WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Never Share A RYZODEG 70/30 FlexTouch Pen Between
Patients
RYZODEG 70/30 FlexTouch disposable prefilled pen should
never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Sharing poses
a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Hyperglycemia Or Hypoglycemia With Changes In Insulin
Regimen
Changes in insulin, manufacturer, type, or method of
administration may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia or
hyperglycemia. These changes should be made cautiously and only under medical
supervision and the frequency of blood glucose monitoring should be increased.
For patients with type 2 diabetes, adjustments in concomitant oral
anti-diabetic treatment may be needed. When converting from other insulin
therapies to RYZODEG 70/30 follow dosing recommendations [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION].
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of
insulin, including RYZODEG 70/30 [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Severe
hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening or cause death.
Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place
an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are
important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). RYZODEG 70/30, or any
insulin, should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ
in each individual and change over time in the same individual. Symptomatic
awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding
diabetes, in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using
medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see
DRUG INTERACTIONS], or in patients who experience recurrent
hypoglycemia.
Risk Factors For Hypoglycemia
The risk of hypoglycemia generally increases with
intensity of glycemic control. The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is
related to the duration of action of the insulin [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]
and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is
maximal. As with all insulin preparations, the glucose lowering effect time
course of RYZODEG 70/30 may vary in different individuals or at different times
in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection
as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature.
Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia
include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of
meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to co-administered
medication [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Patients with renal or hepatic
impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use In Specific
Populations].
Risk Mitigation Strategies For Hypoglycemia
Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and
manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role
in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk
for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of
hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended.
Hypoglycemia Due To Medication Errors
Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been
reported. To avoid medication errors between RYZODEG 70/30 and other insulins,
instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection.
Do not transfer RYZODEG 70/30 from the RYZODEG 70/30 pen
to a syringe. The markings on the insulin syringe will not measure the dose correctly
and can result in overdosage and severe hypoglycemia [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION Â and Hypoglycemia].
Hypersensitivity And Allergic Reactions
Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including
anaphylaxis, can occur with insulin products, including RYZODEG 70/30. If
hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue RYZODEG 70/30; treat per standard
of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve.
RYZODEG 70/30 is contraindicated in patients who have had
hypersensitivity reactions to insulin degludec, insulin aspart, or one of the
excipients [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Hypokalemia
All insulin products, including RYZODEG 70/30, cause a
shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly
leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis,
ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk
for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering
medications, patients taking medications sensitive to potassium
concentrations).
Fluid Retention And Congestive Heart Failure With Concomitant
Use Of A PPAR Gamma Agonist
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma agonists can cause dose related
fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin. Fluid
retention may lead to or exacerbate congestive heart failure. Patients treated
with insulin, including RYZODEG 70/30 and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be
observed for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. If congestive
heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of
care and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be
considered.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient and/or caregiver to read the
FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use)
Never Share A RYZODEG 70/30 FlexTouch Pen Device Between
Patients
Advise patients that they should never share a RYZODEG
70/30 FlexTouch pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed,
because doing so carries a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hyperglycemia Or Hypoglycemia
Inform patients that hypoglycemia is the most common
adverse reaction with insulin. Inform patients of the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Inform patients that the ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a
result of hypoglycemia. This may present a risk in situations where these
abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other
machinery. Advise patients who have frequent hypoglycemia or reduced or absent
warning signs of hypoglycemia to use caution when driving or operating
machinery.
Advise patients that changes in insulin regimen can
predispose to hyper-or hypoglycemia. Advise patients that changes in insulin
regimen should be made under close medical supervision [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS].
Medication Errors
Inform patients to always check the insulin label before
each injection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruct patients that when injecting RYZODEG 70/30, they
must press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows 0 and
then keep the needle in the skin and count slowly to 6. When the dose counter
returns to 0, the prescribed dose is not completely delivered until 6 seconds
later. If the needle is removed earlier, they may see a stream of insulin
coming from the needle tip. If so, the full dose will not be delivered, (a
possible under-dose may occur by as much as 20%), and they should increase the
frequency of checking their blood glucose levels and possible additional insulin
administration may be necessary.
