VariZIG (Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human) for Injection): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning

PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER SIDE EFFECTS

Drug Description

VARIZIG®
[Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human)] For Injection

DESCRIPTION

VARIZIG [Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human)] is a solvent/detergent-treated sterile liquid preparation of purified human immune globulin G (IgG) containing antibodies to varicella zoster virus (anti-VZV). VZV is the causative agent of chickenpox. VARIZIG is prepared from plasma donated by healthy, screened donors with high titers of antibodies to VZV, which is purified by an anion-exchange column chromatography manufacturing method. This donor selection process includes donors with high anti-VZV titers due to recent natural infection by VZV, or due to recurrent zoster infection (shingles).

VARIZIG is intended for single use and should be administered intramuscularly [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

The product potency is expressed in IU by comparison to the World Health Organization (WHO) international reference preparation for anti-VZV immune globulin. Each vial contains 125 IU of anti- VZV. VARIZIG is formulated with 10% maltose and 0.03% polysorbate 80. VARIZIG has a pH of 5.0 - 6.5 and contains no preservative.

The presence of anti-Protein S antibodies has been reported to arise transiently in patients after VZV infection (4). Low levels of anti-Protein S antibodies have been reported in VARIZIG.

The source plasma used in the manufacture of this product was tested by FDA licensed nucleic acid testing (NAT) for human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and found to be negative. Plasma also was tested by in-process NAT for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and parvovirus B19 (B19) via minipool testing; the limit for B19 in the manufacturing pool is set not to exceed 10⁴ IU of B19 DNA per milliliter.

The manufacturing process contains two steps implemented specifically for virus clearance. The solvent/detergent step (using tri-n-butyl phosphate and Triton® X-100) is effective in the inactivation of enveloped viruses, such as HBV, HCV and HIV-1. Virus filtration, using a Planova® 20N virus filter, is effective for the removal of viruses based on their size, including some non-enveloped viruses. These two viral clearance steps are designed to increase product safety by reducing the risk of transmission of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. In addition to these two specific steps, the process step of anion-exchange chromatography was identified as contributing to the overall viral clearance capacity for small non-enveloped viruses.

The inactivation and reduction of known enveloped and non-enveloped model viruses were validated in laboratory studies as summarized in Table 2. The viruses employed for spiking studies were selected to represent those viruses that are potential contaminants in the product, and to represent a wide range of physiochemical properties in order to challenge the manufacturing process's ability for viral clearance in general.

Table 2 : Virus Reduction Values (Log₁₀) Obtained through Validation Studies

Genome	Enveloped			Non-Enveloped
Genome	RNA		DNA	RN	[A	DNA
Virus	HIV- 1	BVDV	PRV	HAV	EMC	MMV	PPV
Family	retro	flavi	herpes	picorna		parvo
Size (nm)	80- 100	50-70	120- 200	25-30	30	20-25	18-24
Anion Exchange Chromatography (partitioning)	Not evaluated			2.3	n.e.	3.4	n.e.
20N Filtration (size exclusion)	≥ 4.7	≥ 3.5	≥ 5.6*	n.e.	4.8	n.e.	4.1
Solvent/Detergent (inactivation)	≥ 4.7	≥ 7.3	≥ 5.5	Not evaluated
Total Reduction (log₁₀)	≥ 9.4	≥ 10.8	≥ 11.1	2.3	4.8	3.4	4.1
*The PRV was retained by the 0.1 μm pre-filter during the virus validation. Since manufacturing employs a 0.1 μm pre-filter before the 20N filter, the claim of ≥ 5.6 reduction is considered applicable. Abbreviations: HIV-1: human immunodeficiency virus-1; relevant virus for human immunodeficiency virus-1 and model for HIV-2 BVDV: bovine viral diarrhea virus; model virus for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and West Nile virus (WNV) PRV: pseudorabies virus; model for large enveloped DNA viruses, including herpes HAV: human hepatitis A virus; relevant virus for HAV and model for small non-enveloped viruses in general EMC: encephalomyocarditis virus; model for HAV and for small non-enveloped viruses in general MMV: murine minute virus; model for human parvovirus B19 and for small non-enveloped viruses in general n.e.: not evaluated

Indications

INDICATIONS

VARIZIG® [Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human)] is indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella in high risk individuals. High risk groups include:

immunocompromised children and adults,
newborns of mothers with varicella shortly before or after delivery,
premature infants,
neonates and infants less than one year of age,
adults without evidence of immunity,
pregnant women.

