Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals

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RX metastatic carcinoma of the ovary after failure of

standard platinum based therapy.
PACLITAXEL 6 MG/ML
Breast cancer:
CONCETRATE FOR SOLUTION
In the adjuvant setting, paclitaxel is indicated for
FOR INFUSION the treatment of patients with node-positive
30 MG, 100 MG, 260 MG, 300 MG breast carcinoma following anthracycline and
cyclophosphamide (AC) therapy. Adjuvant
1.NAME OF THE MEDICINAL treatment with paclitaxel should be regarded as
an alternative to extended AC therapy.
PRODUCT
Paclitaxel is indicated for the initial treatment of
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ml concentrate for solution for
infusion locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
either in combination with an anthracycline in
2. QUALITATIVE AND patients for whom anthracycline therapy is
QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION suitable, or in combination with trastuzumab, in
patients who over-express human epidermal
1 ml of concentrate for solution for infusion growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) at a 3+ level
contains 6 mg paclitaxel. as determined by immunohistochemistry and for
Each 5 ml vial contains 30 mg of paclitaxel whom an anthracycline is not suitable (see
section 4.4 and 5.1)
Each 16.7 ml vial contains 100 mg of paclitaxel
As a single agent, treatment of metastatic
Each 43.3 ml vial contains 260 mg of paclitaxel carcinoma of the breast in patients who have
failed to respond adequately to standard
Each 50 ml vial contains 300 mg of paclitaxel
treatment with anthracyclines or in whom
Excipients with known effect: anthracycline therapy has not been appropriate.
ethanol, 393 mg per ml Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):
macrogolglycerol ricinoleate (polyoxyl castor Paclitaxel, in combination with cisplatin, is
oil), 527 mg per ml indicated for the treatment of non-small cell lung
cancer in patients who are not candidates for
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. potentially curative surgical intervention and/or
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM radiation therapy.

Concentrate for solution for infusion AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS):

A clear, colourless to slightly yellow, viscous Paclitaxel is indicated for the treatment of
solution. patients with advanced AIDS-related Kaposi's
sarcoma who have failed prior liposomal
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS anthracycline therapy.
4.1 Therapeutic indications Limited efficacy data supports this indication; a
Ovarian cancer: summary of the relevant studies is shown in
section 5.1.
In first line chemotherapy of ovarian cancer,
paclitaxel is indicated for the treatment of 4.2 Posology and method of
patients with advanced disease or a residual administration
disease (> 1cm) after initial laparotomy, in
combination with cisplatin. Posology

In second-line chemotherapy of ovarian cancer, Pre-medication: All patients must be given pre-
paclitaxel is indicated in the treatment of medication consisting of corticosteroids,
antihistamines and H2-receptor antagonists prior
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
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to paclitaxel administration, in order to prevent mg/m2 administered over a period of 3 hours

severe hypersensitivity reactions. Such pre- every 3 weeks for four courses, following AC
medication may consist of: therapy.
Table 1: Pre-medication Schedule First-line chemotherapy of breast
carcinoma: When used in combination with
Pre-medication Dose Administration
Prior to Paclitaxel doxorubicin (50 mg/m2), paclitaxel should be
administered 24 hours after doxorubicin. The
Dexamethasone 20 mg oral* or IV** Oral: Approx. 12
and 6 hours recommended dose of paclitaxel is 220
IV: 30 – 60 min mg/m2 administered intravenously over a period
Diphenhydramine *** 50 mg IV 30 to 60 min of 3 hours, with a 3-week interval between
courses (see 4.5 and 5.1).
Cimetidine or 300 mg IV 30 to 60 min
Ranitidine 50 mg IV When used in combination with trastuzumab, the
recommended dose of paclitaxel is 175
* 8-20 mg for KS patients
mg/m2 administered intravenously over a period
** intravenous of 3 hours, with a 3-week interval between
courses. Paclitaxel infusion may be started the
*** or an equivalent antihistamine e.g. day following the first dose of trastuzumab or
chlorphenamine 10 mg IV, administered 30 to immediately after the subsequent doses of
60 minutes prior to paclitaxel trastuzumab if the preceding dose of
Paclitaxel should be administered using an in- trastuzumab was well tolerated.
line filter with a microporous membrane of Second-line chemotherapy of breast
≤0.22 microns. carcinoma: The recommended dose of paclitaxel
Given the possibility of extravasation, it is is 175 mg/m2 administered over a period of 3
advisable to monitor closely the infusion site for hours, with a 3-week interval between courses.
possible infiltration during administration
Advanced non-small cell lung cancer: The
First-line treatment of ovarian cancer: Although recommended dose of paclitaxel is 175
alternative medication regimens for paclitaxel mg/m2 administered over 3 hours followed by 80
are under investigation at present, a combination mg/m2 of cisplatin, with a 3-week interval
therapy of paclitaxel and cisplatin is between courses.
recommended. Treatment of AIDS-related KS: The
Depending on the duration of infusion, two recommended dose of paclitaxel is 100 mg/m²
different dosages are recommended for administered as a 3-hour intravenous infusion
paclitaxel treatment: 175 mg/m2 of paclitaxel is every two weeks.
administered as an intravenous infusion over a Dose adjustment: Subsequent doses of paclitaxel
period of three hours followed thereafter by 75 should be administered according to individual
mg/m2 of cisplatin and the therapy is repeated at patient tolerance. Paclitaxel should not be re-
3-week intervals, or 135 mg/m2 of paclitaxel is administered until the neutrophil count is ≥1.5 x
administered as an intravenous infusion over a 109/l (≥1 x 109/l for KS patients) and the platelet
period of 24 hours followed thereafter by 75 count is ≥100 x 109/l (≥75 x 109/l for KS
mg/m2 of cisplatin and the therapy is repeated at patients).
3-week intervals (see section 5.1).
Patients who experience severe neutropenia
Second-line treatment of ovarian cancer: The (neutrophil count <0.5 x 109/l for a minimum of
recommended dose of paclitaxel is 175 7 days) or severe peripheral neuropathy, should
mg/m2 administered over 3 hours, with a 3-week receive a dose reduction of 20% for subsequent
interval between courses. courses (25% for KS patients) (see section 4.4).
Adjuvant chemotherapy in breast carcinoma: the
recommended dose of paclitaxel is 175
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
PACLIT AXEL Taj Phar ma : Us es, Side E ffe cts, Intera ctions, Pictures , Warning s, PACLITAXE L Dosage & Rx Info | PACLITAXE L Uses, Side Effects -: Indications, Side E ffe cts, War nings, PACLIT AXEL - Drug I nformation - Taj P harma, PA CLITA XEL dose Taj pharma ceutical s PACLITAXEL i nteractions, Taj Phar ma ceutical PA CLITAX EL contraindi cations, PACLITAXE L price, PA CLITA XEL Taj Phar ma Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusionSMPC- Taj Phar ma . Stay connected to all updated on PA CLITAXE L Taj Phar maceuticals Taj pharma ce uticals Hydera bad.

Patients with hepatic impairment: Inadequate Given the possibility of extravasation, it is

data are available to recommend dosage advisable to closely monitor the infusion site for
alterations in patients with mild to moderate possible infiltration during drug administration.
hepatic impairments (see section 4.4 and 5.2).
Patients with severe hepatic impairment must Patients must be pretreated with corticosteroids,
not be treated with paclitaxel. antihistamines and H2 antagonists (section 4.2).

Paediatric use: Paclitaxel is not recommended Paclitaxel should be given before cisplatin when
for use in children below 18 years due to lack of used in combination (section 4.5).
data on safety and efficacy. Significant hypersensitivity reactions, as
characterised by dyspnoea and hypotension
Method of administration
requiring treatment, angioedema, and
Precautions to be taken before handling or generalised urticaria have occurred in <1% of
administering the medicinal product patients receiving paclitaxel after adequate
premedication. These reactions are probably
The concentrate for solution for infusion must be histamine-mediated. In the case of severe
diluted before use (see section 6.6) and should hypersensitivity reactions, paclitaxel infusion
only be administered intravenously.
should be discontinued immediately,
symptomatic therapy should be initiated and the
4.3 Contraindications patient should not be rechallenged with
Paclitaxel is contraindicated in patients with paclitaxel. Macrogolglycerol ricinoleate
severe hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel, (polyoxyl castor oil), an excipient in this
macrogolglycerol ricinoleate (polyoxyl castor medicinal product, can cause these reactions.
oil) (see section 4.4) or to any of the excipients Bone marrow suppression, primarily
listed in section 6.1. neutropenia, is the dose-limiting toxicity.
Paclitaxel is contraindicated during lactation Frequent monitoring of blood counts should be
(see section 4.6). instituted. Patients should not be retreated until
the neutrophil count is ≥1.5 x 109/l (≥1 x 109/l
Paclitaxel should not be used in patients with for KS patients) and the platelets recover to
baseline neutrophils <1.5 x 109/l (<1 x 109/l for ≥100 x 109/l (≥75 x 109/l for KS patients). In the
KS patients) or platelets <100 x 109/l (<75 x KS clinical study, the majority of patients were
109/l for KS patients). receiving granulocyte colony stimulating factor
(G-CSF).
In KS, paclitaxel is also contraindicated in
patients with concurrent, serious, uncontrolled Severe cardiac conduction abnormalities have
infections. been reported rarely with single agent paclitaxel.
If patients develop significant conduction
Patients with severe hepatic impairment must
not be treated with paclitaxel. abnormalities during paclitaxel administration,
appropriate therapy should be administered and
continuous cardiac monitoring should be
4.4 Special Warnings and precautions for performed during subsequent therapy with
use paclitaxel.

Paclitaxel should be administered under the Hypotension, hypertension, and bradycardia

supervision of a physician experienced in the use have been observed during paclitaxel
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Since administration; patients are usually
significant hypersensitivity reactions may occur, asymptomatic and generally do not require
appropriate supportive equipment should be treatment. Frequent vital signs monitoring,
available. particularly during the first hour of paclitaxel
infusion, is recommended. Severe
cardiovascular events were observed more
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
PACLIT AXEL Taj Phar ma : Us es, Side E ffe cts, Intera ctions, Pictures , Warning s, PACLITAXE L Dosage & Rx Info | PACLITAXE L Uses, Side Effects -: Indications, Side E ffe cts, War nings, PACLIT AXEL - Drug I nformation - Taj P harma, PA CLITA XEL dose Taj pharma ceutical s PACLITAXEL i nteractions, Taj Phar ma ceutical PA CLITAX EL contraindi cations, PACLITAXE L price, PA CLITA XEL Taj Phar ma Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusionSMPC- Taj Phar ma . Stay connected to all updated on PA CLITAXE L Taj Phar maceuticals Taj pharma ce uticals Hydera bad.

frequently in patients with non-small cell lung Impaired hepatic function: Patients with hepatic
cancer than in those with breast or ovarian impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity,
carcinoma. A single case of heart failure related particularly grade III-IV myelosuppression.
to paclitaxel was seen in the AIDS-KS clinical There is no evidence that the toxicity of
study. paclitaxel is increased when given as a 3-hour
infusion to patients with mildly abnormal liver
When paclitaxel is used in combination with function. No data are available for patients with
doxorubicin or trastuzumab for initial treatment
severe baseline cholestasis. When paclitaxel is
of metastatic breast cancer, attention should be
given as a longer infusion, increased
placed on the monitoring of cardiac function. myelosuppression may be seen in patients with
When patients are candidates for treatment with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Patients
paclitaxel in these combinations, they should should be monitored closely for the development
undergo baseline cardiac assessment including of profound myelosuppression (see section 4.2).
history, physical examination, electrocardiogram Inadequate data are available to recommend
(ECG), echocardiogram, and/or multigated dosage alterations in patients with mild to
acquisition (MUGA) scan. Cardiac function moderate hepatic impairments (see section 5.2).
should be further monitored during treatment
Patients with severe hepatic impairment must
(e.g. every three months). Monitoring may help not be treated with paclitaxel.
to identify patients who develop cardiac
dysfunction and treating physicians should Ethanol: This product contains 49.7% vol
carefully assess the cumulative dose (mg/m2) of ethanol (alcohol), i.e. up to 21 g per average
anthracycline administered when making dose, equivalent to 740 ml of a 3.5% vol beer,
decisions regarding frequency of ventricular 190 ml of a 14% vol wine per dose. This may be
function assessment. When testing indicates harmful to patients suffering from alcoholism. It
deterioration in cardiac function, even should also be taken into account when
asymptomatic, treating physicians should considering using this medicine in children and
carefully assess the clinical benefits of further high risk groups such as those with liver disease
therapy against the potential for producing or epilepsy. The amount of alcohol in this
cardiac damage, including potentially medicinal product may alter the effects of other
irreversible damage. If further treatment is medicines.
administered, monitoring of cardiac function
Intra-arterial: Special care should be taken to
should be more frequent (e.g. every 1-2
avoid intra-arterial administration of paclitaxel.
cycles). For more details see Summary of
Product Characteristics of trastuzumab or In animal studies investigating local tolerance,
doxorubicin. severe tissue reactions occurred following intra-
arterial administration.
Peripheral neuropathy: The occurrence of
peripheral neuropathy is frequent; the Pseudomembranous colitis has also been
development of severe symptoms is rare. In reported, rarely, including cases in patients who
severe cases, a dose reduction of 20% (25% for have not received concurrent antibiotic
KS patients) is recommended for all subsequent treatment. This reaction should be considered in
the differential diagnosis of severe or persistent
courses of paclitaxel. In non-small cell lung
cancer patients the administration of paclitaxel cases of diarrhoea occurring during or shortly
after treatment with paclitaxel.
in combination with cisplatin resulted in a
greater incidence of severe neurotoxicity than A combination of pulmonary radiotherapy and
administration of single agent paclitaxel. In first- paclitaxel treatment (irrespective of the order of
line ovarian cancer patients, administration of the treatments) may promote the development of
paclitaxel as a 3-hour infusion combined with interstitial pneumonitis.
cisplatin resulted in a greater incidence of severe
neurotoxicity than administration of a Paclitaxel has been shown to be a teratogen,
combination of cyclophosphamide and cisplatin. embryotoxic and a mutagen in several
experimental systems. Therefore female and
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
PACLIT AXEL Taj Phar ma : Us es, Side E ffe cts, Intera ctions, Pictures , Warning s, PACLITAXE L Dosage & Rx Info | PACLITAXE L Uses, Side Effects -: Indications, Side E ffe cts, War nings, PACLIT AXEL - Drug I nformation - Taj P harma, PA CLITA XEL dose Taj pharma ceutical s PACLITAXEL i nteractions, Taj Phar ma ceutical PA CLITAX EL contraindi cations, PACLITAXE L price, PA CLITA XEL Taj Phar ma Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusionSMPC- Taj Phar ma . Stay connected to all updated on PA CLITAXE L Taj Phar maceuticals Taj pharma ce uticals Hydera bad.

