Calcipotriene, Betamethasone Dipropionate

Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 12 years of age and older. Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is a vitamin D analogue and corticosteroid combination product indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1 )

Ointment, 0.005%/0.064% Each gram of Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, 0.005%/0.064% contains 50.00 mcg of calcipotriene and 0.643 mg of betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg of betamethasone) in an off-white to yellow paraffin ointment base. Ointment, 0.005%/0.064% ( 3 )

None. None. ( 4 )

• Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria have been observed. If either occurs, discontinue treatment until parameters of calcium metabolism normalize. ( 5.1 )
• Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during and after withdrawal of treatment. Risk factors include the use of high-potency topical corticosteroid, use over a large surface area or to areas under occlusion, prolonged use, concomitant use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and use in pediatric patients. Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop. ( 5.2 , 8.4 )
• Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment may increase the risk of cataract and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist. ( 5.3 )

5.1 Hypercalcemia and Hypercalciuria Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria have been observed with use of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment. If hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria develops, treatment should be discontinued until parameters of calcium metabolism have normalized. In the trials that included assessment of the effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment on calcium metabolism, such testing was done after 4 weeks of treatment. The effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment on calcium metabolism following treatment durations of longer than 4 weeks have not been evaluated [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] .

5.2 Effects on Endocrine System Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for clinical glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of treatment. Factors that predispose a patient to HPA axis suppression include the use of high-potency corticosteroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, concomitant use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and young age. Evaluation for HPA axis suppression may be done by using the cosyntropin stimulation test [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. In a trial evaluating the effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension and calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment on the HPA axis, 32 adult subjects were treated with calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the scalp and calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment on the body. Adrenal suppression was identified in 5 of 32 subjects (15.6%) after 4 weeks of treatment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] . The effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment on the HPA axis following treatment durations of longer than 4 weeks have not been adequately studied. If HPA axis suppression is documented, gradually withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute with a less potent corticosteroid. Cushing's syndrome and hyperglycemia may also occur due to the systemic effects of topical corticosteroids. These complications are rare and generally occur after prolonged exposure to excessively large doses, especially of high-potency topical corticosteroids. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity due to their higher skin surface to body mass ratios [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic corticosteroid exposure.

5.3 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions Use of topical corticosteroids, including Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, may increase the risks of glaucoma and posterior subcapsular cataract. Glaucoma and cataracts have been reported in postmarketing experience with the use of topical corticosteroid products, including topical clobetasol products. Avoid contact of Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment with eyes. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.

5.4 Allergic Contact Dermatitis with Topical Corticosteroids Allergic contact dermatitis to any component of topical corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by a failure to heal rather than a clinical exacerbation. Clinical diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can be confirmed by patch testing.

5.5 Allergic Contact Dermatitis with Topical Calcipotriene Allergic contact dermatitis has been observed with use of topical calcipotriene. Clinical diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can be confirmed by patch testing.

5.6 Skin Irritation If irritation develops, treatment with Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

5.7 Risk of Ultraviolet Light Exposure Patients who apply Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment to exposed skin should avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight, including tanning booths, sun lamps, etc. Physicians may wish to limit or avoid use of phototherapy in patients who use Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment.

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 most common adverse reactions (≥1%) are pruritus and scaly rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Padagis ® at 1-866-634-9120 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Clinical Trials Conducted in Subjects 18 years and older with Plaque Psoriasis The data described below reflect exposure to calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment in 2448 subjects with plaque psoriasis, including 1992 exposed for 4 weeks, and 289 exposed for 8 weeks. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment was studied primarily in placebo- and active-controlled trials (N = 1176, and N = 1272, respectively). The population was 15-97 years old, 61% males and 39% females, mostly white (97%) and had a baseline disease severity ranging from mild to very severe. Most subjects received once daily application, and the median weekly dose was 24.5 g. The percentage of subjects reporting at least one adverse event was 27.1% in the calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment group, 33.0% in the calcipotriene group, 28.3% in the betamethasone group, and 33.4% in the vehicle group. Table 1 Adverse Events Reported by ≥ 1% of Subjects by Preferred Term Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment N = 2448 Calcipotriene N = 3197 Betamethasone dipropionate N = 1164 Vehicle N = 470 Any Adverse Event 663 (27.1) 1055 (33.0) 329 (28.3) 157 (33.4) Preferred Term # of subjects (%) Pruritus 75 (3.1) 183 (5.7) 38 (3.3) 43 (9.1) Headache 69 (2.8) 75 (2.3) 44 (3.8) 12 (2.6) Nasopharyngitis 56 (2.3) 77 (2.4) 34 (2.9) 9 (1.9) Psoriasis 30 (1.2) 47 (1.5) 14 (1.2) 5 (1.1) Rash scaly 30 (1.2) 40 (1.3) 0 (0.0) 1 (0.2) Influenza 23 (0.9) 34 (1.1) 14 (1.2) 6 (1.3) Upper respiratory tract infection 20 (0.8) 19 (0.6) 12 (1.0) 3 (0.6) Erythema 15 (0.6) 54 (1.7) 3 (0.3) 5 (1.1) Application site pruritus 13 (0.5) 24 (0.8) 10 (0.9) 6 (1.3) Skin irritation 11 (0.4) 60 (1.9) 8 (0.7) 5 (1.1) Pain 7 (0.3) 12 (0.4) 3 (0.3) 5 (1.1) Burning sensation 6 (0.2) 30 (0.9) 3 (0.3) 6 (1.3) A lesional/perilesional adverse event was generally defined as an adverse event located ≤ 2 cm from the lesional border. Table 2 Lesional/Perilesional Adverse Events Reported by ≥ 1% of Subjects Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment N = 2448 Calcipotriene N = 3197 Betamethasone dipropionate N = 1164 Vehicle N = 470 Any Adverse Event 213 (8.7) 419 (13.1) 85 (7.3) 76 (16.2) Preferred Term # of subjects (%) Pruritus 69 (2.8) 170 (5.3) 31 (2.7) 41 (8.7) Rash scaly 29 (1.2) 38 (1.2) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) Application site pruritus 12 (0.5) 24 (0.8) 10 (0.9) 6 (1.3) Erythema 9 (0.4) 36 (1.1) 2 (0.2) 4 (0.9) Skin irritation 9 (0.4) 51 (1.6) 8 (0.7) 5 (1.1) Burning sensation 6 (0.2) 25 (0.8) 3 (0.3) 5 (1.1) For subjects who reported lesional/perilesional adverse events, the median time to onset was 7 days for calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment, 7 days for calcipotriene, 5 days for betamethasone dipropionate, and 3 days for vehicle. Other less common reactions (less than 1% but more than 0.1%) were, in decreasing order of incidence, folliculitis, rash papular, rash pustular, and skin hypopigmentation. Skin atrophy, telangiectasia and skin hyperpigmentation were reported infrequently (0.1%). In a separate trial, subjects (N = 207) with at least moderate disease severity were given calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment intermittently on an “as needed” basis for up to 52 weeks. The median use was 15.4 g per week. The effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment on calcium metabolism were not studied and the effects on the HPA axis were not adequately studied. The following adverse reactions were reported by 1% or more of the subjects: pruritus (7.2%), psoriasis (3.4%), skin atrophy (1.9%), folliculitis (1.4%), burning sensation (1.4%), skin depigmentation (1.4%), ecchymosis (1.0%), erythema (1.0%) and hand dermatitis (1.0%). One case of serious flare-up of psoriasis was reported.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions associated with the use of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment have been identified post-approval: pustular psoriasis and rebound effect. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Postmarketing reports for local adverse reactions to topical corticosteroids may also include: striae, dryness, acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, secondary infection and miliaria.

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment contains calcipotriene and bethamethasone dipropionate. The limited data with Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment and calcipotriene use in pregnant women are not sufficient to evaluate a Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment-associated or calcipotriene-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriages, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Observational studies suggest an increased risk of having low birthweight infants with the maternal use of potent or very potent topical corticosteroids ( see Data ). Advise pregnant women that Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment may increase the potential risk of having a low birth weight infant and to use Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of calcipotriene to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of minor skeletal abnormalities, including enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs ( see Data ). Oral administration of calcipotriene to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis had no apparent effects on embryo-fetal development. Subcutaneous administration of betamethasone dipropionate to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in fetal toxicity, including fetal deaths, reduced fetal weight, and fetal malformations (cleft palate and crooked or short tail) ( see Data ). The available data do not allow the calculation of relevant comparisons between the systemic exposures of calcipotriene and betamethasone diproprionate observed in animal studies to the systemic exposures that would be expected in humans after topical use of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage of the indicated population is unknown. 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. Data Human Data Available observational studies in pregnant women did not identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, preterm delivery, or fetal mortality with the use of topical corticosteroids of any potency. However, when the dispensed amount of potent or very potent topical corticosteroids exceeded 300 g during the entire pregnancy, maternal use was associated with an increased risk of low birth weight in infants. Animal Data Embryo-fetal development studies with calcipotriene were performed by the oral route in rats and rabbits. Pregnant rats received dosages of 0, 6, 18, or 54 mcg/kg/day (0, 36, 108, and 324 mcg/m 2 /day, respectively) on days 6-15 of gestation (the period of organogenesis). There were no apparent effects on maternal survival, behavior, or body weight gain, no effects on litter parameters, and no effects on the incidence of major malformations in fetuses. Fetuses from dams dosed at 54 mcg/kg/day exhibited a significantly increased incidence of minor skeletal abnormalities, including enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs. Pregnant rabbits were dosed daily with calcipotriene at exposures of 0, 4, 12, or 36 mcg/kg/day (0, 48, 144, and 432 mcg/m 2 /day, respectively) on days 6-18 of gestation (the period of organogenesis). Mean maternal body weight gain was reduced in animals dosed at 12 or 36 mcg/kg/day. The incidence of fetal deaths was increased in the group dosed at 36 mcg/kg/day; reduced fetal weight was also observed in this group. The incidence of major malformations among fetuses was not affected. An increase in the incidence of minor skeletal abnormalities, including incomplete ossification of sternebrae, pubic bones, and forelimb phalanges, was observed in the group dosed at 36 mcg/kg/day. Embryo-fetal development studies with betamethasone dipropionate were performed via subcutaneous injection in mice and rabbits. Pregnant mice were administered doses of 0, 156, 625, or 2500 mcg/kg/day (0, 468, 1875, and 7500 mcg/m 2 /day, respectively) on days 7 through 13 of gestation (the period of organogenesis). Betamethasone dipropionate induced fetal toxicity, including fetal deaths, reduced fetal weight, malformations (increased incidence of the cleft palate and crooked or short tail), and minor skeletal abnormalities (delayed ossification of vertebra and sternebrae). Fetal toxicity was observed at the lowest exposure that was evaluated (156 mcg/kg/day). Pregnant rabbits were injected subcutaneously at dosages of 0, 0.625, 2.5, and 10 mcg/kg/day (0, 7.5, 30, and 120 mcg/m 2 /day, respectively) on days 6 through 18 of gestation (the period of organogenesis). Betamethasone dipropionate induced fetal toxicity, including fetal deaths, reduced fetal weight, external malformations (including malformed ears, cleft palate, umbilical hernia, kinked tail, club foot, and club hand), and skeletal malformations (including absence of phalanges of the first digit and cranial dysplasia) at dosages of 2.5 mcg/kg/day and above. Calcipotriene was evaluated for effects on peri- and post-natal development when orally administered to pregnant rats at dosages of 0, 6, 18 or 54 mcg/kg/day (0, 36, 108, and 324 mcg/m 2 /day, respectively) from gestation day 15 through day 20 postpartum. No remarkable effects were observed on any parameter, including survival, behavior, body weight, litter parameters, or the ability to nurse or rear pups. Betamethasone dipropionate was evaluated for effects on peri- and post-natal development when orally administered to pregnant rats at dosages of 0, 100, 300, and 1000 mcg/kg/day (0, 600, 1800, and 6000 mcg/m 2 /day, respectively) from gestation day 6 through day 20 postpartum. Mean maternal body weight was significantly reduced on gestation day 20 in animals dosed at 300 and 1000 mcg/kg/day. The mean duration of gestation was slightly, but statistically significantly, increased at 100, 300, and 1000 mcg/kg/day. The mean percentage of pups that survived to day 4 was reduced in relation to dosage. On lactation day 5, the percentage of pups with a reflex to right themselves when placed on their back was significantly reduced at 1000 mcg/ kg/day. No effects on the ability of pups to learn were observed, and the ability of the offspring of treated rats to reproduce was not affected.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of topically administered calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. It is not known whether topically administered calcipotriene or corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations To minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breast milk, use Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] .

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of the use of Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment in pediatric patients under the age of 12 years have not been established. […]

Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment combines the pharmacological effects of calcipotriene as a synthetic vitamin D 3 analogue and betamethasone dipropionate as a synthetic corticosteroid. However, while their pharmacologic and clinical effects are known, the exact mechanisms of their actions in plaque psoriasis are unknown.