- A dose of 16 mg/kg sugammadex injection is recommended if there is a clinical need to reverse neuromuscular blockade soon (approximately 3 minutes) after administration of a single dose of 1.2 mg/kg of rocuronium. The efficacy of the 16 mg/kg dose of sugammadex injection following administration of vecuronium has not been studied. Immediate reversal in pediatric patients has not been studied [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Pediatric Patients
2 to <17 years of age
The safety of sugammadex has been assessed in a randomized, active-controlled study of pediatric patients 2 to <17 years of age, with 242 receiving treatment with sugammadex. Adverse events occurring in ≥5% of pediatric patients are presented in Table 3. The safety profile was generally consistent with that observed in adults.
Table 3: Pediatric Patients (2 to <17 years of age) with Adverse Events Incidence ≥5% in One or More Treatment Groups Up to 7 Days Post-Treatment
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- with one or more specific adverse events
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- with no specific adverse events
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- Bradycardia
Combines preferred terms of bradycardia and sinus bradycardia. Every subject is counted a single time for each applicable row and column. A system organ class or specific adverse event appears in this table only if its incidence in one or more of the columns meets the incidence criterion in the table title, after rounding.
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- Gastrointestinal disorders
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- Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
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Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in both premarketing clinical trials and in post-marketing spontaneous reports. In a dedicated hypersensitivity study in healthy volunteers, the frequency of anaphylaxis was 0.3% [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. These reactions varied from isolated skin reactions to serious systemic reactions (i.e., anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock) and have occurred in patients with no prior exposure to sugammadex.
Symptoms associated with these reactions can include: flushing, urticaria, erythematous rash, (severe) hypotension, tachycardia, swelling of tongue, swelling of pharynx, bronchospasm and pulmonary obstructive events. Severe hypersensitivity reactions can be fatal.
A randomized, double-blind study examined the incidence of drug hypersensitivity reactions in healthy volunteers given up to 3 doses of placebo (N=76), sugammadex 4 mg/kg (N=151) or sugammadex 16 mg/kg (N=148). Reports of suspected hypersensitivity were adjudicated by a blinded committee. The incidence of adjudicated hypersensitivity was 1%, 7% and 9% in the placebo, sugammadex 4 mg/kg and sugammadex 16 mg/kg groups, respectively. There were no reports of anaphylaxis after placebo or sugammadex 4 mg/kg. There was a single case of adjudicated anaphylaxis after the first dose of sugammadex 16 mg/kg. The frequency of anaphylaxis for the 299 healthy volunteers treated with intravenous sugammadex was 0.3%. There was no evidence of increased frequency or severity of hypersensitivity with repeat dosing.
In a previous study of similar design, there were three adjudicated cases of anaphylaxis, all after sugammadex 16 mg/kg (incidence 1% in the 298 healthy volunteers treated with sugammadex).
Recurrence of Neuromuscular Blockade
In clinical studies with subjects treated with rocuronium or vecuronium, where sugammadex was administered using a dose labeled for the depth of neuromuscular blockade (N=2022), an incidence of <1% was observed for recurrence of neuromuscular blockade as based on neuromuscular monitoring or clinical evidence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Bronchospasm
In one dedicated clinical trial and in post-marketing data, in patients with a history of pulmonary complications [see Use in Specific Populations (8.9)], bronchospasm was reported as a possibly related adverse event.
Additional pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC’s BRIDION® (sugammadex) injection. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
Cardiac Disorders
Cases of marked bradycardia and bradycardia with cardiac arrest have been observed within minutes after administration of sugammadex [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Other cardiac rhythm abnormalities have included atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block, cardiac/cardiorespiratory arrest, electrocardiographic (ECG) ST segment changes, supraventricular tachycardia/extrasystoles, tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. Anaphylaxis associated with ECG ST segment changes (elevation or depression) consistent with myocardial ischemia or coronary spasm has also been reported.
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions
Cases of sugammadex not having the intended effect.
Immune System Disorders
Hypersensitivity events including anaphylactic shock, anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction, and Type 1 hypersensitivity have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders
Events of laryngospasm, dyspnea, wheezing, pulmonary edema, and respiratory arrest have been reported.
