeletal pain, neck pain.

⁴ Cases reported in the post-marketing period in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation or PBPC mobilization.

⁵ Adverse events occurred more frequently in patients receiving filgrastim compared to placebo group and are associated with the underlying malignancy or cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Description of individual adverse reactions

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, rash, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, dyspnea, and arterial hypotension have been reported in clinical trials and in the post-marketing period, occurring during initial or subsequent treatment phases. Reports were generally more frequent after intravenous administration. In some cases, symptoms recurred upon provocation testing, indicating a causal relationship. Filgrastim should not be administered further in patients who experience serious allergic reactions.

Lung disorders

Pulmonary adverse events including hemoptysis, pulmonary hemorrhage, lung infiltrates, dyspnea, and oxygen deficiency have been observed in clinical trials and post-marketing experience, leading to respiratory failure or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sometimes fatal. Reports of very rare pulmonary events have also been received from healthy donors.

Splenomegaly and rupture of the spleen

Splenomegaly and rupture of the spleen have been reported following filgrastim administration. Some cases of splenic rupture were fatal.

In HIV-infected patients, spleen enlargement ranged from mild to moderate on clinical examination, and the clinical course was benign; no patient developed hypersplenism or required splenectomy. Since splenomegaly is common in HIV-infected patients and occurs with varying severity in most AIDS patients, a causal relationship with filgrastim use remains unclear.

Capillary leak syndrome

Cases of capillary leak syndrome have been reported with human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors. These typically occurred in patients with advanced disease, sepsis, those receiving multi-agent chemotherapy, or undergoing apheresis.

Cutaneous vasculitis

Cutaneous vasculitis has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim. The mechanism of vasculitis in patients receiving filgrastim is unknown. During long-term treatment, cutaneous vasculitis was observed in 2% of SCN patients.

Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis (absolute leukocyte count > 50 × 10⁹/L) was observed in 41% of donors. Transient thrombocytopenia (absolute platelet count < 100 × 10⁹/L) was also observed in 35% of donors after filgrastim administration and leukapheresis.

Sweet’s syndrome

Cases of Sweet’s syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) have been reported in cancer patients receiving filgrastim. However, since most of these patients had leukemia—a condition frequently associated with Sweet’s syndrome—a causal relationship with filgrastim has not been established.

Pseudogout (pyrophosphate chondrocalcinosis)

Cases of pseudogout have been reported in cancer patients receiving filgrastim.

Graft-versus-host reactions

Reports of graft-versus-host reactions and fatal cases have been received in patients receiving G-CSF after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Immunogenicity

Data from four clinical studies involving healthy volunteers and oncology patients showed no development of anti-rhG-CSF antibodies following filgrastim administration.

Pediatric population

Clinical data in pediatric patients indicate that the safety and efficacy of filgrastim are similar in children and adults receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, suggesting no age-related differences in filgrastim pharmacokinetics. The only consistently reported adverse reaction was musculoskeletal pain, which is no different from that observed in adults.

Insufficient data are available to further evaluate filgrastim use in children.

Other special patient groups

Elderly patients

No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed in subjects aged 65 years and older compared to younger adults (aged 18 years and older) receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, and clinical experience has not revealed differences in response between elderly and younger adult patients. Insufficient data are available to assess filgrastim use in elderly patients for other approved indications.

Children with SCN

Cases of decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis have been reported in children with severe chronic neutropenia receiving long-term filgrastim therapy. The frequency of this adverse event in clinical trials was considered common.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after drug authorization is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product.

Healthcare professionals should report any suspected adverse reactions via Ukraine’s pharmacovigilance system.

Shelf life. 3 years.

Storage conditions.

Store at 2–8 °C in the original packaging. Do not freeze.

Keep out of reach of children.

After reconstitution, the solution is stable for 24 hours at 2–8 °C.

From a microbiological standpoint, the solution should be used immediately.

Packaging.

0.5 mL of solution in a pre-filled syringe made of colorless transparent glass, fitted with a plunger with a gray rubber stopper, an injection needle, a gray rubber protective cap, a polypropylene outer cap, and a needlestick injury protection device, in a blister pack.

1 or 5 blister packs per cardboard box.

Prescription status. Prescription only.

Manufacturer.

Novartis Pharma Manufacturing GmbH

or

Sandoz GmbH – Aseptic Medicinal Products Schaftenu (AMP Schaftenu)

Manufacturer’s address and location of operations.

Biochemiestrasse 10, Unterlangkampfen, Langkampfen, 6336, Austria

or

Biochemiestrasse 10, 6336 Langkampfen, Austria