Piqray

1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



 

2 

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of 

new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. 

See section 4.8 for how to report adverse reactions. 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 

Piqray 50 mg film-coated tablets 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

 

 

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 

Piqray 50 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 50 mg of alpelisib. 

 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 150 mg of alpelisib. 

 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 200 mg of alpelisib. 

 

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 

 

 

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 

Film-coated tablet (tablet). 

 

Piqray 50 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Light pink, round, curved film-coated tablet with bevelled edges, imprinted with “L7” on one side and 

“NVR” on the other side. Approximate diameter: 7.2 mm. 

 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Pale red, ovaloid, curved film-coated tablet with bevelled edges, imprinted with “UL7” on one side 

and “NVR” on the other side. Approximate size: 14.2 mm (length); 5.7 mm (width). 

 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Light red, ovaloid, curved film-coated tablet with bevelled edges, imprinted with “YL7” on one side 

and “NVR” on the other side. Approximate size: 16.2 mm (length); 6.5 mm (width). 

 

 

  



 

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4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 

4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 

Piqray is indicated in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women, and 

men, with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 

(HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with a PIK3CA mutation after disease 

progression following endocrine therapy as monotherapy (see section 5.1). 

 

4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 

Treatment with Piqray should be initiated by a physician experienced in the use of anticancer 

therapies. 

 

Patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer should be selected for treatment 

with Piqray based on the presence of a PIK3CA mutation in tumour or plasma specimens, using a 

validated test. If a mutation is not detected in a plasma specimen, tumour tissue should be tested if 

available. 

 

Posology 

 

The recommended dose is 300 mg alpelisib (2x 150 mg film-coated tablets) taken once daily on a 

continuous basis. Piqray should be taken immediately after food, at approximately the same time each 

day (see section 5.2). The maximum recommended daily dose of Piqray is 300 mg. 

 

If a dose of Piqray is missed, it can be taken immediately following food and within 9 hours after the 

time it is usually administered. After more than 9 hours, the dose should be skipped for that day. On 

the next day, Piqray should be taken at the usual time. If the patient vomits after taking the Piqray 

dose, the patient should not take an additional dose on that day and should resume the usual dosing 

schedule the next day at the usual time. 

 

Piqray should be co-administered with fulvestrant. The recommended dose of fulvestrant is 500 mg 

administered intramuscularly on days 1, 15 and 29, and once monthly thereafter. Please refer to the 

full prescribing information of fulvestrant. 

 

Treatment should continue as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unacceptable toxicity occurs. 

Dose modifications may be necessary to improve tolerability. 

 

Dose modifications 

Management of severe or intolerable adverse drug reactions (ADRs) may require temporary dose 

interruption, reduction, and/or discontinuation of Piqray. If dose reduction is required, the dose 

reduction guidelines for ADRs are listed in Table 1. A maximum of 2 dose reductions are 

recommended, after which the patient should be permanently discontinued from treatment with Piqray. 

Dose reduction should be based on the worst preceding toxicity. 

 

Table 1 Recommended dose reduction guidelines for ADRs for Piqray1 
 

Piqray dose level Dose and schedule Number and strength of tablets 

Starting dose 300 mg/day continuously 2x 150 mg tablets 

First dose reduction 250 mg/day continuously 1x 200 mg tablet and 1x 50 mg tablet 

Second dose reduction 200 mg/day continuously 1x 200 mg tablet 
1 Only one dose reduction is permitted for pancreatitis. 

 

  



 

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Tables 2-5 summarise the recommendations for dose interruption, reduction or discontinuation of 

Piqray in the management of specific ADRs. The clinical judgement of the treating physician, 

including confirmation of laboratory values if deemed necessary, should guide the management plan 

of each patient based on the individual benefit/risk assessment for treatment with Piqray. 

 

Hyperglycaemia 

 

Table 2 Dose modification and management for hyperglycaemia1 

 

Fasting glucose values1 Recommendation 

Dose reductions should only be based on fasting glucose (plasma/blood) values. 

 Consultation with a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment 

of hyperglycaemia should always be considered and is recommended for 

patients who are pre-diabetic or those with fasting glucose (FG) 

>250 mg/dl or 13.9 mmol/l, body mass index (BMI) ≥30 or age 

≥75 years. 

Consultation with a diabetologist or a healthcare professional 

experienced in the treatment of hyperglycaemia should always take 

place for patients with diabetes. 

All patients should be instructed on lifestyle changes that may reduce 

hyperglycaemia (e.g. dietary restrictions and physical activity). 

>ULN-160 mg/dl or 

>ULN-8.9 mmol/l 

No Piqray dose adjustment required. 

Initiate or intensify oral antidiabetic treatment2. 

>160-250 mg/dl or 

>8.9-13.9 mmol/l 

No Piqray dose adjustment required. 

Initiate or further intensify oral antidiabetic treatment2. 

If FG does not decrease to ≤160 mg/dl or 8.9 mmol/l within 21 days 

with appropriate oral antidiabetic treatment2,3, reduce Piqray dose by 

1 dose level and follow FG-value-specific recommendations. 

>250-500 mg/dl or 

>13.9-27.8 mmol/l 

Interrupt Piqray. 

Initiate or intensify oral antidiabetic treatment2 and consider additional 

antidiabetic medicinal products (such as insulin3) for 1-2 days until 

hyperglycaemia resolves. 

Administer intravenous hydration and consider appropriate treatment 

(e.g. intervention for electrolyte / ketoacidosis / hyperosmolar 

disturbances). 

If FG decreases to ≤160 mg/dl or 8.9 mmol/l within 3 to 5 days under 

appropriate antidiabetic treatment, resume Piqray at next lower dose 

level. 

If FG does not decrease to ≤160 mg/dl or 8.9 mmol/l within 3 to 5 days 

under appropriate antidiabetic treatment, consultation with a healthcare 

professional with expertise in the treatment of hyperglycaemia is 

recommended. 

 If FG does not decrease to ≤160 mg/dl or 8.9 mmol/l within 21 days 

following appropriate antidiabetic treatment2,3, permanently discontinue 

Piqray treatment. 



 

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>500 mg/dl or 

≥27.8 mmol/l 

Interrupt Piqray. 

Initiate or intensify appropriate antidiabetic treatment2,3 (administer 

intravenous hydration and consider appropriate treatment [e.g. 

intervention for electrolyte / ketoacidosis / hyperosmolar disturbances]), 

re-check within 24 hours and as clinically indicated. 

 If FG decreases to ≤500 mg/dl or ≤27.8 mmol/l, then follow 

FG-value-specific recommendations for <500 mg/dl. 

If FG is confirmed at >500 mg/dl or ≥27.8 mmol/l after 24 hours, 

permanently discontinue Piqray treatment. 
1 Fasting glucose levels reflect hyperglycaemia grading according to CTCAE Version 4.03 

CTCAE = Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. 
2 Applicable antidiabetic medicinal products should be initiated and the respective prescribing 

information should be reviewed for dosing and dose titration recommendations, including local 

diabetic treatment guidelines. Metformin was recommended in the phase III clinical study with the 

following guidance: Metformin should be initiated at 500 mg once daily. Based on tolerability, the 

metformin dose may be increased to 500 mg twice daily, followed by 500 mg with breakfast, and 

1000 mg with the evening meal, followed by further increase to 1000 mg twice daily if needed (see 

section 4.4). 
3 As recommended in the phase III clinical study, insulin may be used for 1-2 days until hyperglycaemia 

resolves. However, this may not be necessary in the majority of cases of alpelisib-induced 

hyperglycaemia, given the short half-life of alpelisib and the expectation that glucose levels will 

normalise following interruption of Piqray. 

 

Baseline diabetic and pre-diabetic status, baseline BMI ≥30 and baseline age ≥75 years have been 

found to be risk factors for hyperglycaemia in patients treated with alpelisib. These risk factors were 

present in 74.7% of patients with any grade of hyperglycaemia and in 86.2% of patients with grade 3 

or 4 hyperglycaemia (see section 4.4). 

 

  



 

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Rash 

Oral antihistamine administration may be considered prophylactically, at the time of initiation of 

treatment with Piqray. Additionally, antihistamines are recommended to manage symptoms of rash. 

 

Topical corticosteroid treatment should be initiated at the first signs of rash and oral corticosteroids 

should be considered for moderate to severe rashes. Based on the severity of rash, Piqray may require 

dose interruption, reduction or discontinuation as described in Table 3 (see section 4.8). 

 

Table 3 Dose modification and management for rash1 

 

Grade Recommendation 

All grades Consultation with a dermatologist should always be 

considered. 

Grade 1 

(<10% body surface area [BSA] with 

active skin toxicity) 

No Piqray dose adjustment required. 

Initiate topical corticosteroid treatment. 

Consider adding oral antihistamine treatment to manage 

symptoms. 

Grade 2 

(10-30% BSA with active skin 

toxicity) 

No Piqray dose adjustment required. 

Initiate or intensify topical corticosteroid and oral 

antihistamine treatment. 

Consider low-dose oral corticosteroid treatment. 

Grade 3 (e.g. severe rash not 

responsive to medical management) 

(>30% BSA with active skin 

toxicity) 

Interrupt Piqray until rash is grade ≤1. 

Initiate or intensify topical/oral corticosteroid and 

antihistamine treatment. 

Once improved to grade ≤1, then resume Piqray at the same 

dose level for first occurrence of rash and at next lower 

dose level, in case of second occurrence. 

Grade 4 (e.g. severe bullous, 

blistering or exfoliating skin 

conditions) 

(any % BSA associated with 

extensive superinfection, with 

intravenous antibiotics indicated; 

life-threatening consequences) 

Permanently discontinue Piqray. 

1 Grading according to CTCAE Version 5.0 

 

Diarrhoea 

 

Table 4 Dose modification and management for diarrhoea 

 

Grade1 Recommendation 

Grade 1 No Piqray dose adjustment is required. Initiate appropriate medical therapy and 

monitor as clinically indicated. 

Grade 2 Initiate or intensify appropriate medical therapy and monitor as clinically 

indicated. Interrupt Piqray dose until recovery to grade ≤1, then resume Piqray 

at same dose level. 

Grade 3 or 42 Initiate or intensify appropriate medical therapy and monitor as clinically 

indicated. Interrupt Piqray dose until recovery to grade ≤1, then resume Piqray 

at the next lower dose level. 
1 Grading according to CTCAE Version 5.0. 
2 Patients should additionally be managed according to local standard of care, including electrolyte 

monitoring, administration of antiemetics and antidiarrhoeal medicinal products and/or fluid 

replacement and electrolyte supplements, as clinically indicated. 

 



 

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Other toxicities 

 

Table 5 Dose modification and management for other toxicities (excluding hyperglycaemia, 

rash and diarrhoea)1 

 

Grade Recommendation 

Grade 1 or 2 No Piqray dose adjustment required. Initiate appropriate medical therapy and 

monitor as clinically indicated2,3. 

Grade 3 Interrupt Piqray dose until improvement to grade ≤1, then resume Piqray at the 

next lower dose level2. 

