Nithiodote (Co-Packaged Sodium Nitrite 30 Mg/Ml Solution For Injection And Sodium Thiosulfate 250 Mg
Patient Information Leaflet
NITHIODOTE
(Co-Packaged Sodium Nitrite 30 mg/mL
Solution for Injection and
Sodium Thiosulfate 250 mg/mL
Solution for Injection)
Read all of this leaflet carefully
• This leaflet contains information about Nithiodote, which will have already been given to you by injection into one of your veins.
• Although you will not be taking this medicine yourself, this leaflet contains important information to help you understand how Nithiodote is used.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or nurse.
• If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
In this leaflet:
1. What Nithiodote is and what it is used for
2. Before you are given Nithiodote
3. How Nithiodote is given
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Nithiodote Injection
6. Further information
1. What Nithiodote is and what it is used for
Nithiodote is a kit that contains two separate medications: Sodium Nitrite Solution for Injection and Sodium Thiosulfate Solution for Injection.
Nithiodote is used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. Cyanide poisoning is a condition that develops when you inhale, touch, or swallow cyanide. Cyanide is a poisonous chemical that prevents your body from absorbing oxygen. The lack of oxygen can damage your organs and be life-threatening.
2. Before you are given Nithiodote
Take special care with Nithiodote if you:
• are pregnant or breast-feeding (See Pregnancy and breast-feeding);
• have low blood pressure;
• have a condition called anaemia (This is a reduction in number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. Anaemia can make the skin appear pale and can cause weakness or breathlessness);
• suffer from Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (This may result in anaemia.);
• have a history of elevated levels of methemoglobin (This is a modified form of hemoglobin that reduces the amount of
oxygen in the bloodstream and can cause weakness or breathlessness.);
• have inhaled smoke from a fire;
• have had allergic reactions to sulfites.
You will be monitored during use with Nithiodote, and the dose of the medication will be adjusted if necessary.
Using other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
The following medicines have side effects that are similar to the side effects that may occur with Nithiodote.
• Medicines used to treat high blood pressure such as beta blockers, diuretics, and nitrates;
• Medicines that can increase methemoglobin levels such as procaine (used as a local anaesthetic) and nitroprusside (used to reduce blood pressure)
It may be necessary for your doctor to adjust the dose of Nithiodote or one of your other medications.
Do not take Nithiodote concurrently with hydroxocobalamin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Nithiodote should not be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
3. How Nithiodote will be given
Nithiodote will be given by injection into a vein by a doctor or nurse. Your doctor will choose the dose that is right for you.
If signs of cyanide poisoning reappear, your doctor will decide if you should receive more Nithiodote.
If you have any further questions on the use of Nithiodote, ask your doctor or nurse.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The side effects of sodium nitrite include:
• Cardiovascular: reduced blood pressure, rapid heart rate, irregular pulse, transient loss of consciousness, palpitations
• Hematological: blood disorder resulting in oxygen deprivation in tissues (methemoglobinemia)
• Central nervous system: headache, dizziness, blurred vision, seizures, confusion, coma
• Psychiatric: anxiety
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Respiratory: rapid breathing, shortness of breath
• Skin: urticaria (skin rash notable for pale, red, raised, itchy bumps)
• Body as a whole: sweating, light headedness, injection site tingling, fatigue, weakness, generalized numbness and tingling, blue or purple coloured skin
The side effects of sodium thiosulfate include:
• Cardiovascular: reduced blood pressure
• Hematological: cuts take longer to stop bleeding than normal
• Central nervous system: headache, disorientation
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting
• Body as a whole: salty taste in mouth, warm sensation over body
The frequencies at which the above reactions occur are not known yet.
Reporting of side effects:
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can help make sure that medicines remain as safe as possible by reporting any unwanted side effects directly via www.mhra.gov.uk/ vellowcard.
5. How to store Nithiodote
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use Nithiodote after the expiry date which is stated on the vial label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Store below 25°C.
Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
Sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate solutions for injection must be clear and colourless. If particulate matter or discolouration is present, the solution must not be used and should be discarded. For single use only. Sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate solutions should be used immediately after opening. Discard any unused portions.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Further information
What Nithiodote contains
Each 10 mL vial of Sodium Nitrite Solution for Injection contains 300 mg of the active ingredient sodium nitrite (30 mg/mL).
The other ingredient is water for injections.
Each 50 mL vial of Sodium Thiosulfate Solution for Injection contains 12.5 g of the active ingredient sodium thiosulfate (250 mg/mL). The other ingredients are boric acid, potassium chloride, and water for injections. Sodium hydroxide may also be used to adjust the pH of the solution.
What Nithiodote looks like and contents of the pack
Each carton of Nithiodote contains one 10 mL glass vial of Sodium Nitrite Solution for Injection and one 50 mL glass vial of Sodium Thiosulfate Solution for Injection.
Nithiodote is a kit that contains a single vial of Sodium Nitrite PL 42589/0001 and a single vial of Sodium Thiosulfate PL 42589/0002.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Hope Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
120 Baker Street London W1U 6TU United Kingdom
Manufacturer
Cangene bioPharma, Inc. Baltimore MD 21230 USA
This leaflet was last revised on August 2015.