Lactic Acid, L-, Citric Acid Monohydrate, And Potassium Bitartrate
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Phexx, Phexxi
- Brand Names
- Phexx, Phexxi
- Route
- VAGINAL
- Dosage Form
- GEL
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
11 DESCRIPTION PHEXXI (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate) is a vaginal gel. PHEXXI is an off-white to tan in color gel of uniform consistency, containing three active ingredients: lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. The structural formula for lactic acid is: Lactic acid is designated chemically as 2-hydroxypropanoic acid with an empirical formula of C 3 H 6 O 3 and a molecular weight of 90.08 g/mol. The structural formula for citric acid is: Citric acid is designated chemically as 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid with an empirical formula of C 6 H 8 O 7 and a molecular weight of 192.124 g/mol. The structural formula for potassium bitartrate is: Potassium bitartrate is designated chemically as potassium; (2 R , 3 R )-2,3,4-trihydroxy-4-oxobutanoate with an empirical formula of KC 4 H 5 O 6 and a molecular weight of 188.177 g/mol. Each 5 gram dose is provided in a pre-filled single-dose applicator containing lactic acid USP (1.8% w/w), citric acid USP (1% w/w), and potassium bitartrate USP (0.4% w/w). Inactive ingredients present in the gel are: glycerin, alginic acid, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, benzoic acid, and purified water. Chemical Structure Chemical Structure Chemical Structure
What Is Lactic Acid, L-, Citric Acid Monohydrate, And Potassium Bitartrate Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PHEXXI is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential for use as an on-demand method of contraception. PHEXXI is a combination of lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential for use as an on-demand method of contraception. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: PHEXXI is not effective for the prevention of pregnancy when administered after intercourse. Limitations of Use PHEXXI is not effective for the prevention of pregnancy when administered after intercourse [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ].
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer one (1) pre-filled single-dose applicator of PHEXXI (5 grams) vaginally immediately before (or up to one hour before) each episode of vaginal intercourse ( 2.1 ) May use during any part of the menstrual cycle ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Administer one pre-filled applicator of PHEXXI (5 grams) vaginally immediately before or up to one hour before each act of vaginal intercourse. If more than one act of vaginal intercourse occurs within one hour, an additional dose must be applied. Five grams of PHEXXI contains 90 mg of lactic acid, 50 mg of citric acid, and 20 mg of potassium bitartrate. 2.2 Timing of PHEXXI Use May use PHEXXI during any part of the menstrual cycle. May use PHEXXI as soon as it is safe to resume vaginal intercourse after childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. 2.3 Use of PHEXXI with Other Contraceptive Methods PHEXXI may be used concomitantly with hormonal contraceptives; latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms; and vaginal diaphragms. Avoid PHEXXI use with vaginal rings. 2.4 Use of PHEXXI with Other Vaginal Products PHEXXI may be used concomitantly with other products for vaginal infections including miconazole, metronidazole, and tioconazole.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cystitis and Pyelonephritis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) were vulvovaginal burning sensation, vulvovaginal pruritus, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, urinary tract infection, vulvovaginal discomfort, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal discharge, genital discomfort, dysuria, and vulvovaginal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Evofem at toll-free phone 1-833-EVFMBIO 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. The safety of PHEXXI (pre-filled applicator with 5-gram dose) has been evaluated in two clinical trials (Study 1 and Study 2) in 2804 subjects (over 19,000 cycles of exposure) . The racial/ethnic distribution was 66% White, 27% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.3% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 5% other; 32% of the study population was Hispanic. Study 1 included a one-year extension phase where 342 U.S. subjects were exposed to PHEXXI for 13 cycles. Hypersensitivity Reaction Of the 2804 PHEXXI-treated subjects in Studies 1 and 2, one subject reported a suspected drug hypersensitivity. Avoid PHEXXI use in females of reproductive potential with suspected hypersensitivity to the ingredients in PHEXXI. The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in the U.S. population in Studies 1 and 2 (n = 2480) were: vulvovaginal burning sensation (18.0%) and vulvovaginal pruritus (14.5%). The majority of these adverse reactions were mild and few led to discontinuation. Table 1 summarizes the most common adverse reactions (≥2%) reported by subjects using PHEXXI in the U.S. Table 1. Adverse Reactions that Occurred in ≥ 2% of Subjects Who Used PHEXXI to Prevent Pregnancy (Studies 1 and 2 – U.S. population only) Adverse Reaction PHEXXI (N=2480) (%) Vulvovaginal Burning Sensation 18.0 Vulvovaginal Pruritus 14.5 Vulvovaginal Mycotic Infection Includes preferred terms (PT) vulvovaginal mycotic infection and vulvovaginal candidiasis. 9.1 Urinary Tract Infection Includes PTs urinary tract infection, streptococcal urinary tract infection, Escherichia urinary tract infection, and urinary tract infection bacterial. Does not include PTs cystitis, kidney infection, and pyelonephritis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. 9.0 Vulvovaginal Discomfort 9.0 Bacterial Vaginosis 8.4 Vaginal Discharge 5.5 Genital Discomfort 4.1 Dysuria 3.1 Vulvovaginal pain 2.1 Among subjects who used PHEXXI in Studies 1 and 2, 1.6% discontinued from the clinical trials due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions leading to study discontinuation were vulvovaginal burning sensation (0.7%); and vulvovaginal pruritus and vulvovaginal discomfort (0.1% each). Adverse Reactions in Male Partners Among male partners of subjects who used PHEXXI for contraception in Study 2, 9.8% (131 of 1330) reported symptoms of local discomfort (burning, itching, pain, and "other"). Of these local discomfort symptoms, 74.7% were mild, 21.4% were moderate, and 3.9% were severe. Two subjects discontinued participation in the study due to male partner symptoms.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There is no use for PHEXXI in pregnancy; therefore, discontinue PHEXXI during pregnancy. There are no data with the use of PHEXXI in pregnant women or animals. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4 percent and 15 to 20 percent, respectively.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING PHEXXI (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate) vaginal gel is an off-white to tan color gel of uniform consistency containing lactic acid (1.8%), citric acid (1%), and potassium bitartrate (0.4%), supplied as individually wrapped 5 gram pre-filled single-dose vaginal applicators in sealed foil pouches along with a plunger, and are available as follows: NDC 69751-100-12 Box of 12 units NDC 69751-100-03 Sample box of 3 units Store in the original foil pack at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursion permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [ see USP Controlled Room Temperature ].
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.