Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of GBCAs among these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced MRI or other modalities. The GBCA-associated NSF risk appears highest for patients with chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²) as well as patients with acute kidney injury. The risk appears lower for patients with chronic, moderate kidney disease (GFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73m²) and little, if any, for patients with chronic, mild kidney disease (GFR 60 – 89 mL/min/1.73m²). NSF may result in fatal or debilitating fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle and internal organs. Report any diagnosis of NSF following ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) administration to Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. (1-978-667-9531)/(1-800-362-2668) or FDA (1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch).

Screen patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. Features of acute kidney injury consist of rapid (over hours to days) and usually reversible decrease in kidney function, commonly in the setting of surgery, severe infection, injury or drug-induced kidney toxicity. Serum creatinine levels and estimated GFR may not reliably assess renal function in the setting of acute kidney injury. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (e.g., age > 60 years, diabetes mellitus or chronic hypertension), estimate the GFR through laboratory testing.

Among the factors that may increase the risk for NSF are repeated or higher than recommended doses of a GBCA and the degree of renal impairment at the time of exposure. Record the specific GBCA and the dose administered to a patient. For patients at highest risk for NSF, do not exceed the recommended ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the drug prior to readministration. For patients receiving hemodialysis, physicians may consider the prompt initiation of hemodialysis following the administration of a GBCA in order to enhance the contrast agent's elimination. The usefulness of hemodialysis in the prevention of NSF is unknown. [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]

Hypersensitivity Reactions

ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) may cause anaphylactoid and/or anaphylactic reactions, including life-threatening or fatal reactions. In clinical trials, anaphylactoid and/or anaphylactic reactions occurred in two of 1676 subjects. If anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions occur, stop ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) Injection and immediately begin appropriate therapy. Observe patients closely, particularly those with a history of drug reactions, asthma, allergy or other hypersensitivity disorders, during and up to several hours after ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) administration. Have emergency resuscitative equipment available prior to and during ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) administration.

Acute Renal Failure

In patients with renal insufficiency, acute renal failure requiring dialysis or worsening renal function have occurred with the use of other gadolinium agents. The risk of renal failure may increase with increasing dose of gadolinium contrast. Screen all patients for renal dysfunction by obtaining a history and/or laboratory tests. Consider follow-up renal function assessments for patients with a history of renal dysfunction. No reports of acute renal failure were observed in clinical trials of ABLAVAR [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

QTc Prolongation and Risk for Arrhythmias

In clinical trials, a small increase (2.8 msec) in the average change from baseline in QTc was observed at 45 minutes following ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) administration; no increase was observed at 24 and 72 hours. A QTc change of 30 to 60 msec from baseline was observed in 39/702 (6%) patients at 45 min following ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) administration. At this time point, 3/702 (0.4%) patients experienced a QTc increase of > 60 msec. These QTc prolongations were not associated with arrhythmias or symptoms. In patients at high risk for arrhythmias due to QTc prolongation (e.g., concomitant medications, underlying cardiac conditions) consider obtaining baseline electrocardiograms to help assess the risks for ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) administration. If ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) is administered to these patients, consider follow-up electrocardiograms and risk reduction measures (e.g., patient counseling or intensive electrocardiography monitoring) until most ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) has been eliminated from the blood. In patients with normal renal function, most ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) was eliminated from the blood by 72 hours following injection [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of gadofosveset. Gadofosveset was negative in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, CHO chromosome aberration assay, and the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. Administration of up to 1.5 mmol/kg (8.3 times the human dose) to female rats for 2 weeks and to male rats for 4 weeks did not impair fertility [see Use In Specific Populations].

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) in pregnant women. In animal studies, pregnant rabbits treated with gadofosveset trisodium at doses 3 times the human dose (based on body surface area) experienced higher rates of fetal loss and resorptions. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, only use ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) during pregnancy if the diagnostic benefit justifies the potential risks to the fetus.

In reproductive studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received gadofosveset trisodium at various doses up to approximately 11 (rats) and 21.5 (rabbits) times the human dose (based on body surface area). The highest dose resulted in maternal toxicity in both species. In rabbits that received gadofosveset trisodium at 3 times the human dose (based on body surface area), increased post-implantation loss, resorptions, and dead fetuses were observed. Fetal anomalies were not observed in the rat or rabbit offspring. Because pregnant animals received repeated daily doses of ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) , their overall exposure was significantly higher than that achieved with a single dose administered to humans.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether gadofosveset is secreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) is administered to a woman who is breastfeeding. The risks associated with exposure of infants to gadolinium-based contrast agents in breast milk are unknown. Limited case reports indicate that 0.01 to 0.04% of the maternal gadolinium dose is excreted in human breast milk. Studies of other gadolinium products have shown limited gastrointestinal absorption. These studies were conducted with gadolinium products with shorter half-lives than ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) . Avoid ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) administration to women who are breastfeeding unless the diagnostic information is essential and not obtainable with non-contrast MRA.

In animal studies, less than 1% of gadofosveset at doses up to 0.3 mmol/kg was secreted in the milk of lactating rats.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) in patients under 18 years of age have not been established. The risks associated with ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) administration to pediatric patients are unknown and insufficient data are available to establish a dose. Because ABLAVAR (gadofosveset trisodium injection) is eliminated predominantly by the kidneys, pediatric patients with immature renal function may be at particular risk for adverse reactions.

Geriatric Use

In clinical trials, no overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between subjects 65 years and older and younger subjects. Whereas current clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients, greater susceptibility to adverse experiences of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/9/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.