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Vyxeos

daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome
Liposomal Anthracycline + Antimetabolite FDA Approved 2017 Jazz Pharmaceuticals
1. Indications and Usage

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — newly diagnosed, therapy-related AML (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) in adults

2. Dosage and Administration

Induction: Daunorubicin 44 mg/m² + cytarabine 100 mg/m² IV over 90 min on Days 1, 3, 5; may give second induction if needed
Consolidation (if CR/CRi): Daunorubicin 29 mg/m² + cytarabine 65 mg/m² IV over 90 min on Days 1, 3
Do NOT interchange with other daunorubicin or cytarabine products
Do NOT use in-line filter

3. Dosage Forms and Strengths

For injection: Liposomal encapsulation of daunorubicin 44 mg and cytarabine 100 mg in a fixed 1:5 molar ratio per vial

4. Contraindications

History of serious hypersensitivity to any component.

5. Warnings and Precautions
  • Hemorrhagic Events: Fatal and serious, including CNS hemorrhage. Occurred during induction and in setting of prolonged thrombocytopenia.
  • Cardiotoxicity: Monitor cardiac function prior to and periodically during treatment. Total lifetime anthracycline exposure should be considered.
  • Myelosuppression: Prolonged myelosuppression. Median time to neutrophil (ANC ≥500) recovery: 35 days; platelet (≥50K) recovery: 36 days.
  • Hypersensitivity Reactions: Including serious. Monitor during infusion.
  • Copper Overload: Contains copper gluconate; total copper exposure from 2 induction + 1 consolidation = 106 mg. Caution in Wilson disease or other copper disorders.
6. Adverse Reactions
Most Common Adverse Reactions

Hemorrhage (69%), febrile neutropenia (68%), rash (44%), edema (35%), nausea (33%), mucositis (32%), diarrhea (32%), constipation (28%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), fatigue (26%), abdominal pain (23%), dyspnea (23%), headache (21%), cough (19%), decreased appetite (21%), arrhythmia (18%), pneumonia (17%), bacteremia (17%)

Hemorrhage
69%
Febrile Neutropenia
68%
Rash
44%
Edema
35%
Nausea
33%
Mucositis
32%
Diarrhea
32%
Constipation
28%
Musculoskeletal Pain
26%
Fatigue
26%

Key Safety Signals

Hemorrhagic events in 69% (Grade 3-5 in 12%, including fatal). Cardiotoxicity (monitor LVEF; do not use if LVEF below normal). Myelosuppression: prolonged count recovery (median 35-40 days). Hypersensitivity: serious reactions including anaphylaxis.

Consult the complete prescribing information for a comprehensive list of adverse reactions and their frequencies.

7. Drug Interactions

Key Safety Signals

Hemorrhagic events in 69% (Grade 3-5 in 12%, including fatal). Cardiotoxicity (monitor LVEF; do not use if LVEF below normal). Myelosuppression: prolonged count recovery (median 35-40 days). Hypersensitivity: serious reactions including anaphylaxis.

Consult the complete prescribing information for drug interactions, including effects on CYP enzymes, transporters, and concomitant medications that may require dose adjustments or monitoring.

8. Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy

Consult the full prescribing information for pregnancy-related considerations.

Lactation

Refer to prescribing information for lactation guidance.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric safety and efficacy information is detailed in the full label.

Hepatic/Renal Impairment

Dose modifications for organ impairment are specified in the complete prescribing information.

12. Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action

Vyxeos is a liposomal formulation that encapsulates daunorubicin and cytarabine in a fixed 1:5 molar ratio within bilamellar liposomes. This ratio was selected to maximize synergistic anti-leukemic activity in vitro and in vivo. The liposomal formulation maintains this synergistic drug ratio in plasma and bone marrow for over 24 hours after administration, improving drug delivery to leukemia cells. Daunorubicin intercalates DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II; cytarabine inhibits DNA polymerase through incorporation of its triphosphate form into DNA.

Pharmacokinetics

Daunorubicin half-life: 31.5 hours; Cytarabine half-life: 40.4 hours. Liposomal encapsulation maintains 5:1 molar ratio (cytarabine:daunorubicin) in plasma and bone marrow. Vd: 4.8 L (daunorubicin), 6.6 L (cytarabine). Limited renal excretion.

14. Clinical Studies

Clinical efficacy and safety data supporting the approval are available in the full prescribing information and from the clinical trials listed below.

Pivotal Clinical Trials
Additional Resources
FDA-Approved Tumor Types

Vyxeos has FDA-approved indications across the following cancer types covered on PipelineEvidence:

External Resources
Important Notice: This page is intended as a navigational reference to the FDA-approved prescribing information for Vyxeos. It does not replace the full prescribing information. Healthcare professionals should consult the complete package insert available at DailyMed before making prescribing decisions. Patient-specific factors should always guide clinical decision-making.