Pharmacology

FDA Boxed Warning Updates


 

OPTIRAY (160, 240, 300, 320, AND 350):

  • Edited boxed warning April 7, 2017

PLR conversion, addition of the following:

WARNING: NOT FOR INTRATHECAL USE

Inadvertent intrathecal administration may cause death, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, seizures, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and brain edema.

GLUMETZA (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE):

  • Edited boxed warning April 7, 2017

LACTIC ACIDOSIS

Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metforminassociated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspeci c symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (> 5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, and metformin plasma levels generally > 5 mcg/mL.

Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (eg, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (eg, acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment.

Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information.

If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue Glumetza and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended.

SABRIL (VIGABATRIN):

  • Edited boxed warning April 7, 2017

WARNING: PERMANENT VISION LOSS

Because of the risk of permanent vision loss, Sabril is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Vigabatrin REMS Program. Further information is available at www.vigabatrinREMS.com or 1-866-244-8175.

VALCYTE (VALGANCICLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE):

  • Edited boxed warning April 7, 2017

WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS

  • Hematologic Toxicity: Severe leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, and bone marrow failure including aplastic anemia have been reported in patients treated with Valcyte.
  • Impairment of Fertility: Based on animal data, Valcyte may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females.

Pages

Recommended Reading

Recent FDA Boxed Warnings
Federal Practitioner
New and Updated FDA Boxed Warnings
Federal Practitioner
Improved Access to Drug Safety Labeling Changes Information
Federal Practitioner

Related Articles