Label: AMPHOTERICIN B injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution

Amphotericin B liposome for injection is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, pale yellow to yellow lyophilized product for intravenous infusion. Each vial contains 50 mg of amphotericin B, USP, intercalated into a liposomal membrane consisting of approximately 0.64 mg alpha tocopherol, USP; 52 mg cholesterol, NF; 84 mg distearoyl phosphatidylglycerol, sodium salt; 213 mg hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine. In addition, 27 mg disodium succinate hexahydrate and 900 mg sucrose, NF are used as a buffer. Amphotericin B liposome for injection may contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide as pH adjusters. Following reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, the resulting pH of the suspension is between 5 to 6.

Amphotericin B liposome for injection is a true single bilayer liposomal drug delivery system. Liposomes are closed, spherical vesicles created by mixing specific proportions of amphophilic substances such as phospholipids and cholesterol so that they arrange themselves into multiple concentric bilayer membranes when hydrated in aqueous solutions. Single bilayer liposomes are then formed by microemulsification of multilamellar vesicles using a homogenizer. Amphotericin B liposome for injection consists of these unilamellar bilayer liposomes with amphotericin B intercalated within the membrane. Due to the nature and quantity of amphophilic substances used, and the lipophilic moiety in the amphotericin B molecule, the drug is an integral part of the overall structure of the amphotericin B liposome for injection liposomes. Amphotericin B liposome for injection contains true liposomes that are less than 100 nm in diameter. A schematic depiction of the liposome is presented below.

Note: Liposomal encapsulation or incorporation into a lipid complex can substantially affect a drug’s functional properties relative to those of the unencapsulated drug or non-lipid associated drug. In addition, different liposomal or lipid-complex products with a common active ingredient may vary from one another in the chemical composition and physical form of the lipid component. Such differences may affect the functional properties of these drug products.

Amphotericin B is a macrocyclic, polyene, antifungal antibiotic produced from a strain of Streptomyces nodosus. Amphotericin B is designated chemically as: [1R-(1R*,3S*,5R*,6R*,9R*,11R*,15S*,16R*,17R*,18S*, 19E,21E,23E,25E,27E,29E,31E,33R*,35S*,36R*,37S*)]-33-[(3-Amino-3,6-­dideoxy-β-D-mannopyranosyl)oxy]-1,3,5,6,9,11,17,37-octahydroxy-15,16,18­-trimethyl-13-oxo-14,39-dioxabicyclo[33.3.1]nonatriaconta-19,21,23,25,27,29,31-heptaene-36-carboxylic acid (CAS No.1397-89-3).

Amphotericin B has a molecular formula of C47H73NO17 and a molecular weight of 924.08 g/mol.

The structure of amphotericin B is shown below:

Mechanism of Action

Amphotericin B, the active ingredient of amphotericin B liposome for injection, acts by binding to the sterol component, ergosterol, of the cell membrane of susceptible fungi. It forms transmembrane channels leading to alterations in cell permeability through which monovalent ions (NA+, K+, H+, and Cl-) leak out of the cell resulting in cell death. While amphotericin B has a higher affinity for the ergosterol component of the fungal cell membrane, it can also bind to the cholesterol component of the mammalian cell leading to cytotoxicity. Amphotericin B liposome for injection, the liposomal preparation of amphotericin B, has been shown to penetrate the cell wall of both extracellular and intracellular forms of susceptible fungi.

Resistance

Mutants with decreased susceptibility to amphotericin B have been isolated from several fungal species after serial passage in culture media containing the drug, and from some patients receiving prolonged therapy. Drug combination studies in vitro and in vivo suggest that imidazoles may induce resistance to amphotericin B; however, the clinical relevance of drug resistance has not been established.

Antimicrobial Activity

Amphotericin B liposome for injection has shown in vitro activity comparable to amphotericin B against the following organisms: Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Blastomyces dermatitidis. 

Susceptibility Testing

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

Pharmacokinetics

The assay used to measure amphotericin B in the serum after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection does not distinguish amphotericin B that is complexed with the phospholipids of amphotericin B liposome for injection from amphotericin B that is uncomplexed. The pharmacokinetic profile of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection is based upon total serum concentrations of amphotericin B. The pharmacokinetic profile of amphotericin B was determined in febrile neutropenic cancer and bone marrow transplant patients who received 1 to 2 hour infusions of 1 to 5 mg/kg/day amphotericin B liposome for injection for 3 to 20 days.

The pharmacokinetics of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection is nonlinear such that there is a greater than proportional increase in serum concentrations with an increase in dose from 1 to 5 mg/kg/day. The pharmacokinetic parameters of total amphotericin B (mean ± SD) after the first dose and at steady state are shown in the table below.

Distribution

Based on total amphotericin B concentrations measured within a dosing interval (24 hours) after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection, the mean half-life was 7 to 10 hours. However, based on total amphotericin B concentration measured up to 49 days after dosing of amphotericin B liposome for injection, the mean half-life was 100 to 153 hours. The long terminal elimination half-life is probably a slow redistribution from tissues. Steady state concentrations were generally achieved within 4 days of dosing.

Although variable, mean trough concentrations of amphotericin B remained relatively constant with repeated administration of the same dose over the range of 1 to 5 mg/kg/day, indicating no significant drug accumulation in the serum.

Metabolism

The metabolic pathways of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection are not known.

Excretion

The mean clearance at steady state was independent of dose. The excretion of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection has not been studied.

Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations

Renal Impairment

The effect of renal impairment on the disposition of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection has not been studied. However, amphotericin B liposome for injection has been successfully administered to patients with pre-existing renal impairment (see DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL STUDIES).

Hepatic Impairment

The effect of hepatic impairment on the disposition of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection is not known.

Pediatric and Elderly Patients

The pharmacokinetics of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection in pediatric and elderly patients has not been studied; however, amphotericin B liposome for injection has been used in pediatric and elderly patients (see DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL STUDIES).

Gender and Ethnicity

The effect of gender or ethnicity on the pharmacokinetics of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection is not known.

Amphotericin B liposome for injection is indicated for the following:

• Empirical therapy for presumed fungal infection in febrile, neutropenic patients.
• Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV-infected patients (see DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL STUDIES).
• Treatment of patients with Aspergillus species, Candida species and/or Cryptococcus species infections (see above for the treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis) refractory to amphotericin B deoxycholate, or in patients where renal impairment or unacceptable toxicity precludes the use of amphotericin B deoxycholate.
• Treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. In immunocompromised patients with visceral leishmaniasis treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection, relapse rates were high following initial clearance of parasites (see DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL STUDIES).

See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for recommended doses by indication.

Amphotericin B liposome for injection is contraindicated in those patients who have demonstrated or have a known hypersensitivity to amphotericin B deoxycholate or any other constituents of the product unless, in the opinion of the treating physician, the benefit of therapy outweighs the risk.

Anaphylaxis has been reported with amphotericin B deoxycholate and other amphotericin B-containing drugs, including amphotericin B liposome for injection. If a severe anaphylactic reaction occurs, the infusion should be immediately discontinued and the patient should not receive further infusions of amphotericin B liposome for injection.

The following adverse events are based on the experience of 592 adult patients (295 treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection and 297 treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate) and 95 pediatric patients (48 treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection and 47 treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate) in Study 94-0-002, a randomized double-blind, multi-center study in febrile, neutropenic patients. Amphotericin B liposome for injection and amphotericin B were infused over two hours.

The incidence of common adverse events (incidence of 10% or greater) occurring with amphotericin B liposome for injection compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate, regardless of relationship to study drug, is shown in the following table:

Amphotericin B liposome for injection was well tolerated. Amphotericin B liposome for injection had a lower incidence of chills, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, hypoxia, hypokalemia, and various events related to decreased kidney function as compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate.

In pediatric patients (16 years of age or less) in this double-blind study, amphotericin B liposome for injection compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate, had a lower incidence of hypokalemia (37% versus 55%), chills (29% versus 68%), vomiting (27% versus 55%), and hypertension (10% versus 21%). Similar trends, although with a somewhat lower incidence, were observed in open-label, randomized Study 104-14 involving 205 febrile neutropenic pediatric patients (141 treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection and 64 treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate). Pediatric patients appear to have more tolerance than older individuals for the nephrotoxic effects of amphotericin B deoxycholate.

The following adverse events are based on the experience of 244 patients (202 adult and 42 pediatric patients) of whom 85 patients were treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection 3 mg/kg, 81 patients were treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection 5 mg/kg and 78 patients were treated with amphotericin B lipid complex 5 mg/kg in Study 97-0-034, a randomized, double-blind, multi-center study in febrile, neutropenic patients. Amphotericin B liposome for injection and amphotericin B lipid complex were infused over two hours. The incidence of adverse events occurring in more than 10% of subjects in one or more arms, regardless of relationship to study drug, are summarized in the following table:

The following adverse events are based on the experience of 267 patients (266 adult patients and 1 pediatric patient) of whom 86 patients were treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection 3 mg/kg, 94 patients were treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection 6 mg/kg and 87 patients were treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate 0.7 mg/kg in Study 94-0-013 a randomized, double-blind, comparative multi-center trial, in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive patients. The incidence of adverse events occurring in more than 10% of subjects in one or more arms regardless of relationship to study drug are summarized in the following table:

Infusion-Related Reactions

In Study 94-0-002, the large, double-blind study of pediatric and adult febrile neutropenic patients, no premedication to prevent infusion-related reaction was administered prior to the first dose of study drug (Day 1). Amphotericin B liposome for injection-treated patients had a lower incidence of infusion-related fever (17% versus 44%), chills/rigors (18% versus 54%) and vomiting (6% versus 8%) on Day 1 as compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate-treated patients.

The incidence of infusion-related reactions on Day 1 in pediatric and adult patients is summarized in the following table:

Cardiorespiratory events, except for vasodilatation (flushing), during all study drug infusions were more frequent in amphotericin B-treated patients as summarized in the following table:

The percentage of patients who received drugs either for the treatment or prevention of infusion-related reactions (e.g., acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, meperidine and hydrocortisone) was lower in amphotericin B liposome for injection-treated patients compared with amphotericin B deoxycholate-treated patients.

In the empirical therapy study 97-0-034, on Day 1, where no premedication was administered, the overall incidence of infusion-related events of chills/rigors was significantly lower for patients administered amphotericin B liposome for injection compared with amphotericin B lipid complex. Fever, chills/rigors and hypoxia were significantly lower for each amphotericin B liposome for injection group compared with the amphotericin B lipid complex group. The infusion-related event hypoxia was reported for 11.5% of amphotericin B lipid complex-treated patients compared with 0% of patients administered 3 mg/kg per day amphotericin B liposome for injection and 1.2% of patients treated with 5 mg/kg per day amphotericin B liposome for injection.

Day 1 body temperature increased above the temperature taken within 1 hour prior to infusion (preinfusion temperature) or above the lowest infusion value (no preinfusion temperature recorded).

Patients were not administered premedications to prevent infusion-related reactions prior to the Day 1 study drug infusion.

In Study 94-0-013, a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial comparing amphotericin B liposome for injection and amphotericin B deoxycholate as initial therapy for cryptococcal meningitis, premedications to prevent infusion-related reactions were permitted. Amphotericin B liposome for injection-treated patients had a lower incidence of fever, chills/rigors and respiratory adverse events as summarized in the following table:

There have been a few reports of flushing, back pain with or without chest tightness, and chest pain associated with amphotericin B liposome for injection administration; on occasion this has been severe. Where these symptoms were noted, the reaction developed within a few minutes after the start of infusion and disappeared rapidly when the infusion was stopped. The symptoms do not occur with every dose and usually do not recur on subsequent administrations when the infusion rate is slowed.

Toxicity and Discontinuation of Dosing

In Study 94-0-002, a significantly lower incidence of grade 3 or 4 toxicity was observed in the amphotericin B liposome for injection group compared with the amphotericin B group. In addition, nearly three times as many patients administered amphotericin B required a reduction in dose due to toxicity or discontinuation of study drug due to an infusion-related reaction compared with those administered amphotericin B liposome for injection.

In empirical therapy study 97-0-034, a greater proportion of patients in the amphotericin B lipid complex group discontinued the study drug due to an adverse event than in the amphotericin B liposome for injection groups.

Less Common Adverse Events

The following adverse events also have been reported in 2% to 10% of amphotericin B liposome for injection-treated patients receiving chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation, or who had HIV disease in six comparative, clinical trials:

Body as a Whole

Abdomen enlarged, allergic reaction, cellulitis, cell-mediated immunological reaction, face edema, graft-versus-host disease, malaise, neck pain, and procedural complication.

Cardiovascular System

Arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiomegaly, hemorrhage, postural hypotension, valvular heart disease, vascular disorder, and vasodilatation (flushing).

Digestive System

Anorexia, constipation, dry mouth/nose, dyspepsia, dysphagia, eructation, fecal incontinence, flatulence, hemorrhoids, gum/oral hemorrhage, hematemesis, hepatocellular damage, hepatomegaly, liver function test abnormal, ileus, mucositis, rectal disorder, stomatitis, ulcerative stomatitis, and veno-occlusive liver disease.

Hemic & Lymphatic System

Anemia, coagulation disorder, ecchymosis, fluid overload, petechia, prothrombin decreased, prothrombin increased, and thrombocytopenia.

Metabolic & Nutritional Disorders

Acidosis, amylase increased, hyperchloremia, hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, hypoproteinemia, lactate dehydrogenase increased, nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) increased, and respiratory alkalosis.

Musculoskeletal System

Arthralgia, bone pain, dystonia, myalgia, and rigors.

Nervous System

Agitation, coma, convulsion, cough, depression, dysesthesia, dizziness, hallucinations, nervousness, paresthesia, somnolence, thinking abnormality, and tremor.

Respiratory System

Asthma, atelectasis, hemoptysis, hiccup, hyperventilation, influenza-like symptoms, lung edema, pharyngitis, pneumonia, respiratory insufficiency, respiratory failure, and sinusitis.

Skin & Appendages

Alopecia, dry skin, herpes simplex, injection site inflammation, maculopapular rash, purpura, skin discoloration, skin disorder, skin ulcer, urticaria, and vesiculobullous rash.

Special Senses

Conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and eye hemorrhage.

Urogenital System

Abnormal renal function, acute kidney failure, acute renal failure, dysuria, kidney failure, toxic nephropathy, urinary incontinence, and vaginal hemorrhage.

Post-marketing Experience

The following infrequent adverse experiences have been reported in post-marketing surveillance, in addition to those mentioned above: angioedema, erythema, urticaria, bronchospasm, cyanosis/hypoventilation, pulmonary edema, agranulocytosis, hemorrhagic cystitis, and rhabdomyolysis.

Clinical Laboratory Values

The effect of amphotericin B liposome for injection on renal and hepatic function and on serum electrolytes was assessed from laboratory values measured repeatedly in Study 94-0-002. The frequency and magnitude of hepatic test abnormalities were similar in the amphotericin B liposome for injection and amphotericin B groups. Nephrotoxicity was defined as creatinine values increasing 100% or more over pretreatment levels in pediatric patients, and creatinine values increasing 100% or more over pretreatment levels in adult patients, provided the peak creatinine concentration was >1.2 mg/dL. Hypokalemia was defined as potassium levels ≤ 2.5 mmol/L any time during treatment.

Incidence of nephrotoxicity, mean peak serum creatinine concentration, mean change from baseline in serum creatinine, and incidence of hypokalemia in the double-blind, randomized study were lower in the amphotericin B liposome for injection group as summarized in the following table:

The effect of amphotericin B liposome for injection (3 mg/kg/day) vs. amphotericin B (0.6 mg/kg/day) on renal function in adult patients enrolled in this study is illustrated in the following figure:

Mean Change in Creatinine Over Time in Study 94-0-002

In empirical therapy study 97-0-034, the incidence of nephrotoxicity as measured by increases of serum creatinine from baseline was significantly lower for patients administered amphotericin B liposome for injection (individual dose groups and combined) compared with amphotericin B lipid complex.

The following graph shows the average serum creatinine concentrations in the compassionate use study and shows that there is a drop from pretreatment concentrations for all patients, especially those with elevated (greater than 1.7 mg/dL) pretreatment creatinine concentrations.

Mean Creatinine Concentrations Over Time

The incidence of nephrotoxicity in Study 94-0-013 comparative trial in cryptococcal meningitis was lower in the amphotericin B liposome for injection groups as shown in the following table:

The toxicity of amphotericin B liposome for injection due to overdose has not been defined. Repeated daily doses up to 10 mg/kg in pediatric patients and 15 mg/kg in adult patients have been administered in clinical trials with no reported dose-related toxicity.

Management

If overdosage should occur, cease administration immediately. Symptomatic supportive measures should be instituted. Particular attention should be given to monitoring renal function.  Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis do not appear to significantly affect the elimination of amphotericin B liposome for injection.

Amphotericin B liposome for injection is not interchangeable or substitutable on a mg per mg basis with other amphotericin B products. Different amphotericin B products are not equivalent in terms of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and dosing.

Amphotericin B liposome for injection should be administered by intravenous infusion, using a controlled infusion device, over a period of approximately 120 minutes.

An in-line membrane filter may be used for the intravenous infusion of amphotericin B liposome for injection, provided THE MEAN PORE DIAMETER OF THE FILTER IS NOT LESS THAN 1.0 MICRON.

NOTE: An existing intravenous line must be flushed with 5% Dextrose Injection prior to infusion of amphotericin B liposome for injection. If this is not feasible, amphotericin B liposome for injection must be administered through a separate line.

Infusion time may be reduced to approximately 60 minutes in patients in whom the treatment is well-tolerated. If the patient experiences discomfort during infusion, the duration of infusion may be increased.

The recommended initial dose of amphotericin B liposome for injection for each indication for adult and pediatric patients is as follows: 

Dosing and rate of infusion should be individualized to the needs of the specific patient to ensure maximum efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicities or adverse events.

Doses recommended for visceral leishmaniasis are presented below: 

For immunocompetent patients who do not achieve parasitic clearance with the recommended dose, a repeat course of therapy may be useful.

For immunocompromised patients who do not clear parasites or who experience relapses, expert advice regarding further treatment is recommended. For additional information, see DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL STUDIES.

Directions for Reconstitution, Filtration and Dilution

Read This Entire Section Carefully Before Beginning Reconstitution

Amphotericin B liposome for injection must be reconstituted using Sterile Water for Injection, USP (without a bacteriostatic agent). Vials of amphotericin B liposome for injection containing 50 mg of amphotericin B are prepared as follows:

Reconstitution

1. Aseptically add 12 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP to each amphotericin B liposome for injection vial to yield a preparation containing 4 mg amphotericin B/mL.
CAUTION: DO NOT RECONSTITUTE WITH SALINE OR ADD SALINE TO THE RECONSTITUTED CONCENTRATION, OR MIX WITH OTHER DRUGS. The use of any solution other than those recommended, or the presence of a bacteriostatic agent in the solution, may cause precipitation of amphotericin B liposome for injection.
2. Immediately after the addition of water, SHAKE THE VIAL VIGOROUSLY for 30 seconds to completely disperse the amphotericin B liposome for injection. Amphotericin B liposome for injection forms a yellow translucent suspension. Visually inspect the vial for particulate matter and continue shaking until completely dispersed.

Filtration and Dilution

3. Calculate the amount of reconstituted (4 mg/mL) amphotericin B liposome for injection to be further diluted.
4. Withdraw this amount of reconstituted amphotericin B liposome for injection into a sterile syringe.
5. Attach the 5 micron filter provided to the syringe. Inject the syringe contents through the filter, into the appropriate amount of 5% Dextrose Injection (use only one filter per vial of amphotericin B liposome for injection).
6. Amphotericin B liposome for injection must be diluted with 5% Dextrose Injection to a final concentration of 1 to 2 mg/mL prior to administration. Lower concentrations (0.2 to 0.5 mg/mL) may be appropriate for infants and small children to provide sufficient volume for infusion. DISCARD PARTIALLY USED VIALS.

STORAGE OF AMPHOTERICIN B LIPOSOME FOR INJECTION

Unopened vials of lyophilized material are to be stored at temperatures up to 25° C (77° F).

Storage of Reconstituted Product Concentrate

The reconstituted product concentrate may be stored for up to 24 hours at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) following reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Do not freeze.

Storage of Diluted Product

Injection of amphotericin B liposome for injection should commence within 6 hours of dilution with 5% Dextrose Injection.

As with all parenteral drug products, the reconstituted amphotericin B liposome for injection should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not use material if there is any evidence of precipitation or foreign matter. Aseptic technique must be strictly observed in all handling, since no preservative or bacteriostatic agent is present in amphotericin B liposome for injection or in the materials specified for reconstitution and dilution.

Amphotericin B liposome for injection is pale yellow to yellow lyophilized product, available as single cartons.

50 mg per Vial

Single-dose vial

Packaged individually                                                   NDC 55150-365-01

Each carton contains one pre-packaged, disposable sterile 5 micron filter.

The vial stopper is not made with natural rubber latex.

All brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Eugia Pharma Specialities Limited.

Distributed by:
Eugia US LLC
279 Princeton-Hightstown Rd.
E. Windsor, NJ 08520

Manufactured by:
TTY Biopharm Company Limited LiouDu Factory
No. 5 Gongjian West Road, Qidu District,
Keelung City, 20647, Taiwan

Revised: September 2022

Rx only                   NDC 55150-365-01
Amphotericin B
Liposome for Injection
50 mg per Vial
For Intravenous Infusion Only
Amphotericin B Liposome for
Injection is Not Interchangeable
or Substitutable on a mg per mg
Basic with other Amphotericin B
Products.
Must be reconstituted and
further diluted.
Single-Dose Vial

Rx only                   NDC 55150-365-01
Amphotericin B
Liposome for Injection
50 mg per Vial
For Intravenous Infusion Only
Amphotericin B Liposome for Injection is
Not Interchangeable or Substitutable
on a mg per mg Basis with other
Amphotericin B Products.
Must be reconstituted and further diluted.
One Single-Dose Vial
eugia