Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is a deoxynucleoside analogue cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for the: treatment of CMV retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). ( 1.1 ) prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease. ( 1.2 )
1.1Treatment of CMV Retinitis Ganciclovir for Injection,
USP is indicated for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] .
1.2Prevention of CMV Disease in Transplant Recipients Ganciclovir for Injection,
USP is indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )].
Contraindications
Ganciclovir for injection is contraindicated in patients who have experienced a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ganciclovir, valganciclovir, or any component of the formulation. Hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or valganciclovir. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Renal Impairment: Increased serum creatinine levels have been observed with the use of ganciclovir, particularly in elderly patients and transplant recipients receiving concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. Monitor renal function during therapy with ganciclovir, particularly in elderly patients and in patients taking other nephrotoxic drugs, and reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment. ( 5.2 )
5.1Hematologic Toxicity Granulocytopenia
(neutropenia), anemia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia have been observed in patients treated with ganciclovir. The frequency and severity of these events vary widely in different patient populations [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Ganciclovir is not recommended if the absolute neutrophil count is less than 500 cells/mL, hemoglobin is less than 8 g/dL, or the platelet count is less than 25,000 cells/mL. Ganciclovir should also be used with caution in patients with pre-existing cytopenias and in patients receiving myelosuppressive drugs or irradiation.
Granulocytopenia (neutropenia) usually occurs during the first or second week of treatment but may occur at any time during treatment. Cell counts usually begin to recover within 3 to 7 days after discontinuing drug. Colony-stimulating factors have been shown to increase neutrophil and white blood cell counts in patients receiving ganciclovir solution for treatment of CMV retinitis. Due to the frequency of neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia in patients receiving ganciclovir [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] , complete blood counts with differential and platelet counts should be performed frequently in all patients, especially in patients with renal impairment and in patients in whom ganciclovir or other nucleoside analogues have previously resulted in leukopenia, or in whom neutrophil counts are less than 1000 cells/mL at the beginning of treatment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] .
5.2Renal Impairment
Ganciclovir should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function because the half-life and plasma/serum concentrations of ganciclovir will be increased due to reduced renal clearance. If renal function is impaired, dosage adjustments are recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 , 8.6 )] . Increased serum creatinine levels have been reported in elderly patients and in transplant recipients receiving concomitant nephrotoxic medications (i.e., cyclosporine and amphotericin B).
Monitoring renal function during therapy with ganciclovir is essential, especially for elderly patients and those patients receiving concomitant agents that may cause nephrotoxicity [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 ] .
5.3Impairment of Fertility Based
on animal data and limited human data, ganciclovir at the recommended human dose (RHD) may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males, and may cause suppression of fertility in females. Advise patients that fertility may be impaired with the use of ganciclovir [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )].
5.4Fetal Toxicity
Ganciclovir may cause fetal toxicity when administered to pregnant women based on findings in animal studies. Systemic exposure of ganciclovir in animals at approximately 2 times the RHD caused fetal growth retardation, embryolethality, teratogenicity, and/or maternal toxicity. Teratogenic changes in animals included cleft palate, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, aplastic organs (kidney and pancreas), hydrocephaly and brachygnathia.
Women of childbearing potential should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 30 days following treatment with ganciclovir. Similarly, men should be advised to practice barrier contraception during and for at least 90 days following treatment with ganciclovir [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )].
5.5Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis
Animal data indicate that ganciclovir is mutagenic and carcinogenic. Ganciclovir should therefore be considered a potential carcinogen in humans [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] .
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Interactions
Drug-drug interaction studies were conducted in patients with normal renal function. Patients with impaired renal function may have increased concentrations of ganciclovir and the coadministered drug following concomitant administration of ganciclovir and drugs excreted by the same pathway as ganciclovir. Therefore, these patients should be closely monitored for toxicity of ganciclovir and the coadministered drug. Established and other potentially significant drug interactions conducted with ganciclovir are listed in Table 6 [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Table 6. Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions with Ganciclovir Name of the Concomitant Drug Change in the Concentration of Ganciclovir or Concomitant Drug Clinical Comment Imipenem-cilastatin Unknown Coadministration with imipenem cilastatin is not recommended because generalized seizures have been reported in patients who received ganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. Cyclosporine or amphotericin B Unknown Monitor renal function when ganciclovir is coadministered with cyclosporine or amphotericin B because of potential increase in serum creatinine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) ↔ Ganciclovir (in patients with normal renal function) ↔ MMF (in patients with normal renal function) Based on increased risk, patients should be monitored for hematological and renal toxicity. Other drugs associated with myelosuppresion or nephrotoxicity (e.g., dapsone, doxorubicin, flucytosine, hydroxyurea, pentamidine, tacrolimus, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole, vinblastine, vincristine and zidovudine) Unknown Because of potential for higher toxicity, coadministration with ganciclovir should be considered only if the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the risks.
Didanosine ↔ Ganciclovir ↑ Didanosine Patients should be closely monitored for didanosine toxicity (e.g., pancreatitis). Probenecid ↑ Ganciclovir Ganciclovir dose may need to be reduced. Monitor for evidence of ganciclovir toxicity. Imipenem-cilastatin: Seizures were reported in patients receiving ganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. Concomitant use is not recommended unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
( 7 ) Cyclosporine or amphotericin B: When coadministered with ganciclovir, the risk of nephrotoxicity may be increased. Monitor renal function. ( 5.2 , 7 ) Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF): When coadministered with ganciclovir, the risk of hematological and renal toxicity may be increased. Monitor for ganciclovir and MMF toxicity. ( 7 ) Other drugs associated with myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity: Due to potential for increased toxicity, such drugs should be considered for concomitant use with ganciclovir only if the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the risks.
( 7 ) Didanosine: Ganciclovir coadministered with didanosine may increase didanosine levels. Monitor for didanosine toxicity (e.g., pancreatitis). ( 7 ) Probenecid: May increase ganciclovir levels. Monitor for evidence of ganciclovir toxicity. ( 7 )
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary
In animal studies, ganciclovir caused maternal and fetal toxicity and embryo-fetal mortality in pregnant mice and rabbits as well as teratogenicity in rabbits at exposures two times the exposure at the recommended human dose (RHD) [see Data] . Although placental transfer of ganciclovir has been shown to occur based on ex vivo experiments with human placenta and in at least one case report in a pregnant woman, no adequate human data are available to establish whether ganciclovir poses a risk to pregnancy outcomes.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo-fetal risk Most maternal CMV infections are asymptomatic or they may be associated with a self-limited mononucleosis-like syndrome.
However, in immunocompromised patients (i.e., transplant patients or patients with AIDS), CMV infections may be symptomatic and may result in significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The transmission of CMV to the fetus is a result of maternal viremia and transplacental infection. Perinatal infection can also occur from exposure of the neonate to CMV shedding in the genital tract. Approximately 10% of children with congenital CMV infection are symptomatic at birth.
Mortality in symptomatic infants is about 10% and approximately 50 to 90% of symptomatic surviving newborns experience significant morbidity, including mental retardation, sensorineural hearing loss, microcephaly, seizures, and other medical problems. The risk of congenital CMV infection resulting from primary maternal CMV infection may be higher and of greater severity than that resulting from maternal reactivation of CMV infection.
Data Animal Data Daily intravenous doses of ganciclovir were administered to pregnant mice (108 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (60 mg/kg/day), and also to female mice (90 mg/kg) prior to mating, during gestation, and during lactation. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice. Additional effects observed in rabbits included fetal growth retardation, embryolethality, teratogenicity, and/or maternal toxicity.
Teratogenic changes included cleft palate, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, aplastic organs (kidney and pancreas), hydrocephaly, and brachygnathia. In pre/postnatal development studies in mice, there were maternal/fetal toxicity and embryolethality which included fetal effects of hypoplasia of the testes and seminal vesicles in the male offspring, as well as pathologic changes in the nonglandular region of the stomach. The systemic exposure (AUC) of ganciclovir during these studies was approximately 2 times (pregnant mice and rabbits) and 1.7 times (pre/postnatal mice) the exposure in humans at the RHD [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] .
Adverse reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Impairment of Fertility [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in at least 20% of patients were: pyrexia, diarrhea, leukopenia, nausea, anemia, asthenia, headache, cough, decreased appetite, dyspnea, abdominal pain, sepsis, hyperhidrosis, and blood creatinine increased.
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-845-0689, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
6.1Clinical Trial Experience in Adult Patients
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in at least 20% of patients were pyrexia, diarrhea, leukopenia, nausea, anemia, asthenia, headache, cough, decreased appetite, dyspnea, abdominal pain, sepsis, hyperhidrosis, and blood creatinine increased.
Selected adverse reactions that occurred during clinical trials of ganciclovir for injection are summarized below, according to the participating study patient population. Adverse Reactions in Patients with CMV Retinitis: Three controlled, randomized, phase 3 trials comparing ganciclovir for injection and ganciclovir capsules for maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis have been completed. During these trials, ganciclovir for injection or ganciclovir capsules were prematurely discontinued in 9% of subjects because of adverse reactions.
Selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported during the conduct of these controlled trials are summarized in Table 2 and Table 3, respectively [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Table 2. Pooled Selected Adverse Reactions Reported in ³ 5% of Subjects Comparing Ganciclovir for Injection to Ganciclovir Capsules for Maintenance Treatment of CMV Retinitis Adverse Reaction Maintenance Treatment Studies Ganciclovir for Injection (n=179) Ganciclovir Capsules (n=326) Pyrexia Diarrhea Leukopenia Anemia Total catheter events Catheter infection Catheter sepsis Other catheter related events Sepsis Decreased appetite Vomiting Infection Hyperhidrosis Chills Neuropathy peripheral Thrombocytopenia Pruritus 48% 44% 41% 25% 22% 9% 8% 5% 15% 14% 13% 13% 12% 10% 9% 6% 5% 38% 41% 29% 19% 6% 4% 1% 1% 4% 15% 13% 9% 11% 7% 8% 6% 6% Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment has been observed in subjects with CMV retinitis both before and after initiation of therapy with ganciclovir for injection.
