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OFIRMEV®
(acetaminophen) for Intravenous Infusion
WARNING
Risk of Medication Errors and Hepatotoxicity
Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering OFIRMEV Injection to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. In particular, be careful to ensure that:
OFIRMEV contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed the maximum daily limits, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Acetaminophen is a non-salicylate antipyretic and non-opioid analgesic agent. Its chemical name is N-acetyl-p-aminophenol. Acetaminophen has a molecular weight of 151.16. Its structural formula is:
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OFIRMEV injection is a sterile, clear, colorless, non pyrogenic, isotonic formulation of acetaminophen intended for intravenous infusion. It has a pH of approximately 5.5 and an osmolality of approximately 290 mOsm/kg. Each 100 mL contains 1000 mg acetaminophen, USP, 3850 mg mannitol, USP, 25 mg cysteine hydrochloride, monohydrate, USP, and 10.4 mg dibasic sodium phosphate, USP. pH is adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.
OFIRMEV® (acetaminophen) injection is indicated for
OFIRMEV may be given as a single or repeated dose for the treatment of acute pain or fever. No dose adjustment is required when converting between oral acetaminophen and OFIRMEV dosing in adults and adolescents who weigh 50 kg and above. Calculated maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is based on all routes of administration (i.e., intravenous, oral, and rectal) and all products containing acetaminophen. Exceeding the maximum mg/kg daily dose of acetaminophen as described in Tables 1-3 may result in hepatic injury, including the risk of liver failure and death. To avoid the risk of overdose, ensure that the total amount of acetaminophen from all routes and from all sources does not exceed the maximum recommended dose.
Adults and adolescents weighing 50 kg and over: the recommended dosage of OFIRMEV is 1000 mg every 6 hours or 650 mg every 4 hours, with a maximum single dose of OFIRMEV of 1000 mg, a minimum dosing interval of 4 hours, and a maximum daily dose of acetaminophen of 4000 mg per day (includes all routes of administration and all acetaminophen-containing products including combination products).
Adults and adolescents weighing under 50 kg: the recommended dosage of OFIRMEV is 15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, with a maximum single dose of OFIRMEV of 15 mg/kg, a minimum dosing interval of 4 hours, and a maximum daily dose of acetaminophen of 75 mg/kg per day (includes all routes of administration and all acetaminophen-containing products including combination products).
Table 1. Dosing for Adults and Adolescents
| Age group | Dose given every 4 hours | Dose given every 6 hours | Maximum single dose | Maximum total daily dose of acetaminophen (by all routes) |
| Adults and adolescents (13 years and older) weighing ≥50 kg | 650 mg | 1000 mg | 1000 mg | 4000 mg in 24 hours |
| Adults and adolescents (13 years and older) weighing < 50 kg | 12.5 mg/kg | 15 mg/kg | 15 mg/kg (up to 750 mg) | 75 mg/kg in 24 hours (up to 3750 mg) |
Children 2 to 12 years of age: the recommended dosage of OFIRMEV is 15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, with a maximum single dose of OFIRMEV of 15 mg/kg, a minimum dosing interval of 4 hours, and a maximum daily dose of acetaminophen of 75 mg/kg per day.
Table 2. Dosing for Children
| Age group | Dose given every 4 hours | Dose given every 6 hours | Maximum single dose | Maximum total daily dose of acetaminophen (by all routes) |
| Children 2 to 12 years of age | 12.5 mg/kg | 15 mg/kg | 15 mg/kg (up to 750 mg) | 75 mg/kg in 24 hours (up to 3750 mg) |
Neonates, including premature neonates born at ≥ 32 weeks gestational age, up to 28 days chronological age: the recommended dosage of OFIRMEV is 12.5 mg/kg every 6 hours, to a maximum daily dose of acetaminophen of 50 mg/kg per day, with a minimum dosing interval of 6 hours.
Infants 29 days to 2 years of age: the recommended dosage of OFIRMEV is 15 mg/kg every 6 hours, to a maximum daily dose of acetaminophen of 60 mg/kg per day, with a minimum dosing interval of 6 hours.
