MedPath
FDA Approval

Eptifibatide

FDA-approved pharmaceutical product with comprehensive regulatory information, manufacturing details, and complete labeling documentation.

FDA Approval Summary

Effective Date
March 3, 2024
Labeling Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
Eptifibatide(2 mg in 1 mL)

Products2

Detailed information about drug products covered under this FDA approval, including NDC codes, dosage forms, ingredients, and administration routes.

Eptifibatide

Product Details

NDC Product Code
70860-303
Application Number
ANDA213081
Marketing Category
ANDA (C73584)
Route of Administration
INTRAVENOUS
Effective Date
March 3, 2024
SODIUM HYDROXIDEInactive
Code: 55X04QC32IClass: IACT
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATEInactive
Code: 2968PHW8QPClass: IACT
Code: NA8320J834Class: ACTIBQuantity: 2 mg in 1 mL

Eptifibatide

Product Details

NDC Product Code
70860-305
Application Number
ANDA213081
Marketing Category
ANDA (C73584)
Route of Administration
INTRAVENOUS
Effective Date
March 3, 2024
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATEInactive
Code: 2968PHW8QPClass: IACT
SODIUM HYDROXIDEInactive
Code: 55X04QC32IClass: IACT
Code: NA8320J834Class: ACTIBQuantity: 0.75 mg in 1 mL

Drug Labeling Information

Complete FDA-approved labeling information including indications, dosage, warnings, contraindications, and other essential prescribing details.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Eptifibatide reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation by preventing the binding of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive ligands to GP IIb/IIIa. When administered intravenously, eptifibatide inhibits ex vivoplatelet aggregation in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. Platelet aggregation inhibition is reversible following cessation of the eptifibatide infusion; this is thought to result from dissociation of eptifibatide from the platelet.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Infusion of eptifibatide into baboons caused a dose-dependent inhibition of ex vivoplatelet aggregation, with complete inhibition of aggregation achieved at infusion rates greater than 5 mcg/kg/min. In a baboon model that is refractory to aspirin and heparin, doses of eptifibatide that inhibit aggregation prevented acute thrombosis with only a modest prolongation (2- to 3-fold) of the bleeding time. Platelet aggregation in dogs was also inhibited by infusions of eptifibatide, with complete inhibition at 2 mcg/kg/min. This infusion dose completely inhibited canine coronary thrombosis induced by coronary artery injury (Folts model).

Human pharmacodynamic data were obtained in healthy subjects and in patients presenting with UA or NSTEMI and/or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Studies in healthy subjects enrolled only males; patient studies enrolled approximately one-third women. In these studies, eptifibatide inhibited ex vivoplatelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and other agonists in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. The effect of eptifibatide was observed immediately after administration of a 180-mcg/kg intravenous bolus. Table 4shows the effects of dosing regimens of eptifibatide used in the IMPACT II and PURSUIT studies on ex vivoplatelet aggregation induced by 20 μM ADP in PPACK-anticoagulated platelet-rich plasma and on bleeding time. The effects of the dosing regimen used in ESPRIT on platelet aggregation have not been studied.

Table 4: Platelet Inhibition and Bleeding Time

*180 mcg/kg bolus followed by a continuous infusion of 2 mcg/kg/min.

PURSUIT
180/2*

Inhibition of platelet aggregation 15 min after bolus

84%

Inhibition of platelet aggregation at steady state

90%

Bleeding-time prolongation at steady state

<5x

Inhibition of platelet aggregation 4h after infusion discontinuation

<50%

Bleeding-time prolongation 6h after infusion discontinuation

1.4x

The eptifibatide dosing regimen used in the ESPRIT study included two 180-mcg/kg bolus doses given 10 minutes apart combined with a continuous 2-mcg/kg/min infusion.

When administered alone, eptifibatide has no measurable effect on PT or aPTT.

There were no important differences between men and women or between age groups in the pharmacodynamic properties of eptifibatide. Differences among ethnic groups have not been assessed.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of eptifibatide are linear and dose-proportional for bolus doses ranging from 90 to 250 mcg/kg and infusion rates from 0.5 to 3 mcg/kg/min. Plasma elimination half-life is approximately 2.5 hours. Administration of a single 180-mcg/kg bolus combined with an infusion produces an early peak level, followed by a small decline prior to attaining steady state (within 4 to 6 hours). This decline can be prevented by administering a second 180-mcg/kg bolus 10 minutes after the first. The extent of eptifibatide binding to human plasma protein is about 25%. Clearance in patients with coronary artery disease is about 55 mL/kg/h. In healthy subjects, renal clearance accounts for approximately 50% of total body clearance, with the majority of the drug excreted in the urine as eptifibatide, deaminated eptifibatide, and other, more polar metabolites. No major metabolites have been detected in human plasma.

Special Populations

Geriatric

Patients in clinical studies were older (range: 20 to 94 years) than those in the clinical pharmacology studies. Elderly patients with coronary artery disease demonstrated higher plasma levels and lower total body clearance of eptifibatide when given the same dose as younger patients. Limited data are available on lighter weight (<50 kg) patients over 75 years of age.

Renal Impairment

In patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency (CrCl <50 mL/min using the Cockcroft-Gault equation), the clearance of eptifibatide is reduced by approximately 50% and steady-state plasma levels approximately doubled [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6) and Dosage and Administration ( 2)] .

Hepatic Impairment

No studies have been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment.

Gender

Males and females have not demonstrated any clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of eptifibatide.


INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION

Highlight: Eptifibatide injection is a platelet aggregation inhibitor indicated for:

  • Treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) managed medically or with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ( 1.1)
  • Treatment of patients undergoing PCI (including intracoronary stenting). ( 1.2)

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1 Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

Eptifibatide injection is indicated to decrease the rate of a combined endpoint of death or new myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with ACS (unstable angina [UA]/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]), including patients who are to be managed medically and those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

1.2 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Eptifibatide injection is indicated to decrease the rate of a combined endpoint of death, new MI, or need for urgent intervention in patients undergoing PCI, including those undergoing intracoronary stenting [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1, 14.2)] .

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION

Highlight: ACS or PCI: 180 mcg/kg IV bolus as soon as possible after diagnosis followed by infusion at 2 mcg/kg/min. ( 2.1, 2.2)

PCI: Add a second 180 mcg/kg bolus at 10 minutes. ( 2.2)

In patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min, reduce the infusion to 1 mcg/kg/min. ( 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Before infusion of eptifibatide injection, the following laboratory tests should be performed to identify pre-existing hemostatic abnormalities: hematocrit or hemoglobin, platelet count, serum creatinine, and PT/aPTT. In patients undergoing PCI, the activated clotting time (ACT) should also be measured.

The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) should be maintained between 50 and 70 seconds unless PCI is to be performed. In patients treated with heparin, bleeding can be minimized by close monitoring of the aPTT and ACT.

2.1 Dosage in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

Indication

Normal Renal Function

Creatinine Clearance less than 50 mL/min

Patients with ACS

180 mcg/kg intravenous (IV) bolus as soon as possible after diagnosis, followed by continuous infusion of 2 mcg/kg/min

180 mcg/kg IV bolus as soon as possible after diagnosis, followed by continuous infusion of 1 mcg/kg/min

  • Infusion should continue until hospital discharge or initiation of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), up to 72 hours
  • If a patient is to undergo PCI, the infusion should be continued until hospital discharge or for up to 18 to 24 hours after the procedure, whichever comes first, allowing for up to 96 hours of therapy
  • Aspirin, 160 to 325 mg, should be given daily

Eptifibatide injection should be given concomitantly with heparin dosed to achieve the following parameters:

During Medical Management: Target aPTT 50 to 70 seconds

  • If weight greater than or equal to 70 kg, 5000-unit bolus followed by infusion of 1000 units/h.
  • If weight less than 70 kg, 60-units/kg bolus followed by infusion of 12 units/kg/h.

During PCI: Target ACT 200 to 300 seconds

  • If heparin is initiated prior to PCI, additional boluses during PCI to maintain an ACT target of 200 to 300 seconds.
  • Heparin infusion after the PCI is discouraged.

2.2 Dosage in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Indication

Normal Renal Function

Creatinine Clearance less than 50 mL/min

Patients with PCI

180 mcg/kg IV bolus immediately before PCI followed by continuous infusion of 2 mcg/kg/min and a second bolus of 180 mcg/kg (given 10 minutes after the first bolus)

180 mcg/kg IV bolus immediately before PCI followed by continuous infusion of 1 mcg/kg/min and a second bolus of 180 mcg/kg (given 10 minutes after the first bolus)

  • Infusion should be continued until hospital discharge, or for up to 18 to 24 hours, whichever comes first. A minimum of 12 hours of infusion is recommended.
  • In patients who undergo CABG surgery, eptifibatide injection infusion should be discontinued prior to surgery.
  • Aspirin, 160 to 325 mg, should be given 1 to 24 hours prior to PCI and daily thereafter.
  • Eptifibatide injection should be given concomitantly with heparin to achieve a target ACT of 200 to 300 seconds. Administer 60-units/kg bolus initially in patients not treated with heparin within 6 hours prior to PCI.
  • Additional boluses during PCI to maintain ACT within target.
  • Heparin infusion after the PCI is strongly discouraged.

Patients requiring thrombolytic therapy should discontinue eptifibatide injection.

2.3 Important Administration Instructions

  1. Inspect eptifibatide injection for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
  2. May administer eptifibatide injection in the same intravenous line as alteplase, atropine, dobutamine, heparin, lidocaine, meperidine, metoprolol, midazolam, morphine, nitroglycerin, or verapamil. Do not administer eptifibatide injection through the same intravenous line as furosemide.
  3. May administer eptifibatide injection in the same IV line with 0.9% NaCl or 0.9% NaCl/5% dextrose. With either vehicle, the infusion may also contain up to 60 mEq/L of potassium chloride.
  4. Withdraw the bolus dose(s) of eptifibatide injection from the 10-mL vial into a syringe. Administer the bolus dose(s) by IV push.
  5. Immediately following the bolus dose administration, initiate a continuous infusion of eptifibatide injection. When using an intravenous infusion pump, administer eptifibatide injection undiluted directly from the 100-mL vial. Spike the 100-mL vial with a vented infusion set. Center the spike within the circle on the stopper top.
  6. Discard any unused portion left in the vial.

Administer eptifibatide injection by volume according to patient weight (see Table 1).

Table 1: Eptifibatide Injection Dosing Charts by Weight

Patient Weight

180-mcg/kg
Bolus Volume

2-mcg/kg/min
Infusion Volume
(CrCl greater than or equal to 50 mL/min)

1-mcg/kg/min
Infusion Volume
(CrCl less than 50 mL/min)

(kg)

(lb)

(from 2-mg/mL vial)

(from 2-mg/mL 100-mL vial)

(from 0.75-mg/mL 100-mL vial)

(from 2-mg/mL 100-mL vial)

(from 0.75-mg/mL 100-mL vial)

37-41

81-91

3.4 mL

2 mL/h

6 mL/h

1 mL/h

3 mL/h

42-46

92-102

4 mL

2.5 mL/h

7 mL/h

1.3 mL/h

3.5 mL/h

47-53

103-117

4.5 mL

3 mL/h

8 mL/h

1.5 mL/h

4 mL/h

54-59

118-130

5 mL

3.5 mL/h

9 mL/h

1.8 mL/h

4.5 mL/h

60-65

131-143

5.6 mL

3.8 mL/h

10 mL/h

1.9 mL/h

5 mL/h

66-71

144-157

6.2 mL

4 mL/h

11 mL/h

2 mL/h

5.5 mL/h

72-78

158-172

6.8 mL

4.5 mL/h

12 mL/h

2.3 mL/h

6 mL/h

79-84

173-185

7.3 mL

5 mL/h

13 mL/h

2.5 mL/h

6.5 mL/h

85-90

186-198

7.9 mL

5.3 mL/h

14 mL/h

2.7 mL/h

7 mL/h

91-96

199-212

8.5 mL

5.6 mL/h

15 mL/h

2.8 mL/h

7.5 mL/h

97-103

213-227

9 mL

6 mL/h

16 mL/h

3.0 mL/h

8 mL/h

104-109

228-240

9.5 mL

6.4 mL/h

17 mL/h

3.2 mL/h

8.5 mL/h

110-115

241-253

10.2 mL

6.8 mL/h

18 mL/h

3.4 mL/h

9 mL/h

116-121

254-267

10.7 mL

7 mL/h

19 mL/h

3.5 mL/h

9.5 mL/h

121

267

11.3 mL

7.5 mL/h

20 mL/h

3.7 mL/h

10 mL/h

DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION

Highlight: * 20 mg per 10 mL (2 mg per mL) in a single-dose vial for bolus injection ( 3)

  • 75 mg per 100 mL (0.75 mg per mL) in a single-dose vial for infusion ( 3)

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

  • Injection: 20 mg of eptifibatide in 10 mL (2 mg per mL), for intravenous bolus.
  • Injection: 75 mg of eptifibatide in 100 mL (0.75 mg per mL), for intravenous infusion.

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION

Highlight: * Bleeding diathesis or bleeding within the previous 30 days ( 4)

  • Severe uncontrolled hypertension ( 4)
  • Major surgery within the preceding 6 weeks ( 4)
  • Stroke within 30 days or any history of hemorrhagic stroke ( 4)
  • Coadministration of another parenteral GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor ( 4)
  • Dependency on renal dialysis ( 4)
  • Known hypersensitivity to any component of the product ( 4)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Treatment with eptifibatide is contraindicated in patients with:

  • A history of bleeding diathesis, or evidence of active abnormal bleeding within the previous 30 days
  • Severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure >200 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure >110 mm Hg) not adequately controlled on antihypertensive therapy
  • Major surgery within the preceding 6 weeks
  • History of stroke within 30 days or any history of hemorrhagic stroke
  • Current or planned administration of another parenteral GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor
  • Dependency on renal dialysis
  • Hypersensitivity to eptifibatide or any component of the product (hypersensitivity reactions that occurred included anaphylaxis and urticaria)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION

Highlight: * Eptifibatide can cause serious bleeding. If bleeding cannot be controlled, discontinue eptifibatide immediately. Minimize vascular and other traumas. If heparin is given concomitantly, monitor aPTT or ACT. ( 5.1)

  • Thrombocytopenia: Discontinue eptifibatide and heparin. Monitor and treat condition appropriately. ( 5.2)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Bleeding

Bleeding is the most common complication encountered during eptifibatide therapy. Administration of eptifibatide is associated with an increase in major and minor bleeding, as classified by the criteria of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study group (TIMI) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1)] . Most major bleeding associated with eptifibatide has been at the arterial access site for cardiac catheterization or from the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. Minimize the use of arterial and venous punctures, intramuscular injections, and the use of urinary catheters, nasotracheal intubation, and nasogastric tubes. When obtaining intravenous access, avoid non-compressible sites (e.g., subclavian or jugular veins).

Use of Thrombolytics, Anticoagulants, and Other Antiplatelet Agents

Risk factors for bleeding include older age, a history of bleeding disorders, and concomitant use of drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (thrombolytics, oral anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and P2Y 12inhibitors). Concomitant treatment with other inhibitors of platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa should be avoided. In patients treated with heparin, bleeding can be minimized by close monitoring of the aPTT and ACT [see Dosage and Administration ( 2)] .

Care of the Femoral Artery Access Site in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

In patients undergoing PCI, treatment with eptifibatide is associated with an increase in major and minor bleeding at the site of arterial sheath placement. After PCI, eptifibatide infusion should be continued until hospital discharge or up to 18 to 24 hours, whichever comes first. Heparin use is discouraged after the PCI procedure. Early sheath removal is encouraged while eptifibatide is being infused. Prior to removing the sheath, it is recommended that heparin be discontinued for 3 to 4 hours and an aPTT of <45 seconds or ACT <150 seconds be achieved. In any case, both heparin and eptifibatide should be discontinued and sheath hemostasis should be achieved at least 2 to 4 hours before hospital discharge. If bleeding at access site cannot be controlled with pressure, infusion of eptifibatide and heparin should be discontinued immediately.

