Cephalon, Inc.
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Cephalon, Inc. Drugs
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Actiq
Healthcare professionals who prescribe ACTIQ on an outpatient basis must enroll in the TIRF REMS Access program and comply with the requirements of the REMS to ensure safe use of ACTIQ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].
As with all opioids, the safety of patients using such products is dependent on health care professionals prescribing them in strict conformity with their approved labeling with respect to patient selection, dosing, and proper conditions for use.
2.1 Initial Dose
Individually titrate ACTIQ to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes side effects. The initial dose of ACTIQ to treat episodes of breakthrough cancer pain is always 200 mcg. The ACTIQ unit should be consumed over 15 minutes. Patients should be prescribed an initial titration supply of six 200 mcg ACTIQ units, thus limiting the number of units in the home during titration. Patients should use up all units before increasing to a higher dose to prevent confusion and possible overdose.
2.2 Dose Titration
From this initial dose, closely follow patients and change the dosage level until the patient reaches a dose that provides adequate analgesia using a single ACTIQ dosage unit per breakthrough cancer pain episode. If signs of excessive opioid effects appear before the unit is consumed, the dosage unit should be removed from the patient’s mouth immediately, disposed of properly, and subsequent doses should be decreased. Patients should record their use of ACTIQ over several episodes of breakthrough cancer pain and review their experience with their physicians to determine if a dosage adjustment is warranted.
In cases where the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved 15 minutes after completion of the ACTIQ unit (30 minutes after the start of the unit), patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose of the same strength for that episode. Thus, patients should take a maximum of two doses of ACTIQ for any breakthrough pain episode.
Patients must wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with ACTIQ. To reduce the risk of overdosing during titration, patients should have only one strength of ACTIQ available at any one time.
ACTIQ Titration Process See Boxed Warning
*Available dosage strengths include: 200, 400, 600, 800, 1200, and 1600 mcg.
2.3 Maintenance Dosing
Once titrated to an effective dose, patients should generally use ONLY ONE ACTIQ unit of the appropriate strength per breakthrough pain episode.
On those occasions when the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved 15 minutes after completion of the ACTIQ unit, patient may take ONLY ONE additional dose using the same strength for that episode.
Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with ACTIQ. Once a successful dose has been found (i.e., an average episode is treated with a single unit), patients should limit consumption to four or fewer units per day.
Dosage adjustment of ACTIQ may be required in some patients in order to continue to provide adequate relief of breakthrough pain.
Generally, the ACTIQ dose should be increased only when a single administration of the current dose fails to adequately treat the breakthrough pain episode for several consecutive episodes.
If the patient experiences greater than four breakthrough pain episodes per day, the dose of the maintenance (around-the-clock) opioid used for persistent pain should be re-evaluated.
2.4 Administration of ACTIQ
Open the blister package with scissors immediately prior to product use. The patient should place the ACTIQ unit in his or her mouth between the cheek and lower gum, occasionally moving the drug matrix from one side to the other using the handle. The ACTIQ unit should be sucked, not chewed. A unit dose of ACTIQ, if chewed and swallowed, might result in lower peak concentrations and lower bioavailability than when consumed as directed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
The ACTIQ unit should be consumed over a 15-minute period. Longer or shorter consumption times may produce less efficacy than reported in ACTIQ clinical trials. If signs of excessive opioid effects appear before the unit is consumed, remove the drug matrix from the patient’s mouth immediately and decrease future doses.
2.5 Discontinuation of ACTIQ
For patients requiring discontinuation of opioids, a gradual downward titration is recommended because it is not known at what dose level the opioid may be discontinued without producing the signs and symptoms of abrupt withdrawal.
2.1 Initial Dose
Individually titrate ACTIQ to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes side effects. The initial dose of ACTIQ to treat episodes of breakthrough cancer pain is always 200 mcg. The ACTIQ unit should be consumed over 15 minutes. Patients should be prescribed an initial titration supply of six 200 mcg ACTIQ units, thus limiting the number of units in the home during titration. Patients should use up all units before increasing to a higher dose to prevent confusion and possible overdose.
