⛔ FDA Black Box Warning
WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Complete or update meningococcal vaccination (for serogroups A, C, W and Y, and serogroup B) at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of VEOPOZ, unless the risks of delaying therapy outweigh the risk of developing a meningococcal infection. Follow the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in patients receiving a complement inhibitor. Patients receiving VEOPOZ are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis , even if they develop antibodies following vaccination. Monitor patients for early signs of meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. ( 5.1 ) Complete or update meningococcal vaccination at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of VEOPOZ, unless the risks of delaying therapy outweigh the risks of developing meningococcal infection. Follow the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in patients receiving a complement inhibitor. ( 5.1 ) Patients receiving VEOPOZ are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis , even if they develop antibodies following vaccination. Monitor patients for early signs of meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected. ( 5.1 )
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Although there are no data on VEOPOZ use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes, monoclonal antibodies can be actively transported across the placenta . In an animal reproduction study in monkeys, pozelimab-bbfg did not adversely affect embryofetal or postnatal development when administered from pregnancy confirmation through parturition at doses that produced exposure up to 3.3 to 3.8 times the predicted clinical exposures (on an AUC basis; see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other outcome. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In an enhanced pre- and postnatal development study, pregnant female monkeys were subcutaneously administered pozelimab-bbfg at doses of 5 or 50 mg/kg once weekly from confirmation of pregnancy (gestation day 20) through parturition (approximately gestation day 160). No adverse effects were observed on maintenance of pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, or on the development of offspring through postnatal day 90 at doses up to 3.3-3.8 times the predicted clinical exposures.