2.1 Dose

The required amount of RAPLIXA needed to stop bleeding varies and is based on the size of the bleeding area to be treated. The maximum total dose of RAPLIXA per surgery is 3 grams. In clinical trials, it was demonstrated that smaller bleeding sites covering an area of less than 10 cm2 used 0.5 gram to 1.0 gram of RAPLIXA. Larger bleeding sites covering an area of 10-100 cm2 used 1.0 to 2.0 grams of RAPLIXA to stop bleeding. Using the RaplixaSpray device, 1.0 gram can cover a 100 cm2 bleeding surface area.

The required dose of RAPLIXA depends on the size of the bleeding area to be treated according to Table 1 below.

2.2 Administration

Applying to the surface of bleeding tissue only, administer RAPLIXA directly from the vial or using the RaplixaSpray device. RAPLIXA may be used at multiple bleeding sites in the same patient. Use no more than two vials of RAPLIXA with the RaplixaSpray device. To administer a third vial, open a new device.

Direct Application of RAPLIXA with Absorbable Gelatin Sponge (USP)

Note: Refer to Absorbable Gelatin Sponge (USP) labeling for complete instructions for use.

1. Open the pouch and take out the RAPLIXA vial following standard sterile technique to ensure that the vial and surgical field remain sterile.
2. Check that the powder is in the bottom of the vial. Remove the flip-off top, leaving the stopper in place until immediately prior to use.
3. Prepare sterile gelatin sponge by trimming to an appropriate size for the bleeding site.
4. Remove stopper and sprinkle a uniform thin coating of RAPLIXA gently onto bleeding site and apply gentle pressure with gelatin sponge using sterile gauze.

OR

1. Remove stopper and sprinkle a thin layer of RAPLIXA gently onto a pre-wetted gelatin sponge and place onto the bleeding site with gentle pressure using sterile gauze.

Preparation and Application of RAPLIXA Using the RaplixaSpray Device with Absorbable Gelatin Sponge (USP)

Note: Refer to the RaplixaSpray Device labeling for complete instructions for use. Refer to Absorbable Gelatin Sponge (USP) labeling for complete instructions for use.

1. Prepare the pressure regulator (Air or CO2) according to the manufacturer's instructions for use.
2. Open the pouch and take out the RAPLIXA vial following standard sterile technique to ensure that the vial and surgical field remain sterile.
3. Check that the powder is in the bottom of the vial. Remove the flip-off top, leaving the stopper in place until use.
4. Prepare gelatin sponge by trimming to an appropriate size for the bleeding site.
5. To attach the vial to the RaplixaSpray device, invert the device and place the upright vial into the gray rubber ring on the device, turn the device upright and return the device to the sterile field until use.
6. Activate air or gas flow.
7. Device is now ready for use. DO NOT push button until ready for use.
8. Check that the pressure is 1.5 bar (22 psi).
9. Ensure the vial is kept within 45° of vertical at all times.
10. Hold nozzle at a minimum distance of 5 cm (or 2 inches) from the bleeding site.
11. Start application by gently pressing the operating button.
12. Powder should cover the bleeding surface as a uniform thin coating. Apply RAPLIXA within 10-60 seconds.
13. Immediately after RAPLIXA application, place a gelatin sponge, trimmed to the approximate size, on top of the RAPLIXA powder. The gelatin sponge may be used dry or moistened with sterile saline. A moistened sponge molds more easily to irregularly-shaped and contoured bleeding areas. Hold the gelatin sponge in place with manual pressure using sterile gauze.
14. Hold the device upside down and carefully remove the empty vial. If needed, attach the second vial (repeat steps 1-14). Use no more than two vials of RAPLIXA with the RaplixaSpray device.
15. To administer a third vial, open a new RaplixaSpray delivery device (repeat steps 1-13).

5.1 Thrombosis

Life-threatening thromboembolic events may result from intravascular application of RAPLIXA.

5.2 Air or Gas Embolism

Air or gas embolism has occurred with the use of spray devices employing pressure regulators to administer fibrin sealants. This appears to be related to the use of the spray device at higher than manufacturer recommended pressures and in close proximity to the tissue surface. Reports with the use of other devices describe air emboli that are life-threatening and include fatality. To minimize this risk, operate the RaplixaSpray device according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the absence of instructions, operate at a maximum air pressure of 1.5 bar (22 psi) and at a minimum distance of 5 cm (2 inches) from the bleeding surface. Monitor changes in blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, and end tidal CO2 for signs and symptoms of embolism.

5.3 Transmissible Infectious Agents

Because the biological components of this product are made of human plasma, RAPLIXA may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, such as viruses the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, despite manufacturing steps designed to reduce the risk of infectious agent transmission. The risk of transmitting an infectious agent has been minimized by screening plasma donors for prior exposure to certain infectious agents, by testing for the presence of certain current virus infections, and by inactivating and removing certain viruses. Despite these measures, such products can still potentially transmit disease. There is also the possibility that unknown infectious agents may be present in such products.

All infections considered by a physician to possibly have been transmitted by this product should be reported by the physician or other healthcare provider to Mallinckrodt Hospital Products Inc. at 1-800-778-7898.

5.4 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Allergic type hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Signs of hypersensitivity reactions may include hives, generalized urticaria, tightness of the chest, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis. If these symptoms occur, discontinue administration immediately.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

The RAPLIXA clinical trials safety data base consists of two randomized, single-blind, controlled Phase 2 trials and one randomized single-blind controlled Phase 3 trial. All of the trials evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of RAPLIXA topically applied with a gelatin sponge and included patients undergoing spinal surgery, vascular surgery, hepatic resection, soft tissue dissection/general surgery. These trials resulted in an overall safety database of 566 patients treated with RAPLIXA with gelatin sponge. Most patients (94%) were exposed to a 1 gram vial of RAPLIXA. Overall, the incidence of adverse reactions was similar between treatment groups (Table 2).

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 the rates observed in practice.

Immunogenicity

The incidence of antibody formation in the Phase 3 trial was evaluated. Antibodies were detectable at baseline in 9/440 of RAPLIXA-treated patients (2%) and 9/222 of gelatin sponge-treated patients (4%). Nine of 440 patients (2%) in the RAPLIXA group and 6 of 222 patients (3%) in the gelatin sponge alone group developed anti-thrombin antibodies (non-neutralizing) during the trial. The clinical significance of these antibodies is not known.

Anti-fibrinogen antibodies were not detected pre- or post-treatment in any subjects that were positive for anti-thrombin antibodies.

The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to RAPLIXA with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

8.1 Pregnancy

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with RAPLIXA. It is also not known whether RAPLIXA can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women or can affect reproductive capacity. RAPLIXA should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether RAPLIXA is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when administering to a nursing woman.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of RAPLIXA in pediatric patients has not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical trials included 207/566 subjects of 65 years of age or older who were treated with RAPLIXA. No differences in safety and efficacy were observed between elderly and younger patients.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

RAPLIXA contains a spray-dried mixture of human plasma-derived fibrinogen and human plasma-derived thrombin powders that are designed to mimic the final steps in the coagulation cascade. RAPLIXA dissolves readily on contact with aqueous fluids (e.g., blood) activating thrombin which triggers an immediate conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin, and subsequent clot formation.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Formal pharmacokinetic studies have not been performed. Because RAPLIXA is applied only topically, systemic exposure or distribution to other organs or tissues is not expected.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of RAPLIXA or studies to determine the effects of RAPLIXA on genotoxicity or fertility have not been performed. An assessment of the carcinogenic potential of RAPLIXA was completed and suggests minimal carcinogenic risk from product use.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Single or multiple dose implantation studies applying RAPLIXA with the absorbable gelatin sponge (USP) into liver or spleen surgical wounds showed progressive biodegradation of RAPLIXA, consistent with metabolism via fibrinolysis and phagocytosis. Approximately 5 to 10% of RAPLIXA and the carrier gelatin sponge remained at the application site at study termination 12 weeks after surgery.