IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in KANUMA-treated patients, based on application of Sampson criteria to identify signs/symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis. In clinical trials, 3 (infants) of 106 (3%) patients treated with KANUMA experienced signs and symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis. These patients experienced reactions during infusion with signs and symptoms including chest discomfort, conjunctival injection, dyspnea, generalized and itchy rash, hyperemia, swelling of eyelids, rhinorrhea, severe respiratory distress, tachycardia, tachypnea, and urticaria. Anaphylaxis has occurred as early as the sixth infusion and as late as 1 year after treatment initiation.
In clinical trials, 21 of 106 (20%) KANUMA-treated patients, including 9 of 14 (64%) infants and 12 of 92 (13%) pediatric patients who were 4 years and older and adults, experienced signs and symptoms either consistent with or that may be related to a hypersensitivity reaction. Signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, occurring in two or more patients, included abdominal pain, agitation, fever, chills, diarrhea, eczema, edema, hypertension, irritability, laryngeal edema, nausea, pallor, pruritus, rash, and vomiting. The majority of reactions occurred during or within 4 hours of the completion of the infusion. Patients were not routinely pre-medicated prior to infusion of KANUMA in these clinical trials.
Due to the potential for anaphylaxis, appropriate medical support should be readily available when KANUMA is administered. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately discontinue the infusion and initiate appropriate medical treatment. Observe patients closely during and after the infusion. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should signs and symptoms occur.
The management of hypersensitivity reactions should be based on the severity of the reaction and may include temporarily interrupting the infusion, lowering the infusion rate, and/or treatment with antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids. If interrupted, the infusion may be resumed at a slower rate with increases as tolerated. Pretreatment with antipyretics and/or antihistamines may prevent subsequent reactions in those cases where symptomatic treatment was required. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately discontinue the infusion and initiate appropriate medical treatment.
Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering KANUMA following a severe reaction. Monitor patients, with appropriate resuscitation measures available, if the decision is made to re-administer the product.
Hypersensitivity to Eggs or Egg Products
Patients with a known history of egg allergies were excluded from the clinical trials. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment with KANUMA in patients with known systemic hypersensitivity reactions to eggs or egg products.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions are:
- Infants with Rapidly Progressive LAL Deficiency Presenting within the First 6 Months of Life (≥30%): diarrhea, vomiting, fever, rhinitis, anemia, cough, nasopharyngitis, and urticaria.
- Pediatric and Adult Patients with LAL Deficiency (≥8%): headache, fever, oropharyngeal pain, nasopharyngitis, asthenia, constipation, and nausea.
INDICATION:
KANUMA® is indicated for the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of Lysosomal Acid Lipase deficiency (LAL-D).
Please see full Prescribing Information for KANUMA® at http://alexion.com/Documents/Kanuma_USPI.