Monday, 28 May 2012

Kenalog-10



triamcinolone acetonide

Dosage Form: injection, suspension
KENALOG®-10 INJECTION

(triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP)

NOT FOR USE IN NEONATES

CONTAINS BENZYL ALCOHOL


For Intra-articular or Intralesional Use Only


NOT FOR INTRAVENOUS, INTRAMUSCULAR, INTRAOCULAR, EPIDURAL, OR INTRATHECAL USE



Kenalog-10 Description


Kenalog®-10 Injection (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP) is triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid with marked anti-inflammatory action, in a sterile aqueous suspension suitable for intralesional and intra-articular injection. THIS FORMULATION IS SUITABLE FOR INTRA-ARTICULAR AND INTRALESIONAL USE ONLY.


Each mL of the sterile aqueous suspension provides 10 mg triamcinolone acetonide, with 0.65% sodium chloride for isotonicity, 0.9% (w/v) benzyl alcohol as a preservative, 0.75% carboxymethylcellulose sodium, and 0.04% polysorbate 80; sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid may have been added to adjust pH between 5.0 and 7.5. At the time of manufacture, the air in the container is replaced by nitrogen.


The chemical name for triamcinolone acetonide is 9-Fluoro-11β,16α,17,21-tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione cyclic 16,17-acetal with acetone. Its structural formula is:


MW 434.50




Kenalog-10 - Clinical Pharmacology


Glucocorticoids, naturally occurring and synthetic, are adrenocortical steroids that are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.


Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties, are used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states. Synthetic analogs such as triamcinolone are primarily used for their anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.



Indications and Usage for Kenalog-10



The intra-articular or soft tissue administration of Kenalog-10 Injection (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP) is indicated as adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in acute gouty arthritis, acute and subacute bursitis, acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, synovitis, or osteoarthritis.



The intralesional administration of Kenalog-10 Injection is indicated for alopecia areata; discoid lupus erythematosus; keloids; localized hypertrophic, infiltrated, inflammatory lesions of granuloma annulare, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis), and psoriatic plaques; necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum. Kenalog-10 Injection may also be useful in cystic tumors of an aponeurosis or tendon (ganglia).



Contraindications


Kenalog-10 Injection is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any components of this product (see WARNINGS: General).


Intramuscular corticosteroid preparations are contraindicated for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.



Warnings



General


Exposure to excessive amounts of benzyl alcohol has been associated with toxicity (hypotension, metabolic acidosis), particularly in neonates, and an increased incidence of kernicterus, particularly in small preterm infants. There have been rare reports of deaths, primarily in preterm infants, associated with exposure to excessive amounts of benzyl alcohol. The amount of benzyl alcohol from medications is usually considered negligible compared to that received in flush solutions containing benzyl alcohol. Administration of high dosages of medications containing this preservative must take into account the total amount of benzyl alcohol administered. The amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. If the patient requires more than the recommended dosages or other medications containing this preservative, the practitioner must consider the daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from these combined sources (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).


Because Kenalog-10 Injection (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP) is a suspension, it should not be administered intravenously. Strict aseptic technique is mandatory.


Rare instances of anaphylaxis have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Cases of serious anaphylaxis, including death, have been reported in individuals receiving triamcinolone acetonide injection, regardless of the route of administration.


Increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids is indicated in patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress before, during, and after the stressful situation.


Kenalog-10 Injection is a long-acting preparation, and is not suitable for use in acute stress situations.


Results from one multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study with methylprednisolone hemisuccinate, an intravenous corticosteroid, showed an increase in early (at 2 weeks) and late (at 6 months) mortality in patients with cranial trauma who were determined not to have other clear indications for corticosteroid treatment. High doses of systemic corticosteroids, including Kenalog-10 Injection, should not be used for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.



Cardio-Renal


Average and large doses of corticosteroids can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when they are used in large doses. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. All corticosteroids increase calcium excretion.


Literature reports suggest an apparent association between use of corticosteroids and left ventricular free wall rupture after a recent myocardial infarction; therefore, therapy with corticosteroids should be used with great caution in these patients.



Endocrine


Corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment.


Metabolic clearance of corticosteroids is decreased in hypothyroid patients and increased in hyperthyroid patients. Changes in thyroid status of the patient may necessitate adjustment in dosage.



Infections


General

Patients who are on corticosteroids are more susceptible to infections than are healthy individuals. There may be decreased resistance and inability to localize infection when corticosteroids are used. Infection with any pathogen (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic) in any location of the body may be associated with the use of corticosteroids alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. These infections may be mild to severe. With increasing doses of corticosteroids, the rate of occurrence of infectious complications increases. Corticosteroids may also mask some signs of current infection.


Fungal Infections

Corticosteroids may exacerbate systemic fungal infections and therefore should not be used in the presence of such infections unless they are needed to control drug reactions. There have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions: Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents).


Special Pathogens

Latent disease may be activated or there may be an exacerbation of intercurrent infections due to pathogens, including those caused by Amoeba, Candida, Cryptococcus, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Pneumocystis, or Toxoplasma.


It is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating corticosteroid therapy in any patient who has spent time in the tropics or in any patient with unexplained diarrhea.


Similarly, corticosteroids should be used with great care in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation. In such patients, corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia.


Corticosteroids should not be used in cerebral malaria.


Tuberculosis

If corticosteroids are indicated in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, close observation is necessary as reactivation of the disease may occur. During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, these patients should receive chemoprophylaxis.


Vaccination

Administration of live or live, attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered. However, the response to such vaccines cannot be predicted. Immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy, eg, for Addison’s disease.


Viral Infections

Chicken pox and measles can have a more serious or even fatal course in pediatric and adult patients on corticosteroids. In pediatric and adult patients who have not had these diseases, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If exposed to chicken pox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chicken pox develops, treatment with antiviral agents should be considered.



Neurologic


Epidural and intrathecal administration of this product is not recommended. Reports of serious medical events, including death, have been associated with epidural and intrathecal routes of corticosteroid administration (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Gastrointestinal and Neurologic/Psychiatric).



Ophthalmic


Use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The use of oral corticosteroids is not recommended in the treatment of optic neuritis and may lead to an increase in the risk of new episodes. Corticosteroids should not be used in active ocular herpes simplex.


Adequate studies to demonstrate the safety of Kenalog Injection use by intraturbinal, subconjunctival, sub-Tenons, retrobulbar, and intraocular (intravitreal) injections have not been performed. Endophthalmitis, eye inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, and visual disturbances including vision loss have been reported with intravitreal administration. Administration of Kenalog Injection intraocularly or into the nasal turbinates is not recommended.


Intraocular injection of corticosteroid formulations containing benzyl alcohol, such as Kenalog Injection, is not recommended because of potential toxicity from the benzyl alcohol.



Precautions



General


This product, like many other steroid formulations, is sensitive to heat. Therefore, it should not be autoclaved when it is desirable to sterilize the exterior of the vial.


The lowest possible dose of corticosteroid should be used to control the condition under treatment. When reduction in dosage is possible, the reduction should be gradual.


Since complications of treatment with glucocorticoids are dependent on the size of the dose and the duration of treatment, a risk/benefit decision must be made in each individual case as to dose and duration of treatment and as to whether daily or intermittent therapy should be used.


Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement.



Cardio-Renal


As sodium retention with resultant edema and potassium loss may occur in patients receiving corticosteroids, these agents should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, or renal insufficiency.



Endocrine


Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently.



Gastrointestinal


Steroids should be used with caution in active or latent peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, and nonspecific ulcerative colitis, since they may increase the risk of a perforation.


Signs of peritoneal irritation following gastrointestinal perforation in patients receiving corticosteroids may be minimal or absent.


There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids in patients with cirrhosis.



Intra-Articular and Soft Tissue Administration


Intra-articularly injected corticosteroids may be systemically absorbed.


Appropriate examination of any joint fluid present is necessary to exclude a septic process.


A marked increase in pain accompanied by local swelling, further restriction of joint motion, fever, and malaise are suggestive of septic arthritis. If this complication occurs and the diagnosis of sepsis is confirmed, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted.


Injection of a steroid into an infected site is to be avoided. Local injection of a steroid into a previously infected joint is not usually recommended.


Corticosteroid injection into unstable joints is generally not recommended.


Intra-articular injection may result in damage to joint tissues (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Musculoskeletal).



Musculoskeletal


Corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption both through their effect on calcium regulation (ie, decreasing absorption and increasing excretion) and inhibition of osteoblast function. This, together with a decrease in the protein matrix of the bone secondary to an increase in protein catabolism, and reduced sex hormone production, may lead to inhibition of bone growth in pediatric patients and the development of osteoporosis at any age. Special consideration should be given to patients at increased risk of osteoporosis (ie, postmenopausal women) before initiating corticosteroid therapy.



Neuro-Psychiatric


Although controlled clinical trials have shown corticosteroids to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, they do not show that they affect the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. The studies do show that relatively high doses of corticosteroids are necessary to demonstrate a significant effect. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)


An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids, most often occurring in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission (eg, myasthenia gravis), or in patients receiving concomitant therapy with neuromuscular blocking drugs (eg, pancuronium). This acute myopathy is generalized, may involve ocular and respiratory muscles, and may result in quadriparesis. Elevation of creatinine kinase may occur. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping corticosteroids may require weeks to years.


Psychiatric derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids.



Ophthalmic


Intraocular pressure may become elevated in some individuals. If steroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks, intraocular pressure should be monitored.



Information for Patients


Patients should be warned not to discontinue the use of corticosteroids abruptly or without medical supervision, to advise any medical attendants that they are taking corticosteroids, and to seek medical advice at once should they develop fever or other signs of infection.


Persons who are on corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles. Patients should also be advised that if they are exposed, medical advice should be sought without delay.



Drug Interactions


Aminoglutethimide: Aminoglutethimide may lead to a loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression.


Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents: When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents (ie, amphotericin B, diuretics), patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. There have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure.


Antibiotics: Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance.


Anticholinesterases: Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy.


Anticoagulants, oral: Coadministration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin, although there have been some conflicting reports. Therefore, coagulation indices should be monitored frequently to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect.


Antidiabetics: Because corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required.


Antitubercular drugs: Serum concentrations of isoniazid may be decreased.


Cholestyramine: Cholestyramine may increase the clearance of corticosteroids.


Cyclosporine: Increased activity of both cyclosporine and corticosteroids may occur when the two are used concurrently. Convulsions have been reported with this concurrent use.


Digitalis glycosides: Patients on digitalis glycosides may be at increased risk of arrhythmias due to hypokalemia.


Estrogens, including oral contraceptives: Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain corticosteroids, thereby increasing their effect.


Hepatic enzyme inducers (eg, barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin): Drugs which induce hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzyme activity may enhance the metabolism of corticosteroids and require that the dosage of the corticosteroid be increased.


Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to an increased risk of corticosteroid side effects.


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Concomitant use of aspirin (or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The clearance of salicylates may be increased with concurrent use of corticosteroids.


Skin tests: Corticosteroids may suppress reactions to skin tests.


Vaccines: Patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy may exhibit a diminished response to toxoids and live or inactivated vaccines due to inhibition of antibody response. Corticosteroids may also potentiate the replication of some organisms contained in live attenuated vaccines. Routine administration of vaccines or toxoids should be deferred until corticosteroid therapy is discontinued if possible (see WARNINGS: Infections: Vaccination).



Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility


No adequate studies have been conducted in animals to determine whether corticosteroids have a potential for carcinogenesis or mutagenesis.


Steroids may increase or decrease motility and number of spermatozoa in some patients.



Pregnancy


Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C

Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in many species when given in doses equivalent to the human dose. Animal studies in which corticosteroids have been given to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits have yielded an increased incidence of cleft palate in the offspring. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who have received corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.



Nursing Mothers


Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. Caution should be exercised when corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.



Pediatric Use


This product contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Benzyl alcohol, a component of this product, has been associated with serious adverse events and death, particularly in pediatric patients. The “gasping syndrome” (characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, gasping respirations, and high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites found in the blood and urine) has been associated with benzyl alcohol dosages >99 mg/kg/day in neonates and low-birth-weight neonates. Additional symptoms may include gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Although normal therapeutic doses of this product deliver amounts of benzyl alcohol that are substantially lower than those reported in association with the “gasping syndrome,” the minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. Premature and low-birth-weight infants, as well as patients receiving high dosages, may be more likely to develop toxicity. Practitioners administering this and other medications containing benzyl alcohol should consider the combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources.


The efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in the pediatric population are based on the well-established course of effect of corticosteroids which is similar in pediatric and adult populations. Published studies provide evidence of efficacy and safety in pediatric patients for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (>2 years of age), and aggressive lymphomas and leukemias (>1 month of age). Other indications for pediatric use of corticosteroids, eg, severe asthma and wheezing, are based on adequate and well-controlled trials conducted in adults, on the premises that the course of the diseases and their pathophysiology are considered to be substantially similar in both populations.


The adverse effects of corticosteroids in pediatric patients are similar to those in adults (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Like adults, pediatric patients should be carefully observed with frequent measurements of blood pressure, weight, height, intraocular pressure, and clinical evaluation for the presence of infection, psychosocial disturbances, thromboembolism, peptic ulcers, cataracts, and osteoporosis. Pediatric patients who are treated with corticosteroids by any route, including systemically administered corticosteroids, may experience a decrease in their growth velocity. This negative impact of corticosteroids on growth has been observed at low systemic doses and in the absence of laboratory evidence of HPA axis suppression (ie, cosyntropin stimulation and basal cortisol plasma levels). Growth velocity may therefore be a more sensitive indicator of systemic corticosteroid exposure in pediatric patients than some commonly used tests of HPA axis function. The linear growth of pediatric patients treated with corticosteroids should be monitored, and the potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against clinical benefits obtained and the availability of treatment alternatives. In order to minimize the potential growth effects of corticosteroids, pediatric patients should be titrated to the lowest effective dose.



Geriatric Use


No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.



Adverse Reactions


(listed alphabetically under each subsection)


The following adverse reactions may be associated with corticosteroid therapy:


Allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis including death, angioedema.


Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction (see WARNINGS), pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis.


Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, edema, erythema, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, lupus erythematosus-like lesions, purpura, rash, sterile abscess, striae, suppressed reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria.


Endocrine: Decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance, development of cushingoid state, glycosuria, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetes, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, menstrual irregularities, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness), suppression of growth in pediatric patients.


Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients, fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, potassium loss, sodium retention.


Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, bowel/bladder dysfunction (after intrathecal administration [see WARNINGS: Neurologic]), elevation in serum liver enzyme levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, increased appetite, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the small and large intestine (particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative esophagitis.


Metabolic: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism.


Musculoskeletal: Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, calcinosis (following intra-articular or intralesional use), Charcot-like arthropathy, loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pathologic fracture of long bones, post injection flare (following intra-articular use), steroid myopathy, tendon rupture, vertebral compression fractures.


Neurologic/Psychiatric: Convulsions, depression, emotional instability, euphoria, headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually following discontinuation of treatment, insomnia, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy, paresthesia, personality changes, psychiatric disorders, vertigo. Arachnoiditis, meningitis, paraparesis/paraplegia, and sensory disturbances have occurred after intrathecal administration. Spinal cord infarction, paraplegia, quadriplegia, cortical blindness, and stroke (including brainstem) have been reported after epidural administration of corticosteroids (see WARNINGS: Neurologic).


Ophthalmic: Exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, rare instances of blindness associated with periocular injections.


Other: Abnormal fat deposits, decreased resistance to infection, hiccups, increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa, malaise, moon face, weight gain.



Overdosage


Treatment of acute overdosage is by supportive and symptomatic therapy. For chronic overdosage in the face of severe disease requiring continuous steroid therapy, the dosage of the corticosteroid may be reduced only temporarily, or alternate day treatment may be introduced.



Kenalog-10 Dosage and Administration



General


NOTE: CONTAINS BENZYL ALCOHOL (see PRECAUTIONS).


IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE UNDER TREATMENT AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. Situations which may make dosage adjustments necessary are changes in clinical status secondary to remissions or exacerbations in the disease process, the patient’s individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of patient exposure to stressful situations not directly related to the disease entity under treatment. In this latter situation it may be necessary to increase the dosage of the corticosteroid for a period of time consistent with the patient’s condition. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly.


In pediatric patients, the initial dose of triamcinolone may vary depending on the specific disease entity being treated. The range of initial doses is 0.11 to 1.6 mg/kg/day in 3 or 4 divided doses (3.2 to 48 mg/m2bsa/day).


For the purpose of comparison, the following is the equivalent milligram dosage of the various glucocorticoids:












Cortisone, 25Triamcinolone, 4
Hydrocortisone, 20Paramethasone, 2
Prednisolone, 5Betamethasone, 0.75
Prednisone, 5Dexamethasone, 0.75
Methylprednisolone, 4 

These dose relationships apply only to oral or intravenous administration of these compounds. When these substances or their derivatives are injected intramuscularly or into joint spaces, their relative properties may be greatly altered.



Intra-Articular Administration


Dosage

The initial dose of Kenalog-10 Injection for intra-articular administration may vary from 2.5 mg to 5 mg for smaller joints and from 5 mg to 15 mg for larger joints, depending on the specific disease entity being treated. Single injections into several joints, up to a total of 20 mg or more, have been given.



Intralesional


For intralesional administration, the initial dose per injection site will vary depending on the specific disease entity and lesion being treated. The site of injection and volume of injection should be carefully considered due to the potential for cutaneous atrophy.


Multiple sites separated by one centimeter or more may be injected, keeping in mind that the greater the total volume employed the more corticosteroid becomes available for systemic absorption and systemic effects. Such injections may be repeated, if necessary, at weekly or less frequent intervals.



Localization of Doses


The lower dosages in the initial dosage range of triamcinolone acetonide may produce the desired effect when the corticosteroid is administered to provide a localized concentration. The site and volume of the injection should be carefully considered when triamcinolone acetonide is administered for this purpose.



Administration


STRICT ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE IS MANDATORY. The vial should be shaken before use to ensure a uniform suspension. Prior to withdrawal, the suspension should be inspected for clumping or granular appearance (agglomeration). An agglomerated product results from exposure to freezing temperatures and should not be used. After withdrawal, inject without delay to prevent settling in the syringe.


Injection Technique

For treatment of joints, the usual intra-articular injection technique should be followed. If an excessive amount of synovial fluid is present in the joint, some, but not all, should be aspirated to aid in the relief of pain and to prevent undue dilution of the steroid.


With intra-articular administration, prior use of a local anesthetic may often be desirable. Care should be taken with this kind of injection, particularly in the deltoid region, to avoid injecting the suspension into the tissues surrounding the site, since this may lead to tissue atrophy.


In treating acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, care should be taken to ensure that the injection of Kenalog-10 Injection is made into the tendon sheath rather than the tendon substance. Epicondylitis may be treated by infiltrating the preparation into the area of greatest tenderness.


Intralesional

For treatment of dermal lesions, Kenalog-10 Injection should be injected directly into the lesion, ie, intradermally or subcutaneously. For accuracy of dosage measurement and ease of administration, it is preferable to employ a tuberculin syringe and a small-bore needle (23-25 gauge). Ethyl chloride spray may be used to alleviate the discomfort of the injection.



How is Kenalog-10 Supplied


Kenalog®-10 Injection (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP) is supplied in 5 mL multiple-dose vials (NDC 0003-0494-20) providing 10 mg triamcinolone acetonide per mL.



Storage


Store at controlled room temperature, 20°–25°C (68°–77°F), avoid freezing and protect from light. Do not refrigerate.



Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Princeton, NJ 08543 USA

Product of Italy


1221154A5


Rev August 2011



-----------------------------------------

REPRESENTATIVE PACKAGING


See How Supplied section for a complete list of available packages of Kenalog-10.




NDC 0003-0494-20

Rx only

KENALOG®-10

(Triamcinolone Acetonide

Injectable Suspension, USP)

50 mg per 5 mL

10 mg per mL

5 mL Multiple Dose Vial










Kenalog-10 
triamcinolone acetonide  injection, suspension










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)0003-0494
Route of AdministrationINTRA-ARTICULAR, INTRALESIONALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
triamcinolone acetonide (triamcinolone)triamcinolone acetonide10 mg  in 1 mL


















Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
sodium chloride 
benzyl alcohol 
carboxymethylcellulose sodium 
polysorbate 80 
sodium hydroxide 
hydrochloric acid 
nitrogen 


















Product Characteristics
Color    Score    
ShapeSize
FlavorImprint Code
Contains      














Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
10003-0494-201 VIAL In 1 CARTONcontains a VIAL, MULTI-DOSE
15 mL In 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSEThis package is contained within the CARTON (0003-0494-20)










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA01204106/01/2009


Labeler - E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. (011550092)
Revised: 08/2011E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.

More Kenalog-10 resources


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Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Tamoxifen




Generic Name: Tamoxifen citrate

Dosage Form: tablet, film coated
Tamoxifen CITRATE TABLETS USP, 10 mg and 20 mg (base)

0784

0782

Rx only


WARNING


For Women With Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer


Serious and life-threatening events associated with Tamoxifen in the risk reduction setting (women at high risk for cancer and women with DCIS) include uterine malignancies, stroke and pulmonary embolism. Incidence rates for these events were estimated from the NSABP P-1 trial (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies, Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women). Uterine malignancies consist of both endometrial adenocarcinoma (incidence rate per 1,000 women-years of 2.20 for Tamoxifen vs. 0.71 for placebo) and uterine sarcoma (incidence rate per 1,000 women-years of 0.17 for Tamoxifen vs. 0.4 for placebo)*. For stroke, the incidence rate per 1,000 women-years was 1.43 for Tamoxifen vs. 1.00 for placebo**. For pulmonary embolism, the incidence rate per 1,000 women-years was 0.75 for Tamoxifen versus 0.25 for placebo**.


Some of the strokes, pulmonary emboli, and uterine malignancies were fatal.


Health care providers should discuss the potential benefits versus the potential risks of these serious events with women at high risk of breast cancer and women with DCIS considering Tamoxifen to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.


The benefits of Tamoxifen outweigh its risks in women already diagnosed with breast cancer.


* Updated long-term follow-up data (median length of follow-up is 6.9 years) from NSABP P-1 study. See WARNINGS, Effects on the Uterus-Endometrial Cancer and Uterine Sarcoma.


** See Table 3 under CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies.



Tamoxifen Description

Tamoxifen citrate tablets USP, a nonsteroidal antiestrogen, are for oral administration. Each tablet contains 10 mg or 20 mg Tamoxifen (equivalent to 15.2 mg or 30.4 mg, respectively, of Tamoxifen citrate).


Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose (monohydrate), magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 400, povidone, corn starch, and titanium dioxide.


Chemically, Tamoxifen is the trans-isomer of a triphenylethylene derivative. The chemical name is (Z)2-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-1-butenyl)phenoxy]- N,N-dimethylethanamine 2-hydroxy-1,2,3- propanetricarboxylate (1:1). The structural formula, empirical formula, and molecular weight are as follows:



C32H37NO8 M.W. 563.62


Tamoxifen citrate has a pKa’ of 8.85, the equilibrium solubility in water at 37°C is 0.5 mg/mL and in 0.02 N HCl at 37°C, it is 0.2 mg/mL.



Tamoxifen - Clinical Pharmacology


Tamoxifen citrate is a nonsteroidal agent that has demonstrated potent antiestrogenic properties in animal test systems. The antiestrogenic effects may be related to its ability to compete with estrogen for binding sites in target tissues such as breast. Tamoxifen inhibits the induction of rat mammary carcinoma induced by dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) and causes the regression of already established DMBA-induced tumors. In this rat model, Tamoxifen appears to exert its antitumor effects by binding the estrogen receptors.


In cytosols derived from human breast adenocarcinomas, Tamoxifen competes with estradiol for estrogen receptor protein.



Absorption and Distribution


Following a single oral dose of 20 mg Tamoxifen, an average peak plasma concentration of 40 ng/mL (range 35 to 45 ng/mL) occurred approximately 5 hours after dosing. The decline in plasma concentrations of Tamoxifen is biphasic with a terminal elimination half-life of about 5 to 7 days. The average peak plasma concentration of N-desmethyl Tamoxifen is 15 ng/mL (range 10 to 20 ng/mL). Chronic administration of 10 mg Tamoxifen given twice daily for 3 months to patients results in average steady-state plasma concentrations of 120 ng/mL (range 67 to 183 ng/mL) for Tamoxifen and 336 ng/mL (range 148 to 654 ng/mL) for N-desmethyl Tamoxifen. The average steady-state plasma concentrations of Tamoxifen and N-desmethyl Tamoxifen after administration of 20 mg Tamoxifen once daily for 3 months are 122 ng/mL (range 71 to 183 ng/mL) and 353 ng/mL (range 152 to 706 ng/mL), respectively. After initiation of therapy, steady-state concentrations for Tamoxifen are achieved in about 4 weeks and steady-state concentrations for N-desmethyl Tamoxifen are achieved in about 8 weeks, suggesting a half-life of approximately 14 days for this metabolite. In a steady-state, crossover study of 10 mg Tamoxifen citrate tablets given twice a day vs. a 20 mg Tamoxifen citrate tablet given once daily, the 20 mg Tamoxifen citrate tablet was bioequivalent to the 10 mg Tamoxifen citrate tablets.



Metabolism


Tamoxifen is extensively metabolized after oral administration. N-desmethyl Tamoxifen is the major metabolite found in patients’ plasma. The biological activity of N-desmethyl Tamoxifen appears to be similar to that of Tamoxifen. 4-HydroxyTamoxifen and a side chain primary alcohol derivative of Tamoxifen have been identified as minor metabolites in plasma. Tamoxifen is a substrate of cytochrome P-450 3A, 2C9 and 2D6, and an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein.



Excretion


Studies in women receiving 20 mg of 14C Tamoxifen have shown that approximately 65% of the administered dose was excreted from the body over a period of 2 weeks with fecal excretion as the primary route of elimination. The drug is excreted mainly as polar conjugates, with unchanged drug and unconjugated metabolites accounting for less than 30% of the total fecal radioactivity.



Special Populations


The effects of age, gender and race on the pharmacokinetics of Tamoxifen have not been determined. The effects of reduced liver function on the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Tamoxifen have not been determined.


Pediatric Patients

The pharmacokinetics of Tamoxifen and N-desmethyl Tamoxifen were characterized using a population pharmacokinetic analysis with sparse samples per patient obtained from 27 female pediatric patients aged 2 to 10 years enrolled in a study designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of Tamoxifen in treating McCune-Albright syndrome. Rich data from two Tamoxifen citrate pharmacokinetic trials in which 59 postmenopausal women with breast cancer completed the studies were included in the analysis to determine the structural pharmacokinetic model for Tamoxifen. A one-compartment model provided the best fit to the data.


In pediatric patients, an average steady-state peak plasma concentration (Css, max) and AUC were of 187 ng/mL and 4,110 ng hr/mL, respectively, and Css, max occurred approximately 8 hours after dosing. Clearance (CL/F) as body weight adjusted in female pediatric patients was approximately 2.3 fold higher than in female breast cancer patients. In the youngest cohort of female pediatric patients (2 to 6 year olds), CL/F was 2.6 fold higher; in the oldest cohort (7 to 10.9 year olds) CL/F was approximately 1.9 fold higher. Exposure to N-desmethyl Tamoxifen was comparable between the pediatric and adult patients. The safety and efficacy of Tamoxifen for girls aged 2 to 10 years with McCune-Albright syndrome and precocious puberty have not been studied beyond one year of treatment. The long-term effects of Tamoxifen therapy in girls have not been established. In adults treated with Tamoxifen an increase in incidence of uterine malignancies, stroke and pulmonary embolism has been noted (see BOXED WARNING).



Drug-Drug Interactions


In vitro studies showed that erythromycin, cyclosporin, nifedipine and diltiazem competitively inhibited formation of N-desmethyl Tamoxifen with apparent K1 of 20, 1, 45 and 30 µM, respectively. The clinical significance of these in vitro studies is unknown.


Tamoxifen reduced the plasma concentration of letrozole by 37% when these drugs were coadministered. Rifampin, a cytochrome P-450 3A4 inducer reduced Tamoxifen AUC and Cmax by 86% and 55%, respectively. Aminoglutethimide reduces Tamoxifen and N-desmethyl Tamoxifen plasma concentrations. Medroxyprogesterone reduces plasma concentrations of N-desmethyl, but not Tamoxifen.


In the anastrozole adjuvant trial, coadministration of anastrozole and Tamoxifen in breast cancer patients reduced anastrozole plasma concentration by 27% compared to those achieved with anastrozole alone; however, the coadministration did not affect the pharmacokinetics of Tamoxifen or N-desmethylTamoxifen (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions). Tamoxifen should not be coadministered with anastrozole.



Clinical Studies


Metastatic Breast Cancer

Premenopausal women (Tamoxifen vs. ablation)


Three prospective, randomized studies (Ingle, Pritchard, Buchanan) compared Tamoxifen to ovarian ablation (oophorectomy or ovarian irradiation) in premenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Although the objective response rate, time to treatment failure, and survival were similar with both treatments, the limited patient accrual prevented a demonstration of equivalence. In an overview analysis of survival data from the 3 studies, the hazard ratio for death (Tamoxifen/ovarian ablation) was 1.00 with two-sided 95% confidence intervals of 0.73 to 1.37. Elevated serum and plasma estrogens have been observed in premenopausal women receiving Tamoxifen, but the data from the randomized studies do not suggest an adverse effect of this increase. A limited number of premenopausal patients with disease progression during Tamoxifen therapy responded to subsequent ovarian ablation.



Male breast cancer


Published results from 122 patients (119 evaluable) and case reports in 16 patients (13 evaluable) treated with Tamoxifen have shown that Tamoxifen is effective for the palliative treatment of male breast cancer. Sixty-six of these 132 evaluable patients responded to Tamoxifen which constitutes a 50% objective response rate.


Adjuvant Breast Cancer

Overview


The Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) conducted worldwide overviews of systemic adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer in 1985, 1990, and again in 1995. In 1998, 10 year outcome data were reported for 36,689 women in 55 randomized trials of adjuvant Tamoxifen using doses of 20 to 40 mg/day for 1 to 5+ years. Twenty-five percent of patients received 1 year or less of trial treatment, 52% received 2 years, and 23% received about 5 years. Forty-eight percent of tumors were estrogen receptor (ER) positive (> 10 fmol/mg), 21% were ER poor (< 10 fmol/l), and 31% were ER unknown. Among 29,441 patients with ER positive or unknown breast cancer, 58% were entered into trials comparing Tamoxifen to no adjuvant therapy and 42% were entered into trials comparing Tamoxifen in combination with chemotherapy vs. the same chemotherapy alone. Among these patients, 54% had node positive disease and 46% had node negative disease.


Among women with ER positive or unknown breast cancer and positive nodes who received about 5 years of treatment, overall survival at 10 years was 61.4% for Tamoxifen vs. 50.5% for control (logrank 2p < 0.00001). The recurrence-free rate at 10 years was 59.7% for Tamoxifen vs. 44.5% for control (logrank 2p < 0.00001). Among women with ER positive or unknown breast cancer and negative nodes who received about 5 years of treatment, overall survival at 10 years was 78.9% for Tamoxifen vs. 73.3% for control (logrank 2p < 0.00001). The recurrence-free rate at 10 years was 79.2% for Tamoxifen vs. 64.3% for control (logrank 2p < 0.00001).


The effect of the scheduled duration of Tamoxifen may be described as follows. In women with ER positive or unknown breast cancer receiving 1 year or less, 2 years or about 5 years of Tamoxifen, the proportional reductions in mortality were 12%, 17% and 26%, respectively (trend significant at 2p < 0.003). The corresponding reductions in breast cancer recurrence were 21%, 29% and 47% (trend significant at 2p < 0.00001).


Benefit is less clear for women with ER poor breast cancer in whom the proportional reduction in recurrence was 10% (2p = 0.007) for all durations taken together, or 9% (2p = 0.02) if contralateral breast cancers are excluded. The corresponding reduction in mortality was 6% (NS). The effects of about 5 years of Tamoxifen on recurrence and mortality were similar regardless of age and concurrent chemotherapy. There was no indication that doses greater than 20 mg per day were more effective.



Anastrozole adjuvant ATAC trial – study of anastrozole compared to Tamoxifen for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer

An anastrozole adjuvant trial was conducted in 9,366 postmenopausal women with operable breast cancer who were randomized to receive adjuvant treatment with either anastrozole 1 mg daily, Tamoxifen 20 mg daily, or a combination of these two treatments for 5 years or until recurrence of the disease. At a median follow-up of 33 months, the combination of anastrozole and Tamoxifen did not demonstrate any efficacy benefit when compared with Tamoxifen therapy alone in all patients as well as in the hormone receptor-positive subpopulation. This treatment arm was discontinued from the trial. Please refer to CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Drug-Drug Interactions; PRECAUTIONS, Laboratory Tests; PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions and ADVERSE REACTIONS for safety information from this trial. Please refer to the full prescribing information for anastrozole 1 mg tablets for additional information on this trial.


Patients in the two monotherapy arms of the ATAC trial were treated for a median of 60 months (5 years) and followed for a median of 68 months. Disease-free survival in the intent-to-treat population was statistically significantly improved [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.97, p = 0.0127] in the anastrozole arm compared to the Tamoxifen arm.



Node positive – individual studies


Two studies (Hubay and NSABP B-09) demonstrated an improved disease-free survival following radical or modified radical mastectomy in postmenopausal women or women 50 years of age or older with surgically curable breast cancer with positive axillary nodes when Tamoxifen was added to adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy. In the Hubay study, Tamoxifen was added to "low-dose" CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil). In the NSABP B-09 study, Tamoxifen was added to melphalan [L-phenylalanine mustard (P)] and fluorouracil (F).


In the Hubay study, patients with a positive (more than 3 fmol) estrogen receptor were more likely to benefit. In the NSABP B-09 study in women age 50 to 59 years, only women with both estrogen and progesterone receptor levels 10 fmol or greater clearly benefited, while there was a nonstatistically significant trend toward adverse effect in women with both estrogen and progesterone receptor levels less than 10 fmol. In women age 60 to 70 years, there was a trend toward a beneficial effect of Tamoxifen without any clear relationship to estrogen or progesterone receptor status.


Three prospective studies (ECOG-1178, Toronto, NATO) using Tamoxifen adjuvantly as a single agent demonstrated an improved disease-free survival following total mastectomy and axillary dissection for postmenopausal women with positive axillary nodes compared to placebo/no treatment controls. The NATO study also demonstrated an overall survival benefit.



Node negative – individual studies


NSABP B-14, a prospective, double-blind, randomized study, compared Tamoxifen to placebo in women with axillary node-negative, estrogen-receptor positive (≥ 10 fmol/mg cytosol protein) breast cancer (as adjuvant therapy, following total mastectomy and axillary dissection, or segmental resection, axillary dissection, and breast radiation). After five years of treatment, there was a significant improvement in disease-free survival in women receiving Tamoxifen. This benefit was apparent both in women under age 50 and in women at or beyond age 50.


One additional randomized study (NATO) demonstrated improved disease-free survival for Tamoxifen compared to no adjuvant therapy following total mastectomy and axillary dissection in postmenopausal women with axillary node-negative breast cancer. In this study, the benefits of Tamoxifen appeared to be independent of estrogen receptor status.



Duration of therapy


In the EBCTCG 1995 overview, the reduction in recurrence and mortality was greater in those studies that used Tamoxifen for about 5 years than in those that used Tamoxifen for a shorter period of therapy.


In the NSABP B-14 trial, in which patients were randomized to Tamoxifen 20 mg/day for 5 years vs. placebo and were disease-free at the end of this 5 year period were offered rerandomization to an additional 5 years of Tamoxifen or placebo. With 4 years of follow-up after this rerandomization, 92% of the women that received 5 years of Tamoxifen were alive and disease-free, compared to 86% of the women scheduled to receive 10 years of Tamoxifen (p = 0.003). Overall survivals were 96% and 94%, respectively (p = 0.08). Results of the B-14 study suggest that continuation of therapy beyond 5 years does not provide additional benefit.


A Scottish trial of 5 years of Tamoxifen vs. indefinite treatment found a disease-free survival of 70% in the five-year group and 61% in the indefinite group, with 6.2 years median follow-up (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.85).


In a large randomized trial conducted by the Swedish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group of adjuvant Tamoxifen 40 mg/day for 2 or 5 years, overall survival at 10 years was estimated to be 80% in the patients in the 5 year Tamoxifen group, compared with 74% among corresponding patients in the 2 year treatment group (p = 0.03). Disease-free survival at 10 years was 73% in the 5 year group and 67% in the 2 year group (p = 0.009). Compared with 2 years of Tamoxifen treatment, 5 years of treatment resulted in a slightly greater reduction in the incidence of contralateral breast cancer at 10 years, but this difference was not statistically significant.



Contralateral breast cancer


The incidence of contralateral breast cancer is reduced in breast cancer patients (premenopausal and postmenopausal) receiving Tamoxifen compared to placebo. Data on contralateral breast cancer are available from 32,422 out of 36,689 patients in the 1995 overview analysis of the Early Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group (EBCTCG). In clinical trials with Tamoxifen of 1 year or less, 2 years, and about 5 years duration, the proportional reductions in the incidence rate of contralateral breast cancer among women receiving Tamoxifen were 13% (NS), 26% (2p = 0.004) and 47% (2p < 0.00001), with a significant trend favoring longer Tamoxifen duration (2p = 0.008). The proportional reductions in the incidence of contralateral breast cancer were independent of age and ER status of the primary tumor. Treatment with about 5 years of Tamoxifen reduced the annual incidence rate of contralateral breast cancer from 7.6 per 1,000 patients in the control group compared with 3.9 per 1,000 patients in the Tamoxifen group.


In a large randomized trial in Sweden (the Stockholm Trial) of adjuvant Tamoxifen 40 mg/day for 2 to 5 years, the incidence of second primary breast tumors was reduced 40% (p < 0.008) on Tamoxifen compared to control. In the NSABP B-14 trial in which patients were randomized to Tamoxifen 20 mg/day for 5 years vs. placebo, the incidence of second primary breast cancers was also significantly reduced (p < 0.01). In NSABP B-14, the annual rate of contralateral breast cancer was 8.0 per 1,000 patients in the placebo group compared with 5.0 per 1,000 patients in the Tamoxifen group, at 10 years after first randomization.


Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

NSABP B-24, a double-blind, randomized trial included women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This trial compared the addition of Tamoxifen or placebo to treatment with lumpectomy and radiation therapy for women with DCIS. The primary objective was to determine whether 5 years of Tamoxifen therapy (20 mg/day) would reduce the incidence of invasive breast cancer in the ipsilateral (the same) or contralateral (the opposite) breast.


In this trial 1,804 women were randomized to receive either Tamoxifen or placebo for 5 years: 902 women were randomized to Tamoxifen citrate 10 mg tablets twice a day and 902 women were randomized to placebo. As of December 31, 1998, follow-up data were available for 1,798 women and the median duration of follow-up was 74 months.


The Tamoxifen and placebo groups were well balanced for baseline demographic and prognostic factors. Over 80% of the tumors were less than or equal to 1 cm in their maximum dimension, were not palpable, and were detected by mammography alone. Over 60% of the study population was postmenopausal. In 16% of patients, the margin of the resected specimen was reported as being positive after surgery. Approximately half of the tumors were reported to contain comedo necrosis.


For the primary endpoint, the incidence of invasive breast cancer was reduced by 43% among women assigned to Tamoxifen (44 cases-Tamoxifen, 74 cases-placebo; p = 0.004; relative risk (RR) = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.84). No data are available regarding the ER status of the invasive cancers. The stage distribution of the invasive cancers at diagnosis was similar to that reported annually in the SEER data base.


Results are shown in Table 1. For each endpoint the following results are presented: the number of events and rate per 1,000 women per year for the placebo and Tamoxifen groups; and the relative risk (RR) and its associated 95% confidence interval (CI) between Tamoxifen and placebo. Relative risks less than 1.0 indicate a benefit of Tamoxifen therapy. The limits of the confidence intervals can be used to assess the statistical significance of the benefits of Tamoxifen therapy. If the upper limit of the CI is less than 1.0, then a statistically significant benefit exists.















































































































































Table 1: Major Outcomes of the NSABP B-24 Trial

*

Updated follow-up data (median 8.1 years)