VARIZIG administration is intended to reduce the severity of varicella. Administer VARIZIG as soon as possible following varicella zoster virus (VZV) exposure, ideally within 96 hours for greatest effectiveness.

There is no convincing evidence that VARIZIG reduces the incidence of chickenpox infection after exposure to VZV.
There is no convincing evidence that established infections with VZV can be modified by VARIZIG administration.
There is no indication for the prophylactic use of VARIZIG in immunodeficient children or adults when there is a past history of varicella, unless the patient is undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

For intramuscular use only.

Preparation And Handling

Each vial of VARIZIG contains a minimum potency of 125 IU in 1.2 mL.

Bring VARIZIG to room temperature prior to use.

Inspect VARIZIG for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains particulates.

VARIZIG is for single use only. Discard any unused portion.

Dosing of VARIZIG is based on body weight. Administer a single dose of VARIZIG intramuscularly as recommended in Table 1.

The minimum dose is 62.5 International Units (IU) for small infants under two kilograms body weight; the maximum dose of 625 IU should be administered for all patients greater than 40 kilograms in weight.

Table 1 : VARIZIG Dose and Volume of Administration

Weight of Patient		VARIZIG Dose		Volume to Administer* (milliliters)
Kilograms	Pounds	IU	Number of Vials	Volume to Administer* (milliliters)
≤ 2.0	≤ 4.4	62.5	0.5	0.6
2.1-10.0	4.5-22.0	125	1	1.2
10.1-20.0	22.1-44.0	250	2	2.4
20.1-30.0	44.1-66.0	375	3	3.6
30.1-40.0	66.1-88.0	500	4	4.8
≥ 40.1	≥ 88.1	625	5	6.0
*Extractable volumes are confirmed using a 21 gauge needle as per USP General Chapters < 1 > Injections.

Consider a second full dose of VARIZIG for high risk patients who have additional exposures to varicella greater than three weeks after initial VARIZIG administration.

Administration

For intramuscular use only.

Divide the intramuscular dose and administer in two or more injection sites, depending on patient size. Do not exceed 3 milliliters per injection site.

Inject into the deltoid muscle or the anterolateral aspects of the upper thigh. Due to the risk of sciatic nerve injury, do not use the gluteal region as a routine injection site. If the gluteal region is used, only use the upper, outer quadrant.

To prevent the transmission of infectious agents from one person to another, use a new disposable sterile syringe and needle for each individual patient.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

VARIZIG is supplied as a sterile solution for intramuscular injection and is available in a single-use vial of 125 IU. Each 125 IU vial of VARIZIG contains less than 156 milligrams of total protein, mostly human immune globulin G (IgG). VARIZIG contains no preservative and is intended for single use only. VARIZIG does not contain mercury.

NDC 53270-0126-2: VARIZIG [Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human)] is supplied as a sterile liquid approximately 125 IU of anti-VZV in a 3 mL type 1 glass tubing vial fitted with a 13 mm rubber stopper and a 13 mm flip-off seal, and a package insert.

Storage And Handling

Store VARIZIG at 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F). Do not freeze. Do not use after expiration date.

Manufactured by: Cangene Corporation, a subsidiary of Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Winnipeg, Canada R3T 5Y3, U.S. License No. 1201. Distributed by: Cangene bioPharma, Inc., a subsidiary of Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Baltimore, MD, 21230, USA. Revised: Oct 2016.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS

The most serious adverse drug reactions observed in clinical trials for all subjects and patients (n=601) include pyrexia, nausea, and vomiting.

The most common adverse drug reactions (reported by ≥ 1% of subjects) observed in clinical trials for all subjects and patients (n=601) are the following:

injection site pain (3%),
headache (2%),
rash (including terms pruritus, rash, rash erythematous, rash vesicular and urticaria) (1%),
fatigue (1%),
chills (1%),
nausea (1%).

All other adverse drug reactions occurred in less than 1%.

Clinical Trial Experience

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

Six hundred and one (n=601) high risk individuals received VARIZIG intramuscularly in two clinical trials which included pregnant women, infants and immunocompromised pediatric and adult patients. The highest incidence of adverse reactions occurred in pregnant women (n=166), including injection site pain (7%), rash (including terms pruritus, rash, rash erythematous, and rash vesicular) (4%), headache (3%), and fatigue (2%). All other adverse reactions occurred in 1% or less of clinical trial subjects within each high risk group. A single incidence of serum sickness (approximately one in 600 patients treated with VARIZIG) was observed in an immunocompromised adolescent patient.

There were eight reported adverse events associated with the coagulation system including, deep vein thrombosis (n=1), disseminated intravascular coagulation (n=1) , intracranial hemorrhage (n=2), coagulopathy (n=2), intraventricular hemorrhage (n=1), and pulmonary hemorrhage (n=1) in 621 subjects in the open-label, Expanded Access Protocol (EAP); the study was not designed to differentiate between adverse events attributed to the underlying medical condition and adverse reactions to VARIZIG.

IMAGES

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Drug Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS

The passive transfer of antibodies with immune globulin administration may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as measles, rubella, mumps and varicella. Defer vaccination with live virus vaccines until approximately three months after VARIZIG administration. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with VARIZIG so that appropriate measures can be taken [see PATIENT INFORMATION].

Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

PRECAUTIONS

Thrombotic Events

Thrombotic events may occur during or following treatment with immune globulin products (1,2,3). Patients at risk include those with a history of atherosclerosis, multiple cardiovascular risk factors, advanced age, impaired cardiac output, coagulation disorders, prolonged periods of immobilization, and/or known/suspected hyperviscosity. Consider baseline assessment of blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity including those with cryoglobulins, fasting chylomicronemia/markedly high triacylglycerols (triglycerides), or monoclonal gammopathies.

Coagulation Disorders

Administer VARIZIG intramuscularly only. In patients who have severe thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder that would contraindicate intramuscular injections, only administer VARIZIG if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Hypersensitivity

Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur following VARIZIG administration. Administer VARIZIG in a setting with appropriate equipment, medication and personnel trained in the management of hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis and shock. In the case of hypersensitivity, discontinue administration of VARIZIG immediately and provide appropriate treatment.

VARIZIG contains trace amounts of IgA (less than 40 micrograms per milliliter). Patients with known antibodies to IgA have a greater risk of severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. VARIZIG is contraindicated in IgA deficient patients with antibodies against IgA and history of hypersensitivity reactions [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Transmissible Infectious Agents

Because VARIZIG is made from human plasma, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. The plasma donors are screened for the presence of certain infectious agents and the manufacturing process for VARIZIG includes measures to inactivate and remove certain viruses [see DESCRIPTION]. Despite these measures, products derived from human plasma can still potentially transmit diseases. No cases of transmission of viral diseases, vCJD or CJD have been associated with the use of VARIZIG.

Report all infections thought by a physician to have been transmitted by VARIZIG to Cangene Corporation at 1-800-768-2304. Discuss the risks and benefits of this product with the patient before administering it to the patient [see PATIENT INFORMATION].

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

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

The safety and effectiveness of VARIZIG have been evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis in clinical trials in 166 pregnant women [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and Clinical Studies].

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether VARIZIG is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when VARIZIG is administered to a nursing mother.

Pediatric Use

The dosing recommendations in the treatment of pediatric patients are by body weight [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

The safety and effectiveness of VARIZIG have been evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis in the VARIZIG expanded access clinical trial in 374 pediatric patients, including immunocompromised pediatric patients:

94 preterm newborns and infants,
53 term newborns,
45 infants and toddlers,
176 children and,
43 adolescents.

In the EAP, follow up data were available for 110 VARIZIG treatments in infants (including newborns, pre-term infants, and infants < 1 year old). Three severe infections were reported, all three with pox count > 100, one of which also had pneumonia and another one also developed probable varicella encephalitis.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of VARIZIG administered intramuscularly for post-exposure prophylaxis did not include sufficient numbers of geriatric subjects (aged 65 and over) to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Use caution when administering VARIZIG to patients age 65 and over who are judged to be at increased risk of thrombotic events [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Do not exceed recommended doses and administer VARIZIG intramuscularly only.

Immunocompromised Patients

In the EAP, both adult (n=37) and pediatric immunocompromised subjects (n=235) were treated. Twelve immunocompromised subjects developed clinical varicella and none developed varicella pneumonitis; however at least five are reported to have received concomitant acyclovir and due to incomplete reporting, it is not known if others also received acyclovir.

Overdosage & Contraindications

OVERDOSE

Manifestations of an overdose of VARIZIG administered intramuscularly are expected to be pain and tenderness at the injection site.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Individuals known to have anaphylactic or severe systemic (hypersensitivity) reactions to human immune globulin preparations should not receive VARIZIG.
IgA-deficient patients with antibodies against IgA and a history of hypersensitivity may have an anaphylactoid reaction.
VARIZIG contains less than 40 micrograms per milliliter of IgA.

Clinical Pharmacology

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism Of Action

VARIZIG provides passive immunization for non-immune individuals exposed to VZV, reducing the severity of varicella infections (5).

Pharmacokinetics

In a comparative pharmacokinetic clinical trial, 35 volunteers were administered an intramuscular dose of 12.5 IU/kg of VARIZIG (n=18) or the comparator product VZIG (n=17). The dose of 12.5 IU/kg of VZIG or VARIZIG given to the subjects was based on the assumption that the potency was similar for both products. For the bioequivalence analysis, a potency correction factor was applied (concentrations of VARIZIG were multiplied by 2.3) to account for higher measured potency of the comparator product. The mean peak concentration (Cmax) of varicella antibodies occurred within five days of administration for both products (Table 3). In the trial, baseline levels of anti-VZV antibodies ranged from 0 to 720 mIU/mL, therefore baseline levels were taken into account for pharmacokinetic calculations, to better represent the indicated population. After potency correction, baseline correction, and exclusion of subjects with baseline values of anti-VZV antibody levels of > 200 mIU/mL, the two products were pharmacokinetically comparable.

Table 3 : Pharmacokinetic Comparison of VARIZIG and VZIG

PK Parameters*	VARIZIG	VZIG	Ratio 90% Confidence Interval
AUC0-28 (mIUxDay/mL)	2472±970	2347 ± 535	84.1-124.6
AUC0-84 (mIUxDay/mL)	4087±1620	3916 ±964	82.0-125.6
Cmax (mIU/mL)	136 ± 66	138 ± 22	76.5-112.8
T max (Days)	4.5 ± 2.8	3.3 ± 1.5	Not applicable
t½ (Days)**	26.2 ± 4.6	23.1 ± 8.6	Not applicable
CL/F (mL/Day)	0.204 ± 0.045	0.199 ± 0.087	Not applicable
* Potency and subgroup analysis were implemented for pharmacokinetic calculations. Study subjects with elevated baseline anti-VZV levels ( > 200 mIU/mL) from both treatment groups were excluded from pharmacokinetic calculations. ** The half-life is expected to vary from patient to patient.

Clinical Studies

Pregnant Women Exposed To Varicella Zoster Virus

A randomized, open-label, multicenter, active controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 pregnant women without immunity to VZV as confirmed by a latex agglutination test. Patients were stratified on the basis of time from first exposure to varicella as follows:

one to four days post-exposure and,
five to 14 days post-exposure.

The women were randomized into one of three study arms as follows:

a single intravenous dose of 125 IU/10 kg body weight to a maximum dose of 625 IU of VARIZIG,
a single intramuscular dose of 125 IU/10 kg body weight to a maximum dose of 625 IU of VARIZIG or,
a single intramuscular dose of 125 IU/10 kg body weight to a maximum dose of 625 IU of VZIG (licensed comparator product).

Patients were followed for 42 days.

Incidence of clinical varicella was similar across all treatment groups with an overall incidence of 33%; however, in the subset of 28 subjects with more than 24 hours exposure to varicella, the incidence of clinical varicella in the combined treatment groups was 64%.

Mean weighted constitutional illness scores (CIS) () were similar across all groups and none of the subjects had serious complications of varicella. The small number of subjects in each treatment stratum and the lack of agreed upon pre-specified hypothesis testing precluded formal statistical comparisons between groups.

High Risk Patients Exposed To Varicella Zoster Virus

An open-label, Expanded Access Protocol (EAP) conducted in the United States of America was designed to provide VARIZIG to high risk individuals who were exposed to varicella zoster virus (VZV). Although the study was not designed to evaluate efficacy, the objective of the study was to further assess and confirm the safety and efficacy of intramuscular injection of VARIZIG in the prevention or reduction of severity of complications from varicella infections in the indicated high risk populations. Initially, enrolment was limited to allow treatment with VARIZIG only within 96 hours of exposure, but the protocol was amended to expand the treatment window to 10 days post-exposure.

The incidence of clinical varicella (chickenpox lesions), was compared to predefined historical reference rates. The incidence of severe varicella complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, severe varicella with pox counts > 100 pox, mortality and all complications was also evaluated. The overall incidence of clinical varicella was evaluated in an interim analysis, where 10% (31/311) of high risk individuals exposed to VZV and treated with VARIZIG for all combined populations, for whom complete or partial efficacy data was available. Clinical varicella was observed in 8.4% (13/154) of immunocompromised pediatric and adult patients, in 6.8 % (5/74) of pregnant women, in 14.8% (12/81) of infants and one healthy adult (Table 4). Clinical varicella was more common after prolonged VZV exposure. The final report confirmed the efficacy results in the interim analysis (Table 5). In addition, a comparison of the incidence of varicella based on treatment window revealed that treatment between 5 and 10 days post-exposure was no different from treatment within 96 hours.

Table 4: Comparison of Varicella Incidence in Subjects Treated with VARIZIG to Historical Incidence of Varicella in Untreated Individuals - Interim analysis

High Risk Population	Historical Incidence of Varicella in Untreated Individuals	n¹	Incidence of Varicella in VARIZIG- treated Subjects	95% Confidence Interval	p-value²
Pregnant Women	70%	74	6.8% (n=5)	(2.2-15.1%)	< 0.0001*
Immunocompromised patients	88%	154	n8 1 4 ) *	(4.6- 14.0%)	< 0.0001*
Infants	50%	81	14.8% (n=12)	(7.9- 24.5%)	< 0.0001*
¹n = number of VARIZIG doses for post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella in efficacy population. ²One sample two-sided exact binomial test. * Statistically significant (α=0.05).

Table Updated Summary of Incidence of Varicella in Subjects Treated with VARIZIG - Final Report

High Risk Population	All VARIZIG Treated Subjects
High Risk Population	n¹	Incidence of Varicella in VARIZIG-treated Subjects	95% Confidence Interval
Pregnant Women	137	7.3% (n=10)	(3.6% - 13.0%)
Immunocompromised patients	269	4.5% (n=12)	(2.3% - 7.7%)
Infants including newborns, pre-term infants and infants < 1 year	105	11.4% (n=12)	(6.1% - 19.1%)
¹n = number of VARIZIG doses for post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella in efficacy population

REFERENCES

1 Dalakas MC. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and serum viscosity: risk of precipitating thromboembolic events. Neurology. 1994; 44:223-6.

2 Woodruff RK, Grigg AP, Firkin FC, Smith IL. Fatal thrombotic events during treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenia with intravenous immunoglobulin in elderly patients. Lancet. 1986; 2:217-8.

3 Wolberg AS, Kon RH, Monroe DM, Hoffman M. Coagulation factor XI is a contaminant in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations. Am J Hematol. 2000; 65:30-4.

4 Josephson C, Nuss R, Jacobson L, Hacker MR, Murphy J, Weinberg A et al. The Varicella- Autoantibody Syndrome. Pediatr Res. 2001; 50:345-52.

5 CDC. Prevention of varicella. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR. 2007; 56(No. RR-4):1-30.

6 Koren G, Money D, Boucher M, Aoki F, Petric M, Innocencion G et al. Serum concentrations, efficacy, and safety of a new, intravenously administered varicella zoster immune globulin in pregnant women. J Clin Pharmacol. 2002; 42(3):267-74.

Medication Guide

PATIENT INFORMATION

Inform patients of the following:

VARIZIG is intended to reduce the severity of chickenpox infections. Please see your doctor if you develop the signs and symptoms of varicella.
VARIZIG is prepared from human plasma and therefore, may contain infectious agents such as viruses that can cause disease.
The risk that products derived from human plasma will transmit an infectious agent has been reduced by screening plasma donors for prior exposure to certain viruses, by testing for the presence of certain current virus infections, and by inactivating and/or removing certain viruses during manufacturing.
Despite these measures, products derived from human plasma can still potentially transmit disease.
There is also the possibility that unknown infectious agents may be present in such products.

Tell patients that persons known to have severe, potentially life-threatening reactions to human immune globulin products should not receive VARIZIG or any other immune globulin products unless the risk has been justified.

Tell patients that persons who are deficient in IgA may have the potential for developing anti-IgA antibodies and have severe potentially life threatening allergic reactions.

In the case of allergic or anaphylactic reaction, administration should be stopped immediately.
In the case of shock, the current medical standards for treatment of shock should be administered.

Inform patients that administration of immune globulin may interfere with the response to live virus vaccines (e.g. measles, mumps, rubella and varicella), and instruct them to notify their immunizing physician of recent therapy with VARIZIG.

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