DFM

Betaine Hydrochloride:

• Indications and usage
• Dosage and administration
• Dosage forms and strengths
• Contraindications
• Warnings and precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Use in specific populations
• Overdosage
• Description
• Clinical pharmacology
• Nonclinical toxicology
• Clinical studies
• How supplied/storage and handling
• Patient counseling information
• DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) reviews

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Cystadane® (betaine anhydrous for oral solution) is indicated for the treatment of homocystinuria to decrease elevated homocysteine blood levels. Included within the category of homocystinuria are:

• Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency
• 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency
• Cobalamin cofactor metabolism (cbl) defect
  

• Usual dose in adult and pediatric patients is 6 grams per day, administered orally in divided doses of 3 grams two times a day.(2)
• In children less than 3 years of age, may initiate dosing at 100 mg/kg/day, divided in twice daily doses, and then increased weekly by 50 mg/kg increments.(2)
• Dose can be gradually increased until plasma total homocysteine is undetectable or present only in small amounts.(2)
• Monitor patient response by plasma homocysteine levels.(2)
• Prescribed amount of Cystadane should be measured with the measuring scoop provided and then dissolved in 4 to 6 ounces of water, juice, milk, or formula, or mixed with food for immediate ingestion.(2)
  

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Dosage

The usual dosage in adult and pediatric patients is 6 grams per day administered orally in divided doses of 3 grams twice daily. In pediatric patients less than 3 years of age, dosage may be started at 100 mg/kg/day divided in twice daily doses, and then increased weekly by 50 mg/kg increments.

Therapy with Cystadane should be directed by physicians knowledgeable in the management of patients with homocystinuria. Patient response to Cystadane can be monitored by homocysteine plasma levels. Dosage in all patients can be gradually increased until plasma total homocysteine is undetectable or present only in small amounts. Response usually occurs within several days and steady state within a month. Plasma methionine concentrations should be monitored in patients with CBS deficiency .

Dosages of up to 20 grams per day have been necessary to control homocysteine levels in some patients. However, one pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vitro simulation study indicated minimal benefit from exceeding a twice-daily dosing schedule and a 150 mg/kg/day dosage for Cystadane.

2.2 Administration

The prescribed amount of Cystadane should be measured with the measuring scoop provided (one level 1.7 mL scoop is equal to 1 gram of DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) anhydrous powder) and then dissolved in 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 mL) of water, juice, milk, or formula, or mixed with food for immediate ingestion.

• Powder for oral solution available in bottles containing 180 grams of DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) anhydrous.(3)
  

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Cystadane is a white, granular, hygroscopic powder for oral solution available in bottles containing 180 grams of DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) anhydrous.

• None (4)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

None.

• Hypermethioninemia: Cystadane may worsen elevated plasma methionine concentrations in patients with CBS deficiency. Cerebral edema has been reported in patients receiving Cystadane.( 5.1)
• Monitoring: Monitor plasma methionine concentrations in patients with CBS deficiency. Keep plasma methionine concentrations below 1,000 µmol/L through dietary medication and, if necessary, a reduction of Cystadane dose. ( 5.1)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypermethioninemia

Risk of Hypermethioninemia in Patients with CBS Deficiency

Patients with homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency may also have elevated plasma methionine concentrations. Treatment with Cystadane may further increase methionine concentrations due to the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Cerebral edema has been reported in patients with hypermethioninemia, including patients treated with Cystadane. Plasma methionine concentrations should be monitored in patients with CBS deficiency. Plasma methionine concentrations should be kept below 1,000 µmol/L through dietary modification and, if necessary, a reduction of Cystadane dose.

• Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 2%) were nausea and gastrointestinal distress, based on physician survey.
  

  To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact 877-828-8874, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

6.1 Adverse Reactions in Clinical Studies

The most serious adverse reaction reported with Cystadane treatment is the development of hypermethioninemia and cerebral edema in patients with CBS Deficiency .

The assessment of clinical adverse reactions is based on a survey study of 41 physicians, who treated a total of 111 homocystinuria patients with Cystadane. Adverse reactions were retrospectively recalled and were not collected systematically in this open-label, uncontrolled, physician survey. Thus, this list may not encompass all types of potential adverse reactions, reliably estimate their frequency, or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions were reported (Table 1):

Table 1: Number of Patients with Adverse Reactions to Cystadane by Physician Survey

Adverse Reactions	Number of Patients
Nausea	2
Gastrointestinal distress	2
Diarrhea	1
"Bad Taste"	1
"Caused Odor"	1
Questionable psychological changes	1
“Aspirated the powder”	1

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Cystadane. 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.

In postmarketing experience with Cystadane, severe cerebral edema and hypermethioninemia have been reported within 2 weeks to 6 months of starting DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) therapy, with complete recovery after discontinuation of Cystadane. All patients who developed cerebral edema had homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency and had severe elevation in plasma methionine levels (range 1,000 to 3,000 µM). As cerebral edema has also been reported in patients with hypermethioninemia, secondary hypermethioninemia due to DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) therapy has been postulated as a possible mechanism of action.

The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients during postmarketing use of Cystadane: anorexia, agitation, depression, irritability, personality disorder, sleep disturbed, dental disorders, diarrhea, glossitis, nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, hair loss, hives, skin odor abnormalities, and urinary incontinence.

• Pregnancy: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Cystadane. Use only if clearly needed.(8.1)
• Nursing women: It is not known whether Cystadane is excreted in human milk. Use only if clearly needed.(8.3)
• Pediatrics: Pediatric patients ranging in age from 24 days to 17 years have been treated with Cystadane. Children younger than 3 years of age may benefit from dose titration.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Cystadane. It is also not known whether Cystadane can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Cystadane should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether Cystadane is excreted in human milk. Use only if clearly needed.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The majority of case studies of homocystinuria patients treated with Cystadane have been pediatric patients, including patients ranging in age from 24 days to 17 years . Children younger than 3 years of age may benefit from dose titration .

10 OVERDOSAGE

In an acute toxicology study in rats, death occurred frequently at doses equal to or greater than 10 g/kg.

11 DESCRIPTION

Cystadane (betaine anhydrous for oral solution) is an agent for the treatment of homocystinuria. It contains no ingredients other than anhydrous DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride). Cystadane is a white, granular, hygroscopic powder, which is diluted in water and administered orally. The chemical name of DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) anhydrous powder is trimethylglycine. It has a molecular weight of 117.15. The structural formula is:

Chemical Structure for DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride)

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Cystadane acts as a methyl group donor in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine in patients with homocystinuria. Cystadane occurs naturally in the body. It is a metabolite of choline and is present in small amounts in foods such as beets, spinach, cereals, and seafood.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Cystadane was observed to lower plasma homocysteine levels in three types of homocystinuria, including CBS deficiency; MTHFR deficiency; and cbl defect. Patients have taken Cystadane for many years without evidence of tolerance. There has been no demonstrated correlation between Cystadane levels and homocysteine levels.

In CBS-deficient patients, large increases in methionine levels over baseline have been observed. Cystadane has also been demonstrated to increase low plasma methionine and S-adenosylmethionine levels in patients with MTHFR deficiency and cbl defect.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetic studies of Cystadane are not available. Plasma levels of Cystadane have not been measured in patients and have not been correlated to homocysteine levels.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term carcinogenicity and fertility studies have not been conducted with Cystadane. No evidence of genotoxicity was demonstrated in the following tests: metaphase analysis of human lymphocytes; bacterial reverse mutation assay; and mouse micronucleus test.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Cystadane was studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 6 patients with CBS deficiency, ages 7 to 32 years at enrollment. Cystadane was administered at a dosage of 3 grams twice daily, for 12 months. Plasma homocystine levels were significantly reduced (p<0.01) compared to placebo. Plasma methionine levels were variable and not significantly different compared to placebo. No adverse events were reported in any patient.

Cystadane has also been evaluated in observational studies without concurrent controls in patients with homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency, MTHFR deficiency, or cbl defect. A review of 16 case studies and the randomized controlled trial previously described was also conducted, and the data available for each study were summarized; however, no formal statistical analyses were performed. The studies included a total of 78 male and female patients with homocystinuria who were treated with Cystadane. This included 48 patients with CBS deficiency, 13 with MTHFR deficiency, and 11 with cbl defect, ranging in age from 24 days to 53 years. The majority of patients (n=48) received 6 gm/day, 3 patients received less than 6 gm/day, 12 patients received doses from 6 to 15 gm/day, and 5 patients received doses over 15 gm/day. Most patients were treated for more than 3 months (n=57) and 30 patients were treated for 1 year or longer (range 1 month to 11 years). Homocystine is formed nonenzymatically from two molecules of homocysteine, and both have be used to evaluate the effect of Cystadane in patients with homocystinuria. Plasma homocystine or homocysteine levels were reported numerically for 62 patients, and 61 of these patients showed decreases with Cystadane treatment. Homocystine decreased by 83-88% regardless of pre-treatment level, and homocysteine decreased by 71-83%, regardless of the pre-treatment level. Clinical improvement, such as improvement in seizures, or behavioral and cognitive functioning, was reported by the treating physicians in about three-fourths of patients. Many of these patients were also taking other therapies such as vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and folate with variable biochemical responses. In most cases, adding Cystadane resulted in a further reduction of either homocystine or homocysteine.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Cystadane is available in plastic bottles containing 180 grams of DFM anhydrous. Each bottle is equipped with a plastic child-resistant cap and is supplied with a polystyrene measuring scoop. One level scoop (1.7 mL) is equal to 1 gram of DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) anhydrous powder.

NDC 66621-4000-1 180 g/bottle

Cystadane can be ordered by calling AnovoRx Group, LLC, Customer service at 1-888-487-4703

16.1 Storage

Store at room temperature, 15 – 30 ˚C (59 – 86 ˚F). Protect from moisture.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Patients should be advised of the following information before beginning treatment with Cystadane:

17.1 Dosing and Administration

• Instruct patients and caregivers that Cystadane should only be taken as directed by their healthcare professional.
• Instruct patients and caregivers to administer Cystadane as follows:
• Shake bottle lightly before removing cap.

- Measure with the scoop provided.

- Measure the number of scoops as prescribed by their healthcare professional. One level scoop (1.7 mL) is equivalent to 1 gram of DFM (Betaine Hydrochloride) anhydrous powder.

- Mix powder with 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 mL) of water, juice, milk, or formula until completely dissolved, or mix with food, then ingest mixture immediately.

- Always replace the cap tightly after using, and protect powder from moisture.

Manufactured For:

Rare Disease Therapeutics, Inc.

Franklin, TN 37067

Under License From:

Orphan Europe, s.a.r.l. Puteaux France

Distributed By:

AnovoRx Distribution, LLC

Memphis, TN 38134

Part No.: RDT C PI007

Part No.: Orphan Europe OEP 829

Cystadane (betaine anhydrous) for oral solution

Choline Bitartrate:

• DFM (Choline Bitartrate) reviews

A basic constituent of lecithin that is found in many plants and animal organs. It is important as a precursor of acetylcholine, as a methyl donor in various metabolic processes, and in lipid metabolism.

Indication: For nutritional supplementation, also for treating dietary shortage or imbalance

This compound is needed for good nerve conduction throughout the CNS (central nervous system) as it is a precursor to acetylcholine (ACh). DFM (Choline Bitartrate) is also needed for gallbladder regulation, liver function and lecithin (a key lipid) formation. DFM (Choline Bitartrate) also aids in fat and cholesterol metabolism and prevents excessive fat build up in the liver. DFM (Choline Bitartrate) has been used to mitigate the effects of Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia. DFM (Choline Bitartrate) deficiencies may result in excessive build-up of fat in the liver, high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, kidney and liver dysfunction and stunted growth.

Dandelion Extract:

• Indications and usage
• Contraindications
• Warnings
• Precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Overdosage
• Dosage and administration
• How supplied
• Storage
• References
• Container labeling
• DFM (Dandelion Extract) reviews

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Allergenic extracts are indicated for use in diagnostic testing and as part of a treatment regime for allergic disease, as established by allergy history and skin test reactivity.

Allergenic extracts are indicated for the treatment of allergen specific allergic disease for use as hyposensitization or immunotherapy when avoidance of specific allergens can not be attained. The use of allergenic extracts for therapeutic purpose has been established by well-controlled clinical studies. Allergenic extracts may be used as adjunctive therapy along with pharmacotherapy which includes antihistamines, corticosteroids, and cromoglycate, and avoidance measures. Allergenic extracts for therapeutic use should be given using only the allergen selection to which the patient is allergic, has a history of exposure and are likely to be exposed to again.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Allergenic extracts should not be used if the patient has asthma, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, diabetes, bleeding diathesis or pregnancy, unless a specific diagnosis of type 1 allergic disease is made based on skin testing and the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of an adverse reaction during testing or treatment. Allergenic extracts are not indicated for use in patients who are not clinically allergic or who are not skin reactive to an allergen. Allergenic extracts should be discontinued or the concentration of potency substantially reduced in patients who experience unacceptable adverse reactions.

WARNINGS

DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY.

Epinephrine 1:1000 should be available.

Concentrated extracts must be diluted with sterile diluent prior to first use on a patient for treatment or intradermal testing. All concentrates of glycerinated allergenic extracts have the ability to cause serious local and systemic reactions including death in sensitive patients. Sensitive patients may experience severe anaphylactic reactions resulting in respiratory obstruction, shock, coma and /or death.⁽⁴⁾ An allergenic extract should be temporarily withheld from patients or the dose of the extract adjusted downward if any of the following conditions exist: (1) Severe symptoms of rhinitis and/or asthma (2) Infections or flu accompanied by fever and (3) Exposure to excessive amounts of clinically relevant allergen prior to a scheduled injection. When switching patients to a new lot of the same extract the initial dose should be reduced 3/4 so that 25% of previous dose is administered.

PRECAUTIONS

GENERAL: Epinephrine 1:1000 should be available as well as personnel trained in administering emergency treatment. Allergenic Extracts are not intended for intravenous injections. For safe and effective use of allergenic extracts, sterile diluents, sterile vials, sterile syringes should be used and aseptic precautions observed when making a dilution and/or administering the allergenic extract injection. A sterile tuberculin syringe graduated in 0.1 ml units to measure each dose for the prescribed dilution should be used. To reduce the risk of an occurrence of adverse reactions, begin with a careful personal history plus a physical exam. Confirm your findings with scratch or intradermal skin testing.

Standardized extracts are those labeled in AU/ml units or BAU/ml units. Standardized extracts are not interchangeable with extracts previously labeled as wt/vol or PNU/ml. Before administering a standardized extract, read the accompanying insert contained with standardized extracts.

Information for Patients: All concentrates of allergenic extracts have the ability to cause serious local and systemic reactions including death in sensitive patients. Patients should be informed of this risk prior to skin testing and immunotherapy. Patients should be instructed to recognize adverse reaction symptoms that may occur and to report all adverse reactions to a physician. Patients should be instructed to remain in the office for 30 minutes during testing using allergenic extracts and at least 30 minutes after therapeutic injections using allergenic extracts.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Some drugs may affect the reactivity of the skin; patients should be instructed to avoid medications, particularly antihistamines and sympathomimetic drugs, for at least 24 hours prior to skin testing. Antihistamines and Hydroxyzine can significantly inhibit the immediate skin test reactions as they tend to neutralize or antagonize the action of histamine.⁽³⁾ This effect has been primarily documented when testing was performed within 1 to 2 hours after drug ingestion. Partial inhibition of the skin test reaction had been observed for longer periods. Epinephrine injection inhibits the immediate skin test reactions for several hours. Patients on delayed absorption antihistamine tablets should be free of such medication for 48 hours before testing. Patients using Astemizole (Hismanal) may experience prolonged suppression and should be free from such medication for up to 6 to 8 weeks prior to testing. Refer to package insert from an applicable long acting antihistamine manufacturer for additional information.

Extreme caution should be taken when using allergenic extracts on patients who are taking beta-blockers. Patients on non-selective beta blockers may be more reactive to allergens given for testing or treatment and may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat allergic reactions.

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility:

Long term studies in animals have not been conducted with allergenic extracts to determine their potential carcinogenicity, mutagenicity or impairment of fertility.

Pregnancy: Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Allergenic Extracts. It is not known whether allergenic extracts can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women or can affect reproduction capacity. Allergenic extracts should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether this drug appears in human milk. Because many drugs are detected in human milk, caution should be exercised when Allergenic Extracts are administered to a nursing woman. There are no current studies on extract components in human milk, or their effect on the nursing infant.

Pediatric Use: Allergenic extracts have been used in children over two years of age.⁽⁵⁾

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse systemic reactions usually occur within minutes and consist primarily of allergic symptoms such as: generalized skin erythema, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, rhinitis, wheezing, laryngeal edema, itching of nose and throat, breathlessness, dyspnea, coughing, hypotension and marked perspiration. Less commonly, nausea, emesis, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and uterine contractions may occur. Severe reactions may cause anaphylaxis or shock and loss of consciousness and rarely death.

The treatment of systemic allergic reactions is dependent upon the system complex. Antihistamines may offer relief of recurrent urticaria, associated skin reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms. Corticosteroids may provide benefit if symptoms are prolonged or recurrent.

Local Reactions consisting of erythema, itching, swelling tenderness and sometimes pain may occur at the injection site. These reactions may appear within a few minutes to hours and persist for several days. Local cold applications and oral antihistamines may be effective treatment. For marked and prolonged local reactions the use of antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications may be dictated. Serious adverse reactions should be reported to Nelco Laboratories immediately and a report can be filed to: MedWatch, The FDA Medical Product Problem Reporting Program, at 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, call 1-800-FDA-1088.

OVERDOSAGE

Overdose can cause both local and systemic reactions. An overdose may be prevented by careful observation and questioning of the patient about the previous injection.

If systemic or anaphylactic reaction, does occur, apply a tourniquet above the site of injection and inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously 0.3 to 0.5ml of 1:1000 Epinephrine Hydrochloride into the opposite arm. The dose may be repeated in 5-10 minutes if necessary. Loosen the tourniquet at least every 10 minutes. The Epinephrine Hydrochloride 1:1000 dose for infants to 2 years is 0.05 to 0.1 ml, for children 2 to 6 years it is 0.15 ml, for children 6-12 years it is 0.2 ml.

Patients unresponsive to Epinephrine may be treated with Theophylline. Studies on asthmatic subjects reveal that plasma concentrations of Theophylline of 5 to 20 µg/ml are associated with therapeutic effects. Toxicity is particularly apparent at concentrations greater than 20 µg/ml. A loading dose of Aminophylline of 5.8 mg/kg intravenously followed by 0.9 mg/kg per hour results in plasma concentrations of approximately 10 µg/ml for patients not previously receiving theophylline. (Mitenko and Ogilive, Nicholoson and Chick,1973)

Other beta-adrenergic drugs such as Isoproterenol, Isoetharine, or Albuterol may be used by inhalation. The usual dose to relieve broncho-constriction in asthma is 0.5 ml of the 0.5% solution for Isoproterenol HCl. The Albuterol inhaler delivers approximately 90 mcg of Albuterol from the mouthpiece. The usual dosage for adults and children would be two inhalations repeated every 4-6 hours. Isoetharine supplied in the Bronkometer unit delivers approximately 340 mcg Isoetharine. The average dose is one to two inhalations. Respiratory obstruction not responding to parenteral or inhaled bronchodilators may require oxygen, intubation and the use of life support systems.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

General Precautions

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permits.

The dosage of allergenic extracts is dependent upon the purpose of the administration. Allergenic extracts can be administered for diagnostic use or for therapeutic use.

When allergenic extracts are administered for diagnostic use, the dosage is dependent upon the method used. Two methods commonly used are scratch testing and intradermal testing. Both types of tests result in a wheal and flare response at the site of the test which usually develops rapidly and may be read in 20-30 minutes.

Diagnostic Use : Scratch Testing Method

Scratch testing is considered a simple and safe method although less sensitive than the intradermal test. Scratch testing can be used to determine the degree of sensitivity to a suspected allergen before using the intradermal test. This combination lessens the severity of response to an allergen which can occur in a very sensitive patient.

The most satisfactory testing site is the patient's back or volar surface of the arms from the axilla to 2.5 or 5cm above the wrist, skipping the anti-cubital space. If using the back as a testing site, the most satisfactory area are from the posterior axillary fold to 2.5 cm from the spinal column, and from the top of the scapula to the lower rib margins.

Allergenic extracts for diagnostic use are to be administered in the following manner: To scratch surface of skin, use a circular scarifier. Do not draw blood. Tests sites should be 4 cm apart to allow for wheal and flare reaction. 1-30 scratch tests may be done at a time. A separate sterile scratch instrument is to be used on each patient to prevent transmission of homologous serum hepatitis or other infectious agents from one patient to another.

The recommended usual dosage for Scratch testing is one drop of allergen applied to each scratch site. Do not let dropper touch skin. Always apply a control scratch with each test set. Sterile Diluent (for a negative control) is used in exactly the same way as an active test extract. Histamine may be used as a positive control. Scratch or prick test sites should be examined at 15 and 30 minutes. To prevent excessive absorption, wipe off antigens producing large reactions as soon as the wheal appears. Record the size of the reaction.

Interpretation of Scratch Test

Skin tests are graded in terms of the wheal and erythema response noted at 10 to 20 minutes. Wheal and erythema size may be recorded by actual measurement as compared with positive and negative controls. A positive reaction consists of an area of erythema surrounding the scarification that is larger than the control site. For uniformity in reporting reactions, the following system is recommended. ⁽⁶⁾

REACTION	SYMBOL	CRITERIA
Negative	-	No wheal. Erythema absent or very slight (not more than 1 mm diameter).
One Plus	+	Wheal absent or very slight erythema present (not more than 3 mm diameter).
Two Plus	++	Wheal not more than 3mm or erythema not more than 5mm diameter.
Three Plus	+++	Wheal between 3mm and 5mm diameter, with erythema. Possible pseudopodia and itching.
Four Plus	++++	A larger reaction with itching and pain.

Diagnostic Use: Intradermal Skin Testing Method

Do not perform intradermal test with allergens which have evoked a 2+ or greater response to a Scratch test. Clean test area with alcohol, place sites 5 cm apart using separate sterile tuberculin syringe and a 25 gauge needle for each allergen. Insert needle tip, bevel up, into intracutaneous space. Avoid injecting into blood vessel, pull back gently on syringe plunger, if blood enters syringe change position of needle. The recommended dosage and range for intradermal testing is 0.05 ml of not more than 100 pnu/ml or 1:1000 w/v (only if puncture test is negative) of allergenic extract. Inject slowly until a small bleb is raised. It is important to make each bleb the same size.

Interpretation of Intradermal Test:

The patient's reaction is graded on the basis of size of wheal and flare as compared to control. Use 0.05 ml sterile diluent as a negative control to give accurate interpretation. The tests may be accurately interpreted only when the saline control site has shown a negative response. Observe patient for at least 30 minutes. Tests can be read in 15-20 minutes. Edema, erythema and presence of pseudopods, pain and itching may be observed in 4 plus reactions. For uniformity in reporting reactions the following system is recommended. ⁽⁶⁾

REACTION	SYMBOL	CRITERIA
Negative	-	No increase in size of bleb since injection. No erythema.
One Plus	+	An increase in size of bleb to a wheal not more than 5mm diameter, with associated erythema.
Two Plus	++	Wheal between 5mm and 8mm diameter with erythema.
Three Plus	+++	Wheal between 8mm and 12mm diameter with erythema and possible pseudopodia and itching or pain.
Four Plus	++++	Any larger reaction with itch and pain, and possible diffuse blush of the skin surrounding the reaction area.

Therapeutic Use: Recommended dosage & range

Check the listed ingredients to verify that it matches the prescription ordered. When using a prescription set, verify the patient's name and the ingredients listed with the prescription order. Assess the patient's physical and emotional status prior to giving as injection. Do not give injections to patients who are in acute distress. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Dosage of allergenic extracts is a highly individualized matter and varies according to the degree of sensitivity of the patient, his clinical response and tolerance to the extract administered during the early phases of an injection regimen. The dosage must be reduced when transferring a patient from non-standardized or modified extract to standardized extract. Any evidence of a local or generalized reaction requires a reduction in dosage during the initial stages of immunotherapy as well as during maintenance therapy. After therapeutic injections patients should be observed for at least 20 minutes for reaction symptoms.

SUGGESTED DOSAGE SCHEDULE

The following schedule may act as a guide. This schedule has not been proven to be safe or effective. Sensitive patients may begin with smaller doses of weaker solutions and the dosage increments can be less.

STRENGTH	DOSE	VOLUME
Vial #1	1	0.05
1:100,000 w/v	2	0.10
10 pnu/ml	3	0.15
1 AU/ml	4	0.20
1 BAU/ml	5	0.30
	6	0.40
	7	0.50
Vial #2	8	0.05
1:10,000 w/v	9	0.10
100 pnu/ml	10	0.15
10 AU/ml	11	0.20
10 BAU/ml	12	0.30
	13	0.40
	14	0.50
Vial #3	15	0.05
1:1,000 w/v	16	0.10
1,000 pnu/ml	17	0.15
100 AU/ml	18	0.20
100 BAU/ml	19	0.30
	20	0.40
	21	0.50
Vial #4	22	0.05
1:100 w/v	23	0.07
10,000 pnu/ml	24	0.10
1,000 AU/ml	25	0.15
1,000 BAU/ml	26	0.20
	27	0.25
Maintenance Refill	28	0.25
1:100 w/v	29	0.25
10,000 pnu/ml	30	0.25
1,000 AU/ml	31	0.25
1,000 BAU/ml	32	0.25
subsequent doses	33	0.25

Preparation Instructions:

All dilutions may be made using sterile buffered diluent. The calculation may be based on the following ratio:

Volume desired x Concentration desired = Volume needed x Concentration available.

Example 1: If a 1:10 w/v extract is available and it is desired to use a 1:1,000 w/v extract substitute as follows:

Vd x Cd = Vn x Ca

10ml x 0.001 = Vn x 0.1

0.1 ml = Vn

Using a sterile technique, remove 0.10 ml of extract from the 1:10 vial and place it into a vial containing 9.90 ml of sterile diluent. The resulting ratio will be a 10 ml vial of 1:1,000 w/v.

Example 2: If a 10,000 pnu/ml extract is available and it is desired to use a 100 pnu/ml extract substitute as follows:

10ml x 100 = Vn x 10,000

0.1 ml = Vn

Using a sterile technique, remove 0.10 ml of extract from the 10,000 pnu/ml vial and place it into a vial containing 9.90 ml of sterile diluent. The resulting concentration will be a 10 ml vial of 100 pnu/ml.

Example 3: If a 10,000 AU/ml or BAU/ml extract is available and it is desired to use a 100 AU/ml or BAU/ml extract substitute as follows: Vd x Cd = Vn x Ca

10ml x 100 = Vn x 10,000

0.1 ml = Vn

Using a sterile technique, remove 0.10 ml of extract from the 10,000 AU/ml or BAU/ml vial and place it into a vial containing 9.90 ml of sterile diluent. The resulting concentration will be 10ml vial of 100 AU/ml or BAU/ml.

Intervals between doses: The optimal interval between doses of allergenic extract has not been definitely established. The amount of allergenic extract is increased at each injection by not more than 50%-100% of the previous amount and the next increment is governed by the response to the last injection. There are three generally accepted methods of pollen hyposensitizing therapy.

1. PRESEASONAL

Treatment starts each year 6 to 8 weeks before onset of seasonal symptoms. Maximal dose reached just before symptoms are expected. Injections discontinued during and following season until next year.

2. CO-SEASONAL

Patient is first treated during season with symptoms. Low initial doses are employed to prevent worsening of condition. This is followed by an intensive schedule of therapy (i.e. injections given 2 to 3 times per week). Fewer Allergists are resorting to this Co-seasonal therapy because of the availability of more effective, symptomatic medications that allow the patient to go through a season relatively symptom free.

3. PERENNIAL

Initially this is the same as pre seasonal. The allergen is administered twice weekly or weekly for about 20 injections to achieve the maximum tolerated dose. Then, maintenance therapy may be administered once a week or less frequently.

Duration of Treatment: The usual duration of treatment has not been established. A period of two or three years of injection therapy constitutes an average minimum course of treatment.

HOW SUPPLIED

Allergenic extracts are supplied with units listed as: Weight/volume (W/V), Protein Nitrogen Units (PNU/ml), Allergy Units (AU/ml) or Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAU/ml).

Sizes:

Diagnostic Scratch: 5 ml dropper application vials

Diagnostic Intradermal: 5 ml or 10 ml vials.

Therapeutic Allergens: 5 ml, 10 ml, 50 ml multiple dose vials.

STORAGE

The expiration date of allergen extracts is listed on the container label. Store extracts upon arrival at 2° to 8°C and keep them in this range during office use.

WARRANTY: We warrant that this product was prepared and tested according to the standards of the FDA and is true to label. Because of biological differences in individuals and because allergenic extracts are manufactured to be potent and because we have no control over the conditions of use, we cannot and do not warrant either a good effect or against an ill effect following use.

REFERENCES

1 Jacobs, Robert L., Geoffrey W.Rake,Jr., et.al. Potentiated Anaphylaxis in Patients with Drug-induced Beta-adrenergic Blockade. J.Allergy & Clin. Immunol., 68(2): 125-127. August 1981.

2 Ishizaka,K.: Cellular Events in the IgE Antibody Response. Adv. in Immuno. 23:50-75, 1976.

3. Lockey, R.F., Bukantz, S.C., Allergen Immunotherapy. New York,NY: Marcel Dekker Inc., 1991.

4. Reid,M.J., Lockey,R.F., Turkeltaub,P.C., Platts-Mills,T.A.E., Survey of fatalities from skin testing and immunotherapy 1985-1989. Journal of Allergy Clin. Immunol. 92 (1): 6-15, July 1993.

5. Murray, A.B., Ferguson, A., Morrison, B., The frequency and severity of cat allergy vs dog allergy in atopic children. J. Allergy Clin. Immunolo: 72, 145-9, 1983.

6. Lockey, R.F., Bukantz, S.C., Allergen Immunotherapy. New York,NY: Marcel Dekker Inc., 1991.

CONTAINER LABELING

Inositol:

• DFM (Inositol) reviews

Niacin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats ( LDL, triglycerides ) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It is generally used after non-drug treatments have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol. Niacin is also known as vitamin B-3 ( nicotinic acid ), one of the B-complex vitamins. It may be used with or without other medications. Lowering "bad" cholesterol/triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Lowering fats may also help reduce the risk of pancreas problems ( pancreatitis ) in people at risk. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.