Type of EventLumpectomy, radiotherapy, and placeboLumpectomy, radiotherapy, and TamoxifenRR95% CI limits
No. of eventsRate per 1,000 women per yearNo. of eventsRate per 1,000 women per year
Invasive breast cancer (Primary endpoint)7416.73449.600.570.39 to 0.84
Ipsilateral4710.61275.900.560.33 to 0.91
Contralateral255.64173.710.660.33 to 1.27
Side undetermined2--0----
Secondary Endpoints
DCIS5612.66418.950.710.46 to 1.08
Ipsilateral4610.40388.290.880.51 to 1.25
Contralateral102.2630.650.290.05 to 1.13
All Breast Cancer Events12929.168418.340.630.47 to 0.83
All ipsilateral events9621.706514.190.650.47 to 0.91
All contralateral events378.36204.370.520.29 to 0.92
Deaths3228
Uterine Malignancies*49
Endometrial Adenocarcinoma*40.5781.15
Uterine Sarcoma*00.010.14
Second primary malignancies (other than endometrial and breast)3029
Stroke27
Thromboembolic events (DVT, PE)515

Survival was similar in the placebo and Tamoxifen groups. At 5 years from study entry, survival was 97% for both groups.


Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women

The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT, NSABP P-1) was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a primary objective to determine whether 5 years of Tamoxifen therapy (20 mg/day) would reduce the incidence of invasive breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE). Secondary objectives included an evaluation of the incidence of ischemic heart disease; the effects on the incidence of bone fractures; and other events that might be associated with the use of Tamoxifen, including: endometrial cancer, pulmonary embolus, deep-vein thrombosis, stroke, and cataract formation and surgery (see WARNINGS).


The Gail Model was used to calculate predicted breast cancer risk for women who were less than 60 years of age and did not have lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). The following risk factors were used: age; number of first-degree female relatives with breast cancer; previous breast biopsies; presence or absence of atypical hyperplasia; nulliparity; age at first live birth; and age at menarche. A 5 year predicted risk of breast cancer of ≥ 1.67% was required for entry into the trial.


In this trial, 13,388 women of at least 35 years of age were randomized to receive either Tamoxifen or placebo for five years. The median duration of treatment was 3.5 years. As of January 31, 1998, follow-up data is available for 13,114 women. Twenty-seven percent of women randomized to placebo (1,782) and 24% of women randomized to Tamoxifen (1,596) completed 5 years of therapy. The demographic characteristics of women on the trial with follow-up data are shown in Table 2.




























































































































































































Table 2: Demographic Characteristics of Women in the NSABP P-1 Trial
CharacteristicPlaceboTamoxifen
 #%#%
Age (yrs.)
35 to 3918431582
40 to 492,394362,41137
50 to 592,011312,01931
60 to 691,588241,56324
≥ 7039363936
Age at first live birth (yrs.)
Nulliparous1,202181,20518
12 to 199151494615
20 to 242,448372,44937
25 to 291,399211,36721
≥ 3060695779
Race
White6,333966,32396
Black10921032
Other12821182
Age at menarche
≥ 141,243191,17018
12 to 133,610553,61055
≤ 111,717261,76427
# of first degree relatives with breast cancer
01,584241,52523
13,714573,74457
2+1,272191,27520
Prior hysterectomy
No4,17363.54,01862.4
Yes2,39736.52,46437.7
# of previous breast biopsies
02,935452,92345
11,833281,85028
≥ 21,802271,77127
History of atypical hyperplasia in the breast
No5,958915,96991
Yes61295759
History of LCIS at entry
No6,165946,13594
Yes40564096
5 year predicted breast cancer risk (%)
≤ 2.001,646251,62625
2.01 to 3.002,028312,05731
3.01 to 5.001,787271,70726
≥ 5.011,109171,16218
Total

Monday, 21 May 2012

Anbesol Liquid


Pronunciation: BEN-zoe-kane
Generic Name: Benzocaine
Brand Name: Anbesol


Anbesol Liquid is used for:

Treating pain from mouth and gum irritations (eg, canker sores). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Anbesol Liquid in a local anesthetic. It works by numbing sensitive and painful areas.


Do NOT use Anbesol Liquid if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Anbesol Liquid or to other local anesthetics (eg, butacaine, procaine)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Anbesol Liquid:


Some medical conditions may interact with Anbesol Liquid. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Anbesol Liquid. Because little, if any, of Anbesol Liquid is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.


Ask your health care provider if Anbesol Liquid may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Anbesol Liquid:


Use Anbesol Liquid as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • An adult should supervise the use of Anbesol Liquid if the patient is a CHILD younger than 12 years old.

  • To use a dose of Anbesol Liquid, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or on the product label.

  • Wash your hands before and after you use Anbesol Liquid. Apply medicine to the affected area by using cotton, a cotton swab, or a clean fingertip.

  • Do not eat or drink for at least 1 hour after using Anbesol Liquid.

  • Do not use Anbesol Liquid within 1 hour of your previous dose or use more than 4 times per day, unless your doctor or dentist tells you otherwise.

  • If you miss a dose of Anbesol Liquid, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as directed by your doctor or on the package label.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Anbesol Liquid.



Important safety information:


  • Do not get Anbesol Liquid in your eyes. If you get it in your eyes, rinse at once with cool water.

  • Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than 7 days without checking with your doctor or dentist.

  • If your symptoms do not get better within 7 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.

  • Contact your doctor if you have persistent or worsening pain, redness, or irritation, or if you develop swelling, rash, or a fever. Tell your doctor if you have mouth sores that keep coming back.

  • Anbesol Liquid may cause harm if more than the amount used to treat pain is swallowed. If this occurs, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.

  • Anbesol Liquid should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old without checking with the child's doctor or dentist; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Anbesol Liquid can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Anbesol Liquid while you are pregnant. It is not known if Anbesol Liquid is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Anbesol Liquid, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Anbesol Liquid:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:



Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); mouth burning, irritation, redness, swelling, or tenderness.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Anbesol side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Anbesol Liquid may cause harm if more than is used for pain is swallowed. Symptoms may include blue skin or lips; trouble breathing.


Proper storage of Anbesol Liquid:

Store Anbesol Liquid at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Anbesol Liquid out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Anbesol Liquid, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Anbesol Liquid is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Anbesol Liquid. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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