WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Both Indications
Hypersensitivity
Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur. If symptoms
of allergic or early signs of hypersensitivity reactions (including generalized
urticaria, tightness of the chest, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis)
occur, discontinue Rhophylac administration immediately and institute
appropriate treatment. Medications such as epinephrine should be available for
immediate treatment of acute hypersensitivity reactions to Rhophylac or any of
its components.
Rhophylac contains trace amounts of IgA (less than 5
mcg/mL) [see DESCRIPTION]. Patients with known antibodies to IgA have a
greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic
reactions. Rhophylac is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA
and a history of hypersensitivity reactions [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Interference With Laboratory Tests
The administration of Rh0(D) immune globulin may affect
the results of blood typing, the antibody screening test, and the direct
antiglobulin (Coombs') test. Antepartum administration of Rh0(D) immune
globulin to the mother can also affect these tests in the newborn infant.
Rhophylac can contain antibodies to other Rh antigens
(e.g., anti-C antibodies), which might be detected by sensitive serological
tests following administration.
Transmissible Infectious Agents
Because Rhophylac 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
Rhophylac.
Report any infections thought to be possibly transmitted
by Rhophylac to CSL Behring Pharmacovigilance at 1-866-915-6958.
ITP
Intravascular Hemolysis
Intravascular hemolysis has occurred in a clinical study
with Rhophylac. All cases resolved completely. However, as reported in the
literature, some Rh0(D)-positive patients treated with Rh0(D) Immune Globulin
Intravenous (Human) for ITP developed clinically compromising anemia, acute
renal insufficiency, and, very rarely, disseminated intravascular coagulation
(DIC) and death.2 Note: This warning does not apply to Rh0(D)-negative
patients treated for the suppression of Rh isoimmunization.
Monitor patients in a healthcare setting for at least 8
hours after administrationof Rhophylac. Perform a dipstick urinalysis at
baseline, 2 hours and 4 hours after administration, and prior to the end of the
monitoring period.
Alert patients to, and monitor them for, the signs and
symptoms of intravascular hemolysis, including back pain, shaking chills,
fever, and discolored urine or hematuria. Absence of these signs and/or
symptoms of intravascular hemolysis within 8 hours do not indicate intravascular
hemolysis cannot occur subsequently.
If signs and/or symptoms of intravascular hemolysis are
present or suspected after Rhophylac administration, perform post-treatment
laboratory tests, including plasma hemoglobin, haptoglobin, LDH, and plasma
bilirubin (direct and indirect). DIC may be difficult to detect in the ITP
population; the diagnosis is dependent mainly on laboratory testing.
If patients who develop hemolysis with clinically
compromising anemia after receiving Rhophylac are to be transfused, Rh0(D)-negative
packed RBCs should be used to avoid exacerbating ongoing hemolysis.
Pre-existing Anemia
The safety of Rhophylac in the treatment of ITP has not
been established in patients with pre-existing anemia. Rhophylac may increase
the severity of anemia.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies
have not been conducted with Rhophylac.
Suppression Of Rh Isoimmunization
The available evidence suggests that Rhophylac does not
harm the fetus or affect future pregnancies or reproduction capacity when given
to pregnant Rh0(D)-negative women for suppression of Rh isoimmunization.3
ITP
Rhophylac has not been evaluated in pregnant women with
ITP.
Nursing Mothers
Suppression Of Rh Isoimmunization
Rhophylac is used in nursing mothers for the suppression
of Rh isoimmunization. No undesirable effects on a nursing infant are expected
during breastfeeding.
ITP
Rhophylac has not been evaluated in nursing mothers with
ITP.
Pediatric Use
Suppression Of Rh Isoimmunization In Incompatible
Transfusions
The safety and effectiveness of Rhophylac have not been
established in pediatric subjects being treated for an incompatible
transfusion. The physician should weigh the potential risks against the
benefits of Rhophylac, particularly in girls whose later pregnancies may be
affected if Rh isoimmunization occurs.
Chronic ITP
The safety and effectiveness of Rhophylac have not been
established in pediatric subjects with chronic ITP. Dosing in the treatment of
children with chronic ITP is expected to be similar to adults.
Geriatric Use
Suppression Of Rh Isoimmunization In Incompatible
Transfusions
Rhophylac has not been evaluated for treating
incompatible transfusions in subjects 65 years of age and older.
ITP
Of the 98 subjects evaluated in the clinical study of
Rhophylac for treatment of ITP [see Clinical Studies], 19% were 65 years
of age and older. No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were
observed between these subjects and younger subjects.
REFERENCES
2. Gaines AR. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
associated with acute hemoglobinemia or hemoglobinuria following Rh0(D) immune
globulin intravenous administration for immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Blood.
2005;106:1532- 1537.
3. Thornton JG, Page C, Foote G, Arthur GR, Tovey LAD,
Scott JS. Efficacy and long term effects of antenatal prophylaxis with anti-D
immunoglobulin. Br Med J. 1989;298:1671-1673.