avlayah

Important safety information

Infusion-Associated Reactions (IARs) : If a severe IAR occurs, discontinue AVLAYAH and initiate appropriate medical treatment. ( 5.2 ) Anemia : Obtain baseline hemoglobin levels in all patients and monitor 3 months after initiation, and as clinically indicated. Administer appropriate supportive measures for anemia based on clinical judgment. ( 5.3 ) Membranous Nephropathy: Monitor serum creatinine and urinary protein to creatinine ratio. If membranous nephropathy is suspected, conduct diagnostic evaluation and initiate appropriate treatment. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis Life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs), including AVLAYAH [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Symptoms of anaphylaxis that have occurred with AVLAYAH have included tachycardia, hypotension, wheezing, vomiting, hives, and lip and tongue swelling. Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of ERT and after extended duration of therapy. Administer AVLAYAH under the supervision of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Initiate AVLAYAH in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. Prior to AVLAYAH administration, consider pre-treatment with antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue AVLAYAH and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering AVLAYAH following a severe hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis). If the decision is made to re-administer AVLAYAH, re-evaluate pre-treatment medications (e.g., antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids), slow the infusion rate, and/or reduce the AVLAYAH dose. Monitor patients closely upon re-administration of AVLAYAH. Inform patients of the symptoms of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. If a mild or moderate hypersensitivity reaction occurs, temporarily hold the infusion and/or reduce the infusion rate by at least 50% from the current rate, then titrate up to the recommended infusion rate as tolerated (see Table 3 ). Re-evaluate the pre-treatment medication regimen [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . If the dose has been decreased due to an adverse reaction, evaluate when it is appropriate to increase the dose and follow the recommended dose escalation regimen to achieve the maintenance dosage of 15 mg/kg once weekly [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. 5.2 Infusion-Associated Reactions Infusion-associated reactions (IARs) have been reported in patients treated with AVLAYAH [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . IARs are defined as adverse reactions occurring during or within 24 hours of the infusion. Symptoms of IARs observed with AVLAYAH can include (but are not limited to) chills, angioedema, hypotension, tachycardia, urticaria, vomiting, wheezing, pyrexia, flushing, erythema, rash, cough, diarrhea, abdominal pain, retching, headache, irritability, and papules. IARs have been reported more frequently in ERT-naïve patients compared to ERT-experienced patients. Cases of infusion-associated reactions occurring 2 hours or more after completion of the infusion have occurred with AVLAYAH. Prior to AVLAYAH administration, consider pre-treatment with antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids to reduce the risk of IARs. IARs may still occur in patients after receiving pre-treatment. Onset of IARs was most common during the first 8 weeks of treatment with a median time to onset of approximately 2 weeks for the first IAR; IARs declined in frequency with continued use of AVLAYAH. IARs may still occur despite extended duration of AVLAYAH treatment. Appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment, should be readily available during AVLAYAH administration. If a severe IAR occurs, discontinue AVLAYAH and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment. Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering AVLAYAH following a severe IAR. If the decision is made to re-administer AVLAYAH, re-evaluate pre-treatment medications, slow the infusion rate, and/or reduce the AVLAYAH dose. Monitor patients closely upon re-administration of AVLAYAH. If a mild or moderate IAR occurs, temporarily hold the infusion, and/or reduce the infusion rate by at least 50% from the current rate, then titrate up to the recommended infusion rate as tolerated. If the dose has been decreased due to an adverse reaction, evaluate when it is appropriate to increase the dose and follow the recommended dose escalation regimen to achieve the maintenance dosage of 15 mg/kg once weekly [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Patients with Hunter syndrome may have compromised cardiac and respiratory function which may predispose them to a higher risk of severe complications from IARs. Closely monitor patients with compromised cardiac and respiratory function following AVLAYAH administration. 5.3 Anemia Anemia has been reported in patients treated with AVLAYAH [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . The incidence of anemia after initiation of AVLAYAH was higher in patients with pre-existing anemia compared to those without pre-existing anemia. Reductions in hemoglobin levels were generally observed by Week 13, though the occurrence was observed up to one year in some patients. Overall, the incidence and severity of anemia decreased over time, with the majority of patients recovering by Week 24. Anemia did not result in treatment discontinuation; management may include supplementation with iron. Obtain hemoglobin levels prior to initiating AVLAYAH, at 3 months after initiation, and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated. Administer appropriate supportive measures for anemia based on clinical judgment. 5.4 Membranous Nephropathy A case of steroid-refractory membranous nephropathy with immune complex deposits in the kidney was reported in an AVLAYAH-treated patient [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Monitor serum creatinine and urinary protein to creatinine ratio. If membranous nephropathy is suspected, conduct diagnostic evaluation and initiate appropriate treatment. Consider risks and benefits of continuing AVLAYAH in patients who develop membranous nephropathy.