GRANIX
GRANIX- filgrastim injection, solution
Cephalon, LLC
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
GRANIX is indicated to reduce the duration of severe neutropenia in adult and pediatric patients 1 month and older with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anticancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Dosage
The recommended dose of GRANIX is 5 mcg/kg per day administered as a subcutaneous injection. Administer the first dose of GRANIX no earlier than 24 hours following myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Do not administer GRANIX within 24 hours prior to chemotherapy.
Daily dosing with GRANIX should continue until the expected neutrophil nadir is passed and the neutrophil count has recovered to the normal range. Monitor complete blood count (CBC) prior to chemotherapy and twice per week until recovery.
2.2 General Considerations for Administration
GRANIX may be administered by either a healthcare professional, a patient or caregiver. Before a decision is made to allow GRANIX to be administered by a patient or caregiver, ensure that the patient is an appropriate candidate for self-administration or administration by a caregiver. Proper training on storage, preparation, and administration technique should be provided. If a patient or caregiver is not an appropriate candidate for any reason, then in such patients, GRANIX should be administered by a healthcare professional.
Dispense only the pre-filled syringe without a safety needle guard device to patient or caregiver. Instruct patients and caregivers to follow the Instructions for Use provided with the GRANIX prefilled syringe to properly administer an injection after training by a healthcare professional.
Visually inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not administer GRANIX if discoloration or particulates are observed.
The prefilled syringe and vial are for single-dose only. Discard unused portions. GRANIX and all its components are not made with natural rubber latex.
Recommended sites for subcutaneous GRANIX injections include the abdomen (except for the two-inch area around the navel), the front of the middle thighs, the upper outer areas of the buttocks, or the upper back portion of the upper arms. The injection site should be varied daily. GRANIX should not be injected into an area that is tender, red, bruised, or hard, or that has scars or stretch marks.
2.3 Instructions for Use of the Safety Needle Guard Device by Healthcare Professionals
Hold the syringe assembly by the open sides of the device and remove the needle shield.
Expel any extra volume depending on dose needed.
Inject GRANIX subcutaneously as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ].
Push the plunger as far as it will go to inject all the medication. Injection of the entire prefilled syringe contents is necessary to activate the needle guard.
With the plunger still pressed all the way down, remove the needle from the skin.
Slowly let go of the plunger and allow the empty syringe to move up inside the device until the entire needle is guarded.
Discard the syringe assembly in approved containers.
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3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
GRANIX is a clear, colorless, preservative-free solution available as:
Prefilled Syringe:
Injection: 300 mcg/0.5 mL (600 mcg/mL) solution in single-dose prefilled syringe
Injection: 480 mcg/0.8 mL (600 mcg/mL) solution in single-dose prefilled syringe
Vial:
Injection: 300 mcg/1 mL solution in single-dose vial
Injection: 480 mcg/1.6 mL (300 mcg/mL) solution in single-dose vial
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
GRANIX is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to filgrastim products or pegfilgrastim products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Fatal Splenic Rupture
Splenic rupture, including fatal cases, can occur following administration of filgrastim products. Evaluate patients who report upper abdominal or shoulder pain for an enlarged spleen or splenic rupture. Discontinue GRANIX if splenic rupture is suspected or confirmed.
5.2 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can occur in patients receiving filgrastim products. Evaluate patients who develop fever and lung infiltrates or respiratory distress after receiving GRANIX, for ARDS. Discontinue GRANIX in patients with ARDS.
5.3 Serious Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur in patients receiving GRANIX. Reactions can occur on initial exposure. The administration of antihistamines‚ steroids‚ bronchodilators‚ and/or epinephrine may reduce the severity of the reactions. Permanently discontinue GRANIX in patients with serious allergic reactions. Do not administer GRANIX to patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to filgrastim or pegfilgrastim.
5.4 Sickle Cell Disorders
Severe and sometimes fatal sickle cell crises can occur in patients with sickle cell disorders receiving filgrastim products. Discontinue GRANIX if sickle cell crisis occurs.
5.5 Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis can occur in patients receiving filgrastim products. The diagnoses were based on azotemia, hematuria (microscopic and macroscopic), proteinuria, and renal biopsy. Generally, events of glomerulonephritis resolved after dose reduction or discontinuation of the filgrastim product. If glomerulonephritis is suspected, evaluate for cause. If causality is likely, consider dose reduction or interruption of GRANIX.
5.6 Capillary Leak Syndrome
Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) can occur in patients receiving filgrastim products and is characterized by hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, edema and hemoconcentration. Episodes vary in frequency, severity and may be life-threatening if treatment is delayed. Patients who develop symptoms of capillary leak syndrome should be closely monitored and receive standard symptomatic treatment, which may include a need for intensive care.
5.7 Potential for Tumor Growth Stimulatory Effects on Malignant Cells
The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G‑CSF) receptor through which GRANIX acts has been found on tumor cell lines. The possibility that GRANIX acts as a growth factor for any tumor type, including myeloid malignancies and myelodysplasia, diseases for which GRANIX is not approved, cannot be excluded.
5.8 Leukocytosis
White blood cell counts of 100‚000/mm3 or greater were observed in approximately 2% of patients receiving filgrastim products at dosages above 5 mcg/kg/day. In patients with cancer receiving GRANIX as an adjunct to myelosuppressive chemotherapy‚ to avoid the potential risks of excessive leukocytosis‚ it is recommended that GRANIX therapy be discontinued if the ANC surpasses 10‚000/mm3 after the chemotherapy-induced ANC nadir has occurred. Monitor CBCs at least twice weekly during therapy. Dosages of GRANIX that increase the ANC beyond 10‚000/mm3 may not result in any additional clinical benefit. In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy‚ discontinuation of filgrastim products therapy usually resulted in a 50% decrease in circulating neutrophils within 1 to 2 days‚ with a return to pretreatment levels in 1 to 7 days.
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