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SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 1 ml of concentrate for solution for infusion contains 5 mg of oxaliplatin.

10 ml of concentrate for solution for infusion contains 50 mg of oxaliplatin 20 ml of concentrate for solution for infusion contains 100 mg of oxaliplatin 30 ml of concentrate for solution for infusion contains 150 mg of oxaliplatin 40 ml of concentrate for solution for infusion contains 200 mg of oxaliplatin

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Concentrate for solution for infusion Clear, colourless liquid

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) is indicated for:

-    Adjuvant treatment of stage III (Duke's C) colon cancer after complete resection of primary tumour

-    Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

4.2 Posology and method of administration

The preparation of injectable solutions of cytotoxic agents must be carried out by trained specialist personnel with knowledge of the medical product used, in conditions that guarantee the integrity of the medical product, the protection of the environment and in particular the protection of the personnel handling the medicinal products, in accordance with the hospital policy. It requires a preparation area reserved for this purpose. It is forbidden to smoke, eat or drink in this area.

Posology

FOR ADULTS ONLY

The recommended dose for oxaliplatin in adjuvant setting is 85 mg/m² intravenously repeated every two weeks for 12 cycles (6 months).

The recommended dose for oxaliplatin in treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer is 85 mg/m2 intravenously repeated every 2 weeks.

Dosage given should be adjusted according to tolerability (see section 4.4).

Oxaliplatin should always be administered before fluoropyrimidines - i.e. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Oxaliplatin is administered as a 2- to 6-hour intravenous infusion in 250 to 500 ml of glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion to give a concentration between 0.2 mg/ml and 0.70 mg/ml; 0.70 mg/ml is the highest concentration in clinical practice for an oxaliplatin dose of 85 mg/m2.

Oxaliplatin was mainly used in combination with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil based regimens. For the two-weekly treatment schedule 5-fluorouracil regimens combining bolus and continuous infusion were used.

Special Populations Renal impairment

Oxaliplatin has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment (see section 4.3).

In patients with moderate renal impairment, treatment may be initiated at the normally recommended dose (see section 4.4). There is no need for dose adjustment in patients with mild renal dysfunction.

Hepatic impairment

In a phase I study including patients with several levels of hepatic impairment, frequency and severity of hepato-biliary disorders appeared to be related to progressive disease and impaired liver function tests at baseline. No specific dose adjustment for patients with abnormal liver function tests was performed during clinical development.

Elderly patients

No increase in severe toxicities was observed when oxaliplatin was used as a single agent or in combination with 5-fluorouracil in patients over the age of 65. In consequence no specific dose adaptation is required for elderly patients.

Paediatric patients

There is no relevant indication for use of oxaliplatin in children. The effectiveness of oxaliplatin single agent in the paediatric populations with solid tumours has not been established (see sections 5.1).

Method of administration

Oxaliplatin is administered by intravenous infusion.

The administration of oxaliplatin does not require hyperhydration.

Oxaliplatin concentrate for solution for infusion diluted in 250 to 500 ml of glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion to give a concentration not less than 0.2 mg/ml must be infused either via a peripheral vein or central venous line over 2 to 6 hours. Oxaliplatin infusion must always precede the administration of 5-fluorouracil.

In the event of extravasation, administration must be discontinued immediately.

Instructions _ for use

Oxaliplatin concentrate for solution for infusion must be diluted before use. Only glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion is to be used to dilute the concentrate for solution for infusion product (see section 6.6).

4.3    Contraindications

Oxaliplatin is contraindicated in patients who

-    have a known history of hypersensitivity to oxaliplatin or to any of the excipients

-    are breast feeding

-    have myelosuppression prior to starting first course, as evidenced by baseline neutrophils < 2x10⁹/l and/or platelet count of < 100 x 10⁹/l

-    have a peripheral sensory neuropathy with functional impairment prior to first course

-    have a severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min (see section 5.2)

4.4    Special warnings and precautions for use

Renal impairment

Patients with mild to moderate renal impairment should be closely monitored for adverse reactions and dose adjusted according to toxicity (see section 5.2).

Hypersensitivity reactions

Special surveillance should be ensured for patients with a history of allergic manifestations to other products containing platinum. In case of anaphylactic manifestations the infusion should be interrupted immediately and an appropriate symptomatic treatment started. Re-administration of oxaliplatin to such patients is contraindicated. Cross reactions, sometimes fatal, have been reported with all platinum compounds.

In case of oxaliplatin extravasation, the infusion must be stopped immediately and usual local symptomatic treatment initiated.

Neurological Symptoms

Neurological toxicity of oxaliplatin should be carefully monitored, especially if coadministered with other medications with specific neurological toxicity. A neurological examination should be performed before each administration and periodically thereafter.

