8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Risk Summary
The limited available data with Doxercalciferol Injection in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with chronic kidney disease in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations]. In reproduction studies in rats and rabbits administered doxercalciferol during organogenesis at up to 20 mcg/kg/day and 0.1 mcg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 25 times (rats) and less than (rabbits) the maximum recommended human oral dose of 60 mcg/week based on mcg/m2 body surface area), no adverse developmental effects were observed [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%–4% and 15%–20%, respectively.
8.2 Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information available on the presence of doxercalciferol in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Infants exposed to Doxercalciferol Injection through breast milk should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia [see Clinical Considerations].
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Doxercalciferol Injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Doxercalciferol Injection or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4 Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of Doxercalciferol Injection in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of doxercalciferol injection did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years or over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.