posaconazole
RxNorm 665019· POSACONAZOLE· ORAL
Azole Antifungal [EPC] · Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Posaconazole is an azole antifungal indicated as follows: • Posaconazole is indicated for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or those with hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy. ( 1.2 ) • Posaconazole oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), including OPC refractory (rOPC) to itraconazole and/or fluconazole in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older. ( 1.3 ) 1.2 Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Posaconazole is indicated for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or those with hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy. 1.3 Treatment of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Including Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Refractory to Itraconazole and/or Fluconazole Posaconazole oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis, including oropharyngeal candidiasis refractory to itraconazole and/or fluconazole in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Posaconazole formulations are supplied in different dose strengths of posaconazole, are approved for different indications, age groups, and weights, have different dosages and duration of therapy; and have different preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.1 ) • Posaconazole oral suspension is not substitutable with posaconazole delayed-release tablets or posaconazole powder for delayed-release oral suspension due to the differences in the dosing of each formulation. Therefore, follow the specific dosage recommendations for each of the formulations. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 ) • Administer posaconazole oral suspension with a full meal. ( 2.1 ) • See the full prescribing information for important administration instructions for posaconazole oral suspension ( 2.8 ) • For adult and pediatric patients aged 13 years of age and older, see the Full Prescribing Information for dosing recommendations for posaconazole oral suspension based on the indication, age, and weight associated with the dosage form. ( 1.2 , 1.3 , 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Posaconazole injection, posaconazole delayed-release tablets, posaconazole oral suspension and posaconazole PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension are supplied in different dose strengths of posaconazole, are approved for different indications, age groups and weights; have different dosages and duration of therapy; and have different preparation and administration instructions. Therefore, select the recommended dosage form based on the indication, age group, and weight and carefully follow the recommended dosage, preparation and administration instructions described for each product [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 to 2.11 )] , and the following important administration instructions described below. Non-substitutable: Posaconazole oral suspension is not substitutable with posaconazole delayed-release tablets or posaconazole powder for delayed-release oral suspension due to the differences in the dosing of each formulation. Therefore, follow the specific dosage recommendations for each of the formulations [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 , 2.3 )] . Posaconazole oral suspension : • Administer with a full meal or with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage (e.g., ginger ale) in patients who cannot eat a full meal [see Dosage and Administration 2.8 )] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage of Posaconazole Oral Suspension in Adult Patients The recommended dosage of Posaconazole oral suspension in adult patients for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, or for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is shown in Table 1 [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.8 , 2.9 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Table 1: Recommended Dosage of Posaconazole Oral Suspension in Adult Patients Dosage Duration of Therapy Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Posaconazole Oral Suspension: 200 mg (5 mL) three times a day. Maintenance dose : Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression. Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC) Posaconazole Oral Suspension: Loading dose : 100 mg (2.5 mL) twice a day on the first day. Maintenance dose : 100 mg (2.5 mL) once a day thereafter. Loading dose : 1 day Maintenance dose : 13 days OPC Refractory (rOPC) to Itraconazole and/or Fluconazole Posaconazole Oral Suspension: 400 mg (10 mL) twice a day. Duration of therapy is based on the severity of the patient’s underlying disease and clinical response. 2.3 Recommended Dosage of Posaconazole Oral Suspension for the Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections in Pediatric Patients 13 Years of Age and Older The recommended dosage of posaconazole oral suspension for pediatric patients ages 13 years of age and older f…
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Calcineurin-Inhibitor Toxicity : Posaconazole increases concentrations of cyclosporine or tacrolimus; reduce dose of cyclosporine and tacrolimus and monitor concentrations frequently. ( 5.1 ) • Arrhythmias and QTc Prolongation : Posaconazole has been shown to prolong the QTc interval and cause cases of TdP. Administer with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions. Do not administer with drugs known to prolong QTc interval and metabolized through CYP3A4. ( 5.2 , 7.2 ) • Electrolyte Disturbances : Monitor and correct, especially those involving potassium (K + ), magnesium (Mg ++ ), and calcium (Ca ++ ), before and during posaconazole therapy. ( 5.3 ) • Pseudoaldosteronism : Manifested by the onset or worsening of hypertension, and abnormal laboratory findings. Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels, and manage as necessary. ( 5.4 ) • Hepatic Toxicity : Elevations in liver tests may occur. Discontinuation should be considered in patients who develop abnormal liver tests or monitor liver tests during treatment. ( 5.5 ) • Concomitant Use with Midazolam : Posaconazole can prolong hypnotic/sedative effects. Monitor patients and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists should be available. ( 5.7 , 7.2 ) • Vincristine Toxicity : Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions; reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options. ( 5.8 , 7.2 ) • Breakthrough Fungal Infections : Monitor patients with severe diarrhea or vomiting when receiving posaconazole oral suspension. ( 5.10 ) • Venetoclax Toxicity : Concomitant administration of posaconazole with venetoclax may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumor lysis syndrome, neutropenia, and serious infections; monitor for toxicity and reduce venetoclax dose. ( 4.6 , 5.11 , 7.2 ) 5.1 Calcineurin-Inhibitor Toxicity Concomitant administration of posaconazole with cyclosporine or tacrolimus increases the whole blood trough concentrations of these calcineurin-inhibitors [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Nephrotoxicity and leukoencephalopathy (including deaths) have been reported in clinical efficacy studies in patients with elevated cyclosporine or tacrolimus concentrations. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus or cyclosporine whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the tacrolimus or cyclosporine dose adjusted accordingly. 5.2 Arrhythmias and QT Prolongation Some azoles, including posaconazole, have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram. In addition, cases of torsades de pointes have been reported in patients taking posaconazole. Results from a multiple time-matched ECG analysis in healthy volunteers did not show any increase in the mean of the QTc interval. Multiple, time-matched ECGs collected over a 12-hour period were recorded at baseline and steady-state from 173 healthy male and female volunteers (18 to 85 years of age) administered posaconazole oral suspension 400 mg twice daily with a high-fat meal. In this pooled analysis, the mean QTc (Fridericia) interval change from baseline was –5 msec following administration of the recommended clinical dose. A decrease in the QTc(F) interval (–3 msec) was also observed in a small number of subjects (n=16) administered placebo. The placebo-adjusted mean maximum QTc(F) interval change from baseline was <0 msec (–8 msec). No healthy subject administered posaconazole had a QTc(F) interval ≥500 msec or an increase ≥60 msec in their QTc(F) interval from baseline. Posaconazole should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions. Do not administer with drugs that are known to pr…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • Known hypersensitivity to posaconazole or other azole antifungal agents. ( 4.1 ) • Coadministration of posaconazole with the following drugs is contraindicated; posaconazole increases concentrations and toxicities of: • Sirolimus ( 4.2 , 7.2 ) • CYP3A4 Substrates (pimozide, quinidine): can result in QTc interval prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes (TdP) ( 4.3 , 5.2 , 7.2 ) • HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Primarily Metabolized through CYP3A4 ( 4.4 , 7.2 ) • Ergot alkaloids ( 4.5 , 7.2 ) • Venetoclax: In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) at initiation and during the ramp-up phase ( 4.6 , 5.11 , 7.2 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Posaconazole is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to posaconazole or other azole antifungal agents. 4.2 Use with Sirolimus Posaconazole is contraindicated with sirolimus. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with sirolimus increases the sirolimus blood concentrations by approximately 9-fold and can result in sirolimus toxicity [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 4.3 QT Prolongation with Concomitant Use with CYP3A4 Substrates Posaconazole is contraindicated with CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QT interval. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with the CYP3A4 substrates, pimozide and quinidine may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )] . 4.4 HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Primarily Metabolized Through CYP3A4 Coadministration with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) is contraindicated since increased plasma concentration of these drugs can lead to rhabdomyolysis [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 4.5 Use with Ergot Alkaloids Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) which may lead to ergotism [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )] . 4.6 Use with Venetoclax Coadministration of posaconazole with venetoclax at initiation and during the ramp-up phase is contraindicated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) due to the potential for increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )] .
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 15 and Table 17 include drugs with clinically important drug interactions when administered concomitantly with posaconazole and posaconazole PowderMix and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 16 includes important drug interactions specific to the absorption of posaconazole administered as either posaconazole oral suspension or posaconazole PowderMix. These recommendations are based on either drug interaction studies or predicted interactions due to the expected magnitude of interaction and potential for serious adverse reactions or loss of efficacy [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . The following information was derived from data with posaconazole oral suspension or another posaconazole tablet formulation unless otherwise noted. All clinically important drug interactions with posaconazole oral suspension, except for those that affect the absorption of posaconazole (via gastric pH and motility), are considered relevant to clinically important drug interactions with posaconazole injection, posaconazole delayed-release tablets, and posaconazole PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension [Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Consult the labeling of concomitantly used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with posaconazole. Interaction Drug Interaction Rifabutin, phenytoin, efavirenz, cimetidine, esomeprazole Avoid coadministration unless the benefit outweighs the risks ( 7.1 , 7.2 ) Other drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 Consider dosage adjustment and monitor for adverse effects and toxicity ( 7.2 ) Digoxin Monitor digoxin plasma concentrations ( 7.2 ) Fosamprenavir, metoclopramide Monitor for breakthrough fungal infections ( 7.3 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Posaconazole Posaconazole is primarily metabolized via UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and is a substrate of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux. Therefore, inhibitors or inducers of these clearance pathways may affect posaconazole plasma concentrations. Concomitant use of posaconazole with drugs that can decrease the plasma posaconazole concentrations should generally be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If such drugs are necessary, patients should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections. Table 15: Drug Interactions Affecting Posaconazole When Administered Concomitantly with Other Drugs UDP-Glucuronidase Inducers Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s) Posaconazole is a UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrate. Concomitant use of posaconazole with UDP-glucuronidase inducers may decrease posaconazole exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], which may reduce the effectiveness of posaconazole. Prevention or Management Efavirenz Avoid concomitant use of posaconazole with efavirenz, unless the benefit outweighs the risks. Rifabutin Avoid concomitant use of posaconazole with rifabutin unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk. If concomitant use is needed, monitor closely for breakthrough fungal infections. See Table 17 for rifabutin monitoring considerations when posaconazole affects rifabutin via CYP3A4 inhibition. Phenytoin Avoid concomitant use of posaconazole with phenytoin unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk. If concomitant use is needed, monitor for breakthrough fungal infections. See Table 17 for phenytoin monitoring considerations when posaconazole affects phenytoin via CYP3A4 inhibition. Fosamprenavir Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s) Concomitant use of posaconazole with fosamprenavir may lead to decreased posaconazole plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], which may reduce effectiveness of posaconazole. Prevention or Management If concomitant use of posaconazole with fosamprenavir is needed, monitor closely for breakthrough fungal infections. Table 16: Drug Interactions Affecting Posaconazole Oral Suspension Absorption When Administered Concomitantly with Other Drugs Posaconazole Oral Suspension Cimetidine and Esomeprazole Mechanism and Clinic…
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary: Based on findings from animal data, posaconazole may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Available data for use of posaconazole in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, skeletal malformations were observed when posaconazole was dosed orally to pregnant rats during organogenesis at doses ≥1.4 times the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen based on steady-state plasma concentrations of posaconazole in healthy volunteers. In pregnant rabbits dosed orally during organogenesis, doses of ≥ 3 times the clinical exposure caused an increase in resorptions (see Data) . Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations 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: Posaconazole resulted in maternal toxicity (reduced food consumption and reduced body weight gain) and skeletal malformations (cranial malformations and missing ribs) when given orally to pregnant rats during organogenesis (Gestational Days 6 through 15) at doses ≥27 mg/kg (≥1.4 times the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen based on steady-state plasma concentrations of drug in healthy volunteers). The no-effect dose for malformations and maternal toxicity in rats was 9 mg/kg, which is 0.7 times the exposure achieved with the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen. No malformations were seen in rabbits dosed during organogenesis (Gestational Days 7 through 19) at doses up to 80 mg/kg (5 times the exposure achieved with the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen). In the rabbit, the no-effect dose was 20 mg/kg, while high doses of 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg (3 or 5 times the clinical exposure) caused an increase in resorptions. In rabbits dosed at 80 mg/kg, a reduction in body weight gain of females and a reduction in litter size were seen.
Nursing mothers
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary: There are no data on the presence of posaconazole in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Posaconazole is excreted in the milk of lactating rats. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for posaconazole and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from posaconazole or from the underlying maternal condition.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- off label use1,593
- drug ineffective1,457
- febrile neutropenia1,039
- product use in unapproved indication977
- death958
- drug interaction952
- pyrexia870
- neutropenia724
- pneumonia664
- thrombocytopenia515
- diarrhoea507
- nausea492
- septic shock450
- condition aggravated432
- acute kidney injury419
- sepsis417
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious and otherwise important adverse reactions are discussed in detail in another section of the labeling: • Arrhythmias and QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Electrolyte Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Pseudoaldosteronism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Adult Patients: Common adverse reactions in studies with posaconazole in adults are diarrhea, nausea, fever, vomiting, headache, coughing, and hypokalemia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-800-962-8364 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of posaconazole cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical Trials Safety Experience with Posaconazole Oral Suspension: The safety of posaconazole oral suspension has been assessed in 1,844 patients, including: • 605 patients in the active-controlled studies for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections • 557 patients in the active-controlled OPC studies (not refractory to itraconazole or fluconazole) • 239 patients in refractory OPC studies (refractory to itraconazole or fluconazole) (rOPC), and • 443 patients in other patient populations These studies included immunocompromised patients (e.g., patients with hematological malignancy, neutropenia post-chemotherapy, GVHD post HSCT, and HIV infection), as well as non-neutropenic patients. This patient population was 71% male, had a mean age of 42 years (range 8 to 84 years, 6% of patients were ≥65 years of age and 1% was <18 years of age), and were 64% White, 14% Black, 16% Hispanic. Posaconazole oral suspension therapy was given to 171 patients for ≥6 months, including 58 patients who received posaconazole oral suspension therapy for ≥12 months. Table 10 presents adverse reactions observed at an incidence of >10% in the studies for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections. Table 11 presents adverse reactions observed at an incidence of at least 10% in the OPC/rOPC studies. Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections (posaconazole oral suspension) : In the two randomized, comparative studies for prophylaxis Aspergillus and Candida infections in those at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised (Posaconazole Oral Suspension Study 1 and 2), the safety of posaconazole oral suspension 200 mg three times a day was compared to fluconazole 400 mg once daily or itraconazole 200 mg twice a day in severely immunocompromised patients. The most frequently reported adverse reactions (>30%) in these trials were fever, diarrhea, and nausea. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of posaconazole oral suspension were GI adverse reactions, specifically, nausea (2%), vomiting (2%), and increased hepatic enzymes (2%). Table 10: Adverse Reactions in at least 10% of Patients Receiving Posaconazole Oral Suspension for the Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Adverse Reactions Posaconazole Oral Suspension n=605 (%) Fluconazole n=539 (%) Itraconazole n=58 (%) Percentage of Patients Reporting any Adverse Reaction 98 99 100 Fever 45 47 55 Diarrhea 42 39 60 Nausea 38 37 52 Hypokalemia 30 26 52 Thrombocytopenia 29 27 34 Vomiting 29 32 41 Headache 28 26 40 Abdominal Pain 27 27 36 Anemia 25 23 28 Coughing 24 24 24 Neutropenia 23 23 40 Constipation 21 17 17 Dyspnea 20 22 26 Rigors 20 16 29 Rash 19 18 43 Hypertension 18 16 5 Hypomagnesemia 18 16 19 Fatigue 17 18 9 Insomnia 17 17 19 Musculoskeletal Pain 16 15 16 Anorexia 15 17 28 Edema Legs 15 12 19 Epistaxis 14 14 21 Hypotension 14 15 17 Pharyngitis 12 11 21 Tachycardia 12 14 5 Arthra…
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