Avocomb-E

What are the side effects you encounter while taking this medicine?
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Avocomb-E uses

Avocomb-E consists of Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Zidovudine.

Efavirenz:


Avocomb-E (Efavirenz) (brand names SustivaВ® and StocrinВ®) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and is used as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1.For HIV infection that has not previously been treated, Avocomb-E (Efavirenz) and lamivudine in combination with zidovudine or tenofovir is the preferred NNRTI-based regimen. Efavirenz is also used in combination with other antiretroviral agents as part of an expanded postexposure prophylaxis regimen to prevent HIV transmission for those exposed to materials associated with a high risk for HIV transmission.

Indication: For use in combination treatment of HIV infection (AIDS)

Avocomb-E (Efavirenz) (dideoxyinosine, ddI) is an oral nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It is a synthetic purine derivative and, similar to zidovudine, zalcitabine, and stavudine. Avocomb-E (Efavirenz) was originally approved specifically for the treatment of HIV infections in patients who failed therapy with zidovudine. Currently, the CDC recommends that Avocomb-E (Efavirenz) be given as part of a three-drug regimen that includes another nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (e.g., lamivudine, stavudine, zidovudine) and a protease inhibitor or Avocomb-E (Efavirenz) when treating HIV infection.

Lamivudine:


Avocomb-E Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals information

Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals is an anti-HIV treatment in the class of drugs called Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs). The body breaks down these drugs into chemicals that stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, but they do not help cells that have already been infected with the virus. This product is an important part of combination anti-HIV treatment. Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals inhibits the reproduction of viruses in the body.

Avocomb-E Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals warnings

Before taking the medication, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease

liver disease

pancreatitis

problems with your muscles

problems with your blood counts.

Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals does not reduce the risk of passing the HIV or hepatitis B virus to others. Avoid alcohol while taking the medicine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and / or liver. It is not known whether Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals will be harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV / AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the baby. It is not known whether Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed. The drug may interact with other medications resulting in reduced effectiveness and / or side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products.

Avocomb-E Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals side effects

The possible side effects of Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals are lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems. Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have also been reported with the use of Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention.

Avocomb-E Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals overdose are not known. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Avocomb-E Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals usage guidelines

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals can be taken with or without food. For the treatment of HIV or AIDS, this drug is usually taken twice a day and is often used in combination with other HIV medicines. Follow your doctor's instructions. For the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, this product is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Store Avocomb-E (Lamivudine) Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Zidovudine:


WARNING: RISK OF HEMATOLOGICAL TOXICITY, MYOPATHY, LACTIC ACIDOSIS

Hematologic Toxicity: Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets have been associated with hematologic toxicity including neutropenia and severe anemia, particularly in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease .

Myopathy: Prolonged use of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) has been associated with symptomatic myopathy .

Lactic Acidosis and Severe Hepatomegaly: Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues alone or in combination, including Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and other antiretrovirals. Suspend treatment if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity occur .

WARNING: RISK OF HEMATOLOGICAL TOXICITY, MYOPATHY, LACTIC ACIDOSIS

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

  • Hematologic toxicity including neutropenia and severe anemia have been associated with the use of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). ( 5.1)
  • Symptomatic myopathy associated with prolonged use of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). ( 5.3)
  • Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues including Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Suspend treatment if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity occur. ( 5.4)
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1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Avocomb-E is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor indicated for:

  • Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. ( 1.1)
  • Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission. ( 1.2)

1.1 Treatment of HIV-1

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets USP, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

1.2 Prevention of Maternal-Fetal HIV-1 Transmission

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets USP are indicated for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission . The indication is based on a dosing regimen that included three components:

  • antepartum therapy of HIV-1 infected mothers
  • intrapartum therapy of HIV-1 infected mothers
  • post-partum therapy of HIV-1 exposed neonate

Points to consider prior to initiating Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets USP in pregnant women for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission include:

  • In most cases, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets USP for prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission should be given in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.
  • Prevention of HIV-1 transmission in women who have received Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets USP for a prolonged period before pregnancy has not been evaluated.
  • Because the fetus is most susceptible to the potential teratogenic effects of drugs during the first 10 weeks of gestation and the risks of therapy with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets USP during that period are not fully known, women in the first trimester of pregnancy who do not require immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy for their own health may consider delaying use; this indication is based on use after 14 weeks gestation.
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2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Treatment of HIV-1 infection:
  • Adults: Recommended oral dosage is 300 mg twice a day with other antiretroviral agents.
  • Pediatric patients (aged 4 weeks to less than 18 years): Dosage should be calculated based on body weight not to exceed adult dose. ( 2.2)
  • Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission:
  • Specific dosage instructions for mother and infant. ( 2.3)
  • Patients with severe anemia and/or neutropenia:
  • Dosage interruption may be necessary. ( 2.4)
  • Renal impairment: Recommended oral dosage in hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis or in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 15 mL per minute is 100 mg every 6 to 8 hours. ( 2.5)

2.1 Adults – Treatment of HIV-1 Infection

Oral Dosing

The recommended oral dose of Avocomb-E tablets is 300 mg twice daily in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

2.2 Pediatric Patients (Aged 4 Weeks to Less Than 18 Years)

Healthcare professionals should pay special attention to accurate calculation of the dose of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets, transcription of the medication order, dispensing information, and dosing instructions to minimize risk for medication dosing errors.

Prescribers should calculate the appropriate dose of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets for each child based on body weight (kg) and should not exceed the recommended adult dose.

Before prescribing Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets, children should be assessed for the ability to swallow tablets. If a child is unable to reliably swallow a Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablet, the Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) syrup formulation should be prescribed.

The recommended oral dosage in pediatric patients aged 4 weeks to less than 18 years and weighing greater than or equal to 4 kg is provided in Table 1. Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) syrup should be used to provide accurate dosage when whole tablets are not appropriate.


Body Weight (kg)


Total Daily Dose


Dosage Regimen and Dose


Twice Daily


Three Times Daily


4 to < 9


24 mg/kg/day


12 mg/kg


8 mg/kg


≥ 9 to < 30


18 mg/kg/day


9 mg/kg


6 mg/kg


≥ 30


600 mg/day


300 mg


200 mg


Alternatively, dosing for Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets can be based on body surface area (BSA) for each child. The recommended oral dose of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets is 480 mg per m 2 per day in divided doses (240 mg per m 2 twice daily or 160 mg per m 2 three times daily). In some cases the dose calculated by mg per kg will not be the same as that calculated by BSA.

