Argatroban

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Argatroban in Sodium Chloride injection is a direct thrombin inhibitor indicated: For prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in adult patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) ( 1.1 ) As an anticoagulant in adult patients with or at risk for HIT undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated for prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in adult patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). 1.2 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated as an anticoagulant in adult patients with or at risk for HIT undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia ( 2.2 ) The dose for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia without hepatic impairment is 2 mcg/kg/min administered as a continuous infusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ( 2.3 ) The dose for patients with or at risk for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention is started at 25 mcg/kg/min and a bolus of 350 mcg/kg administered via a large bore intravenous line over 3 to 5 minutes 2.1 Preparation for Intravenous Administration Each 50 mL glass vial contains 50 mg of argatroban (1 mg/mL); and, as supplied, is ready for intravenous infusion. Dilution is not required. Argatroban in Sodium Chloride injection is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, contains precipitates, or if the flip off seal is not intact. Vial may be inverted for use with a medical infusion set. 2.2 Dosing in Patients with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Initial Dosage Before administering Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection, discontinue heparin therapy and obtain a baseline aPTT. The recommended initial dose of Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection for adult patients without hepatic impairment is 2 mcg/kg/min, administered as a continuous infusion (see Table 1 ). *with or without thrombosis Table 1. Recommended Doses and Infusion Rates for 2 mcg/kg/min Dose of Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection for Patients with HIT* and without Hepatic Impairment (1 mg/mL Concentration) Body Weight (kg) Dose (mcg/min) Infusion Rate (mL/hr) 50 100 6 60 120 7 70 140 8 80 160 10 90 180 11 100 200 12 110 220 13 120 240 14 130 260 16 140 280 17 Monitoring Therapy For use in HIT, therapy with Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection is monitored using the aPTT with a target range of 1.5 to 3 times the initial baseline value (not to exceed 100 seconds). Tests of anticoagulant effects (including the aPTT) typically attain steady-state levels within 1 to 3 hours following initiation of Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection. Check the aPTT 2 hours after initiation of therapy and after any dose change to confirm that the patient has attained the desired therapeutic range. Dosage Adjustment After the initiation of Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection, adjust the dose (not to exceed 10 mcg/kg/min) as necessary to obtain a steady-state aPTT in the target range [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . 2.3 Dosing in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Initial Dosage Initiate an infusion of Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection at 25 mcg/kg/min and administer a bolus of 350 mcg/kg via a large bore intravenous line over 3 to 5 minutes (see Table 2 ). Check an activated clotting time (ACT) 5 to 10 minutes after the bolus dose is completed. The PCI procedure may proceed if the ACT is greater than 300 seconds. Dosage Adjustment If the ACT is less than 300 seconds, an additional intravenous bolus dose of 150 mcg/kg should be administered, the infusion dose increased to 30 mcg/kg/min, and the ACT checked 5 to 10 minutes later (see Table 2 ). If the ACT is greater than 450 seconds, decrease the infusion rate to 15 mcg/kg/min, and check the ACT 5 to 10 minutes later ( Table 3 ). Continue titrating the dose until a therapeutic ACT (between 300 and 450 seconds) has been achieved; continue the same infusion rate for the duration of the PCI procedure. In case of dissection, impending abrupt closure, thrombus formation during the procedure, or inability to achieve or maintain an ACT over 300 seconds, additional bolus doses of 150 mcg/kg may be administered and the infusion dose increased to 40 mcg/kg/min. Check the ACT after each additional bolus or change in the rate of infusion. NOTE: 1 mg = 1000 mcg; 1 kg = 2.2 lbs Table 2. Recommended Starting and Maintenance Doses (Within the …

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) single-dose vial Injection: 50 mg/50 mL (1 mg/mL) ready for intravenous infusion single-dose vial Injection: 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) single-dose vial. (3) Injection: 50 mg/50 mL (1 mg/mL) ready for intravenous infusion single-dose vial. ( 3 )

