Ganciclovir

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is a deoxynucleoside analogue cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for the: treatment of CMV retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). ( 1.1 ) prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Treatment of CMV Retinitis Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . 1.2 Prevention of CMV Disease in Transplant Recipients Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )].

1.1 Treatment of CMV Retinitis Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] .

1.2 Prevention of CMV Disease in Transplant Recipients Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )].

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Ganciclovir for injection is administered only intravenously. ( 2.1 ) Dosage in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function Treatment of CMV retinitis ( 2.3 ) Induction: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days per week. Prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients ( 2.4 ) Induction: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily, 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily, 5 days per week until 100 to 120 days post- transplantation. Adults with renal impairment: Adjust dosage based on creatinine clearance. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Important Dosing and Administration Information To avoid phlebitis/pain at the infusion site, ganciclovir for injection must only be administered by intravenous infusion over 1 hour, preferably via plastic cannula, into a vein with adequate blood flow to permit rapid dilution and distribution. Do not administer ganciclovir for injection by rapid or bolus intravenous injection which may increase toxicity as a result of excessive plasma levels. The recommended dosage and infusion rate for ganciclovir should not be exceeded. Do not administer the reconstituted ganciclovir for injection solution intramuscularly or subcutaneously because it may result in severe tissue irritation due to high pH [see Description ( 11 )]. Administration of ganciclovir for injection should be accompanied by adequate hydration. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. 2.2 Testing Before and During Treatment Females of reproductive potential should undergo pregnancy testing before initiation of treatment with ganciclovir [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )]. Complete blood counts with differential and platelet counts should be performed frequently, especially in patients in whom ganciclovir or other nucleoside analogues have previously resulted in cytopenias, or in whom absolute neutrophil counts are less than 1000 cells/μL at the beginning of treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . All patients should be monitored for renal function before and during treatment with ganciclovir and dose should be adjusted as needed [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Patients with CMV retinitis should have frequent ophthalmological examinations during treatment with ganciclovir solution to monitor disease status and for other retinal abnormalities [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Treatment of CMV Retinitis in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function Induction Dosage: The recommended initial dosage of ganciclovir for patients with normal renal function is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days. Maintenance Dosage: Following induction treatment, the recommended maintenance dosage of ganciclovir is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days per week. 2.4 Recommended Dosage for the Prevention of CMV Disease in Adult Transplant Recipients with Normal Renal Function Induction Dosage: The recommended initial dosage of ganciclovir for patients with normal renal function is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. Maintenance Dosage: Following induction, the recommended maintenance dosage of ganciclovir is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days per week until 100 to 120 days post-transplantation. 2.5 Recommen …

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS For injection: Single-dose vial containing 500 mg of ganciclovir as a sterile lyophilized white to off-white powder for reconstitution with 10 mL of preservative-free sterile water for injection, USP for intravenous use. The concentration of ganciclovir in the reconstituted solution is 50 mg/mL [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )]. • For injection: 500 mg of ganciclovir as lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution. ( 3 )

