Saturday, October 29, 2016

Ventavis


Generic Name: iloprost (ill O prost)

Brand Names: Ventavis


What is iloprost inhalation?

Iloprost is an synthetic prostacyclin. It works by opening blood vessels in the lungs.


Iloprost is used as an inhalant to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.


Iloprost inhalation may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about iloprost inhalation?


Use iloprost inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. Iloprost inhalation should only be used with the Prodose AAD system. Do not use iloprost inhalation with other types of nebulizers. If you do not understand your instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.


Iloprost inhalation may lower blood pressure which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Stand up slowly when getting out of a chair or bed. If you experience fainting or if your dizziness gets worse contact your doctor.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking iloprost inhalation?


Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have.



  • liver disease;




  • heart disease;




  • kidney disease;




  • low blood pressure;




  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);




  • asthma; or




  • a chest cold or cough.



You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with iloprost inhalation.


Iloprost is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether iloprost will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Iloprost passes into breast milk in small amounts and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take iloprost without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use iloprost inhalation?


Use iloprost inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. Iloprost inhalation should only be used with the Prodose AAD system. Do not use it with other types of nebulizers. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.


Iloprost inhalation may cause a lowering of blood pressure which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Stand up slowly when getting out of a chair or bed. If you experience fainting or if your dizziness gets worse contact your doctor.


Store iloprost inhalation at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.


What happens if I overdose?


An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center.


What should I avoid while taking iloprost inhalation?


Avoid items or activities that you know are allergens for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.


Do not stop taking iloprost inhalation until your doctor approves. It may be some time before you begin to notice effects from this medication.


Iloprost inhalation side effects


Serious side effects from iloprost inhalation are not likely to occur. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to use iloprost inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience



  • dry mouth, nose, or throat after use;




  • coughing or throat irritation;




  • hoarseness or deepening of the voice;




  • headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;




  • nausea;




  • flushing; or




  • jaw tightness or pain.



Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect iloprost inhalation?


Before using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.



More Ventavis resources


  • Ventavis Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Ventavis Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Ventavis Drug Interactions
  • Ventavis Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Ventavis - Add your own review/rating


  • Ventavis Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Ventavis Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Ventavis Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Ventavis Consumer Overview

  • Ventavis MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Iloprost Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Ventavis with other medications


  • Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist has additional information about iloprost inhalation written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Ventavis side effects (in more detail)



Liqui-Coat HD oral and rectal


Generic Name: barium sulfate (oral and rectal) (BER ee um SUL fate)

Brand Names: Anatrast, Bar-Test, Baricon, Baro-Cat, Barosperse, Bear-E-Yum GI, CheeTah, CheeTah Butterscotch, CheeTah Chocolaty-Fudge, CheeTah Orange, CheeTah Raspberry, Digibar 190, E-Z AC, E-Z Disk, E-Z Dose Kit with Polibar Plus, E-Z Paste, E-Z-Cat, E-Z-Cat Dry, E-Z-HD, E-Z-Paque, Enecat, Eneset 2, Enhancer, Entero VU, Entero-H, Entrobar, Esopho-Cat, Intropaste, Liqui-Coat HD, Liquid Barosperse, Liquid E-Z Paque, Liquid Polibar, Liquid Polibar Plus, Maxibar, Medebar Plus, Medebar Super 250, Polibar ACB, Readi-Cat, Readi-Cat 2, Scan C, Sitzmarks, Smoothie Readi-Cat 2, Sol-O-Pake, Tagitol V, Tonojug, Tonopaque, Varibar Honey, Varibar Nectar, Varibar Pudding, Varibar Thin, Varibar Thin Honey, Volumen


What is barium sulfate?

Barium sulfate is in a group of drugs called contrast agents. Barium sulfate works by coating the inside of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.


Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.


Barium sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about barium sulfate?


You should not use this medication if you are allergic to barium sulfate. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

Before you use barium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, or if you have asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease or high blood pressure, rectal cancer, a colostomy, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, or if you have recently had a rectal biopsy or surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.


Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before your medical test.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about what to eat or drink within the 24-hour period before your test.


Serious side effects of barium sulfate may include severe stomach pain, sweating, ringing in your ears, pale skin, weakness, or severe cramping, diarrhea, or constipation

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using barium sulfate?


You should not use barium sulfate if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

To make sure you can safely use barium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • asthma, eczema, or allergies;




  • a blockage in your stomach or intestines;




  • cystic fibrosis;




  • a colostomy;




  • rectal cancer;




  • heart disease or high blood pressure;




  • Hirschsprung's disease (a disorder of the intestines);




  • a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);




  • a recent history of surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;




  • a history of perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;




  • if you have recently had a rectal biopsy;




  • if you have ever choked on food by accidentally inhaling it into your lungs;




  • if you are allergic to simethicone (Gas-X, Phazyme, and others); or




  • if you are allergic to latex rubber.




It is not known whether barium sulfate will harm an unborn baby, but the radiation used in x-rays and CT scans may be harmful. Before your medical test, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Barium sulfate may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Before your medical test, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use barium sulfate?


Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.


Barium sulfate comes in tablets, paste, cream, or liquid forms.


In some cases, barium sulfate is taken by mouth. The liquid form may also be used as a rectal enema.


You may need to begin using this medication at home a day before your medical test. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much of the medication to use and how often.


If you are receiving barium sulfate as a rectal enema, a healthcare professional will give you the medication at the clinic or hospital where your testing will take place.


Do not crush, chew, or break a barium sulfate tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Dissolve the barium sulfate powder in a small amount of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.


If you receive the medication as a liquid to take by mouth, shake the liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about what to eat or drink within the 24-hour period before your test.


Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?


If you are using barium sulfate at home, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, ongoing diarrhea, confusion, or weakness.


What should I avoid before or after using barium sulfate?


Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.


Barium sulfate side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • severe stomach pain;




  • severe cramping, diarrhea, or constipation;




  • sweating;




  • ringing in your ears;




  • confusion, fast heart rate; or




  • pale skin, weakness.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mild stomach cramps;




  • nausea, vomiting;




  • loose stools or mild constipation.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect barium sulfate?


There may be other drugs that can interact with barium sulfate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Liqui-Coat HD resources


  • Liqui-Coat HD Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Liqui-Coat HD Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Liqui-Coat HD Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Liqui-Coat HD - Add your own review/rating


Compare Liqui-Coat HD with other medications


  • Computed Tomography


Where can I get more information?


  • Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about barium sulfate.

See also: Liqui-Coat HD side effects (in more detail)



Friday, October 28, 2016

Lomefloxacin


Generic Name: lomefloxacin (loe me FLOX a sin)

Brand Names: Maxaquin


What is lomefloxacin?

Lomefloxacin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.


Lomefloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as bronchitis and urinary tract infections.


Lomefloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about lomefloxacin?


Take all of the lomefloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Take lomefloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent lomefloxacin crystals from forming in the urine.

Lomefloxacin may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. Avoid exposure to both direct and indirect sunlight during therapy and for a few days after treatment ends. If you experience severe burning, redness, itching, swelling, or blistering, contact your doctor.


Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of lomefloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of lomefloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lomefloxacin?


Before taking lomefloxacin, tell your doctor if you have


  • kidney disease; or


  • seizures or epilepsy.



You may not be able to take lomefloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.


Lomefloxacin in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether lomefloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether lomefloxacin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Lomefloxacin is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age. Lomefloxacin may interfere with bone development.

How should I take lomefloxacin?


Take lomefloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.


Take lomefloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent lomefloxacin crystals from forming in the urine.

You can take lomefloxacin with or without food.


Lomefloxacin is usually taken once a day. Taking lomefloxacin in the evening may reduce the risk of increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. Follow your doctor's instructions.


Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of lomefloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of lomefloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic. Take all of the lomefloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Lomefloxacin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since you missed the dose, skip it and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention.

The most common symptom of a lomefloxacin overdose is seizures.


What should I avoid while taking lomefloxacin?


Lomefloxacin may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. Avoid exposure to both direct and indirect sunlight during therapy and for a few days after treatment ends. If you experience severe burning, redness, itching, swelling, or blistering, contact your doctor.


Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lomefloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Lomefloxacin side effects


If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking lomefloxacin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);




  • seizures;




  • confusion or hallucinations;




  • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or




  • muscle or joint pain.



If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking lomefloxacin and talk your doctor:



  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;




  • headache, lightheadedness, or drowsiness;




  • ringing in the ears; or




  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.



Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


Lomefloxacin Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:

400 mg orally once a day for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis:

400 mg orally once a day for 3 days

Duration: 3 days if caused by E coli in females; 10 days if caused by K pneumoniae, P mirabilis, or S saprophyticus

Usual Adult Dose for Prostatitis:

400 mg orally once a day for 14 to 30 days

Usual Adult Dose for Salmonella Enteric Fever:

400 mg orally once a day for 7 to 14 days

Usual Adult Dose for Salmonella Gastroenteritis:

400 mg orally once a day for 3 days

Usual Adult Dose for Shigellosis:

400 mg orally once a day for 3 to 5 days

Usual Adult Dose for Transurethral Prostatectomy:

400 mg orally 2 to 6 hours prior to procedure

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Tract Infection:

Complicated: 400 mg orally once a day for 14 days


What other drugs will affect lomefloxacin?


Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of lomefloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of lomefloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.

Before taking lomefloxacin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:



  • cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);




  • probenecid (Benemid);




  • cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);




  • insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), and others; or




  • a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), and others.



You may not be able to take lomefloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.


Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lomefloxacin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.



More lomefloxacin resources


  • Lomefloxacin Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Lomefloxacin Dosage
  • Lomefloxacin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Lomefloxacin Drug Interactions
  • Lomefloxacin Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Lomefloxacin - Add your own review/rating


  • Lomefloxacin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Maxaquin Prescribing Information (FDA)



Compare lomefloxacin with other medications


  • Bladder Infection
  • Bronchitis
  • Prostatitis
  • Salmonella Enteric Fever
  • Salmonella Gastroenteritis
  • Shigellosis
  • Transurethral Prostatectomy
  • Urinary Tract Infection


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist has additional information about lomefloxacin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?


Lomefloxacin is available with a prescription under the brand name Maxaquin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.



  • Maxaquin 400 mg--oval, white, scored, film-coated tablets



See also: lomefloxacin side effects (in more detail)



Levo-Dromoran


Generic Name: Levorphanol Tartrate
Class: Opiate Agonists
VA Class: CN101
CAS Number: 5985-38-6

Introduction

Opiate agonist; phenanthrene derivative.a b c


Uses for Levo-Dromoran


Pain


Relief of moderate to severe pain.a b


Usually, temporary relief of moderate to severe pain such as that associated with acute and some chronic medical disorders including renal or biliary colic, acute trauma, postoperative pain, and cancer.c


Consider around-the-clock dosing of analgesics in the initial stages of acute pain to avoid wide swings in pain and sedation often associated with as-needed dosing regimens.c


In the management of chronic pain associated with a terminal illness such as cancer, the principal goal of analgesic therapy is to make the patient relatively pain-free while maintaining as good a quality of life as possible.c


Analgesic therapy must be individualized and titrated according to patient response and tolerance.c


Levo-Dromoran Dosage and Administration


Administration


Administer orally.b


Dosage


Available as levorphanol tartrate; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.b


Give the smallest effective dose as infrequently as possible to minimize the development of tolerance and physical dependence.a


Individualize dosage according to clinical status of the patient, desired therapeutic effect, degree of existing opiate tolerance, and age and weight; assess dosage at periodic intervals.b


Reduce dosage in poor-risk patients, in geriatric patients, in patients receiving other CNS depressants.a b


Reduce initial dose ≥50% in patients with compromised respiratory function and in those receiving other drugs that depress respiration.b (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)


Reduce initial dose in patients with hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, toxic psychosis, prostatic hypertrophy, urethral strictures, acute alcoholism, or delirium tremens.b


In patients who are tolerant to opiate agonists and who require high dosages (e.g., patients with severe chronic pain associated with cancer), individualize dosage of highly potent preparations based on response and tolerance.b


Avoid abrupt withdrawal from relatively high dosages (e.g., in chronic pain patients) since precipitation of severe abstinence syndrome is likely.b


Assess patients for signs of hypoventilation or excessive sedation during therapy.b


Adults


Pain

Oral

Usually, initiate with 2 mg every 6–8 hours as needed.b May increase to 3 mg every 6–8 hours.b Adjust according to response and tolerance.b


Initial dosages >6–12 mg in 24 hours not recommended in non-opiate-tolerant patients; lower dosages may be appropriate.b


If a patient is placed on an “around-the-clock” dosing regimen, allow at least 72 hours to elapse between dosage adjustments; this is needed to avoid excessive sedation.b (See Half-life under Pharmacokinetics.)


Switching from Morphine to Levorphanol

Oral

The manufacturer states that the initial total daily dose of oral levorphanol should be 1/15 to 1/12 of the total daily dose of oral morphine; adjust subsequent dosage based on clinical response.b


Prescribing Limits


Adults


Pain

Oral

Maximum initial daily dose in non-opiate-tolerant patients: 6–12 mg in 24 hours.b


Special Populations


Hepatic Impairment


Reduce initial dose in patients with severe hepatic impairment.b


Renal Impairment


Reduce initial dose in patients with severe renal impairment.b


Geriatric Patients


Reduce initial dose by ≥50% in debilitated geriatric patients.b


Respiratory Impairment


Reduce initial dose by ≥50% in patients with any condition affecting respiratory reserve.b Titrate subsequent doses according to patient's response.b


Cautions for Levo-Dromoran


Contraindications



  • Known hypersensitivity to levorphanol or any ingredient in the formulation.b



Warnings/Precautions


Warnings


Respiratory Depression

Causes dose-related respiratory depression.b


Occurs most frequently in debilitated patients and following large and/or frequent doses.b


Use with extreme caution in patients with impaired respiratory reserve or respiratory depression (e.g., individuals with uremia, severe infection, obstructive respiratory conditions, restrictive respiratory diseases, intrapulmonary shunting, or chronic asthma).b


Use not recommended in patients with acute or severe asthma.b


Dependence and Abuse

Physical and psychologic dependence and tolerance may develop with repeated administration; abuse potential exists.b Use with caution.b


Use with careful surveillance in patients with a history of drug or alcohol dependence or abuse.b


Abrupt cessation of therapy or sudden reduction in dosage after prolonged use may result in withdrawal symptoms.b After prolonged exposure to opiate analgesics, if withdrawal is necessary, it must be undertaken gradually.b


Head Injury and Increased Intracranial Pressure

Respiratory depressant effects of levorphanol (with CO2 retention and secondary elevation of CSF pressure) may be markedly exaggerated in the presence of head injury, other intracranial lesions, or preexisting increase in intracranial pressure.b


Adverse effects of opiates may obscure the existence, extent, or course of intracranial pathology.b


Hypotensive Effects

Possible severe hypotension in individuals whose ability to maintain their BP is compromised by depleted blood volume or concomitant drugs that compromise vasculature tone (e.g., phenothiazines, general anesthetics).b


May produce orthostatic hypotension in ambulatory patients.b


Cardiovascular Effects

Limit use in patients with acute MI, myocardial dysfunction, or coronary insufficiency.b Manufacturer states effect of levorphanol on the cardiac function unknown.b


Biliary Tract Surgery

Moderate to marked increases in biliary tract pressure reported.b Use not recommended in patients undergoing biliary tract surgery.b


General Precautions


Acute Abdominal Conditions

May obscure diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions.b


Debilitated and Special-Risk Patients.

Use with caution in debilitated patients or in patients with hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture, toxic psychosis, acute alcoholism, or delirium tremens.b


Specific Populations


Pregnancy

Category C.b


Use not recommended during labor and delivery.b


Infants born to women regularly taking opiates during pregnancy may be physically dependent.b


Lactation

Not known whether levorphanol is distributed into human milk.b Discontinue nursing or the drug.b


Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients <18 years age.b


Geriatric Use

Use with caution.b Dosage adjustment recommended in debilitated geriatric patients.b (See Geriatric Patients under Dosage and Administration.)


Hepatic Impairment

Use with caution.b Extensive liver disease may predispose to excessive sedation, probably due to increased pharmacodynamic sensitivity or decreased hepatic metabolism of the drug.b Reduce initial dose in patients with severe hepatic impairment.b


Renal Impairment

Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment; reduce initial dose in these patients.b


Common Adverse Effects


Nausea, vomiting, altered mood/mentation, flushing, urinary retention, pruritus, constipation, biliary spasm.b


Interactions for Levo-Dromoran


Specific Drugs





















Drug



Interaction



Comments



CNS depressants (e.g., opiate agonists, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, tranquilizers, phenothiazines, sedatives/hypnotics, alcohol)



Additive CNS effectsb



Reduce dosage of one or both agentsb



MAO inhibitors



Concomitant use not recommendedb



Opiate partial agonists (butorphanol, buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine)



Possible reduced analgesic effect and/or withdrawal symptomsb



Avoid concomitant useb



Respiratory depressants



Additive depressant effects on respirationb



Reduce initial dose of levorphanol by ≥50%b



Skeletal muscle relaxants



May enhance the neuromuscular-blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxantsc


Additive CNS effectsb



Reduce dosage of one or both agentsb


Levo-Dromoran Pharmacokinetics


Absorption


Bioavailability


Well absorbed from the GI tract.a b Following oral administration, peak plasma concentration achieved in about 1 hour.b Steady-state plasma concentrations expected to be achieved by the third day of continuous dosing.b


Duration


6–8 hours.a


Distribution


Plasma Protein Binding


40%.b


Elimination


Metabolism


Extensively metabolized in the liver; undergoes conjugation with glucuronic acid.a b


Elimination Route


Primarily in urine as the glucuronide conjugate.a b


Half-life


IV administration: 11–16 hours.b


Stability


Storage


Oral


Tablets

Tight, light-resistant containers at 15–30°C.a b


ActionsActions



  • A potent analgesic; shares actions of the opiate agonists.b




  • Precise mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated; opiate agonists act at several CNS sites, involving several neurotransmitter systems to produce analgesia.c




  • Pain perception is altered in the spinal cord and higher CNS levels (e.g., substantia gelatinosa, spinal trigeminal nucleus, periaqueductal gray, periventricular gray, medullary raphe nuclei, hypothalamus).c




  • Opiate agonists do not alter the threshold or responsiveness of afferent nerve endings to noxious stimuli, nor peripheral nerve impulse conduction.c




