COVID-19 Safety

SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: WARNING RELATED TO SERIOUS INFECTIONS, MORTALITY, MALIGNANCY, MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS, AND THROMBOSIS

SERIOUS INFECTIONS: Olumiant-treated patients are at increased risk of serious bacterial, fungal, viral and opportunistic infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB). Interrupt treatment with Olumiant if a serious infection occurs until the infection is controlled. Olumiant should not be given to patients with active tuberculosis. Test for latent TB before and during therapy, except for COVID-19; treat latent TB prior to use. Monitor all patients for active TB during treatment, even patients with initial negative, latent TB test.

MORTALITY: Higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death was observed with another Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor vs. tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

MALIGNANCIES: Malignancies have also occurred in patients treated with Olumiant. Higher rate of lymphomas and lung cancers was observed with another JAK inhibitor vs. TNF blockers in RA patients.

MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS (MACE): Higher rate of MACE (defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) was observed with another JAK inhibitor vs. TNF blockers in RA patients.

THROMBOSIS: Thrombosis has occurred in patients treated with Olumiant. Increased incidence of pulmonary embolism, venous and arterial thrombosis was observed with another JAK inhibitor vs. TNF blockers.

Adverse Reactions in Patients with COVID-19

The safety of Olumiant was evaluated in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 for up to 29 days, in which 1307 patients received at least one dose of Olumiant 4 mg once daily, and 1310 patients received placebo, for up to 14 days or until hospital discharge, whichever occurred first. In these studies, prophylaxis for venous thromboembolic event (VTEs) was recommended or required for all patients unless a major contraindication was noted.¹

Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with COVID-19 treated with Olumiant was consistent with the safety profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Overall Infections - During the first 29 days of the randomized clinical trials, infections were reported in 194 patients (14.8%) treated with Olumiant 4 mg and by 219 patients (16.7%) treated with placebo. The most commonly reported infection with Olumiant was pneumonia (3.1%).

Serious Infections - During the first 29 days of the randomized clinical trials, serious infections were reported in 98 patients (7.5%) treated with Olumiant 4 mg and 120 patients (9.2%) treated with placebo. The most commonly reported serious infections with Olumiant were COVID-19 pneumonia (2.1%) and septic shock (2.1%).

Opportunistic Infections - During the first 29 days of the randomized clinical trials, opportunistic infections were reported in 12 patients (0.9%) treated with Olumiant 4 mg and 14 patients (1.1%) treated with placebo. Tuberculosis was reported in 1 patient (0.1%) treated with Olumiant 4 mg and 0 patients treated with placebo.

Venous Thrombosis Events - During the first 29 days of the randomized clinical trials, pulmonary embolism was reported in 20 patients (1.5%) treated with Olumiant 4 mg and 11 patients (0.8%) treated with placebo. Deep vein thrombosis was reported in 20 patients (1.5%) treated with Olumiant 4 mg and 18 patients (1.4%) treated with placebo.

Adverse Reactions That Occurred in ≥1% of Patients Treated with Olumiant 4 mg During the First 29 Days in Placebo-Controlled Trials for COVID-19¹

	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%)
ALT ≥3 x ULN^a	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%): 230 (18.1)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%): 201 (16.0)
AST ≥3 x ULN^a	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%): 149 (11.8)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%): 117 (9.4)
Thrombocytosis >600,000 cells/mm^3a	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%): 59 (7.9)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%): 34 (4.6)
Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) >5 x ULN^a,b	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%): 36 (4.5)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%): 38 (4.7)
Neutropenia <1000 cells/mm^3a	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%): 26 (2.2)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%): 22 (1.8)
Deep Vein Thrombosis	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%): 20 (1.5)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%): 18 (1.4)
Pulmonary embolism	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%): 20 (1.5)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%): 11 (0.8)
Urinary tract infection	Olumiant 4 mg (N=1307) n (%): 19 (1.5)	Placebo (N=1310) n (%): 13 (1.0)

^aAs assessed by measured values within the clinical trial database. Frequencies are based on shifts from pre-treatment to post-treatment (with number at risk as the denominator), except for ALT and AST for which frequencies are based on observed elevation during treatment.

