4.1. Therapeutic indications

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

Pazopanib is indicated in adults for the first‑line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and for patients who have received prior cytokine therapy for advanced disease.

Soft‑tissue sarcoma (STS)

Pazopanib is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with selective subtypes of advanced soft‑tissue sarcoma (STS) who have received prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease or who have progressed within 12 months after (neo) adjuvant therapy.

Efficacy and safety has only been established in certain STS histological tumour subtypes (see section 5.1).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Pazopanib treatment should only be initiated by a physician experienced in the administration of anti‑cancer medicinal products.

Posology

Adults

The recommended dose of pazopanib for the treatment of RCC or STS is 800 mg once daily.

Dose modifications

Dose modification (decrease or increase) should be in 200 mg decrements or increments in a stepwise fashion based on individual tolerability in order to manage adverse reactions. The dose of pazopanib should not exceed 800 mg.

Paediatric population

Pazopanib should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age because of safety concerns with regard to organ growth and maturation (see sections 4.4 and 5.3).

The safety and efficacy of pazopanib in children aged 2 to 18 years of age have not yet been established.

Currently available data are described in sections 4.8, 5.1 and 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.

Elderly

There are limited data on the use of pazopanib in patients aged 65 years and older. In the RCC studies of pazopanib, overall no clinically significant differences in safety of pazopanib were observed between subjects aged at least 65 years and younger subjects. Clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some elderly patients cannot be ruled out.

Renal impairment

Renal impairment is unlikely to have a clinically relevant effect on pazopanib pharmacokinetics given the low renal excretion of pazopanib and metabolites (see section 5.2). Therefore, no dose adjustment is required in patients with creatinine clearance above 30 ml/min. Caution is advised in patients with creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min as there is no experience of pazopanib in this patient population.

Hepatic impairment

Dosing recommendations in hepatically impaired patients are based on pharmacokinetic studies of pazopanib in patients with varying degrees of hepatic dysfunction (see section 5.2). All patients should have liver function tests to determine whether they have hepatic impairment before starting and during pazopanib therapy (see section 4.4). Administration of pazopanib to patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment should be undertaken with caution and close monitoring of tolerability. 800 mg pazopanib once daily is the recommended dose in patients with mild abnormalities in serum liver tests (defined either as normal bilirubin and any degree of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation or as an elevation of bilirubin (>35% direct) up to 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) regardless of the ALT value). A reduced pazopanib dose of 200 mg once daily is recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (defined as an elevation of bilirubin >1.5 to 3 x ULN regardless of the ALT value) (see section 5.2).

Pazopanib is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (defined as total bilirubin >3 x ULN regardless of the ALT value).

See section 4.4 for liver monitoring and dose modification for patients with drug‑induced hepatotoxicity.

Method of administration

Pazopanib is for oral use. It should be taken without food, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal (see section 5.2). The film‑coated tablets should be taken whole with water and not broken or crushed (see section 5.2).

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Hepatic effects

Cases of hepatic failure (including fatalities) have been reported during use of pazopanib. Administration of pazopanib to patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment should be undertaken with caution and close monitoring. 800 mg pazopanib once daily is the recommended dose in patients with mild abnormalities in serum liver tests (either normal bilirubin and any degree of ALT elevation or elevation of bilirubin up to 1.5 x ULN regardless of the ALT value). A reduced pazopanib dose of 200 mg once daily is recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (elevation of bilirubin >1.5 to 3 x ULN regardless of the ALT value) (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). Pazopanib is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 x ULN regardless of the ALT value) (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). Exposure at a 200 mg dose is markedly reduced, though highly variable, in these patients, with values considered insufficient to obtain a clinically relevant effect.

In clinical studies with pazopanib, increase in serum transaminases (ALT, aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) and bilirubin were observed (see section 4.8). In the majority of the cases, isolated increases in ALT and AST have been reported, without concomitant elevations of alkaline phosphatase or bilirubin. Patients over 60 years of age may be at greater risk for mild (>3 x ULN) to severe (>8 x ULN) elevation of ALT. Patients who carry the HLA‑B*57:01 allele have an increased risk of pazopanib‑associated ALT elevations. Liver function should be monitored in all subjects receiving pazopanib, regardless of genotype or age (see section 5.1).

Serum liver tests should be performed before initiation of treatment with pazopanib, at weeks 3, 5, 7 and 9, then at months 3 and 4, with additional tests as clinically indicated. Periodic testing should then continue after month 4.

See Table 1 for dose modification guidance for patients with baseline values of total bilirubin ≤1.5 x ULN and AST and ALT ≤2 x ULN:

Table 1 Dose modifications for drug‑induced hepatotoxicity

Liver test values

Dose modification

Transaminase elevation between 3 and 8 x ULN

Continue on pazopanib with weekly monitoring of liver function until transaminases return to Grade 1 or baseline.

Transaminase elevation of >8 x ULN

Interrupt pazopanib until transaminases return to Grade 1 or baseline.

If the potential benefit of reinitiating pazopanib treatment is considered to outweigh the risk for hepatotoxicity, then reintroduce pazopanib at a reduced dose of 400 mg daily and perform serum liver tests weekly for 8 weeks. Following reintroduction of pazopanib, if transaminase elevations >3 x ULN recur, then pazopanib should be permanently discontinued.

Transaminase elevations >3 x ULN concurrently with bilirubin elevations >2 x ULN

Permanently discontinue pazopanib.