For patients who develop acute laryngopharyngeal dysaesthesia (see section 4.8) during or within several hours after a 2-hour infusion, the subsequent oxaliplatin infusion must be administered over 6 hours.

Peripheral neuropathy

If neurological symptoms (paraesthesia, dysaesthesia) occur, the following recommended oxaliplatin dosage should be adjusted based on duration and severity of existing symptoms:

•    If symptoms last longer than seven days and are troublesome, the subsequent oxaliplatin dose should be reduced from 85 to 65 mg/m² (metastatic setting) or 75 mg/m (adjuvant setting).

•    If paraesthesia without functional impairment persists until the next cycle, the subsequent oxaliplatin dose should be reduced from 85 to 65 mg/m² (metastatic setting) or 75 mg/m (adjuvant setting).

•    If paraesthesia with functional impairment persists until the next cycle, oxaliplatin should be discontinued.

•    If these symptoms improve following discontinuation of oxaliplatin therapy, resumption of therapy may be considered.

Patients should be informed about the possibility of persistent symptoms of peripheral sensory neuropathy after the end of the treatment. Localised moderate paraesthesia or paraesthesia that may interfere with functional activities can persist after up to 3 years following treatment cessation in the adjuvant setting.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS)

Cases of Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS, also known as PRES, Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome) have been reported in patients receiving oxaliplatin in combination chemotherapy. RPLS is a rare, reversible, rapidly evolving neurological condition, which can include seizure, hypertension, headache, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances (see section 4.8).

Diagnosis of RPLS is based upon confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and hematologic changes Gastrointestinal toxicity of oxaliplatin, i.e. symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, requires prophylactic and/or therapeutic use of antiemetics (see section 4.8).

Dehydration, paralytic ileus, intestinal obstruction, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis and renal impairment may be caused by severe diarrhoea/emesis particularly when combining oxaliplatin with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

If haematological toxicity occurs (neutrophils < 1.5x10⁹/l or platelets < 50x10⁹/l), administration of the next course of therapy should be postponed until haematological values return to acceptable levels. A full blood count with white cell differential should be performed prior to start therapy and before each subsequent course.

Myelosuppressive effects may be additive to those of concomitant chemotherapy. Patient with severe and persistent myelosuppression are at high risk of infectious complications. Sepsis, neutropenic sepsis and septic shock have been reported in patients treated with oxaliplatin including fatal outcomes (see section 4.8). If any of these events occurs, oxaliplatin should be discontinued.

Patients must be adequately informed about the risk of diarrhoea/emesis, mucositis/stomatitis and neutropenia following oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) administration so they can urgently contact their treating physician for appropriate management.

If mucositis/stomatitis occurs with or without neutropenia, the next treatment should be delayed until recovery from mucositis/stomatitis to grade I or less and/or until the neutrophil count is > 1.5 x 10⁹/l.

For oxaliplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (with or without folinic acid), the usual dose adjustments for 5-fluorouracil associated toxicities should apply.

If grade 4 diarrhoea, grade 3-4 neutropenia (neutrophils < 1.0 x 10⁹/l), grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia (platelets < 50 x 10⁹/l) occur, the dose of oxaliplatin should be reduced from 85 mg/m to 65 mg/m² (metastatic setting) or 75 mg/m² (adjuvant setting), in addition to any 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) dose reductions required.

Pulmonary

In cases of unexplained respiratory symptoms such as non-productive cough, dyspnoea, crackles or radiological pulmonary infiltrates, oxaliplatin should be discontinued until further pulmonary investigations exclude an interstitial lung disease (see section 4.8).

Blood disorders

Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a life-threatening side effect (frequency not known). Oxaliplatin should be discontinued at the first signs of any evidence of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, such as rapidly falling haemoglobin with concomitant thrombocytopenia, elevation of serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, or LDH. Renal failure may not be reversible with discontinuation of therapy and dialysis may be required.

Hepatic

In case of abnormal liver function test results or portal hypertension, which does not obviously result from liver metastases, very rare cases of drug-induced hepatic vascular disorders should be considered.

Pregnancy

For use in pregnant women, see section 4.6.

Fertility

Genotoxic effects were observed with oxaliplatin in preclinical studies. Therefore male patients treated with oxaliplatin are advised not to father a child during and up to 6 months after treatment and to seek advice on conservation of sperm prior to treatment because oxaliplatin may have an anti-fertility effect which could be irreversible.

Women should not become pregnant during treatment with oxaliplatin and should use an effective method of contraception (see section 4.6).

4.5    Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

In patients who have received a single dose of 85 mg/m² of oxaliplatin, immediately before administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), no change in plasma levels of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been observed.

In vitro, no significant displacement of oxaliplatin binding to plasma proteins has been observed with the following agents: erythromycin, salicylates, granisetron, paclitaxel, and sodium valproate.