2.2 Dose Titration
From this initial dose, closely follow patients and change the dosage level until the patient reaches a dose that provides adequate analgesia using a single ACTIQ dosage unit per breakthrough cancer pain episode. If signs of excessive opioid effects appear before the unit is consumed, the dosage unit should be removed from the patient’s mouth immediately, disposed of properly, and subsequent doses should be decreased. Patients should record their use of ACTIQ over several episodes of breakthrough cancer pain and review their experience with their physicians to determine if a dosage adjustment is warranted.
In cases where the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved 15 minutes after completion of the ACTIQ unit (30 minutes after the start of the unit), patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose of the same strength for that episode. Thus, patients should take a maximum of two doses of ACTIQ for any breakthrough pain episode.
Patients must wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with ACTIQ. To reduce the risk of overdosing during titration, patients should have only one strength of ACTIQ available at any one time.
ACTIQ Titration Process See Boxed Warning
*Available dosage strengths include: 200, 400, 600, 800, 1200, and 1600 mcg.
2.3 Maintenance Dosing
Once titrated to an effective dose, patients should generally use ONLY ONE ACTIQ unit of the appropriate strength per breakthrough pain episode.
On those occasions when the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved 15 minutes after completion of the ACTIQ unit, patient may take ONLY ONE additional dose using the same strength for that episode.
Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with ACTIQ. Once a successful dose has been found (i.e., an average episode is treated with a single unit), patients should limit consumption to four or fewer units per day.
Dosage adjustment of ACTIQ may be required in some patients in order to continue to provide adequate relief of breakthrough pain.
Generally, the ACTIQ dose should be increased only when a single administration of the current dose fails to adequately treat the breakthrough pain episode for several consecutive episodes.
If the patient experiences greater than four breakthrough pain episodes per day, the dose of the maintenance (around-the-clock) opioid used for persistent pain should be re-evaluated.
2.4 Administration of ACTIQ
Open the blister package with scissors immediately prior to product use. The patient should place the ACTIQ unit in his or her mouth between the cheek and lower gum, occasionally moving the drug matrix from one side to the other using the handle. The ACTIQ unit should be sucked, not chewed. A unit dose of ACTIQ, if chewed and swallowed, might result in lower peak concentrations and lower bioavailability than when consumed as directed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
The ACTIQ unit should be consumed over a 15-minute period. Longer or shorter consumption times may produce less efficacy than reported in ACTIQ clinical trials. If signs of excessive opioid effects appear before the unit is consumed, remove the drug matrix from the patient’s mouth immediately and decrease future doses.
2.5 Discontinuation of ACTIQ
For patients requiring discontinuation of opioids, a gradual downward titration is recommended because it is not known at what dose level the opioid may be discontinued without producing the signs and symptoms of abrupt withdrawal.
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Gabitril
General:
The blood level of tiagabine obtained after a given dose depends on whether the patient also is receiving a drug that induces the metabolism of tiagabine. The presence of an inducer means that the attained blood level will be substantially reduced. Dosing should take the presence of concomitant medications into account.
GABITRIL (tiagabine HCl) is recommended as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial seizures in patients 12 years and older.
The following dosing recommendations apply to all patients taking GABITRIL:
GABITRIL is given orally and should be taken with food. Do not use a loading dose of GABITRIL. Dose titration: Rapid escalation and/or large dose increments of GABITRIL should not be used. Missed dose(s): If the patient forgets to take the prescribed dose of GABITRIL at the scheduled time, the patient should not attempt to make up for the missed dose by increasing the next dose. If a patient has missed multiple doses, patient should refer back to his or her physician for possible re-titration as clinically indicated. Dosage adjustment of GABITRIL should be considered whenever a change in patient’s enzyme-inducing status occurs as a result of the addition, discontinuation, or dose change of the enzyme-inducing agent.Induced Adults and Adolescents 12 Years or Older:
The following dosing recommendations apply to patients who are already taking enzyme-inducing antiepilepsy drugs (AEDs) (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, and phenobarbital). Such patients are considered induced patients when administering GABITRIL.
In adolescents 12 to 18 years old, GABITRIL should be initiated at 4 mg once daily. Modification of concomitant antiepilepsy drugs is not necessary, unless clinically indicated. The total daily dose of GABITRIL may be increased by 4 mg at the beginning of Week 2. Thereafter, the total daily dose may be increased by 4 to 8 mg at weekly intervals until clinical response is achieved or up to 32 mg/day. The total daily dose should be given in divided doses two to four times daily. Doses above 32 mg/day have been tolerated in a small number of adolescent patients for a relatively short duration.
In adults, GABITRIL should be initiated at 4 mg once daily. Modification of concomitant antiepilepsy drugs is not necessary, unless clinically indicated. The total daily dose of GABITRIL may be increased by 4 to 8 mg at weekly intervals until clinical response is achieved or, up to 56 mg/day. The total daily dose should be given in divided doses two to four times daily. Doses above 56 mg/day have not been systematically evaluated in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.
Experience is limited in patients taking total daily doses above 32 mg/day using twice daily dosing. A typical dosing titration regimen for patients taking enzyme-inducing AEDs (induced patients) is provided in Table 7.
Table 7: Typical Dosing Titration Regimen for Patients Already Taking Enzyme-Inducing AEDs Initiation and Titration Schedule Total Daily Dose Week 1 Initiate at 4 mg once daily 4 mg/day Week 2 Increase total daily dose by 4 mg 8 mg/day(in two divided doses) Week 3 Increase total daily dose by 4 mg 12 mg/day(in three divided doses) Week 4 Increase total daily dose by 4 mg 16 mg/day(in two to four divided doses) Week 5 Increase total daily dose by 4 to 8 mg 20 to 24 mg/day(in two to four divided doses) Week 6 Increase total daily dose by 4 to 8 mg 24 to 32 mg/day(in two to four divided doses) Usual Adult Maintenance Dose in Induced Patients: 32 to 56 mg/day in two to four divided dosesNon-Induced Adults and Adolescents 12 Years or Older:
The following dosing recommendations apply to patients who are taking only non-enzyme-inducing AEDs. Such patients are considered non-induced patients:
Following a given dose of GABITRIL, the estimated plasma concentration in the non-induced patients is more than twice that in patients receiving enzyme-inducing agents. Use in non-induced patients requires lower doses of GABITRIL. These patients may also require a slower titration of GABITRIL compared to that of induced patients (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics and PRECAUTIONS, General, Use in Non-Induced Patients).
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Provigil
2.1 Dosage in Narcolepsy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The recommended dosage of PROVIGIL for patients with narcolepsy or OSA is 200 mg taken orally once a day as a single dose in the morning.
Doses up to 400 mg/day, given as a single dose, have been well tolerated, but there is no consistent evidence that this dose confers additional benefit beyond that of the 200 mg/day dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)].
2.2 Dosage in Shift Work Disorder (SWD)
The recommended dosage of PROVIGIL for patients with SWD is 200 mg taken orally once a day as a single dose approximately 1 hour prior to the start of their work shift.
2.3 Dosage Modifications in Patients with Severe Hepatic Impairment
In patients with severe hepatic impairment, the dosage of PROVIGIL should be reduced to one-half of that recommended for patients with normal hepatic function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
2.4 Use in Geriatric Patients
Consideration should be given to the use of lower doses and close monitoring in geriatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
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Fentora
Healthcare professionals who prescribe FENTORA on an outpatient basis must enroll in the TIRF REMS Access program and comply with the requirements of the REMS to ensure safe use of FENTORA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].
As with all opioids, the safety of patients using such products is dependent on health care professionals prescribing them in strict conformity with their approved labeling with respect to patient selection, dosing, and proper conditions for use.
It is important to minimize the number of strengths available to patients at any time to prevent confusion and possible overdose.
2.1 Initial Dose
FENTORA is not bioequivalent with other fentanyl products. Do not convert patients on a mcg per mcg basis from other fentanyl products. There are no conversion directions available for patients on any other fentanyl products other than Actiq. (Note: This includes oral, transdermal, or parenteral formulations of fentanyl.) All patients should be titrated from the 100 mcg dose.
Patients on Actiq
The initial dose of FENTORA is always 100 mcg with the only exception being patients already using Actiq.
a. For patients being converted from Actiq, prescribers must use the Initial Dosing Recommendations for Patients on Actiq table below (Table 1). The doses of FENTORA in this table are starting doses and not intended to represent equianalgesic doses to Actiq. Patients must be instructed to stop the use of Actiq and dispose of any remaining units.
Table 1. Initial Dosing Recommendations for Patients on Actiq
Current Actiq Dose
(mcg) Initial FENTORA Dose* 200100 mcg tablet
400
100 mcg tablet
600
200 mcg tablet
800
200 mcg tablet
1200
2 x 200 mcg tablets
16002 x 200 mcg tablets
*From this initial dose, titrate patient to effective dose.
b. For patients converting from Actiq doses equal to or greater than 600 mcg, titration should be initiated with the 200 mcg FENTORA tablet and should proceed using multiples of this tablet strength.
All Other Patients
The initial dose of FENTORA is 100 mcg.
Repeat Dosing
a. In cases where the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose using the same strength for that episode. Thus patients should take a maximum of two doses of FENTORA for any episode of breakthrough pain.
b. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with FENTORA.
2.2 Dose Titration
a. From an initial dose, patients should be closely followed by the prescriber and the dosage strength changed until the patient reaches a dose that provides adequate analgesia with tolerable side effects. Patients should record their use of FENTORA over several episodes of breakthrough pain and discuss their experience with their physician to determine if a dosage adjustment is warranted.
b. Patients whose initial dose is 100 mcg and who need to titrate to a higher dose, can be instructed to use two 100 mcg tablets (one on each side of the mouth in the buccal cavity) with their next breakthrough pain episode. If this dosage is not successful, the patient may be instructed to place two 100 mcg tablets on each side of the mouth in the buccal cavity (total of four 100 mcg tablets). Titrate using multiples of the 200 mcg FENTORA tablet for doses above 400 mcg (600 mcg and 800 mcg). Note: Do not use more than 4 tablets simultaneously.
c. In cases where the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose of the same strength for that episode. Thus patients should take a maximum of two doses of FENTORA for any breakthrough pain episode. During titration, one dose of FENTORA may include administration of 1 to 4 tablets of the same dosage strength (100 mcg or 200 mcg).
d. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with FENTORA. To reduce the risk of overdose during titration, patients should have only one strength of FENTORA tablets available at any time.
e. Patients should be strongly encouraged to use all of their FENTORA tablets of one strength prior to being prescribed the next strength. If this is not practical, unused FENTORA should be disposed of safely [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.2)]. Dispose of any unopened FENTORA tablets remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed.
2.3 Maintenance Dosing
a. Once titrated to an effective dose, patients should generally use only ONE FENTORA tablet of the appropriate strength per breakthrough pain episode.
b. On occasion when the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose using the same strength for that episode.
c. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with FENTORA.
d. Dosage adjustment of FENTORA may be required in some patients. Generally, the FENTORA dose should be increased only when a single administration of the current dose fails to adequately treat the breakthrough pain episode for several consecutive episodes
e. If the patient experiences greater than four breakthrough pain episodes per day, the dose of the around-the-clock opioid used for persistent pain should be re-evaluated.
f. Once an effective dose is determine during the titration scheme outlined above, an alternate route of administration is sublingual (placing the tablet under the tongue).
2.4 Administration of FENTORA
Opening the Blister Package
Instruct patients not to open the blister until ready to administer FENTORA. Separate a single blister unit from the blister card by bending and tearing apart at the perforations. Bend the blister unit along the line where indicated. Peel back the blister backing to expose the tablet. Patients should NOT attempt to push the tablet through the blister as this may cause damage to the tablet. Do not store the tablet once it has been removed from the blister package as the tablet integrity may be compromised and, more importantly, because this increases the risk of accidental exposure to the tablet.Tablet Administration:
Once the tablet is removed from the blister unit, the patient should immediately place the entire FENTORA tablet in the buccal cavity (above a rear molar, between the upper cheek and gum) or place the entire FENTORA tablet under the tongue. Patients should not split the tablet.
The FENTORA tablet should not be crushed, sucked, chewed or swallowed whole, as this will result in lower plasma concentrations than when taken as directed.
The FENTORA tablet should be left between the cheek and gum or under the tongue until it has disintegrated, which usually takes approximately 14-25 minutes.
After 30 minutes, if remnants from the FENTORA tablet remain, they may be swallowed with a glass of water.
It is recommended that patients alternate sides of the mouth when administering subsequent doses of FENTORA in the buccal cavity.
2.5 Discontinuation of FENTORA
For patients requiring discontinuation of opioids, a gradual downward titration is recommended because it is not known at what dose level the opioid may be discontinued without producing the signs and symptoms of abrupt withdrawal.
2.1 Initial Dose
FENTORA is not bioequivalent with other fentanyl products. Do not convert patients on a mcg per mcg basis from other fentanyl products. There are no conversion directions available for patients on any other fentanyl products other than Actiq. (Note: This includes oral, transdermal, or parenteral formulations of fentanyl.) All patients should be titrated from the 100 mcg dose.
Patients on Actiq
The initial dose of FENTORA is always 100 mcg with the only exception being patients already using Actiq.
a. For patients being converted from Actiq, prescribers must use the Initial Dosing Recommendations for Patients on Actiq table below (Table 1). The doses of FENTORA in this table are starting doses and not intended to represent equianalgesic doses to Actiq. Patients must be instructed to stop the use of Actiq and dispose of any remaining units.
Table 1. Initial Dosing Recommendations for Patients on Actiq
Current Actiq Dose
(mcg) Initial FENTORA Dose* 200100 mcg tablet
400
100 mcg tablet
600
200 mcg tablet
800
200 mcg tablet
1200
2 x 200 mcg tablets
16002 x 200 mcg tablets
*From this initial dose, titrate patient to effective dose.
b. For patients converting from Actiq doses equal to or greater than 600 mcg, titration should be initiated with the 200 mcg FENTORA tablet and should proceed using multiples of this tablet strength.
All Other Patients
The initial dose of FENTORA is 100 mcg.
Repeat Dosing
a. In cases where the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose using the same strength for that episode. Thus patients should take a maximum of two doses of FENTORA for any episode of breakthrough pain.
b. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with FENTORA.
2.2 Dose Titration
a. From an initial dose, patients should be closely followed by the prescriber and the dosage strength changed until the patient reaches a dose that provides adequate analgesia with tolerable side effects. Patients should record their use of FENTORA over several episodes of breakthrough pain and discuss their experience with their physician to determine if a dosage adjustment is warranted.
b. Patients whose initial dose is 100 mcg and who need to titrate to a higher dose, can be instructed to use two 100 mcg tablets (one on each side of the mouth in the buccal cavity) with their next breakthrough pain episode. If this dosage is not successful, the patient may be instructed to place two 100 mcg tablets on each side of the mouth in the buccal cavity (total of four 100 mcg tablets). Titrate using multiples of the 200 mcg FENTORA tablet for doses above 400 mcg (600 mcg and 800 mcg). Note: Do not use more than 4 tablets simultaneously.
c. In cases where the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose of the same strength for that episode. Thus patients should take a maximum of two doses of FENTORA for any breakthrough pain episode. During titration, one dose of FENTORA may include administration of 1 to 4 tablets of the same dosage strength (100 mcg or 200 mcg).
d. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with FENTORA. To reduce the risk of overdose during titration, patients should have only one strength of FENTORA tablets available at any time.
e. Patients should be strongly encouraged to use all of their FENTORA tablets of one strength prior to being prescribed the next strength. If this is not practical, unused FENTORA should be disposed of safely [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.2)]. Dispose of any unopened FENTORA tablets remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed.
2.3 Maintenance Dosing
a. Once titrated to an effective dose, patients should generally use only ONE FENTORA tablet of the appropriate strength per breakthrough pain episode.
b. On occasion when the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose using the same strength for that episode.
c. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with FENTORA.
d. Dosage adjustment of FENTORA may be required in some patients. Generally, the FENTORA dose should be increased only when a single administration of the current dose fails to adequately treat the breakthrough pain episode for several consecutive episodes
e. If the patient experiences greater than four breakthrough pain episodes per day, the dose of the around-the-clock opioid used for persistent pain should be re-evaluated.
f. Once an effective dose is determine during the titration scheme outlined above, an alternate route of administration is sublingual (placing the tablet under the tongue).
2.4 Administration of FENTORA
Opening the Blister Package
Instruct patients not to open the blister until ready to administer FENTORA. Separate a single blister unit from the blister card by bending and tearing apart at the perforations. Bend the blister unit along the line where indicated. Peel back the blister backing to expose the tablet. Patients should NOT attempt to push the tablet through the blister as this may cause damage to the tablet. Do not store the tablet once it has been removed from the blister package as the tablet integrity may be compromised and, more importantly, because this increases the risk of accidental exposure to the tablet.Tablet Administration:
Once the tablet is removed from the blister unit, the patient should immediately place the entire FENTORA tablet in the buccal cavity (above a rear molar, between the upper cheek and gum) or place the entire FENTORA tablet under the tongue. Patients should not split the tablet.
The FENTORA tablet should not be crushed, sucked, chewed or swallowed whole, as this will result in lower plasma concentrations than when taken as directed.
The FENTORA tablet should be left between the cheek and gum or under the tongue until it has disintegrated, which usually takes approximately 14-25 minutes.
After 30 minutes, if remnants from the FENTORA tablet remain, they may be swallowed with a glass of water.
It is recommended that patients alternate sides of the mouth when administering subsequent doses of FENTORA in the buccal cavity.
2.5 Discontinuation of FENTORA
For patients requiring discontinuation of opioids, a gradual downward titration is recommended because it is not known at what dose level the opioid may be discontinued without producing the signs and symptoms of abrupt withdrawal.
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Belviq
2.1 Dosing Instructions for CLL
Recommended Dosage:
The recommended dose is 100 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, up to 6 cycles.
Dose Delays, Dose Modifications and Reinitiation of Therapy for CLL:
TREANDA administration should be delayed in the event of Grade 4 hematologic toxicity or clinically significant ≥ Grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity. Once non-hematologic toxicity has recovered to ≤ Grade 1 and/or the blood counts have improved [Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) ≥ 1 x 109/L, platelets ≥ 75 x 109/L], TREANDA can be reinitiated at the discretion of the treating physician. In addition, dose reduction may be warranted. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Dose modifications for hematologic toxicity: for Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 50 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 3 or greater toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 25 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle.
Dose modifications for non-hematologic toxicity: for clinically significant Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 50 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle.
Dose re-escalation in subsequent cycles may be considered at the discretion of the treating physician.
2.2 Dosing Instructions for NHL
Recommended Dosage:
The recommended dose is 120 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 60 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, up to 8 cycles.
Dose Delays, Dose Modifications and Reinitiation of Therapy for NHL:
TREANDA administration should be delayed in the event of a Grade 4 hematologic toxicity or clinically significant ≥ Grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity. Once non-hematologic toxicity has recovered to ≤ Grade 1 and/or the blood counts have improved [Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) ≥ 1 x 109/L, platelets ≥ 75 x 109/L], TREANDA can be reinitiated at the discretion of the treating physician. In addition, dose reduction may be warranted. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Dose modifications for hematologic toxicity: for Grade 4 toxicity, reduce the dose to 90 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 4 toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 60 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle.
