IRON DEXTRAN: 764 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

INFeD (iron dextran injection USP) is an iron replacement product provided as a dark brown, slightly viscous sterile liquid complex of ferric hydroxide and dextran for intravenous or intramuscular use. Each mL contains the equivalent of 50 mg of elemental iron (as an iron dextran complex), approximately 0.9% sodium chloride, in water for injection. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may have been used to adjust pH. The pH of the solution is between 4.5 to 7.0.

AND USAGE INFeD is indicated for treatment of adult and pediatric patients of age 4 months and older with documented iron deficiency who have intolerance to oral iron or have had an unsatisfactory response to oral iron. INFeD, an iron replacement product, is indicated for treatment of adult and pediatric patients of age 4 months and older with documented iron deficiency who have intolerance to oral iron or an unsatisfactory response to oral iron. ( 1 )

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Oral iron should be discontinued prior to administration of INFeD. Dosage: I.

Iron Deficiency

Anemia: Periodic hematologic determination (hemoglobin and hematocrit) is a simple and accurate technique for monitoring hematological response, and should be used as a guide in therapy. It should be recognized that iron storage may lag behind the appearance of normal blood morphology. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and percent saturation of transferrin are other important tests for detecting and monitoring the iron deficient state. After administration of iron dextran complex, evidence of a therapeutic response can be seen in a few days as an increase in the reticulocyte count. Although serum ferritin is usually a good guide to body iron stores, the correlation of body iron stores and serum ferritin may not be valid in patients on chronic renal dialysis who are also receiving iron dextran complex. Although there are significant variations in body build and weight distribution among males and females, the accompanying table and formula represent a convenient means for estimating the total iron required. This total iron requirement reflects the amount of iron needed to restore hemoglobin concentration to normal or near normal levels plus an additional allowance to provide adequate replenishment of iron stores in most individuals with moderately or severely reduced levels of hemoglobin. It should be remembered that iron deficiency anemia will not appear until essentially all iron stores have been depleted. Therapy, thus, should aim at not only replenishment of hemoglobin iron but iron stores as well. Factors contributing to the formula are shown below. a…Blood volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 mL/kg of body weight b. Normal hemoglobin (males and females) over 15 kg (33 lbs) . . . . . . . . . . .14.8 g/dL 15 kg (33 lbs) or less . . . . . . . . .12.0 g/dL c. Iron content of hemoglobin . . . . . 0.34% d. Hemoglobin deficit e.

Weight

Based on the above factors, individuals with normal hemoglobin levels will have approximately 33 mg of blood iron per kilogram of body weight (15 mg/lb). Note: The table and accompanying formula are applicable for dosage determinations only in patients with iron deficiency anemia; they are not to be used for dosage determinations in patients requiring iron replacement for blood loss. TOTAL INFeD REQUIREMENT FOR HEMOGLOBIN RESTORATION AND IRON STORES REPLACEMENT* *Table values were calculated based on a normal adult hemoglobin of 14.8 g/dL for weights greater than 15 kg (33 lbs) and a hemoglobin of 12.0 g/dL for weights less than or equal to 15 kg (33 lbs). The total amount of INFeD in mL required to treat the anemia and replenish iron stores may be approximated as follows: Adults and Children over 15 kg (33 lbs): See Dosage Table. Alternatively, the total dose may be calculated: Dose (mL) = 0.0442 (Desired Hb - Observed Hb) x LBW + (0.26 x LBW) Based on: Desired Hb = the target Hb in g/dL. Observed Hb = the patient’s current hemoglobin in g/dL. LBW = Lean body weight in kg. A patient’s lean body weight (or actual body weight if less than lean body weight) should be utilized when determining dosage. For males: LBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch of patient’s height over 5 feet For females: LBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch of patient’s height over 5 feet To calculate a patient's weight in kg when lbs are known: INFeD should not normally be given in the first four months of life. (See PRECAUTIONS : Pediatric Use). Alternatively, the total dose may be calculated: Dose (mL) = 0.0442 (Desired Hb - Observed Hb) x W + (0.26 x W) Based on: Desired Hb = the target Hb in g/dL. (Normal Hb for Children 15 kg or less is 12 g/dL) W = Weight in kg. To calculate a patient's weight in kg when lbs are known: II.