Table 3. Dosing for Treatment of Fever in Neonates and Infants
| Age group | Dose given every 6 hours | Maximum total daily dose of acetaminophen (by all routes) |
| Neonates (birth to 28 days) | 12.5 mg/kg | 50 mg/kg |
| Infants (29 days to 2 years) | 15 mg/kg | 60 mg/kg |
For adult and adolescent patients weighing ≥ 50 kg requiring 1000 mg doses of OFIRMEV, administer the dose by inserting a vented intravenous set through the septum of the 100 mL vial or a non-vented intravenous set through the administration spike port of the 100 mL bag. OFIRMEV may be administered without further dilution. DO NOT USE if particulate matter or discoloration is observed. Administer the contents of the vial intravenously over 15-minutes. Use aseptic technique when preparing OFIRMEV for intravenous infusion. Do not add other medications to the OFIRMEV vial or infusion device.
For doses less than 1000 mg, the appropriate dose must be withdrawn from the container and placed into a separate container prior to administration. Using aseptic technique, withdraw the appropriate dose (650 mg or weight-based) from an intact sealed OFIRMEV container and place the measured dose in a separate empty, sterile container (e.g., glass bottle, plastic intravenous container, or syringe) for intravenous infusion to avoid the inadvertent delivery and administration of the total volume of the commercially available container. The entire 100 mL container of OFIRMEV is not intended for use in patients weighing less than 50 kg. OFIRMEV is supplied in a single-dose container and the unused portion must be discarded.
Place small volume pediatric doses up to 60 mL in volume in a syringe and administer over 15 minutes using a syringe pump.
Monitor the end of the infusion in order to prevent the possibility of an air embolism, especially in cases where the OFIRMEV infusion is the primary infusion.
Once the container seal has been penetrated, or the contents transferred to another container, administer the dose of OFIRMEV within 6 hours.
For bags, refrain from applying excessive pressure causing distortion to the bag, such as wringing or twisting, since such handling could result in breakage of the bag.
Do not add other medications to the OFIRMEV solution. Diazepam and chlorpromazine hydrochloride are physically incompatible with OFIRMEV, therefore do not administer simultaneously.
OFIRMEV is a sterile, clear, colorless, non pyrogenic, preservative free, isotonic formulation of acetaminophen intended for intravenous infusion. Each 100 mL glass vial or 100 mL bag contains 1000 mg acetaminophen (10 mg/mL).
NDC 43825-102-01 - OFIRMEV (acetaminophen) Injection is supplied in a 100 mL glass vial containing 1000 mg acetaminophen (10 mg/mL) in cartons of 24 vials.
NDC 43825-102-03 - OFIRMEV (acetaminophen) Injection is supplied in a 100 mL bag containing 1000 mg acetaminophen (10 mg/mL) in cartons of 24 bags.
Do not remove unit from overwrap until ready for use.
To open, tear outer wrap at the notch and remove solution bag. After removing the outer wrap, check the container for minute leaks by squeezing the solution bag firmly. If leaks are found, discard the solution because the sterility may be impaired. A small amount of moisture may be present inside the outer wrap.
OFIRMEV should be stored at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
For single-dose only. The product should be used within 6 hours after opening. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Manufactured for: Mallinckrodt Hospital Products Inc. Hazelwood, MO 63042 USA. Revised: Jan 2017.
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
A total of 1020 adult patients have received OFIRMEV in clinical trials, including 37.3% (n=380) who received 5 or more doses, and 17.0% (n=173) who received more than 10 doses. Most patients were treated with OFIRMEV 1000 mg every 6 hours. A total of 13.1% (n=134) received OFIRMEV 650 mg every 4 hours.
All adverse reactions that occurred in adult patients treated with either OFIRMEV or placebo in repeated dose, placebo-controlled clinical trials at an incidence ≥ 3% and at a greater frequency than placebo are listed in Table 4. The most common adverse events in adult patients treated with OFIRMEV (incidence ≥ 5% and greater than placebo) were nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia.
Table 4. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 3% of OFIRMEV-treated Adult
Patients and at a greater frequency than Placebo in Placebo-Controlled, Repeated
Dose Studies
| System Organ Class – Preferred Term |
OFIRMEV (N=402) n (%) |
Placebo (N=379) n (%) |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Nausea | 138 (34) | 119 (31) |
| Vomiting | 62(15) | 42 (11) |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Pyrexia* | 22 (5) | 52 (14) |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 39 (10) | 33 (9) |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||
| Insomnia | 30 (7) | 21 (5) |
| * Pyrexia adverse reaction frequency data is included in order to alert healthcare practitioners that the antipyretic effects of OFIRMEV may mask fever. | ||
The following additional treatment-emergent adverse reactions were reported by adult subjects treated with OFIRMEV in all clinical trials (n=1020) that occurred with an incidence of at least 1% and at a frequency greater than placebo (n=525).
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: anemia
General disorders and administration site conditions: fatigue, infusion site pain, edema peripheral
Investigations: aspartate aminotransferase increased, breath sounds abnormal
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: hypokalemia
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: muscle spasms, trismus
Psychiatric disorders: anxiety
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea
Vascular disorders: hypertension, hypotension
A total of 483 pediatric patients (72 neonates, 167 infants, 171 children, and 73 adolescents) have received OFIRMEV in active-controlled (n=250) and open-label clinical trials (n=225), including 43.9% (n=212) who received 5 or more doses and 31.2% (n=153) who received more than 10 doses. Pediatric patients received OFIRMEV doses up to 15 mg/kg on an every 4 hours, every 6 hours, or every 8 hours schedule. The maximum exposure was 7.7, 6.4, 6.8, and 7.1 days in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents, respectively.
The most common adverse events (incidence ≥ 5%) in pediatric patients treated with OFIRMEV were nausea, vomiting, constipation, and pruritus.
The following additional treatment-emergent adverse reactions were reported by pediatric subjects treated with OFIRMEV (n=483) that occurred with an incidence of at least 1%.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: anemia
Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea
General disorders and administration site conditions: pyrexia, injection site pain
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypophosphatemia
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: muscle spasm
Nervous system disorders: headache
Psychiatric disorders: agitation
Renal and urinary disorders: oliguria
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: atelectasis, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, stridor, wheezing
Vascular disorders: hypotension, hypertension
Substances that induce or regulate hepatic cytochrome enzyme CYP2E1 may alter the metabolism of acetaminophen and increase its hepatotoxic potential. The clinical consequences of these effects have not been established. Effects of ethanol are complex, because excessive alcohol usage can induce hepatic cytochromes, but ethanol also acts as a competitive inhibitor of the metabolism of acetaminophen.
Chronic oral acetaminophen use at a dose of 4000 mg/day has been shown to cause an increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in some patients who have been stabilized on sodium warfarin as an anticoagulant. As no studies have been performed evaluating the short-term use of OFIRMEV in patients on oral anticoagulants, more frequent assessment of INR may be appropriate in such circumstances.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Administration of acetaminophen in doses higher than recommended may result in hepatic injury, including the risk of liver failure and death [see OVERDOSE]. Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen includes all routes of acetaminophen administration and all acetaminophen-containing products administered, including combination products.
Use caution when administering acetaminophen in patients with the following conditions: hepatic impairment or active hepatic disease, alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, severe hypovolemia (e.g., due to dehydration or blood loss), or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤ 30 mL/min) [see Use In Specific Populations ].
Rarely, acetaminophen may cause serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. Patients should be informed about the signs of serious skin reactions, and use of the drug should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering OFIRMEV (acetaminophen) Injection in order to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. In particular, be careful to ensure that:
There have been post-marketing reports of hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis associated with the use of acetaminophen. Clinical signs included swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, respiratory distress, urticaria, rash, and pruritus. There were infrequent reports of life-threatening anaphylaxis requiring emergent medical attention. Discontinue OFIRMEV immediately if symptoms associated with allergy or hypersensitivity occur. Do not use OFIRMEV in patients with acetaminophen allergy.
Long-term studies in mice and rats have been completed by the National Toxicology Program to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of acetaminophen. In 2-year feeding studies, F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were fed a diet containing acetaminophen up to 6000 ppm. Female rats demonstrated equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity based on increased incidences of mononuclear cell leukemia at 0.8 times the maximum human daily dose (MHDD) of 4 grams/day, based on a body surface area comparison. In contrast, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in male rats (0.7 times) or mice (1.2-1.4 times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison).
