Consumer medicine information

Stay Safe Balance

Calcium chloride dihydrate; Glucose; Magnesium chloride hexahydrate; Sodium chloride; Sodium lactate

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Stay Safe Balance

Active ingredient

Calcium chloride dihydrate; Glucose; Magnesium chloride hexahydrate; Sodium chloride; Sodium lactate

Schedule

Unscheduled

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Stay Safe Balance.

SUMMARY CMI

stay•safe balance

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using stay•safe balance?

stay•safe balance contains the active ingredients glucose monohydrate, calcium chloride dihydrate, sodium chloride, sodium S-lactate and magnesium chloride hexahydrate. stay•safe balance is used to treat acute and end-stage chronic kidney failure. It helps with the removal of waste products and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys do not work properly.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using stay•safe balance? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use stay•safe balance?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to stay•safe balance or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use stay•safe balance? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with stay•safe balance and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use stay•safe balance?

  • Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
  • Qualified nurses will train you in the use of stay•safe balance at the hospital or the dialysis clinic. Your doctor will make certain that you can carry out peritoneal dialysis correctly before you are discharged from the hospital or dialysis clinic, and before you do it at home.
  • You must follow the procedures and instructions given by your nurse every time you do peritoneal dialysis. Contact your doctor if you are having problems or are unsure about any of the techniques

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use stay•safe balance? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using stay•safe balance?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using stay•safe balance.
  • Follow the instructions from your nurse or doctor on how to carry out peritoneal dialysis.
  • If you are feeling tired or unwell, discuss it with your doctor or nurse.
Things you should not do
  • Do not use stay•safe balance for intravenous infusion.
  • Do not heat stay•safe balance in the microwave.
  • Do not stop using stay•safe balance without letting your doctor know.
Driving or using machines
  • When used as prescribed stay•safe balance does not impair your ability to drive or operate machines.
Looking after your medicine
  • Store stay•safe balance below 25°C. Do not refrigerate.
  • Do not use after the expiry date on the bag.
  • The ready to use solution should be used immediately, but within a maximum of 24 hours after mixing.
  • Each bag should be used only once and any unused solution remaining must be discarded.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using stay•safe balance? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

You may experience side effects such as hernia, shoulder pain, peritonitis, abdominal pain, inflammation around the catheter, fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

For more information, including full list of possible side effects and what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

stay•safe balance

Active ingredient(s): Glucose monohydrate, calcium chloride dihydrate, sodium chloride, sodium (S)-lactate and magnesium chloride hexahydrate


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using stay•safe balance. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using stay•safe balance.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using stay•safe balance?
2. What should I know before I use stay•safe balance?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use stay•safe balance?
5. What should I know while using stay•safe balance?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using stay•safe balance?

stay•safe balance contains the active ingredients glucose monohydrate, calcium chloride dihydrate, sodium chloride sodium S-lactate and magnesium chloride hexahydrate. stay•safe balance is a solution for peritoneal dialysis.

stay•safe balance is used for cleaning the blood via the peritoneum in patients with acute and end-stage chronic kidney failure. It helps with the removal of waste products and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys do not work properly. This type of blood cleaning is called peritoneal dialysis.

2. What should I know before I use stay•safe balance?

Warnings

Do not use stay•safe balance if:

  • the expiry date on the pack has passed
  • the packaging shows signs of being damaged or tampered with, or if you think it may be damaged
  • the solution in the bag looks cloudy or has small specks in it
  • you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  • you have very low potassium levels (severe hypokalaemia)

Do not use stay•safe balance solutions containing 1.75 mmol calcium if:

  • you have very high calcium levels (severe hypercalcaemia)

Do not use stay•safe balance solutions containing 1.25 mmol calcium if:

  • you have very low calcium levels (severe hypocalcaemia)

Do not use stay•safe balance solutions containing 4.25% glucose if:

  • you have low blood pressure (arterial hypotension, hypotonia), or the volume of your body fluids is too low (dehydration, hypovolaemia)

Peritoneal dialysis in general must not be started if:-

  • you have, or have recently had, a disease of the abdominal wall or the cavity, including:
    - injury or surgery,
    - a history of abdominal operations with fibrous adhesions,
    - bowel perforations,
    - burns,
    - umbilical, inguinal or abdominal hernia,
    - large inflammatory abdominal skin reaction (dermatitis),
    - inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis),
    - peritonitis,
    - non-healing weeping wounds (abdominal fistulae),
    - intra-abdominal tumours,
    - intestinal obstruction (ileus).
  • you have a lung disease (especially pneumonia);
  • you have generalised blood poisoning (sepsis),
  • you have extreme weight loss (cachexia), particularly when adequate nutrition is impossible,
  • in cases of accumulation of uraemic toxins in the blood (uraemia) the elimination of which can't be managed by peritoneal dialysis,
  • you have a disorder of metabolism known as lactic acidosis
  • you have very high levels of fat in the blood (hyperlipidaemia)

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have a severe loss of electrolytes (salts) due to diarrhoea and/or vomiting
  • have abnormal kidneys (polycystic kidneys)
  • have an inflammation of the peritoneum, recognisable by a cloudy dialysate and/or abdominal pain. Please show the bag containing the drained dialysate to your doctor
  • have severe abdominal pain, abdominal distension or vomiting. This can be a sign of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, a complication of the peritoneal dialysis therapy that can be fatal.
  • have any other medical conditions

for stay•safe balance solutions containing 1.25 mmol calcium:

  • have an overactive parathyroid gland. It may be necessary to take additionally calcium-containing phosphate binders and/or vitamin D.
  • have calcium levels which are too low. It may be necessary to take additionally calcium-containing phosphate binders and/or vitamin D or to use a peritoneal dialysis solution with a higher calcium concentration

for stay•safe balance solutions containing 1.75 mmol calcium:

  • have calcium levels which are too high. A temporary or permanent change to the peritoneal dialysis solution together with a lower calcium concentration should be considered.

Peritoneal dialysis can lead to a loss of proteins and water-soluble vitamins. An adequate diet or nutritional supplements are recommended in order to avoid deficiency states.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Because peritoneal dialysis may influence the effects of medicines, your doctor may need to change their dosages, especially those of

  • medicines for heart failure, such as digoxin. Your doctor will check the level of potassium in your blood and, if necessary, will take appropriate measures.
  • medicines that influence calcium levels such as those containing calcium or vitamin D.
  • medicines that increase the excretion of urine, such as diuretics.
  • medicines taken by mouth that lower blood sugar levels or insulin. Your blood sugar level should be measured regularly. Diabetic patients may need to adjust the daily dose of insulin.

Your doctor will advise you.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect stay•safe balance.

4. How do I use stay•safe balance?

Always use stay•safe balance exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Your doctor will determine the method, duration and frequency of use and the required volume of solution and dwell time in the peritoneal cavity.

Qualified nurses will train you in the use of stay•safe balance at the hospital or the dialysis clinic.

You must follow the procedures and instructions given by your nurse every time you do peritoneal dialysis. Contact your doctor if you are having problems or are unsure about any of the techniques.

How much to use

  • The mode of therapy, frequency of administration and dwell time required will be specified by the attending physician. Unless otherwise advised, 2000 mL of dialysis solution should be slowly infused (over 5-20 minutes) into the peritoneal cavity using a permanent catheter four times a day. After a dwell time between 2 and 10 hours the solution should be drained.
  • Children: the usual dose is is 30 - 40 mL/kg body weight per exchange, depending on age, height and body weight.
  • If tension in the abdominal region occurs your doctor may reduce the volume.
  • Follow the instructions provided and use stay•safe balance until your doctor tells you to stop.

When to use stay•safe balance

stay•safe balance should be used regularly, as prescribed by your doctor.

Qualified nurses will train you in the use of stay•safe balance at the hospital or the dialysis clinic.

Your doctor will make certain that you can carry out peritoneal dialysis correctly before you are discharged from the hospital or dialysis clinic, and before you do it at home.

You must follow the procedures and instructions given by your nurse every time you do peritoneal dialysis. Contact your doctor if you are having problems or are unsure about any of the techniques.

How to handle stay•safe balance

  • To change the dialysis bag, it is of vital importance that you carefully follow the steps that have been shown to you during training.
  • Aseptic techniques must be maintained during the bag connection in order to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Only use stay•safe balance if the solution is clear and the container undamaged. You must check the integrity of the middle seam before use.
  • The solutions in the two chambers must be mixed just before use.
  • It is for use in one patient on one occasion only.
  1. Wash your hands with an antiseptic lotion and dry them thoroughly before beginning the bag exchange.
  2. Warm the solution bag to body temperature using an appropriate bag warmer. Do not use a microwave to warm the solution.
  3. Apply pressure on one solution chamber by rolling up the bag from one of the side edges until the middle seam opens. Due to the design of the bag the pressure will first open the middle seam allowing the mixture of both solutions by creating one single chamber.
  4. Apply more pressure by rolling up the bag from the upper edge to break the seam of the solution-free outflow part. The solution is now ready to use.
  5. Infuse only mixed solution over 5 to 20 minutes through the peritoneal dialysis catheter into the peritoneal cavity.
  • The mixed ready-to-use solution should be used immediately, but within a maximum of 24 hours after mixing.
  • Any unused portion of the solution must be discarded.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

If you forget to use stay•safe balance

Peritoneal dialysis should be carried out every day.

If you forget to do an exchange or have used too little solution, you must try to reach the total dialysate volume per 24 hours prescribed to avoid life-threatening consequences.

Contact your doctor if you are not sure.

If you use too much stay•safe balance

If you allow too much solution to flow into the peritoneal cavity, the excess can easily be drained into the empty bag.

However, if you have made your bag exchanges too often, you may be dehydrated and/or have an electrolyte imbalance. In this case, please consult your doctor.

If you think that you have used too much stay•safe balance, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using stay•safe balance?

Things you should do

Follow the procedures and instructions from your nurse or doctor on how to carry out peritoneal dialysis with stay•safe balance every time you do it. Always perform peritoneal dialysis regularly, as your doctor has told you to, even if you are not suffering any symptoms.

Body weight, phosphate, serum electrolyte concentrations, acid-base status, blood gases, blood proteins, serum creatinine and urea, indicators of bone metabolism, blood sugar and kidney function should be monitored regularly by your doctor.

If you are feeling tired or unwell, or think you need to dialyse more frequently, please discuss it with your doctor or nurse.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • Do not feel well. This medicine helps most people with end-stage chronic renal failure, but it may have unwanted side effects. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using stay•safe balance.

Things you should not do

  • Do not use stay•safe balance for intravenous infusion.
  • Do not heat stay•safe balance bag in the microwave.
    It can get too hot and burn you inside the abdominal cavity. Use an appropriate bag warmer to warm the solution to body temperature.
  • Do not stop using stay•safe balance without letting your doctor know. Life threatening accumulation of fluid in the tissues and lungs, or other symptoms of urea poisoning may appear.

Driving or using machines

stay•safe balance has no or negligible influence on your ability to drive or operate machines.

Looking after your medicine

  • Store stay•safe balance below 25°C. Do not refrigerate.
  • Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

When to discard your medicine

The ready-to-use solution should be used immediately, but within a maximum of 24 hours after mixing. Unused solution remaining must be discarded.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
General disorders
  • feeling unwell
Peritoneal dialysis procedure related disorders
  • problems with inflow or outflow of the dialysis solution
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
  • high levels of fats in the blood (eg. high cholesterol)
  • very low levels of protein in the blood
Gastrointestinal disorders
  • hernia
  • diarrhoea and constipation
  • abdominal distension and feeling of fullness
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
  • shoulder pain
Endocrine disorders
  • overactive parathyroid with potential disturbance of the bone metabolism (solutions containing 1.25 mmol calcium)
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
Infections
  • peritonitis (with cloudy fluid in the drainage bag, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, chills and, if untreated, generalised blood poisoning)
General disorders and administration/catheter site conditions
  • inflammation or pain around the catheter (at the exit side and along the tunnel)
  • symptoms of overhydration (e.g. swollen legs, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, increased body weight)
  • symptoms of dehydration (e.g. dizziness, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, increased heart rate)
Renal disorders
  • fluid and electrolyte imbalances, such as increased or decreased potassium and calcium levels
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
  • increased blood sugar levels
  • weight gain
Gastrointestinal disorders
  • thickening and scarring of the peritoneum
Respiratory disorders
  • shortness of breath eg. due to elevation of the diaphragm
Cardiac and vascular disorders
  • increased heart rate
  • low blood pressure
  • high blood pressure
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What stay•safe balance contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
Glucose monohydrate, calcium chloride dihydrate, sodium chloride, sodium (S)-lactate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
Water for injections, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, hydrochloric acid

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What stay•safe balance looks like

stay•safe balance is a clear sterile solution containing electrolytes and glucose for peritoneal dialysis in double chamber flexible plastic bags, with a tubing system, a system connector with a rotating switch, and a drainage bag. It is available in cartons containing flexible, non-PVC bags: 6 bags of 1500 mL or 4 bags of 2000 mL, or 2500 mL, respectively.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

stay•safe balance 1.5% glucose 1.25 mmol/L calcium:
Aust R 92945

stay•safe balance 2.3% glucose 1.25 mmol/L calcium:
Aust R 92956

stay•safe balance 4.25% glucose 1.25 mmol/L calcium:
Aust R 92959

stay•safe balance 1.5% glucose 1.75 mmol/L calcium:
Aust R 92954

stay•safe balance 2.3% glucose 1.75 mmol/L calcium:
Aust R 92957

stay•safe balance 4.25% glucose 1.75 mmol/L calcium:
Aust R 92960

Who distributes stay•safe balance

stay•safe balance is supplied in Australia by:

Australian Sponsor:

Fresenius Medical Care Pty Ltd
78 Waterloo Road
Macquarie Park, NSW 2113

Phone: (02) 9466 8000
Website: www.fmc-au.com

This leaflet was prepared in October 2023.

Published by MIMS December 2023

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Stay Safe Balance

Active ingredient

Calcium chloride dihydrate; Glucose; Magnesium chloride hexahydrate; Sodium chloride; Sodium lactate

Schedule

Unscheduled

 

1 Name of Medicine

Sodium (S)-lactate, calcium chloride dihydrate, glucose monohydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, sodium chloride.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Stay Safe Balance ready-to-use solution is available in a number of different strengths in various calcium ranges. Stay Safe Balance 1.5%/2.3%/4.25% glucose, 1.25/1.75 mmol/L calcium is delivered in a double chamber bag. One chamber contains the alkaline lactate solution, the other chamber contains the acidic glucose-based electrolyte solution. Mixing of both solutions by opening the middle seam between the two chambers results in the neutral ready-to-use solution.

Before constitution.

See Table 1.
1 litre of alkaline lactate solution contains: Sodium (S)-lactate solution 15.69 g (sodium (S)-lactate 7.85 g).

After constitution.

See Table 2.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Irrigation solution.
Stay Safe Balance is a double chamber bag containing clear solution.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

For use as a peritoneal dialysis solution in the management of end-stage renal disease and acute renal failure.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dose.

Stay Safe Balance solutions are indicated exclusively for intraperitoneal use.
For use in one patient, on one occasion only. Does not contain antimicrobial preservatives.
The mode of therapy, frequency of administration and dwell time required will be specified by the attending physician. Unless otherwise advised, patients will receive an infusion of 2000 mL solution per exchange four times a day. After a dwell time between 2 and 10 hours, the solution will be drained. Adjustment of dosage, volume and number of exchanges will be necessary for individual patients.

Dose adjustment.

If pain due to abdominal distension occurs at the commencement of peritoneal dialysis, the solution volume per exchange should be temporarily reduced to 500-1500 mL. In large patients and if residual renal function is lost, an increased volume of dialysis solution will be necessary. In these patients or in patients who will tolerate larger volumes, a volume of 2500 mL-3000 mL solution per exchange may be given.
In children, the solution volume per exchange should be reduced according to age, height and bodyweight. The usual dose is 30-40 mL/kg body weight per exchange. There are no special dosage adjustments necessary for elderly patients.
Peritoneal dialysis solutions with a high glucose concentration (2.3% or 4.25%) are used when the bodyweight is above the desired dry weight. The withdrawal of fluid from the body increases in relation to the glucose concentration of the peritoneal dialysis solution. These solutions should be used cautiously to handle the peritoneal membrane with care, to prevent dehydration and in order to keep the glucose burden as low as possible.
See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use for recommended regular monitoring.

Method of administration.

Dialysis using the prescribed doses should be performed daily. Peritoneal dialysis is a long-term therapy involving repeated administrations of single solutions. Before performing peritoneal dialysis at home, the patient must be trained appropriately, must practise the technique and be shown to be proficient. Peritoneal dialysis should be continued for as long as renal function substitution therapy is required.
The solution bag is first warmed up to body temperature. For patients using Stay Safe Balance solutions, the heating will be performed with a heating plate. A microwave oven must not be used due to the risk of overheating.
The solutions in the two chambers must be mixed just before use. The mixed solution should be used immediately, but within a maximum of 24 hours after mixing. Do not use before mixing.
For that purpose, pressure must be exerted on one solution chamber by rolling up the bag from one of the side edges until the middle seam opens. Due to the design of the bag the pressure will first open the middle seam allowing the mixture of both solutions by creating one single chamber.
Then a renewed pressure by rolling up the bag from the upper edge breaks the seam of the solution free outflow part ensuring that only mixed solution can be infused over 5 to 20 minutes through the peritoneal dialysis catheter into the peritoneal cavity.
Depending on the required osmotic pressure, Stay Safe Balance solutions with lower or higher glucose content can be used sequentially.

4.3 Contraindications

Stay Safe Balance 1.5% glucose, 1.75 mmol/L calcium and Stay Safe Balance 2.3% glucose, 1.75 mmol/L calcium.

Must not be used in patients with severe hypokalaemia, or severe hypercalcaemia.

Stay Safe Balance 4.25% glucose, 1.75 mmol/L calcium.

Must not be used in patients with severe hypokalaemia, or severe hypercalcaemia, hypovolaemia, or arterial hypotension.

Stay Safe Balance 1.5% glucose, 1.25 mmol/L calcium and Stay Safe Balance 2.3% glucose, 1.25 mmol/L calcium.

Must not be used in patients with severe hypokalaemia, or severe hypercalcaemia.

Stay Safe Balance 4.25% glucose, 1.25 mmol/L calcium.

Must not be used in patients with severe hypokalaemia, severe hypercalcaemia, severe dehydration, hypotonia, hypovolaemia, or arterial hypotension.

Peritoneal dialysis in general.

Peritoneal dialysis should not be commenced if any of the following are present:
Recent abdominal surgery or injury, a history of abdominal operations with fibrous adhesions, abdominal burns, bowel perforations.
Extensive inflammatory conditions of the abdominal skin (dermatitis).
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis).
Peritonitis.
Internal or external abdominal fistula.
Umbilical, inguinal or other abdominal hernia.
Intra-abdominal tumours.
Ileus.
Pulmonary disease (especially pneumonia).
Sepsis.
Lactic acidosis.
Extreme hyperlipidaemia.
In rare cases of uraemia, which cannot be managed by peritoneal dialysis.
Cachexia and severe weight loss, particularly in cases where ingestion of adequate protein is not guaranteed.
Patients who are physically or mentally incapable of performing peritoneal dialysis as instructed by the physician.
If any of the above mentioned disorders develops during treatment with peritoneal dialysis, the attending physician will have to decide how to proceed.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is considered to be a known, rare complication of peritoneal dialysis therapy which can infrequently lead to fatal outcome.
Before performing peritoneal dialysis at home, the patient must be trained appropriately, must practise the technique and be shown to be proficient. The training should be performed by qualified personnel. The attending physician must ensure that the patient masters the handling techniques sufficiently before being discharged to carry out peritoneal dialysis at home. In case of any problems or uncertainty, the attending physician should be contacted. Peritoneal dialysis should be continued for as long as renal function substitution therapy is required (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Use with caution in the following circumstances.

Stay Safe Balance solutions should only be administered after careful benefit-risk assessment in:
Loss of electrolytes due to vomiting and/or diarrhoea (a temporary change to a peritoneal dialysis solution containing potassium may then become necessary).
Digitalis therapy: regular monitoring of the serum potassium level is mandatory. Severe hypokalaemia may necessitate the use of potassium containing dialysis solution together with dietary counselling.
Patients with large polycystic kidneys.

Stay Safe Balance solutions containing 1.75 mmol/L calcium.

Hypercalcaemia, e.g. due to the administration of calcium containing phosphate binders and/or vitamin D (a temporary or permanent change to a peritoneal dialysis solution together with a lower calcium concentration should be considered).

Stay Safe Balance solutions containing 1.25 mmol/L calcium.

Patients with hyperparathyroidism: Therapy should include the administration of calcium containing phosphate binders and/or vitamin D to ensure adequate enteral calcium supply.
Hypocalcaemia: it may be necessary to use a peritoneal dialysis solution with a higher calcium concentration either temporarily or permanently in case adequate enteral supply of calcium, by calcium containing phosphate binders and/or vitamin D, is not possible.
The effluent should be checked for clarity and volume. Turbidity, which may or may not be accompanied by abdominal pain, or abdominal pain alone are indicators of peritonitis.
A loss of proteins, amino acids, and water soluble vitamins occurs during peritoneal dialysis. To avoid deficiencies, an adequate diet or supplementation should be ensured. The transport characteristics of the peritoneal membrane may change during long term peritoneal dialysis primarily indicated by a loss of ultrafiltration. In severe cases peritoneal dialysis must be stopped and haemodialysis commenced.

Regular monitoring of the following parameters is recommended.

Bodyweight for the early recognition of over or underhydration.
Serum sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, acid base status, blood gases and blood proteins.
Serum creatinine and urea.
Parathormone and other indicators of bone metabolism.
Blood sugar.
Residual renal function in order to adapt the peritoneal dialysis.

Check the following before use.

Plastic containers may occasionally be damaged during transport or storage. This can result in a contamination with growth of microorganisms in the dialysis solutions. Thus, all containers should be carefully inspected for damage prior to connection of the bag and prior to use of the peritoneal dialysis solution. Any damage, even minor, to connectors at the closure, container welds and corners must be noted because of possible contamination. Inspect the integrity of the middle seam. Damaged bags or bags with cloudy content should never be used.
The solution must only be used if the solution for dialysis is clear and the container undamaged. Any unused portion of the solution is to be discarded. The overwrap should only be removed before administration. Do not use before mixing. The solutions in the two chambers should be mixed just before use. The mixed solution should be used immediately, but within a maximum of 24 hours after mixing. Aseptic conditions must be maintained during dialysate exchange in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Use in patients with diabetes.

The daily dose of insulin or oral hypoglycaemic medicinal products should be adjusted to take account of the increased glucose load in patients with diabetes. Blood glucose levels should be checked regularly.

Use in the elderly.

The increased risk of hernia should be considered in elderly patients prior to the start of peritoneal dialysis.

Paediatric use.

In children, the dialysate volume should be reduced in accordance with age, height and bodyweight (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Effects on laboratory tests.

None reported.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

The use of peritoneal dialysis solutions can lead to a loss of efficacy of other medicinal products if these are dialyzable through the peritoneal membrane. A dose adjustment may be necessary.
A distinct reduction in serum potassium level can increase the frequency of digitalis associated adverse reactions. Potassium levels must be monitored particularly closely during concurrent digitalis therapy.
The concurrent administration of calcium containing medicinal products or vitamin D may cause hypercalcaemia when using solutions of high calcium concentration.
The use of diuretic agents may help maintain residual diuresis, but may also result in water and electrolyte imbalances.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No data available.
There is no adequate data from the use of Stay Safe Balance solutions in animal studies or in pregnant women. The safe use of this product during pregnancy has therefore not been determined. Peritoneal dialysis should be performed during pregnancy only after careful weighing of the potential risks and benefits to mother and foetus.
The safe use of Stay Safe Balance solutions during lactation has not been determined.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Stay Safe Balance solutions have no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machinery.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Possible adverse reactions may result from the peritoneal dialysis technique or may be induced by the peritoneal dialysis solution. Very common adverse reactions of peritoneal dialysis are peritonitis and skin exit site infections. Other adverse reactions are less frequent.

Potential adverse reactions of the peritoneal dialysis solutions.

Endocrine disorders.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism with potential disturbances of the bone metabolism when using solutions of low calcium concentration.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Increased blood sugar levels, hyperlipidaemia, hypoproteinaemia, increase in body weight due to the continuous uptake of glucose from the peritoneal dialysis solution.

Cardiac and vascular disorders.

Tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension.

Respiratory disorders.

Dyspnoea.

Renal disorders.

Electrolyte disturbances, e.g. hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia when using solutions of lower calcium concentration, hypercalcaemia in combination with an increased calcium uptake due to the administration of calcium containing phosphate binders when using solutions of higher calcium concentration.

General disorders.

Dizziness, oedema, disturbances in hydration indicated either by a rapid decrease (dehydrations) or increase (overhydration) in bodyweight. Severe dehydration may occur when using solutions of higher glucose concentration and can cause low blood pressure, increase heart rate, dizziness and muscle cramps. Overhydration can cause increased body weight, high blood pressure, swollen legs and shortness of breath.

Potential adverse reactions of the treatment mode.

Infections.

Peritonitis, skin exit site and tunnel infections, in very rare cases sepsis.
Peritonitis is indicated by a cloudy effluent. Later, abdominal pain, fever and general malaise may develop or, in very rare cases, sepsis. The patient should seek medical advice immediately. The bag with the cloudy effluent should be closed with a sterile cap and assessed for microbiological contamination and white blood count.
In cases of skin exit site and tunnel infections, the attending physician should be consulted as soon as possible.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Dyspnoea caused by elevated diaphragm, shoulder pain.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Diarrhoea, constipation, hernia, abdominal distension and sensation of fullness, encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.

General disorders and administration/catheter site conditions.

General malaise, redness, oedema, exudations, crusts and pain at the catheter exit site.

Peritoneal dialysis procedure related disorders.


Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration 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 at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

No emergency situations in connection with overdose have been reported.
Excessive inflow of dialysis solution is easily drained into an empty bag. However, if the bag exchanges have been carried out too frequently or too rapidly, states of dehydration and/or electrolyte disturbances can occur which necessitate immediate medical attention. If an exchange has been forgotten, then as a rule the swell times of the next bags should be reduced in such a way that the total amount of dialysis solution required per day (e.g. 4 x 2000 mL) is achieved.
Incorrect balancing can lead to overhydration or dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. The most likely consequence of an Overdosage with Stay Safe Balance solutions is dehydration. Underdosage, interruption of treatment or discontinuation of treatment may lead to life-threatening overhydration with peripheral oedema and cardiac decompensation and/or other symptoms of uraemia, which may endanger life. The generally accepted rules for emergency care and intensive therapy must be applied. The patient may require immediate haemodialysis.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Stay Safe Balance solutions are lactate buffered, glucose containing electrolyte solutions indicated for intraperitoneal administration for the treatment of endstage renal failure of any origin. The characteristic of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is the more of less continuous presence of usually two litres of dialysis solutions in the peritoneal cavity. This dialysis solution is replaced by fresh solution three to five times a day.
The basic principle behind every peritoneal dialysis technique is the use of the peritoneum as the semipermeable membrane allowing the exchange of solutes and water between blood and the dialysis solution by diffusion and convection according to their physicochemical properties.
The electrolyte profile of the solution is basically the same as that of physiological serum, although it has been adapted (e.g. the potassium content) for use in uraemic patients to enable renal function substitution therapy by means of the intraperitoneal substances and fluid exchange. Dialysis solutions containing low calcium concentration (1.0 mmol/L and 1.25 mmol/L) have been shown to reduce the risk of hypercalcaemia during concomitant treatment with calcium containing phosphate binders and/or vitamin D. Substances which are normally eliminated with the urine, like uraemic waste products, such as urea and creatinine, inorganic phosphorus, uric acid, other solutes and water, are removed from the body into the dialysis solution. The fluid balance can be maintained by the administration of different glucose concentrations in the solution, effecting the fluid removal (ultrafiltration). Metabolic acidosis secondary to endstage renal failure is counterbalanced by the presence of lactate in the solution. The complete metabolism of lactate results in the generation of bicarbonate.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Uraemic waste products (e.g. urea, creatinine, uric acid), inorganic phosphate and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium are removed from the body to the dialysis solution by diffusion and/or convection.
Glucose in the dialysate is used as an osmotic agent. It is slowly absorbed, reducing the diffusion gradient between dialysis solution and extracellular fluid. The ultrafiltration is maximal at the beginning of the swell time, reaching a peak after about two to three hours. Later absorption starts with a progressive loss of ultrafiltrate. During a dialysis period of six hours, 60%-80% of dialysate glucose is absorbed.
The transfer of calcium depends on the glucose concentration in the dialysis solution, the effluent volume and serum calcium concentration, and the lower the calcium concentration in the dialysis solution, the higher the calcium transfer from the patient to the dialysate.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No mutagenic studies with Stay Safe Balance solutions have been carried out.

Carcinogenicity.

No carcinogenic studies with Stay Safe Balance solutions have been carried out.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Water for injections, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, hydrochloric acid.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

Shelf life as packed for sale.

2 years. The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

Ready to use solution.

The ready to use solution should be used immediately, but within a maximum of 24 hours after mixing.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Do not refrigerate.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

The Stay Safe Balance system consists of a double chamber solution bag, a tubing system, a system connector with a rotating switch and a drainage bag. The system is presented with a clear protective overwrap.
Stay Safe Balance is available in cartons containing flexible, non-PVC bags: 6 bags x 1500 mL, 4 bags x 2000 mL or 4 bags x 2500 mL.
Not all pack sizes and strengths may be marketed.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

Not applicable.

CAS number.

Not applicable.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Unscheduled.

Summary Table of Changes