The FDA’s MedWatch program safety labeling changes for boxed warnings are compiled quarterly for drugs and therapeutic biologics where important changes have been made to the safety information. You can search these and other label changes in the Drug Safety Labeling Changes (SLC) database, where data are available to the public in downloadable and searchable formats. Boxed warnings are ordinarily used to highlight either adverse reactions so serious in proportion to the potential bene t from the drug that it is essential that it be considered in assessing the risks and bene ts of using the drug; or serious adverse reactions that can be prevented/reduced in frequency or severity by appropriate use of the drug; or FDA approved the drug with restrictions to ensure safe use because FDA concluded that the drug can be safely used only if distribution or use is restricted.
QUINOLONE:
- Edited and updated warning September 2016
WARNING: SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS INCLUDING TENDINITIS, TENDON RUPTURE, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS AND EXACERBATION OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
Fluoroquinolones have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that have occurred together including:
- Tendinitis and tendon rupture
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Central nervous system effects
Discontinue immediately and avoid the use of fluoroquinolones in patients who experience any of these serious adverse reactions. Fluoroquinolones may exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Avoid quinolones in patients with known history of myasthenia gravis. Because fluoroquinolones
have been associated with serious adverse reactions, reserve quinolones for use in patients who have no alternative treatment options for the following
indications:
Avelox (moxifloxacin hydrochloride): Avelox in sodium chloride 0.8% in plastic container; moxifloxacin hydrochloride; Cipro in dextrose 5% in plastic container):
Acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.
Cipro (ciprofloxacin; ciprofloxacin hydrochloride): Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute uncomplicated cystitis, and acute sinusitis.
Cipro XR; Noroxin (norfloxacin) : Uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Factive (gemifloxacin mesylate): Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.
Levaquin (levofloxacin): Uncomplicated urinary tract infection, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and acute bacterial sinusitis.
KRYSTEXXA (PEGLOTICASE):
- Added section to warning September 2016
WARNING: ANAPHYLAXIS AND INFUSION REACTIONS; G6PD DEFICIENCY ASSOCIATED HEMOLYSIS AND METHEMOGLOBINEMIA (Title Updated)
Addition of: Screen patients at risk for G6PD deficiency prior to starting Krystexxa. Hemolysis and methemoglobinemia have been reported with Krystexxa in patients with G6PD deficiency. Do not administer Krystexxa to patients with G6PD deficiency.
PLAVIX (CLOPIDOGREL BISULFATE):
- Edited and updated warning September 2016
WARNING: DIMINISHED ANTIPLATELET EFFECT IN PATIENTS WITH TWO LOSS-OF-FUNCTION ALLELES OF THE CYP2C19 GENE
The effectiveness of Plavix results from its antiplatelet activity, which is dependent on its conversion to an active metabolite by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system, principally CYP2C19. Plavix at recommended doses forms less of the active metabolite and so has a reduced effect on platelet activity in patients who are homozygous for nonfunctional alleles of the CYP2C19 gene, (termed “CYP2C19 poor metabolizers”). Tests are available to identify patients who are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers. Consider use of another platelet P2Y12 inhibitor in patients identified as CYP2C19 poor metabolizers.