enia, obtain a platelet count as soon as possible, and hold TEGSEDI dosing unless the platelet count is confirmed to be acceptable. Recheck the platelet count as soon as possible if a platelet measurement is uninterpretable (e.g., clumped sample) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Hold TEGSEDI dosing until an acceptable platelet count is confirmed with an interpretable blood sample.
Concomitant Medications with Platelet Effects
When considering use of TEGSEDI concomitantly with antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants, be aware of the risk of potential bleeding from thrombocytopenia with TEGSEDI, and consider discontinuation of these drugs in patients with a platelet count less than 50 x 109/L [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia
Symptoms of thrombocytopenia can include unusual or prolonged bleeding (e.g., petechiae, easy bruising, hematoma, subconjunctival bleeding, gingival bleeding, epistaxis, hemoptysis, irregular or heavier than normal menstrual bleeding, hematemesis, hematuria, hematochezia, melena), neck stiffness or atypical severe headache. Patients and caregivers should be instructed to be vigilant for symptoms of thrombocytopenia and seek immediate medical help if they have concerns.
Severe Thrombocytopenia: Treatment with Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoid therapy is strongly recommended in patients with a platelet count below 50 x 109/L, and in patients with suspected immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. Avoid using TEGSEDI in patients for whom glucocorticoid treatment is not advised.
5.2 Glomerulonephritis and Renal Toxicity
TEGSEDI can cause glomerulonephritis that may result in dialysis-dependent renal failure. In Study 1 [see Clinical studies (14)], glomerulonephritis occurred in three (3%) TEGSEDI-treated patients vs. no patient on placebo. In these patients, stopping TEGSEDI alone was not sufficient to resolve manifestations of glomerulonephritis, and treatment with an immunosuppressive medication was necessary. One patient did not receive immunosuppressive treatment and remained dialysis-dependent. If glomerulonephritis is suspected, pursue prompt diagnosis and initiate immunosuppressive treatment as soon as possible.
Cases of glomerulonephritis were accompanied by nephrotic syndrome. Possible complications of nephrotic syndrome can include edema, hypercoagulability with venous or arterial thrombosis, and increased susceptibility to infection. TEGSEDI-treated patients who develop glomerulonephritis will require monitoring and treatment for nephrotic syndrome and its manifestations.
Accumulation of antisense oligonucleotides in proximal tubule cells of the kidney, sometimes leading to increased tubular proteinuria, has been described in nonclinical studies. Urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 15% of TEGSEDI-treated patients, compared to 8% of patients on placebo. Increase from baseline in serum creatinine greater than 0.5 mg/dL occurred in 11% of TEGSEDI-treated patients, compared to 2% of patients on placebo.
Follow recommended monitoring and treatment recommendations for renal parameters [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . TEGSEDI should generally not be initiated in patients with a UPCR of 1000 mg/g or greater. If acute glomerulonephritis is confirmed, TEGSEDI should be permanently discontinued [see Contraindications (4)].
Use caution with nephrotoxic drugs and other dr |