- If 0 does not appear in the dose counter after
continuously pressing the dose button, the patient may have used a blocked
needle. In this case they would not have received any insulin—even though the
dose counter has moved from the original dose that was set.
- If the patient did have a blocked or damaged needle,
instruct them to change the needle as described in Step 15 of the Instructions
for Use and repeat all steps in the IFU starting with a new needle and the
section Preparing your RYZODEG 70/30 FlexTouch Pen. Make sure the patient
selects the full dose needed.
If patients routinely do not hold the needle under the
skin as recommended, the patient may need to slightly increase the dialed
insulin dose to achieve the patient's glycemic targets.
Instruct patients to not re-use needles. A new needle
must be attached before each injection. Reuse of needles increases the risk of
blocked needles which may cause under-dosing or overdosing.
Instruct Patients to never use a syringe to remove
RYZODEG 70/30 from the FlexTouch disposable insulin prefilled pen.
Administration
RYZODEG 70/30 must only be used if the solution is clear
and colorless with no particles visible. Patients must be advised that RYZODEG
70/30 must NOT be diluted or mixed with any other insulin or solution [see DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION].
Management Of Hypoglycemia And Handling Of Special
Situations
Patients should be instructed on self-management
procedures including glucose monitoring, proper injection technique, and
management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Patients must be instructed on
handling of special situations such as intercurrent conditions (illness,
stress, or emotional disturbances), an inadequate or skipped insulin dose,
inadvertent administration of an increased insulin dose, inadequate food
intake, and skipped meals [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Refer patients to the RYZODEG 70/30 “Patient Information”
for additional information about the potential side effects of insulin therapy,
including lipodystrophy (and the need to rotate injection sites within the same
body region), weight gain, allergic reactions, and hypoglycemia.
Women Of Reproductive Potential
Advise patients to inform their health care professional
if they are pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Standard 2-year carcinogenicity studies in animals have
not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of insulin
degludec/insulin aspart (RYZODEG 70/30).
In a 52-week study including human insulin (NPH insulin)
as comparator, Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed subcutaneously with insulin
degludec, the basal component of insulin degludec/insulin aspart (RYZODEG
70/30), at 3.3, 6.7, and 10 units/kg/day resulting in 5 times the human
exposure (AUC) when compared to a human subcutaneous dose of 1.08 units/kg/day
RYZODEG 70/30. Human insulin was dosed at 6.7 units/kg/day. No
treatment-related increases in incidences of hyperplasia, benign or malignant
tumors were recorded in female mammary glands from rats dosed with insulin
degludec and no treatment related changes in the female mammary gland cell
proliferation were found using BrdU incorporation. Further, no treatment
related changes in the occurrence of hyperplastic or neoplastic lesions were
seen in other tissues in animals dosed with insulin degludec when compared to
vehicle or human insulin.
In 52-week studies, Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed
subcutaneously with insulin aspart, the rapid-acting component of insulin
degludec/insulin aspart (RYZODEG 70/30), at 10, 50, and 200 units/kg/day
(approximately 2, 8, and 32 times the human subcutaneous dose of 1.0
units/kg/day, based on units/body surface area, respectively). At a dose of 200
units/kg/day, insulin aspart increased the incidence of mammary gland tumors in
females when compared to untreated controls. The incidence of mammary tumors
found with insulin aspart was not significantly different from that found with
regular human insulin. The relevance of these findings to humans is not known.
Genotoxicity testing of insulin degludec was not
performed. Insulin aspart was not genotoxic in the following tests: Ames test,
mouse lymphoma cell forward gene mutation test, human peripheral blood
lymphocyte chromosome aberration test, in vivo micronucleus test in mice, and
ex vivo UDS test in rat liver hepatocytes.
In a combined fertility and embryo-fetal study in male
and female rats, treatment with insulin degludec up to 21 units/kg/day
(approximately 5 times the human subcutaneous dose of 0.75 units/kg/day, based
on units/body surface area) prior to mating and in female rats during gestation
had no effect on mating performance.
In fertility studies with insulin aspart (NOVOLOG) in
male and female rats, at subcutaneous doses up to 200 units/kg/day (approximately
32 times the human subcutaneous dose, based on units/body surface area), no
direct adverse effects on male and female fertility, or general reproductive
performance of animals was observed.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no available data with RYZODEG 70/30 or insulin
degludec in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth
defects and miscarriage. Available information from published randomized
controlled trials with insulin aspart use during the second trimester of
pregnancy have not reported an association with insulin aspart and major birth
defects or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes [see Data]. There are
risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in
pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].
In animal reproduction studies with insulin
degludec/insulin aspart, visceral/skeletal abnormalities were observed with
subcutaneous administration of insulin degludec/insulin aspart to pregnant rats
during organogenesis at doses 8-times the human exposure at a subcutaneous dose
of 1.08 units/kg/day. These effects were similar to those observed in rats administered
human insulin (NPH) [see Data].
Rats and rabbits were exposed to insulin degludec in
animal reproduction studies during organogenesis. Pre-and post-implantation
losses and visceral/skeletal abnormalities were observed in rats at doses 5
times (rat) and at 10 times (rabbit) the human exposure at a dose of 0.75
units/kg/day. These effects were similar to those observed in rats administered
human insulin (NPH) [see Data].
In animal reproduction studies, administration of
subcutaneous insulin aspart to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of
organogenesis did not cause adverse developmental effects at exposures 8-times
and equal to the human subcutaneous dose of 1.0 unit/kg/day, respectively.
Pre-and post-implantation losses and visceral/skeletal abnormalities were seen
at higher exposures, which are considered secondary to maternal hypoglycemia.
These effects were similar to those observed in rats administered regular human
insulin [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects is
6-10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a HbA1c >7 and has been
reported to be as high as 20-25% in women with a HbA1c >10. The estimated
background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. 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.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo/Fetal Risk
Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the
maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions,
preterm delivery, stillbirth and delivery complications. Poorly controlled
diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, still birth, and
macrosomia related morbidity.
Data
Human Data
Insulin aspart
Published data from 5 randomized controlled trials of 441
pregnant women with diabetes mellitus treated with insulin aspart starting
during the late 2nd trimester of pregnancy did not identify an association of
insulin aspart with major birth defects or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk
because of methodological limitations, including a variable duration of
treatment and small size of the majority of the trials.
Animal Data
Insulin Degludec/Insulin Aspart
Subcutaneous reproduction and teratology studies have
been performed with insulin degludec/insulin aspart, and human insulin (NPH) as
a comparator in rats. In these studies, insulin degludec/insulin aspart was
given to rats during organogenesis. The effect of insulin degludec/insulin
aspart was consistent with those observed with human insulin as both caused
visceral/skeletal abnormalities in rats at dose of 30 units/kg/day
(approximately 8 times the human exposure (AUC) at a human subcutaneous dose of
1.08 units/kg/day). The effects were likely due to maternal hypoglycemia.
Insulin Degludec
Insulin degludec was investigated in studies covering
fertility, embryo-fetal development and pre-and post-natal development in rats
and during the period of embryofetal development in rabbits. Human insulin (NPH
insulin) was included as comparator. In these studies insulin degludec caused
pre-and post-implantation losses and visceral/skeletal abnormalities when given
subcutaneously at up to 21 units/kg/day in rats and 3.3 units/kg/day in
rabbits, resulting in 5 times (rat) and 10 times (rabbit) the human exposure
(AUC) at a human subcutaneous dose of 0.75 units/kg/day. Overall, the effects
of insulin degludec were similar to those observed with human insulin, which
were probably secondary to maternal hypoglycemia.
Insulin Aspart
Fertility, embryo-fetal and pre-and postnatal development
studies have been performed with insulin aspart and regular human insulin in
rats and rabbits. In a combined fertility and embryo-fetal development study in
rats, insulin aspart was administered before mating, during mating, and
throughout pregnancy. Further, in a pre-and postnatal development study insulin
aspart was given throughout pregnancy and during lactation to rats. In an
embryo-fetal development study insulin aspart was given to female rabbits
during organogenesis. The effects of insulin aspart did not differ from those
observed with subcutaneous regular human insulin. Insulin aspart, like human
insulin, caused pre-and post-implantation losses and visceral/skeletal
abnormalities in rats at a dose of 200 units/kg/day (approximately 32 times the
human subcutaneous dose of 1.0 unit/kg/day, based on human exposure
equivalents) and in rabbits at a dose of 10 units/kg/day (approximately three
times the human subcutaneous dose of 1.0 unit/kg/day, based on human exposure
equivalents). No significant effects were observed in rats at a dose of 50
units/kg/day and in rabbits at a dose of 3 units/kg/day. These doses are
approximately 8 times the human subcutaneous dose of 1.0 unit/kg/day for rats
and equal to the human subcutaneous dose of 1.0 unit/kg/day for rabbits, based
on human exposure equivalents. The effects are considered secondary to maternal
hypoglycemia.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of RYZODEG 70/30 or
insulin degludec in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the
effect on milk production. Insulin degludec is present in rat milk [see Data].
One small published study reported that exogenous insulin, including insulin aspart,
was present in human milk. However, there is insufficient information to
determine the effects of insulin aspart on the breastfed infant and no
available information on the effects of insulin aspart on milk production. The
developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along
with the mother's clinical need for insulin, any potential adverse effects on
the breastfed child from RYZODEG 70/30, insulin degludec or insulin aspart or
from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Insulin Degludec
In lactating rats, insulin degludec was present in milk
at a concentration lower than that in plasma.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of RYZODEG 70/30 to improve
glycemic control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been established
in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older. The safety and effectiveness of
RYZODEG 70/30 have not been established in pediatric patients less than 1 year
old.
The use of RYZODEG 70/30 in pediatric patients 1 year of
age and older with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus is supported by evidence
from an adequate and well-controlled study and a pharmacokinetic study (studies
included pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with type 1 diabetes
mellitus) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and Clinical Studies]. The
use of RYZODEG 70/30 in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with type 2
diabetes mellitus is also supported by evidence from adequate and
well-controlled studies in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [see
Clinical Studies].
In pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with
switching from other insulin therapies, start RYZODEG 70/30 at a reduced dose
to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Geriatric Use
In clinical studies [see Clinical Studies] a total
of 9 (2.5%) of the 362 RYZODEG 70/30treated patients with type 1 diabetes were
65 years or older and 4 (1.1%) were 75 years and older. A total of 256 (25.7%)
of the 998 RYZODEG 70/30-treated patients with type 2 diabetes were 65 years or
older and 32 (3.2%) were 75 years and older. Differences in safety or
effectiveness were not suggested in subgroup analyses comparing subjects older
than 65 years to younger subjects.
Nevertheless, greater caution should be exercised when
RYZODEG 70/30 is administered to geriatric patients since greater sensitivity
of some older individuals to the effects of RYZODEG 70/30 cannot be ruled out.
The initial dosing, dose increments, and maintenance dosage should be
conservative to avoid hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may be more difficult to
recognize in the elderly.
Renal Impairment
In clinical studies [see Clinical Studies] a total
of 18 (5%) of the 362 RYZODEG 70/30treated patients with type 1 diabetes had an
eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or less and 1 (0.3%) had an eGFR less than 30
mL/min/1.73 m² or less. A total of 111 (11%) of the 998 RYZODEG 70/30-treated
patients with type 2 diabetes had an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and no
subjects had an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m².
No differences in the pharmacokinetics of the individual
components of RYZODEG 70/30, insulin degludec or insulin aspart, were
identified in separate studies comparing healthy subjects and subjects with
renal impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. However, as with all
insulin products, glucose monitoring should be intensified and the RYZODEG
70/30 dosage adjusted on an individual basis in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
No differences in the pharmacokinetics of the individual
components of RYZODEG 70/30, insulin degludec or insulin aspart, were
identified in separate studies comparing healthy subjects and subjects with
hepatic impairment (mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment) [see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY]. However, as with all insulin products, glucose monitoring
should be intensified and the RYZODEG 70/30 dosage adjusted on an individual
basis in patients with hepatic impairment.