Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

Answers

What is the appropriate dosage for my patient?

The recommended dosage of ReoPro in adults is a 0.25 mg/kg intravenous bolus administered 10-60 minutes before the start of PCI, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.125 µg/kg/min (to a maximum of 10 µg/min) for 12 hours.

Patients with unstable angina not responding to conventional medical therapy and who are planned to undergo PCI within 24 hours may be treated with a ReoPro 0.25 mg/kg intravenous bolus followed by an 18- to 24-hour intravenous infusion of 10 µg/min, concluding one hour after the PCI.

To infuse ReoPro at a constant infusion rate of 21 mL/hr, the concentration of the bag must be adjusted based on patient weight. To prepare an infusion of appropriate concentration for administration at 21 mL/hr:

  1. Locate the patient's weight in kilograms on the enclosed dosing chart.
  2. Identify the volume of ReoPro 2 mg/mL solution necessary for the infusion by crossing the "patients weight" column with the "Volume of ReoPro for Continuous Infusion (ml)" row.
  3. Dilute the appropriate volume of ReoPro 2 mg/mL solution in 250 mL of 0.9% saline or 5% dextrose.
  4. Infuse at 21 mL/hr

At a rate of 21 mL/hr, the prepared infusion will run approximately 12 hours.

During preparation of ReoPro boluses and infusions use a non-pyrogenic, low protein binding 0.2 or 5 µm filter (Millipore SLGV025LS, SLSVO25LS, or equivalent filter)[1].

ReoPro vials, prepared boluses, and prepared infusions should not be shaken. Vials should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. Vials containing visibly opaque particles should NOT be used. Aseptic procedures should be used during the preparation and administration of ReoPro.

For more information call 1-800-LILLY-RX.

REFERENCE:

  1. Prescribing Information for ReoPro® (abciximab), Centocor/Lilly.
    2.

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What are the filter requirements for ReoPro?

ReoPro is a protein solution and has the potential to form fine, translucent, proteinaceous particles over the shelf life of the product. Filtration with either a 0.2 or 5 µm filter should remove any fine translucent particles, and should be performed as a routine precaution during dosage preparation. As stated in the prescribing information for ReoPro, solutions containing visibly opaque particles should not be used.

To prepare ReoPro for bolus administration, withdraw the necessary amount of ReoPro for the bolus dose into a syringe. Filter the bolus injection using a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein-binding, 0.2 or 5 µm filter. The prescribing information for ReoPro recommends the use of a Millipore SLGV025LS, SLSVO25LS, or equivalent filter[1]. As of 01 January 2004, Millipore will no longer be manufacturing the Millipore SLGV025LS filter.

To prepare ReoPro for continuous infusion, withdraw the necessary amount of ReoPro for the continuous infusion into a syringe. Inject into an appropriate container of sterile 0.9% saline or 5% dextrose and infuse at the calculated rate via a continuous infusion pump. The continuous infusion should be filtered either upon admixture using a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low-protein-binding 0.2 or 5 µm syringe filter (Millipore SLGV025LS, SLSVO25LS, or equivalent filter) or upon administration using an in-line, sterile, nonpyrogenic, low-protein-binding, 0.2 µm or 0.22 µm filter(Abbott #4524 or equivalent)[1].

Discard the unused portion of ReoPro at the end of the infusion.

Centocor, in collaboration with Millipore Inc., completed a technical study that addressed comparability, compatibility, and evaluation of extractable substances using a new 0.2 micron syringe filter known as Millipore Millex-GV Gamma Sterile Medical Grade Filter (Catalog Number SLGVM33RS). The results of this study conclude that the SLGVM33RS filter produce no toxic extractable substances and was equivalent in performance and product compatibility to the previously manufactured SLGV025LS syringe filter currently cited in the ReoPro package insert.

For more information call 1-800-LILLY-RX.

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How will I know if ReoPro has lost its stability?

Intact vials (vials that are unopened) of ReoPro (abciximab) maintain their stability through their expiration date when refrigerated at 2° to 8° C (36° to 46° F). Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. Preparations of ReoPro containing visibly opaque particles should NOT be used. For more information about ReoPro stability, please contact 1-800-LILLY-RX.

REFERENCE

  1. Prescribing Information for ReoPro® (abciximab), Centocor/Lilly.
    2.

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What other cardiovascular drugs are compatible with ReoPro?

Formal drug interaction studies with Abciximab have not been conducted. Abciximab has been administered to patients with ischemic heart diseases treated concomitantly with a broad range of medications used in the treatment of angina, myocardial infarction and hypertension. These medications have included heparin, warfarin, beta-adregenic receptor blockers, calcium channel antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, intravenous and oral nitrates, ticlipidine, and aspirin. Heparin, other anticoagulants, thrombylotics, and antiplatelet agents are associated with an increase in bleeding. Patients with HACA titers may have allergic or hypersensitivity reactions when treated with other diagnostic or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

ReoPro should be administered in a separate intravenous line whenever possible and not mixed with other medications. For more information, contact 1-800-LILLY-RX.

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