Dose modifications for non-hematologic toxicity: for Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 90 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 3 or greater toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 60 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle.
2.3 Preparation for Intravenous Administration
Each vial of TREANDA Injection is intended for single use only. Aseptically withdraw the volume needed for the required dose from the 90 mg/mL solution.
Immediately transfer the solution to a 500 mL infusion bag of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (normal saline). As an alternative to 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (normal saline), a 500 mL infusion bag of 2.5% Dextrose/0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, may be considered. The resulting final concentration of bendamustine HCl in the infusion bag should be within 0.2 – 0.7 mg/mL. The admixture should be a clear colorless to yellow solution.
Use either 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 2.5% Dextrose/0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, for dilution, as outlined above. No other diluents have been shown to be compatible.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Any unused solution should be discarded according to institutional procedures for antineoplastics.
2.4 Admixture Stability
TREANDA Injection contains no antimicrobial preservative. The admixture should be prepared as close as possible to the time of patient administration.
Once diluted with either 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 2.5% Dextrose/0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, the final admixture is stable for 24 hours when stored under refrigerated conditions at 2°-8°C (36°-46°F) or for 2 hours when stored at room temperature (15°-30°C or 59°-86°F) and room light. Administration of TREANDA must be completed within this period.
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Granix
2.1 Dosage
The recommended dose of GRANIX is 5 mcg/kg per day administered as a subcutaneous injection. Administer the first dose of GRANIX no earlier than 24 hours following myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Do not administer GRANIX within 24 hours prior to chemotherapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5)].
Daily dosing with GRANIX should continue until the expected neutrophil nadir is passed and the neutrophil count has recovered to the normal range. Monitor complete blood count (CBC) prior to chemotherapy and twice per week until recovery.
2.2 General Considerations for Administration
GRANIX may be administered by either a healthcare professional or by a patient or caregiver. Before a decision is made to allow GRANIX to be administered by a patient or caregiver, ensure that the patient is an appropriate candidate for self-administration or administration by a caregiver. Proper training on storage, preparation, and administration technique should be provided. If a patient or caregiver is not an appropriate candidate for any reason, then in such patients, GRANIX should be administered by a healthcare professional.
Dispense only the pre-filled syringe without a safety needle guard device to patient or caregiver. Instruct patients and caregivers to follow the Instructions for Use provided with the GRANIX pre-filled syringe to properly administer an injection after training by a healthcare professional.
Visually inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.
Do not administer GRANIX if discoloration or particulates are observed.
The prefilled syringe is for single use only. Discard unused portions.
Recommended sites for subcutaneous GRANIX injections include the abdomen (except for the two-inch area around the navel), the front of the middle thighs, the upper outer areas of the buttocks, or the upper back portion of the upper arms. The injection site should be varied daily. GRANIX should not be injected into an area that is tender, red, bruised or hard, or that has scars or stretch marks.
2.3 Instructions for Use of the Safety Needle Guard Device by Healthcare Professionals
Hold the syringe assembly by the open sides of the device and remove the needle shield.
Expel any extra volume depending on dose needed.
Inject GRANIX subcutaneously as recommended [see General Considerations for Administration (2.2)].
Push the plunger as far as it will go to inject all the medication. Injection of the entire prefilled syringe contents is necessary to activate the needle guard.
With the plunger still pressed all the way down, remove the needle from the skin.
Slowly let go of the plunger and allow the empty syringe to move up inside the device until the entire needle is guarded.
Discard the syringe assembly in approved containers.
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Synribo
2.1 Induction Schedule
The recommended starting schedule for induction is 1.25 mg/m2 administered subcutaneously twice daily at approximately 12 hour intervals for 14 consecutive days every 28 days, over a 28-day cycle. Cycles should be repeated every 28 days until patients achieve a hematologic response.
2.2 Maintenance Dosing
The recommended maintenance schedule is 1.25 mg/m2 administered subcutaneously twice daily approximately 12 hour intervals for 7 consecutive days every 28 days, over a 28-day cycle. Treatment should continue as long as patients are clinically benefiting from therapy.
