Carac

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Carac uses


1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Carac is indicated for the treatment of patients with:

Carac® (fluorouracil injection) is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with

1.1 Adenocarcinoma of the Colon and Rectum

1.2 Adenocarcinoma of the Breast

1.3 Gastric Adenocarcinoma

1.4 Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 General Dosage Information

Carac is recommended for administration either as an intravenous bolus or as an intravenous infusion. Do not inject the entire contents of the vial directly into patients. Individualize the dose and dosing schedule of Carac based on tumor type, the specific regimen administered, disease state, response to treatment, and patient risk factors.

2.2 Recommended Dosage for Adenocarcinoma of the Colon and Rectum

2.3 Recommended Dosage for Adenocarcinoma of the Breast

2.4 Recommended Dosage for Gastric Adenocarcinoma

2.5 Recommended Dosage for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

2.6 Dose Modifications

Withhold Carac for any of the following:


Upon resolution or improvement to Grade 1 diarrhea, mucositis, myelosuppression, or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, resume Carac administration at a reduced dose.

There is no recommended dose for resumption of Carac administration following development of any of the following adverse reactions:

2.7 Preparation for Administration

Carac is supplied in a pharmacy bulk package consisting of a vial. The pharmacy bulk package can be used to prepare doses for more than one patient. It is not supplied with a sterile transfer device, which is required for dispensing when multiple doses will be prepared from the single vial. The 50 mL vial is only intended for preparation in a Pharmacy Admixture Service under appropriate conditions for cytotoxic drugs . Store vial at room temperature.

Using aseptic conditions, penetrate the container closure once with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set that allows measured distribution of the contents. Record the date and time the vial was opened on the vial label. Discard the pharmacy bulk package 4 hours after penetration of the container closure.

Withdraw the calculated dose for an individual patient into a sterile syringe. Inspect the solution in syringe for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration or further dilution. Discard syringe if the solution is discolored or contains particulate matter.

2.8 Administration

Do not administer in the same intravenous line concomitantly with other medicinal products.

For bolus administration, store undiluted Carac in the syringe for up to 4 hours at room temperature (25°C). Administer Carac as an intravenous bolus through an established intravenous line.

Store diluted solutions of Carac for up to 4 hours at room temperature (25°C) prior to administration to the patient. For intravenous infusion regimens, administer through a central venous line using an infusion pump.

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3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Carac (fluorouracil injection USP) is supplied as:


Injection:

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

None.

None (4)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Increased Risk of Serious or Fatal Adverse Reactions in Patients with Low or Absent Dipyrimidine Dehydrogenase (DPD) Activity

Based on postmarketing reports, patients with certain homozygous or certain compound heterozygous mutations in the DPD gene that result in complete or near complete absence of DPD activity are at increased risk for acute early-onset of toxicity and severe, life-threatening, or fatal adverse reactions caused by Carac (e.g., mucositis, diarrhea, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity). Patients with partial DPD activity may also have increased risk of severe, life-threatening, or fatal adverse reactions caused by Carac.

Withhold or permanently discontinue Carac based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed toxicities in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe toxicity, which may indicate near complete or total absence of DPD activity. No Carac dose has been proven safe for patients with complete absence of DPD activity. There is insufficient data to recommend a specific dose in patients with partial DPD activity as measured by any specific test.

5.2 Cardiotoxicity

Carac can cause cardiotoxicity, including angina, myocardial infarction/ischemia, arrhythmia, and heart failure, based on postmarketing reports. Reported risk factors for cardiotoxicity are administration by continuous infusion rather than intravenous bolus and presence of coronary artery disease. Withhold Carac for cardiotoxicity. The risks of resumption of Carac in patients with cardiotoxicity that has resolved have not been established.

5.3 Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy

Carac can cause hyperammonemic encephalopathy in the absence of liver disease or other identifiable cause, based on postmarketing reports. Signs or symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy began within 72 hours after initiation of Carac infusion; these included altered mental status, confusion, disorientation, coma, or ataxia, in the presence of concomitant elevated serum ammonia level. Withhold Carac for hyperammonemic encephalopathy and initiate ammonia-lowering therapy. The risks of resumption of Carac in patients with hyperammonemic encephalopathy that has resolved have not been established.

5.4 Neurologic Toxicity

Carac can cause neurologic toxicity, including acute cerebellar syndrome and other neurologic events, based on postmarketing reports. Neurologic symptoms included confusion, disorientation, ataxia, or visual disturbances. Withhold Carac for neurologic toxicity. There are insufficient data on the risks of resumption of Carac in patients with neurologic toxicity that has resolved.

5.5 Diarrhea

Carac can cause severe diarrhea. Withhold Carac for Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea until resolved or decreased in intensity to Grade 1, then resume Carac at a reduced dose. Administer fluids, electrolyte replacement, or antidiarrheal treatments as necessary.

5.6 Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia

Carac can cause palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, also known as hand-foot syndrome (HFS). Symptoms of HFS include a tingling sensation, pain, swelling, and erythema with tenderness, and desquamation. HFS occurs more commonly when Carac is administered as a continuous infusion than when Carac is administered as a bolus injection, and has been reported to occur more frequently in patients with previous exposure to chemotherapy. HFS is generally observed after 8 to 9 weeks of Carac administration but may occur earlier. Institute supportive measures for symptomatic relief of HFS. Withhold Carac administration for Grade 2 or 3 HFS; resume Carac at a reduced dose when HFS is completely resolved or decreased in severity to Grade 1.

5.7 Myelosuppression

Carac can cause severe and fatal myelosuppression which may include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. The nadir in neutrophil counts commonly occurs between 9 and 14 days after Carac administration. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment cycle, weekly if administered on a weekly or similar schedule, and as needed. Withhold Carac until Grade 4 myelosuppression resolves; resume Carac at a reduced dose when myelosuppression has resolved or improved to Grade 1 in severity.

5.8 Mucositis

Mucositis, stomatitis or esophagopharyngitis, which may lead to mucosal sloughing or ulceration, can occur with Carac. The incidence is reported to be higher with administration of Carac by intravenous bolus compared with administration by continuous infusion. Withhold Carac administration for Grade 3 or 4 mucositis; resume Carac at a reduced dose once mucositis has resolved or decreased in severity to Grade 1.

5.9 Increased Risk of Elevated International Normalized Ratio with Warfarin

Clinically significant elevations in coagulation parameters have been reported during concomitant use of warfarin and Carac. Closely monitor patients receiving concomitant coumarin-derivative anticoagulants such as warfarin for INR or prothrombin time in order to adjust the anticoagulant dose accordingly .

5.10 Embryofetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action, Carac can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal studies, administration of Carac at doses lower than a human dose of 12 mg/kg caused teratogenicity. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for 3 months following cessation of therapy with Carac .

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6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

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


To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. at 1-866-832-8537 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Carac. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Hematologic: pancytopenia

Gastrointestinal: gastrointestinal ulceration, nausea, vomiting

Allergic Reactions: anaphylaxis and generalized allergic reactions

Neurologic: nystagmus, headache

Dermatologic: dry skin; fissuring; photosensitivity, as manifested by erythema or increased pigmentation of the skin; vein pigmentation

Ophthalmic: lacrimal duct stenosis, visual changes, lacrimation, photophobia

Psychiatric: euphoria

Miscellaneous: thrombophlebitis, epistaxis, nail changes (including loss of nails)

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7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

7.1 Anticoagulants and CYP 2C9 Substrates

Elevated coagulation times have been reported in patients taking Carac concomitantly with warfarin. While pharmacokinetic data are not available to assess the effect of Carac administration on warfarin pharmacokinetics, the elevation of coagulation times that occurs with the Carac prodrug capecitabine is accompanied by an increase in warfarin concentrations. Thus, the interaction may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 2C9 by Carac or its metabolites.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category D

Risk Summary

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Carac in pregnant women. Based on its mechanism of action, Carac can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Administration of Carac to rats and mice during selected periods of organogenesis, at doses lower than a human dose of 12 mg/kg, caused embryolethality and teratogenicity. Malformations included cleft palate and skeletal defects. In monkeys, maternal doses of Carac higher than an approximate human dose of 12 mg/kg resulted in abortion. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus .

Animal Data

Malformations including cleft palate, skeletal defects and deformed appendages (paws and tails) were observed when Carac was administered by intraperitoneal injection to mice at doses at or above 10 mg/kg (approximately 0.06 times a human dose of 12 mg/kg on a mg/m2 basis) for 4 days during the period of organogenesis. Similar results were observed in hamsters administered Carac intramuscularly at doses lower than those administered in commonly used clinical treatment regimens. In rats, administration of Carac by intraperitoneal injection at doses greater than 15 mg/kg (approximately 0.2 times a human dose of 12 mg/kg on a mg/m2 basis) for a single day during organogenesis resulted in delays in growth and malformations including micro-anophthalmos. In monkeys, administration of Carac during organogenesis at doses approximately equal to a human dose of 12 mg/kg on a mg/m2 basis resulted in abortion; at a 50% lower dose, resorptions and decreased fetal body weights were reported.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether Carac or its metabolites are present in human milk. Because many drugs are present in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Carac, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in safety or effectiveness between the elderly and younger patients.

8.6 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Contraception

Females

Based on its mechanism of action, Carac can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Carac and for up to 3 months following cessation of therapy .

Males

Carac may damage spermatozoa. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for 3 months following cessation of therapy with Carac .

Infertility

Females

Advise females of reproductive potential that, based on animal data, fertility may be impaired while receiving Carac .

Males

Advise males of reproductive potential that, based on animal data, fertility may be impaired while receiving Carac .

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10 OVERDOSAGE

Administer uridine triacetate within 96 hours following the end of Carac infusion for management of Carac overdose.

11 DESCRIPTION

Carac® (fluorouracil injection USP), a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor, is a colorless to faint yellow aqueous, sterile, nonpyrogenic injectable solution available in a 50 mL and 100 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package for intravenous administration. Each mL contains 50 mg Carac, USP in water for injection, USP, pH is adjusted to 8.6 to 9.4 with sodium hydroxide.

Chemically, Carac, USP, a fluorinated pyrimidine, is 5-fluoro-2,4 (1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione. It is a white to practically white crystalline powder which is sparingly soluble in water. The structural formula is:

C4H3FN2O2 M.W. 130.08

Chemical Structure

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Carac is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor that interferes with the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid and to a lesser extent inhibits the formation of ribonucleic acid (RNA); these affect rapidly growing cells and may lead to cell death. Carac is converted to three main active metabolites: 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-monophosphate (FdUMP), 5-fluorouridine-5′-triphosphate (FUTP) and 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-triphosphate (FdUTP). These metabolites have several effects including the inhibition of thymidylate synthase by FdUMP, incorporation of FUTP into RNA and incorporation of FdUTP into DNA.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Distribution

Following bolus intravenous injection, Carac distributes throughout the body including the intestinal mucosa, bone marrow, liver, cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue.

Elimination

Following bolus intravenous injection, 5 to 20 % of the parent drug is excreted unchanged in the urine in six hours. The remaining percentage of the administered dose is metabolized, primarily in the liver. The metabolites of Carac (e.g., urea and α-fluoro-ß-alanine) are excreted in the urine over 3 to 4 hours.

Following bolus intravenous injection of Carac, as a single agent, the elimination half-life increased with dose from 8 to 20 minutes.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenicity studies have not been performed with Carac. Carac was mutagenic in vitro in the bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay and induced chromosomal aberrations in hamster fibroblasts in vitro and in mouse bone marrow in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.

Administration of Carac intraperitoneally to male rats at dose levels equal to or greater than 1.7-fold the human dose of 12 mg/kg induced chromosomal aberrations in spermatogonia and inhibition of spermatogonia differentiation resulting in transient infertility. In female rats, intraperitoneal administration of Carac during the pre-ovulatory phases of oogenesis at dose levels equal to or greater than 0.33 times a human dose of 12 mg/kg resulted in decreased incidence of fertile matings, increased pre-implantation loss, and fetotoxicity.

15 REFERENCES

"OSHA Hazardous Drugs." OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

16.1 How Supplied

Carac® is available in two pharmacy bulk vials as follows:

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGES

NDC Number Carac Volume

0703-3018-12


50 mg/mL


2.5 g/50 mL vial


0703-3019-12


50 mg/mL


5 g/100 mL vial


The 50 mL and 100 mL pharmacy bulk packages are packaged 5 vials per shelf pack.

16.2 Storage and Handling

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Retain in carton until time of use.

Carac is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposable procedures .

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Advise:


Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

North Wales, PA 19454

Rev. D 1/2017


Adrucil®

(fluorouracil injection USP)

2.5 grams/50 mL

(50 mg/mL)

For Intravenous Use Only

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE

NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION

CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent

5 x 50 mL Vials

TEVA


Adrucil®

(fluorouracil injection USP)

5 grams/100 mL

(50 mg/mL)

For Intravenous Use Only

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE

NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION

CAUTION: Cytotoxic Agent

5 x 100 mL Vials

TEVA

Carac pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:


Carac available forms, composition, doses:


Carac destination | category:


Carac Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:


Carac pharmaceutical companies:


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References

  1. Dailymed."ADRUCIL (FLUOROURACIL) INJECTION, SOLUTION [TEVA PARENTERAL MEDICINES, INC.]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming Carac?

Depending on the reaction of the Carac after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Carac 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 Carac 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 Carac, 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 Carac 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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