Skip To Main Content
For Patients and Caregivers

Prescribing Information

SAWYER TRIAL

Trial design
 Trial results Adverse reactions
Trial design

SAWYER TRIAL: STUDIED PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED CLL 1,2

SAWYER was a 2-part, open-label study to investigate RITUXAN HYCELA vs RITUXAN (rituximab), when both were combined with FC

SAWYER Trial: Studied Previously Untreated CLL

Patient Characteristics:

  • Median age was 60 years
  • Median BSA was 1.9 m2 (range: 1.41-2.42 m2)
  • 35% female and 65% male
Trial results

PRIMARY ENDPOINT 1

  • Primary Endpoint: Non-inferiority of the PK profile of RITUXAN HYCELA vs RITUXAN (rituximab)
Primary Endpoint for SAWYER Trial

ADDITIONAL ENDPOINT: INVESTIGATOR-ASSESSED RESPONSE RATES 1

Additional Endpoint: Investigator-Assessed Response Rates
The overall response rates were comparable between Rituxan Hycela and Rituxan
Adverse reactions

SAWYER TRIAL: ADVERSE REACTIONS 1

Incidence of adverse reactions in ≥5% of patients with previously untreated CLL receiving RITUXAN HYCELA or RITUXAN (rituximab) in combination with FC

SAWYER Trial: Adverse Reactions

Select SAWYER Safety Information

  • The incidences of adverse reactions were balanced between the two treatment groups (96% RITUXAN HYCELA vs. 91% RITUXAN), and the common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥20% of patients in any arm) were infections, neutropenia, nausea, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, anemia, vomiting, and injection site erythema. The incidences of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were also balanced between the two treatment groups (69% RITUXAN HYCELA vs. 71% RITUXAN). The incidence of serious adverse reactions was 29% for RITUXAN HYCELA and 33% for RITUXAN. The incidence of administration-related reactions in CLL was 44% for RITUXAN HYCELA and 45% for RITUXAN. Of the reported ARRs, local cutaneous reactions with RITUXAN HYCELA were reported in 15 patients. These events resolved within a median of 6 days from the onset (range 3 to 29 days). Majority of these reactions were Grade 1 and 2 and were observed in 14 patients (16%)
  • A total of 9 patients (5%) died, including 5 patients in the RITUXAN HYCELA and 4 patients in the RITUXAN group. In the RITUXAN HYCELA group, 1 patient died due to herpes zoster infection, 1 patient died as a result of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (considered by the investigator as related to rituximab), and 3 patients died due to disease progression. In the RITUXAN group, 2 patients died due to diarrhea and listeriosis, and 2 patients died due to disease progression
NEXT: Patient Experience

Review the clinical development program

Click here

    • RITUXAN HYCELA full Prescribing Information. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc.; June 2021.

      RITUXAN HYCELA full Prescribing Information. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc.; June 2021.

    • Data on file. Genentech, Inc.

      Data on file. Genentech, Inc.

    Important Safety Information & Indications

    Indications

    RITUXAN HYCELA® (rituximab/hyaluronidase human) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

    • Relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma (FL) as a single agent
    • Previously untreated follicular lymphoma in combination with first-line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy
    • Non-progressing (including stable disease) follicular lymphoma as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy
    • Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
    • Previously untreated and previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC)

    Limitations of Use

     

    • Initiate treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA only after patients have received at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion
    • RITUXAN HYCELA is not indicated for the treatment of non-malignant conditions

    BOXED WARNINGS: SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY

    • Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions: Severe, including fatal, mucocutaneous reactions can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA
    • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation: HBV reactivation can occur in patients treated with rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Screen all patients for HBV infection before treatment initiation, and monitor patients during and after treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA. Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA and concomitant medications in the event of HBV reactivation
    • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal PML, can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA
    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions

    • Mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcome, can occur in patients treated with rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA. These reactions include paraneoplastic pemphigus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, lichenoid dermatitis, vesiculobullous dermatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
    • Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction. The safety of re-administration of a rituximab-containing product, including RITUXAN HYCELA, to patients with severe mucocutaneous reactions has not been determined

    Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation

    • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including rituximab-containing products
    • HBV reactivation is defined as an abrupt increase in HBV replication manifesting as a rapid increase in serum HBV DNA levels or detection of HBsAg in a person who was previously HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive. Reactivation of HBV replication is often followed by hepatitis, i.e., increase in transaminase levels. In severe cases, increase in bilirubin levels, liver failure, and death can occur
    • Screen all patients for HBV infection by measuring HBsAg and anti-HBc before initiating treatment with a rituximab-containing product. For patients who show evidence of prior hepatitis B infection (HBsAg positive [regardless of antibody status] or HBsAg negative but anti-HBc positive), consult with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for HBV antiviral therapy before and/or during treatment with a rituximab-containing product. Monitor patients with evidence of current or prior HBV infection for clinical and laboratory signs of hepatitis or HBV reactivation during and for several months following RITUXAN HYCELA. HBV reactivation has been reported up to 24 months following completion of therapy containing rituximab
    • In patients who develop reactivation of HBV while on RITUXAN HYCELA, immediately discontinue treatment and any concomitant chemotherapy, and institute appropriate treatment. Insufficient data exist regarding the safety of resuming RITUXAN HYCELA treatment in patients who develop HBV reactivation. Resumption of RITUXAN HYCELA treatment in patients whose HBV reactivation resolves should be discussed with physicians with expertise in managing HBV

    Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

    • JC virus infection resulting in PML and death has been observed in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA
    • Consider the diagnosis of PML in any patient presenting with new-onset neurologic manifestations. Evaluation of PML includes, but is not limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture
    • Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA and consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in patients who develop PML

    Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions
    Systemic Reactions

    • Patients must receive at least one full dose of RITUXAN before receiving RITUXAN HYCELA due to the higher risk of hypersensitivity and other acute reactions during the first infusion. Beginning therapy with RITUXAN allows management of hypersensitivity and other administration reactions by slowing or stopping the intravenous infusion
    • Rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA, are associated with hypersensitivity and other administration reactions, which may be related to release of cytokines and/or other chemical mediators. Cytokine release syndrome may be clinically indistinguishable from acute hypersensitivity reactions. This set of reactions which includes syndrome of cytokine release, tumor lysis syndrome, and anaphylactic and hypersensitivity reactions are described below. They are not specifically related to the route of administration of a rituximab-containing product
    • Severe infusion-related reactions with fatal outcome have been reported with the use of RITUXAN, with an onset ranging within 30 minutes to 2 hours after starting the first intravenous infusion. They were characterized by pulmonary events in addition to fever, chills, rigors, hypotension, urticaria, angioedema, and other symptoms. Anaphylactic and other hypersensitivity reactions can also occur. In contrast to cytokine release syndrome, true hypersensitivity reactions typically occur within minutes after starting infusion
    • Severe cytokine release syndrome is characterized by severe dyspnea, often associated by bronchospasm and hypoxia, in addition to fever, chills, rigors, urticaria, and angioedema. This syndrome may be associated with acute respiratory failure and death. Cytokine release syndrome may occur within 1-2 hours of initiating the infusion. Patients with a history of pulmonary insufficiency or those with pulmonary tumor infiltration may be at a greater risk of poor outcome. Rituximab product administration should be interrupted immediately and aggressive symptomatic treatment initiated
    • During RITUXAN HYCELA administration, the injection should be interrupted immediately when observing signs of a severe reaction and aggressive symptomatic treatment should be initiated. Closely monitor the following patients: those with pre-existing cardiac or pulmonary conditions, those who experienced prior cardiopulmonary adverse reactions, and those with high numbers of circulating malignant cells (≥25,000/mm3)
    • Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to each administration of RITUXAN HYCELA. Premedication with glucocorticoids should also be considered. Observe patients for at least 15 minutes following RITUXAN HYCELA. A longer period may be appropriate in patients with an increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions

    Local Cutaneous Reactions

    • Local cutaneous reactions, including injection site reactions, have been reported in patients receiving RITUXAN HYCELA. Symptoms included pain, swelling, induration, hemorrhage, erythema, pruritus, and rash. Some local cutaneous reactions occurred more than 24 hours after RITUXAN HYCELA administration. The incidence of local cutaneous reactions following administration of RITUXAN HYCELA was 16%. Reactions were mild or moderate and resolved without any specific treatment. Local cutaneous reactions of any Grade were most common during the first RITUXAN HYCELA cycle (Cycle 2: 5%), with the incidence decreasing with subsequent injections

    Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)

    • TLS can occur within 12-24 hours after administration of a rituximab-containing product, including RITUXAN HYCELA
    • A high number of circulating malignant cells (≥25,000/mm3) or high tumor burden confers a greater risk of TLS. Administer aggressive intravenous hydration and anti-hyperuricemic therapy in patients at high risk for TLS. Correct electrolyte abnormalities, monitor renal function and fluid balance, and administer supportive care, including dialysis, as indicated

    Infections

    • Serious, including fatal, bacterial, fungal, and new or reactivated viral infections can occur during and following the completion of therapy with rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA. The incidence of infections with RITUXAN HYCELA vs. RITUXAN was 56% and 49% respectively in patients with CLL, and 46% and 41% respectively in patients with FL/DLBCL in combination with chemotherapy. Infections have been reported in some patients with prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia (defined as hypogammaglobulinemia >11 months after rituximab exposure)
    • New or reactivated viral infections included cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, parvovirus B19, varicella zoster virus, West Nile virus, and hepatitis B and C. Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA for serious infections and institute appropriate anti-infective therapy

    Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions

    • Cardiac adverse reactions, including ventricular fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic shock, may occur with rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA
    • Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA for serious or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Perform cardiac monitoring during and after all administrations of RITUXAN HYCELA for patients who develop clinically significant arrhythmias, or who have a history of arrhythmia or angina

    Renal Toxicity

    • Severe, including fatal, renal toxicity can occur after administration of rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA. Renal toxicity has occurred in patients who experience tumor lysis syndrome and in patients with administered concomitant cisplatin therapy during clinical trials. The combination of cisplatin and RITUXAN HYCELA is not an approved treatment regimen. Monitor closely for signs of renal failure and discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA in patients with a rising serum creatinine or oliguria

    Bowel Obstruction and Perforation

    • Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and perforation, in some cases leading to death, can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA, in combination with chemotherapy. In postmarketing reports, the mean time to documented gastrointestinal perforation was 6 (range 1-77) days. Evaluate if symptoms of obstruction such as abdominal pain or repeated vomiting occur

    Immunization

    • The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA, has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment

    Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

    • Based on human data, rituximab-containing products can cause fetal harm due to B-cell lymphocytopenia in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero. Advise pregnant women of the risk to a fetus. Females of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while receiving RITUXAN HYCELA and for 12 months following the last dose of rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA
    • Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating RITUXAN HYCELA
    ADVERSE REACTIONS
    • The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with FL in SABRINA were: infections, neutropenia, nausea, constipation, cough, and fatigue
    • The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with DLBCL in MabEASE were: infections, neutropenia, alopecia, nausea, and anemia
    • The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with CLL in part 2 of SAWYER were: infections, neutropenia, nausea, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, vomiting, and injection site erythema
    • With the exception of local cutaneous reactions, the incidence and profile of adverse reactions reported for RITUXAN HYCELA were comparable with those for RITUXAN. The overall incidence of adverse reactions for RITUXAN plus chemotherapy vs. RITUXAN HYCELA plus chemotherapy for FL/DLBCL was 93% vs. 95% (BSA ≤ 1.73 m2), 89% vs. 93% (1.73 < BSA ≤ 1.92 m2), and 94% vs. 94% (BSA > 1.92 m2). The overall incidence of adverse reactions for RITUXAN vs. RITUXAN HYCELA in CLL was 89% vs. 100% (BSA ≤ 1.81 m2), 97% vs. 88% (1.82 < BSA ≤ 1.99 m2), and 88% vs. 93% (BSA > 2.00 m2)
    PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
    • Based on human data, rituximab-containing products can cause adverse developmental outcomes including B-cell lymphocytopenia in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero. There are no available data on RITUXAN HYCELA use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. Advise pregnant women of the risk to a fetus
    • There are no data on the presence of hyaluronidase human in human milk or the effect of rituximab on milk production, and there is limited data on the effect of rituximab on the breastfed child. Rituximab has also been reported to be excreted at low concentrations in human breast milk. Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose of RITUXAN HYCELA due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children
    Please see the full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide, for additional Important Safety Information.

    Attention Healthcare Provider: Provide Medication Guide to patient prior to RITUXAN HYCELA treatment.


    You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.