Evzio (Naloxone Hydrochloride Auto-injector for Injection): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning

PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER SIDE EFFECTS

Drug Description

What is Evzio and how is it used?

Evzio is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Opioid Overdose, Reversal of Respiratory Depression with Therapeutic Opioid Doses, and Postoperative Opioid Depression. Evzio may be used alone or with other medications.

Evzio belongs to a class of drugs called Opioid Antagonists; Opioid Reversal Agents.

What are the possible side effects of Evzio?

Evzio may cause serious side effects including:

hives,
difficulty breathing,
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea,
stomach pain,
fever,
sweating,
body aches,
weakness,
tremors or shivering,
fast heart rate,
pounding heartbeats,
increased blood pressure,
nervousness,
restlessness,
irritableness,
goosebumps,
shivering,
runny nose, and
yawning

Specifically in babies younger than 4 weeks old:

seizures,
crying,
stiffness, and
overactive reflexes

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

The most common side effects of Evzio include:

low blood pressure,

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Evzio. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

DESCRIPTION

EVZIO (naloxone hydrochloride injection, USP) is a pre-filled, single-use auto-injector. EVZIO is not made with natural rubber latex. Chemically, naloxone hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of 17-Allyl-4,5α-epoxy3,14-dihydroxymorphinan-6-one hydrochloride with the following structure:

EVZIO® (naloxone hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

C₁₉H₂₁NO₄• HCl........M.W. 363.84

Naloxone hydrochloride occurs as a white to slightly off-white powder, and is soluble in water, in dilute acids, and in strong alkali; slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in ether and in chloroform.

Each 0.4 mL of EVZIO contains 2 mg naloxone hydrochloride, 3.34 mg of sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water for injection. The pH range is 3.0 to 4.5.

Indications & Dosage

INDICATIONS

EVZIO is an opioid antagonist indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system depression in adults and pediatric patients.

EVZIO is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present.

EVZIO is not a substitute for emergency medical care.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Important Administration Instructions

EVZIO is for intramuscular and subcutaneous use only.

Because treatment of suspected opioid overdose must be performed by someone other than the patient, instruct the prescription recipient to inform those around them about the presence of EVZIO and the Instructions for Use.

Instruct the patient or caregiver to read the Instructions for Use at the time they receive a prescription for EVZIO. Emphasize the following instructions to the patient or caregiver:

Seek emergency medical care immediately after use. Since the duration of action of most opioids exceeds that of naloxone hydrochloride and the suspected opioid overdose may occur outside of supervised medical settings, seek immediate emergency medical assistance, keep the patient under continued surveillance until emergency personnel arrive, and administer repeated doses of EVZIO as necessary. Always seek emergency medical assistance in the event of a suspected, potentially life-threatening opioid emergency after administration of the first dose of EVZIO.
Additional doses of EVZIO may be required until emergency medical assistance becomes available.
Do not attempt to reuse EVZIO. Each EVZIO contains a single dose of naloxone.
Visually inspect EVZIO through the viewing window for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not administer unless the solution is clear and the glass container is undamaged.
EVZIO must be administered according to the printed instructions on the device label or the electronic voice instructions (EVZIO contains a speaker that provides voice instructions to guide the user through each step of the injection). If the EVZIO electronic voice instruction system does not operate properly, EVZIO will still deliver the intended dose of naloxone hydrochloride when used according to the printed instructions on its label.
Once the red safety guard is removed, EVZIO must be used immediately or disposed of properly. Do not attempt to replace the red safety guard once it is removed.

Upon actuation, EVZIO automatically inserts the needle intramuscularly or subcutaneously, delivers the naloxone hydrochloride injection, and retracts the needle fully into its housing. Post injection, the black base locks in place, a red indicator appears in the viewing window, and electronic visual and audible instructions signal that EVZIO has delivered the intended dose of naloxone hydrochloride and instructs the user to seek emergency medical attention.

Dosing Information

Initial Dosing

Administer the initial dose of EVZIO to adult or pediatric patients intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary, and seek emergency medical assistance. Administer EVZIO as quickly as possible because prolonged respiratory depression may result in damage to the central nervous system or death.

Repeat Dosing

The requirement for repeat doses of EVZIO depends upon the amount, type, and route of administration of the opioid being antagonized.

If the desired response is not obtained after 2 or 3 minutes, an additional dose of EVZIO may be administered. If there is still no response and additional doses are available, additional doses of EVZIO may be administered every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency medical assistance arrives. Additional supportive and/or resuscitative measures may be helpful while awaiting emergency medical assistance.

If the patient responds to EVZIO and relapses back into respiratory depression before emergency assistance arrives, an additional dose of EVZIO may be administered.

Reversal of respiratory depression by partial agonists or mixed agonist/antagonists, such as buprenorphine and pentazocine, may be incomplete and may require higher doses of naloxone hydrochloride or repeated administration of EVZIO.

Dosing In Adults And Pediatric Patients Over Age One Year

Instruct patients or their caregivers to administer EVZIO according to the Instructions for Use, intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

Dosing In Pediatric Patients Under Age One Year

In pediatric patients under the age of one year, the caregiver should pinch the thigh muscle while administering EVZIO. Carefully observe the administration site for signs of infection following injection and resolution of the opioid emergency.

There may be clinical settings, particularly the postpartum period in neonates with known or suspected exposure to maternal opioid use, where it is preferable to avoid the abrupt precipitation of opioid withdrawal symptoms. In these settings, consider use of an alternative, naloxone product which can be titrated to effect and, where applicable, dosed according to weight [see Use In Specific Populations].

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

2 mg Injection: 2 mg/0.4 mL naloxone hydrochloride solution in a pre-filled auto-injector. Each EVZIO 2 mg delivers 2 mg naloxone hydrochloride injection (0.4 mL).

Storage And Handling

How Supplied

Carton containing two EVZIO (naloxone hydrochloride injection, USP) 2 mg auto-injectors and a single Trainer for EVZIO -NDC 60842-051-01

Storage And Handling

Store EVZIO in the outer case provided.

Store at controlled room temperature 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) excursions permitted between 4°C and 40°C (between 39°F and 104°F).

Before using, check to make sure the solution in the auto-injector is not discolored. Replace EVZIO if the solution is discolored or contains a precipitate.

Manufactured for: Kaleo, Inc. Richmond, VA 23219. Revised: Oct 2016

Side Effects & Drug Interactions

SIDE EFFECTS

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:

Precipitation of Severe Opioid Withdrawal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The following adverse reactions were observed in EVZIO clinical studies. In two pharmacokinetic studies with a total of 54 healthy adult subjects exposed to 0.4 mg EVZIO, 0.8 mg EVZIO (two 0.4 mg EVZIOs) or 2 mg EVZIO, adverse reactions occurring in more than one subject were dizziness and injection site erythema.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of naloxone hydrochloride in the post-operative setting. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Hypotension, hypertension, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, dyspnea, pulmonary edema, and cardiac arrest. Death, coma, and encephalopathy have been reported as sequelae of these events. Excessive doses of naloxone hydrochloride in post-operative patients have resulted in significant reversal of analgesia and have caused agitation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Other events that have been reported in post-marketing use of EVZIO include agitation, disorientation, confusion, and anger.

Abrupt reversal of opioid effects in persons who were physically dependent on opioids has precipitated an acute withdrawal syndrome. Signs and symptoms have included: body aches, fever, sweating, runny nose, sneezing, piloerection, yawning, weakness, shivering or trembling, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramps, increased blood pressure, tachycardia. In the neonate, opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms also included: convulsions, excessive crying, hyperactive reflexes [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No Information Provided

Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS

Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section

PRECAUTIONS

Risk Of Recurrent Respiratory And Central Nervous System Depression

The duration of action of most opioids may exceed that of EVZIO resulting in a return of respiratory and/or central nervous system depression after an initial improvement in symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to seek emergency medical assistance immediately after delivering the first dose of EVZIO. Keep the patient under continued surveillance, and administer additional doses of EVZIO as necessary [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Additional supportive and/or resuscitative measures may be helpful while awaiting emergency medical assistance.

Risk Of Limited Efficacy With Partial Agonists Or Mixed Agonist/Antagonists

Reversal of respiratory depression by partial agonists or mixed agonist/antagonists such as buprenorphine and pentazocine, may be incomplete. Larger or repeat doses of naloxone hydrochloride may be required to antagonize buprenorphine because the latter has a long duration of action due to its slow rate of binding and subsequent slow dissociation from the opioid receptor [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Buprenorphine antagonism is characterized by a gradual onset of the reversal effects and a decreased duration of action of the normally prolonged respiratory depression.

Precipitation Of Severe Opioid Withdrawal

The use of EVZIO in patients who are opioid dependent may precipitate an acute abstinence syndrome characterized by the following signs and symptoms: body aches, diarrhea, tachycardia, fever, runny nose, sneezing, piloerection, sweating, yawning, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, shivering or trembling, abdominal cramps, weakness, and increased blood pressure. In neonates, opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not recognized and properly treated and may include the following signs and symptoms: convulsions, excessive crying and hyperactive reflexes. Monitor patients for the development of the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Abrupt postoperative reversal of opioid depression after using naloxone hydrochloride may result in nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremulousness, tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension, seizures, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, pulmonary edema, and cardiac arrest. Death, coma, and encephalopathy have been reported as sequelae of these events. These events have primarily occurred in patients who had pre-existing cardiovascular disorders or received other drugs that may have similar adverse cardiovascular effects. Although a direct cause and effect relationship has not been established, after use of naloxone hydrochloride, monitor patients with preexisting cardiac disease or patients who have received medications with potential adverse cardiovascular effects for hypotension, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, and pulmonary edema in an appropriate healthcare setting. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of pulmonary edema associated with the use of naloxone hydrochloride is similar to neurogenic pulmonary edema, i.e., a centrally mediated massive catecholamine response leading to a dramatic shift of blood volume into the pulmonary vascular bed resulting in increased hydrostatic pressures.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient and family members or caregivers to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers to:

Become familiar with the following information contained in the carton as soon as they receive EVZIO:
- EVZIO Instructions for Use
- Trainer for EVZIO Instructions for Use
- Trainer for EVZIO
Become familiar with the device labeling color scheme of EVZIO and the Trainer for EVZIO
- The 2 mg dosage form of EVZIO is blue and purple.
- The Trainer for EVZIO is black and white.
Practice using the Trainer before EVZIO is needed.
- Each EVZIO can only be used one time; however, Trainer for EVZIO can be re-used for training purposes and its red safety guard can be removed and replaced.
- Both EVZIO and Trainer for EVZIO incorporate the electronic voice instruction system.
It is recommended that patients and caregivers become familiar with the Trainer for EVZIO provided and read the Instructions for Use; however, untrained caregivers or family members should still attempt to use EVZIO during a suspected opioid overdose while awaiting definitive emergency medical care.

Recognition Of Opioid Overdose

Instruct the patients and their family members or caregivers how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose requiring the use of EVZIO such as the following:

Extreme sleepiness -inability to awaken a patient verbally or upon a firm sternal rub.
Breathing problems -this can range from slow or shallow breathing to no breathing in a patient who cannot be awakened.
Other signs and symptoms that may accompany sleepiness and breathing problems include the following:
- Extremely small pupils (the black circle in the center of the colored part of the eye) sometimes called “pinpoint pupils.”
- Slow heartbeat and/or low blood pressure.

Risk Of Recurrent Respiratory And Central Nervous System Depression

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers that since the duration of action of most opioids may exceed that of EVZIO, they must seek immediate emergency medical assistance after the first dose of EVZIO and keep the patient under continued surveillance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Limited Efficacy For/With Partial Agonists Or Mixed Agonist/Antagonists

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers that the reversal of respiratory depression caused by partial agonists or mixed agonist/antagonists such as buprenorphine and pentazocine, may be incomplete and may require higher doses of naloxone hydrochloride or repeated administration of EVZIO [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Precipitation Of Severe Opioid Withdrawal

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers that the use of EVZIO in patients who are opioid dependent may precipitate an acute abstinence syndrome characterized by the following signs and symptoms: body aches, diarrhea, tachycardia, fever, runny nose, sneezing, piloerection, sweating, yawning, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, shivering or trembling, abdominal cramps, weakness, and increased blood pressure. In neonates, opioid withdrawal may be life threatening if not recognized and properly treated, and may include the following signs and symptoms: convulsions, excessive crying, and hyperactive reflexes [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Administration Instructions

Instruct patients and their family members or caregivers about the following important information:

Make sure EVZIO is present whenever persons may be intentionally or accidentally exposed to an opioid to treat serious opioid overdose (i.e., opioid emergencies).
Administer EVZIO as quickly as possible if a patient is unresponsive and an opioid overdose is suspected, even when in doubt, because prolonged respiratory depression may result in damage to the central nervous system or death. EVZIO is not a substitute for emergency medical care [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
EVZIO is user actuated and may be administered through clothing [e.g., pants, jeans, etc.] if necessary.
Inject EVZIO while pressing into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. In pediatric patients less than 1 year of age, pinch the thigh muscle while administering EVZIO.
Upon actuation, EVZIO automatically inserts the needle intramuscularly or subcutaneously, delivers the naloxone, and retracts the needle fully into its housing. The needle is not visible before, during, or after injection.
Each EVZIO can only be used one time.
If the electronic voice instruction system on EVZIO does not work properly, EVZIO will still deliver the intended dose of naloxone hydrochloride when used according to the printed instructions on its label.
The electronic voice instructions are independent of activating EVZIO and it is not necessary to wait for the voice instructions to be completed prior to moving to the next step in the injection process.
Post-injection, the black base locks in place, a red indicator appears in the viewing window and electronic visual and audible instructions signal that EVZIO has delivered the intended dose of naloxone hydrochloride.
EVZIO’s red safety guard should not be replaced under any circumstances. However, the Trainer is designed for re-use and its red safety guard can be removed and replaced.
Periodically visually inspect the naloxone solution through the viewing window. If the solution is discolored, cloudy, or contains solid particles, replace it with a new EVZIO.
Replace EVZIO before its expiration date.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Long-term animal studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of naloxone have not been completed.

Mutagenesis

Naloxone was weakly positive in the Ames mutagenicity and in the in vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration test but was negative in the in vitro Chinese hamster V79 cell HGPRT mutagenicity assay and in the in vivo rat bone marrow chromosome aberration study.

Impairment Of Fertility

Reproduction studies conducted in mice and rats at doses 4-times and 8-times, respectively, the dose of a 50 kg human given 10 mg/day (when based on surface area or mg/m²), demonstrated no adverse effect of naloxone hydrochloride on fertility.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

The limited available data on naloxone use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk. However, there are risks to the fetus of the opioid-dependent mother with use of naloxone [see Clinical Considerations]. In animal reproduction studies, no embryotoxic or teratogenic effects were observed in mice and rats treated with naloxone hydrochloride during the period of organogenesis at doses equivalent to 4-times and 8-times, respectively, the dose of a 50 kg human given 10 mg [see Data].

The estimated 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.

Clinical Considerations

Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions

Naloxone hydrochloride crosses the placenta, and may precipitate withdrawal in the fetus as well as in the opioid-dependent mother [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The fetus should be evaluated for signs of distress after EVZIO is used. Careful monitoring is needed until the fetus and mother are stabilized.

Data

Animal Data

Naloxone hydrochloride was administered during organogenesis to mice and rats at doses 4-times and 8times, respectively, the dose of 10 mg/day given to a 50 kg human (when based on body surface area or mg/m²). These studies demonstrated no embryotoxic or teratogenic effects due to naloxone hydrochloride.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of naloxone in human milk, or the effects of naloxone on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Studies in nursing mothers have shown that naloxone does not affect prolactin or oxytocin hormone levels. Naloxone is minimally orally bioavailable. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for EVZIO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from EVZIO or from the underlying maternal condition.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of EVZIO (for intramuscular and subcutaneous use) have been established in pediatric patients of all ages for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Use of naloxone hydrochloride in all pediatric patients is supported by adult bioequivalence studies coupled with evidence from the safe and effective use of another naloxone hydrochloride injectable product. No pediatric studies were conducted for EVZIO.

Absorption of naloxone hydrochloride following subcutaneous or intramuscular administration in pediatric patients may be erratic or delayed. Even when the opiate-intoxicated pediatric patient responds appropriately to naloxone hydrochloride injection, he/she must be carefully monitored for at least 24 hours as a relapse may occur as naloxone is metabolized.

In opioid-dependent pediatric patients, (including neonates), administration of naloxone hydrochloride may result in an abrupt and complete reversal of opioid effects, precipitating an acute opioid withdrawal syndrome. There may be clinical settings, particularly the postpartum period in neonates with known or suspected exposure to maternal opioid use, where it is preferable to avoid the abrupt precipitation of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Unlike acute opioid withdrawal in adults, acute opioid withdrawal in neonates manifesting as seizures may be life-threatening if not recognized and properly treated. Other signs and symptoms in neonates may include excessive crying and hyperactive reflexes. In these settings where it may be preferable to avoid the abrupt precipitation of acute opioid withdrawal symptoms, consider use of an alternative, naloxone hydrochloride product that can dosed according to weight and titrated to effect. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

In pediatric patients under the age of one year, the caregiver should pinch the thigh muscle while administering EVZIO. Carefully observe the administration site for evidence of residual needle parts, signs of infection, or both. [see Dosing Information].

Geriatric Use

Geriatric patients have a greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Therefore, the systemic exposure of naloxone can be higher in these patients.

Clinical studies of naloxone hydrochloride did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Overdosage & Contraindications

OVERDOSE

No Information Provided

CONTRAINDICATIONS

EVZIO is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to naloxone hydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients.

Clinical Pharmacology

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism Of Action

Naloxone hydrochloride is an opioid antagonist that antagonizes opioid effects by competing for the same receptor sites.

Naloxone hydrochloride reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Also, it can reverse the psychotomimetic and dysphoric effects of agonist-antagonists such as pentazocine.

Pharmacodynamics

When naloxone hydrochloride is administered intravenously, the onset of action is generally apparent within two minutes. The time to onset of action is shorter for intravenous compared to subcutaneous or intramuscular routes of administration.

The duration of action is dependent upon the dose and route of administration of naloxone hydrochloride.

Pharmacokinetics

In a pharmacokinetic study in 30 healthy subjects, a single 0.4 mg subcutaneous or intramuscular naloxone injection administered using EVZIO provides equivalent naloxone AUC and 15% greater naloxone Cmax in comparison to a single 0.4 mg subcutaneous or intramuscular naloxone injection administered using a standard syringe.

Following a single 0.4 mg EVZIO injection, the median Tmax of naloxone was reached at 0.25 hours (range 0.08 to 1.23 hours), with a mean Cmax value of 1.24 (51.4% CV) ng/mL. The mean plasma half-life of naloxone in healthy adults was 1.28 (38.0% CV) hours. In the same study, following administration of a single dose of 0.4 mg naloxone injection using a standard syringe, the median Tmax was 0.33 hours (range 0.08 to 2.03 hours) and the mean Cmax value was 1.07 (45.1% CV) ng/mL. The mean plasma half-life was 1.36 (23.5% CV) hours.

A second pharmacokinetic study in 24 healthy subjects using a crossover design, evaluated a single 0.4 mg EVZIO injection, a single 2 mg EVZIO injection, and two 0.4 mg EVZIO injections administered two minutes apart (0.8 mg naloxone hydrochloride total). The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in this study are shown in Table 1 and the plasma concentration time profiles of naloxone are in Figure 1.

Table 1 Mean Pharmacokinetic Parameters (%CV) for Naloxone Following EVZIO (Naloxone HCl) Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Administration to Healthy Subjects

Parameter	0.4 mg EVZIO (N=24)	0.8 mg (two 0.4 mg EVZIO) (N=24)	2 mg EVZIO (N=24)
Tmax (h)^†	0.25 (0.09, 0.84)	0.21 (0.09, 0.85)	0.25 (0.13, 0.67)
Cmax (ng/mL)	1.33 (62.9)	2.16 (47.4)	7.91 (45.8)
AUC0-t (ng.h/mL)	1.82 (16.0)	3.50 (19.8)	9.66 (15.4)
AUC0-inf (ng.h/mL)	2.00 (16.3) ^††	3.78 (19.1) ^††	10.33 (15.2)
T_1/2 (h)	1.58 (28.9) ^††	1.52 (23.7) ^††	1.53 (25.0)
^† Tmax reported as median (minimum, maximum) ^†† N=23 for AUC0-inf and T_1/2

Figure 1 Mean ± SD Plasma Concentration of Naloxone, (a) 0-6 h and (b) 0-1h Following Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Administration using EVZIO

Mean ± SD Plasma Concentration of Naloxone, (a) 0-6 h and (b) 0-1h Following Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Administration using EVZIO - Illustration

Distribution

Following parenteral administration, naloxone is distributed in the body and readily crosses the placenta. Plasma protein binding occurs but is relatively weak. Plasma albumin is the major binding constituent but significant binding of naloxone also occurs to plasma constituents other than albumin. It is not known whether naloxone is excreted into human milk.

Elimination

Following a single 0.4 mg EVZIO injection, the mean plasma half-life of naloxone in healthy adults was 1.58 (28.9% CV) hours and 1.53 (25% CV) hours following a single 2 mg EVZIO injection. In a neonatal study of naloxone injection, the mean (± SD) plasma half-life was observed to be 3.1 (± 0.5) hours.

