Baclofen (Intrathecal)

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Baclofen injection (intrathecal) is indicated for use in the management of severe spasticity. Patients should first respond to a screening dose of intrathecal baclofen prior to consideration for long term infusion via an implantable pump. For spasticity of spinal cord origin, chronic infusion of baclofen injection (intrathecal) via an implantable pump should be reserved for patients unresponsive to oral baclofen therapy, or those who experience intolerable CNS side effects at effective doses. Patients with spasticity due to traumatic brain injury should wait at least one year after the injury before consideration of long term intrathecal baclofen therapy. Baclofen injection (intrathecal) is intended for use by the intrathecal route in single bolus test doses (via spinal catheter or lumbar puncture) and, for chronic use, only in implantable pumps approved by the FDA specifically for the administration of baclofen injection (intrathecal) into the intrathecal space. Spasticity of Spinal Cord Origin: Evidence supporting the efficacy of baclofen injection (intrathecal) was obtained in randomized, controlled investigations that compared the effects of either a single intrathecal dose or a three-day intrathecal infusion of baclofen injection (intrathecal) to placebo in patients with severe spasticity and spasms due to either spinal cord trauma or multiple sclerosis. Baclofen injection (intrathecal) was superior to placebo on both principal outcome measures employed: change from baseline in the Ashworth rating of spasticity and the frequency of spasms. Spasticity of Cerebral Origin: The efficacy of baclofen injection (intrathecal) was investigated in three controlled clinical trials; two enrolled patients with cerebral palsy and one enrolled patients with spasticity due to previous brain injury. The first study, a randomized controlled cross-over trial of 51 patients with cerebral palsy, provided strong, statistically significant results; baclofen injection (intrathecal) was superior to placebo in reducing spasticity as measured by the Ashworth Scale. A second cross-over study was conducted in 11 patients with spasticity arising from brain injury. Despite the small sample size, the study yielded a nearly significant test statistic (p= 0.066) and provided directionally favorable results. The last study, however, did not provide data that could be reliably analyzed. Baclofen injection (intrathecal) therapy may be considered an alternative to destructive neurosurgical procedures. Prior to implantation of a device for chronic intrathecal infusion of baclofen injection (intrathecal), patients must show a response to baclofen injection (intrathecal) in a screening trial (see Dosage and Administration ).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the implantable pump approved for intrathecal infusion for specific instructions and precautions for programming the pump and/or refilling the reservoir. There are various pumps with varying reservoir volumes and there are various refill kits available. It is important to be familiar with all of these products in order to select the appropriate refill kit for the particular pump in use. Screening Phase: Prior to pump implantation and initiation of chronic infusion of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal), patients must demonstrate a positive clinical response to a Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) bolus dose administered intrathecally in a screening trial. The screening trial employs Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) at a concentration of 50 mcg per mL. A 1 mL ampule (50 mcg per mL) is available for use in the screening trial. The screening procedure is as follows. An initial bolus containing 50 micrograms in a volume of 1 milliliter is administered into the intrathecal space by barbotage over a period of not less than one minute. The patient is observed over the ensuing 4 to 8 hours. A positive response consists of a significant decrease in muscle tone and/or frequency and/or severity of spasms. If the initial response is less than desired, a second bolus injection may be administered 24 hours after the first. The second screening bolus dose consists of 75 micrograms in 1.5 milliliters. Again, the patient should be observed for an interval of 4 to 8 hours. If the response is still inadequate, a final bolus screening dose of 100 micrograms in 2 milliliters may be administered 24 hours later. Pediatric Patients: The starting screening dose for pediatric patients is the same as in adult patients, i.e., 50 mcg. However, for very small patients, a screening dose of 25 mcg may be tried first. Patients who do not respond to a 100 mcg intrathecal bolus should not be considered candidates for an implanted pump for chronic infusion. Post-Implant Dose Titration Period: To determine the initial total daily dose of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) following implant, the screening dose that gave a positive effect should be doubled and administered over a 24-hour period, unless the efficacy of the bolus dose was maintained for more than 8 hours, in which case the starting daily dose should be the screening dose delivered over a 24-hour period. No dose increases should be given in the first 24 hours (i.e., until the steady state is achieved). Adult Patients with Spasticity of Spinal Cord Origin: After the first 24 hours, for adult patients, the daily dosage should be increased slowly by 10 to 30% increments and only once every 24 hours, until the desired clinical effect is achieved. Adult Patients with Spasticity of Cerebral Origin: After the first 24 hours, the daily dose should be increased slowly by 5 to 15% only once every 24 hours, until the desired clinical effect is achieved. Pediatric Patients: After the first 24 hours, the daily dose should be increased slowly by 5 to 15% only once every 24 hours, until the desired clinical effect is achieved. If there is not a substantive clinical response to increases in the daily dose, check for proper pump function and catheter patency. Patients must be monitored closely in a fully equipped and staffed environment during the screening phase and dose-titration period immediately following implant. Resuscitative equipment should be immediately available for use in case of life-threatening or intolerable side effects. Maintenance Therapy: Spasticity of Spinal Cord Origin Patients: The clinical goal is to maintain muscle tone as close to normal as possible, and to minimize the frequency and severity of spasms to the extent possible, without inducing intolerable side effects. Very often, the maintenance dose needs to be adjusted during the first few months of therapy while patients adjust to changes in life style due to the alleviation of spas …

CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to baclofen. Baclofen injection (intrathecal) is not recommended for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or epidural administration.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Spasticity of Spinal Cord Origin Clinical Studies: Commonly Observed in Patients with Spasticity of Spinal Origin - In pre- and post- marketing clinical trials, the most commonly observed adverse events associated with use of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) which were not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients were: somnolence, dizziness, nausea, hypotension, headache, convulsions and hypotonia. Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment - 8/474 patients with spasticity of spinal cord origin receiving long term infusion of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) in pre- and post- marketing clinical studies in the U.S. discontinued treatment due to adverse events. These include: pump pocket infections (3), meningitis (2), wound dehiscence (1), gynecological fibroids (1) and pump overpressurization (1) with unknown, if any, sequela. Eleven patients who developed coma secondary to overdose had their treatment temporarily suspended, but all were subsequently re-started and were not, therefore, considered to be true discontinuations. Fatalities - See Warnings . Incidence in Controlled Trials - Experience with Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) obtained in parallel, placebo-controlled, randomized studies provides only a limited basis for estimating the incidence of adverse events because the studies were of very brief duration (up to three days of infusion) and involved only a total of 63 patients. The following events occurred among the 31 patients receiving Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials: hypotension (2), dizziness (2), headache (2), dyspnea (1). No adverse events were reported among the 32 patients receiving placebo in these studies. Events Observed during the Pre- and Post-marketing Evaluation of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) - Adverse events associated with the use of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) reflect experience gained with 576 patients followed prospectively in the United States. They received Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) for periods of one day (screening) (N = 576) to over eight years (maintenance) (N = 10). The usual screening bolus dose administered prior to pump implantation in these studies was typically 50 mcg. The maintenance dose ranged from 12 mcg to 2003 mcg per day. Because of the open, uncontrolled nature of the experience, a causal linkage between events observed and the administration of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) cannot be reliably assessed in many cases and many of the adverse events reported are known to occur in association with the underlying conditions being treated. Nonetheless, many of the more commonly reported reactions hypotonia, somnolence, dizziness, paresthesia, nausea/vomiting and headache appear clearly drug-related. Adverse experiences reported during all U.S. studies (both controlled and uncontrolled) are shown in the following table. Eight of 474 patients who received chronic infusion via implanted pumps had adverse experiences which led to a discontinuation of long-term treatment in the pre- and post-marketing studies. INCIDENCE OF MOST FREQUENT (≥1%) ADVERSE EVENTS IN PATIENTS WITH SPASTICITY OF SPINAL ORIGIN IN PROSPECTIVELY MONITORED CLINICAL TRIALS Percent of Patients Reporting Events N = 576 N = 474 N = 430 Screening a Titration b Maintenance c Adverse Event Percent Percent Percent Hypotonia 5.4 13.5 25.3 Somnolence 5.7 5.9 20.9 Dizziness 1.7 1.9 7.9 Paresthesia 2.4 2.1 6.7 Nausea and Vomiting 1.6 2.3 5.6 Headache 1.6 2.5 5.1 Constipation 0.2 1.5 5.1 Convulsion 0.5 1.3 4.7 Urinary Retention 0.7 1.7 1.9 Dry Mouth 0.2 0.4 3.3 Accidental Injury 0.0 0.2 3.5 Asthenia 0.7 1.3 1.4 Confusion 0.5 0.6 2.3 Death 0.2 0.4 3.0 Pain 0.0 0.6 3.0 Speech Disorder 0.0 0.2 3.5 Hypotension 1.0 0.2 1.9 Ambylopia 0.5 0.2 2.3 Diarrhea 0.0 0.8 2.3 Hypoventilation 0.2 0.8 2.1 Coma 0.0 1.5 0.9 Impotence 0.2 0.4 1.6 Peripheral Edema 0.0 0.0 2.3 Urinary Incontinence 0.0 0.8 1.4 Insomnia 0.0 0.4 1.6 Anxiety 0.2 0.4 0 …

DESCRIPTION Baclofen injection (intrathecal), USP is a muscle relaxant and antispastic. Its chemical name is 4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl) butanoic acid, and its structural formula is: Baclofen is a white to off-white, odorless or practically odorless crystalline powder, with a molecular weight of 213.66. It is slightly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in methanol, and insoluble in chloroform. Baclofen injection (intrathecal), USP is a sterile, pyrogen-free, isotonic solution free of antioxidants, preservatives or other potentially neurotoxic additives indicated only for intrathecal administration. The drug is stable in solution at 37° C and compatible with CSF. Each milliliter of baclofen injection (intrathecal) contains baclofen U. S. P., 500 mcg or 2,000 mcg and sodium chloride 9 mg in Water for Injection; pH range is 5.0 to 7.0. Each vial is intended for SINGLE USE ONLY. Discard any unused portion. DO NOT AUTOCLAVE . baclofen-01

OVERDOSAGE Special attention must be given to recognizing the signs and symptoms of overdosage, especially during the initial screening and dose-titration phase of treatment, but also during re-introduction of Baclofen Injection after a period of interruption in therapy. Symptoms of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) Overdose: Drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, somnolence, respiratory depression, hypothermia, seizures, rostral progression of hypotonia and loss of consciousness progressing to coma of up to 72 hr. duration. In most cases reported, coma was reversible without sequelae after drug was discontinued. Symptoms of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) overdose were reported in a sensitive adult patient after receiving a 25 mcg intrathecal bolus. Treatment Suggestions for Overdose: There is no specific antidote for treating overdoses of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal); however, the following steps should ordinarily be undertaken: 1) Residual Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) solution should be removed from the pump as soon as possible. 2) Patients with respiratory depression should be intubated if necessary, until the drug is eliminated. If lumbar puncture is not contraindicated, consideration should be given to withdrawing 30 to 40 mL of CSF to reduce CSF baclofen concentration.

HOW SUPPLIED Baclofen injection (intrathecal), USP is a clear, colorless, sterile, pyrogen-free, isotonic solution consisting of the active ingredient, Baclofen USP, and the excipients Sodium Chloride USP and Water for Injection USP in single-dose clear glass vials. Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) is packaged in single-dose vials containing 10 mg/20 mL (500 mcg/mL) or 40 mg/20 mL (2000 mcg/mL) supplied as follows: One vial containing 10 mg/20 mL (500 mcg/mL) (NDC 70511-122-10). One vial containing 40 mg/20 mL (2000 mcg/mL) (NDC 70511-124-10). Storage Conditions: Does not require refrigeration. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F)[See USP Controlled Room Temperature] Do not freeze. Do not heat sterilize