Patients should be monitored until return to Grade 1 or baseline. Pazopanib is a UGT1A1 inhibitor. Mild, indirect (unconjugated) hyperbilirubinaemia may occur in patients with Gilbert's syndrome. Patients with only a mild indirect hyperbilirubinaemia, known or suspected Gilbert's syndrome, and elevation in ALT >3 x ULN should be managed as per the recommendations outlined for isolated ALT elevations.

Concomitant use of pazopanib and simvastatin increases the risk of ALT elevations (see section 4.5) and should be undertaken with caution and close monitoring.

Hypertension

In clinical studies with pazopanib, events of hypertension including newly diagnosed symptomatic episodes of elevated blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) have occurred. Blood pressure should be well controlled prior to initiating pazopanib. Patients should be monitored for hypertension early after starting treatment (no longer than one week after starting pazopanib) and frequently thereafter to ensure blood pressure control. Elevated blood pressure levels (systolic blood pressure ≥150 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mm Hg) occurred early in the course of treatment (approximately 40% of cases occurred by day 9 and approximately 90% of cases occurred in the first 18 weeks). Blood pressure should be monitored and managed promptly using a combination of anti‑hypertensive therapy and dose modification of pazopanib (interruption and re‑initiation at a reduced dose based on clinical judgement) (see sections 4.2 and 4.8). Pazopanib should be discontinued if there is evidence of hypertensive crisis or if hypertension is severe and persists despite anti‑hypertensive therapy and pazopanib dose reduction.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)/Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS)

PRES/RPLS has been reported in association with pazopanib. PRES/RPLS can present with headache, hypertension, seizure, lethargy, confusion, blindness and other visual and neurological disturbances, and can be fatal. Patients developing PRES/RPLS should permanently discontinue treatment with pazopanib.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

ILD, which can be fatal, has been reported in association with pazopanib (see section 4.8). Patients should be monitored for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis and pazopanib should be discontinued in patients developing ILD or pneumonitis.

Cardiac dysfunction/Heart failure

The risks and benefits of pazopanib should be considered before beginning therapy in patients who have pre‑existing cardiac dysfunction. The safety and pharmacokinetics of pazopanib in patients with moderate to severe heart failure or those with a below normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have not been studied.

In clinical studies with pazopanib, events of cardiac dysfunction such as congestive heart failure and decreased LVEF have occurred (see section 4.8). In a randomised study comparing pazopanib and sunitinib in RCC (VEG108844), subjects had baseline and follow up LVEF measurements. Myocardial dysfunction occurred in 13% (47/362) of subjects in the pazopanib arm compared to 11% (42/369) of subjects in the sunitinib arm. Congestive heart failure was observed in 0.5% of subjects in each treatment arm. Congestive heart failure was reported in 3 out of 240 subjects (1%) in the Phase III VEG110727 STS study. Decreases in LVEF in subjects who had post‑baseline and follow‑up LVEF measurement were detected in 11% (15/140) in the pazopanib arm, compared with 3% (1/39) in the placebo arm.

Risk factors

Thirteen of the 15 subjects in the pazopanib arm of the STS Phase III study had concurrent hypertension which may have exacerbated cardiac dysfunction in patients at risk by increasing cardiac after‑load. 99% of patients (243/246) enrolled in the STS Phase III study, including the 15 subjects, received anthracycline. Prior anthracycline therapy may be a risk factor for cardiac dysfunction.

Outcome

Four of the 15 subjects had full recovery (within 5% of baseline) and 5 had partial recovery (within the normal range, but >5% below baseline). One subject did not recover and follow‑up data were not available for the other 5 subjects.

Management

Interruption of pazopanib and/or dose reduction should be combined with treatment of hypertension (if present, refer to hypertension warning section above) in patients with significant reductions in LVEF, as clinically indicated.

Patients should be carefully monitored for clinical signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure. Baseline and periodic evaluation of LVEF is recommended in patients at risk of cardiac dysfunction.

QT prolongation and torsade de pointes

In clinical studies with pazopanib, events of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have occurred (see section 4.8). Pazopanib should be used with caution in patients with a history of QT interval prolongation, in patients taking antiarrhythmics or other medicinal products that may prolong QT interval and in patients with relevant pre‑existing cardiac disease. When using pazopanib, baseline and periodic monitoring of electrocardiograms and maintenance of electrolytes (e.g. calcium, magnesium, potassium) within normal range is recommended.

Arterial thrombotic events

In clinical studies with pazopanib, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischaemia, ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack were observed (see section 4.8). Fatal events have been observed. Pazopanib should be used with caution in patients who are at increased risk of thrombotic events or who have had a history of thrombotic events. Pazopanib has not been studied in patients who have had an event within the previous 6 months. A treatment decision should be made based on the assessment of individual patient's benefit/risk.

Venous thromboembolic events

In clinical studies with pazopanib, venous thromboembolic events including venous thrombosis and fatal pulmonary embolus have occurred. While observed in both RCC and STS studies, the incidence was higher in the STS population (5%) than in the RCC population (2%).

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)

TMA has been reported in clinical studies of pazopanib as monotherapy, in combination with bevacizumab, and in combination with topotecan (see section 4.8). Patients developing TMA should permanently discontinue treatment with pazopanib. Reversal of effects of TMA has been observed after treatment was discontinued. Pazopanib is not indicated for use in combination with other agents.

