Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Aprotinin, Calcium chloride dihydrate, Human fibrinogen, Human thrombin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for What ARTISS is ARTISS is a two-component fibrin sealant, and it contains two of the proteins that make blood clot. These proteins are called fibrinogen and thrombin. When these proteins mix during application, they form a clot where the surgeon applies them. ARTISS is prepared as two solutions (Sealer Protein Solution and Thrombin Solution), which mix when applied. What ARTISS is used for ARTISS is a tissue sealant. ARTISS is applied to glue soft tissues in plastic, reconstructive and burn surgery. For example, ARTISS may be used to glue skin grafts or skin flaps to burn wounds or to glue skin to the underlying tissue in plastic surgery. Also, artificial skin may be glued to wounds with ARTISS.
The clot produced by ARTISS is very similar to a natural blood clot. This means that it will dissolve naturally and leave no residue. However, aprotinin (a protein, that delays dissolution of a clot) is added to increase the longevity of the clot and to prevent its premature dissolution.
e ARTISS Do not use ARTISS: •
if you are allergic to any of the active substances or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
•
ARTISS must not be used for massive or brisk bleeding.
•
ARTISS is not indicated to replace skin sutures intended to close a surgical wound.
•
ARTISS MUST NOT be injected into blood vessels (veins or arteries), or into tissues. As ARTISS forms a clot where it is applied, injecting ARTISS may cause serious reactions (e.g. vessel occlusion). ARTISS should only be applied to the surface of tissues as a thin layer where it is needed.
•
You must not receive ARTISS if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to the active substances, to bovine protein or any of the other ingredients (see section 6) of ARTISS. It may cause serious allergic reactions. Please inform your doctor or surgeon if you know that you are allergic against aprotinin or any bovine protein.
•
Spray application of ARTISS should not be used in endoscopic procedures. For laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), see section "Warnings and Precautions".
Warnings and precautions •
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using ARTISS.
•
Life-threatening/fatal air or gas embolism (air getting into the blood circulation which can be serious or life-threatening) has occurred with the use of spray devices employing pressure regulators to administer fibrin sealants. This appears to be related to the use of the spray device at higher than recommended pressures and/or in close proximity to the tissue surface. The risk appears to be higher when fibrin sealants are sprayed with air, as compared to CO2 and therefore cannot be excluded with ARTISS.
•
When ARTISS is applied using a spray device, the pressure and spraying distance have to be within the range recommended by the manufacturer. ARTISS should be administered strictly according to the instructions and only with devices recommended for this product.
•
When spraying ARTISS, changes in blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and end tidal CO2 should be monitored for possible occurrence of gas embolism.
•
ARTISS must not be used with the Easy Spray/ Spray Set system in enclosed body areas for serious safety reasons.
•
ARTISS is not recommended for laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery).
•
ARTISS should be applied only with CE marked application devices.
•
If accessory tips are used with this product, the instructions for use of the tips should be followed
•
If you have ever received ARTISS or aprotinin before, your body may have become sensitive to it. It is possible you may be allergic to this material, even if there was no reaction to the first application. If you think you have received either product in a previous operation, you have to inform your doctor about this.
•
If there is any sign of an allergic reaction, your doctor will stop the use of ARTISS immediately and give appropriate treatment.
•
ARTISS is not indicated to stop bleeding and for sealing in situations where a fast clotting of the sealant is required. Especially in heart surgery procedures in which sealing of surgical connections between blood vessels is intended ARTISS should not be used.
•
ARTISS is not indicated for use in neurosurgery and as a suture support for gastrointestinal anastomoses or vascular anastomoses as no data are available to support these indications.
•
Before administration of ARTISS parts of the body outside the designated application area have to be sufficiently protected/covered to prevent unwanted tissue adhesion. ARTISS is applied as a thin layer. Excessive clot thickness may negatively interfere with the product's efficacy and the wound healing process. Your doctor will not use oxycellulose-containing preparations as carrier materials as they may reduce the efficacy of ARTISS.
• •
When medicines are made from human blood or plasma, certain measures are put in place to prevent infections being passed on to patients. These include: •
careful selection of blood and plasma donors to make sure those at risk of carrying infections are excluded,
•
the testing of each donation and pools of plasma for signs of virus/infections,
•
the inclusion of steps in the processing of the blood or plasma that can inactivate or remove viruses.
