Warnings for Eovist
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Eovist
Risk Associated With Intrathecal Use
Intrathecal administration of GBCAs can cause serious adverse reactions including death, coma, encephalopathy, and seizures. The safety and effectiveness of EOVIST have not been established with intrathecal use. EOVIST is not approved for intrathecal use [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
GBCAs increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of EOVIST among these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced MRI or other modalities. The GBCA-associated NSF risk appears highest for patients with chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.732) as well as patients with acute kidney injury. The risk appears lower for patients with chronic, moderate kidney disease (GFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.732) and little, if any, for patients with chronic, mild kidney disease (GFR 60 to 89 mL/min/1.732). NSF may result in fatal or debilitating fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle and internal organs. Report any diagnosis of NSF following EOVIST administration to Bayer HealthCare (1-888842-2937) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Screen patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. Features of acute kidney injury consist of rapid (over hours to days) and usually reversible decrease in kidney function, commonly in the setting of surgery, severe infection, injury or drug-induced kidney toxicity. Serum creatinine levels and estimated GFR may not reliably assess renal function in the setting of acute kidney injury. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (for example, age > 60 years, diabetes mellitus or chronic hypertension), estimate the GFR through laboratory testing.
Among the factors that may increase the risk for NSF are repeated or higher than recommended doses of a GBCA and degree of renal impairment at the time of exposure. Record the specific GBCA and the dose administrated to a patient. For patients at highest risk for NSF, do not exceed the recommended EOVIST dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the drug prior to any re-administration. For patients receiving hemodialysis, physicians may consider the prompt initiation of hemodialysis following the administration of a GBCA in order to enhance the contrast agent’s elimination [see Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The usefulness of hemodialysis in the prevention of NSF is unknown.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Anaphylactic and other hypersensitivity reactions with cardiovascular, respiratory and cutaneous manifestations, ranging from mild to severe, including shock have uncommonly occurred following EOVIST administration [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
- Before EOVIST administration, assess all patients for any history of a reaction to contrast media, bronchial asthma and allergic disorders. These patients may have an increased risk for a hypersensitivity reaction to EOVIST.
- Administer EOVIST only in situations where trained personnel and therapies are promptly available for the treatment of hypersensitivity reactions, including personnel trained in resuscitation.
Most hypersensitivity reactions to EOVIST have occurred within half an hour after administration. Delayed reactions can occur up to several days after EOVIST administration. Observe patients for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions during and following EOVIST administration.
Gadolinium Retention
Gadolinium is retained for months or years in several organs. The highest concentrations (nanomoles per gram of tissue) have been identified in the bone, followed by other organs (for example, brain, skin, kidney, liver, and spleen). The duration of retention also varies by tissue and is longest in bone. Linear GBCAs cause more retention than macrocyclic GBCAs. At equivalent doses, gadolinium retention varies among the linear agents with Omniscan (gadodiamide) and Optimark (gadoversetamide) causing greater retention than other linear agents [Eovist (gadoxetate disodium), Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine),MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine)]. Retention is lowest and similar among the macrocyclic GBCAs [Dotarem (gadoterate meglumine), Gadavist (gadobutrol), ProHance (gadoteridol)].
Consequences of gadolinium retention in the brain have not been established. Pathologic and clinical consequences of GBCA administration and retention in skin and other organs have been established in patients with impaired renal function [see Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis]. There are rare reports of pathologic skin changes in patients with normal renal function. Adverse events involving multiple organ systems have been reported in patients with normal renal function without an established causal link to gadolinium retention [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
While clinical consequences of gadolinium retention have not been established in patients with normal renal function, certain patients might be at higher risk. These include patients requiring multiple lifetime doses, pregnant and pediatric patients, and patients with inflammatory conditions. Consider the retention characteristics of the agent when choosing a GBCA for these patients. Minimize repetitive GBCA imaging studies particularly closely spaced studies, when possible.
Acute Kidney Injury
In patients with chronic renal impairment, acute kidney injury sometimes requiring dialysis has been observed with the use of some GBCAs. The risk of acute kidney injury might be lower with EOVIST due to its dual excretory pathways. Do not exceed the recommended dose; the risk of acute kidney injury may increase with higher than recommended doses.
Extravasation And Injection Site Reactions
Ensure catheter and venous patency before the injection of EOVIST. Extravasation into tissues during EOVIST administration may result in local tissue reactions. Strictly avoid intramuscular administration of EOVIST because it may cause myocyte necrosis and inflammation [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Interference With Laboratory Tests
Serum iron determination using complexometric methods (for example, ferrocene complexation method) may result in falsely high or low values for up to 24 hours after the examination with EOVIST because of the caloxetate trisodium excipients [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Interference With Visualization Of Liver Lesions
Severe renal or hepatic failure may impair EOVIST imaging performance. In patients with end-stage renal failure, hepatic contrast was markedly reduced and was attributed to elevated serum ferritin levels. In patients with abnormally high (>3 mg/dL) serum bilirubin, reduced hepatic contrast was observed. If EOVIST is used in these patients, complete MRI no later than 60 minutes after EOVIST administration and use a paired non-contrast and contrast MRI set for diagnosis.
Patient Counseling Information
- Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
Instruct patients to inform their physician if they:
- Have a history of kidney disease and/or liver disease
- Have recently received a GBCA
GBCAs increase the risk of NSF among patients with impaired elimination of drugs. To counsel patients at risk of NSF:
- Describe the clinical manifestations of NSF
- Describe procedures to screen for the detection of renal impairment
Instruct the patients to contact their physician if they develop signs or symptoms of NSF following EOVIST administration, such as burning, itching, swelling, scaling, hardening and tightening of the skin; red or dark patches on the skin; stiffness in joints with trouble moving, bending or straightening the arms, hands, legs or feet; pain in the hip bones or ribs; or muscle weakness.
Common Adverse Reactions
Inform patients that they may experience:
- Reactions along the venous injection site, such as mild and transient burning or pain or feeling of warmth or coldness at the injection site
- Side effects of headache, nausea, abnormal taste and feeling hot
General Precautions
Gadolinium Retention
- Advise patients that gadolinium is retained for months or years in brain, bone, skin, and other organs in patients with normal renal function. The clinical consequences of retention are unknown. Retention depends on multiple factors and is greater following administration of linear GBCAs than following administration of macrocyclic GBCAs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruct patients receiving EOVIST to inform their physician if they:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of allergic reaction to contrast media, bronchial asthma or allergic respiratory disorder
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No carcinogenicity studies of EOVIST have been conducted.
Gadoxetate disodium was not mutagenic in in vitro reverse mutation tests in bacteria, or in chromosome aberration tests in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and was negative in an in vivo micronucleus test in mice after intravenous injection of doses up to 4 mmol/kg.
Gadoxetate disodium had no effect on fertility and general reproductive performance of male and female rats when given in doses 6.5 times the human dose (based on body surface area).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
GBCAs have been shown to cross the human placenta and result in fetal exposure and gadolinium retention. The human data on the association between GBCAs and adverse fetal outcomes are limited and inconclusive (see Data). In animal reproduction studies, no teratogenicity was observed with repeated daily intravenous administration of gadoxetate disodium to rats during organogenesis at doses up to 32 times the recommended single human dose; however, an increase in preimplantation loss was noted at doses 3.2 times the single human dose. Post implantation loss was observed with repeated daily intravenous administration of gadoxetate disodium to rabbits on gestation days 6 through 18 at doses 26 times the recommended single human dose (see Data). Because of the potential risks of gadolinium to the fetus, use EOVIST only if imaging is essential during pregnancy and cannot be delayed.
The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Data
Human Data
Contrast enhancement is visualized in the placenta and fetal tissues after maternal GBCA administration.
Cohort studies and case reports on exposure to GBCAs during pregnancy have not reported a clear association between GBCAs and adverse effects in the exposed neonates. However, a retrospective cohort study, comparing pregnant women who had a GBCA MRI to pregnant women who did not have an MRI, reported a higher occurrence of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the group receiving GBCA MRI. Limitations of this study include a lack of comparison with non-contrast MRI and lack of information about the maternal indication for MRI. Overall, these data preclude a reliable evaluation of the potential risk of adverse fetal outcomes with the use of GBCAs in pregnancy.
Animal Data
Gadolinium Retention
GBCAs administered to pregnant non-human primates (0.1 mmol/kg on gestational days 85 and 135) result in measurable gadolinium concentration in the offspring in bone, brain, skin, liver, kidney, and spleen for at least 7 months. GBCAs administered to pregnant mice (2 mmol/kg daily on gestational days 16 through 19) result in measurable gadolinium concentrations in the pups in bone, brain, kidney, liver, blood, muscle, and spleen at one month postnatal age.
Reproductive Toxicology
Animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies were done in rats and rabbits. Gadoxetate disodium was not teratogenic when given intravenously during organogenesis to pregnant rats at doses up to 32 times the recommended single human dose (mmol/2 basis). However, an increase in preimplantation loss was noted at 3.2 times the human dose (mmol/2 basis). Compared to untreated controls, rates of postimplantation loss and absorption increased and litter size decreased when pregnant rabbits received gadoxetate disodium at doses 26 times the recommended human single dose (mmol/2 basis). This occurred without evidence of maternal toxicity. Because pregnant animals received repeated daily doses of gadoxetate disodium, their overall exposure was significantly higher than that achieved with the standard single dose administered to humans.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of gadoxetate disodium in human milk, the effects of the drug in a breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. However, published lactation data on other GBCAs report that 0.01 to 0.04% of the maternal gadolinium dose is present in breast milk and there is limited GBCA gastrointestinal absorption in the breastfed infant. In rat lactation studies with [153Gd] gadoxetate disodium, less than 0.5% of the total administered radioactivity was transferred to the nursing pup.
Clinical Considerations
A lactating woman may consider interrupting breastfeeding and pumping and discarding breast milk for up to 10 hours after EOVIST administration in order to minimize exposure to a breastfed infant.
Data
Animal Data
In lactating rats given 0.1 mmol/kg [153Gd] gadoxetate disodium, less than 0.5% of the total administered radioactivity was transferred to the neonates via maternal milk, mostly within 2 hours.
Pediatric Use
Adequate and well-controlled studies of EOVIST in pediatric patients have not been conducted. An observational study with EOVIST was performed in 52 patients (aged > 2 months and < 18 years) referred for evaluation of suspected or known focal liver lesions. EOVIST improved border delineation and increased contrast of the primary lesion in the majority of patients when compared to non-contrast images. No safety issues were identified.
No dose adjustment according to age is necessary in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of EOVIST have not been established in premature infants.
NSF Risk
No case of NSF associated with EOVIST or any other GBCA has been identified in pediatric patients ages 6 years and younger.
Juvenile Animal Data
Single and repeat-dose toxicity studies in neonatal and juvenile rats did not reveal findings suggestive of a specific risk for use in pediatric patients including term neonates and infants.
Geriatric Use
In clinical studies of EOVIST, 674 (34%) patients were 65 years of age and over, while 20 (1%) were 80 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, use of EOVIST in an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
In a clinical pharmacology study, slight to moderate differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of gadoxetate disodium (increased AUC and terminal half-life, decreased total clearance) were found in a group of geriatric volunteers in comparison to non-geriatric volunteers. No clinically relevant differences in liver contrast enhancement were found.
Renal Impairment
In a clinical pharmacology study in a group of patients with moderate renal impairment, a moderate increase in AUC and terminal half-life was observed in comparison to healthy volunteers with normal renal function. Hepatic contrast did not differ among the groups.
End-stage renal failure may impair EOVIST imaging performance [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In a study of patients with end-stage renal failure, the terminal half-life was prolonged about 12-fold and the AUC was increased about 6-fold. Hepatic contrast was markedly reduced in these patients, which was attributed to significantly elevated serum ferritin levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Approximately 30% of the injected dose was removed by dialysis in a single 3-hour dialysis session, which started one hour after an EOVIST dose. EOVIST was almost completely eliminated via dialysis and biliary excretion within the observation period of 6 days, predominantly within the first 3 days.
Hepatic Impairment
In a clinical pharmacology study in groups of patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment, a slight to moderate increase in plasma AUC, half-life and urinary excretion, as well as decrease in hepatobiliary excretion was observed in comparison to healthy subjects with normal liver function. Hepatic contrast signal did not differ among the groups.
Severe hepatic impairment may impair EOVIST imaging performance [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, especially in patients with abnormally high (> 3 mg/dL) serum bilirubin levels, the AUC was increased up to 60% and the elimination half-life was increased up to 49%. The hepatobiliary excretion substantially decreased to about 5% of the administered dose and reduced hepatic contrast signal was observed.
A dose adjustment is not necessary for patients with hepatic impairment.
In clinical studies, 489 patients had a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh category A, n = 270; category B, n = 98; category C, n = 24; unknown category, n = 97). No difference in diagnostic performance and safety was observed among these patients.