MEROPENEM AND SODIUM CHLORIDE

Meropenem for injection is a sterile, pyrogen-free, synthetic, carbapenem antibacterial drug for intravenous administration. Meropenem is (4 R ,5 S ,6 S )-3- [[(3 S ,5 S )-5-(Dimethylcarbamoyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]thio]-6-[(1 R )-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid trihydrate. Its empirical formula is C 17 H 25 N 3 O 5 S•3H 2 O with a molecular weight of 437.52. Its structural formula is: Meropenem for injection is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder containing meropenem trihydrate and sodium carbonate. The constituted solution varies from colorless to yellow depending on the concentration. The pH of freshly constituted solutions is between 7.3 and 8.3. Meropenem is soluble in 5% monobasic potassium phosphate solution, sparingly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in hydrated ethanol, and practically insoluble in acetone or ether. Meropenem for Injection USP and Sodium Chloride Injection USP is supplied as a sterile, nonpyrogenic, single-dose packaged combination of meropenem (drug chamber) and 50 mL of sodium chloride (diluent) in the DUPLEX ® sterile container. When reconstituted as instructed, each 1 gram Meropenem for injection in the DUPLEX ® Container will deliver 1 gram of meropenem and a total sodium content of 290.2 mg (12.6 mEq). Each 500 mg Meropenem for injection in the DUPLEX ® Container will deliver 500 mg of meropenem and a total sodium content of 245.1 mg (10.7 mEq) [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. The osmolality of the reconstituted solution of Meropenem for Injection USP and Sodium Chloride Injection USP is approximately 356 mOsmol/kg for the 500 mg dose and approximately 417 mOsmol/kg for the 1 gram dose. The DUPLEX ® Container is a flexible dual chamber container. After removing the peelable foil strip, activating the seals, and thoroughly mixing, the reconstituted drug product is hyperosmotic and is intended for single intravenous use. The product (diluent and drug) contact layer is a mixture of thermoplastic rubber and a polypropylene ethylene copolymer that contains no plasticizers. Not made with natural rubber latex, PVC or Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). structural formula

Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection is a penem antibacterial indicated for the treatment of: Complicated skin and skin structure infections (adult patients and pediatric patients 3 months of age and older requiring the full adult dose only). ( 1.1 ) Complicated intra-abdominal infections (adult patients and pediatric patients 3 months of age and older requiring the full adult dose only). ( 1.2 ) Bacterial meningitis (pediatric patients 3 months of age and older requiring the full adult dose only). ( 1.3 ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. 1.1 Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients 3 Months of age and older requiring the full adult dose only) Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae , viridans group streptococci, Enterococcus faecalis (vancomycin-susceptible isolates only), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacteroides fragilis, and Peptostreptococcus species. 1.2 Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections (Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients 3 Months of age and older requiring the full adult dose only) Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated for the treatment of complicated appendicitis and peritonitis caused by viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteroides fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and Peptostreptococcus species. 1.3 Bacterial Meningitis (Pediatric Patients 3 Months of age and older requiring the full adult dose only) Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated for the treatment of bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis and penicillin-susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae . Meropenem has been found to be effective in eliminating concurrent bacteremia in association with bacterial meningitis. For information regarding use in pediatric patients (3 months of age and older) [see Indications and Usage ( 1.1 ), ( 1.2 ) or ( 1.3 ); Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. 1.4 Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Use this formulation of meropenem only in patients who require the entire 500 mg or 1 gram dose and not any fraction thereof. ( 2.1 ) 500 mg every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 15 to 30 minutes for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) for adult patients. When treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa , a dose of 1 gram every 8 hours is recommended ( 2.1 ). 1 gram every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 15 to 30 minutes for intra-abdominal infections for adult patients. ( 2.1 ) Dosage should be reduced in adult patients with renal impairment. If less than a full dose (1 gram or 500 mg) is required, an alternative formulation should be used to avoid risk of overdose. ( 2.2 ) Recommended Meropenem for Injection Dosage Schedule for Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) Dose (dependent on type of infection) Dosing Interval greater than 50 Recommended dose (500 mg cSSSI and 1 gram Intra-abdominal infection) Every 8 hours 26-50 Recommended dose Every 12 hours 10-25 One-half recommended dose Every 12 hours less than 10 One-half recommended dose Every 24 hours Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection in the DUPLEX® Container is designed to deliver a 500 mg or 1 gram dose of Meropenem. To prevent unintentional overdose, this product should not be used in pediatric patients who require less than the full adult dose of Meropenem. Meropenem is not to be used in pediatric patients aged less than three months. There is no experience in pediatric patients with renal impairment. Pediatric patients 3 months of age and older. ( 2.3 ) Recommended Meropenem for Injection Dosage Schedule for Pediatric Patients with Normal Renal Function Type of Infection Dose (mg/kg) Up to a Maximum Dose Dosing Interval Complicated skin and skin structure 20 mg/kg (or 1 gram for pediatric patients weighing over 50 kg) every 8 hours is recommended when treating complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by P. aeruginosa (2.3). 10 500 mg Every 8 hours Intra-abdominal 20 1 gram Every 8 hours Meningitis 40 2 grams Every 8 hours - Intravenous infusion is to be given over approximately 15 to 30 minutes. - There is no experience in pediatric patients with renal impairment. 2.1 Adult Patients Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection in the DUPLEX® Container should be used only in patients who require the entire 500 mg or 1 gram dose and not any fraction thereof. The recommended dose of Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection is 500 mg given every 8 hours for skin and skin structure infections and 1 gram given every 8 hours for intra-abdominal infections. When treating complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by P. aeruginosa , a dose of 1 gram every 8 hours is recommended. Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection should be administered by intravenous infusion over approximately 15 to 30 minutes. 2.2 Use in Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Dosage should be reduced in patients with creatinine clearance of 50 mL/min or less. (See dosing table below.) Dosage should be reduced in renal failure if less than a full dose (1 gram or 500 mg) is required and an alternative formulation should be used to avoid risk of overdose. When only serum creatinine is available, the following formula (Cockcroft and Gault equation) 1 may be used to estimate creatinine clearance. Males: Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) = Weight (kg) x (140 - age) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL) Females: 0.85 x above value Table 1: Recommended Meropenem for Injection Dosage Schedule for Adult Patients With Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) Dose (dependent on type of infection) Dosing Interval greater than 50 Recommended dose (500 mg cSSSI and 1 gram Intra-abdominal infection) Every 8 hours 26-50 Recommended dose Every 12 hours 10-25 One-half recommended dose Every 12 hours less than 10 One-half recommended dose Every 24 hours There is inadequate information regarding the use of meropenem for injection in patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. 2.3 Use in Pediatric Patients (3 Months of age and older only) Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection in the DUPLEX® Container is designed to deliver a 500 mg or 1 gram dose of meropenem. To prevent unintentional overdose, this product should not be used in pediatric patients who require less than the full adult dose of meropenem. Meropenem is not to be used in pediatric patients aged less than three months. For pediatric patients 3 months of age and older, the Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection dose is 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg every 8 hours (maximum dose is 2 grams every 8 hours), depending on the type of infection (cSSSI, cIAI, intra-abdominal infection or meningitis). See dosing table 2 below. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]. For pediatric patients weighing over 50 kg administer Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection at a dose of 500 mg every 8 hours for cSSSI, 1 gram every 8 hours for cIAI and 2 grams every 8 hours for meningitis. Administer Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection as an intravenous infusion over approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Table 2: Recommended Meropenem for Injection Dosage Schedule for Pediatric Patients With Normal Renal Function Type of Infection Dose (mg/kg) Up to a Maximum Dose Dosing Interval Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections 10 500 mg Every 8 hours Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections 20 1 gram Every 8 hours Meningitis 40 2 grams Every 8 hours There is no experience in pediatric patients with renal impairment. When treating cSSSI caused by P. aeruginosa , a dose of 20 mg/kg (or 1 gram for pediatric patients weighing over 50 kg) every 8 hours is recommended. 2.4 Preparation and Administration of Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection in DUPLEX® Container Important Administration Instructions Do not use in series connections. Such use would result in air embolism due to residual air being drawn from the primary container before administration of the fluid from the secondary container is complete. If administration is controlled by a pumping device, care must be taken to discontinue pumping action before the container runs dry or air embolism may result. Do not introduce additives into the DUPLEX® Container. Administer Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection intravenously over approximately 15 to 30 minutes. This reconstituted solution is for intravenous use only. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Use only if solution is clear and container and seals are intact. DUPLEX ® Container Storage To avoid inadvertent activation, the DUPLEX ® Container should remain in the folded position until activation is intended. Patient Labeling and Drug Powder/Diluent Inspection Apply patient-specific label on foil side of container. Use care to avoid activation. Do not cover any portion of foil strip with patient label. Unlatch side tab and unfold DUPLEX ® Container (see Diagram 1 ). Visually inspect diluent chamber for particulate matter. Use only if container and seals are intact. To inspect the drug powder for foreign matter or discoloration, peel foil strip from drug chamber (see Diagram 2 ). Protect from light after removal of foil strip. Note: If foil strip is removed, the container should be re-folded and the side tab latched until ready to activate. The product must then be used within 7 days at room temperature, but not beyond the labeled expiration date. Reconstitution (Activation) Do not use directly after storage by refrigeration, allow the product to equilibrate to room temperature before patient use. Unfold the DUPLEX ® Container and point the set port in a downward direction. Starting at the hanger tab end, fold the DUPLEX ® Container just below the diluent meniscus trapping all air above the fold. To activate, squeeze the folded diluent chamber until the seal between the diluent and powder opens, releasing diluent into the drug powder chamber (see Diagram 3 ). Agitate the liquid-powder mixture until the drug powder is completely dissolved. Note: Following reconstitution (activation), product must be used within 1 hour if stored at room temperature or within 15 hours if stored under refrigeration. Administration Visually inspect the reconstituted solution for particulate matter. Point the set port in a downwards direction. Starting at the hanger tab end, fold the DUPLEX ® Container just below the solution meniscus trapping all air above the fold. Squeeze the folded DUPLEX ® Container until the seal between reconstituted drug solution and set port opens, releasing liquid to set port (see Diagram 4 ). Prior to attaching the IV set, check for minute leaks by squeezing container firmly. If leaks are found, discard container and solution as sterility may be compromised. Using aseptic technique, peel foil cover from the set port and attach sterile administration set (see Diagram 5 ). Refer to directions for use accompanying the administration set. Discard unused portion. Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Diagram 3 Diagram 4 Diagram 5 2.5 Compatibility Compatibility of Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection with other drugs has not been established. Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection should not be mixed with or physically added to solutions containing other drugs. 2.6 Stability and Storage Freshly prepared solutions of Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection should be used. Following reconstitution (activation) in the DUPLEX® Container, the product maintains satisfactory potency for 1 hour at up to 25ºC (77ºF) or for 15 hours at up to 5ºC (41ºF). Solutions of intravenous Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection should not be frozen.

Meropenem for Injection and Sodium Chloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams. Known hypersensitivity to product components or anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams. ( 4 ) Contraindicated where the administration of sodium or chloride could be clinically detrimental. ( 4 )

The following are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizure Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Risk of Breakthrough Seizures Due to Drug Interaction with Valproic Acid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Clostridioides difficile – Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Overgrowth of Nonsusceptible Organisms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Potential for Neuromotor Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] High Sodium Load [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 2%) are: headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, vomiting, and rash ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact B. Braun Medical Inc. at 1-800-854-6851 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions 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 the rates observed in practice. Adult Patients: During clinical investigations, 2904 immunocompetent adult patients were treated for non-CNS infections with meropenem for injection (500 mg or 1000 mg every 8 hours). Deaths in 5 patients were assessed as possibly related to meropenem; 36 (1.2%) patients had meropenem discontinued because of adverse events. Many patients in these trials were severely ill and had multiple background diseases, physiological impairments and were receiving multiple other drug therapies. In the seriously ill patient population, it was not possible to determine the relationship between observed adverse events and therapy with meropenem for injection. The following adverse reaction frequencies were derived from the clinical trials in the 2904 patients treated with meropenem for injection. Local Adverse Reactions Local adverse reactions that were reported with meropenem for injection were as follows: Inflammation at the injection site 2.4% Injection site reaction 0.9% Phlebitis/thrombophlebitis 0.8% Pain at the injection site 0.4% Edema at the injection site 0.2% Systemic Adverse Reactions Systemic adverse events that were reported with meropenem for injection occurring in greater than 1.0% of the patients were diarrhea (4.8%), nausea/vomiting (3.6%), headache (2.3%), rash (1.9%), sepsis (1.6%), constipation (1.4%), apnea (1.3%), shock (1.2%), and pruritus (1.2%). Additional systemic adverse reactions that were reported with meropenem for injection and occurring in less than or equal to 1.0% but greater than 0.1% of the patients are listed below within each body system in order of decreasing frequency: Bleeding events were seen as follows: gastrointestinal hemorrhage (0.5%), melena (0.3%), epistaxis (0.2%), hemoperitoneum (0.2%). Body as a Whole: pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, back pain, abdominal enlargement, chills, pelvic pain Cardiovascular: heart failure, heart