Thursday, October 27, 2016

Retin-A


Generic Name: tretinoin topical (TRET in oin)

Brand Names: Altinac, Atralin, Avita, Renova, Retin A Micro Gel, Retin-A, Tretin-X


What is Retin-A (tretinoin topical)?

Tretinoin is a topical (applied to the skin) form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself.


The Retin-A and Avita brands of tretinoin are used to treat acne. The Renova brand of tretinoin is used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration, and to make rough facial skin feel smoother.


Tretinoin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Retin-A (tretinoin topical)?


Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Tretinoin topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use tretinoin topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using tretinoin topical. Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you think it is not working. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in your skin. If you are using tretinoin topical to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using the medication. Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Retin-A (tretinoin topical)?


FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tretinoin topical is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Tretinoin topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Retin-A (tretinoin topical)?


Use tretinoin topical exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.


Wash your hands before and after applying tretinoin topical. Before applying, clean and dry the skin area to be treated.

Applying tretinoin topical to wet skin may cause skin irritation. If you use Renova, wait at least 20 minutes after washing your face before applying a thin layer of the medication.


Do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hour after applying tretinoin topical. Avoid the use of other skin products on the treated area for at least 1 hour following application of tretinoin topical.


Applying an excessive amount of tretinoin gel may result in "pilling" of the medication. If this occurs, use a thinner layer of gel with the next application.


Tretinoin topical should be used as part of a complete skin care program that includes avoiding sunlight and using an effective sunscreen and protective clothing.


Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you think it is not working. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in your skin. If you are using tretinoin topical to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using the medication. Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. Store tretinoin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The gel formulations of Retin-A are flammable, keep them away from open flame.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Tretinoin topical is not expected to cause overdose symptoms.

What should I avoid while using Retin-A (tretinoin topical)?


Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Tretinoin topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use tretinoin topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using tretinoin topical.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medication skin products unless your doctor has told you to.


Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind while using this medicine.


Retin-A (tretinoin topical) side effects


Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, irritation, or discolored skin.


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


What other drugs will affect Retin-A (tretinoin topical)?


Do not use skin products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These products can cause severe skin irritation if used with tretinoin topical.

The following drugs can interact with tretinoin topical, which can make your skin more sensitive to natural and artificial sunlight. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of these:



  • a diuretic (water pill);




  • tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, Robitet), minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), and others;




  • an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others;




  • a sulfa drug such as Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim, and others; or




  • chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others.



This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect tretinoin topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Retin-A resources


  • Retin-A Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Retin-A Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Retin-A Drug Interactions
  • Retin-A Support Group
  • 5 Reviews for Retin-A - Add your own review/rating


  • Retin-A Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Retin-A Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Retin-A Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Atralin Consumer Overview

  • Avita Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Refissa Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Renova Consumer Overview

  • Renova Emollient Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Tretin-X Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Retin-A with other medications


  • Acne
  • Lichen Sclerosus
  • Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
  • Photoaging of the Skin


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about tretinoin topical.

See also: Retin-A side effects (in more detail)


Rhophylac





Dosage Form: injection
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

Rhophylac®

Rh0(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)




WARNING: INTRAVASCULAR HEMOLYSIS IN ITP


This warning does not apply to Rh0(D)-negative patients treated for the suppression of Rh isoimmunization.


  • Intravascular hemolysis leading to death has been reported in Rh0(D)-positive patients treated for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with Rh0(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products.1

  • Intravascular hemolysis can lead to clinically compromising anemia and multi-system organ failure including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

  • Serious complications, including severe anemia, acute renal insufficiency, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), have also been reported.

  • Closely monitor patients treated for ITP with Rhophylac in a healthcare setting for at least 8 hours after administration. Perform a dipstick urinalysis at baseline, 2 hours and 4 hours after administration, and prior to the end of the monitoring period. Alert patients to, and monitor them for, the signs and symptoms of intravascular hemolysis, including back pain, shaking chills, fever, and discolored urine or hematuria. Absence of these signs and/or symptoms within 8 hours does not indicate IVH cannot occur subsequently. If signs and/or symptoms of intravascular hemolysis are present or suspected after Rhophylac administration, perform post-treatment laboratory tests, including plasma hemoglobin, haptoglobin, LDH, and plasma bilirubin (direct and indirect).



Indications and Usage for Rhophylac


Rhophylac is an Rh0(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (anti-D) product that is indicated for the suppression of Rh isoimmunization in non-sensitized Rh0(D)-negative patients and for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in Rh0(D)-positive patients.



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization



Pregnancy and Obstetric Conditions


Rhophylac is indicated for suppression of rhesus (Rh) isoimmunization in non-sensitized Rh0(D)-negative women with an Rh-incompatible pregnancy, including:


  • Routine antepartum and postpartum Rh prophylaxis

  • Rh prophylaxis in cases of:

    Obstetric complications (e.g., miscarriage, abortion, threatened abortion, ectopic pregnancy or hydatidiform mole, transplacental hemorrhage resulting from antepartum hemorrhage)


    Invasive procedures during pregnancy (e.g., amniocentesis, chorionic biopsy) or obstetric manipulative procedures (e.g., external version, abdominal trauma)


An Rh-incompatible pregnancy is assumed if the fetus/baby is either Rh0(D)-positive or Rh0(D)-unknown or if the father is either Rh0(D)-positive or Rh0(D)-unknown.



Incompatible Transfusions


Rhophylac is indicated for the suppression of Rh isoimmunization in Rh0(D)-negative individuals transfused with Rh0(D)-positive red blood cells (RBCs) or blood components containing Rh0(D)-positive RBCs.


Treatment can be given without a preceding exchange transfusion when the transfused blood represents less than 20% of the total circulating RBCs. If the volume exceeds 20%, an exchange transfusion should be considered prior to administering Rhophylac.



ITP


Rhophylac is indicated in Rh0(D)-positive, non-splenectomized adult patients with chronic ITP to raise platelet counts.



Rhophylac Dosage and Administration


As with all blood products, patients should be observed for at least 20 minutes following administration of Rhophylac.



Preparation and Handling



  •  Rhophylac is a clear or slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution. Inspect Rhophylac visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains particulates.




  •  Prior to intravenous use, ensure that the needle-free intravenous administration system is compatible with the tip of the Rhophylac glass syringe.




  •  Do not freeze.




  •  Bring Rhophylac to room temperature before use.




  •  Rhophylac is for single use only. Dispose of any unused product or waste material in accordance with local requirements.




Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


Rhophylac should be administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection. If large doses (greater than 5 mL) are required and intramuscular injection is chosen, it is advisable to administer Rhophylac in divided doses at different sites.


Table 1 provides dosing guidelines based on the condition being treated.





























Table 1: Dosing Guidelines for Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization
IndicationTiming of AdministrationDose*

(Administer by Intravenous or Intramuscular Injection)
IU, international units; mcg, micrograms.

*

A 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose of Rhophylac will suppress the immunizing potential of ≥15 mL of Rh0(D)-positive RBCs.2


The dose of Rhophylac must be increased if the patient is exposed to >15 mL of Rh0(D)-positive RBCs; in this case, follow the dosing guidelines for excessive fetomaternal hemorrhage.

Rh-incompatible pregnancy

 

Routine antepartum prophylaxis

At Week 28-30 of gestation1500 IU (300 mcg)

 

Postpartum prophylaxis

(required only if the newborn is Rh0(D)-positive)

Within 72 hours of birth1500 IU (300 mcg)

 

Obstetric complications

(e.g., miscarriage, abortion, threatened abortion, ectopic pregnancy or hydatidiform mole, transplacental hemorrhage resulting from antepartum hemorrhage)

Within 72 hours of complication1500 IU (300 mcg)

 

Invasive procedures during pregnancy (e.g., amniocentesis, chorionic biopsy) or obstetric manipulative procedures (e.g., external version, abdominal trauma)

Within 72 hours of procedure1500 IU (300 mcg)

 

Excessive fetomaternal hemorrhage

(>15 mL)

Within 72 hours of complication1500 IU (300 mcg) plus:
  • 100 IU (20 mcg) per mL fetal RBCs in excess of 15 mL if excess transplacental bleeding is quantified

    or

  • An additional 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose if excess transplacental bleeding cannot be quantified

Incompatible transfusionsWithin 72 hours of exposure100 IU (20 mcg)

per 2 mL transfused blood or per 1 mL erythrocyte concentrate

ITP


For treatment of ITP, ADMINISTER Rhophylac BY THE INTRAVENOUS ROUTE ONLY (see Preparation and Handling [2.1]). Do not administer intramuscularly.


A 250 IU (50 mcg) per kg body weight dose of Rhophylac is recommended for patients with ITP. The following formula can be used to calculate the recommended amount of Rhophylac to administer:


Dose (IU) × body weight (kg) = Total IU / 1500 IU per syringe = Number of syringes


Rhophylac should be administered at a rate of 2 mL per 15 to 60 seconds.



Dosage Forms and Strengths


1500 IU (300 mcg) per 2 mL prefilled, ready-to-use, glass syringe



Contraindications


  • Rhophylac is contraindicated in patients who have had an anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction to the administration of human immune globulin.

  • Rhophylac is contraindicated in IgA-deficient patients with antibodies to IgA and a history of hypersensitivity.


Warnings and Precautions



Both Indications



 5.1.1 Hypersensitivity


 Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur. If symptoms of allergic or early signs of hypersensitivity reactions (including generalized urticaria, tightness of the chest, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis) occur, discontinue Rhophylac administration immediately and institute appropriate treatment. Medications such as epinephrine should be available for immediate treatment of acute hypersensitivity reactions.


 Rhophylac contains trace amounts of IgA (less than 5 mcg/mL) (see Description [11]). Patients with known antibodies to IgA have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. Rhophylac is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA and a history of hypersensitivity reactions (see Contraindications [4]).



5.1.2 Interference with Laboratory Tests


The administration of Rh0(D) immune globulin may affect the results of blood typing, the antibody screening test, and the direct antiglobulin (Coombs') test. Antepartum administration of Rh0(D) immune globulin to the mother can also affect these tests in the newborn infant.


Rhophylac can contain antibodies to other Rh antigens (e.g., anti-C antibodies), which might be detected by sensitive serological tests following administration.



5.1.3 Transmissible Infectious Agents


Because Rhophylac is made from human blood, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. The risk of infectious agent transmission has been reduced by screening plasma donors for prior exposure to certain viruses, testing for the presence of certain current virus infections, and including virus inactivation/removal steps in the manufacturing process for Rhophylac.


Report any infections thought to be possibly transmitted by Rhophylac to CSL Behring Pharmacovigilance at 1-866-915-6958.



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization



5.2.1 Postpartum Use Following an Rh-incompatible Pregnancy


Administer Rhophylac to the mother only. Do not administer to the newborn infant (see Pediatric Use [8.4]).



ITP



 5.3.1 Intravascular Hemolysis


 Intravascular hemolysis has occurred in a clinical study with Rhophylac. All cases resolved completely. However, as reported in the literature, some Rh0(D)-positive patients treated with Rh0(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) for ITP developed clinically compromising anemia, acute renal insufficiency, and, very rarely, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and death.1 Note: This warning does not apply to Rh0(D)-negative patients treated for the suppression of Rh isoimmunization.


 Closely monitor patients in a healthcare setting for at least 8 hours after administration of Rhophylac. Perform a dipstick urinalysis at baseline, 2 hours and 4 hours after administration, and prior to the end of the monitoring period.


 Alert patients to, and monitor them for, the signs and symptoms of intravascular hemolysis, including back pain, shaking chills, fever, and discolored urine or hematuria. Absence of these signs and/or symptoms of intravascular hemolysis within 8 hours do not indicate intravascular hemolysis cannot occur subsequently.


 If signs and/or symptoms of intravascular hemolysis are present or suspected after Rhophylac administration, perform post-treatment laboratory tests, including plasma hemoglobin, haptoglobin, LDH, and plasma bilirubin (direct and indirect). DIC may be difficult to detect in the ITP population; the diagnosis is dependent mainly on laboratory testing.


If patients who develop hemolysis with clinically compromising anemia after receiving Rhophylac are to be transfused, Rh0(D)-negative packed RBCs should be used to avoid exacerbating ongoing hemolysis.



5.3.2 Pre-existing Anemia


The safety of Rhophylac in the treatment of ITP has not been established in patients with pre-existing anemia. The physician must weigh the benefits of Rhophylac against the potential risk of increasing the severity of the anemia.



Adverse Reactions


The most serious adverse reactions in patients receiving Rh0(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) have been observed in the treatment of ITP and include intravascular hemolysis, clinically compromising anemia, acute renal insufficiency, and, very rarely, DIC and death (see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions [5.3.1]).1


The most common adverse reactions observed in the use of Rhophylac for suppression of Rh isoimmunization (≥0.5% of subjects) are nausea, dizziness, headache, injection-site pain, and malaise.


The most common adverse reactions observed in the treatment of ITP (>14% of subjects) are chills, pyrexia/increased body temperature, and headache. Mild hemolysis (manifested by an increase in bilirubin, a decrease in hemoglobin, or a decrease in haptoglobin) was also observed.



Clinical Studies Experience


Because clinical studies are conducted under different protocols and widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


In two clinical studies, 447 Rh0(D)-negative pregnant women received either an intravenous or intramuscular injection of Rhophylac 1500 IU (300 mcg) at Week 28 of gestation. A second 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose was administered to 267 (9 in Study 1 and 258 in Study 2) of these women within 72 hours of the birth of an Rh0(D)-positive baby. In addition, 30 women in Study 2 received at least one extra antepartum 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose due to obstetric complications (see Clinical Studies [14.1]).


The most common adverse reactions in study subjects were nausea (0.7%), dizziness (0.5%), headache (0.5%), injection-site pain (0.5%), and malaise (0.5%). A laboratory finding of a transient positive anti-C antibody test was observed in 0.9% of subjects.


