Warnings for Alkindi Sprinkle
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Alkindi Sprinkle
Adrenal Crisis
Undertreatment with ALKINDI SPRINKLE or sudden discontinuation of therapy with ALKINDI SPRINKLE may lead to adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenal crisis, and death. Adrenal crisis may also be induced by stress events such as infections or surgery when patients require higher doses of corticosteroids. Symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency include poor feeding, fatigue, low muscle tone, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia, low blood pressure and electrolyte disturbances.
Increase the dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE during periods of stress (infections, surgery). Switch patients who are vomiting, severely ill or unable to take oral medications to parenteral corticosteroid formulations without delay. Once the patient recovers, gradually reduce the steroid dosage used during the acute event.
When switching patients to ALKINDI SPRINKLE from another oral hydrocortisone formulation, consider the potential for dosing inaccuracy if the other oral hydrocortisone formulation has been manipulated (e.g., split or crushed tablets, compounded formulations). Manipulation of oral hydrocortisone formulations may result in a relative difference in hydrocortisone exposure when using the same dosage to initiate ALKINDI SPRINKLE treatment. Closely monitor patients after switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE to ensure ALKINDI SPRINKLE is providing the same level of hydrocortisone exposure as the previously used oral hydrocortisone formulation. If symptoms of adrenal insufficiency occur, increase the total daily dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE.
Immunosuppression And Increased Risk Of Infection With Use Of A Dosage Greater Than Replacement
Use of the recommended dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION] as a replacement therapy in pediatric patients with adrenocortical insufficiency is not expected to cause immunosuppression or increase the risk of infection. The use of a greater than replacement dosage can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. The use of ALKINDI SPRINKLE at greater than replacement dosage can:
- Reduce resistance to new infections
- Exacerbate existing infections
- Increase the risk of disseminated infections
- Increase the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of latent infections
- Mask some signs of infection
Infections associated with the use of corticosteroids at a greater than replacement dosage range from mild to severe or fatal, and the rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages.
Monitor for the development of infection and consider ALKINDI SPRINKLE dosage reduction as needed.
Growth Retardation
Long-term use of corticosteroids in excessive doses may cause growth retardation in pediatric patients. Historical cohorts of adults treated from childhood for congenital adrenal hyperplasia have been found to have growth retardation. Effects on linear growth are less likely when using corticosteroids as replacement therapy. Use the minimum dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE to achieve desired clinical response and monitor the patient’s growth.
Cushing’s Syndrome Due To Use Of Excessive Doses Of Corticosteroids
Prolonged use of corticosteroids in supraphysiologic doses may cause Cushing’s syndrome. Symptoms and signs of Cushing’s syndrome include weight gain, decreased height velocity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, edema, easy bruising, muscle weakness, red round face, depression or mood swings. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome every 6 months; pediatric patients under one year of age may require more frequent monitoring, e.g., every 3 to 4 months.
Decrease In Bone Mineral Density
Corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption which may lead to development of osteoporosis. Historical cohorts of adults treated from childhood for congenital adrenal hyperplasia have been found to have reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture rates. Use the minimum dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE to achieve desired clinical response.
Psychiatric Adverse Reactions
Corticosteroid use may be associated with severe psychiatric adverse reactions. Euphoria, mania, psychosis with hallucinations and delirium or depression have been seen in patients at replacement doses of hydrocortisone [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Symptoms typically emerge within a few days or weeks of starting the treatment. Risks may be higher with high doses, although dose levels do not allow prediction of the onset, type, severity, or duration of reactions. Most reactions resolve after either dose reduction or withdrawal, although specific treatment may be necessary. Monitor patients for behavioral and mood disturbances during treatment with ALKINDI SPRINKLE. Instruct caregivers and/or patients to seek medical advice if psychiatric symptoms develop.
Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions
Ophthalmic effects, such as cataract, glaucoma or central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with prolonged use of corticosteroids in high doses. Monitor patients for blurred vision or other visual disturbances. If patients develop ophthalmic adverse reactions, refer them to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation in patients with certain gastrointestinal disorders. Signs of gastrointestinal perforation, such as peritoneal irritation may be masked in patients receiving corticosteroids. Corticosteroids should be used with caution if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infections, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, and active or latent peptic ulcer.
Concurrent administration of corticosteroids with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Monitor patients receiving corticosteroids and concomitant NSAIDS for gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Risk Of Kaposi’s Sarcoma With Use Of A Dosage Greater Than Replacement
Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions at a dosage greater than replacement (supraphysiologic dosage). If patients take a supraphysiologic chronic dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE, they are at increased risk of developing Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Vaccination
Administration of live vaccines may be acceptable in ALKINDI SPRINKLE-treated pediatric patients with adrenocortical insufficiency who receive replacement corticosteroids.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise patients and/or caregivers to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Administration Information
Advise patients and/or caregivers that ALKINDI SPRINKLE is a granule formulation contained in a capsule. Do not swallow the capsule. Do not chew or crush the granules. Open the capsule and give the granules directly into the patient’s mouth. Alternatively, sprinkle the granules onto soft food and give immediately as the taste masking cover can dissolve in as little as 5 minutes. Avoid wetting the capsule as this may cause some granules to stick to the capsule. Immediately following administration, take a sip of fluids to ensure all granules have been swallowed. Advise patients and/or caregivers to contact their healthcare provider if the full dose was not administered due to regurgitation or vomiting of granules as a repeat dose may be required [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Adrenal Crisis
Inform patients and/or caregivers that undertreatment or sudden discontinuation of ALKINDI SPRINKLE or switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE from another oral hydrocortisone formulation, may lead to adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenal crisis, and death. Inform the caregiver that potential dosing inaccuracy of the manipulated oral hydrocortisone formulation (e.g., split or crushed tablets, compounded formulations) may result in dosing differences when switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE which may require dose adjustments. Advise caregivers to watch the patient for symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency during the days after the switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE. Inform patient and/or caregiver to contact their healthcare provider if they have symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency, prolonged vomiting, are severely ill or are unable to take oral medications [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infections
Advise patients and/or caregivers that greater than replacement dosage of corticosteroids can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections. Instruct patients and/or caregivers to contact their healthcare provider if they develop any infections [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Growth Retardation
Discuss with caregivers that long-term use of corticosteroids in excessive doses may cause growth retardation in pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Cushing’s Syndrome
Inform patients and/or caregivers that prolonged use of corticosteroids in supraphysiologic doses may cause Cushing’s syndrome and that symptoms and signs include weight gain, decreased height velocity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, edema, easy bruising, muscle weakness, red round face, depression or mood swings [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Decrease In Bone Mineral Density
Inform patients and/or caregivers that corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption that may lead to osteoporosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Psychiatric Adverse Reactions
Advise patients and/or caregivers that corticosteroid use may be associated with severe psychiatric adverse reactions such as euphoria, mania, psychosis with hallucinations or depression. Instruct caregivers and/or patients to seek medical advice if psychiatric symptoms develop [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions
Inform patients and/or caregivers that ophthalmic effects such as cataract, glaucoma or central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with prolonged use of high-dose corticosteroids. Instruct patients or caregivers to report any blurred vision or visual disturbances to their healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
Discuss with patients and/or caregivers that use of corticosteroids may increase risk of gastrointestinal perforation in certain gastrointestinal disorders [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Vaccination Inform patients and/or caregivers that administration of live vaccine may be acceptable [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Excretion Of Granules
ALKINDI SPRINKLE granules may sometimes be seen in stools since the center of the granule is not absorbed in the gut after the active substance has been released. Inform patients or caregivers that this does not mean the product is ineffective and they should not take another dose.
ALKINDI SPRINKLE is manufactured for Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. by Glatt Pharmaceutical Services GmbH & Co. KG Werner-Glatt-Strasse 1, Binzen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, 79589, Germany.
ALKINDI SPRINKLE® is a registered trademark of Diurnal Limited.
ALKINDI is covered by the following US patents: 9,649,280; 9,675,559; 9,717,740; and other patents in other countries internationally.
ALKINDI SPRINKLE is distributed in the USA by Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. under license from Diurnal Limited.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No adequate studies in animals have been conducted with hydrocortisone to evaluate carcinogenic or mutagenic potential. Corticosteroids have been shown to impair fertility in male rats.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Untreated adrenocortical insufficiency in pregnancy can result in a high rate of complications, including maternal mortality. The use of physiologic doses of hydrocortisone is not expected to cause major birth defects, miscarriage and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Available data from observational studies with hydrocortisone use in pregnancy have not identified a clear drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.
Data
Human Data
Available data from observational studies with hydrocortisone use in pregnant women have not identified a clear drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Evidence from published epidemiologic studies suggest that there may be a small increased risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate associated with first trimester systemic corticosteroid use in pregnant patients. However, the data are limited and report inconsistent findings, and studies have important methodological limitations, including non-randomized design, retrospective data collection, lack of dose-response data and the inability to control for confounders, such as underlying maternal disease and use of concomitant medications. In addition, unlike other corticosteroids, hydrocortisone is enzymatically deactivated by the placenta and therefore, limits fetal exposure.
Animal Data
Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in many species when given in doses equivalent to the human dose. Animal studies in which corticosteroids have been given to pregnant mice, rats and rabbits without adrenocortical insufficiency have yielded an increased incidence of cleft palate in the offspring.
Lactation
Risk Summary
Cortisol is present in human milk. The use of hydrocortisone at a physiologic dose for adrenocortical insufficiency is not expected to adversely affect the breastfed infant or milk production. There are no data on the presence of hydrocortisone in breast milk, the effect on the breastfed infant or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ALKINDI SPRINKLE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from ALKINDI SPRINKLE or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of ALKINDI SPRINKLE have been established in pediatric patients for replacement therapy of adrenocortical insufficiency and the information on this use is discussed throughout the labeling. Use of ALKINDI SPRINKLE in pediatric patients is supported by use in pediatric patients for adrenocortical insufficiency with another hydrocortisone product, along with supportive pharmacokinetic and safety data in 24 pediatric patients with adrenocortical insufficiency. No new adverse reactions were identified [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. ALKINDI SPRINKLE are oral granules contained within capsules that must be opened and not swallowed whole to administer the granules. Additionally, ALKINDI SPRINKLE granules should not be administered via nasogastric or gastric tubes as they may cause tube blockage [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].