BENEFIX® Warnings and Precautions

(Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant))

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with BeneFIX and have manifested as pruritus, rash, urticaria, hives, facial swelling, dizziness, hypotension, nausea, chest discomfort, cough, dyspnea, wheezing, flushing, discomfort (generalized) and fatigue. Frequently, these events have occurred in close temporal association with the development of factor IX inhibitors.

Closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of acute hypersensitivity reactions, particularly during the early phases of initial exposure to product. Because of the potential for allergic reactions with factor IX concentrates, perform the initial (approximately 10 – 20) administrations of factor IX under medical supervision where proper medical care for allergic reactions could be provided. Advise patients to discontinue use of the product and contact their physician and/or seek immediate emergency care. Immediately discontinue the administration and initiate appropriate treatment if symptoms occur.

BeneFIX contains trace amounts of hamster (CHO) proteins. Patients treated with this product may develop hypersensitivity to these non-human mammalian proteins.

5.2 Thromboembolic Complications

There have been post-marketing reports of thrombotic events in patients receiving continuous-infusion BeneFIX through a central venous catheter, including life-threatening superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome in critically ill neonates [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. The safety and efficacy of BeneFIX administration by continuous infusion have not been established [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.3)].

5.3 Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome has been reported following immune tolerance induction with factor IX products in hemophilia B patients with factor IX inhibitors and a history of allergic reactions to factor IX. The safety and efficacy of using BeneFIX for immune tolerance induction have not been established.

5.4 Neutralizing Antibodies (Inhibitors)

Neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) have been reported following administration of BeneFIX [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Evaluate patients using BeneFIX for the development of factor IX inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests. If expected plasma factor IX activity levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with an expected dose, perform an assay that measures factor IX inhibitor concentration.

Patients with factor IX inhibitors are at an increased risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis upon subsequent challenge with factor IX.2 Evaluate patients experiencing allergic reactions for the presence of an inhibitor and closely monitor patients with inhibitors for signs and symptoms of acute hypersensitivity reactions, particularly during the early phases of initial exposure to product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

5.5 Monitoring Laboratory Tests

•
Monitor patients for factor IX activity levels by the one-stage clotting assay to confirm that adequate factor IX levels have been achieved and maintained, when clinically indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
•
Monitor patients for the development of inhibitors if expected plasma factor IX activity levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with the recommended dose of BeneFIX. Determine plasma factor IX inhibitor levels in Bethesda Units (BUs).

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Warnings and Precautions

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with BeneFIX and have manifested as pruritus, rash, urticaria, hives, facial swelling, dizziness, hypotension, nausea, chest discomfort, cough, dyspnea, wheezing, flushing, discomfort (generalized) and fatigue. Frequently, these events have occurred in close temporal association with the development of factor IX inhibitors.

Closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of acute hypersensitivity reactions, particularly during the early phases of initial exposure to product. Because of the potential for allergic reactions with factor IX concentrates, perform the initial (approximately 10 – 20) administrations of factor IX under medical supervision where proper medical care for allergic reactions could be provided. Advise patients to discontinue use of the product and contact their physician and/or seek immediate emergency care. Immediately discontinue the administration and initiate appropriate treatment if symptoms occur.

BeneFIX contains trace amounts of hamster (CHO) proteins. Patients treated with this product may develop hypersensitivity to these non-human mammalian proteins.

5.2 Thromboembolic Complications

There have been post-marketing reports of thrombotic events in patients receiving continuous-infusion BeneFIX through a central venous catheter, including life-threatening superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome in critically ill neonates [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. The safety and efficacy of BeneFIX administration by continuous infusion have not been established [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.3)].

5.3 Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome has been reported following immune tolerance induction with factor IX products in hemophilia B patients with factor IX inhibitors and a history of allergic reactions to factor IX. The safety and efficacy of using BeneFIX for immune tolerance induction have not been established.

5.4 Neutralizing Antibodies (Inhibitors)

Neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) have been reported following administration of BeneFIX [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Evaluate patients using BeneFIX for the development of factor IX inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests. If expected plasma factor IX activity levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with an expected dose, perform an assay that measures factor IX inhibitor concentration.

Patients with factor IX inhibitors are at an increased risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis upon subsequent challenge with factor IX.2 Evaluate patients experiencing allergic reactions for the presence of an inhibitor and closely monitor patients with inhibitors for signs and symptoms of acute hypersensitivity reactions, particularly during the early phases of initial exposure to product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

5.5 Monitoring Laboratory Tests

•
Monitor patients for factor IX activity levels by the one-stage clotting assay to confirm that adequate factor IX levels have been achieved and maintained, when clinically indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
•
Monitor patients for the development of inhibitors if expected plasma factor IX activity levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with the recommended dose of BeneFIX. Determine plasma factor IX inhibitor levels in Bethesda Units (BUs).
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