ZINC SULFATE Solution for injection Ref.[51049] Active ingredients: Zinc sulfate

5.1 Pulmonary Embolism due to Pulmonary Vascular Precipitates

Pulmonary vascular precipitates causing pulmonary vascular emboli and pulmonary distress have been reported in patients receiving parenteral nutrition. The cause of precipitate formation has not been determined in all cases; however, in some fatal cases, pulmonary emboli occurred as a result of calcium phosphate precipitates. Precipitation has occurred following passage through an in-line filter; in vivo precipitate formation may also have occurred. If signs of pulmonary distress occur, stop the parenteral nutrition infusion and initiate a medical evaluation. In addition to inspection of the solution [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3)], the infusion set and catheter should also periodically be checked for precipitates.

5.2 Vein Damage and Thrombosis

Zinc Sulfate Injection has a low pH and must be prepared and used as an admixture in parenteral nutrition solutions. It is not for direct intravenous infusion.

In addition, consider the osmolarity of the final parenteral nutrition solution in determining peripheral versus central administration. Solutions with an osmolarity of 900 mOsmol/L or greater must be infused through a central catheter [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. The infusion of hypertonic nutrient solutions into a peripheral vein may result in vein irritation, vein damage, and/or thrombosis. The primary complication of peripheral access is venous thrombophlebitis, which manifests as pain, erythema, tenderness or a palpable cord. Remove the catheter as soon as possible, if thrombophlebitis develops.

5.3 Aluminum Toxicity

Zinc Sulfate Injection contains aluminum that may be toxic.

Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. Preterm infants are particularly at risk for aluminum toxicity because the kidneys are immature, and they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions, which also contain aluminum.

Patients with impaired kidney function, including preterm infants, who receive greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day of parenteral aluminum can accumulate aluminum at levels associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity. Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration.

Exposure to aluminum from Zinc Sulfate Injection is not more than 0.6 mcg/kg/day. When prescribing Zinc Sulfate Injection for use in parenteral nutrition containing other small volume parenteral products, the total daily patient exposure to aluminum from the admixture should be considered and maintained at no more than 5 mcg/kg/day [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

5.4 Monitoring and Laboratory Tests

Monitor zinc concentrations, fluid and electrolyte status, serum osmolarity, blood glucose, liver and kidney function, blood count and coagulation parameters throughout treatment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

5.5 Copper Deficiency

Several post-marketing cases have reported that high doses of supplemental zinc (approximately 10 times the recommended dosage of 3 mg/day Zinc Sulfate Injection in adults) taken over extended periods of time (i.e., months to years) may result in decreased enteral copper absorption and copper deficiency. The cases reported the following complications of copper deficiency: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, myeloneuropathy, and nephrotic-range proteinuria [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

If a patient develops signs and symptoms of copper deficiency during treatment with Zinc Sulfate Injection, interrupt zinc treatment and check zinc, copper, and ceruloplasmin levels. Copper deficiency should be treated with supplemental copper administration and discontinuation of zinc supplementation.

5.6 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions to subcutaneously administered zinc-containing insulin products were identified in postmarketing case reports. Reported reactions included injection site induration, erythema, pruritus, papular rash, generalized urticaria, facial swelling, and dyspnea. Patients did not manifest symptoms after changing to zinc-free insulin or another insulin product with a reduced amount of zinc. In some cases, allergy testing confirmed the allergy to the zinc component of the insulin product. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue Zinc Sulfate Injection and initiate appropriate medical treatment [see Contraindications (4)].

No zinc-related adverse reactions have been reported in clinical studies or post-marketing reports in patients receiving intravenously administered parenteral nutrition solutions containing zinc sulfate within the recommended dosage range.

The following were identified in clinical studies or post-marketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure:

Adverse reactions with other components of parenteral nutrition solutions:

• Pulmonary embolism due to pulmonary vascular precipitates [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Vein damage and thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Aluminum toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

Adverse reactions with the use of zinc-containing products administered by other routes of administration:

• Copper deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]

Risk Summary

Administration of the approved recommended dose of Zinc Sulfate Injection in parenteral nutrition is not expected to cause major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with intravenous zinc sulfate.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-associated Maternal and/or Embryo-Fetal Risk

Deficiency of trace elements, including zinc, is associated with adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Pregnant women have an increased metabolic demand for trace elements, including zinc. Parenteral nutrition with zinc should be considered if a pregnant woman’s nutritional requirements cannot be fulfilled by oral or enteral intake.

Risk Summary

Zinc is present in human milk. Administration of the approved recommended dose of Zinc Sulfate Injection in parenteral nutrition is not expected to cause harm to a breastfed infant. There is no information on the effects of zinc sulfate on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Zinc Sulfate Injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Zinc Sulfate Injection or from the underlying maternal condition.

Zinc Sulfate Injection is approved for use in the pediatric population, including neonates, as a source of zinc for parenteral nutrition when oral or enteral nutrition is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. Safety and dosing recommendations in pediatric patients are based on published literature describing controlled studies of zinc-containing products in pediatric patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Because of immature renal function, preterm infants receiving prolonged parenteral nutrition treatment with Zinc Sulfate Injection may be at higher risk of aluminum toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Reported clinical experience with intravenous zinc sulfate has not identified a difference in zinc requirements between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection should be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition, nutritional requirements, and additional nutritional intake provided orally or enterally to the patient.