Acetaminophen was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test). In contrast, acetaminophen tested positive in the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay and the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay using human lymphocytes. In the published literature, acetaminophen has been reported to be clastogenic when administered a dose of 1500 mg/kg/day to the rat model (3.6-times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison). In contrast, no clastogenicity was noted at a dose of 750 mg/kg/day (1.8-times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison), suggesting a threshold effect.
In studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program, fertility assessments have been completed in Swiss mice via a continuous breeding study. There were no effects on fertility parameters in mice consuming up to 1.7 times the MHDD of acetaminophen, based on a body surface area comparison. Although there was no effect on sperm motility or sperm density in the epididymis, there was a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm in mice consuming 1.7 times the MHDD (based on a body surface area comparison) and there was a reduction in the number of mating pairs producing a fifth litter at this dose, suggesting the potential for cumulative toxicity with chronic administration of acetaminophen near the upper limit of daily dosing.
Published studies in rodents report that oral acetaminophen treatment of male animals at doses that are 1.2 times the MHDD and greater (based on a body surface area comparison) result in decreased testicular weights, reduced spermatogenesis, reduced fertility, and reduced implantation sites in females given the same doses. These effects appear to increase with the duration of treatment.
In a published mouse study, oral administration of 50 mg/kg acetaminophen to pregnant mice from Gestation Day 7 to delivery (0.06 times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison) reduced the number of primordial follicles in female offspring and reduced the percentage of full term pregnancies and number of pups born to these females exposed to acetaminophen in utero.
In a published study, oral administration of 350 mg/kg acetaminophen to pregnant rats (0.85 times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison) from Gestation Day 13 to 21 (dams) reduced the number of germ cells in the fetal ovary, decreased ovary weight, and reduced the number of pups per litter in F1 females as well as reduced ovary weights in F2females.
Published epidemiological studies with oral acetaminophen use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with acetaminophen use and birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes [see Data]. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with IV acetaminophen. Reproductive and developmental studies in rats and mice from the published literature identified adverse events at clinically relevant doses with acetaminophen. Treatment of pregnant rats with doses of acetaminophen approximately equal to the maximum human daily dose (MHDD) showed evidence of fetotoxicity and increases in bone variations in the fetuses. In another study, necrosis was observed in the liver and kidney of both pregnant rats and fetuses at doses approximately equal to the MHDD. In mice and rats treated with acetaminophen at doses within the clinical dosing range, cumulative adverse effects on reproductive capacity were reported. In mice, a reduction in number of litters of the parental mating pair was observed as well as retarded growth, abnormal sperm in their offspring and reduced birth weight in the next generation. In rats, female fertility was decreased following in utero exposure to acetaminophen [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages 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.
The results from a large population-based prospective cohort, including data from 26,424 women with live born singletons who were exposed to oral acetaminophen during the first trimester, indicate no increased risk for congenital malformations, compared to a control group of unexposed children. The rate of congenital malformations (4.3%) was similar to the rate in the general population. A population-based, case-control study from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study showed that 11,610 children with prenatal exposure to acetaminophen during the first trimester had no increased risk of major birth defects compared to 4,500 children in the control group. Other epidemiological data showed similar results. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk because of methodological limitations, including recall bias.
Studies in pregnant rats that received oral acetaminophen during organogenesis at doses up to 0.85 times the maximum human daily dose (MHDD = 4 grams/day, based on a body surface area comparison) showed evidence of fetotoxicity (reduced fetal weight and length) and a dose-related increase in bone variations (reduced ossification and rudimentary rib changes). Offspring had no evidence of external, visceral, or skeletal malformations. When pregnant rats received oral acetaminophen throughout gestation at doses of 1.2-times the MHDD (based on a body surface area comparison), areas of necrosis occurred in both the liver and kidney of pregnant rats and fetuses. These effects did not occur in animals that received oral acetaminophen at doses 0.3-times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison.
In a continuous breeding study, pregnant mice received 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0% acetaminophen via the diet (357, 715, or 1430 mg/kg/day). These doses are approximately 0.43, 0.87, and 1.7 times the MHDD, respectively, based on a body surface area comparison.
There is no information regarding the presence of OFIRMEV in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, limited published studies report that acetaminophen passes rapidly into human milk with similar levels in the milk and plasma. Average and maximum neonatal doses of 1% and 2%, respectively, of the weight-adjusted maternal dose are reported after a single oral administration of 1 gram APAP. There is one well-documented report of a rash in a breast-fed infant that resolved when the mother stopped acetaminophen use and recurred when she resumed acetaminophen use. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for OFIRMEV and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from OFIRMEV or from the underlying maternal condition.
Based on animal data use of acetaminophen may cause reduced fertility in males and females of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible. Published animal studies reported that oral acetaminophen treatment of male animals at doses that are 1.2 times the MHDD and greater (based on a body surface area comparison) result in decreased testicular weights, reduced spermatogenesis, and reduced fertility. In female animals given the same doses, reduced implantation sites were reported. Additional published animal studies indicate that acetaminophen exposure in utero adversely impacts reproductive capacity of both male and female offspring at clinically relevant exposures [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
The safety and effectiveness of OFIRMEV for the treatment of acute pain in pediatric patients ages 2 years and older is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of OFIRMEV in adults and safety and pharmacokinetic data from adult and 483 pediatric patients across all age groups [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Pharmacokinetics].
The effectiveness of OFIRMEV for the treatment of acute pain in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age has not been established.
In patients younger than 2 years, efficacy was not demonstrated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 198 pediatric patients younger than 2 years. Pediatric patients less than 2 years of age, including neonates from 28 to 40 weeks gestational age at birth, were randomized to receive opioid plus acetaminophen or opioid plus placebo. No difference in analgesic effect of intravenous acetaminophen, measured by assessment of reduced need for additional opioid treatment for pain control, was observed.
The safety and effectiveness of OFIRMEV for the treatment of fever in pediatric patients, including premature neonates born at ≥ 32 weeks gestational age is supported by adequate and well-controlled studies of OFIRMEV in adults, clinical studies in 244 pediatric patients 2 years and older, and safety and pharmacokinetic data from 239 patients younger than 2 years including neonates ≥ 32 weeks gestational age
Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of OFIRMEV, 15% were age 65 and over, while 5% were age 75 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, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or active liver disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. A reduced total daily dose of acetaminophen may be warranted.
In cases of severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤ 30 mL/min), longer dosing intervals and a reduced total daily dose of acetaminophen may be warranted.
In acute acetaminophen overdosage, dose-dependent, potentially fatal hepatic necrosis is the most serious adverse effect. Renal tubular necrosis, hypoglycemic coma, and thrombocytopenia may also occur. Plasma acetaminophen levels > 300 mcg/mL at 4 hours after oral ingestion were associated with hepatic damage in 90% of patients; minimal hepatic damage is anticipated if plasma levels at 4 hours are < 150 mcg/mL or < 37.5 mcg/mL at 12 hours after ingestion. Early symptoms following a potentially hepatotoxic overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and general malaise. Clinical and laboratory evidence of hepatic toxicity may not be apparent until 48 to 72 hours post-ingestion.
If an acetaminophen overdose is suspected, obtain a serum acetaminophen assay as soon as possible, but no sooner than 4 hours following oral ingestion. Obtain liver function studies initially and repeat at 24-hour intervals. Administer the antidote N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as early as possible. As a guide to treatment of acute ingestion, the acetaminophen level can be plotted against time since oral ingestion on a nomogram (Rumack-Matthew). The lower toxic line on the nomogram is equivalent to 150 mcg/mL at 4 hours and 37.5 mcg/mL at 12 hours. If serum level is above the lower line, administer the entire course of NAC treatment. Withhold NAC therapy if the acetaminophen level is below the lower line.
For additional information, call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
The precise mechanism of the analgesic and antipyretic properties of acetaminophen is not established but is thought to primarily involve central actions.
Acetaminophen has been shown to have analgesic and antipyretic activities in animal and human studies.
