Friday, 17 August 2012

Neevo Caplets


Pronunciation: pree-NATE-al muhl-tee-VYE-ta-min/MIN-er-als/EYE-urn/FOE-lik AS-id/meth-ill-FOE-late
Generic Name: Prenatal Multivitamin and Minerals with Iron, Folic Acid, and L-Methylfolate
Brand Name: Neevo

Accidental overdose of products that contain iron is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years old. Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call the poison control center or doctor at once.





Neevo Caplets are used for:

Dietary management of a lack of vitamins, minerals, iron, and folic acid during pregnancy. Neevo Caplets are used for certain patients who face intermediate- to high-risk pregnancies and are unable to metabolize or absorb folic acid. It may also be used for other certain conditions as determined by your doctor.


Neevo Caplets are a vitamin, mineral, iron, and folic acid combination. It provides vitamins and minerals to the body to help meet nutritional requirements.


Do NOT use Neevo Caplets if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Neevo Caplets

  • you have high levels of iron in your body (eg, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Neevo Caplets:


Some medical conditions may interact with Neevo Caplets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have bowel problems (eg, colitis, Crohn disease, diverticulitis), blood problems (eg, anemia, porphyria, thalassemia), bleeding problems (eg, hemophilia), a peptic ulcer, or kidney stones

  • if you have had multiple blood transfusions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Neevo Caplets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased by Neevo Caplets

  • Cation exchange resins (eg, sodium polystyrene sulfonate) because severe side effects may occur

  • Fluorouracil because its actions and the risk of its side effects may be increased by Neevo Caplets

  • Doxycycline, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), levodopa, mycophenolate, penicillamine, or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Neevo Caplets

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Neevo Caplets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Neevo Caplets:


Use Neevo Caplets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Take Neevo Caplets by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

  • Take Neevo Caplets with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).

  • Avoid taking Neevo Caplets with dairy products; they may interfere with the absorption of the iron in Neevo Caplets.

  • If you also take an antacid, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with Neevo Caplets.

  • Many medicines (eg, used for infection, blood pressure, cancer, immune system suppression, low blood platelets, osteoporosis, thyroid problems) should not be taken at the same time as Neevo Caplets because their effectiveness may be decreased. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your dose of Neevo Caplets should be separated from your dose of any of your other medicines.

  • Taking Neevo Caplets at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

  • Take Neevo Caplets on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.

  • If you miss a dose of Neevo Caplets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Neevo Caplets.



Important safety information:


  • Do not take large doses of vitamins while you take Neevo Caplets unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Neevo Caplets may darken the stools. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

  • Neevo Caplets has pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and folic acid in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has pyridoxine (vitamin B6) or folic acid in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Neevo Caplets has iron in it. Iron overdose is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age. Keep this product out of the reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Neevo Caplets are intended for use during pregnancy. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you take Neevo Caplets, check with your doctor.


Possible side effects of Neevo Caplets:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Constipation; dark or discolored stools; diarrhea; headache; nausea; stomach upset; vomiting.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, bloody, or tarry stools; burning, numbness, or tingling; severe drowsiness; stomach pain or cramping.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Neevo side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include black, tarry stools; chest pain; lack of feeling alert; loss of balance; seizure; severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; shortness of breath; sluggishness; trouble breathing; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusually pale skin; weak pulse.


Proper storage of Neevo Caplets:

Store Neevo Caplets at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Neevo Caplets out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Neevo Caplets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Neevo Caplets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Neevo Caplets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Neevo resources


  • Neevo Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Neevo Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Neevo Drug Interactions
  • Neevo Support Group
  • 1 Review for Neevo - Add your own review/rating


Compare Neevo with other medications


  • Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation during Pregnancy/Lactation

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Mintex


Generic Name: chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine (klor fen EER a meen and soo doe e FED rin)

Brand Names: AccuHist Drops, Allerest Maximum Strength, Brexin L.A., Colfed-A, D-Amine-SR, Dayquil Allergy, Deconamine, Dicel, Dicel Chewables, Dura-Tap/PD, Durafed, Duratuss DA, Dynahist-ER Pediatric, Genaphed Plus, Histade, Histex, Kronofed-A, Kronofed-A-Jr, LoHist-D, Mintex, Neutrahist Drops, Re2+30, Rescon-Ed, Suclor, SudaHist, Sudal-12 Chewable, Sudal-12 Tannate, Sudogest Cold & Allergy, SudoGest Sinus & Allergy, Tavist-DA, Triaminic Cold and Allergy, Triaminic Softchew Cold and Allergy, Triaminic Softchews Allergy Runny Nose and Congestion


What is Mintex (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.


Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).


The combination of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.


Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Mintex (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


There are many brands and forms of this medication available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.


Do not use chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have severe high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach ulcer, or if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use this medication during an asthma attack.


This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Mintex (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


Do not use chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:

  • severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;




  • severe coronary artery disease;




  • narrow angle glaucoma;




  • a stomach ulcer;




  • if you are unable to urinate; or




  • if you are having an asthma attack.



Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you have:


  • kidney disease;

  • liver disease;


  • diabetes;




  • glaucoma;




  • circulation problems;




  • heart disease or high blood pressure;




  • overactive thyroid;




  • a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;




  • asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis; or




  • urination problems or an enlarged prostate.




FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

Artificially sweetened liquid cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.


How should I take Mintex (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.


Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.


Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.


Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.


This medication can cause unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.


If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.


Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Since cold medicine is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include some of the serious side effects listed in this medication guide.


What should I avoid while taking Mintex (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

Avoid taking this medication if you also take diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications). Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.


Mintex (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • fast or pounding heartbeats;




  • confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;




  • severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, nervousness;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or




  • seizure (black-out or convulsions).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • blurred vision;




  • dry nose or mouth;




  • nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;




  • dizziness, drowsiness;




  • problems with memory or concentration;




  • ringing in your ears; or




  • feeling restless or excited (especially in children).



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.


What other drugs will affect Mintex (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by chlorpheniramine.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:



  • mecamylamine (Inversine);




  • methyldopa (Aldomet);




  • reserpine;




  • a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others;




  • a barbiturate such as butabarbital (Butisol), secobarbital (Seconal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), or phenobarbital (Solfoton); or




  • an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others.



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Mintex resources


  • Mintex Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Mintex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Mintex Drug Interactions
  • Mintex Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Mintex - Add your own review/rating


  • AccuHist Drops Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Biohist LA Sustained-Release Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Deconamine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Deconamine SR Controlled-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Duotan Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • QDALL 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Mintex with other medications


  • Hay Fever
  • Sinusitis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine.

See also: Mintex side effects (in more detail)


Sunday, 12 August 2012

Granisol



granisetron hydrochloride

Dosage Form: oral solution
PediatRx, Inc.

Granisol™ (granisetron HCl) Oral Solution

Rx only

Granisol Description


Granisol™ Oral Solution contains granisetron hydrochloride, an antinauseant and antiemetic agent. Chemically it is endo-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo [3.3.1] non-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride with a molecular weight of 348.9 (312.4 free base). Its empirical formula is C18H24N4O•HCl, while its chemical structure is:


granisetron hydrochloride



Granisetron hydrochloride is a white to off-white solid that is readily soluble in water and normal saline at 20°C.



Oral Solution


Each 10 mL of clear, orange-colored, orange-flavored Granisol™ Oral Solution contains 2.24 mg of granisetron hydrochloride equivalent to 2 mg granisetron. Inactive ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, FD&C Yellow No. 6, orange flavor, purified water, sodium benzoate, and sorbitol.



Granisol - Clinical Pharmacology


Granisetron is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist with little or no affinity for other serotonin receptors, including 5-HT1; 5-HT1A; 5-HT1B/C; 5-HT2; for alpha1-, alpha2-, or beta-adrenoreceptors; for dopamine-D2; or for histamine-H1; benzodiazepine; picrotoxin or opioid receptors.


Serotonin receptors of the 5-HT3 type are located peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema. During chemotherapy that induces vomiting, mucosal enterochromaffin cells release serotonin, which stimulates 5-HT3 receptors. This evokes vagal afferent discharge, inducing vomiting. Animal studies demonstrate that, in binding to 5-HT3 receptors, granisetron blocks serotonin stimulation and subsequent vomiting after emetogenic stimuli such as cisplatin. In the ferret animal model, a single granisetron injection prevented vomiting due to high-dose cisplatin or arrested vomiting within 5 to 30 seconds.


In most human studies, granisetron has had little effect on blood pressure, heart rate or ECG. No evidence of an effect on plasma prolactin or aldosterone concentrations has been found in other studies.


Following single and multiple oral doses, granisetron HCl tablets slowed colonic transit in normal volunteers. However, granisetron had no effect on oro-cecal transit time in normal volunteers when given as a single intravenous (IV) infusion of 50 mcg/kg or 200 mcg/kg.



Pharmacokinetics


In healthy volunteers and adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, administration of granisetron HCl tablets produced mean pharmacokinetic data shown in Table 1.




















Table 1 Pharmacokinetic Parameters (Median [range]) Following Granisetron HCl Tablets
Peak Plasma Concentration (ng/mL)Terminal Phase Plasma Half-Life (h)Volume of Distribution (L/kg)Total Clearance (L/h/kg)
1 Not determined after oral administration; following a single intravenous dose of 40 mcg/kg, terminal phase half-life was determined to be 8.95 hours.

N.D. Not determined.
Cancer Patients

1 mg bid, 7 days

(n=27)
5.99

[0.63 to 30.9]
N.D.1N.D.0.52

[0.09 to 7.37]
Volunteers

single 1 mg dose

(n=39)
3.63

[0.27 to 9.14]
6.23

[0.96 to 19.9]
3.94

[1.89 to 39.4]
0.41

[0.11 to 24.6]

A 2 mg dose of Granisol Oral Solution is bioequivalent to the corresponding dose of granisetron HCl tablets (1 mg x 2) and may be used interchangeably.


Absorption

When granisetron HCl tablets were administered with food, AUC was decreased by 5% and Cmax increased by 30% in non-fasted healthy volunteers who received a single dose of 10 mg.


Distribution

Plasma protein binding is approximately 65% and granisetron distributes freely between plasma and red blood cells.


Metabolism

Granisetron metabolism involves N-demethylation and aromatic ring oxidation followed by conjugation. In vitro liver microsomal studies show that granisetron's major route of metabolism is inhibited by ketoconazole, suggestive of metabolism mediated by the cytochrome P-450 3A subfamily. Animal studies suggest that some of the metabolites may also have 5-HT3 receptor antagonist activity.


Elimination

Clearance is predominantly by hepatic metabolism. In normal volunteers, approximately 11% of the orally administered dose is eliminated unchanged in the urine in 48 hours. The remainder of the dose is excreted as metabolites, 48% in the urine and 38% in the feces.


Subpopulations

Gender


The effects of gender on the pharmacokinetics of granisetron HCl tablets have not been studied. However, after intravenous infusion of granisetron, no difference in mean AUC was found between males and females, although males had a higher Cmax generally.


In elderly and pediatric patients and in patients with renal failure or hepatic impairment, the pharmacokinetics of granisetron was determined following administration of intravenous granisetron.



Elderly


The ranges of the pharmacokinetic parameters in elderly volunteers (mean age 71 years), given a single 40-mcg/kg intravenous dose of granisetron HCl injection, were generally similar to those in younger healthy volunteers; mean values were lower for clearance and longer for half-life in the elderly.



Renal Failure Patients


Total clearance of granisetron was not affected in patients with severe renal failure who received a single 40 mcg/kg intravenous dose of granisetron HCl injection.



Hepatically Impaired Patients


A pharmacokinetic study with intravenous granisetron in patients with hepatic impairment due to neoplastic liver involvement showed that total clearance was approximately halved compared to patients without hepatic impairment. Given the wide variability in pharmacokinetic parameters noted in patients, dosage adjustment in patients with hepatic functional impairment is not necessary.



Pediatric Patients


A pharmacokinetic study in pediatric cancer patients (2 to 16 years of age), given a single 40 mcg/kg intravenous dose of granisetron HCl injection, showed that volume of distribution and total clearance increased with age. No relationship with age was observed for peak plasma concentration or terminal phase plasma half-life. When volume of distribution and total clearance are adjusted for body weight, the pharmacokinetics of granisetron are similar in pediatric and adult cancer patients.



Clinical Trials



Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting


Granisetron HCl tablets prevent nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer therapy, as shown by 24-hour efficacy data from studies using both moderately- and highly-emetogenic chemotherapy.


Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy

The first trial compared granisetron HCl tablets doses of 0.25 mg to 2 mg twice a day, in 930 cancer patients receiving, principally, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, and cisplatin (20 mg/m2 to 50 mg/m2). Efficacy was based on complete response (i.e., no vomiting, no moderate or severe nausea, no rescue medication), no vomiting, and no nausea. Table 2 summarizes the results of this study.



























Table 2 Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting 24 Hours Post-Chemotherapy1
Percentages of Patients Granisetron HCl Tablet Dose
Efficacy Measures0.25 mg twice a day

(n=229)

%
0.5 mg twice a day

(n=235)

%
1 mg twice a day

(n=233)

%
2 mg twice a day

(n=233)

%
1 Chemotherapy included oral and injectable cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, cisplatin (20 mg/m2 to 50 mg/m2), dacarbazine, doxorubicin, epirubicin.

2 No vomiting, no moderate or severe nausea, no rescue medication.

* Statistically significant (P<0.01) vs. 0.25 mg bid.

† Statistically significant (P<0.01) vs. 0.5 mg bid.
Complete Response26170*81*†72*
No Vomiting6677*88*79*
No Nausea485763*54

Results from a second double-blind, randomized trial evaluating granisetron HCl tablets 2 mg once a day and granisetron HCl tablets 1 mg twice a day were compared to prochlorperazine 10 mg twice a day derived from a historical control. At 24 hours, there was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the two granisetron HCl tablet regimens. Both regimens were statistically superior to the prochlorperazine control regimen (see Table 3).



























Table 3 Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting 24 Hours Post-Chemotherapy1
Percentages of Patients
Efficacy MeasuresGranisetron HCl Tablets

1 mg twice a day

(n = 354)

%
Granisetron HCl Tablets

2 mg once a day

(n = 343)

%
Prochlorperazine2

10 mg twice daily

(n = 111)

%
1 Moderately emetogenic chemotherapeutic agents included cisplatin (20 mg/m2 to 50 mg/m2), oral and intravenous cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, dacarbazine, doxorubicin.

2 Historical control from a previous double-blind granisetron trial.

3 No vomiting, no moderate or severe nausea, no rescue medication.

4 No vomiting, no nausea, no rescue medication.

* Statistically significant (P<0.05) vs. prochlorperazine historical control.
Complete Response369*64*41
No Vomiting82*77*48
No Nausea51*53*35
Total Control451*50*33

Results from a granisetron HCl tablets 2 mg daily alone treatment arm in a third double-blind, randomized trial, were compared to prochlorperazine (PCPZ), 10 mg bid, derived from a historical control. The 24-hour results for granisetron HCl tablets 2 mg daily were statistically superior to PCPZ for all efficacy parameters: complete response (58%), no vomiting (79%), no nausea (51%), total control (49%). The PCPZ rates are shown in Table 3.


Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy

The first double-blind trial compared granisetron HCl tablets 1 mg bid, relative to placebo (historical control), in 119 cancer patients receiving high-dose cisplatin (mean dose 80 mg/m2). At 24 hours, granisetron HCl tablets 1 mg bid was significantly (P < 0.001) superior to placebo (historical control) in all efficacy parameters: complete response (52%), no vomiting (56%) and no nausea (45%). The placebo rates were 7%, 14%, and 7%, respectively, for the three efficacy parameters.


Results from a granisetron HCl tablets 2 mg once a day alone treatment arm in a second double-blind, randomized trial, were compared to both granisetron HCl tablets 1 mg twice a day and placebo historical controls. The 24-hour results for granisetron HCl tablets 2 mg once a day were: complete response (44%), no vomiting (58%), no nausea (46%), total control (40%). The efficacy of granisetron HCl tablets 2 mg once a day was comparable to granisetron HCl tablets 1 mg twice a day and statistically superior to placebo. The placebo rates were 7%, 14%, 7%, and 7%, respectively, for the four parameters.


No controlled study comparing granisetron injection with the oral formulation to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting has been performed.



Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting


Total Body Irradiation

In a double-blind randomized study, 18 patients receiving granisetron HCl tablets, 2 mg daily, experienced significantly greater antiemetic protection compared to patients in a historical negative control group who received conventional (non-5-HT3 antagonist) antiemetics. Total body irradiation consisted of 11 fractions of 120 cGy administered over 4 days, with three fractions on each of the first 3 days, and two fractions on the fourth day. Granisetron HCl tablets were given one hour before the first radiation fraction of each day.


Twenty-two percent (22%) of patients treated with granisetron HCl tablets did not experience vomiting or receive rescue antiemetics over the entire 4-day dosing period, compared to 0% of patients in the historical negative control group (P<0.01).


In addition, patients who received granisetron HCl tablets also experienced significantly fewer emetic episodes during the first day of radiation and over the 4-day treatment period, compared to patients in the historical negative control group. The median time to the first emetic episode was 36 hours for patients who received granisetron HCl tablets.


Fractionated Abdominal Radiation

The efficacy of granisetron HCl tablets, 2 mg daily, was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of 260 patients. Granisetron HCl tablets were given 1 hour before radiation, composed of up to 20 daily fractions of 180 to 300 cGy each. The exceptions were patients with seminoma or those receiving whole abdomen irradiation who initially received 150 cGy per fraction. Radiation was administered to the upper abdomen with a field size of at least 100 cm2.


The proportion of patients without emesis and those without nausea for granisetron HCl tablets, compared to placebo, was statistically significant (P<0.0001) at 24 hours after radiation, irrespective of the radiation dose. Granisetron was superior to placebo in patients receiving up to 10 daily fractions of radiation, but was not superior to placebo in patients receiving 20 fractions.


Patients treated with granisetron HCl tablets (n=134) had a significantly longer time to the first episode of vomiting (35 days vs. 9 days, P<0.001) relative to those patients who received placebo (n=126), and a significantly longer time to the first episode of nausea (11 days vs. 1 day, P<0.001). Granisetron provided significantly greater protection from nausea and vomiting than placebo.



Indications and Usage for Granisol


Granisetron is indicated for the prevention of:


• Nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer therapy, including high-dose cisplatin.


• Nausea and vomiting associated with radiation, including total body irradiation and fractionated abdominal radiation.



Contraindications


Granisetron is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components.



Precautions


Granisetron is not a drug that stimulates gastric or intestinal peristalsis. It should not be used instead of nasogastric suction. The use of granisetron in patients following abdominal surgery or in patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distention.


An adequate QT assessment has not been conducted, but QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron. Therefore, Granisol Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias or cardiac conduction disorders, as this might lead to clinical consequences. Patients with cardiac disease, on cardio-toxic chemotherapy, with concomitant electrolyte abnormalities and/or on concomitant medications that prolong the QT interval are particularly at risk.



Drug Interactions


Granisetron does not induce or inhibit the cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzyme system in vitro. There have been no definitive drug-drug interaction studies to examine pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction with other drugs; however, in humans, granisetron HCl injection has been safely administered with drugs representing benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, and anti-ulcer medications commonly prescribed with antiemetic treatments. Granisetron HCl injection also does not appear to interact with emetogenic cancer chemotherapies. Because granisetron is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzymes, inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes may change the clearance and, hence, the half-life of granisetron. No specific interaction studies have been conducted in anesthetized patients. In addition, the activity of the cytochrome P-450 subfamily 3A4 (involved in the metabolism of some of the main narcotic analgesic agents) is not modified by granisetron in vitro.


In in vitro human microsomal studies, ketoconazole inhibited ring oxidation of granisetron. However, the clinical significance of in vivo pharmacokinetic interactions with ketoconazole is not known. In a human pharmacokinetic study, hepatic enzyme induction with phenobarbital resulted in a 25% increase in total plasma clearance of intravenous granisetron. The clinical significance of this change is not known.


QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron. Use of Granisol Oral Solution in patients concurrently treated with drugs known to prolong the QT interval and/or are arrhythmogenic may result in clinical consequences.



Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility


In a 24-month carcinogenicity study, rats were treated orally with granisetron 1, 5 or 50 mg/kg/day (6, 30 or 300 mg/m2/day). The 50 mg/kg/day dose was reduced to 25 mg/kg/day (150  mg/m2/day) during week 59 due to toxicity. For a 50 kg person of average height (1.46 m2 body surface area), these doses represent 4, 20, and 101 times the recommended clinical dose (1.48 mg/m2, oral) on a body surface area basis. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas and adenomas in males treated with 5 mg/kg/day (30 mg/m2/day, 20 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and above, and in females treated with 25 mg/kg/day (150 mg/m2/day, 101 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area). No increase in liver tumors was observed at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day (6 mg/m2/day, 4 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) in males and 5 mg/kg/day (30 mg/m2/day, 20 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) in females. In a 12-month oral toxicity study, treatment with granisetron 100 mg/kg/day (600 mg/m2/day, 405 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) produced hepatocellular adenomas in male and female rats while no such tumors were found in the control rats. A 24-month mouse carcinogenicity study of granisetron did not show a statistically significant increase in tumor incidence, but the study was not conclusive.


Because of the tumor findings in rat studies, granisetron should be prescribed only at the dose and for the indication recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).


Granisetron was not mutagenic in the in vitro Ames test and mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay, and in vivo mouse micronucleus test and in vitro and ex vivo rat hepatocyte UDS assays. It, however, produced a significant increase in UDS in HeLa cells in vitro and a significant increased incidence of cells with polyploidy in an in vitro human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration test.


Granisetron at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (600 mg/m2/day, 405 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive performance of male and female rats.



Pregnancy


Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category B


Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant rats at oral doses up to 125 mg/kg/day (750 mg/m2/day, 507 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and pregnant rabbits at oral doses up to 32 mg/kg/day (378 mg/m2/day, 255 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to granisetron. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.



Nursing Mothers


It is not known whether granisetron is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when granisetron is administered to a nursing woman.



Pediatric Use


Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.



Geriatric Use


During clinical trials, 325 patients 65 years of age or older received granisetron HCl tablets; 298 were 65 to 74 years of age, and 27 were 75 years of age or older. Efficacy and safety were maintained with increasing age.



Adverse Reactions


QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron (see PRECAUTIONS and Drug Interactions).



Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting


Over 3700 patients have received granisetron HCl tablets in clinical trials with emetogenic cancer therapies consisting primarily of cyclophosphamide or cisplatin regimens.


In patients receiving granisetron HCl tablets 1 mg bid for 1, 7 or 14 days, or 2 mg daily for 1 day, adverse experiences reported in more than 5% of the patients with comparator and placebo incidences are listed in Table 4.









































Table 4 Principal Adverse Events in Clinical Trials
Percent of Patients With Event
GranisetronHCl1 Tablets

1 mg twice a day

(n=978)
GranisetronHCl 1 Tablets

2 mg once a day

(n=1450)
Comparator2

(n=599)
Placebo

(n=185)
1 Adverse events were recorded for 7 days when granisetron HCl tablets were given on a single day and for up to 28 days when granisetron HCl tablets were administered for 7 or 14 days.

2 Metoclopramide/dexamethasone; phenothiazines/dexamethasone; dexamethasone alone; prochlorperazine.
Headache 21%20%13%12%
Constipation18%14%16%8%
Asthenia14%18%10%4%
Diarrhea8%9%10%4%
Abdominal pain6%4%6%3%
Dyspepsia4%6%5%4%

Other adverse events reported in clinical trials were:


Gastrointestinal: In single-day dosing studies in which adverse events were collected for 7 days, nausea (20%) and vomiting (12%) were recorded as adverse events after the 24-hour efficacy assessment period.


Hepatic: In comparative trials, elevation of AST and ALT (>2 times the upper limit of normal) following the administration of granisetron HCl tablets occurred in 5% and 6% of patients, respectively. These frequencies were not significantly different from those seen with comparators (AST: 2%; ALT: 9%).


Cardiovascular: Hypertension (1%); hypotension, angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, and syncope have been observed rarely.


Central Nervous System: Dizziness (5%), insomnia (5%), anxiety (2%), somnolence (1%). One case compatible with, but not diagnostic of, extrapyramidal symptoms has been reported in a patient treated with granisetron HCl tablets.


Hypersensitivity: Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes severe (eg, anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, hypotension, urticaria) have been reported.


Other: Fever (5%). Events often associated with chemotherapy also have been reported: leukopenia (9%), decreased appetite (6%), anemia (4%), alopecia (3%), thrombocytopenia (2%).


Over 5000 patients have received injectable granisetron in clinical trials.


Table 5 gives the comparative frequencies of the five commonly reported adverse events (≥3%) in patients receiving granisetron HCl injection, 40 mcg/kg, in single-day chemotherapy trials. These patients received chemotherapy, primarily cisplatin, and intravenous fluids during the 24-hour period following granisetron HCl injection administration.
























Table 5 Principal Adverse Events in Clinical Trials - Single-Day Chemotherapy
Percent of Patients with Event
Granisetron HCl Injection1

40 mcg/kg

(n=1268)
Comparator2

(n=422)
1 Adverse events were generally recorded over 7 days post-granisetron HCl injection administration.

2 Metoclopramide/dexamethasone and phenothiazines/dexamethasone.
Headache14%6%
Asthenia5%6%
Somnolence4%15%
Diarrhea4%6%
Constipation3%3%

In the absence of a placebo group, there is uncertainty as to how many of these events should be attributed to granisetron, except for headache, which was clearly more frequent than in comparison groups.



Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting


In controlled clinical trials, the adverse events reported by patients receiving granisetron HCl tablets and concurrent radiation were similar to those reported by patients receiving granisetron HCl tablets prior to chemotherapy. The most frequently reported adverse events were diarrhea, asthenia, and constipation. Headache, however, was less prevalent in this patient population.



Postmarketing Experience


QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron (see PRECAUTIONS and Drug Interactions).



Overdosage


There is no specific treatment for granisetron hydrochloride overdosage. In case of overdosage, symptomatic treatment should be given. Overdosage of up to 38.5 mg of granisetron hydrochloride injection has been reported without symptoms or only the occurrence of a slight headache.



Granisol Dosage and Administration



Emetogenic Chemotherapy


The recommended adult dosage of oral granisetron hydrochloride is 2 mg once daily or 1 mg twice daily. In the 2 mg once-daily regimen, 10 mL of Granisol Oral Solution (2 teaspoonfuls, equivalent to 2 mg of granisetron) are given up to 1 hour before chemotherapy. In the 1 mg twice-daily regimen, the first teaspoonful (5 mL) of Granisol Oral Solution is given up to 1 hour before chemotherapy, and the second teaspoonful (5 mL) of Granisol Oral Solution, 12 hours after the first. Either regimen is administered only on the day(s) chemotherapy is given. Continued treatment, while not on chemotherapy, has not been found to be useful.


Use in the Elderly, Renal Failure Patients or Hepatically Impaired Patients


No dosage adjustment is recommended (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:Pharmacokinetics).


Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.



Radiation (Either Total Body Irradiation or Fractionated Abdominal Radiation)


The recommended adult dosage of oral granisetron hydrochloride is 2 mg once daily. Ten milliliters of Granisol Oral Solution (2 teaspoonfuls, equivalent to 2 mg of granisetron) are taken within 1 hour of radiation.


Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.


Use in the Elderly

No dosage adjustment is recommended.



How is Granisol Supplied



Oral Solution


Clear, orange-colored, orange-flavored, 2 mg/10 mL, in 30 mL amber glass bottles with child-resistant closures: NDC 52547-801-30


Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep bottle closed tightly and stored in an upright position. Protect from light.


Manufactured for PediatRx, Inc.

Distributed by PediatRx, Inc.

Califon, NJ 07830


Manufactured by:

Therapex

Montreal, Quebec

CANADA H1J 2Z4


PD01


11/10



Principal Display Panel - Carton Label


Carton Label



NDC 52547-801-30


GranisolTM

(Granisetron HCl

Oral Solution)

2 mg/10 mL*

(1 mg/5 mL)


Rx Only


PediatRx


30 mL


Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions

permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).

[See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Protect From Light.


Keep bottle closed tightly and stored in an

upright position.


*Each 10 mL contains 2.24 mg granisetron

hydrochloride equivalent to 2 mg granisetron.


Usual Dosage:

Chemotherapy: 10 mL (2 teaspoons

equivalent to 2 mg) once daily or 5 mL

(1 teaspoon equivalent to 1 mg) twice

daily. In the 2 mg once-daily regimen,

10 ml (2 teaspoons) are taken up to

1 hour before chemotherapy. In the 1 mg

twice-daily regimen, 5 mL (1 teaspoon) are

taken up to 1 hour before chemotherapy

and 5 mL (1 teaspoon) 12 hours later.


Radiation: 10 mL (2 teaspoons equivalent

to 2 mg) are taken within 1 hour of

radiation. See accompanying prescribing

information.


Do not use if tamper

evident seal is

removed or broken.


Manufactured for PediatRx, Inc.

Distributed by PediatRx, Inc.

Califon, NJ 07830


PD02 07/10









Granisol 
granisetron hydrochloride  solution










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)52547-801
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE (GRANISETRON)GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE2 mg  in 10 mL














Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID 
FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 
WATER 
SODIUM BENZOATE 
SORBITOL 


















Product Characteristics
ColorORANGE (clear)Score    
ShapeSize
FlavorORANGEImprint Code
Contains      














Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
152547-801-301 BOTTLE In 1 CARTONcontains a BOTTLE, GLASS
130 mL In 1 BOTTLE, GLASSThis package is contained within the CARTON (52547-801-30)










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA07833403/07/2008


Labeler - PediatRx, Inc. (962927633)









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
Therapex204211163MANUFACTURE
Revised: 11/2010PediatRx, Inc.

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Compare Granisol with other medications


  • Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced
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  • Nausea/Vomiting, Radiation Induced

Imuran




Generic Name: azathioprine

Dosage Form: tablet
Imuran® (azathioprine)

50-mg Scored Tablets

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Rx only




WARNING - MALIGNANCY


Chronic immunosuppression with Imuran, a purine antimetabolite increases risk of malignancy in humans. Reports of malignancy include post-transplant lymphoma and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Physicians using this drug should be very familiar with this risk as well as with the mutagenic potential to both men and women and with possible hematologic toxicities. Physicians should inform patients of the risk of malignancy with Imuran. See WARNINGS.



DESCRIPTION:

Imuran (azathioprine), an immunosuppressive antimetabolite, is available in tablet form for oral administration. Each scored tablet contains 50 mg azathioprine and the inactive ingredients lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch, povidone, and stearic acid.


Azathioprine is chemically 6-[(1-methyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazol-5-yl)thio]-1H-purine. The structural formula of azathioprine is:



It is an imidazolyl derivative of 6-mercaptopurine and many of its biological effects are similar to those of the parent compound.


Azathioprine is insoluble in water, but may be dissolved with addition of one molar equivalent of alkali. Azathioprine is stable in solution at neutral or acid pH but hydrolysis to mercaptopurine occurs in excess sodium hydroxide (0.1N), especially on warming. Conversion to mercaptopurine also occurs in the presence of sulfhydryl compounds such as cysteine, glutathione, and hydrogen sulfide.



CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:


Azathioprine is well absorbed following oral administration. Maximum serum radioactivity occurs at 1 to 2 hours after oral 35S-azathioprine and decays with a half-life of 5 hours. This is not an estimate of the half-life of azathioprine itself, but is the decay rate for all 35S-containing metabolites of the drug. Because of extensive metabolism, only a fraction of the radioactivity is present as azathioprine. Usual doses produce blood levels of azathioprine, and of mercaptopurine derived from it, which are low (<1 mcg/mL). Blood levels are of little predictive value for therapy since the magnitude and duration of clinical effects correlate with thiopurine nucleotide levels in tissues rather than with plasma drug levels. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are moderately bound to serum proteins (30%) and are partially dialyzable. See OVERDOSAGE.


Azathioprine is metabolized to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). Both compounds are rapidly eliminated from blood and are oxidized or methylated in erythrocytes and liver; no azathioprine or mercaptopurine is detectable in urine after 8 hours. Activation of 6-mercaptopurine occurs via hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) and a series of multi-enzymatic processes involving kinases to form 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGNs) as major metabolites (See Metabolism Scheme in Figure 1). The cytotoxicity of azathioprine is due, in part, to the incorporation of 6-TGN into DNA.


6-MP undergoes two major inactivation routes (Figure 1). One is thiol methylation, which is catalyzed by the enzyme thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT), to form the inactive metabolite methyl-6-MP (6-MeMP). TPMT activity is controlled by a genetic polymorphism.1, 2, 3 For Caucasians and African Americans, approximately 10% of the population inherit one non-functional TPMT allele (heterozygous) conferring intermediate TPMT activity, and 0.3% inherit two TPMT non-functional alleles (homozygous) for low or absent TPMT activity. Non-functional alleles are less common in Asians. TPMT activity correlates inversely with 6-TGN levels in erythrocytes and presumably other hematopoietic tissues, since these cells have negligible xanthine oxidase (involved in the other inactivation pathway) activities, leaving TPMT methylation as the only inactivation pathway. Patients with intermediate TPMT activity may be at increased risk of myelotoxicity if receiving conventional doses of Imuran. Patients with low or absent TPMT activity are at an increased risk of developing severe, life-threatening myelotoxicity if receiving conventional doses of Imuran.4-9 TPMT genotyping or phenotyping (red blood cell TPMT activity) can help identify patients who are at an increased risk for developing Imuran toxicity.2, 3, 7, 8, 9 Accurate phenotyping (red blood cell TPMT activity) results are not possible in patients who have received recent blood transfusions. See WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections.



Figure 1. Metabolism pathway of azathioprine: competing pathways result in inactivation by TPMT or XO, or incorporation of cytotoxic nucleotides into DNA.


GMPS: Guanosine monophosphate synthetase; HGPRT: Hypoxanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyl-transferase; IMPD: Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase; MeMP: Methylmercaptopurine; MeMPN: Methylmercaptopurine nucleotide; TGN: Thioguanine nucleotides; TIMP: Thioinosine monophosphate; TPMT: Thiopurine S-methyltransferase; TU Thiouric acid; XO: Xanthine oxidase (Adapted from Pharmacogenomics 2002; 3:89-98; and Cancer Res 2001; 61:5810-5816.)


Another inactivation pathway is oxidation, which is catalyzed by xanthine oxidase (XO) to form 6-thiouric acid. The inhibition of xanthine oxidase in patients receiving allopurinol (ZYLOPRIM®) is the basis for the azathioprine dosage reduction required in these patients (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions). Proportions of metabolites are different in individual patients, and this presumably accounts for variable magnitude and duration of drug effects. Renal clearance is probably not important in predicting biological effectiveness or toxicities, although dose reduction is practiced in patients with poor renal function.



Homograft Survival: The use of azathioprine for inhibition of renal homograft rejection is well established, the mechanism(s) for this action are somewhat obscure. The drug suppresses hypersensitivities of the cell-mediated type and causes variable alterations in antibody production. Suppression of T-cell effects, including ablation of T-cell suppression, is dependent on the temporal relationship to antigenic stimulus or engraftment. This agent has little effect on established graft rejections or secondary responses.


Alterations in specific immune responses or immunologic functions in transplant recipients are difficult to relate specifically to immunosuppression by azathioprine. These patients have subnormal responses to vaccines, low numbers of T-cells, and abnormal phagocytosis by peripheral blood cells, but their mitogenic responses, serum immunoglobulins, and secondary antibody responses are usually normal.



Immunoinflammatory Response: Azathioprine suppresses disease manifestations as well as underlying pathology in animal models of autoimmune disease. For example, the severity of adjuvant arthritis is reduced by azathioprine.


The mechanisms whereby azathioprine affects autoimmune diseases are not known. Azathioprine is immunosuppressive, delayed hypersensitivity and cellular cytotoxicity tests being suppressed to a greater degree than are antibody responses. In the rat model of adjuvant arthritis, azathioprine has been shown to inhibit the lymph node hyperplasia, which precedes the onset of the signs of the disease. Both the immunosuppressive and therapeutic effects in animal models are dose-related. Azathioprine is considered a slow-acting drug and effects may persist after the drug has been discontinued.



INDICATIONS AND USAGE:


Imuran is indicated as an adjunct for the prevention of rejection in renal homotransplantation. It is also indicated for the management of active rheumatoid arthritis to reduce signs and symptoms.



Renal Homotransplantation: Imuran is indicated as an adjunct for the prevention of rejection in renal homotransplantation. Experience with over 16,000 transplants shows a 5-year patient survival of 35% to 55%, but this is dependent on donor, match for HLA antigens, anti-donor or anti-B-cell alloantigen antibody, and other variables. The effect of Imuran on these variables has not been tested in controlled trials.



Rheumatoid Arthritis: Imuran is indicated for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to reduce signs and symptoms. Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or low dose glucocorticoids may be continued during treatment with Imuran. The combined use of Imuran with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) has not been studied for either added benefit or unexpected adverse effects. The use of Imuran with these agents cannot be recommended.



CONTRAINDICATIONS:


Imuran should not be given to patients who have shown hypersensitivity to the drug. Imuran should not be used for treating rheumatoid arthritis in pregnant women. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis previously treated with alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan, or others) may have a prohibitive risk of malignancy if treated with Imuran.



WARNINGS:



Malignancy


Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Imuran, are at increased risk of developing lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin. Physicians should inform patients of the risk of malignancy with Imuran. As usual for patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.



Post-transplant


Renal transplant patients are known to have an increased risk of malignancy, predominantly skin cancer and reticulum cell or lymphomatous tumors. The risk of post-transplant lymphomas may be increased in patients who receive aggressive treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, including Imuran. Therefore, immunosuppressive drug therapy should be maintained at the lowest effective levels.



Rheumatoid Arthritis


Information is available on the risk of malignancy with the use of Imuran in rheumatoid arthritis (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). It has not been possible to define the precise risk of malignancy due to Imuran. The data suggest the risk may be elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, though lower than for renal transplant patients. However, acute myelogenous leukemia as well as solid tumors have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have received Imuran.



Inflammatory Bowel Disease


Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with Imuran. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Some of the patients were treated with Imuran as monotherapy and some had received concomitant treatment with a TNFα blocker at or prior to diagnosis. The safety and efficacy of Imuran for the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have not been established.



Cytopenias


Severe leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemias including macrocytic anemia, and/or pancytopenia may occur in patients being treated with Imuran. Severe bone marrow suppression may also occur. Patients with intermediate thiopurine S-methyl transferase (TPMT) activity may be at an increased risk of myelotoxicity if receiving conventional doses of Imuran. Patients with low or absent TPMT activity are at an increased risk of developing severe, life-threatening myelotoxicity if receiving conventional doses of Imuran. TPMT genotyping or phenotyping can help identify patients who are at an increased risk for developing Imuran toxicity.2-9 (See PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests). Hematologic toxicities are dose-related and may be more severe in renal transplant patients whose homograft is undergoing rejection. It is suggested that patients on Imuran have complete blood counts, including platelet counts, weekly during the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months of treatment, then monthly or more frequently if dosage alterations or other therapy changes are necessary. Delayed hematologic suppression may occur. Prompt reduction in dosage or temporary withdrawal of the drug may be necessary if there is a rapid fall in or persistently low leukocyte count, or other evidence of bone marrow depression. Leukopenia does not correlate with therapeutic effect; therefore the dose should not be increased intentionally to lower the white blood cell count.



Serious infections


Serious infections are a constant hazard for patients receiving chronic immunosuppression, especially for homograft recipients. Fungal, viral, bacterial, and protozoal infections may be fatal and should be treated vigorously. Reduction of azathioprine dosage and/or use of other drugs should be considered.



Effect on Sperm in Animals


Imuran has been reported to cause temporary depression in spermatogenesis and reduction in sperm viability and sperm count in mice at doses 10 times the human therapeutic dose;10 a reduced percentage of fertile matings occurred when animals received 5 mg/kg. 11



Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category D. Imuran can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Imuran should not be given during pregnancy without careful weighing of risk versus benefit. Whenever possible, use of Imuran in pregnant patients should be avoided. This drug should not be used for treating rheumatoid arthritis in pregnant women. 12


Imuran is teratogenic in rabbits and mice when given in doses equivalent to the human dose (5 mg/kg daily). Abnormalities included skeletal malformations and visceral anomalies. 11


Limited immunologic and other abnormalities have occurred in a few infants born of renal allograft recipients on Imuran. In a detailed case report, 13 documented lymphopenia, diminished IgG and IgM levels, CMV infection, and a decreased thymic shadow were noted in an infant born to a mother receiving 150 mg azathioprine and 30 mg prednisone daily throughout pregnancy. At 10 weeks most features were normalized. DeWitte et al reported pancytopenia and severe immune deficiency in a preterm infant whose mother received 125 mg azathioprine and 12.5 mg prednisone daily. 14 There have been two published reports of abnormal physical findings. Williamson and Karp described an infant born with preaxial polydactyly whose mother received azathioprine 200 mg daily and prednisone 20 mg every other day during pregnancy. 15 Tallent et al described an infant with a large myelomeningocele in the upper lumbar region, bilateral dislocated hips, and bilateral talipes equinovarus. The father was on long-term azathioprine therapy. 16


Benefit versus risk must be weighed carefully before use of Imuran in patients of reproductive potential. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing age should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant.



PRECAUTIONS:



General: A gastrointestinal hypersensitivity reaction characterized by severe nausea and vomiting has been reported. These symptoms may also be accompanied by diarrhea, rash, fever, malaise, myalgias, elevations in liver enzymes, and occasionally, hypotension. Symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity most often develop within the first several weeks of therapy with Imuran and are reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. The reaction can recur within hours after re-challenge with a single dose of Imuran.



Information for Patients: Patients being started on Imuran should be informed of the necessity of periodic blood counts while they are receiving the drug and should be encouraged to report any unusual bleeding or bruising to their physician. They should be informed of the danger of infection while receiving Imuran and asked to report signs and symptoms of infection to their physician. Careful dosage instructions should be given to the patient, especially when Imuran is being administered in the presence of impaired renal function or concomitantly with allopurinol (see Drug Interactions subsection and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Patients should be advised of the potential risks of the use of Imuran during pregnancy and during the nursing period. The increased risk of malignancy following therapy with Imuran should be explained to the patient.



Laboratory Tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC) Monitoring: Patients on Imuran should have complete blood counts, including platelet counts, weekly during the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months of treatment, then monthly or more frequently if dosage alterations or other therapy changes are necessary.



TPMT Testing: It is recommended that consideration be given to either genotype or phenotype patients for TPMT. Phenotyping and genotyping methods are commercially available. The most common non-functional alleles associated with reduced levels of TPMT activity are TPMT*2, TPMT*3A and TPMT*3C. Patients with two non-functional alleles (homozygous) have low or absent TPMT activity and those with one non-functional allele (heterozygous) have intermediate activity. Accurate phenotyping (red blood cell TPMT activity) results are not possible in patients who have received recent blood transfusions. TPMT testing may also be considered in patients with abnormal CBC results that do not respond to dose reduction. Early drug discontinuation in these patients is advisable. TPMT TESTING CANNOT SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC) MONITORING IN PATIENTS RECEIVING Imuran. See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, ADVERSE REACTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections.



Drug Interactions: Use with Allopurinol: One of the pathways for inactivation of azathioprine is inhibited by allopurinol. Patients receiving Imuran and allopurinol concomitantly should have a dose reduction of Imuran, to approximately 1/3 to 1/4 the usual dose. It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving Imuran and allopurinol because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected. See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS:Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections.


Use with Aminosalicylates: There is in vitro evidence that aminosalicylate derivatives (e.g., sulphasalazine, mesalazine, or olsalazine) inhibit the TPMT enzyme. Concomitant use of these agents with Imuran should be done with caution.


