Warnings for Enspryng
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Enspryng
Infections
An increased risk of infections, including serious and potentially fatal infections, has been observed in patients treated with IL-6 receptor antagonists, including ENSPRYNG.
The most common infections reported in a randomized clinical trial of patients treated with ENSPRYNG who were not on other chronic immunosuppressant therapies (Study 1), and that occurred more often than in patients receiving placebo, were nasopharyngitis (12%) and cellulitis (10%). The most common infections in patients who were on an additional concurrent immunosuppressant, and that occurred more often than in patients receiving placebo, were nasopharyngitis (31%), upper respiratory infection (19%), and pharyngitis (12%).
Delay ENSPRYNG administration in patients with an active infection, including localized infections, until the infection is resolved.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation
Risk of HBV reactivation has been observed with other immunosuppressant therapies. Patients with chronic HBV infection were excluded from clinical trials. Perform HBV screening in all patients before initiation of treatment with ENSPRYNG. Do not administer ENSPRYNG to patients with active hepatitis. For patients who are chronic carriers of HBV [HBsAg+] or are negative for HBsAg and positive for HB core antibody [HBcAb+], consult liver disease experts before starting and during treatment with ENSPRYNG.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis has occurred in patients treated with other interleukin-6 receptor antagonists. Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors and tested for latent infection prior to initiating ENSPRYNG. Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of ENSPRYNG in patients with a history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Consult infectious disease experts regarding whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate before starting treatment. Patients should be monitored for the development of symptoms and signs of tuberculosis with ENSPRYNG, even if initial tuberculosis testing is negative.
Vaccinations
Live or live-attenuated vaccines should not be given concurrently with ENSPRYNG because clinical safety has not been established. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ENSPRYNG for live or live-attenuated vaccines and, whenever possible, at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of ENSPRYNG for non-live vaccines.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Mild and moderate elevations of liver enzymes have been observed in patients treated with ENSPRYNG at a higher incidence than in patients receiving placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
ALT and AST levels should be monitored every 4 weeks for the first 3 months of treatment, followed by every 3 months for one year, and thereafter, as clinically indicated [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Decreased Neutrophil Counts
Decreases in neutrophil counts were observed in patients treated with ENSPRYNG at a higher incidence than placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Neutrophil counts should be monitored 4 to 8 weeks after initiation of therapy, and thereafter at regular clinically determined intervals [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, urticaria, and fatal anaphylaxis, have occurred with other interleukin-6 receptor antagonists.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE).
Infections
Inform patients that an increased risk of infections, including serious and potentially fatal infections, has been observed in patients treated with IL-6 receptor antagonists, including ENSPRYNG. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately when symptoms suggesting infection (e.g., fever, chills, constant cough, or sore throat) appear during treatment [see WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS].
Vaccinations
Advise patients to complete any required vaccinations at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ENSPRYNG for live or live-attenuated vaccines and, whenever possible, at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of ENSPRYNG for non-live vaccines [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Inform patients on the importance of liver enzyme testing [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Decreased Neutrophil Counts
Inform patients on the importance of neutrophil count testing [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Inform patients about the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis and advise them to contact their healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruction on Injection Technique Instruct patients and caregivers to read the Instructions for Use before the patient starts using ENSPRYNG, and each time the patient gets a refill as there may be new information they need to know.
Perform the first injection under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. If a patient or caregiver is to administer subcutaneous ENSPRYNG, instruct him/her in injection techniques and assess his/her ability to inject subcutaneously to ensure proper administration of subcutaneous ENSPRYNG and the suitability for home use [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE].
Instruct patients to remove the prefilled syringe from the refrigerator prior to use and allow to sit at room temperature outside of the carton for 30 minutes. Do not warm ENSPRYNG in any other way.
Advise patients to consult their healthcare provider if the full dose is not received.
A puncture-resistant container for disposal of syringes should be used and should be kept out of the reach of children. Instruct patients or caregivers in the technique as well as proper prefilled syringe disposal, and caution against reuse of these items.
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
Encourage patients to enroll in the ENSPRYNG Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant while taking ENSPRYNG. The Registry monitors fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to ENSPRYNG [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenicity studies of satralizumab-mwge were not conducted.
Mutagenesis
Genetic toxicology studies of satralizumab-mwge were not conducted. As an antibody, satralizumab-mwge is not expected to interact directly with DNA.
Impairment Of Fertility
In monkeys administered satralizumab-mwge (0, 2, 10, or 50 mg/kg) weekly by subcutaneous injection for 26 weeks, no effects on sperm, estrus cycle, or male and female reproductive organs were observed. At the high dose, plasma exposures (Cave) were approximately 100 times that in humans at the recommended monthly maintenance dose of 120 mg.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ENSPRYNG during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves by calling 1-833-277-9338.
Risk Summary
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of ENSPRYNG in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, no adverse effects on maternal animals or fetal development were observed in pregnant monkeys and their offspring, with administration of satralizumab-mwge at doses up to 50 mg/kg/week (see Data).
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defect and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 − 4% and 15 − 20%, respectively. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/neonatal adverse reactions
Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to ENSPRYNG in utero [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Data
Animal Data
Weekly subcutaneous administration of satralizumab-mwge (0, 2, or 50 mg/kg) to monkeys throughout pregnancy resulted in no adverse effects on postnatal development of the offspring; however, immune function was impaired in offspring at both doses. Plasma exposures (Cave) in dams at the low and high doses were approximately 3 and 100 times, respectively, that in humans at the recommended monthly maintenance dose of 120 mg.
Lactation
Risk Summary
No information is available on the presence of satralizumab-mwge in human milk, the effects of the satralizumab-mwge on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the satralizumab-mwge on milk production. Satralizumab-mwge was excreted in the milk of lactating monkeys administered satralizumab-mwge throughout pregnancy. Human IgG is excreted in human milk and the potential for absorption in the infant is unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ENSPRYNG and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from ENSPRYNG or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of ENSPRYNG did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. However, population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients with NMOSD did not show that age affected the pharmacokinetics of satralizumab-mwge [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In general, caution should be used when dosing the elderly, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant diseases or other drug therapy.