5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions
Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, are possible with XYNTHA. Inform patients of the early signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions (including hives [rash with itching], generalized urticaria, chest tightness, wheezing, and hypotension) and anaphylaxis. Discontinue XYNTHA if hypersensitivity symptoms occur and administer appropriate emergency treatment.
XYNTHA contains trace amounts of hamster proteins. Patients treated with this product may develop hypersensitivity to these non-human mammalian proteins.
5.2 Neutralizing Antibodies
Inhibitors have been reported following administration of XYNTHA. Monitor patients for the development of factor VIII inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests. If expected factor VIII activity plasma levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with an appropriate dose, perform an assay that measures factor VIII inhibitor concentration to determine if a factor VIII inhibitor is present [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
5.3 Monitoring Laboratory Tests
- Use individual factor VIII values for recovery and, if clinically indicated, other pharmacokinetic characteristics to guide dosing and administration.
- Monitor plasma factor VIII activity levels by the one-stage clotting assay to confirm that adequate factor VIII levels have been achieved and are maintained, when clinically indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2)].
- Monitor for development of factor VIII inhibitors. Perform assay to determine if factor VIII inhibitor is present when expected factor VIII activity plasma levels are not attained, or when bleeding is not controlled with the expected dose of XYNTHA. Use Bethesda Units (BU) to titer inhibitors.