Amino Acids Injection

Package Insert

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE
NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION

Protect from light until use.

15% Amino Acids Injection in a Pharmacy Bulk Package is a sterile, clear, nonpyrogenic solution of essential and nonessential amino acids for intravenous infusion in parenteral nutrition following appropriate dilution.

15% Amino Acids Injection in a Pharmacy Bulk Package is not for direct infusion. It is a sterile dosage form which contains several single doses for use in a pharmacy admixture program in the preparation of intravenous parenteral fluids.

Each 100 mL contains:

The formulas for the individual amino acids are as follows:

A. General

It is essential to provide adequate calories concurrently if parenterally administered amino acids are to be retained by the body and utilized for protein synthesis.

The administration of 15% Amino Acids Injection as part of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with large volumes of hyperosmotic fluids requires periodic monitoring of the patient for signs of hyperosmolarity, hyperglycemia, glycosuria and hypertriglyceridemia.

During parenteral nutrition with concentrated dextrose and amino acids solutions, essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome may develop but may not be clinically apparent. Early demonstration of this condition can only be accomplished by gas liquid chromatographic analysis of plasma lipids. The syndrome may be prevented or corrected by appropriate treatment with intravenous fat emulsions.

For complete nutritional support, TPN regimens must also include multiple vitamins and trace elements. Potentially incompatible ions such as calcium and phosphate may be added to alternate infusate bottles to avoid precipitation. Although the metabolizable acetate ion in 15% Amino Acids Injection diminishes the risk of acidosis, the physician must be alert to the potential appearance of this disorder.

Initiation and termination of infusions of TPN fluids must be gradual to permit adjustment of endogenous insulin release.

Undiluted 15% Amino Acids Injection should not be administered peripherally. When administered centrally, it should be diluted with appropriate diluents, e.g., dextrose, electrolytes and other nutrient components, to at least half strength. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Caution against volume overload should be exercised.

Drug product contains no more than 25 mcg/L of aluminum.

B. Laboratory Tests

Infusion of 15% Amino Acids Injection without concomitant infusion of an adequate number of non-protein calories may result in elevated BUN. Monitoring of BUN is required and the balance between 15% Amino Acids Injection and the calorie source may require adjustment. Frequent clinical evaluations and laboratory determinations are required to prevent the complications which may occur during the administration of solutions used in TPN. Laboratory tests should include blood glucose, serum electrolytes, liver and kidney function, serum osmolarity, blood ammonia, serum protein, pH, hematocrit, WBC and urinary glucose. When 15% Amino Acids Injection is combined with electrolytes, care should be used in administering this solution to patients with congestive heart failure, renal failure, edema, adrenal hyperactivity, acid-base imbalance and those receiving diuretics or antihypertensive therapy. Total volume infused should be closely monitored. Serum electrolytes should be monitored daily in these patients.

C. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Studies with 15% Amino Acids Injection have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential, or effects on fertility.

D. Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with 15% Amino Acids Injection. It is also not known whether 15% Amino Acids Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. 15% Amino Acids Injection should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

E. Nursing Mothers

Caution should be exercised when 15% Amino Acids Injection is administered to a nursing woman.

F. Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of 15% Amino Acids Injection in pediatric patients have not been established by adequate and well-controlled studies. However, the use of Amino Acids Injections in pediatric patients as an adjunct in the offsetting of nitrogen loss or in the treatment of negative nitrogen balance is referenced in the medical literature.

G. Special Precautions for Central Infusion

TPN delivered by indwelling catheter through a central or large peripheral vein is a special technique requiring a team effort by physician, nurse and pharmacist. The responsibility for administering this therapy should be confined to those trained in the procedures and alert to signs of complications. Complications known to occur from the placement of central venous catheter are pneumothorax, hemothorax, hydrothorax, artery puncture and transection, injury to the brachial plexus, malposition of the catheter, formation of arteriovenous fistula, phlebitis, thrombosis, and air/catheter emboli. The risk of sepsis is present during intravenous therapy, especially when using central venous catheters for prolonged periods. It is imperative that the preparation of admixtures and the placement and care of the catheters be accomplished under controlled aseptic conditions.

H. Admixtures

Admixtures should be prepared under a laminar flow hood using aseptic technique.

Admixtures should be stored under refrigeration and must be administered within 24 hours after removal from refrigerator.

Filters of less than 1.2 micron pore size must not be used with admixtures containing fat emulsion.

I. Use only if bottle and seal are undamaged and solution is clear with vacuum present.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT A CAREFULLY PREPARED PROTOCOL, BASED ON CURRENT MEDICAL PRACTICES, BE FOLLOWED, PREFERABLY BY AN EXPERIENCED TEAM.

In the event of overhydration or solute overload, re-evaluate the patient and institute appropriate corrective measures. (See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS.)

The appropriate daily dose of amino acids to be used with dextrose or with dextrose and intravenous fat emulsion will depend upon the metabolic status and clinical response of the patient as therapy proceeds. Doses which achieve nitrogen equilibrium or positive balance are the most desirable. The dosage on the first day should be approximately half the anticipated optimal dosage and should be increased gradually to minimize glycosuria; similarly, withdrawal should be accomplished gradually to avoid rebound hypoglycemia.

Fat emulsion coadministration should be considered when prolonged (more than 5 days) parenteral nutrition is required in order to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). Serum lipids should be monitored for evidence of EFAD in patients maintained on fat free TPN.

The amount administered is dosed on the basis of amino acids/kg of body weight/day. In general, two to three g/kg of body weight for neonates and infants with adequate calories are sufficient to satisfy protein needs and promote positive nitrogen balance. In pediatric patients, the final solution should not exceed twice normal serum osmolarity (718 mOsmol/L).

DIRECTIONS FOR PROPER USE OF PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE

15% Amino Acids Injection in a Pharmacy Bulk Package is not intended for direct infusion. The container closure may be penetrated only once using a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set which allows measured dispensing of the contents. The Pharmacy Bulk Package is to be used only in a suitable work area such as a laminar flow hood (or an equivalent clean air compounding area). Once the closure is penetrated, the contents should be dispensed as soon as possible; the transfer of contents must be completed within 4 hours of closure entry. The bottle may be stored at room temperature (25°C) after the closure has been entered. Date and time of container entry should be noted in the area designated on the container label.

When using 15% Amino Acids Injection in patients with a need for fluid volume restriction, it can be diluted as follows:

This will provide 1395 kilocalories (kcal) per 1000 mL of admixture with a ratio of 118 non-protein calories per gram of nitrogen and an osmolarity of 1561 mOsmol/L.

In patients where the need for fluid restriction is not so marked, either of the following regimens may be used dependent upon the energy needs of the patient.

This will provide 1500 kcal per 1000 mL of admixture with a ratio of 228 non-protein calories per gram of nitrogen and an osmolarity of 1633 mOsmol/L.

This will provide 935 kcal per 1000 mL of admixture with a ratio of 158 non-protein calories per gram of nitrogen and an osmolarity of 1128.5 mOsmol/L.

In unstressed adult patients with no unusual nitrogen losses, a minimum dosage of 0.1 gram nitrogen (4.2 mL of 15% Amino Acids Injection) plus 4.4 grams (15 calories) of dextrose per kilogram of body weight per day are required to achieve nitrogen balance and weight stability. Intravenous fat emulsion may be used as a partial substitute for dextrose. This regimen provides a ratio of 150 non-protein calories per gram of nitrogen.

For patients stressed by surgery, trauma or sepsis, and those with unusual nitrogen losses, the dosage required for maintenance may be as high as 0.3 to 0.4 grams of nitrogen (13 to 17 mL 15% Amino Acids Injection) per kilogram of body weight per day, with proportionate increases in non-protein calories. Periodic assessment of nitrogen balance of the individual patient is the best indicator of proper dosage. Volume overload and glycosuria may be encountered at high dosage, and nitrogen balance may not be achieved in extremely hypermetabolic patients under these constraints. Concomitant insulin administration may be required to minimize glycosuria. Daily laboratory monitoring is essential.

Use of an infusion pump is advisable to maintain a steady infusion rate during central venous infusion.

In patients for whom central venous catheterization is not advisable, protein catabolism can be reduced by peripheral use of diluted 15% Amino Acids Injection plus non-protein calorie sources. Dilution of 250 mL 15% Amino Acids Injection in 750 mL of 10% dextrose will reduce the osmolarity to a level (724 mOsmol/L) which is more favorable to the maintenance of the integrity of the walls of the veins. Intravenous fat emulsion can be infused separately or simultaneously; if infused simultaneously the fat emulsion will provide a dilution effect upon the osmolarity while increasing the energy supply.

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

To reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, all intravenous administration sets should be replaced at least every 24 hours. Usage of admixtures must be initiated within 24 hours after mixing. If storage is necessary during this 24 hour period, admixtures must be refrigerated and completely used within 24 hours of beginning administration.

15% Amino Acids Injection is supplied sterile and nonpyrogenic in glass containers, Pharmacy Bulk Packages, packaged 6 per case.

Storage

Store in the closed carton; do not expose solution to light until ready for use. Exposure of pharmaceutical products to heat should be minimized. Avoid excessive heat. It is recommended that the product be stored at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Brief exposure to temperatures above 25°C during transport and storage will not adversely affect the product. Solution that has been frozen must not be used.

Rx only

Revised: November 2013

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