Its relationship to therapy with ganciclovir for injection is unknown. Retinal detachment occurred in 11% of patients treated with ganciclovir for injection and in 8% of patients treated with ganciclovir capsules. Table 3. Selected Laboratory Abnormalities in Trials for Treatment of CMV Retinitis Laboratory Abnormalities CMV Retinitis Treatment* Ganciclovir for Injection † 5 mg/kg/day (N=175) % Ganciclovir Capsules ‡ 3000 mg/day (N=320) % Neutropenia with Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) per µL: <500 500 to <749 750 to <1000 25% 14% 26% 18% 17% 19% Anemia with Hemoglobin (g/dL): <6.5 g/dL 6.5 to <8 8.0 to <9.5 5% 16% 26% 2% 10% 25% Serum Creatinine (mg/dL): ³2.5 ³1.5 to <2.5 2% 14% 1% 12% * Pooled data from Treatment Studies: ICM 1653, ICM 1774 and AVI 034 † Mean time on therapy = 103 days, including allowed re-induction treatment periods ‡ Mean time on therapy = 91 days, including allowed re-induction treatment periods Adverse Reactions in Transplant Recipients: There have been three controlled clinical trials of ganciclovir for the prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients.
Selected laboratory abnormalities are summarized in Tables 4 and 5 below. Table 4 shows the frequency of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia and Table 5 shows the frequency of elevated serum creatinine values observed in these trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Table 4. Laboratory Abnormalities in Controlled Trials – Transplant Recipients who Received Ganciclovir, Placebo or Control Ganciclovir Heart Allograft* Bone Marrow Allograft† Ganciclovir (n=76) Placebo (n=73) Ganciclovir (n=57) Control (n=55) Neutropenia Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) per mL <500 500 to 1000 4% 3% 3% 8% 12% 29% 6% 17% Total ANC £1000/mL 7% 11% 41% 23% Thrombocytopenia Platelet count per mL <25,000 25,000 to 50,000 3% 5% 1% 3% 32% 25% 28% 37% Total Platelet Count £50,000/mL 8% 4% 57% 65% * Study ICM 1496.
Mean duration of treatment = 28 days † Study ICM 1570 and ICM 1689. Mean duration of treatment = 45 days Table 5. Serum Creatinine Levels in Controlled Trials - Transplant Recipients who Received Ganciclovir or Placebo Serum Heart Allograft ICM 1496 Bone Marrow Allograft ICM 1570 Bone Marrow Allograft ICM 1689 Creatinine Levels (mg/dL) Ganciclovir (n=76) Placebo (n=73) Ganciclovir (n=20) Control (n=20) Ganciclovir (n=37) Placebo (n=35) ³2.5 mg/dL 18% 4% 20% 0% 0% 0% ³1.5 to <2.5 58% 69% 50% 35% 43% 44% Other Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials in Patients with CMV Retinitis and in Transplant Recipients Adverse drug reactions with ganciclovir for injection or ganciclovir capsules in controlled clinical studies in either subjects with AIDS or transplant recipients are listed below [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].
All these events occurred in at least 3 subjects. Blood and lymphatic disorders: pancytopenia, bone marrow failure Cardiac disorders: arrhythmia Ear and labyrinth disorders : tinnitus, ear pain, deafness Eye disorders : visual impairment, vitreous disorders, eye pain, conjunctivitis, macular edema Gastrointestinal disorders : nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, mouth ulceration, dysphagia, abdominal distention, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal perforation, eructation, dry mouth General disorders and administration site conditions : fatigue, injection site inflammation, edema, pain, malaise, asthenia, chest pain, multiple organ failure Immune system disorders : hypersensitivity Infections and infestations: candida infections including oral candidiasis, upper respiratory infection, influenza, urinary tract infection, cellulitis Investigations : blood alkaline phosphatase increased, hepatic function abnormal, aspartate aminotransferase increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, creatinine clearance decreased Metabolism and nutrition disorders: weight decreased Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, muscle spasms, leg cramps, myasthenia Nervous system disorders: headache, insomnia, dizziness, paresthesia, hypoaesthesia, seizure, somnolence, dysgeusia (taste disturbance), tremor Psychiatric disorders: depression, confusional state, anxiety, agitation, psychotic disorder, thinking abnormal, abnormal dreams Renal and urinary disorders: kidney failure, renal function abnormal, urinary frequency, hematuria Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: cough, dyspnea Skin and subcutaneous tissues disorders: dermatitis, alopecia, dry skin, urticaria, rash Vascular disorders : hypotension, hypertension, phlebitis, vasodilation
6.2Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ganciclovir for injection or ganciclovir capsules. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Blood and lymphatic disorders : hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia Cardiac disorders: cardiac ar
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Composition
Active ingredients
GANCICLOVIR SODIUM EQ 500MG BASE/VIAL
Strengths and forms
The FDA lists each strength of a product separately; these pages share one label.
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