Sodium Ferric Gluconate Complex

Ferrlecit is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult patients and in pediatric patients age 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis who are receiving supplemental epoetin therapy. Ferrlecit is an iron replacement product for treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult patients and in pediatric patients age 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis who are receiving supplemental epoetin therapy. ( 1 )

Injection: 62.5 mg/5 mL (12.5 mg/mL) clear, dark brown liquid in single-dose vial Injection: 62.5 mg/5 mL (12.5 mg/mL) in single-dose vial. ( 3 )

Ferrlecit is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sodium ferric gluconate or any of its components. Reactions have included anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to sodium ferric gluconate or any of its inactive components. ( 4 )

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity during and after Ferrlecit administration for at least 30 minutes and until clinically stable following completion of the infusion. Only administer Ferrlecit when personnel and therapies are immediately available for the treatment of anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions. ( 5.1 ) Hypotension: Ferrlecit may cause hypotension. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypotension during and following each Ferrlecit dose. ( 5.2 ) Iron Overload: Regularly monitor hematologic responses during Ferrlecit therapy. Do not administer Ferrlecit to patients with iron overload. ( 5.3 ) Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity: Premature and low-birth-weight infants may be more likely to develop toxicity. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic-type reactions, some of which have been life-threatening and fatal, have been reported in patients receiving Ferrlecit in postmarketing experience. Patients may present with shock, clinically significant hypotension, loss of consciousness, or collapse. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity during and after Ferrlecit administration for at least 30 minutes and until clinically stable following completion of the infusion. Only administer Ferrlecit when personnel and therapies are immediately available for the treatment of anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . In the single-dose, postmarketing safety study one patient experienced a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction (diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, severe lower back pain, dyspnea, and wheezing for 20 minutes) following Ferrlecit administration. Among 1,097 patients who received Ferrlecit in this study, there were 9 patients (0.8%) who had an adverse reaction that, in the view of the investigator, precluded further Ferrlecit administration. These included one life-threatening reaction, six allergic reactions (including pruritus, facial flushing, chills, dyspnea/chest pain, and rash), and two other reactions (hypotension and nausea). Another 2 patients experienced (0.2%) allergic reactions not deemed to represent drug intolerance (nausea/malaise and nausea/dizziness) following Ferrlecit administration.

5.2 Hypotension Ferrlecit may cause clinically significant hypotension. Hypotension associated with lightheadedness, malaise, fatigue, weakness or severe pain in the chest, back, flanks, or groin has been reported. These hypotensive reactions may or may not be associated with signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and usually resolve within one to two hours. In the single-dose safety study, postadministration hypotensive events were observed in 22/1,097 patients (2%) following Ferrlecit administration. Transient hypotension may occur during dialysis. Administration of Ferrlecit may augment hypotension caused by dialysis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypotension during and following Ferrlecit administration [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

5.3 Iron Overload Excessive therapy with parenteral iron can lead to excess storage of iron with the possibility of iatrogenic hemosiderosis. Patients receiving Ferrlecit require periodic monitoring of hematologic and iron parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation).

5.4 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions in Infants Due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative Ferrlecit is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions including "gasping syndrome" can occur in neonates and low-birth-weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol–preserved drugs, including Ferrlecit. The "gasping syndrome" is characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known (Ferrlecit contains 9 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] .

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥10%) in adult patients were nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, injection site reaction, hypotension, cramps, hypertension, dizziness, dyspnea, chest pain, leg cramps, and pain. In patients 6 to 15 years of age the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) were hypotension, headache, hypertension, tachycardia and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥10%) in adult patients were nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, injection site reaction, hypotension, cramps, hypertension, dizziness, abnormal erythrocytes (e.g., changes in morphology, color, or number of red blood cells), dyspnea, chest pain, leg cramps and pain. In patients 6 to 15 years of age the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) were hypotension, headache, hypertension, tachycardia and vomiting. Studies A and B In multiple dose Studies A and B (total 126 adult patients), the most frequent treatment emergent adverse reactions following Ferrlecit were: Body as a Whole: injection site reaction (33%), chest pain (10%), pain (10%), asthenia (7%), headache (7%), fatigue (6%), fever (5%), malaise, infection, abscess, chills, rigors, carcinoma, flu-like syndrome, sepsis, lightheadedness, weakness. Nervous System: cramps (25%), dizziness (13%), paresthesias (6%), agitation, somnolence, decreased level of consciousness. Respiratory System: dyspnea (11%), coughing (6%), upper respiratory infections (6%), rhinitis, pneumonia. Cardiovascular System: hypotension (29%), hypertension (13%), syncope (6%), tachycardia (5%), bradycardia, vasodilatation, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema. Gastrointestinal System: nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (35%), anorexia, abdominal pain (6%), rectal disorder, dyspepsia, eructation, flatulence, gastrointestinal disorder, melena. Musculoskeletal System: leg cramps (10%), myalgia, arthralgia, back pain, arm pain. Skin and Appendages: pruritus (6%), rash, increased sweating. Genitourinary System: urinary tract infection, and menorrhagia. Special Senses: conjunctivitis, rolling of the eyes, watery eyes, puffy eye lids, arcus senilis, redness of the eye, diplopia, and deafness. Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: hyperkalemia (6%), generalized edema (5%), leg edema, peripheral edema, hypoglycemia, edema, hypervolemia, hypokalemia. Hematologic System: abnormal erythrocytes (11%) (changes in morphology, color, or number of red blood cells), anemia, leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy. Study C – Pediatric Pediatric Patients: In a clinical trial of 66 iron-deficient pediatric hemodialysis patients, 6 to 15 years of age, inclusive, who were receiving a stable erythropoietin dosing regimen, the most common adverse reactions, occurring in ≥5%, regardless of treatment dosage, were: hypotension (35%), headache (24%), hypertension (23%), tachycardia (17%), vomiting (11%), fever (9%), nausea (9%), abdominal pain (9%), pharyngitis (9%), diarrhea (8%), infection (8%), rhinitis (6%), and thrombosis (6%). More patients in the higher dose group (3.0 mg/kg) than in the lower dose group (1.5 mg/kg) experienced the following adverse events: hypotension (41% vs. 28%), tachycardia (21% vs. 13%), fever (15% vs. 3%), headache (29% vs. 19%), abdominal pain (15% vs. 3%), nausea (12% vs. 6%), vomiting (12% vs. 9%), pharyngitis (12% vs. 6%), and rhinitis (9% vs. 3%).

6.2 Postmarketing Experience In the single-dose, postmarketing, safety study, 11% of patients who received Ferrlecit and 9.4% of patients who received placebo reported adverse reactions. The most frequent adverse reactions following Ferrlecit administration were: hypotension (2%), nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (2%), pain (0.7%), hypertension (0.6%), allergic reaction (0.5%), chest pain (0.5%), pruritus (0.5%), and back pain (0.4%). The following additional events were reported in two or more patients: hypertonia, nervousness, dry mouth, and hemorrhage. In the multiple-dose, open-label surveillance study, 28% of the patients received concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) therapy. The incidences of both drug intolerance and suspected allergic events following first dose Ferrlecit administration were 1.6% in patients with concomitant ACEI use compared to 0.7% in patients without concomitant ACEI use. The patient with a life-threatening event was not on ACEI therapy. One patient had facial flushing immediately on Ferrlecit exposure. No hypotension occurred and the event resolved rapidly and spontaneously without intervention other than drug withdrawal. 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. The following additional adverse reactions have been identified with the use of Ferrlecit from postmarketing spontaneous reports: Cardiovascular System: shock, fetal bradycardia, injection site superficial thrombophlebitis, phlebitis, acute myocardial ischemia with or without myocardial infarction or with in-stent thrombosis in the context of a hypersensitivity reaction. Gastrointestinal System: dysgeusia. Immune System: anaphylactic-type reactions. Nervous System: loss of consciousness, generalized convulsion, hypoesthesia. Skin and Appendages: skin discoloration, pallor. Individual doses exceeding 125 mg may be associated with a higher incidence and/or severity of adverse events based on information from postmarketing spontaneous reports. These adverse events included hypotension, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, dyspnea, urticaria, chest pain, paresthesia, and peripheral swelling.

Drug-drug interactions involving Ferrlecit have not been studied. Ferrlecit may reduce the absorption of concomitantly administered oral iron preparations.

Pregnancy: Risk of hypersensitivity reaction which may have serious consequences for the fetus. Use only if clearly needed (contains benzyl alcohol). ( 8.1 ) Lactation: Not recommended when breastfeeding. ( 8.2 ) Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients <6 years of age. ( 8.4 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Parenteral iron administration may be associated with hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , which may have serious consequences, such as fetal bradycardia (see Clinical Considerations ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Available data from postmarketing reports with Ferrlecit use in pregnancy are insufficient to assess the risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. Ferrlecit contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Because benzyl alcohol is rapidly metabolized by a pregnant woman, benzyl alcohol exposure in the fetus is unlikely. However, adverse reactions have occurred in premature neonates and low-birth-weight infants who received intravenously administered benzyl alcohol–containing drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . Consider alternative iron replacement therapies without benzyl alcohol. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . In the absence of maternal toxicity, Ferrlecit was not teratogenic to offspring of pregnant mice or rats at clinically relevant exposures (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%–4% and 15%–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Untreated iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal outcomes such as postpartum anemia. Adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with IDA include increased risk for preterm delivery and low birth weight. Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions Severe adverse reactions including circulatory failure (severe hypotension, shock including in the context of anaphylactic reaction) may occur in pregnant women with intravenous iron administration, which may have serious consequences on the fetus such as fetal bradycardia, especially during the second and third trimesters. Data Animal data Ferrlecit was administered intravenously to pregnant mice during gestation days 6 to 15 at doses of 5, 30, and 100 mg Fe/kg/day to assess embryofetal development. No teratogenic effects were seen in offspring at the highest dose, representing maternal exposure of approximately 4 times maximum human exposure based on body surface area. There were increased fetal resorptions and decreased fetal weights at doses that caused maternal toxicity as evidenced by decreased body-weight gain and decreased food consumption. Ferrlecit was administered intravenously to pregnant rats during gestation days 6 to 15 at doses of 4 and 20 mg Fe/kg/day to assess embryofetal development. No teratogenic effects were seen in offspring at the highest dose, representing maternal exposure of approximately 1.5 times maximum human exposure based on body surface area. There were decreases in gestation index and litter size, increased fetal resorptions, and decreased fetal weights at doses that caused maternal toxicity as evidenced by decreased body-weight gain and decreased food consumption.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Ferrlecit contains benzyl alcohol. Because benzyl alcohol is rapidly metabolized by a lactating woman, benzyl alcohol exposure in the breastfed infant is unlikely. However, adverse reactions have occurred in premature neonates and low-birth-weight infants who received intravenously administered benzyl alcohol–containing drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]. Consider alternative iron replacement therapies without benzyl alcohol for use during lactation. There are no available data on the presence of Ferrlecit in human or animal milk, the effects on milk production, or the effects on the breastfed child.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Ferrlecit have been established in pediatric patients 6 to 15 years of age [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , and Clinical Studies (14) ] . Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age have not been established. Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity and Pediatrics Ferrlecit is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and the "gasping syndrome" occurred in premature neonates and low-birth-weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit who received drugs containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In these cases, benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day produced high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites in the blood and urine (blood levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L). Additional adverse reactions included gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Benzyl alcohol contained in Ferrlecit may cause serious and anaphylactoid reactions in infants and children up to 3 years old. The administration of medications containing benzyl alcohol to newborns or premature neonates has been associated with a fatal "gasping syndrome" (symptoms include a striking onset of gasping syndrome, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse). Preterm, low-birth-weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because they could be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known (Ferrlecit contains 9 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ].

8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of Ferrlecit did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Ferrlecit is used to replete the body content of iron. Iron is critical for normal hemoglobin synthesis to maintain oxygen transport. Additionally, iron is necessary for metabolism and various enzymatic processes.