DIRECTIONS FOR USE OF ALLERGENIC EXTRACTS
STANDARDIZED GRASS POLLENS

Standardized allergenic extract is intended for use by physicians who are experienced in the administration of standardized (BAU/mL) allergenic extracts for immunotherapy and the emergency care of anaphylaxis, or for use under the guidance of an allergy specialist. Standardized allergenic extracts are not directly interchangeable with allergenic extracts of the same labeled potency from different manufacturers. The initial dose of standardized extract must be based on skin testing as described in the warnings, dosage and administration section of this insert.

Patients should be instructed to recognize adverse reaction symptoms and cautioned to contact the physician's office if reaction symptoms occur. As with all allergenic extracts, severe systemic reactions may occur. In certain individuals, these life-threatening reactions may be fatal.

Patients should be observed for at least 20 - 30 minutes following treatment, and emergency measures, as well as personnel trained in their use, should be immediately available in the event of a life-threatening reaction. Patients with unstable asthma or steroid dependent asthmatics and patients with underlying cardiovascular disease are at greater risk to a fatal outcome from a systemic allergic reaction.

This product should not be injected intravenously. It is intended for percutaneous and subcutaneous use. See the warnings, precautions, adverse reactions and overdosage sections below.

Patients receiving beta-blockers may not be responsive to epinephrine or inhaled bronchodilators. Respiratory obstruction not responding to parenteral or inhaled bronchodilators may require theophylline, oxygen, intubation and the use of life support systems. Parenteral fluid and/or plasma expanders may be utilized for treatment of shock. Adrenocorticosteroids may be administered parenterally or intravenously. Refer to the warnings, precautions and adverse reaction sections below.

Sensitive patients may experience severe anaphylactic reactions resulting in respiratory obstruction, shock, coma and/or death. Adverse events are to be reported to MedWatch (1-800-FDA-1088), Adverse Experience Reporting, HFM-210 Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, Food & Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852-1448.

ALK-Abello, Inc.
Port Washington, NY 11050

U.S. Government License No. 1256

Standardized allergenic extract of grass pollens from Timothy (Phleum pratense), Orchard (Dactylis glomerata), June (Poa pratensis), Red Top (Agrostis alba), Sweet Vernal (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Meadow Fescue (Festuca elatior), Perennial Rye (Lolium perenne), Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), in the accompanying vial are sterile, and contain glycerin 50% v/v and phenol 0.4% (preservative). Inert ingredients may include sodium chloride for isotonicity and sodium bicarbonate buffer.

Glycerinated pollen extracts, for subcutaneous injection for immunotherapy and/or percutaneous or intracutaneous testing (see Dosage and Administration section), are prepared from defatted dried pollen extracted in glycerinated Coca’s Fluid, filtered aseptically, and dispensed into multiple dose vials. These are subsequently tested for sterility, safety, and potency.

For ease in use and for lot-to-lot consistency, the potency is expressed in Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAUs) per milliliter. A value of 10,000 BAU/mL is assigned to the CBER reference standard that can be diluted 1:0.5 million to produce intradermal ƩE (sum of Erythema) of 50 mm in highly puncture reactive subjects1. A value of 100,000 BAU/mL is assigned to the CBER reference standard that can be diluted 1:5 million to produce intradermal ƩE (sum of Erythema) of 50 mm in highly puncture reactive subjects. The relative potency of each lot of standardized extract has been compared to the official CBER reference standard by an acceptable assay such as ELISA Inhibition.2 When the potency is equivalent by ELISA Inhibition to the reference, the product is assigned 10,000 BAU/mL or 100,000 BAU/mL. Standardized grass pollen extracts, except for Bermuda, have potency designations of either 10,000 BAU/mL or 100,000 BAU/mL. Bermuda grass pollen extract is only available with a 10,000 BAU/mL potency designation.

In the ELISA Inhibition assay, a competitive binding assay, the wells of microtiter plates are coated using a characterized allergenic extract. Allergic sera is added to each well. The binding of IgE specific for the coating allergen is inhibited by concentrations of a test sample of an extract of the same allergen. The amount of IgE bound to the solid phase allergen (and subsequently the degree of inhibition) is determined using enzyme-labeled anti-human IgE antibodies and the appropriate substrate. The potency relative to a reference is determined using a parallel line bioassay method.

Diagnostically (for skin testing) the allergen combines with IgE antibodies fixed to mast cells in the skin.3 This complexing causes an increase in cellular permeability and degranulation of the mast cells releasing chemical mediators. These mediators (such as histamine) are responsible for a local inflammatory response of wheal and erythema typical of a positive skin test reaction and also, the symptoms commonly associated with allergic disease. The more mediator released, the larger the reaction (wheal and erythema).

Treatment consists of the subcutaneous injection of gradually increasing doses of the allergens to which the patient is allergic. It has been demonstrated that this method of treatment induces an increased tolerance to the allergens responsible for the symptoms on subsequent exposure. Although the exact relationships between allergen, skin-sensitizing antibody (IgE) and the blocking antibody (IgG) have not been precisely established, clinically confirmed immunological studies have adduced evidence of the efficacy of hyposensitization therapy.

Numerous controlled studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy with cat, dust mites and some pollen, including grass pollen extracts.4 Nevertheless, responses are variable, and in a few studies patients reported no appreciable benefit.

Puncture test data with 10,000 BAU/mL Grass Pollen Extract CBER reference preparations, in 15 grass allergic patients yielded the following sizes of wheal and erythema (Σ = sum of longest diameter and orthogonal cross diameter). 5

A.       Puncture bifurcated needle data with 10,000 BAU/mL CBER Reference Grass Pollen Extracts.

The intradermal dose (BAU50) of the CBER (FDA) Grass Pollen Extract Reference Preparation required producing a 50 mm Sum of Erythema was calculated based on titration in sensitive individuals.

B.       Intradermal Dose of CBER Reference Grass Pollen Extracts for 50mm Sum of Erythema Diameter (BAU50) 5.

Indicated use of allergenic extracts is for the diagnosis and treatment (hyposensitization therapy) of patients who experience allergic symptoms due to exposure to grass pollen and who exhibit type I skin sensitivity when tested to those specific allergens.

Hyposensitization (injection) therapy is a treatment for patients exhibiting allergic reactions to seasonal pollens, dust mites, molds, animal danders, and various other inhalants in situations where the offending allergen cannot be avoided.

For previously untreated patients, prior to the initiation of therapy, clinical sensitivity to the standardized grass pollen extract should be established by careful evaluation of the patient's history confirmed by diagnostic skin testing. Hyposensitization should not be prescribed for sensitivities to allergens which can easily be avoided.

10,000 BAU/mL extracts are indicated for percutaneous testing. If negative, the 100,000 BAU/mL dose may be used. Availability of 10,000 and 100,000 BAU/mL dosages facilitate safe switching. Patients who tolerate dilutions prepared from the 10,000 BAU/mL dosage and require a higher dose may be treated with dilutions prepared from the 100,000 BAU/mL dosage.

100,000 BAU/mL concentrations may be especially useful when patients are hyposensitized to numerous allergens. Mixing of allergenic extracts dilutes the potency of each constituent. Using higher concentrations such as 100,000 BAU/mL allows for dilution with other extracts without sacrificing immunizing properties. CAUTION: The final potency of each individual component in a patient mixture should never exceed 10,000 BAU/mL. See also, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section for discussion of mixture labeling.

A patient should not be immunized with preparations of allergens to which the patient has not demonstrated symptoms, IgE antibodies, positive skin tests, or properly controlled challenge testing. In most cases, immunotherapy is not indicated for those allergens that can be eliminated or minimized by environmental control.

Patients on beta-blockers are not candidates for immunotherapy, as they can be non-responsive to beta-agonists that may be required to reverse a systemic reaction (also see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS). In the presence of active symptoms such as rhinitis, wheezing, dyspnea, etc., the indications of immunotherapy must be weighed carefully against the risk of temporarily aggravating the symptoms by the injection itself.

Also, there is some evidence, although inconclusive, that routine immunizations may exacerbate autoimmune diseases. 6,7,8 Hyposensitization should be given cautiously to patients with this predisposition. Patients with severe cardiorespiratory symptoms are at an additional risk during a systemic reaction. The physician must weigh risk to benefit in these cases.

See warnings at the beginning of this package insert.

Patients should always be observed for at least 20 - 30 minutes after any injection. In the event of a marked systemic reaction (for a description of systemic reactions see Adverse Reaction Section), application of a tourniquet above the injection site and intramuscular administration of 0.2 mL to 1.0 mL (0.01 mg/kg) of Epinephrine Injection (1:1000) is recommended. This dose can be repeated after 15 minutes, as needed. Maximal recommended dose for children between 2 and 12 years of age is 0.5 mL. The tourniquet is then gradually released at 15 minute intervals. Patients under treatment with beta-blockers may be refractory to the usual dose of epinephrine. DO NOT GIVE ALLERGENIC EXTRACTS INTRAVENOUSLY.

Volume expanders and vasopressor agents may be required to reverse hypotension. Inhalation bronchodilators and parenteral aminophylline may be required to reverse bronchospasm. In cases of respiratory obstruction, oxygen and intubation may be necessary. Life-threatening reactions unresponsive to the above may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

A reduction in starting dose is recommended in the following circumstances:

1.       change to a new lot of extract from the same manufacturer;

2.       Change to a different manufacturers extract;

3.       Change in the extract formula;

4.       Change to an extract bearing a later expiration date;

5.       When a prolonged lapse in time has occurred since the last injection.

Withhold allergenic extracts temporarily or reduce the dose in patients with any one of the following conditions:

      -       Severe rhinitis or asthma symptoms;

      -       Infection or flu accompanied by fever;

      -       Exposure to excessive amounts of clinically relevant allergen prior to therapy.

Allergenic extracts slowly become less potent with age. During the course of treatment, it may be necessary to continue therapy with a vial of extract bearing a later expiration date. The initial dose of the extract bearing the later expiration date should be lowered to a safe non-reaction-eliciting level. When switching one standardized extract with another, at least 75% reduction in dose is suggested.

Patients with unstable asthma or steroid dependent asthmatics and patients with underlying cardiovascular disease are at greater risk to a fatal outcome from a systemic allergic reaction12.

See also PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS.

Signs and symptoms of overdose are typically local and systemic reactions. For a description and management of overdose reactions, refer to "Adverse Reactions" section above.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.

When diluting bulk extracts, use of Sterile Diluent for Allergenic Extracts or Sterile Diluent for Allergenic Extracts Normal Saline with HSA are recommended. Dilutions should be made with sterile disposable syringes using aseptic technique. Commonly 10 fold dilutions are used to achieve a desired concentration for intradermal testing or initiation and continuation of immunotherapy. For example transferring 0.5 mL of a 10,000 BAU/mL extract into 4.5 mL of diluent will yield 5 mL of extract at 1,000 BAU/mL. Prepare as many additional serial dilutions as necessary to reach the appropriate concentration.

Stock mixtures of grass pollen extracts are compounded from individual grass pollen extracts. The total potency per milliliter (mL) of these mixtures is described on the container label, where space permits. The contribution each individual component is expressed in the supplemental labeling accompanying the vial.

Diagnosis - In diagnosing the sensitive individual, the symptom history must be associated with exposure to the allergen. Skin testing is used in conjunction with a definitive history for diagnosing individual sensitivities.

An excellent method of recording results is to cover the skin reaction with transparent tape, outline the erythema first then the wheal with an indelible pen, then remove the tape and transfer it to the patient's permanent record. For preferred results, it is recommended that the actual measurement of the extent of both responses be recorded. This can be accomplished by measuring the longest erythema diameter, then selecting the mid-point of that line and measuring at a 90o angle to that line to determine the orthogonal diameter. The sum of these two measurements is the sum of erythema (ΣE); the sum of wheal diameters is determined in a similar manner. 

Patient's response is graded on the basis of the size of erythema and/or wheal.

Percutaneous (prick/scratch/puncture) test:

Prick, scratch, or puncture skin tests should be performed initially using a glycerinated extract at 10,000 BAU/mL.

What follows are general guidelines for percutaneous testing14. Different devices and/or techniques influence the size of the reaction, therefore it is important to refer to the device manufacturer's or distributor's instructions when grading reactions. As a negative control the diluent should be tested and included in the interpretation in the skin test reactions. Use of a positive control such as histamine base at 1 mg/mL should be used to assess skin test reactivity.

Intradermal test:

Intradermal testing should start with a dilute solution, usually in the range of 0.1 BAU/mL or less.

Glycerinated extracts diluted for intradermal testing may be diluted at least 25-fold to less than 2% glycerin (by volume) as glycerin above this level can cause false positive intradermal skin tests. Use a negative control skin test with glycerin content equal to the glycerin content of the allergen dose used for intradermal testing. Use of a positive control such as histamine base at 0.1 mg/mL or 0.01 mg/mL should be used to test reactivity.

On the forearm or upper outer aspect of the arm, using a 26 - 27 gauge, short bevel needle, inject intradermally 0.05 mL of the intradermal test solution. Skin whealing responses should be observed 10 - 20 minutes after administering the test.

A negative skin test is one where the sum of erythema was 0 or equal to the sum of the wheal. As a negative control, the diluent should be tested and included in the interpretation of the skin reactions. What follows are general guidelines intradermal testing 14.

Immunotherapy - Starting dose for immunotherapy is related directly to a patient's sensitivity as determined by carefully executed skin testing. Degree of sensitivity can be established by determination of D50 (the intradermal dose, base three, that produces a ΣE = 50 mm).1  

A general rule is to begin at 1/10 of the dose that produces sum of erythema of 50 mm (approximately a 2+ positive skin test reaction). For example, if a patient exhibits a 2+ intradermal reaction to 1 BAU/mL, the first dose should be no higher than 0.05 mL of 0.1 BAU/mL. Dosage may be increased by 0.05 mL each time until 0.5 mL is reached, at which time the next 10-fold more concentrated dilution can be used, beginning with 0.05 mL, if no untoward reaction is observed.

If a tolerated dose of allergenic extract has been established, the initial dose from the new extract should be reduced to 25% of the previously well tolerated dose (see also Precautions).

Interval between doses in the early stages of immunotherapy is no more than once to twice a week, and may gradually be increased to once every two weeks. Generally, maintenance injections may be given as infrequently as once every two weeks to once a month.

Injections are given subcutaneously preferably in the arm. It is advantageous to give injections in alternate arms and routinely in the same area. In some patients, a local tolerance to the allergen may develop thus preventing a possible severe local reaction.

After inserting the needle, but before injecting the dose, pull plunger of the syringe slightly. If blood returns in the syringe, discard the syringe and contents and repeat injection at another site.

Bulk concentrated extracts must be diluted for initial therapy and intradermal skin testing. For recommended diluent, refer to DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.

Use standard aseptic precautions when making dilutions. The first dose of the new extract should be reduced at least 75% of the amount of the dosage from the previous extract.

Stability studies indicate that undiluted products will retain its potency under recommended storage conditions. Stability studies for undiluted forms of this product are not complete. It is recommended that minimal amounts of the concentrate be diluted so that the diluted product is used up within a relatively short period of time; i.e., preferably not more than four weeks.

For percutaneous testing, 5 mL vial, 10,000 BAU/mL and 100,000 BAU/mL (except Bermuda grass 10,000 BAU/mL only) in glycerin 50% (v/v).

For immunotherapy, 10 mL, 30 mL, and 50 mL vials 10,000 BAU/mL in glycerin 50% (v/v), or 10 mL, 30 mL and 50 mL vials 100,000 BAU/mL in glycerin 50% (v/v). Bermuda is available only at 10,000 BAU/mL.

STORAGE: To maintain stability of allergenic extracts, proper storage conditions are essential. Bulk concentrates and diluted extracts are to be stored at 2o to 8o C even during use. Bulk or diluted extracts are not to be frozen. Do not use after the expiration date shown on the vial label.

1Turkeltaub, P. C. et al. Office of Biologics Research and Review skin test method for evaluation of subject sensitivity to standardized allergenic extracts and for assignment of allergy units to reference preparations using the ID50EAL method. FDA CBER Methods of the Allergenic Products Testing Laboratory. 1993.

2Miller, CA; Boyle, KT; and Braun, M. ELISA Competition Assay - Quantitative Determination of Relative Potency of Allergenic Extracts. FDA CBER Methods of the Allergenic Products Testing Laboratory. 1993.

3Norman, P. S. The clinical significance of IgE. Hosp. Prac. 1975; 10:41-49.

4Nelson, H.S. Immunotherapy for inhalant allergens. In: Middleton et al. Allergy Principles and Practice 6th Ed. St. Louis: CV Mosby, 2003;1455.

5Data on file at FDA.

6Umetsu, D. T. et al. Serum sickness triggered by anaphylaxis: a complication of immunotherapy. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 1985; 76:713.

7Phannphak, P. and Kohler, P. F. Onset of polyarteritis nodosa during allergic hyposensitization treatment. Am. J. Med. 1980; 68:479.

8Frank, M.M. and Hester, C.G. Immune complexes and allergic disease. In: Middleton et al.: Allergy Principles and Practice 6th Ed. St. Louis: CV Mosby, 2003:997.

9Demoly, P., Piette, V., and Bousquet, J. In vivo methods for the study of allergy: skin test, techniques, and interpretation. In: Middleton et al.: Allergy Principles and Practice 6th Ed. St. Louis: CV Mosby, 2003:631.

10Committee on the Safety of Medicines. CSM update: desensitizing vaccines. Brit. Med. J. 1986; 293:948.

11Lockey, R. F. et al. Fatalities from immunotherapy (IT) and skin testing (ST). J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 1987; 79:660.

12Reid, M. J. et al. Survey of fatalities from skin testing and immunotherapy. 1985-1989. J. Allergy Clin Immunol. 1993; 92:6.

13DuBuske L. M. et al. Special problems regarding Allergen Immunotherapy in Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America, Greenburger, P.A. Ed. February 1992; 145-149.

14Freedman, SO; Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis II Clinical Aspects. In Freedman and Gold Clinical Immunology, 2nd Ed. Hagerstown, MD: Harper & Row, 1976: 131.

15Bernstein, D I, Wanner M. Borish L, Liss GM: Immunotherapy Committee, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Twelve-year survey of fatal reactions to allergen injections and skin testing: 1990-2001. J. Allergy Clin Immunol. 204 Jun; 113(6); 1129-36.

Revision: November 2009

©ALK-Abello, Inc. 2009                                           187F

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
50mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIDWEST MIX OF STANDARDIZED GRASS POLLEN
100,000 BAU/mL

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
5mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIXTURE OF 5 STANDARDIZED GRASS POLLEN
100,000 BAU/mL

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
10mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIXTURE OF 7 STANDARDIZED GRASS POLLEN
100,000 BAU/mL

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
DIN 02325535
5mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIXTURE OF STANDARDIZED GRASS MIX #4-S
100,000 BAU/mL

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
5mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIXTURE OF 6 STANDARDIZED GRASS POLLEN
100,000 BAU/mL

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
5mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIXTURE OF 7 STANDARDIZED GRASS POLLEN
100,000 BAU/mL

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
50mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIXTURE OF STANDARDIZED GRASS MIX#4-S
100,000 BAU/mL

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
10mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIXTURE OF 5 STANDARDIZED GRASS POLLEN
100,000 BAU/mL

ALLERGENIC EXTRACT
10mL sterile multiple dose vial
MIXTURE OF 6 STANDARDIZED GRASS POLLEN
100,000 BAU/mL