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HEPARIN SODIUM 10,000 UNITS IN SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% (NDA-018916)

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

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09/04/2019 (SUPPL-63)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

4 Contraindications

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The use of HEPARIN SODIUM IN SODIUM CHLORIDE is contraindicated in patients with the following  conditions:

  • Uncontrollable  active bleeding state, except when this is due to disseminated intravascular coagulation

  • History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT)

  • Severe thrombocytopenia

  • Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products (e.g., anaphylactoid reactions)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Hemorrhage

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Avoid using heparin in the presence of major bleeding, except when the benefits of heparin therapy outweigh the potential risks.

Hemorrhage can occur at virtually any site in patients receiving heparin. Fatal hemorrhages have occurred. An unexplained fall in hematocrit or fall in blood pressure, or any other unexplained symptom should lead to serious consideration of a hemorrhagic event.

5.2 Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia with Thrombosis

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Heparin-Induce d Thrombocytope nia- (HIT)is a serious immune-mediated reaction. HIT occurs in patients treated with heparin and is due to the development of antibodies to a platelet Factor-4-heparin complex that induce in vivo platelet aggregation. HIT may progress to the development of venous and arterial thromboses, a condition referred to as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT). Thrombotic events may also be the initial presentation for HITT. These serious thromboembolic events include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebralvein thrombosis, limb ischemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, mesenteric thrombosis, thrombus formation on a prosthetic cardiac valve, renal arterial thrombosis, skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremities that may lead to amputation, and possibly death.

If the platelet count falls below 100,000/mm3 or if recurrent thrombosis develops, promptly discontinue heparin, evaluate for HIT and HITT, and, if necessary, administer an alternative anticoagulant. HIT or HITT can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation  of heparin sodium should be evaluated for HIT or HITT.

5.3 Thrombocytopenia

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Thrombocytopenia in patients receiving heparin has been reported at frequencies up to 30%. It can occur 2 to 20 days (average 5 to 9) following the onset of heparin therapy. Obtain platelet counts before and periodically during heparin therapy. If the count falls below 100,000/mm3   or if recurrent thrombosis develops, promptly discontinue heparin, evaluate for HIT and HITT, and, if necessary, administer an alternative anticoagulant.

5.6 Increased Risk of Bleeding in Older Patients, Especially Women

(Newly Added Subsection)

A higher incidence of bleeding has been reported in patients, particularly women, over 60 years of age.

5.7 Laboratory Tests

(Newly Added Subsection)

Periodic platelet counts, hematocrits, and tests for occult blood in stool are recommended during the entire course of heparin therapy, regardless of the route of administration.

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Hemorrhage

  • Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin-Induced thrombocytopenia  with Thrombosis

  • Heparin Resistance

  • Hypersensitivity

  • Increased Risk of Bleeding in Older Patients, Especially Women

6.1 Postmarketing Experience

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Heparin Sodium. Because these reactions are 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.

  • Hemorrhage - Hemorrhage is the chief complication that may result from heparin therapy. An overly prolonged clotting time or minor bleeding during therapy can usually be controlled by withdrawing the drug. Gastrointestinal or urinary tract bleeding during anticoagulant   therapy may indicate the presence of an underlying occult lesion. Bleeding can occur at any site but certain specific hemorrhagic complications may be difficult to detect:

    • Adrenal hemorrhage, with resultant acute adrenal insufficiency, has occurred during anticoagulant therapy, including fatal cases.

    • Ovarian (corpus luteum) hemorrhage developed in a number of women of reproductive age receiving short- or long-term anticoagulant therapy.

    • Retroperitoneal hemorrhage.

  • HIT and HITT, inc luding de laye d onset His tamine-like reactions: Such reactions have been observed at the site of injections. Necrosis of the skin has been reported at the site of subcutaneous injection of heparin, occasionally requiring skin grafting.

7 Drug Interactions

7.2 Platelet Inhibitors

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Drugs such as NSAIDS (including acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and celecoxib), dextran, phenylbutazone , thienopyridines, dipyridamole,  hydroxychloroquine, glycoprotein IIv/IIa antagonists (including abciximab, eptifobatide,  and tirofiban), and others that interfere with platelet-aggregation reactions (the main hemostatic  defense of heparinized patients) may induce bleeding and should be used with caution in patients receiving heparin sodium. To reduce the risk of bleeding, a reduction in the dose of the antiplatelet agent or heparin is recommended.

7.3 Other Medications that May Interfere with Heparin

(Revised subsection heading; additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Digitalis, tetracyclines, nicotine or antihistamines may partially counteract the anticoagulant action of heparin sodium. Intravenous nitroglycerin administered to heparinized patients may result in a decrease of the partial thromboplastin time with subsequent rebound effect upon discontinuation of nitroglycerin. Careful monitoring of partial thromboplastin time and adjustment of heparin dosage are recommended during coadministration of heparin and intravenous nitroglycerin.

Antithrombin III (human) – The anticoagulant effect of heparin is enhanced by concurrent treatment with antithrombin III (human) in patients with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency. To reduce the risk of bleeding, a reduced dosage of heparin is recommended during treatment with antithrombin III (human).

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Risk Summary

There are no available data on Heparin Sodium in Sodium Chloride Injection use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In published reports, heparin exposure during pregnancy did not show evidence of an increased risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes in humans (see Data). Consider the benefits and risks of HEPARIN SODIUM IN SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION for the mother and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing   HEPARIN SODIUM IN SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION.

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.

8.2 Lactation

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Ris k Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of heparin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production.  Due to its large molecular weight, heparin is not likely to be excreted in human milk.

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

8.4 Pediatric Use

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

A higher incidence of bleeding has been reported in patients over 60 years of age, especially women.