ITP


In a clinical study, 98 Rh0(D)-positive adult subjects with chronic ITP received an intravenous dose of Rhophylac 250 IU (50 mcg) per kg body weight (see Clinical Studies [14.2]). Premedication to alleviate infusion-related side effects was not used except in a single subject who received acetaminophen and diphenhydramine.


Eighty-four (85.7%) subjects experienced 392 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Sixty-nine (70.4%) subjects had 186 drug-related TEAEs (defined as TEAEs with a probable, possible, definite, or unknown relationship to the study drug). Within 24 hours of dosing, 73 (74.5%) subjects experienced 183 TEAEs, and 66 (67%) subjects experienced 156 drug-related TEAEs.


Mild hemolysis (manifested as an increase in bilirubin, a decrease in hemoglobin, or a decrease in haptoglobin) was observed. An increase in blood bilirubin was seen in 21% of subjects. The median decrease in hemoglobin was greatest (0.8 g/dL) at Day 6 and Day 8 following administration of Rhophylac.


Table 2 shows the most common TEAEs observed in the clinical study.



















Table 2: Most Common Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in Subjects with ITP
TEAENumber of Subjects (%) With a TEAE

n=98
Number of Subjects (%) With a Drug-Related TEAE*

n=98

*

Defined as TEAEs with a possible, probable, definite, or unknown relationship to the study drug.

Chills34 (34.7%)34 (34.7%)
Pyrexia/ Increased body temperature32 (32.6%)30 (30.6%)
Increased blood bilirubin21 (21.4%)21 (21.4%)
Headache14 (14.3%)11 (11.2%)

Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 10 (10.2%) subjects. SAEs considered to be drug-related were intravascular hemolytic reaction (hypotension, nausea, chills and headache, and a decrease in haptoglobin and hemoglobin) in two subjects; headache, dizziness, nausea, pallor, shivering, and weakness requiring hospitalization in one subject; and an increase in blood pressure and severe headache in one subject. All four subjects recovered completely.



Postmarketing Experience


Because postmarketing adverse 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 product exposure. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Rhophylac:



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


Hypersensitivity reactions, including rare cases of anaphylactic shock or anaphylactoid reactions, headache, dizziness, vertigo, hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, rash, erythema, pruritus, chills, pyrexia, malaise, diarrhea and back pain have been reported. Transient injection-site irritation and pain have been observed following intramuscular administration.



ITP


Transient hemoglobinuria has been reported in a patient being treated with Rhophylac for ITP.



Drug Interactions



Live Virus Vaccines


Passive transfer of antibodies may transiently impair the immune response to live attenuated virus vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (see Patient Counseling Information [17.1]).



USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS



Pregnancy


Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Rhophylac.



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


The available evidence suggests that Rhophylac does not harm the fetus or affect future pregnancies or reproduction capacity when given to pregnant Rh0(D)-negative women for suppression of Rh isoimmunization.3



ITP


Rhophylac has not been evaluated in pregnant women with ITP.



Nursing Mothers



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


Rhophylac is used in nursing mothers for the suppression of Rh isoimmunization. No undesirable effects on a nursing infant are expected during breastfeeding.



ITP


Rhophylac has not been evaluated in nursing mothers with ITP.



Pediatric Use


Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization in Incompatible Transfusions


The safety and effectiveness of Rhophylac have not been established in pediatric subjects being treated for an incompatible transfusion. The physician should weigh the potential risks against the benefits of Rhophylac, particularly in girls whose later pregnancies may be affected if Rh isoimmunization occurs.



Geriatric Use



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization in Incompatible Transfusions


Rhophylac has not been evaluated for treating incompatible transfusions in subjects 65 years of age and older.



ITP


Of the 98 subjects evaluated in the clinical study of Rhophylac for treatment of ITP (see Clinical Studies [14.2]), 19% were 65 years of age and older. No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.



Overdosage


There are no reports of known overdoses in patients being treated for suppression of Rh isoimmunization or ITP. Patients with incompatible transfusion or ITP who receive an overdose of Rh0(D) immune globulin should be monitored because of the potential risk for hemolysis.



Rhophylac Description


Rhophylac is a sterile Rh0(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (anti-D) solution in a ready-to-use prefilled glass syringe for intravenous or intramuscular injection. One syringe contains at least 1500 IU (300 mcg) of IgG antibodies to Rh0(D) in a 2 mL solution, sufficient to suppress the immune response to at least 15 mL of Rh-positive RBCs.1 The product potency is expressed in IUs by comparison to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, which is also the US and the European Pharmacopoeia standard.


Plasma is obtained from healthy Rh0(D)-negative donors who have been immunized with Rh0(D)-positive RBCs. The donors are screened carefully to reduce the risk of receiving donations containing blood-borne pathogens. Each plasma donation used in the manufacture of Rhophylac is tested for the presence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HIV-1/2, and HCV antibodies. In addition, plasma used in the manufacture of Rhophylac is tested by FDA-licensed Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) for HIV and HCV and found to be negative. An investigational NAT for HBV is also performed on all source plasma used and found to be negative; however, the significance of a negative result has not been established. The source plasma is also tested by NAT for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and B19 virus (B19V).


Rhophylac is produced by an ion-exchange chromatography isolation procedure4, using pooled plasma obtained by plasmapheresis of immunized Rh0(D)-negative US donors. The manufacturing process includes a solvent/detergent treatment step (using tri-n-butyl phosphate and Triton™ X-100) that is effective in inactivating enveloped viruses such as HIV, HCV, and HBV.5,6 Rhophylac is filtered using a Planova® 15 nanometer (nm) virus filter that has been validated to be effective in removing both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Table 3 presents viral clearance and inactivation data from validation studies, expressed as the mean log10 reduction factor (LRF).
















































Table 3: Virus Inactivation and Removal in Rhophylac
HIVPRVBVDVMVM
HIV, a model for HIV-1 and HIV-2; PRV, pseudorabies virus, a model for large, enveloped DNA viruses (e.g., herpes virus); BVDV, bovine viral diarrhea virus, a model for HCV and West Nile virus; MVM, minute virus of mice, a model for B19V and other small, non-enveloped DNA viruses.
Virus property
GenomeRNADNARNADNA
EnvelopeYesYesYesNo
Size (nm)80-100120-20040-7018-24
Manufacturing stepMean LRF
Solvent/detergent treatment≥6.0≥5.6≥5.4Not tested
Chromatographic process steps4.5≥3.91.6≥2.6
Virus filtration≥6.3≥5.6≥5.53.4
Overall reduction

(log10 units)
≥16.8≥15.1≥12.5≥6.0

Rhophylac contains a maximum of 30 mg/mL of human plasma proteins, 10 mg/mL of which is human albumin added as a stabilizer. Prior to the addition of the stabilizer, Rhophylac has a purity greater than 95% IgG. Rhophylac contains less than 5 mcg/mL of IgA, which is the limit of detection. Additional excipients are approximately 20 mg/mL of glycine and up to 0.25 M of sodium chloride. Rhophylac contains no preservative. Human albumin is manufactured from pooled plasma of US donors by cold ethanol fractionation, followed by pasteurization.



Rhophylac - Clinical Pharmacology



Mechanism of Action



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


The mechanism by which Rh0(D) immune globulin suppresses immunization to Rh0(D)-positive RBCs is not completely known.


In a clinical study of Rh0(D)-negative healthy male volunteers, both the intravenous and intramuscular administration of a 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose of Rhophylac 24 hours after injection of 15 mL of Rh0(D)-positive RBCs resulted in an effective clearance of Rh0(D)-positive RBCs. On average, 99% of injected RBCs were cleared within 12 hours following intravenous administration and within 144 hours following intramuscular administration.



ITP


Rhophylac has been shown to increase platelet counts and to reduce bleeding in non-splenectomized Rh0(D)-positive subjects with chronic ITP. The mechanism of action is thought to involve the formation of Rh0(D) immune globulin RBC complexes, which are preferentially removed by the reticuloendothelial system, particularly the spleen. This results in Fc receptor blockade, thus sparing antibody-coated platelets.7



Pharmacokinetics



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


In a clinical study comparing the pharmacokinetics of intravenous versus intramuscular administration, 15 Rh0(D)-negative pregnant women received a single 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose of Rhophylac at Week 28 of gestation.8


Following intravenous administration, peak serum levels of Rh0(D) immune globulin ranged from 62 to 84 ng/mL after 1 day (i.e., the time the first blood sample was taken following the antepartum dose). Mean systemic clearance was 0.20 ± 0.03 mL/min, and half-life was 16 ± 4 days.


Following intramuscular administration, peak serum levels ranged from 7 to 46 ng/mL and were achieved between 2 and 7 days. Mean apparent clearance was 0.29 ± 0.12 mL/min, and half-life was 18 ± 5 days. The absolute bioavailability of Rhophylac was 69%.


Regardless of the route of administration, Rh0(D) immune globulin titers were detected in all women up to at least 9 weeks following administration of Rhophylac.



ITP


Pharmacokinetic studies with Rhophylac were not performed in Rh0(D)-positive subjects with ITP. Rh0(D) immune globulin binds rapidly to Rh0(D)-positive erythrocytes.9



Clinical Studies



Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


In two clinical studies, 447 Rh0(D)-negative pregnant women received a 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose of Rhophylac during Week 28 of gestation. The women who gave birth to an Rh0(D)-positive baby received a second 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose within 72 hours of birth.


  • Study 1 (Pharmacokinetic Study) – Eight of the women who participated in the pharmacokinetic study (see Clinical Pharmacology [12.3]) gave birth to an Rh0(D)-positive baby and received the postpartum dose of 1500 IU (300 mcg) of Rhophylac.8 Antibody tests performed 6 to 8 months later were negative for all women. This suggests that no Rh0(D) immunization occurred.

  • Study 2 (Pivotal Study) – In an open-label, single-arm clinical study at 22 centers in the US and United Kingdom, 432 pregnant women received the antepartum dose of 1500 IU (300 mcg) of Rhophylac either as an intravenous or intramuscular injection (two randomized groups of 216 women each).10 Subjects received an additional 1500 IU (300 mcg) dose if an obstetric complication occurred between the routine antepartum dose and birth or if extensive fetomaternal hemorrhage was measured after birth. Of the 270 women who gave birth to an Rh0(D)-positive baby, 248 women were evaluated for Rh0(D) immunization 6 to 11.5 months postpartum. None of these women developed antibodies against the Rh0(D) antigen.


ITP


In an open-label, single-arm, multicenter study, 98 Rh0(D)-positive adult subjects with chronic ITP and a platelet count of 30 × 109/L or less were treated with Rhophylac. Subjects received a single intravenous dose of 250 IU (50 mcg) per kg body weight.


The primary efficacy endpoint was the response rate defined as achieving a platelet count of ≥30 × 109/L as well as an increase of >20 × 109/L within 15 days after treatment with Rhophylac. Secondary efficacy endpoints included the response rate defined as an increase in platelet counts to ≥50 × 109/L within 15 days after treatment and, in subjects who had bleeding at baseline, the regression of hemorrhage defined as any decrease from baseline in the severity of overall bleeding status.


Table 4 presents the primary response rates for the intent-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) populations.



















Table 4: Primary Response Rates (ITT and PP Populations)
Analysis PopulationNo. SubjectsNo. RespondersPrimary Response Rate at Day 15
% Responders95% Confidence Interval (CI)
ITT986566.3%56.5%, 74.9%
PP926267.4%57.3%, 76.1%

The primary efficacy response rate (ITT population) demonstrated a clinically relevant response to treatment, i.e., the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) was greater than the predefined response rate of 50%. The median time to platelet response was 3 days, and the median duration of platelet response was 22 days.


Table 5 presents the response rates by baseline platelet count for subjects in the ITT population.






























Table 5: Response Rates By Baseline Platelet Count (ITT Population)
Response Rates at Day 15
Baseline Platelet count

(× 109/L)
Total No. SubjectsNo. (%) Subjects Achieving a Platelet Count of ≥30 × 109/L and an Increase of >20 × 109/LNo. (%) Subjects With an Increase in Platelet Counts to ≥50 × 109/L

*

Reflects subjects with a platelet count of ≤30 × 109/L at screening but >30 × 109/L immediately before treatment.

≤103815 (39.5)10 (26.3)
>10 to 202822 (78.6)17 (60.7)
>20 to 302724 (88.9)22 (81.5)
>30*54 (80.0)5 (100.0)
Overall

(all subjects)
9865 (66.3)54 (55.1)

During the study, an overall regression of hemorrhage was seen in 44 (88%, 95% CI: 76% to 94%) of the 50 subjects with bleeding at baseline. The percentage of subjects showing a regression of hemorrhage increased from 20% at Day 2 to 64% at Day 15. There was no evidence of an association between the overall hemorrhage regression rate and baseline platelet count.


Approximately half of the 98 subjects in the ITT population had evidence of bleeding at baseline. Post-baseline, the percentage of subjects without bleeding increased to a maximum of 70.4% at Day 8.



REFERENCES


  1. Gaines AR. Disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with acute hemoglobinemia or hemoglobinuria following Rh0(D) immune globulin intravenous administration for immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Blood. 2005;106:1532-1537.

  2. Pollack W, Ascari WQ, Kochesky RJ, O'Connor RR, Ho TY, Tripodi D. Studies on Rh prophylaxis. 1. relationship between doses of anti-Rh and size of antigenic stimulus. Transfusion. 1971;11:333-339.

  3. Thornton JG, Page C, Foote G, Arthur GR, Tovey LAD, Scott JS. Efficacy and long term effects of antenatal prophylaxis with anti-D immunoglobulin. Br Med J. 1989;298:1671-1673.

  4. Stucki M, Moudry R, Kempf C, Omar A, Schlegel A, Lerch PG. Characterisation of a chromatographically produced anti-D immunoglobulin product. J Chromatogr B. 1997;700:241-248.

  5. Horowitz B, Chin S, Prince AM, Brotman B, Pascual D, Williams B. Preparation and characterization of S/D-FFP, a virus sterilized "fresh frozen plasma". J Thromb Haemost. 1991;65:1163.

  6. Horowitz B, Bonomo R, Prince AM, Chin S, Brotman B, Shulman RW. Solvent/detergent-treated plasma: a virus-inactivated substitute for fresh frozen plasma. Blood. 1992;79:826-831.

  7. Lazarus AH, Crow AR. Mechanism of action of IVIG and anti-D in ITP. Transfus Apher Sci. 2003;28:249-255.

  8. Bichler J, Schöndorfer G, Pabst G, Andresen I. Pharmacokinetics of anti-D IgG in pregnant RhD-negative women. BJOG. 2003;110:39-45.

  9. Ware RE, Zimmerman SA. Anti-D: mechanisms of action. Semin Hematol. 1998;35:14-22.

  10. MacKenzie IZ, Bichler J, Mason GC, et al. Efficacy and safety of a new, chromatographically purified rhesus (D) immunoglobulin. Eur J Obstetr Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2004;117:154-161.


How Supplied/Storage and Handling


  • Rhophylac 1500 IU (300 mcg) is supplied in packages of one or ten (10) prefilled, ready-to-use, glass syringe(s), each containing 2 mL liquid for injection. Each syringe is accompanied by a SafetyGlide™ needle for intravenous or intramuscular use.

  • Rhophylac contains no preservatives.

  • The prefilled Rhophylac syringe contains no latex.

  • DO NOT FREEZE.

  • Store at 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F) for a shelf life of 36 months from the date of manufacture, as indicated by the expiration date printed on the outer carton and syringe label.

  • Keep Rhophylac in its original carton to protect it from light.

The following presentations of Rhophylac are available:








NDC NumberProduct Description
44206-300-011 prefilled 2 mL syringe
44206-300-1010 prefilled 2 mL syringes

Patient Counseling Information



Both Indications


  • Inform patients to immediately report the following signs and symptoms to their physician: hives, chest tightness, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis.

  • Inform patients that Rhophylac is made from human blood and may contain infectious agents that can cause disease (e.g., viruses and, theoretically, the CJD agent). Explain that the risk Rhophylac may transmit an infectious agent has been reduced by screening all plasma donors, by testing the donated plasma for certain viruses, and by inactivating and/or removing certain viruses during manufacturing. Advise patients to report any symptoms that concern them and that may be related to viral infections.

  • Inform patients that Rhophylac may interfere with the response to live virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella), and instruct them to notify their healthcare professional of this potential interaction when they are receiving vaccinations.


Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization


  • Inform patients receiving the antepartum dose of Rhophylac for suppression of Rh isoimmunization that they will need a second dose within 72 hours of birth if the baby's blood type is Rh-positive.


ITP


  • Instruct patients being treated with Rhophylac for ITP to immediately report symptoms of intravascular hemolysis, including back pain, shaking chills, fever, discolored urine, decreased urine output, sudden weight gain, edema, and/or shortness of breath.


Manufactured by:

CSL Behring AG

Bern, Switzerland

US License No. 1766


Distributed by:

CSL Behring LLC

Kankakee, IL 60901 USA


Triton™ is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company

Planova® is a registered trademark of Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.

SafetyGlide™ is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company



PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 300 mcg Syringe Label


Rh0(D) Immune Globulin

Intravenous (Human)

300 mcg


Rhophylac®


1500 IU per 2 mL

For IV or IM Injection. Rx only


CSL Behring AG, Bern, Switzerland

US License No. 1766


Rhophylac® 300 mcg


LOT


Rhophylac® 300 mcg


LOT


LOT

EXP


NDC 44206-300-01


10002552-02/37




PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 300 mcg Syringe Carton


NDC 44206-300-01


300 mcg


Rh0(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)

Rhophylac®

1500 IU


For Intravenous or Intramuscular Injection. Rx only


CSL Behring










Rhophylac 
human rho(d) immune globulin  solution










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)44206-300
Route of AdministrationINTRAVENOUS, INTRAMUSCULARDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
HUMAN RHO(D) IMMUNE GLOBULIN (HUMAN RHO(D) IMMUNE GLOBULIN)HUMAN RHO(D) IMMUNE GLOBULIN1500 [iU]  in 2 mL












Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
Albumin (Human)10 mg  in 1 mL
Human Immunoglobulin A 
Glycine 
Sodium Chloride 


















Product Characteristics
Color    Score    
ShapeSize
FlavorImprint Code
Contains      






















Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
144206-300-011 SYRINGE In 1 CARTONcontains a SYRINGE, GLASS
12 mL In 1 SYRINGE, GLASSThis package is contained within the CARTON (44206-300-01)
244206-300-1010 SYRINGE In 1 CARTONcontains a SYRINGE, GLASS
22 mL In 1 SYRINGE, GLASSThis package is contained within the CARTON (44206-300-10)










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
BLABLA12507001/06/2009


Labeler - CSL Behring AG (481152762)

Reclipsen


Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel (EH thih nill ess tra DYE ole and des oh JESS trel)

Brand Names: Apri, Cesia, Cyclessa, Desogen, Kariva, Mircette, Ortho-Cept, Reclipsen, Solia, Velivet


What is Reclipsen (ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel)?

Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.


Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.


Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Reclipsen (ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel)?


Do not use birth control pills if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby. Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.


Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Reclipsen (ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel)?


This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding). Do not use this medication if you have:

  • a history of a stroke or blood clot;




  • circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);




  • a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;




  • abnormal vaginal bleeding;




  • liver disease or liver cancer;




  • severe high blood pressure;




  • severe migraine headaches;




  • a heart valve disorder; or




  • a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.



Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests to safely take birth control pills.



  • high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;




  • high cholesterol or if you are overweight;




  • a history of depression;




  • gallbladder disease;




  • diabetes;




  • seizures or epilepsy;




  • a history of irregular menstrual cycles; or




  • a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.




The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Reclipsen (ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel)?


Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's instructions).


You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.


The 28-day birth control pack contains seven "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.


You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. You may get pregnant if you do not use this medication regularly. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.


If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control pills.


Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. Do not miss any appointments.


Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. Follow the directions on the patient information sheet provided with your medicine. If you do not have an information sheet, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.


If you miss one "active" pill, take two pills on the day that you remember. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack.


If you miss two "active" pills in a row in week one or two, take two pills per day for two days in a row. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack. Use back-up birth control for at least 7 days following the missed pills.


If you miss two "active" pills in a row in week 3, or if you miss three pills in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.


If you miss three "active" tablets in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack on the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.


If you miss two or more pills, you may not have a period during the month. If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.

If you miss any reminder pills, throw them away and keep taking one pill per day until the pack is empty. You do not need back-up birth control if you miss a reminder pill.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.


What should I avoid while taking Reclipsen (ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel)?


Do not smoke while using this medication, especially if you are older than 35. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack caused by birth control pills.

This medication will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.


Reclipsen (ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;




  • sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;




  • chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;




  • a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;




  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);




  • swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;




  • a breast lump; or




  • symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;




  • breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;




  • freckles or darkening of facial skin;




  • increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;




  • changes in weight or appetite;




  • problems with contact lenses;




  • vaginal itching or discharge;




  • changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or




  • headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Reclipsen (ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel)?


Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:



  • acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C);




  • an antibiotic;




  • phenylbutazone (Azolid, Butazolidin);




  • St. John's wort;




  • seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), topiramate (Topamax), and others;




  • a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or




  • HIV medicines such as amprenavir (Agenerase), atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), and others.



This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect birth control pills. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Reclipsen resources


  • Reclipsen Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Reclipsen Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Reclipsen Drug Interactions
  • Reclipsen Support Group
  • 10 Reviews for Reclipsen - Add your own review/rating


  • Reclipsen Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Apri Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Caziant Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cesia Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cyclessa Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cyclessa Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Desogen Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Desogen Consumer Overview

  • Desogen MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Emoquette Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Kariva Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Mircette Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Mircette Consumer Overview

  • Ortho-Cept Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Solia Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Velivet Prescribing Information (FDA)



Compare Reclipsen with other medications


  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  • Birth Control
  • Endometriosis
  • Gonadotropin Inhibition
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel.

See also: Reclipsen side effects (in more detail)


Rocephin




Generic Name: ceftriaxone sodium

Dosage Form: injection, powder, for solution
Rocephin®

(ceftriaxone sodium)

FOR INJECTION

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Rocephin and other antibacterial drugs, Rocephin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.



Rocephin Description


Rocephin is a sterile, semisynthetic, broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for intravenous or intramuscular administration. Ceftriaxone sodium is (6R,7R) - 7 - [2 - (2 - Amino - 4 - thiazolyl)glyoxylamido] - 8 - oxo - 3 - [[(1,2,5,6 - tetrahydro - 2 - methyl - 5,6 - dioxo - as - triazin - 3 - yl)thio]methyl] - 5 - thia - 1 - azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct - 2 - ene - 2 - carboxylic acid, 72-(Z)-(O-methyloxime), disodium salt, sesquaterhydrate.


The chemical formula of ceftriaxone sodium is C18H16N8Na2O7S3•3.5H2O. It has a calculated molecular weight of 661.59 and the following structural formula:



Rocephin is a white to yellowish-orange crystalline powder which is readily soluble in water, sparingly soluble in methanol and very slightly soluble in ethanol. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution is approximately 6.7. The color of Rocephin solutions ranges from light yellow to amber, depending on the length of storage, concentration and diluent used.


Rocephin contains approximately 83 mg (3.6 mEq) of sodium per gram of ceftriaxone activity.



Rocephin - Clinical Pharmacology


Average plasma concentrations of ceftriaxone following a single 30-minute intravenous (IV) infusion of a 0.5, 1 or 2 gm dose and intramuscular (IM) administration of a single 0.5 (250 mg/mL or 350 mg/mL concentrations) or 1 gm dose in healthy subjects are presented in Table 1.


































































































Table 1 Ceftriaxone Plasma Concentrations After Single Dose Administration
Dose/RouteAverage Plasma Concentrations (µg/mL)
0.5 hr1 hr2 hr4 hr6 hr8 hr12 hr16 hr24 hr
ND = Not determined.

*

IV doses were infused at a constant rate over 30 minutes.

0.5 gm IV*82594837292315105
0.5 gm IM
250 mg/mL22333835302616ND5
0.5 gm IM
350 mg/mL20323834312416ND5
1 gm IV*1511118867534328189
1 gm IM40687668564429NDND
2 gm IV*2571921541178974463115

Ceftriaxone was completely absorbed following IM administration with mean maximum plasma concentrations occurring between 2 and 3 hours post-dose. Multiple IV or IM doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 gm at 12- to 24-hour intervals resulted in 15% to 36% accumulation of ceftriaxone above single dose values.


Ceftriaxone concentrations in urine are shown in Table 2.

















































Table 2 Urinary Concentrations of Ceftriaxone After Single Dose Administration
Dose/RouteAverage Urinary Concentrations (µg/mL)
0-2 hr2-4 hr4-8 hr8-12 hr12-24 hr24-48 hr
ND = Not determined.
0.5 gm IV526366142877015
0.5 gm IM1154253081279628
1 gm IV99585529314713232
1 gm IM504628418237NDND
2 gm IV2692197675727419840

Thirty-three percent to 67% of a ceftriaxone dose was excreted in the urine as unchanged drug and the remainder was secreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as microbiologically inactive compounds. After a 1 gm IV dose, average concentrations of ceftriaxone, determined from 1 to 3 hours after dosing, were 581 µg/mL in the gallbladder bile, 788 µg/mL in the common duct bile, 898 µg/mL in the cystic duct bile, 78.2 µg/gm in the gallbladder wall and 62.1 µg/mL in the concurrent plasma.


Over a 0.15 to 3 gm dose range in healthy adult subjects, the values of elimination half-life ranged from 5.8 to 8.7 hours; apparent volume of distribution from 5.78 to 13.5 L; plasma clearance from 0.58 to 1.45 L/hour; and renal clearance from 0.32 to 0.73 L/hour. Ceftriaxone is reversibly bound to human plasma proteins, and the binding decreased from a value of 95% bound at plasma concentrations of <25 µg/mL to a value of 85% bound at 300 µg/mL. Ceftriaxone crosses the blood placenta barrier.


The average values of maximum plasma concentration, elimination half-life, plasma clearance and volume of distribution after a 50 mg/kg IV dose and after a 75 mg/kg IV dose in pediatric patients suffering from bacterial meningitis are shown in Table 3. Ceftriaxone penetrated the inflamed meninges of infants and pediatric patients; CSF concentrations after a 50 mg/kg IV dose and after a 75 mg/kg IV dose are also shown in Table 3.




























Table 3 Average Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Ceftriaxone in Pediatric Patients With Meningitis
50 mg/kg IV75 mg/kg IV
Maximum Plasma Concentrations (µg/mL)216275
Elimination Half-life (hr)4.64.3
Plasma Clearance (mL/hr/kg)4960
Volume of Distribution (mL/kg)338373
CSF Concentration—inflamed meninges (µg/mL)5.66.4
Range (µg/mL)1.3-18.51.3-44
Time after dose (hr)3.7 (± 1.6)3.3 (± 1.4)

Compared to that in healthy adult subjects, the pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone were only minimally altered in elderly subjects and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic dysfunction (Table 4); therefore, dosage adjustments are not necessary for these patients with ceftriaxone dosages up to 2 gm per day. Ceftriaxone was not removed to any significant extent from the plasma by hemodialysis; in six of 26 dialysis patients, the elimination rate of ceftriaxone was markedly reduced.









































Table 4 Average Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Ceftriaxone in Humans
Subject GroupElimination Half-Life

(hr)
Plasma Clearance

(L/hr)
Volume of Distribution

(L)

*

Creatinine clearance.

Healthy Subjects5.8-8.70.58-1.455.8-13.5
Elderly Subjects (mean age, 70.5 yr)8.90.8310.7
Patients With Renal Impairment
Hemodialysis Patients (0-5 mL/min)*14.70.6513.7
Severe (5-15 mL/min)15.70.5612.5
Moderate (16-30 mL/min)11.40.7211.8
Mild (31-60 mL/min)12.40.7013.3
Patients With Liver Disease8.81.113.6

The elimination of ceftriaxone is not altered when Rocephin is co-administered with probenecid.



Pharmacokinetics in the Middle Ear Fluid


In one study, total ceftriaxone concentrations (bound and unbound) were measured in middle ear fluid obtained during the insertion of tympanostomy tubes in 42 pediatric patients with otitis media. Sampling times were from 1 to 50 hours after a single intramuscular injection of 50 mg/kg of ceftriaxone. Mean (± SD) ceftriaxone levels in the middle ear reached a peak of 35 (± 12) µg/mL at 24 hours, and remained at 19 (± 7) µg/mL at 48 hours. Based on middle ear fluid ceftriaxone concentrations in the 23 to 25 hour and the 46 to 50 hour sampling time intervals, a half-life of 25 hours was calculated. Ceftriaxone is highly bound to plasma proteins. The extent of binding to proteins in the middle ear fluid is unknown.



Interaction with Calcium


Two in vitro studies, one using adult plasma and the other neonatal plasma from umbilical cord blood have been carried out to assess interaction of ceftriaxone and calcium. Ceftriaxone concentrations up to 1 mM (in excess of concentrations achieved in vivo following administration of 2 grams ceftriaxone infused over 30 minutes) were used in combination with calcium concentrations up to 12 mM (48 mg/dL). Recovery of ceftriaxone from plasma was reduced with calcium concentrations of 6 mM (24 mg/dL) or higher in adult plasma or 4 mM (16 mg/dL) or higher in neonatal plasma. This may be reflective of ceftriaxone-calcium precipitation.



Microbiology


The bactericidal activity of ceftriaxone results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Ceftriaxone has a high degree of stability in the presence of beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.


In an in vitro study antagonistic effects have been observed with the combination of chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone.


Ceftriaxone has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.


Aerobic gram-negative microorganisms:

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

Enterobacter aerogenes

Enterobacter cloacae

Escherichia coli

Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant and beta-lactamase producing strains)

Haemophilus parainfluenzae

Klebsiella oxytoca

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase producing strains)

Morganella morganii

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains)

Neisseria meningitidis

Proteus mirabilis

Proteus vulgaris

Serratia marcescens


Ceftriaxone is also active against many strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.


NOTE: Many strains of the above organisms that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, eg, penicillins, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides, are susceptible to ceftriaxone.


Aerobic gram-positive microorganisms:

Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains)

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pyogenes

Viridans group streptococci


NOTE: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are resistant to cephalosporins, including ceftriaxone. Most strains of Group D streptococci and enterococci, eg, Enterococcus (Streptococcus) faecalis, are resistant.


Anaerobic microorganisms:

Bacteroides fragilis

Clostridium species

Peptostreptococcus species


NOTE: Most strains of Clostridium difficile are resistant.


The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. Ceftriaxone exhibits in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ≤1 µg/mL or less against most strains of the following microorganisms, however, the safety and effectiveness of ceftriaxone in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms have not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.


Aerobic gram-negative microorganisms:

Citrobacter diversus

Citrobacter freundii

Providencia species (including Providencia rettgeri)

Salmonella species (including Salmonella typhi)

Shigella species


Aerobic gram-positive microorganisms:

Streptococcus agalactiae


Anaerobic microorganisms:

Prevotella (Bacteroides) bivius

Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) melaninogenicus



Susceptibility Tests


Dilution Techniques

Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized procedure.1 Standardized procedures are based on a dilution method (broth or agar) or equivalent with standardized inoculum concentrations and standardized concentrations of ceftriaxone powder. For details of susceptibility test methodologies, the most recent documents of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) for antimicrobial susceptibility testing1-3 should be consulted.


The MIC values for aerobic organisms should be interpreted according to the following criteria:


For Enterobacteriaceae:






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤1

2

≥4
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

The following interpretive criteria should be used when testing Haemophilus species using Haemophilus Test Media (HTM).






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤2(S) Susceptible

The absence of resistant strains precludes defining any categories other than "Susceptible". Strains yielding results suggestive of a "Nonsusceptible" category should be submitted to a reference laboratory for further testing.


The following interpretive criteria should be used when testing Neisseria gonorrhoeae when using GC agar base and 1% defined growth supplement.






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤0.25(S) Susceptible

The following interpretive criteria4 should be used when testing Neisseria meningitidis on Mueller-Hinton agar with 5% defribrinated sheep blood.






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤0.12(S) Susceptible

The absence of resistant neisserial strains precludes defining any categories other than "Susceptible". Strains yielding results suggestive of a "Nonsusceptible" category should be submitted to a reference laboratory for further testing.


When testing Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible, MSSA) the following interpretive criteria should be applied:






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤4

8

≥16
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

For staphylococcal infections, a daily dose of 2 to 4 grams should be administered to achieve >90% target attainment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).


The following interpretive criteria should be used when testing Streptococcus pneumoniae using Mueller-Hinton broth with 2 to 5% lysed horse blood:


Meningitis:






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤0.5

1

≥2
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

Non-meningitis infections:






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤1

2

≥4
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

For β-hemolytic streptococci the following interpretive criteria should be used when testing on cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth with 2 to 5% lysed horse blood:






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤0.5(S) Susceptible

For the Viridians Group streptococci the following interpretive criteria should be applied:






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤1

2

≥4
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

A report of "Susceptible" indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable. A report of "Intermediate" indicates that the results should be considered equivocal, and if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of the drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone which prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of "Resistant" indicates that the pathogen is not likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable; other therapy should be selected.


Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory control microorganisms to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. Standardized ceftriaxone powder should provide the following MIC values:
























MicroorganismATCC® #MIC (µg/mL)

*

A bimodal distribution of MICs results at the extremes of the acceptable range should be suspect and control validity should be verified with data from other control strains.

Escherichia coli259220.03 - 0.12
Staphylococcus aureus292131 - 8*
Pseudomonas aeruginosa278538 - 64
Haemophilus influenzae492470.06 - 0.25
Neisseria gonorrhoeae492260.004 - 0.015
Streptococcus pneumoniae496190.03 - 0.12
Diffusion Techniques

Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure3 requires the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses paper discs impregnated with 30 µg of ceftriaxone to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to ceftriaxone.


Reports from the laboratory providing results of the standard single-disc susceptibility test with a 30 µg ceftriaxone disc should be interpreted according to the following criteria for aerobic organisms:


For Enterobacteriaceae:






Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥23

20-22

≤19
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

When testing Haemophilus influenzae on Haemophilus Test Media (HTM), the following interpretive criteria should be used:






Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥26(S) Susceptible

The absence of resistant strains precludes defining any categories other than "Susceptible". Strains yielding results suggestive of a "Nonsusceptible" category should be submitted to a reference laboratory for further testing.


The following interpretive criteria should be used when testing Neisseria gonorrhoeae when using GC agar base and 1% defined growth supplement:






Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥35(S) Susceptible

For Neisseria meningitidis, the following disc diffusion criteria apply: 5






Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥34(S) Susceptible

For Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible, MSSA), the following interpretive criteria apply:






Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥21

14-20

≤13
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

The following interpretive criteria should be used when testing β-hemolytic streptococci using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood incubated in 5% CO2:






Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥24(S) Susceptible

For the Viridians Group streptococci the following criteria apply:






Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥27

25-26

≤24
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

Interpretation should be as stated above for results using dilution techniques. Interpretation involves correlation of the diameter obtained in the disc test with the MIC for ceftriaxone.


Disc diffusion interpretive criteria for ceftriaxone discs against Streptococcus pneumoniae are not available, however, isolates of pneumococci with oxacillin zone diameters of >20 mm are susceptible (MIC ≤0.06 µg/mL) to penicillin and can be considered susceptible to ceftriaxone. Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates should not be reported as penicillin (ceftriaxone) resistant or intermediate based solely on an oxacillin zone diameter of ≤19 mm. The ceftriaxone MIC should be determined for those isolates with oxacillin zone diameters ≤19 mm.


As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion methods require the use of laboratory control microorganisms that are used to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion technique, the 30 µg ceftriaxone disc should provide the following zone diameters in these laboratory test quality control strains:3























MicroorganismATCC®#Zone Diameter Ranges (mm)
Escherichia coli2592229 - 35
Staphylococcus aureus2921322 - 28
Pseudomonas aeruginosa2785317 - 23
Haemophilus influenzae4924731 - 39
Neisseria gonorrhoeae4922639 - 51
Streptococcus pneumoniae4961930 - 35
Anaerobic Susceptibility Testing by Agar Dilution

For anaerobic bacteria, the susceptibility to ceftriaxone as MICs can be determined by standardized test methods.6 The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the following criteria:






MIC (µg/mL)Interpretation
≤16

32

≥64
(S) Susceptible

(I) Intermediate

(R) Resistant

As with other susceptibility techniques, the use of laboratory control microorganisms is required to control the technical aspects of the laboratory standardized procedures. Standardized ceftriaxone powder should provide the following MIC values for the indicated standardized anaerobic dilution6 testing method:














MethodMicroorganismATCC® #MIC (µg/mL)
AgarBacteroides fragilis2528532 - 128
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron2974164 - 256

Indications and Usage for Rocephin


Before instituting treatment with Rocephin, appropriate specimens should be obtained for isolation of the causative organism and for determination of its susceptibility to the drug. Therapy may be instituted prior to obtaining results of susceptibility testing.


To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Rocephin and other antibacterial drugs, Rocephin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.


Rocephin is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible organisms:


LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis or Serratia marcescens.


ACUTE BACTERIAL OTITIS MEDIA caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase producing strains) or Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase producing strains).


NOTE: In one study lower clinical cure rates were observed with a single dose of Rocephin compared to 10 days of oral therapy. In a second study comparable cure rates were observed between single dose Rocephin and the comparator. The potentially lower clinical cure rate of Rocephin should be balanced against the potential advantages of parenteral therapy (see CLINICAL STUDIES).


SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii,1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Bacteroides fragilis1 or Peptostreptococcus species.


URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (complicated and uncomplicated) caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Morganella morganii or Klebsiella pneumoniae.


UNCOMPLICATED GONORRHEA (cervical/urethral and rectal) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including both penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains, and pharyngeal gonorrhea caused by nonpenicillinase-producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.


PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Rocephin, like other cephalosporins, has no activity against Chlamydia trachomatis. Therefore, when cephalosporins are used in the treatment of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the suspected pathogens, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added.


BACTERIAL SEPTICEMIA caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae or Klebsiella pneumoniae.


BONE AND JOINT INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Enterobacter species.


INTRA-ABDOMINAL INFECTIONS caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium species (Note: most strains of Clostridium difficile are resistant) or Peptostreptococcus species.


MENINGITIS caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Rocephin has also been used successfully in a limited number of cases of meningitis and shunt infection caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis1 and Escherichia coli.1



1

Efficacy for this organism in this organ system was studied in fewer than ten infections.


SURGICAL PROPHYLAXIS


The preoperative administration of a single 1 gm dose of Rocephin may reduce the incidence of postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated (eg, vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy or cholecystectomy for chronic calculous cholecystitis in high-risk patients, such as those over 70 years of age, with acute cholecystitis not requiring therapeutic antimicrobials, obstructive jaundice or common duct bile stones) and in surgical patients for whom infection at the operative site would present serious risk (eg, during coronary artery bypass surgery). Although Rocephin has been shown to have been as effective as cefazolin in the prevention of infection following coronary artery bypass surgery, no placebo-controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate any cephalosporin antibiotic in the prevention of infection following coronary artery bypass surgery.


When administered prior to surgical procedures for which it is indicated, a single 1 gm dose of Rocephin provides protection from most infections due to susceptible organisms throughout the course of the procedure.



Contraindications


Rocephin is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.



Neonates ( ≤ 28 days)


Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with Rocephin. In vitro studies have shown that ceftriaxone can displace bilirubin from its binding to serum albumin, leading to a possible risk of bilirubin encephalopathy in these patients.


Rocephin is contraindicated in neonates if they require (or are expected to require) treatment with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).


A small number of cases of fatal outcomes in which a crystalline material was observed in the lungs and kidneys at autopsy have been reported in neonates receiving Rocephin and calcium-containing fluids. In some of these cases, the same intravenous infusion line was used for both Rocephin and calcium-containing fluids and in some a precipitate was observed in the intravenous infusion line. At least one fatality has been reported in a neonate in whom Rocephin and calcium-containing fluids were administered at different time points via different intravenous lines; no crystalline material was observed at autopsy in this neonate. There have been no similar reports in patients other than neonates.



Warnings



Hypersensitivity


BEFORE THERAPY WITH Rocephin IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN CAUTIOUSLY TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS. ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH CAUTION TO ANY PATIENT WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED SOME FORM OF ALLERGY, PARTICULARLY TO DRUGS. SERIOUS ACUTE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE THE USE OF SUBCUTANEOUS EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES.


As with other cephalosporins, anaphylactic reactions with fatal outcome have been reported, even if a patient is not known to be allergic or previously exposed.



Interaction with Calcium-Containing Products


Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer's solution or Hartmann's solution, to reconstitute Rocephin vials or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration because a precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when Rocephin is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Rocephin must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via a Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, Rocephin and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid. In vitro studies using adult and neonatal plasma from umbilical cord blood demonstrated that neonates have an increased risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, CONTRAINDICATIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).



Clostridium difficile


Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Rocephin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.


C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.


If CDAD is suspected or confirmed,