TRANEXAMIC ACID: 3,099 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

Tranexamic acid tablets are an antifibrinolytic drug administered orally. The chemical name is trans-4-aminomethyl-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. The structural formula is: Tranexamic acid is a white crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in water and in glacial acetic acid and is very slightly soluble in ethanol and practically insoluble in ether. The molecular formula is C 8 H 15 N0 2 and the molecular weight is 157.2. Tranexamic acid tablets are provided as white to off-white, oval-shaped, unscored, film coated tablets, debossed with “ WPI 3720 ” on one side of the tablet. The active ingredient in each tablet is 650 mg tranexamic acid. The inactive ingredients contained in each tablet are: colloidal silicon dioxide, copovidone, crospovidone, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate - butyl methacrylate - methyl methacrylate copolymer, glyceryl behenate, lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, and triethyl citrate.

Structural

Formula for Tranexamic Acid

AND USAGE Tranexamic acid in 0.7% sodium chloride injection is indicated in patients with hemophilia for short-term use (two to eight days) to reduce or prevent hemorrhage and reduce the need for replacement therapy during and following tooth extraction. Tranexamic acid in 0.7% sodium chloride injection is an antifibrinolytic indicated in patients with hemophilia for short-term use (two to eight days) to reduce or prevent hemorrhage and reduce the need for replacement therapy during and following tooth extraction. ( 1 )

AND ADMINISTRATION

• Before Extraction: Administer 10 mg/kg actual body weight of tranexamic acid injection intravenously with replacement therapy as a single-dose. ( 2.1 )
• After Extraction: Administer 10 mg/kg actual body weight of tranexamic acid injection intravenously 3 to 4 times daily for 2 to 8 days. ( 2.1 )
• Infuse undiluted solution no more than 1 mL/minute to avoid hypotension. ( 2.3 )
• Reduce the dosage for patients with renal impairment. ( 2.2 , 8.6 )

2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dose of tranexamic acid injection is 10 mg/kg actual body weight administered as a single intravenous dose immediately before tooth extractions. Following tooth extraction, tranexamic acid injection may be administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg actual body weight intravenously 3 to 4 times daily for 2 to 8 days .

2.2 Recommended Dosage for Patients With Varying Degrees of Renal Impairment For patients with moderate to severe impaired renal function, the following dosages are recommended: Table 1.

Recommended

Dosage in Patients With Varying Degrees of Renal Impairment Dose reduction is recommended for all doses, both before and after tooth extraction .

Serum

Creatinine (mg/dL)

Tranexamic Acid Injection Dosage

1.36 mg/dL to 2.83 mg/dL 10 mg/kg intravenously twice daily 2.83 mg/dL to 5.66 mg/dL 10 mg/kg intravenously daily > 5.66 mg/dL 10 mg/kg intravenously every 48 hours or 5 mg/kg intravenously every 24 hours

2.3 Preparation and Administration Tranexamic acid injection is for intravenous administration only. Tranexamic acid injection can be administered undiluted or as a diluted solution.

• Use aseptic technique to prepare tranexamic acid injection.
• Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Tranexamic acid injection is a clear and colorless solution. Discard the vial if particulate matter is observed.
• Calculate the dose (mg) based on the patient’s actual body weight and the total volume (mL) of tranexamic acid injection solution required. If diluting tranexamic acid injection , follow the instructions below:
• From the diluent infusion bag, withdraw a volume equal to the volume of the tranexamic acid injection solution required for the patient’s dose.
• Withdraw the required volume of tranexamic acid injection solution from the vial and dilute with a compatible diluent (see below) to make a final concentration of 10 mg/mL or 20 mg/mL. Discard any unused portion left in the vial. o For intravenous infusion, tranexamic acid injection may be mixed with most solutions for infusion such as electrolyte solutions, carbohydrate solutions, amino acid solutions, and Dextran solutions. o Heparin may be added to tranexamic acid injection. o Tranexamic acid injection should NOT be mixed with blood. o The drug is a synthetic amino acid and should NOT be mixed with solutions containing penicillin.
• Gently invert the infusion bag to mix the diluted solution. DO NOT SHAKE.
• If not used immediately, store the diluted tranexamic acid injection infusion solution at room temperature 20ºC to 25°C (68ºF to 77°F) for up to 4 hours .

Administration

Infuse undiluted solution no more than 1 mL/minute to avoid hypotension [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Administer the undiluted and diluted solutions intravenously according to Table 2.

Table

2.

