Melanoma and other skin cancers:
Indications for: SYLATRON
Adjuvant treatment of melanoma with microscopic or gross nodal involvement within 84 days of definitive surgical resection including complete lymphadenectomy.
Adult Dosage:
Give by SC inj. Rotate inj sites. Premedicate with acetaminophen. ≥18yrs: 6mcg/kg/week for 8 doses, followed by 3mcg/kg/week for up to 5yrs. Renal impairment (moderate): initially 4.5mcg/kg/week for 8 doses, followed by 2.25mcg/kg/week for up to 5yrs; (severe or ESRD on dialysis): initially 3mcg/kg/week for 8 doses, followed by 1.5mcg/kg/week for up to 5yrs. Withhold dose if ANC <0.5x109/L, platelets <50x109/L, ECOG PS ≥2, or for non-hematologic toxicity ≥Grade 3. Resume at reduced dose (see full labeling) when: ANC ≥0.5x109/L, platelets ≥50x109/L, ECOG PS 0–1, and non-hematologic toxicity has completely resolved or improved to Grade 1.
Children Dosage:
<18yrs: not established.
SYLATRON Contraindications:
Anaphylaxis to peginterferon alfa-2b or interferon alfa-2b. Autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatic decompensation (Child-Pugh score >6 [Class B and C]).
Boxed Warning:
Depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
SYLATRON Warnings/Precautions:
Increased risk of serious depression, suicidal ideation, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Permanently discontinue for: persistent severe or worsening neuropsychiatric disorders (eg, depression, psychosis, encephalopathy); new onset ventricular arrhythmia or cardiovascular decompensation; new or worsening retinopathy; Grade 4 non-hematologic toxicity; severe (Grade 3) hepatic injury or hepatic decompensation; hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus that cannot be effectively managed; or if unable to tolerate a dose of 1mcg/kg/week. Monitor for signs/symptoms of depression/psychosis every 3 weeks during first 8 weeks, then every 6 months, continue for at least 6 months after last dose. Perform eye exam in patients with retinopathy and those with vision changes during therapy. Monitor hepatic function with serum bilirubin, ALT/AST, alkaline phosphate, and LDH at 2 and 8 weeks, and 2 and 3 months following initiation, then every 6 months. Obtain TSH levels within 4 weeks prior to initiation, at 3 and 6 months following initiation, then every 6 months. Moderate-to-severe renal impairment: monitor. Pregnancy: exclude status prior to initiation. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for ≥10days after the last dose. Nursing mothers.
SYLATRON Classification:
Alpha interferon.
SYLATRON Interactions:
Potentiates CYP1A2 (eg, caffeine) or CYP2D6 (eg, desipramine) substrates. Concomitant drugs with narrow therapeutic range metabolized by CYP1A2 or CYP2D6; monitor for increased toxicities.
Adverse Reactions:
Fatigue, increased ALT/AST, pyrexia, headache, anorexia, myalgia, nausea, chills, inj site reaction; neuropsychiatric disorders.
Drug Elimination:
Renal.
Generic Drug Availability:
NO
How Supplied:
Single-use vial—1 (w. diluent)