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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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QUELICIN (NDA-008845)

(SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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11/01/2022 (SUPPL-80)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

4 Contraindications

Additions and/or revisions underlined

 

QUELICIN is contraindicated:

  • in patients with skeletal muscle myopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

  • in patients with known hypersensitivity to succinylcholine. Severe anaphylactic reactions to succinylcholine have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

  • after the acute phase of injury following major burns, multiple trauma, extensive denervation of skeletal muscle, or upper motor neuron injury, which may result in severe hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

  • in patients with known or suspected genetic susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)]

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.5 Malignant Hyperthermia

Additions and/or revisions underlined

In susceptible individuals, succinylcholine may trigger malignant hyperthermia, a skeletal muscle hypermetabolic state leading to high oxygen demand. Fatal outcomes of malignant hyperthermia have been reported.

The risk of developing malignant hyperthermia increases with the concomitant administration of succinylcholine and volatile anesthetic agents. QUELICIN can induce malignant hyperthermia in patients with known or suspected susceptibility based on genetic factors or family history, including those with certain inherited ryanodine receptor (RYR1) or dihydropyridine receptor (CACNA1S) variants. [see Contraindications (4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)].

Signs consistent with malignant hyperthermia may include hyperthermia, hypoxia, hypercapnia, muscle rigidity (e.g., jaw muscle spasm), tachycardia (e.g., particularly that unresponsive to deepening anesthesia or analgesic medication administration), tachypnea, cyanosis, arrhythmias, hypovolemia, and hemodynamic instability. Skin mottling, coagulopathies, and renal failure may occur later in the course of the hypermetabolic process.

Successful treatment of malignant hyperthermia depends on early recognition of the clinical signs. If malignant hyperthermia is suspected, discontinue all triggering agents (i.e., volatile anesthetic agents and succinylcholine), administer intravenous dantrolene sodium, and initiate supportive therapies. Consult prescribing information for intravenous dantrolene sodium for additional information on patient management. Supportive therapies include administration of supplemental oxygen and respiratory support based on clinical need, maintenance of hemodynamic stability and adequate urinary output, management of fluid and electrolyte balance, correction of acid base derangements, and institution of measures to control rising temperature.

08/11/2021 (SUPPL-76)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

4 Contraindications

(PLR conversion)

QUELICIN is contraindicated:

  • in patients with skeletal muscle myopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
  • in patients with known hypersensitivity to succinylcholine. Severe anaphylactic reactions to succinylcholine have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
  • after the acute phase of injury following major burns, multiple trauma, extensive denervation of skeletal muscle, or upper motor neuron injury, which may result in severe hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
  • in patients with personal or familial history of malignant hyperthermia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

5 Warnings and Precautions

(The following subsections created to comply with PLR; please refer to labeling for complete information)

5.1 Ventricular Dysrhythmias, Cardiac Arrest, and Death From Hyperkalemic Rhabdomyolysis in Pediatric Patients

5.2 Anaphylaxis

5.3 Risk of Death due to Medication Errors

5.4 Hyperkalemia

5.5 Malignant Hyperthermia

5.6 Bradycardia

5.7 Increase in Intraocular Pressure

5.8 Prolonged Neuromuscular Block due to Phase II Block and Tachyphylaxis

5.9 Risk of Prolonged Neuromuscular Block in Patients with Reduced Plasma Cholinesterase Activity

5.10 Risk of Additional Trauma in Patients With Fractures or Muscle Spasms

5.11 Increase in Intracranial Pressure

5.12 Risk of Aspiration due to Increase in Intragastric Pressure

5.13 Prolonged Neuromuscular Block in Patients with Hypokalemia or Hypocalcemia

5.14 Risks due to Inadequate Anesthesia

6 Adverse Reactions

(PLR conversion with updated information)

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:

  • Ventricular Dysrhythmias, Cardiac Arrest, and Death from Hyperkalemic Rhabdomyolysis in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
  • Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
  • Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
  • Malignant Hyperthermia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
  • Bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
  • Increase in Intraocular Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
  • Prolonged Neuromuscular Block due to Phase II Block and Tachyphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]

The following adverse reactions associated with the use of succinylcholine were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were 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:

Cardiovascular disorders: Cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, bradycardia, tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension

Electrolyte disorders: Hyperkalemia

Eye disorders: Increased intraocular pressure

Gastrointestinal disorders: Excessive salivation

Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis (in some cases life-threatening and fatal)

Musculoskeletal disorders: Malignant hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis with possible myoglobinuric acute renal failure, muscle fasciculation, jaw rigidity, postoperative muscle pain

Respiratory disorders: Prolonged respiratory depression or apnea

Skin disorders: Rash

7 Drug Interactions

7.1 Drugs that May Affect the Neuromuscular Blocking Action of QUELICIN

(PLR conversion with updated information)

Drugs that may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of succinylcholine include: promazine, oxytocin, aprotinin, certain non-penicillin antibiotics, quinidine, ?-adrenergic blockers, procainamide, lidocaine, trimethaphan, lithium carbonate, magnesium salts, quinine, chloroquine, isoflurane, desflurane, metoclopramide, and terbutaline.

The neuromuscular blocking effect of succinylcholine may be enhanced by drugs that reduce plasma cholinesterase activity (e.g., chronically administered oral contraceptives, glucocorticoids, or certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or by drugs that irreversibly inhibit plasma cholinesterase [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

If other neuromuscular blocking agents are to be used during the same procedure, consider the possibility of a synergistic or antagonistic effect.

8 Use in Specific Populations

(The following subsections created to comply with PLR; please refer to labeling for complete information)

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use

Other

(PLR conversion)

07/26/2018 (SUPPL-73)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

WARNINGS

Risk of Death due to Medication Errors

Administration of QUELICIN results in paralysis, which may lead to respiratory arrest and death; this progression may be more likely to occur in a patient for whom it is not intended. Confirm proper selection of intended product and avoid confusion with other injectable solutions that are present in critical care and other clinical settings. If another healthcare provider is administering the product, ensure that the intended dose is clearly labeled and communicated.

PRECAUTIONS

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

It is also not known whether succinylcholine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with succinylcholine chloride. Succinylcholine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

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 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.