DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. CAUTION--DO NOT ADMINISTER FOSCARNET SODIUM INJECTION BY RAPID OR BOLUS INTRAVENOUS INJECTION. THE TOXICITY OF FOSCARNET SODIUM INJECTION MAY BE INCREASED AS RESULT OF EXCESSIVE PLASMA LEVELS. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID UNINTENTIONAL OVERDOSE BY CAREFULLY CONTROLLING THE RATE OF INFUSION. THEREFORE, AN INFUSION PUMP MUST BE USED. IN SPITE OF THE USE OF AN INFUSION PUMP, OVERDOSES HAVE OCCURRED.

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

ADVERSE REACTIONS. THE MAJOR TOXICITY OF FOSCARNET IS RENAL IMPAIRMENT (see WARNINGS section). Approximately 33% of 189 patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis who received foscarnet (60 mg/kg TID), without adequate hydration, developed significant impairment of renal function (serum creatinine >= 2.0 mg/dL). The incidence of renal impairment in subsequent clinical trials in which 1000 mL of normal saline or 5% dextrose solution was given with each infusion of foscarnet was 12% (34/280).Foscarnet has been associated with changes in serum electrolytes including hypocalcemia (15-30%), hypophosphatemia (8-26%) and hyperphosphatemia (6%), hypomagnesemia (15-30%), and hypokalemia (16-48%) (see WARNINGS section). The higher percentages were derived from those patients receiving hydration.Foscarnet treatment was associated with seizures in 18/189 (10%) AIDS patients in the initial five controlled studies (see WARNINGS section). Risk factors associated with seizures included impaired baseline renal function, low total serum calcium, and underlying CNS conditions predisposing the patient to seizures. The rate of seizures did not increase with duration of treatment. Three cases were associated with overdoses of foscarnet (see OVERDOSAGE section).In five controlled U.S. clinical trials the most frequently reported adverse events in patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis are shown in Table 9. These figures were calculated without reference to drug relationship or severity.TABLE Adverse Events Reported in Five Controlled US Clinical Trialsn 189n 189Fever65%Abnormal Renal Function27%Nausea47%Vomiting26%Anemia33%Headache26%Diarrhea30%Seizures10%From the same controlled studies, adverse events categorized by investigator as severe are shown in Table 10. Although death was specifically attributed to foscarnet in only one case, other complications of foscarnet (i.e., renal impairment, electrolyte abnormalities, and seizures) may have contributed to patient deaths (see WARNINGS section).TABLE 10 Severe Adverse Eventsn 189Death14%Abnormal Renal Function14%Marrow Suppression10%Anemia9%Seizures7%From the five initial U.S. controlled trials of foscarnet, the following list of adverse events has been compiled regardless of causal relationship to foscarnet. Evaluation of these reports was difficult because of the diverse manifestations of the underlying disease and because most patients received numerous concomitant medications.Incidence of 5% or GreaterBody as Whole: fever, fatigue, rigors, asthenia, malaise, pain, infection, sepsis, deathCentral and Peripheral Nervous System: headache, paresthesia, dizziness, involuntary muscle contractions, hypoesthesia, neuropathy, seizures including grand mal seizures (see WARNINGS)Gastrointestinal System: anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal painHematologic: anemia, granulocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia (see PRECAUTIONS)Metabolic and Nutritional: mineral and electrolyte imbalances (see WARNINGS) including hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphatemiaPsychiatric: depression, confusion, anxietyRespiratory System: coughing, dyspneaSkin and Appendages: rash, increased sweatingUrinary: alterations in renal function including increased serum creatinine, decreased creatinine clearance, and abnormal renal function (see WARNINGS)Special Senses: vision abnormalitiesIncidence between 1% and 5%Application Site: injection site pain, injection site inflammationBody as Whole: back pain, chest pain (including reports of transient chest pain as part of infusion reactions), edema, influenza-like symptoms, bacterial infections, moniliasis, fungal infections, abscessCardiovascular: hypertension, palpitations, ECG abnormalities including sinus tachycardia, first degree AV block and non-specific ST-T segment changes, hypotension, flushing, cerebrovascular disorder (see WARNINGS)Central and Peripheral Nervous System: tremor, ataxia, dementia, stupor, generalized spasms, sensory disturbances, meningitis, aphasia, abnormal coordination, leg cramps, EEG abnormalities (see WARNINGS)Gastrointestinal: constipation, dysphagia, dyspepsia, rectal hemorrhage, dry mouth, melena, flatulence, ulcerative stomatitis, pancreatitisHematologic: thrombocytopenia, platelet abnormalities, thrombosis, white blood cell abnormalities, lymphadenopathyLiver and Biliary: abnormal A-G ratio, abnormal hepatic function, increased SGPT, increased SGOTMetabolic and Nutritional: hyponatremia, decreased weight, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased LDH, increased BUN, acidosis, cachexia, thirstMusculo-Skeletal: arthralgia, myalgiaNeoplasms: lymphoma-like disorder, sarcomaPsychiatric: insomnia, somnolence, nervousness, amnesia, agitation, aggressive reaction, hallucinationRespiratory System: pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, respiratory disorders, respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary infiltration, stridor, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, bronchospasmSkin and Appendages: pruritus, skin ulceration, seborrhea, erythematous rash, maculo-papular rash, skin discolorationSpecial Senses: taste perversions, eye abnormalities, eye pain, conjunctivitisUrinary System: albuminuria, dysuria, polyuria, urethral disorder, urinary retention, urinary tract infections, acute renal failure, nocturia, facial edemaSelected adverse events occurring at rate of less than 1% in the five initial U.S. controlled clinical trials of foscarnet include: syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, pancytopenia, hematuria, dehydration, hypoproteinemia, increases in amylase and creatinine phosphokinase, cardiac arrest, coma, and other cardiovascular and neurologic complications.Selected adverse event data from the Foscarnet vs. Ganciclovir CMV Retinitis Trial (FGCRT), performed by the Studies of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (SOCA) Research Group, are shown in Table 11 (see CLINICAL TRIALS section).TABLE 11 FGRCT: Selected Adverse Events Values for the treatment groups refer only to patients who completed at least one follow-up visit i.e., 133 to 119 patients in the ganciclovir group and 93 to 100 in the foscarnet group. Events denotes all events observed and patients the number of patients with one or more of the indicated events.+Per person-year at riskFinal frozen SOCA database dated October 1991EVENTGANCICLOVIRFOSCARNETNo. ofEventsNo. of PatientsRates+No. ofEventsNo. of PatientsRates+Absolute neutrophil count decreasing to <0.50 109 per liter63411.3031170.72Serum creatinine increasing to >260 umol per liter (>2.9 mg/dL)640.121390.30Seizure 21130.3719130.37Catheterization-related infection49271.2651281.46Hospitalization209914.74202755.03Selected adverse events from ACTG Study 228 (CRRT) comparing combination therapy with foscarnet or ganciclovir monotherapy are shown in Table 12. The most common reason for treatment change in patients assigned to either foscarnet or ganciclovir was retinitis progression. The most frequent reason for treatment change in the combination treatment group was toxicity.TABLE 12 CRRT: Selected Adverse Events Pts. patients with event; +Rate events/person/year; ANC absolute neutrophil countFoscarnetN=88GanciclovirN=93CombinationN=93No. EventsNo. Pts.Rate+No. EventsNo. Pts.Rate+No. EventsNo. Pts.Rate+Anemia (Hgb <70g/L)1170.20970.1419150.33Neutropenia ANC <0.75 109 cells/L ANC <0.50 109 cells/L865032251.530.91954941281.510.801075051281.910.85Thrombocytopenia Platelets <50 109/L Platelets <20 109/L2811410.500.01196820.430.054071560.560.18Nephrotoxicity Creatinine >260 umol/L (>2.9 mg/dL)970.151070.1711100.20Seizures660.17760.151050.18Hospitalizations86531.86111592.36118642.36Adverse events that have been reported in post-marketing surveillance include: administration site extravasation, localized edema, hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylactic shock, urticaria and angioedema) (see WARNINGS section), gastrointestinal hemorrhage, increased lipase, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, status epilepticus, ventricular arrhythmia, prolongation of QT interval, torsade de pointes (see WARNINGS section), gamma GT increased, diabetes insipidus (usually nephrogenic), renal calculus, Fanconi syndrome acquired, renal tubular acidosis, renal tubular necrosis, crystal-induced nephropathy, hypercalcemia, hypernatremia, esophageal ulceration and muscle disorders including myopathy, myositis, muscle weakness and rare cases of rhabdomyolysis. Cases of vesiculobullous eruptions including erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported. In most cases, patients were taking other medications that have been associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

BOXED WARNING SECTION.

WARNING. RENAL IMPAIRMENT IS THE MAJOR TOXICITY OF FOSCARNET. FREQUENT MONITORING OF SERUM CREATININE, WITH DOSE ADJUSTMENT FOR CHANGES IN RENAL FUNCTION, AND ADEQUATE HYDRATION WITH ADMINISTRATION OF FOSCARNET IS IMPERATIVE. (See ADMINISTRATION section; Hydration.)SEIZURES, RELATED TO ALTERATIONS IN PLASMA MINERALS AND ELECTROLYTES, HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH FOSCARNET TREATMENT. THEREFORE, PATIENTS MUST BE CAREFULLY MONITORED FOR SUCH CHANGES AND THEIR POTENTIAL SEQUELAE. MINERAL AND ELECTROLYTE SUPPLEMENTATION MAY BE REQUIRED.FOSCARNET IS INDICATED FOR USE ONLY IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS WITH CMV RETINITIS AND MUCOCUTANEOUS ACYCLOVIR-RESISTANT HSV INFECTIONS. (See INDICATIONS section).

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Carcinogenicity studies were conducted in rats and mice at oral doses of 500 mg/kg/day and 250 mg/kg/day. Oral bioavailability in unfasted rodents is 20%. No evidence of oncogenicity was reported at plasma drug levels equal to 1/3 and 1/5, respectively, of those in humans (at the maximum recommended human daily dose) as measured by the area-under-the-time/concentration curve (AUC).Foscarnet showed genotoxic effects in the BALB/3T3 in vitro transformation assay at concentrations greater than 0.5 mcg/mL and an increased frequency of chromosome aberrations in the sister chromatid exchange assay at 1000 mcg/mL. high dose of foscarnet (350 mg/kg) caused an increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in vivo in mice at doses that produced exposures (area under curve) comparable to that anticipated clinically.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Pharmacokinetics. The pharmacokinetics of foscarnet has been determined after administration as an intermittent intravenous infusion during induction therapy in AIDS patients with CMV retinitis. Observed plasma foscarnet concentrations in four studies (FOS-01, ACTG-015, FP48PK, FP49PK) are summarized in Table 7:TABLE Foscarnet Pharmacokinetic CharacteristicsValues expressed as mean S.D. (number of subjects studied) for each parameter+50 mg/kg Q8h for 28 days, samples taken hrs after end of hr infusion (Astra Report 815-04 AC025-1)90 mg/kg Q12hr for 28 days, samples taken hr after end of hr infusion (Hengge et al., 1993)Parameter60 mg/kg Q8h90 mg/kg Q12hCmax at steady-state (uM) 589 +- 192 (24)623 +- 132 (19)Ctrough at steady-state (uM) 114 +- 91 (24)63 +- 57 (17)Volume of distribution (L/kg)0.41 +- 0.13 (12)0.52 +- 0.20 (18)Plasma half-life (hr)4.0 +- 2.0 (24)3.3 +- 1.4 (18)Systemic clearance (L/hr)6.2 +- 2.1 (24)7.1 +- 2.7 (18)Renal clearance (L/hr)5.6 +- 1.9 (5)6.4 +- 2.5 (13)CSF: plasma ratio0.69 +- 0.19 (9) +0.66 +- 0.11(5) Distribution. In vitro studies have shown that 14 17% of foscarnet is protein bound at plasma drug concentrations of - 1000 uM.The foscarnet terminal half-life determined by urinary excretion was 87.5 +- 41.8 hours, possibly due to release of foscarnet from bone. Postmortem data on several patients in European clinical trials provide evidence that foscarnet does accumulate in bone in humans; however, the extent to which this occurs has not been determined.. Special Populations. Adults with Impaired Renal Function: The pharmacokinetic properties of foscarnet have been determined in small group of adult subjects with normal and impaired renal function, as summarized in Table 8:TABLE Pharmacokinetic Parameters (mean +- S.D.) After Single 60 mg/kg Dose of Foscarnet in Groups of Adults with Varying Degrees of Renal FunctionGroup patients had normal renal function defined as creatinine clearance (CrCl) of >80 mL/min, Group CrCl was 50 80 mL/min, Group CrCl was 25 49 mL/min and Group CrCl was 10 24 mL/min.ParameterGroup 1(N=6)Group 2(N=6)Group 3(N=6)Group 4(N=4)Creatinine clearance (mL/min)108 +- 1668 +- 834 +- 920 +- 4Foscarnet CL (mL/min/kg)2.13 +- 0.711.33 +- 0.430.46 +- 0.140.43 +- 0.26Foscarnet half-life (hr)1.93 +- 0.123.35 +- 0.8713.0 +- 4.0525.3 +- 18.7Total systemic clearance (CL) of foscarnet decreased and half-life increased with diminishing renal function (as expressed by creatinine clearance). Based on these observations, it is necessary to modify the dosage of foscarnet in patients with renal impairment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).. Drug Interaction. The pharmacokinetics of foscarnet and ganciclovir were not altered in 13 patients receiving either concomitant therapy or daily alternating therapy for maintenance of CMV disease.There is no clinically significant interaction with zidovudine (AZT), or probenecid.

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

CLINICAL TRIALS. CMV Retinitis. prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial (FOS-03) was conducted in 24 patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis comparing treatment with foscarnet to no treatment. Patients received induction treatment of foscarnet, 60 mg/kg every hours for weeks, followed by maintenance treatment with 90 mg/kg/day until retinitis progression (appearance of new lesion or advancement of the border of posterior lesion greater than 750 microns in diameter). All diagnoses and determinations of retinitis progression were made from masked reading of retinal photographs. The 13 patients randomized to treatment with foscarnet had significant delay in progression of CMV retinitis compared to untreated controls. Median times to retinitis progression from study entry were 93 days (range 21 >364) and 22 days (range - 42), respectively.In another prospective clinical trial of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS (ACTG-915), 33 patients were treated with two to three weeks of foscarnet induction (60 mg/kg TID) and then randomized to either 90 mg/kg/day or 120 mg/kg/day maintenance therapy. The median times from study entry to retinitis progression were not significantly different between the treatment groups, 96 (range 14 >176) days and 140 (range 16 >233) days, respectively.In study ACTG 129/FGCRT SOCA study 107 patients with newly diagnosed CMV retinitis were randomized to treatment with foscarnet (induction: 60 mg/kg TID for weeks; maintenance: 90 mg/kg QD) and 127 were randomized to treatment with ganciclovir (induction: mg/kg BID; maintenance: mg/kg QD). The median time to progression on the two drugs was similar (Fos=59 and Gcv=56 days).. Relapsed CMV Retinitis. The CMV Retinitis Retreatment Trial (ACTG 228/SOCA CRRT) was randomized, open-label comparison of foscarnet or ganciclovir monotherapy to the combination of both drugs for the treatment of persistently active or relapsed CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS. Subjects were randomized to one of the three treatments: foscarnet 90 mg/kg BID induction followed by 120 mg/kg QD maintenance (Fos); ganciclovir mg/kg BID induction followed by 10 mg/kg QD maintenance (Gcv); or the combination of the two drugs, consisting of continuation of the subjects current therapy and induction dosing of the other drug (as above), followed by maintenance with foscarnet 90 mg/kg QD plus ganciclovir mg/kg QD (Cmb). Assessment of retinitis progression was performed by masked evaluation of retinal photographs. The median times to retinitis progression or death were 39 days for the foscarnet group, 61 days for the ganciclovir group and 105 days for the combination group. For the alternative endpoint of retinitis progression (censoring on death), the median times were 39 days for the foscarnet group, 61 days for the ganciclovir group and 132 days for the combination group. Due to censoring on death, the latter analysis may overestimate the treatment effect. Treatment modifications due to toxicity were more common in the combination group than in the foscarnet or ganciclovir monotherapy groups (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section).. Mucocutaneous Acyclovir Resistant HSV Infections. In controlled trial, patients with AIDS and mucocutaneous, acyclovir-resistant HSV infection were randomized to either foscarnet (N=8) at dose of 40 mg/kg TID or vidarabine (N=6) at dose of 15 mg/kg per day. Eleven patients were nonrandomly assigned to receive treatment with foscarnet because of prior intolerance to vidarabine. Lesions in the eight patients randomized to foscarnet healed after 11 to 25 days; seven of the 11 patients nonrandomly treated with foscarnet healed their lesions in 10 to 30 days. Vidarabine was discontinued because of intolerance (N=4) or poor therapeutic response (N=2). In second trial, forty AIDS patients and three bone marrow transplant recipients with mucocutaneous, acyclovir-resistant HSV infections were randomized to receive foscarnet at dose of either 40 mg/kg BID or 40 mg/kg TID. Fifteen of the 43 patients had healing of their lesions in 11 to 72 days with no difference in response between the two treatment groups.

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

CONTRAINDICATIONS. Foscarnet Sodium Injection is contraindicated in patients with clinically significant hypersensitivity to foscarnet sodium.

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

DESCRIPTION. Foscarnet Sodium Injection is the brand name for foscarnet sodium. The chemical name of foscarnet sodium is phosphonoformic acid, trisodium salt. Foscarnet sodium is white to almost white crystalline powder containing equivalents of water of hydration with an empirical formula of Na3CO5Po6 H2O and molecular weight of 300.04. The structural formula is:Foscarnet Sodium Injection has the potential to chelate divalent metal ions, such as calcium and magnesium, to form stable coordination compounds. Foscarnet Sodium Injection is sterile, isotonic aqueous solution for intravenous administration only. The solution is clear and colorless. Each milliliter of Foscarnet Sodium Injection contains 24 mg of foscarnet sodium hexahydrate in Water for Injection, USP. Hydrochloric acid may have been added to adjust the pH of the solution to 7.4. Foscarnet Sodium Injection contains no preservatives.. Structural Formula.

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

Drug Interactions. possible drug interaction of FOSCARNET and intravenous pentamidine has been described. Concomitant treatment of four patients in the United Kingdom with FOSCARNET and intravenous pentamidine may have caused hypocalcemia; one patient died with severe hypocalcemia. Toxicity associated with concomitant use of aerosolized pentamidine has not been reported. Because foscarnet can reduce serum levels of ionized calcium, extreme caution is advised when used concurrently with other drugs known to influence serum calcium levels (e.g., intravenous pentamidine). Renal impairment and symptomatic hypocalcemia have been observed during concurrent treatment with foscarnet and intravenous pentamidine.Because of foscarnets tendency to cause renal impairment, the use of foscarnet should be avoided in combination with potentially nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, acyclovir, methotrexate, tacrolimus and intravenous pentamidine (see above) unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the patient.When diuretics are indicated, thiazides are recommended over loop diuretics because the latter inhibit renal tubular secretion, and may impair elimination of foscarnet, potentially leading to toxicity.Abnormal renal function has been observed in clinical practice during the use of foscarnet and ritonavir, or foscarnet, ritonavir, and saquinavir. (See DOSAGE and ADMINISTRATION.)Because of the risk of QT prolongation and the potential for torsades de pointes, the use of foscarnet should be avoided in combination with agents known to prolong the QT interval including Class IA (e.g., quinidine or procainamide) or Class III (e.g., dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain macrolides and fluoroquinolones.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

General. Care must be taken to infuse solutions containing foscarnet only into veins with adequate blood flow to permit rapid dilution and distribution to avoid local irritation (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Local irritation and ulcerations of penile epithelium have been reported in male patients receiving foscarnet, possibly related to the presence of drug in the urine. Cases of male and female genital irritation/ulceration have been reported in patients receiving foscarnet. Adequate hydration with close attention to personal hygiene may minimize the occurrence of such events.Due to the sodium content of foscarnet sodium injection (240 micromoles (5.5 mg) of sodium per mL), avoid foscarnet sodium injection use when intravenous infusion of large amount of sodium or water may not be tolerated (e.g. in patients with cardiomyopathy). Foscarnet sodium injection should also be avoided in patients on controlled sodium diet.

GERIATRIC USE SECTION.

Geriatric Use. No studies of the efficacy or safety of foscarnet in persons 65 years of age or older have been conducted. However, foscarnet has been used in patients age 65 years of age and older. The pattern of adverse events seen in these patients is consistent across all age groups. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and renal function should be monitored. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

HOW SUPPLIED. Foscarnet Sodium Injection, 24 mg per mL for intravenous infusion, is supplied in 250 mL glass bottles containing 6000 mg foscarnet sodium (24 mg per mL) as follows:Product CodeUnit of SaleStrength875150NDC 63323-875-50Individually packaged6000 mg foscarnet sodium (24 mg per mL)For Single Use Only.Store between 20 and 25C (68 and 77F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].Protect from excessive heat (above 40C) and from freezing. If refrigerated or exposed to temperatures below the freezing point, precipitation may occur. By keeping the bottle at room temperature with repeated shaking, the precipitate can be brought into solution again.Foscarnet Sodium Injection should be used only if the bottle and seal are intact, vacuum is present, and the solution is clear and colorless.Manufactured for:Lake Zurich, IL 60047Made in AustriaFor Product Inquiry:1-800-551-7176 or www.fresenius-kabi.com/us451664A/Revised: May 2021. Fresenius Kabi Logo.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

Information for Patients. CMV Retinitis: Patients should be advised that foscarnet is not cure for CMV retinitis, and that they may continue to experience progression of retinitis during or following treatment. They should be advised to have regular ophthalmologic examinations.. Mucocutaneous Acyclovir-Resistant HSV Infections: Patients should be advised that foscarnet is not cure for HSV infections. While complete healing is possible, relapse occurs in most patients. Because relapse may be due to acyclovir-sensitive HSV, sensitivity testing of the viral isolate is advised. In addition, repeated treatment with foscarnet has led to the development of resistance associated with poorer response. In the case of poor therapeutic response, sensitivity testing of the viral isolate also is advised.. Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Adverse effects such as dizziness and convulsions may occur during foscarnet therapy. Patients who experience seizures, dizziness, somnolence or other adverse reactions that could result in impairment, should be advised to avoid driving or operating machinery.. General: Patients should be informed that the major toxicities of foscarnet are renal impairment, electrolyte disturbances, and seizures, and that dose modifications and possibly discontinuation may be required. The importance of close monitoring while on therapy must be emphasized. Patients should be advised of the importance of reporting to their physicians symptoms of perioral tingling, numbness in the extremities or paresthesias during or after infusion as possible symptoms of electrolyte abnormalities. Patients should also be advised to promptly report any cardiac symptoms. Should such symptoms occur, the infusion of foscarnet sodium injection should be stopped, appropriate laboratory samples for assessment of electrolyte concentrations obtained, and physician consulted before resuming treatment. The rate of infusion must be no more than mg/kg/minute. The potential for renal impairment may be minimized by accompanying foscarnet administration with hydration adequate to establish and maintain diuresis during dosing.

MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION.

Mechanism of Action. Foscarnet exerts its antiviral activity by selective inhibition at the pyrophosphate binding site on virus-specific DNA polymerases at concentrations that do not affect cellular DNA polymerases. Foscarnet does not require activation (phosphorylation) by thymidine kinase or other kinases.

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.

Nursing Mothers. It is not known whether foscarnet is excreted in human milk; however, in lactating rats administered 75 mg/kg, foscarnet was excreted in maternal milk at concentrations three times higher than peak maternal blood concentrations. Because of the potential for serious adverse events in nursing infants, decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue drug, taking into consideration the importance of the drug to the mother. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-infected mothers not breast-feed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

OVERDOSAGE. In controlled clinical trials performed in the United States, overdosage with foscarnet was reported in 10 out of 189 patients. All 10 patients experienced adverse events and all except one made complete recovery. One patient died after receiving total daily dose of 12.5 for three days instead of the intended 10.9 g. The patient suffered grand mal seizure and became comatose. Three days later the patient expired with the cause of death listed as respiratory/cardiac arrest. The other nine patients received doses ranging from 1.14 times to times their recommended doses with an average of times their recommended doses. Overall, three patients had seizures, three patients had renal function impairment, four patients had paresthesias either in limbs or periorally, and five patients had documented electrolyte disturbances primarily involving calcium and phosphate.Overdose (up to 20 times the recommended dose) has been reported in post-marketing use of foscarnet. Some of these post-marketing reports were relative overdoses in that the dose of foscarnet had not been adjusted in patients with reduced renal function. The pattern of adverse events associated with foscarnet overdose is consistent with the known adverse event profile of the drug.There is no specific antidote for foscarnet overdose. Hemodialysis and hydration may be of benefit in reducing drug plasma levels in patients who receive an overdosage of foscarnet, but the effectiveness of these interventions has not been evaluated. The patient should be observed for signs and symptoms of renal impairment and electrolyte imbalance. Medical treatment should be instituted if clinically warranted.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

PACKAGE LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY FOSCARNET 250 ML BOTTLE LABELNDC 63323-875-50 875150Foscarnet SodiumInjection6,000 mg/250 mL(24 mg/mL) For Central Intravenous Infusion Only Must Be Diluted for Peripheral Intravenous Infusion For Single Use Only. Discard unused portion.Rx Only PACKAGE LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY FOSCARNET 250 ML BOTTLE LABEL.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of foscarnet in pediatric patients have not been established. Foscarnet is deposited in teeth and bone and deposition is greater in young and growing animals. Foscarnet has been demonstrated to adversely affect development of tooth enamel in mice and rats. The effects of this deposition on skeletal development have not been studied.Since deposition in human bone has also been shown to occur, it is likely that it does so to greater degree in developing bone in pediatric patients. Administration to pediatric patients should be undertaken only after careful evaluation and only if the potential benefits for treatment outweigh the risks.

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

Pharmacokinetics. The pharmacokinetics of foscarnet has been determined after administration as an intermittent intravenous infusion during induction therapy in AIDS patients with CMV retinitis. Observed plasma foscarnet concentrations in four studies (FOS-01, ACTG-015, FP48PK, FP49PK) are summarized in Table 7:TABLE Foscarnet Pharmacokinetic CharacteristicsValues expressed as mean S.D. (number of subjects studied) for each parameter+50 mg/kg Q8h for 28 days, samples taken hrs after end of hr infusion (Astra Report 815-04 AC025-1)90 mg/kg Q12hr for 28 days, samples taken hr after end of hr infusion (Hengge et al., 1993)Parameter60 mg/kg Q8h90 mg/kg Q12hCmax at steady-state (uM) 589 +- 192 (24)623 +- 132 (19)Ctrough at steady-state (uM) 114 +- 91 (24)63 +- 57 (17)Volume of distribution (L/kg)0.41 +- 0.13 (12)0.52 +- 0.20 (18)Plasma half-life (hr)4.0 +- 2.0 (24)3.3 +- 1.4 (18)Systemic clearance (L/hr)6.2 +- 2.1 (24)7.1 +- 2.7 (18)Renal clearance (L/hr)5.6 +- 1.9 (5)6.4 +- 2.5 (13)CSF: plasma ratio0.69 +- 0.19 (9) +0.66 +- 0.11(5).

PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

PRECAUTIONS. General. Care must be taken to infuse solutions containing foscarnet only into veins with adequate blood flow to permit rapid dilution and distribution to avoid local irritation (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Local irritation and ulcerations of penile epithelium have been reported in male patients receiving foscarnet, possibly related to the presence of drug in the urine. Cases of male and female genital irritation/ulceration have been reported in patients receiving foscarnet. Adequate hydration with close attention to personal hygiene may minimize the occurrence of such events.Due to the sodium content of foscarnet sodium injection (240 micromoles (5.5 mg) of sodium per mL), avoid foscarnet sodium injection use when intravenous infusion of large amount of sodium or water may not be tolerated (e.g. in patients with cardiomyopathy). Foscarnet sodium injection should also be avoided in patients on controlled sodium diet.. Hematopoietic System. Anemia has been reported in 33% of patients receiving foscarnet in controlled studies. Granulocytopenia has been reported in 17% of patients receiving foscarnet in controlled studies; however, only 1% (2/189) were terminated from these studies because of neutropenia.. Information for Patients. CMV Retinitis: Patients should be advised that foscarnet is not cure for CMV retinitis, and that they may continue to experience progression of retinitis during or following treatment. They should be advised to have regular ophthalmologic examinations.. Mucocutaneous Acyclovir-Resistant HSV Infections: Patients should be advised that foscarnet is not cure for HSV infections. While complete healing is possible, relapse occurs in most patients. Because relapse may be due to acyclovir-sensitive HSV, sensitivity testing of the viral isolate is advised. In addition, repeated treatment with foscarnet has led to the development of resistance associated with poorer response. In the case of poor therapeutic response, sensitivity testing of the viral isolate also is advised.. Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Adverse effects such as dizziness and convulsions may occur during foscarnet therapy. Patients who experience seizures, dizziness, somnolence or other adverse reactions that could result in impairment, should be advised to avoid driving or operating machinery.. General: Patients should be informed that the major toxicities of foscarnet are renal impairment, electrolyte disturbances, and seizures, and that dose modifications and possibly discontinuation may be required. The importance of close monitoring while on therapy must be emphasized. Patients should be advised of the importance of reporting to their physicians symptoms of perioral tingling, numbness in the extremities or paresthesias during or after infusion as possible symptoms of electrolyte abnormalities. Patients should also be advised to promptly report any cardiac symptoms. Should such symptoms occur, the infusion of foscarnet sodium injection should be stopped, appropriate laboratory samples for assessment of electrolyte concentrations obtained, and physician consulted before resuming treatment. The rate of infusion must be no more than mg/kg/minute. The potential for renal impairment may be minimized by accompanying foscarnet administration with hydration adequate to establish and maintain diuresis during dosing.. Drug Interactions. possible drug interaction of FOSCARNET and intravenous pentamidine has been described. Concomitant treatment of four patients in the United Kingdom with FOSCARNET and intravenous pentamidine may have caused hypocalcemia; one patient died with severe hypocalcemia. Toxicity associated with concomitant use of aerosolized pentamidine has not been reported. Because foscarnet can reduce serum levels of ionized calcium, extreme caution is advised when used concurrently with other drugs known to influence serum calcium levels (e.g., intravenous pentamidine). Renal impairment and symptomatic hypocalcemia have been observed during concurrent treatment with foscarnet and intravenous pentamidine.Because of foscarnets tendency to cause renal impairment, the use of foscarnet should be avoided in combination with potentially nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, acyclovir, methotrexate, tacrolimus and intravenous pentamidine (see above) unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the patient.When diuretics are indicated, thiazides are recommended over loop diuretics because the latter inhibit renal tubular secretion, and may impair elimination of foscarnet, potentially leading to toxicity.Abnormal renal function has been observed in clinical practice during the use of foscarnet and ritonavir, or foscarnet, ritonavir, and saquinavir. (See DOSAGE and ADMINISTRATION.)Because of the risk of QT prolongation and the potential for torsades de pointes, the use of foscarnet should be avoided in combination with agents known to prolong the QT interval including Class IA (e.g., quinidine or procainamide) or Class III (e.g., dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain macrolides and fluoroquinolones.. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Carcinogenicity studies were conducted in rats and mice at oral doses of 500 mg/kg/day and 250 mg/kg/day. Oral bioavailability in unfasted rodents is 20%. No evidence of oncogenicity was reported at plasma drug levels equal to 1/3 and 1/5, respectively, of those in humans (at the maximum recommended human daily dose) as measured by the area-under-the-time/concentration curve (AUC).Foscarnet showed genotoxic effects in the BALB/3T3 in vitro transformation assay at concentrations greater than 0.5 mcg/mL and an increased frequency of chromosome aberrations in the sister chromatid exchange assay at 1000 mcg/mL. high dose of foscarnet (350 mg/kg) caused an increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in vivo in mice at doses that produced exposures (area under curve) comparable to that anticipated clinically.. Pregnancy. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of foscarnet in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.Animal Data: Foscarnet did not adversely affect fertility and general reproductive performance in rats. The results of peri- and post-natal studies in rats were also negative. However, these studies used exposures that are inadequate to define the potential for impairment of fertility at human drug exposure levels.Daily subcutaneous doses up to 75 mg/kg administered to female rats prior to and during mating, during gestation, and 21 days post-partum caused slight increase (< 5%) in the number of skeletal anomalies compared with the control group. Daily subcutaneous doses up to 75 mg/kg administered to rabbits and 150 mg/kg administered to rats during gestation caused an increase in the frequency of skeletal anomalies/variations. On the basis of estimated drug exposure (as measured by AUC), the 150 mg/kg dose in rats and 75 mg/kg dose in rabbits were approximately one-eighth (rat) and one-third (rabbit) the estimated maximal daily human exposure. These studies are inadequate to define the potential teratogenicity at levels to which women will be exposed.. Nursing Mothers. It is not known whether foscarnet is excreted in human milk; however, in lactating rats administered 75 mg/kg, foscarnet was excreted in maternal milk at concentrations three times higher than peak maternal blood concentrations. Because of the potential for serious adverse events in nursing infants, decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue drug, taking into consideration the importance of the drug to the mother. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-infected mothers not breast-feed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV.. Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of foscarnet in pediatric patients have not been established. Foscarnet is deposited in teeth and bone and deposition is greater in young and growing animals. Foscarnet has been demonstrated to adversely affect development of tooth enamel in mice and rats. The effects of this deposition on skeletal development have not been studied.Since deposition in human bone has also been shown to occur, it is likely that it does so to greater degree in developing bone in pediatric patients. Administration to pediatric patients should be undertaken only after careful evaluation and only if the potential benefits for treatment outweigh the risks.. Geriatric Use. No studies of the efficacy or safety of foscarnet in persons 65 years of age or older have been conducted. However, foscarnet has been used in patients age 65 years of age and older. The pattern of adverse events seen in these patients is consistent across all age groups. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and renal function should be monitored. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

PREGNANCY SECTION.

Pregnancy. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of foscarnet in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.Animal Data: Foscarnet did not adversely affect fertility and general reproductive performance in rats. The results of peri- and post-natal studies in rats were also negative. However, these studies used exposures that are inadequate to define the potential for impairment of fertility at human drug exposure levels.Daily subcutaneous doses up to 75 mg/kg administered to female rats prior to and during mating, during gestation, and 21 days post-partum caused slight increase (< 5%) in the number of skeletal anomalies compared with the control group. Daily subcutaneous doses up to 75 mg/kg administered to rabbits and 150 mg/kg administered to rats during gestation caused an increase in the frequency of skeletal anomalies/variations. On the basis of estimated drug exposure (as measured by AUC), the 150 mg/kg dose in rats and 75 mg/kg dose in rabbits were approximately one-eighth (rat) and one-third (rabbit) the estimated maximal daily human exposure. These studies are inadequate to define the potential teratogenicity at levels to which women will be exposed.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

Foscarnet Sodium Injection.

WARNINGS SECTION.

WARNINGS. Renal Impairment. THE MAJOR TOXICITY OF FOSCARNET IS RENAL IMPAIRMENT (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section). Renal impairment is most likely to become clinically evident during the second week of induction therapy, but may occur at any time during foscarnet treatment. Renal function should be monitored carefully during both induction and maintenance therapy (see PATIENT MONITORING section). Elevations in serum creatinine are usually, but not always, reversible following discontinuation or dose adjustment of foscarnet. Safety and efficacy data for patients with baseline serum creatinine levels greater than 2.8 mg/dL or measured 24-hour creatinine clearances <50 mL/min are limited.SINCE FOSCARNET HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE RENAL IMPAIRMENT, DOSE ADJUSTMENT BASED ON SERUM CREATININE IS NECESSARY. Hydration may reduce the risk of nephrotoxicity. It is recommended that 750-1000 mL of normal saline or 5% dextrose solution should be given prior to the first infusion of foscarnet to establish diuresis. With subsequent infusions, 750-1000 mL of hydration fluid should be given with 90-120 mg/kg of foscarnet, and 500 mL with 40-60 mg/kg of foscarnet. Hydration fluid may need to be decreased if clinically warranted.After the first dose, the hydration fluid should be administered concurrently with each infusion of foscarnet.. Mineral and Electrolyte Abnormalities. Foscarnet has been associated with changes in serum electrolytes including hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section). Foscarnet may also be associated with dose-related decrease in ionized serum calcium which may not be reflected in total serum calcium. This effect is likely to be related to chelation of divalent metal ions such as calcium by foscarnet. Patients should be advised to report symptoms of low ionized calcium such as perioral tingling, numbness in the extremities and paresthesias. Particular caution and careful management of serum electrolytes is advised in patients with altered calcium or other electrolyte levels before treatment and especially in those with neurologic or cardiac abnormalities and those receiving other drugs known to influence minerals and electrolytes (see PATIENT MONITORING and Drug Interactions sections). Physicians should be prepared to treat these abnormalities and their sequelae such as tetany, seizures or cardiac disturbances. The rate of foscarnet infusion may also affect the decrease in ionized calcium. Therefore, an infusion pump must be used for administration to prevent rapid intravenous infusion (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section). Slowing the infusion rate may decrease or prevent symptoms.. Seizures. Seizures related to mineral and electrolyte abnormalities have been associated with foscarnet treatment (see WARNING section; Mineral And Electrolyte Abnormalities). Several cases of seizures were associated with death. Cases of status epilepticus have been reported. Risk factors associated with seizures included impaired baseline renal function, low total serum calcium, and underlying CNS conditions.. Hypersensitivity. Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactic shock, urticaria, angioedema) have been reported postmarketing in patients receiving foscarnet (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section). If such an acute reaction occurs, therapy should be discontinued and appropriate medical therapy immediately instituted.. QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Foscarnet has been associated with prolongation of the QT interval, an ECG abnormality that has been associated with torsades de pointes, which has been reported during postmarketing surveillance for foscarnet (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section). Some of these patients had confounding risk factors such as underlying cardiac disease, electrolyte abnormalities and other concomitant medications.Use with caution in patients who have history of QT prolongation, in patients who are taking medications known to prolong the QT interval (see PRECAUTIONS section), in patients with electrolyte disturbances, or in patients who have other risk factors for QT prolongation. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) and measurement of electrolytes should be obtained prior to treatment initiation and periodically during treatment with foscarnet.