  • Opiate agonists act at specific receptor binding sites in the CNS and other tissues; opiate receptors are concentrated in the limbic system, thalamus, striatum, hypothalamus, midbrain, and spinal cord.c




  • Agonist activity at the opiate μ- or κ-receptor can result in analgesia, miosis, and/or decreased body temperature.c




  • Agonist activity at the μ-receptor also can result in suppression of opiate withdrawal (and antagonist activity can result in precipitation of withdrawal).c




  • Respiratory depression may be mediated by μ-receptors, possibly μ2-receptors (which may be distinct from μ1-receptors involved in analgesia); κ- and δ-receptors may also be involved in respiratory depression.c



Advice to Patients



  • Importance of informing patients that levorphanol may impair mental and/or physical ability required for performance of potentially hazardous tasks; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until effects on individual are known.b




  • Advise patients that levorphanol should not be combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants (e.g., sleep medications, tranquilizers).b




  • Risk of hypotension, dizziness, and syncope.b




  • Importance of informing patients that this is a drug of potential abuse and should be protected from theft.b




  • Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses.b




  • Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.b




  • Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.b (See Cautions.)



Preparations


Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.


Levorphanol tartrate is subject to control under the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 as a schedule II (C-II) drug.


* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name


















Levorphanol Tartrate

Routes



Dosage Forms



Strengths



Brand Names



Manufacturer



Oral



Tablets



2 mg*



Levo-Dromoran (C-II; scored)



Valeant



Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets (C-II; scored)



Roxane



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This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.


The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions September 2007. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.




References



a. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Levorphanol. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:2137.



b. Roxane Laboratories. Levorphanol tartrate tablets prescribing information. Columbus, OH; 2004 Dec.



c. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Opiod Agonists General Statement. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:2123-8.



More Levo-Dromoran resources


  • Levo-Dromoran Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Levo-Dromoran Dosage
  • Levo-Dromoran Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Levo-Dromoran Drug Interactions
  • Levo-Dromoran Support Group
  • 2 Reviews for Levo-Dromoran - Add your own review/rating


  • Levo-Dromoran Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Levo-Dromoran MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Levo-Dromoran Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

  • Levo-Dromoran Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Levorphanol Prescribing Information (FDA)



Compare Levo-Dromoran with other medications


  • Light Sedation
  • Pain


Alimta


Generic Name: pemetrexed (pem e TREX ed)

Brand Names: Alimta


What is pemetrexed?

Pemetrexed is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.


Pemetrexed is used to treat mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. Pemetrexed is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has already been treated with other cancer medications.


Pemetrexed may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about pemetrexed?


Before receiving pemetrexed, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney or liver disease, bone marrow suppression, a weak immune system, or excess fluid in the space around your lung, liver, or other internal organs.


Throughout your treatment with pemetrexed, you will need to take folic acid and vitamin B-12 to protect your stomach, blood cells, and bone marrow from the side effects of pemetrexed. You will need to start taking these supplements a week before receiving your first pemetrexed infusion, and will keep taking them for 3 weeks after your treatment ends.


Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are available over the counter. Be sure to take only the forms and strengths of these supplements that your doctor has recommended.


Pemetrexed is usually given every 3 weeks. Your doctor will determine how many treatment cycles you should receive.


Pemetrexed can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.


Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.


Before you receive pemetrexed, tell your doctor if you are taking an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), and others.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving pemetrexed?


You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to pemetrexed.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you receive pemetrexed, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:



  • kidney disease;




  • liver disease;




  • bone marrow suppression;




  • a weak immune system; or




  • excess fluid in the space around your lung, liver, or other internal organs, including pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs) or ascites (fluid around the liver).




FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive pemetrexed without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pemetrexed passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is pemetrexed given?


Pemetrexed is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 10 minutes to complete.


Throughout your treatment with pemetrexed, you will need to take folic acid and vitamin B-12 to protect your stomach, blood cells, and bone marrow from the side effects of pemetrexed. You will need to start taking these supplements a week before receiving your first pemetrexed infusion, and will keep taking them for 3 weeks after your treatment ends.


Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are available over the counter. Be sure to take only the forms and strengths of these supplements that your doctor has recommended.


Your doctor may also prescribe steroid medications to reduce certain side effects of pemetrexed.


To treat mesothelioma, the pemetrexed injection is usually followed by infusion of cisplatin (Platinol) 30 minutes later. Cisplatin must be given very slowly, and is usually infused over 2 hours.


Pemetrexed is usually given every 3 weeks. Your doctor will determine how many treatment cycles you should receive.


Pemetrexed can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.


What happens if I miss a dose?


Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment to have your pemetrexed injection.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose may cause fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth sores or white patches, and severe diarrhea.


What should I avoid while receiving pemetrexed?


Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.


Pemetrexed side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;




  • fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;




  • white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;




  • urinating less than usual, or not at all;




  • chest pain, trouble breathing;




  • swelling, rapid weight gain.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • skin rash;




  • numbness or tingling;




  • depressed mood;




  • sore throat;




  • tired feeling;




  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, loss of appetite; or




  • muscle pain.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect pemetrexed?


Before receiving pemetrexed, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:



  • probenecid (Benemid);




  • an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.



This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with pemetrexed. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Alimta resources


  • Alimta Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Alimta Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Alimta Drug Interactions
  • Alimta Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Alimta - Add your own review/rating


  • Alimta Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Alimta Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Alimta Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Alimta Consumer Overview

  • Alimta MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Pemetrexed Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Alimta with other medications


  • Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about pemetrexed.

See also: Alimta side effects (in more detail)



Mycamine


Generic Name: micafungin (Intravenous route)

mye-ka-FUN-jin

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Mycamine

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antifungal


Pharmacologic Class: Glucan Synthesis Inhibitor


Chemical Class: Echinocandin


Uses For Mycamine


Micafungin is an antifungal medicine. It is used to help the body overcome serious fungus infections, such as candidemia, acute disseminated candidiasis, candida peritonitis and abscess, and esophageal candidiasis. Micafungin is also used to prevent candida infections in patients having a stem cell transplant .


This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Mycamine


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of micafungin in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .


Geriatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of micafungin in the elderly .


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Itraconazole

  • Nifedipine

  • Sirolimus

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Bleeding problems (e.g., hemolysis or hemolytic anemia) or

  • Kidney problems—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse .

  • Liver disease, moderate to severe—Higher blood levels of micafungin may result, increasing the chance of side effects.

Proper Use of Mycamine


A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins .


Precautions While Using Mycamine


It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects .


This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; trouble breathing; or chest pain after you get the injection .


Mycamine Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


Less common
  • Bone pain

  • chest pain

  • chills

  • convulsions

  • cough

  • decreased urine

  • drowsiness

  • dry mouth

  • fever

  • hoarseness

  • increased thirst

  • irregular heartbeat

  • lab results that show problems with liver

  • loss of appetite

  • lower back or side pain

  • mood or mental changes

  • muscle pain or cramps

  • muscle spasms or twitching

  • nausea

  • numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips

  • painful or difficult urination

  • seizures

  • shortness of breath

  • sore throat

  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth

  • swollen glands

  • trembling

  • trouble breathing

  • ulcers, sores, or white spots in mouth

  • vomiting

Rare
  • Abdominal cramps

  • black, tarry stools

  • bleeding gums

  • blood in urine or stools

  • blurred vision

  • confusion

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • nervousness

  • pale skin

  • pinpoint red spots on skin

  • pounding in the ears

  • slow or fast heartbeat

  • tremor

  • troubled breathing with exertion

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Frequency unknown
  • Cold, clammy skin

  • difficulty swallowing

  • fast, weak pulse

  • hives

  • itching

  • lightheadedness

  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

  • skin rash

  • rash or redness

  • sweating

  • swelling of face, throat, or tongue

  • tightness in chest

  • wheezing

Observed during postmarketing trials
  • Agitation

  • back, leg, or stomach pains

  • bleeding gums

  • coma

  • dark urine

  • depression

  • diarrhea

  • general body swelling

  • hostility

  • increased blood pressure

  • increased thirst

  • irritability

  • lethargy

  • light-colored stools

  • muscle twitching

  • nosebleeds

  • rapid weight gain

  • seizures

  • stomach pain

  • swelling of face, ankles, or hands

  • swelling of lower legs

  • stupor

  • troubled breathing

  • unpleasant breath odor

  • vomiting of blood

  • white blood cell count decreased

  • yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


Less common
  • Bluish color

  • changes in skin color

  • feeling unusually cold; shivering

  • infusion site inflammation

  • pain

  • stomach pain

  • swelling of foot or leg

  • tenderness

Rare
  • Acid or sour stomach

  • belching

  • change in taste

  • confusion as to time, place, or person

  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

  • feeling of warmth

  • hallucinations

  • heartburn

  • hiccups

  • holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact

  • indigestion

  • injection site pain

  • loss of taste

  • redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally upper chest

  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

  • unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

  • upper stomach pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Mycamine side effects (in more detail)



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More Mycamine resources


  • Mycamine Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Mycamine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Mycamine Drug Interactions
  • Mycamine Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Mycamine - Add your own review/rating


  • Mycamine Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Mycamine Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Mycamine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Mycamine Consumer Overview



Compare Mycamine with other medications


  • Candida Infections, Systemic
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Vectibix


Generic Name: Panitumumab
Class: Antineoplastic Agents
VA Class: AN900
Chemical Name: Disulfide with human monoclonal ABX-EGF light chain anti-(human epidermal growth factor receptor) (human monoclonal ABX-EGF heavy chain) immunoglobulin dimer
Molecular Formula: C6306H9732N1672O1994S46
CAS Number: 339177-26-3


  • Dermatologic Toxicity


  • Dermatologic toxicities were reported in 89% of patients and were severe in 12% of patients receiving panitumumab monotherapy in controlled trials.1 13 24 (See Dermatologic Toxicity under Dosage and Administration and Dermatologic, Mucosal, and Ocular Toxicity under Cautions.)



  • Infusion-related Reactions


  • Severe infusion-related reactions reported in about 1% of patients.1 14




  • Fatal infusion reactions not reported with panitumumab, but have occurred with other monoclonal antibody preparations.1 (See Infusion-related Reactions under Dosage and Administration and under Cautions.)




Introduction

Antineoplastic agent; a recombinant human IgG2 kappa monoclonal antibody that binds to the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR; also called an epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] inhibitor).1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 22 31 35 37 42


Uses for Vectibix


Colorectal Cancer


Used as a single agent for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer that is refractory to fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy regimens in adult patients with tumors that express EGFR.1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 11 13 14 21 22 31 32 37


Retrospective subset analyses of metastatic colorectal cancer trials have not shown a treatment benefit for panitumumab in patients whose tumors had KRAS (also called K-ras) mutations in codon 12 or 13;1 33 44 ASCO44 and some clinicians26 29 30 31 32 33 recommend that all patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who are potential candidates for EGFR inhibitor therapy (e.g., panitumumab, cetuximab) have their tumor tested for KRAS mutations26 29 30 31 32 33 44 in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-accredited laboratory.44 If KRAS mutation in codon 12 or 13 is detected, use of panitumumab is not recommended.1 44


Efficacy of panitumumab monotherapy determined based on progression-free survival; actual clinical benefits (e.g., improvement in disease-related symptoms, increased survival) not adequately studied.1 13 37


Available data do not support the use of panitumumab after clinical failure of cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer and some authorities do not recommend the use of either of these agents after clinical failure of the other.11 However, panitumumab potentially may be used as an alternative to cetuximab therapy (e.g., if cetuximab is contraindicated or not tolerated).11 19 20


Panitumumab is not approved for use in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.1 (See Use in Combination with other Chemotherapeutic Regimens under Cautions and Specific Drugs or Therapies under Interactions.)


Vectibix Dosage and Administration


General



  • Premedication to minimize the risk of infusion-related reactions does not appear to be necessary; however, appropriate medical resources for the treatment of severe reactions should be available during panitumumab infusions.1 7 8 9 15 19 22



Administration


IV Administration


For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.


Administer by IV infusion.1 Do not administer by rapid IV injection (e.g., IV push or “bolus”).1


Solution should be colorless and may contain a small amount of visible, translucent-to-white, amorphous, proteinaceous particulates of panitumumab; do not administer if discoloration observed.1


Do not shake vials.1


Use infusion pump to administer.1 Prior to and following administration, flush line with 0.9% sodium chloride injection.1 Administer drug through a low-protein-binding 0.2- or 0.22-mcm inline filter.1


Dilution

Withdraw appropriate dose of panitumumab injection solution (containing 20 mg/mL) and dilute in 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a total volume of 100 mL; doses >1 g should be diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a total volume of 150 mL.1 Final concentration should not exceed 10 mg of panitumumab per mL.1


Mix diluted solution by gentle inversion; do not shake.1


Do not mix or dilute panitumumab with other drugs or infusion solutions.1


Rate of Administration

Administer over 60 minutes if dose is ≤1 g; administer over 90 minutes if dose is >1 g.1


Dosage


Adults


Colorectal Cancer

IV

For the management of previously treated, EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer as monotherapy, 6 mg/kg over 60 minutes every 14 days.1 2 4 9 13 Doses >1 g should be infused over 90 minutes.1 2 9 In the randomized controlled trial evaluating panitumumab monotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer, a median of 5 doses was administered.1


Dosage Modification for Toxicity


Infusion-related Reactions

If mild or moderate (grade 1 or 2) infusion-related reactions occur, reduce infusion rate by 50% for the duration of that infusion.1 9


If severe (grade 3 or 4) infusion-related reactions occur, discontinue therapy immediately and permanently.1 9 15


Dermatologic Toxicity

If severe (grade 3 or 4) or intolerable dermatologic toxicity occurs, withhold therapy.1 If toxicity does not improve to ≤ grade 2 within 1 month, permanently discontinue therapy.1


If dermatologic toxicity improves to ≤ grade 2 and patient is symptomatically improved after withholding no more than 2 doses, resume treatment at 50% of the original dosage.1 Dosage may then be increased in increments of 25% of the original dosage up to the recommended dosage of 6 mg/kg if toxicity does not recur.1 If toxicity recurs, permanently discontinue therapy.1


Special Populations


No special population dosage recommendations at this time.1


Cautions for Vectibix


Contraindications



  • None known.1



Warnings/Precautions


Warnings


Dermatologic, Mucosal, and Ocular Toxicity

Dermatologic toxicity, which may affect the skin, mucosa, eyes, and/or nails, was reported in approximately 90% of patients and was severe (grade 3 or 4) in 16% of patients in a large, controlled trial.1 3 9 12 13 14 16 43 Manifested as dermatitis acneiform, pruritus, erythema, rash, skin exfoliation, paronychia, dry skin, and/or skin fissures.1 12 13 14 43 Severe dermatologic toxicity may result in infectious complications, including sepsis, septic death, and abscesses requiring incision and drainage.1 12


Mucosal toxicity, including oral mucositis and stomatitis, reported in 6–7% of patients receiving panitumumab therapy; one case of grade 3 mucosal inflammation reported.1


Ocular toxicity, including conjunctivitis, ocular hyperemia, increased lacrimation, and eye/eyelid irritation, reported in 15% of patients.1 9 14


Paronychia reported in 25% of patients receiving panitumumab, with severe cases (grade 3 or 4) reported in 2%; other nail disorders reported in 9% of patients.1 12 13


Median time to development of dermatologic and ocular toxicity was 14 days and median time to most severe toxicity was 15 days after the first dose of panitumumab; median time to resolution after the last dose of panitumumab was 84 days.1


Withhold panitumumab for severe or life-threatening dermatologic toxicity.1 If severe adverse dermatologic effects occur, monitor patients for possible inflammatory or infectious complications and initiate appropriate therapy.1 12 14 Prevention and treatment should be carefully individualized and may require specialized care; topical and/or systemic antibiotics, topical emollients, topical corticosteroids, and/or systemic antihistamines may be helpful in some cases.7 12 14 41 43 Dosage modifications, including possible discontinuance of therapy, may be required.1 12 14 (See Dermatologic Toxicity in Boxed Warning and under Dosage and Administration.)


Infusion-related Reactions

Infusion-related reactions occurred in 4% and severe reactions (grade 3 or 4) occurred in 1% of patients receiving panitumumab in the monotherapy clinical trial (designated Study 1 by the manufacturer).1 14 In all clinical studies, severe infusion reactions occurred in approximately 1% of the panitumumab-treated patients.1 Serious infusion reactions included anaphylactic reactions, bronchospasm, and hypotension.1 No fatalities were reported; however, fatalities have occurred with other monoclonal antibody products.1 A reduction in infusion rate or discontinuance of therapy may be necessary depending on severity of the reaction.1 (See Infusion-related Reactions in Boxed Warning and under Dosage and Administration.)


Pulmonary Effects

Pulmonary fibrosis (including 2 fatalities; 1 case occurred in a patient with preexisting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) reported in <1% of patients receiving panitumumab.1 Use with caution in patients with preexisting lung disease; such patients were excluded from clinical trials.1 24 Permanently discontinue panitumumab in patients who develop interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, or lung infiltrates during therapy.1


Other Warnings and Precautions


Use in Combination with other Chemotherapeutic Regimens

Panitumumab is not indicated for use in combination with chemotherapy.1


In a large, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial, addition of panitumumab to a bevacizumab plus chemotherapy regimen (containing either oxaliplatin or irinotecan and fluorouracil) in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer resulted in poorer outcomes (i.e., decreased overall survival) and increased toxicity (e.g., higher incidence of grade 3–5 adverse reactions).1 18 27 39 Grade 3/4 adverse reactions occurred more frequently in panitumumab-treated patients compared with those in non-panitumumab-containing treatment arms and included dermatologic toxicity (e.g., rash, acneiform dermatitis), diarrhea, dehydration (mainly in patients with diarrhea), hypokalemia, stomatitis or mucositis, and hypomagnesemia.1 18 27 39 Grade 3–5 pulmonary embolism also occurred more frequently in panitumumab-treated patients compared with non-panitumumab-containing treatment arms (7% and 4%, respectively).1 18 27 39 Because of the toxicities experienced, patients randomized to panitumumab, bevacizumab, and chemotherapy received a lower mean relative dose intensity of each agent (oxaliplatin, irinotecan, bolus fluorouracil, and/or infusional fluorouracil) over the first 24 weeks compared with those receiving bevacizumab plus chemotherapy.1


In another clinical study, addition of panitumumab to the irinotecan, direct IV injection (“bolus”) fluorouracil, and leucovorin (IFL) regimen resulted in an increased incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (58% incidence of grade 3/4 diarrhea; one fatal case of grade 5 diarrhea).1 17 Grade 3 diarrhea reported in 25% of patients receiving panitumumab plus irinotecan, continuous fluorouracil infusion, and leucovorin (FOLFIRI).1 17


Severe diarrhea and dehydration, which may lead to acute renal failure and other complications, observed in patients receiving panitumumab in combination with chemotherapy.1 16 17 (See Specific Drugs or Therapies under Interactions.)


Pulmonary Effects

Pulmonary fibrosis (including 2 fatalities; 1 case occurred in a patient with preexisting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) reported in <1% of patients receiving panitumumab.1 Use with caution in patients with preexisting lung disease; such patients were excluded from clinical trials.1 24 Permanently discontinue panitumumab in patients who develop interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, or lung infiltrates during therapy.1


Electrolyte Effects

Electrolyte abnormalities, including decreased serum magnesium concentrations, reported.1 9 13 14 22 Grade 3 or 4 hypomagnesemia requiring oral or IV electrolyte repletion occurred in 2% of patients in one study.1 13 In some patients, both hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia occurred.1 Hypomagnesemia usually occurred ≥6 weeks following initiation of panitumumab therapy.1


Monitor serum electrolytes (including magnesium and calcium) periodically during and for 8 weeks following completion of panitumumab therapy.1 22


Institute appropriate treatment (e.g., oral or IV electrolyte repletion) if necessary.1 13


Photosensitivity

Exposure to sunlight can exacerbate dermatologic toxicity; the manufacturer recommends that patients apply sunscreen, wear hats, and limit sun exposure during therapy and for 2 months following the last dose of the drug.1 7 12 16


Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality

May cause fetal harm; embryolethality and abortifacient effects demonstrated in animals.1 16 No studies to date in pregnant women.1 Avoid pregnancy during panitumumab therapy and for 6 months after the last dose.1 16 If used during pregnancy or patient becomes pregnant while receiving the drug, apprise of potential fetal hazard and/or risk for loss of the pregnancy.1 (See Advice to Patients.)


EGFR Testing

The manufacturer states that pretreatment assessment for EGFR expression is necessary for selecting appropriate patients for panitumumab therapy.1 23 24 However, panitumumab has demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with low or negative EGFR levels.4 24 25 Some authorities state that routine EGFR expression testing is not recommended and that patients should not be included or excluded from panitumumab therapy based solely on EGFR test results.11


If testing is conducted, EGFR expression should be assessed by laboratories with demonstrated proficiency in the specific technology being utilized.1 Improper assay performance may lead to unreliable results.1


Immunologic Effects

Appears to have relatively low immunogenic potential.1 13 Anti-panitumumab antibodies detected in ≤4.6% of panitumumab-treated patients using the acid dissociation ELISA and Biacore screening immunoassays.1 In patients whose sera tested positive in screening bioassays, neutralizing antibodies detected in ≤1.6% of samples using an in vitro biological assay.1 No known relationship between appearance of antibodies and the pharmacokinetic or tolerability profile of panitumumab.1


Specific Populations


Pregnancy

Category C.1 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.) Amgen's Pregnancy Surveillance Program: 800-772-6436.1


Lactation

IgG distributed into human milk; published data suggest that breast milk antibodies do not enter the neonatal and infant circulation in substantial amounts.1 Discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.1 If nursing is interrupted, based on the mean half-life of panitumumab, nursing should not be resumed earlier than 2 months following the last dose of panitumumab.1 16


Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients <18 years of age.1 16 24


Geriatric Use

In the randomized, controlled study, 42% of the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who received panitumumab were ≥65 years of age.1 Although the clinical study of panitumumab did not include a sufficient number of geriatric patients to determine whether they respond differently than younger patients, no apparent differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults were reported.1 13


Common Adverse Effects


Monotherapy or combination therapy in patients with colorectal cancer: Dermatological effects (e.g., erythema, acne or acneiform dermatitis, pruritus, skin exfoliation, rash, skin fissures, dry skin),1 3 9 12 13 14 16 43 hypomagnesemia,1 9 13 14 22 paronychia and other nail disorders,1 9 12 13 14 fatigue,1 9 13 14 16 GI effects (e.g., abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea),1 9 13 14 16 stomatitis or oral mucositis,1 dehydration,1 9 peripheral edema,1 13 14 cough,1 13 14 and ocular toxicity (e.g., conjunctivitis, increased lacrimation, ocular hyperemia, eye/eyelid irritation).1 9 14


Interactions for Vectibix


No formal drug interaction studies have been performed.1 16


Specific Drugs or Therapies





















Drug or Therapy



Interaction



Comments



Bevacizumab



Potential increased toxicity (pulmonary embolism, dermatologic toxicity, diarrhea, dehydration, hypomagnesemia) during concurrent therapy1



Manufacturer states that use of panitumumab in combination chemotherapy regimens is not approved1



Fluoropyrimidines (e.g., fluorouracil)



Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely8



Manufacturer states that use of panitumumab in combination chemotherapy regimens is not approved1



Irinotecan



Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely8


Potential increased incidence and severity of diarrhea1 16 17



Manufacturer states that use of panitumumab in combination chemotherapy regimens is not approved1



Paclitaxel



Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely8



Manufacturer states that use of panitumumab in combination chemotherapy regimens is not approved1



Radiation therapy



Possible increased risk of adverse dermatologic effects; high-grade radiation dermatitis, rash, and mucositis reported in some patients receiving combined cetuximab (another EGFR inhibitor) and radiation therapy42


Vectibix Pharmacokinetics


Absorption


Bioavailability


Pharmacokinetics are nonlinear following single-dose administration, with AUC increasing in a greater than dose-proportional manner and clearance decreasing with increasing doses; however, at doses >2 mg/kg, AUC increases in an approximately dose-proportional manner.8 1


Plasma Concentrations


Peak and trough plasma concentrations at steady-state (reached by 3rd infusion after 4 weeks) approximately 213 and 39 mcg/mL, respectively.1


Distribution


Extent


Human IgG crosses the placenta and is distributed into milk.1 Potential exists for panitumumab to cross the placenta.1 Although not known, panitumumab possibly distributed into milk.1


Elimination


Metabolism


Metabolism not fully understood.24


Elimination Route


Systemic clearance believed to be through internalization of panitumumab-EGFR complex and via the reticuloendothelial system.2 8 9 24


Half-life


Approximately 7.5 days (range: 3.6–10.9 days) following multiple dosing.1 8


Stability


Storage


Parenteral


Injection

2–8°C.1 Protect from direct sunlight; do not freeze.1 Discard any unused portion.1


Diluted infusion solutions are stable for up to 6 hours if stored at room temperature or for up to 24 hours if stored at 2–8°C.1 Do not freeze.1


Compatibility


For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.


Parenteral


Solution Compatibility




Compatible



Sodium chloride 0.9%1


ActionsActions



  • Antineoplastic agent; a recombinant human IgG2 kappa monoclonal antibody that binds to human EGFR.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 22 An immunoglobulin containing a fully human framework.1 2 3 5 6 7 8




  • Panitumumab binds specifically to EGFR (HER1, c-erbB-1) on both normal and tumor cells and competitively blocks cellular action of EGF and other ligands (e.g., transforming growth factor [TGF]-α).1 2 3 5 6 7 8




  • Interaction of EGFR with its normal ligands (e.g., EGF, TGF-α) results in phosphorylation and activation of a series of intracellular proteins that, in turn, regulate transcription of genes involved with cellular growth and survival, motility, and proliferation.1 Signal transduction through EGFR leads to activation of the wild-type (nonmutated) KRAS gene.1 However, the presence of an activating somatic mutation of the KRAS gene (mutated KRAS) in a cancer cell can lead to dysregulation of signaling pathways and resistance to EGFR inhibitor therapy (e.g., cetuximab, panitumumab).1 33




  • Binding of panitumumab to EGFR blocks phosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases, resulting in inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death), decreased proinflammatory cytokine and vascular endothelial growth factor production, and internalization of the EGFR.1 2 5 6




  • In vitro tests and in vivo animal studies suggest that panitumumab may inhibit growth and survival of tumor cells that overexpress EGFR.1 2 5 6 31



Advice to Patients



  • Risk of adverse dermatologic effects, infusion-related reactions (e.g., fever, chills, or breathing problems), pulmonary fibrosis, and potential embryofetal lethality.1 12 13 16 17




  • Importance of informing patients to report persistent or recurrent coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, or new onset facial swelling.1




  • Importance of informing patients to report diarrhea and dehydration to a healthcare professional.1




  • Importance of informing patients to report skin, ocular or visual changes to a healthcare professional.1 16




  • Importance of informing patients to use sunscreen and hats and limit sun exposure during therapy and for 2 months following the last dose of the drug to avoid exacerbation of adverse dermatologic effects.1 7 12 17




  • Importance of advising patients that periodic monitoring of serum electrolytes (including magnesium and calcium) is required.1 16 22




  • Necessity of advising men and women to use an effective method of contraception during panitumumab therapy and for 6 months following the last dose of the drug; women should avoid breast-feeding during therapy and for 2 months following discontinuance of the drug.1 16 Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed; panitumumab may affect ability of women to become pregnant.1 16 If pregnancy occurs, advise patient of risk to the fetus and/or the potential risk for loss of the pregnancy.1 16




  • Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and dietary or herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illnesses, particularly pulmonary disease.1 16




  • Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1 16 (See Cautions.)



Preparations


Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.













Panitumumab (Recombinant)

Routes



Dosage Forms



Strengths



Brand Names



Manufacturer



Parenteral



Injection, for IV infusion only



20 mg/mL (100, 200, and 400 mg)



Vectibix



Amgen


Comparative Pricing


This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 03/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.


Vectibix 100MG/5ML Solution (AMGEN): 5/$935.9 or 15/$2658.29


Vectibix 400MG/20ML Solution (AMGEN): 20/$4349.4 or 60/$12943.1



Disclaimer

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.


The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions January 2010. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.




References



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24. Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA: Personal communication.



25. Mitchell EP, Hecht JR, Baranda J et al. Panitumumab activity in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts) with low or negative tumor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) levels: an updated analysis. Paper presented at 2007 ASCO annual meeting. Chicago, IL: 2007 Jun 1-5.



26. Freeman DJ, Juan T, Reiner M et al. Association of K-ras mutational status and clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving panitumumab alone. Clin Colorectal Cancer. 2008; 7:184-90. [PubMed 18621636]



27. Hecht JR, Mitchell E, Chidiac T, et al. An updated analysis of safety and efficacy of oxaliplatin (ox)/bevacizumab (bev) +/- panitumumab (pmab) for 1st-line treatment (tx) of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) from a randomized, controlled trial (PACCE). Poster presented at: American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium; January 25-27, 2008, Orlando, FL.



28. Hecht JR, Mitchell E, Chidiac T, et al. Interim results from PACCE: Irinotecan (iri)/bevacizumab (bev) +/- panitumumab (pmab) as first-line treatment (tx) for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Poster preseted at: American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium; January 25-27, 2008, Orlando, FL.



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30. Di Nicolantonio F, Martini M, Molinari F et al. Wild-type BRAF is required for response to panitumumab or cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2008; 26:5705-12. [PubMed 19001320]



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34. Chu E. Dual biologic therapy in the first-line mCRC setting: implications of the CAIRO2 study. Clin Colorectal Cancer. 2008; 7:226. [PubMed 18650190]



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37. Giusti RM, Shastri K, Pilaro AM et al. U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval: panitumumab for epidermal growth factor receptor-expressing metastatic colorectal carcinoma with progression following fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy regimens. Clin Cancer Res. 2008; 14:1296-302. [PubMed 18316547]



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39. Hecht JR, Mitchell E, Chidiac T et al. A Randomized Phase IIIB Trial of Chemotherapy, Bevacizumab, and Panitumumab Compared With Chemotherapy and Bevacizumab Alone for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2008; 27:672-80. [PubMed 19114685]



40. Freeman DJ, Juan T, Reiner M et al. Association of K-ras mutational status and clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving panitumumab alone. Clin Colorectal Cancer. 2008; 7:184-90. [PubMed 18621636]



41. Lacouture ME, Mitchell EP, Shearer H et al. Impact of pre-emptive skin toxicity (ST) treatment (tx) on panitumumab (pmab)-related skin toxicities and quality of life (QOL) in patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): results from STEPP. Paper presented at the 2009 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. Abstr. No. 291.



42. Tejwani A, Shenhong W, Jia Y et al. Increased risk of high-grade der