You are using an outdated browser. We suggest you update your browser for a better experience. Click here for update.
Close this notification.
Skip to main content Skip to search

COVID-19: Get the latest updates or take a self-assessment.

Screen for hepatitis B virus in all cancer patients starting systemic treatment. Find out more about hepatitis B virus screening and management.

Drug Formulary information is intended for use by healthcare professionals. It is not intended to be medical advice. Some of the information, including information about funding for cancer drugs, does not apply to all patients. Cancer treatment plans are unique to each patient. If you are a patient, please speak with your healthcare team to understand how this information applies to you.

idelalisib

( eye del'' a lis' ib )
Funding:
Exceptional Access Program
  • idelalisib - For the treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in combination with rituximab, according to specific clinical criteria
Other Name(s): Zydelig™
Appearance: tablet
A - Drug Name

idelalisib

COMMON TRADE NAME(S):   Zydelig™

 
B - Mechanism of Action and Pharmacokinetics

Idelalisib is a selective inhibitor of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) binding to PI3Kdelta kinase, resulting in inhibition of the P13K signalling pathway in malignant B cells.



Absorption

Cmax and AUC increases less than proportional at doses over 100 mg.

Effects with food

Food delays absorption (not clinically relevant)

Peak plasma levels

2 to 4 hours when given after food; 0.5 to 1.5 hours if given when fasting.


Distribution
PPB

93 to 94%

Cross blood brain barrier?

probable

Metabolism
Main enzymes involved

Primarily via aldehyde oxidase, lesser extent via CYP3A and UGT1A4.

Inactive metabolites

GS-563117 is inactive against P13Kdelta, but is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A

Elimination
Feces

78%

Urine

15%

Half-life

8.2 hours

 
C - Indications and Status
Health Canada Approvals:

In combination with rituximab for the treatment of patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

 

Notes:

Effectiveness in combination with rituximab was based on a progression-free survival benefit in a study of relapsed patients not fit to receive cytotoxic therapy with limited follow up.

Decreased overall survival and increased severe adverse events were observed in clinical trials for first line treatment of CLL (with standard therapy) and early line treatment of relapsed indolent NHL. Idelalisib should not be used for first line treatment of CLL or early line treatment of indolent NHL.



Health Canada Conditional Approvals
(pending the result of studies to verify the drug’s clinical benefit. Patients should be advised of the nature of the marketing authorization granted.)

As monotherapy for the treatment of patients with follicular lymphoma who have received at least two prior systemic therapies and are refractory to both rituximab and an alkylating agent.



 
D - Adverse Effects

Emetogenic Potential:  

Minimal – No routine prophylaxis; PRN recommended

Extravasation Potential:   Not applicable

The following adverse effects were reported from the monotherapy trial in patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or where higher than rituximab plus placebo in patients with CLL.

ORGAN SITE SIDE EFFECT* (%) ONSET**
Dermatological Rash (21%) (3% severe) E
Gastrointestinal Abdominal pain (26%) E
Anorexia (16%) E
Diarrhea (47%) (14% severe) E
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (6%) E
Mucositis (6%) E
Nausea, vomiting (29%) I  E
General Edema (10%) E
Fatigue (30%) E
Fever (28%) E
Hematological Myelosuppression ± infection, bleeding (25%) (severe; including opportunistic infections, PML) E
Hepatobiliary ↑ LFTs (50%) (18% severe) E
Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity (rare) I  E
Metabolic / Endocrine ↑ Triglycerides (56%) E
Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal pain (7%) E
Nervous System Headache (11%) E
Insomnia (12%) E
Respiratory Cough, dyspnea (29%) E
Pneumonitis (rare) E  D


* "Incidence" may refer to an absolute value or the higher value from a reported range.
"Rare" may refer to events with < 1% incidence, reported in post-marketing, phase 1 studies,
isolated data or anecdotal reports.

** I = immediate (onset in hours to days)     E = early (days to weeks)
D = delayed (weeks to months)      L = late (months to years)

The most common side effects for idelalisib include ↑ LFTs, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, myelosuppression ± infection, bleeding, rash, anorexia and insomnia.

Increased rates of serious adverse events (mainly infections) and deaths were reported in clinical trials of idelalisib with standard therapies in first line treatment of CLL and early line treatment of relapsed indolent NHL. Infections included sepsis, febrile neutropenia and opportunistic infections, such as pneumocystis carinii / jirovecii pneumonia (PCP/PJP), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy). PML has been reported with the use of idelalisib and prior or concomitant immunosuppessive therapies.

Severe diarrhea may occur months after starting treatment, respond poorly to antimotility agents, and usually resolves within a few weeks after holding idelalisib and treating with anti-inflammatory agents (e.g. budesonide). IV fluids and electrolytes may be required if dehydration develops. Gastrointestinal infection should be ruled out.

Elevated liver enzymes were observed within 12 weeks of starting treatment, were usually asymptomatic and reversible within 3 to 4 weeks of holding the drug. Recurrences were common despite resuming treatment at a lower dose.

Pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have occurred with variable onset from a few weeks to over a year after starting treatment. If pneumonitis is suspected, idelalisib should be held while the cause is investigated. Discontinue if confirmed as drug-induced.

Severe skin reactions, including fatal cases of Steven-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported.

Anaphylaxis has been reported as well.

A temporary pharmcodynamic effect of lymphocytosis (≥50% from baseline and absolute lymphocyte count > 5000/mcL) had been observed, and occurred typically within the first 2 weeks of starting idelalisib. In absence of other clinical findings, this should not be considered as progressive disease.

 
E - Dosing

Refer to protocol by which patient is being treated.

A supply of loperamide should be provided for diarrhea.

Advise patients to avoid sun exposure or use sufficient sun protection.

Prophylaxis for PCP/PJP is required during treatment and for 2 to 6 months after discontinuation of treatment (duration depending on risk factors such as corticosteroid treatment and prolonged neutropenia).


 



Adults:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL):

idelalisib 150 mg po twice daily in combination with

rituximab (cycle 1: 375 mg/m2, cycles 2 to 8: 500 mg/m2)

 

Follicular lymphoma:

idelalisib 150 mg po twice daily


Dosage with Toxicity:

The table below provides suggested dose modifications for idelalisib. For CLL, refer to the IDEL+RITU regimen monograph for dose modifications for combination therapy.

Dose levels: 150 mg bid, 100 mg bid, discontinue if further dose modification required.

(Continued on the next page)

 

Toxicity

Grade

Action/idelalisib dose

Diarrhea/colitis

 

 

1

Provide supportive care (e.g. loperamide) and continue  at the same dose.

2

Provide supportive care, hold and monitor until resolved to ≤ grade 1.
Restart at the same dose.

3 or 4

Provide supportive care, hold. Consider addition of anti-inflammatory agent (e.g. sulfasalazine, budesonide).

Monitor until resolved to ≤ grade 1. Restart at ↓ 1 dose level

Neutropenia

Or Thrombocytopenia

3

Continue at the same dose and monitor CBC.

4

Hold until ANC ≥ 0.5 x 109/L and ≥ platelets 25 x 109/L. Restart at ↓ 1 dose level

ALT/AST elevation

 

1 or 2

Continue  at the same dose and monitor LFTs.

3 or 4

Hold until ALT/AST ≤ 1 x ULN. Restart at ↓ 1 dose level

Discontinue for recurrent hepatotoxicity.

Pneumonitis / organizing pneumonia

Any grade

Hold and evaluate for respiratory symptoms.

  • If no infectious origin found and pneumonitis is likely drug-related, discontinue idelalisib. Consider steroids especially if severe.
  • If infectious origin found, monitor/treat until resolved. Restart at ↓ 1 dose level.
CMV infection/viremia   Discontinue if evidence of CMV infection or viremia (positive PCR or antigen test)
Signs and symptoms of PML Any

Hold and investigate; refer to neurologist.

Discontinue if confirmed.

Signs and symptoms of PCP/PJP   Discontinue

Rash

 

2

Hold until ≤ grade 1. Restart at the same dose.

3 or 4

Hold until ≤ grade 1. Restart at ↓ 1 dose level.

Discontinue if severe cutaneous reactions or SJS/TEN confirmed and treat appropriately.

Hypersensitivity

3 or 4

Discontinue, treat appropriately.

 

 



Dosage with Hepatic Impairment:

AUC is increased with hepatic impairment, but no dosage adjustment is required in mild to moderate hepatic impairment (monitor closely). Insufficient data for patients with severe hepatic impairment. Patients with baseline ALT/AST > 2.5 x ULN or bilirubin > 1.5 x ULN were excluded from clinical trials.



Dosage with Renal Impairment:

No dosage adjustment is required for mild, moderate or severe renal impairment.



Dosage in the elderly:

No dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients. The incidence of severe adverse events was higher among patients aged 65 and older compared to younger patients, but age had no clinically relevant effect on drug exposure.



Children:

Idelalisib is not indicated in patients under 18 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.



 
F - Administration Guidelines
  • May be administered with or without food
  •  If a dose is missed, it may be taken within 6 hours of the missed dose. If a dose is missed by more than 6 hours, it should not be taken; the next dose should be taken as scheduled.
  • Dispense only in original container with intact seal
  • Store below 30oC
 
G - Special Precautions
Contraindications:

  • in first line CLL and early line indolent NHL outside of a clinical trial
  • patients who have a hypersensitivity to this drug or any of its components

 

Other Warnings/Precautions:

  • idelalisib should not be started in patients with any evidence of ongoing systemic bacterial, fungal or viral infections.
  • not recommended in patients with ongoing inflammatory bowel disease given the risk of severe diarrhea
  • not recommended in patients with active hepatitis or liver disease


Other Drug Properties:

  • Carcinogenicity:

    A small increase in pancreatic islet cell tumours was observed in animal studies.

  • Phototoxicity: Yes

Pregnancy and Lactation:
  • Genotoxicity: Yes
  • Embryotoxicity: Yes
  • Fetotoxicity: Yes
  • Teratogenicity: Yes

    Idelalisib is not recommended for use in pregnancy.  Adequate contraception should be used by both sexes during treatment, and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

    Idelalisib may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (refer to drug interactions).  Consider additional alternative methods of contraception.

     

  • Excretion into breast milk: Unknown

    Breastfeeding is not recommended.

  • Fertility effects: Likely
 
H - Interactions

Idelalisib is primarily metabolized by aldehyde oxidase and is a substrate for CYP3A. Its major metabolite, GS-563117, is an irreversible inhibitor of CYP3A. Therefore drug interactions are possible with CYP3A inducers, inhibitors and substrates.

 

AGENT EFFECT MECHANISM MANAGEMENT
CYP3A4 inducers (i.e. phenytoin, rifampin, dexamethasone, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St. John’s Wort, etc) ↓ idelalisib concentration and/or efficacy (co-admin with rifampin ↓ AUC by 75%) ↑ metabolism of idelalisib Avoid strong CYP3A inducers
CYP3A4 inhibitors (i.e. ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, fruit or juice from grapefruit, Seville oranges or starfruit) ↑ idelalisib concentration and/or toxicity (co-admin with ketoconazole ↑ AUC by 79%) ↓ metabolism of idelalisib Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors, if possible. It not possible, monitor for toxicity.
CYP3A4 substrates (e.g. cyclosporine, pimozide, tacrolimus, triazolo-benzodiazepines, dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers, certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) ↑ substrate exposure and toxicity (co-admin with midazolam ↑ AUC by 440%) idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor Caution and monitor with CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic indices
Aldehyde oxidase inhibitors (e.g. raloxifene) ↑ idelalisib concentration and/or toxicity ↓ metabolism of idelalisib Caution and monitor. Clinical relevance unknown.
CYP2C8 substrates (i.e. paclitaxel, sorafenib, amiodarone) ↑ substrate exposure and toxicity idelalisib inhbits CYP2C8 in vitro Caution and monitor. Clinical relevance unknown.
CYP2B6, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 substrates (e.g. warfarin, phenytoin) ↓ substrate exposure and effect idelalisib induces these isoenzymes in vitro Caution and monitor with substrates with narrow therapeutic indices
Oral contraceptives ↓ effect of oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol (theoretical) idelalisib induces isoenzymes involved in first pass metabolism of ethinyl estradiol Caution. Consider alternative method of contraception.
 
I - Recommended Clinical Monitoring

Treating physicians may decide to monitor more or less frequently for individual patients but should always consider recommendations from the product monograph.

Recommended Clinical Monitoring

Monitor Type Monitor Frequency

CMV PCR/Antigen

Regular

Liver function tests

Baseline, every 2 weeks for the first 3 months, thereafter every 1 to 3 months, and as clinically indicated. Weekly with hepatotoxicity until within ULN.

CBC

Baseline, every 2 weeks for the first 6 months, and at least weekly with grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression.

Clinical toxicity assessment for GI, skin, respiratory toxicity, hypersensitivity, bleeding and infection (including opportunistic, CMV)

At each visit

Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version



 
J - Supplementary Public Funding

Exceptional Access Program (EAP Website)

  • idelalisib - For the treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in combination with rituximab, according to specific clinical criteria

 
K - References

Furman RR, Sharman JP, Coutre SE, et al. Idelalisib and rituximab in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2014 Mar 13;370(11):997-1007.

Gopal AK, Kahl BS, de Vos S, et al. PI3Kδ inhibition by idelalisib in patients with relapsed indolent lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2014 Mar 13;370(11):1008-18.

Markham A. Idelalisib: first global approval. Drugs. 2014 Sep;74(14):1701-7.

Zydelig (idelalisib) product monograph. Gilead Sciences Canada, Inc. February 21, 2018.


June 2019 Updated emetic risk category.

 
L - Disclaimer

Refer to the New Drug Funding Program or Ontario Public Drug Programs websites for the most up-to-date public funding information.

The information set out in the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information (for health professionals) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects of a particular drug, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition. The information in the Formulary is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.

The format and content of the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information contained in the Formulary will change as they are reviewed and revised on a periodic basis. The date of last revision will be visible on each page of the monograph and regimen. Since standards of usage are constantly evolving, it is advised that the Formulary not be used as the sole source of information. It is strongly recommended that original references or product monograph be consulted prior to using a chemotherapy regimen for the first time.

Some Formulary documents, such as the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets and symptom management information (for patients), are intended for patients. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions regarding any information set out in the Formulary documents.

While care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in the Formulary, such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability.

CCO and the Formulary’s content providers shall have no liability, whether direct, indirect, consequential, contingent, special, or incidental, related to or arising from the information in the Formulary or its use thereof, whether based on breach of contract or tort (including negligence), and even if advised of the possibility thereof. Anyone using the information in the Formulary does so at his or her own risk, and by using such information, agrees to indemnify CCO and its content providers from any and all liability, loss, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such person’s use of the information in the Formulary.