2.3 Prevention of Maternal-Fetal HIV-1 Transmission

The recommended dosage regimen for administration to pregnant women and their neonates is:

Maternal Dosing

100 mg orally 5 times per day until the start of labor . During labor and delivery, intravenous Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) should be administered at 2 mg per kg (total body weight) over 1 hour followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 1 mg per kg per hour (total body weight) until clamping of the umbilical cord.

Neonatal Dosing

Start neonatal dosing within 12 hours after birth and continue through 6 weeks of age. Neonates unable to receive oral dosing may be administered Avocomb-E intravenously. See Table 2.


Route


Total Daily Dose


Dose and Dosage Regimen


Oral


8 mg/kg/day


2 mg/kg every 6 hours


Intravenous


6 mg/kg/day


1.5 mg/kg infused over 30 minutes, every 6 hours

2.4 Patients with Severe Anemia and/or Neutropenia

Significant anemia (hemoglobin less than 7.5 g per dL or reduction greater than 25% of baseline) and/or significant neutropenia (granulocyte count less than 750 cells per mm 3 or reduction greater than 50% from baseline) may require a dose interruption until evidence of marrow recovery is observed . In patients who develop significant anemia, dose interruption does not necessarily eliminate the need for transfusion. If marrow recovery occurs following dose interruption, resumption in dose may be appropriate using adjunctive measures such as epoetin alfa at recommended doses, depending on hematologic indices such as serum erythropoietin level and patient tolerance.

2.5 Patients with Renal Impairment

In patients maintained on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis or with creatinine clearance by Cockcroft-Gault less than 15 mL per min, the recommended oral dosage is 100 mg every 6 to 8 hours .

2.6 Patients with Hepatic Impairment

There are insufficient data to recommend dose adjustment of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets in patients with impaired hepatic function or liver cirrhosis. Frequent monitoring of hematologic toxicities is advised .

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3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) Tablets USP, 300 mg are white, biconvex, round, film-coated tablets debossed with "S2" on one side and blank on the other side.

Tablets: 300 mg ( 3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets are contraindicated in patients who have had a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to any of the components of the formulations.

Hypersensitivity to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) or any of the components (e.g., anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome). ( 4)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • See boxed warning for information about the following: hematologic toxicity, myopathy, and lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly.
  • Exacerbation of anemia has been reported in HIV-1/HCV co-infected patients receiving ribavirin and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Coadministration of ribavirin and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is not advised. ( 5.5)
  • Hepatic decompensation, (some fatal), has occurred in HIV-1/HCV co-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy and interferon alfa with/without ribavirin. Discontinue Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) as medically appropriate and consider dose reduction or discontinuation of interferon alfa, ribavirin, or both. ( 5.5)
  • Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets should not be administered with other zidovudine-containing combination products. ( 5.6)
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome ( 5.7) and redistribution/accumulation of body fat ( 5.8) have been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy.

5.1 Hematologic Toxicity/Bone Marrow Suppression

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets should be used with caution in patients who have bone marrow compromise evidenced by granulocyte count less than 1,000 cells per mm 3 or hemoglobin less than 9.5 g per dL. Hematologic toxicities appear to be related to pretreatment bone marrow reserve and to dose and duration of therapy. In patients with advanced symptomatic HIV-1 disease, anemia and neutropenia were the most significant adverse events observed. In patients who experience hematologic toxicity, a reduction in hemoglobin may occur as early as 2 to 4 weeks, and neutropenia usually occurs after 6 to 8 weeks. There have been reports of pancytopenia associated with the use of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine), which was reversible in most instances after discontinuance of the drug. However, significant anemia, in many cases requiring dose adjustment, discontinuation of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine), and/or blood transfusions, has occurred during treatment with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals.

Frequent blood counts are strongly recommended to detect severe anemia or neutropenia in patients with poor bone marrow reserve, particularly in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease who are treated with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). For HIV-1-infected individuals and patients with asymptomatic or early HIV-1 disease, periodic blood counts are recommended. If anemia or neutropenia develops, dosage interruption may be needed .

5.3 Myopathy

Myopathy and myositis with pathological changes, similar to that produced by HIV-1 disease, have been associated with prolonged use of Avocomb-E.

5.4 Lactic Acidosis/Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis

Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues alone or in combination, including Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and other antiretrovirals. A majority of these cases have been in women. Obesity and prolonged exposure to antiretroviral nucleoside analogues may be risk factors. Particular caution should be exercised when administering Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) to any patient with known risk factors for liver disease; however, cases have also been reported in patients with no known risk factors. Treatment with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) should be suspended in any patient who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity (which may include hepatomegaly and steatosis even in the absence of marked transaminase elevations).

5.5 Use with Interferon- and Ribavirin-based Regimens in HIV-1/HCV Co-infected Patients

In vitro studies have shown ribavirin can reduce the phosphorylation of pyrimidine nucleoside analogues such as Avocomb-E. Although no evidence of a pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction (e.g., loss of HIV-1/HCV virologic suppression) was seen when ribavirin was coadministered with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) in HIV-1/HCV co-infected subjects , exacerbation of anemia due to ribavirin has been reported when Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is part of the HIV regimen. Coadministration of ribavirin and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is not advised. Consideration should be given to replacing Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) in established combination HIV-1/HCV therapy, especially in patients with a known history of zidovudine-induced anemia.

Hepatic decompensation (some fatal) has occurred in HIV-1/HCV co-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 and interferon alfa with or without ribavirin. Patients receiving interferon alfa with or without ribavirin and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) should be closely monitored for treatment-associated toxicities, especially hepatic decompensation, neutropenia, and anemia.

Discontinuation of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) should be considered as medically appropriate. Dose reduction or discontinuation of interferon alfa, ribavirin, or both should also be considered if worsening clinical toxicities are observed, including hepatic decompensation (e.g., Child-Pugh greater than 6).

5.6 Use with Other Zidovudine-containing Products

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets should not be administered with combination products that contain Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) as one of their components (e.g., COMBIVIR ® [lamivudine and zidovudine] tablets or TRIZIVIR ® [abacavir sulfate, lamivudine, and zidovudine] tablets).

5.7 Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including Avocomb-E. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune systems respond may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia [PCP], or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.

Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves’ disease, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.

5.8 Fat Redistribution

Redistribution/accumulation of body fat, including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (buffalo hump), peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and “cushingoid appearance”, have been observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism and long-term consequences of these events are currently unknown. A causal relationship has not been established.

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6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:

  • Hematologic toxicity, including neutropenia and anemia .
  • Symptomatic myopathy .
  • Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis .
  • Hepatic decompensation in patients co-infected with HIV-1 and hepatitis C .
  • Most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in adult HIV-1 clinical trials were headache, malaise, nausea, anorexia, and vomiting. ( 6.1)
  • Most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in pediatric HIV-1 clinical trials were fever and cough. ( 6.1)
  • Most commonly reported adverse reactions in neonates (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in the prevention of maternal-fetal transmission of HIV-1 clinical trial were anemia and neutropenia. ( 6.1)


To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lannett Company, Inc. at 1-800-325-9994 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

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

Adults

The frequency and severity of adverse reactions associated with the use of Avocomb-E are greater in patients with more advanced infection at the time of initiation of therapy.

Table 3 summarizes adverse reactions reported at a statistically significant greater incidence for subjects receiving oral Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) in a monotherapy trial.


Adverse Reaction


Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) 500 mg/day

(n = 453)


Placebo

(n = 428)


Body as a whole


Asthenia


9% Not statistically significant versus placebo.


6%


Headache


63%


53%


Malaise


53%


45%


Gastrointestinal


Anorexia


20%


11%


Constipation


6%


4%


Nausea


51%


30%


Vomiting


17%


10%


In addition to the adverse reactions listed in Table 3, adverse reactions observed at an incidence of greater than or equal to 5% in any treatment arm in clinical trials (NUCA3001, NUCA3002, NUCB3001 and NUCB3002) were abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, arthralgia, chills, dyspepsia, fatigue, insomnia, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, and neuropathy. Additionally, in these trials hyperbilirubinemia was reported at an incidence of less than or equal to 0.8%.

Selected laboratory abnormalities observed during a clinical trial of monotherapy with oral Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) are shown in Table 4.

ULN = Upper limit of normal.

Test

(Abnormal Level)


Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) 500 mg/day

(n = 453)


Placebo

(n = 428)


Anemia (Hgb < 8 g/dL)


1%


< 1%


Granulocytopenia (< 750 cells/mm 3)


2%


2%


Thrombocytopenia (platelets < 50,000/mm 3)


0%


< 1%


ALT (> 5 x ULN)


3%


3%


AST (> 5 x ULN)


1%


2%

Pediatrics

The clinical adverse reactions reported among adult recipients of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) may also occur in pediatric patients.

Trial ACTG 300: Selected clinical adverse reactions and physical findings with a greater than or equal to 5% frequency during therapy with EPIVIR ® (lamivudine) oral suspension 4 mg per kg twice daily plus Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) 160 mg per m 2 3 times daily compared with didanosine in therapy-naive (less than or equal to 56 days of antiretroviral therapy) pediatric subjects are listed in Table 5.


Adverse Reaction


EPIVIR plus Avocomb-E (Zidovudine)

(n = 236)


Didanosine

(n = 235)


Body as a whole


Fever


25%


32%


Digestive


Hepatomegaly


11%


11%


Nausea & vomiting


8%


7%


Diarrhea


8%


6%


Stomatitis


6%


12%


Splenomegaly


5%


8%


Respiratory


Cough


15%


18%


Abnormal breath sounds/wheezing


7%


9%


Ear, Nose, and Throat


Signs or symptoms of ears Includes pain, discharge, erythema, or swelling of an ear.


7%


6%


Nasal discharge or congestion


8%


11%


Other


Skin rashes


12%


14%


Lymphadenopathy


9%


11%


Selected laboratory abnormalities experienced by therapy-naive (less than or equal to 56 days of antiretroviral therapy) pediatric subjects are listed in Table 6.

ULN = Upper limit of normal.
ANC = Absolute neutrophil count.

Test

(Abnormal Level)


EPIVIR plus Avocomb-E (Zidovudine)


Didanosine


Neutropenia (ANC < 400 cells/mm 3)


8%


3%


Anemia (Hgb < 7 g/dL)


4%


2%


Thrombocytopenia (platelets < 50,000/mm 3)


1%


3%


ALT (> 10 x ULN)


1%


3%


AST (> 10 x ULN)


2%


4%


Lipase (> 2.5 x ULN)


3%


3%


Total amylase (> 2.5 x ULN)


3%


3%


Macrocytosis was reported in the majority of pediatric subjects receiving Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) 180 mg per m 2 every 6 hours in open-label trials. Additionally, adverse reactions reported at an incidence of less than 6% in these trials were congestive heart failure, decreased reflexes, ECG abnormality, edema, hematuria, left ventricular dilation, nervousness/irritability, and weight loss.

Use for the Prevention of Maternal-Fetal Transmission of HIV-1

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in HIV-1-infected women and their neonates conducted to determine the utility of Avocomb-E for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) syrup at 2 mg per kg was administered every 6 hours for 6 weeks to neonates beginning within 12 hours following birth. The most commonly reported adverse reactions were anemia (hemoglobin less than 9.0 g per dL) and neutropenia (less than 1,000 cells per mm 3). Anemia occurred in 22% of the neonates who received Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and in 12% of the neonates who received placebo. The mean difference in hemoglobin values was less than 1 g per dL for neonates receiving Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) compared with neonates receiving placebo. No neonates with anemia required transfusion and all hemoglobin values spontaneously returned to normal within 6 weeks after completion of therapy with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Neutropenia in neonates was reported with similar frequency in the group that received Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) (21%) and in the group that received placebo (27%). The long-term consequences of in utero and infant exposure to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) are unknown.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postmarketing use of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Body as a Whole: Back pain, chest pain, flu-like syndrome, generalized pain, redistribution/

accumulation of body fat .

Cardiovascular: Cardiomyopathy, syncope.

Eye: Macular edema.

Gastrointestinal: Constipation, dysphagia, flatulence, oral mucosa pigmentation, mouth ulcer.

General: Sensitization reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema, vasculitis.

Hematologic: Aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia with marrow hypoplasia, pure red cell aplasia.

Hepatobiliary: Hepatitis, hepatomegaly with steatosis, jaundice, lactic acidosis, pancreatitis.

Musculoskeletal: Increased CPK, increased LDH, muscle spasm, myopathy and myositis with pathological changes (similar to that produced by HIV-1 disease), rhabdomyolysis, tremor.

Nervous: Anxiety, confusion, depression, dizziness, loss of mental acuity, mania, paresthesia, seizures, somnolence, vertigo.

Reproductive System and Breast: Gynecomastia.

Respiratory: Dyspnea, rhinitis, sinusitis.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue: Changes in skin and nail pigmentation, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, sweating, urticaria.

Special Senses: Amblyopia, hearing loss, photophobia, taste perversion.

Renal and Urinary: Urinary frequency, urinary hesitancy.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Stavudine: Concomitant use with Avocomb-E should be avoided. ( 7.1)
  • Doxorubicin: Use with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) should be avoided. ( 7.2)
  • Bone marrow suppressive/cytotoxic agents: May increase the hematologic toxicity of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). ( 7.3)

7.1 Antiretroviral Agents

Stavudine

Concomitant use of Avocomb-E with stavudine should be avoided since an antagonistic relationship has been demonstrated in vitro.

Nucleoside Analogues Affecting DNA Replication

Some nucleoside analogues affecting DNA replication, such as ribavirin, antagonize the in vitro antiviral activity of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) against HIV-1; concomitant use of such drugs should be avoided.

7.2 Doxorubicin

Concomitant use of Avocomb-E with doxorubicin should be avoided since an antagonistic relationship has been demonstrated in vitro.

7.3 Hematologic/Bone Marrow Suppressive/Cytotoxic Agents

Coadministration of ganciclovir, interferon alfa, ribavirin, and other bone marrow suppressive or cytotoxic agents may increase the hematologic toxicity of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine).

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

In humans, treatment with Avocomb-E during pregnancy reduced the rate of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission from 24.9% for infants born to placebo-treated mothers to 7.8% for infants born to mothers treated with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) . There were no differences in pregnancy-related adverse events between the treatment groups. Animal reproduction studies in rats and rabbits showed evidence of embryotoxicity and increased fetal malformations.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in HIV-1-infected pregnant women to determine the utility of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1-transmission . Congenital abnormalities occurred with similar frequency between neonates born to mothers who received Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and neonates born to mothers who received placebo. The observed abnormalities included problems in embryogenesis (prior to 14 weeks) or were recognized on ultrasound before or immediately after initiation of study drug.

Increased fetal resorptions occurred in pregnant rats and rabbits treated with doses of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) that produced drug plasma concentrations 66 to 226 times (rats) and 12 to 87 times (rabbits) the mean steady-state peak human plasma concentration following a single 100 mg dose of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). There were no other reported developmental anomalies. In another developmental toxicity study, pregnant rats received Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) up to near-lethal doses that produced peak plasma concentrations 350 times peak human plasma concentrations (300 times the daily exposure [AUC] in humans given 600 mg per day Avocomb-E (Zidovudine)). This dose was associated with marked maternal toxicity and an increased incidence of fetal malformations. However, there were no signs of teratogenicity at doses up to one-fifth the lethal dose .

Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry

To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine), an Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients by calling 1-800-258-4263.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Avocomb-E is excreted in human milk. After administration of a single dose of 200 mg Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) to 13 HIV-1-infected women, the mean concentration of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was similar in human milk and serum.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-1-infected mothers in the United States not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1 infection. Because of both the potential for HIV-1 transmission and the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, mothers should be instructed not to breastfeed if they are receiving Avocomb-E (Zidovudine).

8.4 Pediatric Use

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) has been studied in HIV-1-infected pediatric subjects aged at least 6 weeks who had HIV-1-related symptoms or who were asymptomatic with abnormal laboratory values indicating significant HIV-1-related immunosuppression. Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) has also been studied in neonates perinatally exposed to HIV-1 .

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Avocomb-E did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

8.6 Renal Impairment

Unchanged Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and its glucuronide metabolite (formed in the liver) are primarily eliminated from the body by renal excretion. In patients with severely impaired renal function (CrCl less than 15 mL per min), dosage reduction is recommended .

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is primarily eliminated by hepatic metabolism and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) concentrations appear to be increased in patients with impaired hepatic function, which may increase the risk of hematologic toxicity. Frequent monitoring of hematologic toxicities is advised. There are insufficient data to recommend dose adjustment of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) in patients with impaired hepatic function or liver cirrhosis .

10 OVERDOSAGE

Acute overdoses of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) have been reported in pediatric patients and adults. These involved exposures up to 50 grams. No specific symptoms or signs have been identified following acute overdosage with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) apart from those listed as adverse events such as fatigue, headache, vomiting, and occasional reports of hematological disturbances. Patients recovered without permanent sequelae. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis appear to have a negligible effect on the removal of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) while elimination of its primary metabolite, 3ʹ‑azido-3ʹ-deoxy-5ʹ- O-β- D-glucopyranuronosylthymidine (GZDV), is enhanced. If overdose occurs, the patient should be monitored for evidence of toxicity and given standard supportive treatment as required.

11 DESCRIPTION

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) (formerly called azidothymidine [AZT]), is a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue active against HIV-1. The chemical name of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is 3ʹ-Azido-3ʹ-deoxythymidine; it has the following structural formula:

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is a white to yellowish powder with a molecular weight of 267.24 and a solubility of 20.1 mg per mL in water at 25°C. The molecular formula is C 10H 13N 5O 4.

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets USP are for oral administration. Each film-coated tablet contains 300 mg of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and the inactive ingredients hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, polyvinyl alcohol-part hydrolyzed, talc and lecithin soya.

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) Structural Formula

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Avocomb-E is an antiviral agent .

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption and Bioavailability

In adults, following oral administration, Avocomb-E is rapidly absorbed and extensively distributed, with peak serum concentrations occurring within 0.5 to 1.5 hours. The AUC was equivalent when Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was administered as Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets or syrup compared with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) capsules. The pharmacokinetic properties of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) in fasting adult subjects are summarized in Table 7.


Parameter


Mean ± SD

(except where noted)


Oral bioavailability (%)


64 ± 10

(n = 5)


Apparent volume of distribution (L/kg)


1.6 ± 0.6

(n = 8)


Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF):plasma ratio Median [range] for 50 paired samples drawn 1 to 8 hours after the last dose in subjects on chronic therapy with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine).


0.6 [0.04 to 2.62]

(n = 39)


Systemic clearance (L/h/kg)


1.6 ± 0.6

(n = 6)


Renal clearance (L/h/kg)


0.34 ± 0.05

(n = 9)


Elimination half-life (h) Approximate range.


0.5 to 3

(n = 19)

Distribution

The apparent volume of distribution of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is 1.6 ± 0.6 L per kg (Table 7); and binding to plasma protein is low (less than 38%).

