Xigris

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ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 
 

 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Xigris 20 mg powder for solution for infusion 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each vial contains 20 mg of Drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
 
After reconstitution with 10 ml of Water for Injection each ml contains 2 mg of Drotrecogin alfa 
(activated). 
 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) is a recombinant version of the endogenous activated Protein C and is 
produced by genetic engineering from an established human cell line. 
 
Excipient: Each vial contains approximately 68 mg sodium. 
For a full list of excipients, see 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Powder for solution for infusion. Xigris is supplied as a lyophilised, white to off-white 
powder. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Xigris is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with severe sepsis with multiple organ failure 
when added to best standard care. The use of Xigris should be considered mainly in situations when 
therapy can be started within 24 hours after the onset of organ failure (for further information see 
section 5.1). 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Xigris should be used by experienced doctors in institutions skilled in the care of patients with severe 
sepsis. 
 
Treatment should be started within 48 hours, and preferably within 24 hours, of onset of the first 
documented sepsis-induced organ dysfunction (see section 5.1). 
 
The recommended dose of Xigris is 24 μg/kg/hr (based on actual body weight) given as a continuous 
intravenous infusion for a total duration of 96 hours. It is recommended that Xigris be infused with an 
infusion pump to accurately control the infusion rate. If the infusion is interrupted for any reason, 
Xigris should be restarted at the 24 μg/kg/hr infusion rate and continued to complete the full 
recommended 96 hours of dosing administration. Dose escalation or bolus doses of Xigris are not 
necessary to account for the interruption in the infusion. 
 
No dose adjustments are required in adult patients with severe sepsis with regard to age, gender, 
hepatic function (as measured by transaminase levels), renal function, obesity or co-administration of 
prophylactic heparin. The pharmacokinetics of drotrecogin alfa (activated) have not been studied in 
patients with severe sepsis and pre-existing end stage renal disease and chronic hepatic disease. 
 
Paediatrics: Data from a placebo-controlled clinical trial which was stopped for futility after 477 
patients 0 to 17 years-old had received the study treatment did not establish efficacy of Xigris in 



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paediatric patients and showed a higher rate of central nervous system bleeding in the Xigris versus 
placebo group. Xigris is contraindicated in children below the age of 18 (see section 4.3 and 5.1). 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients or to bovine thrombin (a trace residue 
from the manufacturing process). 
 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) is contraindicated in children below the age of 18 years (see section 5.1). 
 
Because drotrecogin alfa (activated) may increase the risk of bleeding, Xigris is contraindicated in the 
following situations: 
 
• Active internal bleeding 
• Patients with intracranial pathology; neoplasm or evidence of cerebral herniation 
• Concurrent heparin therapy ≥ 15 International Units/kg/hr 
• Known bleeding diathesis except for acute coagulopathy related to sepsis  
• Chronic severe hepatic disease 
• Platelet count < 30,000 x 106/l, even if the platelet count is increased after transfusions 
• Patients at increased risk for bleeding (for example): 

a) any major surgery, defined as surgery that requires general or spinal anesthesia, 
performed within the 12-hour period immediately preceding drug infusion, or any 
postoperative patient who demonstrates evidence of active bleeding, or any patient with 
planned or anticipated surgery during the drug infusion period. 

b) history of severe head trauma that required hospitalization, intracranial or intraspinal 
surgery, or haemorrhagic stroke within the previous 3 months, or any history of 
intracerebral arteriovenous malformation, cerebral aneurysm, or central nervous system 
mass lesion; patients with an epidural catheter or who are anticipated to receive an 
epidural catheter during drug infusion 

c) history of congenital bleeding diatheses  
d) gastrointestinal bleeding within the last 6 weeks that has required medical intervention 

unless definitive surgery has been performed 
e) trauma patients at increased risk of bleeding  

 
 
4.4  Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
No further study has confirmed the efficacy results of the single pivotal trial. 
 
Patients with single organ dysfunction and recent surgery 
Xigris is not approved for the treatment of patients with single organ dysfunction and should not be 
used in this particular subgroup of patients, especially if they had recent surgery (within 30 days). In 
each of two randomised, placebo-controlled trials, PROWESS and ADDRESS (see section 5.1), 28-
day and in-hospital mortality were higher in patients treated with drotrecogin alfa (activated) 
compared to placebo for the sub-population of patients with single organ dysfunction and recent 
surgery (n=98 in PROWESS and n=636 in ADDRESS).  
 
Bleeding 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) increases the risk of bleeding. In the following conditions, the risks of the 
administration of Xigris should be weighed against the anticipated benefits: 
 
• Recent administration (within 3 days) of thrombolytic therapy 
• Recent administration (within 7 days) of oral anticoagulants  
• Recent administration (within 7 days) of aspirin or other platelet inhibitors 
• Recent (within 3 months) ischaemic stroke  
• Any other condition in which the physician considers significant bleeding is likely 



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For procedures with an inherent bleeding risk, discontinue Xigris for 2 hours prior to the start of the 
procedure. Xigris may be restarted 12 hours after major invasive procedures or surgery if adequate 
haemostasis has been achieved. The incidence of serious bleeding events with Xigris was higher in 
patients with recent [within 30 days] surgery than in “medical” patients without surgery (see section 4.8). 
Bleeding risk should be taken into account when considering the risk benefit for individual patients. Xigris 
may be restarted immediately after uncomplicated less invasive procedures if adequate haemostasis 
has been achieved. 
 
As a component of routine care, measures of haemostasis (e.g., activated partial thromboplastin time 
(APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and platelet count) should be obtained during the infusion of Xigris. If 
sequential tests of haemostasis indicate an uncontrolled or worsening coagulopathy that significantly 
increases the risk of bleeding, the benefits of continuing the infusion must be weighed against the 
potential increased risk of bleeding for that patient. 
 
Laboratory tests 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) has minimal effect on the PT. Prolongation of the APTT in patients with 
severe sepsis receiving Xigris may be due to the underlying coagulopathy, the pharmacodynamic 
effect of drotrecogin alfa (activated), and/or the effect of other concurrent medicinal products. The 
pharmacodynamic effect of drotrecogin alfa (activated) on the APTT assay is dependent on the reagent 
and instrument used to perform the assay and the time that elapses between sample acquisition and 
assay performance. Drotrecogin alfa (activated) that is present in a blood or plasma sample drawn 
from a patient who is being infused with the drug will be gradually neutralized by endogenous plasma 
protease inhibitors present in the sample. Virtually no measurable activity of drotrecogin alfa 
(activated) is present 2 hours after obtaining the blood sample. Due to these biological and analytical 
variables, the APTT should not be used to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of drotrecogin alfa 
(activated). In addition, approximately 2 hours after terminating the infusion of the drug, there is 
virtually no measurable activity of drotrecogin alfa (activated) remaining in the circulation of the 
patient; blood samples drawn for APTT determination after this point are no longer affected by the 
drug. The interpretation of sequential determinations of the PT and/or APTT should take these 
variables into consideration. 
 
Because drotrecogin alfa (activated) may affect the APTT assays, drotrecogin alfa (activated) present 
in plasma samples may interfere with one-stage coagulation assays based on the APTT (such as factor 
VIII, IX, and XI assays). Drotrecogin alfa (activated) present in plasma samples does not interfere 
with one-stage factor assays based on the PT (such as Factors II, V, VII and X assays). 
 
If sequential measures of coagulopathy (including platelet count) indicate severe or worsening 
coagulopathy, the risk of continuing the infusion should be weighed against the expected benefit. 
 
Immunogenicity 
In adult patients in severe sepsis clinical studies, the frequency of anti-human Activated Protein C 
IgA/IgG/IgM antibodies or neutralizing antibodies is low and is similar between drotrecogin alfa 
(activated) and placebo-treated patients tested. In patients developing antibodies adverse events were 
not more frequent in drotrecogin alfa (activated) than in placebo patients. There was no evidence that 
the antibodies detected represented a specific immune response to drotrecogin alfa (activated) therapy. 
There have been no clinical trials in severe sepsis specifically studying drotrecogin alfa (activated) re-
administration. However, a small number of patients in severe sepsis controlled clinical trials received 
a prior course of drotrecogin alfa (activated). No hypersensitivity reactions were reported in these 
patients. Samples available were subsequently tested and all were negative for anti-human Activated 
Protein C antibody. No anti-activated Protein C antibody formation was detected in healthy subjects, 
even after repeat administration. 
However, the possibility of allergic reactions to constituents of the preparation cannot be completely 
excluded in certain predisposed patients. If allergic or anaphylactic reactions occur, treatment should 
be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated. If Xigris is readministered to patients, 
caution should be employed.  
 



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This medicinal product contains approximately 68 mg sodium per vial. To be taken into consideration 
by patients on a controlled sodium diet. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Caution should be employed when Xigris is used with other drugs that affect haemostasis (see sections 
4.3 and 4.4) including Protein C, thrombolytics (e.g. streptokinase, tPA, rPA and urokinase), oral 
anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), hirudins, antithrombin, aspirin  and other anti platelets agents, e.g. non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ticlopidine and clopidogrel, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists (such 
as abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban) and prostacyclins such as iloprost.  
 
Co-administration of low-dose heparin for prophylaxis of venous thrombotic events (VTE) 
Low-dose heparin for VTE prophylaxis may be co-administered with drotrecogin alfa (activated).  In a 
randomised study of heparin versus placebo (XPRESS) in 1935 adult severe sepsis patients, all treated 
with drotrecogin alfa (activated), prophylactic heparin did not adversely affect mortality (heparin 
28.3% versus placebo 31.9% in the overall ITT population, and heparin 30.3% versus placebo 26.9% 
in patients with multiple organ dysfunction treated within 24 hours of their first sepsis-induced organ 
dysfunction (n=890)). In the subgroup of 885 patients who were already receiving prophylactic 
heparin at study entry, mortality was 26.9% in the group randomised to continue heparin versus 35.6% 
in the group whose randomisation (to placebo) led to the discontinuation of heparin.  However the 
reasons for this difference are unknown and could be related to other factors. 
Additionally there was no increased risk of serious bleeding, including central nervous system (CNS) 
bleeding. Prophylactic heparin increased the risk of non-serious bleeding (see section 4.8). 
There was no statistical difference in the rates of VTE between study arms. 
 
4.6 Pregnancy and lactation 
 
Animal studies with respect to effects on pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition and 
postnatal development have not been conducted with Xigris. Therefore, the potential risk for humans 
is unknown. Xigris should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. 
 
It is not known whether Xigris is excreted in human milk or if there is a potential effect on the breast-
fed infant. Therefore, the patient should not breast feed whilst treated with Xigris. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Not relevant. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Xigris increases the risk of bleeding.  
 
The Phase 3 international, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 
(PROWESS) involved 850 drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and 840 placebo-treated patients. 
The percentage of patients experiencing at least one bleeding event in the two treatment groups was 
24.9% and 17.7%, respectively. In both treatment groups, the majority of bleeding events were 
ecchymosis or gastrointestinal tract bleeding. The difference in the incidence of serious bleeding 
events between the two treatment groups occurred primarily during study drug administration.  
 
A total of 2378 adult patients with severe sepsis received drotrecogin alfa (activated) in a Phase 3b, 
international, single-arm, open-label clinical trial (ENHANCE).  
 
The incidence of serious bleeding events in the PROWESS and ENHANCE studies is provided below. 
In these studies serious bleeding events included any intracranial haemorrhage, any life-threatening or 
fatal bleed, any bleeding event requiring the administration of ≥ 3 units of packed red blood cells per 
day for 2 consecutive days, or any bleeding event assessed as serious by the investigator.  



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A Phase 3b international, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 
(ADDRESS) of adult severe sepsis patients at low risk of death, involved 1317 drotrecogin alfa 
(activated)-treated and 1293 placebo-treated patients. The percentage of patients experiencing at least 
one bleeding event in the two treatment groups was 10.9% and 6.4%, respectively (p<0.001). Bleeding 
events included serious bleeding events, bleeding events assessed as possibly study-drug related by the 
investigator, bleeding events associated with the need for a red blood cell transfusion, and bleeding 
events that led to permanent discontinuation of the study drug. In the ADDRESS trial, serious 
bleeding events included any fatal bleed, any life-threatening bleed, any CNS bleed, or any bleeding 
event assessed as serious by the investigator. 
 
Serious bleeding events during the infusion period 
The following table lists the percent of patients in PROWESS and ENHANCE experiencing serious 
bleeding events by site of haemorrhage during the study drug infusion period (defined as the duration 
of infusion plus the next full calendar day following the end of the infusion). 
 

 
 

Site of haemorrhage 

Drotrecogin alfa 
(activated)  

[PROWESS] N=850 

Placebo 
 

[PROWESS] N=840 

Drotrecogin alfa 
(activated)  

[ENHANCE] N=2378 

Gastrointestinal 5 (0.6%) 4(0.5%) 19 (0.8%) 
Intra-abdominal 2 (0.2%) 3 (0.4%) 18 (0.8%) 
Intra-thoracic 4 (0.5%) 0 11 (0.5%) 
Retroperitoneal 3 (0.4%) 0 4 (0.2%) 
Central Nervous 
System (CNS)1 2 (0.2%) 0 15 (0.6%) 

Genitourinary 2 (0.2%) 0 0 
Skin/soft tissue 1 (0.1%) 0 16 (0.7%) 
Nasopharyngeal 0 0 4 (0.2%) 
Joint/Bone 0 0 1 (0.04%) 
Site unknown2 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 6 (0.3%) 
Total 20 (2.4%) 8 (1.0%) 853 (3.6%) 

1 CNS bleeding is defined as any bleed in the central nervous system including the following types of 
haemorrhage: Petechial, parenchymal, subarachnoid, subdural, and stroke with haemorrhagic transformation. 
2Patients requiring the administration of ≥ 3 units of packed red blood cells per day for 2 consecutive days without an 
identified site of bleeding 
3 In ENHANCE six patients experienced multiple serious bleeding events during the study drug infusion period 
(94 events observed in 85 patients). 
 
During the infusion period in PROWESS and ENHANCE the incidence of serious bleeding events 
with Xigris was numerically higher in patients with recent [within 30 days] surgery than in patients 
without surgery (PROWESS: 3.3% vs 2.0%; ENHANCE: 5.0% vs 3.1% respectively. Placebo rates in 
PROWESS 0.4% vs 1.2% respectively). 
 
In ADDRESS, the percent of treated patients experiencing a serious bleeding event by site of 
haemorrhage was similar to that observed in PROWESS. The incidence of serious bleeding events 
during infusion (defined as study Day 0 through study Day 6) was 31 (2.4%) and 15 (1.2%) in 
drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively (p=0.02). The incidence 
of CNS bleeds during infusion was 4 (0.3%) and 3 (0.2%) for drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and 
placebo-treated patients, respectively. Recent surgery (within 30 days prior to study entry) was 
associated with a numerically higher risk of serious bleeding during infusion in both the Xigris-treated 
and the placebo-treated patients (Xigris: 3.6% in patients with recent surgery versus 1.6% in patients 
without recent surgery; placebo: 1.6% versus 0.9% respectively). 
 



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In XPRESS, a randomised study of prophylactic heparin versus placebo in adult severe sepsis patients, 
all treated with drotrecogin alfa (activated), serious bleeding rates were consistent with those observed 
in previous studies over the treatment period of 0-6 days, and prophylactic heparin did not increase the 
risk of serious bleeding compared to placebo (2.3% vs 2.5%, respectively), including CNS bleeding 
(0.3% on both arms). However prophylactic heparin increased the risk of non-serious bleeding 
compared with placebo (8.7% vs 5.7%, respectively; p= 0.0116). 
 
Serious bleeding events during the 28-day study period 
In PROWESS, the incidence of serious bleeding events during the 28-day study period was 3.5% and 
2.0% in drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. The incidence 
of CNS bleeds during the 28-day study period was 0.2% and 0.1% for drotrecogin alfa (activated)-
treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. The risk of CNS bleeding may increase with severe 
coagulopathy and severe thrombocytopenia (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). 
 
In the open-label ENHANCE study, the incidence of serious bleeding events during the 28-day study 
period was 6.5%, and the incidence of CNS bleeds during the 28-day study period was 1.5%. 
 
In the placebo-controlled ADDRESS study, the incidence of serious bleeding events during the 28-day 
study period was 51 (3.9%) and 28 (2.2%) in drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and placebo-treated 
patients, respectively (p=0.01). The incidence of CNS bleeds during the 28-day study period was 6 
(0.5%) and 5 (0.4%) for drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. 
 
In XPRESS serious bleeding rates were consistent with those observed in previous studies during the 
28-day study period (days 0-28). Prophylactic heparin did not increase the risk of serious bleeding 
compared to placebo (3.9% vs 5.2%, respectively), including CNS bleeding (1.0% vs 0.7%, 
respectively). 
 
In the phase 1 studies, adverse events with a frequency of ≥ 5% included headache (30.9%), 
ecchymosis (23.0%), and pain (5.8%). 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
In clinical trials and in post marketing experience there have been reports of accidental overdosing.  In 
the majority of cases, no reactions have been observed.  For the other reports, the observed events 
were consistent with known undesirable effects of the drug (see section 4.8), effects of the drug on 
laboratory tests (see section 4.4), or consequences of the underlying condition of sepsis. 
 
There is no known antidote for drotrecogin alfa (activated). In case of overdose, immediately stop the 
infusion (see section 5.2). 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1  Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: antithrombotic agents, enzymes, ATC code: B01AD10 
 
This medicinal product has been authorised under “Exceptional Circumstances”. This means that for 
scientific reasons it has not been possible to obtain complete information on this medicinal product. 
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) will review any new information which may become 
available every year and this SPC will be updated as necessary. 
 
Mechanism of Action 
Xigris is a recombinant version of the natural plasma-derived activated Protein C, from which it 
differs only by unique oligosaccharides in the carbohydrate portion of the molecule. Activated Protein 
C is a crucial coagulation regulator. It limits thrombin formation by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa, 



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thereby providing negative feedback regulation of coagulation. Excessive coagulation activation in the 
microcirculatory bed plays a significant part in the pathophysiology of severe sepsis. Furthermore,  
Activated Protein C is an important modulator of the systemic response to infection and has 
antithrombotic and profibrinolytic properties. Xigris has similar properties to those of endogenous 
human Activated Protein C.  
 
Pharmacodynamic Effects 
In placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with severe sepsis, Xigris exerted an antithrombotic 
effect by limiting thrombin generation and improved sepsis-associated coagulopathy, as shown by a 
more rapid improvement in markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Xigris caused a more rapid 
decline in thrombotic markers such as D-dimer, prothrombin F1.2, and thrombin-antithrombin levels 
and a more rapid increase in Protein C and antithrombin levels. Xigris also restored endogenous 
fibrinolytic potential, as evidenced by a more rapid trend toward normalisation in plasminogen levels 
and a more rapid decline in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels. Additionally, patients with severe 
sepsis treated with Xigris had a more rapid decline in interleukin-6 levels, a global marker of 
inflammation, consistent with a reduction in the inflammatory response. 
 
Clinical Efficacy 
Xigris was studied in one Phase 3 international, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-
controlled trial (PROWESS) in 1690 patients with severe sepsis. Severe sepsis is defined as sepsis 
associated with acute organ dysfunction. Patients meeting the clinical diagnosis of severe sepsis had a) 
known or suspected infection, b) clinical evidence of systemic response to infection including fever or 
hypothermia, leucopenia or leucocytosis, tachycardia and tachypnoea, and c) acute organ dysfunction. 
Organ dysfunction was defined as shock, hypotension or the need for vasopressor support despite 
adequate fluid resuscitation, relative hypoxemia (ratio of partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood in 
mmHg to the percentage of oxygen in the inspired air expressed as a decimal (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) < 250), 
oliguria despite adequate fluid resuscitation, marked reduction in blood platelet counts, and/or elevated 
lactic acid concentrations. 
 
Exclusion criteria encompassed patients at high risk of bleeding (see sections 4.3 and 4.4), 
patients who were not expected to survive for 28 days due to a pre-existing, non-sepsis related 
medical condition, HIV positive patients whose most recent CD4 count was ≤ 50/mm3, patients on 
chronic dialysis, and patients who had undergone bone marrow, lung, liver, pancreas or small 
bowel transplantation, and patients with acute clinical pancreatitis without a proven source of 
infection. 
 
In the PROWESS trial, treatment was initiated within 48 hours of onset of the first sepsis-induced 
organ dysfunction. The median duration of organ dysfunction prior to treatment was 18 hours. Patients 
were given a 96-hour constant rate infusion of Xigris at 24 μg/kg/hr (n=850) or placebo (n=840). 
Xigris was added to best standard care. Best standard care includes adequate antibiotics, source control 
and supportive treatment (fluids, inotropes, vasopressors and support of failing organs, as required). 
 
Patients treated with Xigris experienced improved 28-day survival compared to those treated with 
placebo. At 28 days, the overall mortality rates were 24.7% for the Xigris-treated group and 30.8% for 
the placebo-treated group (p=0.005).  
 



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Significant absolute death reduction was limited to the subgroup of patients with greater disease 
severity i.e. baseline APACHE II score ≥25 or at least 2 acute organ dysfunctions at baseline. (The 
APACHE II score is designed to assess the risk of mortality based on acute physiology and chronic 
health evaluation). In the subgroup of patients with an APACHE II score ≥25 at baseline, the mortality 
was 31% in the Xigris group (128 out of 414) and 44% in the placebo group (176 out of 403). No 
death reduction was observed in the subgroup of patients with lower disease severity. In the subgroup 
of patients with at least 2 acute organ dysfunctions at baseline, the mortality was 26.5% in the Xigris 
group (168 out of 634) and 33.9% in the placebo group (216 out of 637). No significant death 
reduction was observed in the subgroup of patients with less than 2 acute organ dysfunctions at 
baseline. 
 
A consistent treatment effect on mortality with Xigris administration was observed across patient 
subgroups defined by age, gender and infection type. 
 
PROWESS Follow-up Study 
Survival status was assessed in a follow-up study of PROWESS survivors. In-hospital and 3 month 
survival status was reported for 98% and 94% of the 1690 PROWESS subjects respectively. In the 
overall population, the in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients on Xigris than in 
patients on placebo (29.4% vs. 34.6%; p=0.023). Survival through 3 months was also better in the 
Xigris group compared to placebo (log rank p=0.048). These data confirmed that the benefit of Xigris 
is limited to the more severely affected sepsis patients such as patients with multiple organ failure and 
shock. 
 
Further Clinical Experience 
In a Phase 3b international, single-arm, open-label clinical trial (ENHANCE), 2378 adult patients with 
severe sepsis received drotrecogin alfa (activated). The entry criteria were similar to those employed in 
PROWESS. Patients received drotrecogin alfa (activated) within 48 hours of onset of the first sepsis-
induced organ dysfunction. The median duration of organ dysfunction prior to treatment was 25 hours. 
At 28 days, the mortality rate in the Phase 3b study was 25.3%. The mortality rate was lower for 
patients treated within 24 hours of organ dysfunction compared to those treated after 24 hours, even 
after adjustment for differences in disease severity. 
 
A total of 2640 adult patients with severe sepsis who were at low risk of death (e.g. patients with 
APACHE II<25 or with only one sepsis-induced organ failure) were enrolled in a randomised, double-
blind, placebo-controlled trial (ADDRESS). The trial was stopped for futility after an interim analysis. 
No benefit of drotrecogin alfa (activated) was observed in the subgroup of  872 patients at low risk of 
death with multiple organ dysfunction, so ADDRESS did not confirm the efficacy results of the 
PROWESS study. In the multiple organ dysfunction subgroup of ADDRESS the 28-day placebo 
mortality was 21.9%, similar to the single organ dysfunction subgroup of PROWESS (21.2%), 
confirming the lack of efficacy in patients with severe sepsis who are at low risk of death. 
 
Paediatric patients 
Xigris is contraindicated in children below the age of 18 years (see also sections 4.2 and 4.3). 
Data from a placebo-controlled clinical trial (RESOLVE) did not establish efficacy of Xigris in 
paediatric patients suffering from severe sepsis, acute infection, systemic inflammation and respiratory 
and cardiovascular organ dysfunction. This trial was stopped for futility after 477 patients had 
received the study drug (out of 600 patients intended). A planned interim analysis (with 400 patients 
enrolled) showed a low likelihood of demonstrating a significant difference in the primary endpoint of 
“Composite Time to Complete Organ Failure Resolution” (CTCOFR score of 9.8 versus 9.7 mean 
days over 14 days). There was also no difference in 28-day mortality (17.1% versus 17.3% in the 
Xigris and placebo groups, respectively). 
Investigators attributed 2 deaths in the Xigris group and 5 deaths in the placebo group to bleeding 
events. There was a higher rate of central nervous system (CNS) bleeding in the drotrecogin alfa 
(activated) versus the placebo group. Over the infusion period (study days 0-6) the number of patients 
experiencing CNS bleeding was 5 versus 1 (2.1% versus 0.4%) for the overall population (drotrecogin 
alfa (activated) versus placebo), with 4 of the 5 events in the drotrecogin alfa (activated) group 



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occurring in patients ≤ 60 days old or ≤ 3.5 kg bodyweight. Fatal CNS bleeding events, serious 
bleeding events (over the infusion period and over the 28-day study period), serious adverse events, 
and major amputations were similar in the drotrecogin alfa (activated) and placebo groups. 
 
In placebo controlled clinical trials, the treatment effect was most evident at sites enrolling larger 
numbers of patients. 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) and endogenous human Activated Protein C are inactivated in plasma by 
endogenous protease inhibitors but the mechanism by which they are cleared from plasma is unknown. 
Plasma concentrations of endogenous Activated Protein C in healthy subjects and patients with severe 
sepsis are usually below detection limits (< 5 ng/ml) and do not significantly influence the 
pharmacokinetic properties of drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
 
In healthy subjects, greater than 90% of the steady state condition is attained within 2 hours following 
the start of a constant-rate intravenous infusion of Xigris. Following the completion of an infusion, the 
decline in plasma drotrecogin alfa (activated) concentrations is biphasic and is comprised of a rapid 
initial phase (t1/2 α=13 minutes) and a slower second phase (t1/2 β=1.6 hours). The short half-life of 13 
minutes accounts for approximately 80% of the area under the plasma concentration curve and 
governs the initial rapid accrual of plasma drotrecogin alfa (activated) concentrations towards the 
steady-state. Plasma drotrecogin alfa (activated) steady-state concentrations are proportional to the 
infusion rate over a range of infusion rates from 12 μg/kg/hr to 48 μg/kg/hr. The mean steady-state 
plasma concentration of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in healthy subjects receiving 24 μg/kg/hr is 
72 ng/ml. 
 
In patients with severe sepsis, infusion of drotrecogin alfa (activated) from 12 μg/kg/hr to 30 μg/kg/hr 
rapidly produced steady-state plasma concentrations that were proportional to infusion rates. In the 
Phase 3 trial, the pharmacokinetics of drotrecogin alfa (activated) were evaluated in 342 patients with 
severe sepsis administered a 96-hour continuous infusion at 24 μg/kg/hr. The pharmacokinetics of 
drotrecogin alfa (activated) were characterised by attainment of steady-state plasma concentration 
within 2 hours following the start of the infusion. In the majority of patients, measurements of 
Activated Protein C beyond 2 hours after termination of the infusion were below the quantifiable limit, 
suggesting rapid elimination of drotrecogin alfa (activated) from the systemic circulation. The plasma 
clearance of drotrecogin alfa (activated) is approximately 41.8 l/hr in sepsis patients as compared with 
28.1 l/hr in healthy subjects. 
 
In patients with severe sepsis, the plasma clearance of drotrecogin alfa (activated) was significantly 
decreased by renal impairment and hepatic dysfunction, but the magnitude of the differences in 
clearance (< 30 %) does not warrant any dosage adjustment. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Changes observed in monkeys at, or in small excess of, the maximum human exposure during repeated 
dose studies, were all related to the pharmacological effect of Xigris and include beside the expected 
prolongation of APTT, decreases in haemoglobin, erythrocytes and haematocrit, and increases in 
reticulocyte count and PT. 
 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) was not mutagenic in an in vivo micronucleus study in mice or in an in 
vitro chromosomal aberration study in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with or without rat liver 
metabolic activation. 
 
Carcinogenicity studies and animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Xigris. 
However, with respect to the latter, the potential risk for humans being unknown, Xigris should not be 
used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary (see section 4.6). 
 



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6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Sucrose  
Sodium chloride  
Sodium citrate 
Citric acid 
Hydrochloric acid 
Sodium hydroxide 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in 
section 6.6. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
3 years 
 
After reconstitution, immediate use is recommended. However, the reconstituted solution in the vial 
may be held for up to 3 hours at room temperature (15ºC-30ºC). 
After preparation, the intravenous infusion solution can be used at room temperature (15ºC-30ºC) for a 
period up to 14 hours.  
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C). Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
Powder in Type I glass vial. Pack of 1 vial. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 
1. Use appropriate aseptic technique during the preparation of Xigris for intravenous 

administration. 
 
2. Calculate the dose and the number of Xigris vials needed.  
 

Each Xigris vial contains 20 mg of drotrecogin alfa (activated).  
 
The vial contains an excess of drotrecogin alfa (activated) to facilitate delivery of the label 
amount. 

 
3. Prior to administration, 20 mg vials of Xigris must be reconstituted with 10 ml of Sterile Water 

for Injection, resulting in a solution with a concentration of approximately 2 mg/ml drotrecogin 
alfa (activated).  
 
Slowly add the Sterile Water for Injection to the vial and avoid inverting or shaking the vial. 
Gently swirl each vial until the powder is completely dissolved. 
 

4. The solution of reconstituted Xigris must be further diluted with sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride 
Injection to a final concentration of between 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml. Slowly withdraw the 
appropriate amount of reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) solution from the vial. Add the 
reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) into a prepared infusion bag of sterile 0.9% Sodium 



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Chloride Injection. When adding the reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) into the infusion 
bag, direct the stream to the side of the bag to minimise the agitation of the solution. Gently 
invert the infusion bag to obtain a homogeneous solution. Do not transport the infusion bag 
between locations using mechanical delivery systems. 
 

5. After reconstitution, immediate use is recommended. However, the reconstituted solution in the 
vial may be held for up to 3 hours at room temperature (15 to 30ºC). 
After preparation, the intravenous infusion solution can be used at room temperature (15 to 
30ºC) for a period up to 14 hours. 
 

6. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration 
prior to administration. 

 
7. It is recommended that Xigris be infused with an infusion pump to accurately control the 

infusion rate. The solution of reconstituted Xigris should be diluted into an infusion bag 
containing sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to a final concentration of between 
100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml. 

 
8. When administering drotrecogin alfa (activated) at low flow rates (less than approximately 

5 ml/hr), the infusion set must be primed for approximately 15 minutes at a flow rate of 
approximately 5 ml/hr.  

 
9. Xigris should be administered via a dedicated intravenous line or a dedicated lumen of a 

multilumen central venous catheter. The ONLY other solutions that can be administered 
through the same line are 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, Lactated Ringer’s Injection, 
Dextrose or Dextrose and Saline mixtures. 

 
10. Avoid exposing drotrecogin alfa (activated) solutions to heat and/or direct sunlight. No 

incompatibilities have been observed between drotrecogin alfa (activated) and glass infusion 
bottles or infusion bags made of polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyolefin. 
The use of other types of infusion sets could have a negative impact on the amount and potency 
of drotrecogin alfa (activated) administered. 

 
11. Care should be taken to administer Xigris at the appropriate rate, calculated based on kg of 

bodyweight and infused for the correct duration. It is recommended that the bag be labelled 
accordingly. 

 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Grootslag 1-5, 3991 RA, Houten, The Netherlands 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER (S)  
 
EU/1/02/225/002 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 22 August 2002. 
Date of latest renewal: 
 
 



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10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
Detailed information on this product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency 
(EMEA): http://www.emea.europa.eu/ 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Xigris 5 mg powder for solution for infusion 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each vial contains 5 mg of Drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
 
After reconstitution with 2.5 ml of Water for Injection each ml contains 2 mg of Drotrecogin alfa 
(activated). 
 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) is a recombinant version of the endogenous activated Protein C and is 
produced by genetic engineering from an established human cell line. 
 
Excipient: Each vial contains approximately 17 mg sodium. 
For a full list of excipients, see 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Powder for solution for infusion. Xigris is supplied as a lyophilised, white to off-white powder. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Xigris is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with severe sepsis with multiple organ failure 
when added to best standard care. The use of Xigris should be considered mainly in situations when 
therapy can be started within 24 hours after the onset of organ failure (for further information see 
section 5.1). 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Xigris should be used by experienced doctors in institutions skilled in the care of patients with severe 
sepsis. 
 
Treatment should be started within 48 hours, and preferably within 24 hours, of onset of the first 
documented sepsis-induced organ dysfunction (see section 5.1). 
 
The recommended dose of Xigris is 24 μg/kg/hr (based on actual body weight) given as a continuous 
intravenous infusion for a total duration of 96 hours. It is recommended that Xigris be infused with an 
infusion pump to accurately control the infusion rate. If the infusion is interrupted for any reason, 
Xigris should be restarted at the 24 μg/kg/hr infusion rate and continued to complete the full 
recommended 96 hours of dosing administration. Dose escalation or bolus doses of Xigris are not 
necessary to account for the interruption in the infusion. 
 
No dose adjustments are required in adult patients with severe sepsis with regard to age, gender, 
hepatic function (as measured by transaminase levels), renal function, obesity or co-administration of 
prophylactic heparin. The pharmacokinetics of drotrecogin alfa (activated) have not been studied in 
patients with severe sepsis and pre-existing end stage renal disease and chronic hepatic disease. 
 
Paediatrics: Data from a placebo-controlled clinical trial which was stopped for futility after 477 
patients 0 to 17 years-old had received the study treatment did not establish efficacy of Xigris in 



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paediatric patients and showed a higher rate of central nervous system bleeding in the Xigris versus 
placebo group. Xigris is contraindicated in children below the age of 18  (see section 4.3 and 5.1). 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients or to bovine thrombin (a trace residue 
from the manufacturing process). 
 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) is contraindicated in children below the age of 18 (see section 5.1). 
 
Because drotrecogin alfa (activated) may increase the risk of bleeding, Xigris is contraindicated in the 
following situations: 
 
• Active internal bleeding 
• Patients with intracranial pathology; neoplasm or evidence of cerebral herniation 
• Concurrent heparin therapy ≥ 15 International Units/kg/hr 
• Known bleeding diathesis except for acute coagulopathy related to sepsis  
• Chronic severe hepatic disease 
• Platelet count < 30,000 x 106/l, even if the platelet count is increased after transfusions 
• Patients at increased risk for bleeding (for example): 

a) any major surgery, defined as surgery that requires general or spinal anesthesia, 
performed within the 12-hour period immediately preceding drug infusion, or any 
postoperative patient who demonstrates evidence of active bleeding, or any patient with 
planned or anticipated surgery during the drug infusion period. 

b) history of severe head trauma that required hospitalization, intracranial or intraspinal 
surgery, or haemorrhagic stroke within the previous 3 months, or any history of 
intracerebral arteriovenous malformation, cerebral aneurysm, or central nervous system 
mass lesion; patients with an epidural catheter or who are anticipated to receive an 
epidural catheter during drug infusion 

c) history of congenital bleeding diatheses  
d) gastrointestinal bleeding within the last 6 weeks that has required medical intervention 

unless definitive surgery has been performed 
e) trauma patients at increased risk of bleeding  

 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
No further study has confirmed the efficacy results of the single pivotal trial. 
 
Patients with single organ dysfunction and recent surgery 
Xigris is not approved for the treatment of patients with single organ dysfunction and should not be 
used in this particular subgroup of patients, especially if they had recent surgery (within 30 days). In 
each of two randomised, placebo-controlled trials, PROWESS and ADDRESS (see section 5.1), 28-
day and in-hospital mortality were higher in patients treated with drotrecogin alfa (activated) 
compared to placebo for the sub-population of patients with single organ dysfunction and recent 
surgery (n=98 in PROWESS and n=636 in ADDRESS).  
 
Bleeding 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) increases the risk of bleeding. In the following conditions, the risks of the 
administration of Xigris should be weighed against the anticipated benefits: 
 
• Recent administration (within 3 days) of thrombolytic therapy 
• Recent administration (within 7 days) of oral anticoagulants  
• Recent administration (within 7 days) of aspirin or other platelet inhibitors 
• Recent (within 3 months) ischaemic stroke  
• Any other condition in which the physician considers significant bleeding is likely 
 



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For procedures with an inherent bleeding risk, discontinue Xigris for 2 hours prior to the start of the 
procedure. Xigris may be restarted 12 hours after major invasive procedures or surgery if adequate 
haemostasis has been achieved. The incidence of serious bleeding events with Xigris was higher in 
patients with recent [within 30 days] surgery than in “medical” patients without surgery (see section 4.8). 
Bleeding risk should be taken into account when considering the risk benefit for individual patients. Xigris 
may be restarted immediately after uncomplicated less invasive procedures if adequate haemostasis 
has been achieved. 
 
As a component of routine care, measures of haemostasis (e.g., activated partial thromboplastin time 
(APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and platelet count) should be obtained during the infusion of Xigris. If 
sequential tests of haemostasis indicate an uncontrolled or worsening coagulopathy that significantly 
increases the risk of bleeding, the benefits of continuing the infusion must be weighed against the 
potential increased risk of bleeding for that patient. 
 
Laboratory tests 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) has minimal effect on the PT. Prolongation of the APTT in patients with 
severe sepsis receiving Xigris may be due to the underlying coagulopathy, the pharmacodynamic 
effect of drotrecogin alfa (activated), and/or the effect of other concurrent medicinal products. The 
pharmacodynamic effect of drotrecogin alfa (activated) on the APTT assay is dependent on the reagent 
and instrument used to perform the assay and the time that elapses between sample acquisition and 
assay performance. Drotrecogin alfa (activated) that is present in a blood or plasma sample drawn 
from a patient who is being infused with the drug will be gradually neutralized by endogenous plasma 
protease inhibitors present in the sample. Virtually no measurable activity of drotrecogin alfa 
(activated) is present 2 hours after obtaining the blood sample. Due to these biological and analytical 
variables, the APTT should not be used to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of drotrecogin alfa 
(activated). In addition, approximately 2 hours after terminating the infusion of the drug, there is 
virtually no measurable activity of drotrecogin alfa (activated) remaining in the circulation of the 
patient; blood samples drawn for APTT determination after this point are no longer affected by the 
drug. The interpretation of sequential determinations of the PT and/or APTT should take these 
variables into consideration. 
 
Because drotrecogin alfa (activated) may affect the APTT assays, drotrecogin alfa (activated) present 
in plasma samples may interfere with one-stage coagulation assays based on the APTT (such as factor 
VIII, IX, and XI assays). Drotrecogin alfa (activated) present in plasma samples does not interfere 
with one-stage factor assays based on the PT (such as Factors II, V, VII and X assays). 
 
If sequential measures of coagulopathy (including platelet count) indicate severe or worsening 
coagulopathy, the risk of continuing the infusion should be weighed against the expected benefit. 
 
Immunogenicity 
In adult patients in severe sepsis clinical studies, the frequency of anti-human Activated Protein C 
IgA/IgG/IgM antibodies or neutralizing antibodies is low and is similar between drotrecogin alfa 
(activated) and placebo-treated patients tested. In patients developing antibodies adverse events were 
not more frequent in drotrecogin alfa (activated) than in placebo patients. There was no evidence that 
the antibodies detected represented a specific immune response to drotrecogin alfa (activated) therapy. 
There have been no clinical trials in severe sepsis specifically studying drotrecogin alfa (activated) re-
administration. However, a small number of patients in severe sepsis controlled clinical trials received 
a prior course of drotrecogin alfa (activated). No hypersensitivity reactions were reported in these 
patients. Samples available were subsequently tested and all were negative for anti-human Activated 
Protein C antibody. No anti-activated Protein C antibody formation was detected in healthy subjects, 
even after repeat administration. 
 
However, the possibility of allergic reactions to constituents of the preparation cannot be completely 
excluded in certain predisposed patients. If allergic or anaphylactic reactions occur, treatment should 
be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.  
If Xigris is readministered to patients, caution should be employed.  
 



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This medicinal product contains approximately 17 mg sodium per vial. To be taken into consideration 
by patients on a controlled sodium diet. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Caution should be employed when Xigris is used with other drugs that affect haemostasis (see sections 
4.3 and 4.4) including Protein C, thrombolytics (e.g. streptokinase, tPA, rPA and urokinase), oral 
anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), hirudins, antithrombin, aspirin  and other anti platelets agents, e.g. non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ticlopidine and clopidogrel, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists (such 
as abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban) and prostacyclins such as iloprost.  
 
Co-administration of low-dose heparin for prophylaxis of venous thrombotic events (VTE) 
Low-dose heparin for VTE prophylaxis may be co-administered with drotrecogin alfa (activated).  In a 
randomised study of heparin versus placebo (XPRESS) in 1935 adult severe sepsis patients, all treated 
with drotrecogin alfa (activated), prophylactic heparin did not adversely affect mortality (heparin 
28.3% versus placebo 31.9% in the overall ITT population, and heparin 30.3% versus placebo 26.9% 
in patients with multiple organ dysfunction treated within 24 hours of their first sepsis-induced organ 
dysfunction (n=890)). In the subgroup of 885 patients who were already receiving prophylactic 
heparin at study entry, mortality was 26.9% in the group randomised to continue heparin versus 35.6% 
in the group whose randomisation (to placebo) led to the discontinuation of heparin.  However the 
reasons for this difference are unknown and could be related to other factors. 
Additionally there was no increased risk of serious bleeding, including central nervous system (CNS) 
bleeding. Prophylactic heparin increased the risk of non-serious bleeding (see section 4.8). 
There was no statistical difference in the rates of VTE between study arms. 
 
4.6 Pregnancy and lactation 
 
Animal studies with respect to effects on pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition and 
postnatal development have not been conducted with Xigris. Therefore, the potential risk for humans 
is unknown. Xigris should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. 
 
It is not known whether Xigris is excreted in human milk or if there is a potential effect on the breast-
fed infant. Therefore, the patient should not breast feed whilst treated with Xigris. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Not relevant. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Xigris increases the risk of bleeding.  
 
The Phase 3 international, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 
(PROWESS) involved 850 drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and 840 placebo-treated patients. 
The percentage of patients experiencing at least one bleeding event in the two treatment groups was 
24.9% and 17.7%, respectively. In both treatment groups, the majority of bleeding events were 
ecchymosis or gastrointestinal tract bleeding. The difference in the incidence of serious bleeding 
events between the two treatment groups occurred primarily during study drug administration.  
 
A total of 2378 adult patients with severe sepsis received drotrecogin alfa (activated) in a Phase 3b, 
international, single-arm, open-label clinical trial (ENHANCE).  
 
The incidence of serious bleeding events in the PROWESS and ENHANCE studies is provided below. 
In these studies serious bleeding events included any intracranial haemorrhage, any life-threatening or 
fatal bleed, any bleeding event requiring the administration of ≥ 3 units of packed red blood cells per 
day for 2 consecutive days, or any bleeding event assessed as serious by the investigator.  



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A Phase 3b international, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 
(ADDRESS) of adult severe sepsis patients at low risk of death, involved 1317 drotrecogin alfa 
(activated)-treated and 1293 placebo-treated patients. The percentage of patients experiencing at least 
one bleeding event in the two treatment groups was 10.9% and 6.4%, respectively (p<0.001). Bleeding 
events included serious bleeding events, bleeding events assessed as possibly study-drug related by the 
investigator, bleeding events associated with the need for a red blood cell transfusion, and bleeding 
events that led to permanent discontinuation of the study drug. In the ADDRESS trial, serious 
bleeding events included any fatal bleed, any life-threatening bleed, any CNS bleed, or any bleeding 
event assessed as serious by the investigator. 
 
Serious bleeding events during the infusion period 
The following table lists the percent of patients in PROWESS and ENHANCE experiencing serious 
bleeding events by site of haemorrhage during the study drug infusion period (defined as the duration 
of infusion plus the next full calendar day following the end of the infusion). 
 

 
 

Site of haemorrhage 

Drotrecogin alfa 
(activated)  

[PROWESS] N=850 

Placebo 
 

[PROWESS] N=840 

Drotrecogin alfa 
(activated)  

[ENHANCE] N=2378 

Gastrointestinal 5 (0.6%) 4(0.5%) 19 (0.8%) 
Intra-abdominal 2 (0.2%) 3 (0.4%) 18 (0.8%) 
Intra-thoracic 4 (0.5%) 0 11 (0.5%) 
Retroperitoneal 3 (0.4%) 0 4 (0.2%) 
Central Nervous 
System (CNS)1 2 (0.2%) 0 15 (0.6%) 

Genitourinary 2 (0.2%) 0 0 
Skin/soft tissue 1 (0.1%) 0 16 (0.7%) 
Nasopharyngeal 0 0 4 (0.2%) 
Joint/Bone 0 0 1 (0.04%) 
Site unknown2 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 6 (0.3%) 
Total 20 (2.4%) 8 (1.0%) 853 (3.6%) 

1 CNS bleeding is defined as any bleed in the central nervous system including the following types of 
haemorrhage: Petechial, parenchymal, subarachnoid, subdural, and stroke with haemorrhagic transformation. 
2Patients requiring the administration of ≥ 3 units of packed red blood cells per day for 2 consecutive days without an 
identified site of bleeding 
3 In ENHANCE six patients experienced multiple serious bleeding events during the study drug infusion period 
(94 events observed in 85 patients). 
 
During the infusion period in PROWESS and ENHANCE the incidence of serious bleeding events 
with Xigris was numerically higher in patients with recent [within 30 days] surgery than in patients 
without surgery (PROWESS: 3.3% vs 2.0%; ENHANCE: 5.0% vs 3.1% respectively. Placebo rates in 
PROWESS 0.4% vs 1.2% respectively). 
 
In ADDRESS, the percent of treated patients experiencing a serious bleeding event by site of 
haemorrhage was similar to that observed in PROWESS. The incidence of serious bleeding events 
during infusion (defined as study Day 0 through study Day 6) was 31 (2.4%) and 15 (1.2%) in 
drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively (p=0.02). The incidence 
of CNS bleeds during infusion was 4 (0.3%) and 3 (0.2%) for drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and 
placebo-treated patients, respectively. Recent surgery (within 30 days prior to study entry) was 
associated with a numerically higher risk of serious bleeding during infusion in both the Xigris-treated 
and the placebo-treated patients (Xigris: 3.6% in patients with recent surgery versus 1.6% in patients 
without recent surgery; placebo: 1.6% versus 0.9% respectively). 
 



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In XPRESS, a randomised study of prophylactic heparin versus placebo in adult severe sepsis patients, 
all treated with drotrecogin alfa (activated), serious bleeding rates were consistent with those observed 
in previous studies over the treatment period of 0-6 days, and prophylactic heparin did not increase the 
risk of serious bleeding compared to placebo (2.3% vs 2.5%, respectively), including CNS bleeding 
(0.3% on both arms). However prophylactic heparin increased the risk of non-serious bleeding 
compared with placebo (8.7% vs 5.7%, respectively; p= 0.0116). 
 
Serious bleeding events during the 28-day study period 
In PROWESS, the incidence of serious bleeding events during the 28-day study period was 3.5% and 
2.0% in drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. The incidence 
of CNS bleeds during the 28-day study period was 0.2% and 0.1% for drotrecogin alfa (activated)-
treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. The risk of CNS bleeding may increase with severe 
coagulopathy and severe thrombocytopenia (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). 
 
In the open-label ENHANCE study, the incidence of serious bleeding events during the 28-day study 
period was 6.5%, and the incidence of CNS bleeds during the 28-day study period was 1.5%. 
 
In the placebo-controlled ADDRESS study, the incidence of serious bleeding events during the 28-day 
study period was 51 (3.9%) and 28 (2.2%) in drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and placebo-treated 
patients, respectively (p=0.01). The incidence of CNS bleeds during the 28-day study period was 6 
(0.5%) and 5 (0.4%) for drotrecogin alfa (activated)-treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. 
 
In XPRESS serious bleeding rates were consistent with those observed in previous studies during the 
28-day study period (days 0-28). Prophylactic heparin did not increase the risk of serious bleeding 
compared to placebo (3.9% vs 5.2%, respectively), including CNS bleeding (1.0% vs 0.7%, 
respectively). 
 
In the phase 1 studies, adverse events with a frequency of ≥ 5% included headache (30.9%), 
ecchymosis (23.0%), and pain (5.8%). 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
In clinical trials and in post marketing experience there have been reports of accidental overdosing.  In 
the majority of cases, no reactions have been observed.  For the other reports, the observed events 
were consistent with known undesirable effects of the drug (see section 4.8), effects of the drug on 
laboratory tests (see section 4.4), or consequences of the underlying condition of sepsis. 
 
There is no known antidote for drotrecogin alfa (activated). In case of overdose, immediately stop the 
infusion (see section 5.2). 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1  Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: antithrombotic agents, enzymes, ATC code: B01AD10 
 
This medicinal product has been authorised under “Exceptional Circumstances”. This means that for 
scientific reasons it has not been possible to obtain complete information on this medicinal product. 
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) will review any new information which may become 
available every year and this SPC will be updated as necessary. 
 
Mechanism of Action 
Xigris is a recombinant version of the natural plasma-derived activated Protein C, from which it 
differs only by unique oligosaccharides in the carbohydrate portion of the molecule. Activated Protein 
C is a crucial coagulation regulator. It limits thrombin formation by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa, 



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thereby providing negative feedback regulation of coagulation. Excessive coagulation activation in the 
microcirculatory bed plays a significant part in the pathophysiology of severe sepsis. Furthermore,  
Activated Protein C is an important modulator of the systemic response to infection and has 
antithrombotic and profibrinolytic properties. Xigris has similar properties to those of endogenous 
human Activated Protein C.  
 
Pharmacodynamic Effects 
In placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with severe sepsis, Xigris exerted an antithrombotic 
effect by limiting thrombin generation and improved sepsis-associated coagulopathy, as shown by a 
more rapid improvement in markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Xigris caused a more rapid 
decline in thrombotic markers such as D-dimer, prothrombin F1.2, and thrombin-antithrombin levels 
and a more rapid increase in Protein C and antithrombin levels. Xigris also restored endogenous 
fibrinolytic potential, as evidenced by a more rapid trend toward normalisation in plasminogen levels 
and a more rapid decline in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels. Additionally, patients with severe 
sepsis treated with Xigris had a more rapid decline in interleukin-6 levels, a global marker of 
inflammation, consistent with a reduction in the inflammatory response. 
 
Clinical Efficacy 
Xigris was studied in one Phase 3 international, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-
controlled trial (PROWESS) in 1690 patients with severe sepsis. Severe sepsis is defined as sepsis 
associated with acute organ dysfunction. Patients meeting the clinical diagnosis of severe sepsis had a) 
known or suspected infection, b) clinical evidence of systemic response to infection including fever or 
hypothermia, leucopenia or leucocytosis, tachycardia and tachypnoea, and c) acute organ dysfunction. 
Organ dysfunction was defined as shock, hypotension or the need for vasopressor support despite 
adequate fluid resuscitation, relative hypoxemia (ratio of partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood in 
mmHg to the percentage of oxygen in the inspired air expressed as a decimal (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) < 250), 
oliguria despite adequate fluid resuscitation, marked reduction in blood platelet counts, and/or elevated 
lactic acid concentrations. 
 
Exclusion criteria encompassed patients at high risk of bleeding (see sections 4.3 and 4.4), 
patients who were not expected to survive for 28 days due to a pre-existing, non-sepsis related 
medical condition, HIV positive patients whose most recent CD4 count was ≤ 50/mm3, patients on 
chronic dialysis, and patients who had undergone bone marrow, lung, liver, pancreas or small 
bowel transplantation, and patients with acute clinical pancreatitis without a proven source of 
infection. 
 
In the PROWESS trial, treatment was initiated within 48 hours of onset of the first sepsis-induced 
organ dysfunction. The median duration of organ dysfunction prior to treatment was 18 hours. Patients 
were given a 96-hour constant rate infusion of Xigris at 24 μg/kg/hr (n=850) or placebo (n=840). 
Xigris was added to best standard care. Best standard care includes adequate antibiotics, source control 
and supportive treatment (fluids, inotropes, vasopressors and support of failing organs, as required). 
 
Patients treated with Xigris experienced improved 28-day survival compared to those treated with 
placebo. At 28 days, the overall mortality rates were 24.7% for the Xigris-treated group and 30.8% for 
the placebo-treated group (p=0.005).  
 
Significant absolute death reduction was limited to the subgroup of patients with greater disease 
severity i.e. baseline APACHE II score ≥25 or at least 2 acute organ dysfunctions at baseline. (The 
APACHE II score is designed to assess the risk of mortality based on acute physiology and chronic 
health evaluation). In the subgroup of patients with an APACHE II score ≥25 at baseline, the mortality 
was 31% in the Xigris group (128 out of 414) and 44% in the placebo group (176 out of 403). No 
death reduction was observed in the subgroup of patients with lower disease severity. In the subgroup 
of patients with at least 2 acute organ dysfunctions at baseline, the mortality was 26.5% in the Xigris 
group (168 out of 634) and 33.9% in the placebo group (216 out of 637). No significant death 
reduction was observed in the subgroup of patients with less than 2 acute organ dysfunctions at 
baseline. 



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A consistent treatment effect on mortality with Xigris administration was observed across patient 
subgroups defined by age, gender and infection type. 
 
PROWESS Follow-up Study 
Survival status was assessed in a follow-up study of PROWESS survivors. In-hospital and 3 month 
survival status was reported for 98% and 94% of the 1690 PROWESS subjects respectively. In the 
overall population, the in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients on Xigris than in 
patients on placebo (29.4% vs. 34.6%; p=0.023). Survival through 3 months was also better in the 
Xigris group compared to placebo (log rank p=0.048). These data confirmed that the benefit of Xigris 
is limited to the more severely affected sepsis patients such as patients with multiple organ failure and 
shock. 
 
Further Clinical Experience 
In a Phase 3b international, single-arm, open-label clinical trial (ENHANCE), 2378 adult patients with 
severe sepsis received drotrecogin alfa (activated). The entry criteria were similar to those employed in 
PROWESS. Patients received drotrecogin alfa (activated) within 48 hours of onset of the first sepsis-
induced organ dysfunction. The median duration of organ dysfunction prior to treatment was 25 hours. 
At 28 days, the mortality rate in the Phase 3b study was 25.3%. The mortality rate was lower for 
patients treated within 24 hours of organ dysfunction compared to those treated after 24 hours, even 
after adjustment for differences in disease severity. 
 
A total of 2640 adult patients with severe sepsis who were at low risk of death (e.g. patients with 
APACHE II<25 or with only one sepsis-induced organ failure) were enrolled in a randomised, double-
blind, placebo-controlled trial (ADDRESS). The trial was stopped for futility after an interim analysis. 
No benefit of drotrecogin alfa (activated) was observed in the subgroup of  872 patients at low risk of 
death with multiple organ dysfunction, so ADDRESS did not confirm the efficacy results of the 
PROWESS study. In the multiple organ dysfunction subgroup of ADDRESS the 28-day placebo 
mortality was 21.9%, similar to the single organ dysfunction subgroup of PROWESS (21.2%), 
confirming the lack of efficacy in patients with severe sepsis who are at low risk of death. 
 
Paediatric patients 
Xigris is contraindicated in children below the age of 18 years (see also sections 4.2 and 4.3). 
Data from a placebo-controlled clinical trial (RESOLVE) did not establish efficacy of Xigris in 
paediatric patients suffering from severe sepsis, acute infection, systemic inflammation and respiratory 
and cardiovascular organ dysfunction. This trial was stopped for futility after 477 patients had 
received the study drug (out of 600 patients intended). A planned interim analysis (with 400 patients 
enrolled) showed a low likelihood of demonstrating a significant difference in the primary endpoint of 
“Composite Time to Complete Organ Failure Resolution” (CTCOFR score of 9.8 versus 9.7 mean 
days over 14 days). There was also no difference in 28-day mortality (17.1% versus 17.3% in the 
Xigris and placebo groups, respectively). 
Investigators attributed 2 deaths in the Xigris group and 5 deaths in the placebo group to 
bleeding events. There was a higher rate of central nervous system (CNS) bleeding in the drotrecogin 
alfa (activated) versus the placebo group. Over the infusion period (study days 0-6) the number of 
patients experiencing CNS bleeding was 5 versus 1 (2.1% versus 0.4%) for the overall population 
(drotrecogin alfa (activated) versus placebo), with 4 of the 5 events in the drotrecogin alfa (activated) 
group occurring in patients ≤ 60 days old or ≤ 3.5 kg bodyweight. Fatal CNS bleeding events, serious 
bleeding events (over the infusion period and over the 28-day study period), serious adverse events, 
and major amputations were similar in the drotrecogin alfa (activated) and placebo groups. 
 
In placebo controlled clinical trials, the treatment effect was most evident at sites enrolling larger 
numbers of patients. 
 



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5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) and endogenous human Activated Protein C are inactivated in plasma by 
endogenous protease inhibitors but the mechanism by which they are cleared from plasma is unknown. 
Plasma concentrations of endogenous Activated Protein C in healthy subjects and patients with severe 
sepsis are usually below detection limits (< 5 ng/ml) and do not significantly influence the 
pharmacokinetic properties of drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
 
In healthy subjects, greater than 90% of the steady state condition is attained within 2 hours following 
the start of a constant-rate intravenous infusion of Xigris. Following the completion of an infusion, the 
decline in plasma drotrecogin alfa (activated) concentrations is biphasic and is comprised of a rapid 
initial phase (t1/2 α=13 minutes) and a slower second phase (t1/2 β=1.6 hours). The short half-life of 13 
minutes accounts for approximately 80% of the area under the plasma concentration curve and 
governs the initial rapid accrual of plasma drotrecogin alfa (activated) concentrations towards the 
steady-state. Plasma drotrecogin alfa (activated) steady-state concentrations are proportional to the 
infusion rate over a range of infusion rates from 12 μg/kg/hr to 48 μg/kg/hr. The mean steady-state 
plasma concentration of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in healthy subjects receiving 24 μg/kg/hr is 
72 ng/ml. 
 
In patients with severe sepsis, infusion of drotrecogin alfa (activated) from 12 μg/kg/hr to 30 μg/kg/hr 
rapidly produced steady-state plasma concentrations that were proportional to infusion rates. In the 
Phase 3 trial, the pharmacokinetics of drotrecogin alfa (activated) were evaluated in 342 patients with 
severe sepsis administered a 96-hour continuous infusion at 24 μg/kg/hr. The pharmacokinetics of 
drotrecogin alfa (activated) were characterised by attainment of steady-state plasma concentration 
within 2 hours following the start of the infusion. In the majority of patients, measurements of 
Activated Protein C beyond 2 hours after termination of the infusion were below the quantifiable limit, 
suggesting rapid elimination of drotrecogin alfa (activated) from the systemic circulation. The plasma 
clearance of drotrecogin alfa (activated) is approximately 41.8 l/hr in sepsis patients as compared with 
28.1 l/hr in healthy subjects. 
 
In patients with severe sepsis, the plasma clearance of drotrecogin alfa (activated) was significantly 
decreased by renal impairment and hepatic dysfunction, but the magnitude of the differences in 
clearance (< 30 %) does not warrant any dosage adjustment. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Changes observed in monkeys at, or in small excess of, the maximum human exposure during repeated 
dose studies, were all related to the pharmacological effect of Xigris and include beside the expected 
prolongation of APTT, decreases in haemoglobin, erythrocytes and haematocrit, and increases in 
reticulocyte count and PT. 
 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) was not mutagenic in an in vivo micronucleus study in mice or in an in 
vitro chromosomal aberration study in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with or without rat liver 
metabolic activation. 
 
Carcinogenicity studies and animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Xigris. 
However, with respect to the latter, the potential risk for humans being unknown, Xigris should not be 
used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary (see section 4.6). 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Sucrose,  
Sodium chloride 



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Sodium citrate 
Citric acid 
Hydrochloric acid 
Sodium hydroxide 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in 
section 6.6. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
3 years 
 
After reconstitution, immediate use is recommended. However, the reconstituted solution in the vial 
may be held for up to 3 hours at room temperature (15ºC - 30ºC). 
After preparation, the intravenous infusion solution can be used at room temperature (15ºC - 30ºC) for 
a period up to 14 hours.  
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect it from light. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
Powder in Type I glass vial. Pack of 1 vial. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 
1. Use appropriate aseptic technique during the preparation of Xigris for intravenous 

administration. 
 
2. Calculate the dose and the number of Xigris vials needed.  
 

Each Xigris vial contains 5 mg of drotrecogin alfa (activated).  
 
The vial contains an excess of drotrecogin alfa (activated) to facilitate delivery of the label 
amount. 

 
3. Prior to administration, 5 mg vials of Xigris must be reconstituted with 2.5 ml of Sterile Water 

for Injection, resulting in a solution with a concentration of approximately 2 mg/ml drotrecogin 
alfa (activated).  
 
Slowly add the Sterile Water for Injection to the vial and avoid inverting or shaking the vial. 
Gently swirl each vial until the powder is completely dissolved. 
 

4. The solution of reconstituted Xigris must be further diluted with sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride 
Injection to a final concentration of between 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml. Slowly withdraw the 
appropriate amount of reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) solution from the vial. Add the 
reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) into a prepared infusion bag of sterile 0.9% Sodium 
Chloride Injection. When adding the reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) into the infusion 
bag, direct the stream to the side of the bag to minimise the agitation of the solution. Gently 
invert the infusion bag to obtain a homogeneous solution. Do not transport the infusion bag 
between locations using mechanical delivery systems. 
 

5. After reconstitution, immediate use is recommended. However, the reconstituted solution in the 
vial may be held for up to 3 hours at room temperature (15 to 30ºC). 



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After preparation, the intravenous infusion solution can be used at room temperature (15 to 
30ºC) for a period up to 14 hours.  
 

6. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration 
prior to administration. 

 
7. It is recommended that Xigris be infused with an infusion pump to accurately control the 

infusion rate. The solution of reconstituted Xigris should be diluted into an infusion bag 
containing sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to a final concentration of between 
100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml. 

 
8. When administering drotrecogin alfa (activated) at low flow rates (less than approximately 

5 ml/hr), the infusion set must be primed for approximately 15 minutes at a flow rate of 
approximately 5 ml/hr.  

 
9. Xigris should be administered via a dedicated intravenous line or a dedicated lumen of a 

multilumen central venous catheter. The ONLY other solutions that can be administered 
through the same line are 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, Lactated Ringer’s Injection, 
Dextrose or Dextrose and Saline mixtures. 

 
10. Avoid exposing drotrecogin alfa (activated) solutions to heat and/or direct sunlight. No 

incompatibilities have been observed between drotrecogin alfa (activated) and glass infusion 
bottles or infusion bags made of polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyolefin. 
The use of other types of infusion sets could have a negative impact on the amount and potency 
of drotrecogin alfa (activated) administered. 

 
11. Care should be taken to administer Xigris at the appropriate rate, calculated based on kg of 

bodyweight and infused for the correct duration. It is recommended that the bag be labelled 
accordingly. 

 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Grootslag 1-5, 3991 RA, Houten, The Netherlands 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER (S)  
 
EU/1/02/225/001 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 22 August 2002. 
Date of latest renewal: 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
Detailed information on this product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency 
(EMEA): http://www.emea.europa.eu/ 
 



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ANNEX II 
 
A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE 

SUBSTANCE AND MANUFACTURING AUTHORISATION 
HOLDER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 

 
B. CONDITIONS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 
C. SPECIFIC OBLIGATIONS TO BE FULFILLED BY THE 

MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 



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A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND 
MANUFACTURING AUTHORISATION HOLDER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH 
RELEASE 

 
Name and address of the manufacturer of the biological active substance 
 
Lonza Biologicals Inc. 
101 International Drive 
Portsmouth 
New Hampshire 
03801-2815 USA 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release 
 
Lilly Pharma Fertigung und Distribution GmbH & Co. KG 
Teichweg 3 
D-35396 Giessen 
Germany 
 
 
 
B. CONDITIONS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION 
 
• CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE IMPOSED ON 

THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (See Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2) 
 
• CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE 

USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Not applicable. 
 
• OTHER CONDITIONS 
 
The holder of this marketing authorisation must inform the European Commission about the marketing 
plans for the medicinal product authorised by this decision. 
 
Risk Management Plan 
The MAH commits to performing the studies and additional pharmacovigilance activities detailed in 
the Pharmacovigilance Plan, as agreed in the version dated 18 April 2006 of the Risk Management 
Plan (RMP) presented in Module 1.8.2. of the Marketing Authorisation and any subsequent updates of 
the RMP agreed by the CHMP. 
 
As per the CHMP Guideline on Risk Management Systems for medicinal products for human use, the 
updated RMP should be submitted at the same time as the next Periodic Safety Update Report 
(PSUR). 
 
In addition, an updated RMP should be submitted 

• When new information is received that may impact on the current Safety Specification, 
Pharmacovigilance Plan or risk minimisation activities 

• Within 60 days of an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being 
reached 

• At the request of the EMEA  
 



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The Marketing Authorisation Holder will continue to submit yearly PSURs. 
 
 
C. SPECIFIC OBLIGATIONS TO BE FULFILLED BY THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
The Marketing Authorisation Holder shall complete the following programme of studies within the 
specified time frame, the results of which shall form the basis of the annual reassessment of the 
benefit/risk profile. 
 
Clinical aspects 
1. “Further to uncertain conclusions of the XPRESS study investigating the possible interaction 
between Xigris and heparin, additional clarifications on the benefit/risk balance of Xigris are required. 
Therefore the MAH has committed to performing a placebo-controlled study in patients (who were 
either on low-dose prophylactic heparin or not receiving any thrombosis prophylaxis) with severe 
sepsis and documented organ failure (e.g. MOD or vasopressor dependent septic shock) when treated 
within a strictly defined time window, to assert the benefit/risk profile of Xigris.” 
 



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ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



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A. LABELLING 



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PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
OUTER CARTON TEXT 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Xigris 20 mg powder for solution for infusion 
drotrecogin alfa (activated) 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each vial contains 20 mg of Drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
After reconstitution with 10 ml of Water for Injection each ml contains 2 mg of Drotrecogin alfa 
(activated). 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Excipients: sucrose, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, citric acid, hydrochloric acid and sodium 
hydroxide. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
1 vial, powder for solution for infusion.  
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For intravenous infusion after reconstitution and dilution. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP {MM/YYYY} 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect it from light. 
 



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10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Grootslag 1-5, 3991 RA, Houten, The Netherlands 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/02/225/002 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot {number} 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
 



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MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
VIAL TEXT 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Xigris 20 mg powder for infusion 
For intravenous infusion after reconstitution and dilution 
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP {MM/YYYY} 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot {number} 
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
20 mg 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 



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PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
OUTER CARTON TEXT 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Xigris 5 mg powder for solution for infusion 
drotrecogin alfa (activated) 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each vial contains 5 mg of Drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
After reconstitution with 2.5 ml of Water for Injection each ml contains 2 mg of Drotrecogin alfa 
(activated). 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Excipients: sucrose, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, citric acid,  hydrochloric acid and sodium 
hydroxide. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
1 vial, powder for solution for infusion. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For intravenous infusion after reconstitution and dilution. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP {MM/YYYY} 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect it from light. 
 



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10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Grootslag 1-5, 3991 RA, Houten, The Netherlands 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/02/225/001 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot {number} 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
 



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MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
VIAL TEXT 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Xigris 5 mg powder for infusion 
For intravenous infusion after reconstitution and dilution 
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP {MM/YYYY} 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot {number} 
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
5 mg 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
 



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B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 
 



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PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER 
 
 

Xigris 20 mg powder for solution for infusion 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) 

 
Please read all of this leaflet carefully. Please remember that you cannot take Xigris by yourself 
because both your illness and the use of this medicine need constant medical care. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor or your pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you.  Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even 

if their symptoms are the same as yours. 
- If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, 

please tell your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
In this leaflet:  
1. What Xigris is and what it is used for 
2. Before you are given Xigris 
3. How Xigris is used 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Xigris 
6. Further information 
 
 
1. WHAT XIGRIS IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR 
 
Xigris is very similar to a protein that occurs naturally in your blood. This protein helps to control 
blood clotting and inflammation. When your body has a severe infection, clots can form in your blood. 
These can block the blood supply to important parts of your body such as the kidneys and lungs. This 
causes an illness called severe sepsis which can make you very ill. Some people will die from this 
illness. Xigris helps your body to get rid of the clots and also reduces the inflammation caused by the 
infection. 
 
Xigris is used to treat adults with severe sepsis. 
 
 
2. BEFORE YOU ARE GIVEN XIGRIS 
 
You should not be given Xigris: 
- if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to drotrecogin alfa (activated) or any of the other ingredients       

of Xigris, or bovine (cattle-derived) thrombin (protein) 
- if you are a child below the age of 18 
- if you have internal bleeding 
- if you have a brain tumour, or pressure on the brain 
- if you are being given heparin at the same time (≥ 15 International Units/kg/hr) 
- if you have a bleeding tendency which is not related to sepsis 
- if you have a long-standing, severe problem with your liver 
- if your platelet (a type of cell in your blood) count is low, even if this has been increased by a 

transfusion 
- if you are at high risk of bleeding (for example): 

a) you have had surgery within the last twelve hours before you receive Xigris, or you are 
bleeding from a previous surgery, or you might have surgery while you receive Xigris 

b) you have been in hospital with a severe injury to your head, or you have had surgery on 
your brain or spine, or you have had a bleed in your brain (haemorrhagic stroke) within 



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the past three months, or you have abnormal blood vessels in your brain, or a mass in 
your head; you have an epidural catheter (a tube in your spine) 

c) you have been born with bleeding tendencies 
d) you have bled from your bowels within the last six weeks, unless treated adequately 
e) you have had a major accident and are at increased risk of bleeding  

 
Special care should be taken with Xigris if you are at risk of bleeding, for example: 
- if you are taking other medicines which affect how your blood clots (for example medicines that 

dissolve blood clots, thin the blood, or medicines that inhibit platelets such as aspirin) 
- if within the last three months, you have had a stroke caused by a blood clot 
- if you have a known problem with bleeding 
 
Xigris should not be used if you have a less severe form of sepsis (only one organ failure) and have 
recently had a surgical operation. 
 
Using other medicines: 
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, 
including medicines obtained without a prescription. Caution should be employed when Xigris is used 
with other medicines that affect how your blood clots (for example medicines that dissolve blood 
clots, thin the blood, or medicines that inhibit platelets such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory 
medicines, or clopidogrel). 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
It is not known whether drotrecogin alfa (activated) causes damage to an unborn child or affects your 
ability to have babies. If you are pregnant your doctor will only give you Xigris if necessary. 
It is not known whether drotrecogin alfa (activated) appears in human milk and therefore you should 
not breast-feed whilst treated with Xigris. 
 
Important information about some of the ingredients of Xigris 
This medicinal product contains approximately 68 mg sodium per vial. To be taken into consideration 
by patients on a controlled sodium diet. 
 
 
3. HOW XIGRIS IS USED 
 
The recommended dose of Xigris is 24 micrograms (μg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight each hour 
for 96 hours. 
 
A hospital pharmacist, nurse or doctor will have dissolved the Xigris powder in water for injection and 
sodium chloride solution. This liquid is then passed from a bag through a tube into one of your veins 
for a period of 96 hours. 
 
 
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS 
 
Like all medicines, Xigris can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Xigris increases 
the risk of bleeding which can be serious or life-threatening. Serious bleeding during the infusion 
period occurred in 1% (1 in 100) of patient with severe sepsis and in 2.4% (roughly 1 in 40) of patients 
treated with Xigris, with most bleeding in both groups occurring in the stomach and bowel. Bleeding 
into the brain was uncommon, occurring in 0.2% (1 in 500) of patients treated with Xigris. 
 
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please 
tell your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 



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5. STORING XIGRIS 
 
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. 
 
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the label. 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). 
Keep the vial in the carton in order to protect it from light. 
 
 
6. FURTHER INFORMATION 
 
What Xigris contains 
- The active substance is 20 mg of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in each vial. Drotrecogin alfa 

(activated) is a version of a natural protein in the blood called Activated Protein C and it is 
produced by recombinant technology. 

- The other ingredients are sucrose, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, citric acid, hydrochloric acid 
and sodium hydroxide. 

 
What Xigris looks like and contents of the pack 
Xigris is presented as a powder for solution for infusion in a vial. 
 
A vial contains 20 mg of drotrecogin alfa (activated). After reconstitution with 10 ml of Water for 
Injection each ml contains 2 mg of Drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Grootslag 1-5, 3991 RA, Houten, The 
Netherlands 
Manufacturer: Lilly Pharma Fertigung und Distribution GmbH & Co. KG, Teichweg 3, D- 35396 
Giessen, Germany. 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder. 
 
Belgique/België/Belgien 
Eli Lilly Benelux S.A./N.V. 
Tél/Tel: + 32-(0)2 548 84 84 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Eli Lilly Benelux S.A./N.V. 
Tél/Tel: + 32-(0)2 548 84 84 

България 
ТП "Ели Лили Недерланд" Б.В. - България 
тел. + 359 2 491 41 40 

Magyarország 
Lilly Hungária Kft. 
Tel: + 36 1 328 5100 

Česká republika 
ELI LILLY ČR, s.r.o. 
Tel: + 420 234 664 111 

Malta 
Charles de Giorgio Ltd. 
Tel: + 356 25600 500 

Danmark 
Eli Lilly Danmark A/S  
Tlf: +45 45 26 60 00 

Nederland 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V.  
Tel: + 31-(0) 30 60 25 800 

Deutschland 
Lilly Deutschland GmbH 
Tel. + 49-(0) 6172 273 2222 

Norge 
Eli Lilly Norge A.S.  
Tlf: + 47 22 88 18 00 

Eesti 
Eli Lilly Holdings Limited Eesti filiaal  
Tel: +3726441100 

Österreich 
Eli Lilly Ges. m.b.H.  
Tel: + 43-(0) 1 711 780 

Ελλάδα 
ΦΑΡΜΑΣΕΡΒ-ΛΙΛΛΥ Α.Ε.Β.Ε.  
Τηλ: +30 210 629 4600 

Polska 
Eli Lilly Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Tel.: +48 (0) 22 440 33 00 

  



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España 
Lilly S.A. 
Tel: +34- 91 749 76 98 

Portugal 
Lilly Portugal Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda 
Tel: + 351-21-4126600 

France 
Lilly France SAS 
Tél: +33-(0) 1 55 49 34 34 

România 
Eli Lilly România S.R.L. 
Tel: + 40 21 4023000 

Ireland 
Eli Lilly and Company (Ireland) Limited 
Tel: + 353-(0) 1 661 4377 

Slovenija 
Eli Lilly farmacevtska družba, d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 (0)1 580 00 10 

Ísland 
Eli Lilly Danmark A/S, Útibú á Íslandi  
Sími: + 354 520 34 00 

Slovenská republika 
Eli Lilly Slovakia, s.r.o. 
Tel: + 421 220 663 111 

Italia 
Eli Lilly Italia S.p.A. 
Tel: + 39- 055 42571 

Suomi/Finland 
Oy Eli Lilly Finland Ab  
Puh/Tel: + 358-(0) 9 85 45 250 

Κύπρος 
Phadisco Ltd  
Τηλ: +357 22 715000 

Sverige 
Eli Lilly Sweden AB 
Tel: + 46-(0) 8 7378800 

Latvija 
Eli Lilly Holdings Limited pārstāvniecība Latvijā 
Tel: +371 7364000 

United Kingdom 
Eli Lilly and Company Limited 
Tel: + 44-(0) 1256 315999 

Lietuva 
Eli Lilly Holdings Limited atstovybė 
Tel. +370 (5) 2649600 

 

  
 
 
This leaflet was last approved on {date} 
 
This medicine has been authorised under “Exceptional Circumstances”. This means that for scientific 
reasons it has been impossible to get complete information on this medicine. The European Medicines 
Agency (EMEA) will review any new information on the medicine every year and this leaflet will be 
updated as necessary. 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) web 
site: http://www.emea.europa.eu 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

http://www.emea.europa.eu/�


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The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only: 
 
Instructions for use and handling 
 
1. Use appropriate aseptic technique during the preparation of Xigris for intravenous 

administration. 
 
2. Calculate the dose and the number of Xigris vials needed. 
 

Each Xigris vial contains 20 mg of drotrecogin alfa (activated).  
 
The vial contains an excess of drotrecogin alfa (activated) to facilitate delivery of the label 
amount. 

 
3. Prior to administration, 20 mg vials of Xigris must be reconstituted with 10 ml of Sterile Water 

for Injection, resulting in a solution with a concentration of approximately 2 mg/ml drotrecogin 
alfa (activated).  
 
Slowly add the Sterile Water for Injection to the vial and avoid inverting or shaking the vial. 
Gently swirl each vial until the powder is completely dissolved. 

 
4. The solution of reconstituted Xigris must be further diluted with sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride 

Injection. Slowly withdraw the appropriate amount of reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) 
solution from the vial. Add the reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) into a prepared 
infusion bag of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. When adding the reconstituted 
drotrecogin alfa (activated) into the infusion bag, direct the stream to the side of the bag to 
minimise the agitation of the solution. Gently invert the infusion bag to obtain a homogeneous 
solution. Do not transport the infusion bag between locations using mechanical delivery 
systems. 

 
5. After reconstitution, immediate use is recommended. However, the reconstituted solution in the 

vial may be held for up to 3 hours at room temperature (15 to 30ºC). 
After preparation, the intravenous infusion solution can be used at room temperature (15 to 
30ºC) for a period up to 14 hours.  
 

6. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration 
prior to administration. 

 
7. It is recommended that Xigris be infused with an infusion pump to accurately control the 

infusion rate. The solution of reconstituted Xigris should be diluted into an infusion bag 
containing sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to a final concentration of between 
100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml. 

 
8. When administering drotrecogin alfa (activated) at low flow rates (less than approximately 

5 ml/hr), the infusion set must be primed for approximately 15 minutes at a flow rate of 
approximately 5 ml/hr.  

 
9. Xigris should be administered via a dedicated intravenous line or a dedicated lumen of a 

multilumen central venous catheter. The ONLY other solutions that can be administered 
through the same line are 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, Lactated Ringer’s Injection, 
Dextrose or Dextrose and Saline mixtures. 

 
10. Avoid exposing drotrecogin alfa (activated) solutions to heat and/or direct sunlight. No 

incompatibilities have been observed between drotrecogin alfa (activated) and glass infusion 
bottles or infusion bags made of polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyolefin. 



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The use of other types of infusion sets could have a negative impact on the amount and potency 
of drotrecogin alfa (activated) administered. 

 
11. Care should be taken to administer Xigris at the appropriate rate, calculated based on kg of 

bodyweight and infused for the correct duration. It is recommended that the bag be labelled 
accordingly. 

 



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PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER 
 
 

Xigris 5 mg powder for solution for infusion 
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) 

 
Please read all of this leaflet carefully. Please remember that you cannot take Xigris by yourself 
because both your illness and the use of this medicine need constant medical care. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor or your pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you.  Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even 

if their symptoms are the same as yours. 
- If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, 

please tell your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
In this leaflet:  
1. What Xigris is and what it is used for 
2. Before you are given Xigris 
3. How Xigris is used 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Xigris 
6. Further information 
 
 
1. WHAT XIGRIS IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR 
 
Xigris is very similar to a protein that occurs naturally in your blood. This protein helps to control 
blood clotting and inflammation. When your body has a severe infection, clots can form in your blood. 
These can block the blood supply to important parts of your body such as the kidneys and lungs. This 
causes an illness called severe sepsis which can make you very ill. Some people will die from this 
illness. Xigris helps your body to get rid of the clots and also reduces the inflammation caused by the 
infection. 
 
Xigris is used to treat adults with severe sepsis. 
 
 
2. BEFORE YOU ARE GIVEN XIGRIS 
 
You should not be given : 

- if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to drotrecogin alfa (activated) or any of the other ingredients 
of Xigris, or bovine (cattle-derived) thrombin (protein) 

- if you are a child below the age of 18 
- if you have internal bleeding 
- if you have a brain tumour, or pressure on the brain 
- if you are being given heparin at the same time (≥ 15 International Units/kg/hr) 
- if you have a bleeding tendency which is not related to sepsis 
- if you have a long-standing, severe problem with your liver 
- if your platelet (a type of cell in your blood) count is low, even if this has been increased by a 

transfusion 
- if you are at high risk of bleeding (for example): 

a) you have had surgery within the last twelve hours before you receive Xigris, or you are 
bleeding from a previous surgery, or you might have surgery while you receive Xigris 

b) you have been in hospital with a severe injury to your head, or you have had surgery on 
your brain or spine, or you have had a bleed in your brain (haemorrhagic stroke) within 



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the past three months, or you have abnormal blood vessels in your brain, or a mass in 
your head; you have an epidural catheter (a tube in your spine) 

c) you have been born with bleeding tendencies 
d) you have bled from your bowels within the last six weeks, unless treated adequately 
e) you have had a major accident and are at increased risk of bleeding  

 
Special care should be taken with Xigris if you are at risk of bleeding, for example: 
- if you are taking other medicines which affect how your blood clots (for example medicines that 

dissolve blood clots, thin the blood, or medicines that inhibit platelets such as aspirin) 
- if within the last three months, you have had a stroke caused by a blood clot 
- if you have a known problem with bleeding 
 
Xigris should not be used if you have a less severe form of sepsis (only one organ failure) and have 
recently had a surgical operation. 
 
Using other medicines: 
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, 
including medicines obtained without a prescription. Caution should be employed when Xigris is used 
with other medicines that affect how your blood clots (for example medicines that dissolve blood 
clots, thin the blood, or medicines that inhibit platelets such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory 
medicines, or clopidogrel). 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
It is not known whether drotrecogin alfa (activated) causes damage to an unborn child or affects your 
ability to have babies. If you are pregnant your doctor will only give you Xigris if necessary. 
It is not known whether drotrecogin alfa (activated) appears in human milk and therefore you should 
not breast-feed whilst treated with Xigris. 
 
Important information about some of the ingredients of Xigris 
This medicinal product contains approximately 17 mg sodium per vial. To be taken into consideration 
by patients on a controlled sodium diet. 
 
 
3. HOW XIGRIS IS USED 
 
The recommended dose of Xigris is 24 micrograms (μg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight each hour 
for 96 hours. 
 
A hospital pharmacist, nurse or doctor will have dissolved the Xigris powder in water for injection and 
sodium chloride solution. This liquid is then passed from a bag through a tube into one of your veins 
for a period of 96 hours. 
 
 
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS 
 
Like all medicines, Xigris can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Xigris increases 
the risk of bleeding which can be serious or life-threatening. Serious bleeding during the infusion 
period occurred in 1% (1 in 100) of patient with severe sepsis and in 2.4% (roughly 1 in 40) of patients 
treated with Xigris, with most bleeding in both groups occurring in the stomach and bowel. Bleeding 
into the brain was uncommon, occurring in 0.2% (1 in 500) of patients treated with Xigris. 
 
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please 
tell your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 



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5. STORING XIGRIS 
 
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. 
 
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the label. 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). 
Keep the vial in the carton in order to protect it from light. 
 
 
6. FURTHER INFORMATION 
 
What Xigris contains 
- The active substance is 5 mg of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in each vial. Drotrecogin alfa 

(activated) is a version of a natural protein in the blood called Activated Protein C and it is 
produced by recombinant technology. 

- The other ingredients are sucrose, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, citric acid, hydrochloric acid 
and sodium hydroxide. 

 
What Xigris looks like and contents of the pack 
Xigris is presented as a powder for solution for infusion in a vial. 
 
A vial contains 5 mg of drotrecogin alfa (activated). After reconstitution with 2.5 ml of Water for 
Injection each ml contains 2 mg of Drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Grootslag 1-5, 3991 RA, Houten, The 
Netherlands 
Manufacturer: Lilly Pharma Fertigung und Distribution GmbH & Co. KG, Teichweg 3, D- 35396 
Giessen, Germany. 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder. 
 
Belgique/België/Belgien 
Eli Lilly Benelux S.A./N.V. 
Tél/Tel: + 32-(0)2 548 84 84 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Eli Lilly Benelux S.A./N.V. 
Tél/Tel: + 32-(0)2 548 84 84 

България 
ТП "Ели Лили Недерланд" Б.В. - България 
тел. + 359 2 491 41 40 

Magyarország 
Lilly Hungária Kft. 
Tel: + 36 1 328 5100 

Česká republika 
ELI LILLY ČR, s.r.o. 
Tel: + 420 234 664 111 

Malta 
Charles de Giorgio Ltd. 
Tel: + 356 25600 500 

Danmark 
Eli Lilly Danmark A/S  
Tlf: +45 45 26 60 00 

Nederland 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V.  
Tel: + 31-(0) 30 60 25 800 

Deutschland 
Lilly Deutschland GmbH 
Tel. + 49-(0) 6172 273 2222 

Norge 
Eli Lilly Norge A.S.  
Tlf: + 47 22 88 18 00 

Eesti 
Eli Lilly Holdings Limited Eesti filiaal  
Tel: +3726441100 

Österreich 
Eli Lilly Ges. m.b.H.  
Tel: + 43-(0) 1 711 780 

Ελλάδα 
ΦΑΡΜΑΣΕΡΒ-ΛΙΛΛΥ Α.Ε.Β.Ε.  
Τηλ: +30 210 629 4600 

Polska 
Eli Lilly Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Tel.: +48 (0) 22 440 33 00 

  



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España 
Lilly S.A. 
Tel: +34- 91 749 76 98 

Portugal 
Lilly Portugal Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda 
Tel: + 351-21-4126600 

France 
Lilly France SAS 
Tél: +33-(0) 1 55 49 34 34 

România 
Eli Lilly România S.R.L. 
Tel: + 40 21 4023000 

Ireland 
Eli Lilly and Company (Ireland) Limited 
Tel: + 353-(0) 1 661 4377 

Slovenija 
Eli Lilly farmacevtska družba, d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 (0)1 580 00 10 

Ísland 
Eli Lilly Danmark A/S, Útibú á Íslandi  
Sími: + 354 520 34 00 

Slovenská republika 
Eli Lilly Slovakia, s.r.o. 
Tel: + 421 220 663 111 

Italia 
Eli Lilly Italia S.p.A. 
Tel: + 39- 055 42571 

Suomi/Finland 
Oy Eli Lilly Finland Ab  
Puh/Tel: + 358-(0) 9 85 45 250 

Κύπρος 
Phadisco Ltd  
Τηλ: +357 22 715000 

Sverige 
Eli Lilly Sweden AB 
Tel: + 46-(0) 8 7378800 

Latvija 
Eli Lilly Holdings Limited pārstāvniecība Latvijā 
Tel: +371 7364000 

United Kingdom 
Eli Lilly and Company Limited 
Tel: + 44-(0) 1256 315999 

Lietuva 
Eli Lilly Holdings Limited atstovybė 
Tel. +370 (5) 2649600 

 

  
 
 
This leaflet was last approved on {date} 
 
This medicine has been authorised under “Exceptional Circumstances”. This means that for scientific 
reasons it has been impossible to get complete information on this medicine. The European Medicines 
Agency (EMEA) will review any new information on the medicine every year and this leaflet will be 
updated as necessary. 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) web 
site: http://www.emea.europa.eu 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

http://www.emea.europa.eu/�


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The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only: 
 
Instructions for use and handling 
 
1. Use appropriate aseptic technique during the preparation of Xigris for intravenous 

administration. 
 
2. Calculate the dose and the number of Xigris vials needed. 
 

Each Xigris vial contains 5 mg of drotrecogin alfa (activated). 
 
The vial contains an excess of drotrecogin alfa (activated) to facilitate delivery of the label 
amount. 

 
3. Prior to administration, 5 mg vials of Xigris must be reconstituted with 2.5 ml of Sterile Water 

for Injection, resulting in a solution with a concentration of approximately 2 mg/ml drotrecogin 
alfa (activated). 
 
Slowly add the Sterile Water for Injection to the vial and avoid inverting or shaking the vial. 
Gently swirl each vial until the powder is completely dissolved. 

 
4. The solution of reconstituted Xigris must be further diluted with sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride 

Injection. Slowly withdraw the appropriate amount of reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) 
solution from the vial. Add the reconstituted drotrecogin alfa (activated) into a prepared 
infusion bag of sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. When adding the reconstituted 
drotrecogin alfa (activated) into the infusion bag, direct the stream to the side of the bag to 
minimise the agitation of the solution. Gently invert the infusion bag to obtain a homogeneous 
solution. Do not transport the infusion bag between locations using mechanical delivery 
systems. 

 
5. After reconstitution, immediate use is recommended. However, the reconstituted solution in the 

vial may be held for up to 3 hours at room temperature (15 to 30ºC). 
After preparation, the intravenous infusion solution can be used at room temperature (15 to 
30ºC) for a period up to 14 hours.  
 

6. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration 
prior to administration. 

 
7. It is recommended that Xigris be infused with an infusion pump to accurately control the 

infusion rate. The solution of reconstituted Xigris should be diluted into an infusion bag 
containing sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to a final concentration of between 
100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml. 

 
8. When administering drotrecogin alfa (activated) at low flow rates (less than approximately 

5 ml/hr), the infusion set must be primed for approximately 15 minutes at a flow rate of 
approximately 5 ml/hr.  

 
9. Xigris should be administered via a dedicated intravenous line or a dedicated lumen of a 

multilumen central venous catheter. The ONLY other solutions that can be administered 
through the same line are 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, Lactated Ringer’s Injection, 
Dextrose or Dextrose and Saline mixtures. 

 
10. Avoid exposing drotrecogin alfa (activated) solutions to heat and/or direct sunlight. No 

incompatibilities have been observed between drotrecogin alfa (activated) and glass infusion 
bottles or infusion bags made of polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyolefin. 



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The use of other types of infusion sets could have a negative impact on the amount and potency 
of drotrecogin alfa (activated) administered. 

 
11. Care should be taken to administer Xigris at the appropriate rate, calculated based on kg of 

bodyweight and infused for the correct duration. It is recommended that the bag be labelled 
accordingly. 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE ANDMANUFACTURING AUTHORISATION HOLDER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCHRELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	C. SPECIFIC OBLIGATIONS TO BE FULFILLED BY THE MARKETINGAUTHORISATION HOLDER
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET