Boxed Warning
WARNINGS
Standardized Grass Pollen extracts labeled in Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAU/ml) are not interchangeable with grass extracts labeled in Allergy Units (AU/ml) or with non-standardized grass pollen extracts. Standardized Grass Pollen allergenic extract is intended for use by physicians or under the guidance of physicians who are experienced in the administration of allergenic extracts for diagnosis and/or immunotherapy and in emergency care of anaphylaxis. Standardized Grass Pollen extracts are not interchangeable with other allergenic extracts. Patients being switched from other manufacturers' extracts to Antigen Laboratories' allergenic extracts should have their dose adjusted. (See "WARNINGS" and "DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION" sections.)
Caution is imperative when switching from non-standardized grass pollen to Standardized Grass Pollen extracts. Standardized Grass Pollens may have equal, greater, or lesser potency than non-standardized grass pollen. Refer to "CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY" Table 2 and "DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION" sections.
Severe systemic reactions may occur with all allergenic extracts. In certain individuals, these Iife-threatening reactions may result in death. Patients should be observed for at least 20 minutes following allergenic extract injections. Treatment and emergency measures, as well as personnel trained in their use, must be available in the event of a life-threatening reaction. Sensitive patients may experience severe anaphylactic reactions resulting in respiratory obstruction, shock, coma and/or death. Report serious adverse events to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, phone 1-800-FDA-1088.
Extreme caution must be exercised in treating patients with steroid dependent or labile asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Patients being switched from one lot of extract to another lot from the same manufacturer, should have dose reduced by 75%.
Allergenic extracts should not be injected intravenously. Deep subcutaneous routes have proven to be safe. See the "WARNINGS", "PRECAUTIONS", "ADVERSE REACTIONS" and "OVERDOSAGE" sections.
Patients receiving beta-blockers may not be responsive to epinephrine or inhaled bronchodilators. Patients with respiratory obstruction not responding to parenteral or inhaled bronchodilators may require theophylline, oxygen, intubation and Iife support systems. Parenteral fluid and/or plasma expanders may be utilized for treatment of shock. Adrenocorticosteroids may be administered parenterally or intravenously. Refer to "ADVERSE REACTIONS" section.