Levoketoconazole
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Recorlev
- Brand Names
- Recorlev
- Dosage Form
- POWDER
- Product Type
- BULK INGREDIENT
⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)
WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY AND QT PROLONGATION Hepatotoxicity
Description
11 DESCRIPTION RECORLEV (levoketoconazole) tablets contain levoketoconazole as the active ingredient. Levoketoconazole is the 2S,4R- enantiomer derived from racemic ketoconazole and is a cortisol synthesis inhibitor. The chemical name of levoketoconazole is 2S,4R cis-1-acetyl-4-[4-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl] methoxyl]phenyl] piperazine. The molecular formula of levoketoconazole is C 26 H 28 Cl 2 N 4 O 4 with a molecular mass of 531.43 g/mol. Levoketoconazole is a white or almost white crystalline powder. It is very slightly soluble in water but soluble in aqueous solutions below pH 2. RECORLEV tablets for oral administration contain 150 mg of levoketoconazole and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, modified corn starch, and silicified microcrystalline cellulose. The non-functional pink film-coating contains iron oxide red, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 3350, polyvinyl alcohol partially hydrolyzed, talc, and titanium dioxide. The tablets are printed with a black imprinting ink that contains ammonium hydroxide 28%, ferrosoferric oxide, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and shellac glaze 45% (20% esterified) in ethanol. Structure
What Is Levoketoconazole Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RECORLEV is indicated for the treatment of endogenous hypercortisolemia in adult patients with Cushing’s syndrome for whom surgery is not an option or has not been curative. Limitations of Use RECORLEV is not approved for the treatment of fungal infections. The safety and effectiveness of RECORLEV for the treatment of fungal infections have not been established. RECORLEV is a cortisol synthesis inhibitor indicated for the treatment of endogenous hypercortisolemia in adult patients with Cushing’s syndrome for whom surgery is not an option or has not been curative ( 1 ) Limitations of Use RECORLEV is not approved for the treatment of fungal infections ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Obtain baseline liver and electrocardiogram tests and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia before starting RECORLEV ( 2.1 ) Initiate dosage at 150 mg orally twice daily, with or without food. Titrate dosage by 150 mg daily, no more frequently than every 2-3 weeks ( 2.2 ) Maximum recommended dosage is 1200 mg daily, administered as 600 mg twice daily ( 2.2 ) For additional recommendations on titration and monitoring for efficacy, see Full Prescribing Information ( 2.2 ) For recommendations on safety monitoring and dosage modifications for hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation and hypocortisolism, see Full Prescribing Information ( 2.3 , 2.4 ) 2.1 Laboratory Testing Prior to RECORLEV Initiation Obtain baseline liver tests [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin]. Carefully consider the risks and potential benefits of initiating RECORLEV in patients with AST or ALT above normal but less than or equal to 3 times the upper limit of normal [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Obtain baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia prior to starting RECORLEV [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage, Titration, and Monitoring for Efficacy Initiate dosage at 150 mg orally twice daily, with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Titrate the dosage by 150 mg daily, no more frequently than every 2-3 weeks based on 24-hour urine free cortisol levels and patient tolerability [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] . Monitor cortisol levels from at least two 24-hour urine free cortisol collections every 2-3 weeks until an adequate clinical response is achieved. The maximum recommended dosage is 1200 mg per day, administered as 600 mg twice daily. The dosage may be reduced to 150 mg once daily if needed for reasons of tolerability [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 , 2.4 )]. Once the maintenance dosage is achieved, monitor cortisol levels from at least two 24-hour urine free cortisol collections at least every 1-2 months or as indicated. If 24-hour urine free cortisol levels remain above the upper normal limit after treatment with the maximum recommended dosage of 1200 mg per day, or the patient cannot tolerate treatment with RECORLEV, consider discontinuing RECORLEV and switching patient to another therapy. 2.3 Monitoring for Safety Perform the following monitoring during RECORLEV treatment. Refer to Dosage Interruptions and Modifications below for recommendations pertaining to management of liver, cortisol, or ECG abnormalities [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )]. Hepatotoxicity Serious hepatotoxicity has been reported in patients receiving RECORLEV, and therefore frequent monitoring of liver tests is recommended. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin weekly for at least 6 weeks after starting RECORLEV, every 2 weeks for the next 6 weeks,...
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypocortisolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Risks related to Decreased Testosterone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 20%) are nausea/vomiting, hypokalemia, hemorrhage/contusion, systemic hypertension, headache, hepatic injury, abnormal uterine bleeding, erythema, fatigue, abdominal pain/dyspepsia, arthritis, upper respiratory infection, myalgia, arrhythmia, back pain, insomnia/sleep disturbances, and peripheral edema. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-877-937-4737 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 RECORLEV was evaluated in a multicenter, randomized-withdrawal study (Study 1) and in a multicenter, single-arm, open-label study (Study 2). During the two studies, 166 patients were exposed to RECORLEV, of which 104 patients were exposed for more than 6 months and 51 patients were exposed for at least 1 year. In both studies, most patients took RECORLEV twice daily in total daily dosages ranging from 300 mg to 1200 mg [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Adverse reactions, excluding hepatic injury, reported in ≥10% of patients treated with RECORLEV in Study 1 are presented in Table 2 listed in order of overall decreasing frequency of events. Table 2: Adverse Reactions, Excluding Hepatic Injury, Occurring in ≥10% of Cushing’s Syndrome Patients Treated with RECORLEV in Study 1 N = total number of patients, n = number of patients experiencing the event, (%) = proportion of patients experiencing the event. a Hemorrhage/contusion includes blood urine present, epistaxis, eye hemorrhage, gingival bleeding, hematoma, hematuria, hemorrhoidal hemorrhage, melena, and scleral hemorrhage. b Arrhythmia includes electrocardiogram QT prolonged, electrocardiogram T wave abnormal, palpitations, sinus tachycardia, tachycardia paroxysmal, and ventricular extrasystoles. c Abdominal pain/dyspepsia includes abdominal pain, abdominal distension, dyspepsia, gastric disorder, and related terms Adverse Reaction Types N= 84 n (%) Nausea/Vomiting 25 (30%) Hypokalemia 24 (29%) Systemic hypertension 20 (24%) Hemorrhage/Contusion a 19 (23%) Headache 18 (21%) Abnormal uterine bleeding 17 (20%) Arrhythmia b 16 (19%) Fatigue 15 (18%) Upper respiratory infection 15 (18%) Abdominal pain/Dyspepsia c 13 (15%) Dizziness 13 (15%) Diarrhea 13 (15%) Decreased appetite 11 (13%) Dry mouth 9 (11%) Dry skin 9 (11%) Adrenal insufficiency 8 (10%) Other notable adverse reactions which occurred with a frequency less than 10% during Study 1 were: alopecia (6%), gastrointestinal infection (6%), urinary tract infection (6%), hypogonadism (2%), and hypersensitivity (1%). Adverse reactions, excluding hepatic injury, reported in ≥10% of patients treated with RECORLEV in Study 2 are presented in Table 3 listed in order of overall decreasing frequency of events. Table 3: Adverse Reactions, Excluding Hepatic Injury, Occurring in ≥10% of Cushing’s Syndrome Patients Treated with RECORLEV in Study 2 N = total number of patients, n = number of patients experiencing the event, (%) = proportion of patients experiencing the event. a Erythema includes flushing. b Hemorrhage/Contusion includes blood urine present, conjunctival hemorrhage, ecchymosis, epistaxis, hematoma, hyphemia, and red blood cells urine. c Abdominal pain/dyspepsia includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal distension,...
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Consult approved product labeling for drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4, P-gp, OCT2, and MATE prior to initiating RECORLEV ( 7.1 ) Sensitive CYP3A4 or CYP3A4 and P-gp Substrates : Concomitant use of RECORLEV with these substrates is contraindicated or not recommended ( 7.1 ) Atorvastatin : Use lowest atorvastatin dose possible and monitor for adverse reactions for dosages exceeding 20 mg daily ( 7.1 ) Metformin : Monitor glycemia, kidney function, and vitamin B12 and adjust metformin dosage as needed ( 7.1 ) Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers : Avoid use of these drugs 2 weeks before and during RECORLEV treatment ( 7.2 ) Gastric Acid Modulators : See Full Prescribing Information for recommendations regarding concomitant use with RECORLEV ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effect of RECORLEV on Other Drugs Levoketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, as well as an inhibitor of the drug transporters P-gp, OCT2, and MATE1 in vivo. In vitro, levoketoconazole inhibits CYP2B6 and CYP2C8. Concomitant use of RECORLEV with drugs that are substrates of these CYP enzymes and transporters may increase the risk of adverse reactions of these drugs. Consult the approved product labeling for drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4, P-gp, OCT2, and MATE1 prior to initiating therapy with RECORLEV. Table 6 presents drugs affected by RECORLEV that are contraindicated or not recommended for use during RECORLEV use. It also includes the clinical impact and management recommendations for concomitant use of RECORLEV with atorvastatin and metformin. Table 6: Effect of RECORLEV on CYP3A4 and Transporter Substrates a The drugs listed are substrates for CYP3A4 and/or P-gp. Other metabolism and/or transporter pathways may also contribute to elimination of the substrate drug. Consult the approved product labeling for the substrate drug for more information. b Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )] . c Based on clinical drug interaction study with levoketoconazole. CYP3A4 or CYP3A4 and P-gp Substrates a That May Prolong QT Clinical Impact Increases risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Prevention or Management Concomitant use of RECORLEV with other drugs that cause QT prolongation associated with ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes, is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Examples Bosutinib, cisapride, clarithromycin b, cobimetinib, crizotinib, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, eliglustat (in patients that are poor or intermediate metabolizers of CYP2D6 and in patients taking strong or moderate CYP2D6 inhibitors), ivabradine, methadone, midostaurin, nicardipine, pimozide, quinidine, and ranolazine. Sensitive CYP3A4 or CYP3A4 and P-gp Substrates a Clinical Impact Increases plasma concentrations of the substrate and may increase the risk of the substrate’s adverse reactions. Prevention or Management Concomitant use of RECORLEV with sensitive CYP3A4 or CYP3A4 and P-gp substrate drugs...
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS RECORLEV is contraindicated in patients: With cirrhosis, acute liver disease or poorly controlled chronic liver disease, baseline AST or ALT greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal, recurrent symptomatic cholelithiasis, a prior history of drug induced liver injury due to ketoconazole or any azole antifungal therapy that required discontinuation of treatment, or extensive metastatic liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Taking drugs that cause QT prolongation associated with ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . With a prolonged QTcF interval of greater than 470 msec at baseline, history of torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or long QT syndrome (including first-degree family history) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . With known hypersensitivity to levoketoconazole, ketoconazole or any excipient in RECORLEV [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Taking certain drugs that are sensitive substrates of CYP3A4 or CYP3A4 and P-gP [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Cirrhosis, acute liver disease or poorly controlled chronic liver disease, baseline AST or ALT > 3 times the upper limit of normal, recurrent symptomatic cholelithiasis, a prior history of drug induced liver injury due to ketoconazole or any azole antifungal therapy that required discontinuation of treatment, or extensive metastatic liver disease ( 4 ) Taking drugs that cause QT prolongation associated with ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes ( 4 ) Prolonged QTcF interval > 470 msec at baseline, history of torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or prolonged QT syndrome ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to levoketoconazole, ketoconazole or any excipient in RECORLEV ( 4 ) Taking certain drugs that are sensitive substrates of CYP3A4 or CYP3A4 and P-gp ( 4 )
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE In the event of acute accidental overdose, treatment consists of supportive and symptomatic measures. Within the first hour after ingestion, activated charcoal may be administered.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied RECORLEV (levoketoconazole) tablets, 150 mg are round, biconvex tablets, with a pink-colored film coating, containing 150 mg of levoketoconazole, and imprinted with an identification code in black ink with the “LEV” printed above the “150” on one side. The other side is plain. Bottles of 50 with child-resistant closure: NDC 72065-003-01 Storage Store RECORLEV at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° 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.