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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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SYNERA (NDA-021623)

(LIDOCAINE; TETRACAINE)

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

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12/16/2020 (SUPPL-25)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion; please refer to label)
8.2 Lactation

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of tetracaine in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effect on milk production. Published studies on parenterally administered lidocaine have reported the presence of lidocaine in human milk with milk:plasma ratios ranging between 0.4 to 1.1. Available data on lidocaine’s effects on the breastfed child have not revealed a consistent pattern of associated adverse effects. The amount of lidocaine present in human milk following topical administration is unknown, but systemic absorption from topical lidocaine is low [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

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

Clinical Considerations

Minimizing exposure

Advise breastfeeding women not to apply SYNERA directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure.

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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Addition of new information)

  • Advise breastfeeding women not to apply SYNERA directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

11/02/2018 (SUPPL-24)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Methemoglobinemia

(subsection revised)

Cases of methemoglobinemia have been reported in association with local anesthetic use. Although all patients are at risk for methemoglobinemia, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia, cardiac or pulmonary compromise, infants under 6 months of age, and concurrent exposure to oxidizing agents or their metabolites are more susceptible to developing clinical manifestations of the condition. If local anesthetics must be used in these patients, close monitoring for symptoms and signs of methemoglobinemia is recommended.

Signs of methemoglobinemia may occur immediately or may be delayed some hours after exposure, and are characterized by a cyanotic skin discoloration and/or abnormal coloration of the blood.

Methemoglobin levels may continue to rise; therefore, immediate treatment is required to avert more

serious central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse effects, including seizures, coma, arrhythmias, and death. Discontinue SYNERA and any other oxidizing agents. Depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms, patients may respond to supportive care, i.e., oxygen therapy, hydration. A more severe clinical presentation may require treatment with methylene blue, exchange transfusion, or hyperbaric oxygen.

7 Drug Interactions

7.1 Drugs That May Cause Methemoglobinemia When Used with SYNERA

(new subsection added)

Patients who are administered local anesthetics are at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following drugs, which could include other local anesthetics:

Examples of Drugs Associated with Methemoglobinemia:

(please refer to label to view examples)

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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(additions underlined)

  • Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue