Precautions for Amnesteem Capsules
Amnesteem must only be prescribed by prescribers who are enrolled and activated with the iPLEDGE REMS. Amnesteem must only be dispensed by a pharmacyenrolled and activated with iPLEDGE, and must only be dispensed to patients who are enrolled and meet all the requirements of iPLEDGE. Enrolled and activatedpharmacies must receive Amnesteem only from wholesalers enrolled with iPLEDGE.
iPLEDGE REMS requirements for wholesalers, prescribers, and pharmacists are described below:
Wholesalers
For the purpose of the iPLEDGE REMS, the term wholesaler refers to wholesaler, distributor, and/or chain pharmacy distributor. To distribute Amnesteem, wholesalers must be enrolled with iPLEDGE, and agree to meet all iPLEDGE requirements for wholesale distribution of isotretinoin products. Wholesalers must enroll with iPLEDGE by signing and returning the iPLEDGE wholesaler agreement that affirms they will comply with all iPLEDGE requirements for distribution of isotretinoin.These include:
- Enrolling prior to distributing isotretinoin and re-enrolling annually thereafter
- Distributing only FDA approved isotretinoin product
- Only shipping isotretinoin to
- wholesalers enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS with prior written consent from the manufacturer or
- pharmacies licensed in the US and enrolled and activated in the iPLEDGE REMS
- Notifying the isotretinoin manufacturer (or delegate) of any non-enrolled and/or non-activated pharmacy or unenrolled wholesaler that attempts to orderisotretinoin
- Complying with inspection/audit of wholesaler records for verification of compliance with the iPLEDGE REMS by the isotretinoin manufacturer (or delegate)
- Returning to the manufacturer (or delegate) any undistributed product if the wholesaler is deactivated by the iPLEDGE REMS or if the wholesaler chooses to notre-enroll annually
Prescribers
To prescribe isotretinoin, the prescriber must be enrolled and activated with the pregnancy risk management program iPLEDGE. Prescribers can enroll by signing andreturning the completed enrollment form. Prescribers can only activate their enrollment by affirming that they meet requirements and will comply with all iPLEDGErequirements by attesting to the following points:
- I know the risk and severity of fetal injury/birth defects from isotretinoin.
- I know the risk factors for unplanned pregnancy and the effective measures for avoidance of unplanned pregnancy.
- I have the expertise to provide the patient with detailed pregnancy prevention counseling, or I will refer the patient to an expert for such counseling, reimbursedby the manufacturer.
- I will comply with the iPLEDGE REMS requirements described in the booklet entitled iPLEDGE REMS Prescriber Guide.
- Before beginning treatment of patients who can become pregnant with isotretinoin, and on a monthly basis, the patient will be counseled to avoid pregnancy byusing two forms of contraception simultaneously and continuously for at least one month prior to initiation of isotretinoin treatment, during isotretinoin treatmentand for one month after discontinuing isotretinoin treatment, unless the patient commits to continuous abstinence, not having any sexual contact with a partnerthat could result in pregnancy.
- I will not prescribe isotretinoin to any patient who can become pregnant until verifying the patient has a negative screening pregnancy test and monthly negativeCLIA-certified (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) pregnancy tests. Patients should have a pregnancy test at the completion of the entire course ofisotretinoin and another pregnancy test one month later.
- I will report any pregnancy case that I become aware of while the patient who can become pregnant is on isotretinoin or one month after the last dose to thepregnancy registry.
To prescribe isotretinoin, the prescriber must access the iPLEDGE system via the internet (www.ipledgeprogram.com) or telephone (1-866-495-0654) to:
- Register each patient in the iPLEDGE REMS.
- Confirm monthly that each patient has received counseling and education.
- For patients who can become pregnant:
- Enter patient’s two chosen forms of contraception each month.
- Enter monthly result from CLIA-certified laboratory conducted pregnancy test.
Isotretinoin must only be prescribed to patients who are known not to be pregnant as confirmed by a negative CLIA-certified laboratory conducted pregnancy test.
Isotretinoin must only be dispensed by a pharmacy enrolled and activated with the pregnancy risk management program iPLEDGE and only when the enrolled patientmeets all the requirements of the iPLEDGE REMS. Meeting the requirements for a patient who can become pregnant signifies that the patient:
- Has been counseled and has signed a Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who can get Pregnant that contains warnings about the risk of potential birth defects ifthe fetus is exposed to isotretinoin. The patient must sign the informed consent form before starting treatment and patient counseling must also be done at thattime and on a monthly basis thereafter.
- Has had two negative urine or serum pregnancy tests with a sensitivity of at least 25 mIU/mL before receiving the initial isotretinoin prescription. The first test (ascreening test) is obtained by the prescriber when the decision is made to pursue qualification of the patient for isotretinoin. The second pregnancy test (aconfirmation test) must be done in a CLIA-certified laboratory. The interval between the two tests should be at least 19 days.
- For patients with regular menstrual cycles, the second pregnancy test should be done during the first 5 days of the menstrual period immediately precedingthe beginning of isotretinoin therapy and after the patient has used two forms of contraception for one month.
- For patients with amenorrhea, irregular cycles, or using a contraceptive form that precludes withdrawal bleeding, the second pregnancy test must be doneimmediately preceding the beginning of isotretinoin therapy and after the patient has used two forms of contraception for one month.
- Has had a negative result from a urine or serum pregnancy test in a CLIA-certified laboratory before receiving each subsequent course of isotretinoin. Apregnancy test must be repeated every month, in a CLIA-certified laboratory, prior to the patient who can become pregnant receiving each prescription.
- Has selected and has committed to use two forms of effective contraception simultaneously, at least one of which must be a primary form, unless the patientcommits to continuous abstinence not having any sexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy, or the patient has undergone a hysterectomy orbilateral oophorectomy, or has been medically confirmed to be post-menopausal. Patients must use two forms of effective contraception for at least one monthprior to initiation of isotretinoin therapy, during isotretinoin therapy, and for one month after discontinuing isotretinoin therapy. Counseling about contraceptionand behaviors associated with an increased risk of pregnancy must be repeated on a monthly basis.
If the patient has unprotected sexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy at any time one month before, during, or one month after therapy, the patientmust:
- Stop taking Amnesteem immediately, if on therapy
- Have a pregnancy test at least 19 days after the last act of unprotected sexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy
- Start using two forms of effective contraception simultaneously again for one month before resuming Amnesteem therapy
- Have a second pregnancy test after using two forms of effective contraception for one month as described above depending on whether the patient has regularmenses or not.
Effective forms of contraception include both primary and secondary forms of contraception:
| Primary forms |
Secondary forms |
|
Barrier: |
- tubal sterilization
- male vasectomy
- intrauterine device
- hormonal (combination oral contraceptives, transdermal patch, injectables, implantables, orvaginal ring)
|
- male latex condom with or without spermicide
- diaphragm with spermicide
- cervical cap with spermicide
|
|
Other: |
|
- vaginal sponge (contains spermicide)
|
Any birth control method can fail. There have been reports of pregnancy from patients who can become pregnant who have used oral contraceptives, as well astransdermal patch/injectable/implantable/vaginal ring hormonal birth control products; these pregnancies occurred while these patients were taking Amnesteem. Thesereports are more frequent for patients who use only a single form of contraception. Therefore, it is critically important that patients who can become pregnant use twoeffective forms of contraception simultaneously. Patients must receive warnings about the importance of choosing one primary method and a secondary method ofcontraception and that the patient must be compliant in use as outlined in the Guide for Patients who can get Pregnant.
Using two forms of contraception simultaneously substantially reduces the chances that a patient will become pregnant over the risk of pregnancy with either formalone. A drug interaction that decreases effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives has not been entirely ruled out for Amnesteem (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). Although hormonal contraceptives are highly effective, prescribers are advised to consult the package insert of any medication administeredconcomitantly with hormonal contraceptives, since some medications may decrease the effectiveness of these birth control products.
Patients should be prospectively cautioned not to self-medicate with the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort because a possible interaction has been suggested withhormonal contraceptives based on reports of breakthrough bleeding on oral contraceptives shortly after starting St. John’s Wort. Pregnancies have been reported byusers of combined hormonal contraceptives who also used some form of St. John’s Wort.
If a pregnancy does occur during Amnesteem treatment, Amnesteem must be discontinued immediately. The patient should be referred to an Obstetrician-Gynecologistexperienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Any suspected fetal exposure during or one month after Amnesteem therapy must bereported immediately to the FDA via the MedWatch number 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the iPLEDGE Pregnancy Registry at 1-866-495-0654 or via the internet(www.ipledgeprogram.com).
All Patients
Isotretinoin is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant. To receive isotretinoin all patients must meet all of the following conditions:
- Must be enrolled with the iPLEDGE REMS by the prescriber
- Must understand that life threatening birth defects can occur with the use of isotretinoin by patients who can become pregnant
- Must be reliable in understanding and carrying out instructions
- Must sign a Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who cannot get Pregnant that contains warnings about the potential risks associated with isotretinoin
- Must obtain the prescription within 7 days of the date of specimen collection for the pregnancy test for patients who can become pregnant
- Must obtain the prescription within 30 days of the office visit for patients who cannot become pregnant
- Must not donate blood while on isotretinoin and for one month after treatment has ended
- Must not share isotretinoin with anyone, even someone who has similar symptoms
Patients Who Become Pregnant
Isotretinoin is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant. In addition to the requirements for all patients described above, patients who can become pregnant mustmeet the following conditions:
- Must NOT be pregnant or breast-feeding
- Must comply with the required pregnancy testing at a CLIA-certified laboratory
- Must obtain the prescription within 7 days of the date of specimen collection for the pregnancy test
- Must be capable of complying with the mandatory contraceptive measures required for isotretinoin therapy, or commit to continuous abstinence not having anysexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy, and understand behaviors associated with an increased risk of pregnancy
- Must understand that it is the patient who can become pregnant responsibility to avoid pregnancy one month before, during and one month after isotretinointherapy
- Must have signed an additional Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who can get Pregnant, before starting isotretinoin, that contains warnings about the risk ofpotential birth defects if the fetus is exposed to isotretinoin
- Must access the iPLEDGE system via the internet (www.ipledgeprogram.com) or telephone (1-866-495-0654), before starting isotretinoin, on a monthly basisduring therapy, and one month after the last dose to answer questions on the program requirements and to enter the patient’s two chosen forms of contraception
- Must have been informed of the purpose and importance of providing information to the iPLEDGE REMS should the patient become pregnant while takingisotretinoin or within one month of the last dose
Pharmacists
To dispense isotretinoin, pharmacies must be enrolled and activated with the pregnancy risk management program iPLEDGE.
The Responsible Site Pharmacist must enroll the pharmacy by signing and returning the completed Pharmacy Enrollment Form. After enrolling, the Responsible SitePharmacist can only activate the pharmacy enrollment by affirming that they meet requirements and will comply with all iPLEDGE requirements by attesting to thefollowing points:
- I know the risk and severity of fetal injury/birth defects from isotretinoin.
- I will train all pharmacists who participate in the filling and dispensing of isotretinoin prescriptions, on the iPLEDGE REMS requirements.
- I will comply and seek to ensure all pharmacists who participate in the filling and dispensing of isotretinoin prescriptions comply with the iPLEDGE REMSrequirements described in the booklet entitled Pharmacist Guide, specifically the “Key Information for Pharmacists” section including the following dispensing information:
- Prescriptions must be obtained no later than the “Do Not Dispense To After” date, and if not obtained, then the RMA must be reversed in the iPLEDGEREMS system and the product returned to inventory.
- I understand and will comply with the Non-Compliance Action Policy.
- I will obtain Amnesteem product only from iPLEDGE enrolled wholesalers.
- I will not sell, buy, borrow, loan or otherwise transfer isotretinoin in any manner to or from another pharmacy.
- I will return to the manufacturer (or delegate) any unused product if the pharmacy is deactivated by the iPLEDGE REMS or if the pharmacy chooses to notreactivate annually.
- I will not fill isotretinoin for any party other than a qualified patient.
- I will comply with the audits by the iPLEDGE Sponsors or third party acting on behalf of the iPLEDGE Sponsors to ensure that all processes and procedures arein place and being followed for the iPLEDGE REMS.
To dispense isotretinoin, the pharmacist must:
- be trained by the Responsible Site Pharmacist concerning the iPLEDGE REMS requirements.
- obtain authorization from the iPLEDGE REMS via the internet (www.ipledgeprogram.com), or telephone (1-866-495-0654) for every isotretinoin prescription.Authorization signifies that the patient has met all program requirements and is qualified to receive Amnesteem.
- write the Risk Management Authorization (RMA) number on the prescription.
Amnesteem must only be dispensed:
- in no more than a 30-day supply
- with an Amnesteem Medication Guide
- after authorization from the iPLEDGE REMS
- prior to the “do not dispense to patient after” date provided by the iPLEDGE system (within 30 days of the office visit for patients who cannot become pregnantand within 7 days of the date of specimen collection for patients who can become pregnant)
- with a new prescription for refills and another authorization from the iPLEDGE REMS (No automatic refills are allowed)
An Amnesteem Medication Guide must be given to the patient each time Amnesteem is dispensed, as required by law. This Amnesteem Medication Guide is animportant part of the risk management program for the patients.
Amnesteem must not be prescribed, dispensed or otherwise obtained through the internet or any other means outside of the iPLEDGE REMS. Only FDA-approvedAmnesteem products must be distributed, prescribed, dispensed, and used. Patients must obtain Amnesteem prescriptions only at U.S. licensed pharmacies.
A description of the iPLEDGE REMS educational materials available with iPLEDGE is provided below. The main goal of these educational materials is to explain theiPLEDGE REMS requirements and to reinforce the educational messages.
- The Prescriber Guide includes: isotretinoin teratogenic potential, information on pregnancy testing, and the method to complete a qualified Amnesteemprescription.
- Pharmacist Guide includes: isotretinoin teratogenic potential and the method to obtain authorization to dispense an isotretinoin prescription.
- The iPLEDGE REMS is a systematic approach to comprehensive patient education about their responsibilities and includes education for contraceptioncompliance and reinforcement of educational messages. The iPLEDGE REMS includes information on the risks and benefits of Amnesteem which is linked to theMedication Guide dispensed by pharmacists with each isotretinoin prescription.
- The Fact Sheet for the iPLEDGE REMS includes information on the iPLEDGE REMS, the product indications and safety information. This handout is providedto both the patient who can become pregnant and the patient who cannot become pregnant. The Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who cannot get Pregnant isprovided to all patients.
- Patients who can become pregnant are provided with a Guide for Patients Who Can Get Pregnant , which contains information on isotretinoin therapy includingprecautions and warnings, and a second Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who can get Pregnant concerning birth defects, and a toll-free line which providesAmnesteem information in two languages.
- The booklet for patients who can become pregnant, Contraception Counseling Guide , includes a referral program that offers patients free contraceptioncounseling, reimbursed by the manufacturer, by a reproductive specialist, and a second Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who can get Pregnant concerningbirth defects.
- The Guide for Patients Who Can Get Pregnant outlines the effectiveness of the approved contraception options (see Information For Patients).
General
Although an effect of Amnesteem on bone loss is not established, physicians should use caution when prescribing Amnesteem to patients with a genetic predispositionfor age related osteoporosis, a history of childhood osteoporosis conditions, osteomalacia, or other disorders of bone metabolism. This would include patients diagnosedwith anorexia nervosa and those who are on chronic drug therapy that causes drug-induced osteoporosis/osteomalacia and/or affects vitamin D metabolism, such assystemic corticosteroids and any anticonvulsant.
Patients may be at increased risk when participating in sports with repetitive impact where the risks of spondylolisthesis with and without pars fractures and hip growthplate injuries in early and late adolescence are known. There are spontaneous reports of fractures and/or delayed healing in patients while on therapy with Amnesteemor following cessation of therapy with Amnesteem while involved in these activities. While causality to Amnesteem has not been established, an effect must not beruled out.
Information For Patients
See PRECAUTIONS and BOX WARNING.
- Patients must be instructed to read the Medication Guide supplied as required by law when Amnesteem is dispensed. The complete text of the Medication Guideis reprinted at the end of this document. For additional information, patients must also be instructed to read the iPLEDGE REMS patient educational materials.All patients must sign the Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who cannot get Pregnant.
- Patients who can become pregnant must be instructed that they must not be pregnant when Amnesteem therapy is initiated, and that they should use two forms ofeffective contraception simultaneously for one month before starting Amnesteem, while taking Amnesteem, and for one month after Amnesteem has beenstopped, unless they commit to continuous abstinence from not having any sexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy. They should also sign asecond Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who can get Pregnant prior to beginning Amnesteem therapy. Patients who can become pregnant should be seen by their prescribers monthly and have a urine or serum pregnancy test, in a CLIA-certified laboratory, performed each month during treatment to confirm negativepregnancy status before another Amnesteem prescription is written (see BOX WARNINGand PRECAUTIONS).
- Amnesteem is found in the semen of male patients taking Amnesteem, but the amount delivered to a patient who can become pregnant would be about onemillion times lower than an oral dose of 40 mg. While the no-effect limit for isotretinoin induced embryopathy is unknown, 20 years of post-marketing reportsinclude four with isolated defects compatible with features of retinoid exposed fetuses; however two of these reports were incomplete, and two had other possibleexplanations for the defects observed.
- Prescribers should be alert to the warning signs of psychiatric disorders to guide patients to receive the help they need. Therefore, prior to initiation of Amnesteemtreatment, patients and family members should be asked about any history of psychiatric disorder, and at each visit during treatment patients should be assessedfor symptoms of depression, mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression to determine if further evaluation may be necessary. Signs and symptoms of depressioninclude sad mood, hopelessness, feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness, loss of pleasure or interest in activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating,change in sleep pattern, change in weight or appetite, suicidal thoughts or attempts, restlessness, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses, andpersistent physical symptoms unresponsive to treatment. Patients should stop Amnesteem and the patient or a family member should promptly contact theirprescriber if the patient develops depression, mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression, without waiting until the next visit. Discontinuation of Amnesteemtreatment may be insufficient; further evaluation may be necessary. While such monitoring may be helpful, it may not detect all patients at risk. Patients mayreport mental health problems or family history of psychiatric disorders. These reports should be discussed with the patient and/or the patient’s family. A referralto a mental health professional may be necessary. The physician should consider whether Amnesteem therapy is appropriate in this setting; for some patients therisks may outweigh the benefits of Amnesteem therapy.
- Patients must be informed that some patients, while taking Amnesteem or soon after stopping Amnesteem, have become depressed or developed other seriousmental problems. Symptoms of depression include sad, “anxious” or empty mood, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses, anger, loss of pleasure or interest insocial or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, school or work performance going down, or trouble concentrating. Somepatients taking Amnesteem have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end theirown lives. And some people have ended their own lives. There were reports that some of these people did not appear depressed. There have been reports ofpatients on Amnesteem becoming aggressive or violent. No one knows if isotretinoin caused these behaviors or if they would have happened even if the persondid not take Amnesteem. Some people have had other signs of depression while taking Amnesteem.
- Patients must be informed that they must not share Amnesteem with anyone else because of the risk of birth defects and other serious adverse events.
- Patients must be informed not to donate blood during therapy and for one month following discontinuation of the drug because the blood might be given to apregnant patient whose fetus must not be exposed to Amnesteem.
- Patients should be reminded to take Amnesteem with a meal (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). To decrease the risk of esophageal irritation, patientsshould swallow the capsules with a full glass of liquid.
- Patients should be informed that transient exacerbation (flare) of acne has been seen, generally during the initial period of therapy.
- Wax epilation and skin resurfacing procedures (such as dermabrasion, laser) should be avoided during Amnesteem therapy and for at least 6 months thereafter dueto the possibility of scarring (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Skin And Appendages).
- Patients should be advised to avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays or sunlight.
- Patients should be informed that they may experience decreased tolerance to contact lenses during and after therapy.
- Patients should be informed that approximately 16% of patients treated with Amnesteem in a clinical trial developed musculoskeletal symptoms (includingarthralgia) during treatment. In general, these symptoms were mild to moderate, but occasionally required discontinuation of the drug. Transient pain in the chesthas been reported less frequently. In the clinical trial, these symptoms generally cleared rapidly after discontinuation of Amnesteem, but in some cases persisted(see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Musculoskeletal). There have been rare post-marketing reports of rhabdomyolysis, some associated with strenuous physicalactivity (see Laboratory Tests: CPK).
- Pediatric patients and their caregivers should be informed that approximately 29% (104/358) of pediatric patients treated with Amnesteem developed back pain.Back pain was severe in 13.5% (14/104) of the cases and occurred at a higher frequency in female patients than male patients. Arthralgias were experienced in22% (79/358) of pediatric patients. Arthralgias were severe in 7.6% (6/79) of patients. Appropriate evaluation of the musculoskeletal system should be done inpatients who present with these symptoms during or after a course of Amnesteem. Consideration should be given to discontinuation of Amnesteem if anysignificant abnormality is found.
- Neutropenia and rare cases of agranulocytosis have been reported. Amnesteem should be discontinued if clinically significant decreases in white cell countsoccur.
- Patients should be advised that severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported in post-marketing data.Amnesteem should be discontinued if clinically significant skin reactions occur.
Hypersensitivity
Anaphylactic reactions and other allergic reactions have been reported. Cutaneous allergic reactions and serious cases of allergic vasculitis, often with purpura (bruisesand red patches) of the extremities and extracutaneous involvement (including renal) have been reported. Severe allergic reaction necessitates discontinuation of therapyand appropriate medical management.
Laboratory Tests
Pregnancy Test
- Patients who can become pregnant must have had two negative urine or serum pregnancy tests with a sensitivity of at least 25 mIU/mL before receiving the initialAmnesteem prescription. The first test (a screening test) is obtained by the prescriber when the decision is made to pursue qualification of the patient forAmnesteem. The second pregnancy test (a confirmation test) must be done in a CLIA-certified laboratory. The interval between the two tests must be at least 19days.
- For patients with regular menstrual cycles, the second pregnancy test must be done during the first 5 days of the menstrual period immediately preceding thebeginning of Amnesteem therapy and after the patient has used 2 forms of contraception for one month.
- For patients with amenorrhea, irregular cycles, or using a contraceptive method that precludes withdrawal bleeding, the second pregnancy test must be doneimmediately preceding the beginning of Amnesteem therapy and after the patient has used 2 forms of contraception for one month.
- Each month of therapy, patients must have a negative result from a urine or serum pregnancy test. A pregnancy test must be repeated each month, in a CLIA-certified laboratory, prior to the patient who can become pregnant receiving each prescription.
Lipids
Pretreatment and follow-up blood lipids should be obtained under fasting conditions. After consumption of alcohol, at least 36 hours should elapse before thesedeterminations are made. It is recommended that these tests be performed at weekly or biweekly intervals until the lipid response to Amnesteem is established. Theincidence of hypertriglyceridemia is one patient in four on Amnesteem therapy (see WARNINGS: Lipids).
Liver Function Tests
Since elevations of liver enzymes have been observed during clinical trials, and hepatitis has been reported, pretreatment and follow-up liver function tests should beperformed at weekly or biweekly intervals until the response to Amnesteem has been established (see WARNINGS: Hepatotoxicity).
Glucose
Some patients receiving Amnesteem have experienced problems in the control of their blood sugar. In addition, new cases of diabetes have been diagnosed during Amnesteem therapy, although no causal relationship has been established.
CPK
Some patients undergoing vigorous physical activity while on Amnesteem therapy have experienced elevated CPK levels; however, the clinical significance isunknown. There have been rare post-marketing reports of rhabdomyolysis, some associated with strenuous physical activity. In a clinical trial of 217 pediatric patients(12 to 17 years) with severe recalcitrant nodular acne, transient elevations in CPK were observed in 12% of patients, including those undergoing strenuous physicalactivity in association with reported musculoskeletal adverse events such as back pain, arthralgia, limb injury, or muscle sprain. In these patients, approximately half ofthe CPK elevations returned to normal within 2 weeks and half returned to normal within 4 weeks. No cases of rhabdomyolysis were reported in this trial.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
In male and female Fischer 344 rats given oral isotretinoin at dosages of 8 or 32 mg/kg/day (1.3 to 5.3 times the recommended clinical dose of 1 mg/kg/day,respectively, after normalization for total body surface area) for greater than 18 months, there was a dose related increased incidence of pheochromocytoma relative tocontrols. The incidence of adrenal medullary hyperplasia was also increased at the higher dosage in both sexes. The relatively high level of spontaneouspheochromocytomas occurring in the male Fischer 344 rat makes it an equivocal model for study of this tumor; therefore, the relevance of this tumor to the humanpopulation is uncertain.
The Ames test was conducted with isotretinoin in two laboratories. The results of the tests in one laboratory were negative while in the second laboratory a weaklypositive response (less than 1.6 x background) was noted in S. typhimurium TA100 when the assay was conducted with metabolic activation. No dose-response effectwas seen and all other strains were negative. Additionally, other tests designed to assess genotoxicity (Chinese hamster cell assay, mouse micronucleus test, S.cerevisiae D7 assay, in vitro clastogenesis assay with human-derived lymphocytes, and unscheduled DNA synthesis assay) were all negative.
In rats, no adverse effects on gonadal function, fertility, conception rate, gestation or parturition were observed at oral dosages of isotretinoin of 2, 8, or 32 mg/kg/day(0.3, 1.3, or 5.3 times the recommended clinical dose of 1 mg/kg/day, respectively, after normalization for total body surface area).
In dogs, testicular atrophy was noted after treatment with oral isotretinoin for approximately 30 weeks at dosages of 20 or 60 mg/kg/day (10 or 30 times therecommended clinical dose of 1 mg/kg/day, respectively, after normalization for total body surface area). In general, there was microscopic evidence for appreciabledepression of spermatogenesis but some sperm were observed in all testes examined and in no instance were completely atrophic tubules seen. In studies of 66 men, 30of whom were patients with nodular acne under treatment with oral isotretinoin, no significant changes were noted in the count or motility of spermatozoa in theejaculate. In a study of 50 men (ages 17 to 32 years) receiving Amnesteem therapy for nodular acne, no significant effects were seen on ejaculate volume, sperm count,total sperm motility, morphology or seminal plasma fructose.
Pregnancy
Category X
See BOX WARNING.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects, nursing mothers should not receive Amnesteem.
Pediatric Use
The use of Amnesteem in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age has not been studied. The use of Amnesteem for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acnein pediatric patients ages 12 to 17 years should be given careful consideration, especially for those patients where a known metabolic or structural bone disease exists(see PRECAUTIONS: General). Use of Amnesteem in this age group for severe recalcitrant nodular acne is supported by evidence from a clinical study comparing 103pediatric patients (13 to 17 years) to 197 adult patients (≥ 18 years). Results from this study demonstrated that Amnesteem, at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day given in twodivided doses, was equally effective in treating severe recalcitrant nodular acne in both pediatric and adult patients.
In studies with Amnesteem, adverse reactions reported in pediatric patients were similar to those described in adults except for the increased incidence of back pain andarthralgia (both of which were sometimes severe) and myalgia in pediatric patients (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).
In an open-label clinical trial (N = 217) of a single course of therapy with Amnesteem for severe recalcitrant nodular acne, bone density measurements at severalskeletal sites were not significantly decreased (lumbar spine change > -4% and total hip change > -5%) or were increased in the majority of patients. One patient had adecrease in lumbar spine bone mineral density > 4% based on unadjusted data. Sixteen (7.9%) patients had decreases in lumbar spine bone mineral density > 4%, andall the other patients (92%) did not have significant decreases or had increases (adjusted for body mass index). Nine patients (4.5%) had a decrease in total hip bonemineral density > 5% based on unadjusted data. Twenty-one (10.6%) patients had decreases in total hip bone mineral density > 5%, and all the other patients (89%) didnot have significant decreases or had increases (adjusted for body mass index). Follow-up studies performed in eight of the patients with decreased bone mineral densityfor up to 11 months thereafter demonstrated increasing bone density in five patients at the lumbar spine, while the other three patients had lumbar spine bone densitymeasurements below baseline values. Total hip bone mineral densities remained below baseline (range –1.6% to –7.6%) in five of eight patients (62.5%).
In a separate open-label extension study of ten patients, ages 13 to 18 years, who started a second course of Amnesteem 4 months after the first course, two patientsshowed a decrease in mean lumbar spine bone mineral density up to 3.25% (see WARNINGS: Skeletal: Bone Mineral Density).
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of isotretinoin did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from youngersubjects. Although reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients, effects of aging might be expected toincrease some risks associated with isotretinoin therapy (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).
REFERENCES
5. Katz RA, Jorgensen H, Nigra TP. Elevation of serum triglyceride levels from oral isotretinoin in disorders of keratinization. Arch Dermatol 116:1369-1372, 1980.
6. Ellis CN, Madison KC, Pennes DR, Martel W, Voorhees JJ. Isotretinoin therapy is associated with early skeletal radiographic changes. J Am Acad Dermatol 10:1024-1029, 1984.