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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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ZOFRAN PRESERVATIVE FREE (NDA-020007)

(ONDANSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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10/20/2021 (SUPPL-49)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.4 Myocardial Ischemia

(Newly added section)

Myocardial ischemia has been reported in patients treated with ondansetron. In some cases, predominantly during intravenous administration, the symptoms appeared immediately after administration but resolved with prompt treatment. Coronary artery spasm appears to be the most common underlying cause. Therefore, do not exceed the recommended infusion rate of ZOFRAN and monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia during and after administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

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

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

  • QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

  • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

  • Myocardial Ischemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

  • Masking of Progressive Ileus and Gastric Distension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(Newly added information)

Myocardial ischemia was reported predominately with intravenous administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.5 Geriatric Use

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Of the total number of subjects enrolled in cancer chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting US- and foreign-controlled clinical trials, 862 were aged 65 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years and older and younger subjects. A reduction in clearance and increase in elimination half-life were seen in patients older than 75 years compared with younger subjects [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. There were an insufficient number of patients older than 75 years of age and older in the clinical trials to permit safety or efficacy conclusions in this age-group. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Dosage   adjustment is not needed in patients over the age of 65.

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

Patient Counseling Information

(Newly added information)

Myocardial Ischemia

Inform patients that ZOFRAN may cause myocardial ischemia during or after the administration. Advise patients to seek immediate medical help if any symptoms suggestive of a myocardial ischemia occur, such as sudden chest pain or chest tightness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

04/29/2021 (SUPPL-48)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.4 Masking of Progressive Ileus and Gastric Distension

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

The use of ZOFRAN in patients following abdominal surgery or in patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may mask a progressive ileus and gastric distention. Monitor for decreased bowel activity, particularly in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal obstruction.

6 Adverse Reactions

(Newly added information)

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

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

  • QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

  • Serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

  • Masking of progressive ileus and gastric distention [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(Extensive changes; please refer to label)

8.2 Lactation

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

However, it has been demonstrated that ondansetron is present in the milk of rats. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk.


03/08/2017 (SUPPL-47)

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

It is not known whether ondansetron is present in human milk. There are no data on the effects of ZOFRAN on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. However, it has been demonstrated that ondansetron is present in the milk of rat

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ZOFRAN and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from ZOFRAN or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.5 Geriatric Use

(subsection revised, additions underlined)

Of the total number of subjects enrolled in cancer chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting US- and foreign-controlled clinical trials, 862 were aged 65 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years and older and younger subjects. A reduction in clearance and increase in elimination half-life were seen in patients older than 75 years compared with younger subjects. There were an insufficient number of patients older than 75 years of age and older in the clinical trials to permit safety or efficacy conclusions in this age-group. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some 267     older individuals cannot be ruled out. Dosage adjustment is not needed in patients over the age of 65.

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

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

          (section revised, additions underlined)

QT Prolongation

Patients should be informed that ZOFRAN may cause serious cardiac arrhythmias such as QT prolongation. Patients should be instructed to tell their healthcare provider right away if they perceive a change in their heart rate, if they feel lightheaded, or if they have a syncopal episode.Patients should be informed that the chances of developing severe cardiac arrhythmias such as QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes are higher in the following people:

  • Patients with a personal or family history of abnormal heart rhythms, such as congenital long QT syndrome;
  • Patients who take medications, such as diuretics, which may cause electrolyte abnormalities;
  • Patients with hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia.

 

ZOFRAN should be avoided in these patients, since they may be more at risk for cardiac arrhythmias such as QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes.

         

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Inform patients that ZOFRAN may cause hypersensitivity reactions, some as severe as anaphylaxis and bronchospasm. The patient should report any signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, including fever, chills, rash, or breathing problems.

Masking of Progressive Ileus and Gastric Distension

Inform patients following abdominal surgery or those with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that ZOFRAN may mask signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction. Instruct patients to immediately report any signs or symptoms consistent with a potential bowel obstruction to their healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions

  • Instruct the patient to report the use of all medications, especially apomorphine, to their healthcare provider. Concomitant use of apomorphine and ZOFRAN may cause a significant drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
  • Advise patients of the possibility of serotonin syndrome with concomitant use of ZOFRAN and another serotonergic agent such as medications to treat depression and migraines. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if the following symptoms occur: changes in mental status, autonomic instability, neuromuscular symptoms with or without gastrointestinal symptoms.