WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Fatal and severe hypersensitivity reactions, including
anaphylaxis, have occurred with intravenous or intramuscular administration of
AquaMEPHYTON. Reactions have occurred despite dilution to avoid rapid
intravenous infusion and upon first dose. These reactions have included shock,
cardiorespiratory arrest, flushing, diaphoresis, chest pain, tachycardia,
cyanosis, weakness, and dyspnea. Administer AquaMEPHYTON subcutaneously
whenever feasible. Avoid the intravenous and intramuscular routes of
administration unless the subcutaneous route is not feasible and the serious
risk is justified [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Risk Of Serious Adverse Reaction In Infants Due To Benzyl
Alcohol Preservative
Use benzyl alcohol-free formulations in neonates and
infants, if available. Serious and fatal adverse reactions including “gasping
syndrome” can occur in neonates and infants treated with benzyl
alcoholpreserved drugs, including AquaMEPHYTON. The “gasping syndrome” is
characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and
gasping respirations.
When prescribing AquaMEPHYTON in infants, consider the
combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources including
AquaMEPHYTON (contains 9 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL) and other drugs
containing benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which
serious adverse reactions may occur is not known [see Use In Specific
Populations].
Cutaneous Reactions
Parenteral administration of vitamin K replacements
(including AquaMEPHYTON) may cause cutaneous reactions. Reactions have included
eczematous reactions, scleroderma-like patches, urticaria, and delayed-type
hypersensitivity reactions. Time of onset ranged from 1 day to a year after
parenteral administration. Discontinue AquaMEPHYTON for skin reactions and
institute medical management.
Nonclinical Toxicology Section
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Studies of carcinogenicity, genotoxicity or impairment of
fertility have not been conducted with phytonadione.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
AquaMEPHYTON contains benzyl alcohol, which has been
associated with gasping syndrome in neonates. The preservative benzyl alcohol
can cause serious adverse events and death when administered intravenously to
neonates and infants. If AquaMEPHYTON is needed during pregnancy, consider
using a benzyl alcohol-free formulation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
and Use In Specific Populations].
Published studies with the use of phytonadione during
pregnancy have not reported a clear association with phytonadione and adverse
developmental outcomes (see Data). There are maternal and fetal risks associated
with vitamin K deficiency during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations).
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with phytonadione.
The estimated background risk for the indicated
population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect,
loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated
background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized
pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo/Fetal Risk
Pregnant women with vitamin K deficiency
hypoprothrombinemia may be at an increased risk for bleeding diatheses during
pregnancy and hemorrhagic events at delivery. Subclinical maternal vitamin K deficiency
during pregnancy has been implicated in rare cases of fetal intracranial
hemorrhage.
Data
Human Data
Phytonadione has been measured in cord blood of infants
whose mothers were treated with phytonadione during pregnancy in concentrations
lower than seen in maternal plasma. Administration of vitamin K1 to
pregnant women shortly before delivery increased both maternal and cord blood concentrations.
Published data do not report a clear association with phytonadione and adverse
maternal or fetal outcomes when used during pregnancy. However, these studies
cannot definitively establish the absence of any risk because of methodologic
limitations including small sample size and lack of blinding.
Animal Data
In pregnant rats receiving vitamin K1 orally,
fetal plasma and liver concentrations increased following administration,
supporting placental transfer.
Lactation
Risk Summary
AquaMEPHYTON contains benzyl alcohol. If available,
preservative-free AquaMEPHYTON is recommended when AquaMEPHYTON is needed
during lactation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific
Populations].
Phytonadione is present in breastmilk. There are no data
on the effects of AquaMEPHYTON on the breastfed child or on milk production.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered
along with the clinical need for AquaMEPHYTON and any potential adverse effects
on the breastfed child from AquaMEPHYTON or from the underlying maternal
condition.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of AquaMEPHYTON for
prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin K deficiency have been established in
neonates. Use of phytonadione injection for prophylaxis and treatment of
vitamin K deficiency is based on published clinical studies.
Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and
the “gasping syndrome” occurred in premature neonates and infants in the
intensive care unit who received drugs containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative.
In these cases, benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day produced high
levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites in the blood and urine (blood
levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L). Additional adverse
reactions included gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial
hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal
failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Preterm,
low-birth weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because
they may be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol.
When prescribing AquaMEPHYTON in infants consider the
combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources including
AquaMEPHYTON (AquaMEPHYTON contains 9 mg of benzyl alcohol) and other drugs
containing benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious
adverse reactions may occur is not known [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Whenever possible, use preservative-free phytonadione
formulations in neonates. The preservative benzyl alcohol has been associated
with serious adverse events and death in pediatric patients. Premature and low-birth
weight infants may be more likely to develop toxicity.