Grade 4 Permanently discontinue Piqray3. 
1 Grading according to CTCAE Version 5.0 
2 For grade 2 and 3 pancreatitis, interrupt Piqray dose until recovery to grade ≤1 and resume at next 

lower dose level. Only one dose reduction is permitted. If toxicity recurs, permanently discontinue 

Piqray treatment. 
3 For grade 2 total bilirubin elevation, interrupt Piqray dose until recovery to grade ≤1 and resume at the 

same dose if resolved in ≤14 days or resume at the next lower dose level if resolved in >14 days. 

 

Special populations 

Elderly 

No dose regimen adjustment is required in patients aged 65 years or above (see section 5.2). There are 

limited data in patients aged ≥75 years, and especially for those ≥85 years. 

 

Renal impairment 

Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, no dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild 

or moderate renal impairment (see section 5.2). Caution should be used in patients with severe renal 

impairment as there is no experience with Piqray in this population. 

 

Hepatic impairment 

Based on a hepatic impairment study in non-cancer subjects with impaired hepatic function, no dose 

adjustment is necessary in patients with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh 

class A, B or C, respectively) (see section 5.2). 

 

Paediatric population 

The safety and efficacy of Piqray in children aged 0-18 years have not been established. No data are 

available. 

 

Method of administration 

 

Piqray is for oral use. The tablets should be swallowed whole. They should not be chewed, crushed or 

split prior to swallowing. Tablets that are broken, cracked or otherwise not intact should not be 

ingested. 

 

4.3 Contraindications 

 

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 

 

  



 

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4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 

 

Fulvestrant 

 

Due to limited data in patients with prior fulvestrant use (n=39, study CBYL719X2101), efficacy is 

not considered established in this population (see section 5.1). 

 

Hypersensitivity (including anaphylactic reaction) 

 

Serious hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylactic reaction and anaphylactic shock), 

manifested by symptoms including, but not limited to, dyspnoea, flushing, rash, fever or tachycardia, 

were reported in patients treated with Piqray in clinical studies (see section 4.8). Piqray should be 

permanently discontinued and should not be re-introduced in patients with serious hypersensitivity 

reactions. Appropriate treatment should be promptly initiated. 

 

Severe cutaneous reactions 

 

Severe cutaneous reactions have been reported with alpelisib. In the phase III clinical study, 

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and erythema multiforme (EM) were reported in 1 (0.4%) and 3 

(1.1%) patients, respectively. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has 

been reported in the post-marketing setting (see section 4.8). 

 

Piqray treatment should not be initiated in patients with a history of severe cutaneous reactions. 

 

Patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms of severe cutaneous reactions (e.g. a prodrome 

of fever, flu-like symptoms, mucosal lesions or progressive skin rash). If signs or symptoms of severe 

cutaneous reactions are present, Piqray should be interrupted until the aetiology of the reaction has 

been determined. A consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. 

 

If a severe cutaneous reaction is confirmed, Piqray should be permanently discontinued. Piqray should 

not be re-introduced in patients who have experienced previous severe cutaneous reactions. If a severe 

cutaneous reaction is not confirmed, Piqray may require treatment interruption, dose reduction or 

treatment discontinuation as described in Table 3 (see section 4.2). 

 

Hyperglycaemia 

 

Severe hyperglycemia, including ketoacidosis, has been reported in patients treated with Piqray. 

 

In the phase III clinical study, hyperglycaemia occurred more frequently in patients who were diabetic 

(0 out of 12 patients [0%] with grade 1-2, and 10 out of 12 patients [83.3%] with grade 3-4), 

pre-diabetic (42 out of 159 patients [26.4%] with grade 1-2, and 77 out of 159 patients [48.4%] with 

grade 3-4), had BMI ≥30 at screening (13 out of 74 patients [17.6%] with grade 1-2, and 38 out of 

74 patients [51.4%] with grade 3-4) or ≥75 years of age (6 out of 34 patients [17.6%] with grade 1-2, 

and 19 out of 34 patients [55.9%] with grade 3-4). 

 

As hyperglycaemia may occur with a rapid onset after starting treatment, it is recommended to 

self-monitor frequently in the first 4 weeks and especially within the first 2 weeks of treatment, as 

clinically indicated. A specific schedule for fasting glucose monitoring is recommended in Table 6. 

 

In the phase III clinical study, patients with a history of diabetes mellitus intensified use of antidiabetic 

medicinal products while on treatment with Piqray. 

 

All patients should be instructed on lifestyle changes that may reduce hyperglycaemia (e.g. dietary 

restrictions). 

 



 

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Table 6 Schedule of fasting glucose monitoring 
  

Recommended schedule for the 

monitoring of fasting glucose and 

HbA1c levels in all patients treated 

with Piqray 

Recommended schedule of 

monitoring of fasting glucose and 

HbA1c levels in patients with 

diabetes, pre-diabetes, BMI ≥30 or 

age ≥75 years treated with Piqray 

At screening, before 

initiating treatment 

with Piqray 

Test for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and optimise the patient’s 

level of blood glucose (see Table 2). 

After initiating 

treatment with Piqray  

Monitor FPG at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 after treatment start and monthly 

thereafter. 

Monitor/self-monitor fasting glucose 

regularly, more frequently in the first 

4 weeks and especially within the first 

2 weeks of treatment, according to the 

instructions of a healthcare 

professional*. 

Monitor/self-monitor fasting glucose 

daily for the first 2 weeks of treatment. 

Then continue to monitor fasting 

glucose as frequently as needed to 

manage hyperglycaemia according to 

the instructions of a healthcare 

professional*. 

HbA1c should be monitored after 4 weeks of treatment and every 3 months 

thereafter. 

If hyperglycaemia 

develops after 

initiating treatment 

with Piqray 

Monitor fasting glucose regularly, as per local standard of care and at least 

until fasting glucose decreases to normal levels. 

During treatment with antidiabetic medication, continue monitoring fasting 

glucose at least once a week for 8 weeks, followed by once every 2 weeks, 

and monitor fasting glucose according to the instructions of a healthcare 

professional with expertise in the treatment of hyperglycaemia. 

* All glucose monitoring should be performed at the physician’s discretion as clinically indicated. 

 

Patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia (e.g. excessive thirst, 

urinating more often than usual or greater amount of urine than usual, increased appetite with weight 

loss). 

 

In the 190 patients with hyperglycaemia, 87.4% (166/190) were managed with antidiabetic 

medication, and 75.8% (144/190) reported use of metformin as single agent or in combination with 

other antidiabetic medication (e.g. insulin, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, SGLT2 

inhibitors and sulfonylureas). 

 

Oral antidiabetic medication was used in 154 patients. Out of these 154 patients, 17 (11.0%) 

discontinued study treatment due to hyperglycaemia. Concomitant insulin medication was used in 

54 patients; of these 13 (24.1%) discontinued study treatment due to hyperglycaemia. 

 

Out of 162 patients with grade ≥2 hyperglycaemia, 155 had at least 1 grade improvement, median time 

to improvement from the first event was 8 days (95% CI: 8 to 10 days). 

 

Of the patients with elevated FPG who continued fulvestrant treatment after discontinuing Piqray 

(n=58), 98.3% (n=57) had FPG levels that returned to baseline. 

 

The safety of Piqray in patients with Type 1 and uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes has not been established 

as these patients were excluded from the phase III clinical study. Patients with a medical history of 

Type 2 diabetes were included. Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus may require intensified 

diabetic treatment and should be closely monitored. 

 

Based on the severity of the hyperglycaemia, Piqray may require dose interruption, reduction or 

discontinuation as described in Table 2 (see section 4.2). 



 

10 

 

Pneumonitis 

 

Pneumonitis, including serious cases of pneumonitis/acute interstitial lung disease, have been reported 

in Piqray-treated patients in clinical studies. Patients should be advised to report promptly any new or 

worsening respiratory symptoms. In patients who have new or worsening respiratory symptoms or are 

suspected to have developed pneumonitis, Piqray treatment should be interrupted immediately and the 

patient should be evaluated for pneumonitis. A diagnosis of non-infectious pneumonitis should be 

considered in patients presenting with non-specific respiratory signs and symptoms such as hypoxia, 

cough, dyspnoea, or interstitial infiltrates on radiological examination and in whom infectious, 

neoplastic and other causes have been excluded by means of appropriate investigations. Piqray should 

be permanently discontinued in all patients with confirmed pneumonitis. 

 

Diarrhoea 

 

Severe diarrhoea and clinical consequences, such as dehydration and acute kidney injury, have been 

reported during treatment with Piqray and resolved with appropriate intervention. 59.5% of patients 

(n=169) experienced diarrhoea during treatment with Piqray. Grade 3 diarrhoea occurred in 7% (n=20) 

of patients with no reported cases of grade 4. Among patients with grade 2 or 3 diarrhoea (n=76), the 

median time to onset was 50 days (range: 1 to 954 days). 

 

Dose reductions of Piqray were required in 5.6% of patients and 2.8% of patients discontinued Piqray 

due to diarrhoea. In the 169 patients who experienced diarrhoea, antidiarrhoeal medications (e.g. 

loperamide) were required to manage symptoms in 64.5% (109/169). 

 

Based on the severity of the diarrhoea, Piqray may require dose interruption, reduction or 

discontinuation as described in Table 4 (see section 4.2). 

 

Patients should be advised to start antidiarrhoeal treatment, increase oral fluids and notify their 

physician if diarrhoea occurs while taking Piqray. 

 

Osteonecrosis of the jaw 

 

Caution should be exercised when Piqray and bisphosphonates or denosumab are used either 

simultaneously or sequentially. Piqray treatment should not be initiated in patients with ongoing 

osteonecrosis of the jaw from previous or concurrent treatment with bisphosphonates/denosumab. 

Patients should be advised to promptly report any new or worsening oral symptoms (such as dental 

mobility, pain or swelling, non-healing of mouth sores, or discharge) during treatment with Piqray. 

 

In patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw, standard medical management should be initiated. 

 

Symptomatic visceral disease 

 

The efficacy and safety of this medicinal product have not been studied in patients with symptomatic 

visceral disease. 

 

Sodium 

 
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per film-coated tablet, that is to say 

essentially 'sodium-free'. 

 



 

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4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 

Medicinal products that may increase alpelisib plasma concentrations 

 

BCRP inhibitors 

Alpelisib is a substrate for BCRP in vitro. BCRP is involved in the hepatobiliary export and intestinal 

secretion of alpelisib, therefore inhibition of BCRP in the liver and in the intestine during elimination 

may lead to an increase in systemic exposure of alpelisib. Therefore, caution and monitoring for 

toxicity are advised during concomitant treatment with inhibibitors of BCRP (e.g. eltrombopag, 

lapatinib, pantoprazole). 

 

Medicinal products that may decrease alpelisib plasma concentrations 

 

Acid-reducing agents 

The co-administration of the H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine in combination with a single 300 mg 

oral dose of alpelisib slightly reduced the bioavailability of alpelisib and decreased overall exposure of 

alpelisib. In the presence of a low-fat low-calorie (LFLC) meal, AUCinf was decreased on average by 

21% and Cmax by 36% with ranitidine. In the absence of food, the effect was more pronounced with a 

30% decrease in AUCinf and a 51% decrease in Cmax with ranitidine compared to the fasted state 

without co-administration of ranitidine. Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed no significant 

effect of co-administration of acid-reducing agents, including proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor 

antagonists and antacids, on the pharmacokinetics of alpelisib. Therefore, alpelisib can be 

co-administered with acid-reducing agents, provided alpelisib is taken immediately after food (see 

section 4.2). 

 

Medicinal products whose plasma concentrations may be altered by alpelisib 

 

Based on the results of metabolic in vitro induction and inhibition studies, alpelisib may induce the 

metabolic clearance of co-administered medicinal products metabolised by CYP2B6, CYP2C9 and 

CYP3A and may inhibit the metabolic clearance of co-administered medicinal products metabolised 

by CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 (time-dependent inhibition) if sufficiently high 

concentrations are achieved in vivo. 

 

CYP3A4 substrates 

No dose adjustment is required when co-administering Piqray with CYP3A4 substrates (e.g. 

everolimus, midazolam). 

 

In a drug-drug interaction study, co-administration of alpelisib with everolimus, a sensitive CYP3A4 

substrate, confirmed that there are no clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions (increase in 

AUC by 11.2%) between alpelisib and CYP3A4 substrates. No change in everolimus exposure was 

observed at alpelisib doses ranging from 250 to 300 mg. 

 

Caution is recommended when Piqray is used in combination with CYP3A4 substrates that also 

possess an additional time-dependent inhibition and induction potential on CYP3A4 that affects their 

own metabolism (e.g. rifampicin, ribociclib, encorafenib). 

 

CYP2C9 substrates with narrow therapeutic index 

In the absence of clinical data on CYP2C9, caution is recommended. In vitro evaluations indicated 

that the pharmacological activity of CYP2C9 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index such as 

warfarin may be reduced by the CYP2C9 induction effects of alpelisib. 

 

CYP2B6 sensitive substrates with narrow therapeutic index 

Sensitive CYP2B6 substrates (e.g. bupropion) or CYP2B6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic 

window should be used with caution in combination with Piqray, as alpelisib may reduce the clinical 

activity of such medicinal products. 

 



 

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Substances that are substrates of transporters 

In vitro evaluations indicated that alpelisib (and/or its metabolite BZG791) has a potential to inhibit 

the activities of OAT3 drug transporters and intestinal BCRP and P-gp. Piqray should be used with 

caution in combination with sensitive substrates of these transporters which exhibit a narrow 

therapeutic index because Piqray may increase the systemic exposure of these substrates. 

 

Hormonal contraceptives 

 

No clinical studies were conducted assessing the drug-drug-interaction potential between alpelisib and 

hormonal contraceptives. 

 

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 

Piqray is indicated in men and postmenopausal women. It is not to be used in women who are, or may 

be, pregnant or breast-feeding (see section 4.1). 

 

Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females 

 

Females of reproductive potential should be advised that animal studies and the mechanism of action 

have shown that alpelisib can be harmful to the developing foetus. Embryo-foetal development studies 

in rats and rabbits have demonstrated that oral administration of alpelisib during organogenesis 

induced embryotoxicity, foetotoxicity and teratogenicity (see section 5.3). 

 

In case females of reproductive potential take Piqray, they should use effective contraception (e.g. 

double-barrier method) when taking Piqray and for at least 1 week after stopping treatment with 

Piqray. 

 

Male patients with sexual partners who are pregnant, possibly pregnant or who could become pregnant 

should use condoms during sexual intercourse while taking Piqray and for at least 1 week after 

stopping treatment with Piqray. 

 

Please refer to section 4.6 of the prescribing information for fulvestrant. 

 

Pregnancy 

 

Piqray is not indicated and is not to be used in women who are, or may be, pregnant (see section 4.1). 

 

There are no data from the use of alpelisib in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown 

reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Piqray is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of 

childbearing potential not using contraception. 

 

The pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential should be verified prior to starting treatment 

with Piqray. 

 

Breast-feeding 

 

It is not known if alpelisib is excreted in human or animal milk. 

 

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breast-fed infant, it is recommended that 

women should not breast-feed during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose of Piqray. 

 

Fertility 

 

There are no data on the effects of alpelisib on fertility. Based on repeated dose toxicity studies in 

animals, alpelisib may impair fertility in males and females of reproductive potential (see section 5.3). 

 



 

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4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 

Piqray has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be advised to be 

cautious when driving or using machines in case they experience fatigue or blurred vision during 

treatment (see section 4.8). 

 

4.8 Undesirable effects 
 

Summary of the safety profile 

 

The safety profile is based on data from 284 patients in the Piqray plus fulvestrant arm of the 

double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study. 

 

The most common ADRs (reported at a frequency >20% in the combined mutant and non-mutant 

study population) were plasma glucose increased (79.2%), creatinine increased (67.6%), diarrhoea 

(59.5%), gamma-glutamyltransferase increased (53.2%), rash (51.8%), lymphocyte count decreased 

(55.3%), nausea (46.8%), alanine aminotransferase increased (44.0%), anaemia (44.0%), fatigue 

(43.3%), lipase increased (42.6%), decreased appetite (35.9%), stomatitis (30.3%), vomiting (28.5%), 

weight decreased (27.8%), hypocalcaemia (27.8%), plasma glucose decreased (26.8%), activated 

partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) prolonged (22.2%) and alopecia (20.4%). 

 

The most common grade 3 or 4 ADRs (reported at a frequency ≥2%) were plasma glucose increased 

(39.1%), rash (19.4%), gamma-glutamyltransferase increased (12.0%), lymphocyte count decreased 

(9.2%), diarrhoea (7.0%), lipase increased (7.0%), hypokalaemia (6.3%), fatigue (5.6%), weight 

decreased (5.3%), anaemia (4.9%), hypertension (4.6%), alanine aminotransferase increased (4.2%), 

nausea (2.8%), creatinine increased (2.8%), stomatitis (2.5%), hypocalcaemia (2.1%) and mucosal 

inflammation (2.1%). 

 

The most common ADRs leading to treatment discontinuation were hyperglycaemia (6.3%), rash 

(4.2%), diarrhoea (2.8%) and fatigue (2.5%). 

 

Tabulated list of adverse reactions 

 

ADRs from the phase III clinical study and post-marketing experience (Table 7) are listed by 

MedDRA system organ class. Within each system organ class, the ADRs are ranked by frequency, 

with the most frequent reactions first. Within each frequency grouping, ADRs are presented in order 

of decreasing seriousness. In addition, the corresponding frequency category for each adverse drug 

reaction is based on the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); 

uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known 

(cannot be estimated from the available data). 

 

Table 7 ADRs observed in phase III clinical study and during post-marketing experience 
 

Adverse drug reaction Any grade (%) Grade 3 or 4 (%) 

Infections and infestations 

Urinary tract infection1 Very common 29 (10.2) 2 (0.7)* 

Blood and lymphatic system disorders 

Anaemia Very common 125 (44.0) 14 (4.9)* 

Lymphocyte count decreased Very common 157 (55.3) 26 (9.2) 

Platelet count decreased Very common 43 (15.1) 4 (1.4)* 

Immune system disorders 

Hypersensitivity2 Common 11 (3.9) 2 (0.7)* 



 

14 

Metabolism and nutrition disorders 

Glucose plasma increased Very common 225 (79.2) 111 (39.1)  

Glucose plasma decreased Very common 76 (26.8) 1 (0.4) 

Decreased appetite Very common 102 (35.9) 2 (0.7)* 

Hypokalaemia Very common 42 (14.8) 18 (6.3) 

Hypocalcaemia Very common 79 (27.8) 6 (2.1) 

Magnesium decreased Very common 34 (12.0) 1 (0.4) 

Dehydration Common 10 (3.5) 1 (0.4)* 

Ketoacidosis3 Uncommon 2 (0.7) 2 (0.7) 

Psychiatric disorders 

Insomnia Common 22 (7.7)  

Nervous system disorders 

Headache Very common 55 (19.4) 2 (0.7)* 

Dysgeusia4 Very common 44 (15.5) 1 (0.4)* 

Eye disorders 

Vision blurred Common 15 (5.3) 1 (0.4)* 

Dry eye Common 10 (3.5)  

Vascular disorders 

Hypertension Common 27 (9.5) 13 (4.6) 

Lymphoedema Common 16 (5.6)  

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 

Pneumonitis5 Common 5 (1.8) 1 (0.4)* 

Gastrointestinal disorders 

Diarrhoea Very common 169 (59.5) 20 (7.0)* 

Nausea Very common 133 (46.8) 8 (2.8)* 

Stomatitis6 Very common 86 (30.3) 7 (2.5)* 

Vomiting Very common 81 (28.5) 2 (0.7)* 

Abdominal pain Very common 50 (17.6) 4 (1.4)* 

Dyspepsia Very common 33 (11.6)  

Toothache Common 13 (4.6) 1 (0.4)* 

Gingivitis Common 11 (3.9) 1 (0.4)* 

Gingival pain Common 9 (3.2)  

Cheilitis Common 8 (2.8)  

Pancreatitis Uncommon 1 (0.4) 1 (0.4) 

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 

Rash7 Very common 147 (51.8) 55 (19.4)* 

Alopecia Very common 58 (20.4)  

Pruritus Very common 53 (18.7) 2 (0.7)* 

Dry skin8 Very common 53 (18.7) 1 (0.4)* 

Erythema9 Common 18 (6.3) 2 (0.7)* 

Dermatitis10 Common 10 (3.5) 2 (0.7)* 

Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia 

syndrome 

Common 5 (1.8)  

Erythema multiforme Common 3 (1.1) 2 (0.7)* 

Stevens-Johnson syndrome Uncommon 1 (0.4) 1 (0.4)* 

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and 

systemic symptoms (DRESS)# 

Not known Not known Not known 

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 

Muscle spasms Common 22 (7.7)  

Myalgia Common 19 (6.7) 1 (0.4)* 

Osteonecrosis of jaw Common 16 (5.6) 5 (1.8)* 

Renal and urinary disorders 

Acute kidney injury Common 16 (5.6) 5 (1.8) 



 

15 

General disorders and administration site conditions 

Fatigue11 Very common 123 (43.3) 16 (5.6)* 

Mucosal inflammation Very common 56 (19.7) 6 (2.1)* 

Oedema peripheral Very common 47 (16.5)  

Pyrexia Very common 45 (15.8) 2 (0.7) 

Mucosal dryness12 Very common 36 (12.7) 1 (0.4) 

Oedema13 Common 18 (6.3)  

Investigations 

Weight decreased Very common 79 (27.8) 15 (5.3)* 

Blood creatinine increased Very common 192 (67.6) 8 (2.8)* 

Gamma-glutamyltransferase 

increased 

Very common 151 (53.2) 34 (12.0) 

Alanine aminotransferase increased Very common 125 (44.0) 12 (4.2)* 

Lipase increased Very common 121 (42.6) 20 (7.0) 

Activated partial thromboplastin 

time (aPTT) prolonged 

Very common 
63 (22.2) 2 (0.7) 

Albumin decreased Very common 41 (14.4) 1 (0.4) 

Glycosylated haemoglobin 

increased 

Common 
8 (2.8) 0 

* No grade 4 ADRs were observed 

# Adverse reactions reported during post-marketing experience. These are derived from spontaneous 

reports for which it is not always possible to reliably establish frequency or a causal relationship to 

exposure to the medicinal product. 
1 Urinary tract infection: also includes a single case of urosepsis 
2 Hypersensitivity: also includes allergic dermatitis 
3 Ketoacidosis: also includes diabetic ketoacidosis 
4 Dysgeusia: also includes ageusia, hypogeusia 
5 Pneumonitis: also includes interstitial lung disease 
6 Stomatitis: also includes aphthous ulcer and mouth ulceration 
7 Rash: also includes rash maculopapular, rash macular, rash generalised, rash papular, rash pruritic 
8 Dry skin: also includes skin fissures, xerosis, xeroderma 
9 Erythema: also includes erythema generalised 
10 Dermatitis: also includes dermatitis acneiform 
11 Fatigue: also includes asthenia 
12 Mucosal dryness: also includes dry mouth, vulvovaginal dryness 
13 Oedema: also includes face swelling, face oedema, eyelid oedema 

 

Description of selected ADRs 

 

Hyperglycaemia 

Hyperglycaemia (FPG >160 mg/dl) was reported in 190 (66.9%) patients; grade 2 (FPG 

160-250 mg/dl), 3 (FPG >250-500 mg/dl) and 4 (FPG >500 mg/dl) events were reported in 16.2%, 

33.8% and 4.6% of patients, respectively. 

 

Based on baseline FPG and HbA1c values, 56% of patients were considered pre-diabetic (FPG 

>100-126 mg/dl [5.6 to 6.9 mmol/l] and/or HbA1c 5.7-6.4%) and 4.2% of patients were considered 

diabetic (FPG ≥126 mg/dl [≥7.0 mmol/l] and/or HbA1c ≥6.5%). 74.8% of patients who were 

pre-diabetic at baseline experienced hyperglycaemia (any grade) when treated with alpelisib. Among 

all patients with hyperglycaemia of grade ≥2 (FPG ≥160 mg/dl), the median time to first occurrence 

was 15 days (range: 5 days to 900 days) (based on laboratory findings). The median duration of 

grade ≥2 hyperglycaemia was 10 days (95% CI: 8 to 13 days). In patients with grade ≥2 

hyperglycaemia, median time to improvement (at least one grade from the first event) was 8 days 

(95% CI: 8 to 10 days). In all patients who continued on fulvestrant after discontinuing Piqray, FPG 

levels returned to baseline (normal). 

 

Hyperglycaemia was managed with antidiabetic medicinal products, see section 4.4. 

 



 

16 

Rash 

Rash events (including rash maculopapular, macular, generalised, papular and pruritic, dermatitis and 

dermatitis acneiform) were reported in 153 (53.9%) patients. Rash was predominantly mild or 

moderate (grade 1 or 2) and responsive to therapy, and in some cases rash was accompanied by 

pruritus and dry skin. Grade 2 and 3 events were reported in 13.7% and 20.1% of patients, 

respectively, with a median time to first onset of 12 days (range: 2 days to 220 days). 

 

Among patients who received prophylactic antirash treatment including antihistamines, rash was 

reported less frequently than in the overall population; 26.1% vs 53.9% for all grades, 11.4% vs 20.1% 

for grade 3, and 3.4% vs 4.2% for rash leading to the permanent discontinuation of Piqray. 

Accordingly, antihistamines may be initiated prophylactically, at the time of initiation of treatment 

with Piqray. 

 

Gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting) 

Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting were reported in 59.5%, 46.8% and 28.5% of the patients, 

respectively (see Table 7). 

 

Grade 2 and 3 diarrhoea events were reported in 19.7% and 7.0% of patients, respectively, with a 

median time to onset of grade ≥2 diarrhoea of 50 days (range: 1 day to 954 days). 

 

Severe diarrhoea and clinical consequences, such as dehydration and acute kidney injury, have been 

reported during treatment with Piqray and resolved with appropriate intervention (see Table 4). 

Antiemetics (e.g. ondansetron) and antidiarrhoeal medicinal products (e.g. loperamide) were used in 

28/153 (17.6%) and 109/169 (64.5%) patients, respectively, to manage symptoms. 

 

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) 

ONJ was reported in 5.6% patients (16/284) in the Piqray plus fulvestrant arm. Fifteen patients 

experiencing ONJ were exposed to concomitant bisphosphonates (e.g. zoledronic acid). Therefore, in 

patients receiving Piqray and bisphosphonates, an increased risk of development of ONJ cannot be 

excluded. 

 

Elderly 

In patients ≥65 years of age treated with alpelisib plus fulvestrant, there was a higher incidence of 

grade 3-4 hyperglycaemia (45.3%) compared to patients <65 years of age (33.5%), while in patients 

<75 years of age, grade 3-4 hyperglycaemia was 36% compared to 55.9% in patients ≥75 years of age. 

 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 

 

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 

allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 

professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 

listed in Appendix V. 

 

4.9 Overdose 
 

Symptoms 

 

The adverse reactions associated with overdose have been consistent with the safety profile of Piqray 

and included hyperglycaemia, nausea, asthenia and rash. 

 

Management 

 

General symptomatic and supportive measures should be initiated in all cases of overdose where 

necessary. There is no known antidote for Piqray. 

 

 



 

17 

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, other antineoplastic agents, ATC code: L01XX65 

 

Mechanism of action 

 

Alpelisib is an α-specific class I phosphatidylinositol3kinase (PI3Kα) inhibitor. Gain-of-function 

mutations in the gene encoding the catalytic α-subunit of PI3K (PIK3CA) lead to activation of PI3Kα 

and AKT-signalling, cellular transformation and the generation of tumours in in vitro and in vivo 

models. 

 

In breast cancer cell lines, alpelisib inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K downstream targets 

including AKT, and showed activity in cell lines harbouring a PIK3CA mutation. 

 

In vivo, alpelisib inhibited the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway and reduced tumour growth in xenograft 

models, including models of breast cancer. 

 

PI3K inhibition by alpelisib treatment has been shown to induce an increase in oestrogen receptor 

(ER) transcription in breast cancer cells. The combination of alpelisib and fulvestrant demonstrated 

increased anti-tumour activity compared to either treatment alone in xenograft models derived from 

ER-positive, PIK3CA mutated breast cancer cell lines. 

 

The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway is responsible for glucose homeostasis, and hyperglycaemia is an 

expected on-target adverse reaction of PI3K inhibition. 

 

Clinical efficacy and safety 

 

Piqray was evaluated in a pivotal phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 

alpelisib in combination with fulvestrant in postmenopausal women, and men, with HR+, 

HER2- advanced (locoregionally recurrent or metastatic) breast cancer whose disease had progressed 

or recurred on or after an aromatase-inhibitor-based treatment (with or without CDK4/6 combination). 

 

A total of 572 patients were enrolled into two cohorts, one cohort with PIK3CA mutation and one 

cohort without PIK3CA mutation breast cancer. Patients were randomised to receive either alpelisib 

300 mg plus fulvestrant or placebo plus fulvestrant in a 1:1 ratio. Randomisation was stratified by 

presence of lung and/or liver metastasis and previous treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitor(s). 

 

In the cohort with PIK3CA mutation, 169 patients with one or more PIK3CA mutations (C420R, 

E542K, E545A, E545D [1635G>T only], E545G, E545K, Q546E, Q546R, H1047L, H1047R or 

H1047Y) were randomised to receive alpelisib in combination with fulvestrant and 172 patients were 

randomised to receive placebo in combination with fulvestrant. In this cohort 170 (49.9%) patients had 

liver/lung metastases and 20 (5.9%) patients had received prior CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment. 

 

Patients had a median age of 63 years (range: 25 to 92 years). 44.9% patients were 65 years of age or 

older and ≤85 years. The patients included were White (66.3%), Asian (21.7%) and Black or African 

American (1.2%). The study population included one male subject enrolled in the PIK3CA mutant 

cohort and treated with alpelisib and fulvestrant. 66.0% and 33.4% of subjects had an ECOG 

performance status of 0 and 1, respectively. 

 



 

18 

97.7% of patients had received prior endocrine therapy. In 67.7% of subjects, the last therapy prior to 

study enrollment was endocrine therapy. Letrozole and anastrozole were the most commonly used 

endocrine therapies. The setting of last endocrine therapy prior to study enrollment was therapeutic in 

47.8% of subjects and adjuvant therapy in 51.9% of subjects. Overall, 85.6% of the patients were 

considered to have endocrine-resistant disease; primary endocrine resistance (de novo resistance) was 

observed in 13.2% and secondary endocrine resistance (relapse/progression following an initial 

response) in 72.4% of patients. 

 

Demographics and baseline disease characteristics, ECOG performance status, tumour burden and 

prior antineoplastic therapy were well balanced between the study arms. 

 

During the randomised treatment phase, alpelisib 300 mg or placebo was administered orally once 

daily on a continuous basis. Fulvestrant 500 mg was administered intramuscularly on cycle 1 days 1 

and 15 and then at day 1 of a 28-day cycle during treatment phase (administration ±3 days). 

 

Patients were not allowed to cross over from placebo to alpelisib during the study or after disease 

progression. 

 

The primary endpoint for the study was progression-free survival (PFS) using Response Evaluation 

Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1), based on the investigator assessment in patients with 

PIK3CA mutation advanced breast cancer. The key secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS) for 

patients with PIK3CA mutation status. 

 

Other secondary endpoints included PFS for patients without PIK3CA mutation, OS for patients 

without PIK3CA mutation. 

 

The median duration of follow-up (between randomisation and data cut-off date of 12-June-2018) in 

the cohort with PIK3CA mutation was 20 months. 

 

The efficacy results in the cohort with PIK3CA mutation demonstrated a statistically significant 

improvement in PFS in patients receiving alpelisib plus fulvestrant, compared to patients receiving 

placebo plus fulvestrant with an estimated 35% risk reduction of disease progression or death. 

 



 

19 

Table 8 Study C2301 - Summary of efficacy results (cohort with PIK3CA mutation) 
 

 Piqray + fulvestrant 

(n=169) 

Placebo + fulvestrant 

(n=172) 

Data using primary analysis data cut-off date of 12 June 2018 

Median progression free survival (PFS) (months, 95% CI) 

Investigator radiological assessment# 

PIK3CA mutant cohort 

(N=341) 

11.0 

(7.5-14.5) 

5.7 

(3.7-7.4) 

Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.65 (0.50-0.85) 

p-valuea 0.00065 

Blinded independent review committee assessment*# 

PIK3CA mutant cohort 

(N=173) 

11.1 

(7.3-16.8) 

3.7 

(2.1-5.6) 

Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.48 (0.32-0.71) 

p-value N/A 

Data using 2nd interim OS data cut-off date of 30 September 2019 

Median progression free survival (PFS) (months, 95% CI) 

Investigator radiological assessment# 

PIK3CA mutant cohort 

(N=341) 

11.0 

(7.5-14.5) 

5.7 

(3.7-7.4) 

Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.64 (0.50-0.81) 

p-value N/A 

Overall survival (OS) (months, 95% CI) 

PIK3CA mutant cohort 

(N=341) 

40.6 

(32.2-NE) 

31.2 

(26.8-NE) 

Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.77 (0.56-1.06) 

p-valuea 0.06 
CI = confidence interval; N = number of patients; N/A = is not applicable; NE = not evaluable 
a p-value is obtained from the one-sided stratified log-rank test. 
# Per RECIST 1.1 

* Based on 50% audit-based approach 

 

In the cohort with PIK3CA mutation, PFS subgroup analyses per investigator assessment by 

randomisation stratification factors showed a generally consistent treatment effect in favour of the 

alpelisib arm, irrespective of presence or absence of lung/liver metastases. 

 

Among 20 patients with prior CDK4/6 inhibitor use the hazard ratio (HR) was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.17, 

1.36); median PFS was 1.8 months (95% CI: 1.7, 3.6) in the placebo plus fulvestrant arm and 

5.5 months (95% CI: 1.6, 16.8) in the alpelisib plus fulvestrant arm. 

 

Using a data cut-off date of 12-Jun-2018, PFS results for the subgroup of endocrine resistant patients 

(HR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.85, n=292) and endocrine sensitive patients (HR=0.87; 95% CI: 0.35, 

2.17, n=39) were in favour of the alpelisib plus fulvestrant arm. The number of endocrine sensitive 

patients with a PIK3CA mutation was limited (n=39) and the results should be interpreted with 

caution. 

 

Using a data cut-off date of 12-Jun-2018, the overall response rate in patients with measurable disease 

at baseline was 35.7% (95% CI: 27.4, 44.7) in the alpelisib plus fulvestrant arm and 16.2% (95% CI: 

10.4, 23.5) in the placebo plus fulvestrant arm. 

 



 

20 

Figure 1 Kaplan-Meier plot of progression free survival in cohort with PIK3CA mutation 

per local investigator assessment 
 

 
 

Cohort without PIK3CA mutation 

No PFS benefit was observed in patients whose tumours did not have a PIK3CA tissue mutation. 

 

Prior use of fulvestrant in study CBYL719X2102 

Patients with prior fulvestrant use were not included in the pivotal study. In the phase I study 

CBYL719X2101, 39 subjects reported prior fulvestrant use. The best overall responses to treatment 

with alpelisib plus fulvestrant for the 21 subjects with PIK3CA mutations and measurable disease at 

baseline were partial response in 7 subjects, stable disease in 11 subjects, and progressive disease in 

2 subjects. Hence, the evidence of efficacy of this treatment in patients previously treated with 

fulvestrant is not established due to the limited data at this time (see section 4.4). 

 

Paediatric population 

 

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with 

Piqray in all subsets of the paediatric population in breast cancer (see section 4.2 for information on 

paediatric use). 

 

  

Censoring times 

Alpelisib + fulv. (n/N = 103/169) 

Placebo + fulv. (n/N = 129/172) 

Hazard ratio = 0.65 

95% CI [0.50; 0.85] 

Kaplan-Meier medians (months) 

Alpelisib + fulv.: 11.0 

Placebo + fulv.: 5.7 

Log rank p-value 1-sided = 0.00065 

E
v

en
t-

fr
ee

 p
ro

b
ab

il
it

y
 (

%
) 

Time (months) 
Number of subjects still at risk 

Time (months) 

Alpelisib + fulv. 

Placebo + fulv. 



 

21 

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 

 

The pharmacokinetics of alpelisib were investigated in patients under an oral dosing regimen ranging 

from 30 to 450 mg daily. Healthy subjects received single oral doses ranging from 300 to 400 mg. The 

pharmcokinetics were comparable in both oncology patients and healthy subjects. 

 

Absorption 

 

Following oral administration of alpelisib, median time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) 

ranged between 2.0 to 4.0 hours, independent of dose, time or regimen. Based on absorption modelling 

bioavailability was estimated to be very high (>99%) under fed conditions but lower under fasted 

conditions (~68.7% at a 300 mg dose). Steady-state plasma levels of alpelisib after daily dosing can be 

expected to be reached on day 3 following onset of therapy in most patients. 

 

Food effect 

Alpelisib absorption is affected by food. In healthy volunteers after a single 300 mg oral dose of 

alpelisib, compared to the fasted state, a high-fat high-calorie (HFHC) meal (985 calories with 58.1 g 

of fat) increased AUCinf by 73% and Cmax by 84%, and a LFLC meal (334 calories with 8.7 g of fat) 

increased AUCinf by 77% and Cmax by 145%. No significant difference was found for AUCinf between 

LFLC and HFHC with a geometric mean ratio of 0.978 (CI: 0.876, 1.09), showing that neither fat 

content nor overall calorific intake has a considerable impact on absorption. The increase in 

gastrointestinal solubility by bile, secreted in response to food intake, is the potential cause of the food 

effect. Hence, Piqray should be taken immediately after food at approximately same time each day. 

 

Distribution 

 

Alpelisib moderately binds to protein with a free fraction of 10.8% regardless of concentration. 

Alpelisib was equally distributed between red blood cells and plasma with a mean in vivo 

blood-to-plasma ratio of 1.03. As alpelisib is a substrate of human efflux transporters, penetration of 

the blood-brain barrier is not expected to occur in humans. The volume of distribution of alpelisib at 

steady state (Vss/F) is estimated at 114 litres (intersubject CV% 46%). 

 

Biotransformation 

 

In vitro studies demonstrated that formation of the hydrolysis metabolite BZG791 by chemical and 

enzymatic amide hydrolysis was a major metabolic pathway, followed by minor contribution of 

CYP3A4. Alpelisib hydrolysis occurs systemically by both chemical decomposition and enzymatic 

hydrolysis via ubiquitously expressed, high-capacity enzymes (esterases, amidases, choline esterase) 

not limited to the liver. CYP3A4-mediated metabolites and glucuronides amounted to ~15% of the 

dose; BZG791 accounted for ~40-45% of the dose. The rest of the absorbed fraction of the dose was 

excreted as alpelisib. 

 

Elimination 

 

Alpelisib exhibits low clearance with 9.2 l/h (CV% 21%) based on population pharmacokinetic 

analysis under fed conditions. The population-derived half-life, independent of dose and time, was 8 to 

9 hours at steady state with 300 mg once daily. 

 

In a human mass-balance study, after oral administration, alpelisib and its metabolites were excreted in 

the faeces (81.0%), mainly through hepatobiliary export and/or intestinal secretion of alpelisib, or 

metabolised to BZG791. Excretion in the urine is minor (13.5%), with unchanged alpelisib (2%). 

Following a single oral dose of [14C]-alpelisib, 94.5% of the total administered radioactive dose was 

recovered within 8 days. 

 



 

22 

Linearity/non-linearity 

 

The pharmacokinetics were found to be linear with respect to dose and time under fed conditions 

between 30 and 450 mg. After multiple doses, alpelisib exposure (AUC) at steady state is only slightly 

higher than that of a single dose, with an average accumulation of 1.3 to 1.5 with a daily dosing 

regimen. 

 

Metabolic interaction 

 

CYP3A4 substrates 

In a drug-drug interaction study with the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate everolimus, AUC increased by 

11.2%. No clinically meaningful change is expected as a result of drug interaction with CYP3A4 

substrates. 

 

CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors 

The effects of CPY3A4 inducers or inhibitors have not been evaluated in clinical studies. No clinically 

meaningful changes in overall exposure are expected as a result of the low fraction (<15%) 

metabolised by CYP3A4. 

 

Transporter-based interaction 

 

Based on in vitro data, inhibition of the renal organic anion transporter OAT3 by alpelisib (and/or its 

metabolite BZG791) cannot be discarded in patients at the therapeutic dose. 

 

Alpelisib showed only weak in vitro inhibition towards the ubiquitously expressed efflux transporters 

(P-gp, BCRP, MRP2, BSEP), solute carrier transporters at the liver inlet (OATP1B1, OATP1B3, 

OCT1) and solute carrier transporters in the kidney (OAT1, OCT2, MATE1, MATE2K). As unbound 

systemic steady-state concentrations (or concentrations at the liver inlet) at both the therapeutic dose 

and maximum tolerated dose are significantly lower than the experimentally determined unbound 

inhibition constants or IC50, the inhibition will not translate into clinical significance. Due to high 

alpelisib concentrations in the intestinal lumen, an effect on intestinal P-gp and BCRP cannot be fully 

excluded. 

 

Special populations 

 

Effect of age, weight and gender 

The population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that there are no clinically relevant effects of age, 

body weight, or gender on the systemic exposure of alpelisib that would require Piqray dose 

adjustment. 

 

Paediatric patients (below 18 years) 

The pharmacokinetics of Piqray in children aged 0-18 years have not been established. No data are 

available. 

 

Elderly (age 65 years or above) 

Of 284 patients who received Piqray in the phase III study (in the alpelisib plus fulvestrant arm), 

117 patients were ≥65 years of age and 34 patients were between 75 and 87 years of age. No overall 

differences in exposure of Piqray were observed between these patients and younger patients (see 

section 4.2). 

 

Race/Ethnicity 

Population pharmacokinetic analyses and pharmacokinetic analyses from a phase I study in Japanese 

cancer patients showed that there are no clinically relevant effects of ethnicity on the systemic 

exposure of Piqray. 

 

Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters after single and multiple daily doses of Piqray for 

Japanese patients were very similar to those reported in the Caucasian population. 



 

23 

 

Renal impairment 

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis that included 117 patients with normal renal function 

(eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m2) / (CLcr ≥90 ml/min), 108 patients with mild renal impairment (eGFR 60 

to <90 ml/min/1.73 m2)/ (CLcr 60 to <90 ml/min), and 45 patients with moderate renal impairment 

(eGFR 30 to <60 ml/min/1.73 m2), mild and moderate renal impairment had no effect on the exposure 

of alpelisib (see section 4.2). 

 

Hepatic impairment 

Based on a pharmacokinetic study in patients with hepatic impairment, moderate and severe hepatic 

impairment had negligible effect on the exposure of alpelisib (see section 4.2). The mean exposure for 

alpelisib was increased 1.26-fold in patients with severe (GMR: 1.00 for Cmax; 1.26 for 

AUClast/AUCinf) hepatic impairment. 

 

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis that included 230 patients with normal hepatic 

function, 41 patients with mild hepatic impairment and no patients with moderate hepatic impairment, 

further supporting the findings from the dedicated hepatic impairment study, mild and moderate 

hepatic impairment had no effect on the exposure of alpelisib (see section 4.2). 

 

5.3 Preclinical safety data 

 

Safety pharmacology and repeated dose toxicity 

 

The majority of the observed alpelisib effects were related to the pharmacological activity of alpelisib 

as a p110α-specific inhibitor of the PI3K pathway, such as the influence on the glucose homeostasis 

resulting in hyperglycaemia and the risk of increased blood pressure. The bone marrow and lymphoid 

tissue, pancreas and some reproductive organs of both genders were the main target organs for adverse 

effects. Effects on bone marrow and lymphoid tissue were generally reversible on cessation of 

treatment. Effects on the pancreas and reproductive organs did not fully reverse but showed a tendency 

towards reversion. 

 

Cardiovascular safety pharmacology 

In vitro inhibition of hERG channels (IC50 of 9.4 µM) was shown at concentrations ~13-fold higher 

than the exposure in humans, at the recommended dose of 300 mg/day. No relevant 

electrophysiological effect was seen in dogs. 

 

Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity 

 

No carcinogenicity studies have been conducted. 

 

Results of standard genotoxicity studies with alpelisib were negative. In a repeated-dose rat toxicity 

study, where micronucleus analysis was integrated, exposure levels of alpelisib were 1.4-fold higher in 

males and 2-fold higher in females than therapeutic exposure in adult humans treated with the 

recommended dose. Therefore, the genotoxicity potential of alpelisib in humans cannot be ruled out. 

 

Reproductive toxicity 

 

Embryo-foetal development studies in rats and rabbits have demonstrated that oral administration of 

alpelisib during organogenesis induced embryotoxicity, foetotoxicity and teratogenicity. In rats and 

rabbits, following prenatal exposure to alpelisib, increased incidences of pre- and post-implantation 

losses, reduced foetal weights and increased incidences of foetal abnormalities (enlarged brain 

ventricle, decreased bone ossification and skeletal malformations) were observed starting at exposures 

below those in humans at the highest recommended dose of 300 mg, indicating potential clinical 

relevance. 

 



 

24 

A fertility study in rats has not been performed. However, in repeated dose toxicity studies, adverse 

effects were observed in reproductive organs, such as vaginal or uterine atrophy and oestrus cycle 

variations in rats, decreases in prostate and testes weight in rats and dogs and prostate atrophy in dogs 

at clinically relevant doses based on AUC. 

 

Phototoxicity 

 

An in vitro phototoxicity test on the mouse Balb/c 3T3 fibroblast cell line did not identify a relevant 

phototoxicity potential for alpelisib. 

 

 

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 

6.1 List of excipients 
 

Tablet core 

 

Cellulose microcrystalline 

Mannitol 

Sodium starch glycolate 

Hypromellose 

Magnesium stearate 

 

Film coating 

 

Hypromellose 

Iron oxide, black (E172) 

Iron oxide, red (E172) 

Titanium dioxide (E171) 

Macrogol 

Talc 

 

6.2 Incompatibilities 
 

Not applicable. 

 

6.3 Shelf life 
 

3 years. 

 

6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 

This medical product does not require any special storage conditions. 

 

6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 

PVC/PCTFE/alu (polyvinylchloride/polychlorotrifluoroethylene/aluminium) blister sealed into a 

blister card containing 14 film-coated tablets. 

 

Piqray 50 mg and 200 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Packs containing 28 film-coated tablets (14 of 50 mg and 14 of 200 mg) or 56 film-coated tablets (28 

of 50 mg and 28 of 200 mg). 

Multipacks containing 168 film-coated tablets (3x 56, each comprising 28 tablets of 50 mg and 

28 tablets of 200 mg). 

 



 

25 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Packs containing 28 or 56 film-coated tablets. 

Multipacks containing 168 (3x 56) film-coated tablets. 

 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

 

Packs containing 14 or 28 film-coated tablets. 

Multipacks containing 84 (3x 28) film-coated tablets. 

 

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 

 

6.6 Special precautions for disposal 
 

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 

requirements. 

 

 

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 

EU/1/20/1455/001-009 

 

 

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 

27 July 2020 

 

 

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 

 

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 

Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu 

  



 

26 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNEX II 
 

A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH 

RELEASE 

 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 

AND USE 

 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 

MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 

THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 

PRODUCT 



 

27 

A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 

Name and address of the manufacturers responsible for batch release 

 

Novartis Pharma GmbH 

Roonstrasse 25 

90429 Nuremberg 

Germany 

 

Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d. 

Verovskova ulica 57 

1526 Ljubljana 

Slovenia 

 

The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 

manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch. 

 

 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 

 

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 

Characteristics, section 4.2). 

 

 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 

 

 Periodic safety update reports (PSURs) 

 

The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of Union 

reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and any 

subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal. 

 

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall submit the first PSUR for this product within 

6 months following authorisation. 

 

 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

 Risk management plan (RMP) 

 

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance 

activities and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the 

marketing authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP. 

 

An updated RMP should be submitted: 

 At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 

 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 

an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached. 

 



 

28 

 Additional risk minimisation measures 
 

Prior to launch of Piqray in each Member State the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) must 

agree about the content and format of the educational programme, including communication media, 

distribution modalities, and any other aspects of the programme, with the National Competent 

Authority. 

 

The educational programme is aimed at increasing awareness and providing information concerning 

the signs and symptoms of severe hyperglycaemia, including ketoacidosis, and how to manage them. 

 

The MAH shall ensure that in each Member State where Piqray is marketed, all healthcare 

professionals who are expected to prescribe Piqray have access to/are provided with the physician 

educational material. 

 

The physician educational material should contain: 

• The Summary of Product Characteristics 

• Guide for healthcare professionals 

 

The Guide for healthcare professionals shall contain the following key elements: 

 

• Prior to initiating treatment 

- Piqray is associated with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia. 

- Patients at higher risk (diabetic, pre-diabetic, FPG >250 mg/dl, BMI ≥30, or age 

≥75 years) need consultation with a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment 

of hyperglycaemia. 

- The patient’s current antidiabetic treatment might be affected by the treatment with 

alpelisib through interaction with oral antidiabetics metabolised by CYP2C9 and 

CYP2C8 (including, but not limited to, repaglinide, rosiglitazone, glipizide and 

tolbutamide). 

- Test for FPG and HbA1c and optimise the patient’s level of blood glucose before starting 

treatment with alpelisib. 

- Counsel patients with regard to the risk of hyperglycaemia, need for lifestyle changes, 

signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia (e.g. excessive thirst, urinating more often than 

usual or greater amount of urine than usual, increased appetite with weight loss; difficulty 

breathing, headache, nausea, vomiting) and the importance of immediately contacting a 

healthcare professional if symptoms occur. 

 

• During treatment 

- Follow the schedule for monitoring fasting glucose according to the Piqray label. Please 

note there are different schedules for patients with and without risk factors. 

- In case of hyperglycaemia follow the hyperglycaemia-related dose modification and 

management table according to the Piqray label. 

- When initiating antidiabetic treatment, consideration should be taken with regard to 

possible drug-drug interactions. 

 

 Obligation to conduct post-authorisation measures 

 

The MAH shall complete, within the stated timeframe, the below measures: 

 

Description Due date 

Post-authorisation efficacy study (PAES): In order to further investigate the 

efficacy and long-term safety of alpelisib in combination with fulvestrant in 

postmenopausal women, and men, with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human 

epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, advanced breast cancer 

with a PIK3CA mutation after disease progression following endocrine therapy 

as monotherapy, the MAH should submit the final study report of the phase III 

randomised placebo-controlled study CBYL719C2301 (SOLAR-1). 

31-Aug-

2022. 



 

29 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNEX III 

 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 

  



 

30 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A. LABELLING 
  



 

31 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

OUTER CARTON OF PACKS CONTAINING 150 MG TABLETS 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 150 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

28 tablets 

14-day supply for a 300 mg daily dose. 

56 tablets 

28-day supply for a 300 mg daily dose. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

 



 

32 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/001 28 film-coated tablets of 150 mg 

EU/1/20/1455/002 56 film-coated tablets of 150 mg 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 150 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

 

PC 

SN 

NN 

  



 

33 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

OUTER CARTON OF MULTIPACK CONTAINING 150 MG TABLETS (WITH BLUE BOX) 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 150 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

Multipack: 168 (3x 56) tablets 

3x 28-day supply for a 300 mg daily dose. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

 



 

34 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/003 168 (3x 56) film-coated tablets of 150 mg 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 150 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

 

PC 

SN 

NN 

  



 

35 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

INTERMEDIATE CARTON OF MULTIPACK CONTAINING 150 MG TABLETS 

(WITHOUT BLUE BOX) 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 150 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

56 tablets 

28-day supply for a 300 mg daily dose. 

Component of a multipack. Not to be sold separately. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

 



 

36 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/003 168 (3x 56) film-coated tablets of 150 mg 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 150 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

  



 

37 

 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 

 

BLISTER CARD OF PACKS CONTAINING 150 MG TABLETS 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 150 mg tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

 

 

3. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

4. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

5. OTHER 

 

Mon. 

Tue. 

Wed. 

Thu. 

Fri. 

Sat. 

Sun. 

 

Take both tablets in the coloured row immediately after food on the day indicated. 

  



 

38 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

OUTER CARTON OF PACKS CONTAINING 200 MG TABLETS 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 200 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

14 tablets 

14-day supply for a 200 mg daily dose. 

28 tablets 

28-day supply for a 200 mg daily dose. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

 



 

39 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/007 14 film-coated tablets of 200 mg 

EU/1/20/1455/008 28 film-coated tablets of 200 mg 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 200 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

 

PC 

SN 

NN 

  



 

40 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

OUTER CARTON OF MULTIPACK CONTAINING 200 MG TABLETS (WITH BLUE BOX) 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 200 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

Multipack: 84 (3x 28) tablets 

3x 28-day supply for a 200 mg daily dose. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

 



 

41 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/009 84 (3x 28) film-coated tablets of 200 mg 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 200 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

 

PC 

SN 

NN 

  



 

42 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

INTERMEDIATE CARTON OF MULTIPACK CONTAINING 200 MG TABLETS 

(WITHOUT BLUE BOX) 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 200 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

28 tablets 

28-day supply for a 200 mg daily dose. 

Component of a multipack. Not to be sold separately. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

 



 

43 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/009 84 (3x 28) film-coated tablets of 200 mg 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 200 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

  



 

44 

 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 

 

BLISTER CARD OF PACKS CONTAINING 200 MG TABLETS 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 200 mg tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

 

 

3. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

4. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

5. OTHER 

 

Mon. 

Tue. 

Wed. 

Thu. 

Fri. 

Sat. 

Sun. 

 

Take one tablet immediately after food on the day indicated. 

  



 

45 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

OUTER CARTON OF PACKS CONTAINING 50 MG AND 200 MG TABLETS 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 50 mg film-coated tablets 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 50 mg or 200 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

14 tablets of 50 mg 

14 tablets of 200 mg 

14-day supply for a 250 mg daily dose. 

