Fingolimod Hydrochloride

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Fingolimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator. Chemically, fingolimod is 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propan-1,3-diol hydrochloride. Its structure is shown below: Fingolimod hydrochloride is a white to practically white powder that is freely soluble in water and alcohol and soluble in propylene glycol. It has a molecular weight of 343.93 g/mol. Fingolimod capsules are provided as 0.5 mg hard gelatin capsules for oral use. Each capsule contains 0.56 mg of fingolimod hydrochloride, equivalent to 0.5 mg of fingolimod. Each fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg is supplied as an imprinted hard-shell capsule containing the following inactive ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate. The capsule shells contain gelatin, iron oxide yellow, and titanium dioxide. The imprinting ink contains propylene glycol, shellac and in addition, the black ink contains black iron oxide, and potassium hydroxide and yellow ink contains yellow iron oxide. fingolimod-hcl-structure.

What Is Fingolimod Hydrochloride Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fingolimod capsules are indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in patients 10 years of age and older. Fingolimod capsules are a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in patients 10 years of age and older. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION · Assessments are required prior to initiating fingolimod capsules. ( 2.1 ) · Recommended dosage for adults and pediatric patients (10 years of age and older) weighing more than 40 kg: 0.5 mg orally once daily, with or without food. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) · First-Dose Monitoring (including reinitiation after discontinuation greater than 14 days and dose increases): o Observe all patients for bradycardia for at least 6 hours; monitor pulse and blood pressure hourly. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) prior to dosing and at end of observation period required. ( 2.4 ) o Monitor until resolution if heart rate < 45 beats per minute (bpm) in adults, < 55 bpm in patients aged 12 years and above, or < 60 bpm in pediatric patients aged 10 to below 12 years, atrioventricular (AV) block, or if lowest postdose heart rate is at the end of the observation period. ( 2.4 ) o Monitor symptomatic bradycardia with ECG until resolved. Continue overnight if intervention is required; repeat first-dose monitoring for second dose. ( 2.4 ) o Observe patients overnight if at higher risk of symptomatic bradycardia, heart block, prolonged QTc interval, or if taking drugs with known risk of torsades de pointes. ( 2.4 , 7.1 ) 2.1 Assessment Prior to Initiating Fingolimod Cardiac Evaluation Obtain a cardiac evaluation in patients with certain preexisting conditions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Prior to starting treatment, determine whether patients are taking drugs that could slow heart rate or atrioventricular (AV) conduction [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.5 )] . Complete Blood Count (CBC) Review results of a recent CBC [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.6 )] . Serum Transaminases (ALT and AST) and Total Bilirubin Levels Prior to starting treatment with fingolimod (i.e., within 6 months), obtain serum transaminases [alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST)] and total bilirubin levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Ophthalmic Assessment Obtain a baseline evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, near the start of the treatment with fingolimod [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Skin Examination Obtain a baseline skin examination prior to or shortly after initiation of fingolimod. If a suspicious skin lesion is observed, it should be promptly evaluated [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )]. Prior Medications If patients are taking antineoplastic, immunosuppressive, or immune-modulating therapies, or if there is a history of prior use of these drugs, consider possible unintended additive immunosuppressive effects before initiating treatment with fingolimod [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.4 )] . Vaccinations Test patients for antibodies to varicella zoster virus (VZV) before initiating fingolimod; VZV vaccination of antibody- negative patients is recommended prior to commencing treatment with fingolimod [see Warnings and...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Bradyarrhythmia and Atrioventricular Blocks [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Macular Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Liver Injury [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Respiratory Effects [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] Fetal Risk [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Severe Increase in Disability After Stopping Fingolimod [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Increased Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 ) ] Immune System Effects Following fingolimod Discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% and greater than placebo): Headache, liver transaminase elevation, diarrhea, cough, influenza, sinusitis, back pain, abdominal pain, and pain in extremity. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ascend Laboratories, LLC at 1-877-272-7901 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. Adults In clinical trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3), a total of 1,212 patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis received fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg. This included 783 patients who received fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg in the 2-year placebo-controlled trials (Studies 1 and 3) and 429 patients who received fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg in the 1-year active-controlled trial (Study 2). The overall exposure in the controlled trials was equivalent to 1,716 person-years . Approximately 1,000 patients received at least 2 years of treatment with fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg. In all clinical studies, including uncontrolled extension studies, the exposure to fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg was approximately 4,119 person-years. In placebo-controlled trials, the most frequent adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% and greater than placebo) for fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg were headache, liver transaminase elevation, diarrhea, cough, influenza, sinusitis, back pain, abdominal pain, and pain in extremity. Adverse events that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred in more than 1% of patients taking fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg, were serum transaminase elevations (4.7% compared to 1% on placebo) and basal cell carcinoma (1% compared to 0.5% on placebo). Table 1 lists adverse reactions in clinical studies in adults that occurred in ≥ 1% of fingolimod-treated patients and ≥ 1% higher rate than for placebo. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in Adult Studies 1 and 3 (Occurring in ≥1% of Patients and Reported for fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg at ≥1% Higher Rate Than for Placebo) Adverse drug reactions Fingolimod capsule 0.5 mg N=783% Placebo N=773 % Infections Influenza 11 8 Sinusitis 11 8 Bronchitis 8 5 Herpes zoster 2 1 Tinea versicolor 2 ˂1 Cardiac disorders Bradycardia 3 1 Nervous system disorders Headache 25 24 Migraine 6 4 Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 13 12 Diarrhea 13 10 Abdominal pain 11 10 General disorders and administration-site conditions Asthenia 2 1 Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Back pain 10 9 Pain in extremity 10 7 Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Alopecia 3 2 Actinic keratosis 2 1 Investigations Liver transaminase elevations (ALT/GGT/AST) 15 4 Blood triglycerides increased 3 1 Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders Cough 12 11...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Fingolimod capsules are contraindicated in patients who have: in the last 6 months experienced myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalization or Class III/IV heart failure a history or presence of Mobitz Type II second-degree or third-degree AV block or sick sinus syndrome, unless patient has a functioning pacemaker [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] a baseline QTc interval ≥500 msec cardiac arrhythmias requiring anti-arrhythmic treatment with Class Ia or Class III anti-arrhythmic drugs had a hypersensitivity reaction to fingolimod or any of the excipients in fingolimod capsules. Observed reactions include rash, urticaria and angioedema upon treatment initiation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )]. Recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure with hospitalization, or Class III/IV heart failure. ( 4 ) History of Mobitz Type II 2 nd degree or 3 rd degree AV block or sick sinus syndrome, unless patient has a pacemaker. ( 4 ) Baseline QTc interval ≥500 msec. ( 4 ) Cardiac arrhythmias requiring anti-arrhythmic treatment with Class Ia or Class III anti-arrhythmic drugs. ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to fingolimod or its excipients. ( 4 )

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies, fingolimod may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Data from prospective reports to the fingolimod Pregnancy Registry (GPR) are currently not sufficient to allow for an adequate assessment of the drug-associated risk for birth defects and miscarriage in humans. In oral studies conducted in rats and rabbits, fingolimod demonstrated developmental toxicity, including an increase in malformations (rats) and embryolethality, when given to pregnant animals. In rats, the highest no-effect dose was less than the recommended human dose of 0.5 mg/day on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis. The most common fetal visceral malformations in rats were persistent truncus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect. The receptor affected by fingolimod (sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor) is known to be involved in vascular formation during embryogenesis (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the US 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. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Clinical Considerations In females planning to become pregnant, fingolimod should be stopped 2 months before planned conception. The possibility of severe increase in disability should be considered in women who discontinue or are considering discontinuation of fingolimod because of pregnancy or planned pregnancy. In many of the cases in which increase in disability was reported after stopping fingolimod, patients had stopped fingolimod because of pregnancy or planned pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )]. Data Animal Data When fingolimod was orally administered to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis (0, 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg/day or 0, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day), increased incidences of...

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing The pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential should be verified prior to starting treatment with fingolimod [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. Contraception Before initiation of fingolimod treatment, females of reproductive potential should be counseled on the potential for a serious risk to the fetus and the need for effective contraception during treatment with fingolimod [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Since it takes approximately 2 months to eliminate the compound from the body after stopping treatment, the potential risk to the fetus may persist and women should use effective contraception during this period [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 , 5.13 )] .

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Fingolimod can induce bradycardia as well as AV conduction blocks (including complete AV block). The decline in heart rate usually starts within 1 hour of the first dose and is maximal within 6 hours in most patients [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] . In case of fingolimod overdosage, observe patients overnight with continuous ECG monitoring in a medical facility, and obtain regular measurements of blood pressure [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) ] . Neither dialysis nor plasma exchange results in removal of fingolimod from the body.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Fingolimod capsules 0.5 mg are supplied as follows: hard gelatin capsules with a white opaque body with two radial band imprinted with yellow ink and bright yellow cap imprinted with “FIG 0.5 mg” with black ink. Container pack of 28 capsules NDC 67877-476-56 Container pack of 30 capsules NDC 67877-476-30 Carton of 10 capsules containing 1 blister pack of 10 capsules NDC 67877-476-33 Carton of 7 capsules containing 1 blister card of 7 capsules NDC 67877-476-32 Carton of 28 capsules two fold blister card of 14 capsules NDC 67877-476-58 16.2 Storage and Handling Fingolimod capsules should be stored at 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.