5.2 Thrombocytopenia

There have been reports of acute, profound thrombocytopenia (immune-mediated and non-immune mediated) with eptifibatide. In the event of acute profound thrombocytopenia or a confirmed platelet decrease to <100,000/mm 3, discontinue eptifibatide and heparin (unfractionated or low-molecular weight). Monitor serial platelet counts, assess the presence of drug-dependent antibodies, and treat as appropriate [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1)] .

There has been no clinical experience with eptifibatide initiated in patients with a baseline platelet count <100,000/mm 3. If a patient with low platelet counts is receiving eptifibatide, their platelet count should be monitored closely.


USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION

Highlight: * Geriatric Use: Risk of bleeding increases with age. ( 8.5)

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Available data on eptifibatide use in pregnant women from published literature and the pharmacovigilance database are insufficient to establish a drug- associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Untreated myocardial infarction can be fatal to the pregnant woman and fetus (see Clinical Considerations) . In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of adverse developmental effects when eptifibatide was administered intravenously to pregnant rats and rabbits at approximately 4 times the recommended maximum daily human dose.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk

Myocardial infarction is a medical emergency in pregnancy which can be fatal to the pregnant woman and fetus if left untreated. Therapy for the pregnant woman should not be withheld because of potential concerns regarding the effects of eptifibatide on the fetus.

Data

Animal Data

Embryo-fetal development studies have been performed by continuous intravenous infusion of eptifibatide in pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at total daily doses of up to 72 mg/kg/day (about 4 times the recommended maximum daily human dose on a body surface area basis) and in pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at total daily doses of up to 36 mg/kg/day (also about 4 times the recommended maximum daily human dose on a body surface area basis). These studies revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to eptifibatide.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no available data on the presence of eptifibatide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. As eptifibatide is a peptide, it is likely to be destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and not absorbed orally by the breastfed infant.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of eptifibatide in pediatric patients have not been studied.

8.5 Geriatric Use

The PURSUIT and IMPACT II clinical studies enrolled patients up to the age of 94 years (45% were age 65 and over; 12% were age 75 and older). There was no apparent difference in efficacy between older and younger patients treated with eptifibatide. The incidence of bleeding complications was higher in the elderly in both placebo and eptifibatide groups, and the incremental risk of eptifibatide-associated bleeding was greater in the older patients. No dose adjustment was made for elderly patients, but patients over 75 years of age had to weigh at least 50 kg to be enrolled in the PURSUIT study; no such limitation was stipulated in the ESPRIT study [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1)] .

8.6 Renal Impairment

Approximately 50% of eptifibatide is cleared by the kidney in patients with normal renal function. Total drug clearance is decreased by approximately 50% and steady-state plasma eptifibatide concentrations are doubled in patients with an estimated CrCl <50 mL/min (using the Cockcroft-Gault equation). Therefore, the infusion dose should be reduced to 1 mcg/kg/min in such patients [see Dosage and Administration ( 2)] . The safety and efficacy of eptifibatide in patients dependent on dialysis has not been established.


ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION

Highlight: Bleeding and hypotension are the most commonly reported adverse reactions. ( 6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Athenex Pharmaceutical Division, LLC. at 1-855-273-0154 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 orwww.fda.gov/medwatch.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following serious adverse reaction is also discussed elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Bleeding [see Contraindications ( 4) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)]

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

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

A total of 16,782 patients were treated in the Phase III clinical trials (PURSUIT, ESPRIT, and IMPACT II) [see Clinical Studies ( 14)] . These 16,782 patients had a mean age of 62 years (range: 20 to 94 years). Eighty-nine percent of the patients were Caucasian, with the remainder being predominantly Black (5%) and Hispanic (5%). Sixty-eight percent were men. Because of the different regimens used in PURSUIT, IMPACT II, and ESPRIT, data from the 3 studies were not pooled.

Bleeding and hypotension were the most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and greater than placebo) in the eptifibatide controlled clinical trial database.

