Palladone (oral)

Overdose

Signs of hydromorphone intoxication and overdose include miosis, bradycardia, respiratory depression, hypotension, somnolence progressing to stupor and coma, and pneumonia aspiration. Circulatory failure and deepening coma may occur in more severe cases and may lead to a fatal outcome.

In unconscious patients with respiratory arrest intubation and assisted respiration may be required. An opioid antagonist (e.g. naloxone 0.4 mg) should be administered intravenously Individual administration of the antagonist should be repeated at 2 to 3-minute intervals as necessary.

Close monitoring (at least for 24 hours) is required, since the effect of the opioid antagonist is shorter than that of hydromorphone, so that repeated occurrence of the signs of overdose like respiratory insufficiency are to be expected.

Shelf life

3 years unopened.

After opening, use immediately.

Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 7 days at 4°C, 25°C and 37°C except for diluted solutions in polycarbonate syringes which should not be stored beyond 24 hours.

From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2 to 8°C, unless opening/dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

Contraindications

Incompatibilities

Cyclizine lactate was found to precipitate in the presence of Palladone injection unless the solution is sufficiently diluted with water for injection. It is recommended that water for injection be used as a diluent as cyclizine was found to precipitate in the presence of 0.9 % saline.

List of excipients

Citric acid anhydrous

Sodium citrate

Sodium chloride

Sodium hydroxide solution (4%) (for pH-adjustment)

Hydrochloric acid 3.6% (for pH-adjustment)

Water for injections

Pharmaceutical form

Solution for injection or infusion.

Clear, colourless to pale yellow solution.

Undesirable effects

The following frequency categories form the basis for classification of the undesirable effects:

*A withdrawal syndrome may occur and include symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperkinesia, tremor and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Paediatric population

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Preclinical safety data

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity and genotoxicity.

No effects on male or female fertility or sperm parameters were observed in rats at oral hydromorphone doses of 5 mg/kg/day (30 mg/m2/day, which is 1.4 times higher than the expected human dose on a body surface area basis).

Hydromorphone was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits at doses that caused maternal toxicity. Reduced foetal development was found in rabbits at doses of 50 mg/kg (developmental no-effect level was established at a dose of 25 mg/kg or 380 mg/m2 at an active substance exposure (AUC) almost four times above the one expected in humans). No evidence of foetal toxicity was observed in rats treated with oral hydromorphone doses as high as 10 mg/kg (308 mg/m2 with an AUC about 1.8 times above the one expected in humans).

Perinatum and postpartum rat pup (F1) mortality was increased at doses of 2 and 5 mg/kg/day and bodyweights were reduced during lactation period.

Long-term carcinogenicity studies have not been performed.

Therapeutic indications

For the relief of severe pain in cancer.

Palladone injection is indicated in adults and adolescents aged >12 years.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: analgesics; opioids; natural opium alkaloid

ATC code: N02A A03.

Hydromorphone is a µ-selective, full opioid agonist. Hydromorphone and related opioids produce their major effects on the central nervous system and the intestine.

The effects are primarily analgesic, anxiolytic, antitussive and sedative. Moreover, mood swings, respiratory depression, reduced gastrointestinal motility, nausea, vomiting and alteration of the endocrine and vegetative nervous system may occur.

Opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or -gonadal axes. The reported changes include an increase in serum prolactin and decreases in plasma cortisol and testosterone. Clinical symptoms resulting from these hormonal changes may become manifest.

Preclinical studies indicate various effects of opioids on components of the immune system. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

Pharmacokinetic properties

The onset of action after intravenous and subcutaneous injection is usually within 5 minutes and 5-10 minutes, respectively. The duration of action is 3-4 hours after intravenous or subcutaneous injection. After epidural administration of 1 mg hydromorphone hydrochloride, a latency of 22.5 ± 6 minutes was observed until full analgesia was achieved. The effect was maintained for 9.8 ± 5.5 hours (n=84 patients aged 22-84).

Hydromorphone hydrochloride crosses the placenta barrier. According to published data, hydromorphone is excreted into breast milk at low amounts.

Plasma protein binding of hydromorphone is low (< 10 %). This percentage of 2.46 ng/ml remains constant up to very high plasma levels of 81.99 ng/ml, which are only very rarely achieved with very high hydromorphone doses.

Hydromorphone hydrochloride has a relatively high distribution volume of 1.22 ± 0.23 l/kg (C.I.: 90 %: 0.97 - 1.60 l/kg) (n = 6 male subjects), which suggests a pronounced tissue uptake.

The course of the plasma concentration time curves after single administration of hydromorphone hydrochloride 2 mg i.v. or 4 mg oral to 6 healthy volunteers in a randomised cross-over study revealed a relatively short elimination half-life of 2.64 ± 0.88 hours (1.68-3.87 hours)

Hydromorphone is metabolised by direct conjugation or reduction of the keto group with subsequent conjugation. After absorption, hydromorphone is primarily metabolised to hydromorphone-3-glucuronide, hydromorphone-3-glucoside and dihydroisomorphine-6-glucuronide. Smaller portions of the metabolites dihydroisomorphine-6-glucoside, dihydromorphine and dihydroisomorphine have also been found. Hydromorphone is metabolised via the liver; a smaller portion is excreted unchanged via the kidneys.

Hydromorphone metabolites were found in plasma, urine and human hepatocyte test systems. There are no indications of hydromorphone being metabolised in vivo via the cytochrome P 450 enzyme system. In vitro, hydromorphone has a minor inhibition effect (IC50 > 50 µM) on recombinant CYP isoforms, including CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2D6 und 3A4. Hydromorphone is therefore not expected to inhibit the metabolism of other active substances which metabolise via these CYP isoforms.

Date of revision of the text

01.02.2017

Name of the medicinal product

Palladone 2 mg/ml solution for injection or infusion

Palladone 10 mg/ml solution for injection or infusion

Palladone 20 mg/ml solution for injection or infusion

Palladone 50 mg/ml solution for injection or infusion

Marketing authorisation holder

Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited

Cambridge Science Park

Milton Road

Cambridge

CB4 0GW

United Kingdom

Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25°C.

The ampoules should be stored in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

Nature and contents of container

Type 1, clear, neutral glass ampoules in packs of 5 x 1 ml ampoules

Marketing authorisation number(s)

PL16950/0163-0166

Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no well-controlled studies of hydromorphone in pregnant women.

Hydromorphone should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary.

Palladone injection is not recommended during pregnancy and labour due to impaired uterine contractility and the risk of neonatal respiratory depression. Prolonged use of hydromorphone during pregnancy can result in neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

Breast-feeding

Hydromorphone is excreted into breast milk in low amounts. Palladone injection should not be used during breast-feeding.

Fertility

Non clinical toxicology studies in rats have not shown any effects on male or female fertility or sperm parameters.

Qualitative and quantitative composition

Palladone 2 mg/ml:

1 ampoule contains 2 mg hydromorphone hydrochloride (corresponding to 1.77 mg hydromorphone) in 1 ml solution.

Palladone 10 mg/ml:

1 ampoule contains 10 mg hydromorphone hydrochloride (corresponding to 8.87 mg hydromorphone) in 1 ml solution.

Palladone 20 mg/ml:

1 ampoule contains 20 mg hydromorphone hydrochloride (corresponding to 17.73 mg hydromorphone) in 1 ml solution.

Palladone 50 mg/ml:

1 ampoule contains 50 mg hydromorphone hydrochloride (corresponding to 44.33 mg hydromorphone) in 1 ml solution.

Excipient(s) with known effect:

Palladone 2 mg/ml:

1 ml contains 0.153 mmol of sodium (3.52 mg/ml of sodium)

Palladone 10 mg/ml:

1 ml contains 0.128 mmol of sodium (2.94 mg/ml of sodium)

Palladone 20 mg/ml:

1 ml contains 0.105 mmol of sodium (2.41 mg/ml of sodium)

Palladone 50 mg/ml:

1 ml contains 0.040 mmol of sodium (0.92 mg/ml of sodium)

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per ml, i.e. essentially 'sodium- free'.

Special warnings and precautions for use

The major risk of opioid excess is respiratory depression. Hydromorphone should be used with caution in opioid-dependent patients, in patients with head injury (due to the risk of increased intracranial pressure), convulsive disorders, alcoholism, delirium tremens, toxic psychosis, hypotension with hypovolaemia, disorders of consciousness, biliary tract diseases, biliary or ureteric colic, pancreatitis, obstructive or inflammatory bowel disorders, prostatic hypertrophy, adrenocortical insufficiency (e.g. Addison's disease), hypothyroidism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reduced respiratory reserve, in debilitated, elderly patients and in patients with severely impaired renal or hepatic function. In all these patients, reduced dosage may be advisable.

The patient may develop tolerance to Palladone injection with prolonged use and require progressively higher doses to achieve the desired analgesic effect. There may also be cross-tolerance with other opioids. Chronic use of Palladone injection may lead to physical dependence and a withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy. When a patient no longer requires therapy with hydromorphone, it may be advisable to taper the daily dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Hydromorphone has an abuse potential similar to other strong opioid agonists. Hydromorphone-containing medicinal products may be sought and abused by people with latent or manifest addiction disorders. There is potential for development of psychological dependence (addiction) to opioid analgesics, including Palladone injection. Therefore, Palladone injection should be used with particular care in patients with a history of alcohol and drug abuse.

Hyperalgesia that will not respond to a further dose increase of Palladone injection may occur in particular in high doses. A hydromorphone dose reduction or change in opioid may be required.

Palladone injection should not be used where the occurrence of paralytic ileus is possible. Should paralytic ileus be suspected or occur during use, hydromorphone treatment must be discontinued immediately.

Palladone injection should be used with caution pre- or intraoperatively and within the first 24 hours postoperatively.

Patients about to undergo additional pain-relieving procedures (e.g. surgery, plexus blockade) should not receive hydromorphone for 4 hours prior to the intervention. If further treatment with Palladone injection is indicated, the dosage should be adjusted to the post-operative requirement.

It should be emphasised that patients, once adjusted (titrated) to an effective dose of a specific opioid, should not be changed to other opioid analgesics without clinical assessment and careful retitration as necessary. Otherwise a continuous analgesic action is not ensured.

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per ml, i.e. essentially “sodium-free”.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Hydromorphone may impair the ability to drive and use machines. This is particularly likely at the initiation of treatment with hydromorphone, after dose increase or product rotation and if hydromorphone is combined with alcohol or other CNS depressant substances. Patients stabilised on a specific dosage will not necessarily be restricted. Patients should therefore consult with their physician whether driving or the use of machinery is permitted.

This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:

- The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive.

- Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you.

- It is an offence to drive while you have this medicine in your body over a specified limit unless you have a defence (called the 'statutory defence'). This defence applies when:

o The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem; and

o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine.

- Please note that it is still an offence to drive if you are unfit because of the medicine (i.e. your ability to drive is being affected).

Details regarding a new driving offence concerning driving after drugs have been taken in the UK may be found here: https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law

Dosage (Posology) and method of administration

Method of administration

Intravenous injection or infusion

Subcutaneous injection or infusion

The medicinal product is to be visually inspected prior to use. Only clear solutions free from particles should be used.

Posology

The dosing of Palladone injection has to be adjusted to the patients' severity of pain and to their individual response.

The dose should be titrated until optimum analgesic effect is achieved.

While the dose to be administered should be sufficient to achieve appropriate analgesia, the aim should also be to keep the dose as small as possible in the individual case.

Palladone injection should not be administered longer than absolutely necessary. If long-term treatment is required careful and regular monitoring should control whether and to what degree further treatment is necessary. When a patient no longer requires therapy with hydromorphone, it may be advisable to taper the daily dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Palladone 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml are not suitable for initial opioid therapy. These higher strengths may only be used as individual doses in patients who have no longer sufficiently responded to lower doses of hydromorphone preparations (Palladone 2 mg) or comparably strong analgesics within the scope of chronic pain therapy. The reservoir of a pain pump can also be filled with individual doses of 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml or 50 mg/ml as the dose control is secured by the pump calibration.

Transferring patients between oral and parenteral hydromorphone:

The dose should be based on the following ratio: 3 mg of oral hydromorphone is equivalent to 1 mg of intravenously administered hydromorphone. It must be emphasised that this is a guide to the dose required. Inter-patient variability requires that each patient is carefully titrated to the appropriate dose.

Paediatric population

Palladone injection is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy has not yet been established. No data are available.

Elderly patients

Elderly patients (as a rule over 75 years) may require a lower dosage than other adults to achieve adequate analgesia.

Patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment

These patients may require lower doses than other patient groups to achieve adequate analgesia. They should be carefully titrated to clinical effect.

Special precautions for disposal and other handling

No evidence of incompatibility was observed between Palladone injection and representative brands of injectable forms of the following drugs, when stored in high and low dose combinations in polypropylene syringes over a 24 hour period at ambient temperature (25°C).

Hyoscine butylbromide

Hyoscine hydrobromide

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

Haloperidol

Midazolam hydrochloride

Metoclopramide hydrochloride

Levomepromazine hydrochloride

Glycopyrronium bromide

Ketamine hydrochloride

No evidence of incompatibility was observed between Palladone injection, undiluted or diluted with sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for infusion, glucose 50 mg/ml (5%) solution for infusion or water for injections, and representative brands of polypropylene syringes, polyethylene and PVC tubing and PVC or EVA infusion bags.

Incompatibilities were observed with diluted solutions of 50 mg/ml when stored in polycarbonate syringes beyond 24 hours at 25°C. Whereas no evidence of incompatibility was found when the same preparations were stored at 4°C up to 7 days.

Inappropriate handling of the undiluted solution after opening of the original ampoule, or of the diluted solutions may compromise the sterility of the product.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

19 November 2012

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Centrally acting medicinal products such as tranquillisers, anaesthetics (e.g. barbiturates), hypnotics and sedatives, neuroleptics, antidepressants, antiemetics, antihistamines and other opioids or alcohol may enhance the CNS depressant effects of either drug, e.g. sedation, respiratory depression.

Medicinal products with an anticholinergic effect (e.g. psychotropics, antiemetics, antihistamines or antiparkinsonian medicinal products) may enhance the anticholinergic undesirable effects of opioids (e.g. constipation, dry mouth or urinary retention).

Concurrent administration of hydromorphone and mono-amine oxidase inhibitors or within two weeks of discontinuation of their use is contraindicated.

No interaction studies have been performed.