Fluticasone and Salmeterol inhalation

Status Asthmaticus

Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI is contraindicated in the primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma where intensive measures are required [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Hypersensitivity

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no randomized clinical studies of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI or individual monoproducts, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate, in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with the use of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI in pregnant women [see Clinical Considerations]. Animal reproduction studies are available with the combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate as well as individual monoproducts. In animals, teratogenicity characteristic of corticosteroids, decreased fetal body weight and/or skeletal variations, in rats, mice, and rabbits were observed with subcutaneously administered maternal toxic doses of fluticasone propionate less than the maximum recommended human daily inhaled dose (MRHDID) on a mcg/m2 basis [see Data]. However, fluticasone propionate administered via inhalation to rats decreased fetal body weight, but did not induce teratogenicity at a maternal toxic dose less than the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis [see Data]. Experience with oral corticosteroids suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroids than humans. Oral administration of salmeterol to pregnant rabbits caused teratogenicity characteristic of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation at maternal doses approximately 700 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis. These adverse effects generally occurred at large multiples of the MRHDID when salmeterol was administered by the oral route to achieve high systemic exposures. No such effects occurred at an oral salmeterol dose approximately 420 times the MRHDID [see Data].

The estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated 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 Embryo/Fetal Risk

In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, there is an increased risk of several perinatal adverse outcomes such as preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. Pregnant women with asthma should be closely monitored and medication adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal asthma control.

Data

Animal Data

Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol: In an embryo/fetal development study with pregnant rats that received the combination of subcutaneous administration of fluticasone propionate and oral administration of salmeterol at doses of 0/1000, 30/0, 10/100, 30/1000, and 100/10,000 mcg/kg/day (as fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) during the period of organogenesis, findings were generally consistent with the individual monoproducts and there was no exacerbation of expected fetal effects. Omphalocele, increased embryo/fetal deaths, decreased body weight, and skeletal variations were observed in rat fetuses, in the presence of maternal toxicity, when combining fluticasone propionate at a dose approximately 2 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 100 mcg/kg/day) and a dose of salmeterol at approximately 3500 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day). The rat no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was observed when combining fluticasone propionate at a dose 0.6 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 30 mcg/kg/day) and a dose of salmeterol at approximately 350 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 1000 mcg/kg/day).

In an embryo/fetal development study with pregnant mice that received the combination of subcutaneous administration of fluticasone propionate and oral administration of salmeterol at doses of 0/1400, 40/0, 10/200, 40/1400, or 150/10,000 mcg/kg/day (as fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) during the period of organogenesis, findings were generally consistent with the individual monoproducts and there was no exacerbation of expected fetal effects. Cleft palate, fetal death, increased implantation loss, and delayed ossification were observed in mouse fetuses when combining fluticasone propionate at a dose approximately 1.4 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 150 mcg/kg/day) and salmeterol at a dose approximately 1470 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day). No developmental toxicity was observed at combination doses of fluticasone propionate up to approximately 0.8 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 40 mcg/kg) and doses of salmeterol up to approximately 420 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 1400 mcg/kg).

Fluticasone Propionate: In embryo/fetal development studies with pregnant rats and mice dosed by the subcutaneous route throughout the period of organogenesis, fluticasone propionate was teratogenic in both species. Omphalocele, decreased body weight, and skeletal variations were observed in rat fetuses, in the presence of maternal toxicity, at a dose approximately 2 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 100 mcg/kg/day). The rat NOAEL was observed at approximately 0.6 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 30 mcg/kg/day). Cleft palate and fetal skeletal variations were observed in mouse fetuses at a dose approximately 0.5 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 45 mcg/kg/day). The mouse NOAEL was observed with a dose approximately 0.16 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 15 mcg/kg/day).

In an embryo/fetal development study with pregnant rats dosed by the inhalation route throughout the period of organogenesis, fluticasone propionate produced decreased fetal body weights and skeletal variations, in the presence of maternal toxicity, at a dose approximately 0.5 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal inhalation dose of 25.7 mcg/kg/day); however, there was no evidence of teratogenicity. The NOAEL was observed with a dose approximately 0.1 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal inhalation dose of 5.5 mcg/kg/day).

In an embryo/fetal development study in pregnant rabbits that were dosed by the subcutaneous route throughout organogenesis, fluticasone propionate produced reductions of fetal body weights, in the presence of maternal toxicity at doses approximately 0.02 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.57 mcg/kg/day). Teratogenicity was evident based upon a finding of cleft palate for 1 fetus at a dose approximately 0.2 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 4 mcg/kg/day). The NOAEL was observed in rabbit fetuses with a dose approximately 0.004 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.08 mcg/kg/day).

In a pre- and post-natal development study in pregnant rats dosed by the subcutaneous route from late gestation through delivery and lactation (Gestation Day 17 to Postpartum Day 22), fluticasone propionate was not associated with decreases in pup body weight, and had no effects on developmental landmarks, learning, memory, reflexes, or fertility at doses up to approximate equivalence to the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg/day).

Fluticasone propionate crossed the placenta following subcutaneous administration to mice and rats and oral administration to rabbits.

Salmeterol: In three embryo/fetal development studies, pregnant rabbits received oral administration of salmeterol at doses ranging from 100 to 10,000 mcg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. In pregnant Dutch rabbits administered salmeterol doses approximately 700 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses of 1000 mcg/kg/day and higher), fetal toxic effects were observed characteristically resulting from beta‑adrenoceptor stimulation. These included precocious eyelid openings, cleft palate, sternebral fusion, limb and paw flexures, and delayed ossification of the frontal cranial bones. No such effects occurred at a salmeterol dose approximately 420 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 600 mcg/kg/day). New Zealand White rabbits were less sensitive since only delayed ossification of the frontal cranial bones was seen at a salmeterol dose approximately 7,000 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day).

In two embryo/fetal development studies, pregnant rats received salmeterol by oral administration at doses ranging from 100 to 10,000 mcg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. Salmeterol produced no maternal toxicity or embryo/fetal effects at doses up to 3500 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses up to 10,000 mcg/kg/day).

In a peri-and post-natal development study in pregnant rats dosed by the oral route from late gestation through delivery and lactation, salmeterol at a dose 3500 times the MRHDID (on mcg/m2 basis with a maternal oral dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day) was fetotoxic and decreased the fertility of survivors.

Salmeterol xinafoate crossed the placenta following oral administration to mice and rats.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no available data on the presence of fluticasone propionate or salmeterol in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Other corticosteroids have been detected in human milk. However, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol concentrations in plasma after inhaled therapeutic doses are low and therefore concentrations in human breast milk are likely to be correspondingly low [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

Animal Data

Subcutaneous administration of tritiated fluticasone propionate at a dose in lactating rats approximately 0.2 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mcg/m2 basis) resulted in measurable levels in milk. Oral administration of salmeterol at a dose in lactating rats approximately 2900 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mcg/m2 basis) resulted in measurable levels in milk.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, a component of this product, may cause a reduction in growth velocity in adolescents [see Warning and Precautions (5.13)]. The growth of pediatric patients receiving orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI, should be monitored.

If an adolescent on any corticosteroid appears to have growth suppression, the possibility that he/she is particularly sensitive to this effect of corticosteroids should be considered. The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against the clinical benefits obtained. To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI, each patient should be titrated to the lowest strength that effectively controls his/her asthma [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed in data collected in 54 subjects aged 65 years and older versus younger subjects who were treated with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI in placebo-controlled Phase 2 and 3 studies.

Hepatic Impairment

Formal pharmacokinetic studies using fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. However, since both fluticasone propionate and salmeterol are predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.

Renal Impairment

Formal pharmacokinetic studies using fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI have not been conducted in patients with renal impairment.

Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI 55/14 mcg, 113/14 mcg and 232/14 mcg are combinations of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate.

One active component of this product is fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid having the chemical name S-(fluoromethyl) 6α,9-difluoro-11ß,17-dihydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17ß-carbothioate, 17-propionate, and the following chemical structure:

Fluticasone propionate is a white powder with a molecular weight of 500.6, and the empirical formula is C25H31F3O5S. It is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide, and slightly soluble in methanol and 95% ethanol.