male patients of reproductive age must take to induce either CYP2C8 or CYP3A4 (e.g.
contraceptive measures for themselves and/or rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, efavirenz,
their sexual partners during and for at least 6 nevirapine) is not recommended because
months after therapy (see section 4.6). Male efficacy may be compromised because of lower
patients are advised to seek advice on paclitaxel exposures.
conservation of sperm prior to treatment because
of the possibility of irreversible infertility due to Studies in KS patients, who were taking multiple
therapy with paclitaxel. concomitant medications, suggest that the
systemic clearance of paclitaxel was
In KS patients, severe mucositis is rare. If severe significantly lower in the presence of nelfinavir
reactions occur, the paclitaxel dose should be and ritonavir, but not with indinavir. Insufficient
reduced by 25%. information is available on interactions with
other protease inhibitors. Consequently,
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal paclitaxel should be administered with caution
products and other forms of interaction in patients receiving protease inhibitors as
Paclitaxel clearance is not affected by cimetidine concomitant therapy.
premedication. 4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Cisplatin: Paclitaxel is recommended to be Pregnancy
administered before cisplatin. When given
before cisplatin, the safety profile of paclitaxel is Paclitaxel has been shown to be both
consistent with that reported for single agent embryotoxic and foetotoxic in rabbits (see also
use. Administration of paclitaxel after cisplatin Section 5.3).
treatment leads to greater myelosuppression and
There is no adequate data from the use of
about a 20% decrease in paclitaxel clearance.
paclitaxel in pregnant women, however as with
Patients treated with paclitaxel and cisplatin may
other cytotoxic medicinal products, paclitaxel
have an increased risk of renal failure as
may cause foetal harm when administered to
compared to cisplatin alone in gynecological
pregnant women.
cancers.
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for
Doxorubicin: Since the elimination of
Infusion should not be used during pregnancy
doxorubicin and its active metabolites can be
unless the clinical condition of the woman
reduced when paclitaxel and doxorubicin are
requires treatment with paclitaxel.
given closer in time, paclitaxel for initial
treatment of metastatic breast cancer should be Women of childbearing potential receiving
administered 24 hours after doxorubicin (see paclitaxel should be advised to avoid becoming
5.2). pregnant, and to inform the treating physician
immediately should this occur. Female and male
Active substances metabolised in the liver: The
patients of fertile age, and/or their partners
metabolism of paclitaxel is catalysed, in part, by
should use contraceptions for at least 6 months
cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2C8 and
after treatment with paclitaxel.
CYP3A4. Therefore, in the absence of a PK
drug-drug interaction study, caution should be Breast-feeding
exercised when administering paclitaxel
concomitantly with medicines known to inhibit It is not known whether paclitaxel is excreted in
either CYP2C8 or CYP3A4 (e.g. ketoconazole human milk. Paclitaxel is contraindicated during
and other imidazole antifungals, erythromycin, lactation. Breast-feeding should be discontinued
fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, clopidogrel, cimetidine, for the duration of therapy with paclitaxel (see
ritonavir, saquinavir, indinavir, and nelfinavir) section 4.3).
because toxicity of paclitaxel may be increased Fertility
due to higher paclitaxel exposure. Administering
paclitaxel concomitantly with medicines known
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
PACLIT AXEL Taj Phar ma : Us es, Side E ffe cts, Intera ctions, Pictures , Warning s, PACLITAXE L Dosage & Rx Info | PACLITAXE L Uses, Side Effects -: Indications, Side E ffe cts, War nings, PACLIT AXEL - Drug I nformation - Taj P harma, PA CLITA XEL dose Taj pharma ceutical s PACLITAXEL i nteractions, Taj Phar ma ceutical PA CLITAX EL contraindi cations, PACLITAXE L price, PA CLITA XEL Taj Phar ma Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusionSMPC- Taj Phar ma . Stay connected to all updated on PA CLITAXE L Taj Phar maceuticals Taj pharma ce uticals Hydera bad.