Administration

Rates for Undiluted and Diluted Solutions Undiluted solution Diluted solution Final concentration 100 mg/mL 10 mg/mL 20 mg/mL Administration rate 0.5 mL/minute (no more than 1 mL/minute) 5 mL/minute 2.5 mL/minute

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Concomitant use of combined hormonal contraceptives ( 4.1 )
• Active thromboembolic disease or a history or intrinsic risk of thrombosis or thromboembolism, including retinal vein or artery occlusion ( 4.1 )
• Hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid ( 4.2 )

4.1 Thromboembolic Risk Tranexamic acid tablets are contraindicated in females of reproductive potential who are <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]</span>:

• Using combined hormonal contraception
• Known to have any of the following conditions: o Active thromboembolic disease (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or cerebral thrombosis) o A history of thrombosis or thromboembolism, including retinal vein or artery occlusion o An intrinsic risk of thrombosis or thromboembolism (e.g., thrombogenic valvular disease, thrombogenic cardiac rhythm disease, or hypercoagulopathy)

4.2 Hypersensitivity to Tranexamic Acid Tranexamic acid tablets are contraindicated in females with reproductive potential with known hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span>.

REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions in clinical trials (≥ 5%, and more frequent in tranexamic acid USP tablets-treated subjects compared to placebo-treated subjects) are headache, sinus and nasal symptoms, back pain, abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, muscle cramps, migraine, anemia and fatigue. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Nordic Pharma, Inc. at 1-844-267-4641 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Adverse

Reactions in Short-term Studies The safety of tranexamic acid USP tablets in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in females of reproductive potential was studied in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies [see Clinical Studies (14) ].

Study

1 compared the effects of two doses of tranexamic acid USP tablets (1950 mg and 3900 mg per day for up to 5 days during each menstrual period) versus placebo over a 3-cycle treatment duration. A total of 304 women were randomized to this study, with 115 receiving at least one dose of 3900 mg/day of tranexamic acid USP tablets.

Study

2 compared the effects of tranexamic acid USP tablets (3900 mg/day) versus placebo over a 6-cycle treatment duration. A total of 196 women were randomized to this study, with 117 receiving at least one dose of tranexamic acid USP tablets. Across the studies, the combined exposure to 3900 mg/day tranexamic acid USP tablets was 947 cycles and the average duration of use was 3.4 days per cycle. In both studies, subjects were generally healthy women who had menstrual blood loss of ≥ 80 mL. In these studies, subjects were 18 to 49 years of age with a mean age of approximately 40 years, had cyclic menses every 21–35 days, and a body mass index (BMI) of approximately 32 kg/m 2 . On average, subjects had a history of heavy menstrual bleeding for approximately 10 years and 40% had fibroids as determined by transvaginal ultrasound.

Approximately

70% were Caucasian, 25% were Black, and 5% were Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, or Other. Seven percent (7%) of all subjects were of Hispanic origin. Women using hormonal contraception were excluded from the trials. A list of adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 5% of subjects and more frequently in tranexamic acid USP tablets-treated subjects receiving 3900 mg/day compared to placebo-treated subjects is provided in Table 2.

Table

2.

Adverse

Reactions * Reported in Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Studies 1 and 2) Tranexamic acid USP tablets 3900 mg/day n (%) (N=232) Placebo n (%) (N=139) * Adverse reactions that were reported by ≥ 5% of tranexamic acid USP tablets-treated subjects and more frequently in tranexamic acid USP tablets-treated subjects compared to placebo-treated subjects a Includes headache and tension headache b Nasal and sinus symptoms include nasal, respiratory tract and sinus congestion, sinusitis, acute sinusitis, sinus headache, allergic sinusitis and sinus pain, and multiple allergies and seasonal allergies c Abdominal pain includes abdominal tenderness and discomfort d Musculoskeletal pain includes musculoskeletal discomfort and myalgia e Arthralgia includes joint stiffness and swelling Number of Subjects with at Least One Adverse Reaction 208 (89.7%) 122 (87.8%) Headache a 117 (50.4%) 65 (46.8%) Nasal & sinus symptoms b 59 (25.4%) 24 (17.3%) Back pain 48 (20.7%) 21 (15.1%) Abdominal pain c 46 (19.8%) 25 (18.0%) Musculoskeletal pain d 26 (11.2%) 4 (2.9%) Arthralgia e 16 (6.9%) 7 (5.0%) Muscle cramps & spasms 15 (6.5%) 8 (5.8%)

Migraine

14 (6.0%) 8 (5.8%)

Anemia

13 (5.6%) 5 (3.6%)

Fatigue

12 (5.2%) 6 (4.3%)

Adverse

Reactions in Long-term Studies Long-term safety of tranexamic acid USP tablets was studied in two open-label studies. In one study, subjects with physician-diagnosed heavy menstrual bleeding (not using the alkaline hematin methodology) were treated with 3900 mg/day for up to 5 days during each menstrual period for up to 27 menstrual cycles. A total of 781 subjects were enrolled and 239 completed the study through 27 menstrual cycles. A total of 12.4% of the subjects withdrew due to adverse reactions. Women using hormonal contraception were excluded from the study. The total exposure in this study to 3900 mg/day tranexamic acid USP tablets was 10,213 cycles. The average duration of tranexamic acid USP tablets use was 2.9 days per cycle. A long-term open-label extension study of subjects from the two short-term efficacy studies was also conducted in which subjects were treated with 3900 mg/day for up to 5 days during each menstrual period for up to 9 menstrual cycles. A total of 288 subjects were enrolled and 196 subjects completed the study through 9 menstrual cycles. A total of 2.1% of the subjects withdrew due to adverse reactions. The total exposure to 3900 mg/day tranexamic acid USP tablets in this study was 1,956 cycles. The average duration of tranexamic acid USP tablets use was 3.5 days per cycle. The types and severity of adverse reactions in these two long-term open-label trials were similar to those observed in the double-blind, placebo-controlled studies although the percentage of subjects reporting them was greater in the 27-month study, most likely because of the longer study duration. A case of severe allergic reaction to tranexamic acid USP tablets was reported in the extension trial, involving a subject on her fourth cycle of treatment, who experienced dyspnea, tightening of her throat, and facial flushing that required emergency medical treatment.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified from postmarketing experience with tranexamic acid USP tablets. Because these reactions are 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. Eye disorders: Impaired color vision and other visual disturbances Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Immune system disorders: Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactoid reactions Nervous system disorders: Dizziness Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Allergic skin reactions Vascular disorders: Thromboembolic events (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral thrombosis, acute renal cortical necrosis, and central retinal artery and vein obstruction); cases have been associated with concomitant use of combined hormonal contraceptives

AND PRECAUTIONS Thromboembolism, including retinal occlusion, has been reported with tranexamic acid USP tablets use. Concomitant use of tranexamic acid USP tablets with combined hormonal contraceptives, Factor I X complex concentrates, anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates or all-trans retinoic acid (oral tretinoin) may increase the risk of thrombosis. ( 5.1 ) Visual or ocular adverse reactions may occur with tranexamic acid USP tablets. Immediately discontinue use if visual or ocular symptoms occur. ( 5.1 ) In case of severe allergic reaction, discontinue tranexamic acid USP tablets and seek immediate medical attention. ( 5.2 ) Cerebral edema and cerebral infarction may be caused by use of tranexamic acid USP tablets in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. ( 5.3 ) Ligneous conjunctivitis has been reported in patients taking tranexamic acid. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Thromboembolic Risk Venous and arterial thrombosis or thromboembolism, as well as cases of retinal artery and retinal vein occlusions, have been reported with tranexamic acid USP tablets. Retinal venous and arterial occlusion have been reported in patients using tranexamic acid. Patients should be instructed to report visual and ocular symptoms promptly. In the event of such symptoms, patients should be instructed to discontinue tranexamic acid USP tablets immediately and should be referred to an ophthalmologist for a complete ophthalmic evaluation, including dilated retinal examination, to exclude the possibility of retinal venous or arterial occlusion.

Concomitant

Use of Hormonal Contraceptives Combined hormonal contraceptives are known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, as well as arterial thromboses such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Because tranexamic acid USP tablets are antifibrinolytic, the risk of venous thromboembolism, as well as arterial thromboses such as stroke, may increase further when combined hormonal contraceptives are administered with tranexamic acid USP tablets. This is of particular concern in women who are obese or smoke cigarettes, especially smokers over 35 years of age. Women using combined hormonal contraception were excluded from the clinical trials supporting the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid USP tablets, and there are no clinical trial data on the risk of thrombotic events with the concomitant use of tranexamic acid USP tablets with combined hormonal contraceptives. However, there have been US postmarketing reports of venous and arterial thrombotic events in women who have used tranexamic acid USP tablets concomitantly with combined hormonal contraceptives. For this reason, concomitant use of tranexamic acid with combined hormonal contraceptives is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ].

Concomitant

Use with Factor I X Complex Concentrates or Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Concentrates Tranexamic acid USP tablets are not recommended in patients taking either Factor I X complex concentrates or anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates because the risk of thrombosis may be increased [see Drug Interactions (7.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Taking Concomitant All-Trans Retinoic Acid (Oral Tretinoin) Tranexamic acid USP tablets are not recommended in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia taking all-trans retinoic acid for remission induction because of possible exacerbation of the procoagulant effect of all-trans retinoic acid [see Drug Interactions (7.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

5.2 Severe Allergic Reactions A case of severe allergic reaction to tranexamic acid USP tablets was reported in the clinical trials, involving a subject who experienced dyspnea, tightening of her throat, and facial flushing that required emergency medical treatment. A case of anaphylactic shock has also been reported in the literature, involving a patient who received an intravenous bolus of tranexamic acid. Tranexamic acid USP tablets are contraindicated in females of reproductive potential with known hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid.

5.3 Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Cerebral edema and cerebral infarction may be caused by use of tranexamic acid USP tablets in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

5.4 Ligneous Conjunctivitis Ligneous conjunctivitis has been reported in patients taking tranexamic acid. The conjunctivitis resolved following cessation of tranexamic acid USP tablets.

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published studies, case series and case reports with tranexamic acid use in pregnant women in the second and third trimester and at the time of delivery have not clarified whether there is a drug-associated risk of miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are 2 (0.02%) infant cases with structural abnormalities that resulted in death when tranexamic acid was used during conception or the first trimester of pregnancy; however, due to other confounding factors the risk of major birth defects with use of tranexamic acid during pregnancy is not clear. Tranexamic acid is known to pass the placenta and appears in cord blood at concentrations approximately equal to maternal concentration (see Data). Reproduction studies performed in mice, rats, and rabbits have not revealed any adverse effects on the fetus due to tranexamic acid administered during organogenesis. Doses examined were multiples of up to 3 times (mouse), 6 times (rat), and 3 times (rabbit) the maximum human dose based on body surface area in the mouse, rat, and rabbit, respectively (see Data) . The estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. It is not known whether tranexamic acid use in pregnant women may cause a drug-associated risk of miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. For decisions regarding the use of tranexamic acid during pregnancy, the potential risk of tranexamic acid administration on the fetus should always be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for tranexamic acid; an accurate risk-benefit evaluation should drive the treating physician’s decision.

Data Human Data

Tranexamic acid passes through the placenta. The concentration in cord blood after an intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg to pregnant women is about 30 mg/L, as high as in the maternal blood. There were 13 clinical studies that described fetal and/or neonatal functional issues such as low Apgar score, neonatal sepsis, cephalohematoma and 9 clinical studies that discussed alterations to growth including low birth weight and preterm birth at 22-36 weeks of gestation in fetuses and infants exposed to tranexamic acid in-utero.

Animal

Data In embryo-fetal development studies, tranexamic acid was administered to pregnant mice from Gestation day (GD) 6 through GD 12 and rats from GD 9 through GD 14 at daily doses of 0.3 or 1.5 g/kg. There was no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes in mice and rats at multiple of 3 and 6 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area in the mouse and rat, respectively. In rabbits, tranexamic acid was administered intravenously at doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day or orally at doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day from GD 6 through GD 18. There was no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes at dose multiples of 2 or 3 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area. Intravenous doses of 200 mg/kg/day showed slightly retarded weight gain in pregnant rabbits.

INTERACTIONS No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with tranexamic acid USP tablets. Concomitant therapy with tissue plasminogen activators may decrease the efficacy of both tranexamic acid USP tablets and tissue plasminogen activators. ( 7.2 )

7.1 Combined Hormonal Contraceptives Because tranexamic acid USP tablets are antifibrinolytic, concomitant use of combined hormonal contraception and tranexamic acid USP tablets may increase the thrombotic risk associated with combined hormonal contraceptives. For this reason, concomitant use of tranexamic acid USP tablets with combined hormonal contraceptives is contraindicated <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> .

7.2 Tissue Plasminogen Activators Concomitant therapy with tissue plasminogen activators may decrease the efficacy of both tranexamic acid USP tablets and tissue plasminogen activators. Discontinue tranexamic acid USP tablets if a patient requires tissue plasminogen activators.

7.3 Factor I X Complex Concentrates or Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Concentrates Tranexamic acid USP tablets are not recommended in patients taking either Factor I X complex concentrates or anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates because the risk of thrombosis may be increased <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span>.

7.4 All-Trans Retinoic Acid (Oral Tretinoin) Tranexamic acid USP tablets are not recommended in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia taking all-trans retinoic acid for remission induction because of possible exacerbation of the procoagulant effect of all-trans retinoic acid <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span>.