SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1    NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Clexane ® Multidose Vial

2    QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Vials containing 300 mg enoxaparin (equivalent to 30,000 IU anti-Xa activity) in 3.0 ml.

Contains benzyl alcohol (45mg in 3.0 ml).

For full list of excipients, see section 6.1

3    PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Sterile pyrogen-free solution for injection contained in a multidose vial for single patient use.

Clear, colourless to slightly yellow solution

4    CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1    Therapeutic indications

The prophylaxis of thromboembolic disorders of venous origin, in particular those which may be associated with orthopaedic or general surgery.

The prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in medical patients bedridden due to acute illness.

The treatment of venous thromboembolic disease presenting with deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or both.

The treatment of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, administered concurrently with aspirin.

Treatment of acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) including patients to be managed medically or with subsequent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in conjunction with thrombolytic drugs (fibrin or non-fibrin specific).

The prevention of thrombus formation in the extracorporeal circulation during haemodialysis.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Adults:

Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism:

In patients with a low to moderate risk of venous thromboembolism the recommended dosage is 20 mg (2,000 IU) once daily by subcutaneous injection for 7 to 10 days, or until the risk of thromboembolism has diminished. In patients undergoing surgery, the initial dose should be given approximately 2 hours pre-operatively.

In patients with a higher risk, such as in orthopaedic surgery, the dosage should be 40 mg (4,000 IU) daily by subcutaneous injection with the initial dose administered approximately 12 hours before surgery.

Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in medical patients:

The recommended dose of enoxaparin sodium is 40 mg (4,000 IU) once daily by subcutaneous injection. Treatment with enoxaparin sodium is prescribed for a minimum of 6 days and continued until the return to full ambulation, for a maximum of 14 days.

Treatment of venous thromboembolism:

Clexane should be administered subcutaneously as a single daily injection of 1.5 mg/kg (150 IU/kg). Clexane treatment is usually prescribed for at least 5 days and until adequate oral anticoagulation is established.

Dosage chart for 1.5mg/kg SC treatment of DVT, PE or both
Patient weight	Kg	Dose (mg)	Injection volume (ml) (1)
300mg/3ml	40	60 od	0.60
Solution for Injection	45	67.5 od	0.675
Clexane Multidose Vial	50	75 od	0.75
	55	82.5 od	0.825
	60	90 od	0.90
	65	97.5 od	0.975
	70	105 od	1.05
	75	112.5 od	1.125
	80	120 od	1.20
	85	127.5 od	1.275
	90	135 od	1.35
	95	142.5 od	1.425
	100	150 od	1.50

(1) the injection volumes are those needed to achieve the required dose. However, rounding up dose adjustments may need to be taken into consideration depending on the graduations of the syringe used.

Treatment of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction The recommended dose is 1 mg/kg Clexane every 12 hours by subcutaneous injection, administered concurrently with oral aspirin (100 to 325 mg once daily).

Treatment with Clexane in these patients should be prescribed for a minimum of 2 days and continued until clinical stabilisation. The usual duration of treatment is 2 to 8 days.

Dosage chart for lmg/kg sc	treatment of UA or NSTEMI
Patient weight	Kg	Dose (mg)	Injection volume
			(ml)
300mg/3ml	40	40 bd	0.40
Solution for Injection	45	45 bd	0.45
Clexane Multidose Vial	50	50 bd	0.50
	55	55 bd	0.55
	60	60 bd	0.60
	65	65 bd	0.65
	70	70 bd	0.70
	75	75 bd	0.75
	80	80 bd	0.80
	85	85 bd	0.85
	90	90 bd	0.90
	95	95 bd	0.95
	100	100 bd	1.00
		105 bd	1.05
	105 110	110 bd 115 bd	1.10
	115	120 bd	1.15
	120	125 bd
	125	130 bd	1.20
	130 135	140 bd	1.25
	140	145 bd	1.30
	145	150 bd
	150		1.35
			1.40
			1.45
			1.50

Treatment of acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction:

The recommended dose of enoxaparin sodium is a single IV bolus of 30mg plus a 1mg/kg SC dose followed by 1mg/kg administered SC every 12 hours (max 100mg for the first two doses only, followed by 1mg/kg dosing for the remaining doses). For dosage in patients >75 years of age, see section 4.2 Posology and method of administration: Elderly.

Dosage chart for 1mg/kg SC treatment of STEMI
Patient weight	Kg	Dose (mg)	Injection volume (ml)

300mg/3ml	40	40 bd	0.40
Solution for Injection	45	45 bd	0.45
Clexane Multidose Vial	50	50 bd	0.50
	55	55 bd	0.55
	60	60 bd	0.60
	65	65 bd	0.65
	70	70 bd	0.70
	75	75 bd	0.75
	80	80 bd	0.80
	85	85 bd	0.85
	90	90 bd	0.90
	95	95 bd	0.95
	100	100 bd	1.00
	105 (1)	105 bd (1)	105 (1)
	110 (1)	110 bd (1)	1.10 (1)
	115 (1)	115 bd (1)	1.15 (1)
	120 (1)	120 bd (1)	1.20 (1)
	125 (1)	125 bd (1)	125 (1)
	130 (1)	130 bd (1)	1.30 (1)
	135 (1)	135 bd (1)	135 (1)
	140 (1)	140 bd (1)	1.40 (1)
	145 (1)	145 bd (1)	145 (1)
	150 (1)	150 bd (1)	1.50 (1)

(1) Not to be given for the first two doses - (maximum 100mg for the first two doses only, followed by 1mg/kg dosing for the remaining doses)

When administered in conjunction with a thrombolytic (fibrin specific or nonfibrin specific) enoxaparin sodium should be given between 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after the start of fibrinolytic therapy. All patients should receive acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as soon as they are identified as having STEMI and maintained under (75 to 325mg once daily) unless contraindicated.

The recommended duration of enoxaparin sodium treatment is 8 days or until hospital discharge, whichever comes first.

For patients managed with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): If the last enoxaparin sodium SC administration was given less than 8 hours before balloon inflation, no additional dosing is needed. If the last SC administration was given more than 8 hours before balloon inflation, an IV bolus of 0.3mg/kg of enoxaparin sodium should be administered.

Prevention of extracorporeal thrombus formation during haemodialysis:

A dose equivalent to 1 mg/kg (100 IU/kg) introduced into the arterial line at the beginning of a dialysis session is usually sufficient for a 4 hour session. If fibrin rings are found, such as after a longer than normal session, a further dose of 0.5 to 1 mg/kg (50 to 100 IU/kg) may be given. For patients at a high risk of haemorrhage the dose should be reduced to 0.5 mg/kg (50 IU/kg) for double vascular access or 0.75 mg/kg (75 IU/kg) for single vascular access.

Elderly:

For treatment of acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in elderly patients >75 years of age, do not use an initial IV bolus. Initiate dosing with 0.75mg/kg SC every 12 hours (maximum 75mg for the first two doses only, followed by 0.75mg/kg dosing for the remaining doses).

For other indications, no dosage adjustments are necessary in the elderly, unless kidney function is impaired (see also section 4.2 Posology and method of administration: Renal impairment; section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use: Haemorrhage in the elderly; Renal impairment and Monitoring; section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties).

Dosage chart for 0.75mg/kg SC treatment of STEMI (elderly patients aged >75 years only)
Patient weight	Kg	0.75mg/kg Dose (mg)	Injection volume (ml) (1)
300mg/3ml Solution for Injection Clexane Multidose Vial	40	30 bd	0.30
	45	33.75 bd	0.3375
	50	37.5 bd	0.375
	55	41.25 bd	0.4125
	60	45 bd	0.45
	65	48.75 bd	0.4875
	70	52.5 bd	0.525
	75	56.25 bd	0.5625
	80	60 bd	0.60
	85	63.75 bd	0.6375
	90	67.5 bd	0.675
	95	71.25 bd	0.7125
	100	75 bd	0.75
	105	78.75 bd (2)	0.7875 (2)
	110	82.5 bd (2)	0.825 (2)
	115	86.25 bd (2)	0.8625 (2)
	120	90 bd (2)	0.90 (2)
	125	93.75 bd (2)	0.9375 (2)
	130	97.5 bd (2)	0.975 (2)
	135	101.25 bd (2)	1.0125 (2)
	140	105 bd (2)	1.05 (2)
	145	108.75 bd (2)	1.0875 (2)
	150	112.5 bd (2)	1.125 (2)

(1) the injection volumes are those needed to achieve the required dose. However, rounding up dose adjustments may need to be taken into consideration depending on the graduations of the syringe used.

(2) not to be given for the first two doses - (maximum 75mg for the first two doses only, followed by 0.75mg/kg dosing for the remaining doses)

Children: Not recommended, as dosage not established.

Renal impairment: (See also section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use: Renal impairment and Monitoring; section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties).

Severe renal impairment:

A dosage adjustment is required for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min), according to the following tables, since enoxaparin sodium exposure is significantly increased in this patient population:

Dosage adjustments for therapeutic dosage ranges

	Standard dosing	Severe renal impairment
	1 mg/kg SC twice daily	1 mg/kg SC once daily
	1.5 mg/kg SC once daily	1 mg/kg SC once daily
For treatment of acute STEMI in patients <75 years of age
	30mg-single IV bolus plus a 1mg/kg SC dose followed by 1mg/kg twice daily. (Max 100mg for each of the first two SC doses)	30mg-single IV bolus plus a 1mg/kg SC dose followed by 1mg/kg once daily. (Max 100mg for first SC dose only)
For treatment of acute STEMI in elderly patients >75 years of age
	0.75mg/kg SC twice daily without initial bolus. (Max 75mg for each of the first two SC doses)	1mg/kg SC once daily without initial bolus. (Max 100mg for first SC dose only)

T

Moderate and mild renal impairment:

Although no dosage adjustments are recommended in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-50 ml/min) or mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 50-80 ml/min), careful clinical monitoring is advised.

Spinal/epidural anaesthesia

For patients receiving spinal/epidural anaesthesia see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use: Spinal/epidural anaesthesia.

Hepatic impairment: In the absence of clinical studies, caution should be exercised.

Body weight: No dosage adjustments are recommended in obesity or low body weight (see also section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use: Low body weight and Monitoring; section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties).

Clexane is administered by subcutaneous injection for the prevention of venous thromboembolic disease, the treatment of deep vein thrombosis or for the treatment of unstable angina, non-Q-wave myocardial infarction and acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); through the arterial line of a dialysis circuit for the prevention of thrombus formation in the extra-corporeal circulation during haemodialysis; and via intravenous (bolus) injection through an intravenous line only for the initial dose of acute STEMI indication and before PCI when needed. It must not be administered by the intramuscular route.

Subcutaneous Injection Technique

When using vials of enoxaparin sodium, the volume to be injected should be measured precisely with a graduated syringe fitted with an appropriate needle for subcutaneous injection.

Clexane should be administered when the patient is lying down by deep subcutaneous injection. The administration should be alternated between the left and right anterolateral or posterolateral abdominal wall. The whole length of the needle should be introduced vertically into a skin fold held between the thumb and index finger. The skin fold should not be released until the injection is complete. Do not rub the injection site after administration.

Intravenous (Bolus) Injection Technique (for acute STEMI indication only): For intravenous injection, either the Multidose Vial or 60mg, 80mg or 100mg prefilled syringes can be used. Enoxaparin sodium should be administered through an intravenous line. It should not be mixed or co-administered with other medications. To avoid the possible mixture of enoxaparin sodium with all other drugs, the intravenous access chosen should be flushed with a sufficient amount of saline or dextrose solution prior to and following the intravenous bolus administration of enoxaparin sodium to clear the port of the drug. Enoxaparin sodium may be safely administered with normal saline solution (0.9%) or 5% dextrose in water.

4.3 Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with acute bacterial endocarditis, active major bleeding and conditions with a high risk of uncontrolled haemorrhage, including recent haemorrhagic stroke; thrombocytopenia in patients with a positive in-vitro aggregation test in the presence of enoxaparin; active gastric or duodenal ulceration; hypersensitivity to either enoxaparin sodium, heparin or its derivatives including other Low Molecular Weight Heparins, hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol; in patients receiving heparin for treatment rather than prophylaxis, locoregional anaesthesia in elective surgical procedures is contra-indicated.

Because of the content of benzyl alcohol, Clexane Multidose Vial must not be given to newborns or premature neonates.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Low Molecular Weight Heparins should not be used interchangeably since they differ in their manufacturing process, molecular weights, specific anti Xa activities, units and dosage. This results in differences in pharmacokinetics and associated biological activities (e.g. anti-IIa activity, and platelet interactions). Special attention and compliance with the instructions for use specific to each proprietary medicinal product are therefore required.

Enoxaparin is to be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with or without thrombosis.

As there is a risk of antibody-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia also occurring with low molecular weight heparins, regular platelet count monitoring should be considered prior to and during therapy with these agents. Thrombocytopenia, should it occur, usually appears between the 5th and the 21st day following the beginning of therapy. Therefore, it is recommended that the platelet counts be measured before the initiation of therapy with enoxaparin sodium and then regularly thereafter during the treatment. In practice, if a confirmed significant decrease of the platelet count is observed (30 to 50 % of the initial value), enoxaparin sodium treatment must be immediately discontinued and the patient switched to another therapy. Enoxaparin injection, as with any other anticoagulant therapy, should be used with caution in conditions with increased potential for bleeding, such as: impaired haemostasis, history of peptic ulcer, recent ischaemic stroke, uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, recent neuro-or ophthalmic surgery.

As with other anticoagulants, bleeding may occur at any site (see section 4.8 Undesirable effects). If bleeding occurs, and sometimes anaemia, the origin of the haemorrhage should be investigated and appropriate treatment instituted.

Heparin can suppress adrenal secretion of aldosterone leading to hyperkalaemia, particularly in patients such as those with diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, pre-existing metabolic acidosis, a raised plasma potassium or taking potassium sparing drugs. The risk of hyperkalaemia appears to increase with duration of therapy but is usually reversible. Plasma potassium should be measured in patients at risk before starting heparin therapy and monitored regularly thereafter particularly if treatment is prolonged beyond about 7 days.

Spinal/epidural anaesthesia

There have been cases of intra-spinal haematomas reported with the concurrent use of enoxaparin sodium and spinal/epidural anaesthesia or spinal puncture resulting in long term or permanent paralysis. These events are rare with enoxaparin sodium dosage regimens 40 mg od or lower. The risk is greater with higher enoxaparin sodium dosage regimens, use of post-operative indwelling catheters or the concomitant use of additional drugs affecting haemostasis such as NSAIDs (see section 4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction). The risk also appears to be increased by traumatic or repeated neuraxial puncture or in patients with a history of spinal surgery or spinal deformity.

To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of enoxaparin sodium and epidural anaesthesia/analgesia, the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug should be considered (see section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties). Placement and removal of the catheter is best performed when the anticoagulation effect of enoxaparin is low; however, the exact timing to reach a sufficiently low anticoagulant effect in each patient is not known.

Placement or removal of a catheter should be delayed for at least 12 hours after administration of lower doses (20 mg once daily, 30 mg once or twice daily or 40 mg once daily) of enoxaparin, and at least 24 hours after the administration of higher doses (0.75 mg/kg twice daily, 1 mg/kg twice daily, or 1.5 mg/kg once daily) of enoxaparin. Anti-Xa levels are still detectable at these time points, and these delays are not a guarantee that neuraxial haematoma will be avoided. Patients receiving the 0.75 mg/kg twice-daily dose or the 1 mg/kg twice-daily dose should not receive the second enoxaparin dose in the twice-daily regimen to allow a longer delay before catheter placement or removal. Likewise, although a specific recommendation for timing of a subsequent enoxaparin dose after catheter removal cannot be made, consider delaying this next dose for at least four hours, based on a benefit-risk assessment considering both the risk for thrombosis and the risk for bleeding in the context of the procedure and patient risk factors. For patients with creatinine clearance <30ml/minute, additional considerations are necessary because elimination of enoxaparin is more prolonged; consider doubling the timing of removal of a catheter, at least 24 hours for the lower prescribed dose of enoxaparin (30 mg once daily) and at least 48 hours for the higher dose (1 mg/kg/day).

Should the physician decide to administer anticoagulation in the context of epidural/spinal anaesthesia or lumbar puncture, frequent monitoring must be exercised to detect any signs and symptoms of neurological impairment such as midline back pain, sensory and motor deficits (numbness or weakness in lower limbs), bowel and/or bladder dysfunction. Patients should be instructed to inform their nurse or physician immediately if they experience any of the above signs or symptoms. If signs or symptoms of spinal haematoma are suspected, urgent diagnosis and treatment including spinal cord decompression should be initiated.

The Multidose vial contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative and should not be given to premature babies or neonates. The administration of medicines containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative may cause toxic reactions and anaphylactoid reactions in children up to 3 years old.

The administration of medications containing benzyl alcohol to newborns or premature neonates has been associated with a fatal “Gasping Syndrome” (symptoms include a striking onset of gasping syndrome, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardio-vascular collapse). As benzyl alcohol may cross the placenta, solution for injection should be used with caution in pregnancy.

Percutaneous coronary revascularisation procedures:

To minimise the risk of bleeding following vascular instrumentation during the treatment of unstable angina, non-Q-wave myocardial infarction and acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, adhere precisely to the intervals recommended between enoxaparin sodium doses. It is important to achieve homeostasis at the puncture site after PCI. If a closure device is used, the sheath can be removed immediately. If a manual compression method is used, sheath should be removed 6 hours after the last IV/SC enoxaparin sodium injection. If the treatment is continued, the next scheduled dose should be given no sooner than 6 to 8 hours after sheath removal. The site of the procedure should be observed for signs of bleeding or haematoma formation.

For some patients with pulmonary embolism (e.g. those with severe haemodynamic instability) alternative treatment such as thrombolysis or surgery may be indicated.

Prosthetic Heart Valves:

There have been no adequate studies to assess the safe and effective use of enoxaparin sodium in preventing valve thrombosis in patients with prosthetic heart valves. Prophylactic doses of enoxaparin are not sufficient to prevent valve thrombosis in patients with prosthetic heart valves. Confounding factors, including underlying disease and insufficient clinical data, limit the evaluation of these cases. Therapeutic failures have been reported in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves on full anti-coagulant doses (see section 4.6 Pregnancy and lactation). The use of enoxaparin sodium cannot be recommended for this purpose.

Haemorrhage in the elderly: No increased bleeding tendency is observed in the elderly within the prophylactic dosage ranges. Elderly patients (especially patients aged eighty years and above) may be at an increased risk for bleeding complications within the therapeutic dosage ranges. In the treatment of acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), an increase in bleeding events was observed in patients aged 65-75 years suggesting these patients might be at particular risk of bleeding. Careful clinical monitoring is advised (see also section 4.2 Posology and method of administration: Elderly; section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties).

Renal impairment: In patients with renal impairment, there is an increase in enoxaparin exposure which increases the risk of bleeding. Since enoxaparin exposure is significantly increased in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) dosage adjustments are recommended in therapeutic and prophylactic dosage ranges. Although no dosage adjustments are recommended in patients with moderate (creatinine clearance 30-50 ml/min) and mild (creatinine clearance 50-80 ml/min) renal impairment, careful clinical monitoring is advised (see also section 4.2 Posology and method of administration: Renal impairment; section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties). In the treatment of acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), the data are limited in patients with creatinine levels above 220 and 175 pmol/L for males and females respectively.

Low body weight: In low-weight women (< 45 kg) and low-weight men (< 57 kg), an increase in enoxaparin exposure has been observed within the prophylactic dosage ranges (non-weight adjusted), which may lead to a higher risk of bleeding. Therefore, careful clinical monitoring is advised in these patients (see also section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties).

Obese Patients

Obese patients are at higher risk for thromboembolism. The safety and efficacy of prophylactic doses in obese patients (BMI >30 kg/m ) has not been fully determined and there is no consensus for dose adjustment. These patients should be observed carefully for signs and symptoms of thromboembolism.

Monitoring: Risk assessment and clinical monitoring are the best predictors of the risk of potential bleeding. Routine anti-Xa activity monitoring is usually not required. However, anti-Xa activity monitoring might be considered in those patients treated with LMWH who also have either an increased risk of bleeding (such as those with renal impairment, elderly and extremes of weight) or are actively bleeding.

Laboratory tests:

At doses used for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism, enoxaparin sodium does not influence bleeding time and global blood coagulation tests significantly, nor does it affect platelet aggregation or binding of fibrinogen to platelets. At higher doses, increases in APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) and ACT (activated clotting time) may occur. Increases in APTT and ACT are not linearly correlated with increasing enoxaparin sodium antithrombotic activity and therefore are unsuitable and unreliable for monitoring enoxaparin sodium activity.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

It is recommended that agents which affect haemostasis should be discontinued prior to enoxaparin therapy unless their use is essential, such as: systemic salicylates, acetylsalicylic acid, NSAIDs including ketorolac, dextran, and clopidogrel, systemic glucocorticoids, thrombolytics and anticoagulants. If the combination cannot be avoided, enoxaparin should be used with careful clinical and laboratory monitoring.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy: Animal studies have not shown any evidence of foetotoxicity or teratogenicity. In the pregnant rat, the transfer of ³⁵S-enoxaparin across the maternal placenta to the foetus is minimal.

In humans, there is no evidence that enoxaparin crosses the placenta barrier during the second trimester of pregnancy. There is no information available concerning the first and the third trimesters.

As there are no adequately powered and well-controlled studies in pregnant women and because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the physician has established a clear need.

Pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves

The use of enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis in pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves has not been adequately studied. In a clinical study of pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves given enoxaparin (1mg/kg bid) to reduce the risk of thromboembolism, 2 of 8 women developed clots resulting in blockage of the valve and leading to maternal and foetal death. There have been isolated postmarketing reports of valve thrombosis in pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves while receiving enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis. Pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves may be at higher risk for thromboembolism. Enoxaparin sodium is not recommended for use in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves. (See section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use: Prosthetic heart valves).

Lactation: In lactating rats, the concentration of ³⁵S-enoxaparin or its labelled metabolites in milk is very low.

It is not known whether unchanged enoxaparin is excreted in human breast milk. The oral absorption of enoxaparin is unlikely. However, as a precaution, lactating mothers receiving enoxaparin should be advised to avoid breast-feeding.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Enoxaparin has no effect on the ability to drive and operate machines.

4.8 Undesirable effects

The adverse reactions observed in clinical studies and reported in post-marketing experience are detailed below.

Frequencies are defined as follows: very common (> 1/10); common (> 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (> 1/1000 to < 1/100); rare (> 1/10,000 to <1/1,000); and very rare (< 1/10,000) or not known (cannot be estimated from available data). Post-marketing adverse reactions are designated with a frequency “not known”.

Haemorrhages

In clinical studies, haemorrhages were the most commonly reported reaction. These included major haemorrhages, reported at most in 4.2 % of the patients (surgical patients¹). Some of these cases have been fatal.

As with other anticoagulants, haemorrhage may occur during enoxaparin therapy in the presence of associated risk factors such as: organic lesions liable to bleed, invasive procedures or the concomitant use of medications affecting haemostasis (see section 4.5). The origin of the bleeding should be investigated and appropriate treatment instituted.

MedDRA system organ class	Prophylaxis in surgical patients	Prophylaxis in medical patients	Treatment in patients with DVT with or without PE	Treatment in patients with unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI	Treatment in patients with acute STEMI
Vascular disorders	Very common:	Common: Haemorrhage *	Very common: Haemorrhage *	Common: Haemorrhage *	Common: Haemorrhage *

	Haemorrha ge *		Uncommon:	Rare:	Uncommon:
			Intracranial	Retroperitoneal	Intracranial
	Rare:		haemorrhage,	haemorrhage	haemorrhage,
	Retroperito		Retroperitoneal		Retroperitoneal
	neal haemorrhag e		haemorrhage		haemorrhage

*: such as haematoma, ecchymosis other than at injection site, wound haematoma, haematuria, epistaxis and gastro-intestinal haemorrhage.

¹ In surgical patients, haemorrhage complications were considered major: (1) if the haemorrhage caused a significant clinical event, or (2) if accompanied by an haemoglobin decrease > 2 g/dL or transfusion of 2 or more units of blood products. Retroperitoneal and intracranial haemorrhages were always considered major.

Thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis

MedDRA system organ class	Prophylaxis in surgical patients	Prophylaxis in medical patients	Treatment in patients with DVT with or without PE	Treatment in patients with unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI	Treatment in patients with acute STEMI
Blood and lymphatic system disorders	Very common: Thrombocyto sis* Common: Thrombocyto penia	Uncommon: Thrombocyto penia	Very common: Thrombocyto sis * Common: Thrombocyto penia	Uncommon: Thrombocytop enia	Common: Thrombocytosis* Thrombocytopenia Very rare: Immuno-allergic thrombocytopenia

*: Platelet increased > 400 G/L

Other clinically relevant adverse reactions

These reactions are presented below, whatever the indications, by system organ class, frequency grouping and decreasing order of seriousness.

MedDRA system organ class	All indications
Immune system disorders	Common: Allergic reaction

	Rare: Anaphylactic / anaphylactoid reaction
Hepatobilary disorders	Very common: Hepatic enzymes increase (mainly transaminases 1)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue	Common: Urticaria, pruritus, erythema,
disorders	Uncommon: Bullous dermatitis
General disorders	Common: Injection site haematoma, injection site pain, other injection
and administration site	site reaction2
conditions	Uncommon: Local irritation; skin necrosis at injection site
Investigations	Rare: Hyperkaliemia

*: such as injection site oedema, haemorrhage, hypersensitivity, inflammation, mass, pain, or reaction (NOS)

**: transaminases levels > 3 times the upper limit of normality

Post marketing experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Clexane. The adverse reactions are derived from spontaneous reports and therefore, the frequency is “not known” (cannot be estimated from the available data).

•    Immune System Disorders

-    Anaphylactic / anaphylactoid reaction including shock

•    Nervous System Disorders

-    Headache

•    Vascular Disorders

-    Cases of spinal haematoma (or neuraxial haematoma) have been reported with the concurrent use of enoxaparin sodium as well as spinal/epidural anaesthesia or spinal puncture and post operative indwelling catheters. These reactions have resulted in varying degrees of neurologic injuries including long-term or permanent paralysis (see section 4.4: Spinal/epidural anesthesia).

•    Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders:

-    Haemorrhagic anaemia

-    Cases of immuno-allergic thrombocytopenia with thrombosis; in some of them thrombosis was complicated by organ infarction or limb ischaemia (see section 4.4: Monitoring of platelet counts).

-    Eosinophilia

-    Injection site nodules (inflammatory nodules, which were not cystic enclosure of enoxaparin). They resolve after a few days and should not cause treatment discontinuation.

-    Alopecia

•    Hepatobilary disorders

-    Hepatocellular liver injury

-    Cholestatic liver injury

•    Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

-    Osteoporosis following long-term therapy (greater than 3 months)

Valve thrombosis in patients with prosthetic heart valves have been reported rarely, usually associated with inadequate dosing (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

Heparin products can cause hypoaldosteronism which may result in an increase in plasma potassium. Rarely, clinically significant hyperkalaemia may occur particularly in patients with chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

4.9 Overdose

Orally administered enoxaparin is poorly absorbed and even large oral doses should not lead to any serious consequences. This may be checked by plasma assays of anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities.

Accidental overdose following parenteral administration may produce haemorrhagic complications. The anticoagulant effects can be largely neutralised by the slow intravenous injection of Protamine, but even with high doses of Protamine, the anti-Xa activity of enoxaparin sodium is never completely neutralised (maximum about 60%). The initial dose of Protamine depends on the dose of enoxaparin given and also consideration of the maximum recommended Protamine dose (50mg). Data on Protamine dosing in humans for enoxaparin overdose is extremely limited. The available data suggest that in the first 8 hours after enoxaparin administration 1mg Protamine should neutralise the effects of 1mg of enoxaparin. Where the dose of enoxaparin has exceeded 50mg, an initial dose of 50mg Protamine would be appropriate, based on the maximum recommended single protamine dose. Decisions regarding the necessity and dose of subsequent Protamine injections should be based on clinical response rather than measurement of anti Xa or anti IIa results. The physician should also consider that the amount of enoxaparin in the body drops to 50% after 8 hours and 33% or less after 12 hours. The dose of Protamine should be adjusted depending on the length of time since enoxaparin was administered.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antithrombotic agent, heparin group. ATC code B01A B05

Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin with a mean molecular weight of approximately 4,500 daltons. The drug substance is the sodium salt. The molecular weight distribution is:

<2000 daltons <20%

2000 to 8000 daltons >68%

>8000 daltons <18%

Enoxaparin sodium is obtained by alkaline depolymerization of heparin benzyl ester derived from porcine intestinal mucosa. Its structure is characterized by a 2-O-sulfo-4-enepyranosuronic acid group at the non-reducing end and a 2-N,6-O-disulfo-D-glucosamine at the reducing end of the chain. About 20% (ranging between 15% and 25%) of the enoxaparin structure contains an 1,6 anhydro derivative on the reducing end of the polysaccharide chain.

Enoxaparin sodium is characterised by a higher ratio of antithrombotic activity to anticoagulant activity than unfractionated heparin. At recommended doses, it does not significantly influence platelet aggregation, binding of fibrinogen to platelets or global blood clotting tests such as APTT and prothrombin time.

Enoxaparin binds to anti-thrombin III leading to inhibition of coagulation factors IIa and Xa.

Enoxaparin has been shown to increase the blood concentration of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor in healthy volunteers.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Enoxaparin is rapidly and completely absorbed following subcutaneous injection. The maximum plasma anti-Xa activity occurs 1 to 4 hours after injection with peak activities in the order of 0.16 IU/ml and 0.38 IU/ml after doses of 20mg or 40mg respectively. The anti-Xa activity generated is localised within the vascular compartments and elimination is characterised by a half-life of 4 to 5 hours.

Following a 40mg dose, anti-Xa activity may persist in the plasma for 24 hours.

A 30mg IV bolus immediately followed by a 1mg/kg SC every 12 hours provided initial peak anti-Factor Xa levels of 1.16IU/ml (n=16) and average exposure corresponding to 88% of steady state levels.

A linear relationship between anti-Xa plasma clearance and creatinine clearance at steady-state has been observed, which indicates decreased clearance of enoxaparin sodium in patients with reduced renal function. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30ml/min), the AUC at steady state is significantly increased by an average of 65% after repeated, once daily subcutaneous doses of 40mg.

Hepatic metabolism by desulphation and depolymerisation also contributes to elimination. The elimination half-life may be prolonged in elderly patients although no dosage adjustment is necessary.

A study of repeated, once daily subcutaneous doses of 1.5mg/kg in healthy volunteers suggests that no dosage adjustment is necessary in obese subjects (BMI 30-48kg/m2) compared to non-obese subjects.

Enoxaparin, as detected by anti-Xa activity, does not cross the placental barrier during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Low Body Weight

When non-weight adjusted dosing was administered, it was found after a singlesubcutaneous 40mg dose, that anti-Xa exposure is 52% higher in low-weight women (<45kg) and 27% higher in low-weight men (<57kg) when compared to normal weight control subjects (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use: Low Body Weight).

Pharmacokinetic interactions

No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed between enoxaparin and thrombolytics when administered concomitantly.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

No long-term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of enoxaparin.

Enoxaparin was not mutagenic in in vitro tests, including the Ames test, mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation test, and human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration test, and the in vivo rat bone marrow chromosomal aberration test.

Enoxaparin was found to have no effect on fertility or reproductive performance of male and female rats at SC doses up to 20mg/kg/day. Teratology studies have been conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits at SC doses of enoxaparin up to 30mg/kg/day. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects or foetotoxicity due to enoxaparin.

Besides the anticoagulant effects of enoxaparin, there was no evidence of adverse effects at 15mg/kg/day in the 13-week subcutaneous toxicity studies both in rats and dogs and at 10mg/kg/day in the 26-week subcutaneous and intravenous toxicity studies both in rats and monkeys.

6    PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1    List of excipients

Benzyl alcohol (45mg/3ml)

Water for injections

6.2    Incompatibilities Subcutaneous Injection

Clexane should not be mixed with any other injections or infusions.

Intravenous (Bolus) Injection for acute STEMI indication only:

Enoxaparin sodium may be safely administered with normal saline solution (0.9%) or 5% dextrose in water.

6.3    Shelf life

2 years

6.4    Special precautions for storage

Store below 25°C

The contents of the multidose vial should be used within 28 days of opening

6.5    Nature and contents of container

Boxes containing a single 3ml multidose glass vial for single patient use.

6.6    Special precautions for disposal

See Section 4.2 “Posology and method of administration”.

7    MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Aventis Pharma Limited

One Onslow Street

Guildford

Surrey

GU1 4YS

UK

or trading as

Sanofi-aventis or Sanofi

One Onslow Street

Guildford

Surrey

GU1 4YS

UK

8    MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 04425/0186

9    DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE

AUTHORISATION

18/08/1997 / 05/09/2002

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

30/10/2014

1

-    Cutaneous vasculitis, skin necrosis usually occurring at the injection site (these phenomena have been usually preceded by purpura or erythematous plaques, infiltrated and painful). Treatment with enoxaparin sodium must be discontinued.

2

   Skin and subcutaneous disorders