Warnings for WinRho SDF
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for WinRho SDF
Hypersensitivity
Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. If symptoms of allergic or
early signs of hypersensitivity reactions (including generalized urticaria, tightness of the chest,
wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis) occur, discontinue WinRho SDF infusion immediately and
institute appropriate treatment. WinRho SDF should be administered in a setting where appropriate
equipment, medication such as epinephrine, and personnel trained in the management of hypersensitivity,
anaphylaxis and shock are available.
WinRho SDF contains ≤ 40 μg/mL IgA [see DESCRIPTION]. Patients with antibodies to IgA have a
greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. WinRho SDF
is contraindicated in IgA-deficient patients with antibodies to IgA or a history of hypersensitivity
reaction to WinRho SDF or any of its components [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Intravascular Hemolysis (IVH) For ITP Treatment
IVH leading to death has been reported in patients treated for ITP with WinRho SDF.
IVH can lead to clinically compromising anemia and multi-system organ failure including acute
respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Serious complications including severe anemia, acute renal insufficiency, renal failure and disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC) have also been reported.7,8
Closely monitor patients treated with WinRho SDF for ITP in a healthcare setting for at least 8 hours
after administration. Perform a dipstick urinalysis to monitor for hematuria and hemoglobinuria at
baseline and then after administration at 2 hours, 4 hours and prior to the end of the monitoring period.
Alert patients and monitor for signs and symptoms of IVH including back pain, shaking chills, fever, and
discolored urine or hemoglobinuria. Absence of these signs and/or symptoms of IVH within eight
hours do not indicate IVH cannot occur subsequently. If signs and/or symptoms of IVH are present or if
IVH is suspected after WinRho SDF administration, perform post-treatment laboratory tests including
plasma hemoglobin, haptoglobin, LDH, and plasma bilirubin (direct and indirect).
Hemolysis For ITP Treatment
Although the mechanism of action of WinRho SDF in the treatment of ITP is not completely understood
it is postulated that anti-D binds to the Rho (D) RBC resulting in formation of antibody-coated RBC
complexes. Immune-mediated clearance of the antibody-coated RBC complexes would spare the
antibody-coated platelets because of the preferential destruction of antibody-coated RBC complexes by
the macrophages located in the reticuloendothelial system.9-11 The side effect of this action is a
decrease in hemoglobin levels (extravascular hemolysis).7 The pooled data from ITP clinical studies
demonstrated a mean decrease from baseline in hemoglobin levels of 1.2 g/dL within 7 days after
administration of WinRho SDF.
In patients with pre-disposing conditions, renal and cardiovascular complications of IVH may occur
more frequently. Patients of advanced age (age over 65 years) with co-morbid conditions may be at an
increased risk of developing sequelae from acute hemolytic reactions. If a patient has evidence of
hemolysis (reticulocytosis greater than 3%) or is at high risk for hemolysis [positive direct antiglobulin
test (DAT) not attributed to previous immune globulin administration], alternate therapies must be used.
If the patient has lower than normal hemoglobin levels (less than 10 g/dL), a reduced dose of 125 to 200
IU/kg (25 to 40 mcg/kg) should be given to minimize the risk of increasing the severity of anemia in the
patient. Alternative treatments should be used in patients with hemoglobin levels that are less than 8 g/dL
due to the risk of increasing the severity of the anemia [see Dose].
Significant anemia may present with pallor, hypotension, or tachycardia while acute renal insufficiency
may present with oliguria or anuria, edema and dyspnea. Patients with IVH who develop DIC may
exhibit signs and symptoms of increased bruising and prolongation of bleeding time and clotting time
which may be difficult to detect in the ITP population. Consequently, the diagnosis of this serious
complication of IVH is dependent on laboratory testing [see Monitoring: Laboratory Tests]. Previous
uneventful administration of WinRho SDF does not preclude the possibility of an occurrence of IVH
and its complications following any subsequent administration of WinRho SDF. Have confirmatory
laboratory testing on ITP patients presenting with signs and/or symptoms of IVH and its complications
after anti-D administration [see Monitoring: Laboratory Tests]
If ITP patients are to be transfused, use Rh (D)-negative red blood cells (PRBCs) so as not to
exacerbate ongoing hemolysis.
Transmissible Infectious Agents
Because WinRho SDF is made from human plasma; it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents,
e.g., viruses and theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. The risk of transmitting an
infectious agent has been reduced by screening plasma donors for prior exposure to certain pathogens,
testing for the presence of certain current viral infections, and including virus inactivation/removal steps
in the manufacturing process [see DESCRIPTION].
Report all infections thought to have been transmitted by WinRho SDF to Saol Therapeutics Inc. at 1-
833-644-4216. The physician should discuss the risks and benefits of this product with the patient.
Acute Renal Insufficiency/Failure
Acute renal insufficiency/failure, osmotic nephropathy, acute tubular necrosis, proximal tubular
nephropathy, and death may occur upon use of Immune Globulin Intravenous (IGIV) products, including
WinRho SDF.2 Ensure that patients are not volume depleted before administering WinRho SDF. For
patients at risk of renal insufficiency or failure, including those with any degree of pre-existing renal
insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, advanced age (above 65 years of age), volume depletion, sepsis,
paraproteinemia, or receiving known nephrotoxic drugs, administer WinRho SDF at the minimum
infusion rate practicable and assess renal function, including measurement of blood urea nitrogen
(BUN) and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of WinRho SDF and at appropriate intervals
thereafter.
Thromboembolic Events
Thromboembolic events may occur during or following treatment with WinRho SDF and other IGIV
products.3,4 Patients at risk include those with a history of atherosclerosis, multiple cardiovascular risk
factors, advanced age, impaired cardiac output, coagulation disorders, prolonged periods of
immobilization, history of arterial or venous thrombosis, estrogen use, indwelling central vascular
catheters, and/or known/suspected hyperviscosity. 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 who are at risk of developing thromboembolic events,
administer WinRho SDF at the minimum rate of infusion practicable.
Interference With Serological Testing
After administration of WinRho SDF, a transitory increase of various passively transferred antibodies in
the patient’s blood may yield positive serological testing results, with the potential for misleading
interpretation. Passive transmission of antibodies to erythrocyte antigens (e.g., A, B, C and E) and other
blood group antibodies [for example, anti Duffy, anti Kidd (anti JKa) antibodies]5 may cause a positive
direct or indirect (Coombs’) test.
A large fetomaternal hemorrhage late in pregnancy or following delivery may cause a weak mixed field
positive Du test result. Assess such an individual for a large fetomaternal hemorrhage and adjust the
dose of WinRho SDF accordingly. The presence of passively administered anti Rho (D) in maternal or
fetal blood can lead to a positive direct Coombs’ test. If there is an uncertainty about the father’s Rh
group or immune status, administer WinRho SDF to the mother.
Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)
Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema may occur in patients following IGIV treatment, including WinRho
SDF.6 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 administration
of blood products.
Monitor patients for pulmonary adverse reaction. If TRALI is suspected, perform appropriate tests for
the presence of anti-neutrophil antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies in both the product and patient serum.
TRALI may be managed using oxygen therapy with adequate ventilatory support.
Monitoring
Laboratory Tests
- For all ITP patients, blood type, blood count, reticulocyte count, DAT and dipstick urinalysis are
recommended before deciding to treat patients with WinRho SDF. In patients with evidence of
hemolysis (reticulocytosis greater than 3%), or patients at risk of hemolysis (positive DAT not
attributed to previous immune globulin administration) use other treatments.1
- Closely monitor patients administered WinRho SDF for at least 8 hours post administration and
perform a dipstick urinalysis to monitor for hematuria and hemoglobinuria at baseline and then after
administration at 2 hours, 4 hours and prior to the end of the monitoring period.
- If signs and/or symptoms of IVH and its complications are present after anti-D administration,
perform appropriate confirmatory laboratory testing including, but not limited to, CBC (i.e.
hemoglobin, platelet counts), haptoglobin, plasma hemoglobin, urine dipstick, assessment of renal
function (i.e. BUN, serum creatinine), liver function (i.e. LDH, direct and indirect bilirubin) and DIC
specific tests such as D-dimer or Fibrin Degradation Products (FDP) or Fibrin Split Products (FSP).
- Periodic monitoring of renal function and urine output in patients who are at increased risk of
developing acute renal failure [see Acute Renal Insufficiency/Failure]. Assess renal function in these
at-risk patients, including measurement of BUN and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of
WinRho SDF and at appropriate intervals thereafter.
- If TRALI is suspected in ITP patients, perform appropriate tests for the presence of anti-neutrophil
antibodies in both the product and patient serum [see Monitoring: Laboratory Tests].
