Zaltrap
ziv-aflibercept · Solution, Concentrate · Intravenous
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZALTRAP, in combination with fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan-(FOLFIRI), is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen. ZALTRAP, a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, in combination with fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan (FOLFIRI), is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
4 mg per kg as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour every 2 weeks. ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dose and Schedule The recommended dosage of ZALTRAP is 4 mg per kg of actual body weight as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour every two weeks in combination with FOLFIRI until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Administer ZALTRAP prior to any component of the FOLFIRI regimen on the day of treatment. Refer to prescribing information for irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin for the recommended dosage and dosage modifications for these drugs. 2.2 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions Discontinue ZALTRAP for: Severe hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Gastrointestinal perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Impaired wound healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Fistula formation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypertensive crisis or hypertensive encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Arterial thromboembolic events (ATE) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Nephrotic syndrome or thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Temporarily suspend ZALTRAP: At least 4 weeks prior to elective surgery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. For uncontrolled hypertension until controlled. Upon resumption, permanently reduce the ZALTRAP dose to 2 mg per kg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . For proteinuria of 2 grams per 24 hours or more. Resume when proteinuria is less than 2 grams per 24 hours. For recurrent proteinuria, suspend ZALTRAP until proteinuria is less than 2 grams per 24 hours and then permanently reduce the ZALTRAP dose to 2 mg per kg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . 2.3 Preparation and Administration Preparation Inspect vials visually prior to use. ZALTRAP is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. Do not use vial if the solution is discolored or cloudy or if the solution contains particles. Withdraw the prescribed dose of ZALTRAP and dilute in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP to achieve a final concentration of 0.6 mg/mL to 8 mg/mL. Do not re-enter the vial after the initial puncture. Discard any unused portion left in the vial. Use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) infusion bags containing bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or polyolefin infusion bags. Store diluted ZALTRAP refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for up to 24 hours or at controlled room temperature of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) for up to 8 hours. Discard any unused portion left in the infusion bag. Administration Administer the diluted ZALTRAP solution as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour through a 0.2-micron polyethersulfone filter. Do not use filters made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or nylon. Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus. Do not combine ZALTRAP with other drugs in the same infusion bag or intravenous line. Administer ZALTRAP using an infusion set made of one of the following materials: PVC containing DEHP DEHP free PVC containing trioctyl-trimellitate (TOTM) polypropylene polyethylene lined PVC polyurethane
Dosage forms and strengths
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS ZALTRAP is a clear, colorless to pale-yellow solution available as: Injection: 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial Injection: 200 mg/8 mL (25 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial Injection: 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) and 200 mg/8 mL (25 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial ( 3 )
Contraindications
None. None ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Hemorrhage : Severe and sometimes fatal hemorrhage, including gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, has been reported in patients who have received ZALTRAP. Do not administer ZALTRAP to patients with severe hemorrhage. ( 5.1 ) Gastrointestinal Perforation : Discontinue ZALTRAP therapy in patients who experience GI perforation. ( 5.2 ) Impaired Wound Healing : Withhold ZALTRAP for at least 4 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 4 weeks following major surgery and until wounds have adequately healed. Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients with impaired wound healing. The safety of resumption of ZALTRAP after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. ( 5.3 ) Fistula Formation : Discontinue ZALTRAP if fistula occurs. ( 2.2 , 5.4 ) Hypertension : Monitor blood pressure and treat hypertension. Temporarily suspend ZALTRAP if hypertension is not controlled. Discontinue ZALTRAP if hypertensive crisis develops. ( 2.2 , 5.5 ) Arterial Thromboembolic Events (ATE) : Discontinue ZALTRAP if ATE develops. ( 5.6 ) Proteinuria : Monitor urine protein. Suspend ZALTRAP for proteinuria of 2 grams per 24 hours or more. Discontinue ZALTRAP if nephrotic syndrome or thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) develops. ( 2.2 , 5.7 ) Neutropenia and Neutropenic Complications : Delay administration of ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI until neutrophil count is 1.5 × 10 9 /L or higher. ( 5.8 ) Diarrhea and Dehydration : Incidence of severe diarrhea and dehydration is increased. Monitor elderly patients more closely. ( 5.9 , 8.5 ) Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome : Discontinue ZALTRAP. ( 5.10 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of potential risk to fetus and need for use of effective contraception. ( 5.11 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Hemorrhage Patients treated with ZALTRAP have an increased risk of hemorrhage, including severe and sometimes fatal hemorrhagic events. In patients with mCRC, bleeding/hemorrhage (all grades) was reported in 38% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to 19% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. Grade 3–4 hemorrhagic events, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hematuria, and post-procedural hemorrhage, were reported in 3% of patients receiving ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared with 1% of patients receiving placebo/FOLFIRI. Severe intracranial hemorrhage and pulmonary hemorrhage/hemoptysis including fatal events have also occurred in patients receiving ZALTRAP. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Do not initiate ZALTRAP in patients with severe hemorrhage. Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients who develop severe hemorrhage [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . 5.2 Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation including fatal GI perforation can occur in patients receiving ZALTRAP. Across three placebo-controlled clinical studies (colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer populations), the incidence of GI perforation (all grades) was 0.8% for patients treated with ZALTRAP and 0.3% for patients treated with placebo. Grade 3–4 GI perforation occurred in 0.8% of patients treated with ZALTRAP and 0.2% of patients treated with placebo. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of GI perforation. Discontinue ZALTRAP therapy in patients who experience GI perforation [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . 5.3 Impaired Wound Healing Grade 3 impaired wound healing was reported in 2 patients (0.3%) treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI regimen. Withhold ZALTRAP for at least 4 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer ZALTRAP for at least 4 weeks after major surgery and until wounds have adequately healed. For minor surgery such as central venous access port placement, biopsy, and tooth extraction, ZALTRAP may be initiated/resumed once the surgical wound is fully healed. Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients with impaired wound healing. The safety of resumption of ZALTRAP after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . 5.4 Fistula Formation Fistula formation involving gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal sites occurs at a higher incidence in patients treated with ZALTRAP. In patients with mCRC, fistulas (anal, enterovesical, enterocutaneous, colovaginal, intestinal sites) were reported in 9 of 611 patients (1.5%) treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI regimen and 3 of 605 patients (0.5%) treated with placebo/FOLFIRI regimen. Grade 3 GI fistula formation occurred in 2 patients treated with ZALTRAP (0.3%) and in 1 patient treated with placebo (0.2%). Discontinue ZALTRAP therapy in patients who develop fistula [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . 5.5 Hypertension ZALTRAP increases the risk of Grade 3–4 hypertension. There is no clinical trial experience administering ZALTRAP to patients with NYHA class III or IV heart failure. In patients with mCRC, Grade 3 hypertension (defined as requiring adjustment in existing antihypertensive therapy or treatment with more than one drug) was reported in 1.5% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI and 19% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI. Grade 4 hypertension (hypertensive crisis) was reported in 1 patient (0.2%) treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI. Among those patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI developing Grade 3–4 hypertension, 54% had onset during the first two cycles of treatment. Monitor blood pressure every two weeks or more frequently as clinically indicated during treatment with ZALTRAP. Treat with appropriate antihypertensive therapy and continue monitoring blood pressure regularly. Temporarily suspend ZALTRAP in patients with uncontrolled hypertension until controlled and permanently reduce the ZALTRAP dose to 2 mg per kg for subsequent cycles. Discontinue