Paediatric population

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

4.6    Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

To date there is no available information on safety of use in pregnant women. In animal studies, reproductive toxicity was observed. Consequently, oxaliplatin is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using contraceptive measures.

The use of oxaliplatin should only be considered after suitably appraising the patient of the risk to the foetus and with the patient's consent.

Appropriate contraceptive measures must be taken during and after cessation of therapy during 4 months for women.

Breast feeding

Excretion in breast milk has not been studied. Breast-feeding is contraindicated during oxaliplatin therapy.

Fertility

Oxaliplatin may have an anti-fertility effect (see section 4.4)

Due to the potential genotoxic effects of oxaliplatin, appropriate contraceptive measures must be taken during and after cessation of therapy during 4 months for women and 6 months for men.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, oxaliplatin treatment resulting in an increased risk of dizziness, nausea and vomiting and other neurological symptoms that affect gait and balance may lead to a minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Vision abnormalities, in particular transient vision loss (reversible following therapy discontinuation), may affect patients' ability to drive and use machines. Therefore, patients should be warned of the potential effect of these events on the ability to drive or use machines.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequent adverse events of oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid (5-FU and FA) were of gastrointestinal (diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and mucositis), haematological (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) and neurological (acute and dose cumulative peripheral sensory neuropathy) nature.

Overall, these adverse events were more frequent and severe when 5-FU/FA was administered in combination with oxaliplatin compared to 5-FU/FA alone.

List of adverse reactions

The frequency data reported in the table below are derived from clinical trials on the treatment of metastases and adjuvant treatment (including 416 and 1,108 patients, respectively, in the oxaliplatin + 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/folinic acid (FA) treatment arm) and from post marketing surveillance.

Frequencies in this table are defined using the following convention: very common (> 1/10) common (> 1/100 < 1/10), uncommon (> 1/1,000 < 1/100), rare (> 1/10,000 < 1/1,000), very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Further details are given following this table.

MedDRA	Very	Common	Uncomm	Rare	Very	Not
classificatio	common		on		rare	known

n
Infections and infestations*	- Infection	-    Rhinitis -    Upper respirator y tract infection neutrope nic sepsis	-Sepsis+
Blood and lymphatic system disorders *	-    Anaemia -    Neutropeni a -    Thrombocytopenia -    Leukopeni a -    Lymphope nia	- Febrile neutrope nia		-    Immunoal lergic thromboc ytopenia -    Haemolyti c anaemia		Auto immune pan cytopenia
Immune system disorders*	- Allergy / allergic reaction ++
Metabolism and nutrition disorders	Anorexia Hyperglyce miaHypokal- aemia - Hypernatr aemia	- Dehydrat ion	- Metabol ic acidosis
Psychiatric disorders		-    Depressi on -    Insomnia	- Nervous ness
Nervous system disorders *	-    Periphera l sensory neuropat hy -    Headache -    Sensory disturban ce -    Dysgeusi a	-    Dizziness -    Motor neuritis -    Meningis m		-    Dysarthr ia, -    Reversib le Posterior Leukoen cephalop athy syndrom e (RPLS also known as PRES)* *

Eye disorders		-    Conjuncti vitis -    Visual disturban ce		-    Visual acuity reduced transiently -    Visual field disturbanc es -    Optic neuritis, transient vision loss (reversibl e following therapy discontinu ation)
Ear and labyrinth disorders			Ototoxicit y	Deafness
Vascular disorders		-    Haemorr hage -    Flushing -    Deep vein thrombos is -    Hyperten sion
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders	-    Dyspnoea -    Cough -    Epistaxis	-    Hiccups -    Pulmonar y embolism		-    Interstitial lung disease, sometime s fatal -    Pulmonar y fibrosis**
Gastrointest inal disorders*	-    Diarrhea -    Nausea -    Vomiting -    Stomatiti s / Mucositi s -    Abdomin al pain	-    Rectal haemorrh age -    Dyspepsi a -    Gastroes ophageal reflux -    Gastroint	-    Ileus, -    Intestin al obstruc tion	-    Colitis includin g Clostridi um difficile diarrhea -    pancreat itis

	- Constipat ion	estinal haemorrh age
Skin and subcutaneou s tissue disorders	-    Skin disorder -    Alopecia	-    Skin exfoliation (i.e. Hand and Foot syndrome) -    Rash erythemato us, -    Rash -    Hyperhidr osis -    Nail disorder				Hypersen sitivity vasculitis
Musculoskel etal, connective tissue and bone disorders	- Back pain	-    Arthralgi a -    Bone pain
Renal and urinary disorders		-    Dysuria -    Micturition frequency abnormal Haematuria
General disorders and administrati on site conditions	-    Fatigue -    Fever++ + -    Asthenia -    Pain -    Injection site reaction+ +++
Investigatio ns	-    Hepatic enzyme increase -    Blood alkaline phosphat ase increase -    Blood	-    Blood creatinine increase -    Weight decrease (metastati c setting)

bilirubin increase -    Blood lactate dehydrogenase increase -    Weight increase (adjuvant setting)

* See detailed information in the section below

**    See section 4.4.

+    Common neutropenic sepsis, including fatal outcomes.

