Warnings for ArmonAir RespiClick
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for ArmonAir RespiClick
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
In clinical trials, the development of localized infections of the mouth and pharynx with Candida albicans has occurred in subjects treated with ARMONAIR RESPICLICK. When such an infection develops, it should be treated with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while treatment with ARMONAIR RESPICLICK continues, but at times therapy with ARMONAIR 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.
Acute Asthma Episodes
ARMONAIR RESPICLICK is not indicated for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. An inhaled, short-acting beta2agonist, not ARMONAIR RESPICLICK, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as shortness of breath. When prescribing ARMONAIR RESPICLICK, the physician must provide the patient with an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist (e.g., albuterol) for treatment of acute symptoms, despite regular twice-daily use of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK. Instruct patients to contact their physicians immediately if episodes of asthma not responsive to bronchodilators occur during the course of treatment with ARMONAIR RESPICLICK. During such episodes, patients may require therapy with oral corticosteroids.
Immunosuppression And Risk Of Infections
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 children 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; untreated systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.
Transferring Patients From Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy
HPA Suppression/Adrenal Insufficiency
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 ARMONAIR 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 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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK. Prednisone reduction can be accomplished by reducing the daily prednisone dose by 2.5 mg on a weekly basis during therapy with ARMONAIR 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.
Unmasking Of Allergic Conditions Previously Suppressed By Systemic Corticosteroids
Transfer of patients from systemic corticosteroid therapy to ARMONAIR RESPICLICK may unmask allergic conditions previously suppressed by the systemic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, arthritis, eosinophilic conditions).
Corticosteroid Withdrawal Symptoms
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
ARMONAIR RESPICLICK will often help control asthma symptoms with less suppression of HPA function than therapeutically equivalent oral doses of prednisone. Since ARMONAIR RESPICLICK is absorbed into the circulation and can be systemically active at higher doses, the beneficial effects of ARMONAIR 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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK.
Because of the possibility of significant systemic absorption of inhaled corticosteroids, patients treated with ARMONAIR 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, the dosage of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK should be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing systemic corticosteroids, and for management of asthma symptoms.
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after administration of ARMONAIR 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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Monitor the growth of pediatric patients receiving ARMONAIR RESPICLICK routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including ARMONAIR 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.
Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts.
Paradoxical Bronchospasm
As with other inhaled medicines, bronchospasm may occur with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. If bronchospasm occurs following dosing with ARMONAIR RESPICLICK, it should be treated immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator; ARMONAIR RESPICLICK should be discontinued immediately; and alternative therapy should be instituted.
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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid adverse effects may occur [see DRUG INTERACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Eosinophilic Conditions And Churg-Strauss Syndrome
In rare cases, patients on inhaled fluticasone propionate 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.
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:
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK, but at times therapy with ARMONAIR 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 [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Status Asthmaticus And Acute Asthma Symptoms
Inform patients that ARMONAIR RESPICLICK is not a bronchodilator and is not intended for use as rescue medicine for acute asthma exacerbations. Advise patients to treat acute asthma symptoms with an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist such as albuterol. Instruct the patient to contact their physicians immediately if there is deterioration of their asthma [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Immunosuppression And Risk Of Infections
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 [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hypercorticism And Adrenal Suppression
Advise patients that ARMONAIR RESPICLICK may cause systemic corticosteroid effects of hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. Additionally, instruct 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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions
Advise patients that immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, and hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after administration of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK. Patients should discontinue ARMONAIR 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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Reduction In Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
Advise patients who are at an increased risk for decreased BMD that the use of corticosteroids may pose an additional risk [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Reduced Growth Velocity
Inform patients that orally inhaled corticosteroids, including ARMONAIR RESPICLICK, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Physicians should closely follow the growth of adolescents taking corticosteroids by any route [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Ocular Effects
Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may increase the risk of some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma); consider regular eye examinations [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Pregnancy
Inform patients who are pregnant or nursing that they should contact their physician about the use of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK [see Use In Specific Populations].
Use Daily For Best Effect
Patients should use ARMONAIR RESPICLICK at regular intervals as directed. The daily dosage of ARMONAIR 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 the 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 to not stop use of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK abruptly. Patients should contact their physicians immediately if they discontinue use of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK.
Dose Counter
Instruct patients that the ARMONAIR RESPICLICK inhaler has a dose counter that displays the number of actuations (inhalations) left in the inhaler. When the patient receives a new inhaler, the number 60 will be displayed. The dose counter will count down each time the mouthpiece is opened and closed. The dose counter window displays the number of actuations (inhalations) left in the inhaler in units of two (e.g., 60, 58, 56, etc.). When the dose counter reaches 20, the color of the numbers will change to red to remind the patient to contact their pharmacist or healthcare provider for a refill of their medication. When the dose counter reaches 0, the patient should stop using the inhaler, and it should be disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations.
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.
Instruct patients to discard ARMONAIR 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 1,000 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).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no randomized clinical studies of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with the use of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK in pregnant women [see Clinical Considerations]. 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 approximately 2 times 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. 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 for the neonate. Pregnant women with asthma should be closely monitored and medication adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal asthma control.
Data
Animal Data
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 no observed adverse effect level (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 embryofetal 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).
Fluticasone propionate crossed the placenta following subcutaneous administration to mice and rats and oral administration to rabbits.
In a pre- and post-natal development study in pregnant rats dosed 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).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no available data on the presence of fluticasone propionate 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 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 ARMONAIR RESPICLICK and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ARMONAIR 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.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK in the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in pediatric patients 12 years of age and older has been established. Use of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK for this indication was supported by evidence from two adequate and well-controlled trials in pediatric patients 12 years old and older with persistent symptomatic asthma despite ICS or ICS/LABA therapy (Trials 1 and 2) [see Clinical Studies]. In these trials, 50 adolescents received ARMONAIR RESPICLICK one inhalation twice daily.
The safety and effectiveness of ARMONAIR RESPICLICK in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.
Inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. A reduction of growth velocity in children or teenagers may occur as a result of poorly controlled asthma or from use of corticosteroids, including inhaled corticosteroids. The effects of long-term treatment of children and adolescents with inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, on final adult height are not known.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed in data collected in 135 subjects aged 65 years and older versus younger subjects who were treated with ARMONAIR RESPICLICK in placebo-controlled Phase 2 and 3 studies.
Hepatic Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using ARMONAIR RESPICLICK have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. Since fluticasone propionate is predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic impairment should be closely monitored.
Renal Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using ARMONAIR RESPICLICK have not been conducted in patients with renal impairment.