ZALTRAP in patients with hypertensive crisis or hypertensive encephalopathy [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Fistula Formation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Arterial Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Neutropenia and Neutropenic Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Diarrhea and Dehydration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥20% incidence) were leukopenia, diarrhea, neutropenia, proteinuria, AST increased, stomatitis, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ALT increased, hypertension, weight decreased, decreased appetite, epistaxis, abdominal pain, dysphonia, serum creatinine increased, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of ZALTRAP in combination with FOLFIRI was evaluated in VELOUR (EFC102621) [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. Patients received ZALTRAP 4 mg per kg (N=611) or placebo (N=605) intravenously every two weeks (one cycle) in combination with FOLFIRI. Patients received a median of 9 cycles of ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI. The most common Grade 3–4 adverse reactions (≥5%) in the ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI arm were neutropenia, diarrhea, hypertension, leukopenia, stomatitis, fatigue, proteinuria, and asthenia. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation in ≥1% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI regimen were asthenia/fatigue, infections, diarrhea, dehydration, hypertension, stomatitis, venous thromboembolic events, neutropenia, and proteinuria. The ZALTRAP dose was reduced and/or omitted in 17% of patients. Cycle delays >7 days occurred in 60% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in the ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI arm were leukopenia, diarrhea, neutropenia, proteinuria, AST increased, stomatitis, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ALT increased, hypertension, weight decreased, decreased appetite, epistaxis, abdominal pain, dysphonia, serum creatinine increased, and headache. Adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities that occurred in ≥5% (all grades) of patients receiving ZALTRAP in combination with FOLFIRI and which occurred at ≥2% higher frequency in patients who received ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI compared to those who received placebo/FOLFIRI in VELOUR are shown in Table 1. VELOUR was not designed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in adverse reaction rates for ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI as compared to placebo/FOLFIRI for any adverse reactions listed below. Table 1: Selected Adverse Reactions and Laboratory Findings in VELOUR Primary System Organ Class Preferred Term ZALTRAP/ FOLFIRI (N=611) Placebo/ FOLFIRI (N=605) All grades (%) Grades 3–4 (%) All grades (%) Grades 3–4 (%) Note: Adverse Reactions are reported using MedDRA version 13.1 and graded using NCI CTC version 3.0 Blood and lymphatic system disorders Leukopenia 78 16 72 12 Neutropenia 67 37 57 30 Thrombocytopenia 48 3 35 2 Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 69 19 57 8 Stomatitis 50 13 33 5 Abdominal Pain 27 4 24 2 Abdominal Pain Upper 11 1 8 1 Hemorrhoids 6 0 2 0 Rectal Hemorrhage 5 0.7 2 0.5 Proctalgia 5 0.3 2 0.3 Investigations AST increased 62 3 54 2 ALT increased 50 3 39 2 Weight decreased 32 3 14 0.8 Renal and urinary disorders Proteinuria Compilation of clinical and laboratory data 62 8 41 1 Serum creatinine increased 23 0 19 0.5 General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue 48 13 39 8 Asthenia 18 5 13 3 Vascular disorders Hypertension 41 19 11 1.5 Metabolism and nutrition disorders Decreased Appetite 32 3 24 2 Dehydration 9 4 3 1 Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Epistaxis 28 0.2 7 0 Dysphonia 25 0.5 3 0 Dyspnea 12 0.8 9 0.8 Oropharyngeal Pain 8 0.2 3 0 Rhinorrhea 6 0 2 0 Nervous system disorders Headache 22 2 9 0.3 Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome 11 3 4 0.5 Skin Hyperpigmentation 8 0 3 0 Infections Urinary Tract Infection 9 0.8 6 0.8 Infections occurred at a higher frequency in patients receiving ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI (46%, all grades; 12%, Grade 3–4) than in patients receiving placebo/FOLFIRI (33%, all grades; 7%, Grade 3–4), including urinary tract infection, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, catheter site infection, and tooth infection. In patients with mCRC, severe hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI (0.3%) and placebo/FOLFIRI (0.5%). In patients with mCRC, venous thromboembolic events (VTE), consisting primarily of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, occurred in 9% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI and 7% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. Grade 3–4 VTE occurred in 8% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI and in 6% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. Pulmonary embolism occurred in 5% of patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI and 3.4% of patients treated with placebo/FOLFIRI. 6.2 Immunogenicity As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay.
Drug interactions
No dedicated drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted for ZALTRAP. No clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions were found between ziv-aflibercept and irinotecan/SN-38 or fluorouracil [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Use in specific populations
Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , ZALTRAP can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There is insufficient data in pregnant women exposed to ZALTRAP to assess the risks. Administration of ziv-aflibercept during the period of organogenesis was embryotoxic and teratogenic in rabbits at exposure levels approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal data In pregnant rabbits, administration of ziv-aflibercept during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increase in postimplantation loss and external (including anasarca, umbilical hernia, diaphragmatic hernia and gastroschisis, cleft palate, ectrodactyly, and anal atresia), visceral (heart, great vessels, and arteries), and skeletal fetal malformations (including fused vertebrae, sternebrae, and ribs, supernumerary arches and ribs, and incomplete ossification) at doses greater than or equal to 3 mg per kg, administered once every 3 days (approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose based on AUC). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of ziv-aflibercept in human milk, or the effects of ziv-aflibercept on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZALTRAP and for 1 month following the last dose. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential ZALTRAP can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Pregnancy Testing Verify the pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ZALTRAP [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Contraception Females Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action, ZALTRAP can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZALTRAP and for 3 months following the last dose. Infertility Advise female and male patients of reproductive potential that ZALTRAP may impair reproductive function and fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Safety and efficacy were assessed, but not established in a dose-escalation, safety, and tolerability study (NCT00622414) in 21 patients with solid tumors 2 to 21 years of age (median age 12.9). The mean elimination half-life of free ziv-aflibercept determined after the first dose in 8 pediatric patients aged 5 to 17 years was within the range of values previously observed in adults. The maximum tolerated dose based on body weight in these pediatric patients was lower than the dose known to be safe and effective in adults with mCRC. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data Weekly/every-two-weeks intravenous administration of ziv-aflibercept at dose of 3 mg per kg (approximately 0.6 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose based on AUC) to growing young adult (sexually mature) cynomolgus monkeys for up to 6 months resulted in changes in the bone (effects on growth plate and the axial and appendicular skeleton), nasal cavity (atrophy/loss of the septum and/or turbinates), kidney (glomerulopathy with inflammation), ovary (decreased number of maturing follicles, granulosa cells, and/or theca cells), and adrenal gland (decreased vacuolation with inflammation). In another study in sexually immature cynomolgus monkeys (treated intravenously for 3 months), there were similar effects. The skeletal and nasal cavity effects were not reversible after a post-dosing recovery period. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 611 patients with mCRC, patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI, 205 (34%) were 65 years or older, and 33 (5%) were 75 years or older. Elderly patients (≥65 years of age) experienced higher incidences (≥5%) of diarrhea, dizziness, asthenia, weight decrease, and dehydration when compared to younger patients. Monitor elderly patients more closely for diarrhea and dehydration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]. The effect of ZALTRAP on overall survival was similar in patients <65 years old and ≥65 years old who received ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI. 8.6 Renal Impairment No dosage modification is recommended for patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 8.7 Hepatic Impairment No dosage modification is recommended for patients with mild (total bilirubin >1 to 1.5 times upper limit normal [ULN] and any aspartate transaminase [AST]) and moderate (total bilirubin >1.5 to 3 times ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . ZALTRAP has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN and any AST).
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , ZALTRAP can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There is insufficient data in pregnant women exposed to ZALTRAP to assess the risks. Administration of ziv-aflibercept during the period of organogenesis was embryotoxic and teratogenic in rabbits at exposure levels approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal data In pregnant rabbits, administration of ziv-aflibercept during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increase in postimplantation loss and external (including anasarca, umbilical hernia, diaphragmatic hernia and gastroschisis, cleft palate, ectrodactyly, and anal atresia), visceral (heart, great vessels, and arteries), and skeletal fetal malformations (including fused vertebrae, sternebrae, and ribs, supernumerary arches and ribs, and incomplete ossification) at doses greater than or equal to 3 mg per kg, administered once every 3 days (approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose based on AUC).
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Safety and efficacy were assessed, but not established in a dose-escalation, safety, and tolerability study (NCT00622414) in 21 patients with solid tumors 2 to 21 years of age (median age 12.9). The mean elimination half-life of free ziv-aflibercept determined after the first dose in 8 pediatric patients aged 5 to 17 years was within the range of values previously observed in adults. The maximum tolerated dose based on body weight in these pediatric patients was lower than the dose known to be safe and effective in adults with mCRC. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data Weekly/every-two-weeks intravenous administration of ziv-aflibercept at dose of 3 mg per kg (approximately 0.6 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose based on AUC) to growing young adult (sexually mature) cynomolgus monkeys for up to 6 months resulted in changes in the bone (effects on growth plate and the axial and appendicular skeleton), nasal cavity (atrophy/loss of the septum and/or turbinates), kidney (glomerulopathy with inflammation), ovary (decreased number of maturing follicles, granulosa cells, and/or theca cells), and adrenal gland (decreased vacuolation with inflammation). In another study in sexually immature cynomolgus monkeys (treated intravenously for 3 months), there were similar effects. The skeletal and nasal cavity effects were not reversible after a post-dosing recovery period.
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 611 patients with mCRC, patients treated with ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI, 205 (34%) were 65 years or older, and 33 (5%) were 75 years or older. Elderly patients (≥65 years of age) experienced higher incidences (≥5%) of diarrhea, dizziness, asthenia, weight decrease, and dehydration when compared to younger patients. Monitor elderly patients more closely for diarrhea and dehydration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]. The effect of ZALTRAP on overall survival was similar in patients <65 years old and ≥65 years old who received ZALTRAP/FOLFIRI.