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Argatroban is contraindicated in: • Patients with major bleeding, [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to argatroban. Airway, skin, and generalized hypersensitivity reactions have been reported [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] • Major bleeding ( 4 ) • History of hypersensitivity to this product ( 4 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reaction is also discussed in other sections of the labeling: Risk of Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . HIT patients: The most common (>5%) adverse reactions were dyspnea, hypotension, fever, diarrhea, sepsis, and cardiac arrest. (6.1) PCI patients: The most common (>5%) adverse reactions were chest pain, hypotension, back pain, nausea, vomiting and headache. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-233-2001 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Adverse Reactions in Patients with HIT (With or Without Thrombosis) Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The following safety information is based on all 568 patients treated with argatroban in Study 1 and Study 2. The safety profile of the patients from these studies is compared with that of 193 historical controls in which the adverse reactions were collected retrospectively. Adverse reactions are separated into hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic reactions. Major bleeding was defined as bleeding that was overt and associated with a hemoglobin decrease ≥ 2 g/dL, that led to a transfusion of ≥ 2 units, or that was intracranial, retroperitoneal, or into a major prosthetic joint. Minor bleeding was overt bleeding that did not meet the criteria for major bleeding. Table 4 gives an overview of the most frequently observed hemorrhagic reactions, presented separately by major and minor bleeding, sorted by decreasing occurrence among argatroban-treated patients with HIT (with or without thrombosis). Table 4 Major and Minor Hemorrhagic Adverse Reactions in Patients With HIT* Major Hemorrhagic Reactions a Argatroban-treated Patients (Study 1 and Study 2) (n = 568) % Historical Control c (n = 193) % Overall bleeding 5.3 6.7 Gastrointestinal 2.3 1.6 Genitourinary and hematuria 0.9 0.5 Decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit 0.7 0 Multisystem hemorrhage and DIC 0.5 1 Limb and BKA stump 0.5 0 Intracranial hemorrhage 0 b 0.5 Minor Hemorrhagic Reactions a Argatroban-treated Patients (Study 1 and Study 2) (n = 568) % Historical Control c (n = 193) % Gastrointestinal 14.4 18.1 Genitourinary and hematuria 11.6 0.8 Decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit 10.4 0 Groin 5.4 3.1 Hemoptysis 2.9 0.8 Brachial 2.4 0.8 * with or without thrombosis a) Patients may have experienced more than 1 adverse reaction. b) One patient experienced intracranial hemorrhage 4 days after discontinuation of argatroban and following therapy with urokinase and oral anticoagulation. c) The historical control group consisted of patients with a clinical diagnosis of HIT (with or without thrombosis) that were considered eligible by an independent medical panel. DIC = disseminated intravascular coagulation. BKA = below the knee amputation. Table 5 gives an overview of the most frequently observed non-hemorrhagic reactions sorted by decreasing frequency of occurrence (≥2%) among argatroban-treated HIT/HITTS patients. Table 5 Non-hemorrhagic Adverse Reactions in Patients a With HIT b Argatroban-treated Patients (Study 1 and Study 2) (n = 568) % Historical Control c (n = 193) % Dyspnea 8.1 8.8 Hypotension 7.2 2.6 Fever 6.9 2.1 Diarrhea 6.2 1.6 Sepsis 6.0 12.4 Cardiac arrest 5.8 3.1 Nausea 4.8 0.5 Ventricular tachycardia 4.8 3.1 Pain 4.6 3.1 Urinary tract infection 4.6 5.2 Vomiting 4.2 0 Infection 3.7 3.6 Pneumonia 3.3 9.3 Atrial fibrillation 3.0 11.4 Coughing 2.8 1.6 Abnormal renal function 2.8 4.7 Abdominal pain 2.6 1.6 Cerebrovascular disorder 2.3 4.1 a) Patients may have experienced more than 1 adverse reaction. b) With or without thrombosis c) The historical control group consisted of patients with a clinical diagnosis of HIT (with or without thrombosis) that were con …

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Heparin: Allow sufficient time for heparin's effect on activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to decrease before initiating Argatroban Injection therapy. ( 7.1 ) • Warfarin: Concomitant use results in increased prolongation of PT and INR. ( 7.2 ) • Thrombolytic agents or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists: Safety and effectiveness of concomitant use with argatroban have not been established. ( 7.4 , 7.5 ) 7.1 Heparin If argatroban is to be initiated after cessation of heparin therapy, allow sufficient time for heparin's effect on the aPTT to decrease prior to initiation of argatroban therapy. 7.2 Oral Anticoagulant Agents Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions between argatroban and warfarin (7.5 mg single oral dose) have not been demonstrated. However, the concomitant use of argatroban and warfarin (5 to 7.5 mg initial oral dose, followed by 2.5 to 6 mg/day orally for 6 to 10 days) results in prolongation of the prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . 7.3 Aspirin/Acetaminophen No drug-drug interactions have been demonstrated between argatroban and concomitantly administered aspirin or acetaminophen [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 7.4 Thrombolytic Agents The safety and effectiveness of argatroban with thrombolytic agents have not been established [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 7.5 Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Antagonists The safety and effectiveness of argatroban with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists have not been established.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Discontinue nursing or drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. ( 8.2 ) Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established. ( 8.4 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited data from published literature and postmarketing reports do not suggest an association between argatroban and adverse fetal developmental outcomes. There are risks to the mother associated with untreated thrombosis in pregnancy and a risk of hemorrhage in the mother and fetus associated with use of anticoagulants ( see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes with intravenous administration of argatroban during organogenesis in rats and rabbits at doses up to 0.3- and 0.2-times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MHRD) ( see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Pregnancy confers an increased risk for thromboembolism that is higher for women with underlying thromboembolic disease and certain high risk pregnancy conditions. Published data describe that women with a previous history of venous thrombosis are at high risk for recurrence during pregnancy. Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of anticoagulants, including argatroban, may increase the risk of bleeding in the fetus and neonate. Monitor neonates for bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.3 ) ]. Labor or Delivery All patients receiving anticoagulants, including pregnant women, are at risk for bleeding. Pregnant women receiving argatroban should be carefully monitored for evidence of excessive bleeding or unexpected changes in coagulation parameters [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.3 ) ]. Data Animal Data Developmental studies performed in rats with argatroban at intravenous doses up to 27 mg/kg/day (0.3 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on body surface area) and in rabbits at intravenous doses up to 10.8 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on body surface area) have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of argatroban in human milk, or its effects on milk production. Argatroban is present in rat milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for argatroban and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from argatroban or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients . Argatroban was studied among 18 seriously ill pediatric patients who required an alternative to heparin anticoagulation. Most patients were diagnosed with HIT or suspected HIT. Age ranges of patients were < 6 months, n = 8; six months to < 8 years, n = 6; 8 to 16 years, n = 4. All patients had serious underlying conditions and were receiving multiple concomitant medications. Thirteen patients received argatroban solely as a continuous infusion (no bolus dose). Dosing was initiated in the majority of these 13 patients at 1 mcg/kg/min. Dosing was titrated as needed to achieve and maintain an aPTT of 1.5 to 3 times the baseline value. Most patients required multiple dose adjustments to maintain anticoagulation parameters within the desired range. During the 30-day study period, thrombotic events occurred during argatroban administration to two patients: and following argatroban discontinuation in three other patients. Major bleeding occurred among two patients; one patien …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor that reversibly binds to the thrombin active site. Argatroban does not require the co-factor antithrombin III for antithrombotic activity. Argatroban exerts its anticoagulant effects by inhibiting thrombin-catalyzed or –induced reactions, including fibrin formation; activation of coagulation factors V, VIII, and XIII; activation of protein C; and platelet aggregation. Argatroban inhibits thrombin with an inhibition constant (K i ) of 0.04 μM. At therapeutic concentrations, argatroban has little or no effect on related serine proteases (trypsin, factor Xa, plasmin, and kallikrein). Argatroban is capable of inhibiting the action of both free and clot-associated thrombin.

11 DESCRIPTION Argatroban is a synthetic direct thrombin inhibitor and the chemical name is 1-[5-[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]-1-oxo-2-[[(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-methyl-8- quinolinyl)sulfonyl]amino]pentyl]-4-methyl-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid, monohydrate. Argatroban has 4 asymmetric carbons. One of the asymmetric carbons has an R configuration (stereoisomer Type I) and an S configuration (stereoisomer Type II). Argatroban consists of a mixture of R and S stereoisomers at a ratio of approximately 65:35. The molecular formula of argatroban is C 23 H 36 N 6 O 5 S•H 2 O. Its molecular weight is 526.66 g/mol. The structural formula is shown below: Argatroban is a white, odorless crystalline powder that is freely soluble in glacial acetic acid, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in acetone, ethyl acetate, and ether. Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) is a sterile clear, colorless to pale yellow, slightly viscous solution. Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) is available in 250-mg (in 2.5-mL) single-dose amber vials, with white flip-top caps. Each mL of sterile, nonpyrogenic solution contains 100 mg Argatroban. Inert ingredients (per vial): 1300 mg Propylene glycol, 760 mg Dehydrated alcohol. Argatroban Injection 50 mg/50 mL (1 mg/mL) is a sterile clear, colorless to pale yellow, solution. Argatroban Injection 50 mg/50 mL (1 mg/mL) is available in 50-mg (in 50-mL) single-dose vials, with white flip-top caps. Each mL of sterile, nonpyrogenic solution contains 1 mg Argatroban. Inert ingredients (per vial): 260 mg Propylene glycol, 152 mg Dehydrated alcohol, and 450 mg Sodium Chloride. Arg chem structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Excessive anticoagulation, with or without bleeding, may be controlled by discontinuing argatroban or by decreasing the argatroban dose. In clinical studies, anticoagulation parameters generally returned from therapeutic levels to baseline within 2 to 4 hours after discontinuation of the drug. Reversal of anticoagulant effect may take longer in patients with hepatic impairment. No specific antidote to argatroban is available; if life- threatening bleeding occurs and excessive plasma levels of argatroban are suspected, discontinue argatroban immediately and measure aPTT and other coagulation parameters. When argatroban was administered as a continuous infusion (2 mcg/kg/min) prior to and during a 4-hour hemodialysis session, approximately 20% of argatroban was cleared through dialysis. Single intravenous doses of argatroban at 200, 124, 150, and 200 mg/kg were lethal to mice, rats, rabbits, and dogs, respectively. The symptoms of acute toxicity were loss of righting reflex, tremors, clonic convulsions, paralysis of hind limbs, and coma. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Argatroban in Sodium Chloride Injection is supplied as a single-dose vial containing 50 mg argatroban in 50 mL of aqueous sodium chloride solution (1 mg/mL). The vial is sealed with a gray rubber stopper and a green aluminum flip-off seal. NDC 16729-430-11 – Package containing one vial of Argatroban in Sodium Chloride injection (each vial contains 50 mg of argatroban). NDC 16729-430-43 – Package containing 10 vials of Argatroban in Sodium Chloride injection (each vial contains 50 mg of argatroban). Storage Store the vials in original cartons at 20oC to 25oC (68oF to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]: excursion permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from light and store in carton. Do not use if solution is cloudy or contains a precipitate.