Iron

Replacement for Blood Loss: Some individuals sustain blood losses on an intermittent or repetitive basis. Such blood losses may occur periodically in patients with hemorrhagic diatheses (familial telangiectasia; hemophilia; gastrointestinal bleeding) and on a repetitive basis from procedures such as renal hemodialysis. Iron therapy in these patients should be directed toward replacement of the equivalent amount of iron represented in the blood loss. The table and formula described under I.

Iron Deficiency

Anemia are not applicable for simple iron replacement values. Quantitative estimates of the individual’s periodic blood loss and hematocrit during the bleeding episode provide a convenient method for the calculation of the required iron dose. The formula shown below is based on the approximation that 1 mL of normocytic, normochromic red cells contains 1 mg of elemental iron: Replacement iron (in mg) = Blood loss (in mL) x hematocrit Example: Blood loss of 500 mL with 20% hematocrit Replacement Iron = 500 x 0.20 = 100 mg Administration: The total amount of INFeD required for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia or iron replacement for blood loss is determined from the table or appropriate formula. (See Dosage ). 1.

Intravenous

Injection - PRIOR TO THE FIRST INTRAVENOUS INFeD THERAPEUTIC DOSE, ADMINISTER AN INTRAVENOUS TEST DOSE OF

0.5 ML. ADMINISTER THE TEST DOSE AT A GRADUAL RATE OVER AT LEAST 30 SECONDS. Although anaphylactic reactions known to occur following INFeD administration are usually evident within a few minutes, or sooner, it is recommended that a period of an hour or longer elapse before the remainder of the initial therapeutic dose is given. Individual doses of 2 mL or less may be given on a daily basis until the calculated total amount required has been reached. INFeD is given undiluted at a slow gradual rate not to exceed 50 mg (1 mL) per minute. 2.

Intramuscular

Injection - PRIOR TO THE FIRST INTRAMUSCULAR INFeD THERAPEUTIC DOSE, ADMINISTER AN INTRAMUSCULAR TEST DOSE OF

0.5 ML. (See BOXED WARNING and PRECAUTIONS .) The test dose should be administered in the buttock using the same technique as described in the last paragraph of this section. Although anaphylactic reactions known to occur following INFeD administration are usually evident within a few minutes or sooner, it is recommended that at least an hour or longer elapse before the remainder of the initial therapeutic dose is given. If no adverse reactions are observed, INFeD can be given according to the following schedule until the calculated total amount required has been reached. Each day’s dose should ordinarily not exceed 0.5 mL (25 mg of iron) for infants under 5 kg (11 lbs); 1.0 mL (50 mg of iron) for children under 10 kg (22 lbs); and 2.0 mL (100 mg of iron) for other patients. INFeD should be injected only into the muscle mass of the upper outer quadrant of the buttock - never into the arm or other exposed areas - and should be injected deeply, with a 2-inch or 3-inch 19 or 20 gauge needle. If the patient is standing, he/she should be bearing his/her weight on the leg opposite the injection site, or if in bed, he/she should be in the lateral position with injection site uppermost. To avoid injection or leakage into the subcutaneous tissue, a Z-track technique (displacement of the skin laterally prior to injection) is recommended. NOTE: Do not mix INFeD with other medications or add to parenteral nutrition solutions for intravenous infusion. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever the solution and container permit. DOSAGE I 1 DOSAGE DOSAGE I 2 DOSAGE 13 DOSAGE I 4

INFeD is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to iron dextran [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] . Known hypersensitivity to INFeD ( 4 )

REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]

Delayed

Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]

Increased

Risk of Toxicity in Patients with Underlying Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]

