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ELCYS

Cysteine Hydrochloride · Injection, Solution

Prescription NDA TE AP RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
ELCYS
Generic name
Cysteine Hydrochloride
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
3
Data completeness
77% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Cysteine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL 800611 —
Cysteine Hydrochloride 50 mg/mL 800611 —

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
5

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
210660
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
April 16, 2019
Sponsor
EXELA PHARMA
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
2
Products approved under application 210660.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
210660-001 ELCYS SOLUTION CYSTEINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AP RLD RS
210660-002 ELCYS SOLUTION CYSTEINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription — RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
11510942 January 15, 2039 001 No U-2752 December 6, 2022
11969439 January 15, 2039 001 No U-2752 May 29, 2024
10478453 January 15, 2039 001 No U-2752 November 19, 2019
10583155 January 15, 2039 001 No U-2752 March 10, 2020
10653719 January 15, 2039 001 No July 2, 2020
10918662 January 15, 2039 001 No February 16, 2021
10905713 January 15, 2039 001 No February 2, 2021
10905714 January 15, 2039 001 No February 2, 2021
11684636 January 15, 2039 001 No July 3, 2023
10933089 January 15, 2039 001 No March 2, 2021
11826383 January 15, 2039 001 No December 6, 2023
11679125 January 15, 2039 001 No June 23, 2023
11648262 January 15, 2039 001 No June 6, 2023
10912795 January 15, 2039 001 No February 9, 2021
11642370 January 15, 2039 001 No June 6, 2023
11510941 January 15, 2039 001 No December 6, 2022

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 210660.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 4, 2023 N/A
Original application 1 Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer Approved April 16, 2019 Priority

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2023
  • 0 · Original application · December 4, 2019
  • 0 · Original application · April 22, 2019
  • 0 · Original application · April 16, 2019

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260409). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260409 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240201

