Warnings for Xhance
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Xhance
Local Nasal Adverse Reactions
Epistaxis, Nasal Erosions And Ulcerations
In placebo-controlled clinical trials of 16 weeks duration, epistaxis, nasal erosions, and nasal ulcerations were reported more frequently in patients treated with XHANCE than those who received placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Nasal Septal Perforation
Nasal septal perforations have been reported in patients following the nasal application of XHANCE. In placebo-controlled clinical trials of 16 weeks duration, nasal septal perforation was reported in 1 (0.3%) patient treated with XHANCE compared with none treated with placebo. The patient had a prior history of nasal/sinus surgery. Three (0.3%) patients treated with XHANCE in uncontrolled, open-label trials of 3 to 12 months duration developed nasal septal perforations.
As with any long term topical treatment of the nasal cavity, patients using XHANCE over several months or longer should be examined periodically for possible changes in the nasal mucosa. If a septal perforation is noted, discontinue XHANCE. Avoid spraying XHANCE directly on the septum.
Candida Infection
In clinical trials with XHANCE, localized infections with Candida albicans have been observed. Eight (0.9%) patients in uncontrolled, open-label trials of 3 to 12 months duration developed Candida albicans infections (nasal, pharyngeal, esophageal or intestinal). If such an infection develops, it may require treatment with appropriate local therapy and discontinuation of XHANCE. Patients using XHANCE should be examined periodically for evidence of Candida infection in the nasal and oropharyngeal mucosa.
Impaired Wound Healing
Because of the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on wound healing, patients who have experienced recent nasal ulcerations, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should avoid using XHANCE until healing has occurred.
Glaucoma And Cataracts
Nasal and inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, may result in the development of glaucoma and/or cataracts. In placebo-controlled clinical trials of 16 weeks duration, cataracts were reported in 4 (1.2%) patients treated with XHANCE, compared with 3 (1.9%) patients treated with placebo. Among these patients, 2 patients treated with XHANCE reported subcapsular cataracts compared with none treated with placebo. Eleven patients (1.2%) in uncontrolled, open-label trials of 3 to 12 months duration developed new or worsening cataracts, of which none were subcapsular. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma, and/or cataracts. Consider referral to an ophthalmologist in patients who develop ocular symptoms or use XHANCE long-term.
Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, contact dermatitis, rash, hypotension, and bronchospasm) have been reported after administration of fluticasone propionate. XHANCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients of XHANCE. Discontinue XHANCE if such reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, contact dermatitis, rash, hypotension, and bronchospasm) occur [see CONTRAINDICATIONS Â and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Immunosuppression And Risk of Infection
Persons who are using drugs that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, including XHANCE, are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals and may experience a worsening of existing infections. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in susceptible adults using corticosteroids. In such 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 a patient is exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If a patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the respective Prescribing Information for VZIG and IG) 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 tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract; systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Hypercorticism And Adrenal Suppression
Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur when nasal corticosteroids, such as XHANCE, are used at higher than recommended dosages or in susceptible individuals at recommended dosages. Since fluticasone propionate is absorbed into the circulation and can be systemically active at higher doses, recommended dosages of XHANCE should not be exceeded to avoid hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysfunction. A relationship between plasma levels of fluticasone propionate and inhibitory effects on stimulated cortisol production has been shown after 4 weeks of pulmonary treatment with fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol. Since individual sensitivity to effects on cortisol production exists, physicians should consider this information when prescribing XHANCE.
Patients treated with XHANCE should be observed carefully for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression (including adrenal crisis). If such effects occur, the dosage of XHANCE should be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing systemic corticosteroids, and other treatments for management of nasal symptoms should be considered. Particular care should be taken in observing patients postoperatively or during periods of stress for evidence of inadequate adrenal response.
The replacement of a systemic corticosteroid with a topical corticosteroid can be accompanied by signs of adrenal insufficiency. In addition, some patients may experience symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal (e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, depression). After withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids, a number of months are required for recovery of HPA function. 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 such as trauma, surgery, infection (particularly gastroenteritis), or other conditions associated with severe electrolyte loss. In patients who have asthma or other clinical conditions requiring long-term systemic corticosteroid treatment, rapid decreases in systemic corticosteroid dosages may cause a severe exacerbation of their symptoms [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
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, conivaptan, lopinavir, voriconazole) with XHANCE is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid adverse effects may occur [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Reduction In Bone Mineral Density
Decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) have been observed with long-term oral inhalation of products containing corticosteroids into the lungs. 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, postmenopausal status, tobacco use, advanced age, poor nutrition, 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.
A 2-year trial in 160 patients (females aged 18 to 40 years, males aged 18 to 50 years) with asthma receiving chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-propelled fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol 88 or 440 mcg twice daily demonstrated no statistically significant changes in BMD at any time point (24, 52, 76, and 104 weeks of double-blind treatment) as assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at lumbar regions L1 through L4.
Effect On Growth
Nasal corticosteroids, including XHANCE, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of XHANCE has not been established in pediatric patients [see Use In Specific Populations].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).
Local Nasal Adverse Reactions
Inform patients that treatment with XHANCE may lead to adverse reactions, which include epistaxis, nasal erosions, and nasal ulceration. Candida infection may also occur with treatment with XHANCE. In addition, XHANCE has been associated with nasal septal perforation and impaired wound healing. Patients who have experienced recent nasal ulcerations, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should not use XHANCE until healing has occurred [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Glaucoma And Cataracts
Inform patients that glaucoma and cataracts are associated with long-term use of nasal and orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, and may increase the risk of some eye problems. Consider regular eye exams. Advise patients to notify their healthcare providers if a change in vision is noted while using XHANCE [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis
Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, contact dermatitis, rash, bronchospasm, and hypotension, may occur after administration of fluticasone. If such reactions occur during use with XHANCE, patients should discontinue use of the product [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Immunosuppression And Risk Of Infection
Warn patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles, and if they are exposed to consult their healthcare provider 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 XHANCE may cause systemic corticosteroid effects of hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. Additionally, inform 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 XHANCE [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Reduction In Bone Mineral Density
Advise patients who are at an increased risk for decreased bone mineral density that the use of corticosteroids may pose an additional risk [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Reduced Growth Velocity
The safety and effectiveness of XHANCE use in pediatric patients has not been established. Inform patients that corticosteroids administered by oral inhalation into the lungs or nasally may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Use Twice Daily For Best Effect
Inform patients that they should use XHANCE on a regular basis as directed. XHANCE, like other corticosteroids, does not have an immediate effect on CRSsNP or CRSwNP or symptoms. 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 up to 16 weeks or longer. Maximum benefit may not be reached for a period of months. Patients should not increase the prescribed dosage, but should contact their healthcare providers if symptoms do not improve or if the condition worsens.
If a patient missed a dose, the patient should be advised to take the dose as soon as they remember. The patient should not take more than the recommended dose for the day.
Keep Spray Out Of Eyes And Mouth
Inform patients to avoid spraying XHANCE in their eyes and mouth.
How To Use XHANCE
It is important for patients to understand how to correctly administer XHANCE nasal spray using the exhalation delivery system. Advise the patient to carefully read the patient Instructions for Use. Any questions regarding use that the patient has should be directed to the physician or pharmacist.
Advise the patient to shake before each use.
The patient should note the difference in appearance of the cone-shaped, non-flexible nosepiece and the longer flexible mouthpiece.
The patient should be instructed to gently insert the tapered tip of the cone-shaped nosepiece deeply into the nose in order to gently expand the nasal passage and to create a tight seal between the nosepiece and the nostril. A seal must be maintained as the patient blows into the mouthpiece and actuates the spray pump.
To actuate the device, patients should be advised to push the bottle up while continuing to blow forcefully into the mouthpiece. Within the device is a valve that prevents the release of breath until the bottle is pushed. Pushing the bottle also actuates the spray pump, releasing a metered dose of aerosolized medication while simultaneously allowing a “burst” of exhaled breath to pass through the device. This helps deliver the medication deep into the patient’s nose.
Patients should be advised not to try to inhale (e.g., “sniff”) when blowing (exhaling) into the mouthpiece.
Patients should be advised not to block the other nostril because the exhaled breath must pass around the back of the nasal septum and out the other side of the nose.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Fluticasone propionate demonstrated no tumorigenic potential in mice at oral doses up to 1000 mcg/kg (approximately 7 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 0.7 times the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m² basis).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Available data from published literature on the use of inhaled or nasal fluticasone propionate in pregnant women have not reported a clear association with adverse developmental outcomes. 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. However, fluticasone propionate administered via inhalation to rats decreased fetal body weight, but did not induce teratogenicity at a maternal toxic dose less than 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 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 miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In embryofetal 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 equivalent to 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 0.4 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 0.3 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 0.1 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m² basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 15 mcg/kg/day).
In an embryofetal 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 0.34 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 0.1 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 0.002 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 0.7 times 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. Fluticasone propionate is present in rat milk (see Data). Other corticosteroids have been detected in human milk. However, fluticasone propionate concentrations in plasma after orally 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 XHANCE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from XHANCE or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Subcutaneous administration of tritiated fluticasone propionate at a dose in lactating rats approximately 0.1 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mcg/m² basis) resulted in measurable levels in milk.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of XHANCE in pediatric patients have not been established.
Effects On Growth
Controlled clinical trials have shown that nasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. This effect was 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 nasal corticosteroids, including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The potential for “catch-up” growth following discontinuation of treatment with nasal corticosteroids has not been adequately studied. The growth of pediatric patients receiving nasal corticosteroids 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 associated with alternative therapies.
Controlled clinical trials have shown that corticosteroids orally inhaled into the lungs may cause a reduction in growth in pediatric patients. In these trials, the mean reduction in growth velocity was approximately 1 cm/year (range: 0.3 to 1.8 cm/year) and appeared to depend upon dose and duration of exposure. The effects on growth velocity of treatment with corticosteroids orally inhaled into the lungs for over 1 year, including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The growth of children and adolescents receiving corticosteroids should be monitored routinely (e.g., via stadiometry) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Geriatric Use
Clinical trials of XHANCE for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they responded differently than younger patients. Other reported clinical experience with fluticasone administered nasally or orally inhaled has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
There were 82 patients 65 years of age and older in clinical trials for Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps [see Clinical Studies]. Of the total number of XHANCE-treated patients in these studies, 51 (14%) were 65 years of age and older. No overall differences in safety and effectiveness of XHANCE have been observed between patients 65 years of age and older and younger adult patients.
Hepatic Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic trials using XHANCE have not been conducted in subjects with hepatic impairment. Since fluticasone propionate is predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.
Renal Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic trials using XHANCE have not been conducted in subjects with renal impairment.