Warnings for Ryplazim
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Ryplazim
Bleeding
Patients with plasminogen deficiency type 1 may bleed from active mucosal disease-related lesions during RYPLAZIM therapy. Depending on the lesion sites, this may manifest as gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, hemoptysis, epistaxis, vaginal bleeding, or hematuria.
RYPLAZIM may worsen active bleeding not related to disease lesions. One patient with a recent history of GI bleeding due to gastric ulcers experienced GI bleeding two days after receiving the second dose of RYPLAZIM. The patient received RYPLAZIM through a compassionate use program and the dose was 6.6 mg/kg body weight every 2 days. Endoscopy showed multiple ulcers with one actively bleeding ulcer near the pylorus. Given the mechanism of action of plasminogen in fibrinolysis, it is possible that RYPLAZIM played a role in either prolonging or worsening the active bleeding. RYPLAZIM has not been studied in patients at increased risk for bleeding due to disease or injury.
Prior to initiation of treatment with RYPLAZIM, confirm healing of lesions or wounds suspected as a source of a recent bleeding event. RYPLAZIM may prolong or worsen bleeding in patients with bleeding diatheses or in patients taking anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet drugs and other agents which may interfere with normal coagulation. Monitor patients during and for 4 hours after infusion when administering RYPLAZIM to patients with bleeding diatheses and patients taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or other agents which may interfere with normal coagulation. If a patient develops uncontrolled bleeding (defined as any gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding from any other site that persists longer than 30 minutes), seek emergency care and discontinue RYPLAZIM immediately.
Tissue Sloughing
Tissue sloughing at mucosal sites may occur after initiation of treatment with RYPLAZIM as plasminogen activity levels are restored to physiological levels and fibrinolysis occurs. Lesions in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems may slough following treatment resulting in bleeding or organ obstruction. Patients with tracheobronchial lesions may develop airway obstruction or hemoptysis. Closely monitor patients with either confirmed or suspected airway disease as manifested by cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or changes in speech (dysphonia). Initiate the treatment with RYPLAZIM in an appropriate clinical setting with personnel trained in airway management and readily-available respiratory support equipment. Monitor at-risk patients in such a settting for a minimum of 4 hours after receiving their first dose of RYPLAZIM.
Patients with gastrointestinal and genitourinary lesions may experience tissue sloughing that causes pain, bleeding, or passage of tissue from affected organ systems. Patients should report persistent abdominal, flank, or pelvic pain to their physicians.
Transmission Of Infectious Agents
Because RYPLAZIM is derived from human plasma, it carries a risk of transmitting infectious agents. Based on effective donor screening and product manufacturing processes, RYPLAZIM carries a remote risk for transmission of viral diseases and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). There is a theoretical risk for transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), but if that risk actually exists, the risk of transmission would also be considered extremely low. It is also possible that unknown infectious agents may be present in RYPLAZIM. 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 RYPLAZIM [see DESCRIPTION].
Report any infection thought to be possibly transmitted by RYPLAZIM to Prometic at 1-800-735-4086 and [email protected], or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur with RYPLAZIM [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. In case of a hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue RYPLAZIM immediately and treat according to standard medical practice.
Neutralizing Antibodies
Formation of neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) to plasminogen following the administration of RYPLAZIM has not been reported to date [See Immunogenicity]. Monitor patients for the loss of clinical efficacy as manifested by the development of new or recurrent lesions while on RYPLAZIM therapy, and obtain plasminogen activity trough levels to confirm that adequate plasminogen activity levels have been achieved and are being maintained [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Laboratory Abnormalities
Patients receiving RYPLAZIM may have elevated levels of D-dimer in blood. Intepret D-dimer levels with caution in patients being screened for venous thromboembolism (VTE), as elevated levels may be associated with the physiological activity of RYPLAZIM (fibrinolysis of ligneous lesions) and not indicative of VTE. Consider other tests to screen for VTE in patients receiving RYPLAZIM, as D-dimer levels will lack interpretability.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No animal studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of RYPLAZIM on carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, or impairment of fertility.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no clinical trials of RYPLAZIM use in pregnant women. No animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been conducted with RYPLAZIM to assess whether it can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In the United States, the background risk of major birth defects is about 3%, and miscarriage occurs in up to 20% of clinically-recognized pregnancies.
Lactation
Risk Summary
Endogenous plasminogen is excreted in human milk; however, there is no information available on the presence of RYPLAZIM in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for RYPLAZIM and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from RYPLAZIM or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of RYPLAZIM has been established in pediatric patients. Use of RYPLAZIM is supported by the two clinical trials, and expanded access and compassionate use programs that included 18 pediatric patients age 11 months to 17 years [see Clinical Studies, and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Geriatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of RYPLAZIM have not been established in geriatric patients. Clinical studies of RYPLAZIM for this indication did not include patients age 65 years and over. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.