Haemorrhagic events

In clinical studies with pazopanib haemorrhagic events have been reported (see section 4.8). Fatal haemorrhagic events have occurred. Pazopanib has not been studied in patients who had a history of haemoptysis, cerebral haemorrhage or clinically significant gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage in the past 6 months. Pazopanib should be used with caution in patients with significant risk of haemorrhage.

Aneurysms and artery dissections

The use of VEGF pathway inhibitors in patients with or without hypertension may promote the formation of aneurysms and/or artery dissections. Before initiating pazopanib, this risk should be carefully considered in patients with risk factors such as hypertension or history of aneurysms.

Gastrointestinal (GI) perforations and fistula

In clinical studies with pazopanib, events of GI perforation or fistula have occurred (see section 4.8). Fatal perforation events have occurred. Pazopanib should be used with caution in patients at risk for GI perforation or fistula.

Wound healing

No formal studies of the effect of pazopanib on wound healing have been conducted. Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors may impair wound healing, treatment with pazopanib should be stopped at least 7 days prior to scheduled surgery. The decision to resume pazopanib after surgery should be based on clinical judgement of adequate wound healing. Pazopanib should be discontinued in patients with wound dehiscence.

Hypothyroidism

In clinical studies with pazopanib, events of hypothyroidism have occurred (see section 4.8). Baseline laboratory measurement of thyroid function is recommended and patients with hypothyroidism should be treated as per standard medical practice prior to the start of pazopanib treatment. All patients should be observed closely for signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction on pazopanib treatment. Laboratory monitoring of thyroid function should be performed periodically and managed as per standard medical practice.

Proteinuria

In clinical studies with pazopanib, proteinuria has been reported. Baseline and periodic urinanalysis during treatment is recommended and patients should be monitored for worsening proteinuria. Pazopanib should be discontinued if the patient develops nephrotic syndrome.

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS)

The occurrence of TLS, including fatal TLS, has been associated with the use of pazopanib (see section 4.8). Patients at increased risk of TLS are those with rapidly growing tumours, a high tumour burden, renal dysfunction, or dehydration. Preventative measures, such as treatment of high uric acid levels and intravenous hydration, should be considered prior to initiation of Pazopanib. Patients at risk should be closely monitored and treated as clinically indicated.

Pneumothorax

In clinical studies with pazopanib in advanced soft tissue sarcoma, events of pneumothorax have occurred (see section 4.8). Patients on pazopanib treatment should be observed closely for signs and symptoms of pneumothorax.

Paediatric population

Because the mechanism of action of pazopanib can severely affect organ growth and maturation during early post‑natal development in rodents (see section 5.3), pazopanib should not be given to paediatric patients younger than 2 years of age.

Infections

Cases of serious infections (with or without neutropenia), in some cases with fatal outcome, have been reported.

Combination with other systemic anti‑cancer therapies

Clinical studies of pazopanib in combination with a number of other anti-cancer therapies (including for example pemetrexed, lapatinib or pembrolizumab) were terminated early due to concerns over increased toxicity and/or mortality, and a safe and effective combination dose has not been established with these regimens.

Pregnancy

Pre‑clinical studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). If pazopanib is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant whilst receiving pazopanib, the potential hazard to the foetus should be explained to the patient. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with pazopanib (see section 4.6).

Interactions

Concomitant treatment with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4, P‑glycoprotein (P‑gp) or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) should be avoided due to risk of increased exposure to pazopanib (see section 4.5). Selection of alternative concomitant medicinal products with no or minimal potential to inhibit CYP3A4, P‑gp or BCRP should be considered.

Concomitant treatment with inducers of CYP3A4 should be avoided due to risk of decreased exposure to pazopanib (see section 4.5).

Cases of hyperglycaemia have been observed during concomitant treatment with ketoconazole.

Concomitant administration of pazopanib with uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) substrates (e.g. irinotecan) should be undertaken with caution since pazopanib is an inhibitor of UGT1A1 (see section 4.5).

Grapefruit juice should be avoided during treatment with pazopanib (see section 4.5).

Excipients

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per film‑coated tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Effects of other medicinal products on pazopanib

In vitro studies suggested that the oxidative metabolism of pazopanib in human liver microsomes is mediated primarily by CYP3A4, with minor contributions from CYP1A2 and CYP2C8. Therefore, inhibitors and inducers of CYP3A4 may alter the metabolism of pazopanib.

CYP3A4, P‑gp, BCRP inhibitors

Pazopanib is a substrate for CYP3A4, P‑gp and BCRP.

Concurrent administration of pazopanib (400 mg once daily) with the strong CYP3A4 and P‑gp inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg once daily) for 5 consecutive days resulted in a 66% and 45% increase in mean pazopanib AUC(0‑24) and Cmax, respectively, relative to administration of pazopanib alone (400 mg once daily for 7 days). Pharmacokinetic parameter comparisons of pazopanib Cmax (range of means 27.5 to 58.1 µg/ml) and AUC(0‑24) (range of means 48.7 to 1040 µg*h/ml) after administration of pazopanib 800 mg alone and after administration of pazopanib 400 mg plus ketoconazole 400 mg (mean Cmax 59.2 µg/ml, mean AUC(0‑24)1300 µg*h/ml) indicated that, in the presence of a strong CYP3A4 and P‑gp inhibitor a dose reduction to pazopanib 400 mg once daily will, in the majority of patients, result in systemic exposure similar to that observed after administration of 800 mg pazopanib once daily alone. Some patients however may have systemic pazopanib exposure greater than what has been observed after administration of 800 mg pazopanib alone.