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is contraindicated in patients who have experienced a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ganciclovir, valganciclovir, or any component of the formulation. Hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or valganciclovir. ( 4 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Impairment of Fertility [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in at least 20% of patients were: pyrexia, diarrhea, leukopenia, nausea, anemia, asthenia, headache, cough, decreased appetite, dyspnea, abdominal pain, sepsis, hyperhidrosis, and blood creatinine increased. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-5517176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience in Adult Patients 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 rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in at least 20% of patients were pyrexia, diarrhea, leukopenia, nausea, anemia, asthenia, headache, cough, decreased appetite, dyspnea, abdominal pain, sepsis, hyperhidrosis, and blood creatinine increased. Selected adverse reactions that occurred during clinical trials of Ganciclovir for Injection are summarized below, according to the participating study patient population. Adverse Reactions in Patients with CMV Retinitis: Three controlled, randomized, phase 3 trials comparing Ganciclovir for Injection and ganciclovir capsules for maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis have been completed. During these trials, Ganciclovir for Injection or ganciclovir capsules were prematurely discontinued in 9% of subjects because of adverse reactions. Selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported during the conduct of these controlled trials are summarized in Table 2 and Table 3 , respectively [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Table 2. Pooled Selected Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Subjects Comparing Ganciclovir for Injection to Ganciclovir Capsules for Maintenance Treatment of CMV Retinitis Adverse Reaction Maintenance Treatment Studies Ganciclovir for Injection (n=179) Ganciclovir Capsules (n=326) Pyrexia 48% 38% Diarrhea 44% 41% Leukopenia 41% 29% Anemia 25% 19% Total catheter events 22% 6% Catheter infection 9% 4% Catheter sepsis 8% 1% Other catheter related events 5% 1% Sepsis 15% 4% Decreased appetite 14% 15% Vomiting 13% 13% Infection 13% 9% Hyperhidrosis 12% 11% Chills 10% 7% Neuropathy peripheral 9% 8% Thrombocytopenia 6% 6% Pruritus 5% 6% Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment has been observed in subjects with CMV retinitis both before and after initiation of therapy with ganciclovir. Its relationship to therapy with ganciclovir is unknown. Retinal detachment occurred in 11% of patients treated with Ganciclovir for Injection and in 8% of patients treated with ganciclovir capsules. Table 3. Selected Laboratory Abnormalities in Trials for Treatment of CMV Retinitis * Pooled data from Treatment Studies: ICM 1653, ICM 1774 and AVI 034 Mean time on therapy = 103 days, including allowed re-induction treatment periods Mean time on therapy = 91 days, including allowed re-induction treatment periods Laboratory Abnormalities CMV Retinitis Treatment* Ganciclovir for Injection† 5 mg/kg/day (N=175) % Ganciclovir Capsules‡ 3000 mg/day (N=320) % Neutropenia with Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) per μL: <500 25 18 500-<749 14 17 750-<1000 26 19 Anemia with Hemoglobin (g/dL): <6.5 g/dL 5 2 6.5-<8.0 16 10 8.0-<9.5 26 25 Serum Creatinine (mg/dL): ≥2.5 2 1 ≥1.5 - <2.5 14 12 Adverse Reactions in Transplant Recipients: There have been three controlled clinical trials of Ganciclovir for Injection for the prev …

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drug-drug interaction studies were conducted in patients with normal renal function. Patients with impaired renal function may have increased concentrations of ganciclovir and the coadministered drug following concomitant administration of Ganciclovir for Injection and drugs excreted by the same pathway as ganciclovir. Therefore, these patients should be closely monitored for toxicity of ganciclovir and the coadministered drug. Established and other potentially significant drug interactions conducted with ganciclovir are listed in Table 6 [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Table 6. Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions with Ganciclovir for Injection Name of the Concomitant Drug Change in the Concentration of Ganciclovir or Concomitant Drug Clinical Comment Imipenem-cilastatin Unknown Coadministration with imipenem-cilastatin is not recommended because generalized seizures have been reported in patients who received ganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. Cyclosporine or amphotericin B Unknown Monitor renal function when Ganciclovir is coadministered with cyclosporine or amphotericin B because of potential increase in serum creatinine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) ↔ Ganciclovir (in patients with normal renal function) ↔ MMF (in patients with normal renal function) Based on increased risk, patients should be monitored for hematological and renal toxicity. Other drugs associated with myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity (e.g., dapsone, doxorubicin, flucytosine, hydroxyurea, pentamidine, tacrolimus, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole, vinblastine, vincristine and zidovudine) Unknown Because of potential for higher toxicity, coadministration with Ganciclovir should be considered only if the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the risks. Didanosine ↔ Ganciclovir ↑ Didanosine Patients should be closely monitored for didanosine toxicity (e.g., pancreatitis). Probenecid ↑Ganciclovir Ganciclovir for Injection dose may need to be reduced. Monitor for evidence of ganciclovir toxicity. • Imipenem-cilastatin: Seizures were reported in patients receiving ganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. Concomitant use is not recommended unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. ( 7 ) • Cyclosporine or amphotericin B: When coadministered with ganciclovir, • the risk of nephrotoxicity may be increased. Monitor renal function. ( 5.2 , 7 ) • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF): When coadministered with ganciclovir, the risk of hematological and renal toxicity may be increased. Monitor for ganciclovir and MMF toxicity. ( 7 ) • Other drugs associated with myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity: Due to potential for increased toxicity, such drugs should be considered for concomitant use with ganciclovir only if the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the risks. ( 7 ) • Didanosine: Ganciclovir coadministered with didanosine may increase didanosine levels. Monitor for didanosine toxicity (e.g., pancreatitis). ( 7 ) • Probenecid: May increase ganciclovir levels. Monitor for evidence of ganciclovir toxicity. ( 7 )

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended with use of Ganciclovir for Injection, USP. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary In animal studies, ganciclovir caused maternal and fetal toxicity and embryo-fetal mortality in pregnant mice and rabbits as well as teratogenicity in rabbits at exposures two times the exposure at the recommended human dose (RHD) [see Data ]. Although placental transfer of ganciclovir has been shown to occur based on ex vivo experiments with human placenta and in at least one case report in a pregnant woman, no adequate human data are available to establish whether ganciclovir for injection poses a risk to pregnancy outcomes. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo-Fetal Risk Most maternal CMV infections are asymptomatic or they may be associated with a self-limited mononucleosis-like syndrome. However, in immunocompromised patients (i.e., transplant patients or patients with AIDS), CMV infections may be symptomatic and may result in significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The transmission of CMV to the fetus is a result of maternal viremia and transplacental infection. Perinatal infection can also occur from exposure of the neonate to CMV shedding in the genital tract. Approximately 10% of children with congenital CMV infection are symptomatic at birth. Mortality in symptomatic infants is about 10% and approximately 50 to 90% of symptomatic surviving newborns experience significant morbidity, including mental retardation, sensorineural hearing loss, microcephaly, seizures, and other medical problems. The risk of congenital CMV infection resulting from primary maternal CMV infection may be higher and of greater severity than that resulting from maternal reactivation of CMV infection. Data Animal Data Daily intravenous doses of ganciclovir were administered to pregnant mice (108 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (60 mg/kg/day), and also to female mice (90 mg/kg) prior to mating, during gestation, and during lactation. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice. Additional effects observed in rabbits included fetal growth retardation, embryolethality, teratogenicity, and/or maternal toxicity. Teratogenic changes included cleft palate, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, aplastic organs (kidney and pancreas), hydrocephaly, and brachygnathia. In pre/postnatal development studies in mice, there were maternal/fetal toxicity and embryolethality which included fetal effects of hypoplasia of the testes and seminal vesicles in the male offspring, as well as pathologic changes in the nonglandular region of the stomach. The systemic exposure (AUC) of ganciclovir during these studies was approximately 2 times (pregnant mice and rabbits) and 1.7 times (pre/postnatal mice) the exposure in humans at the RHD [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ]. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary No data are available regarding the presence of ganciclovir in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. When ganciclovir was administered to lactating rats, ganciclovir was present in milk [see Data]. Advise nursing mothers that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with ganciclovir for injection because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ]. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV-infected mothers not breastfeed their infants to avoid potential postnatal transmission of HIV. Data Animal Data Ganciclovir administered intravenously (at 0.13 mg/h) to lactating rats (on lactation day 15) resulted in passive t …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Ganciclovir is an antiviral drug with activity against CMV [see Microbiology (12.4) ].

Mechanism of Action Ganciclovir is a synthetic analogue of 2'-deoxyguanosine, which inhibits replication of human CMV in cell culture and in vivo . In CMV-infected cells, ganciclovir is initially phosphorylated to ganciclovir monophosphate by the viral protein kinase, pUL97. Further phosphorylation occurs by cellular kinases to produce ganciclovir triphosphate, which is then slowly metabolized intracellularly. As the phosphorylation is largely dependent on the viral kinase, phosphorylation of ganciclovir occurs preferentially in virus-infected cells. The virustatic activity of ganciclovir is due to inhibition of the viral DNA polymerase, pUL54, by ganciclovir triphosphate.

11 DESCRIPTION Ganciclovir for Injection, USP contains ganciclovir, in the form of the sodium salt for intravenous injection. Ganciclovir is a synthetic guanine derivative active against cytomegalovirus (CMV). Chemically, ganciclovir is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-ethoxy]methyl]guanine and ganciclovir sodium is 9-[[2­ hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-ethoxy]methyl]guanine, monosodium salt. The chemical structures of ganciclovir sodium and ganciclovir are: Ganciclovir Sodium Structural Formula ganciclovir sodium C 9 H 12 N 5 NaO 4 , M.W. =277.22 Ganciclovir Structural Formula ganciclovir C 9 H 13 N 5 O 4 M.W. =255.23 Ganciclovir is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Ganciclovir is a polar hydrophilic compound with a solubility of 2.6 mg/mL in water at 25°C and an n-octanol/water partition coefficient of 0.022. The pKas for ganciclovir are 2.2 and 9.4. Ganciclovir, formulated as monosodium salt, using sodium hydroxide as a salt forming agent, is a sterile white to off-white lyophilized powder. The lyophilized powder has an aqueous solubility of greater than 50 mg/mL at 25°C. At physiological pH, ganciclovir sodium exists as the un-ionized form with a solubility of approximately 6 mg/mL at 37°C. Each vial contains 543 mg ganciclovir sodium equivalent to 500 mg ganciclovir. Inactive ingredients may include hydrochloric acid (QS) and sodium hydroxide (QS) added to adjust the pH. All doses in this package insert are specified in terms of ganciclovir. Ganciclovir Sodium Structural Formula Ganciclovir Structural Formula

10 OVERDOSAGE Reports of adverse reactions after overdoses with ganciclovir for injection, some with fatal outcomes, have been received from clinical trials and during post-marketing experience. One or more of the following adverse reactions has been reported with overdoses: Hematological toxicity: myelosuppression including pancytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, bone marrow failure Hepatotoxicity: hepatitis, liver function disorder Renal toxicity: worsening of hematuria in a patient with pre-existing renal impairment, acute kidney injury, elevated creatinine Gastrointestinal toxicity: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting Neurotoxicity: seizure Since ganciclovir is dialyzable, dialysis may be useful in reducing serum concentrations in patients who have received an overdose of ganciclovir [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Adequate hydration should be maintained. The use of hematopoietic growth factors should be considered in patients with cytopenias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

16 HOW SUPPLIED How Supplied Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is supplied in 10 mL sterile single-dose vials, each containing 543 mg ganciclovir sodium equivalent to 500 mg of ganciclovir as a white to off-white powder. The concentration of ganciclovir in the reconstituted solution is 50 mg/mL. Because ganciclovir shares some of the properties of antitumor agents (i.e., carcinogenicity and mutagenicity), consideration should be given to handling and disposal according to guidelines issued for antineoplastic drugs. Ganciclovir for Injection, USP is supplied in cartons of 10 single-dose vials (NDC 0143-9299-10). Storage Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store reconstituted solution in the vial at 25°C (77°F) for no longer than 12 hours. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Discard any unused portion of the reconstituted solution. Store diluted infusion solution under refrigeration at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) for no longer than 24 hours. Do not freeze. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-845-0689, or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. For Product Inquiry call 1-877-845-0689.