Warnings for Sernivo
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Sernivo
Effects On Endocrine System
SERNIVO Spray can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during or after withdrawal of treatment. Factors that predispose to HPA axis suppression include the use of high-potency corticosteroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and young age.
Evaluation for HPA axis suppression may be done by using the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test.
In a study including 48 evaluable subjects 18 years of age or older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, abnormal ACTH stimulation test results suggestive of adrenal suppression were identified in 5 out of 24 (20.8%) subjects after treatment with SERNIVO Spray twice daily for 15 days. No subject (0 out of 24) had abnormal ACTH stimulation test results after treatment with SERNIVO Spray twice daily for 29 days [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
If HPA axis suppression is documented, gradually withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute with a less potent corticosteroid. If signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal occur, supplemental systemic corticosteroids may be required.
Systemic effects of topical corticosteroids may also manifest as Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. These events are rare and generally occur after prolonged exposure to larger than recommended doses, particularly with high-potency topical corticosteroids.
Minimize the unwanted risks from endocrine effects by mitigating the risk factors favoring increased systemic bioavailability and by using the product as recommended [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. Use of SERNIVO Spray is not recommended in pediatric patients [see Use In Specific Populations].
Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions
Use of topical corticosteroids, including SERNIVO Spray, may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported postmarketing with the use of topical corticosteroid products, including betamethasone dipropionate [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Avoid contact of SERNIVO Spray with eyes. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by observing failure to heal rather than noting a clinical exacerbation. Corroborate such an observation with appropriate diagnostic patch testing. If irritation develops, discontinue the topical corticosteroid and institute appropriate therapy.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).
Inform patients of the following:
- Discontinue therapy when control is achieved, unless directed otherwise by the physician.
- Do not use for longer than 4 consecutive weeks.
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Avoid use of SERNIVO Spray on the face, scalp, underarms, groin or other intertriginous areas, unless directed by the physician.
- Do not occlude the treatment area with bandage or other covering, unless directed by the physician.
- Local reactions and skin atrophy are more likely to occur with occlusive use, prolonged use, or use of higher potency corticosteroids.
- Advise a woman to use SERNIVO Spray on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while pregnant or breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply SERNIVO Spray directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of betamethasone dipropionate.
In a 90-day repeat-dose toxicity study in rats, topical administration of betamethasone dipropionate spray formulation at dose concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% (providing dose levels up to 0.5 mg/kg/day in males and 0.25 mg/kg/day in females) resulted in a toxicity profile consistent with long-term exposure to corticosteroids including reduced body weight gain, adrenal atrophy, and histological changes in bone marrow, thymus and spleen indicative of severe immune suppression. A no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) could not be determined in this study. Although the clinical relevance of the findings in animals to humans is not clear, sustained glucocorticoid-related immune suppression may increase the risk of infection and possibly the risk of carcinogenesis.
Betamethasone was negative in the bacterial mutagenicity assay (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli), and in the mammalian cell mutagenicity assay (CHO/HGPRT). It was positive in the in vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay, and equivocal in the in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
Studies in rabbits, mice, and rats using intramuscular doses up to 1, 33, and 2 mg/kg, respectively, resulted in dose-related increases in fetal resorptions in rabbits and mice.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no available data on SERNIVO Spray use in pregnant women to evaluate a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
Observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birthweight infants with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during a pregnancy. Advise pregnant women that SERNIVO Spray may increase the risk of having a low birthweight infant and to use SERNIVO Spray on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible.
In animal reproduction studies, increased malformations, including umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate, were observed after intramuscular administration of betamethasone dipropionate to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis (see Data). The available data do not allow the calculation of relevant comparisons between the systemic exposure of betamethasone dipropionate observed in animal studies to the systemic exposure that would be expected in humans after topical use of SERNIVO Spray.
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 risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
Administration of 0.05 mg/kg betamethasone dipropionate intramuscularly to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused malformations. The abnormalities observed included umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data regarding the presence of betamethasone dipropionate in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production after topical application of SERNIVO Spray to women who are breastfeeding.
It is possible that topical administration of betamethasone dipropionate could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk.  The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for SERNIVO Spray and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from SERNIVO Spray or from the underlying maternal condition.
Clinical Considerations
To minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breast milk, use SERNIVO Spray on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply SERNIVO Spray directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [see Use In Specific Populations].
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of SERNIVO Spray in patients younger than 18 years of age have not been studied; therefore use in pediatric patients is not recommended. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at greater risk of systemic toxicity, including HPA axis suppression and adrenal insufficiency, when treated with topical drugs. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Rare systemic effects such as Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients, especially those with prolonged exposure to large doses of high potency topical corticosteroids.
Local adverse reactions including skin atrophy have also been reported with use of topical corticosteroids in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of SERNIVO Spray did not include sufficient numbers of subjects who were 65 years of age or older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.