Paclitaxel has been shown to reduce fertility in severe) when paclitaxel was combined with
rats (see also Section 5.3). cisplatin. In NSCLC patients and in ovarian
cancer patients treated with paclitaxel over 3
Male patients should seek advice regarding hours followed by cisplatin, there is an apparent
cryoconservation of sperm prior to treatment increase in the incidence of severe neurotoxicity.
with paclitaxel because of the possibility of Peripheral neuropathy can occur following the
infertility. first course and can worsen with increasing
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use exposure to paclitaxel. Peripheral neuropathy
machines was the cause of paclitaxel discontinuation in a
few cases. Sensory symptoms have usually
improved or resolved within several months of
This medicinal product contains alcohol, which paclitaxel discontinuation. Pre-existing
may impair the ability to drive or operate neuropathies resulting from prior therapies are
machines. not a contraindication for paclitaxel therapy.
4.8 Undesirable Effects Arthralgia or myalgia affected 60% of patients
and was severe in 13% of patients.
Unless otherwise noted, the following discussion
refers to the overall safety database of 812 A significant hypersensitivity reaction with
patients with solid tumors treated with single- possible fatal outcome (defined as hypotension
agent paclitaxel in clinical studies. As the KS requiring therapy, angioedema, respiratory
population is very specific, a special chapter distress requiring bronchodilator therapy, or
based on a clinical study with 107 patients, is generalised urticaria) occurred in two (< 1%)
presented at the end of this section. patients. Thirty-four percent of patients (17% of
all courses) experienced minor hypersensitivity
The frequency and severity of undesirable reactions. These minor reactions, mainly
effects, unless otherwise mentioned, are flushing and rash, did not require therapeutic
generally similar between patients receiving intervention nor did they prevent continuation of
paclitaxel for the treatment of ovarian paclitaxel therapy.
carcinoma, breast carcinoma, or NSCLC. None
of the observed toxicities were clearly Injection site reactions during intravenous
influenced by age. administration may lead to localised oedema,
pain, erythema, and induration; on occasion,
The most frequent significant undesirable effect extravasation can result in cellulitis. Skin
was bone marrow suppression. Severe sloughing and/or peeling has been reported,
neutropenia (<0.5 x 109/l) occurred in 28% of sometimes related to extravasation. Skin
patients, but was not associated with febrile discoloration may also occur. Recurrence of skin
episodes. Only 1% of patients experienced reactions at a site of previous extravasation
severe neutropenia for ≥7 days. following administration of paclitaxel at a
Thrombocytopenia was reported in 11% of different site, i.e. “recall”, has been reported
patients. Three percent of patients had a platelet rarely. A specific treatment for extravasation
count nadir <50 x 109/l at least once while on reactions is unknown at this time.
study. Anaemia was observed in 64% of
patients, but was severe (Hb <8.1 g/dl) in only In some cases, the onset of the injection site
6% of patients. Incidence and severity of reaction either occurred during a prolonged
anaemia is related to baseline haemoglobin infusion or was delayed by a week to 10 days.
status. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Neurotoxicity, mainly peripheral neuropathy, (DIC), often in association with sepsis or multi-
appeared to be more frequent and severe with a organ failure, has been reported.
175 mg/m2 3-hour infusion (85% neurotoxicity, Alopecia: Alopecia was observed in 87% of
15% severe) than with a 135 mg/m2 24-hour patients and was abrupt in onset. Pronounced
infusion (25% peripheral neuropathy, 3%
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
PACLIT AXEL Taj Phar ma : Us es, Side E ffe cts, Intera ctions, Pictures , Warning s, PACLITAXE L Dosage & Rx Info | PACLITAXE L Uses, Side Effects -: Indications, Side E ffe cts, War nings, PACLIT AXEL - Drug I nformation - Taj P harma, PA CLITA XEL dose Taj pharma ceutical s PACLITAXEL i nteractions, Taj Phar ma ceutical PA CLITAX EL contraindi cations, PACLITAXE L price, PA CLITA XEL Taj Phar ma Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusionSMPC- Taj Phar ma . Stay connected to all updated on PA CLITAXE L Taj Phar maceuticals Taj pharma ce uticals Hydera bad.

hair loss of ≥50% is expected for the majority of Psychiatric disorders: Very rare*: Confusional state
patients who experience alopecia. Nervous system Very common: Neurotoxicity
disorders: (mainly: peripheral
The table below lists undesirable effects neuropathy)
regardless of severity associated with the Rare*: Motor neuropathy (with
administration of single agent paclitaxel resultant minor distal
administered as a three hour infusion in the weakness)
Very rare* : Autonomic
metastatic setting (812 patients treated in clinical neuropathy (resulting in
studies) and as reported in the post-marketing paralytic ileus and orthostatic
surveillance* of paclitaxel. hypotension), grand mal
seizures, convulsions,
The frequency of undesirable effects listed encephalopathy, dizziness,
below is defined using the following convention: headache, ataxia
Eye disorders: Very rare*: Optic nerve and/or
Very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100, visual disturbances
<1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000, <1/100); rare (scintillating scotomata),
(≥1/10,000, <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000). particularly in patients who
have received higher doses
Infections and Very common: Infection than recommended
infestations: (mainly urinary tract and upper Not known*: Macular oedema,
respiratory tract infections), photopsia, vitreous floaters
with reported cases of fatal Ear and labyrinth Very rare*: Ototoxicity, hearing
outcome disorders: loss, tinnitus, vertigo
Uncommon: Septic shock Cardiac disorders: Common: Bradycardia
Rare*: Pneumonia, peritonitis,
Uncommon: Cardiomyopathy,
sepsis
asymptomatic ventricular
Very rare*:
tachycardia, tachycardia with
Pseudomembranous colitis
bigeminy, atrio-ventricular
Blood and lymphatic Very common: block and syncope, myocardial
system disorders: Myelosuppression, infarction
neutropenia, anaemia, Rare: Cardiac failure
thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, Very rare*: Atrial fibrillation,
bleeding supraventricular tachycardia
Rare*: Febrile neutropenia
Vascular disorders: Very common: Hypotension
Very rare*: Acute myeloid
Uncommon: Hypertension,
leukaemia, myelodysplastic
thrombosis, thrombophlebitis
syndrome
Very rare*: Shock
Not known: Disseminated
Not known*: Phlebitis
intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Respiratory, thoracic Rare*: Dyspnoea, pleural
Immune system Very common: Minor and mediastinal effusion, interstitial
disorders: hypersensitivity reactions disorders: pneumonia, lung fibrosis,
(mainly flushing and rash)
pulmonary embolism,
Uncommon: Significant
respiratory failure
hypersensitivity reactions
Very rare*: Cough
requiring therapy (e.g.,
hypotension, angioneurotic Gastrointestinal Very common: Nausea,
oedema, respiratory distress, disorders: vomiting, diarrhoea
generalised urticaria, chills, Rare*: Bowel obstruction,
back pain, chest pain, bowel perforation, ischaemic
tachycardia, abdominal pain, colitis, pancreatitis
pain in extremity, diaphoresis, Very rare*: mesenteric
and hypertension) thrombosis, neutropenic colitis,
Rare*: Anaphylactic reactions oesophagitis, constipation,
Very rare*: Anaphylactic shock ascites
Not known*: Bronchospasm Hepato-biliary disorders: Very rare*: Hepatic necrosis,
Metabolism and Rare*: Dehydration hepatic encephalopathy (both
nutrition disorders: Very rare*: Anorexia with reported cases of fatal
Not known*: Tumour lysis outcome)
syndrome
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
PACLIT AXEL Taj Phar ma : Us es, Side E ffe cts, Intera ctions, Pictures , Warning s, PACLITAXE L Dosage & Rx Info | PACLITAXE L Uses, Side Effects -: Indications, Side E ffe cts, War nings, PACLIT AXEL - Drug I nformation - Taj P harma, PA CLITA XEL dose Taj pharma ceutical s PACLITAXEL i nteractions, Taj Phar ma ceutical PA CLITAX EL contraindi cations, PACLITAXE L price, PA CLITA XEL Taj Phar ma Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusionSMPC- Taj Phar ma . Stay connected to all updated on PA CLITAXE L Taj Phar maceuticals Taj pharma ce uticals Hydera bad.

