WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Serious Asthma-Related Events – Hospitalizations, Intubations, Death
Use of LABA as monotherapy (without ICS) for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death [see Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial (SMART)]. Available data from controlled clinical trials also suggest that use of LABA as monotherapy increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. These findings are considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy. When LABA are used in fixed-dose combination with ICS, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared with ICS alone [see Serious Asthma-Related Events with Inhaled Corticosteroid/Long-acting Beta2-adrenergic Agonists].
Serious Asthma-Related Events With Inhaled Corticosteroid/Long-Acting Beta2-Adrenergic Agonists
Four large, 26-week, randomized, blinded, active-controlled clinical safety trials were conducted to evaluate the risk of serious asthma-related events when LABA were used in fixed-dose combination with ICS compared with ICS alone in subjects with asthma. Three (3) trials included adult and adolescent subjects aged 12 years and older: 1 trial compared budesonide/formoterol to budesonide, 1 trial compared fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder to fluticasone propionate inhalation powder, and 1 trial compared mometasone furoate/formoterol to mometasone furoate. The fourth trial included pediatric subjects aged 4 to 11 years and compared fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder to fluticasone propionate inhalation powder. The primary safety endpoint for all 4 trials was serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death). A blinded adjudication committee determined whether events were asthma-related.
The 3 adult and adolescent trials were designed to rule out a risk margin of 2.0, and the pediatric trial was designed to rule out a risk margin of 2.7. Each individual trial met its pre-specified objective and demonstrated non-inferiority of ICS/LABA to ICS alone. A meta-analysis of the 3 adult and adolescent trials did not show a significant increase in risk of a serious asthma-related event with ICS/LABA fixed-dose combination compared with ICS alone (Table 1). These trials were not designed to rule out all risk for serious asthma-related events with ICS/LABA compared with ICS.
Table 1. Meta-analysis of Serious Asthma-Related Events in Subjects with Asthma Aged 12 Years and Older
|
ICS/LABA (n =17,537) a |
ICS (n = 17,552) a |
ICS/LABA vs. ICS Hazard Ratio (95% CI)b |
Serious asthma-related eventc |
116 |
105 |
1.10
(0.85, 1.44) |
Asthma-related death |
2 |
0 |
|
Asthma-related intubation (endotracheal) |
1 |
2 |
|
Asthma-related hospitalization (≥24-hour stay) |
115 |
105 |
|
ICS = Inhaled Corticosteroid; LABA = Long-acting Beta2-adrenergic Agonist.
a Randomized subjects who had taken at least 1 dose of study drug. Planned treatment used for
analysis.
b Estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model for time to first event with baseline hazards
stratified by each of the 3 trials.
c Number of subjects with events that occurred within 6 months after the first use of study drug or 7
days after the last date of study drug, whichever date was later. Subjects can have one or more events,
but only the first event was counted for analysis. A single, blinded, independent adjudication
committee determined whether events were asthma related. |
The pediatric safety trial included 6,208 pediatric patients aged 4 to 11 years who received ICS/LABA (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder) or ICS (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder). In this trial 27/3,107 (0.9%) of patients treated with ICS/LABA and 21/3,101 (0.7%) of patients treated with ICS experienced a serious asthma-related event. There were no asthma-related deaths or intubations. ICS/LABA did not show a significantly increased risk of a serious asthma-related event compared to ICS based on the prespecified risk margin (2.7), with an estimated hazard ratio of time to first event of 1.29 (95% CI: 0.73, 2.27).
Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial (SMART)
A 28-week, placebo-controlled, U.S. trial that compared the safety of salmeterol with placebo, each added to usual asthma therapy, showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol (13/13,176 in subjects treated with salmeterol versus 3/13,179 in subjects treated with placebo; relative risk: 4.37 [95% CI: 1.25, 15.34]). Use of background ICS was not required in SMART. The increased risk of asthma-related death is considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy.
