Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For intravenous use only. • For intravenous use only. • VIGIV is administered at a dose of 6000 Units per kg, as soon as symptoms for complication(s) due to vaccinia vaccination appear ( 2.1 ). • Higher doses (e.g. 9000 Units per kg or 24,000 Units per kg) may be considered in the event that the patient does not respond to the initial dose of 6000 Units per kg ( 2.1 ). • For patients with risk factors for thrombosis, the maximum daily dose of VIGIV should not exceed 12,000 Units per kg ( 2.3 ). 2.1 Dosage for Treatment of Severe Complications of Vaccinia Vaccination Administer VIGIV at a dose of 6000 Units per kg, as soon as symptoms appear and are judged to be due to severe vaccinia-related complication. Consider repeat dosing, depending on the severity of the symptoms and response to treatment; however, clinical data on repeat doses are lacking. Consider higher doses (e.g. 9000 Units per kg) if the patient does not respond to the initial 6000 Units per kg dose. Doses up to 24,000 Units per kg administered to healthy volunteers were well tolerated in clinical trials [see 14 CLINICAL STUDIES ]. 2.2 Preparation • Bring VIGIV vials to room temperature prior to dosing. • If frozen, thaw vial by placing in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) until the contents are thawed for approximately 14 hours. Product can be thawed rapidly by placing at room temperature for one hour followed by a water bath at 37°C (98.6°F ) until thawed. • Do not thaw this product in a microwave oven. • Do not refreeze the vial. • DO NOT SHAKE VIAL. SHAKING VIAL MAY CAUSE FOAMING. • Remove the entire contents of the vial to obtain the labeled dosage of VIGIV. If partial vials are required for the dosage calculation, withdraw the entire contents of the vial to ensure accurate calculation of the dosage requirement. • VIGIV is compatible with 0.9% Sodium Chloride USP. No other drug interactions or compatibilities have been evaluated. If a pre-existing catheter must be used, flush the line with 0.9% Sodium Chloride USP before use. VIGIV may be administered either undiluted or diluted no more than 1:2 (v/v). • VIGIV vial is for single use only. Do not reuse or save VIGIV for future use. • VIGIV contains no preservatives. Discard partially used vials. 2.3 Administration • Inspect the product prior to use and do not use if solution is cloudy, discolored or contains particulates. • Administer VIGIV intravenously through a dedicated intravenous line with the rate of infusion of no greater than 2 mL/min. • For patients weighing less than 50 kg, infuse the product at a rate no greater than 0.04 mL/kg/minute (133.3 Units per kg/minute). • Adverse drug reactions may be related to the rate of infusion. Slower infusion rate may be needed for patients who develop a minor adverse reaction (e.g. flushing) or for patients with risk factors for thrombosis/thromboembolism. • Closely monitor and carefully observe patients and their vital signs for any symptoms throughout the infusion period and immediately following an infusion. • For patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency, or at increased risk of acute kidney injury, thrombosis, or volume overload, do not exceed the recommended infusion rate and follow the infusion schedule closely. • For patients with risk factors for thrombosis, the maximum daily dose of VIGIV should not exceed 12,000 Units per kg [see 5.4 Thrombosis ].
Warnings
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypersensitivity to human immune globulin (acute anaphylaxis) ( 5.1 ) • Acute renal dysfunction/failure ( 5.2 ) • Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin products, including VIGIV. For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer VIGIV at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable. Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity ( 5.4 ) • Hemolysis or hemolytic anemia ( 5.5 ) • Aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS) ( 5.6 ) • Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema [Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)] ( 5.7 ) • Transmission of infectious agents from human plasma ( 5.8 ) • Monitor renal function and urine output in patients at risk of renal failure; check baseline blood viscosity in patients at risk of hyperviscosity; and conduct confirmatory tests if hemolysis or TRALI is suspected ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Severe immediate hypersensitivity reactions to plasma-derived products may occur, for example, in patients with IgA deficiency or hypersensitivity to human globulin. Although acute systemic allergic reactions were not seen in clinical trials with VIGIV [see 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience ], administer the product only in a setting where appropriate equipment and personnel trained in the management of acute anaphylaxis are available. In case of hypotension, allergic or anaphylactic reaction, discontinue the administration of VIGIV immediately and give supportive care as needed. In case of shock, observe the current medical standards for shock treatment. 5.2 Acute Renal Dysfunction/Failure Renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephropathy, proximal tubular nephropathy, and death may occur upon use of immune globulin intravenous (Human) (IGIV) products. Use VIGIV with caution in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency and in patients at risk of developing renal insufficiency (including, but not limited to those with diabetes mellitus, age greater than 65 years, volume depletion, paraproteinemia, sepsis, and patients receiving known nephrotoxic drugs), and administer VIGIV at the minimum rate of infusion practicable. In these cases, it is important to ensure that patients are not volume depleted before VIGIV infusion. Do not exceed the recommended infusion rate and follow the infusion schedule closely [see 2.3 Administration ]. Periodic monitoring of renal function and urine output is particularly important in patients judged to be at increased risk of developing acute renal failure. Assess renal function, including measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of VIGIV and at appropriate intervals thereafter. If renal function deteriorates, consider discontinuing VIGIV. Most cases of renal insufficiency following administration of IGIV have occurred in patients receiving total doses containing 400 mg/kg of sucrose or greater. VIGIV does not contain sucrose. No prospective data are currently available in patients with risk factors for renal insufficiency to identify a maximum safe dose, concentration, and/or rate of infusion for VIGIV. 5.3 Blood Glucose Monitoring Some types of blood glucose testing systems (for example those based on the glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinolinequinone (GDH-PQQ) or glucose-dye-oxidoreductase methods) could falsely interpret the maltose contained in VIGIV as glucose [see BOXED WARNING ]. This could result in falsely elevated glucose readings and, consequently, in the inappropriate administration of insulin, resulting in life-threatening hypoglycemia. Also, cases of true hypoglycemia may go untreated if the hypoglycemic state is masked by falsely elevated glucose readings. Accordingly, when administering VIGIV or other parenteral maltose-containing products, measure blood glucose with a glucose-specific method. Carefully review the product information of the blood glucose testing system, including that of the test strips, to determine if the system is appropriate for use with maltose-containing parenteral products. If any uncertainty exists, contact the manufacturer of the testing system to determine if the system is appropriate for use with maltose-containing parenteral products. 5.4 Thrombosis Thrombotic events may occur in association with IGIV treatment. Patients at risk include those with a history of cardiovascular risk factors, advanced age, impaired cardiac output, hypercoagulable disorders, prolonged periods of immobilization, history of arterial or venous thrombosis, estrogen use, indwelling central vascular catheters, and/or known or suspected hyperviscosity. Weigh the potential risks and benefits of VIGIV against those of alternative therapies for all patients for whom VIGIV administration is being considered. Because of the potentially increased risk of thrombosis, consider baseline assessment of blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity, including those with cryoglobulins, fasting chylomicronemia/markedly high triacylglycerols (triglycerides), or monoclonal gammopathies. In patients where the benefits of VIGIV administration out-weigh the potential risks of thrombotic and thromboembolic events, administer VIGIV at the minimum concentration available and at the minimum rate of infusion practicable. Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity. While there are currently no prospective data in patients with thrombosis/thromboembolism to identify a maximum safe dose, concentration, and/or rate of infusion for VIGIV, the maximum daily dose of VIGIV should not exceed 12,000 Units per kg in patients with thrombotic risk factors. 5.5 Hemolysis VIGIV may contain blood group antibodies which may act as hemolysins and induce in vivo coating of red blood cells with immune globulin, causing a positive direct antiglobulin reaction and hemolysis. Acute hemolysis, consistent with intravascular hemolysis, has been reported and hemolytic anemia can develop subsequent to IGIV therapy due to enhanced red blood cell sequestration. The following risk factors may be associated with the development of hemolysis following Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (IGIV) products: high doses, given either as a single administration or divided over several days, and non-O blood group ( 1 ). Other individual patient factors, such as an underlying inflammatory state (as may be reflected by, for example, elevated C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate), have been hypothesized to increase the risk of hemolysis following administration of IGIV ( 2 ), but their role is uncertain. Closely monitor VIGIV recipients for clinical signs and symptoms of hemolysis, particularly patients with risk factors noted above. Consider appropriate laboratory testing in higher risk patients, including measurement of hemoglobin or hematocrit prior to infusion and within approximately 36 to 96 hours post infusion. If signs and/or symptoms of hemolysis or a significant drop in hemoglobin or hematocrit have been observed after VIGIV infusion, perform additional confirmatory laboratory testing. If transfusion is indicated for patients who develop hemolysis with clinically compromising anemia after receiving VIGIV, perform adequate cross-matching to avoid exacerbating on-going hemolysis. 5.6 Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome (AMS) AMS may occur in association with IGIV administration. AMS usually begins within several hours to two days following IGIV treatment. Discontinuation of IGIV treatment has resulted in remission of AMS within several days without sequelae. AMS is characterized by the following symptoms and signs: severe headache, nuchal rigidity, drowsiness, fever, photophobia, painful eye movements, and nausea and vomiting. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies are frequently positive with pleocytosis up t