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELCYS ® is indicated for use as an additive to amino acid solutions to meet the nutritional requirements of newborn infants requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN); and of adult and pediatric patients with severe liver disease who may have impaired enzymatic processes and require TPN. It can also be added to amino acid solutions to provide a more complete profile of amino acids for protein synthesis. ELCYS ® is a sulfur-containing amino acid indicated to meet the nutritional requirements of newborn infants requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN); and of adult and pediatric patients with severe liver disease who may have impaired enzymatic processes and require TPN. It can also be added to amino acid solutions to provide a more complete profile of amino acids for protein synthesis. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • ELCYS ® is for admixing use only. Not for direct intravenous infusion . ( 2.1 ) • PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE: Dispense single-doses to many patients in a pharmacy admixture program. Use within 4 hours of puncture. ( 2.1 ) • See full prescribing information for information on preparation, administration, instructions for use, dosing considerations, including the recommended dosage in pediatric patients and adults. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.5 ) 2.1 Important Administration Information Prior to administration, ELCYS® must be diluted and used as an admixture in PN solutions. ELCYS® is not for direct intravenous infusion. The resulting solution is for intravenous infusion into a central or peripheral vein. The choice of a central or peripheral venous route should depend on the osmolarity of the final infusate. Solutions with osmolarity of 900 mOsm/L or greater must be infused through a central catheter [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . ELCYS ® is supplied as a pharmacy bulk package, and consists of one pharmacy bulk vial which must be diluted prior to intravenous administration [see Dosage andAdministration ( 2.3 )]. As a pharmacy bulk vial, ELCYS ® is intended for dispensing of single doses to many patients. Dispensing from a pharmacy bulk vial should be completed within 4 hours after the vial is penetrated. Do not administer ELCYS ® as a direct, undiluted intravenous injection. 2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions Prior to administration, ELCYS® must be diluted and used as an admixture in PN solutions. ELCYS® is not for direct intravenous infusion. • ELCYS ® is to be prepared only in a suitable work area such as a laminar flow hood (or an equivalent clean air compounding area). The key factor in the preparation is careful aseptic technique to avoid inadvertent touch contamination during mixing of solutions and addition of other nutrients. • ELCYS ® is for addition to amino acid solutions prior to further admixing with dextrose injection using a PN container. • Use a dedicated line for PN solutions. • Intravenous lipid emulsions can be infused concurrently into the same vein as ELCYS ® containing amino acid and dextrose solutions by a Y-connector located near the infusion site; flow rates of each solution should be controlled separately by infusion pumps. • For administration without lipid emulsion, use a 0.22 micron in-line filter. • To prevent air embolism, use a non-vented infusion set or close the vent on a vented set, avoid multiple connections, do not connect flexible containers in series, fully evacuate residual gas in the container prior to administration, do not pressurize the flexible container to increase flow rates, and if administration is controlled by a pumping device, turn off pump before the container runs dry. • If infused with lipid emulsion, do not use administration sets and lines that contain di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Administration sets that contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) components have DEHP as a plasticizer. • Visually inspect the diluted PN solution containing ELCYS ® for particulate matter before admixing, after admixing, and prior to administration. The solution should be clear and there should be no precipitates. A slight yellow color does not alter the quality and efficacy of this product. 2.3 Preparation Instructions for Admixing Using a Parenteral Nutrition (PN) Container • Remove ELCYS ® vial from the carton and inspect for particulate matter. • Transfer the required amount of ELCYS ® to an amino acid solution using strict aseptic techniques to avoid microbial contamination. • The amino acid solution containing ELCYS ® can then be used to prepare admixtures in the PN container using strict aseptic techniques. • Amino acids solution containing ELCYS ® may be mixed with dextrose injection. The following proper mixing sequence must be followed to minimize pH related problems: • Transfer dextrose injection to the parental nutrition pooling containe …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection • Pharmacy Bulk Package: 2500 mg/50mL (50 mg/mL) cysteine hydrochloride, USP in a clear, colorless, sterile solution in a 50 mL vial. Injection • Pharmacy Bulk Package: 2500 mg/50 mL (50 mg/mL) cysteine hydrochloride, USP in a 50 mL vial. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ELCYS ® is contraindicated in: • Patients with known hypersensitivity to one or more amino acids. • Patients with inborn errors of amino acid metabolism due to risk of severe metabolic or neurologic complications. • Patients with pulmonary edema or acidosis due to low cardiac output. • Hypersensitivity to one or more amino acids ( 4 ) • Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism ( 4 ) • Pulmonary edema or acidosis due to low cardiac output ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Pulmonary Embolism due to Pulmonary Vascular Precipitates: If signs of pulmonary distress occur, stop the infusion and initiate a medical evaluation. ( 5.1 ) • Vein Damage and Thrombosis: Solutions with osmolarity of 900 mOsm/L or more must be infused through a central catheter. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) • Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Monitor laboratory parameters and discontinue if exceeds normal postprandial limits and continues to increase. ( 5.3 ) • Acid-Base Imbalance: Monitor laboratory parameters and supplement with electrolytes as needed. ( 5.4 ) • Hepatobiliary Disorders: Monitor liver function parameters and ammonia levels. ( 5.5 ) • Hyperammonemia: Neurocognitive delay possible in infants; monitor blood ammonia levels. ( 5.6 , 8.4 ) • Aluminium Toxicity: Increased risk in patients with renal impairment, including preterm infants. ( 5.7 , 8.4 ) • Monitoring and Laboratory Tests: Monitor fluid and electrolytes, serum osmolarity, blood glucose, kidney and liver function, blood count and coagulation parameters throughout treatment. ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Pulmonary Embolism due to Pulmonary Vascular Precipitates Pulmonary vascular precipitates causing pulmonary vascular emboli and pulmonary distress have been reported in patients receiving PN. In some fatal cases, pulmonary embolism occurred as a result of calcium phosphate precipitates. Precipitation following passage through an in-line filter and suspected in vivo precipitate formation has also been reported. If signs of pulmonary distress occur, stop the PN infusion and initiate a medical evaluation. In addition to inspection of the solution [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 )], the infusion set and catheter should also periodically be checked for precipitates. 5.2 Vein Damage and Thrombosis ELCYS ® must be diluted and used as an admixture in PN solutions. It is not for direct intravenous infusion. Solutions with an osmolarity of 900 mOsm/L or greater must be infused through a central catheter [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . The infusion of hypertonic nutrient injections into a peripheral vein may result in vein irritation, vein damage, and/or thrombosis. The primary complication of peripheral access is venous thrombophlebitis, which manifests as pain, erythema, tenderness or a palpable cord. Remove the catheter as soon as possible, if thrombophlebitis develops. 5.3 Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Intravenous infusion of amino acids may induce a rise in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), especially in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function. Appropriate laboratory tests should be performed periodically and infusion discontinued if BUN levels exceed normal postprandial limits and continue to rise. It should be noted that a modest rise in BUN normally occurs as a result of increased protein intake. Administration of amino acid solutions in the presence of impaired renal function may augment an increasing BUN, as does any protein dietary component. 5.4 Acid-Base Imbalance Administration of ELCYS ® may result in metabolic acidosis in preterm infants. Administration of amino acid solutions to a patient with hepatic impairment may result in serum amino acid imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, prerenal azotemia, hyperammonemia, stupor and coma. Frequent clinical evaluation and laboratory determinations are necessary for proper monitoring of acid-base balance during parenteral nutrition therapy. Significant deviations from normal concentrations may require the use of additional electrolyte supplements. 5.5 Hepatobiliary Disorders Hepatobiliary disorders are known to develop in some patients without preexisting liver disease who receive PN, including cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, cholestasis, hepatic steatosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis, possibly leading to hepatic failure. The etiology of these disorders is thought to be multifactorial and may differ between patients. Monitor liver function parameters and ammonia levels. Patients developing si …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the prescribing information: • Pulmonary embolism due to pulmonary vascular precipitates [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Vein damage and thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Increased BUN [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Acid-base imbalance [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Hepatobiliary disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Hyperammonemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Aluminum toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Adverse reactions with the use of cysteine hydrochloride injection were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. • Local infusion site reactions, including a warm sensation, erythema, phlebitis and thrombosis at the infusion site • Generalized flushing, fever and nausea Most common adverse reactions are local reactions (warm sensation, erythema, phlebitis and thrombosis at the infusion site), generalized flushing, fever and nausea ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Appropriate administration of ELCYS ® is not expected to cause major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with cysteine hydrochloride. The estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations 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 defect and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Data available on the effects of cysteine hydrochloride on infants, either directly or through breastmilk, do not suggest a significant risk of adverse events from exposure. Although there are no data on the presence of cysteine hydrochloride in human or animal milk or the effects on milk production, appropriate administration of ELCYS ® is not expected to cause harm to a breastfed infant. The development and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ELCYS ® and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from ELCYS ® or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use ELCYS ® is approved for use in pediatric patients, from birth to 17 years of age, for use as an additive to amino acid solutions to meet the nutritional requirements of newborn infants, including preterm infants, requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and pediatric patients with severe liver disease who may have impaired enzymatic processes and require TPN . The safety profile for ELCYS ® use in pediatric patients includes risks of acid-base imbalance and hyperammonemia. Acid-base imbalance, including metabolic acidosis, may occur with ELCYS ® administration in preterm infants. Frequent clinical and laboratory assessments are necessary to monitor and manage fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and acid-base balance during parenteral nutrition therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Hyperammonemia is of special significance in infants (birth to two years of age). This reaction appears to be related to a deficiency of the urea cycle amino acids of genetic or product origin. It is essential that blood ammonia be measured frequently in infants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. Because of immature renal function, preterm infants receiving prolonged parenteral nutrition treatment with ELCYS ® may be at higher risk of aluminum toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies with ELCYS ® have not been performed to determine whether patients aged 65 and over respond differently from younger patients. 8.6 Renal Impairment Monitor patients with impaired renal function receiving PN solutions containing the recommended dosage of ELCYS ® with frequent clinical evaluation and laboratory tests to assess renal function, including serum electrolytes and fluid balance [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment Monitor patients with impaired liver function receiving PN solutions containing the recommended dosage of ELCYS ® with frequent clinical evaluation and laboratory tests to assess liver function, such as bilirubin and liver function parameters [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )].

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Endogenous cysteine is synthesized from methionine by the enzyme, cystathionase, via the trans-sulfuration pathway, and serves as a precursor substrate for both glutathione and taurine. ELCYS ® provides cysteine to the systemic circulation of patients who require PN and cannot synthesize adequate quantities of cysteine due to insufficient or deficient cystathionase activity.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION ELCYS ® (cysteine hydrochloride injection) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution for intravenous use. Each 50 mL of ELCYS ® contains 2500 mg of cysteine hydrochloride, USP (equivalent to 345 mg of cysteine) in water for injection. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid are used as needed to adjust the pH. The pH range is 1.0 to 2.5. The active ingredient is cysteine hydrochloride. Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid. The chemical name of cysteine hydrochloride is L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate and is chemically designated as C 3 H 7 NO 2 S • HCI • H 2 O having a molecular weight of 175.63. Cysteine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder soluble in water. Cysteine aqueous solution is prone to oxidation when exposed to air, and when mixed with amino acids solutions, cysteine may convert to insoluble cystine which leads to precipitation over time. It has the following structural formula: ELCYS ® contains no more than 120 mcg/L of aluminum. Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE In the event of over hydration or solute overload, re-evaluate the patient and institute appropriate corrective measures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 , 5.4 , 5.5 , 5.7 , 5.8 )] .

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ELCYS is supplied as follows: 500 mg/10 mL (50 mg/mL) of cysteine hydrochloride, USP is a clear, colorless, sterile and nonpyrogenic solution in 10 mL single-dose vials (51754-1007-1), packaged as 10 per carton (NDC 51754-1007-3) Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Avoid excessive heat. Protect from freezing. If accidentally frozen, discard the vial. For storage of admixed solution see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ).

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
112
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CYSTEINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Recalls

Source: FDA Enforcement
Drug recall enforcement reports associated with this product.
Classification Reported Firm Reason Status
Class I November 29, 2023 Exela Pharma Sciences LLC Presence of Particulate Matter: Silicone Ongoing

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
51754-1007-1 51754-1007 Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC 10 mL in 1 VIAL (51754-1007-1) May 28, 2019
51754-1007-3 51754-1007 Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC 100 mL in 1 CARTON (51754-1007-3) May 28, 2019
51754-1008-1 51754-1008 Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (51754-1008-1) / 50 mL in 1 VIAL January 1, 2024
51754-1007 51754-1007 Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC — May 28, 2019
51754-1008 51754-1008 Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC — December 12, 2023

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Enforcement FDA Recall records

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.