Risk Summary
No data are available regarding the presence of sugammadex in human milk, the effects of sugammadex on the breast fed infant, or the effects of sugammadex on milk production. However, sugammadex is present in rat milk (see Data). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for sugammadex and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from sugammadex or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
In a milk excretion study in rat dams following single intravenous dose of 20 mg/kg sugammadex on Postnatal Day 9, the maximum drug level was achieved at about 30 minutes after dosing with a ratio of milk to plasma level approximately 1:1. The oral exposure via milk did not induce effects on survival, body weight and physical or the behavioral developmental parameters monitored in rats in the prenatal and postnatal development studies [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Juvenile Animal Studies
In a bone deposition study, sugammadex concentrations were significantly higher in juvenile rats compared to adult rats (13% vs. 3% of the administered dose, respectively) following a single intravenous (IV) dose at 30 mg/kg (0.3 times the MRHD based on adult AUC comparison).
In a juvenile animal bone toxicity study, 7-day old rats were dosed intravenously once daily for 28 days with 0, 30, 120, and 500 mg/kg sugammadex (approximately 0.1, 0.6, and 3 times the MRHD, respectively, by adult AUC comparison). Sugammadex at 120 and 500 mg/kg decreased ulna and femur bone lengths by approximately 3%, which did not recover after an 8-week treatment-free period. Reversible whitish discoloration and disturbance of enamel formation were also observed in the incisors at these dose levels. In molars, this effect was only observed at 500 mg/kg. The no-observed-effect-level (NOEL) was 30 mg/kg.
In a second juvenile animal bone toxicity study, 7-day old rats were dosed once weekly for 8 weeks with 0, 7.5, 30, and 120 mg/kg (up to 1.2 times the MRHD of 16 mg/kg based on adult AUC comparison). No adverse effects on bone or teeth were noted.
Additional pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC’s BRIDION® (sugammadex) injection. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
At a dose 2 times the maximum recommended dose, sugammadex does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Distribution
The observed steady-state volume of distribution of sugammadex is approximately 11 to 14 liters in adult patients with normal renal function (based on conventional, non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis). Neither sugammadex nor the complex of sugammadex and rocuronium binds to plasma proteins or erythrocytes, as was shown in vitro using male human plasma and whole blood. Sugammadex exhibits linear kinetics in the dosage range of 1 to 16 mg/kg when administered as an IV bolus dose.
In nonclinical drug distribution studies, sugammadex is retained in sites of active mineralization, such as bone and teeth, with a mean half-life of 172 and 8 days, respectively [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
Metabolism
In clinical studies, no metabolites of sugammadex have been observed and only renal excretion of the unchanged product was observed as the route of elimination.
Elimination
In adult anesthetized patients with normal renal function, the elimination half-life (t1/2) of sugammadex is about 2 hours and the estimated plasma clearance is about 88 mL/min (based on compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis). A mass balance study demonstrated that >90% of the dose was excreted within 24 hours. Ninety-six percent (96%) of the dose was excreted in urine, of which at least 95% could be attributed to unchanged sugammadex. Excretion via feces or expired air was less than 0.02% of the dose. Administration of sugammadex to healthy volunteers resulted in increased renal elimination of rocuronium in complex.
Patients with Renal Impairment
Sugammadex is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney. The half-life of sugammadex in patients with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment is 4, 6, and 19 hours, respectively.
In one study, exposure to sugammadex was prolonged, leading to 17-fold higher overall exposure in patients with severe renal impairment. Low concentrations of sugammadex are detectable for at least 48 hours post-dose in patients with severe renal impairment.
In a second study comparing subjects with moderate or severe renal impairment to subjects with normal renal function, sugammadex clearance progressively decreased and t1/2 was progressively prolonged with declining renal function. Exposure was 2-fold and 5-fold higher in subjects with moderate and severe renal impairment, respectively. Sugammadex concentrations were no longer detectable beyond 7 days post-dose in subjects with severe renal impairment.
Geriatric Patients
Geriatric patients may have mild or moderate renal impairment. Population pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that, beyond the effects of a decreased creatinine clearance, increased age has limited impact on sugammadex PK parameters [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6)].
Sex
No pharmacokinetic differences between male and female subjects were observed.
Race
In a study in healthy Japanese and Caucasian subjects no clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. Limited data do not indicate differences in pharmacokinetic parameters in Black or African Americans.
