Warnings for Fintepla
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Fintepla
Valvular Heart Disease And Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
FINTEPLA can cause valvular heart disease (VHD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). There is a known association between serotonergic drugs with 5-HT2B receptor agonist activity, including fenfluramine (the active ingredient in FINTEPLA), and valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although no patients receiving FINTEPLA developed valvular heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension in clinical trials for DS and LGS of up to 3 years in duration, cases of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension have been reported during use of FINTEPLA in the postmarketing setting [see BOX WARNING and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Because of this risk, cardiac monitoring is required prior to starting treatment, during treatment, and after treatment with FINTEPLA concludes. Cardiac monitoring via echocardiogram can identify evidence of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension prior to a patient becoming symptomatic, aiding in early detection of these conditions.
Monitoring
Prior to starting treatment, patients must undergo an echocardiogram to evaluate for valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Echocardiograms should be repeated every 6 months, and once 3-6 months post-treatment with FINTEPLA.
The prescriber must consider the benefits versus the risks of initiating or continuing treatment with FINTEPLA if any of the following signs are observed via ECHO:
- Valvular abnormality or new abnormality via echocardiogram.
- VHD as indicated by mild or greater aortic regurgitation or moderate or greater mitral regurgitation, with additional characteristics of VHD (e.g., valve thickening or restrictive valve motion).
- PAH as indicated by elevated right heart/pulmonary artery pressure (PASP > 35 mm Hg).
FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted program under a REMS [see FINTEPLA REMS Program].
FINTEPLA REMS Program
FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted distribution program called the FINTEPLA REMS program because of the risk of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension [see Valvular Heart Disease And Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension].
Notable requirements of the FINTEPLA REMS Program include:
- Prescribers must be certified by enrolling in the FINTEPLA REMS program.
- Prescribers must counsel patients receiving FINTEPLA about the risk of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, how to recognize signs and symptoms of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, the need for baseline (pretreatment) and periodic cardiac monitoring via echocardiogram during FINTEPLA treatment, and cardiac monitoring after FINTEPLA treatment.
- Patients must enroll in the REMS program and comply with ongoing monitoring requirements [see Valvular Heart Disease And Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension].
- The pharmacy must be certified by enrolling in the REMS program and must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive FINTEPLA.
- Wholesalers and distributors must only distribute to certified pharmacies.
Further information is available at www.FinteplaREMS.com or by telephone at 1-877-964-3649.
Decreased Appetite And Decreased Weight
FINTEPLA can cause decreases in appetite and weight. In placebo-controlled studies for DS (Study 1 and Study 2 combined), approximately 37% of patients treated with FINTEPLA reported, as an adverse reaction, decreased appetite and approximately 9% reported decreased weight, as compared to 8% and 1%, respectively, of patients on placebo. In the placebocontrolled study for LGS (Study 3), approximately 28% of patients treated with FINTEPLA reported, as an adverse reaction, decreased appetite and approximately 5% reported decreased weight, as compared to 15% and 2%, respectively, of patients on placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. By the end of the controlled studies, 19% (Studies 1 and 2 combined) of DS patients and 7% (Study 3) of LGS patients treated with FINTEPLA had a measured decrease in weight of 7% or greater from their baseline weight, compared to 2% (Study 1 and 2) and 0% (Study 3) of patients on placebo. This measured decrease in weight appeared to be dose-related. In the controlled studies for DS, 26% of patients on FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day (Study 1), 19% of patients on FINTEPLA 0.4 mg/kg/day in combination with stiripentol (Study 2), and 13% of patients taking FINTEPLA 0.2 mg/kg/day (Study 1) experienced at least a 7% decrease in weight from baseline. In the controlled study for LGS, 9% of patients on FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day (Study 3) and 6% of patients on FINTEPLA 0.2 mg/kg/day (Study 3) experienced at least a 7% decrease in weight from baseline. Approximately half of the patients with LGS and most patients with DS resumed the expected measured increases in weight during the open-label extension studies. Given the frequency of these adverse reactions, the growth of pediatric patients treated with FINTEPLA should be carefully monitored. Weight should be monitored regularly during treatment with FINTEPLA, and dose modifications should be considered if a decrease in weight is observed.
Somnolence, Sedation, And Lethargy
FINTEPLA can cause somnolence, sedation, and lethargy. In controlled studies for DS (Study 1 and Study 2 combined), the incidence of somnolence, sedation, and lethargy was 25% in patients treated with FINTEPLA, compared with 11% of patients on placebo. In the controlled study for LGS (Study 3), the incidence of somnolence, sedation, and lethargy was 19% in patients treated with FINTEPLA, compared with 16% of patients on placebo. In general, these effects may diminish with continued treatment [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, could potentiate these effects of FINTEPLA. Prescribers should monitor patients for somnolence and sedation and should advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on FINTEPLA to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery.
Suicidal Behavior And Ideation
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including FINTEPLA, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Patients treated with an AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical trials (mono- and adjunctive therapy) of 11 different AEDs that did not include FINTEPLA showed that patients randomized to one of the AEDs had approximately twice the risk (adjusted Relative Risk 1.8, 95% CI:1.2, 2.7) of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients randomized to placebo. In these trials, which had a median treatment duration of 12 weeks, the estimated incidence rate of suicidal behavior or ideation among 27,863 AED-treated patients was 0.43%, compared to 0.24% among 16,029 placebo-treated patients, representing an increase of approximately one case of suicidal thinking or behavior for every 530 patients treated. There were four suicides in drug-treated patients in the trials and none in placebo-treated patients, but the number is too small to allow any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with AEDs was observed as early as 1 week after starting drug treatment with AEDs and persisted for the duration of treatment assessed. Because most trials included in the analysis did not extend beyond 24 weeks, the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior beyond 24 weeks could not be assessed.
The risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior was generally consistent among drugs in the data analyzed. The finding of increased risk with AEDs of varying mechanisms of action and across a range of indications suggests that the risk applies to all AEDs used for any indication. The risk did not vary substantially by age (5-100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed. Table 3 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs.
Table 3: Risk of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors by Indication for Antiepileptic Drugs in the Pooled Analysis
| Indication |
Placebo Patients with Events per 1000 Patients |
Drug Patients with Events per 1000 Patients |
Relative Risk: Incidence of Events in Drug Patients/ Incidence in Placebo Patients |
Risk Difference: Additional Drug Patients with Events per 1000 Patients |
| Epilepsy |
1.0 |
3.4 |
3.5 |
2.4 |
| Psychiatric |
5.7 |
8.5 |
1.5 |
2.9 |
| Other |
1.0 |
1.8 |
1.9 |
0.9 |
| Total |
2.4 |
4.3 |
1.8 |
1.9 |
The relative risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior was higher in clinical trials in patients with epilepsy than in clinical trials in patients with psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications.
Anyone considering prescribing FINTEPLA or any other AED must balance the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors with the risk of untreated illness. Epilepsy and many other illnesses for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Should suicidal thoughts and behavior emerge during treatment, consider whether the emergence of these symptoms in any given patient may be related to the illness being treated.
Withdrawal Of Antiepileptic Drugs
As with most AEDs, FINTEPLA should generally be withdrawn gradually because of the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus. If withdrawal is needed because of a serious adverse reaction, rapid discontinuation can be considered.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, may occur with FINTEPLA, particularly with concomitant administration of FINTEPLA with other serotonergic drugs, including, but not limited to, selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), bupropion, triptans, dietary supplements (e.g., St. John,s Wort, tryptophan), drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (including monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs], which are contraindicated with FINTEPLA [see CONTRAINDICATIONS], dextromethorphan, lithium, tramadol, and antipsychotics with serotonergic agonist activity. Patients should be monitored for the emergence of signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular signs (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). If serotonin syndrome is suspected, treatment with FINTEPLA should be stopped immediately and symptomatic treatment should be started.
Increase In Blood Pressure
FINTEPLA can cause an increase in blood pressure [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Rare cases of significant elevation in blood pressure, including hypertensive crisis, has been reported in adult patients treated with fenfluramine, including patients without a history of hypertension. In clinical trials of up to 3 years in duration, no pediatric or adult patient receiving FINTEPLA developed a hypertensive crisis. Monitor blood pressure in patients treated with FINTEPLA.
Glaucoma
Fenfluramine can cause mydriasis and can precipitate angle closure glaucoma. Consider discontinuing treatment with FINTEPLA in patients with acute decreases in visual acuity or ocular pain.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Administration Information
Advise patients who are prescribed FINTEPLA to use the oral dosing syringes provided by the pharmacy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE]. Instruct patients to discard any unused FINTEPLA 3 months after first opening the bottle or if the “discard after” date on the dispensing bottle has passed, whichever is sooner [see HOW SUPPLIED].
Valvular Heart Disease And Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Advise patients that cardiac monitoring must be performed using echocardiography to monitor for serious heart valve changes or high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
FINTEPLA REMS Program
FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted program called the FINTEPLA REMS program [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Inform the patient of the following notable requirements:
- Patients must enroll in the program and comply with ongoing echocardiogram monitoring requirements [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
FINTEPLA is only prescribed by certified health care providers and only dispensed from certified pharmacies participating in the program. Therefore, provide patients with the telephone number and website for information on how to obtain the product [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Decreased Appetite And Decreased Weight
Advise patients that decreased appetite is frequent during treatment with FINTEPLA, which can cause decrease in weight [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Somnolence, Sedation, And Lethargy
Inform patients that FINTEPLA can cause somnolence, sedation, and lethargy. Caution patients about operating hazardous machinery, including motor vehicles, until they are reasonably certain that FINTEPLA does not affect them adversely (e.g., impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Suicidal Thinking And Behavior
Counsel patients, their caregivers, and their families that antiepileptic drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and advise them to be alert for the emergence or worsening of symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts of self-harm. Instruct patients, caregivers, and families to report behaviors of concern immediately to healthcare providers [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Withdrawal Of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
Advise patients not to discontinue use of FINTEPLA without consulting with their healthcare provider. FINTEPLA should normally be gradually withdrawn to reduce the potential for increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Serotonin Syndrome
Inform patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Advise patients on the signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome and that certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can increase this risk [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Increase In Blood Pressure
Inform patients that FINTEPLA can cause an increase in blood pressure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Glaucoma
Inform patients that FINTEPLA can cause mydriasis and can precipitate angle closure glaucoma.
Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if they have any acute decreases in visual acuity or ocular pain [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Pregnancy Registry
Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during FINTEPLA therapy. Encourage women who are taking FINTEPLA to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant.
This registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
Oral administration of fenfluramine to Tg.rasH2 mice (0, 4.3, 13.0, 34.6, or 51.8 mg/kg/day) for 26 weeks and to male and female rats (0, 0.9 2.2, or 6.9 mg/kg/day) for 89 and 97 weeks, respectively, resulted in no evidence of drug-induced tumors in either species. In rats, plasma exposures (AUC) of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine (the major metabolite) at the highest dose tested were approximately 5 and 11 times, respectively, those in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 26 mg/day.
Mutagenesis
Fenfluramine was negative in an in vitro bacterial mutation (Ames) assay and an in vivo micronucleus and comet assay in rats.
Impairment Of Fertility
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 3.0, 6.9, or 17.3 mg/kg/day) to male and female rats prior to and throughout mating and continuing in females to day 7 of gestation resulted in a decrease in fertility and increases in abnormal sperm and epithelial vacuolation of the epididymis at the highest dose tested and altered estrous cyclicity, decreased corpora lutea and implantations, and increased embryolethality at the mid and high dose. These doses were associated with parental toxicity. The no-effect doses for adverse effects on fertility and reproductive performance in rats (6.9 and 3.0 mg/kg/day in males and females, respectively) were associated with plasma fenfluramine exposures (AUC) approximately 3 and 0.6 times, respectively, and norfenfluramine exposures approximately 5 and 3 times, respectively, those in humans at the MRHD.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as FINTEPLA, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking FINTEPLA during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling the toll-free number 1-888-233-2334 or visiting https://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.
Risk Summary
There are no data on FINTEPLA use in pregnant women. Available data from epidemiologic studies with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. FINTEPLA can cause decreased appetite and decreased weight [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]; monitor for adequate weight gain during pregnancy. In animal studies, administration of fenfluramine throughout organogenesis (rat and rabbit) or throughout gestation and lactation (rat) resulted in adverse effects on development (fetal malformations, embryofetal and offspring mortality and growth impairment) in the presence of maternal toxicity at clinically relevant maternal plasma levels of fenfluramine and its major active metabolite (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.5, 8.6, or 34.6 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in decreased fetal body weights and marked increases in fetal malformations (external, visceral, and skeletal) at the highest dose tested, which was associated with maternal toxicity. At the no-effect dose (8.6 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rats, maternal plasma exposures (AUC) of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine (the major metabolite) were approximately 2 and 5 times, respectively, those in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 26 mg/day.
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.3, 8.6, 13.0 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis resulted in increased embryofetal mortality at all doses and increases in fetal malformations (external and skeletal) at the highest dose tested, which was associated with maternal toxicity. A no-adverse-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rabbits was not identified. At the lowest dose tested in rabbits (4.3 mg/kg/day), maternal plasma exposures of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were lower than those in humans at the MRHD.
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.3, 8,6, or 34.6 mg/kg/day) to female rats throughout gestation and lactation resulted in marked increases in stillborn pups and neonatal offspring deaths at the highest dose tested and delayed growth and reflex development during the preweaning period at all doses. Maternal body weight gain was decreased at all doses during pregnancy and at the two highest doses during lactation. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats was not determined. At the lowest dose tested in rats (4.3 mg/kg/day), maternal plasma exposures of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were approximately 0.5 and 3 times, respectively, those in humans at the MRHD.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of fenfluramine or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother,s clinical need for FINTEPLA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from FINTEPLA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Infertility
In animal studies, oral administration of fenfluramine resulted in adverse reproductive effects in males and females at clinically relevant doses in the presence of parental toxicity [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with DS and LGS have been established in patients 2 years of age and older.
Use of FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with DS in patients 2 years of age and older is supported by two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 202 patients 2 to 18 years of age. Use of FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS is supported by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 263 patients aged 2 to 35 years, including 187 patients less than 18 years [see BOX WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS and Clinical Studies].
FINTEPLA can cause decreases in appetite and weight. The growth of pediatric patients treated with FINTEPLA should be carefully monitored.
Safety and effectiveness in patients less than 2 years of age have not been established.
Juvenile Animal Data
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 3.0, 7,8, or 17.3 mg/kg/day) to young rats for 10 weeks starting on postnatal day 7 resulted in reduced body weight and neurobehavioral changes (decreased locomotor activity and learning and memory deficits) at all doses tested. Neurobehavioral effects persisted after dosing was discontinued. Bone size was decreased at the mid and high doses; brain size was decreased at the highest dose. Partial or complete recovery was seen for these endpoints. A no-effect dose for postnatal developmental toxicity was not identified. The lowest dose tested (3.0 mg/kg/day) was associated with plasma fenfluramine exposures (AUC) less than that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 26 mg/day and norfenfluramine (metabolite) exposures (AUC) approximately 2 times that in humans at the MRHD.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of FINTEPLA for the treatment of DS or LGS did not include patients 65 years of age and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Renal Impairment
In patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73m2, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA of 20 mg. In patients with eGFR 15 to 29 ml/min/1.73m2 and concomitant stiripentol use, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA of 17 mg [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
FINTEPLA has not been studied in patients with eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m2.
Hepatic Impairment
Combined molar exposures of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were increased in subjects with various degrees of hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B, and C), necessitating a dosage adjustment in these patients [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].