Raxibacumab
Indications
Raxibacumab is used for:
Inhalational Anthrax
Adult Dose
Inhalational Anthrax
Indicated for treatment of inhalational anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs, and for prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate
40 mg/kg IV as a single dose infused over 2.25 hr
Premedicate with diphenhydramine within 1 hr before infusion
Child Dose
Inhalational Anthrax
Indicated for treatment of inhalational anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs, and for prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate
<15 kg: 80 mg/kg IV
>15 to 50 kg: 60 mg/kg IV
>50 kg: 40 mg/kg IV Administer as a one-time single IV infusion over 2.25 hr
Premedicate with diphenhydramine within 1 hr before infusion
Renal Dose
Administration
IV Preparation
Further dilution required before administering
Gently invert the bag/syringe to mix the solution; do not shake
Dilute with 0.9% or 0.45% NaCl to final volume of 250 mL for adults and children >31 kg
For children, the final infusion volume is weight-based as described below:
<1 kg: 7 m
1.1-2 kg: 15 mL
2.1-3 kg: 20 mL
3.1-4.9 kg: 25 mL
5-10 kg: 50 mL
11-30 kg: 100 mL
IV Administration
Infusion rate
Adults and children >31 kg: 15 mL/hr IV over initial 20 min, then increase to 125 mL/hr
For children, the final infusion rate is weight-based as described below:
<1 kg: 7 mL total volume; 0.5 mL/hr IV over initial 20 min, then increase to 3.5 mL/hr
1.1-2 kg: 15 mL total volume; 1 mL/hr IV over initial 20 min, then increase to 7 mL/hr
2.1-3 kg: 20 mL total volume; 1.2 mL/hr IV over initial 20 min, then increase to 10 mL/hr
3.1-4.9 kg: 25 mL total volume; 1.5 mL/hr IV over initial 20 min, then increase to 12 mL/hr
5-10 kg: 50 mL total volume; 3 mL/hr IV over initial 20 min, then increase to 25 mL/hr
11-30 kg: 100 mL total volume; 6 mL/hr IV over initial 20 min, then increase to 50 mL/hr
Infusion rate may be slowed or interrupted if signs of adverse reactions, including infusion-associated symptoms occur
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity
Precautions
Infusion reactions (eg, rash, urticaria, pruritus) reported in clinical trials; premedicate with diphenhydramine; slow or interrupt IV infusion and administer treatment based on severity of the reaction
Does not cross the blood-brain barrier and does not prevent or treat meningitis; use in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy
There are no data on pregnant women to inform on drug-associated risk; in pregnant rabbits, intravenous administration of raxibacumab was not associated with teratogenicity or other adverse developmental outcomes at 3 times human maximum plasma concentrations at maximum recommended adult dose
Limited data in the form of case reports of anthrax infection in pregnant women indicate that maternal infection is associated with high risk of maternal, fetal, and neonatal deaths, particularly in absence of treatment
Lactation
There is no information available on presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed child, or on milk production; maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk; therefore, developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for raxibacumab and any potential adverse effects on breastfed child from drug or from underlying maternal condition
Interactions
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Raxibacumab :
1-10%
Rash (3.2%)
Pain in extremity (2.5%)
Pruritus (2.5%)
Somnolence (1.4%)
<1%
Reported at rates higher than placebo
Blood and lymphatic system: Anemia, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy
Cardiac disorders: Palpitations
Ear and labyrinth: Vertigo
General disorders and administration site: Fatigue, infusion site pain, peripheral edema
Investigations: Blood amylase increased, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, prothrombin time prolonged
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue: Back pain, muscle spasms
Nervous system: Syncope vasovagal
Psychiatric: Insomnia
Vascular: Flushing, hypertension
Mechanism of Action
Recombinant human IgG1-gamma monoclonal antibody directed at the protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis