Hydroxocobalamin

CYANOKIT is indicated for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning. CYANOKIT is indicated for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning. ( 1 )

CYANOKIT (hydroxocobalamin for injection) for intravenous infusion consists of 1 vial, containing 5 g lyophilized hydroxocobalamin dark red crystalline powder for injection. After reconstitution, the vial contains hydroxocobalamin for injection, 25 mg/mL [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling ( 16 ) for full kit description]. CYANOKIT (hydroxocobalamin for injection) for intravenous infusion consists of 1 vial, containing 5 g lyophilized hydroxocobalamin dark red crystalline powder for injection. After reconstitution, the vial contains hydroxocobalamin for injection, 25 mg/mL. ( 3 )

None None ( 4 )

Risk of Anaphylaxis and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions : Consider alternative therapies, if available, in patients with known anaphylactic reactions to hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. ( 5.2 ) Risk of Renal Injury : Acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, renal impairment and urine calcium oxalate crystals have been reported following CYANOKIT therapy. Monitor renal function for 7 days following CYANOKIT therapy. ( 5.3 ) Risk of Increased Blood Pressure : Substantial increases in blood pressure may occur following CYANOKIT therapy. Monitor blood pressure during treatment. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Emergency Patient Management In conjunction with CYANOKIT, treatment of cyanide poisoning must include immediate attention to airway patency, adequacy of oxygenation and hydration, cardiovascular support, and management of seizures. Consideration should be given to decontamination measures based on the route of exposure.

5.2 Risk of Anaphylactic and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions Use caution in the management of patients with known anaphylactic reactions to hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. Consider alternative therapies, if available. Allergic reactions may include: anaphylaxis, chest tightness, edema, urticaria, pruritus, dyspnea, and rash. Allergic reactions including angioneurotic edema have also been reported in postmarketing experience.

5.3 Risk of Renal Injury Cases of acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, renal impairment, and urine calcium oxalate crystals have been reported. In some situations, hemodialysis was required to achieve recovery. Regular monitoring of renal function, including but not limited to blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine, should be performed for 7 days following CYANOKIT therapy.

5.4 Risk of Increased Blood Pressure Many patients with cyanide poisoning will be hypotensive; however, elevations in blood pressure have also been observed in known or suspected cyanide poisoning victims. Elevations in blood pressure (≥180 mmHg systolic or ≥110 mmHg diastolic) were observed in approximately 18% of healthy subjects (not exposed to cyanide) receiving hydroxocobalamin 5 g and 28% of subjects receiving 10 g. Increases in blood pressure were noted shortly after the infusions were started; the maximal increase in blood pressure was observed toward the end of the infusion. These elevations were generally transient and returned to baseline levels within 4 hours of dosing. Monitor blood pressure during treatment with CYANOKIT.

5.5 Interference with Clinical Laboratory Evaluations and Clinical Methods Clinical Laboratory Evaluations Because of its deep red color, hydroxocobalamin has been found to interfere with colorimetric determination of certain laboratory parameters (e.g., clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, and urine parameters). In vitro tests indicated that the extent and duration of the interference are dependent on numerous factors such as the dose of hydroxocobalamin, analyte, methodology, analyzer, hydroxocobalamin concentration, and partially on the time between sampling and measurement. The data presented in Table 2 is collected from in vitro studies and pharmacokinetic data in healthy volunteers and describes laboratory interference that may be observed following a 5 g dose of hydroxocobalamin. Interference following a 10 g dose can be expected to last up to an additional 24 hours. The extent and duration of interference in cyanide-poisoned patients may differ. In addition, results may vary substantially from one analyzer to another. Be aware of this when reporting and interpreting laboratory results. Table 2 Laboratory Interference Observed with in vitro Samples of Hydroxocobalamin Laboratory Parameter No Interference Observed Artificially Increased * Artificially Decreased * Un-predictable Duration of Interference * ≥10% interference observed on at least 1 analyzer Analyzers used: ACL Futura (Instrumentation Laboratory), AxSYM ® /Architect ™ (Abbott), BM Coasys 110 (Boehringer Mannheim), CellDyn 3700 ® (Abbott), Clinitek ® 500 (Bayer), Cobas Integra ® 700, 400 (Roche), Gen-S Coultronics, Hitachi 917, STA ® Compact, Vitros ® 950 (Ortho Diagnostics) Clinical Chemistry Calcium Sodium Potassium Chloride Urea GGT Creatinine Bilirubin Triglycerides Cholesterol Total protein Glucose Albumin Alkaline phosphatase ALT Amylase Phosphate Uric Acid AST CK CKMB LDH 24 hours with the exception of bilirubin (up to 4 days) Hematology Erythrocytes Hematocrit MCV Leukocytes Lymphocytes Monocytes Eosinophils Neutrophils Platelets Hemoglobin MCH MCHC Basophils 12 – 16 hours Coagulation aPTT PT (Quick or INR) 24 – 48 hours Urinalysis pH (with all doses) Glucose Protein Erythrocytes Leukocytes Ketones Bilirubin Urobilinogen Nitrite pH (with equivalent doses of <5 g) 48 hours up to 8 days; color changes may persist up to 28 days Clinical Methods Because of its deep red color, hydroxocobalamin may cause hemodialysis machines to shut down due to an erroneous detection of a “blood leak”. This should be considered before hemodialysis is initiated in patients treated with hydroxocobalamin.

5.6 Photosensitivity Hydroxocobalamin absorbs visible light in the UV spectrum. It therefore has potential to cause photosensitivity. While it is not known if the skin redness predisposes to photosensitivity, patients should be advised to avoid direct sun while their skin remains discolored.

5.7 Use of Blood Cyanide Assay While determination of blood cyanide concentration is not required for management of cyanide poisoning and should not delay treatment with CYANOKIT, collecting a pretreatment blood sample may be useful for documenting cyanide poisoning as sampling post-CYANOKIT use may be inaccurate.

Serious adverse reactions with hydroxocobalamin include allergic reactions, renal injury, and increases in blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 )]. Most common adverse reactions (>5%) include transient chromaturia, erythema, oxalate crystals in urine, rash, increased blood pressure, nausea, headache, and infusion site reactions. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS contact BTG at 1-877-377-3784, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Experience in Healthy Subjects Because clinical trials were conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials may not reflect the rates observed in practice. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-ascending-dose (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 g) study was conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of hydroxocobalamin in 136 healthy adult subjects. Because of the dark red color of hydroxocobalamin, the two most frequently occurring adverse reactions were chromaturia (red-colored urine) which was reported in all subjects receiving a 5 g dose or greater; and erythema (skin redness), which occurred in most subjects receiving a 5 g dose or greater. Adverse reactions reported in at least 5% of the 5 g dose group and corresponding rates in the 10 g and placebo groups are shown in Table 3 . Table 3 Incidence of Adverse Reactions Occurring in >5% of Subjects in 5 g Dose Group and Corresponding Incidence in 10 g Dose Group and Placebo * Rashes were predominantly acneiform ADR 5 g Dose Group 10 g Dose Group Hydroxocobalamin N=66 n (%) Placebo N=22 n (%) Hydroxocobalamin N=18 n (%) Placebo N=6 n (%) Chromaturia (red colored urine) 66 (100) 0 18 (100) 0 Erythema 62 (94) 0 18 (100) 0 Oxalate crystals in urine 40 (61) 1 (5) 10 (56) 0 Rash* 13 (20) 0 8 (44) 0 Blood pressure increased 12 (18) 0 5 (28) 0 Nausea 4 (6) 1 (5) 2 (11) 0 Headache 4 (6) 1 (5) 6 (33) 0 Lymphocyte percent decreased 5 (8) 0 3 (17) 0 Infusion site reaction 4 (6) 0 7 (39) 0 In this study, the following adverse reactions were reported to have occurred in a dose-dependent fashion and with greater frequency than observed in placebo-treated cohorts: increased blood pressure (particularly diastolic blood pressure), rash, nausea, headache and infusion site reactions. All were mild to moderate in severity and resolved spontaneously when the infusion was terminated or with standard supportive therapies. Other adverse reactions reported in this study and considered clinically relevant were: Eye disorders: swelling, irritation, redness Gastrointestinal disorders: dysphagia, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, hematochezia General disorders and administration site conditions: peripheral edema, chest discomfort Immune system disorders: allergic reaction Nervous system disorders: memory impairment, dizziness Psychiatric disorders: restlessness Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea, throat tightness, dry throat Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria, pruritus Vascular disorders: hot flush Experience in Known or Suspected Cyanide Poisoning Victims Four open-label, uncontrolled, clinical studies (one of which was prospective and three of which were retrospective) were conducted in known or suspected cyanide-poisoning victims. A total of 245 patients received hydroxocobalamin treatment in these studies. Systematic collection of adverse events was not done in all of these studies and interpretation of causality is limited due to the lack of a control group and due to circumstances of administration (e.g., use in fire victims). Adverse reactions reported in these studies listed by system organ class included: Cardiac disorders: ventricular extrasystoles Investigations: electrocardiogram repolarization abnormality, heart rate increased Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders: pleural effusion Adverse reactions common to both the studies in known or suspected cyanide poisoning victims and the study in healthy volunteers are listed in the healthy volunteer section only and are not duplicated in this list.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of CYANOKIT. Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency. Cases of acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, renal impairment, and urine calcium oxalate crystals have been reported in patients treated with CYANOKIT.

Formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted with CYANOKIT. Interference with Laboratory Tests Because of its deep red color, hydroxocobalamin has been found to interfere with colorimetric determination of certain laboratory parameters (e.g., clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, and urine parameters). Be aware of this when reporting and interpreting laboratory results [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )].

Pregnancy : Based on animal studies, may cause fetal harm; however, CYANOKIT administration for cyanide poisoning may be lifesaving for the pregnant woman and fetus. Treatment should not be withheld due to pregnancy ( 8.1 ) Lactation : Breastfeeding not recommended ( 8.2 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from cases reported in the published literature and postmarketing surveillance with CYANOKIT use in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. There are risks to the pregnant woman and fetus associated with untreated cyanide poisoning (see Clinical Considerations) . In animal studies, hydroxocobalamin administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused skeletal and soft tissue abnormalities, including alterations in the central nervous system, at exposures similar to human exposures at the therapeutic dose (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 defect, 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 Cyanide readily crosses the placenta. Cyanide poisoning is a medical emergency in pregnancy which can be fatal for the pregnant woman and fetus if left untreated. Life-sustaining therapy should not be withheld due to pregnancy. Data Animal Data In animal studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received CYANOKIT (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg/d) during the period of organogenesis. Following intraperitoneal dosing in rats and intravenous dosing in rabbits, maternal exposures were equivalent to 0.5, 1, or 2 times the human exposure at the therapeutic dose (based on AUC). In the high dose groups for both species, maternal toxicity occurred, and there was a reduced number of live fetuses due to embryofetal resorptions. In addition, decreased live fetal weight occurred in high dose rats, but not in rabbits. Incomplete skeletal ossification occurred in both rats and rabbits. In rats, two fetuses of the high dose group and two fetuses of the mid dose group (each from a different litter) had short, rudimentary or small front or hind legs. Rabbit litters and fetuses exhibited a dose-dependent increase in various gross soft tissue and skeletal anomalies. The main findings in rabbits were flexed, rigid flexor or medially rotated forelimbs or hindlimbs and domed heads at external examination; enlarged anterior or posterior fontanelles of the ventricles of the brain and flat, bowed or large ribs at skeletal examination; and dilated ventricles of the brain, and thick wall of the stomach at visceral examination. It is unknown if similar findings would be observed in rats and rabbits if CYANOKIT was administered as a single dose during any critical period of development.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with CYANOKIT. There are no data to determine when breastfeeding may be safely restarted following administration of CYANOKIT. Hydroxocobalamin and Vitamin B12 (which is formed when hydroxocobalamin combines with cyanide) are present in human milk. There are no data on the effects of hydroxocobalamin on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production.

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of CYANOKIT have not been established in this population. In non-US marketing experience, a dose of 70 mg/kg has been used to treat pediatric patients.

8.5 Geriatric Use Approximately 50 known or suspected cyanide poisoning victims aged 65 or older received hydroxocobalamin in clinical studies. In general, the safety and effectiveness of hydroxocobalamin in these patients was similar to that of younger patients. No adjustment of dose is required in elderly patients.

8.6 Renal Impairment The safety and effectiveness of CYANOKIT have not been studied in patients with renal impairment. Hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin are eliminated unchanged by the kidneys.

8.7 Hepatic Impairment The safety and effectiveness of CYANOKIT have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment.

Cyanide is an extremely toxic poison. In the absence of rapid and adequate treatment, exposure to a high dose of cyanide can result in death within minutes due to the inhibition of cytochrome oxidase resulting in arrest of cellular respiration. Specifically, cyanide binds rapidly with cytochrome a3, a component of the cytochrome c oxidase complex in mitochondria. Inhibition of cytochrome a3 prevents the cell from using oxygen and forces anaerobic metabolism, resulting in lactate production, cellular hypoxia and metabolic acidosis. In massive acute cyanide poisoning, the mechanism of toxicity may involve other enzyme systems as well. Signs and symptoms of acute systemic cyanide poisoning may develop rapidly within minutes, depending on the route and extent of cyanide exposure. The action of CYANOKIT in the treatment of cyanide poisoning is based on its ability to bind cyanide ions. Each hydroxocobalamin molecule can bind one cyanide ion by substituting it for the hydroxo ligand linked to the trivalent cobalt ion, to form cyanocobalamin, which is then excreted in the urine.