Interference With Blood Glucose Testing
False High Blood Glucose Levels
The liquid formulation of WinRho SDF contains maltose. Maltose in IGIV products has been shown to
give falsely high blood glucose levels in certain types of blood glucose testing systems [for example,
by systems based on glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinolinequinone (GDH-PQQ) or glucose-dyeoxidoreductase
methods]. Due to the potential for falsely elevated glucose readings, only use testing
systems that are glucose-specific to test or monitor blood glucose levels in patients receiving maltosecontaining
parenteral products, including WinRho SDF Liquid.
Carefully review the product information of the blood glucose testing system, including that of the test
strips, to determine if the system is appropriate for use with maltose-containing parenteral products. If
any uncertainty exists, contact the manufacturer of the testing system to determine if the system is
appropriate for use with maltose-containing parenteral products.
Suppression Of Rh Isoimmunization
Do not administer WinRho SDF to Rho (D)-negative individuals who are Rh immunized as evidenced by
an indirect antiglobulin (Coombs’) test revealing the presence of anti-Rho (D) (anti-D) antibody. For
postpartum use following an Rh-incompatible pregnancy administer WinRho SDF to the mother only.
Do not administer to the newborn infant.
Patient Counseling Information
Information For Patients
See FDA-Approved PATIENT INFORMATION
- ITP and Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization
- Inform patients of the early signs of hypersensitivity reactions to WinRho SDF including hives,
generalized urticaria, chest tightness, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis.
- Advise patients to notify their physicians if they experience any of the above symptoms.
- Blood Glucose Monitoring
- Advise patients that the maltose contained in WinRho SDF can interfere with some types of
blood glucose monitoring systems.
- Advise patients to use only testing systems that are glucose specific for monitoring blood
glucose levels as the interference of maltose could result in falsely elevated glucose readings.
This could lead to untreated hypoglycemia or to inappropriate insulin administration, resulting in
life-threatening hypoglycemia.
- Transmittable Infectious Agents
- Inform patients that WinRho SDF is prepared from human plasma and may contain infectious
agents (e.g., viruses and, theoretically, the CJD agent) that can cause disease. The risk that such
products will transmit an infectious agent has been reduced by screening plasma donors for prior
exposure to certain viruses, by testing for the presence of current virus infections, and by
inactivating and/or removing certain viruses during manufacturing.
- Advise patients to report any symptoms that concern them and that may be related to viral
infections.
- Live Virus Vaccines
- Advise patients that WinRho SDF may impair the effectiveness of certain live virus vaccines
(e.g., measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella).
- Instruct patients to notify their treating physician of this potential interaction when they are
receiving vaccinations.
- Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
- Instruct patients being treated with WinRho SDF for ITP to immediately report symptoms of
intravascular hemolysis including back pain, shaking chills, fever, discolored urine, decreased
urine output, sudden weight gain, fluid retention/edema, and/or shortness of breath to their
physicians.
- Prior to discharge, instruct patients to continue to self-monitor for the signs and symptoms of
IVH over 72 hours, especially for discoloration of urine, and to seek medical attention
immediately in the event that signs/symptoms of IVH occur following WinRho SDF
administration.
- Laboratory Tests
- Assess renal function in patients judged to be at an increased risk of developing acute renal failure,
including measurement of BUN and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of WinRho SDF.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
For the treatment of ITP, there is no human data or animal data available to establish the presence or
absence of drug-associated risk.
When administered to pregnant women in a clinical trial to evaluate WinRho for suppression of Rh
isoimmunization [see Clinical Studies] following dosing regimens similar to Table 2 [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION], WinRho SDF was not shown to harm the fetus or newborn.12
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of WinRho SDF in human milk, the effect on the
breastfed infant, and the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of
breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for WinRho SDF and any
potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from WinRho SDF or from the underlying maternal
condition.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of WinRho has been evaluated for the treatment of chronic or acute ITP in
children and in children (<16 years of age) with ITP secondary to HIV infection [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The dosing recommendation in the treatment of children with ITP is the same as in adults [see
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of WinRho did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to
determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Post marketing clinical experience
suggests that patients of advanced age (age over 65) with co-morbid conditions including but not limited
to cardio-respiratory decompensation, renal failure or insufficiency or prothrombotic conditions are at
increased risk of developing serious complications from acute hemolytic reactions such as IVH.
Patients receiving doses in excess of 300 IU/kg of WinRho SDF may also be at an increased risk of
developing increased hemolysis. Fatal outcomes associated with IVH and its complications have
occurred most frequently in patients of advanced age (age over 65) with co-morbid conditions.
Given the prevalence of co-morbid conditions and concomitant drug therapy in geriatric patients,
consider starting at the low end of the dosing range when using WinRho SDF in this population.
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