Novojet

Ukraine

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDICAL USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT NovoEight® (NovoEight®)

Composition:

Active substance: turoctocog alfa;

One vial of powder contains 1500 IU, 2000 IU, or 3000 IU of turoctocog alfa (recombinant human coagulation factor VIII (rDNA));

Excipients: sodium chloride; L-histidine; sucrose; polysorbate 80; L-methionine; calcium chloride dihydrate; sodium hydroxide; hydrochloric acid.

Solvent: sodium chloride, water for injections.

After reconstitution, 1 ml of NovoEight® solution contains approximately 375 IU, 500 IU, or 750 IU of turoctocog alfa (recombinant human coagulation factor VIII (rDNA)).

Pharmaceutical form. Powder and solvent for solution for injection.

Main physicochemical properties: lyophilized powder or friable mass, white or slightly yellowish. Solvent: clear, colorless injection solution.

Pharmacotherapeutic group. Haemostatics. Coagulation factors. Coagulation factor VIII.

ATC code B02BD02.

Pharmacological Properties

Pharmacodynamics

Mechanism of action

The medicinal product NovoEight® contains turoctocog alfa, a recombinant human coagulation factor VIII (rFVIII) with a truncated B-domain. This glycoprotein has the same structure as activated human factor VIII and the same post-translational modifications as the molecule isolated from plasma. It has been established that the tyrosine sulfation site at Tyr1680 (full-length native factor), which is important for binding to von Willebrand factor, is fully sulfated in the turoctocog alfa molecule. When administered to patients with hemophilia, factor VIII binds to endogenous von Willebrand factor in the patient's blood. The factor VIII/von Willebrand factor complex consists of two molecules (factor VIII and von Willebrand factor) with distinct physiological functions. Activated factor VIII acts as a cofactor for activated factor IX, accelerating the conversion of factor X to activated factor X. Activated factor X then converts prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin subsequently converts fibrinogen into fibrin, resulting in clot formation. Hemophilia A is an X-linked inherited coagulation disorder caused by reduced levels of factor VIII:C, leading to severe bleeding into joints, muscles, or internal organs, either spontaneously or following trauma or surgical procedures. Replacement therapy increases factor VIII levels in plasma, providing temporary correction of the deficiency and reducing the tendency to bleed.

It should be noted that the annual bleeding rate (ABR) at different factor concentrations and across various clinical studies is not directly comparable.

Clinical efficacy

Four multicenter, open-label, uncontrolled clinical trials were conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NovoEight® for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes and during surgical procedures in patients with severe hemophilia A (factor VIII activity ≤ 1%). Three of these studies involved previously treated patients, and one involved previously untreated patients. A total of 298 patients were enrolled: 175 adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older (≥150 days of exposure to the investigational product) without documented inhibitors, 63 pediatric patients under 12 years of age (≥50 days of exposure to the investigational product) without inhibitors, and 60 previously untreated patients under 6 years of age. Of the 238 previously treated patients, 188 continued into an additional safety assessment study. Treatment with NovoEight® was demonstrated to be safe and provided the desired hemostatic and prophylactic effect. A total of 3,293 bleeding episodes were observed in 298 patients; 2,902 (88.1%) of these bleeding episodes were resolved after 1–2 infusions of NovoEight®.

Table 1. Use of NovoEight® and efficacy outcomes in previously untreated and previously treated patients

Parameter

Younger age group children

(0 to less than 6 years), untreated

Younger age group children

(0 to less than 6 years), treated

Older age group children (6 to less than 12 years), treated

Adolescents (12 to less than 18 years), treated

Adults

(≥ 18 years), treated

Total

Number of patients

60

31

32

24

151

298

Dose used for prophylaxis per patient (IU/kg BW)

Mean (SD)

45.2 (14.4)

41.5 (8.1)

38.4 (9.4)

28.5 (9.3)

28.5 (8.3)

32.8 (10.9)

Minimum; maximum

4.5;

363.8

3.4;

196.3

3.2;

62.5

17.4;

73.9

12.0;

97.4

3.2; 363.8

Dose used for treatment of bleeding (IU/kg BW)

Mean (SD)

43.6 (15.2)

44.0

(12.6)

40.4 (10.5)

29.3 (10.3)

35.0

(12.3)

37.5 (13.4)

Minimum; maximum

11.9; 118.9

21.4;

193.8

24.0;

71.4

12.4;

76.8

6.4;

104.0

6.4; 193.8

Effectiveness ratea, %

87.0 %

92.2 %

88.4 %

85.1 %

89.6 %

88.9 %

MT − body weight, SD − standard deviation.

a Efficacy defined as excellent or good.

The clinical data obtained prior to registration were confirmed by a post-marketing non-interventional safety study conducted to provide additional information on the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of NovoEight® in routine clinical practice. A total of 68 previously treated patients (> 150 ED (effective doses)), including 14 patients under 12 years of age and 54 patients aged 12 years and older, received treatment on-demand (N = 5) or prophylactic treatment (N = 63) for a cumulative exposure of 87.8 patient-years and 8967 ED.

Surgery

A total of 30 surgical procedures were performed in 25 patients, including 26 major surgeries and 4 minor surgeries. Hemostasis was successful in all surgical procedures; no treatment failures were reported.

Data on immune tolerance induction (ITI) were collected in patients with hemophilia A who developed factor VIII inhibitors. During clinical studies involving previously untreated patients (PUPs), 21 patients received ITI treatment and 18 patients (86 %) completed ITI therapy with a negative inhibitor test result.

Pharmacokinetics

All pharmacokinetic studies with turoctocog alfa were conducted after intravenous administration of a 50 IU/kg dose of NovoEight® in previously treated patients with severe hemophilia A (FVIII ≤ 1 %). Plasma samples were analyzed using one-stage clotting activity assay and chromogenic assay.

The activity of NovoEight® in the FVIII:C assay was evaluated and compared to a marketed full-length recombinant FVIII product. The study demonstrated comparable and consistent results for both products, confirming that NovoEight® can be reliably measured in plasma without the need for a specific product standard.

Pharmacokinetic parameters of NovoEight® following administration of a single dose, determined by clotting activity assay, are presented in Table 2, and those determined by one-stage chromogenic assay are presented in Table 3.

Table 2. Pharmacokinetics of turoctocog alfa (50 IU/kg) by age – One-stage clotting activity assay – Mean (standard deviation)

Parameter

From 0 to 6 years

From 6 to 12 years

≥ 12 years

n = 14

n = 14

n = 33

Mean value (SD)

Mean value (SD)

Mean value (SD)

Peak level increase (MO/dl)/(MO/kg)

1.8 (0.7)

2.0 (0.4)

2.2 (0.4)

AUC ((MO*hr)/dl)

992 (411)

1109 (374)

1526 (577)

CL (ml/hr/kg)

6.21 (3.66)

5.02 (1.68)

3.63 (1.09)

t½ (hr)

7.65 (1.84)

8.02 (1.89)

11.00 (4.65)

Vss (ml/kg)

56.68 (26.43)

46.82 (10.63)

47.40 (9.21)

Cmax (MO/dl)

100 (58)

107 (35)

123 (41)

Mean duration of action (hr)

9.63 (2.50)

9.91 (2.57)

14.19 (5.08)

AUC – area under the pharmacokinetic curve describing the time course of factor VIII activity; CL – clearance; t1/2 – terminal half-life; Vss – volume of distribution at steady state; Cmax – maximum factor VIII activity.

Table 3. Pharmacokinetics of turoctocog alfa (50 IU/kg) by age – Chromogenic assay – Mean (standard deviation)

Parameter

From 0 to < 6 years

From 6 to < 12 years

≥ 12 years

n = 14

n = 14

n = 33

Mean (SD)

Mean (SD)

Mean (SD)

Level increase (MO/dl)/(MO/kg)

2.2 (0.6)

2.5 (0.6)

2.9 (0.6)

AUC ((MO*hr)/dl)

1223 (436)

1437 (348)

1963 (773)

CL (ml/hr/kg)

4.59 (1.73)

3.70 (1.00)

2.86 (0.94)

t½ (hr)

9.99 (1.71)

9.42 (1.52)

11.22 (6.86)

Vss (ml/kg)

55.46 (23.53)

41.23 (6.00)

38.18 (10.24)

Cmax (MO/dl)

112 (31)

125 (27)

163 (50)

Mean duration of action (hr)

12.06 (1.90)

11.61 (2.32)

14.54 (5.77)

AUC – area under the pharmacokinetic curve describing the time course of factor VIII activity; CL – clearance; t1/2 – terminal half-life; Vss – volume of distribution at steady state; Cmax – maximum factor VIII activity.

Pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable in patients under 6 years of age and those aged 6 to 12 years. Some differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of NovoEight® were observed between pediatric and adult patients. Higher clearance and shorter t½ in children compared to adults with hemophilia A may be partially explained by the larger plasma volume per kilogram of body weight in younger patients.

A pharmacokinetic study with single-dose administration (50 IU/kg) was conducted in 35 hemophilia patients (≥ 18 years) across different BMI categories. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and total plasma concentration (AUC) of the drug increased with increasing BMI, indicating that dose adjustment is required for patients with underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) and overweight (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), see section "Dosage and administration".

Table 4. Pharmacokinetic parameters of NovoEight® after administration of a single dose (50 IU/kg) according to BMI classa – One-stage clotting assay – Mean (standard deviation)

Pharmacokinetic parameter

Underweight, N = 5

Normal weight,

N = 7

Overweight,

N = 8

Obesity, class I,

N = 7

Obesity, class II/III,

N = 7

Level increase (IU/dl)/(IU/kg)

1.7 (0.2)

2.0 (0.2)

2.4 (0.4)

2.3 (0.3)b

2.6 (0.3)

AUC ((IU*hr)/dl)

1510 (360)

1920 (610)

1730 (610)

2030 (840)

2350 (590)

CL (ml/hr/kg)

3.91 (0.94)

3.20 (1.00)

3.63 (1.24)

3.37 (1.79)

2.51 (0.63)

t½ (hr)

11.3 (2.0)

11.7 (3.5)

9.4 (2.9)

11.2 (3.5)

11.1 (2.7)

Vss (ml/kg)

56.8 (5.4)

44.8 (6.5)

39.6 (6.0)

42.0 (9.0)

35.0 (4.6)

Cmax (IU/dl)

100 (11)

121 (10)

144 (26)

140 (21)

161 (32)

Mean duration of effect (hr)

15.1 (3.0)

15.3 (4.8)

11.9 (3.7)

14.4 (4.6)

14.6 (3.7)

a BMI categories: underweight, BMI < 18.5 kg/m²; normal weight, BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²; overweight, BMI 25–29.9 kg/m²; obesity, class I, BMI 30–34.9 kg/m²; obesity, class II/III, BMI ≥ 35 kg/m².

b Data obtained from only 6 patients.

Table 5. Pharmacokinetic parameters of NovoEight® following a single dose (50 IU/kg) according to BMI categorya – Chromogenic assay – Mean (standard deviation)

Pharmacokinetic parameter

Underweight, N = 5

Normal body weight,

N = 7

Overweight,

N = 9

Obesity, class I,

N = 7

Obesity, class II/III,

N = 7

Level increase (IU/dL)/(IU/kg)

2.2 (0.4)

2.9 (0.3)

3.0 (0.5)

3.2 (0.5)

3.5 (0.5)

AUC ((IU*hr)/dL)

1860 (700)

2730 (860)

2310 (1020)

2780 (1210)

3050 (730)

CL (mL/hr/kg)

3.28 (0.87)

2.25 (0.73)

2.84 (1.09)

2.58 (1.56)

1.94 (0.52)

t½ (hr)

11.7 (2.4)

11.5 (3.6)

9.7 (3.4)

10.4 (3.2)

10.5 (2.5)

Vss (mL/kg)

49.1 (10.4)

31.2 (4.5)

31.6 (5.8)

28.9 (5.1)

25.7 (4.0)

Cmax (IU/dL)

138 (29)

185 (24)

194 (31)

200 (33)

227 (32)

Mean duration of effect (hr)

15.5 (3.2)

15.2 (4.9)

12.6 (4.8)

13.5 (4.6)

13.9 (3.7)

a BMI categories: underweight, BMI < 18.5 kg/m²; normal weight, BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²; overweight, BMI 25–29.9 kg/m²; obesity, class I, BMI 30–34.9 kg/m²; obesity, class II/III, BMI ≥ 35 kg/m².

Preclinical safety data

Preclinical data indicate no special risk to humans based on the results of standard safety pharmacology and repeated-dose toxicity studies.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

Treatment and prevention of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency).

NovoEight® can be used in patients of all age groups.

Contraindications.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Known allergic reaction to hamster proteins.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction.

No interactions of human coagulation factor VIII (rDNA) with other medicinal products have been reported.

Special precautions for use.

Traceability

To improve traceability of biological medicinal products, it is essential to clearly record the name and batch number of the administered product.

Hypersensitivity

Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions may occur during administration of NovoEight®. The product contains trace amounts of hamster proteins, which may cause allergic reactions in some patients. If symptoms of hypersensitivity occur, patients should be advised to immediately discontinue use of the medicinal product and contact their physician. Patients should be informed about early signs of hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, generalized urticaria, chest tightness, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis.

In the event of shock, standard anti-shock medical treatment should be initiated.

Inhibitors

The development of neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) to factor VIII is a known complication in the treatment of patients with haemophilia A. These inhibitors are usually immunoglobulins of the IgG class that interfere with the procoagulant activity of factor VIII. Quantitatively, they are measured in Bethesda Units (BU) per 1 mL of plasma using a modified assay. The risk of inhibitor development correlates with factor VIII exposure and is highest during the first 50 exposure days, although the risk persists throughout the patient's life, albeit infrequently.

The clinical significance of inhibitor formation depends on their titer, with low titers posing a lower risk of inadequate clinical response compared to high inhibitor titers.

Overall, all patients receiving treatment with factor VIII coagulation products should be carefully monitored for the development of inhibitors through appropriate clinical observation and laboratory testing. If the expected plasma factor VIII activity level is not achieved, or if bleeding cannot be controlled with an appropriate dose, testing for the presence of factor VIII inhibitors should be performed. In patients with high inhibitor titers, factor VIII therapy may be ineffective, and alternative treatment approaches should be considered. The management of such patients should be conducted under the supervision of physicians experienced in treating patients with haemophilia and factor VIII inhibitors.

Precautions related to excipients

The medicinal product contains 30.5 mg of sodium per vial of reconstituted product, equivalent to 1.5% of the maximum daily sodium intake recommended by WHO for adults (2 g).

Cardiovascular complications

In patients with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors, replacement therapy with factor VIII may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Catheter-related complications

If a central venous catheter is required, the risk of catheter-related complications, including local infections, bacteremia, and thrombosis at the catheter site, should be considered.

To maintain traceability between the patient and the product batch, it is strongly recommended to record the name and batch number of the product each time NovoEight® is administered to a patient.

Paediatric population

The above warnings and precautions apply to both adults and children.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Reproductive toxicity studies of NovoEight® in animals have not been conducted. Since haemophilia A is rare in women, experience with factor VIII use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. Therefore, factor VIII should be used in pregnant and lactating women only when clearly indicated.

Effect on ability to drive and use machines

NovoEight® has no influence on the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Administration and Dosage

Treatment should be initiated under the supervision of a physician experienced in the management of hemophilia.

Monitoring of Treatment

During the course of treatment, appropriate monitoring of factor VIII levels is recommended to adjust the dose and frequency of repeat injections. Patients may exhibit variable responses to factor VIII, with differences in half-life and recovery. The dose calculated based on body weight may require adjustment in patients with underweight or obesity. Pharmacokinetic studies of the drug after single-dose administration in adult patients have shown that maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and total plasma concentration (AUC) increase with increasing BMI. This suggests that dose adjustment may be necessary. Patients with underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) may require a higher dose, while obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) may require a lower dose. However, there are currently insufficient data to provide specific recommendations for dose adjustment; see section "Pharmacokinetics".

In particular, careful monitoring of replacement therapy through coagulation analysis (factor VIII activity in plasma) is mandatory during major surgical procedures.

When performing a one-stage coagulation assay based on activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in vitro to determine factor VIII activity in patient blood, both the type of aPTT reagent and the reference standard used in the assay may significantly affect the results of factor VIII activity measurement in plasma. Significant discrepancies may also occur between results obtained using the one-stage aPTT-based assay and those obtained using a chromogenic assay according to the European Pharmacopoeia. This is particularly important when changing laboratories and/or reagents used for analysis.

Dosage

The dosage and duration of replacement therapy depend on the severity of factor VIII deficiency, the location and severity of bleeding, and the patient's clinical condition.

Factor VIII quantity is expressed in International Units (IU), corresponding to the current WHO standard for factor VIII preparations. Factor VIII activity in plasma is expressed as a percentage (relative to the normal level in human plasma) or in International Units (relative to the international standard for factor VIII in plasma).

One International Unit (IU) of factor VIII activity is equivalent to the amount of factor VIII present in 1 ml of normal human plasma.

On-demand Treatment

The calculation of the required factor VIII dose is based on the empirical finding that 1 International Unit (IU) of factor VIII per 1 kg of body weight raises factor VIII activity in plasma by 2 IU/dL. The required dose can be calculated using the following formula:

Required number of units = body weight (kg) × desired increase in factor VIII level (%) (IU/dL) × 0.5 (IU/kg per 1 IU/dL).

The amount to be administered and the frequency of administration should always be individually determined based on clinical efficacy.

In the event of the hemorrhagic events listed below, factor VIII activity should not fall below the specified plasma activity levels (in % of normal or IU/dL) throughout the appropriate treatment period. Table 6 can be used as a guideline for dosing in bleeding episodes and surgical procedures.

Table 6. Dosing Guidelines for Bleeding and Surgical Interventions

Severity of bleeding/surgical procedure type

Required factor VIII level (%)

(IU/dl)

Frequency of administration (hours)/duration of therapy (days)

Bleeding

Early signs of hemarthrosis, muscle hematoma, or oral cavity bleeding

20−40

Repeat every 12−24 hours for at least 1 day until cessation of bleeding, determined by absence of pain, or until healing

More pronounced hemarthrosis, muscle hematoma, or hematoma

30−60

Repeat infusion every 12−24 hours for 3−4 days or longer until pain subsides and function is restored

Life-threatening hemorrhage

60−100

Repeat infusion every 8−24 hours until life-threatening risk resolves

Surgical procedures

Minor surgical procedures,

including tooth extraction

30−60

Every 24 hours for at least 1 day until healing

Major surgical procedures

80−100

(pre- and post-operatively)

Repeat infusion every 8−24 hours until adequate wound healing; continue therapy for at least 7 additional days to maintain factor VIII activity between 30 and 60% (IU/dl)

Prophylaxis

For long-term prevention of bleeding episodes in patients with severe haemophilia A, the usual recommended dose is 20–40 IU of factor VIII per kg body weight every other day or 20–50 IU of factor VIII per kg body weight three times a week. In adults and adolescents (over 12 years of age), a less frequent dosing regimen may be considered (40–60 IU/kg every third day or twice weekly). Sometimes, particularly in younger patients, shorter intervals between administrations or higher doses may be required.

Surgery

Experience with the use of the product in children undergoing surgical procedures is limited.

Elderly

There is no experience with the use of the product in patients aged > 65 years.

Children

For long-term prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in patients under 12 years of age, recommended doses are 25–50 IU of factor VIII per kg body weight every other day or 25–60 IU of factor VIII per kg body weight three times a week. Dosing recommendations for children aged 12 years and older are the same as for adult patients.

Method of administration

Intravenous injection.

The recommended infusion rate for NovoEight® is 1–2 ml/min. The rate should be adjusted according to patient comfort.

Instructions for reconstituting the product prior to administration are provided in the Instructions for use of NovoEight®.

Storage after reconstitution

Chemical and physical stability of the reconstituted product has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 2–8 °C; for 4 hours at temperatures not exceeding 30 °C, provided that the product has been stored for no more than 9 months at room temperature not exceeding 30 °C from the date of manufacture until reconstitution. Storage for 4 hours at temperatures not exceeding 40 °C is permitted, provided that the product has been stored for no more than 3 months at room temperature of 30–40 °C from the date of manufacture until reconstitution. From a microbiological point of view, the reconstituted product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, the user is responsible for the storage duration and conditions. When reconstitution is performed under controlled and validated aseptic conditions, the storage period of the reconstituted product must not exceed the periods stated above.

Any unused reconstituted medicinal product stored for more than 4 hours at room temperature up to 40 °C should be discarded.

Instructions for use of NovoEight®

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING NOVOEIGHT®.

NovoEight® is supplied as a powder. Before injection (administration), it must be reconstituted with the solvent provided in the syringe. The solvent is 0.9 % sodium chloride solution (9 mg/ml). NovoEight® is administered intravenously (intravenous injection). The package contents (see below) are intended for reconstitution and administration of NovoEight®.

An infusion set (tubing and "butterfly" needle), sterile alcohol-impregnated swabs, gauze pads, and adhesive tape are also required for administration. These devices and materials are not included in the NovoEight® package.

Do not use the equipment without proper training from your doctor or nurse.

Always wash your hands before use and ensure that your working area is clean.

It is very important to follow aseptic and antiseptic techniques when preparing and administering the medicine directly into a vein. Improper injection technique may lead to blood infection.

Do not open the equipment until you are ready to use it.

Do not use the equipment if it has been dropped or damaged. Instead, use a new kit.

Do not use the equipment after the expiry date. Instead, use a new kit. The expiry date is printed after the words "Exp." on the carton, vial, vial adapter, and prefilled syringe.

Do not use the equipment if you suspect it is contaminated. Instead, use a new kit.

Do not discard any part of the kit until after the prepared solution has been administered.

The equipment is for single use only.

Package contents:

1 vial of NovoEight® powder

1 vial adapter

1 prefilled syringe with solvent

1 plunger rod (located under the syringe)

Vial of NovoEight powder with a plastic cap and rubber stopper underneath for injection Vial adapter with protective cap, needle tip under a protective membrane, and a paper protective seal Prefilled syringe with diluent: syringe cap, syringe needle under the cap, scale, plunger, and syringe barrel Plunger rod with a front end for connecting to the syringe and a broad end for pressing
  1. Preparing the vial and syringe

Fig. A

  • Take the number of NovoEight® packages you need.
  • Check the expiration date.
  • Check the name, dosage, and color of the package to ensure it contains the required medication.
  • Wash your hands and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer.
  • Remove the vial, vial adapter, and prefilled syringe from the box. Leave the plunger rod in the box.
  • Warm the vial and prefilled syringe to room temperature. You can do this by holding them in your hands until they feel as warm as your hands.
  • Do not use any other method to warm the vial and prefilled syringe.

Left hand holding a syringe with a needle, right hand holding a vial with solution, preparing to draw up medication for injection

Fig. B

  • Remove the plastic cap from the vial. If the plastic cap is loose or missing, do not use the vial.
  • Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and let it dry for several seconds before use to remove microorganisms as much as possible.
  • Do not touch the rubber stopper with your fingers, as this may transfer microorganisms.

Hand holding a medication vial, fingers slightly squeezing it, arrow indicating the direction to open the cap

  1. Attaching the vial adapter

Fig. C

  • Remove the protective paper membrane from the vial adapter.

If the seal of the protective paper membrane is broken or damaged, do not use the vial adapter.

Do not remove the vial adapter from its packaging with your fingers. If you touch the tip of the vial adapter, it may transfer microorganisms from your fingers.

Hands opening the medication packaging, pulling out the vial with syringe, arrow indicating the direction of movement for opening

Fig. D

  • Place the vial on a flat and firm surface.
  • Turn the protective cap over and attach the vial adapter to the vial.

After attachment, do not disconnect the vial adapter from the vial.

Hand pressing down on the medication vial to open it, another vial placed underneath, a downward arrow indicator on the left

Fig. E

  • Gently press the protective cap between your thumb and index finger, as shown in Fig. E.

Remove the protective cap from the vial adapter.

Do not disconnect the vial adapter from the vial when removing the protective cap.

Hand holding a medication vial, upward-pointing indicator, a small inset showing the vial with cap and dispenser

  1. Attaching the plunger rod and syringe

Fig. F

  • Take the syringe plunger rod by the wide end and remove it from the box. Do not touch the sides or front end of the plunger rod. If you touch the sides or front end of the plunger rod, it may transfer microorganisms from your fingers.
  • Immediately attach the plunger rod to the plunger inside the prefilled syringe by turning it clockwise until it stops.

Hands holding a syringe, one hand rotating the plunger clockwise to expel air from the syringe

Fig. G

  • Remove the syringe cap from the prefilled syringe by bending it downward until it breaks off at the perforation.
  • Do not touch the syringe cannula under the cap. If you touch the syringe cannula, it may transfer microorganisms from your fingers.

If the syringe cap is loose or missing, do not use this prefilled syringe.

Hands unscrewing the cap from a vial, preparing for medication use, arrow indicating the direction of rotation

Fig. H

  • Carefully screw the prefilled syringe onto the vial adapter until it stops.

Two hands holding

  1. Reconstituting the powder with solvent

Fig. I

  • Hold the prefilled syringe and slightly tilt the vial downward.
  • Push the plunger to inject all the solvent into the vial.

Hand holding a syringe, pressing the plunger down to inject liquid, with an arrow indicating the direction of plunger movement

Fig. J

  • Keep the plunger rod pressed and gently rotate the vial until the powder is completely dissolved.

Do not shake the vial, as this may cause foaming.

  • Inspect the final solution. It should be clear or slightly opalescent. Do not use the solution if visible particles are present or if there is a change in color. Use a new package instead.

If your required dose is greater than that contained in one vial, repeat steps A to J with additional vials, vial adapters, and prefilled syringes until you obtain the required dose.

Fig. K

  • Keep the plunger rod fully pressed.
  • Turn the syringe with the vial upside down so that the vial is on top.
  • Release the plunger rod to allow the solution to fill the syringe.
  • Gently pull the plunger rod downward to draw the solution into the syringe.
  • If you need only part of the reconstituted solution, use the scale on the syringe to see how much solution you have drawn, as recommended by your doctor or nurse.

If air has accidentally entered the syringe, expel it back into the vial.

  • Holding the vial upside down, gently tap the syringe to collect air bubbles at the top.
  • Slowly press the plunger to expel all air bubbles.

Hand holding a syringe vertically, needle pointing downward, arrow indicating downward plunger movement to administer solution

Fig. L

  • Unscrew the vial adapter from the vial.
  • Do not touch the syringe cannula. If you touch the syringe cannula, it may transfer microorganisms from your fingers.

Hands attaching a needle to a syringe pen by rotating it clockwise, letter L in the upper left corner

  1. Injecting the reconstituted solution

NovoEight® is now ready for intravenous administration.

  • Administer the reconstituted solution as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
  • Inject the medication slowly over 2–5 minutes.
  • Do not mix NovoEight® with other solutions or intravenous medications.

Injecting NovoEight® through needle-free intravenous (IV) catheter adapters

Caution! The prefilled syringe is made of glass and is intended for use with a standard Luer-Lock connection. Some needle-free adapters with internal spikes are incompatible with this prefilled syringe. Such incompatibility may prevent drug administration and/or damage the needle-free adapter.

Injecting the solution through a central venous access device (CVAD), such as a central venous catheter (CVC) or subcutaneous port:

  • Use aseptic and antiseptic techniques. Follow instructions for proper use of your adapter and CVAD, consulting your doctor or nurse.
  • When injecting through a CVAD, a sterile 10 ml plastic syringe may be needed to withdraw the reconstituted solution immediately after Step J.
  • If flushing the CVAD before or after injecting NovoEight® is required, use 9 mg/mL sodium chloride injection solution.

Disposal

Fig. M

  • After injection, unused NovoEight® solution, infusion set syringe, vial with vial adapter, and other used materials should be disposed of according to the pharmacist's instructions.

Do not dispose of these materials with household waste.

Syringe with needle inserted into the center of a vial containing solution, adjacent vial with dropper depicted, arrow indicating direction of action

M

Do not disassemble equipment prior to disposal.

Do not reuse equipment.

Children.

The medicinal product can be used in children according to the instructions provided in the section "Directions for use and dosage".

Overdose.

There have been no reports of symptoms related to overdosage with recombinant coagulation factor VIII.

Adverse Reactions

Summary of safety profile

Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions (which may include angioneurotic edema, burning and pruritus at the infusion site, chills, flushing, generalized urticaria, headache, rash, hypotension, lethargy, nausea, restlessness, tachycardia, chest tightness, paresthesia, vomiting, wheezing) have been observed rarely, and in some cases may progress to severe anaphylaxis (including shock).

Formation of antibodies to hamster proteins and occurrence of related hypersensitivity reactions have been observed very rarely.

In patients with hemophilia A, neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) to factor VIII may develop. If such inhibitors are formed, clinical response will be inadequate. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a specialized hemophilia treatment center.

List of adverse reactions

In Table 7, adverse events are listed by MedDRA System Organ Classes (SOC), with preferred terms from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA).

Frequency is defined as follows: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1000), very rare (< 1/10,000); frequency not known (cannot be estimated based on available data).

Within each frequency group, adverse reactions are listed in descending order of severity.

Table 7. Frequency of adverse reactions to the medicinal product in clinical studies

System organ classes

Frequencya in previously treated patients (PTPs)

Frequencya in previously untreated patients (PUPs)

Adverse reaction

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Uncommon

Very common

Inhibitor to factor VIII

Psychiatric disorders

Uncommon

Insomnia

Nervous system disorders

Uncommon

Headache, dizziness, burning sensation

Cardiac disorders

Uncommon

Sinus tachycardia, acute myocardial infarction

Vascular disorders

Uncommon

Arterial hypertension, lymphedema, hyperemia

Common

Flushing, superficial thrombophlebitis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common

Rash, erythematous rash

Uncommon

Rash, lichenoid keratosis, skin burning sensation

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Uncommon

Muscle and joint rigidity, arthropathy, limb pain, muscle and bone pain

Common

Hemarthrosis, muscle hemorrhage

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common

Cough

General disorders and administration site conditions

Common

Injection site reactions

Common

Hyperthermia, erythema at catheterization site

Uncommon

Malaise, feeling of warmth, peripheral edema, hyperthermia

Investigations

Common

Increased liver enzymesg

Common

Positive test for factor VIII antibodies

Uncommon

Increased heart rate

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common

Vomiting

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Common

Incorrect dose administered

Common

Infusion-related reaction

Uncommon

Contusion

Device malfunction

Common

Device occlusion

a Based on the total number of individual patients in all clinical studies (301), of which 242 were previously treated patients (PTPs) and 60 were previously untreated patients (PUPs).

b Frequency estimates are based on data from studies involving all factor VIII products in patients with severe haemophilia A.

c Injection site reactions include injection site erythema, injection site extravasation, and injection site pruritus.

d Elevated liver enzymes include alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and bilirubin.

Description of selected adverse reactions

In clinical studies of NovoEight® involving previously treated patients, a total of 35 adverse reactions were reported in 23 out of 242 patients. The most common adverse reactions were injection site reactions, complications associated with incorrect dosing, and elevated liver enzymes. Two of the 35 adverse reactions occurred in one out of 31 patients under 6 years of age, none occurred in patients aged 6 to 12 years, one event occurred in one out of 24 patients aged 12 to 18 years, and 32 events occurred in 21 out of 155 adult patients (aged 18 years and older).

Paediatric population

In clinical studies involving 63 children aged 0 to 12 years and 24 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with severe haemophilia A, no differences in the safety profile of NovoEight® were observed between paediatric and adult patients.

In a study involving previously untreated patients aged 0 to 6 years, a total of 46 adverse reactions were reported in 33 out of 60 patients treated with NovoEight®. The most common adverse reaction was factor VIII inhibition (see section "Special warnings and precautions for use"). A high risk of genetic mutations was identified in 92.3% of all patients and in 93.8% of patients with confirmed high-titre inhibitors. No other factors were significantly associated with inhibitor development.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions and lack of efficacy

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after marketing authorization is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals, pharmacists, patients, and their legal representatives should report any suspected adverse reactions and lack of efficacy through the Automated Pharmacovigilance Information System at: https://aisf.dec.gov.ua.

Shelf life.

The shelf life of the finished medicinal product is 30 months.

Do not use the medicinal product after the expiry date stated on the carton, vial, and syringe label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Storage conditions.

Store the medicinal product at 2–8 °C. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. During its shelf life, the product may be stored at room temperature (not exceeding 30 °C) for up to 9 months from the date of manufacture until reconstitution begins; the product may also be stored at room temperature (30–40 °C) for up to 3 months from the date of manufacture until reconstitution begins. The product must not be returned to the refrigerator. The date and temperature when the product was removed from refrigeration must be recorded on the carton.

Store in the outer packaging to protect from light.

Incompatibilities.

Since compatibility studies have not been conducted, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

Packaging.

One 5 ml glass vial (Type I) containing powder, closed with a chlorobutyl rubber stopper and sealed with an aluminium cap with a removable plastic lid, supplied with a solvent (0.9% sodium chloride solution) in a 4 ml pre-filled syringe (5 ml capacity) with a polypropylene plunger stop, bromobutyl rubber plunger, bromobutyl rubber needle cap, polypropylene plunger rod, and a sterile vial adapter in an individual package, all contained in a cardboard carton.

Prescription status.

Prescription only.

Marketing Authorisation Holder/Manufacturer.

Novo Nordisk A/S.

Manufacturer's address and place of business.

Novo Allé, Bagsværd, 2880, Denmark.