Comparative Study of Sugammadex versus Neostigmine as a Reversal Agent for Neuromuscular Blockade Induced by Rocuronium or Vecuronium at Reappearance of T2 (Moderate Blockade)
A multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, safety-assessor blinded study comparing sugammadex and neostigmine enrolled 189 patients (87 women and 102 men, 95% were ASA class 1 and 2 and 99% were Caucasian, median weights were 72 kg and 76 kg and median ages were 50 years and 51 years in the rocuronium and vecuronium groups, respectively). Patients were randomly assigned to the rocuronium or vecuronium group and underwent elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia that required endotracheal intubation and maintenance of neuromuscular blockade. The surgical procedures were mainly endocrine, ocular, ENT, abdominal (gynecological, colorectal, urological), orthopedic, vascular, or dermatological. At the reappearance of T2, after the last dose of rocuronium or vecuronium, 2 mg/kg sugammadex or 50 mcg/kg neostigmine was administered in a randomized order as a single bolus injection. The time from start of administration of sugammadex or neostigmine to recovery of the TOF (T4/T1) ratio to 0.9 was assessed. Generally, a T4/T1 ratio ≥0.9 correlates with recovery from neuromuscular blockade.
Return of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 after the reappearance of T2 was overall faster with sugammadex 2 mg/kg as compared to neostigmine 50 mcg/kg in the setting of rocuronium or vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade (Figures 1 and 2).
Figure 1: Time (Minutes) from Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine at the Reappearance of T2 after Rocuronium to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 | |
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Figure 2: Time (Minutes) from Administration of Sugammadex or Neostigmine at the Reappearance of T2 after Vecuronium to Recovery of the T4/T1 Ratio to 0.9 |
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Comparative Study of Sugammadex versus Neostigmine as a Reversal Agent for Neuromuscular Blockade Induced by Rocuronium or Vecuronium at 1 to 2 PTCs (Deep Blockade)
A multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, safety-assessor blinded study comparing sugammadex and neostigmine enrolled 157 patients (86 women and 71 men; 8% ASA class 1, 71% class 2, and 21% class 3; 79% Caucasian; median weights of 81 kg and 84 kg, and median ages of 54 years and 56 years in the rocuronium and vecuronium groups, respectively). Patients were randomly assigned to the rocuronium or vecuronium group and underwent elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia that required endotracheal intubation and maintenance of neuromuscular blockade. The surgical procedures were mainly abdominal (gynecological, colorectal, urological), orthopedic, reconstructive, or neurological. At 1 to 2 PTCs, after the last dose of rocuronium or vecuronium, 4 mg/kg sugammadex or 70 mcg/kg neostigmine was administered in a randomized order as a single bolus injection. The time from start of administration of sugammadex or neostigmine to recovery of the TOF (T4/T1) ratio to 0.9 was assessed, although neostigmine was not expected to reverse neuromuscular blockade at a depth of 1 to 2 PTCs. Generally, a T4/T1 ratio ≥0.9 correlates with recovery from neuromuscular blockade.
Return of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 in patients with 1 to 2 PTCs with sugammadex 4 mg/kg had a wider range of recovery times but the median time to recovery was comparable to the study of reversal at T2 (2.7 minutes with 25th and 75th percentiles of 2.1 and 4.3 minutes for rocuronium [N=37], and 3.3 minutes with 25th and 75th percentiles of 2.3 and 6.6 minutes for vecuronium [N=47]). There were 7 and 6 censored observations in the rocuronium and vecuronium groups, respectively.
Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade 3 Minutes after Rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg
Time to recovery from neuromuscular blockade induced by succinylcholine compared with recovery from neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium followed 3 minutes later with sugammadex was assessed in a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, safety-assessor blinded study. The study was conducted in 110 patients (64 women and 46 men, ASA class 1 and 2, 78% were Caucasian, median weight was 70 kg, median age was 43 years). Patients underwent elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia that required endotracheal intubation and a short duration of neuromuscular relaxation. The laparoscopic or open surgical procedures were mainly gynecological, orthopedic, or reconstructive. Return of the first twitch in a TOF (T1) to 10% of baseline was compared between sugammadex 16 mg/kg for reversal of rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg versus spontaneous recovery from succinylcholine 1 mg/kg.
Recovery to T1 of 10% of baseline (relative to the time of administration of rocuronium or succinylcholine) was overall faster in the rocuronium/sugammadex group compared with succinylcholine alone (Table 5).
Table 5: Time (minutes) from Start of Administration of Rocuronium or Succinylcholine to Recovery of T1 to 10% of Baseline | Treatment Regimen |
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| Rocuronium (1.2 mg/kg) and Sugammadex (16 mg/kg) | Succinylcholine (1 mg/kg) |
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N | 55 | 55 |
Mean (SD) | 4.4 (0.7) | 7.1 (1.6) |
Median (Range) | 4.2 (3.5 – 7.7) | 7.1 (3.8 – 10.5) |
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