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Questions & Answers
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
LIORESAL INTRATHECAL is for use in single bolus intrathecal injections (via a catheter placed in the lumbar intrathecal space or injection by lumbar puncture) and in implantable pumps approved by the FDA specifically for the intrathecal administration of baclofen. Because of the possibility of potentially life-threatening CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse, and/or respiratory failure, physicians must be adequately trained and educated in chronic intrathecal infusion therapy.
The pump system should not be implanted until the patient’s response to bolus LIORESAL INTRATHECAL injection is adequately evaluated. Evaluation (consisting of a screening procedure: see Dosage and Administration) requires that LIORESAL INTRATHECAL be administered into the intrathecal space via a catheter or lumbar puncture. Because of the risks associated with the screening procedure and the adjustment of dosage following pump implantation, these phases must be conducted in a medically supervised and adequately equipped environment following the instructions outlined in the Dosage and Administration section.
Resuscitative equipment should be available.
Following surgical implantation of the pump, particularly during the initial phases of pump use, the patient should be monitored closely until it is certain that the patient’s response to the infusion is acceptable and reasonably stable.
On each occasion that the dosing rate of the pump and/or the concentration of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL (baclofen injection) in the reservoir is adjusted, close medical monitoring is required until it is certain that the patient’s response to the infusion is acceptable and reasonably stable.
It is mandatory that the patient, all patient caregivers, and the physicians responsible for the patient receive adequate information regarding the risks of this mode of treatment. All medical personnel and caregivers should be instructed in 1) the signs and symptoms of overdose, 2) procedures to be followed in the event of overdose and 3) proper home care of the pump and insertion site.
Overdose: Signs of overdose may appear suddenly or insidiously. Acute massive overdose may present as coma. Less sudden and/or less severe forms of overdose may present with signs of drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, somnolence, respiratory depression, seizures, rostral progression of hypotonia and loss of consciousness progressing to coma. Should overdose appear likely, the patient should be taken immediately to a hospital for assessment and emptying of the pump reservoir. In cases reported to date, overdose has generally been related to pump malfunction, inadvertent subcutaneous injection, or dosing error. (See Drug Overdose Symptoms and Treatment.)
Extreme caution must be used when filling an FDA approved implantable pump. Such pumps should only be refilled through the reservoir refill septum. Inadvertent injection into the subcutaneous tissue can occur if the reservoir refill septum is not properly accessed. Some pumps are also equipped with a catheter access port that allows direct access to the intrathecal catheter. Direct injection into this catheter access port or inadvertent injection into the subcutaneous tissue may cause a life-threatening overdose.
Withdrawal: Abrupt withdrawal of intrathecal baclofen, regardless of the cause, has resulted in sequelae that included high fever, altered mental status, exaggerated rebound spasticity and muscle rigidity that in rare cases progressed to rhabdomyolysis, multiple organ-system failure, and death. In the first 9 years of post-marketing experience, 27 cases of withdrawal temporally related to the cessation of baclofen therapy were reported; six patients died. In most cases, symptoms of withdrawal appeared within hours to a few days following interruption of baclofen therapy. Common reasons for abrupt interruption of intrathecal baclofen therapy included malfunction of the catheter (especially disconnection), low volume in the pump reservoir, and end of pump battery life; human error may have played a causal or contributing role in some cases. Cases of intrathecal mass at the tip of the implanted catheter leading to withdrawal symptoms have also been reported, most of them involving pharmacy compounded analgesic admixtures (see PRECAUTIONS).
Prevention of abrupt discontinuation of intrathecal baclofen requires careful attention to programming and monitoring of the infusion system, refill scheduling and procedures, and pump alarms. Patients and caregivers should be advised of the importance of keeping scheduled refill visits and should be educated on the early symptoms of baclofen withdrawal.
All patients receiving intrathecal baclofen therapy are potentially at risk for withdrawal. Early symptoms of baclofen withdrawal may include return of baseline spasticity, pruritus, hypotension, and paresthesias. Some clinical characteristics of the advanced intrathecal baclofen withdrawal syndrome may resemble autonomic dysreflexia, infection (sepsis), malignant hyperthermia, neuroleptic-malignant syndrome, or other conditions associated with a hypermetabolic state or widespread rhabdomyolysis.
Rapid, accurate diagnosis and treatment in an emergency-room or intensive-care setting are important in order to prevent the potentially life-threatening central nervous system and systemic effects of intrathecal baclofen withdrawal. The suggested treatment for intrathecal baclofen withdrawal is the restoration of intrathecal baclofen at or near the same dosage as before therapy was interrupted. However, if restoration of intrathecal delivery is delayed, treatment with GABA-ergic agonist drugs such as oral or enteral baclofen, or oral, enteral, or intravenous benzodiazepines may prevent potentially fatal sequelae. Oral or enteral baclofen alone should not be relied upon to halt the progression of intrathecal baclofen withdrawal.
Seizures have been reported during overdose and with withdrawal from LIORESAL INTRATHECAL as well as in patients maintained on therapeutic doses of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL.
Fatalities:
Spasticity of Spinal Cord Origin: There were 16 deaths reported among the 576 U.S. patients treated with LIORESAL INTRATHECAL (baclofen injection) in pre- and post-marketing studies evaluated as of December 1992. Because these patients were treated under uncontrolled clinical settings, it is impossible to determine definitively what role, if any, LIORESAL INTRATHECAL played in their deaths.
As a group, the patients who died were relatively young (mean age was 47 with a range from 25 to 63), but the majority suffered from severe spasticity of many years duration, were nonambulatory, had various medical complications such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and decubiti, and/or had received multiple concomitant medications. A case-by-case review of the clinical course of the 16 patients who died failed to reveal any unique signs, symptoms, or laboratory results that would suggest that treatment with LIORESAL INTRATHECAL caused their deaths. Two patients, however, did suffer sudden and unexpected death within 2 weeks of pump implantation and one patient died unexpectedly after screening.
One patient, a 44 year-old male with MS, died in hospital on the second day following pump implantation. An autopsy demonstrated severe fibrosis of the coronary conduction system. A second patient, a 52 year-old woman with MS and a history of an inferior wall myocardial infarction, was found dead in bed 12 days after pump implantation, 2 hours after having had documented normal vital signs. An autopsy revealed pulmonary congestion and bilateral pleural effusions. It is impossible to determine whether LIORESAL INTRATHECAL contributed to these deaths. The third patient underwent three baclofen screening trials. His medical history included SCI, aspiration pneumonia, septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, severe metabolic acidosis, hepatic toxicity, and status epilepticus. Twelve days after screening (he was not implanted), he again experienced status epilepticus with subsequent significant neurological deterioration. Based upon prior instruction, extraordinary resuscitative measures were not pursued and the patient died.
Spasticity of Cerebral Origin: There were three deaths occurring among the 211 patients treated with LIORESAL INTRATHECAL in pre-marketing studies as of March 1996. These deaths were not attributed to the therapy.
WarningsWithdrawal - Abrupt discontinuation of intrathecal baclofen, regardless of the cause, has resulted in sequelae that include high fever, altered mental status, exaggerated rebound spasticity, and muscle rigidity, that in rare cases has advanced to rhabdomyolysis, multiple organ-system failure and death.
Prevention of abrupt discontinuation of intrathecal baclofen requires careful attention to programming and monitoring of the infusion system, refill scheduling and procedures, and pump alarms. Patients and caregivers should be advised of the importance of keeping scheduled refill visits and should be educated on the early symptoms of baclofen withdrawal. Special attention should be given to patients at apparent risk (e.g. spinal cord injuries at T-6 or above, communication difficulties, history of withdrawal symptoms from oral or intrathecal baclofen). Consult the technical manual of the implantable infusion system for additional postimplant clinician and patient information.
User instructions - Comply with all product instructions for initial preparation and filling, implantation, programming, refilling, and accessing the catheter access port (if present) of the pump. Failure to comply with all instructions can lead to technical errors or improper use of implanted infusion pumps and result in additional surgical procedures, a return of underlying symptoms, drug withdrawal symptoms, or a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose or overdose.
Implantation and system management - Implantation and ongoing system management must be performed by individuals trained in the operation and handling of the infusion system and must be in compliance with procedures described in the appropriate technical instructions. Inadequate training or failure to follow instructions can require surgical revision or replacement, and result in a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose or overdose.
Calculating catheter volume - Use the catheter length recorded at implant or catheter revision when calculating catheter volume. The actual implanted catheter length and catheter model number are required to accurately calculate catheter volume. A universal value does not exist that can be used as a substitute for this knowledge. An inaccurate catheter volume calculation can result in a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose or overdose.
Contrast medium (pumps with a catheter access port) - Do not inject any contrast medium into the pump reservoir. Injecting contrast medium into the pump reservoir can impair pump operation.
Refill - Patients must return to the clinic for refills at the prescribed times. Failure to return to the clinic for refills at the prescribed times can result in the actual flow rate of the pump being less than expected, resulting in a loss of or change in therapy, which may lead to a return of underlying symptoms, drug withdrawal symptoms, or a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose. Failure to return at the prescribed times can also damage the pump, requiring surgical replacement.
Refill kit components – Use the appropriate Medtronic refill kit during all refill procedures for Medtronic implantable infusion pumps. Using components other than Medtronic components or a kit other than the appropriate refill kit can damage Medtronic components, requiring surgical revision or replacement, and allow drug leakage into surrounding tissue, resulting in loss of or change in therapy, which may lead to a return of underlying symptoms, drug withdrawal symptoms, or a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose or overdose.
Injection error during a pump refill procedure - Be certain you are accessing the reservoir fill port when injecting fluids into an implanted pump. ALWAYS:
- identify the pump model and reservoir volume.
- identify the location of the reservoir fill port.
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- Avoid pocket fill, i.e. improper injection of medication into the subcutaneous tissue (see below)
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- Avoid inadvertent injection into the catheter access port (see below)
- use the instructions, noncoring needles, appropriate template edge, and other accessories provided in the appropriate kit.
- verify the location of the reservoir fill port during needle insertion according to the instructions provided AND using other medical procedures as appropriate.
- refer to the drug labeling for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, and dosage and administration information.
Pocket fill is the improper injection of refill medication into the subcutaneous tissue, which includes the pump pocket. The injection of drug into the subcutaneous tissue can lead to an acute systemic overdose, which can be fatal. After a pocket fill, the pump reservoir will become empty sooner than anticipated, and this may cause underdose symptoms and/or baclofen withdrawal syndrome, which can be fatal. If it is suspected or known that all or part of the drug was injected into the pocket during the refill procedure, monitor the patient closely for signs and symptoms of overdose in an appropriate facility for a sufficient amount of time or until the symptoms have resolved. Refer to the refill kit manual or the Indications, Drug Stability, and Emergency Procedures for SynchroMed and IsoMed Implantable Infusion Systems Reference Manual for emergency procedures associated with drug underdose and overdose. Refer to the drug product information label for specific drug underdose and overdose symptoms and methods of management.
Inadvertent injection into the catheter access port may result in a clinically significant or fatal drug overdose. If it is suspected or known that all or part of the drug was injected into the catheter access port during the refill procedure, monitor the patient closely for signs and symptoms of overdose in an appropriate facility for a sufficient amount of time or until the symptoms have resolved. Refer to the catheter access port kit manual or the Indications, Drug Stability, and Emergency Procedures for SynchroMed and IsoMed Implantable Infusion Systems Reference Manual for emergency procedures associated with drug and overdose. Refer to the drug labeling for specific drug overdose symptoms and methods of management.
Changing drug or decreasing drug concentrations - Rinse the reservoir twice between solutions when changing drug or decreasing drug concentrations in the pump reservoir. A significant amount of drug may be present in the pump reservoir after emptying the pump. This residual volume cannot be removed by emptying the pump. Rinsing the reservoir between solutions minimizes the amount of drug in this residual volume but does not eliminate it. Failure to account for residual drug in the pump reservoir can result in a concentration that is different than intended and a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose or overdose. Program a bridge bolus after rinsing the reservoir twice. The bridge bolus advances the remaining old drug (the drug left in the pump tubing, catheter access port, and catheter after emptying and refilling the pump) to the catheter tip at the prior flow rate.
Refer to "Performing a reservoir rinse" on page 18 of this manual. Refer to the programming guide for bridge bolus procedures.
Connections - Firmly secure all connections. Failure to secure connections can allow drug to leak onto the surrounding skin and may result in inadequate therapy or infection.
Reservoir fill port injections - Do not use excessive force when accessing the reservoir fill port. Excessive force can result in damage to the needle or pump requiring surgical revision or replacement, and leakage into surrounding tissue, resulting in loss of or change in therapy, which may lead to a return of underlying symptoms, drug withdrawal symptoms, or a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose or overdose.
Intrathecal therapy - For intrathecal therapy, use ONLY a preservative-free sterile solution indicated for intrathecal use. Nonindicated fluids containing preservatives or endotoxins can be neurotoxic in intrathecal applications. Using nonindicated fluids can result in adverse events including, but not limited to, extreme pain, cramps, seizures, and death.
Drug information - Refer to the drug labeling for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, dosage and administration information, and screening procedures. Refer to the drug labeling for specific drug underdose or overdose symptoms and methods of management. Failure to refer to the drug labeling can result in inappropriate patient selection and management, inadequate therapy, intolerable side effects, or a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose or overdose. Consider the possibility of a drug error if the patient experiences unusual side effects. Failure to do so can result in misdiagnosis of patient symptoms.
Mixing drugs - The effects that drug mixtures have on pump operation are unknown. Drugs can precipitate when mixed. These precipitates can inhibit pump flow or block the catheter, resulting in loss of therapy or a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose.
Drug interaction and side effects - Inform patients of the appropriate warnings and precautions regarding drug interactions, potential side effects, and signs and symptoms that require medical attention, including prodromal signs and symptoms of inflammatory mass. Failure to recognize the signs and symptoms and to seek appropriate medical intervention can result in serious patient injury or death.
Drug overdose symptoms and management - Refer to the emergency procedures included at the end of this manual and the drug labeling for specific drug overdose symptoms and methods of management.
Drug underdose/overdose - Inform patients and caregivers of the signs and symptoms of a drug underdose and overdose. Inform patients and caregivers:
- to be aware and report any unusual signs or symptoms at anytime during or after a refill or catheter access port procedure.
- to be alert for any burning sensations in the area of the pump pocket during their refill or catheter access port procedure.
- to especially watch for signs of underdose and overdose.
- to stay alert for signs or symptoms that may indicate changes to their prescribed drug concentration or programmed dose.
- to seek emergency assistance as necessary. Refer to the refill kit or catheter access port kit manual or the Indications, Drug Stability and Emergency Procedures for SynchroMed and IsoMed Implantable Infusion Systems Reference Manual for emergency procedures associated with drug underdose and overdose.
Failure to recognize these signs and symptoms and to seek appropriate medical intervention can result in serious patient injury or death.
Patient travel - Patients should notify their clinicians of any travel plans. Clinicians need this information to coordinate patient care and pump refills and help prevent a loss of or change in therapy, which may lead to a return of underlying symptoms, drug withdrawal symptoms, or a clinically significant or fatal drug underdose.
Legal Issues
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FDA Safety Alerts
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Manufacturer Warnings
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FDA Labeling Changes
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Uses
LIORESAL INTRATHECAL (baclofen injection) is indicated for use in the management of severe spasticity. Patients should first respond to a screening dose of intrathecal baclofen prior to consideration for long term infusion via an implantable pump. For spasticity of spinal cord origin, chronic infusion of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL via an implantable pump should be reserved for patients unresponsive to oral baclofen therapy, or those who experience intolerable CNS side effects at effective doses. Patients with spasticity due to traumatic brain injury should wait at least one year after the injury before consideration of long term intrathecal baclofen therapy. LIORESAL INTRATHECAL is intended for use by the intrathecal route in single bolus test doses (via spinal catheter or lumbar puncture) and, for chronic use, only in implantable pumps approved by the FDA specifically for the administration of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL into the intrathecal space.
Spasticity of Spinal Cord Origin: Evidence supporting the efficacy of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL was obtained in randomized, controlled investigations that compared the effects of either a single intrathecal dose or a three day intrathecal infusion of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL to placebo in patients with severe spasticity and spasms due to either spinal cord trauma or multiple sclerosis. LIORESAL INTRATHECAL was superior to placebo on both principal outcome measures employed: change from baseline in the Ashworth rating of spasticity and the frequency of spasms.
Spasticity of Cerebral Origin: The efficacy of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL was investigated in three controlled clinical trials; two enrolled patients with cerebral palsy and one enrolled patients with spasticity due to previous brain injury. The first study, a randomized controlled cross-over trial of 51 patients with cerebral palsy, provided strong, statistically significant results; LIORESAL INTRATHECAL was superior to placebo in reducing spasticity as measured by the Ashworth Scale. A second cross-over study was conducted in 11 patients with spasticity arising from brain injury. Despite the small sample size, the study yielded a nearly significant test statistic (p=0.066) and provided directionally favorable results. The last study, however, did not provide data that could be reliably analyzed.
LIORESAL INTRATHECAL therapy may be considered an alternative to destructive neurosurgical procedures. Prior to implantation of a device for chronic intrathecal infusion of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL, patients must show a response to LIORESAL INTRATHECAL in a screening trial (see Dosage and Administration).
IndicationsThe Model 856X Refill Kit is intended for use in refilling Medtronic implantable programmable infusion pumps with the exception of Medtronic MiniMed infusion pumps.
History
There is currently no drug history available for this drug.
Other Information
LIORESAL® INTRATHECAL (baclofen injection) is a muscle relaxant and antispastic. Its chemical name is 4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl) butanoic acid, and its structural formula is:
Baclofen is a white to off-white, odorless or practically odorless crystalline powder, with a molecular weight of 213.66. It is slightly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in methanol, and insoluble in chloroform.
LIORESAL INTRATHECAL is a sterile, pyrogen-free, isotonic solution free of antioxidants, preservatives or other potentially neurotoxic additives indicated only for intrathecal administration. The drug is stable in solution at 37° C and compatible with CSF. Each milliliter of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL contains baclofen U.S.P. 50 mcg, 500 mcg or 2000 mcg and sodium chloride 9 mg in Water for Injection; pH range is 5.0-7.0. Each ampule is intended for SINGLE USE ONLY. Discard any unused portion. DO NOT AUTOCLAVE.
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Lioresal Manufacturers
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Medtronic Neuromodulation
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Lioresal | Medtronic Neuromodulation
Refer to the manufacturer's manual for the implantable pump approved for intrathecal infusion for specific instructions and precautions for programming the pump and/or refilling the reservoir. There are various pumps with varying reservoir volumes and there are various refill kits available. It is important to be familiar with all of these products in order to select the appropriate refill kit for the particular pump in use.
Screening Phase: Prior to pump implantation and initiation of chronic infusion of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL (baclofen injection), patients must demonstrate a positive clinical response to a LIORESAL INTRATHECAL bolus dose administered intrathecally in a screening trial. The screening trial employs LIORESAL INTRATHECAL at a concentration of 50 mcg/mL. A 1 mL ampule (50 mcg/mL) is available for use in the screening trial. The screening procedure is as follows. An initial bolus containing 50 micrograms in a volume of 1 milliliter is administered into the intrathecal space by barbotage over a period of not less than one minute. The patient is observed over the ensuing 4 to 8 hours. A positive response consists of a significant decrease in muscle tone and/or frequency and/or severity of spasms. If the initial response is less than desired, a second bolus injection may be administered 24 hours after the first. The second screening bolus dose consists of 75 micrograms in 1.5 milliliters. Again, the patient should be observed for an interval of 4 to 8 hours. If the response is still inadequate, a final bolus screening dose of 100 micrograms in 2 milliliters may be administered 24 hours later.
Pediatric Patients: The starting screening dose for pediatric patients is the same as in adult patients, i.e., 50 mcg. However, for very small patients, a screening dose of 25 mcg may be tried first. Patients who do not respond to a 100 mcg intrathecal bolus should not be considered candidates for an implanted pump for chronic infusion.
Post-Implant Dose Titration Period: To determine the initial total daily dose of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL following implant, the screening dose that gave a positive effect should be doubled and administered over a 24-hour period, unless the efficacy of the bolus dose was maintained for more than 8 hours, in which case the starting daily dose should be the screening dose delivered over a 24-hour period. No dose increases should be given in the first 24 hours (i.e., until the steady state is achieved).
Adult Patients with Spasticity of Spinal Cord Origin: After the first 24 hours, for adult patients, the daily dosage should be increased slowly by 10-30% increments and only once every 24 hours, until the desired clinical effect is achieved.
Adult Patients with Spasticity of Cerebral Origin: After the first 24 hours, the daily dose should be increased slowly by 5-15% only once every 24 hours, until the desired clinical effect is achieved.
Pediatric Patients: After the first 24 hours, the daily dose should be increased slowly by 5-15% only once every 24 hours, until the desired clinical effect is achieved. If there is not a substantive clinical response to increases in the daily dose, check for proper pump function and catheter patency. Patients must be monitored closely in a fully equipped and staffed environment during the screening phase and dose-titration period immediately following implant. Resuscitative equipment should be immediately available for use in case of life-threatening or intolerable side effects.
Maintenance Therapy:Spasticity of Spinal Cord Origin Patients: The clinical goal is to maintain muscle tone as close to normal as possible, and to minimize the frequency and severity of spasms to the extent possible, without inducing intolerable side effects. Very often, the maintenance dose needs to be adjusted during the first few months of therapy while patients adjust to changes in life style due to the alleviation of spasticity. During periodic refills of the pump, the daily dose may be increased by 10-40%, but no more than 40%, to maintain adequate symptom control. The daily dose may be reduced by 10-20% if patients experience side effects. Most patients require gradual increases in dose over time to maintain optimal response during chronic therapy. A sudden large requirement for dose escalation suggests a catheter complication (i.e., catheter kink or dislodgement).
Maintenance dosage for long term continuous infusion of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL (baclofen injection) has ranged from 12 mcg/day to 2003 mcg/day, with most patients adequately maintained on 300 micrograms to 800 micrograms per day. There is limited experience with daily doses greater than 1000 mcg/day. Determination of the optimal LIORESAL INTRATHECAL dose requires individual titration. The lowest dose with an optimal response should be used.
Spasticity of Cerebral Origin Patients: The clinical goal is to maintain muscle tone as close to normal as possible and to minimize the frequency and severity of spasms to the extent possible, without inducing intolerable side effects, or to titrate the dose to the desired degree of muscle tone for optimal functions. Very often the maintenance dose needs to be adjusted during the first few months of therapy while patients adjust to changes in life style due to the alleviation of spasticity. During periodic refills of the pump, the daily dose may be increased by 5-20%, but no more than 20%, to maintain adequate symptom control. The daily dose may be reduced by 10-20% if patients experience side effects. Many patients require gradual increases in dose over time to maintain optimal response during chronic therapy. A sudden large requirement for dose escalation suggests a catheter complication (i.e., catheter kink or dislodgement).
Maintenance dosage for long term continuous infusion of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL (baclofen injection) has ranged from 22 mcg/day to 1400 mcg/day, with most patients adequately maintained on 90 micrograms to 703 micrograms per day. In clinical trials, only 3 of 150 patients required daily doses greater than 1000 mcg/day.
Pediatric Patients: Use same dosing recommendations for patients with spasticity of cerebral origin. Pediatric patients under 12 years seemed to require a lower daily dose in clinical trials. Average daily dose for patients under 12 years was 274 mcg/day, with a range of 24 to 1199 mcg/day. Dosage requirement for pediatric patients over 12 years does not seem to be different from that of adult patients. Determination of the optimal LIORESAL INTRATHECAL dose requires individual titration. The lowest dose with an optimal response should be used.
Potential need for dose adjustments in chronic use : During long term treatment, approximately 5% (28/627) of patients become refractory to increasing doses. There is not sufficient experience to make firm recommendations for tolerance treatment; however, this “tolerance” has been treated on occasion, in hospital, by a “drug holiday” consisting of the gradual reduction of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL over a 2 to 4 week period and switching to alternative methods of spasticity management. After the “drug holiday,” LIORESAL INTRATHECAL may be restarted at the initial continuous infusion dose.
StabilityParenteral drug products should be inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Delivery SpecificationsThe specific concentration that should be used depends upon the total daily dose required as well as the delivery rate of the pump. LIORESAL INTRATHECAL may require dilution when used with certain implantable pumps. Please consult manufacturer's manual for specific recommendations.
Preparation Instruction:Screening
Use the 1 mL screening ampule only (50 mcg/mL) for bolus injection into the subarachnoid space. For a 50 mcg bolus dose, use 1 mL of the screening ampule. Use 1.5 mL of 50 mcg/mL baclofen injection for a 75 mcg bolus dose. For the maximum screening dose of 100 mcg, use 2 mL of 50 mcg/mL baclofen injection (2 screening ampules).
Maintenance
For patients who require concentrations other than 500 mcg/mL or 2000 mcg/mL, LIORESAL INTRATHECAL must be diluted.
LIORESAL INTRATHECAL must be diluted with sterile preservative free Sodium Chloride for Injection, U.S.P.
Delivery Regimen:LIORESAL INTRATHECAL is most often administered in a continuous infusion mode immediately following implant. For those patients implanted with programmable pumps who have achieved relatively satisfactory control on continuous infusion, further benefit may be attained using more complex schedules of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL delivery. For example, patients who have increased spasms at night may require a 20% increase in their hourly infusion rate. Changes in flow rate should be programmed to start two hours before the time of desired clinical effect.
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