Despite these measures, when medicines prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of passing on infection cannot be totally excluded. This also applies to any unknown or emerging viruses or other types of infections. The measures taken are considered effective for enveloped viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, and for the non-enveloped hepatitis A virus. The measures taken may be of limited value against non-enveloped viruses such as parvovirus B19. Parvovirus B19 infection may be serious for pregnant women (foetal infection) and for individuals whose immune system is depressed or who have some types of anaemia (e.g. sickle cell disease or haemolytic anaemia). It is strongly recommended that every time you receive a dose of ARTISS the name and batch number of the product are recorded in order to maintain a record of the batches used. Other medicines and ARTISS Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. ARTISS can be used when you are receiving other medical products. There are no known interactions between ARTISS and other medicinal products. As with comparable products or thrombin solutions, the product may be destroyed by contact with solutions containing alcohol, iodine or heavy metals (e.g. antiseptic solutions). Care should be taken to remove such substances as much as possible before applying the product. ARTISS with food and drink Please ask your doctor. The doctor will decide if you are allowed to eat and drink before the application of ARTISS. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Your doctor will decide if you can use ARTISS during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Driving and using machines ARTISS will not affect your ability to drive or operate other types of machines.
ARTISS contains Polysorbate 80 Polysorbate 80 can cause skin allergy (e.g. rash, itching).
ARTISS •
ARTISS is only applied during a surgical operation. The use of ARTISS is restricted to experienced surgeons who have been trained in the use of ARTISS.
•
The amount of ARTISS that will be used depends on a number of factors, including the type of surgery, the surface area of tissue to be treated during your operation and the way ARTISS is applied. The surgeon will decide how much is appropriate.
•
During your operation, the surgeon will apply ARTISS onto the relevant tissue surface, using the special application device provided. This device ensures that equal amounts of both fibrin sealant components are applied at the same time – which is important for the optimal effect of ARTISS.
•
Prior to applying ARTISS the surface area of the wound needs to be dried by standard techniques (e.g. intermittent application of compresses, swabs, use of suction devices).
•
ARTISS must be sprayed only onto application sites that are visible.
•
It is recommended that the initial application covers the entire intended application area.
When applying ARTISS using a spray device be sure to use a pressure and a distance from the tissue within the range recommended by the manufacturer as follows: Recommended pressure, distance and devices for spray application of ARTISS Surgery
Spray set to be used
Open wound surgery of subcutaneous tissue
Tisseel / Artiss Spray Set Tisseel / Artiss Spray Set 10 pack
Pressure regulator to be used EasySpray EasySpray
Gas Medical grade CO2, Compressed Air or Nitrogen
Recommended distance from target tissue
Recommended spray pressure
10 – 15 cm
1.5-2.0 bar (21.8-29.0 psi)
When spraying the ARTISS, changes in blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and end tidal CO2 should be monitored because of the possibility of occurrence of air or gas embolism (see section 2).
If you use more ARTISS than you should ARTISS is only applied during a surgical operation. It is applied by the surgeon and the amount of ARTISS is determined by the surgeon. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following table explains what is meant with a certain frequency, as given in the following section: very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data •
There is a slight possibility that you might have an allergic reaction to one of the components of ARTISS (see section 6). This is more likely if you have been treated with ARTISS or aprotinin during a previous operation. Allergic reactions can be serious, and it is very important that you discuss this possibility in detail with your doctor.
•
Allergic reactions of the anaphylactic/anaphylactoid type may occur, frequency of this is not known. Early symptoms of allergic reactions can be: flushing, a fall in blood pressure, increased or decreased pulse rate, nausea (feeling sick), hives, itching, difficulty breathing.
•
The surgical team treating you will be aware of the risk of this type of reaction – if they see any symptoms, the application of ARTISS will be stopped immediately. Severe symptoms may require emergency treatment. The frequency for allergic reactions is not known.
•
If ARTISS is injected into soft tissues, it can cause local tissue damage. Frequency is not known.
•
If ARTISS is injected into blood vessels (veins or arteries), it can cause clots to form (thrombosis). Frequency is not known.
•
As ARTISS is made from plasma from blood donations, the risk of infection cannot be totally excluded, but the manufacturer undertakes numerous measures to reduce the risk (see section 2).
•
Life-threatening/fatal air or gas embolism (air getting into the blood circulation which can be serious or life-threatening) has occurred with the use of spray devices employing pressure regulators to administer fibrin sealants. This appears to be related to the use of the spray device at higher than recommended pressures and/or in close proximity to the tissue surface.
Adverse reactions reported from clinical studies of ARTISS and from post-marketing experience with Baxter Fibrin Sealants are summarized in the following. Known frequencies of these adverse reactions are based on a controlled clinical study in 138 patients where skin grafts were fixed to excised burn wounds using ARTISS. None of the events observed in the clinical study were classified as serious. Table 1 Adverse Reactions Adverse Reaction Dermal cyst Itching Skin graft failure Gas bubbles in the vascular system (Air embolism)*
Frequency uncommon common common not known
The following adverse reactions have been reported for other fibrin sealants, frequencies of those cannot be provided: Allergy, severe allergic reaction, slow heart rate, fast heart rate, decrease in blood pressure, effusion of blood, shortness of breath, sickness, hives, flushing, impaired healing, swelling, fever, and accumulation of lymph and other clear body fluids under the skin near the surgical site. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
ARTISS •
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
•
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label after "EXP".
•
Store and transport frozen (at ≤ -20°C) without interruption until preparation for use.
•
Keep the syringe in the original package in order to protect from light.
Storing after thawing: Unopened pouches, thawed at room temperature, may be stored for up to 14 days at controlled room temperature (not exceeding +25°C). After thawing, the solutions must not be refrozen or refrigerated! Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
What ARTISS contains ARTISS contains two components: Component 1 = Sealer Protein Solution: The active substances contained in 1ml of the Sealer Protein Solution are: Human Fibrinogen, 91 mg/ml produced from the plasma of human donors; Aprotinin 3000 KIU/ml. The excipients are Human Albumin, L-Histidine, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Citrate Dihydrate and Water for Injections. Component 2 = Thrombin Solution: The active substances contained in 1 ml of the Thrombin Solution are: Human Thrombin, 4 IU/ml produced from the plasma of human donors; Calcium Chloride Dihydrate, 40 μmol/ml. The excipients are Human Albumin, Sodium Chloride and Water for Injections.
After mixing 1 ml Component 1: Sealer protein solution
2 ml
4 ml
10 ml
Human Fibrinogen (as clottable protein) Aprotinin (synthetic) Component 2: Thrombin Solution
45.5 mg
91 mg
182 mg
455 mg
1,500 KIU
3,000 KIU
6,000 KIU
15,000 KIU
Human Thrombin Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
2 IU 20 μmol
4 IU 40 μmol
8 IU 80 μmol
20 IU 200 μmol
ARTISS contains Human Factor XIII co-purified with Human Fibrinogen in a range of 0.6 – 5 IU/ml. What ARTISS looks like and the contents of the pack Solutions for sealant. Artiss is supplied in a pre-filled single-use double chamber syringe closed with a tip cap packed in two pouches (outer and inner pouch) and one device set with 2 joining pieces and 4 application cannulas. After thawing the solutions are colourless to pale yellow and clear to slightly turbid. Artiss is available in the following pack sizes of 1 syringe: •
2 ml (1 ml of human fibrinogen and 1 ml of human thrombin)
•
4 ml (2 ml of human fibrinogen and 2 ml of human thrombin)
•
10 ml (5 ml of human fibrinogen and 5 ml of human thrombin)
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Baxter Healthcare Ltd Caxton Way, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3SE United Kingdom Tel 01635 206345 e-mail [email protected] Manufacturer Takeda Manufacturing Austria AG Industriestraße 67 A-1221 Vienna Austria
This medicine is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: ARTISS for the following countries: AT, BE, CZ, DE, ES, FI, FR, IE, IT, LU, NL, NO, PL, UK(NI) Artiss in DK, SE This leaflet was last revised in: 07/2025 ——————————————————————————————————
The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only: Fertility, pregnancy and lactation The safety of fibrin sealants/haemostatics for use in human pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established in controlled clinical trials. Experimental animal studies are insufficient to assess the safety with respect to reproduction, development of the embryo or foetus, the course of gestation and periand postnatal development. Therefore, the product should be administered to pregnant and lactating women only if clearly needed. The effects of ARTISS on fertility have not been established. Posology and method of administration ARTISS is intended for hospital use only. The use of ARTISS is restricted to experienced surgeons who have been trained in the use of ARTISS. Posology The amount of ARTISS to be applied and the frequency of application should always be oriented towards the underlying clinical needs of the patient. The dose to be applied is governed by variables including, but not limited to, the type of surgical intervention, the size of the area and the mode of intended application, and the number of applications. Application of the product must be individualized by the treating physician. In clinical trials, the individual dosages have typically ranged from 0.2-12 ml. For some procedures (e.g. the sealing of large burned surfaces), larger volumes may be required. The initial amount of the product to be applied at a chosen anatomic site or target surface area should be sufficient to entirely cover the intended application area. The application can be repeated, if necessary, to any small areas that may not have been previously treated. However, avoid reapplication of ARTISS to a pre-existing polymerized ARTISS layer as ARTISS will not adhere to a polymerized layer. It is recommended that the initial application covers the entire intended application area.
As a guideline for the gluing of surfaces, 1 pack of ARTISS 2 ml (i.e., 1 ml Sealer Protein Solution plus 1 ml Thrombin Solution) will be sufficient for an area of at least 10 cm2. The skin graft should be attached to the wound bed immediately after ARTISS has been applied. The surgeon has up to 60 seconds to manipulate and position the graft prior to polymerization. After the flap or graft has been positioned, hold in the desired position by gentle compression for at least 3 minutes to ensure ARTISS sets properly and the graft or flap adheres firmly to the underlying tissue. The required amount of ARTISS depends on the size of the surface to be covered. The approximate surface areas covered by each pack size of ARTISS by spray application are: Approximate area requiring tissue adherence
Required pack size of ARTISS
100 cm2
2 ml
200 cm2
4 ml
500 cm2
10 ml
To avoid the formation of excess granulation tissue and to ensure gradual absorption of the solidified fibrin sealant, only a thin layer of the mixed Sealer Protein Thrombin Solution, should be applied. ARTISS has not been administered to patients > 65 years old in clinical trials. Paediatric Population Currently available data are described in section 5.1 of the SmPC but no recommendation on a posology can be made. Method of administration For epilesional (topical) use. Do not inject. For subcutaneous use only. ARTISS is not recommended for laparoscopic surgery. In order to ensure optimal safe use of ARTISS it should be sprayed using a pressure regulator device that delivers a maximum pressure of up to 2.0 bar (29.0 psi).
Prior to applying ARTISS the surface area of the wound needs to be dried by standard techniques (e.g. intermittent application of compresses, swabs, use of suction devices). Do not use pressurized air or gas for drying the site. ARTISS must be sprayed only onto application sites that are visible. ARTISS should only be reconstituted and administered according to the instructions and with the devices recommended for this product. For spray application, see section Administration below. Before administration of ARTISS care is to be taken that parts of the body outside the designated application area are sufficiently protected/covered to prevent tissue adhesion at undesired sites. Special precautions for disposal and other handling General •
The inner pouch and its contents are sterile unless the integrity of the outer pouch is compromised.
•
The sealer protein and the thrombin solutions should be clear or slightly opalescent.
•
Do not use solutions that are cloudy, discolored, have deposits or other changes in their appearance, including the consistency of a solidified gel after thawing.
Before the application of ARTISS, ensure that all parts of the body outside the desired application area are sufficiently covered to prevent tissue adhesion at undesired sites. Thawing of the frozen presentation •
•
Do not use ARTISS unless it is completely thawed and warmed (liquid to slightly viscous consistency).
•
ARTISS must not be exposed to temperatures above 37°C and must not be microwaved. The protective syringe cap should not be removed until thawing and warming is complete, and application tip is ready to be attached. To facilitate removal of the tip cap from the syringe, rock the tip cap by moving it backward and forward, then pull the protective cap off the syringe.
• •
Thaw and warm the pre-filled syringes using one of the following options:
Option 1: Quick thawing/warming methods (preparation in a single step) a. Sterile Water Bath b. Non-Sterile Water Bath c. Incubator Option 2: Thawing at Room Temperature (not above +25°C) followed by warming in Incubator (possibility of interim storage for up to 14 days at temperatures not exceeding +25°C) 1. Quick thawing/warming methods An overview of the quick thawing/warming methods is provided in Table 2. Table 2: Quick Thawing /Warming Methods at 33°C – 37°C Minimum Thawing/Warming Times Pack Size
Sterile Water Bath (Pouches Removed)
Non-Sterile Water Bath (In Pouches)
Incubator (In Pouches)
2 ml
5 min
15 min
40 min
4 ml
5 min
20 min
50 min
10 ml
10 min
35 min
90 min
Note: If a water bath is used it must not exceed the temperature of +37°C. a) Sterile Water Bath (Recommended Method) • •
•
Remove the outer pouch and transfer the pre-filled syringe packed in the inner pouch, into the sterile area. Remove the pre-filled syringe from the inner pouch and place the syringe directly into the sterile water heated to 33°C-37°C ensuring the syringe is completely immersed in the water (See Table 2 for minimum thawing/warming times). To monitor the specified temperature range, control the water temperature using a thermometer and change the water as necessary.
b) Non-Sterile Water Bath • • •
Place the pre-filled syringe packed in both pouches, in a water bath heated to 33°C-37°C outside the sterile area, ensuring the pouches remain immersed in the water (See Table 2 for minimum thawing/warming times). Remove the pouches from the water bath after thawing and warming. Dry and remove the outer pouch and transfer the pre-filled syringe in the inner pouch, onto the sterile area.
c) Incubator
•
Place the pre-filled syringe, packed in both pouches, in an incubator outside the sterile area (See Table 2 for minimum thawing/warming times).
•
After thawing/warming in the incubator, remove the outer pouch and transfer the pre-filled syringe, inside the inner pouch, into the sterile area.
2. Thawing at Room Temperature (not above +25°C) followed by warming in Incubator • • •
Thaw the pre-filled syringe, packed in both pouches, at room temperature outside the sterile area (See Table 3 for minimum thawing times). Warm the pre-filled syringe, packed in both pouches, in an incubator at 33°C37°C outside the sterile area (See Table 3 for minimum warming times). After thawing/warming in the incubator, remove the outer pouch and transfer the pre-filled syringe, inside the inner pouch, into the sterile area.
Table 3: Thawing at Room Temperature and Warming in Incubator Pack Size
Minimum Thawing/Warming Times
2 ml
Thawing at room temperature (Not above 25°C) 80 minutes
Warming in Incubator (33-37°C) +11 minutes
4 ml
90 minutes
+13 minutes
10 ml
160 minutes
+25 minutes
Stability after thawing After thawing and warming at 33°C-37°C (Options 1 and 2), the product must be used within 4 hours. After thawing at room temperature (Option 2), the product can be stored for up to 14 days at temperatures not exceeding 25°C, provided it remains sealed in the original package (both pouches). Do not re-freeze or refrigerate once thawing has been initiated. Handling after thawing / before application The product must be warmed to 33°C – 37°C before use.
To achieve optimal blending of the two solutions and optimal solidification of the fibrin sealant, maintain the two sealant components at 33°C – 37°C until application. The thawed sealer protein solution should be liquid but slightly viscous. If the solution has the consistency of a solidified gel, it must be assumed to have become denatured (possibly due to an interruption of the cold storage chain or by overheating during warming). In this case, do NOT use ARTISS on any account. Non-Spray Administration For application, connect the double chamber ready-to-use syringe with the sealer protein solution and the thrombin solution to a joining piece and an application cannula – both are provided in the set with the application devices. The common plunger of the double chamber ready-to-use syringe ensures that equal volumes of the two sealant components are fed through the joining piece into the application cannula where they are blended and then applied. Operating instructions
Tether Strap
Double Plunger
Double Chamber Syringe Joining piece Application Cannula
• •
Expel all air from the syringe prior to attaching any application device. Align the joining piece and tether to the side of the syringe with the tether strap hole.
Connect the nozzles of the double chamber ready-to-use syringe to the joining piece, ensuring that they are firmly attached. o Secure the joining piece by fastening the tether strap to the double chamber ready-to-use syringe. o If the tether strap tears, use the spare joining piece provided in the kit. o If a spare joining piece is not available, the system can still be used if care is taken to ensure that the connection is secure and leak-proof. o Do NOT expel the air remaining inside the joining piece.
•
Administration Prior to applying ARTISS the surface of the wound needs to be dried by standard techniques (e.g. intermittent application of compresses, swabs, use of suction devices). Do not use pressurized air or gas for drying the site.
If application of the fibrin sealant components is interrupted, clogging may occur in the cannula. In this case, replace the application cannula with a new one immediately before application is resumed. If the openings of the joining piece are clogged, use the spare joining piece provided in the package. Application is also possible with other accessories supplied by BAXTER that are particularly suited for, e.g. application to large or difficult-to-access areas. When using these application devices, strictly follow the Instructions for Use of the devices. For further preparation instructions please refer to the responsible nurse or medical doctor.
Application with Spray Device
The pressure regulator should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. When applying ARTISS using a spray device be sure to use a pressure and a distance from tissue within the ranges recommended by the manufacturer as follows:
Table 4: Recommended pressure, distance and devices for spray application of ARTISS Surgery
Spray set to be used
Pressure regulator to be used
Gas
Recommended distance from target tissue
Recommended spray pressure
Tisseel / Artiss Medical EasySpray Spray Set grade *CO2, 1.5-2.0 bar Compressed 10 – 15 cm Tisseel / Artiss (21.8-29.0 psi) Air or Spray Set 10 EasySpray Nitrogen pack
Equivalent spray devices, intended for specific use with ARTISS, may also be used. When using other spray devices, follow the instructions for use that are provided with the device. When spraying ARTISS, changes in blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and end tidal CO2 should be monitored because of the possibility of occurrence of air or gas embolism (see SmPC sections 4.2 and 4.4). When using accessory tips with this product, the instructions for use of the tips should be followed. Disposal Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
The active substance in ARTISS Solutions for Sealant is aprotinin, calcium chloride dihydrate, human fibrinogen, human thrombin.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: TISSEEL Ready to use Solutions for Sealant. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for ARTISS Solutions for Sealant, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
ARTISS is indicated as a tissue glue to adhere/seal subcutaneous tissue in plastic, reconstructive and burn surgery, as a replacement or an adjunct to sutures or staples (see 5.1). In addition, ARTISS is indicated as an adjunct to hemostasis on subcutaneous tissue surfaces.
ARTISS is intended for hospital use only. The use of ARTISS is restricted to experienced surgeons who have been trained in the use of ARTISS.
Posology
The amount of ARTISS to be applied and the frequency of application should always be oriented towards the underlying clinical needs of the patient.
The dose to be applied is governed by variables including, but not limited to, the type of surgical intervention, the size of the area and the mode of intended application, and the number of applications.
Application of the product must be individualized by the treating physician. In clinical trials, the individual dosages have typically ranged from 0.2-12 ml. For some procedures (e.g. the sealing of large burned surfaces), larger volumes may be required.
The initial amount of the product to be applied at a chosen anatomic site or target surface area should be sufficient to entirely cover the intended application area. The application can be repeated, if necessary, to any small areas that may have not been previously treated. However, avoid reapplication of ARTISS to a pre-existing polymerized ARTISS layer as ARTISS will not adhere to a polymerized layer.
It is recommended that the initial application covers the entire intended application area.
As a guideline for the gluing of surfaces, 1 pack of ARTISS 2 ml (i.e., 1 ml Sealer Protein Solution plus 1 ml Thrombin Solution) will be sufficient for an area of at least 10 cm2.
The skin graft should be attached to the wound bed immediately after ARTISS has been applied. The surgeon has up to 60 seconds to manipulate and position the graft prior to polymerization. After the flap or graft has been positioned, hold in the desired position by gentle compression for at least 3 minutes to ensure ARTISS sets properly and the graft or flap adheres firmly to the underlying tissue.
The required amount of ARTISS depends on the size of the surface to be covered. The approximate surface areas covered by each pack size of ARTISS by spray application are:
Approximate area requiring tissue adherence
Required pack size of ARTISS
100 cm2
200 cm2
500 cm2
2 ml
4 ml
10 ml
To avoid the formation of excess granulation tissue and to ensure gradual absorption of the solidified fibrin sealant, only a thin layer of the mixed Sealer Protein - Thrombin Solution should be applied.
ARTISS has not been administered to patients > 65 years old in clinical trials.
Paediatric Population
Currently available data are described in section 5.1 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Method of administration
For epilesional (topical) use. Do not inject.
For subcutaneous use only. ARTISS is not recommended for laparoscopic surgery, see also section 4.4.
In order to ensure optimal safe use of ARTISS it should be sprayed using a pressure regulator device that delivers a maximum pressure of up to 2.0 bar (29.0 psi).
Prior to applying ARTISS the surface area of the wound needs to be dried by standard techniques (e.g. intermittent application of compresses, swabs, use of suction devices). Do not use pressurized air or gas for drying the site.
ARTISS must be sprayed only onto application sites that are visible.
ARTISS should only be reconstituted and administered according to the instructions and with the devices recommended for this product (see section 6.6).
For spray application, see sections 4.4 and 6.6 for specific recommendations on the required pressure and distance from tissue per surgical procedure and length of applicator tips.
ARTISS is not indicated to replace skin sutures intended to close surgical wounds. ARTISS alone is not indicated for the treatment of massive and brisk arterial or venous bleeding.
ARTISS must never be applied intravascularly.
ARTISS is contraindicated in the case of hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 (see also section 4.4. Special Warnings). Spray application of ARTISS should not be used in endoscopic procedures. For laparoscopy, see section 4.4.
For epilesional use only. Do not apply intravascularly. Life threatening thromboembolic complications may occur if the preparation is unintentionally applied intravascularly. Soft tissue injection of ARTISS carries the risk of local tissue damage.
Caution must be used when applying fibrin sealant using pressurized air or gas.
• Any application of pressurized air or gas is associated with a potential risk of air or gas embolism, tissue rupture, or gas entrapment with compression, which may be life-threatening or fatal.
• Apply ARTISS as a thin layer. Excessive clot thickness may negatively interfere with the product´s efficacy and the wound healing process.
• Life-threatening/fatal air or gas embolism has occurred with the use of spray devices employing a pressure regulator to administer fibrin sealants. This event appears to be related to the use of the spray device at higher than recommended pressures and/or in close proximity to the tissue surface. The risk appears to be higher when fibrin sealants are sprayed with air, as compared to CO2 and therefore cannot be excluded with ARTISS when sprayed in open wound surgery.
• When applying ARTISS using a spray device, be sure to use a pressure within the pressure range recommended by the spray device manufacturer (see table in section 6.6 for pressures and distances).
• ARTISS spray application should only be used if it is possible to accurately judge the spray distance as recommended by the manufacturer. Do not spray closer than the recommended distances. Spray distance from tissue and pressure should be within the ranges recommended by the marketing authorisation holder of this product (see table in section 6.6 for pressure and distance).
• When spraying ARTISS, changes in blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and end tidal CO2 should be monitored because of the possibility of occurrence of air or gas embolism (also see section 4.2).
• ARTISS must not be used with the Easy Spray / Spray Set system in enclosed body areas for serious safety reasons.
• ARTISS is not recommended for laparoscopic use.
• Only use application devices CE marked for the administration of ARTISS.
• When using accessory tips with this product, the instructions for use of the tips should be followed.
ARTISS is not indicated for hemostasis and sealing in situations where a fast clotting of the sealant is required. Especially in cardiovascular procedures in which sealing of vascular anastomoses is intended ARTISS should not be used.
ARTISS is not indicated for use in neurosurgery and as a suture support for gastrointestinal anastomoses or vascular anastomoses as no data are available to support these indications.
Before administration of ARTISS care is to be taken that parts of the body outside the designated application area are sufficiently protected/covered to prevent tissue adhesion at undesired sites.
Oxycellulose-containing preparations may reduce the efficacy of ARTISS and should not be used as carrier materials (see Section 6.2).
Polysorbates can cause skin allergy (e.g. rash, itching).
As with any protein-containing product, allergic type hypersensitivity reactions are possible. Signs of hypersensitivity reactions may include hives, generalized urticaria, tightness of the chest, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis. If these symptoms occur, the administration must be discontinued immediately.
ARTISS contains aprotinin. Even in case of strict local application, there is a risk of anaphylactic reaction linked to the presence of aprotinin. The risk seems to be higher in cases where there was previous exposure, even if it was well tolerated. Therefore, any use of aprotinin or aprotinin containing products should be recorded in the patients' records.
As synthetic aprotinin is structurally identical to bovine aprotinin the use of ARTISS in patients with allergies to bovine proteins should be carefully evaluated.
In the event of anaphylactic/anaphylactoid or severe hypersensitivity reactions, administration is to be discontinued. If possible, remove any applied, polymerized product from the surgical site. Adequate medical treatment and provisions should be available for immediate use in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. State-of-the-art emergency measures are to be taken.
In case of shock, standard medical treatment for shock should be implemented.
Standard measures to prevent infections resulting from the use of medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma include selection of donors, screening of individual donations and plasma pools for specific markers of infection and the inclusion of effective manufacturing steps for the inactivation/removal of viruses.
Despite this, when medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of transmitting infective agents cannot be totally excluded. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses or other pathogens.
The measures taken are considered effective for enveloped viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and for the non-enveloped hepatitis A virus (HAV).
The measures taken may be of limited value against non-enveloped viruses such as parvovirus B19. Parvovirus B19 infection may be serious for pregnant women (fetal infection) and for individuals with immunodeficiency or increased erythropoiesis (e.g., hemolytic anemia).
It is strongly recommended that every time that ARTISS is administered to the patient, the name and batch number of the product are recorded in order to maintain a link between the patient and the batch of the product.
No formal interaction studies have been performed.
Similar to comparable products or thrombin solutions, the product may be denatured after exposure to solutions containing alcohol, iodine or heavy metals (e.g. antiseptic solutions). Such substances should be removed to the greatest possible extent before applying the product.
See section 4.4 or 6.2 for substances that can interfere with the product's performance.
The safety of fibrin sealants/haemostatics for use in human pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established in controlled clinical trials.
Experimental animal studies are insufficient to assess the safety with respect to reproduction, development of the embryo or foetus, the course of gestation and peri-and postnatal development.
Therefore, the product should be administered to pregnant and lactating women only if clearly needed.
See section 4.4 for information on Parvovirus B19 infection.
The effects of ARTISS on fertility have not been established.
Not relevant.
Intravascular injection could lead to thromboembolic events and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and there is also a risk of anaphylactic reactions (see section 4.4).
Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions (which may include angioedema, burning and stinging at the application site, bradycardia, bronchospasm, chills, dyspnoea, flushing, generalized urticaria, headache, hives, hypotension, lethargy, nausea, pruritus, restlessness, tachycardia, tightness of the chest, tingling, vomiting, wheezing) may occur in rare cases in patients treated with fibrin sealants/hemostatics.
In isolated cases, these reactions have progressed to severe anaphylaxis. Such reactions may especially be seen if the preparation is applied repeatedly, or administered to patients known to be hypersensitive to aprotinin (see section 4.4) or any other constituents of the product.
Even if a first treatment with ARTISS was well tolerated, a subsequent administration of ARTISS or systemic administration of aprotinin may result in severe anaphylactic reactions.
Antibodies against components of fibrin sealant may rarely occur.
For safety with respect to transmissible agents, see section 4.4.
Life-threatening air or gas embolism has occurred with the use of spray devices employing a pressure regulator to administer fibrin sealant/haemostatic products. This event appears to be related to the use of the spray device at higher than recommended pressures and/or in close proximity to the tissue surface.
Adverse reactions summarized in the table below were reported from clinical studies of ARTISS and from post-marketing experience with Baxter Fibrin Sealants (marked with a p in the adverse event table). Known frequencies of these adverse reactions are based on a controlled clinical study in 138 patients where skin grafts were fixed to excised burn wounds using ARTISS. None of the events observed in the clinical study were classified as serious.
The ADRs and their frequencies are summarized below:
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100)
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
Table 1
Adverse Reactions
System organ class (SOC)
Preferred MedDRA Term
Frequency
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Dermal cyst
uncommon
Pruritus
common
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Skin graft failure
common
Vascular disorders
Air embolismp due to an inappropriate use of the spray device (see section 4.4)
not known
p Adverse events observed in post-marketing experience with Baxter Fibrin Sealants.
Class Reactions
Other adverse reactions associated with products of the fibrin sealant/hemostatic class include: Hypersensitivity reactions which could manifest as application site irritation, chest discomfort, chills, headache, lethargy, restlessness and vomiting. Further class reactions are: Anaphylactic reaction, bradycardia, tachycardia, hypotension, haematoma, dyspnoea, nausea, urticaria, flushing, impaired healing, oedema, pyrexia and seroma.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
No case of overdose has been reported.
Ask anything about ARTISS Solutions for Sealant. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
We use essential cookies to make the site work. We would also like to set optional cookies to understand how the site is used, so we can improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept. See our cookie policy and privacy policy.