Deterioration Of Disease And Acute Episodes
AIRDUO RESPICLICK should not be initiated in patients during rapidly deteriorating or potentially life-threatening episodes of asthma. AIRDUO RESPICLICK has not been studied in subjects with acutely deteriorating asthma. The initiation of AIRDUO RESPICLICK in this setting is not appropriate.
Serious acute respiratory events, including fatalities, have been reported when salmeterol, a component of AIRDUO RESPICLICK, has been initiated in patients with significantly worsening or acutely deteriorating asthma. In most cases, these have occurred in patients with severe asthma (e.g., patients with a history of corticosteroid dependence, low pulmonary function, intubation, mechanical ventilation, frequent hospitalizations, previous life-threatening acute asthma exacerbations) and in some patients with acutely deteriorating asthma (e.g., patients with significantly increasing symptoms; increasing need for inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists; decreasing response to usual medications; increasing need for systemic corticosteroids; recent emergency room visits; deteriorating lung function). However, these events have occurred in a few patients with less severe asthma as well. It was not possible from these reports to determine whether salmeterol contributed to these events.
Increasing use of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists is a marker of deteriorating asthma. In this situation, the patient requires immediate reevaluation with reassessment of the treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for replacing the current strength of AIRDUO RESPICLICK with a higher strength, adding additional inhaled corticosteroid, or initiating systemic corticosteroids. Patients should not use more than 1 inhalation twice daily of AIRDUO RESPICLICK.
AIRDUO RESPICLICK should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. An inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist, not AIRDUO RESPICLICK, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as shortness of breath. When prescribing AIRDUO RESPICLICK, the healthcare provider should also prescribe an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist (e.g., albuterol) for treatment of acute symptoms, despite regular twice-daily use of AIRDUO RESPICLICK.
When beginning treatment with AIRDUO RESPICLICK, patients who have been taking oral or inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists on a regular basis (e.g., 4 times a day) should be instructed to discontinue the regular use of these drugs.
Excessive Use Of AIRDUO RESPICLICK And Use With Other Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
AIRDUO RESPICLICK should not be used more often than recommended, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medicines containing LABA, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs. Patients using AIRDUO RESPICLICK should not use another medicine containing a LABA (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol fumarate, arformoterol tartrate, indacaterol) for any reason.
Local Effects Of Inhaled Corticosteroids
In clinical trials, the development of localized infections of the mouth and pharynx with Candida albicans has occurred in subjects treated with AIRDUO RESPICLICK. When such an infection
develops, it should be treated with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while treatment with AIRDUO RESPICLICK continues, but at times therapy with AIRDUO RESPICLICK may need to be interrupted. Advise the patient to rinse his/her mouth with water without swallowing following inhalation to help reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Immunosuppression
Persons who are using drugs that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in susceptible adolescents or adults using corticosteroids. In such patients who have not had these diseases or who have not been properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If a patient is exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) or pooled intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be indicated. If a patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chickenpox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.
Inhaled corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract; systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.
Transferring Patients From Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy
Particular care is needed for patients who are transferred from systemically active corticosteroids to inhaled corticosteroids because deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in patients with asthma during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less systemically available inhaled corticosteroids. After withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids, a number of months are required for recovery of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function.
Patients who have been previously maintained on 20 mg or more of prednisone (or its equivalent) may be most susceptible, particularly when their systemic corticosteroids have been almost completely withdrawn. During this period of HPA suppression, patients may exhibit signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency when exposed to trauma, surgery, or infection (particularly gastroenteritis) or other conditions associated with severe electrolyte loss. Although AIRDUO RESPICLICK may improve control of asthma symptoms during these episodes, in recommended doses it supplies less than normal physiological amounts of corticosteroid systemically and does NOT provide the mineralocorticoid activity that is necessary for coping with these emergencies.
During periods of stress or a severe asthmatic attack, patients who have been withdrawn from systemic corticosteroids should be instructed to resume oral corticosteroids (in large doses) immediately and to contact their physician for further instruction. These patients should also be instructed to carry a medical identification warning card indicating that they may need supplementary systemic corticosteroids during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack.
Patients requiring systemic corticosteroids should be weaned slowly from systemic corticosteroid use after transferring to AIRDUO RESPICLICK. Lung function (mean forced expiratory volume
in 1 second [FEV1] or morning peak expiratory flow [AM PEF]), beta-agonist use, and asthma symptoms should be carefully monitored during withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids. In addition to monitoring asthma signs and symptoms, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, lassitude, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and hypotension.
Transfer of patients from systemic corticosteroid therapy to AIRDUO RESPICLICK may unmask allergic conditions previously suppressed by the systemic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, arthritis, eosinophilic conditions).
During withdrawal from oral corticosteroids, some patients may experience symptoms of systemically active corticosteroid withdrawal (e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, depression) despite maintenance or even improvement of respiratory function.
Hypercorticism And Adrenal Suppression
Fluticasone propionate, a component of AIRDUO RESPICLICK, will often help control asthma symptoms with less suppression of HPA function than therapeutically equivalent oral doses of prednisone. Since fluticasone propionate is absorbed into the circulation and can be systemically active at higher doses, the beneficial effects of AIRDUO RESPICLICK in minimizing HPA dysfunction may be expected only when recommended dosages are not exceeded and individual patients are titrated to the lowest effective dose. A relationship between plasma levels of fluticasone propionate and inhibitory effects on stimulated cortisol production has been shown after 4 weeks of treatment with fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol. Since individual sensitivity to effects on cortisol production exists, physicians should consider this information when prescribing AIRDUO RESPICLCIK.
Because of the possibility of significant systemic absorption of inhaled corticosteroids, patients treated with AIRDUO RESPICLICK should be observed carefully for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid effects. Particular care should be taken in observing patients postoperatively or during periods of stress for evidence of inadequate adrenal response.
It is possible that systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression (including adrenal crisis) may appear in a small number of patients who are sensitive to these effects. If such effects occur, AIRDUO RESPICLICK should be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing systemic corticosteroids, and for management of asthma symptoms.
Drug Interactions With Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors
The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir,
clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole,
telithromycin) with AIRDUO RESPICLICK is not recommended because increased systemic
corticosteroid and increased cardiovascular adverse effects may occur [see DRUG INTERACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Paradoxical Bronchospasm And Upper Airway Symptoms
As with other inhaled medicines, AIRDUO RESPICLICK can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life-threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs following dosing with inhaled fluticasone propionate/salmeterol medicines, it should be treated
immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator; inhaled fluticasone propionate/salmeterol medicines should be discontinued immediately; and alternative therapy should be instituted. Upper airway symptoms of laryngeal spasm, irritation, or swelling, such as stridor and choking, have been reported in patients receiving inhaled fluticasone propionate/salmeterol medicines.
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after administration of AIRDUO RESPICLICK. There have been reports of anaphylactic reactions in patients with severe milk protein allergy after inhalation of other powder products containing lactose; therefore, patients with severe milk protein allergy should not use AIRDUO RESPICLICK [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Cardiovascular And Central Nervous System Effects
Excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation has been associated with seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats/min, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and insomnia [see OVERDOSE]. Therefore, AIRDUO RESPICLICK, like all products containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.
Salmeterol, a component of AIRDUO RESPICLICK, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. Although such effects are uncommon after administration of salmeterol at recommended doses, if they occur, the drug may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Large doses of inhaled or oral salmeterol (12 to 20 times the recommended dose) have been associated with clinically significant prolongation of the QTc interval, which has the potential for producing ventricular arrhythmias. Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs.
Reduction In Bone Mineral Density
Decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) have been observed with long-term administration of products containing inhaled corticosteroids. The clinical significance of small changes in BMD with regard to long-term consequences such as fracture is unknown. Patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization, family history of osteoporosis, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids) should be monitored and treated with established standards of care.
Effect On Growth
Orally inhaled corticosteroids, including AIRDUO RESPICLICK, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Monitor the growth of pediatric patients receiving AIRDUO RESPICLICK routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including AIRDUO RESPICLICK, titrate each patient’s
dosage to the lowest dosage that effectively controls his/her symptoms [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Use In Specific Populations].
Glaucoma And Cataracts
Glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts have been reported in patients following the long-term administration of inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, a component of AIRDUO RESPICLICK. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts.
Effects of treatment with other Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Inhalation Powder 500/50, fluticasone propionate 500 mcg, salmeterol 50 mcg, or placebo on development of cataracts or glaucoma was evaluated in a subset of 658 subjects with COPD in the 3-year survival trial. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted at baseline and at 48, 108, and 158 weeks. Conclusions about cataracts cannot be drawn from this trial because the high incidence of cataracts at baseline (61% to 71%) resulted in an inadequate number of subjects treated with other Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Inhalation Powder 500/50 who were eligible and available for evaluation of cataracts at the end of the trial (n = 53). The incidence of newly diagnosed glaucoma was 2% with other Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Inhalation Powder 500/50, 5% with fluticasone propionate, 0% with salmeterol, and 2% with placebo.
Eosinophilic Conditions And Churg-Strauss Syndrome
In rare cases, patients on inhaled fluticasone propionate, a component of AIRDUO RESPICLICK, may present with systemic eosinophilic conditions. Some of these patients have clinical features of vasculitis consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome, a condition that is often treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy. These events usually, but not always, have been associated with the reduction and/or withdrawal of oral corticosteroid therapy following the introduction of fluticasone propionate. Cases of serious eosinophilic conditions have also been reported with other inhaled corticosteroids in this clinical setting. Physicians should be alert to eosinophilia, vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications, and/or neuropathy presenting in their patients. A causal relationship between fluticasone propionate and these underlying conditions has not been established.
Coexisting Conditions
AIRDUO RESPICLICK, like all medicines containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis and in those who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Doses of the related beta2-adrenoceptor agonist albuterol, when administered intravenously, have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.
Hypokalemia And Hyperglycemia
Beta-adrenergic agonist medicines may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation. Clinically significant changes in blood glucose and/or serum potassium were seen infrequently during clinical trials with AIRDUO RESPICLICK at recommended doses.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).
Patients should be given the following information:
Serious Asthma Events
Inform patients with asthma that LABA when used alone increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization and asthma-related death. Available data show that when ICS and LABA are used together, such as with AIRDUO, there is not a significant increase in the risk of these events.
Not For Acute Symptoms
Inform patients that AIRDUO RESPICLICK is not meant to relieve acute asthma symptoms and extra doses should not be used for that purpose. Advise patients to treat acute asthma symptoms with an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist such as albuterol. Provide patients with such medication and instruct them in how it should be used.
Instruct patients to seek medical attention if they experience any of the following:
- Decreasing effectiveness of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists
- Need for more inhalations than usual of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists
- Significant decrease in lung function as outlined by the physician
Tell patients they should not stop therapy with AIRDUO RESPICLICK without physician/provider guidance since symptoms may recur after discontinuation.
Do Not Use Additional Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
Instruct patients not to use other LABA for asthma.
Local Effects
Inform patients that localized infections with Candida albicans occurred in the mouth and pharynx in some patients. If oropharyngeal candidiasis develops, treat it with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while still continuing therapy with AIRDUO RESPICLICK, but at times therapy with AIRDUO RESPICLICK may need to be temporarily interrupted under close medical supervision. Rinsing the mouth with water without swallowing after inhalation is advised to help reduce the risk of thrush.
Immunosuppression
Warn patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles and, if exposed, to consult their physicians without delay. Inform patients of potential worsening of existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.
Hypercorticism And Adrenal Suppression
Advise patients that AIRDUO RESPICLICK may cause systemic corticosteroid effects of hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. Additionally, inform patients that deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids. Patients should taper slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to AIRDUO RESPICLICK.
Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions
Advise patients that immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after administration of AIRDUO RESPICLICK. Patients should discontinue AIRDUO RESPICLICK if such reactions occur and contact their healthcare provider or get emergency medical help. There have been reports of anaphylactic reactions in patients with severe milk protein allergy after inhalation of powder products containing lactose; therefore, patients with severe milk protein allergy should not take AIRDUO RESPICLICK.
Reduction In Bone Mineral Density
Advise patients who are at an increased risk for decreased BMD that the use of corticosteroids may pose an additional risk.
Reduced Growth Velocity
Inform patients that orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to adolescent patients. Physicians should closely follow the growth of adolescents taking corticosteroids by any route.
Ocular Effects
Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may increase the risk of some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma); consider regular eye examinations.
Risks Associated With Beta-Agonist Therapy
Inform patients of adverse effects associated with beta2-agonists, such as palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness.
Pregnancy
Inform patients who are pregnant or nursing that they should contact their physician about the use of AIRDUO RESPICLICK.
Use Daily For Best Effect
Patients should use AIRDUO RESPICLICK at regular intervals as directed. The daily dosage of AIRDUO RESPICLICK should not exceed 1 inhalation twice a day. Advise patients, if they miss a dose, to take their next dose at the same time they normally do and to not take 2 doses at one time. Individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and degree of symptom relief and full benefit may not be achieved until treatment has been administered for 1 to 2 weeks or longer. Patients should not increase the prescribed dosage but should contact their physicians if symptoms do not improve or if the condition worsens. Instruct patients not to stop use of AIRDUO RESPICLICK abruptly. Patients should contact their physicians immediately if they discontinue use of AIRDUO RESPICLICK.
Caring For And Storing The Inhaler
Instruct patients to not open their inhaler unless they are taking a dose. Repeated opening and closing the cover without taking medication will waste medication and may damage the inhaler.
Advise patients to keep their inhaler dry and clean at all times. Never wash or put any part of the inhaler in water. Patient should replace inhaler if washed or placed in water. Advise patients to immediately replace inhaler if mouthpiece cover is damaged or broken.
Gently wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue as needed.
Instruct patients to store the inhaler at room temperature and to avoid exposure to extreme heat, cold, or humidity.
Instruct Patients To Never Take The Inhaler Apart
Inform patients that AIRDUO RESPICLICK has a dose counter. When the patient receives the inhaler, the number 60 will be displayed. The dose counter will count down each time the
mouthpiece cap is opened and closed. The dose-counter window displays the number of actuations left in the inhaler in units of two (e.g., 60, 58, 56, etc.). When the counter displays 20, the color of the numbers will change to red to remind the patient to contact their pharmacist for a refill of medication or consult their physician for a prescription refill. When the dose counter reaches 0, the background will change to solid red. Inform patients to discard AIRDUO RESPICLICK when the dose counter displays 0, 30 days after opening the foil pouch or after the expiration date on the product, whichever comes first.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Fluticasone propionate demonstrated no tumorigenic potential in mice at oral doses up to 1000 mcg/kg (approximately 10 times the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis) for 78 weeks or in rats at inhalation doses up to 57 mcg/kg (approximately equivalent to the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis) for 104 weeks.
Fluticasone propionate did not induce gene mutation in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells in vitro. No significant clastogenic effect was seen in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro or in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
Fertility and reproductive performance were unaffected in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg (approximately equivalent to the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis).
Salmeterol
In an 18-month carcinogenicity study in CD-mice, salmeterol at oral doses of 1400 mcg/kg and above (approximately 240 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis) caused a dose-related increase in the incidence of smooth muscle hyperplasia, cystic glandular hyperplasia, leiomyomas of the uterus, and ovarian cysts. No tumors were seen at 200 mcg/kg (approximately 35 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis).
In a 24 month oral and inhalation carcinogenicity study in Sprague Dawley rats, salmeterol caused a dose related increase in the incidence of mesovarian leiomyomas and ovarian cysts at doses of 680 mcg/kg and above (approximately 240 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis). No tumors were seen at 210 mcg/kg (approximately 75 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis). These findings in rodents are similar to those reported previously for other beta adrenergic agonist drugs. The relevance of these findings to human use is unknown.
Salmeterol produced no detectable or reproducible increases in microbial and mammalian gene mutation in vitro. No clastogenic activity occurred in vitro in human lymphocytes or in vivo in a rat micronucleus test.
Fertility and reproductive performance were unaffected in male and female rats at oral doses up to 2000 mcg/kg (approximately 690 times the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no randomized clinical studies of AIRDUO RESPICLICK or individual monoproducts, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate, in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with the use of AIRDUO RESPICLICK in pregnant women [see Clinical Considerations]. Animal reproduction studies are available with the combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate as well as individual monoproducts. In animals, teratogenicity characteristic of corticosteroids, decreased fetal body weight and/or skeletal variations, in rats, mice, and rabbits were observed with subcutaneously administered maternal toxic doses of fluticasone propionate less than the maximum recommended human daily inhaled dose (MRHDID) on a mcg/m2 basis [see Data]. However, fluticasone propionate administered via inhalation to rats decreased fetal body weight, but did not induce teratogenicity at a maternal toxic dose less than the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis [see Data]. Experience with oral corticosteroids suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroids than humans. Oral administration of salmeterol to pregnant rabbits caused teratogenicity characteristic of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation at maternal doses approximately 700 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis. These adverse effects generally occurred at large multiples of the MRHDID when salmeterol was administered by the oral route to achieve high systemic exposures. No such effects occurred at an oral salmeterol dose approximately 420 times the MRHDID [see Data].
The estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk
In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, there is an increased risk of several perinatal adverse outcomes such as preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. Pregnant women with asthma should be closely monitored and medication adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal asthma control.
Data
Animal Data
Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol: In an embryo/fetal development study with pregnant rats that received the combination of subcutaneous administration of fluticasone propionate and oral administration of salmeterol at doses of 0/1000, 30/0, 10/100, 30/1000, and 100/10,000 mcg/kg/day (as fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) during the period of organogenesis, findings were generally consistent with the individual monoproducts and there was no exacerbation of expected fetal effects. Omphalocele, increased embryo/fetal deaths, decreased body weight, and skeletal variations were observed in rat fetuses, in the presence of maternal toxicity, when combining fluticasone propionate at a dose approximately 2 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 100 mcg/kg/day) and a dose of salmeterol at approximately 3500 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day). The rat no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was observed when combining fluticasone propionate at a dose 0.6 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 30 mcg/kg/day) and a dose of salmeterol at approximately 350 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 1000 mcg/kg/day).
In an embryo/fetal development study with pregnant mice that received the combination of subcutaneous administration of fluticasone propionate and oral administration of salmeterol at doses of 0/1400, 40/0, 10/200, 40/1400, or 150/10,000 mcg/kg/day (as fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) during the period of organogenesis, findings were generally consistent with the individual monoproducts and there was no exacerbation of expected fetal effects. Cleft palate, fetal death, increased implantation loss, and delayed ossification were observed in mouse fetuses when combining fluticasone propionate at a dose approximately 1.4 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 150 mcg/kg/day) and salmeterol at a dose approximately 1470 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day). No developmental toxicity was observed at combination doses of fluticasone propionate up to approximately 0.8 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 40 mcg/kg) and doses of salmeterol up to approximately 420 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 1400 mcg/kg).
Fluticasone Propionate: In embryo/fetal development studies with pregnant rats and mice dosed by the subcutaneous route throughout the period of organogenesis, fluticasone propionate was teratogenic in both species. Omphalocele, decreased body weight, and skeletal variations were observed in rat fetuses, in the presence of maternal toxicity, at a dose approximately 2 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 100 mcg/kg/day). The rat NOAEL was observed at approximately 0.6 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 30 mcg/kg/day). Cleft palate and fetal skeletal variations were observed in mouse fetuses at a dose approximately 0.5 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 45 mcg/kg/day). The mouse NOAEL was observed with a
dose approximately 0.16 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 15 mcg/kg/day).
In an embryo/fetal development study with pregnant rats dosed by the inhalation route throughout the period of organogenesis, fluticasone propionate produced decreased fetal body weights and skeletal variations, in the presence of maternal toxicity, at a dose approximately 0.5 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal inhalation dose of 25.7 mcg/kg/day); however, there was no evidence of teratogenicity. The NOAEL was observed with a dose approximately 0.1 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal inhalation dose of 5.5 mcg/kg/day).
In an embryo/fetal development study in pregnant rabbits that were dosed by the subcutaneous route throughout organogenesis, fluticasone propionate produced reductions of fetal body weights, in the presence of maternal toxicity at doses approximately 0.02 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.57 mcg/kg/day). Teratogenicity was evident based upon a finding of cleft palate for 1 fetus at a dose approximately 0.2 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 4 mcg/kg/day). The NOAEL was observed in rabbit fetuses with a dose approximately 0.004 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.08 mcg/kg/day).
In a pre-and post-natal development study in pregnant rats dosed by the subcutaneous route from late gestation through delivery and lactation (Gestation Day 17 to Postpartum Day 22), fluticasone propionate was not associated with decreases in pup body weight, and had no effects on developmental landmarks, learning, memory, reflexes, or fertility at doses up to approximate equivalence to the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg/day).
Fluticasone propionate crossed the placenta following subcutaneous administration to mice and rats and oral administration to rabbits.
Salmeterol: In three embryo/fetal development studies, pregnant rabbits received oral administration of salmeterol at doses ranging from 100 to 10,000 mcg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. In pregnant Dutch rabbits administered salmeterol doses approximately 700 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses of 1000 mcg/kg/day and higher), fetal toxic effects were observed characteristically resulting from beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. These included precocious eyelid openings, cleft palate, sternebral fusion, limb and paw flexures, and delayed ossification of the frontal cranial bones. No such effects occurred at a salmeterol dose approximately 420 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 600 mcg/kg/day). New Zealand White rabbits were less sensitive since only delayed ossification of the frontal cranial bones was seen at a salmeterol dose approximately 7,000 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day).
In two embryo/fetal development studies, pregnant rats received salmeterol by oral administration at doses ranging from 100 to 10,000 mcg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. Salmeterol produced no maternal toxicity or embryo/fetal effects at doses up to 3500 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses up to 10,000 mcg/kg/day).
In a peri-and post-natal development study in pregnant rats dosed by the oral route from late gestation through delivery and lactation, salmeterol at a dose 3500 times the MRHDID (on mcg/m2 basis with a maternal oral dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day) was fetotoxic and decreased the fertility of survivors.
Salmeterol xinafoate crossed the placenta following oral administration to mice and rats.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no available data on the presence of fluticasone propionate or salmeterol in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Other corticosteroids have been detected in human milk. However, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol concentrations in plasma after inhaled therapeutic doses are low and therefore concentrations in human breast milk are likely to be correspondingly low [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for AIRDUO RESPICLICK and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from AIRDUO RESPICLICK or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Animal Data
Subcutaneous administration of tritiated fluticasone propionate at a dose in lactating rats approximately 0.2 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mcg/m2 basis) resulted in measurable levels in milk. Oral administration of salmeterol at a dose in lactating rats approximately 2900 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mcg/m2 basis) resulted in measurable levels in milk.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of AIRDUO RESPICLICK in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.
Inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, a component of AIRDUO RESPICLICK, may cause a reduction in growth velocity in adolescents [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The growth of pediatric patients receiving orally inhaled corticosteroids, including AIRDUO RESPICLICK, should be monitored.
If an adolescent on any corticosteroid appears to have growth suppression, the possibility that he/she is particularly sensitive to this effect of corticosteroids should be considered. The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against the clinical benefits obtained. To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including AIRDUO RESPICLICK, each patient should be titrated to the lowest strength that effectively controls his/her asthma [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed in data collected in 54 subjects aged 65 years and older versus younger subjects who were treated with AIRDUO RESPICLICK in placebo-controlled Phase 2 and 3 studies.
Hepatic Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using AIRDUO RESPICLICK have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. However, since both fluticasone propionate and salmeterol are predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to
accumulation of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.
Renal Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using AIRDUO RESPICLICK have not been conducted in patients with renal impairment.