Warnings for Xelstrym
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Xelstrym
Abuse, Misuse, And Addiction
XELSTRYM has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of XELSTRYM exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. XELSTRYM can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution [see Drug Abuse And Dependence]. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including XELSTRYM, can result in overdose and death [see OVERDOSAGE], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Before prescribing XELSTRYM, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks and proper disposal of any unused drug. Advise patients to store XELSTRYM in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give XELSTRYM to anyone else. Throughout XELSTRYM treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Risks To Patients With Serious Cardiac Disease
Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who were treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended ADHD dosage.
Avoid XELSTRYM use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease.
Increased Blood Pressure And Heart Rate
CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase about 2 to 4 mm Hg) and heart rate (mean increase about 3 to 6 bpm). Monitor all XELSTRYM-treated patients for potential tachycardia and hypertension.
Psychiatric Adverse Reactions
Exacerbation Of Pre-existing Psychosis
CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.
Induction Of A Manic Episode In Patients With Bipolar Disorder
CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients. Prior to initiating XELSTRYM treatment, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression).
New Psychotic Or Manic Symptoms
CNS stimulants, at the recommended dosage, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNS stimulanttreated patients compared to 0% of placebo-treated patients. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing XELSTRYM.
Long-Term Suppression Of Growth In Pediatric Patients
CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients. Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in XELSTRYM-treated pediatric patients treated with CNS stimulants, including XELSTRYM. In a 7-week trial with a dose-optimization phase and a placebo-controlled phase of XELSTRYM in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years old with ADHD, there was a mean decrease in weight while taking XELSTRYM. Additionally, in studies of another CNS stimulant, there was slowing of the increase in height [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Pediatric patients not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted. XELSTRYM is not approved for use in pediatric patients below 6 years of age [see Use In Specific Populations].
Peripheral Vasculopathy, Including Raynaud’s Phenomenon
CNS stimulants, including XELSTRYM, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, sequelae have included digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon, were observed in postmarketing reports and at the therapeutic dosage of CNS stimulants in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improved after dosage reduction or discontinuation of the CNS stimulant. Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during XELSTRYM treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for XELSTRYM-treated patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction, may occur when amphetamines are used in combination with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, and St. John's Wort [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. The co-administration with cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) inhibitors may also increase the risk with increased exposure to XELSTRYM. In these situations, consider an alternative non-serotonergic drug or an alternative drug that does not inhibit CYP2D6 [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
Concomitant use of XELSTRYM with MAOI drugs is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Discontinue treatment with XELSTRYM and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use of XELSTRYM with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate XELSTRYM with lower doses, monitoring patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Contact Sensitization
Use of XELSTRYM may lead to contact sensitization (allergic contact dermatitis). Erythema is commonly seen with use of XELSTRYM and is not by itself an indication of sensitization. However, contact sensitization should be suspected if erythema is accompanied by evidence of a more intense local reaction (edema, papules, vesicles) that does not significantly improve within 48 hours or spreads beyond the application site. Confirmation of a diagnosis of contact sensitization may require further diagnostic testing [see CONTRAINDICATION].
Manifestations of systemic sensitization may include a flare-up of previous dermatitis or of prior positive patch-test sites, or generalized skin eruptions in previously unaffected skin. Other systemic reactions may include headache, fever, malaise, arthralgia, diarrhea, or vomiting. No cases of systemic sensitization have been observed in clinical trials of XELSTRYM.
Patients who develop contact sensitization to XELSTRYM and require oral treatment with amphetamine should be initiated on oral medication under close medical supervision. Discontinue XELSTRYM if contact sensitization is suspected. It is possible that some patients sensitized to amphetamine by exposure to XELSTRYM may not be able to take amphetamine in any form.
Application Site Reactions
Local skin reactions, such as pain, pruritus, burning sensation, erythema, discomfort, edema, and/or swelling were reported during the wear time or immediately after removal of XELSTRYM [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients who experienced discomfort and/or pain during the wear time reported resolution within 2 to 4 hours after application.
The potential for application site reactions and increased skin irritation, discomfort or pain may occur with XELSTRYM if the same application site is used repeatedly. Patients should select a different application site each day to minimize skin reactions.
Use Of External Heat
When heat is applied to XELSTRYM after application, both the rate and extent of absorption are increased. After application of a heating pad, amphetamine exposure (AUC0-9h) was about 1.5- times greater than without heating pad application [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Advise patients to avoid exposing XELSTRYM to direct external heat sources such as hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets, heated water beds, etc., while wearing XELSTRYM.
Motor And Verbal Tics, And Worsening Of Tourette’s Syndrome
CNS stimulants, including amphetamine, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of Tourette’s syndrome has also been reported [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Before initiating XELSTRYM, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor XELSTRYM-treated patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome, and discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Abuse, Misuse, And Addiction
Educate patients and their families about the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction of XELSTRYM, which can lead to overdose and death, and proper disposal of any unused drug [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Drug Abuse And Dependence, OVERDOSAGE]. Advise patients to store XELSTRYM in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give XELSTRYM to anyone else.
Risks To Patients With Serious Cardiac Disease
Advise patients that there are potential risks to patients with serious cardiac disease, including sudden death, with XELSTRYM use. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Increased Blood Pressure And Heart Rate
Advise patients that XELSTRYM can elevate blood pressure and heart rate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Psychiatric Adverse Reactions
Advise patients that XELSTRYM, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Long-Term Suppression Of Growth In Pediatric Patients
Advise patients that XELSTRYM may cause slowing of growth including weight loss [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Circulation problems in fingers and toes [Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon]
Instruct patients beginning treatment with XELSTRYM about the risk of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon, and associated signs and symptoms: fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, and/or may change from pale, to blue, to red. Instruct patients to report to their physician any new numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in fingers or toes. Instruct patients to call their physician immediately with any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes while taking XELSTRYM. Further clinical evaluation (e.g. rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Serotonin Syndrome
Caution patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome with concomitant use of XELSTRYM and other serotonergic drugs including SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, St. John's Wort, and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (in particular MAOIs, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others such as linezolid [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider or report to the emergency room if they experience signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Application Site Reactions
Inform patients that application site reactions, including pain, pruritus, burning sensation, erythema, discomfort, edema, or swelling have been reported with the use of XELSTRYM. Inform patients that increased skin irritation, discomfort or pain may occur if the same application site is used repeatedly. Instruct patients to select a different application site each day to minimize skin reactions. Patients should monitor for these reactions while wearing or immediately after removal of XELSTRYM. Discontinue XELSTRYM if contact sensitization is suspected [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
External Heat
Inform patients to avoid exposing XELSTRYM to external heat sources, such as hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets, heated water beds, etc. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Motor And Verbal Tics, And Worsening Of Tourette’s Syndrome
Advise patients that motor and verbal tics and worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome may occur during treatment with XELSTRYM. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider if emergence of new tics or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome occurs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Concomitant Medications
Advise patients to notify their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs because there is a potential for interactions [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Pregnancy Registry
Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to XELSTRYM during pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations].
Pregnancy
Advise patients of the potential fetal effects from the use of XELSTRYM during pregnancy. Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with XELSTRYM [see Use In Specific Populations].
Lactation
Advise women not to breastfeed if they are taking XELSTRYM [see Use In Specific Populations].
Impairment In Ability To Operate Machinery Or Vehicles
XELSTRYM may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or vehicles. Instruct patients to find out how XELSTRYM will affect them before engaging in potentially hazardous activities [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Administration Instructions
Inform patients/caregivers:
- to apply one XELSTRYM transdermal system at a time for not more than 9 hours and use only one XELSTRYM per 24 hours.
- of the application sites: hip, upper arm, chest, upper back, or flank. Advise them to select a different application site each time a new XELSTRYM transdermal system is applied.
- to apply XELSTRYM to clean, dry, and intact skin.
- to wash their hands immediately if they touch the adhesive side of the transdermal system to avoid amphetamine absorption and to check XELSTRYM periodically throughout the wear time [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, And Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
No evidence of carcinogenicity was found in studies in which d,l-amphetamine (enantiomer ratio of 1:1) was administered to mice and rats in the diet for 2 years at doses of up to 30 mg/kg/day in male mice, 19 mg/kg/day in female mice, and 5 mg/kg/day in male and female rats. Dermal carcinogenicity studies with dextroamphetamine were not conducted.
Mutagenesis
Amphetamine, in the enantiomer ratio d- to l- ratio of 3:1, was not clastogenic in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test in vivo and was negative when tested in the E. coli component of the Ames test in vitro. d,l-Amphetamine (1:1 enantiomer ratio) has been reported to produce a positive response in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test, an equivocal response in the Ames test, and negative responses in the in vitro sister chromatid exchange and chromosomal aberration assays.
Impairment Of Fertility
Amphetamine, in the enantiomer ratio d- to l- ratio of 3:1, did not adversely affect fertility or early embryonic development in the rat at doses of up to 20 mg/kg/day.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including XELSTRYM, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/adhd-medications/.
Risk Summary
Available data from published epidemiologic studies and postmarketing reports on use of prescription amphetamine in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage (see DATA). Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature delivery and low birth weight, have been seen in infants born to mothers taking amphetamines during pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].
No apparent effects on morphological development were observed in embryo-fetal development studies, with oral administration of amphetamine to rats and rabbits during organogenesis. However, in a pre- and post-natal development study, amphetamine (d- to l- ratio of 3:1) administered orally to pregnant rats during gestation and lactation caused a decrease in pup survival and a decrease in pup body weight that correlated with a delay in developmental landmarks at clinically relevant doses of amphetamine. In addition, adverse effects on reproductive performance were observed in pups whose mothers were treated with amphetamine. Long-term neurochemical and behavioral effects have also been reported in animal developmental studies using clinically relevant doses of amphetamine (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.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Amphetamines, such as XELSTRYM, cause vasoconstriction and thereby may decrease placental perfusion. In addition, amphetamines can stimulate uterine contractions, increasing the risk of premature delivery. Infants born to mothers taking amphetamines during pregnancy have an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight.
Monitor infants born to mothers taking amphetamines for symptoms of withdrawal such as feeding difficulties, irritability, agitation, and excessive drowsiness.
Data
Animal Data
Amphetamine (d- to l- enantiomer ratio of 3:1) had no apparent effects on embryofetal morphological development or survival when administered orally to pregnant rats and rabbits throughout the period of organogenesis at doses of up to 6 and 16 mg/kg/day, respectively. Fetal malformations and death have been reported in mice following parenteral administration of amphetamine doses of 50 mg/kg/day or greater to pregnant animals. Administration of these doses was also associated with severe maternal toxicity.
A study was conducted in which pregnant rats received daily oral doses of amphetamine (d- to lenantiomer ratio of 3:1) of 2, 6, and 10 mg/kg from gestation day 6 to lactation day 20. All doses caused hyperactivity and decreased weight gain in the dams. A decrease in pup survival was seen at all doses. A decrease in pup body weight was seen at 6 and 10 mg/kg which correlated with delays in developmental landmarks, such as preputial separation and vaginal opening. Increased pup locomotor activity was seen at 10 mg/kg on day 22 postpartum but not at 5 weeks postweaning. When pups were tested for reproductive performance at maturation, gestational weight gain, number of implantations, and number of delivered pups were decreased in the group whose mothers had been given 10 mg/kg.
A number of studies from the literature in rodents indicate that prenatal or early postnatal exposure to amphetamine (d- or d, l-) at doses similar to those used clinically can result in longterm neurochemical and behavioral alterations. Reported behavioral effects include learning and memory deficits, altered locomotor activity, and changes in sexual function.
Lactation
Risk Summary
Based on limited case reports in published literature, amphetamine (d- or d, l-) is present in human milk, at relative infant doses of 2% to 13.8% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 1.9 and 7.5. There are no reports of adverse effects on the breastfed infant. Long-term neurodevelopmental effects on infants from amphetamine exposure are unknown. It is possible that large dosages of amphetamine might interfere with milk production, especially in women whose lactation is not well established. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, including serious cardiovascular reactions, blood pressure and heart rate increase, suppression of growth, and peripheral vasculopathy, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with XELSTRYM.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of XELSTRYM have been established in pediatric patients with ADHD ages 6 to 17 years [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, and Clinical Studies].
The safety and effectiveness of XELSTRYM in pediatric patients less than 6 years have not been established.
Safety and efficacy of lisdexamfetamine were evaluated in a double-blind, randomized, parallelgroup, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study in pediatric patients 4 to 5 years with ADHD, followed by a 1-year open-label extension study. In these studies, patients experienced elevated rates of adverse reactions, including weight loss, decreased BMI, decreased appetite, insomnia, infections (upper respiratory and nasopharyngitis), irritability, and affect lability.
Growth Suppression
Growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, including XELSTRYM, and pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Juvenile Animal Data
Juvenile rats treated with mixed amphetamine salts early in the postnatal period through sexual maturation demonstrated transient changes in motor activity. Learning and memory were impaired. No recovery was seen following a drug free period. A delay in sexual maturation was observed, although there was no effect on fertility.
In a juvenile developmental study, rats received daily oral doses of amphetamine (d- to lenantiomer ratio of 3:1) of 2, 6, or 20 mg/kg on days 7-13 of age; from day 14 to approximately day 60 of age, these doses were given twice daily for total daily doses of 4, 12, or 40 mg/kg. Post dosing hyperactivity was seen at all doses; motor activity measured prior to the daily dose was decreased during the dosing period but the decreased motor activity was largely absent after an 18 day drug-free recovery period. Performance in the Morris water maze test for learning and memory was impaired at the 40 mg/kg dose, and sporadically at the lower doses, when measured prior to the daily dose during the treatment period; no recovery was seen after a 19 day drug-free period. A delay in the developmental milestones of vaginal opening and preputial separation was seen at 40 mg/kg but there was no effect on fertility.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of XELSTRYM did not include subjects over 65 years to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Other reported clinical experience and pharmacokinetic data [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY] have not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should start 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
Due to reduced clearance in patients with severe renal impairment (GFR 15 to < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²), the maximum XELSTRYM dose should not exceed 13.5 mg/9 hours. The maximum recommended dose in end stage renal disease (GFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m²) patients is 9 mg/9 hours XELSTRYM.
Dextroamphetamine is not dialyzable.