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C1 esterase inhibitor

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Habit forming
No
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Brand names

BerinertCinryzeHaegardaRuconest

Available as

2100 UNT · Injection500 UNT · Injection2000 UNT · Injection3000 UNT · Injection

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RUCONEST is a C1 esterase inhibitor [recombinant] indicated for the treatment of acute attacks in adult and adolescent patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE). Limitation of Use: Effectiveness was not established in HAE patients with laryngeal attacks. RUCONEST is a C1 esterase inhibitor [recombinant] indicated for the treatment of acute attacks in adult and adolescent patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE). ( 1 ) Limitation of Use: Effectiveness was not established in HAE patients with laryngeal attacks.
How it works
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) is a normal constituent of human blood and is one of the serine protease inhibitors (serpins). The primary function of C1INH is to regulate the activation of the complement and contact system pathways. Regulation of these systems is performed through the formation of complexes between the protease and the inhibitor, resulting in inactivation of both and consumption of the C1INH. C1INH exerts its inhibitory effect by irreversibly binding several proteases (target proteases) of the contact and complement systems. The effect of RUCONEST on the following target proteases was assessed in vitro : activated C1s, kallikrein, factor XIIa and factor XIa. Inhibition kinetics were found to be comparable with those observed for plasma-derived human C1INH. HAE patients have low levels of endogenous or functional C1INH. Although the events that induce attacks of angioedema in HAE patients are not well defined, it is thought that contact system activation, and resulting increased vascular permeability lead to the clinical manifestation of HAE attacks. Suppression of contact system activation by C1INH through the inactivation of plasma kallikrein and factor XIIa is thought to modulate vascular permeability by preventing the generation of bradykinin. 3 Administration of RUCONEST increases plasma levels of functional C1INH activity. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics The complement component (protein) C4 is a substrate for activated C1. Patients with HAE have low levels of C4 in the circulation; RUCONEST shows a dose-dependent restoration of complement homeostasis of C4 in HAE patients. A dose of 50 U/kg of RUCONEST increases plasma C1INH activity levels to greater than 0.7 U/mL (the lower limit of normal) in HAE patients. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics The pharmacokinetics of RUCONEST was evaluated in a study of 12 asymptomatic HAE patients (dose ranged from 6.25 U/kg to 100 U/kg). Pharmacokinetics evaluation was performed by non-compartmental analysis, using functional C1INH levels. Following administration of RUCONEST (50 U/kg) in asymptomatic HAE patients ( Table 5 ), the mean Cmax was 1.2 U/mL, and the elimination half-life was approximately 2.5 hours. The clearance of RUCONEST was nonlinear (clearance decreased with increasing dose) over the dose range of 25-100 U/kg. Table 5. Baseline corrected pharmacokinetic parameters (Mean ± SD) of functional C1INH following administration of 50 U/kg and 100 U/kg RUCONEST to asymptomatic HAE patients Parameters 50 U/kg 100 U/kg C baseline (U/mL) 0.18 ± 0.12 0.14 ± 0.08 C max (U/mL) 1.2 ± 0.2 2.3 ± 0.2 T max (hours) 0.31 ± 0.10 0.31 ± 0.10 AUC (U x hr/mL) 3.3 ± 1.0 10.6 ± 2.5 CL (mL/hr) 1207 ± 414 781 ± 147 Half-life (hours) 2.4 ± 0.6 2.7 ± 0.3 V ss (L) 3.0 ± 0.9 2.4 ± 0.5 Studies have not been conducted to evaluate the PK of RUCONEST in special patient populations, identified by race, age (pediatric or geriatric), or the presence of renal or hepatic impairment.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For intravenous use after reconstitution only. For Intravenous Use Only. Reconstitute each vial (2100 U) by adding 14 mL sterile Water for Injection per vial to obtain a solution of 150 U per mL. ( 2.3 ) Administer the reconstituted solution at room temperature as a slow intravenous injection over approximately 5 minutes. ( 2.4 ) Appropriately trained patients may self-administer upon recognition of an HAE attack. ( 2.4 ) Recommended dose of RUCONEST for an acute attack Body weight RUCONEST Dose for Intravenous Injection Volume (mL) of Reconstituted Solution (150 U/mL) to be Administered < 84 kg 50 U per kg Body weight in kg divided by 3 ≥ 84 kg 4200 U (2 vials) 28 mL If the attack symptoms persist, an additional (second) dose can be administered at the recommended dose level. Do not exceed 4200 U per dose. No more than two doses should be administered within a 24-hour period. 2.1 Recommended Dosing Training on how to administer RUCONEST should be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of HAE. Appropriately trained patients may self-administer upon recognition of an HAE attack. The recommended dose of RUCONEST is 50 U per kg with a maximum of 4200 U to be administered as a slow intravenous injection over approximately 5 minutes. If the attack symptoms persist, an additional (second) dose can be administered at the recommended dose level. Do not exceed 4200 U per dose. No more than two doses should be administered within a 24-hour period. Table 1. Recommended dose of RUCONEST for an acute attack Body Weight RUCONEST Dose for Intravenous Injection Volume (mL) of Reconstituted Solution (150 U/mL) to be Administered < 84 kg 50 U per kg Body weight in kg divided by 3 ≥ 84 kg 4200 U (2 vials) 28 mL 2.2 Preparation and Handling Store RUCONEST in the original carton and protect from light prior to reconstitution. Do not use after expiration date on the product vial label. Water for Injection is not included in the RUCONEST package. Use aseptic technique to reconstitute, mix the solution, and to combine the reconstituted solution from more than one vial ( see Reconstitution [ 2.3 ] and Administration [ 2.4 ]). Do not mix or administer RUCONEST with other medicinal products or solutions. Discard all partially used vials after treatment. 2.3 Reconstitution Each package contains one single-use vial of RUCONEST. To reconstitute, the following are also required: Sterile Water for Injection (diluent) - At least 14 mL per vial of RUCONEST requiring reconstitution. Antiseptic wipe Syringe Commercially available vial adapter and syringe luer lock or large bore needle. If using a syringe with vial adapter, use a new vial adapter for each vial of RUCONEST and diluent. The procedures below are provided as general guidelines for the reconstitution and administration of RUCONEST. Ensure that the RUCONEST vial and diluent vial are at room temperature. Remove the flip caps from the RUCONEST and diluent vials. Treat the vial stoppers with the antiseptic wipe and allow to dry. Using the syringe/needle or syringe/vial adapter, withdraw 14 mL of sterile water for injection from the diluent vial. Remove the syringe and transfer the diluent to the RUCONEST vial. Add the diluent slowly to avoid forceful impact on the powder. Swirl the vial slowly to mix and avoid foaming. Repeat this procedure using another 14 mL of diluent and a second vial of RUCONEST. If the same patient is to receive more than one vial, the contents of multiple vials may be pooled into a single administration device (i.e., syringe). Inspect RUCONEST visually for particulate matter and discoloration after reconstitution and prior to administration. The reconstituted solution should be colorless, clear, and free from visible particles. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, colored, or contains particulates. RUCONEST vial is for single-use only. Use the reconstituted product immediately, or within 8 hours stored at 36ºF - 46
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The serious adverse reaction in clinical studies of RUCONEST was anaphylaxis. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) reported in all clinical trials were headache, nausea, and diarrhea. The serious adverse reaction reported in clinical trials was anaphylactic reaction. ( 6 ) The common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) reported in clinical trials were headache, nausea, and diarrhea. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pharming Healthcare Inc. at 1-800-930-5221 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the 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 clinical practice. The RUCONEST clinical development program evaluated a combined total of 940 administrations in 236 subjects (symptomatic and non-symptomatic). In clinical studies, a total of 205 symptomatic HAE patients received treatment with RUCONEST for a combined total of 650 acute angioedema attacks. Among these HAE patients, 83 were treated for a single HAE attack and 122 were treated for multiple attacks. Three randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were conducted in which 137 patients experiencing acute HAE attacks received RUCONEST (either an initial 50 U/kg or 100 U/kg body weight dose) or placebo (saline solution). Table 2 shows all adverse reactions (ARs) in the RCTs, compared with the placebo group. Table 2. Adverse reactions occurring In ≥ 2% of subjects in the three RCT studies MedDRA Preferred Term RUCONEST 100 U/kg (N=29) n (%) RUCONEST 50 U/kg* (N=66) n (%) Placebo** (N=47) n (%) Total number of patients with adverse reactions 4 (14%) 6 (9%) 13 (28%) Headache 3 (10%) 0 2 (4%) Sneezing 0 1 (2%) 0 Angioedema 1 (3%) 0 0 Erythema marginatum 0 1 (2%) 0 Skin burning sensation 0 1 (2%) 0 Back pain 0 2 (3%) 0 C-reactive protein increased 0 1 (2%) 0 Fibrin D-dimer increased 0 1 (2%) 0 Vertigo 1 (3%) 0 0 Procedural headache 0 1 (2%) 0 Lipoma 0 1 (2%) 0 * Includes 5 patients who received an additional 50 U/kg dose MedDRA: Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, version 15.0. ** Events only occurring in placebo patients are not listed. Integrated RCT and Open-Label Extension (OLE) Studies In a total of seven RCT and OLE studies, 205 patients experiencing acute HAE attacks were treated with RUCONEST for a total of 650 HAE attacks. Included in this population were 124 patients who were treated at the 50 U/kg dosage strength for one or more attacks. Table 3 shows adverse reactions in ≥ 2% of patients in any RUCONEST group for the integrated dataset combining all seven RCT and OLE studies in patients experiencing acute HAE attacks. Table 3. Adverse reactions in the seven RCT and OLE studies occurring ≥ 2% of RUCONEST-treated patients (all doses), irrespective of causality MedDRA Preferred Term All RUCONEST doses* N=205 n (%) Headache 19 (9%) Nausea 5 (2%) Diarrhea 5 (2%) * RUCONEST doses: doses up to 100 U/kg MedDRA: Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, version 15.0. Immunogenicity As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. Pre- and post-exposure samples from 205 HAE patients treated for 650 acute attacks with RUCONEST were tested for the antibodies against plasma-derived C1INH or rhC1INH and for antibodies against host-related impurities (HRI). Testing was performed prior to and after treatment of a first attack and subsequent repeated attacks at 7, 22 or 28, and 90 days after RUCONEST treatment. Prior to the first exposure to RUCONEST, the frequency of anti-C1INH antibodies varied from 1.2% to 1.6% of samples. After the first exposure, the frequency of anti-C1INH antibodies varied from 0.6% to 1.0% of samples tested. After repeated exposures, the frequency of anti-C1INH antibodies varied from 0.5 to 2.2% of samples tested. The frequency of ant

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of RUCONEST in pregnant women. In the U.S. general population, regardless of drug exposure, available data suggest that major birth defects occur in 2 to 4% of the general population and miscarriage occurs in 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Human Data Limited available postmarketing safety data with RUCONEST use in pregnant women do not indicate any adverse effects in this population. In a retrospective case collection study, 14 pregnant women aged 17 to 37 years with HAE received RUCONEST at 50 U/kg (max 4200 U) via intravenous administration for treatment of acute atttacks or for prophylaxis during pregnancy. For all 14 women in this study, delivery at full term with the births of healthy babies occurred without complications. No adverse events related to RUCONEST treatment were reported during the pregnancy period. 1,2 However these data cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk because of the small sample size and non-randomized study design. Animal Data Embryo toxicity with 625 U/kg of RUCONEST (12.5 times the human dose) was tested after intravenous dosing of pregnant rats in a segment II (embryofetal toxicity) study design. There were no significant outcomes from this study. Dosing of pregnant rabbits with 625 U/kg during organogenesis showed no drug-related adverse effects on either the developing fetuses or mothers [see Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology (13.2)].
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of RUCONEST in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant, or its effects on milk production.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis may occur. Should symptoms occur, discontinue RUCONEST and administer appropriate treatment. ( 5.1 ) Serious arterial and venous thromboembolic (TE) events have been reported at the recommended dose of plasma derived C1 esterase inhibitor products in patients with risk factors. Monitor patients with known risk factors for TE events during and after RUCONEST administration. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur . The signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions may include hives, generalized urticaria, tightness of the chest, wheezing, hypotension, and/or anaphylaxis during or after injection of RUCONEST. Should symptoms occur, discontinue RUCONEST and institute appropriate treatment. Because hypersensitivity reactions may have symptoms similar to HAE attacks, treatment methods should be carefully considered. [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] 5.2 Thromboembolic Events Serious arterial and venous thromboembolic (TE) events have been reported at the recommended dose of plasma derived C1 esterase inhibitor products in patients with risk factors. Risk factors may include the presence of an indwelling venous catheter/access device, prior history of thrombosis, underlying atherosclerosis, use of oral contraceptives or certain androgens, morbid obesity, and immobility. Monitor patients with known risk factors for TE events during and after RUCONEST administration.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS RUCONEST is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergy to rabbits or rabbit-derived products. RUCONEST is contraindicated in patients with a history of life-threatening immediate hypersensitivity reactions to C1 esterase inhibitor preparations, including anaphylaxis. Known or suspected allergy to rabbits and rabbit-derived products. ( 4 ) History of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to C1 esterase inhibitor preparations. ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of RUCONEST were evaluated in 17 adolescent patients (13-17 years of age) treated for 52 HAE attacks. Eight out of 17 (47%) adolescent patients experienced adverse reactions. No serious adverse reactions were reported in these patients. The most common reactions (occurring in at least 2 patients) were: abdominal pain, headache, and oropharyngeal pain.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

9 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.