2.3 Dose Adjustments and Modifications
Hematologic Toxicity:
SYNRIBO treatment cycles may be delayed and/or the number of days of dosing during the cycle reduced for hematologic toxicities (e.g. neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Complete blood counts (CBCs) should be performed weekly during induction and initial maintenance cycles. After initial maintenance cycles, monitor CBCs every two weeks or as clinically indicated. If a patient experiences Grade 4 neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 0.5 x 109/L) or Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelet counts less than 50 x 109/L) during a cycle, delay starting the next cycle until ANC is greater than or equal to 1.0 x 109/L and platelet count is greater than or equal to 50 x 109/L. Also, for the next cycle, reduce the number of dosing days by 2 days (e.g. to 12 or 5 days).
Non-Hematologic Toxicity:
Manage other clinically significant non-hematologic toxicity symptomatically. Interrupt and/or delay SYNRIBO until toxicity is resolved.
2.4 Reconstitution Instructions and Handling Precautions
SYNRIBO should be prepared in a healthcare facility and must be reconstituted by a healthcare professional.
Reconstitute SYNRIBO with one mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, prior to subcutaneous injection. After addition of the diluent, gently swirl until a clear solution is obtained. The lyophilized powder should be completely dissolved in less than one minute. The resulting solution is clear and colorless and contains 3.5 mg/mL SYNRIBO. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
SYNRIBO does not contain antimicrobial preservatives. Therefore care must be taken to ensure that the solution for injection is not contaminated during preparation.
SYNRIBO is a cytotoxic drug. Follow special handling and disposal procedures1. Wear protective eyewear and gloves during handling and administration of the product. Proper aseptic technique should be used. Avoid skin and eye contact. If SYNRIBO comes into contact with skin, immediately and thoroughly wash affected area with soap and water. If contact with the eyes occurs, thoroughly flush the eyes with water.
2.5 Storage Conditions and Storage Time after Preparation of Syringes
If SYNRIBO is not used immediately after reconstitution, follow in-use storage conditions and allowable storage times prior to use as instructed in Table 1. Do not administer SYNRIBO outside of the storage conditions and timeframes listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Storage Conditions and Storage Time after Preparation of SyringesStorage Conditions
Storage Time
Room temperature (20°C to 25°C [68°F to 77°F])
Use within 12 hours of reconstitution
Refrigerated (2°C to 8°C [36oF to 46oF])
Use within 6 days (144 hours) of reconstitution
2.6 Considerations for Home Administration
Before a decision is made to allow SYNRIBO to be administered by someone other than a healthcare professional, ensure that the patient is an appropriate candidate for self-administration or for administration by a caregiver. Provide training on proper handling, storage conditions, administration, disposal, and clean-up of accidental spillage of the product. Ensure that patients receive the necessary supplies for home administration. At minimum these should include:
• Reconstituted SYNRIBO in syringe with a capped needle for subcutaneous injection. Syringe(s) should be filled to the patient-specific dose. • Protective eyewear • Gloves • An appropriate biohazard container • Absorbent pad(s) for placement of administration materials and for accidental spillage • Alcohol swabs • Gauze pads • Ice packs or cooler for transportation of reconstituted SYNRIBO syringesIf a patient or caregiver cannot be trained for any reason, then in such patients, SYNRIBO should be administered by a healthcare professional.
2.7 Disposal and Accidental Spillage Procedures
After administration, any unused solution should be discarded properly1. Instruct patients planning home administration on the following: do not recap or clip the used needle, and do not place used needles, syringes, vials, and other used supplies in a household trash or recycling bin. Used needles, syringes, vials, and other used supplies should be disposed of in an appropriate biohazard container.
If accidental spillage occurs, continue to use protective eyewear and gloves, wipe the spilled liquid with the absorbent pad, and wash the area with water and soap. Then, place the pad and gloves into the biohazard container and wash hands thoroughly. Return the biohazard container to the clinic or pharmacy for final disposal.
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