Description
Ziv-aflibercept is a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor. It is a recombinant fusion protein consisting of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-binding portions from the extracellular domains of human VEGF Receptors 1 and 2 fused to the Fc portion of the human IgG1. Ziv-aflibercept is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) K-1 mammalian expression system. Ziv-aflibercept is a dimeric glycoprotein with a protein molecular weight of 97 kilodaltons (kDa) and contains glycosylation, constituting an additional 15% of the total molecular mass, resulting in a total molecular weight of 115 kDa. ZALTRAP (ziv-aflibercept) injection is a sterile, clear, colorless to pale-yellow, non-pyrogenic, preservative-free, solution for intravenous use. ZALTRAP is supplied in single-dose vials of 100 mg/4 mL and 200 mg/8 mL formulated as 25 mg/mL ziv-aflibercept in polysorbate 20 (1 mg/mL), sodium chloride (5.84 mg/mL), sodium citrate (1.45 mg/mL), sodium phosphate (0.8 mg/mL), and sucrose (200 mg/mL), in Water for Injection, USP, at a pH of 6.2.
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Ziv-aflibercept acts as a soluble receptor that binds to human VEGF-A (equilibrium dissociation constant K D of 0.5 pM for VEGF-A 165 and 0.36 pM for VEGF-A 121 ), to human VEGF-B (K D of 1.92 pM), and to human PlGF (K D of 39 pM for PlGF-2). By binding to these endogenous ligands, ziv-aflibercept can inhibit the binding and activation of their cognate receptors. This inhibition can result in decreased neovascularization and decreased vascular permeability. In animals, ziv-aflibercept was shown to inhibit the proliferation of endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels. Ziv-aflibercept inhibited the growth of xenotransplanted colon tumors in mice.
How supplied
(ziv-aflibercept) injection is a clear, colorless to pale-yellow solution supplied in single-dose vials with a concentration of 25 mg/mL. NDC 0024-5840-01: carton containing one single-dose vial of 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) NDC 0024-5841-01: carton containing one single-dose vial of 200 mg/8 mL (25 mg/mL) Store ZALTRAP vials in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Keep the vials in the original outer carton to protect from light. Discard unused portion.
Storage
Store ZALTRAP vials in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Keep the vials in the original outer carton to protect from light. Discard unused portion.
Patient information
Hemorrhage Inform patients that ZALTRAP can cause severe bleeding and advise patients to contact their healthcare provider for bleeding or symptoms of bleeding, including lightheadedness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Gastrointestinal Perforation and Fistula Formation Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation or fistula [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.4) ] . Impaired Wound Healing Advise patients that ZALTRAP may impair wound healing. Instruct patients to discuss any planned surgical procedure (including tooth extractions) with all their healthcare providers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Hypertension Inform patients that ZALTRAP can cause or exacerbate existing hypertension. Advise patients to undergo routine blood pressure monitoring and to contact their healthcare provider if blood pressure is elevated or if symptoms from hypertension occur including severe headache, lightheadedness, or neurologic symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Arterial Thromboembolic Events Inform patients of an increased risk of ATE [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Proteinuria Advise patients that they will need to undergo regular laboratory tests to monitor protein in their urine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Neutropenia and Neutropenic Complications Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider of fever or other signs of infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . Diarrhea and Dehydration Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider of severe diarrhea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . Posterior Reversible Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for new onset or worsening neurological function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] . Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise females of reproductive potential: of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . to use effective contraception during treatment with ZALTRAP and for 3 months following the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] . Lactation Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZALTRAP and for 1 month following the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ] . Aneurysms and Artery Dissections Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they have or have had an aneurysm (swelling/enlargement and weakening of part of a blood vessel) or artery dissection (tear in a blood vessel wall) [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] .
Label text from the FDA structured product label by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC (revised Oct 6, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Aflibercept in 2 products
Zaltrap NDC products (2)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0024-5840 | Aflibercept 100 mg/4mL Solution, Concentrate | sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC | BLA |
| 0024-5841 | Aflibercept 200 mg/8mL Solution, Concentrate | sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC | BLA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Zaltrap used for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZALTRAP, in combination with fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan-(FOLFIRI), is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen. ZALTRAP, a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, in combination with fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan (FOLFIRI), is…
What are the side effects of Zaltrap?
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Fistula Formation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Arterial… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Zaltrap?
Zaltrap is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC.