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FRAXIPARINE
For Subcutaneous injection (apart from the kidney dialysis indication)
PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

FRAXIPARINE 2850 anti-factor Xa IU/0.3 ml, solution for injection in pre-filled syringes

FRAXIPARINE 3800 anti-factor Xa IU/0.4 ml, solution for injection in pre-filled syringes

FRAXIPARINE 5700 anti-factor Xa IU/0.6 ml, solution for injection in pre-filled syringes

FRAXIPARINE 7600 anti-factor Xa IU/0.8 ml, solution for injection in pre-filled syringes

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION


Nadroparin Calcium.
2850 I.U AXa/0.3ml
3800 I.U AXa/0.4ml
5700 I.U AXa/0.6ml
7600 I.U AXa/0.8ml

List of Excipients
Calcium Hydroxide solution or dilute
Hydrochloric acid, water for injection

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Solution for Injection

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

This heparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).

Its indications are as follows:

Prophylactic treatment of venous thromboembolic disease during surgery for patients presenting with
moderate or high risk. Treatment of constituted deep vein thrombosis. Prevention of coagulation in
the extra corporeal circuit during haemodialysis. The prophylaxis of thromboembolic disorders in
high risk medical patients (respiratory failure and/or respiratory infection and/or cardiac failure)
hospitalised in intensive care unit.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

SUBCUTANEOUS ROUTE (apart from the kidney dialysis indication)

This dosage form is suitable for adults.

Do not inject by the intramuscular route.


1 ml of FRAXIPARINE is equivalent to approximately 9500 anti-factor Xa IU nadroparin.

- Subcutaneous injection technique

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Do not purge the air bubble.

Subcutaneous injection of nadroparin should preferably be given with the patient in the decubitus
position, in the subcutaneous cellular tissue of the anterolateral and posterolateral abdominal girdle,
on the right and left side alternately.
The needle must be fully inserted perpendicularly and not tangentially into the thickness of a skin
fold made between the thumb and the index finger of the person administering it. This skin fold
must be maintained throughout the injection.

- General recommendation
Regular monitoring of platelet count is essential throughout treatment due to the risk of heparin-
induced thrombopenia (HIT) (cf. chapter 4.4 Warnings and precautions for use).

Prevention of venous thrombo-embolic disease in surgery

These recommendations generally apply to surgical procedures performed under general anaesthetic.
For spinal and epidural anaesthesia techniques, the value of injection before surgery must be assessed
due to the increased theoretical risk of intraspinal haematoma (cf. Chapter 4.4. Precautions for use).

* Frequency of administration
1 injection per day.

* Dose administered
This depends on the individual level of risk, related to the patient and the type of surgery.

- Situation of moderate thrombogenic risk:


In the event of surgery with a moderate thrombogenic risk and when the patients do not present a
high thrombo-embolic risk, effective prevention of thrombo-embolic disease is obtained by daily
injection of a dose of 2850 anti-factor Xa IU (0.3 ml).
The treatment regimen studied includes an initial injection conducted 2 hours before surgery.

- Situation of high thrombogenic risk:

. Hip and knee surgery:


The nadroparin dosage depends on the weight of the patient, at a dosage of 1 daily injection of:
 38 anti-factor Xa IU/kg
before surgery, i.e. 12 hours before the procedure,
after surgery, i.e. from the 12th hour after the end of the procedure,
then daily up to the 3rd day after surgery inclusive.
 57 anti-factor Xa IU/kg from the 4th day after surgery.

By way of indication, the dosages to be administered as a function of patients’ weights are as


follows:

Bodyweight FRAXIPARINE volume FRAXIPARINE volume


(kg) Per injection and per day Per injection and per day
Before surgery and From the 4th day
up to the 3rd day
< 51 0.2 ml 0.3 ml
51 – 70 0.3 ml 0.4 ml
> 70 0.4 ml 0.6 ml

. Other situations:

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When the thrombo-embolic risk related to the type of surgery (in particular, oncological) and/or
the patient (in particular, history of thrombo-embolic disease) appears to be increased, a
nadroparin dosage of 2850 IU (0.3 ml) appears to be sufficient.

* Treatment duration:
 Treatment with a LMWH, accompanied by the usual elastic lower limb compression
techniques, must be maintained until complete active deambulation of the patient.
 In general surgery, the duration of LMWH treatment must be less than 10 days, in the absence
of any specific venous thrombo-embolic risk related to the patient (Cf. Chapter 4.4
Precautions for use, platelet monitoring).
 If the venous thrombo-embolic risk persists beyond the recommended treatment duration, it is
necessary to consider continuing preventive treatment, notably using oral anticoagulants.
However, the clinical benefit of long-term treatment with low molecular weight heparin or
anti-vitamin K has not been evaluated at the current time.

. Prevention of coagulation of the extra-corporal circulation loop/kidney dialysis

INJECTION BY THE INTRAVASCULAR ROUTE (into the arterial line of the dialysis loop).

In patients given repeated kidney dialysis sessions, prevention of coagulation in the extra-renal
purification loop is obtained by injecting an initial dose of 65 IU/kg into the arterial line of the
dialysis loop at the start of the session.
This dose, administered as a single intravascular bolus, is only suitable for dialysis sessions lasting
4 hours or less. It may subsequently be adjusted due to the high level of intra- and inter-individual
variability.

By way of indication, the dosages to be administered as a function of patients’ weights are as


follows:

Bodyweight FRAXIPARINE volume per session


< 51 kg 0.3 ml
51 – 70 kg 0.4 ml
> 70 kg 0.6 ml

If necessary, the dose is adjusted to the specific case of each patient and the technical dialysis
conditions. In subjects with a haemorrhagic risk, the dialysis sessions may be conducted using a
halved dose.

. Curative treatment of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)


Any suspicion of deep-vein thrombosis must be rapidly confirmed by means of appropriate tests.
* Frequency of administration
2 injections per day, given 12 hours apart.

* Dose administered:
The dose per injection is 85 anti-factor Xa IU/kg.
The dosage of LMWH has not been evaluated as a function of bodyweight in patients with a
bodyweight of more than 100 kg or less than 40 kg. The efficacy of LMWH may be reduced for
patients weighing more than 100 kg, or there may be an increased haemorrhagic risk for patients
weighing less than 40 kg. Specific clinical monitoring is required.

By way of indication, the dosages to be administered as a function of patients’ weights are 0.1
ml/10 kg every 12 hours, as indicated in the table below:

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Bodyweight FRAXIPARINE volume per injection
40 – 49 kg 0.4 ml
50 – 59 kg 0.5 ml
60 – 69 kg 0.6 ml
70 – 79 kg 0.7 ml
80 – 89 kg 0.8 ml
90 – 99 kg 0.9 ml
 100 kg 1.0 ml

Adjust the volume to be administered by moving the piston to the desired graduation, holding the
syringe upright.

* Treatment duration for DVT:


Treatment with LMWH must be quickly switched to oral anticoagulants, unless contraindicated.
The LMWH treatment duration must not exceed 10 days, including the stabilising period with
AVKs, unless there are stabilising difficulties (Cf. Chapter 4.4. Precautions for use: platelet
monitoring). Oral anticoagulant treatment should therefore be instigated as soon as possible.

The prophylaxis of thromboembolic disorders in high risk medical patients (respiratory


failure and/or respiratory infection and/or cardiac failure) hospitalised in intensive care
unit

Nadroparin is administered subcutaneously once daily. The dose should be adjusted for body
weight according to the table below. Treatment should be continued throughout the risk period of
thromboembolism.

Body weight Once daily


(kg) Volume injected (ml) Anti-Xa IU
≤ 70 0.4 3,800
> 70 0.6 5,700

Renal Impairment
Prophylaxis of thromboembolic disorders
Dose reduction is not required in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance greater
than or equal to 50 ml/min). Moderate and severe renal impairment is associated with increased
exposure to nadroparin. These patients are at increased risk of thromboembolism and
haemorrhage.

If a dose reduction is considered appropriate by the prescribing physician, taking into account the
individual risk factors for haemorrhage and thromboembolism in patients with moderate renal
impairment (creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 30 ml/min and less than 50 ml/min) the
dose should be reduced by 25 to 33% (see Warnings and Precautions and Pharmacokinetics).

The dose should be reduced by 25% to 33% in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine
clearance less than 30 ml/min) (see Warnings and Precautions and Pharmacokinetics).

Treatment of thromboembolic disorders


Dose reduction is not required in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance greater
than or equal to 50 ml/min).

Moderate and severe renal impairment is associated with increased exposure to nadroparin. These
patients are at increased risk of thromboembolism and haemorrhage.

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If a dose reduction is considered appropriate by the prescribing physician, taking into account the
individual risk factors for haemorrhage and thromboembolism in patients with moderate renal
impairment (creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 30 ml/min and less than 50 ml/min) the
dose should be reduced by 25 to 33% (see Warnings and Precautions and Pharmacokinetics).

Nadroparin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (see Warnings and
Precautions and Pharmacokinetics).

4.3 Contraindications

Irrespective of the doses (curative or preventive), this drug MUST NOT BE USED in the following
situations:
- hypersensitivity to nadroparin or any of the excipients of nadroparin injections;
- history of severe type-II heparin-induced thrombopenia (or HIT) induced under unfractionated
heparin or under low molecular weight heparin (Cf. Chapter 4.4 Precautions for use);
- haemorrhagic signs or tendencies linked to haemostasis disorders (disseminated intravascular
coagulations may be an exception to this rule if these are not related to heparin treatment – Cf.
Chapter 4.4 Precautions for use);
- organic lesion liable to bleed.

At curative doses, this drug MUST NOT BE USED in the following situations:
- intracerebral haemorrhage;
- in the absence of data, severe kidney failure (defined by creatinine clearance of approximately 30
ml/min according to calculation using the Cockroft formula), apart from the specific situation of
dialysis. In severe kidney failure, use unfractionated heparin.
For calculation of the Cockroft formula, it is necessary to have a recent weight of the patient (Cf.
Chapter 4.4 Precautions for use).
- In addition, an epidural or spinal anaesthetic must never be given in the event of curative
treatment with LMWH.

At curative doses, this drug is NOT GENERALLY RECOMMENDED in the following situations:
- extensive ischemic cerebrovascular accident in the acute phase, with or without impaired
consciousness. When the stroke is of embolic origin, the period to be complied with is 72 hours.
Evidence of the efficacy of LMWH at curative doses has not, however, been established to date,
irrespective of the cause, extent and clinical severity of the cerebral infarction;
- acute infectious endocarditis (apart from certain emboligenic cardiopathies);
mild to moderate kidney failure (creatinine clearance > 30 and < 50ml/min) (Cf. Chapter 4.2 Posology
and method of administration).
In addition, this drug at curative doses is NOT GENERALLY RECOMMENDED in subjects of any
age in combination with (Cf. Chapter 4.5 Interactions with other medicinal products and other forms
of interactions)
+ acetylsalicylic acid at analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory doses,
+ NSAIDs (systemic route),
+ dextran 40 (parenteral route).

At preventive doses, this drug is NOT GENERALLY RECOMMENDED in the following situations:
severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance of approximately 30 ml/min according to calculation using
the Cockroft formula, Cf. Chapter 4.4 Precautions for use and Chapter 4.2 Posology and method of
administration).
- within the first 24 hours following an intracerebral haemorrhage.

In addition, at preventive doses, this drug is NOT GENERALLY RECOMMENDED in elderly


subjects over the age of 65, in combination with (Cf. Chapter 4.5 Interactions with other medicinal
products and other forms of interactions):
+ acetylsalicylic acid at analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory doses,

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+ NSAIDs (systemic route),
+ dextran 40 (parenteral route).

4.4 Special warnings and special precautions for use

Although the various proprietary low molecular weight heparin products all have their concentrations
expressed in anti-factor Xa international units, their efficacy is not limited to this anti-factor Xa
activity. It would be dangerous to substitute the dosage regimen of one LMWH for another, since
each regimen has been validated by specific clinical trials. Particular caution is therefore required and
the specific instructions for use for each proprietary medicinal product must be complied with.

 Warnings

. Haemorrhagic risk
It is essential to follow the recommended treatment regimens (dosages and treatment durations).
Otherwise, haemorrhagic accidents could occur, particularly in patients at risk (elderly subjects,
patients with kidney failure, etc.).

Serious haemorrhagic accidents have notably been observed:


- in the elderly, in particular due to the deterioration in kidney function related to age,
- in the event of kidney failure,
- in the event of a bodyweight under 40 kg
- in the event of treatment prolonged beyond the recommended mean duration of 10 days,
- in the event of non-compliance with the recommended treatment conditions (in particular
treatment duration and dosage adjustment on the basis of weight for curative treatments),
- in the event of combination with drugs increasing the haemorrhagic risk
(Cf. Chapter 4.5 Interactions with other medicinal products and other forms of interactions).

Caution should be exercised when nadroparin is administered in the following situations as they may be
associated with an increased risk of bleeding:
 hepatic failure
 severe arterial hypertension
 history of peptic ulceration or other organic lesion likely to bleed
 vascular disorder of the chorio-retina
 during the post-operative period following surgery of the brain, spinal cord or eye.

Renal Impairment
Nadroparin is known to be mainly excreted by the kidney, which results in increased nadroparin
exposure in patients with renal impairment (see Pharmacokinetics – Renal Impairment). Patients
with impaired renal function are at increased risk of bleeding and should be treated with caution.
The decision on whether a dose reduction is appropriate for patients with creatinine clearance 30
to 50 ml/min should be based on the physician’s assessment of an individual patient's risk of
bleeding versus the risk of thromboembolism.

In all cases, specific monitoring is essential in the elderly and/or subjects with kidney failure, and
also in the event of long-term treatment for more than 10 days. In order to detect any
accumulation, measurement of anti-factor Xa activity can be useful in certain cases (Cf. Chapter
4.4 Precautions for use/Laboratory monitoring).

. Risk of heparin-induced thrombopenia (HIT)

In the event of a patient treated with LMWH (at curative or preventive doses) presenting a
thrombotic event, such as:
- an exacerbation of the thrombosis for which he/she is being treated,

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- phlebitis,
- pulmonary embolism,
- acute ischemia of the lower limbs,
- or even myocardial infarction or ischemic cerebrovascular accident,
one must systematically consider heparin-induced thrombopenia (HIT) and urgently perform a
platelet count (Cf. Chapter 4.4 Precautions for use).

. Use in children
In the absence of data, the use of LMWHs in children is not recommended.

 Precautions for use

. Kidney function
Before starting treatment with LMWH, it is essential to assess kidney function, particularly in the
elderly over the age of 75 years, calculating creatinine clearance (Clcr) using the Cockroft formula
and on the basis of a recent weight for the patient:
In men, Clcr = (140 – age) x weight / (0.814 x serum creatinine) with age expressed in years,
weight in kg and serum creatinine in µmol/l.
This formula must be corrected for women by multiplying the result by 0.85.
When creatinine is expressed in mg/ml, multiply by a factor of 8.8.
Detection of severe kidney failure (Clcr of approximately 30 ml/min) contraindicates the
prescription of LMWH in curative indications (Cf. Chapter 4.3 Contraindications).

. Laboratory monitoring

* Platelet monitoring

Heparin-induced thrombopenia (or HIT)


There is a risk of severe thrombopenia, sometimes causing thrombosis, induced by heparin
(unfractionated heparin and, less commonly, low molecular weight heparins), of immunological
origin, called type II thrombopenia (see also Chapter 4.8 Undesirable effects).

Due to the risk of HIT, monitoring of platelet count is necessary, irrespective of the indication for
treatment and the dosage administered. Perform a platelet count before treatment or, at the latest,
within 24 hours after treatment instigation, then twice weekly throughout the usual duration of the
treatment.

HIT must be suspected if the platelet count is < 100,000/mm3 and/or there is a relative fall in
platelets of 30 to 50% in 2 successive counts. It mainly develops between the 5th and 21st day
following the start of heparin treatment (with a peak in frequency at around the 10th day).

But it can occur much earlier when there is a history of thrombopenia under heparin treatment and
isolated cases have been reported beyond 21 days. This type of history must be systematically
investigated during an in-depth interview prior to treatment. In addition, the risk of recurrence in
the event of the reintroduction of heparin could persist for several years or even indefinitely (Cf.
Chapter 4.3 Contraindications).

In all cases, the onset of HIT is an emergency situation and requires specialist advice.
Any significant fall (30 to 50% of the initial value) in platelet count must be seen as an alert,
before the value reaches a critical level. Observation of a fall in the number of platelets always
demands:
1) - an immediate platelet count;
2) – the suspension of heparin treatment if the fall is confirmed or even accentuated at this count,
in the absence of any other obvious cause.

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A sample must be taken in a citrate tube to perform platelet aggregation tests in vitro and
immunological tests. But, under these conditions, the immediate measures to be taken do not
depend on the results of these in vitro or immunological platelet aggregation tests because only a
few specialised laboratories conduct them routinely and the results are obtained, at best, only after
several hours. These tests must nonetheless be performed to assist the diagnosis of this
complication since if heparin treatment is continued, there is a major risk of thrombosis.
3) – prevention or treatment of thrombotic complications of HIT.
If it appears to be essential to continue anticoagulation, heparin must be replaced with another
class of antithrombotic: danaparoid sodium or hirudin, prescribed at preventive or curative doses
depending on the case. Substitution with AVKs should only take place once the platelet count has
normalised, due to the risk of exacerbation of the thrombotic phenomenon by AVKs.

* Substitution of heparin with AVKs


In this case, reinforce clinical and laboratory monitoring (Quick time expressed in INR) to
monitor the effect of AVKs.
Due to the latency time prior to the full effect of the antivitamin K used, heparin must be
maintained at an equivalent dose for as long as necessary to ensure that the INR is within the
desired therapeutic zone of the indication at two successive controls.

* Control of anti-factor Xa activity


Since the majority of clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of LMWH have been conducted at
a dose tailored to bodyweight and without any specific laboratory monitoring, the value of this
type of laboratory monitoring has not been established to assess the efficacy of LMWH. However,
laboratory monitoring by determination of anti-factor Xa activity may be useful to manage the
haemorrhagic risk in some clinical situations frequently associated with a risk of overdose.

These situations mainly concern the curative indications of LMWH, due to the doses
administered, when there is:
- mild to moderate kidney failure (clearance calculated using the Cockroft formula of around 30
to 50ml/min): in fact, in contrast with unfractionated standard heparin, LMWHs are largely
eliminated by the kidneys and any impaired kidney function can lead to relative overdose. As
for severe kidney failure, this is a contraindication to the use of LMWHs at curative doses (Cf.
Chapter 4.3 Contraindications);
- an extreme weight (underweight or even cachexia, obesity);
- unexplained haemorrhage.

Conversely, laboratory monitoring is not recommended at preventive doses if treatment with


LMWH complies with the recommended treatment conditions (particularly for treatment duration)
and during kidney dialysis.

In order to detect a possible accumulation after several administrations, it is recommended that a


blood sample be taken from the patient if necessary at the peak activity (according to the data
available), i.e.:
- approximately 4 hours after the 3rd administration, when the drug is given as
2 SC injections per day,
- approximately 4 hours after the 2nd administration, when the drug is given as
1 SC injection per day.
Repetition of assay of anti-factor Xa activity to measure serum heparin levels – every 2 to 3 days,
for example – should be discussed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the results of the
previous assay and adjustment of the LMWH dose should be considered if necessary.
For each LMWH and each treatment regimen, the anti-factor Xa activity generated is different.
By way of indication and according to the data available, the mean observed ( standard
deviation) at the 4th hour for nadroparin, administered:
- at a dose of 83 IU/kg by injection, as 2 injections per 24 hours, was 1.01  0.18 IU.

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- at a dose of 166 IU/kg as 1 injection per 24 hours, was 1.34  0.15 IU.
This mean value was observed during clinical trials for assays of anti-factor Xa activity conducted
using the chromogenic method (amidolytic).

* Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)


Certain LMWHs moderately prolong APTT. In the absence of any established clinical relevance,
any treatment monitoring based on this test is pointless.

Hyperkalaemia
Heparin can suppress adrenal secretion of aldosterone leading to hyperkalaemia, particularly in
patients with raised plasma potassium, or at risk of increased plasma potassium levels, such as
patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, pre-existing metabolic acidosis or those
taking drugs that may cause hyperkalaemia (e.g. ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs).
The risk of hyperkalaemia appears to increase with duration of therapy but is usually reversible.
Plasma potassium should be monitored in patients at risk.

. Administration of spinal/epidural anaesthetic in the event of preventive treatment with LMWH


- As with other anticoagulants, rare cases of intraspinal haematoma leading to long-term or
permanent paralysis have been reported during the administration of LMWH during spinal or
epidural anaesthetic.
The risk of intraspinal haematoma appears to be higher with an epidural using a catheter than
with a spinal anaesthetic.
The risk of these rare events may be increased by the prolonged use of epidural catheters after
surgery.

- If pre-surgical treatment with LMWH is necessary (prolonged bed rest, injury) and the benefit
of a loco-regional spinal anaesthetic has been carefully evaluated, this technique may be used
in a patient having received an injection of LMWH before surgery, as long as a period of at
least 12 hours is left between the heparin injection and administration of the spinal anaesthetic.
Careful neurological monitoring is recommended due to the risk of intraspinal haematoma.
In almost all cases, preventive treatment with LMWH can be started within 6 to 8 hours
following the technique or removal of the catheter, under neurological monitoring.
Particular caution is required in the event of combination with other drugs interfering with
haemostasis (notably nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, aspirin).

. Situations at risk
Monitoring of treatment should be reinforced in the following cases:
. liver failure,
. history of gastrointestinal ulcers or any other organic lesions liable to bleed,
. vascular diseases of the chorioretina,
. in the post-operative period following brain and spinal bone marrow surgery, the
performance of a lumbar puncture must be discussed, taking into account the risk of
intraspinal bleeding. It must be deferred wherever possible.

. Latex Allergy
The needle guard of the pre-filled syringe contains dry natural latex rubber that has the
potential to cause allergic reactions in latex sensitive individuals.

4.5 Interactions with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Certain drugs or therapeutic classes are liable to promote the onset of hyperkalaemia: potassium salts,
hyperkalaemic diuretics, conversion enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatories, heparins (low molecular weight or unfractionated), ciclosporin and tacrolimus,
trimethoprim.
The onset of hyperkalaemia may depend on the existence of concomitant risk factors.

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This risk is increased in the event of combination with the above mentioned drugs.

1. In subjects under the age of 65 at curative LMWH doses,


and in the elderly (> 65 years) irrespective of the LMWH dose

Inadvisable combinations

+ Acetylsalicylic acid at analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory doses (and, by


extrapolation, other salicylates)
Increase in haemorrhagic risk (inhibition of platelet function and aggression of the gastro-
duodenal mucosa by salicylates),
Use a non-salicylate antipyretic analgesic (such as paracetamol).

+ NSAIDs (systemic route)


Increase in haemorrhagic risk (inhibition of platelet function and aggression of the gastro-
duodenal mucosa by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories),
If the combination cannot be avoided, close clinical monitoring.

+ Dextran 40 (parenteral route)


Increase in haemorrhagic risk (inhibition of platelet function by Dextran 40).

Combinations requiring precautions for use

+ Oral anticoagulants
Potentiation of anticoagulant action
When switching from heparin to an oral anticoagulant, reinforce clinical monitoring.

Combinations to be taken into account

+ Platelet anti-aggregants (other than acetylsalicylic acid at analgesic, antipyretic and anti-
inflammatory doses; NSAIDs): abciximab, acetylsalicylic acid at anti-aggregant doses in
cardiological and neurological indications, beraprost, clopidogrel, eptifibatide, iloprost,
ticlopidine, tirofiban
Increase in haemorrhagic risk.

2. In subjects under the age of 65 at preventive LMWH doses

Combinations to be taken into account

The concomitant use of drugs acting at various levels on haemostasis increases the risk of bleeding.
Thus, irrespective of age, combination of LMWHs at preventive doses with oral anticoagulants,
platelet anti-aggregants (abciximab, NSAIDs, acetylsalicylic acid irrespective of dose, clopidogrel,
eptifibatide, iloprost, ticlopidine, tirofiban) and thrombolytics must be taken into account, maintaining
clinical and, if necessary, laboratory monitoring.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Studies conducted in animals have not revealed any teratogenic effect of nadroparin.

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In the absence of any teratogenic effect in animals, no malformative effect is expected in humans. In
fact, to date, substances responsible for malformations in humans have been shown to be teratogenic
in animals during properly conducted studies in two species.

Preventive treatment in the 1st trimester and curative treatment


In a clinical context, there are not yet enough relevant data in order to evaluate a possible teratogenic
or foetotoxic effect of nadroparin when administered at a preventive dose during the first trimester of
pregnancy or at a curative dose throughout pregnancy.
Consequently, as a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid use of nadroparin at a preventive
dose during the first trimester of pregnancy or at a curative dose throughout pregnancy.

Preventive treatment in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters


In a clinical context, the use of nadroparin during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of a limited number of
pregnancies does not appear to have evidenced any teratogenic or foetotoxic effects to date. However,
further studies are necessary in order to evaluate the consequences of exposure under these conditions.
Consequently, the use of nadroparin at a preventive dose during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of
pregnancy must only be envisaged during pregnancy if necessary.

If epidural anaesthesia is envisaged, it is advisable to suspend heparin treatment at the latest within 12
hours prior to anaesthesia, insofar as possible, for preventive treatment.

Lactation

There is limited information on the excretion of nadroparin in breast milk. Therefore, the use of
nadroparin during breast feeding is not advised.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Not applicable.

4.8 Adverse Reactions


Adverse reactions are listed below by system organ class and frequency.
The following convention has been used for the classification of adverse reactions in terms of frequency:
Very common ≥1/10, common ≥1/100 and <1/10, uncommon ≥1/1000 and <1/100, rare ≥1/10,000 and
<1/1000, very rare <1/10,000.

Blood & lymphatic system disorders


Very common: Haemorrhagic manifestations at various sites, more frequent
in patients with other risk factors (see Contraindications and
Interactions).

Rare: Thrombocytopenia, sometimes thrombogenic (see Warnings


and Precautions), thrombocytosis.
Very rare: Eosinophilia, reversible following treatment discontinuation.

Immune system disorders


Very rare: Hypersensitivity reactions (including angioedema and
cutaneous reactions), anaphylactoid reaction.

Metabolism & nutrition disorders


Very rare: Reversible hyperkalaemia related to heparin-induced
aldosterone suppression, particularly in patients at risk (see
Warnings and Precautions).

Hepato-biliary disorders

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Common: Raised transaminases, usually transient.

Reproductive system & breast disorders


Very rare: Priapism.

General disorders and administration site conditions


Very common: Small haematoma at the injection site.
In some cases, the emergence of firm nodules, which do not indicate an
encystment of the heparin may be noted. These nodules usually disappear after
a few days.
Common: Injection site reaction.
Rare: Calcinosis at the injection site.
Calcinosis is more frequent in patients with abnormal calcium phosphate
product, such as in some cases of chronic renal failure.
Very rare: Cutaneous necrosis, usually occurring at the injection site.
Cutaneous necrosis is preceded by purpura or infiltrated or painful
erythematous blotches, with or without general signs. In such cases, treatment
should be immediately discontinued.

4.9 Overdose

- Accidental overdose following the subcutaneous administration of massive doses of low molecular
weight heparin could cause haemorrhagic complications.
In the event of haemorrhage, treatment with protamine sulphate may be indicated in certain cases,
taking into account the following facts:
. its efficacy is significantly less than that reported in the event of overdose with unfractionated
heparin;
. due to its adverse events (in particular, anaphylactic shock), the benefit/risk ratio of protamine
sulphate must be carefully assessed before it is prescribed.
In this event, neutralisation is conducted by slow intravenous injection of protamine (sulphate or
hydrochloride).

The effective protamine dose depends on:


. the heparin dose injected (100 anti-heparin units of protamine can be used to neutralise the activity
of 100 anti-factor Xa IU of low molecular weight heparin),
. the time elapsed since injection of the heparin, with possible reduction of the antidote doses.
Nevertheless, it is not possible to totally neutralise the anti-factor Xa activity.
Moreover, the absorption kinetics of low molecular weight heparin may make this neutralisation
transient and require fragmentation of the total calculated protamine dose into several injections (2
to 4) divided over 24 hours.

- In the event of ingestion – even massive – of low molecular weight heparin (no cases reported), no
serious consequences are, in principle, expected, given the very low gastrointestinal absorption of
the product.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

B01 AB 06: ANTI-THROMBOTICS

- Nadroparin is a low molecular weight heparin in which the antithrombotic and anticoagulant
properties of standard heparin have been split.

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It is characterised by a higher anti-factor Xa activity than anti-factor IIa or thrombotic activity. For
nadroparin, the ratio between these two activities is between 2.5 and 4.

- At prophylactic doses, nadroparin does not cause any marked changes in APTT.
At curative doses, at the peak activity, APTT may be prolonged to 1.4 times the reference time.
This prolongation is a reflection of the residual antithrombotic effect of nadroparin.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The pharmacokinetic parameters are studied on the basis of the evolution in plasma anti-factor Xa
activities.
- Bioavailability
After subcutaneous injection, almost 100% of the product is rapidly absorbed. Peak plasma
activity is reached between the 3rd and the 4th hour if nadroparin is administered as 2 injections per
day.
This peak is shifted to between the 4th and the 6th hour if nadroparin is administered
as 1 injection per day.

- Metabolism
This mainly occurs in the liver (desulfatation, depolymerisation).

- Distribution
After subcutaneous injection, the half-life of anti-factor Xa activity is higher for low molecular
weight heparins than for unfractionated heparins.
This half-life is around 3 to 4 hours.
As for the anti-factor IIa activity, this disappears more rapidly from the plasma than the anti-factor
Xa activity with low molecular weight heparins.

- Elimination
Elimination is primarily by the renal route in little or non-metabolised form.

- Populations at risk

* The elderly:
In the elderly, since kidney function is physiologically reduced, elimination is slowed down. This
modification does not affect the doses and rhythm of injections for preventive treatment as long as
the kidney function of these patients remains within acceptable limits, i.e. only slightly impaired.

It is essential to systematically assess the kidney function of elderly subjects over the age of 75
using the Cockroft formula, before instigating LMWH treatment (Cf. 4.2 Posology and method of
administration, Chapter 4.4 Precautions for use).

Renal Impairment

In a clinical study investigating the pharmacokinetics of nadroparin administered intravenously in


patients with varying degrees of renal impairment, a correlation was found between nadroparin
clearance and the creatinine clearance. In patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine
clearance 36-43 ml/min) both mean AUC and half-life were increased by 52 and 39% respectively
compared with healthy volunteers. In these patients, mean plasma clearance of nadroparin was
decreased to 63% of normal. Wide inter-individual variability was observed in the study. In subjects
with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 10-20 ml/min) both mean AUC and half-life were
increased by 95 and 112% respectively compared with healthy volunteers. Plasma clearance in
patients with severe renal impairment was decreased to 50% of that observed in patients with normal
renal function. In subjects with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 3-6 ml/min) on
haemodialysis, both mean AUC and half-life were increased by 62 and 65% respectively compared

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with healthy volunteers. Plasma clearance in haemodialysis patients with severe renal impairment was
decreased to 67% of that observed in patients with normal renal function (see Warnings and
Precautions).

* Mild to moderate kidney failure (creatinine clearance > 30 ml/min):


It may be useful in certain cases to monitor circulating anti-factor Xa activity to eliminate the
possibility of overdose in curative indications (Cf. Chapter 4.4. Precautions for use).

* Kidney dialysis:
Low molecular weight heparin is injected into the arterial line of the dialysis loop at high enough
doses to prevent coagulation of the loop.
In principle, the pharmacokinetic parameters are not modified, except for in the event of overdose,
when passage into the systemic circulation can lead to an increased anti-factor Xa activity, related
to the terminal kidney failure.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Not applicable.

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.2 Shelf life

3 years.

6.3 Special precautions for storage

Store below 30°C.


Store in original packaging until time of use.

6.4 Nature and contents of container

0.3 ml or 0.4 ml or 0.6 ml or 0.8 ml of injectable solution in a pre-filled syringe (glass) with security
device; transparent plastic sleeve; box of 2 or 10

MANUFACTURED BY:

Glaxo Wellcome Production, Notre Dame De Bondeville, France

LICENSE HOLDER:

GlaxoSmithKline (Israel) Ltd.


25 Basel St., Petach Tikva 49002

LICENSE NUMBER:

FRAXIPARINE 2850 IU AXa/ 0.3 ML 311-64-67572


FRAXIPARINE 3800 IU AXa/ 0.4 ML 363-35-10033
FRAXIPARINE 5700 IU AXa/ 0.6 ML 311-65-67573
FRAXIPARINE 7600 IU AXa/ 0.8 ML 311-66-67574

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