Metabolism and Elimination

Avocomb-E is primarily eliminated by hepatic metabolism. The major metabolite of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is GZDV. GZDV AUC is about 3-fold greater than the Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) AUC. Urinary recovery of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and GZDV accounts for 14% and 74%, respectively, of the dose following oral administration and 18% and 60%, respectively, following IV dosing. A second metabolite, 3ʹ-amino-3ʹ‑deoxythymidine (AMT), has been identified in the plasma following single-dose IV administration of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). The AMT AUC was one-fifth of the Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) AUC. Pharmacokinetics of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) were dose independent at oral dosing regimens ranging from 2 mg per kg every 8 hours to 10 mg per kg every 4 hours.

Effect of Food on Absorption

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) may be administered with or without food. The Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) AUC was similar when a single dose of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was administered with food.

Special Populations

Renal Impairment: Avocomb-E clearance was decreased resulting in increased Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and GZDV half-life and AUC in subjects with impaired renal function (n = 14) following a single 200-mg oral dose (Table 8). Plasma concentrations of AMT were not determined. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with CrCl greater than or equal to 15 mL per min.


Parameter


Control Subjects

(Normal Renal Function)

(n = 6)


Subjects With Renal Impairment

(n = 14)


CrCl (mL/min)


120 ± 8


18 ± 2


Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) AUC (ng-h/mL)


1,400 ± 200


3,100 ± 300


Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) half-life (h)


1 ± 2


1.4 ± 0.1


Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis: The pharmacokinetics and tolerance of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) were evaluated in a multiple-dose trial in subjects undergoing hemodialysis (n = 5) or peritoneal dialysis (n = 6) receiving escalating oral doses up to 200 mg 5 times daily for 8 weeks. Daily doses of 500 mg or less were well tolerated despite significantly elevated GZDV plasma concentrations. Apparent Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) oral clearance was approximately 50% of that reported in subjects with normal renal function. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis appeared to have a negligible effect on the removal of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine), whereas GZDV elimination was enhanced. A dosage adjustment is recommended for patients undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis .

Hepatic Impairment: Data describing the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) are limited. However, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is eliminated primarily by hepatic metabolism and it appears that Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) clearance is decreased and plasma concentrations are increased in subjects with hepatic impairment. There are insufficient data to recommend dose adjustment of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) in patients with impaired hepatic function or liver cirrhosis .

Pediatric Patients: Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) pharmacokinetics have been evaluated in HIV-1-infected pediatric subjects (Table 9).

Patients Aged 3 Months to 12 Years: Overall, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) pharmacokinetics in pediatric patients older than 3 months are similar to those in adult patients. Proportional increases in plasma Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) concentrations were observed following administration of oral solution from 90 to 240 mg per m 2 every 6 hours. Oral bioavailability, terminal half-life, and oral clearance were comparable to adult values. As in adult subjects, the major route of elimination was by metabolism to GZDV. After IV dosing, about 29% of the dose was excreted in the urine unchanged, and about 45% of the dose was excreted as GZDV .

Patients Aged Less Than 3 Months Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) pharmacokinetics have been evaluated in pediatric subjects from birth to 3 months of life. Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) elimination was determined immediately following birth in eight neonates who were exposed to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) in utero. The half-life was 13 ± 5.8 hours. In neonates less than or equal to 14 days, bioavailability was greater, total body clearance was slower, and half-life was longer than in pediatric subjects older than 14 days. For dose recommendations for neonates .


Parameter


Birth to 14 Days


Aged 14 Days to

3 Months


Aged 3 Months to

12 Years


Oral bioavailability (%)


89 ± 19

(n = 15)


61 ± 19

(n = 17)


65 ± 24

(n = 18)


CSF:plasma ratio


no data


no data


0.68 [0.03 to 3.25] Median [range].

(n = 38)


CL (L/h/kg)


0.65 ± 0.29

(n = 18)


1.14 ± 0.24

(n = 16)


1.85 ± 0.47

(n = 20)


Elimination half-life (h)


3.1 ± 1.2

(n = 21)


1.9 ± 0.7

(n = 18)


1.5 ± 0.7

(n = 21)


Pregnancy: Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) pharmacokinetics have been studied in a Phase I trial of eight women during the last trimester of pregnancy. Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) pharmacokinetics were similar to those of nonpregnant adults. Consistent with passive transmission of the drug across the placenta, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) concentrations in neonatal plasma at birth were essentially equal to those in maternal plasma at delivery .

Although data are limited, methadone maintenance therapy in five pregnant women did not appear to alter Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) pharmacokinetics.

Geriatric Patients: Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) pharmacokinetics have not been studied in subjects over 65 years of age.

Gender: A pharmacokinetic trial in healthy male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) subjects showed no differences in Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) AUC when a single dose of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was administered as the

300 mg Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablet.

Drug Interactions

.

↑ = Increase; ↓ = Decrease; ↔ = no significant change; AUC = area under the concentration versus time curve;

CI = confidence interval.


Note: ROUTINE DOSE MODIFICATION OF Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) IS NOT WARRANTED WITH COADMINISTRATION OF THE FOLLOWING DRUGS.


Coadministered Drug and Dose


Avocomb-E (Zidovudine)

Oral Dose


n


Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) Concentrations


Concentration of Coadministered Drug


AUC


Variability


Atovaquone

750 mg every 12 h with food


200 mg

every 8 h


14


↑AUC

31%


Range:

23% to 78% Estimated range of percent difference.




Clarithromycin

500 mg twice daily


100 mg every

4 h x 7 days


4


↓AUC

12%


Range:

↓34% to ↑14%


Not Reported


Fluconazole

400 mg daily


200 mg

every 8 h


12


↑AUC

74%


95% CI:

54% to 98%


Not Reported


Lamivudine

300 mg every 12 h


single 200 mg


12


↑AUC

13%


90% CI:

2% to 27%




Methadone

30 mg to 90 mg daily


200 mg

every 4 h


9


↑AUC

43%


Range:

16% to 64%




Nelfinavir

750 mg every 8 h x

7 to 10 days


single 200 mg


11


↓AUC

35%


Range:

28% to 41%




Probenecid

500 mg every 6 h x

2 days


2 mg/kg every

8 h x 3 days


3


↑AUC

106%


Range:

100% to 170%


Not Assessed


Rifampin

600 mg daily x

14 days


200 mg

q 8 h x 14 days


8


↓AUC

47%


90% CI:

41% to 53%


Not Assessed


Ritonavir

300 mg every 6 h x

4 days


200 mg every

8 h x 4 days


9


↓AUC

25%


95% CI:

15% to 34%




Valproic acid

250 mg or 500 mg every 8 h x 4 days


100 mg every

8 h x 4 days


6


↑AUC

80%


Range:

64% to 130%


Not Assessed


Phenytoin: Phenytoin plasma levels have been reported to be low in some patients receiving Avocomb-E (Zidovudine), while in one case a high level was documented. However, in a pharmacokinetic interaction trial in which 12 HIV-1-positive volunteers received a single 300-mg phenytoin dose alone and during steady-state Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) conditions (200 mg every 4 hours), no change in phenytoin kinetics was observed. Although not designed to optimally assess the effect of phenytoin on Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) kinetics, a 30% decrease in oral Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) clearance was observed with phenytoin.

