Ixabepilone (Ixempra)

General information

Class/mechanism: Microtubule inhibitor; semi-synthetic analog of epothilone B. Ixabepilone binds to beta tubulin on microtubules, suppresses the dynamic instability of alpha beta II and alpha beta III, and disrupts normal microtubule dynamics. This results in arrest in the mitotic phase of the cell cycle and cell death.
Route: IV
Extravasation: irritant

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Breast cancer

Patient drug information

• Ixabepilone (Ixempra) patient drug information
• Ixabepilone (Ixempra) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Ixabepilone (Ixempra) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 10/16/2007: Initial FDA approval in combination with capecitabine for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer in patients after failure of an anthracycline and a taxane
• 10/16/2007: Initial FDA approval as monotherapy for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer in patients after failure of an anthracycline, a taxane, and capecitabine

Also known as

• Code name: BMS-247550
• Generic names: azaepothilone B, epothilone B lactam
• Brand name: Ixempra