Co‑administration of pazopanib with other strong inhibitors of the CYP3A4 family (e.g. itraconazole, clarithromycin, atazanavir, indinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole) may increase pazopanib concentrations. Grapefruit juice contains an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and may also increase plasma concentrations of pazopanib.

Administration of 1500 mg lapatinib (a substrate for and weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 and P‑gp and a potent inhibitor of BCRP) with 800 mg pazopanib resulted in an approximately 50% to 60% increase in mean pazopanib AUC(0‑24) and Cmax compared to administration of 800 mg pazopanib alone. Inhibition of P‑gp and/or BCRP by lapatinib likely contributed to the increased exposure to pazopanib.

Co‑administration of pazopanib with a CYP3A4, P‑gp, and BCRP inhibitor, such as lapatinib, will result in an increase in plasma pazopanib concentrations. Co‑administration with potent P‑gp or BCRP inhibitors may also alter the exposure and distribution of pazopanib, including distribution into the central nervous systems (CNS).

Concomitant use of pazopanib with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor should be avoided (see section 4.4). If no medically acceptable alternative to a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is available, the dose of pazopanib should be reduced to 400 mg daily during concomitant administration. In such cases there should be close attention to adverse drug reaction, and further dose reduction may be considered if possible drug‑related adverse events are observed.

Combination with strong P‑gp or BCRP inhibitors should be avoided, or selection of an alternate concomitant medicinal product with no or minimal potential to inhibit P‑gp or BCRP is recommended.

CYP3A4, P‑gp, BCRP inducers

CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin may decrease plasma pazopanib concentrations. Co‑administration of pazopanib with potent P‑gp or BCRP inducers may alter the exposure and distribution of pazopanib, including distribution into the CNS. Selection of an alternative concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme or transporter induction potential is recommended.

Effects of pazopanib on other medicinal products

In vitro studies with human liver microsomes showed that pazopanib inhibited CYP enzymes 1A2, 3A4, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, and 2E1. Potential induction of human CYP3A4 was demonstrated in an in vitro human PXR assay. Clinical pharmacology studies, using pazopanib 800 mg once daily, have demonstrated that pazopanib does not have a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of caffeine (CYP1A2 probe substrate), warfarin (CYP2C9 probe substrate), or omeprazole (CYP2C19 probe substrate) in cancer patients. Pazopanib resulted in an increase of approximately 30% in the mean AUC and Cmax of midazolam (CYP3A4 probe substrate) and increases of 33% to 64% in the ratio of dextrometrophan to dextrophan concentrations in the urine after oral administration of dextromethorphan (CYP2D6 probe substrate). Co‑administration of pazopanib 800 mg once daily and paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 (CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 substrate) once weekly resulted in a mean increase of 26% and 31% in paclitaxel AUC and Cmax, respectively.

Based on in vitro IC50 and in vivo plasma Cmax values, pazopanib metabolites GSK1268992 and GSK1268997 may contribute to the net inhibitory effect of pazopanib towards BCRP. Furthermore, inhibition of BCRP and P‑gp by pazopanib in the gastrointestinal tract cannot be excluded. Care should be taken when pazopanib is co‑administered with other oral BCRP and P‑gp substrates.

In vitro, pazopanib inhibited human organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP1B1). It cannot be excluded that pazopanib will affect the pharmacokinetics of substrates of OATP1B1 (e.g. statins, see “Effect of concomitant use of pazopanib and simvastatin” below).

Pazopanib is an inhibitor of the uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl‑transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) enzyme in vitro. The active metabolite of irinotecan, SN‑38, is a substrate for OATP1B1 and UGT1A1. Co‑administration of pazopanib 400 mg once daily with cetuximab 250 mg/m2 and irinotecan 150 mg/m2 resulted in an approximately 20% increase in systemic exposure to SN‑38. Pazopanib may have a greater impact on SN‑38 disposition in subjects with the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism relative to subjects with the wild‑type allele. However, the UGT1A1 genotype was not always predictive of the effect of pazopanib on SN‑38 disposition. Care should be taken when pazopanib is co‑administered with substrates of UGT1A1.

Effect of concomitant use of pazopanib and simvastatin

Concomitant use of pazopanib and simvastatin increases the incidence of ALT elevations. Results from a meta‑analysis using pooled data from clinical studies with pazopanib show that ALT >3x ULN was reported in 126/895 (14%) of patients who did not use statins, compared with 11/41 (27%) of patients who had concomitant use of simvastatin (p = 0.038). If a patient receiving concomitant simvastatin develops ALT elevations, follow guidelines for pazopanib posology and discontinue simvastatin (see section 4.4). In addition, concomitant use of pazopanib and other statins should be undertaken with caution as there are insufficient data available to assess their impact on ALT levels. It cannot be excluded that pazopanib will affect the pharmacokinetics of other statins (e.g. atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin).

Effect of food on pazopanib

Administration of pazopanib with a high‑fat or low‑fat meal results in an approximately 2‑fold increase in AUC and Cmax. Therefore, pazopanib should be administered at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Medicinal products that raise gastric pH

Concomitant administration of pazopanib with esomeprazole decreases the bioavailability of pazopanib by approximately 40% (AUC and Cmax), and co‑administration of pazopanib with medicines that increase gastric pH should be avoided. If the concomitant use of a proton‑pump inhibitor (PPI) is medically necessary, it is recommended that the dose of pazopanib be taken without food once daily in the evening concomitantly with the PPI. If the concomitant administration of an H2‑receptor antagonist is medically necessary, pazopanib should be taken without food at least 2 hours before or at least 10 hours after a dose of an H2‑receptor antagonist. Pazopanib should be administered at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after administration of short‑acting antacids. The recommendations for how PPIs and H2‑receptor antagonists are co‑administered are based on physiological considerations.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy/ Contraception in males and females

There are no adequate data from the use of pazopanib in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown.

Pazopanib should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment with pazopanib. If pazopanib is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving pazopanib, the potential hazard to the foetus should be explained to the patient.

Women of childbearing potential should be advised to use adequate contraception during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose of pazopanib and to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with pazopanib.

Male patients (including those who have had vasectomies) should use condoms during sexual intercourse while taking pazopanib and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose of pazopanib to avoid potential exposure to the medicinal product for pregnant partners and female partners of reproductive potential.

Breast‑feeding

The safe use of pazopanib during breast‑feeding has not been established. It is not known whether pazopanib or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. There are no animal data on the excretion of pazopanib in animal milk. A risk to the breast‑fed child cannot be excluded. Breast‑feeding should be discontinued during treatment with pazopanib.

Fertility

Animal studies indicate that male and female fertility may be affected by treatment with pazopanib (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Pazopanib has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. A detrimental effect on such activities cannot be predicted from the pharmacology of pazopanib. The clinical status of the patient and the adverse event profile of pazopanib should be borne in mind when considering the patient's ability to perform tasks that require judgement, motor or cognitive skills. Patients should avoid driving or using machines if they feel dizzy, tired or weak.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Pooled data from the pivotal RCC study (VEG105192, n=290), the extension study (VEG107769, n=71), the supportive Phase II study (VEG102616, n=225) and the randomised, open‑label, parallel group Phase III non‑inferiority study (VEG108844, n=557) were evaluated in the overall evaluation of safety and tolerability of pazopanib (total n=1149) in subjects with RCC (see section 5.1).

Pooled data from the pivotal STS study (VEG110727, n=369) and the supportive Phase II study (VEG20002, n=142) was evaluated in the overall evaluation of safety and tolerability of pazopanib (total safety population n=382) in subjects with STS (see section 5.1).

The most important serious adverse reactions identified in the RCC or STS studies were transient ischaemic attack, ischaemic stroke, myocardial ischaemia, myocardial and cerebral infarction, cardiac dysfunction, gastrointestinal perforation and fistula, QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes and pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cerebral haemorrhage, all adverse reactions being reported in <1% of treated patients. Other important serious adverse reactions identified in STS studies included venous thromboembolic events, left ventricular dysfunction and pneumothorax.

Fatal events that were considered possibly related to pazopanib included gastrointestinal haemorrhage, pulmonary haemorrhage/haemoptysis, abnormal hepatic function, intestinal perforation and ischaemic stroke.

The most common adverse reactions (experienced by at least 10% of the patients) of any grade in the RCC and STS trials included: diarrhoea, hair colour change, skin hypopigmentation, exfoliative rash, hypertension, nausea, headache, fatigue, anorexia, vomiting, dysgeusia, stomatitis, weight decreased, pain, elevated alanine aminotransferase and elevated aspartate aminotransferase.

Adverse drug reactions, all grades, which were reported in RCC and STS subjects or during the post‑marketing period are listed below by MedDRA body system organ class, frequency and grade of severity. The following convention has been utilised for the classification of frequency: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Categories have been assigned based on absolute frequencies in the clinical trial data. Post‑marketing data on safety and tolerability across all pazopanib clinical studies and from spontaneous reports have also been evaluated. Within each system organ class, adverse reactions with the same frequency are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Table 2 Treatment‑related adverse reactions reported in RCC studies (n = 1149) or during post‑marketing period

System Organ Class

Frequency (all grades)

Adverse reactions

All grades

n (%)

Grade 3

n (%)

Grade 4

n (%)

Infections and Infestations

Common

Infections (with or without neutropenia)†

not known

not known

not known

Uncommon

Gingival infection

1 (<1%)

0

0

Infectious peritonitis

1 (<1%)

0

0

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)

Uncommon

Tumour pain

1 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common

Thrombocytopenia

80 (7%)

10 (<1%)

5 (<1%)

Neutropenia

79 (7%)

20 (2%)

4 (<1%)

Leukopenia

63 (5%)

5 (<1%)

0

Uncommon

Polycythaemia

6 (0.03%)

1

0

Rare

Thrombotic microangiopathy (including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and haemolytic uraemic syndrome)†

not known

not known

not known

Endocrine disorders

Common

Hypothyroidism

83 (7%)

1 (<1%)

0

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common

Decreased appetitee

317 (28%)

14 (1%)

0

Common

Hypophosphataemia

21 (2%)

7 (<1%)

0

Dehydration

16 (1%)

5 (<1%)

0

Uncommon

Hypomagnesaemia

10 (<1%)

0

0

Not known

Tumour lysis syndrome*

not known

not known

not known

Psychiatric disorders

Common

Insomnia

30 (3%)

0

0

Nervous system disorders

Very common

Dysgeusiac

254 (22%)

1 (<1%)

0

Headache

122 (11%)

11 (<1%)

0

Common

Dizziness

55 (5%)

3 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

Lethargy

30 (3%)

3 (<1%)