Bleeding

The incidence of bleeding and transfusions in the PURSUIT and ESPRIT studies are shown in Table 2. Bleeding was classified as major or minor by the criteria of the TIMI study group. Major bleeding consisted of intracranial hemorrhage and other bleeding that led to decreases in hemoglobin greater than 5 g/dL. Minor bleeding included spontaneous gross hematuria, spontaneous hematemesis, other observed blood loss with a hemoglobin decrease of more than 3 g/dL, and other hemoglobin decreases that were greater than 4 g/dL but less than 5 g/dL. In patients who received transfusions, the corresponding loss in hemoglobin was estimated through an adaptation of the method of Landefeld et al.

Table 2: Bleeding and Transfusions in the PURSUIT and ESPRIT Studies

Note: Denominator is based on patients for whom data are available.

*For major and minor bleeding, patients are counted only once according to the most severe classification.

†Includes transfusions of whole blood, packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, platelets, and autotransfusion during the initial hospitalization.

PURSUIT (ACS)

Placebo

Eptifibatide
180/2

n (%)

n (%)

Patients

4696

4679

Major bleeding *

425 (9.3%)

498 (10.8%)

Minor bleeding *

347 (7.6%)

604 (13.1%)

Requiring transfusions †

490 (10.4%)

601 (12.8%)

ESPRIT (PCI)

Placebo

Eptifibatide
180/2/180

n (%)

n (%)

Patients

1024

1040

Major bleeding *

4 (0.4%)

13 (1.3%)

Minor bleeding *

18 (2%)

29 (3%)

Requiring transfusions †

11 (1.1%)

16 (1.5%)

The majority of major bleeding reactions in the ESPRIT study occurred at the vascular access site (1 and 8 patients, or 0.1% and 0.8% in the placebo and eptifibatide groups, respectively). Bleeding at “other” locations occurred in 0.2% and 0.4% of patients, respectively.

In the PURSUIT study, the greatest increase in major bleeding in eptifibatide- treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients was also associated with bleeding at the femoral artery access site (2.8% versus 1.3%). Oropharyngeal (primarily gingival), genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and retroperitoneal bleeding were also seen more commonly in eptifibatide-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients.

Among patients experiencing a major bleed in the IMPACT II study, an increase in bleeding on eptifibatide versus placebo was observed only for the femoral artery access site (3.2% versus 2.8%).

Table 3displays the incidence of TIMI major bleeding according to the cardiac procedures carried out in the PURSUIT study. The most common bleeding complications were related to cardiac revascularization (CABG-related or femoral artery access site bleeding). A corresponding table for ESPRIT is not presented, as every patient underwent PCI in the ESPRIT study and only 11 patients underwent CABG.

Table 3: Major Bleeding by Procedures in the PURSUIT Study

Note: Denominators are based on the total number of patients whose TIMI classification was resolved.

Placebo

Eptifibatide

180/2

n (%)

n (%)

Patients

4577

4604

Overall incidence of major bleeding

425 (9.3%)

498 (10.8%)

Breakdown by procedure:

CABG

375 (8.2%)

377 (8.2%)

Angioplasty without CABG

27 (0.6%)

64 (1.4%)

Angiography without angioplasty or CABG

11 (0.2%)

29 (0.6%)

Medical therapy only

12 (0.3%)

28 (0.6%)

In the PURSUIT and ESPRIT studies, the risk of major bleeding with eptifibatide increased as patient weight decreased. This relationship was most apparent for patients weighing less than 70 kg.

Bleeding resulting in discontinuation of the study drug was more frequent among patients receiving eptifibatide than placebo (4.6% versus 0.9% in ESPRIT, 8% versus 1% in PURSUIT, 3.5% versus 1.9% in IMPACT II).

Intracranial Hemorrhage and Stroke

Intracranial hemorrhage was rare in the PURSUIT, IMPACT II, and ESPRIT clinical studies. In the PURSUIT study, 3 patients in the placebo group, 1 patient in the group treated with eptifibatide 180/1.3, and 5 patients in the group treated with eptifibatide 180/2 experienced a hemorrhagic stroke. The overall incidence of stroke was 0.5% in patients receiving eptifibatide 180/1.3, 0.7% in patients receiving eptifibatide 180/2, and 0.8% in placebo patients.

In the IMPACT II study, intracranial hemorrhage was experienced by 1 patient treated with eptifibatide 135/0.5, 2 patients treated with eptifibatide 135/0.75, and 2 patients in the placebo group. The overall incidence of stroke was 0.5% in patients receiving 135/0.5 eptifibatide, 0.7% in patients receiving eptifibatide 135/0.75, and 0.7% in the placebo group.

In the ESPRIT study, there were 3 hemorrhagic strokes, 1 in the placebo group and 2 in the eptifibatide group. In addition there was 1 case of cerebral infarction in the eptifibatide group.

Immunogenicity/Thrombocytopenia

The potential for development of antibodies to eptifibatide has been studied in 433 subjects. Eptifibatide was nonantigenic in 412 patients receiving a single administration of eptifibatide (135-mcg/kg bolus followed by a continuous infusion of either 0.5 mcg/kg/min or 0.75 mcg/kg/min), and in 21 subjects to whom eptifibatide (135-mcg/kg bolus followed by a continuous infusion of 0.75 mcg/kg/min) was administered twice, 28 days apart. In both cases, plasma for antibody detection was collected approximately 30 days after each dose. The development of antibodies to eptifibatide at higher doses has not been evaluated.

In patients with suspected eptifibatide-related immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, IgG antibodies that react with the GP IIb/IIIa complex were identified in the presence of eptifibatide and in eptifibatide-naïve patients. These findings suggest acute thrombocytopenia after the administration of eptifibatide can develop as a result of naturally occurring drug-dependent antibodies or those induced by prior exposure to eptifibatide. Similar antibodies were identified with other GP IIb/IIIa ligand-mimetic agents. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia with eptifibatide may be associated with hypotension and/or other signs of hypersensitivity.

In the PURSUIT and IMPACT II studies, the incidence of thrombocytopenia (<100,000/mm 3or ≥50% reduction from baseline) and the incidence of platelet transfusions were similar between patients treated with eptifibatide and placebo. In the ESPRIT study, the incidence was 0.6% in the placebo group and 1.2% in the eptifibatide group.

Other Adverse Reactions

In the PURSUIT and ESPRIT studies, the incidence of serious nonbleeding adverse reactions was similar in patients receiving placebo or eptifibatide (19% and 19%, respectively, in PURSUIT; 6% and 7%, respectively, in ESPRIT). In PURSUIT, the only serious nonbleeding adverse reaction that occurred at a rate of at least 1% and was more common with eptifibatide than placebo (7% versus 6%) was hypotension. Most of the serious nonbleeding adverse reactions consisted of cardiovascular reactions typical of a UA population. In the IMPACT II study, serious nonbleeding adverse reactions that occurred in greater than 1% of patients were uncommon and similar in incidence between placebo- and eptifibatide-treated patients.

Discontinuation of study drug due to adverse reactions other than bleeding was uncommon in the PURSUIT, IMPACT II, and ESPRIT studies, with no single reaction occurring in >0.5% of the study population (except for "other" in the ESPRIT study).

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been reported in post-approval use of eptifibatide in combination with heparin and aspirin. Because the reactions below are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: cerebral, GI, and pulmonary hemorrhage. Fatal bleeding reactions have been reported. Acute profound thrombocytopenia, as well as immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, have been reported [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1)] .


OVERDOSAGE SECTION

10 OVERDOSAGE

There has been only limited experience with overdosage of eptifibatide. There were 8 patients in the IMPACT II study, 9 patients in the PURSUIT study, and no patients in the ESPRIT study who received bolus doses and/or infusion doses more than double those called for in the protocols. None of these patients experienced an intracranial bleed or other major bleeding.

Eptifibatide was not lethal to rats, rabbits, or monkeys when administered by continuous intravenous infusion for 90 minutes at a total dose of 45 mg/kg (about 2 to 5 times the recommended maximum daily human dose on a body surface area basis). Symptoms of acute toxicity were loss of righting reflex, dyspnea, ptosis, and decreased muscle tone in rabbits and petechial hemorrhages in the femoral and abdominal areas of monkeys.

From in vitrostudies, eptifibatide is not extensively bound to plasma proteins and thus may be cleared from plasma by dialysis.


INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Advise the patient to inform the doctor or healthcare provider about any medical conditions, medications, and allergies.

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Revised: June 2022


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