The other active component of this product is salmeterol xinafoate, a beta2–adrenergic bronchodilator. Salmeterol xinafoate is the racemic form of the 1‑hydroxy‑2‑naphthoic acid salt of salmeterol. It has the chemical name 4-hydroxy-α -[[[6-(4-phenylbutoxy)hexyl]amino]methyl]-1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylate and the following chemical structure:

Salmeterol xinafoate is a white powder with a molecular weight of 603.8, and the empirical formula is C25H37NO4•C11H8O3. It is freely soluble in methanol; slightly soluble in ethanol, chloroform, and isopropanol; and sparingly soluble in water.

Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI is a white multidose dry powder inhaler (MDPI) for oral inhalation only. It contains a formulation blend of fluticasone propionate, salmeterol xinafoate, and lactose monohydrate (which may contain milk proteins). The opening of the mouthpiece cover meters 5.5 mg of the formulation from the device reservoir, which contains 55 mcg, 113 mcg, or 232 mcg of fluticasone propionate, and 14 mcg of salmeterol base, equivalent to 20.3 mcg of salmeterol xinafoate. Patient inhalation through the mouthpiece causes the deagglomeration and aerosolization of the drug particles as the formulation moves through the cyclone component of the device. This is followed by dispersion into the airstream.

Under standardized in vitro test conditions, the fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI inhaler delivers 49 mcg, 100 mcg, or 202 mcg of fluticasone propionate and 12.75 mcg of salmeterol base, equivalent to 18.5 mcg of salmeterol xinafoate, with lactose from the mouthpiece when tested at a flow rate of 85 L/min for 1.4 seconds.

The amount of drug delivered to the lung will depend on patient factors such as inspiratory flow profiles. In adult subjects (N=50, aged 18 to 45 years) with asthma, mean peak inspiratory flow (PIF) through the fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI inhaler was 108.28 L/min (range: 70.37 to 129.24 L/min). In adolescent subjects (N=50, aged 12 to 17 years) with asthma, mean peak inspiratory flow (PIF) through the fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI inhaler was 106.72 L/min (range: 73.64 to 125.51 L/min).

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Fluticasone propionate demonstrated no tumorigenic potential in mice at oral doses up to 1000 mcg/kg (approximately 10 times the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis) for 78 weeks or in rats at inhalation doses up to 57 mcg/kg (approximately equivalent to the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis) for 104 weeks.

Fluticasone propionate did not induce gene mutation in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells in vitro. No significant clastogenic effect was seen in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro or in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

Fertility and reproductive performance were unaffected in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg (approximately equivalent to the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis).

Salmeterol: In an 18‑month carcinogenicity study in CD‑mice, salmeterol at oral doses of 1400 mcg/kg and above (approximately 240 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis) caused a dose‑related increase in the incidence of smooth muscle hyperplasia, cystic glandular hyperplasia, leiomyomas of the uterus, and ovarian cysts. No tumors were seen at 200 mcg/kg (approximately 35 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis).

In a 24 month oral and inhalation carcinogenicity study in Sprague Dawley rats, salmeterol caused a dose related increase in the incidence of mesovarian leiomyomas and ovarian cysts at doses of 680 mcg/kg and above (approximately 240 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis). No tumors were seen at 210 mcg/kg (approximately 75 times the MRHDID on a mcg/m2 basis). These findings in rodents are similar to those reported previously for other beta adrenergic agonist drugs. The relevance of these findings to human use is unknown.

Salmeterol produced no detectable or reproducible increases in microbial and mammalian gene mutation in vitro. No clastogenic activity occurred in vitro in human lymphocytes or in vivo in a rat micronucleus test.

Fertility and reproductive performance were unaffected in male and female rats at oral doses up to 2000 mcg/kg (approximately 690 times the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis).

Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Preclinical: Studies in laboratory animals (minipigs, rodents, and dogs) have demonstrated the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death (with histologic evidence of myocardial necrosis) when beta‑agonists and methylxanthines are administered concurrently. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.