Iron

Overload [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Fetal bradycardia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of INFeD were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Blood and lymphatic system disorders : Leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy. Gastrointestinal disorders : Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. General disorders and administration site conditions : chest pain, chest tightness, weakness, malaise, febrile episodes, chills, shivering, sterile abscess, atrophy/fibrosis (intramuscular injection site), brown skin and/or underlying tissue discoloration (staining), soreness or pain at or near intramuscular injection sites, swelling, inflammation. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders : Arthralgia, arthritis (may represent reactivation in patients with quiescent rheumatoid arthritis – [ s ee Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] , myalgia, backache. Ne rvous system disorders : Convulsions, seizures, syncope, headache, unresponsiveness, paresthesia, dizziness, numbness, unconsciousness, altered taste. P sy chiatric disorders : Disorientation Respiratory , thoracic and mediastinal disorders : Respiratory arrest, dyspnea, bronchospasm, wheezing. Renal and urinary disorders : Hematuria. Skin and subcutaneous disorders : Urticaria, pruritus, purpura, rash, sweating. Cardiovascular disorders : Cardiac arrest, tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmias, acute myocardial ischemia with or without myocardial infarction or with in-stent thrombosis in the context of a hypersensitivity reaction, cyanosis, shock, hypertension, hypotension, flushing (flushing and hypotension may occur from too rapid injections by the intravenous route), local phlebitis at or near intravenous injection site. Most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, chest pain, backache, hypersensitivity, dyspnea, hypotension, pruritus, flushing, dizziness. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-678-1605 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

AND PRECAUTIONS Delayed Reactions: May occur with large intravenous doses. ( 5.2 )

Increased

Risk of Toxicity in Patients with Underlying Conditions: Monitor for toxicity in these patients. ( 5.3 )

Iron

Overload: Excessive therapy can lead to iatrogenic hemosiderosis. Do not administer to patients with iron overload. Periodically monitor hematologic and iron parameters. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic-type reactions, some of which have been life-threatening and fatal, have been reported following the parenteral administration of iron dextran products, including INFeD. Such reactions have been generally characterized by sudden onset of respiratory difficulty and/or cardiovascular collapse. Fatal reactions have been reported following the test dose of iron dextran and have also occurred in situations where the test dose was tolerated. Administer only in a setting where resuscitation equipment and medications are available. Administer a test dose of INFeD prior to the first therapeutic dose <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) ]</span>. Observe patients for at least one hour after the test dose before administering the remainder of the initial therapeutic dose. During all INFeD administrations, observe patients for signs or symptoms of anaphylactic-type reactions. Use INFeD only in patients in whom clinical and laboratory investigations have established an iron deficient state not amenable to oral iron therapy. The factors that affect the risk for anaphylactic-type reactions to iron dextran products are not fully known but limited clinical data suggest the risk may be increased among patients with a history of drug allergy or multiple drug allergies. Additionally, concomitant use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor drugs may increase the risk for reactions to an iron dextran product. The extent of risk for anaphylactic-type reactions following exposure to any specific iron dextran product is unknown and may vary among the products. If hypersensitivity reactions occur during administration, stop INFeD immediately and manage reaction medically.

5.2 Delayed Reactions Large intravenous doses, such as used with total dose infusions (TDI), have been associated with an increased incidence of adverse reactions. The adverse reactions are frequently delayed (1 to 2 days) reactions typified by one or more of the following symptoms: arthralgia, backache, chills, dizziness, moderate to high fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting. The onset is usually 24 to 48 hours after administration and symptoms generally subside within 3 to 4 days. The etiology of these reactions is not known. Do not exceed a total daily dose of 2 mL undiluted INFeD. 5. 3 Increased Risk of Toxicity in Patients with Underlying Conditions Monitor for iron toxicity when INFeD is used in patients with serious impairment of liver function. It should not be used during the acute phase of infectious kidney disease. Adverse reactions experienced following administration of INFeD may exacerbate cardiovascular complications in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may have an acute exacerbation of joint pain and swelling following the administration of INFeD. Patients with a history of significant allergies and/or asthma may have an increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 5.1 )]</span>. 5. 4 Iron Overload Excessive therapy with parenteral iron can lead to excess storage of iron with the possibility of iatrogenic hemosiderosis. All adult and pediatric patients receiving INFeD require periodic monitoring of hematologic and iron parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation). Do not administer INFeD to patients with evidence of iron overload.

PRECAUTIONS General: Unwarranted therapy with parenteral iron will cause excess storage of iron with the consequent possibility of exogenous hemosiderosis. Such iron overload is particularly apt to occur in patients with hemoglobinopathies and other refractory anemias that might be erroneously diagnosed as iron deficiency anemias. INFeD should be used with caution in individuals with histories of significant allergies and/or asthma. Anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions have been reported after uneventful test doses as well as therapeutic doses of iron dextran injection. Therefore, administer a test dose prior to the first therapeutic dose of INFeD. (See BOXED WARNING and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Administration.) Epinephrine should be immediately available in the event of acute hypersensitivity reactions. (Usual adult dose: 0.5 mL of a 1:1000 solution, by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.) Note: Patients using beta-blocking agents may not respond adequately to epinephrine. Isoproterenol or similar beta-agonist agents may be required in these patients. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may have an acute exacerbation of joint pain and swelling following the administration of INFeD. Reports in the literature from countries outside the United States (in particular, New Zealand) have suggested that the use of intramuscular iron dextran in neonates has been associated with an increased incidence of gram-negative sepsis, primarily due to E. Coli.

Information For

Patients: Patients should be advised of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of INFeD.

Drug/Laboratory

Test Interactions: Large doses of iron dextran (5 mL or more) have been reported to give a brown color to serum from a blood sample drawn 4 hours after administration. The drug may cause falsely elevated values of serum bilirubin and falsely decreased values of serum calcium. Serum iron determinations (especially by colorimetric assays) may not be meaningful for 3 weeks following the administration of iron dextran. Serum ferritin peaks approximately 7 to 9 days after an intravenous dose of INFeD and slowly returns to baseline after about 3 weeks. Examination of the bone marrow for iron stores may not be meaningful for prolonged periods following iron dextran therapy because residual iron dextran may remain in the reticuloendothelial cells. Bone scans involving 99m Tc-diphosphonate have been reported to show a dense, crescentic area of activity in the buttocks, following the contour of the iliac crest, 1 to 6 days after intramuscular injections of iron dextran. Bone scans with 99m Tc-labeled bone seeking agents, in the presence of high serum ferritin levels or following iron dextran infusions, have been reported to show reduction of bony uptake, marked renal activity, and excessive blood pool and soft tissue accumulation. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility: See WARNINGS . Pregnancy: Iron dextran has been shown to be teratogenic and embryocidal in mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, and monkeys when given in doses of about 3 times the maximum human dose. No consistent adverse fetal effects were observed in mice, rats, rabbits, dogs and monkeys at doses of 50 mg iron/kg or less. Fetal and maternal toxicity has been reported in monkeys at a total intravenous dose of 90 mg iron/kg over a 14-day period. Similar effects were observed in mice and rats on administration of a single dose of 125 mg iron/kg. Fetal abnormalities in rats and dogs were observed at doses of 250 mg iron/kg and higher. The animals used in these tests were not iron deficient. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. INFeD should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Placental

Transfer: Various animal studies and studies in pregnant humans have demonstrated inconclusive results with respect to the placental transfer of iron dextran as iron dextran. It appears that some iron does reach the fetus, but the form in which it crosses the placenta is not clear.

Nursing

Mothers: Caution should be exercised when INFeD is administered to a nursing woman. Traces of unmetabolized iron dextran are excreted in human milk.

Pediatric

Use: Not recommended for use in infants under 4 months of age. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) Close

INTERACTIONS

7.1 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Drug interactions involving INFeD have not been studied. Concomitant use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor drugs may increase the risk for anaphylactic-type reactions to an iron dextran product. Large doses of iron dextran (5 mL or more) have been reported to give a brown color to serum from a blood sample drawn 4 hours after administration. INFeD may cause falsely elevated values of serum bilirubin and falsely decreased values of serum calcium. Serum iron determinations (especially by colorimetric assays) may not be meaningful for 3 weeks following the administration of INFeD. Examination of the bone marrow for iron stores may not be meaningful for prolonged periods following iron dextran therapy because residual iron dextran may remain in the reticuloendothelial cells. Bone scans involving 99m Tc-diphosphonate have been reported to show a dense, crescentic area of activity in the buttocks, following the contour of the iliac crest, 1 to 6 days after intramuscular injections of INFeD. Bone scans with 99m Tc-labeled bone seeking agents, in the presence of high serum ferritin levels or following INFeD infusions, have been reported to show reduction of bony uptake, marked renal activity, and excessive blood pool and soft tissue accumulation.