0

Paraesthesia

20 (2%)

2 (<1%)

0

Peripheral sensory neuropathy

17 (1%)

0

0

Uncommon

Hypoaesthesia

8 (<1%)

0

0

Transient ischaemic attack

7 (<1%)

4 (<1%)

0

Somnolence

3 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Cerebrovascular accident

2 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

Ischaemic stroke

2 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Rare

Posterior reversible encephalopathy / reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome†

not known

not known

not known

Eye disorders

Common

Vision blurred

19 (2%)

1 (<1%)

0

Uncommon

Retinal detachment†

1 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Retinal tear†

1 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Eyelash discolouration

4 (<1%)

0

0

Cardiac disorders

Uncommon

Bradycardia

6 (<1%)

0

0

Myocardial infarction

5 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

4 (<1%)

Cardiac dysfunctionf

4 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Myocardial ischaemia

3 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Vascular disorders

Very common

Hypertension

473 (41%)

115 (10%)

1 (<1%)

Common

Hot flush

16 (1%)

0

0

Venous thromboembolic event g

13 (1%)

6 (<1%)

7 (<1%)

Flushing

12 (1%)

0

0

Uncommon

Hypertensive crisis

6 (<1%)

0

2 (<1%)

Haemorrhage

1 (<1%)

0

0

Rare

Aneurysms and artery dissections†

not known

not known

not known

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common

Epistaxis

50 (4%)

1 (<1%)

0

Dysphonia

48 (4%)

0

0

Dyspnoea

42 (4%)

8 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

Haemoptysis

15 (1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Uncommon

Rhinorrhoea

8 (<1%)

0

0

Pulmonary haemorrhage

2 (<1%)

0

0

Pneumothorax

1 (<1%)

0

0

Rare

Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis†

not known

not known

not known

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common

Diarrhoea

614 (53%_)

65 (6%)

2 (<1%)

Nausea

386 (34%)

14 (1%)

0

Vomiting

225 (20%)

18 (2%)

1 (<1%)

Abdominal paina

139 (12%)

15 (1%)

0

Common

Stomatitis

96 (8%)

4 (<1%)

0

Dyspepsia

83 (7%)

2 (<1%)

0

Flatulence

43 (4%)

0

0

Abdominal distension

36 (3%)

2 (<1%)

0

Mouth ulceration

28 (2%)

3 (<1%)

0

Dry mouth

27 (2%)

0

0

Uncommon

Pancreatitis

8 (<1%)

4 (<1%)

0

Rectal haemorrhage

8 (<1%)

2 (<1%)

0

Haematochezia

6 (<1%)

0

0

Gastrointestinal haemorrhage

4 (<1%)

2 (<1%)

0

Melaena

4 (<1%)

1(<1%)

0

Frequent bowel movements

3 (<1%)

0

0

Anal haemorrhage

2 (<1%)

0

0

Large intestine perforation

2 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Mouth haemorrhage

2 (<1%)

0

0

Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage

2 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Enterocutaneous fistula

1 (<1%)

0

0

Haematemesis

1 (<1%)

0

0

Haemorrhoidal haemorrhage

1 (<1%)

0

0

Ileal perforation

1 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Oesophageal haemorrhage

1 (<1%)

0

0

Retroperitoneal haemorrhage

1 (<1%)

0

0

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common

Hyperbilirubinaemia

38 (3%)

2 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

Hepatic function abnormal

29 (3%)

13 (1%)

2 (<1%)

Hepatotoxicity

18 (2%)

11(<1%)

2 (<1%)

Uncommon

Jaundice

3 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Drug induced liver injury

2 (<1%)

2 (<1%)

0

Hepatic failure†

1 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Skin and subcutaneous disorders

Very common

Hair colour change

404 (35%)

1 (<1%)

0

Palmar‑plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome

206 (18%)

39 (3%)

0

Alopecia

130 (11%)

0

0

Rash

129 (11%)

7 (<1%)

0

Common

Skin hypopigmentation

52 (5%)

0

0

Dry skin

50 (4%)

0

0

Pruritus

29 (3%)

0

0

Erythema

25 (2%)

0

0

Skin depigmentation

20 (2%)

0

0

Hyperhidrosis

17 (1%)

0

0

Uncommon

Nail disorders

11 (<1%)

0

0

Skin exfoliation

10 (<1%)

0

0

Photosensitivity reaction

7 (<1%)

0

0

Rash erythematous

6 (<1%)

0

0

Skin disorder

5 (<1%)

0

0

Rash macular

4 (<1%)

0

0

Rash pruritic

3 (<1%)

0

0

Rash vesicular

3 (<1%)

0

0

Pruritus generalised

2 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Rash generalised

2 (<1%)

0

0

Rash papular

2 (<1%)

0

0

Plantar erythema

1 (<1%)

0

0

Skin ulcer†

not known

not known

not known

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Common

Arthralgia

48 (4%)

8 (<1%)

0

Myalgia

35 (3%)

2 (<1%)

0

Muscle spasms

25 (2%)

0

0

Uncommon

Musculoskeletal pain

9 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Renal and urinary disorders

Very Common

Proteinuria

135 (12%)

32 (3%)

0

Uncommon

Haemorrhage urinary tract

1 (<1%)

0

0

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Uncommon

Menorrhagia

3 (<1%)

0

0

Vaginal haemorrhage

3 (<1%)

0

0

Metrorrhagia

1 (<1%)

0

0

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common

Fatigue

415 (36%)

65 (6%)

1 (<1%)

Common

Mucosal inflammation

86 (7%)

5 (<1%)

0

Asthenia

82 (7%)

20 (2%)

1 (<1%)

Oedemab

72 (6%)

1 (<1%)

0

Chest pain

18 (2%)

2 (<1%)

0

Uncommon

Chills

4 (<1%)

0

0

Mucous membrane disorder

1 (<1%)

0

0

Investigations

Very common

Alanine aminotransferase increased

246 (21%)

84 (7%)

14 (1%)

Aspartate aminotransferase increased

211 (18%)

51 (4%)

10 (<1%)

Common

Weight decreased

96 (8%)

7 (<1%)

0

Blood bilirubin increased

61 (5%)

6 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

Blood creatinine increased

55 (5%)

3 (<1%)

0

Lipase increased

51 (4%)

21 (2%)

7 (<1%)

White blood cell count decreasedd

51 (4%)

3 (<1%)

0

Blood thyroid stimulating hormone increased

36 (3%)

0

0

Amylase increased

35 (3%)

7 (<1%)

0

Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased

31 (3%)

9 (<1%)

4 (<1%)

Blood pressure increased

15 (1%)

2 (<1%)

0

Blood urea increased

12 (1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Liver function test abnormal

12 (1%)

6 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

Uncommon

Hepatic enzyme increased

11 (<1%)

4 (<1%)

3 (<1%)

Blood glucose decreased

7 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Electrocardiogram QT prolonged

7 (<1%)

2 (<1%)

0

Transaminase increased

7 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Thyroid function test abnormal

3 (<1%)

0

0

Blood pressure diastolic increased

2 (<1%)

0

0

Blood pressure systolic increased

1 (<1%)

0

0

†Treatment‑related adverse reaction reported during post‑marketing period (spontaneous case reports and serious adverse reactions from all pazopanib clinical studies).

*Treatment‑related adverse reaction reported only during the post‑marketing period. Frequency cannot be estimated from the available data.

The following terms have been combined:

a Abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper and abdominal pain lower

b Oedema, oedema peripheral, eye oedema, localised oedema and face oedema

c Dysgeusia, ageusia and hypogeusia

d White cell count decreased, neutrophil count decreased and leukocyte count decreased

e Decreased appetite and anorexia

f Cardiac dysfunction, left ventricular dysfunction, cardiac failure and restrictive cardiomyopathy

g Venous thromboembolic event, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and thrombosis

Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and palmar‑plantar erythrodysaethesia syndrome were observed more frequently in patients of East Asian descent.

Table 3 Treatment‑related adverse reactions reported in STS studies (n=382) or during post-marketing period

System Organ Class

Frequency (all grades)

Adverse reactions

All grades

n (%)

Grade 3

n (%)

Grade 4

n (%)

Infections and infestations

Common

Gingival infection

4 (1%)

0

0

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)

Very common

Tumour pain

121 (32%)

32 (8%)

0

Blood and lymphatic system disordersf

Very common

Leukopenia

106 (44%)

3 (1%)

0

Thrombocytopenia

86 (36%

7 (3%)

2 (<1%)

Neutropenia

79 (33%)

10 (4%)

0

Uncommon

Thrombotic microangiopathy (including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and haemolytic uraemic syndrome)

1 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Endocrine disorders

Common

Hypothyroidism

18 (5%)

0

0

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common

Decreased appetite

108 (28%)

12 (3%)

0

Hypoalbuminemiaf

81 (34%)

2 (<1%)

0

Common

Dehydration

4 (1%)

2 (1%)

0

Uncommon

Hypomagnesaemia

1 (<1%)

0

0

Not known

Tumour lysis syndrome*

not known

not known

not known

Psychiatric disorders

Common

Insomnia

5 (1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Nervous system disorders

Very common

Dysgeusiac

79 (21%)

0

0

Headache

54 (14%)

2 (<1%)

0

Common

Peripheral sensory neuropathy

30 (8%)

1 (<1%)

0

Dizziness

15 (4%)

0

0

Uncommon

Somnolence

3 (<1%)

0

0

Paresthesia

1 (<1%)

0

0

Cerebral infarction

1 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Eye disorders

Common

Vision blurred

15 (4%)

0

0

Cardiac disorders

Cardiac dysfunctiong

21 (5%)

3 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

Left ventricular dysfunction

13 (3%)

3 (<1%)

0

Bradycardia

4 (1%)

0

0

Uncommon

Myocardial infarction

1 (<1%)

0

0

Vascular disorders

Very common

Hypertension

152 (40%)

26 (7%)

0

Common

Venous thromboembolic eventd

13 (3%)

4 (1%)

5 (1%)

Hot flush

12 (3%)

0

0

Flushing

4 (1%)

0

0

Uncommon

Haemorrhage

2 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Rare

Aneurysms and artery dissections

not known

not known

not known

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common

Epistaxis

22 (6%)

0

0

Dysphonia

20 (5%)

0

0

Dyspnoea

14 (4%)

3 (<1%)

0

Cough

12 (3%)

0

0

Pneumothorax

7 (2%)

2 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

Hiccups

4 (1%)

0

0

Pulmonary haemorrhage

4 (1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Uncommon

Oropharyngeal pain

3 (<1%)

0

0

Bronchial haemorrhage

2 (<1%)

0

0

Rhinorrhoea

1 (<1%)

0

0

Haemoptysis

1 (<1%)

0

0

Rare

Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis†

not known

not known

not known

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common

Diarrhoea

174 (46%)

17 (4%)

0

Nausea

167 (44%)

8 (2%)

0

Vomiting

96 (25%)

7 (2%)

0

Abdominal paina

55 (14%)

4 (1%)

0

Stomatitis

41 (11%)

1 (<1%)

0

Common

Abdominal distension

16 (4%)

2 (1%)

0

Dry mouth

14 (4%)

0

0

Dyspepsia

12 (3%)

0

0

Mouth haemorrhage

5 (1%)

0

0

Flatulence

5 (1%)

0

0

Anal haemorrhage

4 (1%)

0

0

Uncommon

Gastrointestinal haemorrhage

2 (<1%)

0

0

Rectal haemorrhage

2 (<1%)

0

0

Enterocutaneous fistula

1 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Gastric haemorrhage

1 (<1%)

0

0

Melaena

2 (<1%)

0

0

Oesophageal haemorrhage

1 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Peritonitis

1 (<1%)

0

0

Retroperitoneal haemorrhage

1 (<1%)

0

0

Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage

1 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Ileal perforation

1 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Hepatobiliary disorders

Uncommon

Hepatic function abnormal

2 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Not known

Hepatic failure*

not known

not known

not known

Skin and subcutaneous disorders

Very common

Hair colour change

93 (24%)

0

0

Skin hypopigmentation

80 (21%)

0

0

Exfoliative rash

52 (14%)

2 (<1%)

0

Common

Alopecia

30 (8%)

0

0

Skin disorderc

26 (7%)

4 (1%)

0

Dry skin

21 (5%)

0

0

Hyperhydrosis

18 (5%)

0

0

Nail disorder

13 (3%)

0

0

Pruritus

11 (3%)

0

0

Erythema

4 (1%)

0

0

Uncommon

Skin ulcer

3 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

Rash

1 (<1%)

0

0

Rash papular

1 (<1%)

0

0

Photosensitivity reaction

1 (<1%)

0

0

Palmar‑plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome

2 (<1%)

0

0

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Common

Musculoskeletal pain

35 (9%)

2 (<1%)

0

Myalgia

28 (7%)

2 (<1%)

0

Muscle spasms

8 (2%)

0

0

Uncommon

Arthralgia

2 (<1%)

0

0

Renal and urinary disorders

Uncommon

Proteinuria

2 (<1%)

0

0

Reproductive system and breast disorder

Uncommon

Vaginal haemorrhage

3 (<1%)

0

0

Menorrhagia

1 (<1%)

0

0

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common

Fatigue

178 (47%)

34 (9%)

1 (<1%)

Common

Oedemab

18 (5%)

1 (<1%)

0

Chest pain

12 (3%)

4 (1%)

0

Chills

10 (3%)

0

0

Uncommon

Mucosal inflammatione

1 (<1%)

0

0

Asthenia

1 (<1%

0

0

Investigationsh

Very common

Weight decreased

86 (23%)

5 (1%)

0

Common

Ear, nose and throat examination abnormale

29 (8%)

4 (1%)

0

Alanine aminotransferase increased

8 (2%)

4 (1%)

2 (<1%)

Blood cholesterol abnormal

6 (2%)

0

0

Aspartate aminotransferase increased

5 (1%)

2 (<1%)

2 (<1%)

Gamma glutamyltransferase increased

4 (1%)

0

3 (<1%)

Uncommon

Blood bilirubin increased

2 (<1%)

0

0

Aspartate aminotransferase

2 (<1%)

0

2 (<1%)

Alanine aminotransferase

1 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Platelet count decreased

1 (<1%)

0

1 (<1%)

Electrocardiogram QT prolonged

2 (<1%)

1 (<1%)

0

†Treatment‑related adverse reaction reported during post‑marketing period (spontaneous case reports and serious adverse reactions from all pazopanib clinical studies).

*Treatment‑related adverse reaction reported only during the post‑marketing period. Frequency cannot be estimated from the available data.

The following terms have been combined:

a Abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper and gastrointestinal pain

b Oedema, oedema peripheral and eyelid oedema

c The majority of these cases were Palmar‑plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome

d Venous thromboembolic events – includes Deep vein thrombosis, Pulmonary embolism and Thrombosis terms

e The majority of these cases describe mucositis

f Frequency is based on laboratory value tables from VEG110727 (N=240). These were reported as adverse events less frequently by investigators than as indicated by laboratory value tables.

g Cardiac dysfunction events – includes Left ventricular dysfunction, Cardiac failure and Restrictive cardiomyopathy

h Frequency is based on adverse events reported by investigators. Laboratory abnormalities were reported as adverse events less frequently by investigators than as indicated by laboratory value tables.

Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and palmar‑plantar erythrodysaethesia syndrome were observed more frequently in patients of East Asian descent.

Paediatric population

The safety profile in paediatric patients was similar to that reported with pazopanib in adults in the approved indications based on data from 44 paediatric patients from Phase I study ADVL0815 and 57 paediatric patients from Phase II study PZP034X2203 (see section 5.1).

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 the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Pazopanib doses up to 2000 mg have been evaluated in clinical studies. Grade 3 fatigue (dose‑limiting toxicity) and Grade 3 hypertension were each observed in 1 of 3 patients dosed at 2000 mg and 1000 mg daily, respectively.

There is no specific antidote for overdose with pazopanib and treatment of overdose should consist of general supportive measures.