Saturday, 30 June 2012

Notuss-NXD


Generic Name: chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine (klor SYE kli zeen, KOE deen, and SOO doe ee FED rin)

Brand Names: Notuss-NXD


What is Notuss-NXD (chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?

Chlorcyclizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.


Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.


Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).


The combination of chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, cough, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.


Chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Notuss-NXD (chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?


You should not use this medication if you have severe liver disease, severe constipation, severe colitis or toxic megacolon, if you are unable to urinate, if you have been sick with diarrhea, if you recently drank large amounts of alcohol, or if you have a head injury or brain tumor. Do not use cough and cold medicine if you have untreated or uncontrolled diseases such as glaucoma, asthma or COPD, high blood pressure, heart disease, or overactive thyroid. Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Notuss-NXD (chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?


Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you have severe liver disease, severe constipation, severe colitis or toxic megacolon, if you are unable to urinate, if you have been sick with diarrhea, if you recently drank large amounts of alcohol, or if you have a head injury or brain tumor. Do not use cough and cold medicine if you have untreated or uncontrolled diseases such as glaucoma, asthma or COPD, high blood pressure, heart disease, or overactive thyroid.

To make sure you can safely take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), a colostomy or ileostomy;




  • diabetes;




  • liver or kidney disease;




  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;




  • cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;




  • enlarged prostate or urination problems;




  • an adrenal gland tumor or disorder (such as Addison's disease); or




  • if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).




Codeine may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. FDA pregnancy category C. Codeine may cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine. Codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Notuss-NXD (chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?


Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.


Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.


Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cough or cold medicine within the past few days. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Since cough or cold medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of codeine can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, extreme weakness, pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, weak pulse, slow breathing, fainting, or breathing that stops. Overdose symptoms may also include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.


What should I avoid while taking Notuss-NXD (chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?


Do not drink alcohol while you are taking medicine that contains codeine. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant. This medicine may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Notuss-NXD (chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking the medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • fast or pounding heartbeats;




  • confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;




  • severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or




  • dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • dizziness, drowsiness, problems with memory or concentration;




  • dry mouth, nose, or throat, increased sweating or urination;




  • mild stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation;




  • sleep problems (insomnia);




  • blurred vision; or




  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Notuss-NXD (chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?


Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by chlorcyclizine or codeine.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:



  • naloxone (Narcan, Suboxone);




  • topiramate (Topamax);




  • tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet);




  • zonisamide (Zonegran);




  • a diuretic (water pill);




  • an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), bupropion (Wellbutrin), doxepin (Sinequan, Silenor), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;




  • anti-nausea medications such as belladonna (Donnatal), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), droperidol (Inapsine), methscopolamine (Pamine), or scopolamine (Transderm Scop);




  • bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin (Enablex), flavoxate (Urispas), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), solifenacin (Vesicare), tolterodine (Detrol), or Urogesic Blue;




  • bowel cleansing preparations (Half Lytely, Fleet Prep Kit, Evac-Q-Kwik, GoLytely, Supraprep, and others);




  • bronchodilators such as ipratropium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva);




  • irritable bowel medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), hyoscyamine (Hyomax), or propantheline (Pro Banthine); or




  • ulcer medicine such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul) or mepenzolate (Cantil).



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Notuss-NXD resources


  • Notuss-NXD Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Notuss-NXD Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Notuss-NXD Drug Interactions
  • Notuss-NXD Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Notuss-NXD - Add your own review/rating


  • Notuss-NXD Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Notuss-NXD Liquid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Notuss-NXD with other medications


  • Cold Symptoms
  • Hay Fever


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about chlorcyclizine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine.

See also: Notuss-NXD side effects (in more detail)


Thursday, 28 June 2012

Imodium Plus Caplets GSL





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



IMODIUM PLUS CAPLET


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each tablet contains loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg and simeticone equivalent to 125 mg dimeticone.



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Tablet, uncoated



White, capsule-shaped tablets debossed with “IMO” on one side, the other side is debossed with a line between “2and 125.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Imodium Plus Caplets are indicated for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhoea in adults and adolescents over 12 years when acute diarrhoea is associated with gas-related abdominal discomfort including bloating, cramping or flatulence.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



The tablets should be taken with liquid.



Adults over 18 years:



Take two caplets initially, followed by one caplet after every loose stool. Not more than 4 caplets should be taken in a day, limited to no more than 2 days.



Adolescents between 12 and 18 years:



Take one caplet initially, followed by one caplet after every loose stool. Not more than 4 caplets should be taken in a day, limited to no more than 2 days.



Use in children:



Imodium Plus must not be used in children under 12 years.



Use in the elderly:



No dosage adjustments are required for the elderly.



Use in renal impairment:



No dosage adjustment is necessary in renal impairment.



Hepatic impairment:



Although no pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic insufficiency, Imodium Plus should be used with caution in such patients because of reduced first pass metabolism (see section 4.4).



4.3 Contraindications



Imodium Plus must not be used in:



• Children less than 12 years of age



• Patients with a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to loperamide hydrochloride, simeticone or any of the excipients



• Patients with acute dysentery, which is characterised by blood in stool and high fever



• Patients with acute ulcerative colitis



• Patients with pseudomembranous colitis associated with broad spectrum antibiotics



• Patients with bacterial enterocolitis caused by invasive organisms including Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter



Imodium Plus should not be used when inhibition of peristalsis is to be avoided due to the possible risk of significant sequelae including ileus, megacolon and toxic megacolon. It must be discontinued promptly if constipation, ileus or abdominal distension develop.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Treatment of diarrhoea with loperamide-simeticone is only symptomatic. Whenever an underlying etiology can be determined, specific treatment should be given when appropriate.



In patients with (severe) diarrhoea, fluid and electrolyte depletion may occur. It is important that attention is paid to appropriate fluid and electrolyte replacement.



If clinical improvement is not observed within 48 hours, the administration of Imodium Plus must be discontinued. Patients should be advised to consult their physician.



Patients with AIDS treated with Imodium Plus for diarrhoea should have therapy stopped at the earliest signs of abdominal distension. There have been isolated reports of obstipation with an increased risk for toxic megacolon in AIDS patients with infectious colitis from both viral and bacterial pathogens treated with loperamide hydrochloride.



Although no pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic impairment, Imodium Plus should be used with caution in such patients because of reduced first pass metabolism. This medicine must be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment as it may result in a relative overdose leading to central nervous system (CNS) toxicity. Imodium Plus should be used under medical supervision in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Non-clinical data have shown that loperamide is a P-glycoprotein substrate. Concomitant administration of loperamide (16 mg single dose) with quinidine, or ritonavir, which are both P-glycoprotein inhibitors, resulted in a 2 to 3-fold increase in loperamide plasma concentrations. The clinical relevance of this pharmacokinetic interaction with P-glycoprotein inhibitors, when loperamide is given at recommended dosages, is unknown.



The concomitant administration of loperamide (4 mg single dose) and itraconazole, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, resulted in a 3 to 4-fold increase in loperamide plasma concentrations. In the same study a CYP2C8 inhibitor, gemfibrozil, increased loperamide by approximately 2-fold. The combination of itraconazole and gemfibrozil resulted in a 4-fold increase in peak plasma levels of loperamide and a 13-fold increase in total plasma exposure. These increases were not associated with measured CNS effects, as measured by psychomotor tests (i.e. subjective drowsiness and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test).



The concomitant administration of loperamide (16 mg single dose) and ketoconazole, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, resulted in a 5-fold increase in loperamide plasma concentrations. This increase was not associated with increased pharmacodynamic effects as measured by pupillometry.



Concomitant treatment with oral desmopressin resulted in a 3-fold increase of desmopressin plasma concentrations, presumably due to slower gastrointestinal motility.



It is expected that drugs with similar pharmacological properties may potentiate loperamide's effect and that drugs that accelerate gastrointestinal transit may decrease its effect.



Since simeticone is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, no relevant interactions between simeticone and other drugs are expected.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Use in pregnancy



Safety in human pregnancy has not been established, although from animal studies there are no indications that loperamide or simeticone possesses teratogenic or embryotoxic properties. Imodium Plus should not be given during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, unless clinically justified.



Use in lactation



Small amounts of loperamide may appear in human breast milk. Therefore Imodium Plus is not recommended during breast-feeding.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



Tiredness, dizziness and drowsiness have been reported in patients taking loperamide. If affected, patients should not drive or operate machinery. See Section 4.8 Undesirable effects.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The use of loperamide plus simeticone, in the treatment of the symptoms of diarrhoea, and gas-related abdominal discomfort associated with acute diarrhoeal illness, was studied in five placebo-controlled, and active-controlled, clinical trials involving 462 adults treated with loperamide plus simeticone. The most frequently reported Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) associated with the use of the drug in these clinical trials were nausea and dysgeusia, reported in 1.7% and 1.9% of patients, respectively, and were considered Common.



Including the above-mentioned ADRs, the following table displays ADRs that have been reported with the use of loperamide plus simeticone, or loperamide alone, from either clinical trial or post-marketing experiences. The displayed frequency categories use the following convention:



Very common (




































System Organ Class




Adverse Reactions


  


Frequency


   


Common




Uncommon




Unknown


 


Immune system disorders



 

 


Hypersensitivity including: Anaphylactic Shock, Anaphylactoid Reaction




Nervous System Disorders



 


Somnolence




Loss of consciousness, Depressed level of consciousness, Dizziness




Gastrointestinal disorders



(See sections 4.3 and 4.4)




Nausea, Dysgeusia




Constipation




Megacolon, including Toxic Megacolon; Ileus; Abdominal Pain; Vomiting; Abdominal Distension; Dyspepsia; Flatulence




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders



 


Rash




Angioedema, Urticaria, Pruritus




Renal and urinary disorders



 

 


Urinary Retention



4.9 Overdose



Symptoms



In case of overdosage (including relative overdosage due to hepatic dysfunction), central nervous system depression (stupor, co-ordination abnormality, somnolence, miosis, muscular hypertonia, respiratory depression), dry mouth, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, constipation, urinary retention and paralytic ileus may occur. Children may be more sensitive to CNS effects than adults.



Treatment



If symptoms of overdosage occur, naloxone can be given as an antidote. Since the duration of action of loperamide is longer than that of naloxone (1 to 3 hours) repeated treatment with naloxone may be indicated. Therefore, the patient should be monitored closely for at least 48 hours in order to detect possible CNS depression.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



ATC code: A07D A53



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antipropulsive antidiarrheals



Loperamide binds to the opiate receptor in the gut wall, reducing propulsive peristalsis, increasing intestinal transit time and enhancing resorption of water and electrolytes. Loperamide does not change the physiological flora. Loperamide increases the tone of the anal sphincter. Imodium Plus does not act centrally.



Simeticone is an inert surface-active agent with anti-foaming properties . which relieves symptoms associated with diarrhoea particularly flatulence, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and cramping.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Absorption: Most ingested loperamide is absorbed from the gut, but as a result of significant first pass metabolism, systemic bioavailability is only approximately 0.3%. The simeticone component of loperamide-simeticone is not absorbed.



Distribution: Studies on distribution in rats show a high affinity for the gut wall with a preference for binding to receptors of the longitudinal muscle layer. The plasma protein binding of loperamide is 95%, mainly to albumin. Non-clinical data have shown that loperamide is a P-glycoprotein substrate.



Metabolism: Loperamide is almost completely extracted by the liver, where it is predominantly metabolized, conjugated and excreted via the bile. Oxidative N-demethylation is the main metabolic pathway for loperamide, and is mediated mainly through CYP3A4 and CYP2C8. Due to this very high first pass effect, plasma concentrations of unchanged drug remain extremely low.



Elimination: The half-life of loperamide in man is about 11 hours with a range of 9-14 hours. Excretion of the unchanged loperamide and the metabolites mainly occurs through the faeces.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Acute and chronic studies on loperamide showed no specific toxicity. Results of in vivo and in vitro studies carried out indicated that loperamide is not genotoxic. In reproduction studies, very high doses (40mg/kg/day - 240 times the maximum human use level) loperamide impaired fertility and foetal survival in association with maternal toxicity in rats. Lower doses had no effects on maternal or foetal health and did not affect peri- and post-natal development.



Simeticone is a member of the class of linear polydimethylsilicones, which have been in wide general and medicinal use for many years and are regarded as biologically inert and not exhibiting toxic properties and has not been the subject of specific animal toxicity studies.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Calcium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous



Microcrystalline cellulose



Acesulfame potassium



Artificial vanilla flavour (includes propylene glycol, maltodextrin and benzyl alcohol)



Sodium starch glycolate (type A)



Stearic acid.



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



3 years



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Push through blisters comprising polychlorotrifluoroethylene/PVC film, heat seal coating and aluminium foil.



or



Bend and peel blisters comprising polychlorotrifluoroethylene/PVC film, heat seal coating, aluminium foil/PET/paper.



Blister strips of 2, 4, 5, or 6 tablets in pack sizes of 2, 4, 5, and 6 tablets packed in printed cardboard cartons.



Not all pack sizes may be marketed.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



No special requirements



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



McNeil Products Limited



Foundation Park



Roxborough Way



Maidenhead



Berkshire



SL6 3UG



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 15513/0343



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



10/09/2010



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



21/09/2011




Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Cancidas


Generic Name: Caspofungin Acetate
Class: Echinocandins
VA Class: AM700
Chemical Name: 1 - [(4R,5S) - 5 - [(2 - Aminoethyl)amino] - N2 - (10,12 - dimethyl - 1 - oxotetradecyl) - 4 - hydroxy - l - ornithine] - 5 - [(3R) - 3 - hydroxy - l - ornithine]pneumocandin B0 diacetate (salt)
CAS Number: 179463-17-3

Introduction

Antifungal; echinocandin; lipopeptide synthesized from a fermentation product of Glarea lozoyensis.1 2 3


Uses for Cancidas


Aspergillosis


Treatment of invasive aspergillosis in adults, adolescents, and children ≥3 months of age whose disease is refractory to, or who are intolerant of, other antifungals (e.g., amphotericin B [conventional or lipid formulations], itraconazole).1 18 21 Has not been evaluated for initial therapy of invasive aspergillosis.1


IDSA and other clinicians consider voriconazole the drug of choice for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and amphotericin B (a lipid formulation) the preferred alternative for initial treatment.18 21 For salvage therapy in patients refractory to or intolerant of primary antifungal therapy, IDSA and others recommend amphotericin B (a lipid formulation), caspofungin, micafungin, posaconazole, or itraconazole.18 21 For empiric or preemptive therapy, IDSA recommends amphotericin B (a lipid formulation), caspofungin, itraconazole, or voriconazole as drugs of choice.21


For treatment of invasive aspergillosis in HIV-infected adults, adolescents, and children, CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and IDSA recommend voriconazole as the drug of choice;19 20 amphotericin B (conventional or lipid formulation), caspofungin, and posaconazole are recommended as alternatives.19 20


Candidemia and Other Invasive Candida Infections


Treatment of candidemia and certain other invasive Candida infections (intra-abdominal abscess, peritonitis, pleural space infections) in adults, adolescents, and children ≥3 months of age.1 17 18 A drug of choice.17 18


Has been effective in C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis infections, principally in nonneutropenic patients.1


For treatment of candidemia in nonneutropenic patients or for empiric treatment of suspected invasive candidiasis in such patients, IDSA recommends fluconazole or an echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin) for initial therapy;17 amphotericin B (conventional or lipid formulation) is the preferred alternative.17 An echinocandin may be preferred for initial treatment in those who have moderately severe to severe candidemia, are allergic to or intolerant of azole antifungals, have recently received an azole, or have or are likely to have infections caused by C. glabrata or C. krusei.17 Fluconazole may be preferred for initial treatment in those who are less critically ill and have not recently received an azole and for infections caused by C. parapsilosis.17 If an echinocandin is used initially, transition to fluconazole is recommended for patients who are clinically stable and have isolates likely to be susceptible to fluconazole (e.g., C. albicans).17


For treatment of candidemia in neutropenic patients, IDSA recommends an echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin) or amphotericin B (a lipid formulation) for initial therapy;17 fluconazole is the preferred alternative in those who are less critically ill or have not recently received an azole;17 voriconazole can be used as an alternative when broader antifungal coverage is required.17 An echinocandin is preferred for C. glabrata infections;17 fluconazole or amphotericin B (a lipid formulation) is preferred for C. parapsilosis infections;17 an echinocandin, amphotericin B (a lipid formulation), or voriconazole is recommended for C. krusei infections.17 For initial empiric treatment of suspected invasive candidiasis in neutropenic patients, amphotericin B (a lipid formulation), caspofungin, or voriconazole is recommended;17 alternatives are fluconazole or itraconazole.17


Safety and efficacy not established for treatment of endocarditis, osteomyelitis, or meningitis caused by Candida.1


Esophageal Candidiasis


Treatment of esophageal candidiasis in adults, adolescents, and children ≥3 months of age.1 17 18 19 A drug of choice.17 18


Esophageal candidiasis requires treatment with a systemic antifungal (not a topical antifungal).17 19


IDSA recommends oral fluconazole as the preferred drug of choice for the treatment of esophageal candidiasis;17 if oral therapy is not tolerated, IV fluconazole, IV amphotericin B (conventional formulation), or an IV echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin) is recommended.17 For fluconazole-refractory infections, preferred alternatives are itraconazole oral solution, oral posaconazole, or IV or oral voriconazole;17 other alternatives are an IV echinocandin or IV amphotericin B (conventional formulation).17


For treatment of esophageal candidiasis in HIV-infected adults and adolescents, CDC, NIH, and IDSA recommend IV or oral fluconazole as the preferred drug of choice and itraconazole oral solution as a preferred alternative.19 Other alternatives include an IV echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin), oral or IV voriconazole, oral posaconazole, or IV amphotericin B (conventional formulation).19 For refractory esophageal candidiasis, including fluconazole-refractory infections, itraconazole oral solution or oral posaconazole is preferred;19 alternatives include IV amphotericin B (conventional or a lipid formulation), an IV echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin), or oral or IV voriconazole.19


Patients with frequent or severe recurrences of esophageal candidiasis, including HIV-infected patients, may benefit from long-term suppressive or maintenance therapy (secondary prophylaxis) with oral fluconazole or oral posaconazole; however, the potential for azole resistance should be considered.17 19 Echinocandins not included in recommendations for secondary prophylaxis of esophageal candidiasis.17 19 Patients with fluconazole-refractory esophageal candidiasis who responded to an echinocandin should receive voriconazole or posaconazole for secondary prophylaxis until antiretroviral therapy produces immune reconstitution.19


Oropharyngeal Candidiasis


Treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis.17 18 19 Considered an alternative, not a drug of choice.17 19


IDSA recommends topical clotrimazole or topical nystatin for mild oropharyngeal candidiasis;17 oral fluconazole is recommended for moderate to severe disease.17 For refractory oropharyngeal candidiasis, including fluconazole-refractory infections, itraconazole oral solution, oral posaconazole, or oral voriconazole is recommended.17 An IV echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin) or IV amphotericin B (conventional formulation) also are recommended as alternatives for refractory infections.17


For treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-infected adults and adolescents, CDC, NIH, and IDSA recommend oral fluconazole as the preferred drug of choice for initial episodes;19 alternatives for initial episodes include topical clotrimazole or topical nystatin.19 For fluconazole-refractory infections, itraconazole oral solution or oral posaconazole is preferred;19 alternatives include IV amphotericin B (conventional or lipid formulation), an IV echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin), or oral or IV voriconazole.19


Patients with frequent or severe recurrences of oropharyngeal candidiasis, including HIV-infected patients, may benefit from long-term suppressive or maintenance therapy (secondary prophylaxis) with oral fluconazole or itraconazole oral solution; however, the potential for azole resistance should be considered.17 19 Echinocandins not included in recommendations for secondary prophylaxis of oropharyngeal candidiasis.17 19 Patients with fluconazole-refractory oropharyngeal candidiasis who responded to an echinocandin should receive voriconazole or posaconazole for secondary prophylaxis until antiretroviral therapy produces immune reconstitution.19


Empiric Therapy in Febrile Neutropenic Patients


Empiric therapy of presumed fungal infections in febrile, neutropenic adults, adolescents, and children ≥3 months of age.1


Cancidas Dosage and Administration


Administration


IV Administration


Administer by slow IV infusion.1 Do not administer by rapid IV injection.1


Do not admix or infuse concomitantly with other drugs.1


Do not use diluents containing dextrose (e.g., 5% dextrose injection).1


Reconstitution

Prior to reconstitution, allow vial of lyophilized caspofungin to reach room temperature.1


Reconstitute 50- or 70-mg vials by adding 10.8 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection, sterile water for injection, bacteriostatic water for injection (with methylparaben and propylparaben or 0.9% benzyl alcohol) to provide solutions containing 5 or 7 mg/mL, respectively.1 Mix gently until drug is completely dissolved and a clear solution is obtained.1


The 50- and 70-mg reconstituted vials are formulated to provide a slight overfill, yielding 54.6 and 75.6 mg, respectively, of caspofungin.1 3 The vials are for single-use only; discard any unused reconstituted solution.1


Use strict aseptic technique since drug contains no preservative.1


Dilution

Aseptically withdraw the appropriate volume of reconstituted solution (mL equivalent to the indicated loading or maintenance dose) and add it to 250 mL of 0.225, 0.45, or 0.9% sodium chloride injection or lactated Ringer's injection.1 Alternatively, add the appropriate volume of reconstituted solution to a reduced volume of one of these IV solutions, provided the final concentration does not exceed 0.5 mg/mL.1


For pediatric patients 3 months to 17 years of age, withdraw the appropriate volume of reconstituted solution (mL equivalent to the indicated loading or maintenance dose) based on a concentration of 5 mg/mL (if using the 50-mg vial) or 7 mg/mL (if using the 70-mg vial) and add it to 0.225, 0.45, or 0.9% sodium chloride injection or lactated Ringer's injection.1 Base choice of vial on indicated dose.1 Manufacturer recommends using the 50-mg vial for doses <50 mg and the 70-mg vial for doses >50 mg.1


Rate of Administration

IV infusions are given over approximately 1 hour.1


Dosage


Available as caspofungin acetate; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.1


Pediatric Patients


Dosage for pediatric patients 3 months to 17 years of age is based on body surface area (BSA) calculated using the Mosteller formula.1 The loading dose (in mg) should be calculated as BSA (m2) x 70 mg/m2 and the maintenance dose (in mg) should be calculated as BSA (m2) x 50 mg/m2.1


Invasive Aspergillosis

IV

A single loading dose of 70 mg/m2 on day 1, followed by 50 mg/m2 once daily.1 If 50 mg/m2 once daily is well tolerated but does not provide an adequate clinical response, dosage may be increased to 70 mg/m2 (up to 70 mg) once daily.1


Optimum duration of antifungal treatment for invasive aspergillosis not established.21 Duration of treatment is based on severity of patient's underlying disease, recovery from immunosuppression, and clinical response.1


Candidemia and Other Invasive Candida Infections (Intra-abdominal abscess, Peritonitis, Pleural Space Infections)

IV

A single loading dose of 70 mg/m2 on day 1, followed by 50 mg/m2 once daily.1 If 50 mg/m2 once daily is well tolerated but does not provide an adequate clinical response, dosage may be increased to 70 mg/m2 (up to 70 mg) once daily.1


Duration of treatment is based on clinical and microbiological response.1 Manufacturer recommends treatment be continued for at least 14 days after the last positive culture and states that those who remain persistently neutropenic may require a longer course of therapy pending resolution of neutropenia.1 IDSA and others recommend that antifungal treatment for candidemia (without persistent fungemia or metastatic complications) be continued for 14 days after first negative blood culture and resolution of signs and symptoms of candidemia.17 18


Esophageal Candidiasis

IV

A single loading dose of 70 mg/m2 on day 1, followed by 50 mg/m2 once daily.1 If 50 mg/m2 once daily is well tolerated but does not provide an adequate clinical response, dosage may be increased to 70 mg/m2 (up to 70 mg) once daily.1


Manufacturer recommends treatment be continued for 7–14 days after resolution of symptoms.1 IDSA and others recommend that antifungal treatment be continued for 14–21 days.17 18 19


Empiric Therapy in Febrile Neutropenic Patients

IV

A single loading dose of 70 mg/m2 on day 1, followed by 50 mg/m2 once daily.1 If 50 mg/m2 once daily is well tolerated but does not provide an adequate clinical response, dosage may be increased to 70 mg/m2 (up to 70 mg) once daily.1


Duration of empiric therapy is based on clinical response;1 continue until neutropenia resolves.1 If fungal infection is identified, continue for at least 14 days total and for at least 7 days after both neutropenia and clinical symptoms resolve.1


Adults


Invasive Aspergillosis

IV

A single 70-mg loading dose on day 1, followed by 50 mg once daily.1 18 19 21 Efficacy of dosages >50 mg once daily not evaluated.1


Optimum duration of treatment not established.21 Duration of treatment is based on severity of patient's underlying disease, recovery from immunosuppression, and clinical response.1


Candidemia and Other Invasive Candida Infections (Intra-abdominal abscess, Peritonitis, Pleural Space Infections)

IV

A single 70-mg loading dose on day 1, followed by 50 mg once daily.1 17 18


Although a dosage of 150 mg once daily has been used in a clinical study, this high dosage is no more effective than a dosage of 50 mg once daily.1


Duration of treatment is based on clinical and microbiological response.1 Manufacturer recommends treatment be continued for at least 14 days after the last positive culture and states that those who remain persistently neutropenic may require a longer course of therapy pending resolution of neutropenia.1 IDSA and others recommend that antifungal treatment for candidemia (without persistent fungemia or metastatic complications) be continued for 14 days after first negative blood culture and resolution of signs and symptoms of candidemia.17 18


Esophageal Candidiasis

IV

50 mg once daily.1 17 18 19


Manufacturer states use of a 70-mg loading dose has not been evaluated for treatment of esophageal candidiasis and efficacy of dosages >50 mg daily has not been evaluated.1


Manufacturer recommends treatment be continued for 7–14 days after resolution of symptoms.1 IDSA and others recommend that antifungal treatment be continued for 14–21 days.17 18 19


Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

IV

IDSA recommends a single 70-mg loading dose on day 1, followed by 50 mg once daily.17 Others recommend 50 mg once daily.18 19


IDSA and others recommend that antifungal treatment be continued for 7–14 days.17 19


Empiric Therapy in Febrile Neutropenic Patients

IV

A single 70-mg loading dose on day 1, followed by 50 mg once daily.1 17 If 50 mg once daily is well tolerated but does not provide an adequate clinical response, dosage may be increased to 70 mg once daily.1


Duration of empiric therapy is based on clinical response; continue until neutropenia resolves.1 If fungal infection is identified, continue for at least 14 days total and for at least 7 days after both neutropenia and clinical symptoms resolve.1


Prescribing Limits


Pediatric Patients


Maximum loading dose and maximum maintenance dose of 70 mg daily.1


Adults


Aspergillosis

IV

Efficacy of maintenance dosages >50 mg daily not evaluated.1


Esophageal Candidiasis

IV

Efficacy of maintenance dosages >50 mg daily not evaluated.1


Empiric Therapy in Febrile Neutropenic Patients

IV

Maximum 70 mg daily.1


Special Populations


Hepatic Impairment


Adults with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5–6): No dosage adjustment necessary.1


Adults with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7–9): 35 mg once daily; use an initial 70-mg loading dose (if usually indicated).1


Adults with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score >9): Data not available.1


Pediatric patients with any degree of hepatic impairment: Data not available.1


Renal Impairment


Adults with renal impairment: Dosage adjustments not necessary.1 Supplemental dose not required following hemodialysis.1 3


Geriatric Patients


Adults ≥65 years of age: Dosage adjustments not necessary.1


Cautions for Cancidas


Contraindications



  • Known hypersensitivity to caspofungin acetate or any ingredient in the formulation.1



Warnings/Precautions


Sensitivity Reactions


Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) reported.1


Possible histamine-mediated symptoms (e.g., rash, facial swelling, pruritus, sensation of warmth, bronchospasm) reported.1


Interactions


Use concomitantly with cyclosporine only when potential benefits outweigh risks.1 Transient elevations in transaminase concentrations reported.1 If abnormal liver function test results occur during concomitant therapy, monitor closely and evaluate the benefits versus risks of continuing such therapy.1 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)


Hepatic Effects


Abnormal liver function test results reported when used in healthy volunteers or in patients.1 Clinically important hepatic dysfunction, hepatitis, and hepatic failure reported in patients with serious underlying conditions receiving multiple drugs concomitantly; causal relationship not established.1


If abnormal liver function test results occur, monitor for evidence of worsening hepatic function and evaluate the benefits versus risks of continuing therapy.1


Specific Populations


Pregnancy

Category C.1


Lactation

Distributed into milk in rats;1 not known whether distributed into milk in humans.1 Use with caution.1


Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in neonates and infants <3 months of age.1


Although pharmacokinetic data are available for neonates and infants <3 months of age, data are insufficient to date to establish safe and effective dosage for treatment of neonatal candidiasis.1 Invasive candidiasis in neonates has a higher rate of CNS and multi-organ involvement than in older patients; data insufficient to date regarding distribution of caspofungin into CNS or efficacy in the treatment of meningitis and endocarditis.1


Safety and efficacy of caspofungin for use in infants and children 3 months to 17 years of age for treatment of invasive aspergillosis in those refractory to or intolerant of other antifungals (e.g., amphotericin B [conventional or lipid formulations], itraconazole); for treatment of candidemia, certain other invasive Candida infections (intra-abdominal abscesses, peritonitis, pleural space infections), or esophageal candidiasis; or for empiric treatment of presumed fungal infections in febrile neutropenic patients is based on adequate and well-controlled studies in adults, pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients, and additional data from prospective studies in this age group.1


Data not available regarding efficacy in pediatric patients for treatment of endocarditis, osteomyelitis, or meningitis caused by Candida or for initial therapy of invasive aspergillosis.1


Data not available regarding use in pediatric patients with hepatic impairment.1


The manufacturer states that the overall safety profile of caspofungin in pediatric patients is comparable to that in adults.1 Adverse effects reported in ≥7% of pediatric patients receiving caspofungin include pyrexia, rash, decreased potassium, increased AST, diarrhea, increased ALT, chills, hypotension, vomiting, tachycardia, mucosal inflammation, hypertension, headache, erythema, central line infection, cough, respiratory distress, hypokalemia, abdominal pain, and pruritus.1


Some experts state data are insufficient to date to recommend use of caspofungin for first-line treatment of invasive candidiasis or for treatment of esophageal or oropharyngeal candidiasis in children (including HIV-infected children).20


Geriatric Use

Clinical studies did not include a sufficient number of patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether they respond differently than younger individuals.1 No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between elderly and younger individuals,1 but possibility of greater sensitivity of some older patients cannot be ruled out.1


Caspofungin plasma concentrations were increased slightly in men and women ≥65 years of age compared to young healthy males.1 Dosage adjustment not recommended.1


Hepatic Impairment

Although AUC is increased slightly in adults with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5–6) compared with healthy adults, dosage adjustment not necessary.1 A greater increase in AUC occurs in adults with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7–9), and dosage reduction is recommended in these patients. (See Hepatic Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)


Data not available regarding use in adults with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score >9)1 or in pediatric patients with any degree of hepatic impairment.1


Renal Impairment

No clinically important effect on pharmacokinetics. (See Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.) Dosage adjustment not necessary in adults with renal impairment.1


Common Adverse Effects


Pyrexia, diarrhea, chills, decreased potassium, increased alkaline phosphatase, decreased hemoglobin, hypotension, respiratory failure, increased ALT, fever, decreased hematocrit, phlebitis, vomiting, rash, increased AST, nausea, headache, increased bilirubin, septic shock, decreased WBC, peripheral edema, cough, pneumonia, increased creatinine, anemia, abdominal pain, dyspnea, increased blood urea, pleural effusion, increased conjugated bilirubin, tachycardia, decreased albumin, decreased magnesium, rales, sepsis.1 7 8 9 10 11 13


Interactions for Cancidas


Does not inhibit and is a poor substrate for CYP isoenzymes in vitro.1 Does not induce CYP3A4 isoenzyme.1


Drugs Affecting or Affected by P-glycoprotein Transport


Not a substrate of the P-glycoprotein transport system;1 pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely.7


Specific Drugs













































Drug



Interaction



Comments



Amphotericin B



No evidence of pharmacokinetic interactions1


In vitro, synergistic or additive antifungal activity against some Aspergillus, including A. fumigatus, and some Fusarium; 7 8 9 13 in vitro, indifferent or additive antifungal effects against C. glabrata;8 no in vitro evidence of antagonism against A. fumigatus, C. albicans (including azole-resistant strains), or other Candida1 8 9 10 12



Carbamazepine



Possibility of decreased caspofungin concentrations 1



Consider increasing caspofungin dosage to 70 mg once daily in adults or to 70 mg/m2 once daily (maximum 70 mg daily) in pediatric patients1



Corticosteroids (dexamethasone)



Possibility of decreased caspofungin concentrations 1



Consider increasing caspofungin dosage to 70 mg once daily in adults or to 70 mg/m2 once daily (maximum 70 mg daily) in pediatric patients1



Efavirenz



Possibility of decreased caspofungin concentrations1



Consider increasing caspofungin dosage to 70 mg once daily in adults or to 70 mg/m2 once daily (maximum 70 mg daily) in pediatric patients1



Fluconazole



In vitro, synergistic antifungal activity against C. glabrata;8 no in vitro evidence of antagonism against C. albicans (including azole-resistant strains) or other Candida8



Immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporine, mycophenolate, tacrolimus)



Cyclosporine: Increased AUC of caspofungin;1 no effect on cyclosporine concentrations;1 transient elevations in ALT and AST reported;1 possible increased bilirubin concentration1


Mycophenolate: No evidence of pharmacokinetic interactions1


Tacrolimus: Decreased tacrolimus AUC and plasma concentrations;1 no effect on caspofungin concentrations1



Cyclosporine: Use concomitantly only when potential benefits outweigh risks;1 monitor hepatic function;18 if abnormal liver function test results occur, monitor closely and evaluate benefits versus risks of continuing such therapy1


Tacrolimus: Monitor tacrolimus concentrations and adjust dosage as needed1



Itraconazole



Itraconazole: No evidence of pharmacokinetic interactions1


In vitro, synergistic or additive antifungal activity against some Aspergillus, including A. fumigatus7 8



Nelfinavir



No effect on caspofungin pharmacokinetics1



Nevirapine



Possibility of decreased caspofungin concentrations1



Consider increasing caspofungin dosage to 70 mg once daily in adults or to 70 mg/m2 once daily (maximum 70 mg daily) in pediatric patients1



Phenytoin



Possibility of decreased caspofungin concentrations 1



Consider increasing caspofungin dosage to 70 mg once daily in adults or to 70 mg/m2 once daily (maximum 70 mg daily) in pediatric patients1



Posaconazole



In vitro, synergistic antifungal activity against Aspergillus and C. glabrata10 13



Rifampin



Decreased trough concentrations of caspofungin1



Increase caspofungin dosage to 70 mg once daily in adults;1 consider increasing caspofungin dosage to 70 mg/m2 once daily (maximum 70 mg daily) in pediatric patients1



Voriconazole



In vitro, additive antifungal effects against C. glabrata;8 in vitro, indifferent, additive, or synergistic antifungal activity against some Aspergillus, including A. fumigatus;8 13 no in vitro evidence of antagonism against Aspergillus8 12


Cancidas Pharmacokinetics


Absorption


Bioavailability


Poorly absorbed from GI tract; must be administered IV.25


Special Populations


Geriatric adults: Slight increase in plasma concentrations in adults ≥65 years of age compared with younger adults.1


Adults with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5–6): AUC after a single 70-mg IV dose is increased approximately 55% compared with healthy adults.1 After a single 70-mg IV loading dose on day 1 followed by 50 mg once daily, AUC is increased 19–25% on days 7 and 14 compared with healthy adults.1


Adults with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7–9): AUC after a single 70-mg IV dose is increased 76% compared with healthy adults.1 Data not available regarding adults with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score >9).1


Adults with mild renal impairment (Clcr 50–80 mL/minute): Pharmacokinetics after a single 70-mg IV dose are similar to healthy adults.1


Adults with moderate or severe renal impairment (Clcr 5–49 mL/minute) or with end-stage renal impairment receiving dialysis: AUC after a single IV dose is increased 30–49% compared with healthy adults.1 Mild to end-stage renal impairment had no clinically important effect on caspofungin concentrations following multiple 50-mg doses.1


Distribution


Extent


Distributed into liver, lung, spleen, and GI tract.25


Distribution into CSF probably negligible.25


Crosses placenta in rats and rabbits;1 not known whether crosses placenta in humans.1


Distributed into milk of lactating rats;1 not known whether distributed into human milk.1


Plasma Protein Binding


About 97% bound to albumin.1


Elimination


Metabolism


Slowly metabolized by hydrolysis and N-acetylation1 in the liver.25 Metabolites exhibit no antifungal activity.25 Also undergoes spontaneous chemical degradation to an open-ring peptide.1


Elimination Route


<3% of a dose eliminated unchanged in urine.24 Following a single IV dose, 35 and 41% excreted in feces and urine, respectively, as the parent drug and metabolites.1


Not removed by hemodialysis.1


Half-life


A short initial α-phase followed by β-phase with an elimination half-life of 9–11 hours; γ-phase with half-life of 40–50 hours also reported.1


Stability


Storage


Parenteral


Powder for IV Infusion

2–8°C.1 After reconstitution and before dilution, may be stored for up to 1 hour at ≤25°C.1 Following dilution, may be stored for up to 24 hours at ≤25°C or for up to 48 hours at 2–8°C.1


Actions and SpectrumActions



  • Echinocandins (e.g., caspofungin, anidulafungin, micafungin) differ structurally and pharmacologically from other available antifungals.1 2




  • Inhibits synthesis of β-d-glucan, an integral component of the fungal cell wall that is not present in mammalian cells.1 2




  • May be fungistatic or fungicidal in action.1 7 8 10 12 13 14 Depending on the concentration, may be fungicidal against Candida, but usually fungistatic against Aspergillus.1 7 8 10 12 13 14




  • Active in vitro against Aspergillus fumigatus,1 26 27 A. flavus,1 26 27 A. strictum,27 and A. terreus.1 26 27




  • Active in vitro against Candida, including C. albicans,1 26 27 C. glabrata,1 26 27 C. guilliermondii,1 26 27 C. kefyr,26 C. krusei,1 26 27 C. lusitaniae,26 27 C. metapsilosis,29 C. orthopsilosis,29 C. parapsilosis,1 26 27 28 29 and C. tropicalis.1 26 27 Has been active against some Candida, including C. glabrata and C. krusei, resistant to fluconazole.8 13




  • Like other echinocandins, not active against Cryptococcus neoformans, Fusarium, Trichosporon, or zygomycetes.8 9 10 12 13 14




  • Strains of Candida,1 including C. albicans,31 C. glabrata,32 C. krusei,30 and C. parapsilosis,28 with reduced susceptibility or resistance to caspofungin have emerged in some patients who received the drug for treatment. A correlation between MICs and clinical outcome has not been established to date.1




  • Some C. albicans with reduced susceptibility to caspofungin also have reduced susceptibility to micafungin.12 22 23



Advice to Patients



  • Advise patients about isolated reports of serious hepatic effects (e.g., hepatitis, hepatic failure) associated with caspofungin and the importance of clinicians assessing benefits versus risks of the drug if abnormal liver function tests occur.1




  • Advise patients that hypersensitivity reactions can occur (e.g., rash, facial swelling, pruritus, sensation of warmth, bronchospasm).1




  • Importance of informing clinician of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, and any concomitant illnesses.1




  • Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1




  • Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)



Preparations


Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.


















Caspofungin Acetate

Routes



Dosage Forms



Strengths



Brand Names



Manufacturer



Parenteral



For injection, for IV infusion



50 mg



Cancidas



Merck



70 mg



Cancidas



Merck



Disclaimer

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.


The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions November 2009. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.


† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.




References



1. Merck & Co, Inc. Cancidas (caspofungin acetate) for injection prescribing information. Whitehouse Station, NJ; 2009 Jul.



2. Onishi J, Meinz M, Thompson J et al. Discovery of novel antifungal (1,3)-β-d-glucan synthase inhibitors. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2000; 44:368-77.



3. Merck, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Personal communication.



4. Mora-Duarte J, Betts R, Rotstein C et al. Comparison of caspofungin and amphotericin B for invasive candidiasis. N Engl J Med. 2002; 347:2020-9. [PubMed 12490683]



5. Villanueva A, Gotuzzo E, Arathoon EG et al. A randomized double-blind study of caspofungin versus fluconazole for the treatment of esophageal candidiasis. Am J Med. 2002; 113:294-9. [PubMed 12361815]



6. Arathoon EG, Gotuzzo E, Noriega LM et al. Randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of caspofungin versus amphotericin B for treatment of oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiases. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2002; 46:451-7. [PubMed 11796357]



7. Stone EA, Fung

Monday, 25 June 2012

Avar Green


Generic Name: sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical (SUL fa SEET a mide SOE dee um and SUL fur TOP i kal)

Brand Names: Avar Cleanser, Avar Gel, Avar LS Cleanser, Avar-E, Avar-E Emollient, Avar-E Green, Avar-e LS, BP 10-Wash, Clarifoam EF, Clenia Emollient Cream, Clenia Foaming Wash, Plexion , Plexion Cleanser, Plexion Cleansing Cloths, Plexion SCT, Prascion, Prascion Cleanser, Prascion FC Cloths, Prascion RA, Rosac, Rosac Wash, Rosaderm Cleanser, Rosanil Cleanser, Rosula, SE 10-5 SS, Sulfacet-R, Sulfatol C, Sulfatol SS, SulZee Wash, Sumaxin, Sumaxin TS, Sumaxin Wash, Suphera, Topisulf, Zencia Wash, Zetacet


What is Avar Green (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?

Sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur are antibiotic that fight bacteria.


The combination of sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis (a red, flaking skin rash).


Sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Avar Green (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?


You should not use this medication if you are allergy to sulfa drugs or if you have kidney disease. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor has told you to.


Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical unless you doctor tells you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Avar Green (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?


You should not use this medication if you are allergy to sulfa drugs or if you have kidney disease.

To make sure you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.


FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Avar Green (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?


Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.


Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor has told you to.


Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.


Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.


What should I avoid while using Avar Green (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?


Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water. Do not use sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical unless you doctor tells you to.


Avar Green (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • new or worsening skin rash;




  • joint pain;




  • fever; or




  • mouth sores.



Less serious side effects may include redness, warmth, swelling, itching, stinging, burning, or irritation of treated skin.


This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Avar Green (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?


It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Avar Green resources


  • Avar Green Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Avar Green Drug Interactions
  • Avar Green Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Avar Green - Add your own review/rating


  • Avar LS Cleanser MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Clarifoam EF Foam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Clarifoam EF Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Plexion Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Plexion Cleansing Cloths MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Plexion SCT Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Plexion TS Emulsion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Prascion Cleanser Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Rosac Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Rosaderm Cleanser Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Rosanil Cleanser Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Rosula Foam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Rosula Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Rosula Cleanser Emulsion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Sumadan MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Sumadan Wash Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Sumaxin Wash MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Sumaxin Wash Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Zencia Wash Prescribing Information (FDA)



Compare Avar Green with other medications


  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical.


Friday, 22 June 2012

Adoport 5 mg Capsules, hard





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Adoport 5 mg Capsules, hard


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each capsule contains 5 mg tacrolimus (as tacrolimus monohydrate).



Excipient(s):



Each capsule contains 236.9 mg lactose monohydrate.



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Capsules, hard



Opaque white and orange hard gelatin capsules containing white to off- white powder.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Prophylaxis of transplant rejection in liver, kidney or heart allograft recipients.



Treatment of allograft rejection resistant to treatment with other immunosuppressive medicinal products.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Tacrolimus therapy requires careful monitoring by adequately qualified and equipped personnel.



The medicinal product should only be prescribed, and changes in immunosuppressive therapy initiated, by physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and the management of transplant patients.



Inadvertent, unintentional or unsupervised switching of immediate- or prolonged-release formulations of tacrolimus is unsafe. This can lead to graft rejection or increased incidence of side effects, including under- or overimmunosuppression, due to clinically relevant differences in systemic exposure to tacrolimus. Patients should be maintained on a single formulation of tacrolimus with the corresponding daily dosing regimen; alterations in formulation or regimen should only take place under the close supervision of a transplant specialist (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). Following conversion to any alternative formulation, therapeutic drug monitoring must be performed and dose adjustments made to ensure that systemic exposure to tacrolimus is maintained.



General considerations



The recommended initial dosages presented below are intended to act solely as a guideline. Tacrolimus dosing should primarily be based on clinical assessments of rejection and tolerability in each patient individually aided by blood level monitoring (see below for recommended target whole blood trough concentrations). If clinical signs of rejection are apparent, alteration of the immunosuppressive regimen should be considered.



Tacrolimus can be administered intravenously or orally. In general, dosing may commence orally; if necessary, by administering the capsule contents suspended in water, via nasogastric tubing. Tacrolimus is routinely administered in conjunction with other immunosuppressive agents in the initial post-operative period. The tacrolimus dose may vary depending upon the immunosuppressive regimen chosen.



Method of administration



It is recommended that the oral daily dose be administered in two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening). Capsules should be taken immediately following removal from the blister. The capsules should be swallowed with fluid (preferably water).



Capsules should generally be administered on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after a meal, to achieve maximal absorption (see section 5.2).



Duration of dosing



To suppress graft rejection, immunosuppression must be maintained; consequently, no limit to the duration of oral therapy can be given.



Dosage recommendations – Liver transplantation



Prophylaxis of transplant rejection - adults



Oral tacrolimus therapy should commence at 0.10-0.20 mg/kg/day administered as two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening). Administration should commence approximately 12 hours after the completion of surgery.



If the dose cannot be administered orally as a result of the clinical condition of the patient, intravenous therapy of 0.01-0.05 mg/kg/day should be initiated as a continuous 24 hour infusion.



Prophylaxis of transplant rejection - children



An initial oral dose of 0.30 mg/kg/day should be administered in two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening). If the clinical condition of the patient prevents oral dosing, an initial intravenous dose of 0.05 mg/kg/day should be administered as a continuous 24-hour infusion.



Dose adjustment during post-transplant period in adults and children



Tacrolimus doses are usually reduced in the post-transplant period. It is possible in some cases to withdraw concomitant immunosuppressive therapy, leading to tacrolimus monotherapy.



Post-transplant improvement in the condition of the patient may alter the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and may necessitate further dose adjustments.



Rejection therapy – adults and children



Increased tacrolimus doses, supplemental corticosteroid therapy, and introduction of short courses of mono-/polyclonal antibodies have all been used to manage rejection episodes. If signs of toxicity are noted (e.g. pronounced adverse reactions - see section 4.8) the dose of tacrolimus may need to be reduced.



For conversion to tacrolimus, treatment should begin with the initial oral dose recommended for primary immunosuppression.



For information on conversion from ciclosporin to tacrolimus, see below under “Dose adjustments in specific patient populations”.



Dosage recommendations - Kidney transplantation



Prophylaxis of transplant rejection – adults



Oral tacrolimus therapy should commence at 0.20-0.30 mg/kg/day administered as two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening). Administration should commence within 24 hours after the completion of surgery.



If the dose cannot be administered orally as a result of the clinical condition of the patient, intravenous therapy of 0.05-0.10 mg/kg/day should be initiated as a continuous 24 hour infusion.



Prophylaxis of transplant rejection – children



An initial oral dose of 0.30 mg/kg/day should be administered in two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening). If the clinical condition of the patient prevents oral dosing, an initial intravenous dose of 0.075–0.100 mg/kg/day should be administered as a continuous 24 hour infusion.



Dose adjustment during post-transplant period in adults and children



Tacrolimus doses are usually reduced in the post-transplant period. It is possible in some cases to withdraw concomitant immunosuppressive therapy, leading to tacrolimus-based dual-therapy.



Post-transplant improvement in the condition of the patient may alter the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and may necessitate further dose adjustments.



Rejection therapy – adults and children



Increased tacrolimus doses, supplemental corticosteroid therapy, and introduction of short courses of mono-/polyclonal antibodies have all been used to manage rejection episodes. If signs of toxicity are noted (e.g. pronounced adverse reactions - see section 4.8) the dose of tacrolimus may need to be reduced.



For conversion to tacrolimus, treatment should begin with the initial oral dose recommended for primary immunosuppression.



For information on conversion from ciclosporin to tacrolimus, see below under “Dose adjustments in specific patient populations”.



Dosage recommendations - Heart transplantation



Prophylaxis of transplant rejection – adults



Tacrolimus can be used with antibody induction (allowing for delayed start of tacrolimus therapy) or alternatively in clinically stable patients without antibody induction.



Following antibody induction, oral Tacrolimus therapy should commence at a dose of 0.075 mg/kg/day administered as two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening). Administration should commence within 5 days after the completion of surgery as soon as the patient's clinical condition is stabilised. If the dose cannot be administered orally as a result of the clinical condition of the patient, intravenous therapy of 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg/day should be initiated as a continuous 24 hour infusion.



An alternative strategy was published where oral tacrolimus was administered within 12 hours post transplantation. This approach was reserved for patients without organ dysfunction (e.g. renal dysfunction). In that case, an initial oral tacrolimus dose of 2 to 4 mg per day was used in combination with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids or in combination with sirolimus and corticosteroids.



Prophylaxis of transplant rejection – children



Tacrolimus has been used with or without antibody induction in paediatric heart transplantation.



In patients without antibody induction, if tacrolimus therapy is initiated intravenously, the recommended starting dose is 0.03-0.05 mg/kg/day as a continuous 24-hour infusion targeted to achieve tacrolimus whole blood concentrations of 15-25 ng/ml. Patients should be converted to oral therapy as soon as clinically practicable. The first dose of oral therapy should be 0.30 mg/kg/day starting 8 to 12 hours after discontinuing intravenous therapy.



Following antibody induction, if tacrolimus therapy is initiated orally, the recommended starting dose is 0.10-0.30 mg/kg/day administered as two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening).



Dose adjustment during post-transplant period in adults and children



Tacrolimus doses are usually reduced in the post-transplant period. Post-transplant improvement in the condition of the patient may alter the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and may necessitate further dose adjustments.



Rejection therapy – adults and children



Increased tacrolimus doses, supplemental corticosteroid therapy, and introduction of short courses of mono-/polyclonal antibodies have all been used to manage rejection episodes.



In adult patients converted to tacrolimus , an initial oral dose of 0.15 mg/kg/day should be administered in two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening).



In paediatric patients converted to tacrolimus , an initial oral dose of 0.20-0.30 mg/kg/day should be administered in two divided doses (e.g. morning and evening).



For information on conversion from ciclosporin to tacrolimus , see below under “Dose adjustments in specific patient populations”.



Dosage recommendations - Rejection therapy, other allografts



The dose recommendations for lung, pancreas and intestinal transplantation are based on limited prospective clinical trial data. In lung-transplanted patients tacrolimus has been used at an initial oral dose of 0.10-0.15 mg/kg/day, in pancreas-transplanted patients at an initial oral dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day and in intestinal transplantation at an initial oral dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day.



Dosage adjustments in specific patient populations



Patients with liver impairment



Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with severe liver impairment in order to maintain the blood trough levels within the recommended target range.



Patients with kidney impairment



As the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus are unaffected by renal function, no dose adjustment should be required. However, owing to the nephrotoxic potential of tacrolimus careful monitoring of renal function is recommended (including serial serum creatinine concentrations, calculation of creatinine clearance and monitoring of urine output).



Paediatric patients



In general, paediatric patients require doses 1½ - 2 times higher than the adult doses to achieve similar blood levels.



Elderly patients



There is no evidence currently available to indicate that dosing should be adjusted in elderly patients.



Conversion from ciclosporin



Care should be taken when converting patients from ciclosporin-based to tacrolimus-based therapy (see sections 4.4 and 4.5). Tacrolimus therapy should be initiated after considering ciclosporin blood concentrations and the clinical condition of the patient. Dosing should be delayed in the presence of elevated ciclosporin blood levels. In practice, tacrolimus therapy has been initiated 12-24 hours after discontinuation of ciclosporin. Monitoring of ciclosporin blood levels should be continued following conversion as the clearance of ciclosporin might be affected.



Target whole blood trough concentration recommendations



Dosing should primarily be based on clinical assessments of rejection and tolerability in each individual patient.



As an aid to optimise dosing, several immunoassays are available for determining tacrolimus concentrations in whole blood including a semi-automated microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Comparisons of concentrations from the published literature to individual values in clinical practice should be assessed with care and knowledge of the assay methods employed. In current clinical practice, whole blood levels are monitored using immunoassay methods.



Blood trough levels of tacrolimus should be monitored during the post-transplantation period. When dosed orally, blood trough levels should be drawn approximately 12 hours post-dosing, just prior to the next dose. The frequency of blood level monitoring should be based on clinical needs. As tacrolimus is a medicinal product with low clearance, adjustments to the dosage regimen may take several days before changes in blood levels are apparent. Blood trough levels should be monitored approximately twice weekly during the early post-transplant period and then periodically during maintenance therapy. Blood trough levels of tacrolimus should also be monitored following dose adjustment, changes in the immunosuppressive regimen, or following co-administration of substances which may alter tacrolimus whole blood concentrations (see section 4.5).



Clinical study analysis suggests that the majority of patients can be successfully managed if tacrolimus blood trough levels are maintained below 20 ng/ml. It is necessary to consider the clinical condition of the patient when interpreting whole blood levels.



In clinical practice, whole blood trough levels have generally been in the range 5-20 ng/ml in liver transplant recipients and 10-20 ng/ml in kidney and heart transplant patients in the early post-transplant period. Subsequently, during maintenance therapy, blood concentrations have generally been in the range of 5-15 ng/ml in liver, kidney and heart transplant recipients.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or other macrolides.



Hypersensitivity to any of the excipients.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



During the initial post-transplant period, monitoring of the following parameters should be undertaken on a routine basis: blood pressure, ECG, neurological and visual status, fasting blood glucose levels, electrolytes (particularly potassium), liver and renal function tests, haematology parameters, coagulation values, and plasma protein determinations. If clinically relevant changes are seen, adjustments of the immunosuppressive regimen should be considered.



Medication errors, including inadvertent, unintentional or unsupervised substitution of immediate- or prolonged-release tacrolimus formulations, have been observed. This has led to serious adverse events, including graft rejection, or other side effects which could be a consequence of either under- or over-exposure to tacrolimus. Patients should be maintained on a single formulation of tacrolimus with the corresponding daily dosing regimen; alterations in formulation or regimen should only take place under the close supervision of a transplant specialist (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).



Herbal preparations containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or other herbal preparations should be avoided when taking tacrolimus due to the risk of interactions that lead to decrease in blood concentrations of tacrolimus and reduced clinical effect of tacrolimus (see section 4.5).



Since levels of tacrolimus in blood may significantly change during diarrhoea episodes, extra monitoring of tacrolimus concentrations is recommended during episodes of diarrhoea.



The combined administration of ciclosporin and tacrolimus should be avoided and care should be taken when administering tacrolimus to patients who have previously received ciclosporin (see sections 4.2 and 4.5).



Ventricular hypertrophy or hypertrophy of the septum, reported as cardiomyopathies, have been observed on rare occasions. Most cases have been reversible, occurring primarily in children with tacrolimus blood trough concentrations much higher than the recommended maximum levels. Other factors observed to increase the risk of these clinical conditions included pre-existing heart disease, corticosteroid usage, hypertension, renal or hepatic dysfunction, infections, fluid overload, and oedema. Accordingly, high-risk patients, particularly young children and those receiving substantial immunosuppression should be monitored, using such procedures as echocardiography or ECG pre- and post-transplant (e.g. initially at three months and then at 9-12 months). If abnormalities develop, dose reduction of tacrolimus therapy, or change of treatment to another immunosuppressive agent should be considered. Tacrolimus may prolong the QT interval but at this time lacks substantial evidence for causing Torsades de Pointes. Caution should be exercised in patients with diagnosed or suspected Congenital Long QT Syndrome.



Patients treated with tacrolimus have been reported to develop EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. Patients switched to tacrolimus therapy should not receive anti-lymphocyte treatment concomitantly. Very young (< 2 years), EBV-VCA-negative children have been reported to have an increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders. Therefore, in this patient group, EBV-VCA serology should be ascertained before starting treatment with tacrolimus. During treatment, careful monitoring with EBV-PCR is recommended. Positive EBV-PCR may persist for months and is per se not indicative of lymphoproliferative disease or lymphoma.



Patients treated with tacrolimus have been reported to develop posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). If patients taking tacrolimus present with symptoms indicating PRES such as headache, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances, a radiological procedure (e.g. MRI) should be performed. If PRES is diagnosed, adequate blood pressure control and immediate discontinuation of systemic tacrolimus is advised. Most patients completely recover after appropriate measures are taken.



Patients treated with immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus are at increased risk of opportunistic infections (bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoal). Among these conditions are BK virus associated nephropathy and JC virus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). These infections are often related to a high total immunosuppressive burden and may lead to serious or fatal conditions that physicians should consider in patients with deteriorating renal function or neurological symptoms.



As with other immunosuppressive agents, owing to the potential risk of malignant skin changes, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.



As with other potent immunosuppressive compounds, the risk of secondary cancer is unknown (see section 4.8).



As Adoport contains lactose, patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Metabolic interactions



Systemically available tacrolimus is metabolised by hepatic CYP3A4. There is also evidence of gastrointestinal metabolism by CYP3A4 in the intestinal wall. Concomitant use of medicinal products or herbal remedies known to inhibit or induce CYP3A4 may affect the metabolism of tacrolimus and thereby increase or decrease tacrolimus blood levels. It is therefore recommended to monitor tacrolimus blood levels whenever substances which have the potential to alter CYP3A metabolism are used concomitantly and to adjust the tacrolimus dose as appropriate in order to maintain similar tacrolimus exposure (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).



Inhibitors of metabolism



Clinically the following substances have been shown to increase tacrolimus blood levels: Strong interactions have been observed with antifungal agents such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole, the macrolide antibiotic erythromycin or HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir). Concomitant use of these substances may require decreased tacrolimus doses in nearly all patients.



Weaker interactions have been observed with clotrimazole, clarithromycin, josamycin, nifedipine, nicardipine, diltiazem, verapamil, danazol, ethinylestradiol, omeprazole and nefazodone.



In vitro the following substances have been shown to be potential inhibitors of tacrolimus metabolism: bromocriptine, cortisone, dapsone, ergotamine, gestodene, lidocaine, mephenytoin, miconazole, midazolam, nilvadipine, norethindrone, quinidine, tamoxifen, (triacetyl)oleandomycin.



Grapefruit juice has been reported to increase the blood level of tacrolimus and should therefore be avoided.



Inducers of metabolism



Clinically the following substances have been shown to decrease tacrolimus blood levels:



Strong interactions have been observed with rifampicin, phenytoin or St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) which may require increased tacrolimus doses in almost all patients. Clinically significant interactions have also been observed with phenobarbital. Maintenance doses of corticosteroids have been shown to reduce tacrolimus blood levels.



High dose prednisolone or methylprednisolone administered for the treatment of acute rejection have the potential to increase or decrease tacrolimus blood levels.



Carbamazepine, metamizole and isoniazid have the potential to decrease tacrolimus concentrations.



Effect of tacrolimus on the metabolism of other medicinal products



Tacrolimus is a known CYP3A4 inhibitor; thus concomitant use of tacrolimus with medicinal products known to be metabolised by CYP3A4 may affect the metabolism of such medicinal products. The half-life of ciclosporin is prolonged when tacrolimus is given concomitantly. In addition, synergistic/additive nephrotoxic effects can occur. For these reasons, the combined administration of ciclosporin and tacrolimus is not recommended and care should be taken when administering tacrolimus to patients who have previously received ciclosporin (see sections 4.2 and 4.4). Tacrolimus has been shown to increase the blood level of phenytoin.



As tacrolimus may reduce the clearance of steroid-based contraceptives leading to increased hormone exposure, particular care should be exercised when deciding upon contraceptive measures.



Limited knowledge of interactions between tacrolimus and statins is available. Available data suggests that the pharmacokinetics of statins are largely unaltered by the co-administration of tacrolimus.



Animal data have shown that tacrolimus could potentially decrease the clearance and increase the half-life of pentobarbital and phenazone.



Other interactions which have led to clinically detrimental effects



Concurrent use of tacrolimus with medicinal products known to have nephrotoxic or neurotoxic effects may increase these effects (e.g. aminoglycosides, gyrase inhibitors, vancomycin, cotrimoxazole, NSAIDs, ganciclovir or aciclovir).



Enhanced nephrotoxicity has been observed following the administration of amphotericin B and ibuprofen in conjunction with tacrolimus.



As tacrolimus treatment may be associated with hyperkalaemia, or may increase pre-existing hyperkalaemia, high potassium intake, or potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. amiloride, triamterene or spironolactone) should be avoided.



Immunosuppressants may affect the response to vaccination and vaccination during treatment with tacrolimus may be less effective. The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided.



Protein binding considerations



Tacrolimus is extensively bound to plasma proteins. Possible interactions with other medicinal products known to have high affinity for plasma proteins should be considered (e.g. NSAIDs, oral anticoagulants, or oral anti-diabetics).



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Human data show that tacrolimus crosses the placenta. Limited data from organ transplant recipients show no evidence of an increased risk of adverse effects on the course and outcome of pregnancy under tacrolimus treatment compared with other immunosuppressive medicinal products. To date, no other relevant epidemiological data are available. Tacrolimus treatment can be considered in pregnant women when there is no safer alternative and when the perceived benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. In case of in utero exposure, monitoring of the newborn for the potential adverse effects of tacrolimus is recommended (in particular the effects on the kidneys). There is a risk for premature delivery (<37 week) as well as for hyperkalaemia in the newborn (incidence 8 of 111 neonates, i.e. 7.2%), which, however, normalizes spontaneously.



In rats and rabbits, tacrolimus caused embryofoetal toxicity at doses which demonstrated maternal toxicity (see section 5.3). Tacrolimus affected male fertility in rats (see section 5.3).



Lactation



Human data demonstrate that tacrolimus is excreted into breast milk. As detrimental effects on the newborn cannot be excluded, women should not breast-feed whilst receiving Tacrolimus.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



Tacrolimus may cause visual and neurological disturbances. This effect may be enhanced if tacrolimus is administered in association with alcohol.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The adverse drug reaction profile associated with immunosuppressive agents is often difficult to establish owing to the underlying disease and the concurrent use of multiple medications.



Many of the adverse drug reactions stated below are reversible and/or respond to dose reduction. Oral administration appears to be associated with a lower incidence of adverse drug reactions compared with intravenous use. Adverse drug reactions are listed below in descending order by frequency of occurrence: very common (



Infections and infestations



As is well known for other potent immunosuppressive agents, patients receiving tacrolimus are frequently at increased risk for infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal). The course of pre-existing infections may be aggravated. Both generalised and localised infections can occur.



Cases of BK virus associated nephropathy, as well as cases of JC virus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), have been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus.



Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps) Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of developing malignancies. Benign as well as malignant neoplasms including EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders and skin malignancies have been reported in association with tacrolimus treatment.
























































































































































Blood and lymphatic system disorders:


 


common:




anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, red blood cell analyses abnormal




uncommon:




coagulopathies, coagulation and bleeding analyses abnormal, pancytopenia, neutropenia




rare:




thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hypo-prothrombinaemia




Immune system disorders:



Allergic and anaphylactoid reactions have been observed in patients receiving tacrolimus (see section 4.4).


 


Endocrine disorders:


 


rare:




hirsutism




Metabolism and nutrition disorders:


 


very common:




hyperglycaemic conditions, diabetes mellitus, hyperkalaemia




common:




hypomagnesaemia, hypophosphataemia, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hyponatraemia, fluid overload, hyperuricaemia, appetite decreased, anorexia, metabolic acidoses, hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, other electrolyte abnormalities




uncommon:




dehydration, hypoproteinaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hypoglycaemia




Psychiatric disorders:


 


very common:




insomnia




common:




anxiety symptoms, confusion and disorientation, depression, depressed mood, mood disorders and disturbances, nightmare, hallucination, mental disorders




uncommon:




psychotic disorder




Nervous system disorders:


 


very common:




tremor, headache




common:




seizures, disturbances in consciousness, paraesthesias and dysaesthesias, peripheral neuropathies, dizziness, writing impaired, nervous system disorders




uncommon:




coma, central nervous system haemorrhages and cerebrovascular accidents, paralysis and paresis, encephalopathy, speech and language abnormalities, amnesia




rare:




hypertonia




very rare:




myasthenia




Eye disorders:


 


common:




vision blurred, photophobia, eye disorders




uncommon:




cataract




rare:




blindness




Ear and labyrinth disorders:


 


common:




tinnitus




uncommon:




hypoacusis




rare:




deafness neurosensory




very rare:




hearing impaired




Cardiac disorders:


 


common:




ischaemic coronary artery disorders, tachycardia




uncommon:




ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, heart failures, cardiomyopathies, ventricular hypertrophy, supraventricular arrhythmias, palpitations, ECG investigations abnormal, heart rate and pulse investigations abnormal




rare:




pericardial effusion




very rare:




echocardiogram abnormal




Vascular disorders:


 


very common:




hypertension




common:




haemorrhage, thrombembolic and ischaemic events, peripheral vascular disorders, vascular hypotensive disorders




uncommon:




infarction, venous thrombosis deep limb, shock




Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:


 


common:




dyspnoea, parenchymal lung disorders, pleural effusion, pharyngitis, cough, nasal congestion and inflammations




uncommon:




respiratory failures, respiratory tract disorders, asthma




rare:




acute respiratory distress syndrome




Gastrointestinal disorders:


 


very common:




diarrhoea, nausea




common:




gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal ulceration and perforation, gastrointestinal haemorrhages, stomatitis and ulceration, ascites, vomiting, gastrointestinal and abdominal pains, dyspeptic signs and symptoms, constipation, flatulence, bloating and distension, loose stools, gastrointestinal signs and symptoms




uncommon:




ileus paralytic, peritonitis, acute and chronic pancreatitis, blood amylase increased, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, impaired gastric emptying




rare:




subileus, pancreatic pseudocyst




Hepatobiliary disorders:


 


common:




hepatic enzymes and function abnormalities, cholestasis and jaundice, hepatocellular damage and hepatitis, cholangitis




rare:




hepatitic artery thrombosis, venoocclusive liver disease




very rare:




hepatic failure, bile duct stenosis




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:


 


common:




pruritus, rash, alopecias, acne, sweating increased




uncommon:




dermatitis, photosensitivity




rare:




toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome)




very rare:




Stevens Johnson syndrome




Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:


 


common:




arthralgia, muscle cramps, pain in limb, back pain




uncommon:




joint disorders




Renal and urinary disorders:


 


very common:




renal impairment




common:




renal failure, renal failure acute, oliguria, renal tubular necrosis, nephropathy toxic, urinary abnormalities, bladder and urethral symptoms




uncommon:




anuria, haemolytic uraemic syndrome




very rare:




nephropathy, cystitis haemorrhagic




Reproductive system and breast disorders:


 


uncommon:




dysmenorrhoea and uterine bleeding




General disorders and administration site conditions:


 


common:




asthenic conditions, febrile disorders, oedema, pain and discomfort, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, weight increased, body temperature perception disturbed




uncommon:




multi-organ failure, influenza like illness, temperature intolerance, chest pressure sensation, feeling jittery, feeling abnormal, blood lactate dehydrogenase increased, weight decreased




rare:




thirst, fall, chest tightness, mobility decreased, ulcer




very rare:




fat tissue increased




Injury, poisoning and procedural complications:


 


common:




primary graft dysfunction



Medication errors, including inadvertent, unintentional or unsupervised substitution of immediate- or prolonged-release tacrolimus formulations, have been observed. A number of associated cases of transplant rejection have been reported (frequency cannot be estimated from available data).



4.9 Overdose



Experience with over dosage is limited. Several cases of accidental over dosage have been reported; symptoms have included tremor, headache, nausea and vomiting, infections, urticaria, lethargy, increased blood urea nitrogen and elevated serum creatinine concentrations, and increase in alanine aminotransferase levels.



No specific antidote to tacrolimus therapy is available. If over dosage occurs, general supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be conducted. Based on its high molecular weight, poor aqueous solubility, and extensive erythrocyte and plasma protein binding, it is anticipated that