Adrenaclick

Description

Adrenaclick (epinephrine injection, USP) auto-injector 0.3 mg and 0.15 mg is an auto-injector and a combination product containing drug and device components.

Each Adrenaclick 0.3 mg delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution.

Each Adrenaclick 0.15 mg delivers a single dose of 0.15 mg epinephrine from epinephrine injection, USP (0.15 mL) in a sterile solution.

Adrenaclick 0.3 mg and Adrenaclick 0.15 mg each contain 1.1 mL of epinephrine solution. 0.3 mL and 0.15 mL epinephrine solution are dispensed for Adrenaclick 0.3 mg and Adrenaclick 0.15 mg, respectively, when activated. The solution remaining after activation is not available for future use and should be discarded.

Each 0.3 mL in Adrenaclick 0.3 mg contains 0.3 mg epinephrine, 2.6 mg sodium chloride, not more than 1.5 mg chlorobutanol, 0.45 mg sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2-5.0.

Each 0.15 mL in Adrenaclick 0.15 mg contains 0.15 mg epinephrine, 1.3 mg sodium chloride, not more than 0.75 mg chlorobutanol, 0.225 sodium bisulfite, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2-5.0.

Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. Chemically, epinephrine is (-)-3,4Dihydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl]benzyl alcohol with the following structure:

Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Replace Adrenaclick if the epinephrine solution appears discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particles.

Thoroughly review the patient instructions and operation of Adrenaclick with patients and caregivers prior to use [see PATIENT INFORMATION].

Adrenaclick® is indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects (e.g., order Hymenoptera, which includes bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants), and biting insects (e.g., triatoma, mosquitoes), allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances (e.g., radiocontrast media), and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Adrenaclick is intended for immediate administration in patients who are determined to be at increased risk for anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions.

Anaphylactic reactions may occur within minutes after exposure and consist of flushing, apprehension, syncope, tachycardia, thready or unobtainable pulse associated with a fall in blood pressure, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, involuntary voiding, wheezing, dyspnea due to laryngeal spasm, pruritus, rashes, urticaria, or angioedema.

Adrenaclick is intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy only and is not a replacement or substitute for immediate medical care.

Dosage And Administration

Recommended Dosage According To Patient Body Weight

• Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (approximately 66 pounds or more): 0.3 mg
• Patients 15 kg to 30 kg (33 pounds to 66 pounds): 0.15 mg

Administration Instructions

• Inject the single-dose Adrenaclick intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Do not inject intravenously, and do not inject into buttocks, into digits, hands or feet [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Instruct caregivers of young children who are prescribed an Adrenaclick and who may be uncooperative and kick or move during an injection to hold the leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Each Adrenaclick is a single-dose of epinephrine injection for single use. Since the doses of epinephrine delivered from Adrenaclick are fixed, consider using other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.15 mg are deemed necessary.
• With severe persistent anaphylaxis, repeat injections with an additional Adrenaclick may be necessary. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• The epinephrine solution in the viewing window of Adrenaclick should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration.

How Supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

• Injection: 0.3 mg (0.3 mg/0.3 mL) of clear and colorless solution in single-dose pre-filled auto-injector
• Injection: 0.15 mg (0.15 mg/0.15 mL) of clear and colorless solution in single-dose pre-filled auto-injector

Carton containing two Adrenaclick (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg single-dose pre-filled auto-injectors: NDC 52054-804-02.

Carton containing two Adrenaclick (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg single-dose pre-filled auto-injectors: NDC 52054-803-02.

Storage And Handling

Protect from light. Epinephrine is light-sensitive and should be stored in the carrying case provided to protect it from light. Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not refrigerate. Before using, check to make sure the solution in the auto-injector is clear and colorless. Replace the auto-injector if the solution is discolored (pinkish or brown color), cloudy, or contains particles.

Properly dispose of all used, unwanted, or expired Adrenaclick.

Manufactured by: Hospira, Inc., McPherson, KS 67460. Distributed by: Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Revised: Feb 2021

Due to the lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis, the true incidence of adverse reactions associated with the systemic use of epinephrine is difficult to determine. Adverse reactions reported in observational trials, case reports, and studies are listed below.

Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; nausea and vomiting; headache; and/or respiratory difficulties. These symptoms occur in some persons receiving therapeutic doses of epinephrine, but are more likely to occur in patients with hypertension or hyperthyroidism [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Cardiovascular Reactions

• Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been reported, particularly in patients with underlying cardiac disease or those receiving certain drugs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
• Rapid rises in blood pressure have produced cerebral hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Angina may occur in patients with coronary artery disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Rare cases of stress cardiomyopathy have been reported in patients treated with epinephrine.

Reactions From Accidental Injection And/Or Improper Technique

• Accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Adverse reactions experienced as a result of accidental injections may include increased heart rate, local reactions including injection site pallor, coldness and hypoesthesia or injury at the injection site resulting in bruising, bleeding, discoloration, erythema or skeletal injury.
• Lacerations, bent needles, and embedded needles have been reported when Adrenaclick has been injected into the thigh of young children who are uncooperative and kick or move during an injection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Injection into the buttock has resulted in cases of gas gangrene [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Skin And Soft Tissue Infections

• Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported following epinephrine injection in the thigh [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Cardiac Glycosides, Diuretics, And Anti-arrhythmics

Patients who receive epinephrine while concomitantly taking cardiac glycosides, diuretics, or antiarrhythmics should be observed carefully for the development of cardiac arrhythmias [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Levothyroxine, And Antihistamines

The effects of epinephrine may be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levothyroxine sodium, and certain antihistamines, notably chlorpheniramine, tripelennamine, and diphenhydramine.

Beta-Adrenergic Blockers

The cardiostimulating and bronchodilating effects of epinephrine are antagonized by beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as propranolol.

Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers

The vasoconstricting and hypertensive effects of epinephrine are antagonized by alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as phentolamine.

Ergot Alkaloids

Ergot alkaloids may also reverse the pressor effects of epinephrine.

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions

Emergency Treatment

Adrenaclick is intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy and is not intended as a substitute for immediate medical care. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. More than two sequential doses of epinephrine should only be administered under direct medical supervision [see INDICATIONS AND USAGE, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Injection-Related Complications

Adrenaclick should only be injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Do Not Inject Intravenously

Large doses or accidental intravenous injection of epinephrine may result in cerebral hemorrhage due to a sharp rise in blood pressure. Rapidly acting vasodilators can counteract the marked pressor effects of epinephrine if there is such inadvertent administration.

Do Not Inject Into Buttock

Injection into the buttock may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room for further treatment of anaphylaxis. Additionally, injection into the buttock has been associated with the development of Clostridial infections (gas gangrene). Cleansing with alcohol does not kill bacterial spores, and therefore, does not lower the risk.

Do Not Inject Into Digits, Hands Or Feet

Since epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor, accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area. Advise the patient to go immediately to the nearest emergency room and to inform the healthcare provider in the emergency room of the location of the accidental injection. Treatment of such inadvertent administration should consist of vasodilation, in addition to further appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Hold Leg Firmly During Injection

Lacerations, bent needles, and embedded needles have been reported when epinephrine has been injected into the thigh of young children who are uncooperative and kick or move during an injection. To minimize the risk of injection related injury when administering, hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection.

Serious Infections At The Injection Site

Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Clostridium spores can be present on the skin and introduced into the deep tissue with subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. While cleansing with alcohol may reduce presence of bacteria on the skin, alcohol cleansing does not kill Clostridium spores. To decrease the risk of Clostridium infection, do not inject Adrenaclick into the buttock [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site.

Allergic Reactions Associated With Sulfite

The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive.

Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for serious allergic reactions or other emergency situations even though this product contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may, in other products, cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms or life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible persons.

The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory.

Disease Interactions

Some patients may be at greater risk for developing adverse reactions after epinephrine administration. Despite these concerns, it should be recognized that the presence of these conditions is not a contraindication to epinephrine administration in an acute, life-threatening situation. Therefore, patients with these conditions, and/or any other person who might be in a position to administer Adrenaclick to a patient experiencing anaphylaxis should be carefully instructed in regard to the circumstances under which epinephrine should be used.

Patients With Heart Disease

Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients who have heart disease, including patients with cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension. In such patients, or in patients who are on drugs that may sensitize the heart to arrhythmias, epinephrine may precipitate or aggravate angina pectoris as well as produce ventricular arrhythmias [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Other Patients And Diseases

Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.

Patient Counseling Information

See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use)

A healthcare provider should review the patient instructions and operation of Adrenaclick, in detail, with the patient or caregiver.

Epinephrine is essential for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Carefully instruct patients who are at risk of or with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens, as well as idiopathic and exercise-induced anaphylaxis, about the circumstances under which epinephrine should be used.

Administration

Instruct patients and/or caregivers in the appropriate use of Adrenaclick. Adrenaclick should be injected into the middle of the outer thigh (through clothing if necessary).

Instruct caregivers to hold the leg of young children firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection. Lacerations, bent needles, and embedded needles have been reported when Adrenaclick has been injected into the thigh of young children who are uncooperative and kick during an injection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Advise patients to seek immediate medical care in conjunction with administration of epinephrine injection.

Complete patient information, including dosage, directions for proper administration and precautions can be found inside each Adrenaclick carton. A printed label on the surface of Adrenaclick shows instructions for use and a diagram depicting the injection process.

Training

Instruct patients and/or caregivers to use the Trainer to familiarize themselves with the use of Adrenaclick in an allergic emergency. The Trainer may be used multiple times.

Adverse Reactions

Epinephrine may produce symptoms and signs that include an increase in heart rate, the sensation of a more forceful heartbeat, palpitations, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, pallor, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness, or anxiety. These signs and symptoms usually subside rapidly, especially with rest, quiet, and recumbency. Patients with hypertension or hyperthyroidism may develop more severe or persistent effects, and patients with coronary artery disease could experience angina. Patients with diabetes may develop increased blood glucose levels following epinephrine administration. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may notice a temporary worsening of symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Accidental Injection

Advise patients to seek immediate medical care in the case of accidental injection. Since epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor when injected into the digits, hands or feet, treatment should be directed at vasodilation if there is such an accidental injection to these areas [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Serious Infections At The Injection Site

Rare cases of skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Inform patients that Adrenaclick has not been studied in pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers so the effects of Adrenaclick on pregnant women or breastfed infants are not known. Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider if they are pregnant, become pregnant, or are thinking about becoming pregnant. Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider if they plan to breastfeed their infant [see Use In Specific Populations].

Storage And Handling

Instruct patients to inspect the epinephrine solution visually through the viewing window periodically. Replace Adrenaclick if the epinephrine solution appears discolored (pinkish or brown), cloudy, or contains particles. Epinephrine is light sensitive, store in the outer case provided to protect it from light. Instruct patients that Adrenaclick must be properly disposed of once the blue caps have been removed or after use [see HOW SUPPLIED/Storage And Handling].

Complete patient information, including dosage, directions for proper administration and precautions are provided inside each Adrenaclick carton.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of epinephrine have not been conducted.

Epinephrine and other catecholamines have been shown to have mutagenic potential in vitro. Epinephrine was positive in the Salmonella bacterial reverse mutation assay, positive in the mouse lymphoma assay, and negative in the in vivo micronucleus assay. Epinephrine is an oxidative mutagen based on the E. coli WP2 Mutoxitest bacterial reverse mutation assay. This should not prevent the use of epinephrine where indicated under the conditions noted under [see INDICATIONS AND USAGE].

The potential for epinephrine to impair reproductive performance has not been evaluated, but epinephrine has been shown to decrease implantation in female rabbits dosed subcutaneously with 1.2 mg/kg/day (40-fold the highest human intramuscular or subcutaneous daily dose) during gestation days 3 to 9.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no available human data on the use of Adrenaclick in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, epinephrine administered by the subcutaneous route to rabbits, mice, and hamsters during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic at doses 7 times and higher than the maximum recommended human subcutaneous or intramuscular dose on a mg/m² basis (see Data). Epinephrine is the first-line medication of choice for the treatment of anaphylaxis during pregnancy in humans. Epinephrine should be used for treatment of anaphylaxis during pregnancy in the same manner as it is used in non-pregnant patients.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal And Embryo/Fetal Risk

During pregnancy, anaphylaxis can be catastrophic and can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and permanent central nervous system damage or death in the mother and, more commonly, in the fetus or neonate. The prevalence of anaphylaxis occurring during pregnancy is reported to be approximately 3 cases per 100,000 deliveries.

Management of anaphylaxis during pregnancy is similar to management in the general population. Epinephrine is the first line-medication of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis; it should be used in the same manner in pregnant and non-pregnant patients. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care.

Data

Animal Data

In an embryofetal development study with rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis, epinephrine was shown to be teratogenic (including gastroschisis and embryonic lethality) at doses approximately 40 times the maximum recommended intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m² basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 1.2 mg/kg/day for two to three days).

In an embryofetal development study with mice dosed during the period of organogenesis, epinephrine was shown to be teratogenic (including embryonic lethality) at doses approximately 8 times the maximum recommended intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m² basis at maternal subcutaneous dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days). These effects were not seen in mice at approximately 4 times the maximum recommended daily intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m² basis at a subcutaneous maternal dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days).

In an embryofetal development study with hamsters dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7 to 10, epinephrine was shown to be teratogenic at doses approximately 7 times the maximum recommended intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m² basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day).

Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of epinephrine in human milk, or the effects of epinephrine on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Epinephrine is the first line-medication of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis; it should be used in the same manner in breastfeeding and no-breastfeeding patients.

Pediatric Use

Adrenaclick may be administered to pediatric patients at a dosage appropriate to body weight [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Clinical experience with the use of epinephrine suggests that the adverse reactions seen in children are similar in nature and extent to those both expected and reported in adults. Since the dose of epinephrine delivered from Adrenaclick is fixed, consider using other forms of injectable epinephrine if doses lower than 0.15 mg are deemed necessary.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies for the treatment of anaphylaxis have not been performed in subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. However, other reported clinical experience with use of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis has identified that geriatric patients may be particularly sensitive to the effects of epinephrine. Therefore, Adrenaclick should be administered with caution in elderly individuals, who may be at greater risk for developing adverse reactions after epinephrine administration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and OVERDOSAGE].

Overdosage of epinephrine may produce extremely elevated arterial pressure, which may result in cerebrovascular hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients. Overdosage may also result in pulmonary edema because of peripheral vascular constriction together with cardiac stimulation. Treatment consists of a rapidly acting vasodilators or alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs and/or respiratory support.

Epinephrine overdosage can also cause transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia, and these may be accompanied by potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Premature ventricular contractions may appear within one minute after injection and may be followed by multifocal ventricular tachycardia (prefibrillation rhythm). Subsidence of the ventricular effects may be followed by atrial tachycardia and occasionally by atrioventricular block. Treatment of arrhythmias consists of administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug such as propranolol.

Overdosage sometimes results in extreme pallor and coldness of the skin, metabolic acidosis, and kidney failure. Suitable corrective measures must be taken in such situations.

Contraindications

None.

Mechanism Of Action

Epinephrine acts on both alpha-and beta-adrenergic receptors.

Pharmacodynamics

Through its action on alpha-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine lessens the vasodilation and increased vascular permeability that occurs during anaphylaxis, which can lead to loss of intravascular fluid volume and hypotension.

Through its action on beta-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and helps alleviate bronchospasm, wheezing, and dyspnea that may occur during anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine also alleviates pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema, and may relieve gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms associated with anaphylaxis because of its relaxer effects on the smooth muscle of the stomach, intestine, uterus and urinary bladder.

When given intramuscularly or subcutaneously, epinephrine has a rapid onset and short duration of action.