Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Carton containing two epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg single-dose pre-filled auto-injectors: NDC 85766-061-02 (relabeled from NDC 0115-1694-49). Carton containing one epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg single-dose pre-filled auto-injector: NDC 85766-061-01 (relabeled from NDC 0115-1694-30). Storage and Handling Protect from light. Epinephrine is light sensitive and should be stored in the carrying-case provided to protect it from light. Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not refrigerate. Before using, check to make sure the solution in the auto-injector is clear and colorless. Replace the auto-injector if the solution is discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particles. Properly dispose of all used, unwanted, or expired epinephrine injection, USP.; PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL label
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Carton containing two epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg single-dose pre-filled auto-injectors: NDC 85766-061-02 (relabeled from NDC 0115-1694-49). Carton containing one epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg single-dose pre-filled auto-injector: NDC 85766-061-01 (relabeled from NDC 0115-1694-30). Storage and Handling Protect from light. Epinephrine is light sensitive and should be stored in the carrying-case provided to protect it from light. Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not refrigerate. Before using, check to make sure the solution in the auto-injector is clear and colorless. Replace the auto-injector if the solution is discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particles. Properly dispose of all used, unwanted, or expired epinephrine injection, USP.
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL label
Overview
Epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg is an auto-injector and a combination product containing drug and device components. Each epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution. Epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg contain 1.1 mL of epinephrine solution. 0.3 mL epinephrine solution is dispensed for epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg, when activated. The solution remaining after activation is not available for future use and should be discarded. Each 0.3 mL in epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg contains 0.3 mg epinephrine, 2.6 mg sodium chloride, not more than 1.5 mg chlorobutanol, 0.45 mg sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2-5.0. Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. Chemically, epinephrine is (-)-3,4-Dihydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl]benzyl alcohol with the following structure: Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Replace epinephrine injection, USP if the epinephrine solution appears discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particles. Thoroughly review the patient instructions and operation of epinephrine injection, USP with patients and caregivers prior to use [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17 ) ]. Chemical Structure
Indications & Usage
Epinephrine injection is indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects (e.g., order Hymenoptera, which includes bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants), and biting insects (e.g., triatoma, mosquitoes), allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances (e.g., radiocontrast media), and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Epinephrine injection is intended for immediate administration in patients who are determined to be at increased risk for anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions. Anaphylactic reactions may occur within minutes after exposure and consist of flushing, apprehension, syncope, tachycardia, thready or unobtainable pulse associated with a fall in blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, involuntary voiding, wheezing, dyspnea due to laryngeal spasm, pruritus, rashes, urticaria, or angioedema. Epinephrine injection is intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy only and is not a replacement or substitute for immediate medical care. Epinephrine injection is a non-selective alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis. ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (66 lbs): 0.3 mg (2) Patients 15 to 30 kg (33 lbs-66 lbs): 0.15 mg (2) Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Each device is a single-dose injection. (2) 2.1 Recommended Dosage According to Patient Body Weight Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (approximately 66 pounds or more): 0.3 mg Patients 15 kg to 30 kg (33 pounds to 66 pounds): 0.15 mg 2.2 Administration Instructions Inject the single-dose epinephrine injection intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Do not inject intravenously, and do not inject into buttocks, into digits, hands or feet [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Instruct caregivers of young children who are prescribed an epinephrine injection and who may be uncooperative and kick or move during an injection to hold the leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Each epinephrine injection is a single-dose of epinephrine injection for single use. Since the doses of epinephrine delivered from epinephrine injection are fixed, consider using other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.15 mg are deemed necessary. With severe persistent anaphylaxis, repeat injections with an additional epinephrine injection may be necessary. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . The epinephrine solution in the viewing window of epinephrine injection should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration.
Warnings & Precautions
In conjunction with use, seek immediate medical or hospital care. ( 5.1 ) Do not inject intravenously, into buttock, or into digits, hands, or feet. ( 5.2 ) To minimize the risk of injection related injury, hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection when administering to young children. ( 5.2 ) Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections have been reported following epinephrine injection. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection. ( 5.3 ) The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter use. ( 5.4 ) Administer with caution in patients with heart disease; may aggravate angina pectoris or produce ventricular arrhythmias. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Emergency Treatment Epinephrine injection is intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy and is not intended as a substitute for immediate medical care. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [see Indications and Usage (1), Dosage and Administration (2) and Patient Counseling Information (17)] . 5.2 Injection-Related Complications Epinephrine injection should only be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Patient Counseling Information (17)] . Do not inject intravenously Large doses or accidental intravenous injection of epinephrine may result in cerebral hemorrhage due to a sharp rise in blood pressure. Rapidly acting vasodilators can counteract the marked pressor effects of epinephrine if there is such inadvertent administration. Do not inject into buttock Injection into the buttock may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room for further treatment of anaphylaxis. Additionally, injection into the buttock has been associated with the development of Clostridial infections (gas gangrene). Cleansing with alcohol does not kill bacterial spores, and therefore, does not lower the risk. Do not inject into digits, hands or feet Since epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor, accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room and to inform the healthcare provider in the emergency room of the location of the accidental injection. Treatment of such inadvertent administration should consist of vasodilation, in addition to further appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . Hold leg firmly during injection Lacerations, bent needles, and embedded needles have been reported when epinephrine has been injected into the thigh of young children who are uncooperative and kick or move during an injection. To minimize the risk of injection related injury when administering, hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection. 5.3 Serious Infections at the Injection Site Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Clostridium spores can be present on the skin and introduced into the deep tissue with subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. While cleansing with alcohol may reduce presence of bacteria on the skin, alcohol cleansing does not kill Clostridium spores. To decrease the risk of Clostridium infection, do not inject epinephrine injection into the buttock [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site. 5.4 Allergic Reactions Associated with Sulfite The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive. Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for serious allergic reactions or other emergency situations even though this product contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may, in other products, cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms or life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible persons. The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory. 5.5 Disease Interactions Some patients may be at greater risk for developing adverse reactions after epinephrine administration. Despite these concerns, it should be recognized that the presence of these conditions is not a contraindication to epinephrine administration in an acute, life-threatening situation. Therefore, patients with these conditions, and/or any other person who might be in a position to administer epinephrine injection to a patient experiencing anaphylaxis should be carefully instructed in regard to the circumstances under which epinephrine should be used. Patients with Heart Disease Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients who have heart disease, including patients with cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension. In such patients, or in patients who are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias, epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias [see Drug Interactions (7) and Adverse Reactions (6)] . Other Patients and Diseases Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.
Contraindications
None. None. ( 4 )
Adverse Reactions
Due to the lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis, the true incidence of adverse reactions associated with the systemic use of epinephrine is difficult to determine. Adverse reactions reported in observational trials, case reports, and studies are listed below. Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; nausea and vomiting; headache; and/or respiratory difficulties. These symptoms occur in some persons receiving therapeutic doses of epinephrine, but are more likely to occur in patients with hypertension or hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] . Cardiovascular Reactions Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been reported, particularly in patients with underlying cardiac disease or those receiving certain drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Drug Interactions (7)] . Rapid rises in blood pressure have produced cerebral hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] . Angina may occur in patients with coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] . Rare cases of stress cardiomyopathy have been reported in patients treated with epinephrine. Reactions from Accidental Injection and/or Improper Technique Accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Adverse reactions experienced as a result of accidental injections may include increased heart rate, local reactions including injection site pallor, coldness and hypoesthesia or injury at the injection site resulting in bruising, bleeding, discoloration, erythema or skeletal injury. Lacerations, bent needles, and embedded needles have been reported when epinephrine injection has been injected into the thigh of young children who are uncooperative and kick or move during an injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Injection into the buttock has resulted in cases of gas gangrene [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported following epinephrine injection in the thigh [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . Adverse reactions to epinephrine include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and/or respiratory difficulties. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Drug Interactions
Cardiac Glycosides, Diuretics, and Anti-arrhythmics Patients who receive epinephrine while concomitantly taking cardiac glycosides, diuretics, or anti-arrhythmics should be observed carefully for the development of cardiac arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] . Antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Levothyroxine, and Antihistamines The effects of epinephrine may be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxine sodium, and certain antihistamines, notably chlorpheniramine, tripelennamine, and diphenhydramine. Beta-Adrenergic Blockers The cardiostimulating and bronchodilating effects of epinephrine are antagonized by beta- adrenergic blocking drugs, such as propranolol. Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers The vasoconstricting and hypertensive effects of epinephrine are antagonized by alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as phentolamine. Ergot Alkaloids Ergot alkaloids may also reverse the pressor effects of epinephrine. Cardiac glycosides or diuretics: observe for development of cardiac arrhythmias. ( 7 ) Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxine sodium, and certain antihistamines: potentiate effects of epinephrine. ( 7 ) Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs: antagonize cardiostimulating and bronchodilating effects of epinephrine. ( 7 ) Alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs: antagonize vasoconstricting and hypertensive effects of epinephrine. ( 7 ) Ergot alkaloids: may reverse the pressor effects of epinephrine. ( 7 )
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