WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Somnolence
In clinical trials, the occurrence of somnolence has been reported in some patients (6 of 853 adult and
adolescent patients and 2 of 416 children) taking DYMISTA in placebo controlled trials [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring
complete mental alertness and motor coordination such as operating machinery or driving a motor
vehicle after administration of DYMISTA. Concurrent use of DYMISTA with alcohol or other central
nervous system depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness and additional
impairment of central nervous system performance may occur [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Local Nasal Effects
In clinical trials of 2 to 52 weeks’ duration, epistaxis was observed more frequently in patients treated
with DYMISTA than those who received placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Instances of nasal ulceration and nasal septal perforation have been reported in patients following the
intranasal application of corticosteroids. There were no instances of nasal ulceration or nasal septal
perforation observed in clinical trials with DYMISTA.
Because of the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on wound healing, patients who have experienced
recent nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should avoid use of DYMISTA until healing has
occurred.
In clinical trials with fluticasone propionate administered intranasally, the development of localized
infections of the nose and pharynx with Candida albicans has occurred. When such an infection
develops, it may require treatment with appropriate local therapy and discontinuation of treatment with
DYMISTA. Patients using DYMISTA over several months or longer should be examined periodically
for evidence of Candida infection or other signs of adverse effects on the nasal mucosa.
Glaucoma And Cataracts
Nasal and inhaled corticosteroids may result in the development of glaucoma and/or cataracts.
Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of
increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts.
Glaucoma and cataract formation were evaluated with intraocular pressure measurements and slit lamp
examinations in a controlled 12-month study in 612 adolescent and adult patients aged 12 years and older
with perennial allergic or vasomotor rhinitis (VMR). Of the 612 patients enrolled in the study, 405 were
randomized to receive DYMISTA (1 spray per nostril twice daily) and 207 were randomized to receive
fluticasone propionate nasal spray (2 sprays per nostril once daily). In the DYMISTA group, one patient
had increased intraocular pressure at month 6. In addition, three patients had evidence of posterior
subcapsular cataract at month 6 and one at month 12 (end of treatment). In the fluticasone propionate
group, three patients had evidence of posterior subcapsular cataract at month 12 (end of treatment).
Immunosuppression
Persons who are using drugs, such as corticosteroids, 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 children or
adults who have not had these diseases or 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 exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with
varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If 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.
Corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculous
infections of the respiratory tract; untreated local or systemic fungal or bacterial infections; systemic
viral or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex because of the potential for worsening of these
infections.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Effects
When intranasal steroids are used at higher than recommended dosages or in susceptible individuals at
recommended dosages, systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression
may appear. If such changes occur, the dosage of DYMISTA should be discontinued slowly, consistent
with accepted procedures for discontinuing oral corticosteroid therapy. The concomitant use of
intranasal corticosteroids with other inhaled corticosteroids could increase the risk of signs or
symptoms of hypercorticism and/or suppression of the HPA axis.
The replacement of a systemic corticosteroid with a topical corticosteroid can be accompanied by
signs of adrenal insufficiency, and in addition some patients may experience symptoms of withdrawal,
e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, and depression. Patients previously treated for prolonged
periods with systemic corticosteroids and transferred to topical corticosteroids should be carefully
monitored for acute adrenal insufficiency in response to stress. In those patients who have asthma or
other clinical conditions requiring long-term systemic corticosteroid treatment, too rapid a decrease in
systemic corticosteroids may cause a severe exacerbation of their symptoms.
Use Of Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors
Ritonavir and other strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors can significantly increase
plasma fluticasone propionate exposure, resulting in significantly reduced serum cortisol
concentrations [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. During postmarketing use,
there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone
propionate and ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing syndrome and
adrenal suppression. Therefore, coadministration of DYMISTA and ritonavir is not recommended
unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects.
Use caution with the coadministration of DYMISTA and other potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as
ketoconazole [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Effect On Growth
Corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients.
Monitor the growth routinely of pediatric patients receiving DYMISTA [see Use In Specific Populations
].
Patient Conseling Information
See FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use)
Somnolence
Somnolence has been reported in some patients (8 of 1,269 patients) taking DYMISTA in controlled
clinical trials. Caution patients against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental
alertness and motor coordination such as driving or operating machinery after administration of
DYMISTA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] .
Concurrent Use Of Alcohol And Other Central Nervous System Depressants
Advise patients to avoid concurrent use of DYMISTA with alcohol or other central nervous system
depressants because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of central nervous
system performance may occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Local Nasal Effects
Nasal corticosteroids are associated with epistaxis, nasal ulceration, nasal septal perforation, Candida
albicans infection and impaired wound healing. Patients who have experienced recent nasal ulcers, nasal
surgery, or nasal trauma should not use DYMISTA until healing has occurred [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Glaucoma And Cataracts
Inform patients that glaucoma and cataracts are associated with nasal and inhaled corticosteroid use.
Advise patients to inform his/her health care provider if a change in vision is noted while using
DYMISTA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Immunosuppression
Warn patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox
or measles and, if exposed, to consult their physician without delay. Inform patients of potential
worsening of existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, or ocular herpes
simplex [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Effect On Growth
Corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients.
Monitor the growth routinely of pediatric patients receiving DYMISTA [see Use In Specific Populations
].
Priming
Instruct patients to shake the bottle gently before each use and prime the pump before initial use and
when DYMISTA has not been used for 14 or more days [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Keep Spray Out Of Eyes
Instruct patients to avoid spraying DYMISTA into their eyes.
Keep Out Of Children's Reach
Instruct patients to keep DYMISTA out of the reach of children. If a child accidentally ingests
DYMISTA, seek medical help or call a poison control center immediately.
Potential Drug Interactions
Advise patients that coadministration of DYMISTA and ritonavir is not recommended and to be cautious
if DYMISTA is coadministered with ketoconazole [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
DYMISTA
No studies of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility were conducted
with DYMISTA; however, studies are available for the individual active components, azelastine
hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate, as described below.
Azelastine Hydrochloride
In 2-year carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, azelastine hydrochloride
did not show evidence of carcinogenicity at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively.
These doses were approximately 530 and 220 times the maximum recommended human daily intranasal
dose [MRHDID] on a mg/m2 basis.
Azelastine hydrochloride showed no genotoxic effects in the Ames test, DNA repair test, mouse
lymphoma forward mutation assay, mouse micronucleus test, or chromosomal aberration test in rat bone
marrow.
Reproduction and fertility studies in rats showed no effects on male or female fertility at oral doses up
to 30 mg/kg (approximately 530 times the MRHDID in adults on a mg/m2 basis). At 68.6 mg/kg
(approximately 1200 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis), the duration of estrous cycles was
prolonged and copulatory activity and the number of pregnancies were decreased. The numbers of
corpora lutea and implantations were decreased; however, pre-implantation loss was not increased.
Fluticasone Propionate
Fluticasone propionate demonstrated no tumorigenic potential in mice at oral
doses up to 1,000 mcg/kg (approximately 20 times the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in
adults and approximately 10 times the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in children on a
mcg/m2 basis) for 78 weeks or in rats at inhalation doses up to 57 mcg/kg (approximately 2 times the
MRHDID in 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
mouse micronucleus test.
No evidence of impairment of fertility was observed in reproductive studies conducted in male and
female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg (approximately 2 times the MRHDID in adults on a
mcg/m2 basis). Prostate weight was significantly reduced at a subcutaneous dose of 50 mcg/kg.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
DYMISTA
Teratogenic Effects : Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical trials of DYMISTA, azelastine hydrochloride only,
or fluticasone propionate only in pregnant women. Animal reproductive studies of azelastine
hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate in mice, rats, and/or rabbits revealed evidence of
teratogenicity as well as other developmental toxic effects. Because animal reproduction studies are not
always predictive of human response, DYMISTA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential
benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Azelastine Hydrochloride
Teratogenic Effects
In mice, azelastine hydrochloride caused embryo-fetal
death, malformations (cleft palate; short or absent tail; fused, absent or branched ribs), delayed
ossification, and decreased fetal weight at an oral dose approximately 610 times the maximum
recommended human daily intranasal dose (MRHDID) in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of
68.6 mg/kg). This dose also caused maternal toxicity as evidenced by decreased body weight. Neither
fetal nor maternal effects occurred at a dose that was approximately 26 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2
basis at a maternal dose of 3 mg/kg).
In rats, azelastine hydrochloride caused malformations (oligo- and brachydactylia), delayed ossification
and skeletal variations, in the absence of maternal toxicity, at an oral dose approximately 530 times the
MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 30 mg/kg). At a dose approximately 1200
times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 68.6 mg/kg), azelastine hydrochloride also
caused embryo-fetal death and decreased fetal weight; however, this dose caused severe maternal
toxicity. Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred at a dose approximately 53 times the MRHDID (on
a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 3 mg/kg).
In rabbits, azelastine hydrochloride caused abortion, delayed ossification, and decreased fetal weight at
oral doses approximately 1100 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 30
mg/kg); however, these doses also resulted in severe maternal toxicity. Neither fetal nor maternal
effects occurred at a dose approximately 11 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of
0.3 mg/kg).
Fluticasone Propionate
Teratogenic Effects
Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Subcutaneous
studies in the mouse and rat at doses approximately equivalent to and 4 times, respectively, the
MRHDID in adults (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal doses of 45 and 100 mcg/kg, respectively), revealed
fetal toxicity characteristic of potent corticosteroid compounds, including embryonic growth
retardation, omphalocele, cleft palate, and retarded cranial ossification.
In the rabbit, fetal weight reduction and cleft palate were observed at a subcutaneous dose less than the
MRHDID in adults (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 4 mcg/kg). However, no teratogenic effects
were reported at oral doses up to approximately 25 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mcg/m2 basis at a
maternal dose of 300 mcg/kg) of fluticasone propionate to the rabbit. No fluticasone propionate was
detected in the plasma in this study, consistent with the established low bioavailability following oral
administration [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Experience with oral corticosteroids since their introduction in pharmacologic, as opposed to
physiologic, doses suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroids
than humans. In addition, because there is a natural increase in corticosteroid production during
pregnancy, most women will require a lower exogenous corticosteroid dose and many will not need
corticosteroid treatment during pregnancy.
Nonteratogenic Effects
Fluticasone propionate crossed the placenta following oral administration of
approximately 4 and 25 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal doses of 100 mcg/kg
and 300 mcg/kg to rats and rabbits, respectively).
Nursing Mothers
DYMISTA
It is not known whether DYMISTA is excreted in human breast milk. Because many drugs
are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when DYMISTA is administered to a nursing
woman. Since there are no data from well-controlled human studies on the use of DYMISTA by nursing
mothers, based on data from the individual components, a decision should be made whether to
discontinue nursing or to discontinue DYMISTA, taking into account the importance of DYMISTA to
the mother.
Azelastine Hydrochloride
It is not known if azelastine hydrochloride is excreted in human milk.
Fluticasone Propionate
It is not known if fluticasone propionate is excreted in human milk. However,
other corticosteroids are excreted in human milk. Subcutaneous administration to lactating rats of 10
mcg/kg of tritiated fluticasone propionate (less than the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in
adults on a mcg/m2 basis) resulted in measurable radioactivity in the milk.
Pediatric Use
Use of DYMISTA for seasonal allergic rhinitis in pediatric patients 6 to 11 years of age is supported
by safety and efficacy data from clinical studies (416 patients 6 to 11 years of age with allergic rhinitis
were treated with DYMISTA in controlled clinical trials) and the established efficacy and safety of
azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray and fluticasone propionate nasal spray in this age group [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and Clinical Studies].
Sixty-one patients ages 4-5 years of age were treated with DYMISTA in the pediatric studies described
above. Safety findings in children 4-5 years of age were similar to those in children 6-11 years of age,
but efficacy was not established.
Safety and effectiveness of DYMISTA has not been studied in pediatric patients below the age of 4
years.
Controlled clinical studies have shown that intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth
velocity in pediatric patients. This effect has been observed in the absence of laboratory evidence of
HPA axis suppression, suggesting that growth velocity is a more sensitive indicator of systemic
corticosteroid exposure in pediatric patients than some commonly used tests of HPA axis function. The
long-term effects of this reduction in growth velocity associated with intranasal corticosteroids,
including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The potential for “catch-up” growth following
discontinuation of treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has not been adequately studied. The growth
of pediatric patients receiving intranasal corticosteroids, including DYMISTA, should be monitored
routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be
weighed against the clinical benefits obtained and the risks/benefits of treatment alternatives.
Geriatric Use
Clinical trials of DYMISTA did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to
determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience
has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and 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.