Meropenem

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Warnings and Precautions Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (5.2) 6/2018 Warnings and Precautions, Rhabdomyolysis (5.3) 12/2024

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Meropenem for injection is a penem antibacterial indicated for the treatment of: Complicated skin and skin structure infections (adult patients and pediatric patients 3 months of age and older only). ( 1.1 ) Complicated intra-abdominal infections (adult and pediatric patients). ( 1.2 ) Bacterial meningitis (pediatric patients 3 months of age and older only). ( 1.3 ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of meropenem for injection and other antibacterial drugs, meropenem for injection should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. 1.1 Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients 3 Months of age and older only) Meropenem for injection is indicated for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae , viridans group streptococci, Enterococcus faecalis (vancomycin-susceptible isolates only), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacteroides fragilis, and Peptostreptococcus species . 1.2 Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections (Adult and Pediatric Patients) Meropenem for injection is indicated for the treatment of complicated appendicitis and peritonitis caused by viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteroides fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and Peptostreptococcus species . 1.3 Bacterial Meningitis (Pediatric Patients 3 Months of age and older only) Meropenem for injection is indicated for the treatment of bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae , and Neisseria meningitidis and penicillin-susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Meropenem for injection has been found to be effective in eliminating concurrent bacteremia in association with bacterial meningitis. 1.4 Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of meropenem for injection and other antibacterial drugs, meropenem for injection should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 500 mg every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 15 to 30 minutes for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) for adult patients. When treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa , a dose of 1 gram every 8 hours is recommended. ( 2.1 ) 1 gram every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 15 minutes to 30 minutes for intra-abdominal infections for adult patients. ( 2.1 ) 1 gram every 8 hours by intravenous bolus injection (5 mL to 20 mL) over 3 minutes to 5 minutes for adult patients. ( 2.1 ) Dosage should be reduced in adult patients with renal impairment. ( 2.2 ) Recommended Meropenem for Injection Dosage Schedule for Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) Dose (dependent on type of infection) Dosing Interval Greater than 50 Recommended dose (500 mg cSSSI and 1 gram Intra-abdominal) Every 8 hours 26 to 50 Recommended dose Every 12 hours 10 to 25 One-half recommended dose Every 12 hours Less than 10 One-half recommended dose Every 24 hours Pediatric patients 3 months of age and older Recommended Meropenem for Injection Dosage Schedule for Pediatric Patients 3 Months of Age and Older with Normal Renal Function ( 2.3 ) Type of Infection Dose (mg/kg) Up to a Maximum Dose Dosing Interval Complicated skin and skin structure* 10 500 mg Every 8 hours Intra-abdominal 20 1 gram Every 8 hours Meningitis 40 2 gram Every 8 hours - Intravenous infusion is to be given over approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes. - Intravenous bolus injection (5 mL to 20 mL) is to be given over approximately 3 minutes to 5 minutes. - There is no experience in pediatric patients with renal impairment. *20 mg/kg (or 1 gram for pediatric patients weighing over 50 kg) every 8 hours is recommended when treating complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by P. aeruginosa. ( 2.3 ) Pediatric patients less than 3 months of age Recommended Meropenem for Injection Dosage Schedule for Pediatric Patients Less Than 3 Months of Age with Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections and Normal Renal Function ( 2.3 ) Age Group Dose (mg/kg) Dose Interval Infants less than 32 weeks GA and PNA less than 2 weeks 20 Every 12 hours Infants less than 32 weeks GA and PNA 2 weeks and older 20 Every 8 hours Infants 32 weeks and older GA and PNA less than 2 weeks 20 Every 8 hours Infants 32 weeks and older GA and PNA 2 weeks and older 30 Every 8 hours - Intravenous infusion is to be given over 30 minutes. - There is no experience in pediatric patients with renal impairment. GA: gestational age and PNA: postnatal age 2.1 Adult Patients The recommended dose of Meropenem for Injection is 500 mg given every 8 hours for skin and skin structure infections and 1 gram given every 8 hours for intra-abdominal infections. When treating complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by P. aeruginosa , a dose of 1 gram every 8 hours is recommended. Meropenem for Injection should be administered by intravenous infusion over approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Doses of 1 gram may also be administered as an intravenous bolus injection (5 mL to 20 mL) over approximately 3 minutes to 5 minutes. 2.2 Use in Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Dosage should be reduced in patients with creatinine clearance of 50 mL/min or less. (See dosing table below.) When only serum creatinine is available, the following formula (Cockcroft and Gault equation) 1 may be used to estimate creatinine clearance. Males: Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) = Weight (kg) x (140 - age) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL) Females: 0.85 x above value Table 1: Recommended Meropenem for Injection Dosage Schedule for Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) Dose (dependent on type of infection) Dosing Interval Greater than 50 Recommended dose (500 mg cSSSI and 1 gram Intra-abdominal) Every 8 hours 26 to 50 Recommended dose Every 12 hours 10 to 25 One-half recommended dose Every 12 hours Less than 10 One-half recommended dose Ever …

