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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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EPINEPHRINE (NDA-205029)

(EPINEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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09/10/2021 (SUPPL-6)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) Conversion; Extensive revisions – please refer to labeling)

8.2 Lactation

(Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) Conversion; Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of epinephrine in human milk or the effects of epinephrine on the breastfed infant or on milk production. However, due to its poor oral bioavailability and short half-life, epinephrine exposure is expected to be very low in the breastfed infant.

Epinephrine is the first-line medication of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis; it should be used in the same manner for anaphylaxis in breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding patients.

05/18/2016 (SUPPL-4)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

Serious Infections at the Injection Site

  • Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Clostridium spores can be present on the skin and introduced into the deep tissue with subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. While cleansing with alcohol may reduce presence of bacteria on the skin, alcohol cleansing does not kill Clostridium spores. To decrease the risk of Clostridium infection, do not inject Epinephrine Injection into the buttock. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site.

6 Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions associated with Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Use (for Anaphylaxis)

  • Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported following epinephrine injection in the thigh.