++ Very common allergies/allergic reactions, occurring mainly during infusion, sometimes fatal. Common allergic reactions include skin rash, particularly urticaria, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis. Common anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions include bronchospasm, angioedema, hypotension, sensation of chest pain and anaphylactic shock. Delayed hypersensitivity has also been reported with oxaliplatin hours or even days after the infusion.

+++    Very common fever, rigors (tremors), either from infection (with or

without febrile neutropenia) or possibly from immunological mechanism.

++++ Injection site reactions including local pain, redness, swelling and thrombosis have been reported. Extravasation may also result in local pain and inflammation which may be severe and lead to complications including necrosis, especially when oxaliplatin is infused through a peripheral vein (see section 4.4).

Description of selected adverse reactions Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Incidence by patient (%) and by grade

Oxaliplatin/5 FU/FA, 85 mg/m every 2 weeks	Treatment of metastases			Adjuvant therapy
	All grades	Grade 3	Grade 4	All grades	Grade 3	Grade 4
Anaemia	82.2	3	<1	75.6	0.7	0.1
Neutropenia	71.4	28	14	78.9	28.8	12.3
Thrombocytopenia	71.6	4	<1	77.4	1.5	0.2

Febrile neutropenia

5.0

3.6

1.4

0.7

0.7

0.0

Postmarketing experience with frequency unknown: Hemolytic uremic syndrome

Infections and infestations Incidence by patient (%)

Oxaliplatin and 5- FU/FA 85 mg/m2 Every 2 weeks	Metastatic Setting All grades	Adjuvant Setting All grades
Sepsis (including sepsis and neutropenic sepsis)	1.5	1.7

Post-marketing experience with frequency not known Septic shock, including fatal outcomes.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Incidence by patient (%) and by grade

Oxaliplatin/5 FU/FA, 85 mg/m2 every 2 weeks	Treatment of metastases			Adjuvant therapy
	All grades	Grade 3	Grade 4	All grades	Grade 3	Grade 4
Nausea	69.9	8	< 1	73.7	4.8	0.3
Diarrhoea	60.8	9	2	56.3	8.3	2.5
Vomiting	49.0	6	1	47.2	5.3	0.5
Mucositis / Stomatitis	39.9	4	< 1	42.1	2.8	0.1

Prophylaxis and/or treatment with potent antiemetic agents is indicated.

Dehydration, paralytic ileus, intestinal obstruction, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis and renal impairment may be caused by severe diarrhoea/emesis particularly when combining oxaliplatin with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (see section 4.4).

Nervous system disorders:

Oxaliplatin shows dose limiting neurological toxicity. It involves a sensory peripheral neuropathy characterised by dysaesthesia and/or paraesthesia of the extremities with or without cramps, often triggered by the cold. These symptoms occur in up to 95% of patients treated. The duration of these symptoms, which usually regress between courses of treatment, increases with the number of treatment cycles.

The onset of pain and/or functional disorders is an indication for dose adjustments or even treatment discontinuation, depending on the duration of these symptoms (see section 4.4).

These functional disorders include difficulties in executing delicate movements and are a possible consequence of sensory impairment. The risk of occurrence of persistent symptoms for a cumulative dose of 850 mg/m² (10 cycles) is approximately 10% and 20% for a cumulative dose of 1020 mg/m2 (12 cycles).

In the majority of the cases, the neurological signs and symptoms improved or totally recovered when treatment was discontinued. In the adjuvant setting of colon cancer, 6 months after treatment cessation, 87% of patients had no or mild symptoms. After up to 3 years of follow-up, about 3% of patients presented either with persistent localised paraesthesia of moderate intensity (2.3%) or with paraesthesia with functional impairment (0.5%).

Acute neurosensory manifestations (see section 5.3) have been reported, appearing within hours of administration and often related to exposure to the cold. They may present as transient paraesthesia, dysaesthesia and hypoaesthesia or as an acute syndrome of pharyngolaryngeal dysaesthesia. This acute syndrome of pharyngolaryngeal dysaesthesia, with an incidence between 1% and 2%, is characterised by subjective sensations of dysphagia or dyspnoea, without any objective evidence of respiratory distress (no cyanosis or hypoxia) or of laryngospasm or bronchospasm (no stridor or wheezing). Although antihistamines and bronchodilators have been administered in such cases, the symptoms were rapidly reversible even in the absence of treatment. Prolongation of the infusion helps to reduce the incidence of this syndrome

(see section 4.4). In addition, the following symptoms were occasionally observed: Jaw spasms, muscle spasms, involuntary muscle contractions, muscle twitching, myoclonus, impaired coordination, abnormal gait, ataxia, balance disorders, throat or chest tightness, feeling of pressure, discomfort, pain. In addition, cranial nerve dysfunctions may be associated with the above mentioned events, or also occur as an isolated event such as ptosis, diplopia, aphonia, dysphonia, hoarseness, sometimes described as vocal cord paralysis, abnormal tongue sensation or dysarthria, sometimes described as aphasia, trigeminal neuralgia, facial pain, eye pain, decrease in visual acuity, visual field disorders.

Other neurological symptoms such as dysarthria, loss of deep tendon reflex and Lhermitte's sign were reported during treatment with oxaliplatin. Isolated cases of optic neuritis have been reported.

Postmarketing experience with frequency unknown:

Convulsion

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Post-marketing experience with_ frequency not known Laryngospasm

Immune system disorders:

Incidence of allergic reactions by patient (%) and by grade

Oxaliplatin/5 FU/FA, 85mg/m every 2 weeks	Treatment of metastases			Adjuvant therapy
	All grades	Grade 3	Grade 4	All grades	Grade 3	Grade 4
Allergic reactions/Allergy	9.1	1	< 1	10.3	2.3	0.6

Hepatobiliary disorders:

Very rare (< 1/10,000): Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, also known as veno-occlusive liver disease, or pathological manifestations related to such liver disorder, including peliosis hepatis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia and perisinusoidal fibrosis. Clinical manifestations may be portal hypertension and/or increased transaminases.

Renal and urinary disorders Very rare ( 1/10,000):

Acute tubular necrosis, acute interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms

There is no known antidote to oxaliplatin. In cases of overdose, exacerbation of adverse events can be expected.

Management

Monitoring of haematological parameters should be initiated and symptomatic treatment given.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: other antineoplastic agents, platinum compounds

ATC code: L01XA 03

Oxaliplatin is an antineoplastic medicinal product belonging to a new class of platinum-based compounds in which the platinum atom is complexed with 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (“DACH”) and an oxalate group. Oxaliplatin is a single enantiomer, the Cis-[oxalato (trans-l-1, 2-DACH) platinum].

Oxaliplatin exhibits a wide spectrum of both in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumour activity in a variety of tumour model systems including human colorectal cancer models. Oxaliplatin also demonstrates in vitro and in vivo activity in various cisplatin resistant models.

A synergistic cytotoxic action has been observed in combination with 5-fluorouracil both in vitro and in vivo.

Studies on the mechanism of action of oxaliplatin, although not completely elucidated, show that the aqua-derivatives resulting from the biotransformation of oxaliplatin, interact with DNA to form both inter- and intra-strand crosslinks, resulting in the disruption of DNA synthesis leading to cytotoxic and antitumour effects.

In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the efficacy of oxaliplatin (85mg/m repeated every two weeks) combined with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid is reported in three clinical studies:

-    In front-line treatment, the 2-arm comparative phase III EFC2962 study randomised 420 patients either to 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid alone (LV5FU2, N=210) or the combination of oxaliplatin with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid (FOLFOX4, N=210)

-    In pretreated patients, the comparative three arms phase III study EFC4584 randomised 821 patients refractory to an irinotecan (CPT-11) + 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid combination either to 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid alone (LV5FU2, N=275), oxaliplatin single agent (N=275), or combination of oxaliplatin with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid (FOLFOX4, N=271) - Finally, the non controlled phase II EFC2964 study included patients refractory to 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid alone, that were treated with the oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid combination (FOLFOX4, N=57)

The two randomised clinical trials, EFC2962 in front-line therapy and EFC4584 in pretreated patients, demonstrated a significantly higher response rate and a prolonged progression free survival (PFS)/time to progression (TTP) as compared to treatment with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid alone. In EFC4584 performed in refractory pretreated patients, the difference in median overall survival (OS) between the combination of oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid did not reach statistical significance.

