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Fenfluramine

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Fintepla

Brand Names
Fintepla
Dosage Form
POWDER
Product Type
BULK INGREDIENT

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: VALVULAR HEART DISEASE and PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION FINTEPLA can cause valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Echocardiogram assessments are required before, during, and after treatment with FINTEPLA. The benefits versus the risks of initiating or continuing FINTEPLA must be considered, based on echocardiogram findings [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.6 ) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Because of the risks of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the FINTEPLA REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. WARNING: VALVULAR HEART DISEASE and PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. FINTEPLA can cause valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. ( 5.1 ) Echocardiogram assessments are required before, during, and after treatment with FINTEPLA. ( 2.1 , 2.6 , 5.1 ) FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted program called the FINTEPLA REMS. ( 5.2 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION FINTEPLA oral solution contains 2.2 mg/mL fenfluramine, equivalent to 2.5 mg/mL of the hydrochloride salt. The active ingredient, fenfluramine hydrochloride, is designated chemically as N-ethyl-α- methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenethylamine hydrochloride. The structural formula is: Fenfluramine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline solid. The pKa of fenfluramine is 10.2. FINTEPLA is a clear, colorless solution, pH 5. FINTEPLA contains the following inactive ingredients: cherry flavor, citric acid, ethylparaben hydroxyethylcellulose, methylparaben, potassium citrate, sucralose, and water. FINTEPLA contains no ingredient made from gluten-containing grain (wheat, barley, or rye), and contains not more than 0.1% of carbohydrates, which is solely derived from the cherry flavor. Chemical Structure

What Is Fenfluramine Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FINTEPLA is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients 2 years of age and older. FINTEPLA is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION FINTEPLA is to be administered orally and may be taken with or without food. ( 2.2 ) Dravet Syndrome The initial starting and maintenance dosage is 0.1 mg/kg twice daily, which can be increased weekly based on efficacy and tolerability. ( 2.2 ) The maximum daily maintenance dosage of FINTEPLA is 0.35 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 26 mg). ( 2.2 ) Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome The initial starting dosage is 0.1 mg/kg twice daily, which should be increased weekly based on tolerability. ( 2.2 ) The recommended maintenance dosage of FINTEPLA is 0.35 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 26 mg). ( 2.2 ) Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Dose adjustment is required in patients taking concomitant stiripentol plus clobazam: the maximum daily maintenance dosage of FINTEPLA is 0.2 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 17 mg). ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 7.1 ) Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients: Taking strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors ( 2.3 , 7.1 ) With severe renal impairment ( 2.4 , 8.6 ) With mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment ( 2.5 , 8.7 ) 2.1 Assessments Prior to Initiating FINTEPLA Prior to starting treatment with FINTEPLA, obtain an echocardiogram assessment to evaluate for valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.2 Dosing Information FINTEPLA is to be administered orally and may be taken with or without food. Dravet Syndrome The initial starting and maintenance dosage for patients with Dravet syndrome is 0.1 mg/kg twice daily, which can be increased weekly based on efficacy and tolerability. Table 1 provides the recommended titration schedule, if needed. Patients with Dravet syndrome not on concomitant stiripentol who are tolerating FINTEPLA at 0.1 mg/kg twice daily and require further reduction of seizures may benefit from a dosage increase up to a maximum recommended maintenance dosage of 0.35 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 26 mg). Patients with Dravet syndrome taking concomitant stiripentol plus clobazam who are tolerating FINTEPLA at 0.1 mg/kg twice daily and require further reduction of seizures may benefit from a dosage increase up to a maximum recommended maintenance dosage of 0.2 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 17 mg) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome The initial starting dosage for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is 0.1 mg/kg twice daily, which should be increased weekly based on tolerability. Table 1 provides the recommended titration schedule. Patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome not on concomitant stiripentol who are tolerating FINTEPLA should be titrated to the recommended maintenance dosage of 0.35 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 26 mg). Patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome taking concomitant stiripentol plus clobazam who are tolerating FINTEPLA should be titrated to the recommended maintenance dosage of 0.2...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Valvular Heart Disease and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Decreased Appetite and Decreased Weight [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Somnolence, Sedation, and Lethargy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Increase in Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] The most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 10% and greater than placebo) in patients with Dravet syndrome were decreased appetite; somnolence, sedation, lethargy; diarrhea; constipation; abnormal echocardiogram; fatigue, malaise, asthenia; ataxia, balance disorder, gait disturbance; blood pressure increased; drooling, salivary hypersecretion; pyrexia; upper respiratory tract infection; vomiting; decreased weight; fall; status epilepticus. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 10% and greater than placebo) in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome were diarrhea; decreased appetite; fatigue; somnolence; vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact UCB, Inc. at 1-844-599-2273 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In controlled and uncontrolled trials in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS), 341 patients were treated with FINTEPLA, including 312 patients treated for more than 6 months, 284 patients treated for more than 1 year, and 138 patients treated for more than 2 years. In controlled and uncontrolled trials in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), 262 patients were treated with FINTEPLA, including 219 patients treated for more than 6 months, 172 patients treated for more than 1 year, and 127 patients treated for more than 2 years. Dravet Syndrome In placebo-controlled trials of patients with DS taking concomitant standard of care AEDs, 122 patients were treated with FINTEPLA and 84 patients received placebo [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The duration of treatment in these trials was 16 weeks (Study 1) or 17 weeks (Study 2). In Study 1 and Study 2, the mean age was 9 years (range 2 to 19 years) and approximately 46% of patients were female and 74% were White. All patients were receiving at least one other AED. In Study 1 and Study 2, the rates of discontinuation as a result of any adverse reaction were 13%, 0%, and 7% for patients treated with FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day, 0.2 mg/kg/day, and 0.4 mg/kg/day in combination with stiripentol, respectively, compared to 6% for patients on placebo. The most frequent adverse reaction leading to discontinuation in the patients treated with any dose of FINTEPLA was somnolence (3%). The most common adverse reactions that occurred in patients treated with FINTEPLA (incidence at least 10% and greater than placebo) were decreased appetite; somnolence, sedation, lethargy; diarrhea; constipation; abnormal echocardiogram; fatigue, malaise, asthenia; ataxia, balance disorder, gait disturbance; blood pressure increased; drooling, salivary hypersecretion; pyrexia; upper respiratory tract infection; vomiting; decreased weight; fall; status epilepticus. Table 4 lists the adverse reactions that were reported in 5% or more of patients treated with FINTEPLA and at a rate greater than those on placebo during the titration and maintenance phases of Study 1 and Study 2. Table 4: Adverse Reactions in 5% or More of Patients Treated with FINTEPLA and Greater Than Placebo in Placebo-Controlled...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Dose adjustment is required for patients taking stiripentol plus clobazam. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 7.1 ) Strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors: a dose adjustment is recommended ( 2.3 , 7.1 ) Strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A4 inducers: it is recommended to avoid coadministration with FINTEPLA. If coadministration is necessary, consider a FINTEPLA dosage increase. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on FINTEPLA Stiripentol Plus Clobazam Coadministration of FINTEPLA with stiripentol plus clobazam, with or without valproate, increases fenfluramine plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. If FINTEPLA is coadministered with stiripentol plus clobazam, the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA is 0.2 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 17 mg) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A Inducers Coadministration of FINTEPLA with strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducers will decrease fenfluramine plasma concentrations, which may lower the efficacy of FINTEPLA [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . It is recommended to avoid coadministration of strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A inducers. If coadministration of a strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducer with FINTEPLA is necessary, monitor the patient for reduced efficacy and consider increasing the dosage of FINTEPLA as needed; however, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. If a strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducer is discontinued during maintenance treatment with FINTEPLA, consider gradual reduction in the FINTEPLA dosage to the dose administered prior to initiating the inducer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]. Strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 Inhibitors Coadministration of FINTEPLA with strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors will increase fenfluramine plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . If FINTEPLA is coadministered with strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors, the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA is 20 mg [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. If a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitor is discontinued during maintenance treatment with FINTEPLA, consider gradual increase in the FINTEPLA dosage to the dose recommended without CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors; however, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. If FINTEPLA is coadministered with stiripentol and a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitor, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA of 17 mg [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. 7.2 Effects of Serotonin Receptor Antagonists Cyproheptadine and potent 5-HT1A, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C serotonin receptor antagonists may decrease the efficacy of FINTEPLA. If cyproheptadine or potent 5--HT1A, 5--HT1D, 5-HT2A, or 5-HT2C serotonin receptor antagonists are coadministered with FINTEPLA, patients should be monitored appropriately. 7.3 Serotonergic Drugs Concomitant administration of FINTEPLA and drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAO inhibitors,...

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS FINTEPLA is contraindicated in patients with: Hypersensitivity to fenfluramine or any of the excipients in FINTEPLA [see Description (11) ] Concomitant use, or within 14 days of the administration, of monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hypersensitivity to fenfluramine or any of the excipients in FINTEPLA ( 4 ) Within 14 days of the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome ( 4 )

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as FINTEPLA, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking FINTEPLA during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling the toll-free number 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. Risk Summary There are no data on FINTEPLA use in pregnant women. Available data from epidemiologic studies with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. FINTEPLA can cause decreased appetite and decreased weight [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]; monitor for adequate weight gain during pregnancy. In animal studies, administration of fenfluramine throughout organogenesis (rat and rabbit) or throughout gestation and lactation (rat) resulted in adverse effects on development (fetal malformations, embryofetal and offspring mortality and growth impairment) in the presence of maternal toxicity at clinically relevant maternal plasma levels of fenfluramine and its major active metabolite (see Data ) . All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated Maternal and/or Embryofetal Risk Epilepsy, with or without exposure to antiepileptic drugs, has been associated with several adverse outcomes during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, preterm labor, antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, poor fetal growth, prematurity, fetal death, and maternal mortality. The risk of maternal or fetal injury may be greatest for patients with untreated or poorly...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Overdose has not been observed in the FINTEPLA clinical trial program. However, overdose of fenfluramine, the active ingredient in FINTEPLA, has been reported at higher doses than those included in the clinical trial program. Some of the cases were fatal. Events reported after overdose include mydriasis, tachycardia, flushing, tremors/twitching/muscle spasms, agitation/restlessness/anxiety, increased muscle tone/rigor/opisthotonos, respiratory distress or failure, and seizure. Seizure, coma, and cardiorespiratory arrest were reported in most of the fatal overdoses. There is no available specific antidote to the overdose reactions of FINTEPLA. In the event of overdose, standard medical practice for the management of drug overdosage should be used. An adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation should be ensured; monitoring of cardiac rhythm and vital sign measurement is recommended. A certified poison control center should be contacted for updated information on the management of overdose with FINTEPLA.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied FINTEPLA oral solution is a clear, colorless, cherry flavored liquid containing 2.2 mg/mL fenfluramine and is supplied in a white plastic bottle with a child resistant closure as follows: Carton containing one 360 mL bottle (NDC 43376-322-36) Carton containing one 30 mL bottle (NDC 43376-322-30) Before dispensing, the pharmacist will insert a press-in bottle adapter into the dispensing bottle. The pharmacy will provide 3 mL or 6 mL calibrated oral dosing syringes. 16.2 Storage and Handling Store FINTEPLA at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions are permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store the bottle and syringe together. Discard any unused portion 3 months after first opening the bottle or the "Discard After" date on the bottle, whichever is sooner.

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.