^bCreatine phosphokinase frequencies presented in the table were available for a single trial (COV-BARRIER) in patients with COVID-19 and do not represent integrated data.

See ACTT-2 Study Design Here

See COV-BARRIER Study Design Here

See COV-BARRIER OS 7 Addendum Study Design Here

ALT=alanine transaminase; AST=aspartate transaminase; ULN=upper limit of normal.

References

Olumiant. Prescribing information. Lilly USA, LLC.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING:

SERIOUS INFECTIONS, MORTALITY, MALIGNANCY, MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS, AND THROMBOSIS

SERIOUS INFECTIONS - Patients treated with Olumiant are at risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. If a serious infection develops, interrupt Olumiant until the infection is controlled. Reported infections include:

Active tuberculosis (TB), which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Olumiant should not be given to patients with active tuberculosis. Test patients, except those with COVID-19, for latent TB before initiating Olumiant and during therapy. If positive, start treatment for latent infection prior to Olumiant use.
Invasive fungal infections, including candidiasis and pneumocystosis. Patients with invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease.
Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens.

Carefully consider the risks and benefits of Olumiant prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection.

Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with Olumiant including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy.

The most common serious infections reported with Olumiant included pneumonia, herpes zoster, and urinary tract infection. Among opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, multidermatomal herpes zoster, esophageal candidiasis, pneumocystosis, acute histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, cytomegalovirus, and BK virus were reported with Olumiant. Some patients have presented with disseminated rather than localized disease, and were often taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.

Avoid use of Olumiant in patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating Olumiant in patients: with chronic or recurrent infection; who have been exposed to TB; with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection; who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses; or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.

The risks and benefits of treatment with Olumiant in COVID-19 patients with other concurrent infections should be considered.

Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of Olumiant in patients with a history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent TB but who have risk factors for TB infection.

Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), were reported in clinical studies with Olumiant. If a patient develops herpes zoster, interrupt Olumiant treatment until the episode resolves. The impact of Olumiant on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Screen for viral hepatitis in accordance with clinical guidelines before initiating Olumiant.

MORTALITY

In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study in RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor comparing another Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, was observed with the JAK inhibitor.

Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with Olumiant.

MALIGNANCIES

Lymphoma and other malignancies have been observed in patients treated with Olumiant. In RA patients treated with another JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer [NMSC]) was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. A higher rate of lymphomas was observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. A higher rate of lung cancers and an additional increased risk of overall malignancies were observed in current or past smokers treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers.

Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with Olumiant, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than successfully treated NMSC), patients who develop a malignancy, and patients who are current or past smokers.

NMSCs have been reported in patients treated with Olumiant. Periodic skin examination is recommended for patients who are at increased risk for skin cancer.

MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS

In RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with another JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction [MI], and stroke) was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Discontinue Olumiant in patients that have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke.

Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with Olumiant, particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Inform patients about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur.

THROMBOSIS

Thrombosis, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), has been observed at an increased incidence in patients treated with Olumiant compared to placebo. In addition, there were cases of arterial thrombosis. Many of these adverse events were serious and some resulted in death. In RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with another JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of thrombosis was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Avoid Olumiant in patients at risk. Discontinue Olumiant and promptly evaluate patients with symptoms of thrombosis.

HYPERSENSITIVITY

Reactions such as angioedema, urticaria, and rash that may reflect drug hypersensitivity have been observed in patients receiving Olumiant, including serious reactions. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, promptly discontinue Olumiant while evaluating the potential causes of the reaction.

GASTROINTESTINAL PERFORATIONS

Gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in Olumiant clinical studies. Monitor Olumiant-treated patients who may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with a history of diverticulitis). Promptly evaluate patients who present with new onset abdominal symptoms for early identification of gastrointestinal perforation.

LABORATORY ABNORMALITIES

Neutropenia - Olumiant treatment was associated with an increased incidence of neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] <1000 cells/mm³) compared to placebo. Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management.

In patients with RA or alopecia areata (AA), avoid initiation or interrupt Olumiant treatment in patients with an ANC <1000 cells/mm³. In patients with COVID-19, avoid initiation or interrupt Olumiant treatment in patients with an ANC <500 cells/mm³.

Lymphopenia - Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) <500 cells/mm³ were reported in Olumiant clinical trials. Lymphocyte counts less than the lower limit of normal were associated with infection in patients treated with Olumiant, but not placebo. Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management.

In patients with RA or AA, avoid initiation or interrupt Olumiant treatment in patients with an ALC <500 cells/mm³. In patients with COVID-19, avoid initiation or interrupt Olumiant treatment in patients with an ALC <200 cells/mm³.

Anemia - Decreases in hemoglobin levels to <8 g/dL were reported in Olumiant clinical trials. Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management.

In patients with RA or AA, avoid initiation or interrupt Olumiant treatment in patients with hemoglobin <8 g/dL. In patients with COVID-19, there is limited information regarding use of Olumiant in patients with hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL.

Liver Enzyme Elevations - Olumiant treatment was associated with increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo. Increases of alanine transaminase (ALT) ≥5x upper limit of normal (ULN) and increases of aspartate transaminase (AST) ≥10x ULN were observed in patients in Olumiant clinical trials.

Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management. Promptly investigate the cause of liver enzyme elevation to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury. If increases in ALT or AST are observed and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt Olumiant until this diagnosis is excluded.

Lipid Elevations - Treatment with Olumiant was associated with increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Assess lipid parameters approximately 12 weeks following Olumiant initiation in patients with RA or AA. Manage patients according to clinical guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia.

VACCINATIONS

Avoid use of live vaccines with Olumiant. Update immunizations in patients with RA or AA prior to initiating Olumiant therapy in agreement with current immunization guidelines.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In RA trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) reported with Olumiant were: upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, herpes simplex, and herpes zoster.

In COVID-19 trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) reported with Olumiant were: ALT ≥3x ULN, AST ≥3x ULN, thrombocytosis (platelets >600,000 cells/mm³), creatine phosphokinase >5x ULN, neutropenia (ANC <1000 cells/mm³), DVT, PE, and urinary tract infection.

In AA trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) reported with Olumiant were: upper respiratory tract infections, headache, acne, hyperlipidemia, creatine phosphokinase increase, urinary tract infections, liver enzyme elevations, folliculitis, fatigue, lower respiratory tract infections, nausea, genital Candida infections, anemia, neutropenia, abdominal pain, herpes zoster, and weight increase.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

Based on animal studies, Olumiant may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. Advise pregnant women and women of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Consider pregnancy planning and prevention for women of reproductive potential. Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Olumiant and for 4 days after the last dose.

HEPATIC AND RENAL IMPAIRMENT

Olumiant is not recommended in patients with RA or AA and severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <30 mL/min/1.73m²).

Olumiant should only be used in patients with COVID-19 and severe hepatic impairment if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Olumiant is not recommended in patients with COVID-19 who are on dialysis, have end-stage renal disease, or with eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m².

BA HCP ISI ALL 14SEP2022

Please click to access full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning about Serious Infections, Mortality, Malignancy, Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, and Thrombosis, and Medication Guide.

INDICATIONS

Alopecia Areata

Olumiant is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with severe alopecia areata.

Limitations of Use: Not recommended for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, cyclosporine or other potent immunosuppressants.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Olumiant is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.

Limitations of Use: Not recommended for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or with potent immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine and cyclosporine.

COVID-19

Olumiant is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized adults requiring supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).