Metabolism

Naloxone hydrochloride is metabolized in the liver, primarily by glucuronide conjugation with naloxone-3glucoronide as the major metabolite.

Excretion

After an oral or intravenous dose, about 25-40% of naloxone is excreted as metabolites in urine within 6 hours, about 50% in 24 hours, and 60-70% in 72 hours.

Medication Guide

PATIENT INFORMATION

EVZIO®
(EVV-zee-oh)
(Naloxone Hydrochloride) injection
Auto-Injector for Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Use

You and your caregivers should read this Patient Information leaflet before an opioid emergency happens. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about EVZIO?

EVZIO is used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid medicines. The medicine in EVZIO has no effect in people who are not taking opioid medicines. Always carry EVZIO with you in case of an opioid emergency.

Use EVZIO right away if you or your caregiver think signs or symptoms of an opioid emergency are present, even if you are not sure, because an opioid emergency can cause severe injury or death. Signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency may include:
- unusual sleepiness and you are not able to awaken the person with a loud voice or rubbing firmly on the middle of their chest (sternum)
- breathing problems including slow or shallow breathing in someone difficult to awaken or they look like they are not breathing
- the black circle in the center of the colored part of the eye (pupil) is very small, sometimes called “pinpoint pupils” in someone difficult to awaken
Family members, caregivers, or other people who may have to use EVZIO in an opioid emergency should know where EVZIO is stored and how to give EVZIO before an opioid emergency happens.
Get emergency medical help right away after using the first dose of EVZIO. Rescue breathing or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be given while waiting for emergency medical help.
The signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency can return within several minutes after EVZIO is given. If this happens, give additional injections using a new EVZIO auto-injector every 2 to 3 minutes and continue to closely watch the person until emergency help is received.

What is EVZIO?

EVZIO is a prescription medicine used in adults and children for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible opioid overdose with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.
EVZIO is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Get emergency medical help right away after the first dose of EVZIO, even if the person wakes up.
EVZIO is safe and effective in children for known or suspected opioid overdose.

Who should not use EVZIO?

Do not use EVZIO if you are allergic to naloxone hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in EVZIO. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in EVZIO.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EVZIO?

Before using EVZIO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have heart problems
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use of EVZIO may cause withdrawal symptoms in your unborn baby. Your unborn baby should be examined by a healthcare provider right away after you use EVZIO.

Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I use EVZIO?

Read the “Instructions for Use” at the end of this Patient Information leaflet for detailed information about the right way to use EVZIO.

You should use EVZIO exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Each EVZIO auto-injector contains only 1 dose of medicine.
EVZIO should be injected into the muscle or skin of the outer thigh. It can be injected through clothing if needed.
Caregivers should pinch the thigh muscle while injecting EVZIO into a child under the age of one.
A Trainer for EVZIO with a separate “Trainer Instructions for Use” leaflet is included with EVZIO. For additional training information and video instructions go to www.EVZIO.com or call 1-855-773-8946.
- Practice with the Trainer for EVZIO before an opioid emergency happens to make sure you are able to safely use the real EVZIO in an emergency.
- The Trainer for EVZIO does not contain a needle or medicine. It can be reused to practice your injection.
- The red safety guard can be removed and replaced on the Trainer for EVZIO.

What are the possible side effects of EVZIO?

EVZIO may cause serious side effects, including:

Sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms. In someone who has been using opioids regularly, opioid withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving EVZIO and may include:
- body aches
- yawning
- diarrhea
- fever
- weakness
- nausea or vomiting
- sweating
- shivering or trembling
- stomach cramping
- runny nose
- nervousness
- increased blood pressure
- sneezing
- restlessness or irritability
- increased heart rate
- goose bumps

Common side effects of EVZIO include dizziness and injection site redness.

In infants under 4 weeks old who have been receiving opioids regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated the right way. Signs and symptoms include: seizures, crying more than usual and increased reflexes. These are not all of the possible side effects of EVZIO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store EVZIO?

Store EVZIO at room temperature between 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C).
Keep EVZIO in its outer case until ready to use.
Occasionally check EVZIO through the viewing window of the auto-injector. The solution should be clear. If the EVZIO solution is discolored, cloudy, or contains solid particles, replace it with a new EVZIO.
Your EVZIO has an expiration date. Replace it before the expiration date.

Keep EVZIO and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of EVZIO.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use EVZIO for a condition for which it was not prescribed. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about EVZIO that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in EVZIO?

Active ingredient: naloxone hydrochloride

Inactive ingredients: sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water

EVZIO is not made with natural rubber latex.

Instructions for Use

EVZIO®
(EVV-zee-oh)
(naloxone hydrochloride injection)
Auto-Injector

Read the Instructions for Use that comes with EVZIO before using it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you or your caregivers have any questions about the use of EVZIO.

Automated voice instructions

EVZIO has a speaker that provides voice instructions to help guide you through each step of the injection. See Figure A. If the voice instructions do not work for any reason, EVZIO will still work. If this happens, use EVZIO as instructed below and follow the written instructions on the EVZIO auto-injector label.

EVZIO Parts

Figure A

You do not need to assemble your EVZIO. EVZIO comes already assembled for use.

How to use EVZIO

Step 1. Pull EVZIO from the outer case. See Figure B.

Figure B

Pull EVZIO from the outer case - Illustration

Do not go to Step 2 (Do not remove the Red safety guard) until you are ready to use EVZIO. If you are not ready to use EVZIO, put it back in the outer case for later use.

Step 2. Pull off the Red safety guard. See Figure C.

To reduce the chance of an accidental injection, do not touch the Black base of the auto-injector, which is where the needle comes out.

Figure C

Pull off the Red safety guard - Illustration

If an accidental injection happens, get medical help right away.

Note: The Red safety guard is made to fit tightly. Pull firmly to remove.

Do not replace the Red safety guard after it is removed.

Step 3. Place the Black end of EVZIO against the outer thigh, through clothing, if needed. Press firmly and hold in place for 5 seconds. See Figure D.

If you give EVZIO to an infant less than 1 year old, pinch the middle of the outer thigh before you give EVZIO and continue to pinch while you give EVZIO.

Figure D

Press firmly and hold in place for 5 seconds - Illustration

Note: EVZIO makes a distinct sound (click and hiss) when it is pressed against the thigh. This is normal and means that EVZIO is working correctly. Keep EVZIO firmly pressed on the thigh for 5 seconds after you hear the click and hiss sound. The needle will inject and then retract back up into the EVZIO auto-injector and is not visible after use.

Step 4. After using EVZIO, get emergency medical help right away.

If symptoms return after an injection with EVZIO, an additional injection using another EVZIO may be needed. Give additional injections using a new EVZIO auto-injector every 2 to 3 minutes and continue to closely watch the person until emergency help is received. EVZIO does not take the place of emergency medical care.

EVZIO cannot be reused. After use, place the auto-injector back into its outer case. Do not replace the Red safety guard.

How to know that EVZIO has been used. See Figure E.

The Black base will lock into place.
The voice instruction system will state that EVZIO has been used and the LED will blink red.
The Red safety guard cannot be replaced.
The viewing window will no longer be clear. You will see a red indicator.

Figure E

What to do after EVZIO has been used:

Get emergency medical help right away.
Put the used EVZIO back into its outer case.
Do not throw away the EVZIO in household trash. Do not recycle EVZIO.
Used EVZIO should be taken to a healthcare setting for proper disposal in a sharps container.

There may be local or state laws about how to throw away used auto-injectors.*

*For California Only: This product uses batteries containing Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

How should I store EVZIO?

Store EVZIO at room temperature between 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C).
Keep EVZIO in its outer case until ready to use.
Occasionally check EVZIO through the viewing window of the auto-injector. The solution should be clear. If the EVZIO solution is discolored, cloudy, or contains solid particles, replace it with a new EVZIO.
Your EVZIO has an expiration date. Replace it before the expiration date.

Keep EVZIO and all medicines out of the reach of children.

This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Trainer for EVZIO®

Trainer Instructions for Use

Important:

The Trainer for EVZIO Does Not contain a needle or medicine. Always carry your real EVZIO with you in case of an opioid emergency.

Tell your family, friends, co-workers or other individuals who may need to use EVZIO during an opioid emergency-where you keep your EVZIO.

Important Information about the Trainer for EVZIO:

Inside your Trainer for EVZIO are:

batteries
a speaker that will make a beeping sound and that produces electronic voice instructions
red and green blinking lights

The Trainer for EVZIO batteries are made to last for over 1,000 demonstrations or practices.

If the electronic voice instructions do not work properly, the Trainer for EVZIO can still be used for demonstration or practice. If this happens, use the instructions below and follow the written instructions on the Trainer for EVZIO label.

What is the Trainer for EVZIO?

The Trainer for EVZIO does not contain a needle or medicine and can be reused to practice your injection.
Practice with the Trainer for EVZIO before an opioid emergency happens to make sure you are able to safely use the real EVZIO in an emergency.
A Trainer for EVZIO comes with each EVZIO prescription so that you and your caregiver can practice and demonstrate how to use EVZIO.

Figure A

Trainer for EVZIO:

is inside a white and black outer case
does not contain a needle or medicine
can be reused (the Red safety guard can be placed back on the Black base after use)

EVZIO 2 mg:

is inside a blue and purple outer case
contains a needle and medicine
cannot be reused (the Red safety guard cannot be placed back on the Black base after it is removed)
has an expiration date

In case of an opioid overdose or possible opioid overdose emergency, use the real EVZIO and not the Trainer for EVZIO.

Who should practice using the Trainer for EVZIO?

Anyone who may need to help you with EVZIO in case of an opioid overdose or possible overdose emergency should practice using the Trainer for EVZIO.

Have them practice using the Trainer for EVZIO and review the Patient Information leaflet included in the packaging with your prescription of EVZIO.

For more information and video instructions on the use of EVZIO, go to http://www.EVZIO.com or call 1855-77-EVZIO.

Practicing with the Trainer for EVZIO

Practice with the Trainer for EVZIO before an opioid emergency happens to make sure you are able to safely use the real EVZIO in the case of an opioid overdose or possible overdose emergency.
You and your caregivers should practice every day for the first week after you receive your Trainer for EVZIO, and then at least 1 time each week, to help you feel familiar with using EVZIO quickly and safely during an opioid overdose or possible opioid overdose emergency. Even when you are familiar with using the Trainer for EVZIO, continue to practice using it often.

How to use the Trainer for EVZIO

Even though the Trainer for EVZIO does not have a needle and contains no medicine, it works the same way as the real EVZIO.
Just like the real EVZIO, the Trainer for EVZIO contains an electronic voice instruction system to help guide you through each step of the injection. If the voice instructions do not work for any reason, you can still use the Trainer for EVZIO to practice using the instructions below and following the written instructions on the Trainer for EVZIO.
The Trainer for EVZIO has the same blinking red and green lights as the real EVZIO. These blinking lights help provide visual cues for each voice instruction and step.

Follow these steps to practice using the Trainer for EVZIO

Pull the Trainer for EVZIO from the outer case. See Figure B.
Pull off Red safety guard. See Figure C.

Pull the Trainer for EVZIO from the outer case - Illustration

Note: The Red safety guard is made to fit tight similar to the safety guard on EVZIO. Pull firmly to remove.

Place Black end of the Trainer for EVZIO against the middle of the outer thigh (through clothing, if needed), then press firmly, and hold in place for 5 seconds. See Figure D.

Only practice using the middle of the outer thigh. The outer thigh is where you would inject with the real EVZIO.

Note: The Trainer for EVZIO makes a distinct sound (click and hiss) when you press it against the outer thigh. This is the same sound that is made with the real EVZIO. This is normal and indicates EVZIO is working correctly. Do not pull the Trainer for EVZIO away from the leg when you hear the click and hiss sound.

After practicing, reset the Trainer for EVZIO:
1. Replace the Red safety guard. See Figure E.
2. Slide the Trainer for EVZIO all the way back into the white outer case to reset the electronic voice system. See Figure F.

Slide the Trainer for EVZIO all the way back into the white outer case to reset the electronic voice system - Illustration

Note: Do not hold the Black base when replacing the Red safety guard. If you do this, the Black base may not reset properly and may prevent you from inserting the Red safety guard into the Black base. If this happens, remove the Red safety guard and repeat Step 4 above.

Leave the Trainer for EVZIO in its outer case for at least 5 seconds between each time you practice to allow the electronic voice system to reset.

How should I dispose of the Trainer for EVZIO?

The Trainer for EVZIO contains electronics and lithium coin cell batteries, and should be disposed of in the correct manner. Follow your State and local environmental regulations for disposal.

For California Only: This product uses batteries containing Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

For more information or questions about the Trainer for EVZIO, go to www.EVZIO.com or call 1-855-7738946.

How should I store the Trainer for EVZIO?

Store the Trainer for EVZIO at room temperature between 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C).
Store the Trainer for EVZIO in its outer case.

This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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