通用中文 | 艾替班特注射剂 | 通用外文 | icatibant |
品牌中文 | 品牌外文 | Firazyr | |
其他名称 | |||
公司 | Shire(Shire) | 产地 | 美国(USA) |
含量 | 30mg/3ml | 包装 | 1支/盒 |
剂型给药 | 储存 | 室温 | |
适用范围 | 成年遗传性血管水肿。 |
通用中文 | 艾替班特注射剂 |
通用外文 | icatibant |
品牌中文 | |
品牌外文 | Firazyr |
其他名称 | |
公司 | Shire(Shire) |
产地 | 美国(USA) |
含量 | 30mg/3ml |
包装 | 1支/盒 |
剂型给药 | |
储存 | 室温 |
适用范围 | 成年遗传性血管水肿。 |
Firazyr(艾替班特[icatibant])注射剂使用说明书2011年第一版
批准日期:2011年8月25日;本品在2008年11月7日首先被欧盟药品监督管理局批准由公司德国Jerini AG公司:美国为Shire plc公司
美国食品和药品监督管理局批准治疗年龄18岁和以上的一种罕见情况遗传性血管水肿(HAE)的急性发作。
HAE是一种蛋白被称为C1抑制剂低水平或功能不适当引起的局部,此蛋白涉及调节某些免疫系统和血液凝固通路功能。通常有家族史。在美国少于30,000人有HAE。
有HAE人们可能发生手,脚,肢体,面部,小肠,喉或气管迅速肿胀,可能造成畸形,残疾,或死亡。消化道肿胀可引起腹痛,恶心,和呕吐, 而气道肿胀使患者有窒息的危险。
FDA药品评价和研究中心的II药品评价办公室主任Curtis Rosebraugh, M.D., M.P.H.说“Firazyr提供治疗HAE急性发作的新选择和因为可以通过在腹部区注射自身给药,患者在认识到HAE发作时可自己治疗”。
在三项有开放延伸期对照临床试验中,其中225例患者接受1,076剂30 mg Firazyr显示Firazyr的安全性和疗效。患者用Firazyr被报道症状开始缓解中位治疗时间为2小时,安慰剂几乎20小时。
Firazyr是在美国第三个被批准治疗HAE发作的药物。2009年10月FD批准Berinert治疗HAE面部和副本发作,和2009年12月批准Kalbitor治疗年龄16岁和以上HAE急性发作患者。
FDA批准Firazyr有患者咨询资料包括注射指导。用Firazyr最常见副作用是注射部位反应,发热,肝酶升高,眩晕和皮疹。
新闻来源:http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm269616.htm
处方资料重点
这些重点不包括安全和有效使用FIRAZYR® (艾替班特)所需所有资料。请参阅下文为FIRAZYR的完整处方资料
为皮下使用FIRAZYR (艾替班特icatibant)注射剂
美国初始批准:2011
适应证和用途
FIRAZYR是一种缓激肽B2受体拮抗剂适用于18岁和以上成年遗传性血管水肿(HAE)急性发作的治疗。(1)
剂量和给药方法
(1)30 mg腹部区皮下注射。 (2.1)
(2)如反应不适当或症状复发,在间隔至少6小时另注射30 mg。(2.1)
(3)24小时内不要给予超过3次注射。(2.1)
(4)患者认识到一次HAE发作可自身给药。(2.2)
剂型和规格
注射:10 mg/mL (3)
禁忌证
无 (4)
警告和注意事项
(1)喉发作:用FIRAZYR治疗后的喉发作,建议患者患者立即求医。(5.1)
不良反应
最常报道不良反应是注射部位反应,在临床试验中几乎所有患者(97%)发生。其它常见不良反应发生率大于1%患者包括发热, 转氨酶升高, 眩晕,和皮疹。(6.1)
为报告怀疑不良反应联系Shire Human Genetic Therapies在OnePath® 电话# 1-866-8880660或FDA电话1-800-FDA-1088或www.fda.gov/medwatch
特殊人群中使用
(1)老年 患者显示对icatiban全身暴露增加。尚未确定老年和较年轻患者间疗效和安全性的差别。(8.5)
完整处方资料
1 适应证和用途
FIRAZYR® (艾替班特)适用于18岁和以上成年急性发作遗传性血管水肿(HAE)的治疗。
2 剂量和给药方法
2.1 推荐给药
FIRAZYR的推荐剂量是30 mg在腹部区域皮下注射给药。如反应不适当或如症状复发可间隔至少6小时另外剂量。在任何24小时期间内可给予不超过3剂。
2.2 给药指导
给药前应肉眼观测颗粒和变色。药物溶液应透明和无色。如产品含颗粒或变色不要给药。
附着提供的25号针头至注射器和旋紧。不要用不同针头。消毒注射部位和通过皮下历时至少30秒给予FIRAZYR。
经医疗保健人员指导训练后患者在认识到HAE发作症状时可自身给予FIRAZYR[见患者咨询资料(17)]。
3 剂型和规格
FIRAZYR注射剂在一预装注射器输送30 mg 艾替班特供应。每个注射器输送浓度10 mg/mL共3 mL溶液。
4 禁忌证
无。
5 警告和注意事项
5.1 喉发作
急性喉HAE发作期间气道阻塞潜在可能,建议患者除立即用FIRAZYR治疗外立即求医在适当医疗保健设备下治疗。
6 不良反应
6.1 临床试验经验
在三项对照试验包括223例患者接受FIRAZYR 30 mg(n=113),安慰剂 (n=75),或对比药(n=38)中评价艾替班特的安全性。
纳入研究时平均年龄38岁(范围18至83岁),64%是女性,和95%是白种人。下面展示描述从两项安慰剂-对照试验,由77例接受FIRAZYR剂量30 mg SC患者,和75例接受安慰剂观察到不良反应。
表1中显示最频繁报道 (发生大于1%患者和用FIRAZYR相比较高率)不良反应。
因为临床试验是在广泛不同条件下进行,某药临床试验观察到的不良反应率不能与另一药物临床试验中的发生率直接比较而且可能不反映实践中观察到的发生率。
第三项是阳性-对照试验和由35例接受FIRAZYR 30 mg患者和38例接受对比药患者组成。FIRAZYR不良反应的性质和频数与表1报道相似。
在所有三项对照试验,患者是在一项开放延伸随后发作治疗的合格者。用FIRAZYR 30 mg治疗和对每次发作至少间隔6小时能接受直至3剂FIRAZYR 30 mg患者。总共225例患者对987次HAE急性发作被1,076剂30 mg FIRAZYR治疗。观察到的不良反应性质和频数与试验的对照期所见相似。暴露至FIRAZYR患者中报道的其它不良反应包括皮疹,恶心,和头疼。
在一项分开的,开放试验在56例HAE患者中评价自身给药的安全性。在这个试验,自身给予FIRAZYR患者中FIRAZYR的安全性图形在性质和频数中与被医疗保健人员治疗患者相似。
6.2 免疫原性
在对照试验中跨越重复治疗,4例患者对抗-艾替班特抗体检验阳性。这些患者中3例随后检验阴性。用FIRAZYR无超敏性或过敏反应报道。观察到抗-艾替班特抗体和疗效间无关联。
6.3 上市后经验
在上市后使用与临床试验比较曾观察到相似不良反应。因为这些事件是来自人群大小不确定,不可能总卡考估计其频数或确定与药物暴露相互关系。
7 药物相互作用
7.1 ACE抑制剂
FIRAZYR是一种缓激肽B2受体拮抗剂因此与ACE抑制剂有潜在的药效学相互作用,其中FIRAZYR可能减低ACE抑制剂的抗高血压作用。迄今临床试验已排除用ACE抑制剂受试者。
8 特殊人群中使用
8.1 妊娠
妊娠类别C。在妊娠妇女中没有适当和对照良好研究。在大鼠和兔中艾替班特没有致畸胎作用;但是,在大鼠中它引起分娩延迟,胎畜死亡,和植入前丢失而在兔中 引起早产,流产,胎畜死亡,和植入前丢失。在妊娠期间只有潜在效益合理地胜于对胎儿的潜在风险,才应使用FIRAZYR。
大鼠中延迟分娩和胎畜死亡分别发生在推荐人用最大剂量(MRHD)的0.5和2-倍(基于AUC分别在母体剂量1和3 mg/kg)。大鼠中增加植入前丢失发生在MRHD(基于AUC在母体剂量10 mg/kg)的7-倍。在兔中,早产和流产率增加在剂量低于MRHD (在mg/平方米基础上在母体剂量0.1 mg/kg)的40分之一。在兔中研究还表明植入前丢失和胎畜死亡发生在大于MRHD(在AUC基础上在母体剂量10 mg/kg)的13-倍。
非致畸胎效应:在大鼠中损伤幼畜空中翻正反射[air-righting reflex]和减低幼畜毛发生长发生在MRHD(基于AUC母体剂量10 mg/kg)的7-倍。
8.2 生产和分泌
没有人研究FIRAZYR对早产或足月产影响;但是,动物研究显示艾替班特在大鼠中引起延迟分娩和关联胎畜死亡和在兔中早产和流产。大鼠延迟分娩发生在MRHD(在AUC基础上母体剂量1 mg/kg)0.5-倍。
8.3 哺乳母亲
因为许多药物排泄在人乳汁中,当FIRAZYR给予哺乳妇女时应谨慎对待。艾替班特排泄至哺乳大鼠乳汁中。
8.4 儿童使用
尚未确定年龄18岁以下儿童患者的安全性和有效性。
8.5 老年人使用
FIRAZYR的临床研究没有包括足够数量年龄65岁和以上受试者不能确定他们的反应是否与较年轻受试者不同。老年患者比较年轻(18-45岁)患者很可 能增加对FIRAZYR的全身暴露[见临床药理学(12.3)]。因为其它临床经验报道为确定老年和较年轻患者间疗效和安全性差别,建议无需调整剂量。
8.6 肝受损
在有轻至中度(Child Pugh评分5至8)肝受损患者中研究FIRAZYR。注意到在这些人群中全身暴露无变化。在有肝受损患者中无需调整剂量[见临床药理学(12.3)]。
8.7 肾受损
尽管未进行正式肾受损研究,10/37例用FIRAZYR治疗患者有肝肾综合征与肾小球滤过率(GFR)低于60 mL/min。FIRAZYR是非肾清除和因此预计有肾功能受损患者中全身暴露不显示任何改变。有肾受损患者无需调整剂量[见临床药理学(12.3)]。
10 药物过量
在临床研究中评价90 mg剂量(在皮下三个部位各30 mg),不良反应图形与单个皮下部位30 mg所见相似。
另一项临床研究,健康受试者静脉给予剂量3.2 mg/kg(接近对HAE治疗剂量8倍)引起红斑,痒和低血压。无需治疗干预。
11 一般描述
艾替班特是一种合成的有5个非蛋白源氨基酸十肽结构。艾替班特醋酸盐的化学结构如下图:
与缓激肽[Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg]结构相似,但组成的十个氨基酸列顺序如下:H-D-Arg- Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-Ser-D-Tic-Oic-Arg-OH,醋酸盐。艾替班特的所有手性氨基酸是L-构型除了精氨酸(位1)和 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (位8).
FIRAZYR以无菌,等张,和艾替班特醋酸盐缓冲溶液在一单次使用,预装注射器为皮下给药供应。每mL溶液含10 mg 艾替班特(游离碱)。每支预装注射器输送3 mL溶液等同于30 mg 艾替班特剂量。溶液是透明和无色。
溶液还含氯化钠,冰醋酸,氢氧化钠和pH接近5.5注射用水.溶液不含防腐剂。药理学类别:艾替班特是一种缓激肽B2受体拮抗剂。.
12 临床药理学
12.1 作用机制
艾替班特是一种对缓激肽B2受体选择性的竞争性拮抗剂,亲和力与缓激肽相似。遗传性血管水肿是C1-酯酶-抑制剂的缺乏或功能失调所致,凝血因子XII/ 激肽释放酶蛋白水解级联反应的一个关键调节剂导致生成缓激肽。缓激肽是一种血管扩张剂,被认为负责局部化肿胀,炎症,和疼痛HAE特征性症状。艾替班特抑 制缓激肽与 B2受体结合和因此治疗HAE急性发作临床症状。
12.2 药效学
健康年轻受试者中缓激肽激发[challenge]后,静脉给予FIRAZYR引起剂量和时间-依赖性缓激肽-诱发低血压,血管扩张,和反射心动过速发展 的抑制作用。FIRAZYR静脉剂量0.4和0.8 mg/kg输注历时4小时抑制对缓激肽激发的反应完成输注后共6至8小时。根据暴露-反应分析,皮下30 mg FIRAZYR剂量预计有效对抗缓激肽激发共至少6小时。这些发现的临床意义尚不知道。
在72例健康受试者一项随机化,安慰剂-,和阳性对照(莫西沙星400 mg)四阶段交叉彻底QT研究中评价单次皮下注射30和90 mg FIRAZYR后对QTc间隔的影响。在一项有能力显示检出小效应校正研究中,对最大安慰剂基线校正,基于个体校正法(QTcI)基线校正QTc的单侧 95%可信区间上限,调节关注的阈值为低于10 ms。90 mg剂量是适当代表临床情况的最高暴露。
12.3 药代动力学
用静脉和皮下给予健康受试者和患者的研究中研究FIRAZYR的药代动力学特征。HAE患者与健康受试者中FIRAZYR的药代动力学图形相似。
FIRAZYR 30 mg皮下给药的绝对生物利用度约97%。单次30 mg 剂量FIRAZYR皮下给药至健康受试者(N=96)后,在约0.75小时观察到最高血浆浓度(Cmax)的均数(±标准差)为974 ± 280 ng/mL。单次30 mg剂量后平均浓度-时间曲线下面积(AUC0-∞)为2165 ± 568 ng•hr/mL,在6小时间隔三次30 mg剂量给药后无艾替班特积蓄的证据。皮下给药后,血浆清除率为245 ± 58 mL/min与平均消除半衰期 1.4 ± 0.4小时和稳态分布容积(Vss) 29.0 ± 8.7 L。
艾替班特被蛋白水解酶广泛代谢为无活性代谢物主要在尿中排泄,小于10%剂量以未变化药物排泄。艾替班特 不被氧化代谢通路降解,不是主要细胞色素P450(CYP)同工酶(CYP 1A2,2A6,2B6, 2C8,2C9,2C19,2D6,2E1,和3A4)的抑制剂和不是CYP 1A2和3A4的诱导剂。
特殊人群
肝受损
发现健康受试者(n=8)和轻至中度(Child Pugh评分5至8)肝受损患者(n=8)在剂量0.15 mg/kg/day后在3天作为连续静脉输注间FIRAZYR的药代动力学参数有可比性。在另一研究中,在有广范围肝受损受试者中(Child-Pugh 评分7至15)FIRAZYR清除率与健康受试者相似。对肝功能受损患者无需调整剂量[见特殊人群中使用(8.6)]。
肾受损
因为艾替班特的肾清除是次要消除通路,预计肾受损不影响FIRAZYR的药代动力学和因此对FIRAZYR未进行正规的肾受损研究。在10例患者有肝肾综 合征(GFR 30-60 mL/min), clearance of FIRAZYR的清除率不依赖于肾功能,艾替班特或起代谢物血浆水平与正常肾功能受试者比较未显示任何可观察到差别。肾功能受损患者无需调整剂量[见特殊 人群中使用(8.7)]。
年龄和性别
在年轻(18至45岁)和老年(超过65岁)健康男性和女性受试者中每6小时给予三次30 mg皮下剂量FIRAZYR 研究中。单次-剂量30 mg皮下给予FIRAZYR后,老年男性和女性与年轻男性和女性比较显示AUC分别较高接近2-倍。但是,观察到性别–匹配老年和年轻受试者Cmax间只 有次要差别(~12-14%)。老年受试者趋向比较年轻受试者表现较低清除率和所以较高全身暴露。除了年龄效应也观察到性别对FIRAZYR药代动力学的 影响。注意到较低体重有与体重显著相关的FIRAZYR较低清除率。
因此,女性典型地比男性有较低体重表现较低清除率值,导致接近2-倍较高全身暴露(AUC和Cmax)。尚未确定老年和较年轻患者及男性和女性患者间疗效和安全性差别。不必须根据年龄和性别调整剂量。
药物相互作用
未用FIRAZYR进行正式的药物-药物相互作用研究。艾替班特代谢不是通过CYP450酶介导。体外研究不显示任何明显抑制作用和/或药物代谢CYP450酶的诱导作用;因此,预计没有FIRAZYR和CYP450底物,抑制剂和诱导剂间代谢性药物相互作用。
13 非临床毒理学
13.1 癌发生,突变发生,生育力受损
未进行长期研究确定艾替班特的致癌潜能。
在体外细菌反向突变Ames试验,体外中国仓鼠骨髓染色体畸变试验,和体内小鼠微核试验艾替班特对遗传毒性试验阴性。
大鼠和犬每天皮下给予艾替班特引起卵巢,子宫,和睾丸发生萎缩/退行性变性和对乳腺和前列腺不良效应。在大鼠中,睾丸萎缩,减低前列腺分泌,减低睾丸酮水 平和黄体退行性变性在剂量大于或等于3 mg/kg (在AUC基础上在雄性大于MRHD接近5-倍和在雌性大于MRHD 2-倍)和在剂量大于或等于10 mg/kg (在AUC基础上在雌性大于MRHD接近6-倍)发生发育中卵巢滤泡减低,乳腺男性化和子宫萎缩。在犬中,发生减少精子计数和子宫萎缩在剂量大于或等于1 mg/kg (在AUC基础上大于MRHD接近 2-倍)。在剂量10 mg/kg (在AUC基础上在雄性为MRHD约30-倍和在雌性大于MRHD的15-倍)发生睾丸和前列腺萎缩与睾丸酮水平减低,卵巢大小减小和发育中滤泡数减少。
与每天艾替班特给药效应相反,在犬中每周处理2次共9个月,不发生对卵巢,子宫,睾丸,乳腺,和前列腺的毒性。在这些犬中3 mg/kg剂量的AUC暴露分别为男性和女性MRHD暴露的5-和3-倍。跨越研究过程,在雄性犬中,精子计数和睾丸酮保持不受影响。
在雄性小鼠和大鼠中的生殖研究,每天分别给予艾替班特静脉剂量达81 mg/kg(在mg/平方米基础上大于MRHD接近5-倍)或皮下剂量达10 mg/kg (在AUC基础上大于MRHD约11-倍),发现对生育力和生殖行为 无影响。
13.2 动物毒理学和/或药理学
B2受体在缓激肽心脏保护作用中有关联而受体的拮抗作用在急性缺血后再灌注期间可能有潜在负性心血管效应。在离体豚鼠心脏中,艾替班特减低冠状动脉血流和 在离体大鼠心脏中加重缺血再灌注后心律失常的时间。在麻醉犬心肌梗死模型中冠状动脉内输注艾替班特比盐水缺血增加死亡率2-倍。在人中急性缺血经验有限。 在急性冠状动脉缺血,不稳定性心绞痛,或中风后几周后,只有对患者的效益超过理论上风险时才应使用FIRAZYR。
14 临床研究
在三项对照临床试验中在成年中研究FIRAZYR为HAE急性发作的治疗的疗效和安全性。在这些研究中223例患者,平均年龄是38岁,64%为女性,和 95%是白人。约57%患者报道使用减弱雄激素,抗纤溶药物,或C1抑制剂。主要用视觉模拟评分在一100 mm刻度和患者-和医生-报道症状评分对腹部和皮肤疼痛和肿胀评估对治疗的反应。
试验1是一项98例中位年龄36岁成年患者随机化,安慰剂对照,双盲,平行组研究。患者曾发生重点至严重皮肤或腹部或轻至中度HAE的喉发作,被随机通过 皮下注射接受或FIRAZYR 30 mg或安慰剂。有严重HAE喉发作患者接受开放FIRAZYR 30 mg。主要终点是用3-项组合视力模拟评分(VAS)评估,由皮肤肿胀,皮肤疼痛,和腹部疼痛平均评估组成。反应被定义为从治疗前组合3-项VAS评分至 少减低50%(图2)。对患者有皮肤或腹部发作用症状减低50%中位时间,FIRAZYR治疗(n=43)相比安慰剂(n=45)分别为2.0小时 [95% CI 1.5,3.0]相比19.8小时[95% CI 6.1,26.3] (p<0.001)。
图2 在3-项VAS评分中至从基线减低50%的时间
其它评价终点包括至症状几乎完全缓解时间(VAS<10 mm)和使用解救药物。在试验1中,至症状几乎完全缓解中位时间对FIRAZYR和安慰剂分别是为8.0相比36.0小时。关于使用解救药物,用 FIRAZYR治疗患者3/43(7%)使用另外解救药物与之比较。用安慰剂治疗患者为18/45(40%)。
在一项第二个安慰剂-对照试验和一项阳性-对照试验,分别总共26例和35例患者接受FIRAZYR 30 mg为HAE急性发作的治疗。跨越三项试验,FIRAZYR有至症状从基线50%减低中位时间范围2.0至2.3小时。
复发发作
在所有三项对照试验中,患者是在一项开放延伸随后发作的治疗合格者。患者用FIRAZYR 30 mg治疗和能接受至3剂FIRAZYR 30 mg给药对每次发作间隔至少6小时。在这些试验中总共225例患者用1,076剂30 mg FIRAZYR治疗共987次HAE急性发作。在评估头5剂FIRAZYR-治疗发作(621剂对582次发作),组合3-项VAS评分至从治疗前减低 50%中位时间相似跨域发作(2.0,2.0, 2.4, 2.0,1.5小时)。这些HAE发作的大多数(93%)用单剂FIRAZYR治疗。
.
喉发作
在对照试验中,总共60例用FIRAZYR治疗患者有喉发作。疗效结果与r非-喉(皮肤和腹部)部位发作观察到相似。
自身给药
在一项开放试验中评估56例患者在HAE急性发作时自身FIRAZYR给药有组合3项VAS评分至从治疗前减少50%为2.6小时。
16 如何供应贮存和处置
16.1 如何供应
FIRAZYR是以单次使用,预装注射器为皮下给药。每个注射器输送3 mL无菌溶液艾替班特 30 mg (以艾替班特醋酸盐)供应。每支玻璃注射器有一溴化丁基橡胶活塞,而不是天然乳胶橡胶制造。
FIRAZYR在盒内含有一支单次使用,预装注射器和1个25 G Luer锁针。NDC 54092-702-02.
FIRAZYR也可得到包装含3个盒;各盒一支单次使用,预装注射器和1个25 G Luer锁针。 NDC 54092-702-03.
16.2 贮存和处置
远离儿童可以拿到的地方。贮存在2 - 25° C (36 - 77° F)。不要冻结。给药前贮存在盒内。。
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use FIRAZYR® (icatibant) safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for FIRAZYR.
FIRAZYR (icatibant) Injection, for subcutaneous use Initial U.S. Approval: 2011
-------------------------INDICATIONS AND USAGE-------------------------
FIRAZYR is a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults 18 years of age and older. (1)
--------------------DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION---------------------
• 30 mg injected subcutaneously in the abdominal area. (2.1)
• If response is inadequate or symptoms recur, additional injections of 30 mg may be administered at intervals of at least 6 hours. (2.1)
• Do not administer more than 3 injections in 24 hours. (2.1)
• Patients may self-administer upon recognition of an HAE attack. (2.2)
--------------------DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS------------------
Injection: 10 mg per mL (3)
---------------------------CONTRAINDICATIONS----------------------------
None (4)
----------------------WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS-----------------
• Laryngeal attacks: Following treatment of laryngeal attacks with FIRAZYR, advise patients to seek immediate medical attention. (5.1)
--------------------------ADVERSE REACTIONS-------------------------
The most commonly reported adverse reactions were injection site reactions, which occurred in almost all patients (97%) in clinical trials. Other common adverse reactions occurring in greater than 1% of patients included pyrexia, transaminase increase, dizziness, and rash. (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Shire Human Genetic Therapies at the OnePath® phone # 1-866-888 0660 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
-------------------USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS------------------
• Elderly patients demonstrate increased systemic exposure to icatibant. Differences in efficacy and safety between elderly and younger patients have not been identified. (8.5)
See 17 for Patient Counseling Information and FDA-approved patient labeling (Instructions for Use).
Revised: 08/2011
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
1 |
INDICATIONS AND USAGE |
|
8.5 |
Geriatric Use |
2 |
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION |
|
8.6 |
Hepatic Impairment |
|
2.1 Recommended Dosing |
|
8.7 |
Renal Impairment |
|
2.2 Administration Instructions |
10 |
OVERDOSAGE |
|
3 |
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS |
11 |
DESCRIPTION |
|
4 |
CONTRAINDICATIONS |
12 |
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY |
|
5 |
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 5.1 Laryngeal Attacks |
|
12.1 Mechanism of Action 12.2 Pharmacodynamics |
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 12.3 Pharmacokinetics
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
6.2 Immunogenicity 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
6.3 Postmarketing Experience 13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 14 CLINICAL STUDIES
7.1 ACE Inhibitors 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 16.1 How Supplied
8.1 |
Pregnancy |
|
16.2 Storage and Handling |
8.2 |
Labor and Delivery |
17 |
PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION |
8.3 |
Nursing Mothers |
|
17.1 Information for Patients |
8.4 |
Pediatric Use |
|
|
*Sections or subsections omitted from Full Prescribing Information are not listed.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
FIRAZYR® (icatibant) is indicated for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults 18 years of age and older.
2.1 Recommended Dosing
The recommended dose of FIRAZYR is 30 mg administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection in the abdominal area. Additional doses may be administered at intervals of at least 6 hours if response is inadequate or if symptoms recur. No more than 3 doses may be administered in any 24 hour period.
FIRAZYR should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The drug solution should be clear and colorless. Do not administer if the product contains particulates or is discolored.
Attach the provided 25 gauge needle to the syringe hub and screw on securely. Do not use a different needle. Disinfect the injection site and administer FIRAZYR by subcutaneous injection over at least 30 seconds.
Patients may self-administer FIRAZYR upon recognition of symptoms of an HAE attack after training under the guidance of a healthcare professional [see Patient Counseling Information(17)].
FIRAZYR injection is supplied in a prefilled syringe delivering 30 mg icatibant. Each syringe delivers 3 mL solution with a concentration of 10 mg per mL.
None.
5.1 Laryngeal Attacks
Given the potential for airway obstruction during acute laryngeal HAE attacks, patients should be advised to seek medical attention in an appropriate healthcare facility immediately in addition to treatment with FIRAZYR.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
The safety of icatibant was evaluated in three controlled trials that included 223 patients who received FIRAZYR 30 mg (n=113), placebo (n=75), or comparator (n=38). The mean age at study entry was 38
years (range 18 to 83 years), 64% were female, and 95% were white. The data described below represent adverse reactions observed from the two placebo-controlled trials, consisting of 77 patients who received FIRAZYR at a dose of 30 mg SC, and 75 who received placebo.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions (occurring in greater than 1% of patients and at a higher rate with FIRAZYR versus placebo) are shown in Table 1.
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 rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Table 1 Adverse reactions observed in >1% of patients with acute attacks of HAE and at a higher rate with FIRAZYR versus placebo in the placebo-controlled trialsa
|
FIRAZYR (N =77) |
Placebo (N = 75) |
System Organ Class Preferred Term |
Subjects (%) |
Subjects (%) |
General disorders and administration site conditions |
||
Injection site reaction b
Pyrexia |
75 (97)
3 (4) |
25 (33)
0 |
Investigations |
||
Transaminase increased |
3 (4) |
0 |
Nervous system disorders |
||
Dizziness |
2 (3) |
1 (1) |
a Events occurring within 14 days of study drug administration b Injection site bruising, Injection site hematoma, Injection site burning, Injection site erythema, Injection site hypoesthesia, Injection site irritation, Injection site numbness, Injection site edema, Injection site pain, Injection site pressure sensation, Injection site pruritus, Injection site swelling, Injection site urticaria, and Injection site warmth |
The third trial was active-controlled and was comprised of 35 patients who received FIRAZYR 30 mg and 38 patients who received the comparator. Adverse reactions for FIRAZYR were similar in nature and frequency to those reported in Table 1.
In all three controlled trials, patients were eligible for treatment of subsequent attacks in an open-label extension. Patients were treated with FIRAZYR 30 mg and could receive up to 3 doses of FIRAZYR 30 mg administered at least 6 hours apart for each attack. A total of 225 patients were treated with 1,076 doses of 30 mg FIRAZYR for 987 attacks of acute HAE. Adverse reactions similar in nature and frequency were observed to those seen in the controlled phase of the trials. Other adverse reactions reported included rash, nausea, and headache in patients exposed to FIRAZYR.
The safety of self-administration was evaluated in a separate, open-label trial in 56 patients with HAE. In this trial, the safety profile of FIRAZYR in patients who self-administered FIRAZYR was similar in nature and frequency to that of patients whose therapy was administered by healthcare professionals.
Across repeated treatment in the controlled trials, 4 patients tested positive for anti-icatibant antibodies. Three of these patients had subsequent tests which were negative. No hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions were reported with FIRAZYR. No association between anti-icatibant antibodies and efficacy was observed.
Similar adverse reactions have been observed in postmarketing use as compared to the clinical trials. Because these events 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.
7.1 ACE Inhibitors
FIRAZYR is a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist and thereby has the potential to have a pharmacodynamic interaction with ACE inhibitors where FIRAZYR may attenuate the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors. Clinical trials to date have excluded subjects taking ACE inhibitors.
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Icatibant was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits; however, it caused delayed parturition, fetal death, and pre implantation loss in rats and premature birth, abortion, fetal death, and pre-implantation loss in rabbits. FIRAZYR should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Delayed parturition and fetal death in rats occurred at 0.5 and 2-fold, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (on an AUC basis at maternal doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg, respectively). Increased pre-implantation loss in rats occurred at 7-fold the MRHD (on an AUC basis at a maternal dose of 10 mg/kg). In rabbits, premature birth and abortion rates increased at a dose that was less than 1/40th the MRHD (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 0.1 mg/kg). Studies in rabbits also indicated that pre implantation loss and increased fetal deaths occurred at 13-fold greater than the MRHD (on an AUC basis at a maternal dose of 10 mg/kg).
Nonteratogenic effects: Impairment of pup air-righting reflex and decreased pup hair growth in rats occurred at 7-fold the MRHD (on an AUC basis at a maternal dose of 10 mg/kg).
There are no human studies that have investigated the effects of FIRAZYR on preterm labor or labor at term; however, animal studies showed that icatibant causes delayed parturition and associated fetal death in rats and premature birth and abortion in rabbits. Delayed parturition occurred in rats at 0.5-fold times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at a maternal dose of 1 mg/kg).
Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when FIRAZYR is administered to a nursing woman. Icatibant is excreted into the milk of lactating rats.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 18 years have not been established.
Clinical studies of FIRAZYR did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Elderly patients are likely to have increased systemic exposure to FIRAZYR compared to younger (18-45 years) patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Since other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in efficacy and safety between elderly and younger patients, no dose adjustment is recommended.
FIRAZYR was studied in patients with mild to moderate (Child Pugh scores of 5 to 8) hepatic impairment. No change in systemic exposure is noted in these patient populations. No dose adjustment is required in patients with hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Although a formal renal impairment study has not been conducted, 10 of 37 patients treated with FIRAZYR had hepatorenal syndrome with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60 mL/min. FIRAZYR is cleared non-renally and hence it is not expected to show any change in systemic exposure in patients with impaired renal function. No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
In a clinical study evaluating a 90 mg dose (30 mg in each of 3 subcutaneous sites), the adverse event profile was similar to that seen with 30 mg administered in a single subcutaneous site.
In another clinical study, a dose of 3.2 mg/kg administered intravenously (approximately 8 times the therapeutic dose for HAE) caused erythema, itching and hypotension in healthy subjects. No therapeutic intervention was necessary.
FIRAZYR (icatibant) is a synthetic decapeptide with five non-proteinogenic amino acids. The chemical structure of icatibant acetate is presented in Figure 1.
Chemical name: D-Arginyl-L-arginyl-L-prolyl-L[(4R)-4-hydroxyprolyl]-glycyl-L[3-(2-thienyl)alanyl]-L seryl-D-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-3-ylcarbonyl)-L[(3aS,7aS)-octahydroindol-2-ylcarbonyl]-L arginine, acetate salt
FIRAZYR is provided as a sterile, isotonic, and buffered solution of icatibant acetate in a single-use, prefilled syringe for subcutaneous administration. Each mL of the solution contains 10 mg of icatibant (free base). Each prefilled syringe delivers 3 mL of solution equivalent to a 30 mg icatibant dose. The solution is clear and colorless.
The solution also contains sodium chloride, glacial acetic acid, sodium hydroxide and water for injection with a pH of approximately 5.5. The solution does not contain preservatives.
Pharmacological class: Icatibant is a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist.
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Icatibant is a competitive antagonist selective for the bradykinin B2 receptor, with an affinity similar to bradykinin. Hereditary angioedema is caused by an absence or dysfunction of C1-esterase-inhibitor, a key regulator of the Factor XII/kallikrein proteolytic cascade that leads to bradykinin production. Bradykinin is a vasodilator which is thought to be responsible for the characteristic HAE symptoms of localized swelling, inflammation, and pain. Icatibant inhibits bradykinin from binding the B2 receptor and thereby treats the clinical symptoms of an acute, episodic attack of HAE.
Following bradykinin challenge, intravenous administration of FIRAZYR caused dose and time- dependent inhibition of development of bradykinin-induced hypotension, vasodilation, and reflex tachycardia in healthy young subjects. FIRAZYR intravenous doses of 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg infused over 4 hours inhibited response to bradykinin challenge for 6 to 8 hours following completion of the infusion. Based on exposure-response analysis, a subcutaneous dose of 30 mg FIRAZYR is predicted to be effective against bradykinin challenge for at least 6 hours. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
The effect of FIRAZYR 30 and 90 mg following a single subcutaneous injection on QTc interval was evaluated in a randomized, placebo-, and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) four-period crossover thorough QT study in 72 healthy subjects. In a study with demonstrated ability to detect small effects, the upper bound of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for the largest placebo adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc based on individual correction method (QTcI) was below 10 ms, the threshold for regulatory concern. The dose of 90 mg is adequate to represent the high exposure clinical scenario.
The pharmacokinetics of FIRAZYR has been characterized in studies using both intravenous and subcutaneous administration to healthy subjects and patients. The pharmacokinetic profile of FIRAZYR in patients with HAE is similar to that in healthy subjects.
The absolute bioavailability of FIRAZYR following a 30 mg subcutaneous dose is approximately 97%. Following subcutaneous administration of a single 30 mg dose of FIRAZYR to healthy subjects (N=96), a mean (± standard deviation) maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 974 ± 280 ng/mL was observed after approximately 0.75 hours. The mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞) after a single 30 mg dose was 2165 ± 568 ng·hr/mL, with no evidence of accumulation of icatibant following three 30 mg doses administered 6 hours apart. Following subcutaneous administration, plasma clearance was 245
± 58 mL/min with a mean elimination half-life of 1.4 ± 0.4 hours and volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) of 29.0 ± 8.7 L.
Icatibant is extensively metabolized by proteolytic enzymes to inactive metabolites that are primarily excreted in the urine, with less than 10% of the dose eliminated as unchanged drug. Icatibant is not degraded by oxidative metabolic pathways, is not an inhibitor of major cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes (CYP 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4) and is not an inducer of CYP 1A2 and 3A4.
Special populations
Hepatic Impairment
The pharmacokinetic parameters of FIRAZYR were found to be generally comparable between healthy subjects (n=8) and mild to moderate (Child Pugh scores of 5 to 8) hepatic impaired patients (n=8) following a dose of 0.15 mg/kg/day as continuous intravenous infusion over 3 days. In a separate study, FIRAZYR clearance in subjects with a wide range of hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh scores of 7 to 15) was similar to that in healthy subjects. No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with impairment of hepatic function [See Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Renal Impairment
Since renal clearance of icatibant is a minor eliminating pathway, renal impairment is not expected to affect the pharmacokinetics of FIRAZYR and hence a formal renal impairment study was not conducted for FIRAZYR. In 10 patients with hepatorenal syndrome (GFR 30-60 mL/min), clearance of FIRAZYR was not dependent on renal function and therefore, did not show any observable differences in the plasma levels of icatibant or its metabolites compared to subjects with normal renal function. No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with impairment of renal function [See Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Age and Gender
Three 30 mg subcutaneous doses of FIRAZYR administered every 6 hours were studied in young (18 to 45 years of age) and elderly (over 65 years of age) healthy male and female subjects. Following single- dose administration of 30 mg subcutaneous FIRAZYR, elderly males and females showed approximately 2-fold higher AUC compared to young males and females, respectively. However, only minor differences (~12-14%) between Cmax of gender–matched elderly and young subjects were observed. Older subjects tend to exhibit lower clearance compared to younger subjects and therefore higher systemic exposure. Gender effect on FIRAZYR pharmacokinetics was also observed in addition to age effect. Clearance of FIRAZYR is significantly correlated with bodyweight with lower clearance values noted for lower bodyweights. Hence, females with typically lower body weights compared to males exhibit lower clearance values, resulting in approximately 2-fold higher systemic exposure (both AUC and Cmax) compared to males. Differences in efficacy and safety between elderly and younger patients and male and female patients have not been identified. Dose adjustment based on age and gender is not warranted.
Drug Interactions
Formal drug-drug interaction studies were not conducted with FIRAZYR. Icatibant metabolism is not mediated by CYP450 enzymes. In vitrostudy did not show any significant inhibition and/or induction of drug metabolizing CYP450 enzymes; therefore, metabolic drug interactions between FIRAZYR and CYP450 substrates, inhibitors and inducers are not expected.
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long-term studies to determine the carcinogenic potential of icatibant have not been conducted. Icatibant tested negative for genotoxicity in the in vitroAmes bacterial reverse mutation test, in vitro
Chinese hamster bone marrow chromosome aberration assay, and in vivomouse micronucleus test.
Daily subcutaneous administration of icatibant to rats and dogs caused ovarian, uterine, and testicular atrophy/degeneration and adverse effects on the mammary and prostate glands. In rats, testicular atrophy, reduced prostate gland secretion, decreased testosterone levels and degenenerate corpora lutea occurred at doses greater than or equal to 3 mg/kg (approximately 5-fold greater than the MRHD in males and 2-fold greater than the MRHD in females on an AUC basis) and a decrease in developing ovarian follicles, mammary gland masculinization, and uterine atrophy occurred at doses greater than or equal to 10 mg/kg (approximately 6-fold greater than MRHD in females on an AUC basis). In dogs, reduced sperm counts and uterine atrophy occurred at doses greater than or equal to 1 mg/kg (approximately 2-fold greater than the MRHD on an AUC basis). Atrophy of the testes and prostate with decreased testosterone levels, decreased ovary size and decreased number of developing follicles occurred at a dose of 10 mg/kg (approximately 30-fold greater than the MRHD in males and 15-fold greater than at the MRHD in females on an AUC basis).
In contrast to the effects of daily icatibant administration, toxicity to the ovary, uterus, testis, mammary gland, and prostate did not occur in dogs treated twice a week for 9 months. AUC exposures from a dose of 3 mg/kg in these dogs were 5- and 3-fold the MRHD exposures in men and women, respectively. Sperm counts and testosterone remained unaffected over the course of the study in male dogs dosed twice a week.
Reproduction studies in male mice and rats with daily administration of icatibant found no effects on fertility or reproductive performance with intravenous doses up 81 mg/kg (approximately 5-fold greater than the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) or subcutaneous doses up to 10 mg/kg (approximately 11-fold greater than the MRHD on an AUC basis), respectively.
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
The B2 receptor has been implicated in the cardioprotective effects of bradykinin and antagonism of this receptor could potentially have negative cardiovascular effects during reperfusion after acute ischemia. Icatibant decreased coronary blood flow in the isolated guinea pig heart and aggravated the duration of post-ischemic reperfusion arrhythmias in the isolated rat heart. Intracoronary infusion of icatibant in an anesthetized myocardial infarction dog model increased mortality rate 2-fold over saline ischemia. There is limited human experience in acute ischemia. FIRAZYR should be used during acute coronary ischemia, unstable angina pectoris, or in the weeks following a stroke only if the benefit exceeds the theoretical risk to the patient.
The efficacy and safety of FIRAZYR for the treatment of acute attacks of HAE in adults were studied in three controlled clinical trials. Among the 223 patients in these studies, the mean age was 38 years, 64% were female, and 95% were white. Approximately 57% of patients reported use of attenuated androgens, antifibrinolytic agents, or C1 inhibitors. Response to therapy was primarily assessed using visual analog scores on a 100 mm scale and patient- and physician-reported symptom scores for abdominal and cutaneous pain and swelling.
Trial 1 was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study of 98 adult patients with a median age of 36 years. Patients who had developed moderate to severe cutaneous or abdominal or mild to moderate laryngeal attacks of HAE were randomized to receive either FIRAZYR 30 mg or placebo by subcutaneous injection. Patients with severe laryngeal attacks of HAE received open-label FIRAZYR 30 mg. The primary endpoint was assessed using a 3-item composite visual analog score (VAS), comprised of averaged assessments of skin swelling, skin pain, and abdominal pain. Response was defined as at least a 50% reduction from the pretreatment composite 3-itemVAS score (Figure 2). The median time to 50% reduction in symptoms for patients with cutaneous or abdominal attacks treated with FIRAZYR (n=43) compared to placebo (n=45) was 2.0 hours [95% CI 1.5, 3.0] versus 19.8 hours [95% CI 6.1, 26.3], respectively (p<0.001).
Other evaluated endpoints included time to almost complete symptom relief (VAS<10 mm) and rescue medication use. In Trial 1, the median times to almost complete symptom relief were 8.0 versus 36.0 hours for FIRAZYR and placebo, respectively. In terms of rescue medication use, 3/43 (7%) patients treated with FIRAZYR used additional rescue medication in comparison to 18/45 (40%) patients treated with placebo.
In a second placebo-controlled trial and an active-controlled trial, a total of 26 and 35 patients, respectively, received FIRAZYR 30 mg for the treatment of an acute HAE attack. Across the three trials, FIRAZYR had a median time to 50% reduction from baseline symptoms ranging from 2.0 to 2.3 hours.
Recurrent attacks
In all three controlled trials, patients were eligible for treatment of subsequent attacks in an open-label extension. Patients were treated with FIRAZYR 30 mg and could receive up to 3 doses of FIRAZYR 30 mg administered at least 6 hours apart for each attack. A total of 225 patients were treated with 1,076 doses of 30 mg FIRAZYR for 987 attacks of acute HAE in these trials. In an assessment of the first 5 FIRAZYR-treated attacks (621 doses for 582 attacks), the median times to a 50% reduction from the pretreatment composite 3-itemVAS score were similar across attacks (2.0, 2.0, 2.4, 2.0, 1.5 hours). The majority (93%) of these attacks of HAE were treated with a single dose of FIRAZYR.
Laryngeal attacks
A total of 60 patients with laryngeal attacks were treated with FIRAZYR in the controlled trials. Efficacy results were similar to those observed for non-laryngeal (cutaneous and abdominal) sites of attack.
Self-administration
Self-administration of FIRAZYR by 56 patients was assessed in an open label trial. Patients who administered FIRAZYR during an acute attack of HAE had a median time to 50% reduction from the pretreatment composite 3-itemVAS score of 2.6 hours.
16.1 How Supplied
FIRAZYR is supplied as a single-use, prefilled syringe for subcutaneous administration. Each syringe delivers 3 mL of a sterile solution of icatibant 30 mg (as icatibant acetate). Each glass syringe has a bromobutyl plunger stopper, which is not made of latex natural rubber.
FIRAZYR is available in cartons containing one single-use, prefilled syringe and one 25 G Luer lock needle. NDC 54092-702-02.
FIRAZYR is also available in a pack containing 3 cartons; each carton contains one single-use, prefilled syringe and one 25 G Luer lock needle. NDC 54092-702-03.
Keep out of the reach of children. Store between 2 - 25° C (36 - 77° F). Do not freeze.
Store in carton until time of administration.
17.1 Information for Patients
Patients may self-administer FIRAZYR upon recognition of an HAE attack after training under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Patients with laryngeal symptoms should seek medical attention immediately in an appropriate healthcare facility after administration of FIRAZYR [see Warnings and Precautions(5.1)].
Injection site reactions are reported in most patients after administration of FIRAZYR. Other adverse reactions reported after administration of FIRAZYR include pyrexia, increase in transaminases, dizziness, and rash [see Adverse Reactions(6.1)].
Tiredness, drowsiness, and dizziness have been reported following the use of FIRAZYR. Patients should be advised not to drive or use machinery if they feel tired or dizzy.
Manufactured for:
Shire Orphan Therapies, Inc. 300 Shire Way
Lexington, MA 02421
August 2011
FIRAZYR is protected by U.S. Patent No. 5,648,333
Patient Information FIRAZYR® (FIR-a-zeer) (icatibant) Injection
Please read this Patient Information before you use FIRAZYR and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is FIRAZYR?
FIRAZYR is a medicine used to treat acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults 18 years and older. It is not known if FIRAZYR is safe or effective for children under 18 years of age.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking FIRAZYR? Before you use FIRAZYR, tell your healthcare provider if you:
• have any other medical conditions.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if FIRAZYR passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use FIRAZYR.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if FIRAZYR will harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider will decide if FIRAZYR is right for you.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How should I use FIRAZYR?
• Use FIRAZYR exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
• Your healthcare provider will prescribe the right dose of FIRAZYR for you and tell you when to use it.
• Your healthcare provider will teach you or a caregiver how to give FIRAZYR injections
• Read the Instructions for Use at the end of the Patient Information for information about the right way to use FIRAZYR.
• If your symptoms continue or come back, you may repeat your FIRAZYR injection at least six hours apart.
• Do not use more than 3 doses in 24 hours.
• If you have a laryngeal attack, inject FIRAZYR and then go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
What should I avoid while using FIRAZYR?
Tiredness, drowsiness, and dizziness can occur in people who take FIRAZYR. If this occurs, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything that needs you to be alert.
What are the possible side effects of FIRAZYR?
The most common side effects of FIRAZYR include:
• redness, bruising, swelling, warmth, burning, itching, irritation, hives, numbness, pressure, or pain at the injection site
• fever
• too much of an enzyme called transaminase in your blood
• dizziness
• nausea
• headache
• rash
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all of the possible side effects of FIRAZYR. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store FIRAZYR?
• Store FIRAZYR between 36˚F to 77˚F (2˚C to 25˚C).
• Do not freeze.
• Store FIRAZYR in the original carton until you are ready to use it. Keep FIRAZYR and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of FIRAZYR
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use FIRAZYR for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FIRAZYR to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about FIRAZYR. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about FIRAZYR that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.FIRAZYR.com or call 1-866-888-0660.
What are the ingredients in FIRAZYR? Active ingredient: icatibant acetate
Inactive Ingredients: sodium chloride, glacial acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, and water
Step-by-Step Instructions for your FIRAZYR injection
Step 1. Preparing your dose of FIRAZYR
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• You will need the following supplies:
o Your FIRAZYR carton that includes 1 single-use FIRAZYR prefilled syringe and 1 needle.
o an alcohol wipe
o The medicine inside your FIRAZYR prefilled syringe should be clear and colorless. Do not use your FIRAZYR prefilled syringe if the solution contains particles, is cloudy, or an unusual color.
Figure A
Step 2. Remove the prefilled syringe and needle from the carton. See Figure B.
Figure B
Step 3. Remove the seal from the needle cap (the needle should remain inside the protective needle cap until ready to use). See Figure C.
Figure C
Step 4. Hold the syringe firmly. Carefully attach the needle to the prefilled syringe containing the colorless FIRAZYR solution. See Figure D.
Figure D
Step 5. Firmly screw the needle on the prefilled syringe. Be careful not to remove the needle from the needle cap. See Figure E.
Figure E Preparing the Injection Site
Step 6. Choose the injection site. The injection site should be a fold of skin on your stomach, about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) below your belly button on either side. See Figure F.
The area you choose for injection should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from any scars. Do not choose an area that is bruised, swollen, or painful.
Figure F
Step 7. Clean your FIRAZYR injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry. See Figure G.
Figure G Injecting your FIRAZYR
Step 8. Remove the needle from the needle cap by holding the needle cap and carefully pulling the syringe. Do not pull up on the plunger. See Figure H.
Figure H
Step 9. Hold the FIRAZYR prefilled syringe in 1 hand, between your fingers and thumb. See Figure I.
Figure I
Step 10. Use your other hand to gently pinch the fold of skin you cleaned with the alcohol wipe between your thumb and fingers for your injection. See Figure J.
Figure J
Step 11. Hold the syringe between a 45 to 90 degree angle to your skin with the needle facing the fold of skin you are holding. See Figure K.
Figure K
Step 12. Hold the fold of skin. Bring the syringe to the skin and quickly insert the needle into the skin fold. See Figure L.
Figure L
Step 13. Push the plunger, at the top of the syringe, over at least 30 seconds until no FIRAZYR is in the syringe. See Figure M.
Figure M
Step 14. Release the skin fold and gently pull the needle out. See Figure N.
Figure N
Disposal of your used FIRAZYR prefilled syringe
Step 15. Place the used FIRAZYR syringe with the needle attached, in a sharps container (such as a red biohazard container), a hard plastic container, (such as a detergent bottle), or a metal container (such as an empty coffee can). Seal the container and throw it away the right way. There may be state and local laws about the right way to throw away used syringes and needles. Ask your
healthcare provider or pharmacist how to throw away used syringes and needles. See Figure O.
Figure O
This Patient Package Insert and Instructions for Use have been approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Manufactured for:
Shire Orphan Therapies, Inc. 300 Shire Way
Lexington, MA 02421
August 2011
ANNEX I
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Firazyr 30 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each pre-filled syringe of 3 ml contains icatibant acetate equivalent to 30 mg icatibant. Each ml of the solution contains 10 mg of icatibant.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Solution for injection.
The solution is a clear and colourless liquid.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Firazyr is indicated for symptomatic treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and older, with C1-esterase-inhibitor deficiency.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Firazyr is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Posology
Adults
The recommended dose for adults is a single subcutaneous injection of Firazyr 30 mg.
In the majority of cases a single injection of Firazyr is sufficient to treat an attack. In case of insufficient relief or recurrence of symptoms, a second injection of Firazyr can be administered after 6 hours. If the second injection produces insufficient relief or a recurrence of symptoms is observed, a third injection of Firazyr can be administered after a further 6 hours. No more than 3 injections of Firazyr should be administered in a 24 hour period.
In the clinical trials, not more than 8 injections of Firazyr per month have been administered.
Paediatric population
The recommended dose of Firazyr based on body weight in children and adolescents (aged 2 to 17 years) is provided in table 1 below.
Body Weight |
Dose (Injection Volume) |
12 kg to 25 kg |
10 mg (1.0 ml) |
26 kg to 40 kg |
15 mg (1.5 ml) |
41 kg to 50 kg |
20 mg (2.0 ml) |
51 kg to 65 kg |
25 mg (2.5 ml) |
>65 kg |
30 mg (3.0 ml) |
In the clinical trial, not more than 1 injection of Firazyr per HAE attack has been administered.
No dosage regimen for children aged less than 2 years or weighing less than 12 kg can be recommended as the safety and efficacy in this paediatric group has not been established.
Elderly
Limited information is available on patients older than 65 years of age.
Elderly people have been shown to have increased systemic exposure to icatibant. The relevance of this to the safety of Firazyr is unknown (see section 5.2).
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with hepatic impairment.
Renal impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment. Method of administration
Firazyr is intended for subcutaneous administration preferably in the abdominal area.
Firazyr solution for injection should be injected slowly due to the volume to be administered. Each Firazyr syringe is intended for single use only.
Refer to the patient information leaflet for instructions for use.
Caregiver/self-administration
The decision on initiating caregiver or self-administration of Firazyr should only be taken by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary angioedema (see section 4.4).
Adults
Firazyr may be self-administered or administered by a caregiver only after training in subcutaneous injection technique by a healthcare professional.
Children and adolescents aged 2-17 years
Firazyr may be administered by a caregiver only after training in subcutaneous injection technique by a healthcare professional.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Laryngeal attacks
Patients with laryngeal attacks should be managed in an appropriate medical institution after injection until the physician considers discharge to be safe.
Ischemic heart disease
Under ischemic conditions, a deterioration of cardiac function and a decrease in coronary blood flow could theoretically arise from antagonism of bradykinin receptor type 2. Caution should therefore be observed in the administration of Firazyr to patients with acute ischemic heart disease or unstable angina pectoris (see section 5.3).
Stroke
Although there is evidence to support a beneficial effect of B2 receptor blockade immediately following a stroke, there is a theoretical possibility that icatibant may attenuate the positive late phase neuroprotective effects of bradykinin. Accordingly, caution should be observed in the administration of icatibant to patients in the weeks following a stroke.
Caregiver/self-administration
For patients who have never received Firazyr previously, the first treatment should be given in a medical institution or under the guidance of a physician.
In case of insufficient relief or recurrence of symptoms after self-treatment or administration by a caregiver, it is recommended that the patient or caregiver should seek medical advice. For adults, subsequent doses that may be required for the same attack should be administered within a medical institution (see section 4.2). There are no data on administering subsequent doses for the same attack in adolescents or children.
Patients experiencing a laryngeal attack should always seek medical advice and be observed in a medical institution also after having taken the injection at home.
Paediatric population
There is limited experience with treatment of more than one HAE attack with Firazyr in the paediatric population.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Pharmacokinetic drug interactions involving CYP450 are not expected (see section 5.2).
Co-administration of Firazyr with angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has not been studied. ACE inhibitors are contraindicated in HAE patients due to possible enhancement of bradykinin levels.
Pregnancy
For icatibant, no clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available. Animal studies showed effects on uterine implantation and parturition (see section 5.3), but the potential risk for humans is unknown.
Firazyr should be used during pregnancy only, if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk for the foetus, (e.g for treatment of potentially life threatening laryngeal attacks).
Breast-feeding
Icatibant is excreted in the milk of lactating rats at concentrations similar to those in maternal blood. No effects were detected in the post-natal development of rat pups.
It is unknown whether icatibant is excreted in human breast milk but it is recommended that breastfeeding women, who wish to take Firazyr, should not breastfeed for 12 hours after treatment.
Fertility
In both rats and dogs, repeated use of icatibant resulted in effects on reproductive organs. Icatibant had no effect on the fertility of male mice and rats (see section 5.3). In a study of 39 healthy adult men and women treated with 30 mg every 6 hours for 3 doses every 3 days for a total of 9 doses, there were no clinically significant changes from baseline in basal and GnRH-stimulated concentration of reproductive hormones in either females or males. There were no significant effects of icatibant on the concentration of luteal phase progesterone and luteal function, or on menstrual cycle length in females and there were no significant effects of icatibant on sperm count, motility and morphology in males.
The dosing regimen used for this study is unlikely to be sustained in the clinical setting.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Firazyr has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Fatigue, lethargy, tiredness, somnolence, and dizziness have been reported following the use of Firazyr. These symptoms may occur as a result of an attack of HAE. Patients should be advised not to drive and use machines if they feel tired or dizzy.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profile
In clinical studies used for registration, a total of 999 HAE attacks have been treated with 30 mg Firazyr administered subcutaneously by a healthcare professional. Firazyr 30 mg SC has been administered by a healthcare professional to 129 healthy subjects and 236 patients with HAE.
Almost all subjects who were treated with subcutaneous icatibant in clinical trials developed reactions at the site of injection (characterised by skin irritation, swelling, pain, itchiness, erythema, burning sensation). These reactions were generally mild to moderate in severity, transient, and resolved without further intervention.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The frequency of adverse reactions listed in Table 1 is defined using the following convention:
Very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000).
All adverse reactions from post-marketing experience areitalicised.
System Organ Class (incidence category) |
Preferred Term |
Nervous system disorders (Common, ≥1/100 to <1/10) |
Dizziness Headache |
Gastrointestinal disorders (Common, ≥1/100 to <1/10) |
Nausea |
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
|
(Common, ≥1/100 to <1/10) |
Rash |
|
Erythema |
|
Pruritus |
(Unknown) |
Urticaria |
General disorders and administration site |
|
conditions |
|
(Very Common, ≥1/10) |
Injection site reactions* |
(Common, ≥1/100 to <1/10) |
Pyrexia |
Investigations (Common, ≥1/100 to <1/10) |
Transaminases increased |
* Injection site bruising, Injection site hematoma, Injection site burning, Injection site erythema, Injection site hypoesthesia, Injection site irritation, Injection site numbness, Injection site edema, Injection site pain, Injection site pressure sensation, Injection site pruritus, Injection site swelling, Injection site urticaria, and Injection site warmth. |
Paediatric Population
A total of 32 paediatric patients (8 children aged 2 to 11 years and 24 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years) with HAE were exposed to treatment with icatibant during clinical studies. Thirty-one patients received a single dose of icatibant and 1 patient (an adolescent) received icatibant for two HAE attacks (in total, two doses). Firazyr was administered by subcutaneous injection at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg based on body weight to a maximum dose of 30 mg.
The majority of paediatric patients who were treated with subcutaneous icatibant experienced injection site reactions such as erythema, swelling, burning sensation, skin pain and itching/pruritus; these were found to be mild to moderate in severity and consistent with reactions that have been reported in adults. Two paediatric patients experienced injection site reactions which were assessed as severe and which were completely resolved within 6 hours. These reactions were erythema, swelling, burning and warm sensation.
No clinically significant changes in reproductive hormones were observed during clinical studies. Description of selected adverse reactions
Immunogenicity
Across repeated treatment in adults in the controlled phase III trials, transient positivity to anti- icatibant antibodies was observed in rare cases. All patients maintained efficacy. One Firazyr-treated patient tested positive for anti-icatibant antibodies before and after treatment with Firazyr. This patient was followed for 5 months and further samples were negative for anti-icatibant antibodies. No hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions were reported with Firazyr.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.
4.9 Overdose
No clinical information on overdose is available.
A dose of 3.2 mg/kg intravenously (approximately 8 times the therapeutic dose) caused transient erythema, itching, flushing or hypotension in healthy subjects. No therapeutic intervention was necessary.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other haematological agents, drugs used to treat hereditary angioedema; ATC code: B06AC02.
Mechanism of action
HAE (an autosomal dominant disease) is caused by an absence or dysfunction of C1-esterase- inhibitor. HAE attacks are accompanied by an increased release of bradykinin, which is the key mediator in the development of the clinical symptoms.
HAE manifests as intermittent attacks of subcutaneous and/or sub mucosal oedema involving the upper respiratory tract, the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. An attack usually lasts between 2 to 5 days.
Icatibant is a selective competitive antagonist at the bradykinin type 2 (B2) receptor. It is a synthetic decapeptide with a structure similar to bradykinin, but with 5 non-proteinogenic amino acids. In HAE increased bradykinin concentrations are the key mediator in the development of the clinical symptoms.
Pharmacodynamic effects
In healthy young subjects, icatibant administered in doses of 0.8 mg/kg over 4 hours; 1.5 mg/kg/day or
0.15 mg/kg/day for 3 days, development of bradykinin-induced hypotension, vasodilatation and reflex tachycardia was prevented. Icatibant was shown to be a competitive antagonist when the bradykinin challenge dose was increased 4-fold.
Clinical efficacy and safety
Efficacy data were obtained from an initial open-label Phase II study and from three controlled Phase III studies.
Phase III clinical studies (FAST-1 and FAST-2) were randomized, double-blind, controlled trials and had identical designs except for the comparator (one with oral tranexamic acid as the comparator and one placebo controlled). A total of 130 patients were randomized to receive either a 30 mg dose of icatibant (63 patients) or comparator (either tranexamic acid, - 38 or placebo - 29 patients).
Subsequent episodes of HAE were treated in an open label extension. Patients with symptoms of laryngeal angioedema received open label treatment with icatibant. The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to onset of symptom relief using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Table 3 shows the efficacy results for these studies.
FAST-3 was a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of 98 adult patients with a median age of 36 years. Patients were randomized to receive either icatibant 30 mg or placebo by subcutaneous injection. A subset of patients in this study experienced acute HAE attacks while receiving androgens, antifibrinolytic agents or Cl inhibitors. The primary endpoint was time to onset of symptom relief assessed using a 3-item composite visual analog score (VAS-3) consisting of assessments of skin swelling, skin pain, and abdominal pain. Table 4 shows the efficacy results for FAST-3.
In these studies, patients on icatibant had a faster median time to onset of symptom relief (2.0, 2.5 and
2.0 hours, respectively) compared to tranexamic acid (12.0 hours) and placebo (4.6 and 19.8 hours). The treatment effect of icatibant was confirmed by secondary efficacy endpoints.
In an integrated analysis of these controlled Phase III studies, the time to onset of symptom relief and time to onset of primary symptom relief were similar regardless of age group, sex, race, weight or whether or not the patient used androgens or antifibrinolytic agents.
Response was also consistent across repeated attacks in the controlled Phase III trials. A total of 237 patients were treated with 1,386 doses of 30 mg icatibant for 1,278 attacks of acute HAE. In the first 15 Firazyr treated attacks (1,114 doses for 1,030 attacks), the median times to onset of symptom relief were similar across attacks (2.0 to 2.5 hours). 92.4% of these attacks of HAE were treated with a single dose of Firazyr.
Table 3. Efficacy results for FAST-1 and FAST-2
Controlled Clinical Study of FIRAZYR vs Tranexamic acid or Placebo: Efficacy Results |
|||||
FAST-2 |
FAST-1 |
||||
|
Icatibant |
Tranexamic acid |
|
Icatibant |
Placebo |
Number of subjects in ITT Population |
36 |
38 |
Number of subjects in ITT Population |
27 |
29 |
Baseline VAS(mm) |
63.7 |
61.5 |
Baseline VAS(mm) |
69.3 |
67.7 |
Change from baseline to 4 hours |
-41.6 |
-14.6 |
Change from baseline to 4 hours |
-44.8 |
-23.5 |
Difference between treatments (95% CI, p-value) |
-27.8 (-39.4, -16.2) p < 0.001 |
Difference between treatments (95% CI, p-value) |
-23.3 (-37.1, -9.4) p = 0.002 |
||
Change from baseline to 12 hours |
-54.0 |
-30.3 |
Change from baseline to 12 hours |
-54.2 |
-42.4 |
Difference between treatments (95% CI, p-value) |
-24.1 (-33.6, -14.6) p < 0.001 |
Difference between treatments (95% CI, p-value) |
-15.2 (-28.6, -1.7) p = 0.028 |
||
Median time to onset of symptom relief (hours) |
|
|
Median time to onset of symptom relief (hours) |
|
|
All episodes (N = 74) |
2.0 |
12.0 |
All episodes (N = 56) |
2.5 |
4.6 |
Response rate (%, CI) at 4 hours after start of treatment |
|
|
Response rate (%, CI) at 4 hours after start of treatment |
|
|
Controlled Clinical Study of FIRAZYR vs Tranexamic acid or Placebo: Efficacy Results |
|||||
FAST-2 |
FAST-1 |
||||
|
Icatibant |
Tranexamic acid |
|
Icatibant |
Placebo |
All episodes (N = 74) |
80.0 (63.1, 91.6) |
30.6 (16.3, 48.1) |
All episodes (N = 56) |
66.7 (46.0, 83.5) |
46.4 (27.5, 66.1) |
Median time to onset of symptom relief: all symptoms (hours): Abdominal pain Skin swelling Skin pain |
1.6 2.6 1.5 |
3.5 18.1 12.0 |
Median time to onset of symptom relief: all symptoms (hours): Abdominal pain Skin swelling Skin pain |
2.0 3.1 1.6 |
3.3 10.2 9.0 |
Median time to almost complete symptom relief (hours) |
|
|
Median time to almost complete symptom relief (hours) |
|
|
All episodes (N = 74) |
10.0 |
51.0 |
All episodes (N = 56) |
8.5 |
19.4 |
Median time to regression of symptoms, by patient (hours) |
|
|
Median time to regression of symptoms, by patient (hours) |
|
|
All episodes (N = 74) |
0.8 |
7.9 |
All episodes (N = 56) |
0.8 |
16.9 |
Median time to overall patient improvement, by physician (hours) |
|
|
Median time to overall patient improvement, by physician (hours) |
|
|
All episodes (N = 74) |
1.5 |
6.9 |
All episodes (N = 56) |
1.0 |
5.7 |
Table 4. Efficacy results for FAST-3
Efficacy Results: FAST-3; Controlled Phase -- ITT population |
||||
Endpoint |
Statistic |
Firazyr |
Placebo |
p-value |
|
|
(n = 43) |
(n=45) |
|
Primary Endpoint |
|
|
|
|
Time to Onset of Symptom Relief-- Composite VAS (hrs) |
Median |
2.0 |
19.8 |
<0.001 |
Other Endpoints |
|
|
|
|
Time to Onset of Primary Symptom Relief (hrs) |
Median |
1.5 |
18.5 |
< 0.001 |
Change in Composite VAS Score at 2 hrs after treatment |
Mean |
-19.74 |
-7.49 |
< 0.001 |
Change in Composite Subject-Assessed Symptom Score at 2 hours |
Mean |
-0.53 |
-0.22 |
< 0.001 |
Efficacy Results: FAST-3; Controlled Phase -- ITT population |
||||
Endpoint |
Statistic |
Firazyr |
Placebo |
p-value |
|
|
(n = 43) |
(n=45) |
|
Change in Composite Investigator-Assessed Symptom Score at 2 hours |
Mean |
-0.44 |
-0.19 |
< 0.001 |
Time to Almost Complete Symptom Relief (hrs) |
Median |
8.0 |
36.0 |
0.012 |
Time to Subject-Assessed Initial Symptom Improvement (hrs) |
Median |
0.8 |
3.5 |
< 0.001 |
Time to Investigator- Assessed Initial Visual Symptom Improvement (hrs) |
Median |
0.8 |
3.4 |
< 0.001 |
A total of 66 patients with attacks of HAE affecting the larynx were treated in these controlled Phase III clinical trials. The results were similar to patients with non-laryngeal attacks of HAE with respect to time to onset of symptom relief.
Paediatric population
An open label, non-randomised single-arm study (HGT-FIR-086) was performed with a total of 32 patients. All patients received at least one dose of icatibant (0.4mg/kg body weight up to a maximum dose of 30 mg) and the majority of patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. Eleven patients were of prepubertal status and 21 patients were either pubertal or postpubertal.
The efficacy population consisted of 22 patients who had been treated with icatibant (11 prepubertal and 11 pubertal/postpubertal) for HAE attack.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to onset of symptom relief (TOSR) measured using a composite investigator-reported symptom score. Time to symptom relief was defined as the duration of time (in hours) taken for improvement of symptoms to occur by a magnitude of 20%.
Overall the median time to onset of symptom relief was 1.0 hour (95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.1 hours). At 1 and 2 hours post treatment, approximately 50% and 90% of patients experienced onset of symptom relief, respectively.
Overall, the median time to minimal symptoms (earliest time post treatment when all symptoms were either mild or absent) was 1.1 hours (95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.0 hours).
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
The pharmacokinetics of icatibant has been characterized by studies using both intravenous and subcutaneous administration to healthy volunteers and patients. The pharmacokinetic profile of icatibant in patients with HAE is similar to that in healthy volunteers.
Absorption
Following subcutaneous administration, the absolute bioavailability of icatibant is 97%. The time to maximum concentration is approximately 30 minutes.
Distribution
Icatibant volume of distribution (Vss) is about 20-25 L. Plasma protein binding is 44%.
Elimination
Icatibant is mainly eliminated by metabolism with less than 10% of the dose eliminated in the urine as unchanged drug. Clearance is about 15-20 l/h and independent of dose. The terminal plasma half-life is about 1-2 hours.
Biotransformation
Icatibant is extensively metabolized by proteolytic enzymes to inactive metabolites that are primarily excreted in the urine.
In vitrostudies have confirmed that icatibant is not degraded by oxidative metabolic pathways and is not an inhibitor of major cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes (CYP 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4) and is not an inducer of CYP 1A2 and 3A4.
Special populations
Elderly
Data suggest an age-related decline in clearance resulting in about 50-60% higher exposure in older people (75-80 years) compared to patients aged 40 years.
Gender
Data suggest that there is no difference in the clearance between females and males after correcting for body weight.
Hepatic and Renal Impairment
Limited data suggest that icatibant exposure is not influenced by hepatic or renal impairment.
Race
Information on individual race effect is limited. Available exposure data suggest no difference in the clearance between non-White (n=40) and White (n=132) subjects.
Paediatric population
The pharmacokinetics of icatibant were characterized in paediatric HAE patients in study HGT-FIR- 086 (see section 5.1). Following a single subcutaneous administration (0.4 mg/kg up to a maximum of 30 mg), the time to maximum concentration is approximately 30 minutes and the terminal half-life is about 2 hours. There are no observed differences in the exposure to icatibant between HAE patients with and without an attack. Population pharmacokinetic modelling using both adult and paediatric data showed that clearance of icatibant is related to body weight with lower clearance values noted for lower body weights in the paediatric HAE population. Based on modelling for weight banded dosing, the predicted exposure to icatibant in the paediatric HAE population (see section 4.2) is lower than the observed exposure in studies conducted with adult HAE patients.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Repeated-dose studies of up to 6-months duration in rats and 9-months duration in dogs have been conducted. In both rats and dogs, there was a dose-related reduction in circulating sex hormone levels and the repeated use of icatibant reversibly delayed sexual maturation.
Maximum daily exposures defined by area under the curve (AUC) at the No Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAEL) in the 9-month study in dog were 2.3 times the AUC in adult humans after a subcutaneous dose of 30 mg. A NOAEL was not measurable in the rat study, however, all of the findings from that study showed either completely or partially reversible effects in treated rats.
Adrenal gland hypertrophy was observed at all doses tested in rats. Adrenal gland hypertrophy was
seen to reverse after cessation of icatibant treatment. The clinical relevance of the adrenal gland findings is unknown.
Icatibant had no effect on the fertility of male mice (top dose 80.8 mg/kg/day) and rats (top dose 10 mg/kg/day).
In a 2 year study to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of icatibant in rats, daily doses giving exposure levels up to approximately 2-fold that achieved after a therapeutic dose in humans had no effect on the incidence or morphology of tumours. Results do not indicate a carcinogenic potential for icatibant.
In a standard battery ofin vitroandin vivotests icatibant was not genotoxic.
Icatibant was not teratogenic when administered by SC injection during early embryonic and fetal development in rat (top dose 25 mg/kg/day) and rabbit (top dose 10 mg/kg/day). Icatibant is a potent antagonist of bradykinin and therefore, at high dose levels, treatment can have effects on the uterine implantation process and subsequent uterine stability in early pregnancy. These uterine effects also manifest in late stage pregnancy where icatibant exhibits a tocolytic effect resulting in delayed parturition in the rat, with increased fetal distress and perinatal death at high doses (10 mg/kg/day).
A 2-week subcutaneous dose range finding study in juvenile rats identified 25 mg/kg/day as a maximally tolerated dose. In the pivotal juvenile toxicity study in which sexually immature rats were treated daily with 3 mg/kg/day for 7 weeks, atrophy of testes and epididymides were observed; the observed microscopic findings were partially reversible. Similar effects of icatibant on reproductive tissue were seen in sexually mature rats and dogs. These tissue findings were consistent with reported effects on gonadotrophins and during the subsequent treatment-free period appear to be reversible.
Icatibant did not elicit any cardiac conduction changein vitro(hERG channel) orin vivoin normal dogs or in various dog models (ventricular pacing, physical exertion and coronary ligation) where no associated hemodynamic changes were observed. Icatibant has been shown to aggravate induced cardiac ischemia in several non-clinical models, although a detrimental effect has not consistently been shown in acute ischemia.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Sodium chloride
Acetic acid, glacial (for pH adjustment) Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) Water for injections
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
18 months.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25○C.
Do not freeze.
3 ml of solution in a 3 ml pre-filled syringe (type I glass) with plunger stopper (bromobutyl coated with fluorocarbon polymer). A hypodermic needle (25 G; 16 mm) is included in the pack.
Pack size of one pre-filled syringe with one needle or a multipack containing three pre-filled syringes with three needles.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
The solution should be clear and colourless and free from visible particles. Paediatric use
The appropriate dose to be administered is based on body weight (see section 4.2).
Where the required dose is less than 30 mg (3 ml), the following equipment is required to extract and administer the appropriate dose:
· Adapter (proximal and/or distal female luer lock connector/coupler)
· 3 ml (recommended) graduated syringe
The pre-filled icatibant syringe and all other components are for single use only.
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. All needles and syringes should be disposed of in a sharps container.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited Block 2 & 3 Miesian Plaza
50 – 58 Baggot Street Lower
Dublin 2 Ireland
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
EU/1/08/461/001 EU/1/08/461/002
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 11 July 2008 Date of latest renewal: 13 March 2013
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
Detailed information on this product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.
ANNEX II
A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
A MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release
Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited Block 2 & 3 Miesian Plaza
50 – 58 Baggot Street Lower
Dublin 2 Ireland.
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription.
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
· Periodic Safety Update Reports
The requirements for submission of periodic safety update reports for this medicinal product are set out in the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal.
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
· Risk Management Plan (RMP)
The MAH shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the Marketing Authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP.
An updated RMP should be submitted:
· At the request of the European Medicines Agency;
· Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached.
ANNEX III
LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET
A. LABELLING
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING
CARTON OF UNIT PACK |
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT |
Firazyr 30 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe Icatibant
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) |
Each 3 ml pre-filled syringe contains icatibant acetate equivalent to 30 mg icatibant. Each ml of the solution contains 10 mg of icatibant.
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS |
Contains: acetic acid glacial, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, water for injections.
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS |
Solution for injection One pre-filled syringe One 25G needle
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION |
Subcutaneous use
Read the package leaflet before use For single use only
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN |
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY |
8. EXPIRY DATE |
EXP
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS |
Do not store above 25ºC. Do not freeze.
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF APPROPRIATE |
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER |
Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited Dublin 2
Ireland
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) |
EU/1/08/461/001
13. BATCH NUMBER |
Lot
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY |
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription.
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE |
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE |
Firazyr 30 mg
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE |
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA |
PC:
SN:
NN:
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING
OUTER CARTON OF MULTI-PACK (INCLUDING BLUE BOX) |
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT |
Firazyr 30 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe Icatibant
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) |
Each 3 ml pre-filled syringe contains icatibant acetate equivalent to 30 mg icatibant. Each ml of the solution contains 10 mg of icatibant.
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS |
Contains: acetic acid glacial, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, water for injections.
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS |
Solution for injection
Multipack containing three pre-filled syringes and three 25G needles
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION |
Subcutaneous use
Read the package leaflet before use For single use only
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN |
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY |
8. EXPIRY DATE |
EXP
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS |
Do not store above 25ºC. Do not freeze.
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF APPROPRIATE |
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER |
Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited Dublin 2
Ireland
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) |
EU/1/08/461/002
13. BATCH NUMBER |
Lot
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY |
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription.
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE |
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE |
Firazyr 30 mg
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE |
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA |
PC:
SN:
NN:
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING
INTERMEDIATE CARTON OF MULTI-PACK (WITHOUT BLUE BOX) |
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT |
Firazyr 30 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe Icatibant
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) |
Each 3 ml pre-filled syringe contains icatibant acetate equivalent to 30 mg icatibant. Each ml of the solution contains 10 mg of icatibant.
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS |
Contains: acetic acid glacial, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, water for injections.
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS |
Solution for injection
One pre-filled syringe and one 25G needle. Component of a multipack, can’t be sold separately.
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION |
Subcutaneous use
Read the package leaflet before use For single use only
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN |
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY |
8. EXPIRY DATE |
EXP
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS |
Do not store above 25ºC. Do not freeze.
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF APPROPRIATE |
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER |
Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited Dublin 2
Ireland
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) |
EU/1/08/461/002
13. BATCH NUMBER |
Lot
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY |
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription.
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE |
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE |
Firazyr 30 mg
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE |
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA |
PC:
SN:
NN:
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS
{BLISTER TRAY LID} |
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT |
Firazyr 30 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe Icatibant
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER |
Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited
3. EXPIRY DATE |
EXP
4. BATCH NUMBER |
Lot
5. OTHER |
Subcutaneous use
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS
SYRINGE LABEL |
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION |
Firazyr 30 mg Icatibant
sc
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION |
3. EXPIRY DATE |
EXP
4. BATCH NUMBER |
Lot
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT |
30 mg/3 ml
6. OTHER |
Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited
B. PACKAGE LEAFLET
Package Leaflet: Information for the user
Firazyr 30 mg solution for injection pre-filled syringe
Icatibant
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet:
1. What Firazyr is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Firazyr
3. How to use Firazyr
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Firazyr
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Firazyr is and what it is used for
Firazyr contains the active substance icatibant.
Firazyr is used for treating the symptoms of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and older.
In HAE levels of a substance in your bloodstream called bradykinin are increased and this leads to symptoms like swelling, pain, nausea, and diarrhoea.
Firazyr blocks the activity of bradykinin and therefore ends the further progression of the symptoms.
2. What you need to know before you use Firazyr Do not use Firazyr
- If you are allergic to icatibant, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking Firazyr:
- if you are suffering from angina (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle)
- if you have recently suffered a stroke
Some of the side effects connected with Firazyr are similar to the symptoms of your disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice that your symptoms of the attack get worse after you received Firazyr
In addition:
- You or your caregiver must be trained on subcutaneous (under the skin) injection technique before you self-inject or your caregiver injects you with Firazyr.
- Immediately after you self-inject Firazyr or your caregiver injects you with Firazyr while you are experiencing a laryngeal attack (obstruction of the upper airway), you must seek medical care in a medical institution.
- If your symptoms are not resolved following one self- or caregiver administered injection of Firazyr, you should seek medical advice regarding additional injections of Firazyr. For adult patients, up to 2 additional injections may be given within 24 hours.
Children and adolescents
Firazyr is not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age or weighing less than 12 kg because it has not been studied in these patients.
Other medicines and Firazyr
Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Firazyr is not known to interact with other medicines. If you are taking a medicine known as an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (for example: captopril, enalapril, ramipril, quinapril, lisinopril) which is used to lower your blood pressure or for any other reason, you should inform your doctor before receiving Firazyr.
Pregnancy and breast feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor before starting to use Firazyr.
If you are breast-feeding you should not breast-feed for 12 hours after you have last received Firazyr.
Driving and using machines
Do not drive or use machines if you feel tired or dizzy as a result of your HAE attack or after using Firazyr.
Firazyr contains a small amount of sodium
The injection solution contains less than 1 mmol (23 milligrams) of sodium, so it is essentially ‘sodium-free’.
3. How to use Firazyr
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.
If you have never received Firazyr previously, your first dose of Firazyr will always be injected by your doctor or nurse. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe for you to go home. After discussion with your doctor or nurse and after training in subcutaneous (under the skin) injection technique, you may be able to inject yourself with Firazyr or your caregiver may inject Firazyr for you when you have an HAE attack. It is important that Firazyr is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) as soon as you notice an attack of angioedema. Your healthcare provider will teach you and your caregiver how to safely inject Firazyr by following the instructions in the Package Leaflet.
When and how often should you use Firazyr?
Your doctor has determined the exact dose of Firazyr and will tell you how often it should be used.
- The recommended dose of Firazyr is one injection (3 ml, 30 mg) injected subcutaneously (under the skin) as soon as you notice the attack of angioedema (for example increased skin swelling, particularly affecting the face and neck, or increasing tummy pain).
- If you experience no relief of symptoms after 6 hours, you should seek medical advice regarding additional injections of Firazyr. For adults, up to 2 additional injections may be given within 24 hours.
- You should not have more than 3 injections in a 24 hour period and if you require more than 8 injections in a month, you should seek medical advice.
Children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years
- The recommended dose of Firazyr is one injection of 1 ml up to a maximum of 3 ml based on body weight injected subcutaneously (under the skin) as soon as you develop symptoms of an angioedema attack (for example increased skin swelling, particularly affecting the face and neck, increasing tummy pain).
- See section on instructions for use for the dose to inject.
- If you are not sure which dose to inject, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
- If your symptoms get worse or do not improve, you must seek immediate medical help.
How should Firazyr be administered?
Firazyr is intended for subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Each syringe should only be used once.
Firazyr is injected with a short needle into the fatty tissue under the skin in the abdomen (tummy). If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The following step-by step instructions are intended for:- self-administration (adults)
- administration by a caregiver or healthcare professional to adults, adolescents or children aged over 2 years (weighing at least 12 kg).
The instructions include the following main steps:
1) General Information
2a) Preparing the syringe for children and adolescents (2-17 years) weighing 65 kg or less 2b) Preparing the syringe and needle for injection (all patients)
3) Preparing the injection site
4) Injecting the solution
5) Disposal of the injection material
1) General Information |
· Clean the work area (surface) to be used before beginning the process.
· Wash your hands with soap and water.
· Open the tray by peeling back the seal.
· Remove the pre-filled syringe from the tray.
· Remove the cap from the end of the pre-filled syringe by unscrewing the cap.
· Put down the pre-filled syringe after unscrewing the cap. |
2a) Preparing the syringe for children and adolescents (2-17 years) weighing 65 kg or less: |
Important information for healthcare professionals and caregivers:
Where the dose is less than 30 mg (3 ml), the following equipment is required to extract the appropriate dose (see below):
a) Firazyr pre-filled syringe (containing icatibant solution)
b) Connector (adapter)
c) 3 ml graduated syringe
The required injection volume in ml should be drawn up in an empty 3 ml graduated syringe (see table below). |
Table 1: Dosage regimen for children and adolescents
Patients weighing more than 65 kg will use the full contents of the pre-filled syringe (3 ml).
If you are not sure which volume of solution to extract, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse
1) Remove the caps on each end of the connector.
Avoid touching the ends of the connector and syringe tips, to prevent contamination
2) Screw the connector onto the pre-filled syringe.
3) Attach the graduated syringe to the other end of the connector ensuring that both connections fit securely.
Transferring the icatibant solution to the graduated syringe:
1) To start transfer of icatibant solution, push the pre-filled syringe plunger (on far left of below image).
|
2) If the icatibant solution does not begin to transfer to the graduated syringe, pull slightly on the graduated syringe plunger until the icatibant solution starts to flow into the graduated syringe (see below image).
3) Continue to push on the pre-filled syringe plunger until the required injection volume (dose) is transferred to the graduated syringe. Refer to table 1 for dosage information. |
If there is air in the graduated syringe:
· Turn the connected syringes so that the pre-filled syringe is on top (see below image).
· Push the plunger of the graduated syringe so that any air is transferred back into the pre-filled syringe (this step may need to be repeated several times). |
· Withdraw the required volume of icatibant solution.
4) Remove the pre-filled syringe and connector from the graduated syringe.
5) Discard the pre-filled syringe and connector into the sharps container. |
||
2b) Preparing the syringe and needle for injection: All patients (adults, adolescents and children) |
||
· Remove the needle cap from the blister.
· Remove the seal from the needle cap (the needle should be still in the needle cap). |
||
|
|
|
· Grip the syringe firmly. Carefully attach the needle to the syringe containing the colourless solution.
· Screw the syringe on the needle still fixed in the needle cap.
· Remove the needle from the needle cap by pulling the syringe. Do not pull up on the plunger.
· The syringe is now ready for injection. |
3) Preparing the injection site |
· Choose the injection site. The injection site should be a skin fold on your abdomen approximately 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) below your navel on either side. This area should be at least 5 cm (2 inches) away from any scars. Do not choose an area that is bruised, swollen, or painful.
· Clean the injection site with a rubbing alcohol pad and allow it to dry. |
4) Injecting the solution |
· Hold the syringe in one hand between two fingers with your thumb at the bottom of the plunger.
· Make sure that there is no air bubble in the syringe by pressing the plunger until the first drop appears on the tip of the needle. |
|
· Hold syringe between 45-90 degrees angle to skin with needle facing the skin.
· Keeping the syringe in one hand, use your other hand to gently hold a fold of skin between your thumb and fingers at the previously disinfected injection site.
· Hold the fold of skin, bring the syringe to the skin and quickly insert the needle into the skin fold.
· Slowly push the plunger of the syringe with a steady hand until all the fluid is injected into the skin and no liquid remains in the syringe.
· Press slowly so that this takes approximately 30 seconds.
· Release the skin fold and gently pull the needle out. |
5) Disposal of the injection material |
· Discard the syringe, needle and needle cap into the sharp container for throwing away waste that might hurt others if not handled properly. |
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Almost all patients receiving Firazyr will experience a reaction at the site of the injection (such as skin irritation, swelling, pain, itchiness, redness of the skin and burning sensation). These effects are usually mild and clear up without the need for any additional treatment.
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) :
Additional injection site reactions (pressure sensation, bruising, reduced sensation and/or numbness, raised itchy skin rash and warmth).
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) : Feeling sick
Headache Dizziness Fever Itching Rash
Skin redness
Abnormal liver function test
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) : Hives (urticaria)
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice that the symptoms of your attack get worse after you received Firazyr.
If you get any side effects talk to your doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Firazyr
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the label after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25○C. Do not freeze.
Do not use this medicine if you notice that the syringe or needle packaging is damaged or if there are any visible signs of deterioration, for example if the solution is cloudy, if it has floating particles, or if the colour of the solution has changed.
Do not throw away any medicines via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
The active substance is icatibant. Each pre-filled syringe contains 30 milligrams of icatibant (as acetate). The other ingredients are sodium chloride, acetic acid glacial, sodium hydroxide and water for injection.
What Firazyr looks like and contents of the pack
Firazyr is presented as a clear, colourless solution for injection in a pre-filled glass syringe of 3 ml. Hypodermic needle is included in the pack.
Firazyr is available as a single pack containing one pre-filled syringe with one needle or as a multipack containing three pre-filled syringes with three needles.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited Block 2 & 3 Miesian Plaza
50 – 58 Baggot Street Lower
Dublin 2 Ireland
Tel: +44(0)1256 894 959
E-mail: medinfoEMEA@shire.com
This leaflet was last revised in
Other sources of information
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website: http://www.ema.europa.eu. There are also links to other websites about rare diseases and treatments.