Insulin Aspart-Szjj

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Merilog

Brand Names: Merilog
Dosage Form: INJECTION, SOLUTION
Product Type: DRUG FOR FURTHER PROCESSING

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Insulin aspart-szjj is a rapid-acting human insulin analog homologous with regular human insulin with the exception of a single substitution of the amino acid proline by aspartic acid in position B28, and is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing Escherichia coli . Insulin aspart-szjj has a molecular weight of 5825.8 Da. MERILOG (insulin aspart-szjj) injection is a sterile, clear, and colorless solution for subcutaneous use. Each mL contains 100 units of insulin aspart-szjj and the inactive ingredients: 1.72 mg metacresol, 1.50 mg phenol, 0.02 mg polysorbate 20, 6.80 mg sodium chloride, 0.04 mg zinc chloride and Water for Injection, USP. MERILOG has a pH of 7.0–7.8. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH.

What Is Insulin Aspart-Szjj Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE MERILOG is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. MERILOG is rapid acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus ( 1 ).

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See Full Prescribing Information for important preparation, administration, and dosage instructions ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.5 ). Subcutaneous injection ( 2.2 ): Inject subcutaneously within 5–10 minutes before a meal into the abdominal area, thigh, buttocks or upper arm. Rotate injection sites within the same region from one injection to the next to reduce risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Should generally be used in regimens with an intermediate- or long-acting insulin. Individualize and adjust the dosage of MERILOG based on the individual's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results and glycemic control goal ( 2.3 ). Dosage adjustments may be needed with changes in physical activity, changes in meal patterns (i.e., macronutrient content or timing of food intake), changes in renal or hepatic function or during acute illness ( 2.3 ). 2.1 Important Preparation and Administration Instructions Always check insulin labels before administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Inspect MERILOG visually before use. It should appear clear and colorless. Do not use MERILOG if particulate matter or coloration is seen. Use MERILOG SoloStar prefilled pen with caution in patients with visual impairment who may rely on audible clicks to dial their dose. 2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions for the Approved Routes of Administration Subcutaneous Injection Inject MERILOG subcutaneously within 5–10 minutes before a meal into the abdominal area, thigh, buttocks or upper arm. Rotate injection sites within the same region from one injection to the next to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Do not inject into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.3) ]. The MERILOG SoloStar prefilled pen dials in 1-unit increments. Generally use MERILOG (administered by subcutaneous injection) in regimens with an intermediate- or long-acting insulin. 2.3 Dosage Recommendations Individualize the dosage of MERILOG based on the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results and glycemic control goal. Dosage adjustments may be needed with changes in physical activity, changes in meal patterns (i.e., macronutrient content or timing of food intake), changes in renal or hepatic function or during acute illness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3 ) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6 , 8.7 )] . When switching from another insulin to MERILOG, a different dosage of MERILOG may be needed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. During changes to a patient's insulin regimen, increase the frequency of blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 2.4 Dosage Modifications for Drug Interactions Dosage modification may be needed when MERILOG is used concomitantly with certain drugs [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . 2.5 Instructions for Mixing MERILOG with Other...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Adverse reactions observed with insulin aspart products include: hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, local injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, and pruritus ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis at 1-800-633-1610 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 designs, the adverse reaction rates reported in one clinical trial may not be easily compared to those rates reported in another clinical trial, and may not reflect the rates actually observed in clinical practice. The safety of insulin aspart was evaluated in two treat-to-target trials of 6 months duration, conducted in patients with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . The data in Table 1 reflect the exposure of 596 patients with type 1 diabetes to insulin aspart in one clinical trial with a mean exposure duration to insulin aspart of 24 weeks. The mean age was 39 years. Fifty-one percent were male, 94% were Caucasian, 2% were Black and 4% were other races. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.6 kg/m 2 . The mean duration of diabetes was 15.7 years and the mean HbA 1c at baseline was 7.9%. The data in Table 2 reflect the exposure of 91 patients with type 2 diabetes to insulin aspart in one clinical trial with a mean exposure duration to insulin aspart of 24 weeks. The mean age was 57 years. Sixty-three percent were male, 76% were Caucasian, 9% were Black and 15% were other races. The mean BMI was 29.7 kg/m 2 . The mean duration of diabetes was 12.7 years and the mean HbA 1c at baseline was 8.1%. Common adverse reactions were defined as events that occurred in ≥5%, excluding hypoglycemia, of the population studied. Common adverse events that occurred at the same rate or greater for insulin aspart-treated patients than in comparator-treated patients during clinical trials in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus (other than hypoglycemia) are listed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. Table 1: Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥5% of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Adult Patients treated with insulin aspart and at the same rate or greater on insulin aspart than on comparator Insulin aspart + NPH (%) (n= 596) Regular Human Insulin + NPH (%) (n= 286) Headache 12 10 Injury accidental 11 10 Nausea 7 5 Diarrhea 5 3 Table 2: Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥5% of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Adult Patients treated with insulin aspart and at the same rate or greater on insulin aspart than on comparator Insulin aspart + NPH (%) (n= 91) Human Regular Insulin + NPH (%) (n= 91) Hyporeflexia 11 7 Onychomycosis 10 5 Sensory disturbance 9 7 Urinary tract infection 8 7 Chest pain 5 3 Headache 5 3 Skin disorder 5 2 Abdominal pain 5 1 Sinusitis 5 1 Severe Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using insulin, including insulin aspart products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . The rates of reported hypoglycemia depend on the definition of hypoglycemia used, diabetes type, insulin dose, intensity of glucose control, background therapies, and other intrinsic and extrinsic patient factors. For these reasons, comparing rates of hypoglycemia in clinical trials for insulin aspart with the incidence of hypoglycemia for other products may be misleading and also, may not be representative of hypoglycemia rates that will occur in clinical practice. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as hypoglycemia associated with central nervous system symptoms and requiring the intervention of another person or hospitalization. The incidence of severe hypoglycemia...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The table below presents clinically significant drug interactions with MERILOG. Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when MERILOG is concomitantly administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of MERILOG Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when MERILOG is concomitantly administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of MERILOG Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when MERILOG is concomitantly administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine Intervention: Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when MERILOG is concomitantly administered with these drugs. Drugs that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics ( 7 ). Drugs that may decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: Atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones ( 7 ). Drugs that may increase or decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and pentamidine ( 7 ). Drugs that may blunt the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine ( 7 ).

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS MERILOG is contraindicated: During episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. In patients with hypersensitivity to insulin aspart products or any of the excipients in MERILOG [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. During episodes of hypoglycemia ( 4 ). Hypersensitivity to insulin aspart products or any of the excipients in MERILOG.( 4 ).

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available information from published randomized controlled trials with insulin aspart products use during the second trimester of pregnancy have not reported an association with insulin aspart products and major birth defects or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes [see Data ] . There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations ] . In animal reproduction studies, administration of subcutaneous insulin aspart to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis did not cause adverse developmental effects at exposures 8-times and equal to the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day, respectively. Pre- and post-implantation losses and visceral/skeletal abnormalities were seen at higher exposures, which are considered secondary to maternal hypoglycemia. These effects were similar to those observed in rats administered regular human insulin [see Data ] . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a periconceptual HbA 1c >7% and has been reported to be as high as 20 to 25% in women with a periconceptual HbA 1c >10%. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo-Fetal Risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Human Data Published data from 5 randomized controlled trials of 441 pregnant women with diabetes mellitus treated with insulin aspart products...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.6) ] . Mild episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed. More severe episodes with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with intramuscular/subcutaneous glucagon or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied MERILOG (insulin aspart-szjj) injection 100 units/mL (U-100) is available as a clear and colorless solution in: Dosage Unit NDC # One 10 mL multiple-dose vial per carton NDC 0024-5927-00 Five 3 mL single-patient-use SoloStar prefilled pens per carton NDC 0024-5928-05 The MERILOG SoloStar prefilled pen dials in 1-unit increments. Needles are not included in MERILOG SoloStar packs. Only use needles that are compatible for use with MERILOG SoloStar which are sold separately, including needles from Becton, Dickinson and company (BD) (such as BD Ultra-Fine ® ), Ypsomed (such as Clickfine ® ), and Owen Mumford (such as Unifine ® Pentips ® ). 16.2 Recommended Storage Dispense in the original sealed carton with the enclosed Instructions for Use. Store unused MERILOG in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze MERILOG and do not use MERILOG if it has been frozen. Do not expose MERILOG to excessive heat or light. Do not withdraw MERILOG into a syringe and store for later use. Always remove and discard the needle after each injection from the MERILOG SoloStar prefilled pen and store without a needle attached. The storage conditions are summarized in the following table: Table 6. Storage Conditions for Vial and SoloStar Prefilled Pen MERILOG presentation Not in-use (unopened) Room Temperature (up to 30°C [86°F]) Not in-use (unopened) Refrigerated (2°C to 8°C [36°F to 46°F]) In-use (opened) Room Temperature (up to 30°C [86°F]) 10 mL multiple-dose vial 28 days Until expiration date 28 days (refrigerated/room temperature) 3 mL single-patient-use SoloStar prefilled pen 28 days Until expiration date 28 days (Do not refrigerate)

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.