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Single dose clear glass vials of Meropenem for Injection, USP containing 500 mg or 1 gram (as the trihydrate blended with anhydrous sodium carbonate for re-constitution) of sterile meropenem powder. 500 mg meropenem for Injection Vial ( 3 ) 1 gram meropenem for Injection Vial ( 3 )

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Meropenem for injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta (β)-lactams. Known hypersensitivity to product components or other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta (β)lactams. (4)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Seizure Potential [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Risk of Breakthrough Seizures Due to Drug Interaction with Valproic Acid [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Clostridioides difficile- associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Overgrowth of Nonsusceptible Organisms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] • Potential for Neuromotor Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Most common adverse reactions (2% or less) are: headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, vomiting, and rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Gland Pharma at 866-770-7144 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions 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. Adult Patients During clinical investigations, 2904 immunocompetent adult patients were treated for non-CNS infections with Meropenem for Injection (500 mg or 1 gram every 8 hours). Deaths in 5 patients were assessed as possibly related to meropenem; 36 (1.2%) patients had meropenem discontinued because of adverse events. Many patients in these trials were severely ill and had multiple background diseases, physiological impairments and were receiving multiple other drug therapies. In the seriously ill patient population, it was not possible to determine the relationship between observed adverse events and therapy with Meropenem for Injection. The following adverse reaction frequencies were derived from the clinical trials in the 2904 patients treated with Meropenem for Injection. Local Adverse Reactions Local adverse events that were reported with Meropenem for Injection were as follows: Inflammation at the injection site 2.4% Injection site reaction 0.9% Phlebitis/thrombophlebitis 0.8% Pain at the injection site 0.4% Edema at the injection site 0.2% Systemic Adverse Reactions Systemic adverse events that were reported with Meropenem for Injection occurring in greater than 1.0% of the patients were diarrhea (4.8%), nausea/vomiting (3.6%), headache (2.3%), rash (1.9%), sepsis (1.6%), constipation (1.4%), apnea (1.3%), shock (1.2%), and pruritus (1.2%). Additional systemic adverse events that were reported with Meropenem for Injection and occurring in less than or equal to 1.0% but greater than 0.1% of the patients are listed below within each body system in order of decreasing frequency: Bleeding events were seen as follows: gastrointestinal hemorrhage (0.5%), melena (0.3%), epistaxis (0.2%), hemoperitoneum (0.2%). ­ Body as a Whole: pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, back pain, abdominal enlargement, chills, pelvic pain Cardiovascular: heart failure, heart arrest, tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolus, bradycardia, hypotension, syncope Digestive System: oral moniliasis, anorexia, cholestatic jaundice/jaundice, flatulence, ileus, hepatic failure, dyspepsia, intestinal obstruction Hemic/Lymphatic: anemia, hypochromic anemia, hypervolemia Metabolic/Nutritional: peripheral edema, hypoxia Nervous System: insomnia, agitation, delirium, confusion, dizziness, seizure, nervousness, paresthesia, hallucinations, somnolence, anxiety, depression, asthenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and ( 5.10 )] Respiratory: respiratory disorder, dyspnea, pleural effusion, asthma, cough increased, lung edema Skin and Append …

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Co-administration of meropenem for injection with probenecid inhibits renal excretion of meropenem and therefore Meropenem for Injection is not recommended. (7.1) The concomitant use of Meropenem for Injection and valproic acid or divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Antibacterial drugs other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium (5.4, 7.2) 7.1 Probenecid Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of meropenem. Co-administration of probenecid with meropenem is not recommended. 7.2 Valproic Acid Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of carbapenems, including meropenem, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid’s glucuronide metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid. If administration of meropenem for injection is necessary, then supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment is necessary, if creatinine clearance is 50 mL/min or less. ( 2.2 , 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are insufficient human data to establish whether there is a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriages with meropenem in pregnant women. No fetal toxicity or malformations were observed in pregnant rats and Cynomolgus monkeys administered intravenous meropenem during organogenesis at doses up to 2.4 and 2.3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area comparison, respectively. In rats administered intravenous meropenem in late pregnancy and during the lactation period, there were no adverse effects on offspring at doses equivalent to approximately 3.2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison ( see Data ). The 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. Data Meropenem administered to pregnant rats during organogenesis (Gestation Day 6 to Gestation Day 17) in intravenous doses of 240, 500, and 750 mg/kg/day was associated with mild maternal weight loss at all doses, but did not produce malformations or fetal toxicity. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for fetal toxicity in this study was considered to be the high dose of 750 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 2.4 times the MRHD of 1 gram every 8 hours based on body surface area comparison). Meropenem administered intravenously to pregnant Cynomolgus monkeys during organogenesis from Day 20 to 50 after mating at doses of 120, 240, and 360 mg/kg/day did not produce maternal or fetal toxicity at the NOAEL dose of 360 mg/kg/day (approximately 2.3 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison). In a peri-postnatal study in rats described in the published literature 2 , intravenous meropenem was administered to dams from Gestation Day 17 until Lactation Day 21 at doses of 240, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day. There were no adverse effects in the dams and no adverse effects in the first-generation offspring (including developmental, behavioral, and functional assessments and reproductive parameters) except that female offspring exhibited lowered body weights which continued during gestation and nursing of the second-generation offspring. Second-generation offspring showed no meropenem-related effects. The NOAEL value was considered to be 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 3.2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Meropenem has been reported to be excreted in human milk. No information is available on the effects of meropenem on the breast-fed child or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Meropenem for Injection and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from Meropenem for Injection or from the underlying maternal conditions. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Meropenem for Injection have been established for pediatric patients 3 months of age and older with complicated skin and skin structure infections and bacterial meningitis, and for pediatric patients of all ages with complicated intra-abdominal infections. Skin and Skin Structure Infections Use of Meropenem for Injection in pediatric patients 3 months of age and older with complicated skin and skin structure infections is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study in adults and additional data from pediatric pharmacokinetics studies [see Indications and Usage ( 1.3 ), Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14. …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Meropenem is an antibacterial drug [ see Microbiology (12.4) ] .

Mechanism of Action The bactericidal activity of meropenem results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Meropenem readily penetrates the cell wall of most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria to bind penicillin-bindingprotein (PBP) targets. Meropenem binds to PBPs 2, 3 and 4 of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; and PBPs 1, 2 and 4 of Staphylococcus aureus. Bactericidal concentrations (defined as a 3 log 10 reduction in cell counts within 12 hours to 24 hours) are typically 1 to 2 times the bacteriostatic concentrations of meropenem, with the exception of Listeria monocytogenes , against which lethal activity is not observed. Meropenem does not have in vitro activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE).

11 DESCRIPTION Meropenem for Injection, USP is a sterile, pyrogen-free, synthetic, carbapenem antibacterial for intravenous administration. It is (4R,5S,6S)-3- [[(3S,5S)-5-(Dimethylcarbamoyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]thio]-6- [(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid trihydrate. Its empirical formula is C 17 H 25 N 3 O 5 S•3H 2 O with a molecular weight of 437.52. Its structural formula is: Meropenem for injection, USP is a white to slight yellow crystalline powder. The solution varies from colorless to yellow depending on the concentration. The pH of freshly constituted solutions is between 7.3 and 8.3. Meropenem is freely soluble in N,N-dimethylformamide; soluble in 5% dibasic potassium phosphate solution; sparingly soluble in water and 5% monobasic potassium phosphate solution; practically insoluble in dichloromethane, 96% ethanol, acetone, anhydrous ethanol and anhydrous ether. When re-constituted as instructed, each 1 gram Meropenem for Injection, USP vial will deliver 1 gram of meropenem and 90.2 mg of sodium as sodium carbonate (3.92 mEq). Each 500 mg Meropenem for Injection, USP vial will deliver 500 mg meropenem and 45.1 mg of sodium as sodium carbonate (1.96 mEq) [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Structutre

10 OVERDOSAGE In mice and rats, large intravenous doses of meropenem (2200 mg/kg to 4000 mg/kg) have been associated with ataxia, dyspnea, convulsions, and mortalities. Intentional overdosing of meropenem for injection is unlikely, although accidental overdosing might occur if large doses are given to patients with reduced renal function. The largest dose of meropenem administered in clinical trials has been 2 grams given intravenously every 8 hours. At this dosage, no adverse pharmacological effects or increased safety risks have been observed. Limited postmarketing experience indicates that if adverse events occur following overdosage, they are consistent with the adverse event profile described in the Adverse Reactions section and are generally mild in severity and resolve on withdrawal or dose reduction. Consider symptomatic treatments. In individuals with normal renal function, rapid renal elimination takes place. Meropenem and its metabolite are readily dialyzable and effectively removed by hemodialysis; however, no information is available on the use of hemodialysis to treat overdosage.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Meropenem for injection, USP is supplied in 20 mL single-dose vials containing sufficient meropenem to deliver 500 mg or 1 gram for intravenous administration, respectively. The dry powder should be stored at controlled room temperature 20o-25oC (68o-77oF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. 500 mg Injection Vial (NDC 81962-000-01) Pack of 1 x 500 mg Injection Vials (NDC 81962-000-01) Pack of 10 x 500 mg Injection Vials (NDC- 81962-000-02) Pack of 25 x 500 mg Injection Vials (NDC- 81962-000-03) 1 gram Injection Vial (NDC 81962-001-01) Pack of 1 x 1 g Injection Vials (NDC 81962-001-01) Pack of 10 x 1 g Injection Vials (NDC- 81962-001-02) Pack of 25 x 1 g Injection Vials (NDC-81962-001-03)