Ribavirin: In vitro data indicate ribavirin reduces phosphorylation of lamivudine, stavudine, and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). However, no pharmacokinetic (e.g., plasma concentrations or intracellular triphosphorylated active metabolite concentrations) or pharmacodynamic (e.g., loss of HIV-1/HCV virologic suppression) interaction was observed when ribavirin and lamivudine (n = 18), stavudine (n = 10), or Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) (n = 6) were coadministered as part of a multi-drug regimen to HIV-1/HCV co-infected subjects .

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Avocomb-E is a synthetic nucleoside analogue. Intracellularly, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is phosphorylated to its active 5ʹ-triphosphate metabolite, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) triphosphate (ZDV-TP). The principal mode of action of ZDV-TP is inhibition of reverse transcriptase (RT) via DNA chain termination after incorporation of the nucleotide analogue. ZDV-TP is a weak inhibitor of the cellular DNA polymerases α and γ and has been reported to be incorporated into the DNA of cells in culture.

Antiviral Activity

The antiviral activity of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) against HIV-1 was assessed in a number of cell lines (including monocytes and fresh human peripheral blood lymphocytes). The EC 50 and EC 90 values for Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) were 0.01 to 0.49 µM (1 µM = 0.27 mcg per mL) and 0.1 to 9 µM, respectively. HIV-1 from therapy-naive subjects with no mutations associated with resistance gave median EC 50 values of 0.011 µM (range: 0.005 to 0.110 µM) from Virco (n = 92 baseline samples from COL40263) and 0.0017 µM (0.006 to 0.0340 µM) from Monogram Biosciences (n = 135 baseline samples from ESS30009). The EC 50 values of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) against different HIV-1 clades (A-G) ranged from 0.00018 to 0.02 µM, and against HIV-2 isolates from 0.00049 to 0.004 µM. In cell culture drug combination studies, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) demonstrates synergistic activity with the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors abacavir, didanosine, and lamivudine; the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors delavirdine and nevirapine; and the protease inhibitors indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir; and additive activity with interferon alfa. Ribavirin has been found to inhibit the phosphorylation of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) in cell culture.

Resistance

Genotypic analyses of the isolates selected in cell culture and recovered from zidovudine-treated subjects showed mutations in the HIV-1 RT gene resulting in six amino acid substitutions that confer Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) resistance. In general, higher levels of resistance were associated with greater number of amino acid substitutions. In some subjects harboring zidovudine-resistant virus at baseline, phenotypic sensitivity to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was restored by 12 weeks of treatment with lamivudine and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Combination therapy with lamivudine plus Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) delayed the emergence of substitutions conferring resistance to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine).

Cross-Resistance

In a trial of 167 HIV-1-infected subjects, isolates (n = 2) with multi-drug resistance to didanosine, lamivudine, stavudine, zalcitabine, and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) were recovered from subjects treated for at least 1 year with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) plus didanosine or Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) plus zalcitabine. The pattern of resistance-associated amino acid substitutions with such combination therapies was different (A62V, V75I, F77L, F116Y, Q151M) from the pattern with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) monotherapy, with the Q151M substitution being most commonly associated with multi-drug resistance. The substitution at codon 151 in combination with substitutions at 62, 75, 77, and 116 results in a virus with reduced susceptibility to didanosine, lamivudine, stavudine, zalcitabine, and Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs) are selected by Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and confer cross-resistance to abacavir, didanosine, stavudine, tenofovir, and zalcitabine.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Avocomb-E was administered orally at three dosage levels to separate groups of mice and rats (60 females and 60 males in each group). Initial single daily doses were 30, 60, and 120 mg per kg per day in mice and 80, 220, and 600 mg per kg per day in rats. The doses in mice were reduced to 20, 30, and 40 mg per kg per day after Day 90 because of treatment-related anemia, whereas in rats only the high dose was reduced to 450 mg per kg per day on Day 91 and then to 300 mg per kg per day on Day 279.

In mice, seven late-appearing (after 19 months) vaginal neoplasms (five nonmetastasizing squamous cell carcinomas, one squamous cell papilloma, and one squamous polyp) occurred in animals given the highest dose. One late-appearing squamous cell papilloma occurred in the vagina of a middle-dose animal. No vaginal tumors were found at the lowest dose.

In rats, two late-appearing (after 20 months), nonmetastasizing vaginal squamous cell carcinomas occurred in animals given the highest dose. No vaginal tumors occurred at the low or middle dose in rats. No other drug-related tumors were observed in either sex of either species.

At doses that produced tumors in mice and rats, the estimated drug exposure (as measured by AUC) was approximately 3 times (mouse) and 24 times (rat) the estimated human exposure at the recommended therapeutic dose of 100 mg every 4 hours.

It is not known how predictive the results of rodent carcinogenicity studies may be for humans.

Two transplacental carcinogenicity studies were conducted in mice. One study administered Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) at doses of 20 mg per kg per day or 40 mg per kg per day from gestation Day 10 through parturition and lactation with dosing continuing in offspring for 24 months postnatally. The doses of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) administered in this study produced Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) exposures approximately 3 times the estimated human exposure at recommended doses. After 24 months, an increase in incidence of vaginal tumors was noted with no increase in tumors in the liver or lung or any other organ in either gender. These findings are consistent with results of the standard oral carcinogenicity study in mice, as described earlier. A second study administered Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) at maximum tolerated doses of 12.5 mg per day or 25 mg per day (approximately 1000 mg per kg nonpregnant body weight or approximately 450 mg per kg of term body weight) to pregnant mice from Days 12 through 18 of gestation. There was an increase in the number of tumors in the lung, liver, and female reproductive tracts in the offspring of mice receiving the higher dose level of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine).

Mutagenesis

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was mutagenic in a 5178Y/TK +/- mouse lymphoma assay, positive in an in vitro cell transformation assay, clastogenic in a cytogenetic assay using cultured human lymphocytes, and positive in mouse and rat micronucleus tests after repeated doses. It was negative in a cytogenetic study in rats given a single dose.

Impairment of Fertility

Avocomb-E, administered to male and female rats at doses up to 7 times the usual adult dose based on body surface area, had no effect on fertility judged by conception rates.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Oral teratology studies in the rat and in the rabbit at doses up to 500 mg per kg per day revealed no evidence of teratogenicity with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) treatment resulted in embryo/fetal toxicity as evidenced by an increase in the incidence of fetal resorptions in rats given 150 or 450 mg per kg per day and rabbits given 500 mg per kg per day. The doses used in the teratology studies resulted in peak Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) plasma concentrations (after one-half of the daily dose) in rats 66 to 226 times, and in rabbits 12 to 87 times, mean steady-state peak human plasma concentrations (after one-sixth of the daily dose) achieved with the recommended daily dose (100 mg every 4 hours). In an in vitro experiment with fertilized mouse oocytes, Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) exposure resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in blastocyst formation. In an additional teratology study in rats, a dose of 3000 mg per kg per day (very near the oral median lethal dose in rats of 3683 mg per kg) caused marked maternal toxicity and an increase in the incidence of fetal malformations. This dose resulted in peak Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) plasma concentrations 350 times peak human plasma concentrations. (Estimated AUC in rats at this dose level was 300 times the daily AUC in humans given 600 mg per day.) No evidence of teratogenicity was seen in this experiment at doses of 600 mg per kg per day or less.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Therapy with Avocomb-E has been shown to prolong survival and decrease the incidence of opportunistic infections in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease and to delay disease progression in asymptomatic HIV-1-infected patients.

14.1 Adults

Combination Therapy

Avocomb-E in combination with other antiretroviral agents has been shown to be superior to monotherapy for one or more of the following endpoints: delaying death, delaying development of AIDS, increasing CD4+ cell counts, and decreasing plasma HIV-1 RNA.

The clinical efficacy of a combination regimen that includes Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was demonstrated in trial ACTG 320. This trial was a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that compared Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) 600 mg per day plus EPIVIR 300 mg per day to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) plus EPIVIR plus indinavir 800 mg three times daily. The incidence of AIDS-defining events or death was lower in the triple-drug–containing arm compared with the 2-drug–containing arm (6.1% versus 10.9%, respectively).

Monotherapy

In controlled trials of treatment-naive subjects conducted between 1986 and 1989, monotherapy with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine), as compared with placebo, reduced the risk of HIV-1 disease progression, as assessed using endpoints that included the occurrence of HIV-1-related illnesses, AIDS-defining events, or death. These trials enrolled subjects with advanced disease (BW 002), and asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic disease in subjects with CD4+ cell counts between 200 and 500 cells per mm 3 (ACTG 016 and ACTG 019). A survival benefit for monotherapy with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was not demonstrated in the latter two trials. Subsequent trials showed that the clinical benefit of monotherapy with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was time limited.

14.2 Pediatric Patients

ACTG 300 was a multi-center, randomized, double-blind trial that provided for comparison of EPIVIR plus Avocomb-E to didanosine monotherapy. A total of 471 symptomatic, HIV-1-infected therapy-naive pediatric subjects were enrolled in these two treatment arms. The median age was 2.7 years (range: 6 weeks to 14 years), the mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 868 cells per mm 3, and the mean baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 5.0 log 10 copies per mL. The median duration that subjects remained on trial was approximately 10 months. Results are summarized in Table 11.


Endpoint


EPIVIR plus Avocomb-E (Zidovudine)

(n = 236)


Didanosine

(n = 235)


HIV disease progression or death (total)


15 (6.4%)


37 (15.7%)


Physical growth failure


7 (3%)


6 (2.6%)


Central nervous system deterioration


4 (1.7%)


12 (5.1%)


CDC Clinical Category C


2 (0.8%)


8 (3.4%)


Death


2 (0.8%)


11 (4.7%)

14.3 Prevention of Maternal-Fetal HIV-1 Transmission

The utility of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission was demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ACTG 076) conducted in HIV-1-infected pregnant women with CD4+ cell counts of 200 to 1,818 cells per mm 3 (median in the treated group: 560 cells per mm 3) who had little or no previous exposure to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Oral Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was initiated between 14 and 34 weeks of gestation (median 11 weeks of therapy) followed by IV administration of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) during labor and delivery. Following birth, neonates received oral Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) syrup for 6 weeks. The trial showed a statistically significant difference in the incidence of HIV-1 infection in the neonates (based on viral culture from peripheral blood) between the group receiving Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and the group receiving placebo. Of 363 neonates evaluated in the trial, the estimated risk of HIV-1 infection was 7.8% in the group receiving Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) and 24.9% in the placebo group, a relative reduction in transmission risk of 68.7%. Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) was well tolerated by mothers and infants. There was no difference in pregnancy-related adverse events between the treatment groups.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) Tablets USP, 300 mg are supplied as white, biconvex, round, film-coated tablets containing 300 mg of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) per tablet. Each tablet has one side debossed with “S2” and blank on the other side.

Bottles of 60 (NDC 0527-1905-06).

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Inform patients that potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) can occur while receiving Avocomb-E (Zidovudine). Instruct patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider if they develop rash, as it may be a sign of a more serious reaction. Advise patients that it is very important that they remain under a healthcare provider’s care during treatment with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine).

Neutropenia and Anemia

Inform patients that the major toxicities of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) are neutropenia and/or anemia. The frequency and severity of these toxicities are greater in patients with more advanced disease and in those who initiate therapy later in the course of their infection. Advise patients that if toxicity develops, they may require transfusions or drug discontinuation. Advise patients of the extreme importance of having their blood counts followed closely while on therapy, especially for patients with advanced symptomatic HIV-1 disease .

Myopathy

Inform patients that myopathy and myositis with pathological changes, similar to that produced by HIV-1 disease, have been associated with prolonged use of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) .

Lactic Acidosis/Hepatomegaly

Inform patients that some HIV medicines, including Avocomb-E (Zidovudine), can cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) .

HIV-1/HCV Co-infection

Inform patients with HIV-1/HCV co-infection that hepatic decompensation (some fatal) has occurred in HIV-1/HCV co-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 and interferon alfa with or without ribavirin .

Use with Other Zidovudine-containing Products

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets should not be administered with combination products that contain Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) as one of their components (e.g., COMBIVIR [lamivudine and zidovudine] tablets or TRIZIVIR [abacavir sulfate, lamivudine, and zidovudine] tablets) .

Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

In some patients with advanced HIV infection, signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. It is believed that these symptoms are due to an improvement in the body’s immune response, enabling the body to fight infections that may have been present with no obvious symptoms. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider immediately of any symptoms of infection .

Redistribution/Accumulation of Body Fat:

Inform patients that redistribution or accumulation of body fat may occur in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy and that the cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time .

Common Adverse Reactions:

Inform patients that the most commonly reported adverse reactions in adult patients being treated with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) were headache, malaise, nausea, anorexia, and vomiting. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in pediatric patients receiving Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) were fever, cough, and digestive disorders. Patients also should be encouraged to contact their physician if they experience muscle weakness, shortness of breath, symptoms of hepatitis or pancreatitis, or any other unexpected adverse events while being treated with Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) .

Drug Interactions

Caution patients about the use of other medications, including ganciclovir, interferon alfa, and ribavirin, which may exacerbate the toxicity of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) .

Pregnancy

Inform pregnant women considering the use of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) during pregnancy for prevention of HIV-1 transmission to their infants that transmission may still occur in some cases despite therapy. The long-term consequences of in utero and infant exposure to Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) are unknown, including the possible risk of cancer .

Advise HIV-1-infected pregnant women not to breastfeed to avoid postnatal transmission of HIV to a child who may not yet be infected .

Information About HIV-1 Infection

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is not a cure for HIV-1 infection and patients may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. Patients must remain on continuous HIV therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-1-related illness. Patients should be told that sustained decreases in plasma HIV-1 RNA have been associated with a reduced risk of progression to AIDS and death. Patients should remain under the care of a physician when using Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) tablets.

Patients should be informed to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed.

Patients should be advised to avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others.

  • Do not share needles or other injection equipment.
  • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.
  • Continue to practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom or other barrier method to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
  • Female patients should be advised not to breastfeed. Avocomb-E (Zidovudine) is excreted in human breast milk. Mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk.

Instruct patients that if they miss a dose, they should just take their next dose at the usual time. Patients should not double their next dose.

COMBIVIR, EPIVIR, and TRIZIVIR are registered trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.

Manufactured by:

Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd.

Guangdong Province 523808

P.R. China

Manufactured for:

Lannett Company, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA 19136

Revised: 12/2015, Revision 1

10-003

1425

Logo

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 300 mg

NDC 0527-1905-06

Avocomb-E (Zidovudine)

TABLETS, USP

300 mg

Rx only

60 Tablets

Each tablet contains 300 mg of Avocomb-E (Zidovudine).

Usual

Dosage: See package insert for Dosage and Administration.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Preserve in tight, light-resistant containers.

Manufactured for:

Lannett Company, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA19136

by:

Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd.

Guangdong Province, China

Rev. 12/13 10-002

1412

Avocomb-E pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:

Active ingredient is the part of the drug or medicine which is biologically active. This portion of the drug is responsible for the main action of the drug which is intended to cure or reduce the symptom or disease. The other portions of the drug which are inactive are called excipients; there role is to act as vehicle or binder. In contrast to active ingredient, the inactive ingredient's role is not significant in the cure or treatment of the disease. There can be one or more active ingredients in a drug.


Avocomb-E available forms, composition, doses:

Form of the medicine is the form in which the medicine is marketed in the market, for example, a medicine X can be in the form of capsule or the form of chewable tablet or the form of tablet. Sometimes same medicine can be available as injection form. Each medicine cannot be in all forms but can be marketed in 1, 2, or 3 forms which the pharmaceutical company decided based on various background research results.
Composition is the list of ingredients which combinedly form a medicine. Both active ingredients and inactive ingredients form the composition. The active ingredient gives the desired therapeutic effect whereas the inactive ingredient helps in making the medicine stable.
Doses are various strengths of the medicine like 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and so on. Each medicine comes in various doses which is decided by the manufacturer, that is, pharmaceutical company. The dose is decided on the severity of the symptom or disease.


Avocomb-E destination | category:

Destination is defined as the organism to which the drug or medicine is targeted. For most of the drugs what we discuss, human is the drug destination.
Drug category can be defined as major classification of the drug. For example, an antihistaminic or an antipyretic or anti anginal or pain killer, anti-inflammatory or so.


Avocomb-E Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:

A medicine is classified depending on the organ or system it acts [Anatomical], based on what result it gives on what disease, symptom [Therapeutical], based on chemical composition [Chemical]. It is called as ATC code. The code is based on Active ingredients of the medicine. A medicine can have different codes as sometimes it acts on different organs for different indications. Same way, different brands with same active ingredients and same indications can have same ATC code.


Avocomb-E pharmaceutical companies:

Pharmaceutical companies are drug manufacturing companies that help in complete development of the drug from the background research to formation, clinical trials, release of the drug into the market and marketing of the drug.
Researchers are the persons who are responsible for the scientific research and is responsible for all the background clinical trials that resulted in the development of the drug.


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References

  1. Dailymed."ZIDOVUDINE TABLET, FILM COATED [LANNETT COMPANY, INC.]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  2. Dailymed."LAMIVUDINE TABLET, FILM COATED [APOTEX CORP.]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  3. Dailymed."SUSTIVA (EFAVIRENZ) TABLET, FILM COATED [PHYSICIANS TOTAL CARE, INC.]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming Avocomb-E?

Depending on the reaction of the Avocomb-E after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Avocomb-E not safe to drive or operate heavy machine after consumption. Meaning that, do not drive or operate heavy duty machines after taking the capsule if the capsule has a strange reaction on your body like dizziness, drowsiness. As prescribed by a pharmacist, it is dangerous to take alcohol while taking medicines as it exposed patients to drowsiness and health risk. Please take note of such effect most especially when taking Primosa capsule. It's advisable to consult your doctor on time for a proper recommendation and medical consultations.

Is Avocomb-E addictive or habit forming?

Medicines are not designed with the mind of creating an addiction or abuse on the health of the users. Addictive Medicine is categorically called Controlled substances by the government. For instance, Schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the US are controlled substances.

Please consult the medicine instruction manual on how to use and ensure it is not a controlled substance.In conclusion, self medication is a killer to your health. Consult your doctor for a proper prescription, recommendation, and guidiance.

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Review

sdrugs.com conducted a study on Avocomb-E, and the result of the survey is set out below. It is noteworthy that the product of the survey is based on the perception and impressions of the visitors of the website as well as the views of Avocomb-E consumers. We, as a result of this, advice that you do not base your therapeutic or medical decisions on this result, but rather consult your certified medical experts for their recommendations.

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The information was verified by Dr. Rachana Salvi, MD Pharmacology

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