EPIPEN (Page 3 of 5)

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies for the treatment of anaphylaxis have not been performed in subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. However, other reported clinical experience with use of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis has identified that geriatric patients may be particularly sensitive to the effects of epinephrine. Therefore, EpiPen should be administered with caution in elderly individuals, who may be at greater risk for developing adverse reactions after epinephrine administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Overdosage (10)].

10 OVERDOSAGE

Overdosage of epinephrine may produce extremely elevated arterial pressure, which may result in cerebrovascular hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients. Overdosage may also result in pulmonary edema because of peripheral vascular constriction together with cardiac stimulation. Treatment consists of rapidly acting vasodilators or alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs and/or respiratory support.

Epinephrine overdosage can also cause transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia, and these may be accompanied by potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Premature ventricular contractions may appear within one minute after injection and may be followed by multifocal ventricular tachycardia (prefibrillation rhythm). Subsidence of the ventricular effects may be followed by atrial tachycardia and occasionally by atrioventricular block. Treatment of arrhythmias consists of administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug such as propranolol.

Overdosage sometimes results in extreme pallor and coldness of the skin, metabolic acidosis, and kidney failure. Suitable corrective measures must be taken in such situations.

11 DESCRIPTION

EpiPen (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg are single-dose auto-injectors and combination products containing drug and device components.

Each EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP 0.3 mg/0.3 mL in a sterile solution.

Each EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, 0.15 mg delivers a single dose of 0.15 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP 0.15 mg/0.3 mL in a sterile solution.

Each 0.3 mL in the EpiPen Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mg epinephrine, 1.8 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and Water for Injection. The pH range is 2.2-5.0.

Each 0.3 mL in the EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector contains 0.15 mg epinephrine, 1.8 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and Water for Injection. The pH range is 2.2-5.0.

Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. Chemically, epinephrine is (-)-3,4- Dihydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl]benzyl alcohol with the following structure:

Epinephrine Structural Formula

Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Replace EpiPen and EpiPen Jr if the epinephrine solution appears discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particles.

Thoroughly review the patient instructions and operation of EpiPen or EpiPen Jr with patients and caregivers prior to use [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ].

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Epinephrine acts on both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Through its action on alpha-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine lessens the vasodilation and increased vascular permeability that occurs during anaphylaxis, which can lead to loss of intravascular fluid volume and hypotension.

Through its action on beta-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and helps alleviate bronchospasm, wheezing and dyspnea that may occur during anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine also alleviates pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema and may relieve gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms associated with anaphylaxis because of its relaxer effects on the smooth muscle of the stomach, intestine, uterus and urinary bladder.

When given subcutaneously or intramuscularly, epinephrine has a rapid onset and short duration of action.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of epinephrine have not been conducted.

Epinephrine and other catecholamines have been shown to have mutagenic potential in vitro. Epinephrine was positive in the Salmonella bacterial reverse mutation assay, positive in the mouse lymphoma assay, and negative in the in vivo micronucleus assay. Epinephrine is an oxidative mutagen based on the E. coli WP2 Mutoxitest bacterial reverse mutation assay. This should not prevent the use of epinephrine where indicated [see Indications and Usage (1)].

The potential for epinephrine to impair reproductive performance has not been evaluated, but epinephrine has been shown to decrease implantation in female rabbits dosed subcutaneously with 1.2 mg/kg/day (40-fold the highest human intramuscular or subcutaneous daily dose) during gestation days 3 to 9.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

How Supplied

EpiPen 2-Pak (epinephrine) injection is supplied with 2 single-dose pre-filled auto-injectors and 1 auto-injector trainer device: 0.3 mg/0.3 mL (NDC 49502-500-02)
EpiPen Jr 2-Pak (epinephrine) injection is supplied with 2 single-dose pre-filled auto-injectors and 1 auto-injector trainer device: 0.15 mg/0.3 mL (NDC 49502-501-02)

EpiPen 2-Pak® and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak® also include an S-clip to clip two carrier tubes together.

Storage and Handling

Protect from light. Epinephrine is light sensitive and should be stored in the carrier tube provided to protect it from light.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Do not refrigerate.
Before using, check to make sure the solution in the auto-injector is clear and colorless.
Replace the auto-injector if the solution is discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particle.
Properly dispose all used, unwanted or expired EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use)

A healthcare provider should review the patient instructions and operation of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr in detail, with the patient or caregiver.

Epinephrine is essential for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Patients who are at risk of or with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens, as well as idiopathic and exercise-induced anaphylaxis, should be carefully instructed about the circumstances under which epinephrine should be used.

Administration

Instruct patients and/or caregivers in the appropriate use of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. EpiPen should be injected into the middle of the outer thigh (through clothing, if necessary). Each device is a single-use injection. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care in conjunction with administration of EpiPen.

Instruct caregivers to hold the leg of young children firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection. Lacerations, bent needles, and embedded needles have been reported when EpiPen and EpiPen Jr have been injected into the thigh of young children who are uncooperative and kick or move during an injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

Instruct patients and/or caregivers to throw away the blue safety release immediately after using EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. This small part may pose a choking hazard for children.

Complete patient information, including dosage, directions for proper administration and precautions can be found inside each EpiPen or EpiPen Jr carton. A printed label on the surface of EpiPen shows instructions for use and a diagram depicting the injection process.

Training

Instruct patients and/or caregivers to use and practice with the Trainer to familiarize themselves with the use of EpiPen in an allergic emergency. The Trainer may be used multiple times. A Trainer device is provided in 2-Pak cartons.

Instruct patients and/or caregivers to immediately place the blue safety release back on the Trainer and reset it after practicing. This small part may pose a choking hazard for children.

Adverse Reactions

Epinephrine may produce symptoms and signs that include an increase in heart rate, the sensation of a more forceful heartbeat, palpitations, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, pallor, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness, or anxiety. These signs and symptoms usually subside rapidly, especially with rest, quiet and recumbency. Patients with hypertension or hyperthyroidism may develop more severe or persistent effects, and patients with coronary artery disease could experience angina. Patients with diabetes may develop increased blood glucose levels following epinephrine administration. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice a temporary worsening of symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ].

Accidental Injection

Advise patients to seek immediate medical care in the case of accidental injection. Since epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor when injected into the digits, hands, or feet, treatment should be directed at vasodilatation if there is such an accidental injection to these areas [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

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. 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].

Storage and Handling

Instruct patients to inspect the epinephrine solution visually through the clear window of the auto-injector periodically. Replace EpiPen and EpiPen Jr if the epinephrine solution appears discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particles. Epinephrine is light sensitive and should be stored in the carrier tube provided to protect it from light. The carrier tube is not waterproof. Instruct patients that EpiPen and EpiPen Jr must be used or properly disposed once the blue safety release is removed or after use [see Storage and Handling (16.2) ].

Advise patients and caregivers to give used EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors to their healthcare provider for inspection and proper disposal.

Advise patients and caregivers to promptly dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. Dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Instruct patients not to dispose EpiPen or EpiPen Jr in their household trash. Instruct patients that if they do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, they may use a household container that is made of a heavy-duty plastic, can be closed with a tight-fitting and puncture-resistant lid without sharps being able to come out, upright and stable during use, leak-resistant, and properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container. Inform patients that they can visit the FDA website for additional information on disposal of unused medicines.

Complete patient information, including dosage, directions for proper administration and precautions can be found inside each EpiPen Auto-Injector carton.

Manufactured for Mylan Specialty L.P., Morgantown, WV 26505, U.S.A. by Meridian Medical Technologies, LLC, St. Louis, MO 63146, U.S.A.

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® are registered trademarks of Mylan Inc., a Viatris Company.

Copyright © 2022 Meridian Medical Technologies. All rights reserved.

Revised: 02/2023
MS:EPI:R8
0002199

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