Skin and subcutaneous Very common: Alopecia trastuzumab (planned subgroup analysis,
tissue disorders: Common: Transient and mild paclitaxel + trastuzumab: 188 patients) and two
nail and skin changes
phase III trials for the treatment of advanced
Rare*: Pruritus, rash,
erythema NSCLC (paclitaxel + cisplatin: over 360
Very rare*: Stevens-Johnson patients) (see section 5.1).
syndrome, epidermal
necrolysis, erythema When administered as a three hour infusion for
multiforme, exfoliative the first-line chemotherapy of ovarian cancer,
dermatitis, urticaria, neurotoxicity, arthralgia/myalgia, and
onycholysis (patients on
therapy should wear sun
hypersensitivity were reported as more frequent
protection on hands and feet) and severe by patients treated with paclitaxel
Musculoskeletal and Very common: Arthralgia, followed by cisplatin than patients treated with
connective tissue myalgia cyclophosphamide followed by cisplatin.
disorders : Not known*: Systemic lupus Myelosuppression appeared to be less frequent
erythematosus, scleroderma and severe with paclitaxel as a three hour
General disorders and Very common: Mucosal infusion followed by cisplatin compared with
administration site inflammation
cyclophosphamide followed by cisplatin.
conditions: Common: Injection site
reactions (including localised For the first line chemotherapy of metastatic
oedema, pain, erythema,
induration, on occasion breast cancer, neutropenia, anaemia, peripheral
extravasation can result in neuropathy, arthralgia/myalgia, asthenia, fever,
cellulitis, skin fibrosis and skin and diarrhoea were reported more frequently and
necrosis) with greater severity when paclitaxel (220
Rare*: Asthenia, pyrexia,
oedema, malaise
mg/m²) was administered as a 3-hour infusion
24 hours following doxorubicin (50 mg/m²)
Investigations: Common: Severe elevation in
aspartate aminotransferase when compared to standard FAC therapy (5-FU
(AST) (serum glutamic 500 mg/m², doxorubicin 50 mg/m²,
oxaloacetic transaminase cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m²). Nausea and
(SGOT)), severe elevation in vomiting appeared to be less frequent and severe
alkaline phosphatase
Uncommon: Severe elevation
with the paclitaxel (220 mg/m²) / doxorubicin
in bilirubin (50 mg/m²) regimen as compared to the standard
Rare*: Increase in blood FAC regimen. The use of corticosteroids may
creatinine have contributed to the lower frequency and
Breast cancer patients who received paclitaxel in severity of nausea and vomiting in the
the adjuvant setting following AC experienced paclitaxel/doxorubicin arm.
more neurosensory toxicity, hypersensitivity
reactions, arthralgia/myalgia, anaemia, infection, When paclitaxel was administered as a 3-hour
fever, nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea than infusion in combination with trastuzumab for the
patients who received AC alone. However, the first line treatment of patients with metastatic
frequency of these events was consistent with breast cancer, the following events (regardless of
the use of single agent paclitaxel, as reported relationship to paclitaxel or trastuzumab) were
above. reported more frequently than with single agent
paclitaxel: heart failure (8% vs 1%), infection
Combination treatment (46% vs 27%), chills (42% vs 4%), fever (47%
vs 23%), cough (42% vs 22%), rash (39% vs
The following discussion refers to two major
18%), arthralgia (37% vs 21%), tachycardia
trials for the first-line chemotherapy of ovarian
(12% vs 4%), diarrhoea (45% vs 30%),
carcinoma (paclitaxel + cisplatin: over 1050
hypertonia (11% vs 3%), epistaxis (18% vs 4%),
patients); two phase III trials in the first line
acne (11% vs 3%), herpes simplex (12% vs 3%),
treatment of metastatic breast cancer: one
accidental injury (13% vs 3%), insomnia (25%
investigating the combination with doxorubicin
vs 13%), rhinitis (22% vs 5%), sinusitis (21% vs
(paclitaxel + doxorubicin: 267 patients), and
7%), and injection site reaction (7% vs 1%).
another investigating the combination with
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
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Some of these frequency differences may be due followed. The incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia
to the increased number and duration of lasting ≥7 days was 22%.
treatments with paclitaxel/trastuzumab
combination vs single agent paclitaxel. Severe Neutropenic fever related to paclitaxel was
events were reported at similar rates for reported in 14% of patients and in 1.3% of
paclitaxel/trastuzumab and single agent treatment cycles. There were 3 septic episodes
paclitaxel. (2.8%) during paclitaxel administration related
to the medicinal product that proved fatal.
When doxorubicin was administered in
Thrombocytopenia was observed in 50% of
combination with paclitaxel in metastatic breast
patients, and was severe (<50 x 109/l) in 9%.
cancer, cardiac contraction abnormalities (≥
20% reduction of left ventricular ejection Only 14% experienced a drop in their platelet
fraction) were observed in 15% of patients vs. count <75 x 109/l, at least once while on
10% with standard FAC regimen. Congestive treatment. Bleeding episodes related to
paclitaxel were reported in <3% of patients, but
heart failure was observed in < 1% in both
the haemorrhagic episodes were localised.
paclitaxel/doxorubicin and standard FAC arms.
Administration of trastuzumab in combination Anaemia (Hb <11 g/dl) was observed in 61% of
with paclitaxel in patients previously treated patients and was severe (Hb <8 g/dl) in 10%.
with anthracyclines resulted in an increased Red cell transfusions were required in 21% of
frequency and severity of cardiac patients.
dysfunction in comparison with patients treated
with paclitaxel single agent (New York Heart Hepatobiliary disorders: Among patients
Association (NYHA) Class I/II 10% vs. 0%; (>50% on protease inhibitors) with normal
NYHA Class III/IV 2% vs. 1%) and rarely has baseline liver function, 28%, 43% and 44% had
been associated with death (see trastuzumab elevations in bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and
Summary of Product Characteristics). In all but AST (SGOT), respectively. For each of these
these rare cases, patients responded to parameters, the increases were severe in 1% of
appropriate medical treatment. cases.

Radiation pneumonitis has been reported in Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

patients receiving concurrent radiotherapy. Reporting suspected adverse reactions after
AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma authorisation of the medicinal product is
important. It allows continued monitoring of the
Except for haematologic and hepatic undesirable benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.
effects (see below), the frequency and severity
of undesirable effects are generally similar 4.9 Overdose
between KS patients and patients treated with There is no known antidote for paclitaxel
paclitaxel monotherapy for other solid tumours, overdose.
based on a clinical study including 107 patients. In case of overdose, the patient should be closely
Blood and the lymphatic system monitored. Treatment should be directed at the
disorders: Bone marrow suppression was the primary anticipated toxicities, which consist of
major dose-limiting toxicity. Neutropenia is the bone marrow suppression, peripheral
most important haematological toxicity. During neurotoxicity and mucositis.
the first course of treatment, severe neutropenia Overdoses in paediatric patients may be
(<0.5 x 109/l) occurred in 20% of patients. associated with acute ethanol toxicity.
During the entire treatment period, severe
neutropenia was observed in 39% of patients. 5. PHARMACOLOGICAL
Neutropenia was present for >7 days in 41% and PROPERTIES
for 30-35 days in 8% of patients. It resolved
within 35 days in all patients who were 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
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Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic In the adjuvant treatment of breast carcinoma,

agent/taxanes 3121 patients with node positive breast
carcinoma were treated with adjuvant paclitaxel
Mechanism of action therapy or no chemotherapy following four
Paclitaxel is an antimicrotubule agent that courses of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide
promotes the assembly of microtubules from (CALGB 9344, BMS CA 139-223). Median
tubulin dimers and stabilises microtubules by follow-up was 69 months. Overall, paclitaxel
preventing depolymerisation. This stability patients had a significant reduction of 18% in
inhibits the normal dynamic reorganisation of the risk of disease recurrence relative to patients
the microtubule network, which is essential for receiving AC alone (p = 0.0014), and a
vital interphase and mitotic cellular functions. In significant reduction of 19% in the risk of death
addition, paclitaxel induces abnormal arrays or (p = 0.0044) relative to patients receiving AC
bundles of microtubules throughout the cell alone. Retrospective analyses show benefit in all
cycle and multiple asters of microtubules during patient subsets. In patients with hormone
mitosis. receptor negative/ unknown tumours, reduction
in risk of disease recurrence was 28% (95%CI:
Clinical efficacy and safety 0.59-0.86). In the patient subgroup with
In first-line treatment of ovarian cancer, the hormone receptor positive tumours, the risk
safety and efficacy of paclitaxel were evaluated reduction of disease recurrence was 9% (95%CI:
in two major randomised controlled trials 0.78-1.07). However, the design of the study did
(compared with cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 + not investigate the effect of extended AC
cisplatin 75 mg/m2 therapy). therapy beyond 4 cycles. It cannot be excluded
on the basis of this study alone that the observed
In the Intergroup trial (BMS CA 139-209), over effects could be partly due to the difference in
650 patients with stage IIb-c, III or IV primary duration of chemotherapy between the two arms
ovarian cancer had administered to them a (AC 4 cycles; AC + paclitaxel 8 cycles).
maximum of 9 courses of treatment with Therefore, adjuvant treatment with paclitaxel
paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 over a 3-hour period) should be regarded as an alternative to extended
followed by cisplatin (75 mg/m2) or control AC therapy.
treatment. In another major study (GOG 111/B-
MS CA139-022), a maximum of 6 courses of In a second large clinical study in adjuvant node
treatment with paclitaxel were administered (135 positive breast cancer with a similar design,
mg/m2, during a 24-hour infusion) combined 3060 patients were randomized to receive or not
with cisplatin (75 mg/m2) or control treatment; four courses of paclitaxel at a higher dose of 225
the trial involved over 400 patients with stage III mg/m² following four courses of AC (NSABP
or IV primary ovarian cancer with a > 1 cm B-28, BMS CA139-270). At a median follow-up
residual tumour after staging laparotomy, or of 64 months, paclitaxel patients had a
with distant metastases. While the two different significant reduction of 17% in the risk of
posologies were not compared with each other disease recurrence relative to patients who
directly, in both trials the patients on paclitaxel received AC alone (p = 0.006) ; paclitaxel
and cisplatin had a significantly higher response treatment was associated with a reduction in the
rate, later onset of progression of disease and risk of death of 7% (95%CI: 0.78-1.12). All
longer survival time than the patients on subset analyses favoured the paclitaxel arm. In
standard therapy. Increased neurotoxicity, this study patients with hormone receptor
arthralgia/myalgia but reduced positive tumor had a reduction in the risk of
myelosuppression were observed in advanced disease recurrence of 23% (95%CI: 0.6-0.92); in
ovarian cancer patients administered 3-hour the patient subgroup with hormone receptor
infusion of paclitaxel/cisplatin as compared to negative tumour the risk reduction of disease
patients who received recurrence was 10% (95%CI: 0.7-1.11).
cyclophosphamide/cisplatin. In the first-line treatment of metastatic breast
cancer, the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel were
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evaluated in two pivotal, phase III, randomised, study showed a significant benefit for the
controlled open-label trials. paclitaxel/trastuzumab combination in terms of
time to progression (6.9 vs. 3.0 months),
In the first study (BMS CA139-278), the response rate (41% vs. 17%), and duration of
combination of bolus doxorubicin (50 mg/m²) response (10.5 vs. 4.5 months) when compared
followed after 24 hours by paclitaxel (220 to paclitaxel alone. The most significant toxicity
mg/m² by 3-hour infusion) (AT), was compared observed with the paclitaxel/trastuzumab
versus standard FAC regimen (5-FU 500 mg/m²,
combination was cardiac dysfunction (see
doxorubicin 50 mg/m², cyclophosphamide 500 section 4.8).
mg/m²), both administered every three weeks for
eight courses. In this randomised study, 267 In the treatment of very advanced non-small cell
patients with metastatic breast cancer, who had lung cancer, the combination of 175 mg/m2 of
either received no prior chemotherapy or only paclitaxel and 80 mg/m2 of cisplatin (given after
non-anthracycline chemotherapy in the adjuvant paclitaxel) has been studied in two phase III
setting, were enrolled. Results showed a trials (367 patients on paclitaxel therapy). Both
significant difference in time to progression for trials were randomised. In one of the trials the
patients receiving AT compared to those control group received cisplatin (100 mg/m2)
receiving FAC (8.2 vs. 6.2 months; p= 0.029). and in another, 100 mg/m2 of teniposide
The median survival was in favour of followed thereafter by 80 mg/m2 of cisplatin
paclitaxel/doxorubicin vs. FAC (23.0 vs. 18.3 (367 patients in the control group). The results
months; p= 0.004). In the AT and FAC of both trials were similar. There were no
treatment arm 44% and 48% respectively significant differences between the paclitaxel
received follow-up chemotherapy which therapy and control therapy regarding mortality,
included taxanes in 7% and 50% respectively. primary end event (the median survival time in
The overall response rate was also significantly the paclitaxel groups were 8.1 and 9.5 months,
higher in the AT arm compared to the FAC arm and in the control groups 8.6 and 9.9 months).
(68% vs. 55%). Complete responses were seen There were no significant differences in the
in 19% of the paclitaxel/doxorubicin arm median time of progression of the disease
patients vs. 8% of the FAC arm patients. All between the therapies either. The benefit was
efficacy results have been subsequently significant regarding clinical response. Studies
confirmed by a blinded independent review. on the quality of life indicate that the lack of
appetite caused by combination treatment
In the second study, the efficacy and safety of
containing paclitaxel is smaller, but they also
the paclitaxel and trastuzumab combination was indicate an increased incidence of peripheral
evaluated in a planned subgroup analysis neuropathy (p<0.008) with combination
(metastatic breast cancer patients who formerly treatment.
received adjuvant anthracyclines) of the study
HO648g. The efficacy of trastuzumab in In the treatment of AIDS-related KS, the
combination with paclitaxel in patients who did efficacy and safety of paclitaxel were
not receive prior adjuvant anthracyclines has not investigated in a non-comparative study in
been proven. The combination of trastuzumab (4 patients with advanced KS, previously treated
mg/kg loading dose then 2 mg/kg weekly) and with systemic chemotherapy. The primary end-
paclitaxel (175 mg/m²) 3-hour infusion, every point was best tumour response. Of the 107
three weeks was compared to single-agent patients, 63 were considered resistant to
paclitaxel (175 mg/m²) 3-hour infusion, every liposomal anthracyclines. This subgroup is
three weeks in 188 patients with metastatic considered to constitute the core efficacy
breast cancer overexpressing HER2 (2+ or 3+ as population. The overall success rate
measured by immunohistochemistry), who had (complete/partial response) after 15 cycles of
previously been treated with anthracyclines. treatment was 57% (confidence interval (CI) 44
Paclitaxel was administered every three weeks - 70%) in liposomal anthracycline-resistant
for at least six courses while trastuzumab was patients. Over 50% of the responses were
given weekly until disease progression. The apparent after the first 3 cycles. In liposomal
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
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anthracycline-resistant patients, the response the dose on average, which is an indication of

rates were comparable for patients who had extensive non-renal clearance. Hepatic
never received a protease inhibitor (55.6%) and metabolism and biliary clearance are possibly
those who received one at least 2 months prior to the principal mechanisms for elimination of
treatment with paclitaxel (60.9%). The median paclitaxel. Paclitaxel is primarily metabolised by
time to progression in the core population was the action of CYP450 enzyme. An average of
468 days (95% CI 257-not estimable). Median 26% of the radioactively marked dose of
survival could not be computed, but the lower paclitaxel was eliminated in the faeces as a 6α-
95% bound was 617 days in core patients. hydroxypaclitaxel, 2% as 3'p-
dihydroxypaclitaxel and 6% as 6α-3'p-
dihydroxypaclitaxel. 6α-hydroxypaclitaxel is
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties formed by the effect of CYP2C8, 3'p-
Absorption Following intravenous hydroxypaclitaxel by CYP3A4 and 6α-3'p-
administration, paclitaxel exhibits a biphasic dihydroxypaclitaxel by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4.
decline in plasma concentrations. The effect of renal or hepatic impairment on the
elimination of paclitaxel after 3-hour infusions
The pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel were has not been studied. The pharmacokinetic
determined following 3- and 24-hour infusions parameters of a patient on haemodialysis were of
at doses of 135 and 175 mg/m2. The mean half- values similar to those of non-dialysis patients
life was between 3.0 and 52.7 hours, and the when the administration rate was 135 mg/m2 of
mean non-compartmentally derived value for paclitaxel as a 3-hour infusion.
total body clearance was between 11.6 and 24.0
l/hr/m2. The total body clearance appeared to Following an intravenous dose of 100
decrease with higher plasma concentrations. The mg/m2 given as a 3-hour infusion to 19 KS
mean steady-state volume of distribution was patients, the mean Cmax was 1,530 ng/ml (range
between 198 and 688 l/m2, indicating extensive 761 - 2,860 ng/ml) and the mean AUC 5,619
extravascular distribution and/or tissue binding. ng.hr/ml (range 2,609 - 9,428 ng.hr/ml).
Dose increases associated with the 3-hour Clearance was 20.6 l/h/m² (range 11-38) and the
infusion resulted in non-linear pharmacokinetics. volume of distribution was 291 l/m² (range 121-
When the dose increased by 30% from 135 638). The terminal elimination half-life averaged
mg/m2 to 175 mg/m2, the maximum plasma 23.7 hours (range 12 - 33).
concentration (Cmax) increased by 75% and the In clinical trials where paclitaxel and
area under the plasma concentration time curve
doxorubicin were administered concomitantly,
(AUC0-∞) by 81%.
the distribution and elimination of doxorubicin
The variation of systemic paclitaxel exposure in and its metabolites were prolonged. Total
the same patient was found to be minimal. No plasma exposure to doxorubicin was 30% higher
signs of cumulative effects were found for when paclitaxel immediately followed
paclitaxel in association with multiple treatment doxorubicin than when there was a 24-hour
courses. interval between drugs.
Distribution In vitro studies of serum protein For use of paclitaxel in combination with other
binding indicate that 89-98% of paclitaxel is therapies, please consult the Summary of
bound to proteins. Cimetidine, ranitidine, Product Characteristics of cisplatin, doxorubicin
dexamethasone or diphenhydramine were not or trastuzumab for information on the use of
found to affect the protein binding of paclitaxel. these medicinal products.
Biotransformation and elimination The 5.3 Preclinical safety data
distribution and metabolism of paclitaxel in
Administration prior to or during mating
humans has not been fully investigated. The
produced impairment of fertility in male and
cumulative excretion of unchanged paclitaxel in
female rats. Additionally, paclitaxel caused
the urine has been between 1.3% and 12.6% of
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
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reduced fertility and reproductive indices, and 0.9% (9 mg/ml) 0.3 mg/ml and 25°C under 72 hours
increased embryo- and fetotoxicity. sodium 1.2 mg/ml normal lighting
chloride conditions in
solution for non-PVC
The carcinogenic potential of paclitaxel has not infusion (polyolefin)
been studied. However, paclitaxel is a potential infusion bags
carcinogenic and genotoxic agent based on its 5% (50 mg/ml) 0.3 mg/ml and 25°C under 72 hours
pharmacodynamic mechanism of action. glucose 1.2 mg/ml normal lighting
solution for conditions in
Paclitaxel has been shown to be mutagenic in infusion non-PVC
both in vitro and in vivomammalian test systems. (polyolefin)
infusion bags
6. PHARMACEUTICAL 5% (50 mg/ml) 0.3 mg/ml and 25°C under 72 hours
PARTICULARS glucose and 1.2 mg/ml normal lighting
0.9% (9 mg/ml) conditions in
sodium non-PVC
6.1 List of excipients chloride (polyolefin)
solution for infusion bags
infusion
Macrogolglycerol ricinoleate (polyoxyl castor Ringer's 0.3 mg/ml and 25°C under 72 hours
oil) solution 1.2 mg/ml normal lighting
containing 5% conditions in
Ethanol, anhydrous (50 mg/ml) non-PVC
glucose (polyolefin)
Citric acid, anhydrous infusion bags
Although this product contains ethanol, it cannot
be considered as assurance of microbiological
6.2 Incompatibilities integrity.

Macrogolglycerol ricinoleate (polyoxyl castor From a microbiological point of view, the

oil) can result in di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate diluted product should be used immediately. If
[DEHP] leaching from plasticized polyvinyl not used immediately, in-use storage times and
chloride (PVC) containers, at levels which conditions prior to use are the responsibility of
increase with time and concentration. the user and would normally not be longer than
Consequently, the preparation, storage, and 24 hours at 2 to 8°C, unless
administration of paclitaxel should be carried reconstitution/dilution has taken place in
out in non-PVC-containing equipment such as controlled and validated aseptic conditions.
glass, polypropylene, or polyolefin. After first use and following multiple needle
6.3 Shelf life entries and product withdrawals, any unused
concentrate maintains microbial, chemical and
2 years (as packaged for sale) physical stability when stored below 25°C,
After dilution chemical and physical in-use protected from light for up to 28 days. Other in-
stability has been demonstrated for: use storage times and conditions are the
responsibility of the user.
Diluent Target Storage Time period
Concentration Conditions
0.9% (9 mg/ml) 0.3 mg/ml and 2-8°C in the 28 days
sodium 1.2 mg/ml absence of 6.4 Special precautions for storage
chloride light in non-
solution for PVC
infusion (polyolefin) As packaged for sale: Do not store above 25°C.
infusion bags Keep the vial in the outer carton, in order to
5% (50 mg/ml) 0.3 mg/ml and 2-8°C in the 14 days protect from light.
glucose 1.2 mg/ml absence of
solution for light in non- Freezing does not have an adverse effect on the
infusion PVC
(polyolefin) preparation. Refrigerated product may
infusion bags precipitate but will re-dissolve on reaching room
temperature with little or no agitation. If the
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solution remains cloudy or if an insoluble • 50 mg/ml glucose- and 9 mg/ml sodium

precipitate is noted, the vial should be discarded. chloride solution for infusion, or
After first use or after dilution, see section 6.3. • Ringer's solution containing 50 mg/ml glucose.
Once diluted, the ready-to-use infusions are for
single use only.
6.5 Nature and contents of container Storage of the ready-to-use infusion see section
6.3.
A clear, Type I glass vial (5 ml, 16.7 ml, 25 ml
and 50 ml) with elastomeric stopper. Single vial The ready-to-use infusion should be visually
packs. inspected for particulate matter and
discoloration.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Upon preparation, solutions may show haziness,
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and which is attributed to the formulation vehicle,
other handling and is not removed by filtration. However
haziness does not affect the potency of the
Handling: Paclitaxel is a cytotoxic anticancer product. The solution for infusion should be
medicinal product and caution should be administered through an in-line filter with
exercised in handling paclitaxel. Dilution should microporous membrane not greater than 0.22
be carried out under aseptic conditions, by microns. No significant losses in potency have
trained personnel in a designated area. been noted following simulated delivery of the
Appropriate gloves should be used. Contact of solution through I.V. tubing containing an in-
paclitaxel with skin and mucous membranes line (0.22 micron) filter.
should be avoided.
There have been some reports of precipitation
If paclitaxel solution contacts the skin, wash the during paclitaxel infusions, with precipitation
skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and usually taking place towards the end of a 24-
water. Following topical exposure, events have hour infusion period. To reduce the risk of
included tingling, burning, and redness. If precipitation, paclitaxel should be used as soon
paclitaxel contacts mucous membranes, the as possible after dilution and excessive shaking
membranes should be flushed thoroughly with or agitation should be avoided. The infusion
water. Upon inhalation, dyspnoea, chest pain, solution should be regularly inspected during
burning throat, and nausea have been reported. infusion and the infusion should be discontinued
if precipitation occurs.
Preparation for IV Administration: During
dilution of the concentrate for infusion, To minimise patient exposure to DEHP which
cytostatic dispensing needles or similar devices may be leached from plasticised PVC infusion
with spikes should not be used with vials of bags, sets, or other medical instruments, diluted
paclitaxel since they can cause the stopper to paclitaxel solutions should be stored in non-PVC
collapse resulting in loss of sterile integrity of bottles (glass, polypropylene) or plastic bags
the solution. (polypropylene, polyolefin) and administered
through polyethylene-lined administration sets.
Prior to infusion, paclitaxel must be diluted to a
Use of filter devices which incorporate short
ready-to-use solution for infusion (0.3 to 1.2
inlet and/or outlet plasticised PVC tubing has
mg/ml) using aseptic techniques with one of the
not resulted in significant leaching of DEHP.
following solutions:
Disposal: All items used for preparation,
• 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride solution for
administration, infusion, or otherwise coming
infusion,
into contact with paclitaxel should be placed in
• 50 mg/ml (5%) glucose solution for infusion, an appropriate safety container and disposed
Paclitaxel 6 mg/ ml concentrate for solution for infusion SMPC, Taj Pharma ceuticals
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according to local guidelines for the handling of

cytotoxic compounds.

7. MANUFACTURER:

Manufactured in India by:

TAJ PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
Mumbai, India
Survey No.188/1 to 189/1,190/1 to 4,
Athiyawad, Dabhel,
Daman- 396210 (INDIA)