About this Information
This guide provides supporting information for the Avsola Dosing Calculator. The calculator is an educational tool for healthcare professionals to estimate patient dosage based on approved indications and weight. It is not a substitute for clinical judgment and must be used in conjunction with the official Prescribing Information.
Outputs Explained
The tool calculates the following key values for a single infusion administration:
- Total Dose (mg): The calculated dose based on patient weight and the prescribed mg/kg value.
- Vials Required: The number of 100 mg vials needed, rounded up to the nearest whole vial.
- Volume to Withdraw (mL): The volume of reconstituted Avsola (10 mg/mL) to be withdrawn from the vials.
- Total Infusion Volume (mL): The total volume after adding the drug to a standard 250 mL infusion bag.
- Dosing Schedule: The recommended administration frequency for the selected indication and phase (induction or maintenance).
How to Use the Calculator
- Select Indication: Choose the patient’s condition from the dropdown menu (e.g., Crohn’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis).
- Enter Patient Weight: Input the patient’s weight and select the appropriate unit (kg or lbs).
- Choose Dosing Phase: Select “Induction” for the initial dosing series or “Maintenance” for ongoing therapy.
- Review Prescribed Dose: The standard mg/kg dose auto-populates. This field can be manually edited for dose adjustments based on clinical assessment.
- Calculate: Click the “Calculate Dose” button to view the full dosing and preparation details.
Dosing Overview
The following table summarizes the standard dosing for approved indications. Doses and frequencies may be adjusted based on clinical response. Always refer to the full Prescribing Information for complete details.
| Indication | Induction Dose | Maintenance Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Crohn’s Disease (Adult & Pediatric) | 5 mg/kg at Weeks 0, 2, 6 | 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks |
| Ulcerative Colitis (Adult & Pediatric) | 5 mg/kg at Weeks 0, 2, 6 | 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | 3 mg/kg at Weeks 0, 2, 6 | 3 mg/kg every 8 weeks. Dose may be increased. |
| Ankylosing Spondylitis | 5 mg/kg at Weeks 0, 2, 6 | 5 mg/kg every 6 weeks |
| Psoriatic Arthritis | 5 mg/kg at Weeks 0, 2, 6 | 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks |
| Plaque Psoriasis | 5 mg/kg at Weeks 0, 2, 6 | 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks |
Switching to Avsola
When transitioning a patient from another biologic therapy to Avsola, the first infusion should generally be administered when the next dose of the previous therapy was due. This decision must be guided by clinical judgment and the patient’s specific history. Consult the Prescribing Information for further guidance.
Missed Dose Protocol
If a patient misses a maintenance infusion, the dose should be administered as soon as possible. The subsequent dosing schedule should then be re-established from the date of this infusion. Do not administer a double dose to compensate for a missed one.
Safety Alerts
FAQ
How does the calculator handle patient weight in pounds (lbs)?
The tool automatically converts the weight from lbs to kilograms (kg) using the standard conversion factor (1 lb ≈ 0.453592 kg) before performing dose calculations.
Can I override the default mg/kg dose?
Yes. While the calculator auto-populates the standard dose based on the selected indication, the “Prescribed Dose” field is editable to allow for customized dosing based on clinical judgment or patient response.
What assumptions does the tool make about preparation?
The calculations assume the use of 100 mg/vial of Avsola, reconstituted with 10 mL of Sterile Water for Injection to a final concentration of 10 mg/mL. The final infusion volume is calculated based on addition to a 250 mL bag of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection.
Does this tool calculate doses for pediatric patients?
Yes, the calculator includes specific indication options for pediatric Crohn’s Disease and pediatric Ulcerative Colitis, which use the same weight-based dosing as the adult populations for those conditions.
Why is the maintenance schedule for Ankylosing Spondylitis different?
The approved maintenance schedule for Ankylosing Spondylitis is 5 mg/kg every 6 weeks, which is more frequent than the typical 8-week interval for most other indications. The calculator reflects this specific regimen.
How is the number of required vials determined?
The total required dose in mg is divided by the vial strength (100 mg), and the result is rounded up to the nearest whole number to ensure enough medication is available for preparation.
Is this calculator a substitute for the official Prescribing Information?
No. This tool is for educational and estimation purposes only. The official Prescribing Information is the sole definitive source for all prescribing, preparation, and administration guidelines.
What is the recommended dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The standard induction and maintenance dose is 3 mg/kg. The Prescribing Information notes that for patients with an inadequate response, the dose may be increased up to 10 mg/kg or the dosing interval shortened.