Use with Other Agents Affecting Myelopoesis: Drugs which may affect leukocyte production, including co-trimoxazole, may lead to exaggerated leukopenia, especially in renal transplant recipients.


Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia.


Use with Warfarin: Imuran may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.


Use with ribavirin: The use of ribavirin for hepatitis C in patients receiving azathioprine has been reported to induce severe pancytopenia and may increase the risk of azathioprine-related myelotoxicity. Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMDH) is required for one of the metabolic pathways of azathioprine. Ribavirin is known to inhibit IMDH, thereby leading to accumulation of an azathioprine metabolite, 6-methylthioionosine monophosphate (6-MTITP), which is associated with myelotoxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia). Patients receiving azathioprine with ribavirin should have complete blood counts, including platelet counts, monitored weekly for the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months of treatment, then monthly or more frequently if dosage or other therapy changes are necessary.



Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: See WARNINGS section.



Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category D. See WARNINGS section.



Nursing Mothers: The use of Imuran in nursing mothers is not recommended. Azathioprine or its metabolites are transferred at low levels, both transplacentally and in breast milk. 17, 18, 19 Because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for azathioprine, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.



Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy of azathioprine in pediatric patients have not been established.



ADVERSE REACTIONS:


The principal and potentially serious toxic effects of Imuran are hematologic and gastrointestinal. The risks of secondary infection and malignancy are also significant (see WARNINGS). The frequency and severity of adverse reactions depend on the dose and duration of Imuran as well as on the patient's underlying disease or concomitant therapies. The incidence of hematologic toxicities and neoplasia encountered in groups of renal homograft recipients is significantly higher than that in studies employing Imuran for rheumatoid arthritis. The relative incidences in clinical studies are summarized below:

























* Data on the rate and risk of neoplasia among persons with rheumatoid arthritis treated with azathioprine are limited. The incidence of lymphoproliferative disease in patients with RA appears to be significantly higher than that in the general population. In one completed study, the rate of lymphoproliferative disease in RA patients receiving higher than recommended doses of azathioprine (5 mg/kg per day) was 1.8 cases per 1000 patient-years of follow-up, compared with 0.8 cases per 1000 patient-years of follow-up in those not receiving azathioprine. However, the proportion of the increased risk attributable to the azathioprine dosage or to other therapies (i.e., alkylating agents) received by patients treated with azathioprine cannot be determined.


ToxicityRenal HomograftRheumatoid Arthritis
Leukopenia (any degree)>50%28%
<2500 cells/mm316%5.3%
Infections20%<1%
Neoplasia      *
Lymphoma0.5%
Others2.8%

Hematologic: Leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia are dose-dependent and may occur late in the course of therapy with Imuran. Dose reduction or temporary withdrawal may result in reversal of these toxicities. Infection may occur as a secondary manifestation of bone marrow suppression or leukopenia, but the incidence of infection in renal homotransplantation is 30 to 60 times that in rheumatoid arthritis. Anemias, including macrocytic anemia, and/or bleeding have been reported.


TPMT genotyping or phenotyping can help identify patients with low or absent TPMT activity (homozygous for non-functional alleles) who are at increased risk for severe, life-threatening myelosuppression from Imuran. See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS:Laboratory Tests. Death associated with pancytopenia has been reported in patients with absent TPMT activity receiving azathioprine. 6, 20



Gastrointestinal: Nausea and vomiting may occur within the first few months of therapy with Imuran, and occurred in approximately 12% of 676 rheumatoid arthritis patients. The frequency of gastric disturbance often can be reduced by administration of the drug in divided doses and/or after meals. However, in some patients, nausea and vomiting may be severe and may be accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, malaise, and myalgias (see PRECAUTIONS). Vomiting with abdominal pain may occur rarely with a hypersensitivity pancreatitis. Hepatotoxicity manifest by elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and/or serum transaminases is known to occur following azathioprine use, primarily in allograft recipients. Hepatotoxicity has been uncommon (less than 1%) in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Hepatotoxicity following transplantation most often occurs within 6 months of transplantation and is generally reversible after interruption of Imuran. A rare, but life-threatening hepatic veno-occlusive disease associated with chronic administration of azathioprine has been described in transplant patients and in one patient receiving Imuran for panuveitis.21, 22, 23 Periodic measurement of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin is indicated for early detection of hepatotoxicity. If hepatic veno-occlusive disease is clinically suspected, Imuran should be permanently withdrawn.



Others: Additional side effects of low frequency have been reported. These include skin rashes, alopecia, fever, arthralgias, diarrhea, steatorrhea, negative nitrogen balance, reversible interstitial pneumonitis, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (see Warnings – Malignancy), and Sweet's Syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis).



OVERDOSAGE:


The oral LD50s for single doses of Imuran in mice and rats are 2500 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Very large doses of this antimetabolite may lead to marrow hypoplasia, bleeding, infection, and death. About 30% of Imuran is bound to serum proteins, but approximately 45% is removed during an 8-hour hemodialysis.24 A single case has been reported of a renal transplant patient who ingested a single dose of 7500 mg Imuran. The immediate toxic reactions were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by mild leukopenia and mild abnormalities in liver function. The white blood cell count, SGOT, and bilirubin returned to normal 6 days after the overdose.



DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:


TPMT TESTING CANNOT SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC) MONITORING IN PATIENTS RECEIVING Imuran. TPMT genotyping or phenotyping can be used to identify patients with absent or reduced TPMT activity. Patients with low or absent TPMT activity are at an increased risk of developing severe, life-threatening myelotoxicity from Imuran if conventional doses are given. Physicians may consider alternative therapies for patients who have low or absent TPMT activity (homozygous for non-functional alleles). Imuran should be administered with caution to patients having one non-functional allele (heterozygous) who are at risk for reduced TPMT activity that may lead to toxicity if conventional doses are given. Dosage reduction is recommended in patients with reduced TPMT activity. Early drug discontinuation may be considered in patients with abnormal CBC results that do not respond to dose reduction.



Renal Homotransplantation: The dose of Imuran required to prevent rejection and minimize toxicity will vary with individual patients; this necessitates careful management. The initial dose is usually 3 to 5 mg/kg daily, beginning at the time of transplant. Imuran is usually given as a single daily dose on the day of, and in a minority of cases 1 to 3 days before, transplantation. Dose reduction to maintenance levels of 1 to 3 mg/kg daily is usually possible. The dose of Imuran should not be increased to toxic levels because of threatened rejection. Discontinuation may be necessary for severe hematologic or other toxicity, even if rejection of the homograft may be a consequence of drug withdrawal.



Rheumatoid Arthritis: Imuran is usually given on a daily basis. The initial dose should be approximately 1.0 mg/kg (50 to 100 mg) given as a single dose or on a twice-daily schedule. The dose may be increased, beginning at 6 to 8 weeks and thereafter by steps at 4-week intervals, if there are no serious toxicities and if initial response is unsatisfactory. Dose increments should be 0.5 mg/kg daily, up to a maximum dose of 2.5 mg/kg per day. Therapeutic response occurs after several weeks of treatment, usually 6 to 8; an adequate trial should be a minimum of 12 weeks. Patients not improved after 12 weeks can be considered refractory. Imuran may be continued long-term in patients with clinical response, but patients should be monitored carefully, and gradual dosage reduction should be attempted to reduce risk of toxicities.


Maintenance therapy should be at the lowest effective dose, and the dose given can be lowered decrementally with changes of 0.5 mg/kg or approximately 25 mg daily every 4 weeks while other therapy is kept constant. The optimum duration of maintenance Imuran has not been determined. Imuran can be discontinued abruptly, but delayed effects are possible.



Use in Renal Dysfunction: Relatively oliguric patients, especially those with tubular necrosis in the immediate postcadaveric transplant period, may have delayed clearance of Imuran or its metabolites, may be particularly sensitive to this drug, and are usually given lower doses.


Procedures for proper handling and disposal of this immunosuppressive antimetabolite drug should be considered. Several guidelines on this subject have been published.25-31 There is no general agreement that all of the procedures recommended in the guidelines are necessary or appropriate.



HOW SUPPLIED:


50 mg overlapping circle-shaped, yellow to off-white, scored tablets imprinted with “Imuran” and “50” on each tablet; bottle of 100 (NDC 65483-590-10).



Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F) in a dry place and protect from light.



REFERENCES:


  1. Lennard L. The clinical pharmacology of 6-mercaptopurine. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1992;43:329-339.

  2. Weinshilboum R. Thiopurine pharmacogenetics: clinical and molecular studies of thiopurine methyltransferase. Drug Metab Dispos. 2001;29:601-605.

  3. McLeod HL, Siva C. The thiopurine S-methyltransferase gene locus -- implications for clinical pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics. 2002;3:89-98.

  4. Anstey A, Lennard L, Mayou SC, et al. Pancytopenia related to azathioprine – an enzyme deficiency caused by a common genetic polymorphism: a review. JR Soc Med. 1992; 85:752-756.

  5. Stolk JN, Beorbooms AM, de Abreu RA, et al. Reduced thiopurine methyltransferase activity and development of side effects of azathioprine treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 1998; 41:1858-1866.

  6. Data on file, Prometheus Laboratories Inc.

  7. Yates CR, Krynetski EY, Loennechen T, et al. Molecular diagnosis of thiopurine S-methyltransferase deficiency: genetic basis for azathioprine and mercaptopurine intolerance. Ann Intern Med. 1997; 126:608-614.

  8. Black AJ, McLeod HL, Capell HA, et al. Thiopurine methyltransferase genotype predicts therapy-limiting severe toxicity from azathioprine. Ann Intern Med. 1998; 129:716-718.

  9. Clunie GP, Lennard L. Relevance of thiopurine methyltransferase status in rheumatology patients receiving azathioprine. Rheumatology. 2004; 43:13-18.

  10. Clark JM. The mutagenicity of azathioprine in mice, Drosophila melanogaster, and Neurospora crassa. Mutat Res. 1975; 28:87-99.

  11. Data on file, Prometheus Laboratories Inc.

  12. Tagatz GE, Simmons RL. Pregnancy after renal transplantation. Ann Intern Med. 1975; 82:113-114. Editorial Notes.

  13. Cote' CJ, Meuwissen HJ, Pickering RJ. Effects on the neonate of prednisone and azathioprine administered to the mother during pregnancy. J Pediatr. 1974; 85:324-328.

  14. DeWitte DB, Buick MK, Cyran SE, et al. Neonatal pancytopenia and severe combined immunodeficiency associated with antenatal administration of azathioprine and prednisone. J Pediatr. 1984; 105:625-628.

  15. Williamson RA, Karp LE. Azathioprine teratogenicity: review of the literature and case report. Obstet Gynecol. 1981; 58:247-250.

  16. Tallent MB, Simmons RL, Najarian JS. Birth defects in child of male recipient of kidney transplant. JAMA. 1970; 211: 1854-1855.

  17. Data on file, Prometheus Laboratories Inc.

  18. Saarikoski S, Seppälä M. Immunosuppression during pregnancy: transmission of azathioprine and its metabolites from the mother to the fetus. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1973; 115:1100-1106.

  19. Coulam CB, Moyer TP, Jiang NS, et al. Breast-feeding after renal transplantation. Transplant Proc. 1982; 14: 605-609.

  20. Schutz E, Gummert J, Mohr F, Oellerich M. Azathioprine-induced myelosuppression in thiopurine methyltransferase deficient heart transplant patients. Lancet. 1993; 341:436.

  21. Read AE, Wiesner RH, LaBrecque DR, et al. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease associated with renal transplantation and azathioprine therapy. Ann Intern Med. 1986; 104:651-655.

  22. Katzka DA, Saul SH, Jorkasky D, et al. Azathioprine and hepatic veno-occlusive disease in renal transplant patients. Gastroenterology. 1986; 90:446-454.

  23. Weitz H, Gokel JM, Loeshke K, et al. Veno-occlusive disease of the liver in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histol. 1982; 395:245-256.

  24. Schusziarra V, Ziekursch V, Schlamp R, et al. Pharmacokinetics of azathioprine under haemodialysis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Biopharm. 1976; 14:298-302.

  25. Recommendations for the safe handling of parenteral antineoplastic drugs. Washington, DC: Division of Safety; Clinical Center Pharmacy Department and Cancer Nursing Services, National Institute of Health; 1992. US Dept of Health and Human Services. Public Health Service Publication NIH 92-2621.

  26. AMA Council on Scientific Affairs. Guidelines for handling parenteral antineoplastics. JAMA. 1985; 253:1590-1592.

  27. National Study Commission on Cytotoxic Exposure. Recommendations for handling cytotoxic agents. 1987. Available from Louis P. Jeffrey, Chairman, National Study Commission on Cytotoxic Exposure. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

  28. Clinical Oncological Society of Australia. Guidelines and recommendations for safe handling of antineoplastic agents. Med J Aust. 1983; 1:426-428.

  29. Jones RB, Frank R, Mass T. Safe handling of chemotherapeutic agents: a report from The Mount Sinai Medical Center. CA Cancer J for Clinicians. 1983; 33:258-263.

  30. American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. ASHP technical assistance bulletin on handling cytotoxic and hazardous drugs. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1990; 47:1033-1049.

  31. Yodaiken RE, Bennett D. OSHA Work-Practice guidelines for personnel dealing with cytotoxic (antineoplastic) drugs. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1996; 43:1193-1204.

Imuran® and ZYLOPRIM® are registered trademarks of Prometheus Laboratories Inc.


PROMETHEUS LABORATORIES INC.

Manufactured by Pharmaceutics International, Inc.

Hunt Valley, MD 21031

for Prometheus Laboratories Inc.

San Diego, CA 92121


© 2011 Prometheus Laboratories Inc.


May 2011

IM005I



Package Label


100 Tablets


NDC 65483-590-10


Imuran


(azathioprine)


50 mg


Rx Only


PROMETHEUS LABORATORIES INC.


Manufactured by Pharmaceutics International, Inc.


Hunt Valley, MD 21031 for Prometheus Laboratories Inc.,


San Diego, CA 92121


April 2009


Note: Bottle shape now round.










Imuran 
azathioprine  tablet










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)65483-590
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
azathioprine (azathioprine)azathioprine50 mg














Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
lactose 
magnesium stearate 
starch, potato 
povidone 
stearic acid 


















Product Characteristics
ColorYELLOW (YELLOW)Score2 pieces
ShapeDOUBLE CIRCLE (DOUBLE CIRCLE)Size11mm
FlavorImprint CodeImuran;50
Contains      










Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
165483-590-10100 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA01632403/20/1968


Labeler - Prometheus Laboratories Inc. (967000860)









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
Pharmaceutics International Inc.878265586MANUFACTURE
Revised: 05/2011Prometheus Laboratories Inc.




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