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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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MAXIPIME (NDA-050679)

(CEFEPIME HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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08/11/2021 (SUPPL-46)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

4 Contraindications

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

MAXIPIME is contraindicated in patients who have shown immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefepime or the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs, penicillins or other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs.

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.3 Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea

(Subsection title revised; Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including MAXIPIME, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD.

Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

5.4 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Prescribing MAXIPIME in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

As with other antimicrobials, prolonged use of MAXIPIME may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient’s condition is essential. Should superinfection occur during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

5.5 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Urinary Glucose

The administration of cefepime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine when using some methods (e.g. Clinitest™ tablets) [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Coombs’ Tests

Positive direct Coombs’ tests have been reported during treatment with MAXIPIME. In patients who develop hemolytic anemia, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate therapy. Positive Coombs’ test may be observed in newborns whose mothers have received cephalosporin antibacterial drugs before parturition.

Prothrombin Time

Many cephalosporins, including cefepime, have been associated with a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk, and exogenous vitamin K administered as indicated.

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

The following adverse reactions are discussed in the Warnings and Precautions section and below:

  • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

  • Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

  • Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

There are no cases of MAXIPIME exposure during pregnancy reported from postmarketing experience or from clinical trials. Available data from published observational studies and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data).

Cefepime was not associated with adverse developmental outcomes in rats, mice, or rabbits when administered parenterally during organogenesis. The doses used in these studies were 1.6 (rats), approximately equal to (mice), and 0.3 times (rabbits) the recommended maximum human 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% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Human Data

While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, published data from case-control studies and case reports over several decades have not identified an association with cephalosporin use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Available studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, retrospective data collection, and inconsistent comparator groups.

Animal Data

Cefepime was not embryocidal and did not cause fetal malformations when administered parenterally during the period of organogenesis to rats at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day, to mice at doses up to

1200 mg/kg/day, or to rabbits at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day. These doses are 1.6 times (rats), approximately equal to (mice), and 0.3 times (rabbits) the maximum recommended clinical dose based on body surface area.

8.2 Lactation

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

Cefepime is present in human breast milk at low concentrations (approximately 0.5 mcg/mL) following a single intravenous dose of 1000 mg. A nursing infant consuming approximately 1000 mL of human milk per day would receive approximately 0.5 mg of cefepime per day (see Data). There is no information regarding the effects of cefepime on the breastfed infant or on milk production.

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for MAXIPIME and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from MAXIPIME or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

A pharmacokinetic study was conducted in 9 healthy lactating women to evaluate the concentrations of cefepime in plasma and breast milk following a single intravenous dose of 1000 mg. The mean breast milk concentrations of cefepime during the first 8 hours post-dose were approximately 0.5 mcg/mL and then declined and became undetectable between 12- and 24-hours post-dose. The mean cumulative breast milk excretion of cefepime over 24 hours was 0.01% of the administered dose. The pharmacokinetics of cefepime are similar between lactating and non-lactating women.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

  • Counsel patients that antibacterial drugs including MAXIPIME should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When MAXIPIME is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by MAXIPIME or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

  • Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs, which usually ends when the antibacterial drug is discontinued. Inform patient that they may develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) during treatment and as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial drug. Inform patients that they should contact their physician as soon as possible if this occurs.

  • Advise patients of neurological adverse events that could occur with MAXIPIME use. Instruct patients or their caregivers to inform their healthcare provider at once of any neurological signs and symptoms, including encephalopathy (disturbance of consciousness including confusion, hallucinations, stupor, and coma), aphasia (disturbance of speaking and understanding spoken and written language), myoclonus, seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus, for immediate treatment, dosage adjustment, or discontinuation of MAXIPIME.