DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) must be diluted 100-fold by mixing with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 5% Dextrose Injection, or Lactated Ringers Injection to final concentration of mg/mL. (2.1) Argatroban Injection 50 mg/50 mL (1 mg/mL) is ready for intravenous infusion. Dilution is not required. (2.1)Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia The dose for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia without hepatic impairment is mcg/kg/min administered as continuous infusion. (2.2)Percutaneous Coronary Intervention The dose for patients with or at risk for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention is started at 25 mcg/kg/min and bolus of 350 mcg/kg administered via large bore intravenous line over to minutes. (2.3). Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) must be diluted 100-fold by mixing with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 5% Dextrose Injection, or Lactated Ringers Injection to final concentration of mg/mL. (2.1) Argatroban Injection 50 mg/50 mL (1 mg/mL) is ready for intravenous infusion. Dilution is not required. (2.1). 2.1 Preparation for Intravenous Administration. Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) must be diluted 100-fold prior to infusion. Argatroban should not be mixed with other drugs prior to dilution. Dilution is not required for Argatroban Injection 50 mg/50 mL (1 mg/mL).Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL)Argatroban 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) should be diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 5% Dextrose Injection, or Lactated Ringers Injection to final concentration of mg/mL. The contents of each 2.5-mL vial should be diluted 100-fold by mixing with 250 mL of diluent. Use 250 mg (2.5 mL) per 250 mL of diluent or 500 mg (5 mL) per 500 mL of diluent. The constituted solution must be mixed by repeated inversion of the diluent bag for minute. Upon preparation, the solution may show slight but brief haziness due to the formation of microprecipitates that rapidly dissolve upon mixing. Use of diluent at room temperature is recommended. Colder temperatures can slow down the rate of dissolution of precipitates. The final solution must be clear before use. The pH of the intravenous solution prepared as recommended is 3.2 to 7.5. Solutions prepared as recommended are stable at controlled room temperature, 20o to 25oC (68o to 77oF) (see USP) in ambient indoor light for 24 hours; therefore, light-resistant measures such as foil protection for intravenous lines are unnecessary. Solutions are physically and chemically stable for up to 96 hours when protected from light and stored at controlled room temperature, 20o to 25oC (68o to 77oF) (see USP) or at refrigerated conditions, 5o+-3oC (41o+-5oF). Prepared solutions should not be exposed to direct sunlight. No significant potency losses have been noted following simulated delivery of the solution through intravenous tubing. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.Argatroban Injection 50 mg/50 mL (1 mg/mL) Each 50 mL glass vial contains 50 mg argatroban (1 mg/mL); and, as supplied, is ready for intravenous infusion. Dilution is not required. Argatroban Injection is clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Do not use if solution is cloudy, contains precipitates, or if the flip top cap is not intact. Vial may be inverted for use with medical infusion set.. 2.2 Dosing in Patients with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. Initial DosageBefore administering argatroban, discontinue heparin therapy and obtain baseline activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The recommended initial dose of argatroban for adult patients without hepatic impairment is mcg/kg/min, administered as continuous infusion (see Table 1).Table Recommended Doses and Infusion Rates for mcg/kg/min Dose of Argatroban for Patients With HIT and Without Hepatic Impairment (1 mg/mL Final Concentration)Body Weight (kg)Dose (mcg/min)Infusion Rate (mL/hr)501006601207701408801601090180111002001211022013120240141302601614028017with or without thrombosisMonitoring Therapy For use in HIT, therapy with Argatroban Injection is monitored using the aPTT with target range of 1.5 to times the initial baseline value (not to exceed 100 seconds). Tests of anticoagulant effects (including the aPTT) typically attain steady-state levels within to hours following initiation of Argatroban Injection.Check the aPTT hours after initiation of therapy and after any dose change to confirm that the patient has attained the desired therapeutic range.Dosage Adjustment After the initiation of Argatroban Injection, adjust the dose (not to exceed 10 mcg/kg/min) as necessary to obtain steady-state aPTT in the target range [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].. 2.3 Dosing in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. Initial Dosage Initiate an infusion of Argatroban Injection at 25 mcg/kg/min and administer bolus of 350 mcg/kg via large bore intravenous line over to minutes (see Table 2). Check an activated clotting time (ACT) to 10 minutes after the bolus dose is completed. The PCI procedure may proceed if the ACT is greater than 300 seconds.Dosage Adjustment If the ACT is less than 300 seconds, an additional intravenous bolus dose of 150 mcg/kg should be administered, the infusion dose increased to 30 mcg/kg/min, and the ACT checked to 10 minutes later (see Table 3).If the ACT is greater than 450 seconds, decrease the infusion rate to 15 mcg/kg/min, and check the ACT to 10 minutes later (Table 3).Continue titrating the dose until therapeutic ACT (between 300 and 450 seconds) has been achieved; continue the same infusion rate for the duration of the PCI procedure.In case of dissection, impending abrupt closure, thrombus formation during the procedure, or inability to achieve or maintain an ACT over 300 seconds, additional bolus doses of 150 mcg/kg may be administered and the infusion dose increased to 40 mcg/kg/min. Check the ACT after each additional bolus or change in the rate of infusion.Table Recommended Starting and Maintenance Doses (Within the Target ACT Range) of Argatroban Injection in Patients Undergoing PCI Without Hepatic Impairment (1 mg/mL Final Concentration)Body Weight (kg) Starting Bolus Dose (350 mcg/kg)Starting and Maintenance Continuous Infusion Dosing For ACT 300-450 seconds 25 mcg/kg/minBolus Dose (mcg)Bolus Volume (mL) Continuous Infusion Dose (mcg/min)Continuous Infusion Rate (mL/hr) 5017500181250756021000211500907024500251750105802800028200012090315003222501351003500035250015011038500392750165120420004230001801304550046325019514049000493500210NOTE: mg 1000 mcg; kg 2.2 lbsTable Recommended Dose Adjustments of Argatroban Injection for Patients Outside of ACT Target Range Undergoing PCI Without Hepatic Impairment (1 mg/mL Final Concentration)Body Weight (kg)If ACT Less than 300 secondsDosage Adjustment+ 30 mcg/kg/minIf ACT Greater than 450 seconds Dosage Adjustment 15 mcg/kg/minAdditional Bolus Dose (mcg)Bolus Volume (mL)Continuous Infusion Dose (mcg/min)Continuous Infusion Rate (mL/hr)Continuous Infusion Dose (mcg/min)Continuous Infusion Rate (mL/hr)50750081500907504560900091800108900547010500112100126105063801200012240014412007290135001427001621350811001500015300018015009011016500173300198165099120180001836002161800108130195002039002341950117140210002142002522100126NOTE: mg 1000 mcg; kg 2.2 lbs+Additional intravenous bolus dose of 150 mcg/kg should be administered if ACT less than 300 seconds. No bolus dose is given if ACT greater than 450 secondsMonitoring Therapy For use in PCI, therapy with Argatroban Injection is monitored using ACT. Obtain ACTs before dosing, to 10 minutes after bolus dosing, following adjustments in the infusion rate, and at the end of the PCI procedure. Obtain additional ACTs every 20 to 30 minutes during prolonged procedure.Continued Anticoagulation after PCI If patient requires anticoagulation after the procedure, Argatroban Injection may be continued, but at rate of mcg/kg/min and adjusted as needed to maintain the aPTT in the desired range [see Dosage and Administration 2.1)].. 2.4 Dosing in Patients with Hepatic Impairment. Initial DosageFor adult patients with HIT and moderate or severe hepatic impairment (based on Child-Pugh classification), an initial dose of 0.5 mcg/kg/min is recommended, based on the approximately 4-fold decrease in argatroban clearance relative to those with normal hepatic function. Monitor the aPTT closely, and adjust the dosage as clinically indicated.Monitoring Therapy Achievement of steady state aPTT levels may take longer and require more dose adjustments in patients with hepatic impairment compared to patients with normal hepatic function.For patients with hepatic impairment undergoing PCI and who have HIT or are at risk for HIT, carefully titrate argatroban until the desired level of anticoagulation is achieved. Use of argatroban in PCI patients with clinically significant hepatic disease or AST/ALT levels >=3 times the upper limit of normal should be avoided [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. 2.5 Conversion to Oral Anticoagulant Therapy. Initiating Oral Anticoagulant Therapy When converting patients from argatroban to oral anticoagulant therapy, consider the potential for combined effects on INR with co-administration of argatroban and warfarin. loading dose of warfarin should not be used. Initiate therapy using the expected daily dose of warfarin. To avoid prothrombotic effects and to ensure continuous anticoagulation when initiating warfarin, it is suggested that argatroban and warfarin therapy be overlapped. There are insufficient data available to recommend the duration of the overlap.Co-Administration of Warfarin and Argatroban Injection at Doses up to mcg/kg/minMeasure INR daily while Argatroban Injection and warfarin are co-administered. In general, with doses of Argatroban Injection up to mcg/kg/min, Argatroban Injection can be discontinued when the INR is >4 on combined therapy. After Argatroban Injection is discontinued, repeat the INR measurement in to hours. If the repeat INR is below the desired therapeutic range, resume the infusion of Argatroban Injection and repeat the procedure daily until the desired therapeutic range on warfarin alone is reached.Co-Administration of Warfarin and Argatroban Injection at Doses Greater than mcg/kg/min For doses of argatroban greater than mcg/kg/min, the relationship of INR between warfarin alone to the INR on warfarin plus argatroban is less predictable. In this case, in order to predict the INR on warfarin alone, temporarily reduce the dose of Argatroban Injection to dose of mcg/kg/min. Repeat the INR on Argatroban Injection and warfarin to hours after reduction of the Argatroban Injection dose and follow the process outlined above for administering Argatroban Injection at doses up to mcg/kg/min.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Argatroban is direct thrombin inhibitor that reversibly binds to the thrombin active site. Argatroban does not require the co-factor antithrombin III for antithrombotic activity. Argatroban exerts its anticoagulant effects by inhibiting thrombin-catalyzed or -induced reactions, including fibrin formation; activation of coagulation factors V, VIII, and XIII; activation of protein C; and platelet aggregation.Argatroban inhibits thrombin with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 0.04 uM. At therapeutic concentrations, argatroban has little or no effect on related serine proteases (trypsin, factor Xa, plasmin, and kallikrein).Argatroban is capable of inhibiting the action of both free and clot-associated thrombin. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. When argatroban is administered by continuous infusion, anticoagulant effects and plasma concentrations of argatroban follow similar, predictable temporal response profiles, with low intersubject variability. Immediately upon initiation of argatroban infusion, anticoagulant effects are produced as plasma argatroban concentrations begin to rise. Steady-state levels of both drug and anticoagulant effect are typically attained within to hours and are maintained until the infusion is discontinued or the dosage adjusted. Steady-state plasma argatroban concentrations increase proportionally with dose (for infusion doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min in healthy subjects) and are well correlated with steady-state anticoagulant effects. For infusion doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min, argatroban increases in dose-dependent fashion, the aPTT, ACT, the prothrombin time (PT), the International Normalized Ratio (INR), and the thrombin time (TT) in healthy volunteers and cardiac patients. Representative steady-state plasma argatroban concentrations and anticoagulant effects are shown below for argatroban infusion doses up to 10 mcg/kg/min (see Figure 1).Figure 1. Relationship at Steady State Between Argatroban Dose, Plasma Argatroban Concentration and Anticoagulant EffectEffect on International Normalized Ratio (INR): Because argatroban is direct thrombin inhibitor, co-administration of argatroban and warfarin produces combined effect on the laboratory measurement of the INR. However, concurrent therapy, compared to warfarin monotherapy, exerts no additional effect on vitamin K-dependent factor Xa activity.The relationship between INR on co-therapy and warfarin alone is dependent on both the dose of argatroban and the thromboplastin reagent used. This relationship is influenced by the International Sensitivity Index (ISI) of the thromboplastin. Data for commonly utilized thromboplastins with ISI values of 0.88 (Innovin, Dade) and 1.78 (Thromboplastin Plus, Dade) are presented in Figure for an argatroban dose of mcg/kg/min. Thromboplastins with higher ISI values than shown result in higher INRs on combined therapy of warfarin and argatroban. These data are based on results obtained in normal individuals [see Drug Interactions (7.2), Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Figure 2. INR Relationship of Argatroban Plus Warfarin Versus Warfarin AloneFigure demonstrates the relationship between INR for warfarin alone and INR for warfarin co-administered with argatroban at dose of mcg/kg/min. To calculate INR for warfarin alone (INRW), based on INR for co-therapy of warfarin and argatroban (INRWA), when the argatroban dose is mcg/kg/min, use the equation next to the appropriate curve. Example: At dose of mcg/kg/min and an INR performed with Thromboplastin A, the equation 0.19 0.57 (INRWA) INRW would allow prediction of the INR on warfarin alone (INRW). Thus, using an INRWA value of 4.0 obtained on combined therapy: INRW 0.19 0.57 (4) 2.47 as the value for INR on warfarin alone. The error (confidence interval) associated with prediction is +- 0.4 units. Similar linear relationships and prediction errors exist for argatroban at dose of mcg/kg/min. Thus, for argatroban doses of or mcg/kg/min, INRW can be predicted from INRWA. For argatroban doses greater than mcg/kg/min, the error associated with predicting INRW from INRWA is +- 1. Thus, INRW cannot be reliably predicted from INRWA at doses greater than mcg/kg/min.. Figure 1. Figure 2. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Distribution Argatroban distributes mainly in the extracellular fluid as evidenced by an apparent steady-state volume of distribution of 174 mL/kg (12.18 in 70 kg adult). Argatroban is 54% bound to human serum proteins, with binding to albumin and 1-acid glycoprotein being 20% and 34%, respectively.Metabolism The main route of argatroban metabolism is hydroxylation and aromatization of the 3-methyltetrahydroquinoline ring in the liver. The formation of each of the known metabolites is catalyzed in vitro by the human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4/5. The primary metabolite (M1) exerts 3- to 5-fold weaker anticoagulant effects than argatroban. Unchanged argatroban is the major component in plasma. The plasma concentrations of M1 range between 0% and 20% of that of the parent drug. The other metabolites (M2 to M4) are found only in very low quantities in the urine and have not been detected in plasma or feces. These data, together with the lack of effect of erythromycin (a potent CYP3A4/5 inhibitor) on argatroban pharmacokinetics, suggest that CYP3A4/5-mediated metabolism is not an important elimination pathway in vivo.Total body clearance is approximately 5.1 mL/kg/min (0.31 L/kg/hr) for infusion doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min. The terminal elimination half-life of argatroban ranges between 39 and 51 minutes.There is no interconversion of the 21-(R):21-(S) diastereoisomers. The plasma ratio of these diastereoisomers is unchanged by metabolism or hepatic impairment, remaining constant at 65:35 (+- 2%).Excretion Argatroban is excreted primarily in the feces, presumably through biliary secretion. In study in which 14C-argatroban (5 mcg/kg/min) was infused for hours into healthy subjects, approximately 65% of the radioactivity was recovered in the feces within days of the start of infusion with little or no radioactivity subsequently detected. Approximately 22% of the radioactivity appeared in the urine within 12 hours of the start of infusion. Little or no additional urinary radioactivity was subsequently detected. Average percent recovery of unchanged drug, relative to total dose, was 16% in urine and at least 14% in feces.Special Populations Hepatic Impairment: The dosage of argatroban should be decreased in patients with hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Patients with hepatic impairment were not studied in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) trials. At dose of 2.5 mcg/kg/min, hepatic impairment is associated with decreased clearance and increased elimination half-life of argatroban (to 1.9 mL/kg/min and 181 minutes, respectively, for patients with Child-Pugh score greater than 6).Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with renal dysfunction. The effect of renal disease on the pharmacokinetics of argatroban was studied in subjects with normal renal function (mean Clcr 95 +- 16 mL/min) and in 18 subjects with mild (mean Clcr 64 +- 10 mL/min), moderate (mean Clcr 41 +- 5.8 mL/min), and severe (mean Clcr 5 +- mL/min) renal impairment. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of argatroban at dosages up to mcg/kg/min were not significantly affected by renal dysfunction.Use of argatroban was evaluated in study of 12 patients with stable end-stage renal disease undergoing chronic intermittent hemodialysis. Argatroban was administered at rate of to mcg/kg/min (begun at least hours prior to dialysis) or as bolus dose of 250 mcg/kg at the start of dialysis followed by continuous infusion of mcg/kg/min. Although these regimens did not achieve the goal of maintaining ACT values at 1.8 times the baseline value throughout most of the hemodialysis period, the hemodialysis sessions were successfully completed with both of these regimens. The mean ACTs produced in this study ranged from 1.39 to 1.82 times baseline, and the mean aPTTs ranged from 1.96 to 3.4 times the baseline. When argatroban was administered as continuous infusion of mcg/kg/min prior to and during 4-hour hemodialysis session, approximately 20% was cleared through dialysis.Age, Gender: There are no clinically significant effects of age or gender on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics (e.g., aPTT) of argatroban in adults.Drug-Drug InteractionsDigoxin: In 12 healthy volunteers, intravenous infusion of argatroban (2 mcg/kg/min) over days (study days 11 to 15) did not affect the steady-state pharmacokinetics of oral digoxin (0.375 mg daily for 15 days).Erythromycin: In 10 healthy subjects, orally administered erythromycin (a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4/5) at 500 mg four times daily for days had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of argatroban at dose of mcg/kg/min for hours. These data suggest oxidative metabolism by CYP3A4/5 is not an important elimination pathway in vivo for argatroban.Aspirin and Acetaminophen: Drug-drug interactions have not been demonstrated between argatroban and concomitantly administered aspirin (162.5 mg orally given 26 and hours prior to initiation of argatroban mcg/kg/min over hours) or acetaminophen (1,000 mg orally given 12, 6, and hours prior to, and and 12 hours subsequent to, initiation of argatroban1.5 mcg/kg/min over 18 hours).

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES. 14.1 Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. The safety and efficacy of argatroban were evaluated in historically controlled efficacy and safety study (Study 1) and follow-on efficacy and safety study (Study 2). These studies were comparable with regard to study design, study objectives, dosing regimens as well as study outline, conduct, and monitoring. In these studies, 568 adult patients were treated with argatroban and 193 adult patients made up the historical control group. Patients had clinical diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, either without thrombosis (HIT) or with thrombosis (HITTS [heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome]) and were males or non-pregnant females between the age of 18 and 80 years old. HIT/HITTS was defined by fall in platelet count to less than 100,000/uL or 50% decrease in platelets after the initiation of heparin therapy with no apparent explanation other than HIT. Patients with HITTS also had an arterial or venous thrombosis documented by appropriate imaging techniques or supported by clinical evidence such as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, or other clinical indications of vascular occlusion. Patients who had documented histories of positive heparin-dependent antibody tests without current thrombocytopenia or heparin challenge (e.g., patients with latent disease) were also included if they required anticoagulation.These studies did not include patients with documented unexplained aPTT >200% of control at baseline, documented coagulation disorder or bleeding diathesis unrelated to HIT, lumbar puncture within the past days or history of previous aneurysm, hemorrhagic stroke, or thrombotic stroke within the past months unrelated to HIT.The initial dose of argatroban was mcg/kg/min. Two hours after the start of the argatroban infusion, an aPTT level was obtained and dose adjustments were made (up to maximum of 10 mcg/kg/min) to achieve steady-state aPTT value that was 1.5 to 3.0 times the baseline value, not to exceed 100 seconds. Overall the mean aPTT level for HIT and HITTS patients during the argatroban infusion increased from baseline values of 34 and 38 seconds, respectively, to 62.5 and 64.5 seconds, respectively.The primary efficacy analysis was based on comparison of event rates for composite endpoint that included death (all causes), amputation (all causes) or new thrombosis during the treatment and follow-up period (study days to 37). Secondary analyses included evaluation of the event rates for the components of the composite endpoint as well as time-to-event analyses.In Study 1, total of 304 patients were enrolled as follows: active HIT (n 129), active HITTS (n =144), or latent disease (n 31). Among the 193 historical controls, 139 (72%) had active HIT, 46 (24%) had active HITTS, and (4%) had latent disease. Within each group, those with active HIT and those with latent disease were analyzed together. Positive laboratory confirmation of HIT/HITTS by the heparin-induced platelet aggregation test or serotonin release assay was demonstrated in 174 of 304 (57%) argatroban-treated patients (i.e., in 80 with HIT or latent disease and 94 with HITTS) and in 149 of 193 (77%) historical controls (i.e., in 119 with HIT or latent disease and 30 with HITTS). The test results for the remainder of the patients and controls were either negative or not determined.There was significant improvement in the composite outcome in patients with HIT and HITTS treated with argatroban versus those in the historical control group (see Table 9). The components of the composite endpoint are shown in Table 9.Table Efficacy Results of Study 1: Composite Endpointa and Individual Components, Ranked by Severityb Parameter, (%)HITHITTSHIT/HITTSControl = 147Argatroban = 160Control = 46Argatroban = 144Control = 193Argatroban = 304Composite Endpoint57 (38.8)41 (25.6)26 (56.5)63 (43.8)83 (43.0)104 (34.2)Individual Componentsb Death32 (21.8)27 (16.9)13 (28.3)26 (18.1)45 (23.3)53 (17.4)Amputation3 (2.0)3 (1.9)4 (8.7)16 (11.1)7 (3.6)19 (6.2)New Thrombosis22 (15.0)11 (6.9)9 (19.6)21 (14.6)31 (16.1)32 (10.5)a) Death (all cause), amputation (all cause), or new thrombosis within 37-day study period.b) Reported as the most severe outcome among the components of composite endpoint (severity ranking: death amputation new thrombosis); patients may have had multiple outcomes.Time-to-event analyses showed significant improvements in the time-to-first event in patients with HIT or HITTS treated with argatroban versus those in the historical control group. The between-group differences in the proportion of patients who remained free of death, amputation, or new thrombosis were statistically significant in favor of argatroban by these analyses.A time-to-event analysis for the composite endpoint is shown in Figure for patients with HIT and Figure for patients with HITTS.Figure 3. Time to First Event for the Composite Efficacy Endpoint: HIT Patients Censored indicates no clinical endpoint (defined as death, amputation, or new thrombosis) was observed during the follow-up period (maximum period of follow-up was 37 days). Figure 4. Time to First Event for the Composite Efficacy Endpoint: HITTS Patients Censored indicates no clinical endpoint (defined as death, amputation, or new thrombosis) was observed during the follow-up period (maximum period of follow-up was 37 days).In Study 2, total of 264 patients were enrolled as follows: HIT (n 125) or HITTS (n 139). There was significant improvement in the composite efficacy outcome for argatroban-treated patients, versus the same historical control group from Study 1, among patients having HIT (25.6% vs. 38.8%), patients having HITTS (41.0% vs. 56.5%), and patients having either HIT or HITTS (33.7% vs. 43.0%). Time-to-event analyses showed significant improvements in the time-to-first event in patients with HIT or HITTS treated with argatroban versus those in the historical control group. The between-group differences in the proportion of patients who remained free of death, amputation, or new thrombosis were statistically significant in favor of argatroban.Anticoagulant Effect In Study 1, the mean (+- SE) dose of argatroban administered was 2.0 +- 0.1 mcg/kg/min in the HIT arm and 1.9 +- 0.1 mcg/kg/min in the HITTS arm. Seventy-six percent of patients with HIT and 81% of patients with HITTS achieved target aPTT at least 1.5-fold greater than the baseline aPTT at the first assessment occurring on average at 4.6 hours (HIT) and 3.9 hours (HITTS) following initiation of argatroban therapy.No enhancement of aPTT response was observed in subjects receiving repeated administration of argatroban.Platelet Count Recovery In Study 1, 53% of patients with HIT and 58% of patients with HITTS, had recovery of platelet count by Day 3. Platelet Count Recovery was defined as an increase in platelet count to >100,000/uL or to at least 1.5-fold greater than the baseline count (platelet count at study initiation) by Day of the study.. Figure 3. Figure 4. 14.2 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Patients with or at Risk for HIT. In similarly designed trials, argatroban was administered to 91 patients with current or previous clinical diagnosis of HIT or heparin-dependent antibodies, who underwent total of 112 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary stent placement, or atherectomy. Among the 91 patients undergoing their first PCI with argatroban, notable ongoing or recent medical history included myocardial infarction (n 35), unstable angina (n 23), and chronic angina (n 34). There were 33 females and 58 males. The average age was 67.6 years (median 70.7, range 44 to 86), and the average weight was 82.5 kg (median 81.0 kg, range 49 to 141).Twenty-one of the 91 patients had repeat PCI using argatroban an average of 150 days after their initial PCI. Seven of 91 patients received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Safety and efficacy were assessed against historical control populations who had been anticoagulated with heparin.All patients received oral aspirin (325 mg) to 24 hours prior to the interventional procedure. After venous or arterial sheaths were in place, anticoagulation was initiated with bolus of argatroban of 350 mcg/kg via large-bore intravenous line or through the venous sheath over to minutes. Simultaneously, maintenance infusion of 25 mcg/kg/min was initiated to achieve therapeutic ACT of 300 to 450 seconds. If necessary to achieve this therapeutic range, the maintenance infusion dose was titrated (15 to 40 mcg/kg/min) and/or an additional bolus dose of 150 mcg/kg could be given. Each patients ACT was checked to 10 minutes following the bolus dose. The ACT was checked as clinically indicated. Arterial and venous sheaths were removed no sooner than hours after discontinuation of argatroban and when the ACT was less than 160 seconds.If patient required anticoagulation after the procedure, argatroban could be continued, but at lower infusion dose between 2.5 and mcg/kg/min. An aPTT was drawn hours after this dose reduction and the dose of argatroban then was adjusted as clinically indicated (not to exceed 10 mcg/kg/min), to reach an aPTT between 1.5 and times baseline value (not to exceed 100 seconds).In 92 of the 112 interventions (82%), the patient received the initial bolus of 350 mcg/kg and an initial infusion dose of 25 mcg/kg/min. The majority of patients did not require additional bolus dosing during the PCI procedure. The mean value for the initial ACT measurement after the start of dosing for all interventions was 379 sec (median 338 sec; 5th percentile-95th percentile 238 to 675 sec). The mean ACT value per intervention over all measurements taken during the procedure was 416 sec (median 390 sec; 5th percentile-95th percentile 261 to 698 sec). About 65% of patients had ACTs within the recommended range of 300 to 450 seconds throughout the procedure. The investigators did not achieve anticoagulation within the recommended range in about 23% of patients. However, in this small sample, patients with ACTs below 300 seconds did not have more coronary thrombotic events, and patients with ACTs over 450 seconds did not have higher bleeding rates.Acute procedural success was defined as lack of death, emergent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), or Q-wave myocardial infarction. Acute procedural success was reported in 98.2% of patients who underwent PCIs with argatroban anticoagulation compared with 94.3% of historical control patients anticoagulated with heparin (p NS). Among the 112 interventions, patients had emergency CABGs, had repeat PTCAs, had non-Q-wave myocardial infarctions, had myocardial ischemia, had an abrupt closure, and had an impending closure (some patients may have experienced more than event). No patients died.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.4 Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Argatroban was studied among 18 seriously ill pediatric patients who required an alternative to heparin anticoagulation. Most patients were diagnosed with HIT or suspected HIT. Age ranges of patients were <6 months, = 8; six months to <8 years, = 6; to 16 years, = 4. All patients had serious underlying conditions and were receiving multiple concomitant medications. Thirteen patients received argatroban solely as continuous infusion (no bolus dose). Dosing was initiated in the majority of these 13 patients at mcg/kg/min. Dosing was titrated as needed to achieve and maintain an aPTT of 1.5 to times the baseline value. Most patients required multiple dose adjustments to maintain anticoagulation parameters within the desired range. During the 30-day study period, thrombotic events occurred during argatroban administration to two patients and following argatroban discontinuation in three other patients. Major bleeding occurred among two patients: one patient experienced an intracranial hemorrhage after days of argatroban therapy in the setting of sepsis and thrombocytopenia and another patient experienced an intracranial hemorrhage after receiving argatroban for greater than 14 days. The study findings did not establish the safe and effective use of argatroban in pediatric patients and the dosing of mcg/kg/min was not supported by the pharmacokinetic data described below. Pediatric Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Pharmacodynamics (PD) PK parameters of argatroban were characterized in population PK/PD analysis model with sparse data from 15 seriously ill pediatric patients. Argatroban clearance in these seriously ill pediatric patients (0.16 L/hr/kg) was 50% lower compared to argatroban clearance in healthy adults (0.31 L/hr/kg). Four pediatric patients with elevated bilirubin (secondary to cardiac complications or hepatic impairment) had, on average, 80% lower clearance (0.03 L/hr/kg) when compared to pediatric patients with normal bilirubin levels.These PK/PD analysis models based on goal of aPTT prolongation of 1.5 to times the baseline value and avoidance of an aPTT >100 seconds for seriously ill pediatric patients with HIT/HITTS who require an alternative to heparin suggested the following:For patients with normal hepatic function, starting infusion rate of 0.75 mcg/kg/min may have comparable aPTT responses as starting dose of mcg/kg/min in healthy adults.Additionally, based on an evaluation of aPTT every two hours, increasing the dosage by 0.1 to 0.25 mcg/kg/min could achieve additional aPTT responses. For patients with hepatic impairment starting infusion rate of 0.2 mcg/kg/min with increasing dosing by increments of 0.05 mcg/kg/min may have comparable argatroban exposure as expected with adult doses. The safety and effectiveness of argatroban with the above dosing have not been adequately assessed in pediatric patients and the safety and effectiveness of argatroban is not established in pediatric patients. In addition, the described dosage did not take into account multiple factors that could affect the dosage such as current aPTT, target aPTT, and the clinical status of the patient.. For patients with normal hepatic function, starting infusion rate of 0.75 mcg/kg/min may have comparable aPTT responses as starting dose of mcg/kg/min in healthy adults.Additionally, based on an evaluation of aPTT every two hours, increasing the dosage by 0.1 to 0.25 mcg/kg/min could achieve additional aPTT responses. For patients with hepatic impairment starting infusion rate of 0.2 mcg/kg/min with increasing dosing by increments of 0.05 mcg/kg/min may have comparable argatroban exposure as expected with adult doses.

PHARMACODYNAMICS SECTION.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics. When argatroban is administered by continuous infusion, anticoagulant effects and plasma concentrations of argatroban follow similar, predictable temporal response profiles, with low intersubject variability. Immediately upon initiation of argatroban infusion, anticoagulant effects are produced as plasma argatroban concentrations begin to rise. Steady-state levels of both drug and anticoagulant effect are typically attained within to hours and are maintained until the infusion is discontinued or the dosage adjusted. Steady-state plasma argatroban concentrations increase proportionally with dose (for infusion doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min in healthy subjects) and are well correlated with steady-state anticoagulant effects. For infusion doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min, argatroban increases in dose-dependent fashion, the aPTT, ACT, the prothrombin time (PT), the International Normalized Ratio (INR), and the thrombin time (TT) in healthy volunteers and cardiac patients. Representative steady-state plasma argatroban concentrations and anticoagulant effects are shown below for argatroban infusion doses up to 10 mcg/kg/min (see Figure 1).Figure 1. Relationship at Steady State Between Argatroban Dose, Plasma Argatroban Concentration and Anticoagulant EffectEffect on International Normalized Ratio (INR): Because argatroban is direct thrombin inhibitor, co-administration of argatroban and warfarin produces combined effect on the laboratory measurement of the INR. However, concurrent therapy, compared to warfarin monotherapy, exerts no additional effect on vitamin K-dependent factor Xa activity.The relationship between INR on co-therapy and warfarin alone is dependent on both the dose of argatroban and the thromboplastin reagent used. This relationship is influenced by the International Sensitivity Index (ISI) of the thromboplastin. Data for commonly utilized thromboplastins with ISI values of 0.88 (Innovin, Dade) and 1.78 (Thromboplastin Plus, Dade) are presented in Figure for an argatroban dose of mcg/kg/min. Thromboplastins with higher ISI values than shown result in higher INRs on combined therapy of warfarin and argatroban. These data are based on results obtained in normal individuals [see Drug Interactions (7.2), Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Figure 2. INR Relationship of Argatroban Plus Warfarin Versus Warfarin AloneFigure demonstrates the relationship between INR for warfarin alone and INR for warfarin co-administered with argatroban at dose of mcg/kg/min. To calculate INR for warfarin alone (INRW), based on INR for co-therapy of warfarin and argatroban (INRWA), when the argatroban dose is mcg/kg/min, use the equation next to the appropriate curve. Example: At dose of mcg/kg/min and an INR performed with Thromboplastin A, the equation 0.19 0.57 (INRWA) INRW would allow prediction of the INR on warfarin alone (INRW). Thus, using an INRWA value of 4.0 obtained on combined therapy: INRW 0.19 0.57 (4) 2.47 as the value for INR on warfarin alone. The error (confidence interval) associated with prediction is +- 0.4 units. Similar linear relationships and prediction errors exist for argatroban at dose of mcg/kg/min. Thus, for argatroban doses of or mcg/kg/min, INRW can be predicted from INRWA. For argatroban doses greater than mcg/kg/min, the error associated with predicting INRW from INRWA is +- 1. Thus, INRW cannot be reliably predicted from INRWA at doses greater than mcg/kg/min.. Figure 1. Figure 2.

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Distribution Argatroban distributes mainly in the extracellular fluid as evidenced by an apparent steady-state volume of distribution of 174 mL/kg (12.18 in 70 kg adult). Argatroban is 54% bound to human serum proteins, with binding to albumin and 1-acid glycoprotein being 20% and 34%, respectively.Metabolism The main route of argatroban metabolism is hydroxylation and aromatization of the 3-methyltetrahydroquinoline ring in the liver. The formation of each of the known metabolites is catalyzed in vitro by the human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4/5. The primary metabolite (M1) exerts 3- to 5-fold weaker anticoagulant effects than argatroban. Unchanged argatroban is the major component in plasma. The plasma concentrations of M1 range between 0% and 20% of that of the parent drug. The other metabolites (M2 to M4) are found only in very low quantities in the urine and have not been detected in plasma or feces. These data, together with the lack of effect of erythromycin (a potent CYP3A4/5 inhibitor) on argatroban pharmacokinetics, suggest that CYP3A4/5-mediated metabolism is not an important elimination pathway in vivo.Total body clearance is approximately 5.1 mL/kg/min (0.31 L/kg/hr) for infusion doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min. The terminal elimination half-life of argatroban ranges between 39 and 51 minutes.There is no interconversion of the 21-(R):21-(S) diastereoisomers. The plasma ratio of these diastereoisomers is unchanged by metabolism or hepatic impairment, remaining constant at 65:35 (+- 2%).Excretion Argatroban is excreted primarily in the feces, presumably through biliary secretion. In study in which 14C-argatroban (5 mcg/kg/min) was infused for hours into healthy subjects, approximately 65% of the radioactivity was recovered in the feces within days of the start of infusion with little or no radioactivity subsequently detected. Approximately 22% of the radioactivity appeared in the urine within 12 hours of the start of infusion. Little or no additional urinary radioactivity was subsequently detected. Average percent recovery of unchanged drug, relative to total dose, was 16% in urine and at least 14% in feces.Special Populations Hepatic Impairment: The dosage of argatroban should be decreased in patients with hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Patients with hepatic impairment were not studied in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) trials. At dose of 2.5 mcg/kg/min, hepatic impairment is associated with decreased clearance and increased elimination half-life of argatroban (to 1.9 mL/kg/min and 181 minutes, respectively, for patients with Child-Pugh score greater than 6).Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with renal dysfunction. The effect of renal disease on the pharmacokinetics of argatroban was studied in subjects with normal renal function (mean Clcr 95 +- 16 mL/min) and in 18 subjects with mild (mean Clcr 64 +- 10 mL/min), moderate (mean Clcr 41 +- 5.8 mL/min), and severe (mean Clcr 5 +- mL/min) renal impairment. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of argatroban at dosages up to mcg/kg/min were not significantly affected by renal dysfunction.Use of argatroban was evaluated in study of 12 patients with stable end-stage renal disease undergoing chronic intermittent hemodialysis. Argatroban was administered at rate of to mcg/kg/min (begun at least hours prior to dialysis) or as bolus dose of 250 mcg/kg at the start of dialysis followed by continuous infusion of mcg/kg/min. Although these regimens did not achieve the goal of maintaining ACT values at 1.8 times the baseline value throughout most of the hemodialysis period, the hemodialysis sessions were successfully completed with both of these regimens. The mean ACTs produced in this study ranged from 1.39 to 1.82 times baseline, and the mean aPTTs ranged from 1.96 to 3.4 times the baseline. When argatroban was administered as continuous infusion of mcg/kg/min prior to and during 4-hour hemodialysis session, approximately 20% was cleared through dialysis.Age, Gender: There are no clinically significant effects of age or gender on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics (e.g., aPTT) of argatroban in adults.Drug-Drug InteractionsDigoxin: In 12 healthy volunteers, intravenous infusion of argatroban (2 mcg/kg/min) over days (study days 11 to 15) did not affect the steady-state pharmacokinetics of oral digoxin (0.375 mg daily for 15 days).Erythromycin: In 10 healthy subjects, orally administered erythromycin (a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4/5) at 500 mg four times daily for days had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of argatroban at dose of mcg/kg/min for hours. These data suggest oxidative metabolism by CYP3A4/5 is not an important elimination pathway in vivo for argatroban.Aspirin and Acetaminophen: Drug-drug interactions have not been demonstrated between argatroban and concomitantly administered aspirin (162.5 mg orally given 26 and hours prior to initiation of argatroban mcg/kg/min over hours) or acetaminophen (1,000 mg orally given 12, 6, and hours prior to, and and 12 hours subsequent to, initiation of argatroban1.5 mcg/kg/min over 18 hours).

PREGNANCY SECTION.

8.1 Pregnancy. Risk SummaryLimited data from published literature and postmarketing reports do not suggest an association between argatroban and adverse fetal developmental outcomes. There are risks to the mother associated with untreated thrombosis in pregnancy and risk of hemorrhage in the mother and fetus associated with use of anticoagulants (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes with intravenous administration of argatroban during organogenesis in rats and rabbits at doses up to 0.3- and 0.2-times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MHRD) (see Data).The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%-4% and 15%-20%, respectively.. Clinical Considerations. Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal RiskPregnancy confers an increased risk for thromboembolism that is higher for women with underlying thromboembolic disease and certain high risk pregnancy conditions. Published data describe that women with previous history of venous thrombosis are at high risk for recurrence during pregnancy.Fetal/Neonatal Adverse ReactionsUse of anticoagulants, including argatroban, may increase the risk of bleeding in the fetus and neonate. Monitor neonates for bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)].Labor or DeliveryAll patients receiving anticoagulants, including pregnant women, are at risk for bleeding. Pregnant women receiving argatroban should be carefully monitored for evidence of excessive bleeding or unexpected changes in coagulation parameters [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)].. Data. Animal DataDevelopmental studies performed in rats with argatroban at intravenous doses up to 27 mg/kg/day (0.3 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on body surface area) and in rabbits at intravenous doses up to 10.8 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on body surface area) have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. Lactation: Discontinue nursing or drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. (8.2) Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established. (8.4) Lactation: Discontinue nursing or drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. (8.2) Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established. (8.4) 8.1 Pregnancy. Risk SummaryLimited data from published literature and postmarketing reports do not suggest an association between argatroban and adverse fetal developmental outcomes. There are risks to the mother associated with untreated thrombosis in pregnancy and risk of hemorrhage in the mother and fetus associated with use of anticoagulants (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes with intravenous administration of argatroban during organogenesis in rats and rabbits at doses up to 0.3- and 0.2-times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MHRD) (see Data).The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%-4% and 15%-20%, respectively.. Clinical Considerations. Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal RiskPregnancy confers an increased risk for thromboembolism that is higher for women with underlying thromboembolic disease and certain high risk pregnancy conditions. Published data describe that women with previous history of venous thrombosis are at high risk for recurrence during pregnancy.Fetal/Neonatal Adverse ReactionsUse of anticoagulants, including argatroban, may increase the risk of bleeding in the fetus and neonate. Monitor neonates for bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)].Labor or DeliveryAll patients receiving anticoagulants, including pregnant women, are at risk for bleeding. Pregnant women receiving argatroban should be carefully monitored for evidence of excessive bleeding or unexpected changes in coagulation parameters [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)].. Data. Animal DataDevelopmental studies performed in rats with argatroban at intravenous doses up to 27 mg/kg/day (0.3 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on body surface area) and in rabbits at intravenous doses up to 10.8 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on body surface area) have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus.. 8.2 Lactation. Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of argatroban in human milk, or its effects on milk production. Argatroban is present in rat milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mothers clinical need for argatroban and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from argatroban or from the underlying maternal condition.. 8.4 Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Argatroban was studied among 18 seriously ill pediatric patients who required an alternative to heparin anticoagulation. Most patients were diagnosed with HIT or suspected HIT. Age ranges of patients were <6 months, = 8; six months to <8 years, = 6; to 16 years, = 4. All patients had serious underlying conditions and were receiving multiple concomitant medications. Thirteen patients received argatroban solely as continuous infusion (no bolus dose). Dosing was initiated in the majority of these 13 patients at mcg/kg/min. Dosing was titrated as needed to achieve and maintain an aPTT of 1.5 to times the baseline value. Most patients required multiple dose adjustments to maintain anticoagulation parameters within the desired range. During the 30-day study period, thrombotic events occurred during argatroban administration to two patients and following argatroban discontinuation in three other patients. Major bleeding occurred among two patients: one patient experienced an intracranial hemorrhage after days of argatroban therapy in the setting of sepsis and thrombocytopenia and another patient experienced an intracranial hemorrhage after receiving argatroban for greater than 14 days. The study findings did not establish the safe and effective use of argatroban in pediatric patients and the dosing of mcg/kg/min was not supported by the pharmacokinetic data described below. Pediatric Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Pharmacodynamics (PD) PK parameters of argatroban were characterized in population PK/PD analysis model with sparse data from 15 seriously ill pediatric patients. Argatroban clearance in these seriously ill pediatric patients (0.16 L/hr/kg) was 50% lower compared to argatroban clearance in healthy adults (0.31 L/hr/kg). Four pediatric patients with elevated bilirubin (secondary to cardiac complications or hepatic impairment) had, on average, 80% lower clearance (0.03 L/hr/kg) when compared to pediatric patients with normal bilirubin levels.These PK/PD analysis models based on goal of aPTT prolongation of 1.5 to times the baseline value and avoidance of an aPTT >100 seconds for seriously ill pediatric patients with HIT/HITTS who require an alternative to heparin suggested the following:For patients with normal hepatic function, starting infusion rate of 0.75 mcg/kg/min may have comparable aPTT responses as starting dose of mcg/kg/min in healthy adults.Additionally, based on an evaluation of aPTT every two hours, increasing the dosage by 0.1 to 0.25 mcg/kg/min could achieve additional aPTT responses. For patients with hepatic impairment starting infusion rate of 0.2 mcg/kg/min with increasing dosing by increments of 0.05 mcg/kg/min may have comparable argatroban exposure as expected with adult doses. The safety and effectiveness of argatroban with the above dosing have not been adequately assessed in pediatric patients and the safety and effectiveness of argatroban is not established in pediatric patients. In addition, the described dosage did not take into account multiple factors that could affect the dosage such as current aPTT, target aPTT, and the clinical status of the patient.. For patients with normal hepatic function, starting infusion rate of 0.75 mcg/kg/min may have comparable aPTT responses as starting dose of mcg/kg/min in healthy adults.Additionally, based on an evaluation of aPTT every two hours, increasing the dosage by 0.1 to 0.25 mcg/kg/min could achieve additional aPTT responses. For patients with hepatic impairment starting infusion rate of 0.2 mcg/kg/min with increasing dosing by increments of 0.05 mcg/kg/min may have comparable argatroban exposure as expected with adult doses. 8.5 Geriatric Use. Of the total number of subjects (1340) in clinical studies of argatroban, 35% were 65 and over. In the clinical studies of adult patients with HIT (with or without thrombosis), the effectiveness of argatroban was not affected by age. No trends were observed across age groups for both aPTT and the ACT. The safety analysis did suggest that older patients had increased underlying conditions, which may predispose them to adverse reactions. The studies were not sized appropriately to detect differences in safety between age groups.. 8.6 Hepatic Impairment. Dose reduction and careful titration are required when administering argatroban to patients with hepatic impairment. Reversal of anticoagulant effect may be prolonged in this population [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warning and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Hemorrhage can occur. Unexplained fall in hematocrit or blood pressure may indicate hemorrhage. (5.1)Hepatic impairment: Adjust starting dose and titrate carefully in patients with HIT who have moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Avoid use in PCI in patients with clinically significant hepatic impairment. (5.2). Hemorrhage can occur. Unexplained fall in hematocrit or blood pressure may indicate hemorrhage. (5.1). Hepatic impairment: Adjust starting dose and titrate carefully in patients with HIT who have moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Avoid use in PCI in patients with clinically significant hepatic impairment. (5.2). 5.1 Risk of Hemorrhage. Hemorrhage can occur at any site in the body in patients receiving argatroban. Unexplained fall in hematocrit or blood pressure may indicate hemorrhage. Intracranial and retroperitoneal hemorrhage [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] have been reported. The risk of hemorrhage with argatroban may be increased in severe hypertension; immediately following lumbar puncture, spinal anesthesia, major surgery (especially involving the brain, spinal cord, or eye), hematologic conditions associated with increased bleeding tendencies such as congenital or acquired bleeding disorders, and gastrointestinal lesions such as ulcerations.Concomitant use of argatroban with antiplatelet agents, thrombolytics, and other anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding.. 5.2 Use in Hepatic Impairment. When administering argatroban to patients with hepatic impairment, start with lower dose and carefully titrate until the desired level of anticoagulation is achieved. Achievement of steady state aPTT levels may take longer and require more argatroban dose adjustments in patients with hepatic impairment compared to patients with normal hepatic function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. Also, upon cessation of argatroban infusion in the hepatically impaired patient, full reversal of anticoagulant effects may require longer than hours due to decreased clearance and increased elimination half-life of argatroban [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Avoid the use of high doses of argatroban in patients undergoing PCI who have clinically significant hepatic disease or AST/ALT levels >=3 times the upper limit of normal. 5.3 Laboratory Tests. Anticoagulation effects associated with argatroban infusion at doses up to 40 mcg/kg/min correlate with increases of the aPTT. Although other global clot-based tests including prothrombin time (PT), the International Normalized Ratio (INR), and thrombin time (TT) are affected by argatroban, the therapeutic ranges for these tests have not been identified for argatroban therapy. In clinical trials in PCI, the ACT was used for monitoring argatroban anticoagulant activity during the procedure. The concomitant use of argatroban and warfarin results in prolongation of the PT and INR beyond that produced by warfarin alone [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ].

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. The following adverse reaction is also discussed in other sections of the labeling: Risk of Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].. Risk of Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].. HIT patients: The most common (>5%) adverse reactions were dyspnea, hypotension, fever, diarrhea, sepsis, and cardiac arrest. (6.1) PCI patients: The most common (>5%) adverse reactions were chest pain, hypotension, back pain, nausea, vomiting and headache. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-233-2001 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.. HIT patients: The most common (>5%) adverse reactions were dyspnea, hypotension, fever, diarrhea, sepsis, and cardiac arrest. (6.1) PCI patients: The most common (>5%) adverse reactions were chest pain, hypotension, back pain, nausea, vomiting and headache. (6.1) 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience. Adverse Reactions in Patients with HIT (With or Without Thrombosis)Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.The following safety information is based on all 568 patients treated with argatroban in Study and Study 2. The safety profile of the patients from these studies is compared with that of 193 historical controls in which the adverse reactions were collected retrospectively. Adverse reactions are separated into hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic reactions.Major bleeding was defined as bleeding that was overt and associated with hemoglobin decrease >= g/dL, that led to transfusion of >= units, or that was intracranial, retroperitoneal, or into major prosthetic joint. Minor bleeding was overt bleeding that did not meet the criteria for major bleeding.Table gives an overview of the most frequently observed hemorrhagic reactions, presented separately by major and minor bleeding, sorted by decreasing occurrence among argatroban-treated patients with HIT (with or without thrombosis).Table Major and Minor Hemorrhagic Adverse Reactions in Patients With HITMajor Hemorrhagic Reactionsa Argatroban-treated Patients (Study and Study 2) (n 568) Historical Controlc (n 193) %Overall bleeding5.36.7Gastrointestinal 2.31.6Genitourinary and hematuria0.90.5Decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit0.70Multisystem hemorrhage and DIC0.51Limb and BKA stump 0.50Intracranial hemorrhage0b 0.5Minor Hemorrhagic Reactionsa Argatroban-treated Patients (Study and Study 2) (n 568) Historical Controlc (n 193) %Gastrointestinal 14.418.1Genitourinary and hematuria11.60.8Decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit10.40Groin 5.43.1Hemoptysis2.90.8Brachial2.40.8 with or without thrombosisa) Patients may have experienced more than adverse reaction.b) One patient experienced intracranial hemorrhage days after discontinuation of argatroban and following therapy with urokinase andoral anticoagulation.c) The historical control group consisted of patients with clinical diagnosis of HIT (with or without thrombosis) that were considered eligible by an independent medical panel. DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation. BKA below the knee amputation.Table gives an overview of the most frequently observed non-hemorrhagic reactions sorted by decreasing frequency of occurrence (>=2%) among argatroban-treated HIT/HITTS patients.Table Non-hemorrhagic Adverse Reactions in Patientsa With HITb Argatroban-treated Patients (Study and Study 2) (n 568) Historical Controlc (n 193) %Dyspnea8.18.8Hypotension7.22.6Fever6.92.1Diarrhea6.21.6Sepsis6.012.4Cardiac arrest5.83.1Nausea4.80.5Ventricular tachycardia 4.83.1Pain4.63.1Urinary tract infection4.65.2Vomiting4.20Infection3.73.6Pneumonia3.39.3Atrial fibrillation 3.011.4Coughing2.81.6Abnormal renal function 2.84.7Abdominal pain2.61.6Cerebrovascular disorder2.34.1a) Patients may have experienced more than adverse reaction.b) With or without thrombosisc) The historical control group consisted of patients with clinical diagnosis of HIT (with or without thrombosis) that were considered eligible by an independent medical panel.Adverse Reactions in Patients with or at Risk for HIT Undergoing PCIThe following safety information is based on 91 patients initially treated with argatroban and 21 patients subsequently re-exposed to argatroban for total of 112 PCIs with argatroban anticoagulation. Adverse reactions are separated into hemorrhagic (Table 6) and non-hemorrhagic (Table 7) reactions. Major bleeding was defined as bleeding that was overt and associated with hemoglobin decrease >=5 g/dL, that led to transfusion of >=2 units, or that was intracranial, retroperitoneal, or into major prosthetic joint. The rate of major bleeding events in patients treated with argatroban in the PCI trials was 1.8%.Table Major and Minor Hemorrhagic Adverse Reactions in Patients With HIT Undergoing PCIMajor Hemorrhagic Reactionsa Argatroban-treatedPatients (n 112)b %Retroperitoneal0.9Gastrointestinal0.9Intracranial0Minor Hemorrhagic Reactionsa Argatroban-treated Patients (n 112)b %Groin (bleeding or hematoma)3.6Gastrointestinal (includes hematemesis)2.6Genitourinary (includes hematuria)1.8Decrease in hemoglobin and/or hematocrit1.8CABG (coronary arteries)1.8Access site0.9Hemoptysis0.9Other0.9a) Patients may have experienced more than adverse reaction.b) 91 patients who underwent 112 interventions. CABG coronary artery bypass graft.Table gives an overview of the most frequently observed non-hemorrhagic adverse reactions (>2%), sorted by decreasing frequency of occurrence among argatroban-treated PCI patients.Table Non-hemorrhagic Adverse Reactionsa in Patients With HIT Undergoing PCIArgatroban Proceduresa (n 112)b %Chest pain15.2Hypotension10.7Back pain8.0Nausea7.1Vomiting6.3Headache5.4Bradycardia4.5Abdominal pain3.6Fever3.6Myocardial infarction3.6a) Patients may have experienced more than adverse reaction.b) 91 patients who underwent 112 interventions.There were 22 serious adverse reactions in 17 PCI patients (19.6% in 112 interventions). Table lists the serious adverse reactions occurring in argatroban-treated patients with or at risk for HIT undergoing PCI.Table Serious Adverse Reactions in Patients With HIT Undergoing PCIa Coded TermArgatroban Proceduresb (n 112)Myocardial infarction4 (3.5%)Angina pectoris2 (1.8%)Coronary thrombosis2 (1.8%)Myocardial ischemia2 (1.8%)Occlusion coronary2 (1.8%)Chest pain1 (0.9%)Fever1 (0.9%)Retroperitoneal hemorrhage1 (0.9%)Aortic stenosis1 (0.9%)Arterial thrombosis1 (0.9%)Gastrointestinal hemorrhage1 (0.9%)Gastrointestinal disorder (GERD)1 (0.9%)Cerebrovascular disorder1 (0.9%)Lung edema1 (0.9%)Vascular disorder1 (0.9%)a) Individual reactions may also have been reported elsewhere (see Table and 7).b) 91 patients underwent 112 procedures. Some patients may have experienced more than reaction.Intracranial Bleeding in Other PopulationsIncreased risks for intracranial bleeding have been observed in investigational studies of argatroban for other uses. In study of patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving both argatroban and thrombolytic therapy (streptokinase or tissue plasminogen activator), the overall frequency of intracranial bleeding was 1% (8 out of 810 patients). Intracranial bleeding was not observed in 317 subjects or patients who did not receive concomitant thrombolysis [see Drug Interactions (7.4)]. The safety and effectiveness of argatroban for cardiac indications other than PCI in patients with HIT have not been established. Intracranial bleeding was also observed in prospective, placebo-controlled study of argatroban in patients who had onset of acute stroke within 12 hours of study entry. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was reported in of 117 patients (4.3%) who received argatroban at to mcg/kg/min and in none of the 54 patients who received placebo. Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in (4.3%) and (3.7%) of the patients, respectively.Allergic ReactionsOne hundred fifty-six allergic reactions or suspected allergic reactions were observed in 1,127 individuals who were treated with argatroban in clinical pharmacology studies or for various clinical indications. About 95% (148/156) of these reactions occurred in patients who concomitantly received thrombolytic therapy (e.g., streptokinase) or contrast media.Allergic reactions or suspected allergic reactions in populations other than patients with HIT (with or without thrombosis) include (in descending order of frequency): Airway reactions (coughing, dyspnea): 10% or more Skin reactions (rash, bullous eruption): to <10% General reactions (vasodilation): to 10%Limited data are available on the potential formation of drug-related antibodies. Plasma from 12 healthy volunteers treated with argatroban over days showed no evidence of neutralizing antibodies. No loss of anticoagulant activity was noted with repeated administration of argatroban to more than 40 patients.. Airway reactions (coughing, dyspnea): 10% or more Skin reactions (rash, bullous eruption): to <10% General reactions (vasodilation): to 10%.