Generic name: copanlisib [ KOE-pan-LIS-ib ]
Drug class: PI3K inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Nov 20, 2023.

What is Aliqopa?

Aliqopa is a cancer medicine that works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.

Aliqopa injection is used to treat people with follicular lymphoma (a slow-growing blood cancer) that has returned after after treatment with at least two other medicines.

Aliqopa belongs to a class of medications called kinase inhibitors.

Aliqopa Withdrawal of New Drug Application

On November 13, 2023, Bayer announced that it would voluntary withdrawal Aliqopa (copanlisib) U.S. New Drug Application after Aliqopa did not meet its target benefits compared to standard immunochemotherapy in the CHRONOS-4 study.

Originally Aliqopa was granted accelerated approval by the FDA in September 2017 based on CHRONOS-1, an open-label, single-arm Phase II study, with the condition that clinical benefit be confirmed through the CHRONOS-4 study. When clinical benefit could not be confirmed, Bayer announced the voluntary withdrawal of the Aliqopa® (copanlisib) U.S. New Drug Application.

Warnings

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to copanlisib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Aliqopa injection.

You may get infections more easily during treatment with Aliqopa. Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur. Call your doctor if you have flu symptoms, cough, night sweats, neck stiffness, confusion, or vision problems.

Before taking this medicine

To make sure Aliqopa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• low white blood cell counts;

• an infection;

• lung disease or breathing problems;

• high blood pressure;

• diabetes (Aliqopa can raise your blood sugar); or

• liver disease.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Both men and women using Aliqopa should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Copanlisib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 1 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

Do not breastfeed while using Aliqopa, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

How is Aliqopa given?

Aliqopa injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Aliqopa is given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You will receive the medicine only on certain days of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Copanlisib affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections.

Your blood may need to be tested often.

Your blood pressure will also need to be checked often.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Follicular Lymphoma:

60 mg via 1-hour IV infusion on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle on an intermittent schedule (3 weeks on and 1 week off).

Duration of Therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Comments: Accelerated approval was granted based on overall response rate; continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Use: Treatment of relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL) in patients who have received at least 2 prior systemic therapies.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Aliqopa injection.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving Aliqopa?

Grapefruit may interact with copanlisib and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.

Aliqopa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Aliqopa (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Aliqopa may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a new or worsening cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing;

• severe skin redness, itching, or swelling;

• signs of infection - fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding;

• high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• increased blood pressure - severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out; or

• low white blood cell counts - fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common Aliqopa side effects may include:

• low blood cell counts;

• high blood pressure;

• high blood sugar;

• feeling weak or tired;

• nausea, diarrhea; or

• new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Aliqopa?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with copanlisib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: copanlisib
Inactive ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, mannitol.

Manufacturer

Manufactured for: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Whippany, NJ 07981 USA.

Popular FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Aliqopa only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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