Response rate under FOLFOX4 versus LV5FU2

Response rate % (95% CI) independent radiological review ITT analysis	LV5FU2	FOLFOX4	Oxaliplatin Single agent
Front-line treatment EFC2962	22 (16 - 27)	49 (42 - 46)	NA*
Response assessment every 8 weeks	P value = 0.0001
Pretreated patients EFC4584 (refractory to CPT-11 + 5-FU/FA)	0.7 (0.0 - 2.7)	11.1 (7.6 - 15.5)	1.1 (0.2-3.2)
Response assessment every 6 weeks	P value < 0.0001
Pretreated patients EFC2964	NA*	23	NA*
(refractory against 5-FU/FA) Response assessment every 12 weeks		(13 - 36)

*NA = Not Applicable

Median Progression Free Survival (PFS)/Median Time to Progression (TTP) FOLFOX4 versus LV5FU2

Median PFS/TTP, months (95% CI) independent radiological review ITT analysis	LV5FU2	FOLFOX4	Oxaliplatin Single agent
Front-line treatment	6.0	8.2	NA*
EFC2962 (PFS)	(5.5 - 6.5)	(7.2 - 8.8)
	Log-rank P value = 0.0003

Pretreated patients EFC4584 (TTP) (refractory against CPT-11 + 5-FU/FA)	2.6 (1.8 - 2.9)	5.3 (4.7 - 6.1)	2.1 (1.6 - 2.7)
	Log-rank P value < 0.0001
Pretreated patients EFC2964 (refractory against 5-FU/FA)	NA*	5.1 (3.1 - 5.7)	NA*

*NA = not applicable

Median Overall Survival (OS) under FOLFOX4 versus LV5FU2

Median OS, months (95% CI) ITT analysis	LV5FU2	FOLFOX4	Oxaliplatin Single agent
Front-line treatment EFC2962	14.7 (13.0 18.2)	16.2 (14.7-18.2)	NA*
	Log-rank P value = 0.12
Pretreated patients EFC4584 (refractory against CPT-11 + 5-FU/FA)	8.8 (7.3 - 9.3)	9.9 (9.1 - 10.5)	8.1 (7.2 - 8.7)
	Log-rank p value < 0.09
Pretreated patients EFC2964 (refractory against 5-FU/FA)	NA*	10.8 (9.3 - 12.8)	NA*

*NA = not applicable

In pretreated patients (EFC4584), who were symptomatic at baseline, a higher proportion of those treated with oxaliplatin/5-fluorouracil/folinic acid experienced a significant improvement of their disease-related symptoms compared to those treated with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid alone (27.7% vs 14.6%, p = 0.0033).

In non-pretreated patients, no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups was found for any of the quality of life dimensions. However, the quality of life scores were generally better in the control arm for measurement of global health status and pain and worse in the oxaliplatin arm for nausea and vomiting.

In the adjuvant setting, the MOSAIC comparative phase III study (EFC3313) randomised 2246 patients (899 stage II/Duke's B2 and 1347 stage III/Duke's C) further to complete resection of the primary tumour of colon cancer either to 5-FU/FA alone (LV5FU2, N=1123 (B2/C = 448/675) or to combination of oxaliplatin and 5-FU/FA (FOLFOX4, N=1123 (B2/C) = 451/672).

EFC 3313 3-year disease free survival (ITT analysis )* for the overall population

Treatment arm	LV5FU2	FOLFOX4
Percent 3-year disease free survival	73.3	78.7
(95% CI)	(70.6-75.9)	(76.2-81.1)
Hazard ratio	0.76
(95% CI)	(0.64 - 0.89)
Stratified log rank test	P = 0.0008

* Median follow-up over 44.2 months (all patients for at least 3 years)

The study demonstrated an overall significant advantage in 3-year disease free survival for the oxaliplatin and 5-FU/FA combination (FOLFOX4) over 5-FU/FA alone (LV5FU2).

EFC 3313 3-year Disease Free Survival (ITT analysis)* according to stage of the disease

Patient stage	Stage II (Duke’s B2)		Stage III (Duke’s C)
Treatment arm	LV5FU2	FOLFOX	LV5FU2	FOLFOX
		4		4
Percent 3-year disease free survival	84.3	87.4	65.8	72.8
(95% CI)	(80.9 -87.7)	(84.3 -90.5)	(62.2 - 69.5)	(69.4 -76.2)
Hazard ratio	0.79		0.75
(95% CI)	(0.57 - 1.09)		(0.62 - 0.90)
Log rank test	p = 0.151		p = 0.002

* median follow up 44.2 months (all patients followed for at least 3 years)

Overall Survival (ITT analysis):

At time of the analysis of the 3-year disease free survival, which was the primary endpoint of the MOSAIC trial, 85.1% of the patients were still alive in the FOLFOX4 arm versus 83.8% in the LV5FU2 arm. This translated into an overall reduction in mortality risk of 10 % in favour of FOLFOX4 not reaching statistical significance (hazard ratio = 0.90).

The figures were 92.2% versus 92.4% in the stage II (Duke's B2) subpopulation (hazard ratio = 1.01) and 80.4% versus 78.1% in the stage III (Duke's C) sub-population (hazard ratio = 0.87), for FOLFOX4 and LV5FU2, respectively.

Paediatric patients:

Oxaliplatin single agent has been evaluated in paediatric population in 2 Phase I (69 patients) and 2 Phase II (90 patients) studies. A total of 159 paediatric patients (7 months-22 years of age) with solid tumours have been treated. The effectiveness of oxaliplatin single agent in the paediatric populations treated has not been established. Accrual in both Phase II studies was stopped for lack of tumour response.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The pharmacokinetics of individual active compounds have not been determined. The pharmacokinetics of ultrafiltrable platinum, representing a mixture of all unbound, active and inactive platinum species, following a two-hour infusion of oxaliplatin at 130 mg /m² every three weeks for 1 to 5 cycles and oxaliplatin at 85 mg/m2 every two weeks for 1 to 3 cycles are as follows:

Summary of Platinum Pharmacokinetic Parameter Estimates in Ultrafiltrate Following Multiple Doses of Oxaliplatin at 85 mg/m Every Two Weeks or at 130 mg/m² Every Three Weeks

Mean AUC_0-48, and C_max values were determined on cycle 3 (85 mg/m²) or cycle 5 (130 mg/m²).

Mean AUC, V_ss, CL and CL_R0-48 values were determined on cycle 1.

C_end, Cmax, AUC, AUC_0-48, V_ss and CL values were determined by non-compartmental analysis.

t_1/2a , t_1/2p and t_1/2Y were determined by compartmental analysis (cycles 1-3 combined).

At the end of a 2-hour infusion, 15% of the administered platinum is present in the systemic circulation, the remaining 85% being rapidly distributed into tissues or eliminated in the urine.

Irreversible binding to red blood cells and plasma, results in half-lives in these matrices that are close to the natural turnover of red blood cells and serum albumin. No accumulation was observed in plasma ultrafiltrate following 85 mg/m every two weeks or 130 mg/m every three weeks and steady state was attained by cycle one in this matrix. Inter- and intra-subject variability is generally low.

Biotransformation in vitro is considered to be the result of non-enzymatic degradation and there is no evidence of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of the diaminocyclohexane (DACH) ring.

Oxaliplatin undergoes extensive biotransformation in patients, and no intact active substance was detectable in plasma ultrafiltrate at the end of a 2h-infusion. Several cytotoxic biotransformation products including the monochloro-, dichloro- and diaquo-DACH platinum species have been identified in the systemic circulation together with a number of inactive conjugates at later time points.

Platinum is predominantly excreted in urine, with clearance mainly in the 48 hours following administration.

By day 5, approximately 54% of the total dose was recovered in the urine and < 3% in the faeces.

A significant decrease in clearance from 17.6 ± 2.18 l/h to 9.95 ± 1.91 l/h in renal impairment was observed together with a statistically significant decrease in distribution volume from 330 ± 40.9 to 241 ± 36.1 l. The effect of severe renal impairment on platinum clearance has not been evaluated.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

The target organs identified in preclinical species (mice, rats, dogs, and/or monkeys) in single- and multiple-dose studies included the bone marrow, the gastrointestinal system, the kidney, the testes, the nervous system, and the heart. The target organ toxicities observed in animals are consistent with those produced by other platinum-containing medicinal products and DNA-damaging, cytotoxic medicinal products used in the treatment of human cancers with the exception of the effects produced on the heart. Effects on the heart were observed only in the dog and included electrophysiological disturbances with lethal ventricular fibrillation. Cardiotoxicity is considered specific to the dog not only because it was observed in the dog alone but also because doses similar to those producing lethal cardiotoxicity in dogs (150 mg/m ) were well-tolerated by humans. Preclinical studies using rat sensory neurons suggest that the acute neurosensory symptoms related to Oxaliplatin may involve an interaction with voltage-gated Na⁺-channels.

Oxaliplatin was mutagenic and clastogenic in mammalian test systems and produced embryo-fetal toxicity in rats. Oxaliplatin is considered a probable carcinogen, although carcinogenic studies have not been conducted.

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Water for injections

6.2 Incompatibilities

The medicinal product should not be mixed with other medicinal products in the same infusion bag or infusion line. Under instructions for use described in section 6.6, oxaliplatin can be co-administered with folinic acid via a Y-line.

-    DO NOT mix with alkaline medicinal products or solutions, in particular 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid preparations containing trometamol as an excipient and trometamol salts of other medicinal products. Alkaline medicinal products or solutions will adversely affect the stability of oxaliplatin (see section 6.6)

-    DO NOT dilute oxaliplatin with saline or other solutions containing chloride ions (including calcium, potassium or sodium chlorides)

-    DO NOT mix with other medicinal products in the same infusion bag or infusion line (see section 6.6 for instructions concerning simultaneous administration with folinic acid)

-    DO NOT use injection equipment containing aluminium.

6.3 Shelf life

Medicinal product as packaged for sale: 2 years

Infusion preparation: After dilution in glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion, chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 48 hours at 2 - 8°C and for 6 hours at 15 - 25°C.

From a microbiological point of view, the infusion preparation should be used immediately.

If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2 - 8 °C unless dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Do not freeze.

For storage conditions after dilution of the medicinal product see section 6.3.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

1 vial with 10 ml concentrate for solution for infusion (plastic vial made of clear, colourless cycloolefine copolymer, closed with bromobutyl stopper with crimping caps and flip-off tops).

1 vial with 20 ml concentrate for solution for infusion (plastic vial made of clear, colourless cycloolefine copolymer closed with bromobutyl stopper with crimping caps and flip-off tops).

1 vial with 30 ml concentrate for solution for infusion (plastic vial made of clear, colourless cycloolefine copolymer closed with bromobutyl stopper with crimping caps and flip-off tops).

1 vial with 40 ml concentrate for solution for infusion (plastic vial made of clear, colourless cycloolefine copolymer closed with bromobutyl stopper with crimping caps and flip-off tops).

Pack sizes:

1, 5 and 10 vial(s)

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

As with other potentially toxic compounds, caution should be exercised when handling and preparing oxaliplatin solutions.

Instructions for Handling

The handling of this cytotoxic agent by nursing or medical personnel requires every precaution to guarantee the protection of the handler and his surroundings.

Special precautions for administration

-    DO NOT use injection equipment containing aluminium.

-    DO NOT administer undiluted.

-    Only glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion is to be used as a diluent. DO NOT dilute for infusion with sodium chloride or chloride containing solutions.

-    DO NOT mix with any other medicinal products in the same infusion bag or administer simultaneously by the same infusion line.

-    DO NOT mix with alkaline medicinal products or solutions, in particular 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid preparations containing trometamol as an excipient and trometamol salts of others active substances. Alkaline medicinal products or solutions will adversely affect the stability of oxaliplatin.

Instruction for use with folinic acid (as calcium folinate or disodium folinate)

Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m² intravenous infusion in 250 to 500 ml of glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion is given at the same time as folinic acid (FA) intravenous infusion in glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion, over 2 to 6 hours, using a Y-line placed immediately before the site of infusion.

These two medicinal products should not be combined in the same infusion bag. Folinic acid (FA) must not contain trometamol as an excipient and must only be diluted using isotonic glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion, never in alkaline solutions or sodium chloride or chloride containing solutions.

Instruction for use with 5-fluorouracil

Oxaliplatin should always be administered before fluoropyrimidines - i.e. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

After oxaliplatin administration, flush the line and then administer 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

For additional information on medicinal products combined with oxaliplatin, see the corresponding summary of product characteristics.

USE ONLY the recommended solvents (see below).

Concentrate for solution for infusion

Inspect visually prior to use. Only clear solutions without particles should be used.

Dilution before infusion

Withdraw the required amount of concentrate from the vial(s) and then dilute with 250 ml to 500 ml of a glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion to give an oxaliplatin concentration between 0.2 mg/ml and 0.7 mg/ml. The concentration range over which the physico-chemical stability of oxaliplatin has been demonstrated is 0.2 mg/ml to 2 mg/ml.

Administer by intravenous infusion.

After dilution in glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion, chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 48 hours at 2 - 8°C and for 6 hours at 15 - 25°C.

From a microbiological point of view, this infusion preparation should be used immediately.

If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user.

The compatibility of Oxaliplatin solution for infusion has been tested with representative, PVC-based, administration sets.

Inspect visually prior to use. Only clear solutions without particles should be used.

The medicinal product is for single use only. Any unused infusion solution should be discarded.

NEVER use sodium chloride or chloride containing solutions for dilution.

The compatibility of Oxaliplatin solution for infusion has been tested with representative, PVC-based, administration sets.

Infusion

The administration of oxaliplatin does not require prehydration.

Oxaliplatin diluted in 250 to 500 ml of a glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for infusion to give a concentration not less than 0.2 mg/ml must be infused either by peripheral vein or central venous line over 2 to 6 hours. When oxaliplatin is administered with 5-fluorouracil, the oxaliplatin infusion must precede the administration of 5-fluorouracil.

Disposal

Remnants of the medicinal product as well as all materials that have been used for dilution and administration must be destroyed according to hospital standard procedures applicable to cytotoxic agents and with due regard to current laws related to the disposal of hazardous waste.

7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Sandoz Limited

Frimley Business Park

Frimley

Camberley

Surrey

GU16 7SR

UK

8    MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 04416/1314

9    DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

29/01/2010

10    DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

22/06/2016