ZEPZELCA (lurbinectedin) Logo

Reimbursement information and patient support
for ZEPZELCA® (lurbinectedin)

Reimbursement

J-CODE for ZEPZELCA

Permanent J-code
for ZEPZELCAa
Description1
HCPCS code dosage
(billing units)
Example
J9223
Infusion: 3.2 mg/m2
0.1 mg = 1 unit
4 mg vial = 40 units
Permanent J-code
for ZEPZELCAa
Description1
HCPCS code dosage
(billing units)
Example
J9223
Infusion: 3.2 mg/m2
0.1 mg = 1 unit
4 mg vial = 40 units
aThe HCPCS Level II code J9223 is effective for Medicare Part B patients starting on January 1, 2021. Please check with commercial and Medicaid resources for the effective date.

New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP)1

Effective October 1, 2021

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved NTAP for ZEPZELCA administered in the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) hospital inpatient setting for Medicare beneficiaries
  • ZEPZELCA was approved for NTAP by meeting these criteria:
    • New: Does not use the same or similar mechanism of action as currently available treatments for metastatic SCLC with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy
    • Cost: Is inadequately paid under the existing standard MS-DGR system
    • Clinical improvement: Fills an unmet need in second-line treatment for extensive-stage SCLC
ICD-10-PCS code
Description
XW03387
Introduction of ZEPZELCA into peripheral vein, percutaneous approach,
new technology group 7
XW04387
Introduction of ZEPZELCA into central vein, percutaneous approach,
new technology group 7

Patient Support

JazzCares is committed to helping your patients get access to their ZEPZELCA medication and providing personalized support throughout their treatment

INDICATION

ZEPZELCA® (lurbinectedin) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Myelosuppression
ZEPZELCA can cause myelosuppression. In clinical studies of 554 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving ZEPZELCA, Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 41% of patients, with a median time to onset of 15 days and a median duration of 7 days. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 7% of patients.

Sepsis occurred in 2% of patients and was fatal in 1% (all cases occurred in patients with solid tumors other than SCLC). Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 10%, with a median time to onset of 10 days and a median duration of 7 days. Grade 3 or 4 anemia occurred in 17% of patients.

Administer ZEPZELCA only to patients with baseline neutrophil count of at least 1,500 cells/mm3 and platelet count of at least 100,000/mm3.

Monitor blood counts including neutrophil count and platelet count prior to each administration. For neutrophil count less than 500 cells/mm3 or any value less than lower limit of normal, the use of G-CSF is recommended. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue ZEPZELCA based on severity.

Hepatotoxicity
ZEPZELCA can cause hepatotoxicity. In clinical studies of 554 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving ZEPZELCA, Grade 3 elevations of ALT and AST were observed in 6% and 3% of patients, respectively, and Grade 4 elevations of ALT and AST were observed in 0.4% and 0.5% of patients, respectively. The median time to onset of Grade ≥3 elevation in transaminases was 8 days (range: 3 to 49), with a median duration of 7 days.

Monitor liver function tests, prior to initiating ZEPZELCA, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue ZEPZELCA based on severity.

Extravasation Resulting in Tissue Necrosis
Extravasation of ZEPZELCA resulting in skin and soft tissue injury, including necrosis requiring debridement, can occur. Consider use of a central venous catheter to reduce the risk of extravasation, particularly in patients with limited venous access. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of extravasation during the ZEPZELCA infusion.

If extravasation occurs, immediately discontinue the infusion, remove the infusion catheter, and monitor for signs and symptoms of tissue necrosis. The time to onset of necrosis after extravasation may vary.

Administer supportive care and consult with an appropriate medical specialist as needed for signs and symptoms of extravasation. Administer subsequent infusions at a site that was not affected by extravasation.

Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in patients treated with ZEPZELCA.

Monitor creatine phosphokinase (CPK) prior to initiating ZEPZELCA and periodically during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold or reduce the dose based on severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ZEPZELCA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 6 months after the final dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 4 months after the final dose.

Lactation
There are no data on the presence of ZEPZELCA in human milk, however, because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from ZEPZELCA in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

MOST COMMON ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, (≥20%) are leukopenia (79%), lymphopenia (79%), fatigue (77%), anemia (74%), neutropenia (71%), increased creatinine (69%), increased alanine aminotransferase (66%), increased glucose (52%), thrombocytopenia (37%), nausea (37%), decreased appetite (33%), musculoskeletal pain (33%), decreased albumin (32%), constipation (31%), dyspnea (31%), decreased sodium (31%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (26%), vomiting (22%), decreased magnesium (22%), cough (20%), and diarrhea (20%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors

Avoid coadministration with a strong or a moderate CYP3A inhibitor as this increases lurbinectedin systemic exposure which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions to ZEPZELCA. If coadministration of ZEPZELCA with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor cannot be avoided, consider dose reduction of ZEPZELCA, if clinically indicated.

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inducers

Avoid coadministration with a strong or moderate CYP3A inducer. Coadministration with a strong CYP3A inducer decreases lurbinectedin systemic exposure which may reduce ZEPZELCA efficacy.

GERIATRIC USE

Of the 105 patients with SCLC administered ZEPZELCA in clinical studies, 37 (35%) patients were 65 years of age and older, while 9 (9%) patients were 75 years of age and older. No overall difference in effectiveness was observed between patients aged 65 and older and younger patients.

There was a higher incidence of serious adverse reactions in patients ≥65 years of age than in patients <65 years of age (49% vs 26%, respectively). The serious adverse reactions most frequently reported in patients ≥65 years of age were related to myelosuppression and consisted of febrile neutropenia (11%), neutropenia (11%), thrombocytopenia (8%), and anemia (8%).

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information.

Reference: 1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Final rule. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-16519.pdf. Accessed September 14, 2021.

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Important safety Information

Myelosuppression
ZEPZELCA can cause myelosuppression. In clinical studies of 554 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving ZEPZELCA, Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 41% of patients, with a median time to onset of 15 days and a median duration of 7 days. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 7% of patients.

Sepsis occurred in 2% of patients and was fatal in 1% (all cases occurred in patients with solid tumors other than SCLC). Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 10%, with a median time to onset of 10 days and a median duration of 7 days. Grade 3 or 4 anemia occurred in 17% of patients.