28 tablets of 50 mg 

28 tablets of 200 mg 

28-day supply for a 250 mg daily dose. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 



 

46 

 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/004 14 film-coated tablets of 50 mg + 14 film-coated tablets of 200 mg 

EU/1/20/1455/005 28 film-coated tablets of 50 mg + 28 film-coated tablets of 200 mg 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 50 mg + 200 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

 

PC 

SN 

NN 

  



 

47 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

OUTER CARTON OF MULTIPACK CONTAINING 50 MG AND 200 MG TABLETS (WITH 

BLUE BOX) 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 50 mg film-coated tablets 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 50 mg or 200 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

Multipack: 

84 (3x28) tablets of 50 mg 

84 (3x28) tablets of 200 mg 

3x 28-day supply for a 250 mg daily dose. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

 



 

48 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/006 84 (3x28) film-coated tablets of 50 mg + 84 (3x28) film-coated tablets 

of 200 mg  

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 50 mg + 200 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

 

PC 

SN 

NN 

  



 

49 

 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

INTERMEDIATE CARTON OF MULTIPACK CONTAINING 50 MG AND 200 MG 

TABLETS (WITHOUT BLUE BOX) 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 50 mg film-coated tablets 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each film-coated tablet contains 50 mg or 200 mg alpelisib. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Film-coated tablet 

 

28 tablets of 50 mg 

28 tablets of 200 mg 

28-day supply for a 250 mg daily dose. 

Component of a multipack. Not to be sold separately. 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Oral use 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

 



 

50 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/20/1455/006 84 film-coated tablets of 50 mg + 84 film-coated tablets of 200 mg (3x 

28 + 28) 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Piqray 50 mg + 200 mg 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

  



 

51 

 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 

 

BLISTER CARD OF PACKS CONTAINING 50 MG AND 200 MG TABLETS 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Piqray 50 mg tablets 

Piqray 200 mg tablets 

alpelisib 

 

 

2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

 

 

3. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

4. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

5. OTHER 

 

Mon. 

Tue. 

Wed. 

Thu. 

Fri. 

Sat. 

Sun. 

 

Take both tablets in the coloured row immediately after food on the day indicated. 

  



 

52 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



 

53 

Package leaflet: Information for the patient 
 

Piqray 50 mg film-coated tablets 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets 
alpelisib 

 

This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new 

safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. See the end of section 4 

for how to report side effects. 

 

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 

important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 

- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, or pharmacist or nurse. 

- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 

- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any 

possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 

 

What is in this leaflet 
 

1. What Piqray is and what it is used for 

2. What you need to know before you take Piqray 

3. How to take Piqray 

4. Possible side effects 

5. How to store Piqray 

6. Contents of the pack and other information 

 

 

1. What Piqray is and what it is used for 
 

What Piqray is 
Piqray contains the active substance alpelisib, which belongs to a group of medicines called 

phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors. 

 

What Piqray is used for 
Piqray is used for the treatment of postmenopausal women, and men, with a type of breast cancer 

called advanced hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 

(HER2)-negative breast cancer. Piqray is used in combination with fulvestrant, a hormonal anticancer 

therapy, in patients whose cancer has not responded to other hormonal treatments and who have 

certain changes (mutations) in a gene called PIK3CA. 

 

Your doctor will take a sample of your blood and/or tumour tissue, which will be tested for these 

PIK3CA mutations. If the result is positive your cancer is likely to respond to treatment with Piqray. 

 

How Piqray works 
Piqray works by blocking the effects of enzymes called phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3K). These 

enzymes help cancer cells to grow and multiply. By blocking their action, Piqray can reduce growth 

and spread of the cancer and help to destroy cancer cells. 

 

If you have any questions about how Piqray works or why this medicine has been prescribed for you, 

ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 

 

 



 

54 

2. What you need to know before you take Piqray 

 

Follow all of your doctor’s instructions carefully, as they may differ from the general information in 

this leaflet. Check with your doctor if you are not sure. 

 

Do not take Piqray: 
- if you are allergic to alpelisib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6). If you think you may be allergic, ask your doctor for advice. 

 

Warnings and precautions 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Piqray. 

 

If any of the following apply to you before taking Piqray, tell your doctor or pharmacist: 

- if you have or have ever had high levels of sugar in your blood or diabetes (or signs of increased 

sugar levels, such as excessive thirst and dry mouth, needing to pass urine more often than 

usual, producing greater amounts of urine than usual, tiredness, nausea, increased appetite with 

weight loss). 

- if you have ever had Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), erythema multiforme (EM), drug 

reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis 

(TEN; possible symptoms include red skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling, 

with or without fever, rash). 

- if you have a severe bone disease that affects the jaw (osteonecrosis of the jaw, ONJ). 

 

If any of the following apply to you during your treatment with Piqray, tell your doctor or pharmacist 

immediately: 

- Rash, itching, hives, breathlessness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, light-headedness, 

dizziness, changes in levels of consciousness, low blood pressure, reddening of the skin, 

swelling of the face or throat, blue discoloration of the lips, tongue or skin (possible signs of 

severe allergic reactions). 

- New or changing breathing problems such as difficult or painful breathing, cough, rapid 

breathing, blue discoloration of the lips, tongue or skin, hiccups (possible signs of 

non-infectious pneumonitis or pneumonia). 

- Increased thirst and dry mouth, passing urine more often than usual, tiredness, nausea, increased 

appetite with weight loss (possible signs of increased blood sugar levels) 

- Rash, reddening of the skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling, sometimes with 

fever (possible signs of one of the following skin conditions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), 

erythema multiforme (EM), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) 

or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)). 

- New or worsening symptoms affecting your mouth (such as loose teeth, pain or swelling, 

non-healing of mouth sores, or discharge). 

- Piqray can cause severe diarrhoea. 

Your doctor may need to treat these symptoms, temporarily interrupt your treatment, reduce your 

dose, or permanently stop your treatment with Piqray. 

 

Blood tests before and during your treatment with Piqray 
Your doctor will carry out blood tests before and regularly during treatment with Piqray to monitor 

your blood sugar. Based on the results, your doctor will take any necessary actions, such as 

prescribing a medicine to lower blood sugar levels. If necessary, your doctor may decide to 

temporarily interrupt treatment with Piqray or reduce your Piqray dose to allow your blood sugar to 

decrease. Your doctor may also decide to stop Piqray treatment permanently. 

 



 

55 

Make sure that you regularly test your blood sugar before you start treatment, during treatment 

and after you stop treatment with Piqray. 

- Your doctor will tell you exactly when and where to have the blood tests. Treatment with Piqray 

may only be started if tests show that you have the right levels of sugar in your blood. This is 

because Piqray can increase sugar in your blood (hyperglycaemia), which could be serious and 

need treatment. Only regular fasting blood tests can tell the doctor if you are developing 

hyperglycaemia. 

- Your doctor will tell you exactly when and where to test your blood sugar. This will be required 

more frequently in the first 4 weeks of treatment and especially in the first 2 weeks of treatment 

with Piqray. Afterwards, blood tests will be needed at least once a month, depending on your 

blood sugar levels. 
 

Children and adolescents 

Piqray is not to be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. 

 

Other medicines and Piqray 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 

medicines. This includes in particular: 

- eltrombopag, a medicine used to treat low platelet count 

- medicines used to treat breast cancer, such as lapatinib, everolimus or ribociclib 

- pantoprazole, a medicine used to treat heartburn and reduce the amount of acid produced in your 

stomach 

- midazolam, a medicine used to for sedation or sleep disturbances 

- rifampicin, a medicine to treat tuberculosis and some other serious infections 

- encorafenib, a medicine used to treat a certain type of skin cancer 

- warfarin, a medicine used reduce the clotting ability of the blood 

 

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether your medicine is one of the medicines listed 

above. 

 

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility 
Piqray must not be used by women who are, or may be pregnant or breast-feeding. Piqray may harm 

an unborn baby. If you think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or 

pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Women should not breast-feed during treatment and 

for at least 1 week after the last dose of Piqray. Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risks of 

taking Piqray during pregnancy or breast-feeding. 

 

If you are a woman who could become pregnant, your doctor will rule out an existing pregnancy 

before starting you on treatment with Piqray. This may include having a pregnancy test. 

 

Women who could become pregnant should use an effective method of birth control during treatment 

and for at least 1 week after stopping Piqray. Ask your doctor about suitable methods. If you think you 

may be pregnant after starting treatment with Piqray, tell your doctor immediately. 

 

During treatment and for at least 1 week after stopping treatment, male patients should use a condom 

for intercourse with female partners who could become pregnant. If the partner of a male patient 

suspects that she has become pregnant during this time, she should inform a doctor immediately. 

 

Driving and using machines 
Treatment with Piqray may lead to tiredness. You should therefore be cautious when driving or using 

machines during your treatment with Piqray. 

 

Piqray contains sodium 

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per film-coated tablet, that is to say 

essentially ‘sodium-free’. 

 

 



 

56 

3. How to take Piqray 

 

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor if you are not 

sure. 

 

How much Piqray to take 

The usual starting dose of Piqray is 300 mg once daily. Your doctor will decide on the right dose for 

you. 

 

Depending on the dose prescribed, the number of tablets to take is as follows: 

- 300 mg dose: two 150 mg tablets 

- 250 mg dose: one 200 mg tablet and one 50 mg tablet 

- 200 mg dose: one 200 mg tablet 

 

If you vomit after you take the Piqray tablet(s), do not take any more tablets until your next scheduled 

dose. 

 

Your doctor will determine the dose of fulvestrant you should receive and when you should receive it. 

 

Depending on how your body responds to the treatment with Piqray, your doctor may want to adjust 

your Piqray dose. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions. If you have certain side 

effects, your doctor may ask you to change to a lower dose, to interrupt treatment for a time, or to stop 

treatment. 

 

When to take Piqray 

Piqray tablets are supplied in packs containing blister cards. Each blister card shows the tablet(s) to be 

taken on each day of the week. Follow the instructions on the blister card. 

 

Take Piqray once a day, immediately after food. Taking Piqray at the same time each day will help 

you to remember when to take your medicine. 

 

How to take Piqray 

Piqray tablets should be swallowed whole, they should not be chewed, crushed or split before 

swallowing. You should not swallow any tablet that is broken, cracked or otherwise damaged as you 

may not be taking the full dose. 

 

How long to take Piqray 

Take Piqray for as long as your doctor tells you to. 

 

This is a long-term treatment, possibly lasting for months or years. Your doctor will regularly monitor 

your condition to check that the treatment is having the desired effect. 

 

If you have questions about how long to take Piqray, talk to your doctor or to your pharmacist. 

 

If you take more Piqray than you should 
People who have taken too many Piqray tablets have experienced effects that are known side effects of 

Piqray, including high blood sugar levels, nausea, tiredness and rash. If you accidentally take too many 

tablets, or if someone else accidentally takes your medicine, contact a doctor or hospital for advice 

immediately. Medical treatment may be necessary. 

 

  



 

57 

If you forget to take Piqray 
If you forget to take a dose of Piqray, you may still take it, immediately after food, up to 9 hours after 

the time you should have taken it. If you only remember more than 9 hours after you should have 

taken it, skip the dose for that day. The next day, take the dose at your usual time. Do not take a 

double dose to make up for the one that you missed. 

 

If you stop taking Piqray 
Stopping your treatment with Piqray may cause your condition to become worse. Do not stop taking 

Piqray unless your doctor tells you to stop. 

 

If you have any further questions on the use of Piqray, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

 

 

4. Possible side effects 
 

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

 

Some side effects could be serious 
If you get any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately. 

 

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people 

- Feeling very thirsty, passing urine more often than usual or passing greater amounts of urine 

than usual, increased appetite with weight loss (possible symptoms of high blood sugar levels, 

also called hyperglycaemia) 

- Fever, cough, runny nose, enlarged lymph nodes, painful joints, rash, night sweats, weight loss 

(possible symptoms of a low level of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells) 

 

Common: may affect up to 1 in every 10 people 

- Rash, itching, hives, breathlessness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, light-headedness, 

dizziness, changes in levels of consciousness, low blood pressure, reddening of the skin, 

swelling of the face and/or throat, blue discoloration of the lips, tongue or skin (possible signs of 

severe allergic reactions) 

- Breathing problems including difficult or painful breathing, cough, rapid breathing, blue 

discoloration of the lips, tongue or skin, hiccups (possible symptoms of pneumonitis) 

- Passing urine less often than usual or passing smaller amounts of urine than usual, swelling in 

legs, ankles and around the eyes, tiredness, confusion, nausea, seizure, chest pain (possible 

symptoms of acute kidney failure) 

- Pain, swelling or numbness of the jaw, a feeling of heaviness in the jaw or loosening of a tooth 

(possible symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw) 

- Rash, skin reddening, blistering of lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling (possible symptoms of 

erythema multiforme) 

 

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in every 100 people 

- Difficulty breathing, headache, nausea, vomiting (possible symptoms of a condition called 

ketoacidosis that involves a high level of acids in the blood) 

- Severe upper stomach pain (possible symptoms of pancreatitis) 

- Rash, red skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling, fever (possible symptoms of 

Stevens-Johnson syndrome) 

 

Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data 

- Rash, fever (possible symptoms of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms 

(DRESS)) 

 



 

58 

Other possible side effects 

Other side effects include the following listed below. If these side effects become severe, tell your 

doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 

 

Very common: 
- Painful and frequent urination (possible symptoms of urinary tract infection) 

- Tiredness, pale skin (possible symptoms of anaemia, a condition involving a low level of red 

blood cells) 

- Spontaneous bleeding or bruising (signs of a low level of thrombocytes, also called platelets, in 

the blood) 

- Loss of appetite 

- Headache 

- Strange taste in the mouth (dysgeusia) 

- Diarrhoea 

- Nausea 

- Vomiting 

- Mouth sores or ulcers with gum inflammation (stomatitis) 

- Abdominal pain 

- Upset stomach, indigestion (dyspepsia) 

- Rash 

- Hair loss or hair thinning (alopecia) 

- Itching (pruritus) 

- Dry skin 

- Tiredness (fatigue) 

- Pain, redness and swelling of airways or food pipe or genital mucosa (mucosal inflammation) 

- Swollen hands, ankles or feet (peripheral oedema) 

- Fever (pyrexia) 

- Mucosal dryness 

- Weight decreased 

- Reduced level of calcium in the blood, which may sometimes lead to cramps (hypocalcaemia) 

- Reduced level of potassium in the blood, associated with muscle weakness, muscle spasms 

and/or abnormal heart rhythm (hypokalaemia) 

 

Common: 
- Dehydration 

- Problems falling asleep (insomnia) 

- Dry eye 

- Blurred vision 

- Headache, dizziness (possible symptoms of of high blood pressure) 

- Swelling of part or all of your arm (including fingers) or leg (including toes), feeling of 

heaviness, restricted movement, discomfort, thickening of the skin and recurring infections 

(possible symptoms of lymphoedema) 

- Toothache 

- Bleeding, tender or enlarged gums (signs of inflammation of the gums) 

- Cracked, chapped lips (cheilitis) 

- Gingival pain 

- Erythema 

- Skin inflammation with rash (dermatitis) 

- Reddening and/or swelling and possibly peeling on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, 

which may be accompanied by a tingling sensation and burning pain (signs of hand-foot 

syndrome) 

- Muscle spasms 

- Muscle pain (myalgia) 

- Generalised swelling (oedema) 

 



 

59 

During Piqray treatment, the results of some blood tests may be abnormal, as follows: 

 

Very common: 

- High blood levels of the following enzymes: gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine 

aminotransferase, lipase 

- High blood level of sugar 

- High blood level of creatinine and/or calcium 

- Low blood level of lymphocytes, platelets, sugar, haemoglobin and/or albumin 

- Increase in activated partial thromboplastin time (a measurement of blood clotting ability) 

 

Common: 

- High blood level of glycosylated haemoglobin (a marker of blood sugar level over the last 8 to 

12 weeks) 

 

Reporting of side effects 

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting 

system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the 

safety of this medicine. 

 

 

5. How to store Piqray 

 

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the blister card after 

“EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 

 

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 

 

Do not take this medicine if you notice any damage to the packaging or if there are any signs of 

tampering. 

 

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 

throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 

 

 

6. Contents of the pack and other information 

 

What Piqray contains 

- The active substance of Piqray is alpelisib. 

- Each 50 mg Piqray film-coated tablet contains 50 mg alpelisib. 

- Each 150 mg Piqray film-coated tablet contains 150 mg alpelisib. 

- Each 200 mg Piqray film-coated tablet contains 200 mg alpelisib. 

- The other ingredients are: 

- Tablet core: cellulose microcristalline, mannitol, sodium starch glycolate, hypromellose, 

magnesium stearate. 

- Coating material: Hypromellose, iron oxide red and black (E172), titanium dioxide 

(E171), Macrogol, talc. 

 

What Piqray looks like and contents of the pack 

Piqray 50 mg film-coated tablets are light pink, round tablets, imprinted with “L7” on one side and 

“NVR” on the other side. Approximate diameter: 7.2 mm. 

 

Piqray 150 mg film-coated tablets are pale red, ovaloid tablets, imprinted with “UL7” on one side and 

“NVR” on the other side. Approximate size: 14.2 mm (length); 5.7 mm (width). 

 



 

60 

Piqray 200 mg film-coated tablets are light red, ovaloid tablets, imprinted with “YL7” on one side and 

“NVR” on the other side. Approximate size: 16.2 mm (length); 6.5 mm (width). 

 

Piqray is supplied as film-coated tablets in blisters. Piqray is available in the following pack sizes: 

- Packs containing 50 mg and 200 mg film-coated tablets (for patients on 250 mg daily dose): 

- Packs containing 14-day supply: 28 film-coated tablets (14 of 50 mg and 14 of 200 mg). 

- Packs containing 28-day supply: 56 film-coated tablets (28 of 50 mg and 28 of 200 mg). 

- Multipacks containing 168 film-coated tablets (3x 56, each comprising 28 tablets of 

50 mg and 28 tablets of 200 mg). 

- Packs containing 150 mg film-coated tablets (for patients on 300 mg daily dose) 

- Packs containing 14-day supply: 28 film-coated tablets. 

- Packs containing 28-day supply: 56 film-coated tablets. 

- Multipacks containing 168 (3x 56) film-coated tablets. 

- Packs containing 200 mg film-coated tablets (for patients on 200 mg daily dose) 

- Packs containing 14-day supply: 14 film-coated tablets. 

- Packs containing 28-day supply: 28 film-coated tablets. 

- Multipacks containing 84 (3x 28) film-coated tablets. 

 

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 

 

Marketing Authorisation Holder 

Novartis Europharm Limited 

Vista Building 

Elm Park, Merrion Road 

Dublin 4 

Ireland 

 

Manufacturer 

Novartis Pharma GmbH 

Roonstrasse 25 

90429 Nuremberg 

Germany 

 

Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d. 

Verovskova ulica 57 

1526 Ljubljana 

Slovenia 

 

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 

Authorisation Holder: 

 

België/Belgique/Belgien 

Novartis Pharma N.V. 

Tél/Tel: +32 2 246 16 11 

 

Lietuva 

SIA Novartis Baltics Lietuvos filialas 

Tel: +370 5 269 16 50 

 

България 

Novartis Bulgaria EOOD 

Тел: +359 2 489 98 28 

 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 

Novartis Pharma N.V. 

Tél/Tel: +32 2 246 16 11 

 

Česká republika 

Novartis s.r.o. 

Tel: +420 225 775 111 

 

Magyarország 

Novartis Hungária Kft. 

Tel.: +36 1 457 65 00 

Danmark 

Novartis Healthcare A/S 

Tlf: +45 39 16 84 00 

 

Malta 

Novartis Pharma Services Inc. 

Tel: +356 2122 2872 



 

61 

Deutschland 

Novartis Pharma GmbH 

Tel: +49 911 273 0 

 

Nederland 

Novartis Pharma B.V. 

Tel: +31 88 04 52 555 

Eesti 

SIA Novartis Baltics Eesti filiaal 

Tel: +372 66 30 810 

 

Norge 

Novartis Norge AS 

Tlf: +47 23 05 20 00 

Ελλάδα 

Novartis (Hellas) A.E.B.E. 

Τηλ: +30 210 281 17 12 

 

Österreich 
Novartis Pharma GmbH 

Tel: +43 1 86 6570 

España 

Novartis Farmacéutica, S.A. 

Tel: +34 93 306 42 00 

 

Polska 
Novartis Poland Sp. z o.o. 

Tel.: +48 22 375 4888 

France 

Novartis Pharma S.A.S. 

Tél: +33 1 55 47 66 00 

 

Portugal 

Novartis Farma - Produtos Farmacêuticos, S.A. 

Tel: +351 21 000 8600 

Hrvatska 

Novartis Hrvatska d.o.o. 

Tel. +385 1 6274 220 

 

România 

Novartis Pharma Services Romania SRL 

Tel: +40 21 31299 01 

Ireland 

Novartis Ireland Limited 

Tel: +353 1 260 12 55 

 

Slovenija 
Novartis Pharma Services Inc. 

Tel: +386 1 300 75 50 

Ísland 

Vistor hf. 

Sími: +354 535 7000 

 

Slovenská republika 

Novartis Slovakia s.r.o. 

Tel: +421 2 5542 5439 

 

Italia 

Novartis Farma S.p.A. 

Tel: +39 02 96 54 1 

Suomi/Finland 
Novartis Finland Oy 

Puh/Tel: +358 (0)10 6133 200 

 

Κύπρος 

Novartis Pharma Services Inc. 

Τηλ: +357 22 690 690 

 

Sverige 

Novartis Sverige AB 

Tel: +46 8 732 32 00 

 

Latvija 

SIA Novartis Baltics 

Tel: +371 67 887 070 

 

United Kingdom 

Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. 

Tel: +44 1276 698370 

 

 

This leaflet was last revised in 
 

Other sources of information 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 

http://www.ema.europa.eu 

 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET