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Month: April 2024

Drug Safety Alert: Risk of Rare and Serious Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) with Levetiracetam and Clobazam

Asad Ullah Safety Alerts

Drug Safety Alert

Update from Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of Pakistan

Date:24th April 2024
Target Audience:·         Manufacturers and importers of drug combinations containing Levetiracetam and Clobazam
·         Healthcare professionals; and
·         Patients, consumers or caregivers.
Background:The United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) in November 2023 through a drug safety communication warned that the antiseizure medicines levetiracetam and clobazam can cause a rare but serious reaction that can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated quickly. This reaction is called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) which may start as a rash but can quickly progress, resulting in injury to internal organs, the need for hospitalization, and even death. This hypersensitivity reaction to these medicines is serious but rare. DRESS can include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or injury to organs including the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, or pancreas. The US FDA accordingly decided to add new warnings about DRESS to the prescribing information and the medication guide of levetiracetam and clobazam for patients and caregivers. It was informed that the warnings for both levetiracetam and clobazam medicines would include information that “early symptoms of DRESS such as fever or swollen lymph nodes can be present even when a rash cannot be seen. This is different from other serious skin-related reactions that can happen with these medicines and where a rash is present early on, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).”
Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Levetiracetam is an antiseizure medicine indicated for use alone or together with other medicines to control certain types of seizures in adults and children such as partial seizures, myoclonic seizures, or tonic-clonic seizures. 

Clobazam is a benzodiazepine indicated for use in combination with other medicines to control seizures in adults and children 2 years and older who have a specific severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome).
Action in PakistanThe case was discussed in the 4th meeting of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of the DRAP held on 26th of February, 2024 which decided as per Rule 10 (1) (h) (iv) of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 that registration holders should include information about rare and serious DRESS reactions in warning and precaution sections of the prescribing information/label of medicines containing levetiracetam and clobazam.
Advice for healthcare professionals:Healthcare professionals are informed that levetiracetam and clobazam have been linked to a rare, potentially life-threatening reaction called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), occurring 2-8 weeks post-treatment. This may lead to severe inflammation and organ damage, requiring prompt medical attention. Prescribers should inform patients, explain DRESS signs, and advise seeking immediate care. DRESS involves cutaneous reactions, eosinophilia, fever, and systemic complications. Early recognition, discontinuation, and supportive care are crucial.
Advice for patients:Patents are informed that levetiracetam and clobazam, prescribed for seizures, can trigger a rare but severe reaction called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). This immune system response may cause widespread inflammation and organ damage, leading to hospitalisation or death if untreated. Patients are advised not to stop the medication abruptly and; to consult their healthcare professionals if necessary. DRESS symptoms, such as fever, rash, and organ-related issues, may occur 2 to 8 weeks after starting treatment. Seek immediate medical attention for concerning symptoms.
Guidelines for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):Both healthcare professionals and patients are requested to report any suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through Med Vigilance E-Reporting system available on DRAP website.
Similarly, ADRs can also be reported through MedSafety App that is available for download from App store (for iOS devices) and Google Play (for Android devices).
References:·  Minutes of 4th meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee, DRAP.
· US-FDA Drug Safety Communication regarding Levetiracetam and Clobazam.
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Drug Safety Alert: Risk of Ocular Adverse Events with Miltefosine

Asad Ullah Safety Alerts

Drug Safety Alert

Update from Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of Pakistan

Date:24th April 2024
Target Audience:·         Manufacturers and importers of Miltefosine;
·         Healthcare professionals; and
·         Patients, consumers or caregivers.
Background:The World Health Organization (WHO) through its medical product alert dated 12th April 2023 informed healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities about the risk of ocular adverse events in people who have taken miltefosine and provided advice on measures to minimize this risk in patients exposed to miltefosine. Following reports of ocular disorders following miltefosine use originating mostly from South Asia, the WHO Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicinal Products (ACSoMP) recommended the WHO to investigate this issue further. The proposed method was discussed in June 2022 and WHO established an ad-hoc Multidisciplinary Technical Group (MTG) to advise on the causality, the risk characteristics and frequency, risk minimisation measures, risk communication, remaining uncertainties and the need for further studies. The MTG was also supported by the WHO, the German National Regulatory Authority (BfArM) and the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC).

Based on the available data, the MTG considered that a causal relationship between ocular adverse events and exposure to miltefosine is at least a reasonable possibility. The risk of ocular adverse events, such as redness of the eye, inflammation of different eye structures (keratitis, scleritis, uveitis) and visual impairment up to blindness has been observed mostly during the treatment of patients with Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) in South Asia in both men and women, including in children under 18 years old, and mostly beyond 28 days of treatment. No further risk factors could be identified. When the information was available, most of the cases were resolved after miltefosine was withdrawn, sometimes after a symptomatic treatment was started. However, in some cases, the adverse ocular event led to permanent loss of sight. The frequency of adverse ocular events during treatment with miltefosine could not be estimated based on the available data, and the mechanism of action remains unclear.
 
Previously, the ACSoMP discussed during its meeting on 14th of December 2022 the issue of ocular adverse events with miltefosine and inter-alia advised the inclusion of the proposed warning and list of ocular adverse events in the summary of product characteristics and the patient information leaflet for miltefosine along with the issuance of Direct Healthcare Professional Communication by National regulatory authorities.

Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a sequela which can generally occur 6 months to several years after the apparent cure of VL. Although uncommon, leishmanial ocular manifestations have been reported, and keratitis and uveitis can also occur with the disease. A 12-week treatment course of Miltefosine is used to treat PKDL specific to VL endemic countries in Southeast Asia.
Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Miltefosine is an oral anti-infective and one of the medicines with established efficacy in the treatment of some forms of leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection spread by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. Leishmaniasis can take different clinical forms, including cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL).
Action in PakistanThe case was discussed in the 4th meeting of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of the DRAP held on 26th of February, 2024 which decided the case as per Rule 10 (1) (h) (iv) of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022, that registration holders should update the prescribing information/ label of Miltefosine-containing medicines by including information in the warning and precaution section about the risk of ocular adverse events and also list these in adverse drug reaction section. As per Rule 10 (1) (b) of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 recommended the National Pharmacovigilance Centre to issue a safety alert/advisory related to the risk of ocular adverse events with Miltefosine-containing medicines.
Advice for healthcare professionals:The following is advised to healthcare professionals:
•    Before starting the miltefosine treatment the history of eye disorders should be collected and an eye examination should be done as appropriate.
•    In case of current or past history of ocular disorder, the benefits and the risks of treating a patient with miltefosine should be carefully considered, and advice from an ophthalmologist should be sought where feasible.
 •    All patients should be informed before starting the treatment that in case of eye problems during the treatment (e.g. red eyes, increased watering, eye pain, blurred vision) they should discontinue miltefosine and contact their healthcare professional immediately.
•    If ocular complications occur and a connection with miltefosine cannot be excluded, miltefosine should be discontinued immediately and an alternative treatment for leishmaniasis should be initiated if necessary. Since miltefosine has a very long half-life (>6 days), it is possible that ocular changes will not be reversible without treatment even after discontinuation of miltefosine. Therefore, an eye specialist should be consulted in such cases to avoid the possibility of permanent damage.
Advice for patients:Patients are advised to consult their doctors if they experience any sort of reaction/problem in their eyes after the start of the miltefosine and also inform healthcare professionals about any pre-existing eye disease.
Guidelines for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):Both healthcare professionals and patients are requested to report any suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through Med Vigilance E-Reporting system available on DRAP website.
Similarly, ADRs can also be reported through MedSafety App that is available for download from App store (for iOS devices) and Google Play (for Android devices).
References:·         Minutes of 4th meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee, DRAP.
·  WHO Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicinal Products (ACSoMP): Measures to minimize the risk of ocular adverse events with miltefosine.
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Stakeholder Nominations are invited to a Webinar on GMP for Blood Establishment

Asad Ullah Events

World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for Blood Establishment to ensure the safety and quality of blood products with the aim to strengthen the technical capacity of National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) for implementing the appropriate control of blood products. This GMP webinar will explain GMP principles and concepts comprehensively.

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) invites healthcare professionals and stakeholders working in the blood establishments to attend/participate in the World Health Organization (WHO) webinar on “Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for Blood Establishment from 7 to 10 May 2024.

     

Decisions of 65th Meeting of Medical Device Board (Deficiency letter for Medical Devices Applications)

Asad Ullah Medical Devices Board, Meeting Minutes

The Medical Device Board (MDB) of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan in 65th meeting has deferred the following applications of registration/enlistment of medical devices due to various deficiencies/shortcomings in the applications dossiers. These applicants are requested to furnish the requisite information/documentation as directed by the Medical Device Board. The detail is provided in the below attachment.

Defered-Letter-of-65th-Meeting-of-MDBDownload

Combating Substandard and Falsified Products : Public Alert Reporting

Asad Ullah Press Releases

Islamabad, 4th April, 2024 —  The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is aiming for effective communication and public awareness on combating Substandard and Falsified (SF) products to protect public health; hence the frequency of public alerts is likely to increase, and media communication of key messages represents an important mediator of the behaviour of individuals in response to public health countermeasures. Since culpability is commonly used as a tool to influence public behaviour, it is important to keep the public informed while avoiding panic due to misinformation/disinformation,

In a recent event, DRAP issued an alert No I/S/03-24-15 regarding the presence of falsified Risek 40mg injections in the market. This alert was intended to caution healthcare providers and the public about the presence of counterfeit products in the market and to procure the product from authorized sources only. Unfortunately, some misinterpretations of the alert have led to widespread misinformation.

DRAP is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public and calls for responsible reporting. We are working diligently to remove the falsified products from the market and to hold those responsible, accountable.