arrest, tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolus, bradycardia, hypotension, syncope Digestive System: oral moniliasis, anorexia, cholestatic jaundice/jaundice, flatulence, ileus, hepatic failure, dyspepsia, intestinal obstruction Hemic/Lymphatic: anemia, hypochromic anemia, hypervolemia Metabolic/Nutritional: peripheral edema, hypoxia Nervous System: insomnia, agitation, delirium, confusion, dizziness, seizure, nervousness, paresthesia, hallucinations, somnolence, anxiety, depression, asthenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and (5.10) ] Respiratory: respiratory disorder, dyspnea, pleural effusion, asthma, cough increased, lung edema Skin and Appendages: urticaria, sweating, skin ulcer Urogenital System: dysuria, kidney failure, vaginal moniliasis, urinary incontinence Adverse Laboratory Changes Adverse laboratory changes that were reported and occurring in greater than 0.2% of the patients were as follows: Hepatic: increased alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and bilirubin Hematologic: increased platelets, increased eosinophils, decreased platelets, decreased hemoglobin, decreased hematocrit, decreased white blood cell (WBC), shortened prothrombin time and shortened partial thromboplastin time, leukocytosis, hypokalemia Renal: increased creatinine and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Urinalysis: presence of red blood cells Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections In a study of complicated skin and skin structure infections, the adverse reactions were similar to those listed above. The most common adverse events occurring in greater than 5% of the patients were: headache (7.8%), nausea (7.8%), constipation (7.0%), diarrhea (7.0%), anemia (5.5%), and pain (5.1%). Adverse events with an incidence of greater than 1%, and not listed above, include: pharyngitis, accidental injury, gastrointestinal disorder, hypoglycemia, peripheral vascular disorder, and pneumonia. Patients with Renal Impairment: For patients with varying degrees of renal impairment, the incidence of heart failure, kidney failure, seizure and shock reported irrespective of relationship to meropenem for injection, increased in patients with moderately severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance greater than 10 to 26 mL/min) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.9) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) and (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Pediatric Patients Systemic and Local Adverse Reactions Pediatric Patients with Serious Bacterial Infections (excluding Bacterial Meningitis): Meropenem for injection was studied in 515 pediatric patients (3 months of age and older to below 13 years of age) with serious bacterial infections (excluding meningitis, see next section) at dosages of 10 to 20 mg/kg every 8 hours. The types of systemic and local adverse events seen in these patients are similar to the adults, with the most common adverse events reported as possibly, probably, or definitely related to meropenem for injection and their rates of occurrence as follows: Diarrhea 3.5% Rash 1.6% Nausea and Vomiting 0.8% Pediatric Patients with Bacterial Meningitis: Meropenem for injection was studied in 321 pediatric patients (3 months of age and older to below 17 years of age) with meningitis at a dosage of 40 mg/kg every 8 hours. The types of systemic and local adverse events seen in these patients are similar to the adults, with the most common adverse events reported as possibly, probably, or definitely related to meropenem for injection and their rates of occurrence as follows: Diarrhea 4.7% Rash (mostly diaper area moniliasis) 3.1% Oral Moniliasis 1.9% Glossitis 1.0% In the meningitis studies, the rates of seizure activity during therapy were comparable between patients with no CNS abnormalities who received meropenem and those who received comparator agents (either cefotaxime or ceftriaxone). In the meropenem for injection treated group, 12/15 patients with seizures had late onset seizures (defined as occurring on day 3 or later) versus 7/20 in the comparator arm. The meropenem group had a statistically higher number of patients with transient elevation of liver enzymes. 6.2 Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of meropenem, including meropenem for injection. 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. Worldwide post-marketing adverse reactions not otherwise listed in the Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials section of this prescribing information and reported as possibly, probably, or definitely drug related are listed within each body system in order of decreasing severity. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and leukopenia; a positive direct or indirect Coombs test, and hemolytic anemia. Immune System Disorders: angioedema. Skin and Subcutaneous Disorders: toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), erythema multiforme (EM) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Musculoskeletal Disorders: rhabdomyolysis

Co-administration of Meropenem for Injection with probenecid inhibits renal excretion of meropenem and is therefore not recommended. ( 7.1 ) The concomitant use of Meropenem and valproic acid or divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Antibacterial drugs other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium. ( 5.5 , 7.2 ) 7.1 Probenecid Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of meropenem. Coadministration of probenecid with meropenem is not recommended. 7.2 Valproic Acid Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of carbapenems, including meropenem, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid’s glucuronide metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid. If administration of meropenem for injection is necessary, then supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ].