Enter drug's generic or brand name below. Results will appear here. Note: all drug related information obtained on this page is provided by RX List.
Using the RX LIST database:
(1) Enter the drug name in the search box below and hit ENTER
(2) The rx list web site will open here with the drug search completed. Next, scroll down the page to locate the link to the drug you are searching for and then click on the link.
Privigen®, Immune Globulin Intravenous
(Human), 10% Liquid
WARNING
THROMBOSIS, RENAL DYSFUNCTION AND ACUTE RENAL FAILURE
Privigen is a ready-to-use, sterile, 10% protein liquid preparation of polyvalent human immunoglobulin G (IgG) for intravenous administration. Privigen has a purity of at least 98% IgG, consisting primarily of monomers. The balance consists of IgG dimers ( ≤ 12%), small amounts of fragments and polymers, and albumin. Privigen contains ≤ 25 mcg/mL IgA. The IgG subclass distribution (approximate mean values) is IgG1, 67.8%; IgG2, 28.7%; IgG3, 2.3%; and IgG4, 1.2%. Privigen has an osmolality of approximately 320 mOsmol/kg (range: 240 to 440) and a pH of 4.8 (range: 4.6 to 5.0).
Privigen contains approximately 250 mmol/L (range: 210 to 290) of L-proline (a nonessential amino acid) as a stabilizer and trace amounts of sodium. Privigen contains no carbohydrate stabilizers (e.g., sucrose, maltose) and no preservative.
Privigen is prepared from large pools of human plasma by a combination of cold ethanol fractionation, octanoic acid fractionation, and anion exchange chromatography. The IgG proteins are not subjected to heating or to chemical or enzymatic modification. The Fc and Fab functions of the IgG molecule are retained. Fab functions tested include antigen binding capacities, and Fc functions tested include complement activation and Fc-receptormediated leukocyte activation (determined with complexed IgG). Privigen does not activate the complement system or prekallikrein in an unspecific manner.
All plasma units used in the manufacture of Privigen have been tested and approved for manufacture using FDA-licensed serological assays for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to HCV and HIV-½ as well as FDA-licensed Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) for HBV, HCV and HIV-1 and found to be nonreactive (negative). In addition, the plasma has been tested for B19 virus (B19V) DNA by NAT. Only plasma that passed virus screening is used for production, and the limit for B19V in the fractionation pool is set not to exceed 104 IU of B19V DNA per mL.
The manufacturing process for Privigen includes three steps to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Two of these are dedicated virus clearance steps: pH 4 incubation to inactivate enveloped viruses and virus filtration to remove, by size exclusion, both enveloped and nonenveloped viruses as small as approximately 20 nanometers. In addition, a depth filtration step contributes to the virus reduction capacity.
These steps have been independently validated in a series of in vitro experiments for their capacity to inactivate and/or remove both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.
Table 5 shows the virus clearance during the manufacturing process for Privigen, expressed as the mean log10 reduction factor (LRF).
Table 5: Virus Inactivation/Removal in Privigen*
| HIV-1 | PRV | BVDV | WNV | EMCV | MVM | |
| Virus property | ||||||
| Genome | RNA | DNA | RNA | RNA | RNA | DNA |
| Envelope | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Size (nm) | 80-100 | 120-200 | 50-70 | 50-70 | 25-30 | 18-24 |
| Manufacturing step | Mean LRF | |||||
| pH 4 incubation | ≥ 5.4 | ≥ 5.9 | 4.6 | ≥ 7.8 | nt | nt |
| Depth filtration | ≥ 5.3 | ≥ 6.3 | 2.1 | 3.0 | 4.2 | 2.3 |
| Virus filtration | ≥ 5.3 | ≥ 5 | ≥ 5.1 | ≥ 5.9 | ≥ 5.4 | ≥ 5.5 |
| Overall reduction (log10 units) | ≥ 16.0 | ≥ 17.7 | ≥ 11.8 | ≥ 16.7 | ≥ 9.6 | ≥ 7.8 |
| HIV-1, human immunodeficiency virus type 1, a model for
HIV-1 and HIV-2; PRV, pseudorabies virus, a nonspecific model for large
enveloped DNA viruses (e.g., herpes virus); BVDV, bovine viral diarrhea virus,
a model for hepatitis C virus; WNV, West Nile virus; EMCV, encephalomyocarditis
virus, a model for hepatitis A virus; MVM, minute virus of mice, a model for a
small highly resistant non-enveloped DNA virus (e.g., parvovirus); LRF, log10 reduction
factor; nt, not tested. * The virus clearance of human parvovirus B19 was investigated experimentally at the pH 4 incubation step. The estimated LRF obtained was ≥ 5.3. |
||||||
The manufacturing process was also investigated for its capacity to decrease the infectivity of an experimental agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), considered a model for CJD and its variant vCJD.18 Several of the production steps have been shown to decrease TSE infectivity of an experimental model agent. TSE reduction steps include octanoic acid fractionation ( ≥ 6.4 log10), depth filtration (2.6 log10), and virus filtration ( ≥ 5.8 log10). These studies provide reasonable assurance that low levels of vCJD/CJD agent infectivity, if present in the starting material, would be removed.
REFERENCES
1. Dalakas MC. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and serum viscosity: risk of precipitating thromboembolic events. Neurology 1994;44:223-226.
2. Woodruff RK, Grigg AP, Firkin FC, Smith IL. Fatal thrombotic events during treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenia with intravenous immunoglobulin in elderly patients. Lancet 1986;2:217-218.
3. Wolberg AS, Kon RH, Monroe DM, Hoffman M. Coagulation factor XI is a contaminant in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations. Am J Hematol 2000;65:30-34.
18. Gregori L, Maring J-A, MacAuley C, Stühler A, Löwer J, Blümel J. Partitioning of TSE infectivity during ethanol fractionation of human plasma. Biologicals 2004;32:1-10.
Privigen is an Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10% Liquid indicated for the treatment of the following conditions.
Privigen is indicated as replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI). This includes, but is not limited to, the humoral immune defect in congenital agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), X-linked agammaglobulinemia, Wiskott- Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies.
Privigen is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to raise platelet counts.
Table 1: Recommended Dosage and Administration for
Privigen
| Indication | Dose | Initial infusion rate | Maintenance infusion rate (as tolerated) |
| Primary Immunodeficiency | 200-800 mg/kg (2-8 mL/kg) every 3-4 weeks | 0.5 mg/kg/min (0.005 mL/kg/min) | Increase to 8 mg/kg/min (0.08 mL/kg/min) |
| Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura | 1 g/kg (10 mL/kg) for 2 consecutive days | 0.5 mg/kg/min (0.005 mL/kg/min) | Increase to 4 mg/kg/min (0.04 mL/kg/min) |
As there are significant differences in the half-life of IgG among patients with PI, the frequency and amount of immunoglobulin therapy may vary from patient to patient. The proper amount can be determined by monitoring clinical response.
The recommended dose of Privigen for patients with PI is 200 to 800 mg/kg (2 to 8 mL/ kg), administered every 3 to 4 weeks. If a patient misses a dose, administer the missed dose as soon as possible, and then resume scheduled treatments every 3 or 4 weeks, as applicable.
Adjust the dosage over time to achieve the desired serum IgG trough levels and clinical responses. No randomized, controlled trial data are available to determine an optimal trough level in patients receiving immune globulin therapy.
The recommended dose of Privigen for patients with chronic ITP is 1 g/kg (10 mL/kg) administered daily for 2 consecutive days, resulting in a total dosage of 2 g/kg. Carefully consider the relative risks and benefits before prescribing the high dose regimen (e.g., 1 g/kg/day for 2 days) in patients at increased risk of thrombosis, hemolysis, acute kidney injury, or volume overload [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Privigen is for intravenous administration only.
Monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the infusion. Slow or stop the infusion if adverse reactions occur. If symptoms subside promptly, the infusion may be resumed at a lower rate that is comfortable for the patient.
Ensure that patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency are not volume depleted. For patients judged to be at risk for renal dysfunction or thrombosis, administer Privigen at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable, and discontinue Privigen administration if renal function deteriorates [see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The following patients may be at risk of developing systemic reactions (mimicking symptoms of an inflammatory response or infection) on rapid infusion of Privigen (greater than 4 mg/kg/min [0.04 mL/kg/min]): 1) those who have never received Privigen or another IgG product or who have not received it within the past 8 weeks, and 2) those who are switching from another IgG product. These patients should be started at a slow rate of infusion (e.g., 0.5 mg/kg/min [0.005 mL/kg/min] or less) and gradually increase as tolerated.
Privigen is a liquid solution containing 10% IgG (0.1 g/mL) for intravenous infusion.
Each product presentation includes a package insert and the following components:
| Presentation | Carton NDC Number | Components |
| 50 mL | 44206-436-05 | Vial containing 5 grams of protein (NDC 44206-436-90) |
| 100 mL | 44206-437-10 | Vial containing 10 grams of protein (NDC 44206-437-91) |
| 200 mL | 44206-438-20 | Vial containing 20 grams of protein (NDC 44206-438-92) |
| 400 mL | 44206-439-40 | Vial containing 40 grams of protein (NDC 44206-439-93) |
Manufactured by: CSL Behring AG, Bern, Switzerland. Distributed by: CSL Behring LLC, Kankakee, IL 60901 USA. Revised: Nov 2013
Adverse reactions (ARs), as presented below and in Clinical Trials Experience (6.1), are defined as adverse events at least possibly related or events occurring during or within 72 hours of a Privigen infusion or treatment cycle (for ITP).
The most serious adverse reaction observed in clinical study subjects receiving Privigen for PI was hypersensitivity in one subject [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The most common adverse reactions observed in > 5% of clinical study subjects with PI were headache, fatigue, nausea, chills, vomiting, back pain, pain, elevated body temperature, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, stomach discomfort, chest pain, joint swelling/effusion, influenza-like illness, pharyngolaryngeal pain, urticaria, and dizziness.
The most serious adverse reactions observed in clinical study subjects receiving Privigen for chronic ITP were aseptic meningitis syndrome in one subject and hemolysis in two subjects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. A total of 8 subjects (14%) in the ITP study experienced hemolysis as documented from clinical laboratory data. The most common adverse reactions observed in > 5% of clinical study subjects with chronic ITP were headache, elevated body temperature, positive DAT, anemia, nausea, epistaxis, vomiting, blood bilirubin unconjugated increased, blood bilirubin conjugated increased, blood total bilirubin increased, hematocrit decreased, and blood lactate dehydrogenase increased.
Because different clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, 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.
In a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical study (pivotal study), 80 subjects with PI (with a diagnosis of XLA or CVID) received Privigen every 3 or 4 weeks for up to 12 months [see Clinical Studies]. All subjects had been on regular IGIV replacement therapy for at least 6 months prior to participating in the study. Subjects ranged in age from 3 to 69; 46 (57.5%) were male and 34 (42.5%) were female.
The safety analysis included all 80 subjects, 16 (20%) on the 3-week schedule and 64 (80%) on the 4-week schedule. The median dose of Privigen administered was 428.3 mg/ kg (3-week schedule) or 440.6 mg/kg (4-week schedule) and ranged from 200 to 888 mg/ kg. A total of 1038 infusions of Privigen were administered, 272 in the 3-week schedule and 766 in the 4-week schedule.
Routine premedication was not allowed. However, subjects who experienced two consecutive infusion-related ARs that were likely to be prevented by premedication were permitted to receive antipyretics, antihistamines, NSAIDs, or antiemetic agents. During the study, 8 (10%) subjects received premedication prior to 51 (4.9%) of the 1038 infusions administered.
Table 2 summarizes the most frequent ARs (defined as adverse events at least possibly related or events occurring during or within 72 hours of a Privigen infusion) that occurred in > 5% of subjects.
Table 2: PI Pivotal Study – ARs* Occurring in > 5%
of Subjects
| AR | Number (%) of Subjects [n=80] |
Number (Rate) of Infusions with AR [n=1038] |
| Headache | 36 (45.0) | 100 (0.096) |
| Fatigue | 13 (16.3) | 29 (0.028) |
| Nausea | 11 (13.8) | 23 (0.022) |
| Chills | 9 (11.3) | 15 (0.014) |
| Vomiting | 9 (11.3) | 15 (0.014) |
| Back pain | 8 (10.0) | 15 (0.014) |
| Pain | 7 (8.8) | 14 (0.013) |
| Elevated body temperature | 7 (8.8) | 12 (0.012) |
| Diarrhea | 6 (7.5) | 6 (0.006) |
| Cough | 5 (6.3) | 5 (0.005) |
| Stomach discomfort | 5 (6.3) | 5 (0.005) |
| * Excluding infections. | ||
Of the 192 ARs reported (including 5 serious, severe ARs described below) 91 were mild (awareness of sign, symptom or event, but easily tolerated), 81 were moderate (discomfort enough to cause interference with usual activity and may have warranted intervention), 19 were severe (incapacitating with inability to do usual activities or significantly affected clinical status, and warranted intervention), and 1 was of unknown severity.
The five serious ARs (hypersensitivity, chills, fatigue, dizziness, and increased body temperature, all severe) were related to Privigen, occurred in one subject, and resulted in the subject's withdrawal from the study. Two other subjects withdrew from the study due to ARs (chills and headache in one subject; vomiting in the other).
Seventy-seven of the 80 subjects enrolled in this study had a negative DAT at baseline. Of these 77 subjects, 36 (46.8%) developed a positive DAT at some time during the study. However, no subjects showed evidence of hemolytic anemia.
During this study, no subjects tested positive for infection due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or B19 virus (B19V).
An extension of the pivotal study was conducted in 55 adult and pediatric subjects with PI to collect additional efficacy, safety, and tolerability data. This study included 45 subjects from the pivotal study who were receiving Privigen and 10 new subjects who were receiving another IGIV product prior to enrolling in the extension study. Subjects ranged in age from 4 to 81 years; 26 (47.3%) were male and 29 (52.7%) were female.
Subjects were treated with Privigen at median doses ranging from 286 to 832 mg/kg per infusion over a treatment period ranging from 1 to 27 months. Twelve (21.8%) subjects were on a 3¬week treatment schedule with the number of infusions per subject ranging from 4 to 38 (median: 8 infusions); 43 (78.2%) subjects were on a 4-week schedule with the number of infusions ranging from 1 to 31 (median: 15 infusions). A total of 771 infusions were administered in this study.
In this study, subjects who continued from the pivotal study were permitted to receive infusions of Privigen at a rate up to 12 mg/kg/min (as opposed to the maximum of 8 mg/ kg/min allowed in the pivotal study) at the discretion of the investigator based on individual tolerability. Twenty¬three (51%) of the 45 subjects from the pivotal study (41.8% of the 55 subjects in the extension study) received 265 (38.4%) infusions at a maximum rate greater than the recommended rate of 8 mg/kg/min [see Administration]. The median of the maximum infusion rate in this subset was 12 mg/kg/min. However, because the study was not designed to compare infusion rates, no definitive conclusions regarding tolerability could be drawn for infusion rates higher than the recommended rate of 8 mg/kg/min.
Table 3 summarizes the ARs that occurred in > 5% of subjects.
Table 3: PI Extension Study – ARs* Occurring in > 5%
of Subjects
| AR* | Number (%) of Subjects [n=55] |
Number (Rate) of Infusions with AR [n=771] |
| Headache | 18 (32.7) | 76 (0.099) |
| Nausea | 6 (10.9) | 10 (0.013) |
| Elevated body temperature | 4 (7.3) | 12 (0.016) |
| Abdominal pain† | 4 (7.3) | 7 (0.009) |
| Chest pain | 3 (5.5) | 4 (0.005) |
| Chills | 3 (5.5) | 7 (0.009) |
| Joint swelling/effusion | 3 (5.5) | 7 (0.009) |
| Pain | 3 (5.5) | 6 (0.008) |
| Fatigue | 3 (5.5) | 5 (0.006) |
| Influenza-like illness | 3 (5.5) | 5 (0.006) |
| Pharyngolaryngeal pain | 3 (5.5) | 4 (0.005) |
| Urticaria | 3 (5.5) | 4 (0.005) |
| Dizziness | 3 (5.5) | 3 (0.004) |
| Note: The AR rates in this study cannot be compared
directly to the rates in other IGIV studies, including the original pivotal
study described earlier in this section, because (1) the extension study used
an enriched population and (2) the selective use of higher infusion rates at
the investigators' discretion in a subset of subjects may have introduced bias. * Excluding infections. † Includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal pain lower. |
||
Of the 125 reported ARs, 76 were mild (does not interfere with routine activities), 40 were moderate (interferes somewhat with routine activities), and 9 were severe (impossible to perform routine activities).
Three subjects experienced ARs that were considered to be at least possibly related to Privigen: dyspnea and pancytopenia in one subject, a transient ischemic attack 16 days after the infusion in one subject, and mild urticaria in one subject, resulting in the subject's withdrawal from the study.
In a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical study, 57 subjects with chronic ITP and a platelet count of 20 x 109/L or less received a total of 2 g/kg dose of Privigen administered as 1 g/kg infusions daily for 2 consecutive days [see Clinical Studies]. Subjects ranged in age from 15 to 69; 23 (40.4%) were male and 34 (59.6%) were female.
Concomitant medications affecting platelets or other treatments for chronic ITP were not allowed. Thirty-two (56.1%) subjects received premedication with acetaminophen and/or an antihistamine.
Table 4 summarizes the most frequent ARs (adverse events at least possibly related or events occurring during or within 72 hours after the end of a treatment cycle [two consecutive infusions]) that occurred in > 5% of subjects with chronic ITP.
Table 4: Chronic ITP Study – ARs Occurring in > 5%
of Subjects
| AR | Number (%) of Subjects [n=57] |
Number (Rate) of Infusions with AR [n=114] |
| Headache | 37 (64.9) | 52 (0.456) |
| Elevated body temperature | 21 (36.8) | 23 (0.202) |
| Positive DAT | 7 (12.3) | 8 (0.070) |
| Anemia | 6 (10.5) | 6 (0.053) |
| Nausea | 6 (10.5) | 8 (0.070) |
| Epistaxis | 6 (10.5) | 8 (0.070) |
| Vomiting | 6 (10.5) | 7 (0.061) |
| Blood bilirubin unconjugated increased | 6 (10.5) | 6 (0.053) |
| Blood bilirubin conjugated increased | 5 (8.8) | 5 (0.044) |
| Blood total bilirubin | ||
| increased | 3 (5.3) | 3 (0.026) |
| Hematocrit decreased | 3 (5.3) | 3 (0.026) |
| Blood lactate dehydrogenase increased | 3 (5.3) | 3 (0.026) |
Of the 149 non-serious ARs, 103 were mild (awareness of sign, symptom or event, but easily tolerated), 37 were moderate (discomfort enough to cause interference with usual activity and may have warranted intervention), and 9 were severe (incapacitating with inability to do usual activities or significantly affected clinical status, and warranted intervention). One subject experienced a serious AR (aseptic meningitis).
Eight subjects, all of whom had a positive DAT, experienced transient drug-related hemolytic reactions, which were associated with elevated bilirubin, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and a decrease in hemoglobin level within two days after the infusion of Privigen. Two of the eight subjects were clinically anemic but did not require clinical intervention; these cases resolved uneventfully.
Four other subjects with active bleeding were reported to have developed anemia without evidence of hemolysis.
In this study, there was a decrease in hemoglobin after the first Privigen infusion (median decrease of 1.2 g/dL by Day 8) followed by a return to near baseline by Day 29. Fifty-six of the 57 subjects in this study had a negative DAT at baseline. Of these 56 subjects, 12 (21.4%) developed a positive DAT during the 29-day study period.
Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily post-approval from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency of these reactions or establish a causal relationship to product exposure.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postmarketing use of Privigen. This list does not include reactions already reported in clinical studies with Privigen [see Clinical Trials Experience].
In addition, the following adverse reactions have been identified and reported during the post-approval use of immune globulin products.14
The passive transfer of antibodies with immunoglobulin administration may interfere with the response to live virus vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella [see PATIENT INFORMATION].15
Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with Privigen so that appropriate measures can be taken.
REFERENCES
14. Pierce LR, Jain N. Risks associated with the use of intravenous immunoglobulin. Trans Med Rev 2003;17:241-251.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. In case of hypersensitivity, discontinue the Privigen infusion immediately and institute appropriate treatment. Medications such as epinephrine should be available for immediate treatment of acute hypersensitivity reactions.
Privigen contains trace amounts of IgA ( ≤ 25 mcg/mL) [see DESCRIPTION]. Individuals with IgA deficiency can develop anti-IgA antibodies and anaphylactic reactions (including anaphylaxis and shock) after administration of blood components containing IgA. Patients with known antibodies to IgA may have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions with administration of Privigen. Privigen is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA and a history of hypersensitivity.
Renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis, and death may occur with immune globulin intravenous (IGIV) products in predisposed patients. Renal dysfunction and acute renal failure occur more commonly in patients receiving IGIV products containing sucrose.4 Privigen does not contain sucrose. Ensure that patients are not volume depleted and assess renal function, including measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of Privigen and at appropriate intervals thereafter. Periodic monitoring of renal function and urine output is particularly important in patients judged to be at increased risk of developing acute renal failure.4 If renal function deteriorates, consider discontinuing Privigen. For patients judged to be at risk of developing renal dysfunction because of pre-existing renal insufficiency, or predisposition to acute renal failure (such as those with diabetes mellitus or hypovolemia, those who are obese, those who use concomitant nephrotoxic medicinal products, or those who are over 65 years of age), administer Privigen at the minimum rate of infusion practicable [see BOXED WARNING, Administration].
Thrombosis may occur following treatment with immune globulin products1-3, including Privigen. Risk factors may include: advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling central vascular catheters, hyperviscosity, and cardiovascular risk factors. Thrombosis may occur in the absence of known risk factors.
Consider baseline assessment of blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity, including those with cryoglobulins, fasting chylomicronemia/markedly high triacylglycerols (triglycerides), or monoclonal gammopathies. For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer Privigen at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable. Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity [see BOXED WARNING, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, PATIENT INFORMATION].
Hyperproteinemia, increased serum viscosity, and hyponatremia may occur following treatment with IGIV products, including Privigen. The hyponatremia is likely to be a pseudohyponatremia, as demonstrated by a decreased calculated serum osmolality or elevated osmolar gap. It is critical to distinguish true hyponatremia from pseudohyponatremia, as treatment aimed at decreasing serum free water in patients with pseudohyponatremia may lead to volume depletion, a further increase in serum viscosity, and a possible predisposition to thromboembolic events.5
AMS may occur infrequently following treatment with Privigen [see ADVERSE REACTIONS] and other human immune globulin products. Discontinuation of treatment has resulted in remission of AMS within several days without sequelae.6 AMS usually begins within several hours to 2 days following IGIV treatment.
AMS is characterized by the following signs and symptoms: severe headache, nuchal rigidity, drowsiness, fever, photophobia, painful eye movements, nausea, and vomiting. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies are frequently positive with pleocytosis up to several thousand cells per cubic millimeter, predominantly from the granulocytic series, and with elevated protein levels up to several hundred mg/dL, but negative culture results. Conduct a thorough neurological examination on patients exhibiting such signs and symptoms, including CSF studies, to rule out other causes of meningitis.
AMS may occur more frequently in association with high doses (2 g/kg) and/or rapid infusion of IGIV.
Privigen may contain blood group antibodies that can act as hemolysins and induce in vivo coating of red blood cells (RBCs) with immunoglobulin, causing a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) (Coombs' test) result and hemolysis.7-9 Delayed hemolytic anemia can develop subsequent to Privigen therapy due to enhanced RBC sequestration, and acute hemolysis, consistent with intravascular hemolysis, has been reported.10 Cases of severe hemolysis-related renal dysfunction/failure or disseminated intravascular coagulation have occurred following infusion of Privigen.
The following risk factors may be associated with the development of hemolysis: high doses (e.g., ≥ 2 g/kg), given either as a single administration or divided over several days, and non-O blood group.11 Other individual patient factors, such as an underlying inflammatory state (as may be reflected by, for example, elevated C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate), have been hypothesized to increase the risk of hemolysis following administration of IGIV,12 but their role is uncertain. Hemolysis has been reported following administration of IGIV for a variety of indications, including ITP and PI.9
Closely monitor patients for clinical signs and symptoms of hemolysis, particularly patients with risk factors noted above. Consider appropriate laboratory testing in higher risk patients, including measurement of hemoglobin or hematocrit prior to infusion and within approximately 36 to 96 hours post infusion. If clinical signs and symptoms of hemolysis or a significant drop in hemoglobin or hematocrit have been observed, perform additional confirmatory laboratory testing. If transfusion is indicated for patients who develop hemolysis with clinically compromising anemia after receiving IGIV, perform adequate cross-matching to avoid exacerbating on-going hemolysis.
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema may occur following treatment with IGIV products, including Privigen.13 TRALI is characterized by severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, hypoxemia, normal left ventricular function, and fever. Symptoms typically appear within 1 to 6 hours following treatment.
Monitor patients for pulmonary adverse reactions. If TRALI is suspected, perform appropriate tests for the presence of anti-neutrophil antibodies and anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in both the product and the patient's serum. TRALI may be managed using oxygen therapy with adequate ventilatory support.
Carefully consider the relative risks and benefits before prescribing the high dose regimen (for chronic ITP) in patients at increased risk of thrombosis, hemolysis, acute kidney injury, or volume overload.
Because Privigen is made from human blood, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents (e.g., viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease [CJD] agent). The risk of infectious agent transmission has been reduced by screening plasma donors for prior exposure to certain viruses, testing for the presence of certain current virus infections, and including virus inactivation/removal steps in the manufacturing process for Privigen. Report any infection thought to be possibly transmitted by Privigen to CSL Behring Pharmacovigilance at 1-866-915-6958.
Various passively transferred antibodies in immunoglobulin preparations may lead to misinterpretation of the results of serological testing.
Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Privigen. It is not known whether Privigen can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Privigen should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed. Immunoglobulins cross the placenta from maternal circulation increasingly after 30 weeks of gestation.16,17
Use of Privigen in nursing mothers has not been evaluated.
Privigen was evaluated in 31 pediatric subjects (19 children and 12 adolescents) with PI (pivotal study). There were no apparent differences in the safety and efficacy profiles as compared to those in adult subjects. No pediatric-specific dose requirements were necessary to achieve the desired serum IgG levels. The safety and effectiveness of Privigen have not been established in pediatric patients with PI who are under the age of 3.
The safety and effectiveness of Privigen have not been established in pediatric patients with chronic ITP who are under the age of 15.
Clinical studies of Privigen did not include sufficient numbers of subjects age 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Use caution when administering Privigen to patients age 65 and over who are judged to be at increased risk of developing acute renal insufficiency and thrombosis [see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Do not exceed recommended doses, and administer Privigen at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable.
REFERENCES
1. Dalakas MC. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and serum viscosity: risk of precipitating thromboembolic events. Neurology 1994;44:223-226.
2. Woodruff RK, Grigg AP, Firkin FC, Smith IL. Fatal thrombotic events during treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenia with intravenous immunoglobulin in elderly patients. Lancet 1986;2:217-218.
3. Wolberg AS, Kon RH, Monroe DM, Hoffman M. Coagulation factor XI is a contaminant in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations. Am J Hematol 2000;65:30-34.
4. Cayco AV, Perazella MA, Hayslett JP. Renal insufficiency after intravenous immune globulin therapy: a report of two cases and an analysis of the literature. J Am Soc Nephrol 1997;8:1788-1793.
5. Steinberger BA, Ford SM, Coleman TA. Intravenous immuneglobulin therapy results in post-infusional hyperproteinemia, increased serum viscosity, and pseudohyponatremia. Am J Hematol 2003;73:97-100.
6. Gabor EP. Meningitis and skin reaction after intravenous immune globulin therapy. Ann Intern Med 1997;127:1130.
7. Copelan EA, Strohm PL, Kennedy MS, Tutschka PJ. Hemolysis following intravenous immune globulin therapy. Transfusion 1986;26:410-412.
8. Thomas MJ, Misbah SA, Chapel HM, Jones M, Elrington G, Newsom-Davis J. Hemolysis after high-dose intravenous Ig. Blood 1993;15:3789.
9. Wilson JR, Bhoopalam N, Fisher M. Hemolytic anemia associated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Muscle Nerve 1997;20:1142-1145.
10. Kessary-Shoham H, Levy Y, Shoenfeld Y, Lorber M, Gershon H. In vivo administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) can lead to enhanced erythrocyte sequestration. J Autoimmun 1999;13:129-135.
11. Kahwaji J, Barker E, Pepkowitz S, et al. Acute Hemolysis After High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Highly HLA Sensitized Patients. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2009;4:1993-1997.
12. Daw Z, Padmore R, Neurath D, et al. Hemolytic transfusion reactions after administration of intravenous immune (gamma) globulin: A case series analysis. Transfusion 2008;48:1598-1601.
13. Rizk A, Gorson KC, Kenney L, Weinstein R. Transfusion-related acute lung injury after the infusion of IVIG. Transfusion 2001;41:264-268.
15. Siber GA, Werner BG, Halsey NA, et al. Interference of immune globulin with measles and rubella immunization. J Pediatr 1993;122:204-211.
16. Hammarström L, Smith CIE. Placental transfer of intravenous immunoglobulin. Lancet 1986;1:681.
17. Sidiropoulos D, Herrmann U, Morell A, von Muralt G, Barandun S. Transplacental passage of intravenous immunoglobulin in the last trimester of pregnancy. J Pediatr 1986;109:505-508.
Overdose may lead to fluid overload and hyperviscosity, particularly in the elderly and in patients with impaired renal function.
Privigen is a replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency, and supplies a broad spectrum of opsonic and neutralizing IgG antibodies against bacterial, viral, parasitic and mycoplasma agents and their toxins. The mechanism of action in PI has not been fully elucidated.
The mechanism of action of high doses of immunoglobulins in the treatment of chronic ITP has not been fully elucidated.
In the clinical study (pivotal study) assessing the efficacy and safety of Privigen in 80 subjects with PI [see Clinical Studies], serum concentrations of total IgG and IgG subclasses were measured in 25 subjects (ages 13 to 69) following the 7th infusion for the 3 subjects on the 3-week dosing interval and following the 5th infusion for the 22 subjects on the 4-week dosing interval. The dose of Privigen used in these subjects ranged from 200.0 mg/kg to 714.3 mg/kg. After the infusion, blood samples were taken until Day 21 and Day 28 for the 3-week and 4-week dosing intervals, respectively.
Table 6 summarizes the pharmacokinetic parameters of Privigen, based on serum concentrations of total IgG.
Table 6: PI Pivotal Study - Pharmacokinetic Parameters
of Privigen in Subjects
| Parameter | 3-Week Dosing Interval (n=3) |
4-Week Dosing Interval (n=22) |
||
| Mean (SD) |
Median (Range) |
Mean (SD) |
Median (Range) |
|
| Cmax (peak, mg/dL) |
2,550 (400) |
2,340 (2,290-3,010) |
2,260 (530) |
2,340 (1,040-3,460) |
| Cmin (trough, mg/dL) |
1,230 (230) |
1,200 (1,020-1,470) |
1,000 (200) |
1,000 (580-1,360) |
| t½ (days) |
27.6 (5.9) |
27.8 (21.6-33.4) |
45.4 (18.5) |
37.3 (20.6-96.6) |
| AUC0-t (day x mg/dL)* |
32,820 (6,260) |
29,860 (28,580- 40,010) |
36,390 (5,950) |
36,670 (19,680- 44,340) |
| * /dL g/ m x TO (d S C0 U A |
79,315 (20,170) |
78,748 (59,435- 99,762) |
104,627 (33,581) |
98,521 (64,803- 178,600) |
| Clearance (mL/day/kg)* |
1.3 (0.1) |
1.3 (1.1-1.4) |
1.3 (0.3) |
1.3 (0.9-2.1) |
| Mean residence time (days)* |
38.6 (8.1) |
39.5 (30.1-46.2) |
65.2 (24.7) |
59.0 (33.2-129.6) |
| Volume of distribution at steady state (mL/kg)* |
50 (13) |
44 (40-65) |
84 (35) |
87 (40-207) |
| Cmax, maximum serum concentration; Cmin, trough (minimum level) serum concentration; t½, elimination half-life; AUC0-t, area under the curve from 0 hour to last sampling time; AUC0-∞, area under the curve from 0 hour to infinite time. * Calculated by log-linear trapezoidal rule. |
||||
The median half-life of Privigen was 36.6 days for the 25 subjects in the pharmacokinetic subgroup.
Although no systematic study was conducted to evaluate the effect of gender and age on the pharmacokinetics of Privigen, based on the small sample size (11 males and 14 females) it appears that clearance of Privigen is comparable in males (1.27 ± 0.35 mL/day/ kg) and females (1.34 ± 0.22 mL/day/kg). In six subjects between 13 and 15 years of age, the clearance of Privigen (1.35 ± 0.44 mL/day/kg) is comparable to that observed in 19 adult subjects 19 years of age or older (1.29 ± 0.22 mL/day/kg).
The IgG subclass levels observed in the pharmacokinetic study were consistent with a physiologic distribution pattern (mean trough values): IgG1, 564.91 mg/dL; IgG2, 394.15 mg/dL; IgG3, 30.16 mg/dL; IgG4, 10.88 mg/dL.
Pharmacokinetic studies with Privigen were not performed in subjects with chronic ITP.
A prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study (pivotal study) assessed the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of Privigen in adult and pediatric subjects with PI, who were treated for 12 months at a 3-week or 4-week dosing interval. Subjects ranged in age from 3 to 69; 46 (57.5%) were male and 34 (42.5%) were female; 77.5% were Caucasian, 15% were Hispanic, and 7.5% were African-American. All subjects had been on regular IGIV replacement therapy for at least 6 months prior to participating in the study. The efficacy analysis included 80 subjects, 16 (20%) on the 3-week dosing interval and 64 (80%) on the 4-week dosing interval. Doses ranged from 200 mg/kg to 888 mg/kg per infusion. The median dose for the 3-week interval was 428.3 mg/kg per infusion; the median dose for the 4-week interval was 440.6 mg/kg per infusion. Subjects received a total of 1038 infusions of Privigen, 272 for the 3-week dosing regimen and 766 for the 4-week dosing regimen. The maximum infusion rate allowed during this study was 8 mg/ kg/min with 715 (69%) of the infusions administered at a rate of 7 mg/kg/min or greater. The primary analysis for efficacy was based on the annual rate of acute serious bacterial infections (aSBIs), defined as pneumonia, bacteremia/septicemia, osteomyelitis/septic arthritis, bacterial meningitis, and visceral abscess, per subject per year. Secondary analyses were based on the annual rate of other infections, antibiotic use, days out of work/school/ day care or unable to perform normal activities due to illness, and days of hospitalization. During the 12-month study period, the aSBI rate was 0.08 (with an upper 1-sided 99% confidence interval of 0.203), which met the predefined success rate of less than one aSBI per subject per year. Six subjects experienced an aSBI, including three cases of pneumonia and one case each of septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and visceral abscess. All six subjects completed the study.
The rate of other infections was 3.55 infections per subject per year. The infections that occurred most frequently were sinusitis (31.3%), nasopharyngitis (22.5%), upper respiratory tract infection (18.8%), bronchitis (13.8%), and rhinitis (13.8%). Among the 255 infections, 16 (6.3%) occurring in 10 subjects were considered severe.
Table 7 summarizes the efficacy results for all 80 subjects.
Table 7: PI Pivotal Study – Summary of Efficacy
Results in Subjects
| Number of Subjects | 80 |
| Results from Case Report Forms | |
| Total Number of Subject Days | 26,198 |
| Infections | |
| Annual rate of confirmed aSBIs* | 0.08 aSBIs/subject year† |
| Annual rate of other infections | 3.55 infections/subject year |
| Antibiotic use | |
| Number of subjects (%) | 64 (80%) |
| Annual rate | 87.4 days/subject year |
| Results from Subject Diaries | |
| Total Number of Diary Days | 24,059 |
| Out of work/school/day care or unable to perform normal activities due to illness | |
| Number of days (%) | 570 (2.37%) |
| Annual rate | 8.65 days/subject year |
| Hospitalization | |
| Number of days (%) | 166 (0.69%) |
| Annual rate | 2.52 days/subject year |
| * Defined as pneumonia, bacterial meningitis,
bacteremia/septicemia, osteomyelitis/septic arthritis, and visceral abscess. † Upper 1-sided 99% confidence interval: 0.203. |
|
A prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study assessed the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Privigen in 57 subjects with chronic ITP and a platelet count of 20 x 109/L or less. Subjects ranged in age from 15 to 69; 23 (40.4%) were male and 34 (59.6%) were female; all were Caucasian.
Subjects received a 2 g/kg dosage of Privigen administered as 1 g/kg (10 mL/kg) intravenous infusion daily for 2 consecutive days, and were observed for 29 days. Fifty-three (93%) subjects received Privigen at the maximum infusion rate allowed (4 mg/kg/min [0.04 mL/kg/min]).
The primary analysis was based on the response rate defined as the percentage of subjects with an increase in platelet counts to at least 50 x 109/L within 7 days after the first infusion (responders). Secondary analyses were based on the increase in platelet counts and the time to reach a platelet count of at least 50 x 109/L at any point within the study period, the duration of that response, and the regression (decrease in the severity) of hemorrhage in subjects who had bleeding at baseline. Platelet counts were measured on Days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Additional measurements on Days 57 and 85 occurred in subjects with a platelet count of at least 50 x 109/L at the previous visit.
Of the 57 subjects in the efficacy analysis, 46 (80.7%) responded to Privigen with a rise in platelet counts to at least 50 x 109/L within 7 days after the first infusion. The lower bound of the 95% confidence interval for the response rate (69.2%) is above the predefined response rate of 50%.
The highest median increase in platelet counts was seen 7 days after the first infusion (123 x 109/L). The median maximum platelet count achieved was 154 x 109/L. The median time to reach a platelet response of more than 50 x 109/L was 2.5 days after the first infusion. Twenty-five (43%) of the 57 subjects reached this response by Day 2 prior to the second infusion and 43 (75%) subjects reached this response by Day 6.
The duration of platelet response was analyzed for the 48 subjects who achieved a response any time after the first infusion. The median duration of platelet response in these subjects was 15.4 days (range: 1 to > 82 days). Thirty-six (75%) of the 48 subjects maintained the response for at least 8.8 days and 12 (25%) of them for at least 21.9 days. Five (9%) subjects maintained a response up to Day 29 and two (4%) up to Day 85.
A decrease in the severity of hemorrhage from baseline was observed in the following bleeding locations: skin (31 of 36 subjects), oral cavity (11 of 11 subjects), and genitourinary tract (7 of 9 subjects). This decrease was not sustained in all subjects up to the end of the 29-day study period.
Inform patients of the early signs of hypersensitivity reactions to Privigen (including hives, generalized urticaria, tightness of the chest, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis), and advise them to notify their physician if they experience any of these symptoms. Inform patients to immediately report the following signs and symptoms to their physician:
Inform patients that Privigen is made from human blood and may contain infectious agents that can cause disease (e.g., viruses and, theoretically the CJD agent). Explain that the risk that Privigen may transmit an infectious agent has been reduced by screening the plasma donors, by testing donated plasma for certain virus infections, and by inactivating or removing certain viruses during manufacturing, and counsel patients to report any symptoms that concern them.
Inform patients that administration of IgG may interfere with the response to live virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella), and instruct them to notify their immunizing physician of recent therapy with Privigen.