Single doses of OFIRMEV up to 3000 mg and repeated doses of 1000 mg every 6 hours for 48 hours have not been shown to cause a significant effect on platelet aggregation. Acetaminophen does not have any immediate or delayed effects on small-vessel hemostasis. Clinical studies of both healthy subjects and patients with hemophilia showed no significant changes in bleeding time after receiving multiple doses of oral acetaminophen.
The pharmacokinetics of OFIRMEV have been studied in patients and healthy subjects up to 60 years old. The pharmacokinetic profile of OFIRMEV has been demonstrated to be dose proportional in adults following administration of single doses of 500, 650, and 1000 mg.
The maximum concentration (Cmax) occurs at the end of the 15 minute intravenous infusion of OFIRMEV. Compared to the same dose of oral acetaminophen, the Cmax following administration of OFIRMEV is up to 70% higher, while overall exposure (area under the concentration time curve [AUC]) is very similar.
Pharmacokinetic parameters of OFIRMEV (AUC, Cmax, terminal elimination half-life [T½], systemic clearance [CL], and volume of distribution at steady state [Vss]) following administration of a single intravenous dose of 15 mg/kg in children and adolescents and 1000 mg in adults are summarized in Table 5.
Table 5. OFIRMEV Pharmacokinetic Parameters
| Sub populations | Mean (SD) | ||||
| AUC0-6h(μg × h/mL) | Cmax (μg/mL) | T½ (h) | CL (L/h/kg) | Vss (L/kg) | |
| Children | 38 (8) | 29 (7) | 3.0 (1.5) | 0.34 (0.10) | 1.2 (0.3) |
| Adolescents | 41 (7) | 31 (9) | 2.9 (0.7) | 0.29 (0.08) | 1.1 (0.3) |
| Adults | 43 (11) | 28 (21) | 2.4 (0.6) | 0.27 (0.08) | 0.8 (0.2) |
The concentrations of acetaminophen observed in neonates greater than 32 weeks gestational age at birth treated with 12.5 mg/kg dose are similar to infants, children and adolescents treated with a 15 mg/kg dose, and similar to adults treated with a 1000 mg dose.
At therapeutic levels, binding of acetaminophen to plasma proteins is low (ranging from 10% to 25%). Acetaminophen appears to be widely distributed throughout most body tissues except fat.
Acetaminophen is primarily metabolized in the liver by first-order kinetics and involves three principal separate pathways: Conjugation with glucuronide, conjugation with sulfate, and oxidation via the cytochrome P450 enzyme pathway, primarily CYP2E1, to form a reactive intermediate metabolite (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine or NAPQI). With therapeutic doses, NAPQI undergoes rapid conjugation with glutathione and is then further metabolized to form cysteine and mercapturic acid conjugates.
Acetaminophen metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine. Less than 5% is excreted in the urine as unconjugated (free) acetaminophen and more than 90% of the administered dose is excreted within 24 hours.
The efficacy of OFIRMEV in the treatment of acute pain in adults was evaluated in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with postoperative pain.
Pain Study 1 evaluated the analgesic efficacy of repeated doses of OFIRMEV 1000 mg vs. placebo every 6 hours for 24 hours in 101 patients with moderate to severe pain following total hip or knee replacement. OFIRMEV was statistically superior to placebo for reduction in pain intensity over 24 hours. There was an attendant decrease in opioid consumption, the clinical benefit of which was not demonstrated.
Pain Study 2 evaluated the analgesic efficacy of repeated doses of OFIRMEV 1000 mg every 6 hours or 650 mg every 4 hours for 24 hours versus placebo in the treatment of 244 patients with moderate to severe postoperative pain after abdominal laparoscopic surgery. Patients receiving OFIRMEV experienced a statistically significant greater reduction in pain intensity over 24 hours compared to placebo.
The efficacy of OFIRMEV 1000 mg in the treatment of adult fever was evaluated in one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study was a 6-hour, single-dose, endotoxin-induced fever study in 60 healthy adult males. A statistically significant antipyretic effect of OFIRMEV was demonstrated through 6 hours in comparison to placebo. The mean temperature over time is shown in Figure 1.
 |
Figure 1: Mean Temperature (°C) Over Time
OFIRMEV was studied in pediatric patients in three active-controlled trials and three open-label safety and pharmacokinetic trials [see Use In Specific Populations].
No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS sections.
