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Uses
GAMMAGARD LIQUID is indicated as replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in adult and pediatric patients two years of age or older. This includes, but is not limited to, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), X-linked agammaglobulinemia, congenital agammaglobulinemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiencies1,2.
GAMMAGARD LIQUID is indicated as a maintenance therapy to improve muscle strength and disability in adult patients with Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN).
History
There is currently no drug history available for this drug.
Other Information
GAMMAGARD LIQUID is a ready-for-use sterile, liquid preparation of highly purified and concentrated immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. The distribution of the IgG subclasses is similar to that of normal plasma. The Fc and Fab functions are maintained in GAMMAGARD LIQUID. Pre-kallikrein activator activity is not detectable. GAMMAGARD LIQUID contains 100 milligram/mL protein. At least 98% of the protein is immune globulin, the average immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration is 37 μg/mL, and immunoglobulin M is present in trace amounts. GAMMAGARD LIQUID contains a broad spectrum of IgG antibodies against bacterial and viral agents. Glycine (0.25M) serves as a stabilizing and buffering agent, and there are no added sugars, sodium or preservatives. The pH is 4.6 to 5.1. The osmolality is 240 to 300 mOsmol/kg, which is similar to physiological osmolality (285 to 295 mOsmol/kg). GAMMAGARD LIQUID is manufactured from large pools of human plasma. IgG preparations are purified from plasma pools using a modified Cohn-Oncley cold ethanol fractionation process, as well as cation and anion exchange chromatography.
Screening against potentially infectious agents begins with the donor selection process and continues throughout plasma collection and plasma preparation. Each individual plasma donation used in the manufacture of GAMMAGARD LIQUID is collected only at FDA approved blood establishments and is tested by FDA licensed serological tests for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), and for antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1/HIV-2) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in accordance with U.S. regulatory requirements. As an additional safety measure, mini-pools of the plasma are tested for the presence of HIV-1 and HCV by FDA licensed Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) and found to be negative.
To further improve the margin of safety, validated virus inactivation/removal steps have been integrated into the manufacturing and formulation processes, namely solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment12, 35 nm nanofiltration, and a low pH incubation at elevated temperature (30°C to 32°C). The S/D process includes treatment with an organic mixture of tri-n-butyl phosphate, octoxynol 9 and polysorbate 80 at 18°C to 25°C for a minimum of 60 minutes. S/D treatment inactivates the lipid-enveloped viruses investigated to below detection limits within minutes12.
In vitro virus spiking studies have been used to validate the capability of the manufacturing process to inactivate and remove viruses. To establish the minimum applicable virus clearance capacity of the manufacturing process, these virus clearance studies were performed under extreme conditions (e.g., at minimum S/D concentrations, incubation time and temperature for the S/D treatment).
Virus clearance studies for GAMMAGARD LIQUID performed in accordance with good laboratory practices are summarized in Table 8.
Virus type |
Enveloped RNA |
Enveloped DNA |
Non-enveloped RNA |
Non-enveloped DNA |
|||
Family |
Retroviridae |
Flaviviridae |
Herpesviridae |
Picornaviridae |
Parvoviridae |
||
Virus |
HIV-1 |
BVDV |
WNV |
PRV |
HAV |
EMCV |
MMV |
SD treatment |
>4.5 |
>6.2 |
n.a. |
>4.8 |
n.d. |
n.d. |
n.d |
35 nm nanofiltration |
>4.5 |
>5.1 |
> 6.2 |
>5.6 |
5.7 |
1.4 |
2.0 |
Low pH treatment |
>5.8 |
>5.5 |
> 6.0 |
>6.5 |
n.d.b |
> 6.3 |
3.1 |
Overall log reduction factor (ORF) |
>14.8 |
>16.8 |
>12.2 |
>16.9 |
5.7b |
>7.7 |
5.1 |
Abbreviations: HIV-1, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1; BVDV, Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (model for Hepatitis C Virus and other lipid enveloped RNA viruses); WNV, West Nile Virus; PRV, Pseudorabies Virus (model for lipid enveloped DNA viruses, including Hepatitis B Virus); EMCV, Encephalomyocarditis Virus (model for non-lipid enveloped RNA viruses, including Hepatitis A virus [HAV]); MMV, Mice Minute Virus (model for non-lipid enveloped DNA viruses, including B19 virus [B19V]); n.d. (not done), n.a. (not applicable). |
- a For the calculation of these RF data from virus clearance study reports, applicable manufacturing conditions were used. Log 10 RFs on the order of 4 or more are considered effective for virus clearance in accordance with the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP, formerly CPMP) guidelines.
- b No RF obtained due to immediate neutralization of HAV by the anti-HAV antibodies present in the product
Sources
Gammagard Manufacturers
-
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
Gammagard | Baxter Healthcare Corporation
2.1 Dosage Table 1 Dosage and AdministrationDose
Initial Infusion Rate
Maintenance Infusion Rate
Intravenous Administration
Primary Immunodeficiency
300 to 600 milligram/kg every 3 to 4 weeks based on clinical response
0.5 mL/kg/hr
(0.8 milligram/kg/min) for 30 minutes
Increase every 30 minutes
(if tolerated) up to 5 mL/kg/hr (8 milligram/kg/min)Multifocal Motor Neuropathy
Dose range 0.5 to 2.4 grams/kg/month based on clinical response (14)
0.5 mL/kg /hr
(0.8 milligram/kg/min)
Infusion rate may be increased if tolerated up to 5.4 mL/kg/hr
(9 milligram/kg/min)Subcutaneous Administration
Primary Immunodeficiency
Initial Dose is 1.37 × previous intravenous dose divided by # of weeks between intravenous doses.
Maintenance dose is based on clinical response and target IgG trough level (2.2).
40 kg BW and greater: 30 mL/site at 20 mL/hr/site.
Under 40 kg BW:
20 mL/site at 15 mL/hr/site.40 kg BW and greater:
30 mL/site at 20 to 30 mL/hr/site.Under 40 kg BW:
20 mL/site at 15 to 20 mL/hr/site.Dose Adjustments for Intravenous Administration in Patients with PI
Adjust dose according to IgG levels and clinical response, as the frequency and dose of immune globulin may vary from patient to patient.
No randomized controlled clinical trials are available to determine an optimum trough serum IgG level for intravenous treatment. If a patient misses a dose, administer the missed dose as soon as possible, and then resume scheduled treatments every 3 or 4 weeks, as applicable.
Prior to switching from intravenous to subcutaneous treatment, obtain the patient’s serum IgG trough level to guide subsequent dose adjustments. Start the initial subcutaneous dose approximately one week after the last intravenous infusion.
Dose Adjustments for Intravenous Administration in MMN
The dose may need to be adjusted to achieve the desired clinical response. In the clinical study, the dose ranged between 0.5 to 2.4 grams/kg/month (see Table 1). While receiving GAMMAGARD LIQUID, 9% of subjects in the clinical study experienced neurological decompensation that required an increase in dose. In order to avoid worsening of muscle weakness in patients, dose adjustment may be necessary.
Dose Adjustments for Subcutaneous Administration for PI only
Based on the results of clinical studies, the expected increase in serum IgG trough level while on weekly subcutaneous treatment, at the dose adjusted to provide a comparable AUC, is projected to be approximately 281 milligram/dL higher than the last trough level during prior stable intravenous treatment. To calculate the target trough IgG level for subcutaneous treatment, add 281 milligram/dL to the IgG trough level obtained after the last intravenous treatment.
To guide dose adjustment, calculate the difference between the patient’s target serum IgG trough level and the IgG trough level during subcutaneous treatment. Find this difference in the columns of Table 2 and the corresponding amount (in mL) by which to increase (or decrease) the weekly dose based on the patient's body weight. If the difference between measured and target trough levels is less than 100 milligram/dL then no adjustment is necessary. However, the patient's clinical response should be the primary consideration in dose adjustment.
Table 2 Change in Weekly Dose of GAMMAGARD LIQUID for Intended IgG Trough Level AdjustmentaDifference between Measured and Target IgG Trough Levels
Body Weight
100 mg/dL
200 mg/dL
300 mg/dL
400 mg/dL
10 kg
2 mL
4 mL
6 mL
8 mL
20 kg
4 mL
8 mL
11 mL
15 mL
30 kg
6 mL
11 mL
17 mL
23 mL
40 kg
8 mL
15 mL
23 mL
30 mL
50 kg
9 mL
19 mL
28 mL
38 mL
60 kg
11 mL
23 mL
34 mL
45 mL
70 kg
13 mL
26 mL
40 mL
53 mL
80 kg
15 mL
30 mL
45 mL
60 mL
90 kg
17 mL
34 mL
51 mL
68 mL
100 kg
19 mL
38 mL
57 mL
75 mL
110 kg
21 mL
42 mL
62 mL
83 mL
120 kg
23 mL
45 mL
68 mL
91 mL
130 kg
25 mL
49 mL
74 mL
98 mL
140 kg
26 mL
53 mL
79 mL
106 mL
a Derived using a linear approximation to the nomogram method with a slope of 5.3 kg/dL.
Example 1: A patient with a body weight of 80 kg has a measured IgG trough level of 800 milligram/dL and the target trough level is 1000 milligram/dL. The desired target trough level difference is 200 milligram/dL (1000 milligram/dL minus 800 milligram/dL). The weekly dose of GAMMAGARD LIQUID should be increasedby 30 mL (3.0 gm).
Example 2: A patient with a body weight of 60 kg has a measured IgG trough of 1000 milligram/dL and the target trough level is 800 milligram/dL. The desired target trough level difference is 200 milligram/dL (800 milligram/dL minus 1000 milligram/dL). The weekly dose of GAMMAGARD LIQUID should be decreasedby 23 mL (2.3 gm).
2.2 Preparation and Handling • Inspect the drug product visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. GAMMAGARD LIQUID is a clear or slightly opalescent, colorless or pale yellow solution. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, turbid, or if it contains particulates. • GAMMAGARD LIQUID vial is for single use only. Any vial that has been entered should be used promptly. Partially used vials should be discarded. GAMMAGARD LIQUID contains no preservative. • Allow refrigerated product to come to room temperature before use. DO NOT MICROWAVE. • Do not shake. • Do not mix with other products. • Do not use normal saline as a diluent. If dilution is desired, 5% dextrose in water (D5W) should be used as a diluent. • The infusion line may be flushed with normal saline. An in-line filter is optional. • Record the name and lot number of the product in the recipient's records. 2.3 AdministrationIntravenous
Table 3 Infusion Rates for Intravenous AdministrationPI
MMN
Initial
0.5 mL/kg/hr
(0.8 milligram/kg/min) for 30 minutes
Increasing rates of infusion starting at 0.5 mL/kg/h (0.8 milligram/kg/min)
Subsequent
Increase every 30 minutes
(if tolerated) up to 5 mL/kg/hr (8 milligram/kg/min)Increasing to a maximum rate of 5.4 mL/kg /hr if tolerated (9 milligram/kg/min)
Monitor patient vital signs throughout the infusion. Certain adverse reactions such as headaches, flushing, and changes in pulse rate and blood pressure may be related to the rate of infusion. Slow or stop infusion if adverse reactions occur. If symptoms subside promptly, the infusion may be resumed at a lower rate that does not result in recurrence of the symptoms.
Adverse reactions may occur more frequently in patients receiving immune globulin for the first time, upon switching brands or if there has been a long interval since the previous infusion2. In such cases, start at lower infusion rates and gradually increase as tolerated.
Ensure that patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency are not volume depleted. For patients over 65 years of age or judged to be at risk for renal dysfunction or thrombotic events, administer GAMMAGARD LIQUID at the minimum infusion rate practicable. In such cases, the maximal rate should be less than 3.3 milligram/kg/min (<2mL/kg/hr), and consider discontinuation of administration if renal function deteriorates [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.4) and Use In Specific Populations (8.5)].
Table 4 Infusion Rates for Subcutaneous Administration
Subcutaneous for PI40 kg BW and greater
Under 40 kg BW
Initial
30 mL/site at a rate of 20 mL/hr/site
20 mL/site at a rate of 15 mL/hr/site
Maintenance
30 mL/site at a rate of 20 to 30 mL/hr/site
20 mL/site at a rate of 15 to 20 mL/hr/site
Selection of Infusion Site: Suggested areas for subcutaneous infusion of GAMMAGARD LIQUID are abdomen, thighs, upper arms, or lower back. Infusion sites should be at least two inches apart, avoiding bony prominences. Rotate sites each week.
Volume per Site: The weekly dose (mL) should be divided by 30 or 20, based on patient weight above, to determine the number of sites required. Simultaneous subcutaneous infusion at multiple sites can be facilitated by use of a multi-needle administration set.
Rate of Infusion for Patients 40 kg and greater (88 lbs): If multiple sites are used, the rate set on the pump should be the rate per site multiplied by the number of sites (e.g., 30 mL x 4 sites = 120 mL/hr). The number of simultaneous sites should be limited to 8, or maximum infusion rate of 240 mL/hr.
Rate of Infusion for Patients under 40 kg (88 lbs): If multiple sites are used, the rate set on the pump should be the rate per site multiplied by the number of sites (e.g., 20 mL x 3 sites = 60 mL/hr). The number of simultaneous sites should be limited to 8, or maximum infusion rate of 160 mL/hr.Instructions for Subcutaneous Administration: Instruct patients to observe the following procedures:
1. Aseptic technique - Use aseptic technique when preparing and infusing GAMMAGARD LIQUID. 2. Assemble supplies - Set up a clean work area and gather all supplies necessary for the subcutaneous infusion: vial(s) of GAMMAGARD LIQUID, ancillary supplies, sharps container and pump. If GAMMAGARD LIQUID has already been pooled into a bag or a syringe, skip to Step 5. 3. Product preparation - Remove the protective cap from the vial to expose the center of the vial. Wipe the stopper with an alcohol pad and allow to dry. 4. Withdraw GAMMAGARD LIQUID from the vials - Attach a sterile syringe to a needle and draw air into the syringe barrel equal to the amount of product to be withdrawn. Inject the air into the vial and withdraw the desired volume of GAMMAGARD LIQUID. If multiple vials are required to achieve the desired dose, repeat this step. 5. Prepare the infusion pump and tubing - Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the pump and administration tubing, if needed. Be sure to prime the pump tubing to ensure that no air is left in the tubing and needle. 6. Select the infusion sites - Select the number of infusion sites depending on the volume of the total dose. See Administration (2.3) for recommended maximum volumes and rates. Potential sites for infusion include the back of arms, abdomen, thighs, and lower back (see Figure below). Ensure sites are at least 2 inches apart; avoid bony prominences. 7. Cleanse the infusion site(s) - Cleanse the infusion site(s) with an antiseptic skin preparation (e.g., alcohol pad) using a circular motion working from the center of the site and moving to the outside. Allow to dry. 8. Insert the needle - Choose the correct needle length to assure that GAMMAGARD LIQUID is delivered into the subcutaneous space. Grasp the skin and pinch at least one inch of skin between two fingers. Insert needle at a 90-degree angle with a darting motion into the subcutaneous tissue. Secure the needle. 9. Check for proper needle placement - Prior to the start of infusion, check each needle for correct placement to make sure that a blood vessel has not been punctured. Gently pull back on the attached syringe plunger and monitor for any blood return in the needle set. If you see any blood, remove and discard the needle set. Repeat priming and needle insertion steps in a different infusion site with a new needle set. 10. Secure the needle to the skin - Secure the needle(s) in place by applying a sterile protective dressing over the site. 11. Start infusion of GAMMAGARD LIQUID - Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to turn pump on. 12. Document the infusion - Remove the peel-off label with product lot number and expiration date from the GAMMAGARD LIQUID vial and place in treatment diary/log book to keep track of the product lots used. Keep the treatment diary/log book current by recording the time, date, dose, product label and any reactions after each infusion. 13. Remove needle set - After the infusion is complete, remove the needle set and gently press a small piece of gauze over the needle insertion site and cover with a protective dressing. Discard any unused solution and disposable supplies in accordance with local requirements. 2.1 Dosage Table 1 Dosage and AdministrationDose
Initial Infusion Rate
Maintenance Infusion Rate
Intravenous Administration
Primary Immunodeficiency
300 to 600 milligram/kg every 3 to 4 weeks based on clinical response
0.5 mL/kg/hr
(0.8 milligram/kg/min) for 30 minutes
Increase every 30 minutes
(if tolerated) up to 5 mL/kg/hr (8 milligram/kg/min)Multifocal Motor Neuropathy
Dose range 0.5 to 2.4 grams/kg/month based on clinical response (14)
0.5 mL/kg /hr
(0.8 milligram/kg/min)
Infusion rate may be increased if tolerated up to 5.4 mL/kg/hr
(9 milligram/kg/min)Subcutaneous Administration
Primary Immunodeficiency
Initial Dose is 1.37 × previous intravenous dose divided by # of weeks between intravenous doses.
Maintenance dose is based on clinical response and target IgG trough level (2.2).
40 kg BW and greater: 30 mL/site at 20 mL/hr/site.
Under 40 kg BW:
20 mL/site at 15 mL/hr/site.40 kg BW and greater:
30 mL/site at 20 to 30 mL/hr/site.Under 40 kg BW:
20 mL/site at 15 to 20 mL/hr/site.Dose Adjustments for Intravenous Administration in Patients with PI
Adjust dose according to IgG levels and clinical response, as the frequency and dose of immune globulin may vary from patient to patient.
No randomized controlled clinical trials are available to determine an optimum trough serum IgG level for intravenous treatment. If a patient misses a dose, administer the missed dose as soon as possible, and then resume scheduled treatments every 3 or 4 weeks, as applicable.
Prior to switching from intravenous to subcutaneous treatment, obtain the patient’s serum IgG trough level to guide subsequent dose adjustments. Start the initial subcutaneous dose approximately one week after the last intravenous infusion.
Dose Adjustments for Intravenous Administration in MMN
The dose may need to be adjusted to achieve the desired clinical response. In the clinical study, the dose ranged between 0.5 to 2.4 grams/kg/month (see Table 1). While receiving GAMMAGARD LIQUID, 9% of subjects in the clinical study experienced neurological decompensation that required an increase in dose. In order to avoid worsening of muscle weakness in patients, dose adjustment may be necessary.
Dose Adjustments for Subcutaneous Administration for PI only
Based on the results of clinical studies, the expected increase in serum IgG trough level while on weekly subcutaneous treatment, at the dose adjusted to provide a comparable AUC, is projected to be approximately 281 milligram/dL higher than the last trough level during prior stable intravenous treatment. To calculate the target trough IgG level for subcutaneous treatment, add 281 milligram/dL to the IgG trough level obtained after the last intravenous treatment.
To guide dose adjustment, calculate the difference between the patient’s target serum IgG trough level and the IgG trough level during subcutaneous treatment. Find this difference in the columns of Table 2 and the corresponding amount (in mL) by which to increase (or decrease) the weekly dose based on the patient's body weight. If the difference between measured and target trough levels is less than 100 milligram/dL then no adjustment is necessary. However, the patient's clinical response should be the primary consideration in dose adjustment.
Table 2 Change in Weekly Dose of GAMMAGARD LIQUID for Intended IgG Trough Level AdjustmentaDifference between Measured and Target IgG Trough Levels
Body Weight
100 mg/dL
200 mg/dL
300 mg/dL
400 mg/dL
10 kg
2 mL
4 mL
6 mL
8 mL
20 kg
4 mL
8 mL
11 mL
15 mL
30 kg
6 mL
11 mL
17 mL
23 mL
40 kg
8 mL
15 mL
23 mL
30 mL
50 kg
9 mL
19 mL
28 mL
38 mL
60 kg
11 mL
23 mL
34 mL
45 mL
70 kg
13 mL
26 mL
40 mL
53 mL
80 kg
15 mL
30 mL
45 mL
60 mL
90 kg
17 mL
34 mL
51 mL
68 mL
100 kg
19 mL
38 mL
57 mL
75 mL
110 kg
21 mL
42 mL
62 mL
83 mL
120 kg
23 mL
45 mL
68 mL
91 mL
130 kg
25 mL
49 mL
74 mL
98 mL
140 kg
26 mL
53 mL
79 mL
106 mL
a Derived using a linear approximation to the nomogram method with a slope of 5.3 kg/dL.
Example 1: A patient with a body weight of 80 kg has a measured IgG trough level of 800 milligram/dL and the target trough level is 1000 milligram/dL. The desired target trough level difference is 200 milligram/dL (1000 milligram/dL minus 800 milligram/dL). The weekly dose of GAMMAGARD LIQUID should be increasedby 30 mL (3.0 gm).
Example 2: A patient with a body weight of 60 kg has a measured IgG trough of 1000 milligram/dL and the target trough level is 800 milligram/dL. The desired target trough level difference is 200 milligram/dL (800 milligram/dL minus 1000 milligram/dL). The weekly dose of GAMMAGARD LIQUID should be decreasedby 23 mL (2.3 gm).
2.2 Preparation and Handling • Inspect the drug product visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. GAMMAGARD LIQUID is a clear or slightly opalescent, colorless or pale yellow solution. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, turbid, or if it contains particulates. • GAMMAGARD LIQUID vial is for single use only. Any vial that has been entered should be used promptly. Partially used vials should be discarded. GAMMAGARD LIQUID contains no preservative. • Allow refrigerated product to come to room temperature before use. DO NOT MICROWAVE. • Do not shake. • Do not mix with other products. • Do not use normal saline as a diluent. If dilution is desired, 5% dextrose in water (D5W) should be used as a diluent. • The infusion line may be flushed with normal saline. An in-line filter is optional. • Record the name and lot number of the product in the recipient's records.
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