Warnings for Yimmugo
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Yimmugo
Hypersensitivity
Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported after YIMMUGO administration. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. In case of hypersensitivity, discontinue YIMMUGO infusion immediately and institute appropriate treatment. Epinephrine should be available for immediate treatment of severe acute hypersensitivity reactions.
YIMMUGO contains less than or equal to 300 micrograms per milliliter of IgA [see DESCRIPTION]. Patients with known antibodies to IgA may have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. YIMMUGO is contraindicated in IgA-deficient patients with antibodies against IgA and a history of hypersensitivity reaction [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Hemolysis
Hemolysis has been reported after YIMMUGO administration. IGIV products, including YIMMUGO, 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 reaction and hemolysis.1 Delayed hemolytic anemia can develop subsequent to IGIV treatment due to enhanced RBC sequestration, and acute hemolysis, consistent with intravascular hemolysis.The following risk factors may be associated with the development of hemolysis following IGIV administration: high doses (e.g. ≥2 g/kg given either as a single administration or divided over several days), and non-O blood group. Other individual patient factors, such as underlying inflammatory state (as may be reflected by elevated C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate), have been hypothesized to increase the risk of hemolysis following administration of IGIV, but their role is uncertain.
Monitor patients for clinical signs and symptoms of hemolysis [see Patient Counseling Information]. If clinical signs and symptoms of hemolysis or a significant drop in hemoglobin or hematocrit are observed after YIMMUGO infusion, perform confirmatory laboratory testing. If transfusion is indicated for patients who develop hemolysis with anemia after receiving IGIV, perform cross-matching to avoid exacerbating ongoing hemolysis.
Thrombosis
Thrombosis may occur following treatment with immune globulin products,2,3 including YIMMUGO. 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 patients with cryoglobulins, fasting chylomicronemia/markedly high triacylglycerols (triglycerides), or monoclonal gammopathies. For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer YIMMUGO 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 Counseling Information].
Renal Failure
Renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephropathy, and death may occur upon use of human IGIV products. Ensure that patients are not volume depleted before administering YIMMUGO. In patients who are at risk of developing renal dysfunction, because of pre-existing renal insufficiency or predisposition to acute renal failure (such as diabetes mellitus, hypovolemia, overweight, use of concomitant nephrotoxic drugs, or age of >65 years), administer YIMMUGO at the minimum infusion rate practicable [see BOXED WARNING and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Conduct periodic monitoring of renal function and urine output in patients judged to be at increased risk of developing acute renal failure. Assess renal function, including measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of YIMMUGO and at appropriate intervals thereafter. If renal function deteriorates, consider discontinuing YIMMUGO [see Patient Counseling Information].
Hyperproteinemia, Increased Serum Viscosity And Hyponatremia
Hyperproteinemia, increased serum viscosity, and hyponatremia may occur in patients receiving IGIV treatment, including YIMMUGO. It is critical to clinically distinguish true hyponatremia from a pseudohyponatremia that is associated with or causally related to hyperproteinemia with concomitant decreased calculated serum osmolality or elevated osmolar gap, because 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.
Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome
Aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS) may occur infrequently in patients following IGIV treatments, including YIMMUGO. AMS usually begins within several hours to 2 days following IGIV treatment. Discontinuation of IGIV treatment has resulted in remission of AMS within several days without sequelae.4 AMS is characterized by the following signs and symptoms: severe headache, nuchal rigidity, drowsiness, fever, photophobia, painful eye movements, nausea, and vomiting [see Patient Counseling Information]. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies frequently reveal pleocytosis up to several thousand cells per cubic millimeter, predominantly from the granulocytic series, and elevated protein levels up to several hundred mg/dL, but negative culture results. Conduct a thorough neurological examination on patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of AMS, 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.
Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema [Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)] may occur in patients following IGIV treatment,4 including YIMMUGO. 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 immediately stop IGIV and 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 [see Patient Counseling Information].
TRALI is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate intensive-care-unit management. TRALI may be managed using oxygen therapy with adequate ventilatory support.
Transmissible Infectious Agents
Because YIMMUGO is made from human blood, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) and theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens. The risk of infectious agent transmission has been reduced by screening plasma donors and by including virus inactivation as well as virus and prion removal steps in the manufacturing process of YIMMUGO.
All infections suspected by a physician possibly to have been transmitted by this product should be reported by the physician or other healthcare provider to Grifols at 1-800-520-2807. Discuss the risks and benefits of YIMMUGO use with patient before prescribing or administering this product.[see Patient Counseling Information].
Monitoring Laboratory Tests
- Periodic monitoring of renal function and urine output is particularly important in patients judged to be at increased risk of developing acute renal failure. Assess renal function, including measurement of BUN and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of YIMMUGO and at appropriate intervals thereafter [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- 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, because of the potentially increased risk of thrombosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- If signs and/or symptoms of hemolysis are present after an infusion of YIMMUGO, perform appropriate laboratory testing for confirmation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- If TRALI is suspected, perform appropriate tests for the presence of anti-neutrophil antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies in both the product and the patient's serum [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Interference With Laboratory Tests
After infusion of immunoglobulin, the transitory rise of the 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, and D) may cause a positive direct or indirect antiglobulin (Coombs’) test.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No animal studies were conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic or mutagenic effects of YIMMUGO or its effects on fertility.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
No human data are available to indicate the presence or absence of drug-associated risk. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with YIMMUGO. It is not known whether YIMMUGO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Immune globulins cross the placenta from maternal circulation increasingly after 30 weeks of gestation. 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. YIMMUGO should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed.
Lactation
Risk Summary
No human data are available to indicate the presence or absence of drug-associated risk. Immune globulins are excreted into human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breast feeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for YIMMUGO and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from YIMMUGO or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
YIMMUGO was evaluated in 18 pediatric patients (12 children age 2 to less than 12 years and 6 adolescents age 12 – 16 years) with PI. Dose requirements did not differ between children and adults. Safety and effectiveness has not been studied in pediatric patients with PI who are under the age of 2 years [see Clinical Studies].
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of YIMMUGO did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients . Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. 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 [see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Do not exceed recommended doses, and administer YIMMUGO at the minimum infusion rate practicable.
REFERENCES
1. Bellac, CL, Hottiger T, Jutzi MP, Bögli-Stuber K, Sänger M, Hanschmann K-M, et al. The role of isoagglutinins in intravenous immunoglobulin-related hemolysis. Transfusion 2015;55 Suppl 2:S13-22.
2. Dalakas, MC. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and serum viscosity: risk of precipitating thromboembolic events. Neurology 1994;44:223-6.
3. Wolberg AS, Kon RH, Monroe DM, Hoffman M. Coagulation factor XI is a contaminant in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations. Am J Hematol 2000;65:30-4.
4. Guo, Y, Tian X, Wang X,Xiao Z.Adverse effects of immunoglobulin therapy. Front Immunol 2018;9:1299.