iological point of view, the product shall be used immediately after opening. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2 to 8ºC, unless opening has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C).
For storage conditions after opening, see section 6.3.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
10 ml, 20 ml, 50 ml or 100 ml of solution in a vial (Type I glass) with a stopper (flurotec-coated bromobutyl rubber) and a seal (aluminium/polypropylen).
Pack size of 1 vial.
Not all vial sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Erbitux may be administered via a gravity drip, an infusion pump or a syringe pump. A separate infusion line must be used for the infusion, and the line must be flushed with sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection at the end of infusion.
Erbitux 5 mg/ml is compatible
• with polyethylene (PE), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags,
• with polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PUR), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefine thermoplastic (TP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) infusion sets,
• with polypropylene (PP) syringes for syringe pump.
Care must be taken to ensure aseptic handling when preparing the infusion.
Erbitux 5 mg/ml must be prepared as follows:
• For administration with infusion pump or gravity drip (diluted with sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution): Take an infusion bag of adequate size of sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution. Calculate the required volume of Erbitux. Remove an adequate volume of the sodium chloride solution from the infusion bag, using an appropriate sterile syringe with a suitable needle. Take an appropriate sterile syringe and attach a suitable needle. Draw up the required volume of Erbitux from a vial. Transfer the Erbitux into the prepared infusion bag. Repeat this procedure until the calculated volume has been reached. Connect the infusion line and prime it with the diluted Erbitux before starting the infusion. Use a gravity drip or an infusion pump for administration. Set and control the rate as explained in section 4.2.
• For administration with infusion pump or gravity drip (undiluted): Calculate the required volume of Erbitux. Take an appropriate sterile syringe (minimum 50 ml) and attach a suitable needle. Draw up the required volume of Erbitux from a vial. Transfer the Erbitux into a sterile evacuated container or bag. Repeat this procedure until the calculated volume has been reached. Connect the infusion line and prime it with Erbitux before starting the infusion. Set and control the rate as explained in section 4.2.
• For administration with a syringe pump: Calculate the required volume of Erbitux. Take an appropriate sterile syringe and attach a suitable needle. Draw up the required volume of Erbitux from a vial. Remove the needle and put the syringe into the syringe pump. Connect the infusion line to the syringe, set and control the rate as explained in section 4.2 and start the infusion after priming the line with Erbitux or sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution. If necessary, repeat this procedure until the calculated volume has been infused.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
