Mometasone Furoate

ASMANEX HFA is a corticosteroid indicated for: Maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 5 years of age and older. ( 1.1 ) Important limitations: Not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. ( 1.1 )

1.1 Treatment of Asthma ASMANEX ® HFA is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 5 years of age and older. Important Limitations of Use ASMANEX HFA is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.

ASMANEX HFA is a pressurized metered dose inhaler (MDI) that is available in 2 strengths (100 mcg and 200 mcg) for adult and adolescent patients aged 12 years and older; and 1 strength (50 mcg) for pediatric patients aged 5 to less than 12 years. ASMANEX HFA 50 mcg delivers 50 mcg of mometasone furoate per actuation. ASMANEX HFA 100 mcg delivers 100 mcg of mometasone furoate per actuation. ASMANEX HFA 200 mcg delivers 200 mcg of mometasone furoate per actuation. Each strength of ASMANEX HFA is supplied with a blue colored actuator and pink dust cap [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.1) ] . Inhalation aerosol containing 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 200 mcg of mometasone furoate per actuation. ( 3 )

Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute episodes of asthma requiring intensive measures. ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of ASMANEX HFA. ( 4.2 )

4.1 Status Asthmaticus ASMANEX HFA is contraindicated in the primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma where intensive measures are required.

4.2 Hypersensitivity ASMANEX HFA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to mometasone furoate or any of the ingredients in ASMANEX HFA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] .

Deterioration of asthma and acute episodes: ASMANEX HFA should not be used for relief of acute symptoms. Patients require immediate re-evaluation during rapidly deteriorating asthma. ( 5.1 ) Localized infections: Candida albicans infection of the mouth and throat may occur. Monitor patients periodically for signs of adverse effects on the oral cavity. After dosing, advise patients to rinse their mouth with water and spit out contents without swallowing. ( 5.2 ) Immunosuppression: Potential worsening of existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection; or ocular herpes simplex infections. More serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles can occur in susceptible patients. Use with caution in patients with these infections because of the potential for worsening of these infections. ( 5.3 ) Transferring patients from systemic corticosteroids: Risk of impaired adrenal function when transferring from oral steroids. Wean patients slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to ASMANEX HFA. ( 5.4 ) Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression: May occur with very high dosages or at the regular dosage in susceptible individuals. If such changes occur, discontinue ASMANEX HFA slowly. ( 5.5 ) Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): Risk of increased systemic corticosteroid effects. Exercise caution when used with ASMANEX HFA. ( 5.6 ) Paradoxical bronchospasm: Discontinue ASMANEX HFA and institute alternative therapy if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs. ( 5.7 ) Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis: Hypersensitivity reactions, such as urticaria, flushing, allergic dermatitis, bronchospasm, rash, pruritus, angioedema, and anaphylactic reaction may occur. Discontinue ASMANEX HFA if such reactions occur. ( 5.8 ) Decreases in bone mineral density: Monitor patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content. ( 5.9 ) Effects on growth: Monitor growth of pediatric patients. ( 5.10 ) Glaucoma and cataracts: Consider referral to an ophthalmologist in patients who develop ocular symptoms or use ASMANEX HFA long term. ( 5.11 )

5.1 Deterioration of Asthma and Acute Episodes ASMANEX HFA is not indicated for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. An inhaled, short-acting beta 2 -agonist, not ASMANEX HFA, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as shortness of breath. When prescribing ASMANEX HFA, the physician must also provide the patient with an inhaled, short-acting beta 2 -agonist (e.g., albuterol) for treatment of acute symptoms, despite regular twice-daily (morning and evening) use of ASMANEX HFA. Instruct patients to contact their physician immediately if episodes of asthma that are not responsive to bronchodilators occur during the course of treatment with ASMANEX HFA. During such episodes, patients may require therapy with oral corticosteroids.

5.2 Local Effects In clinical trials, the development of localized infections of the mouth and pharynx with Candida albicans have occurred in patients treated with ASMANEX HFA. If oropharyngeal candidiasis develops, treat with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while remaining on treatment with ASMANEX HFA therapy, but at times therapy with ASMANEX HFA may need to be interrupted. To reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis, after dosing with ASMANEX HFA, advise patients to rinse their mouth with water and spit out the contents without swallowing.

5.3 Immunosuppression Persons who are using drugs that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in susceptible children or adults using corticosteroids. In such children or adults who have not had these diseases or who are not properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route, and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) or pooled intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be indicated. If exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chickenpox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered. Inhaled corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infection of the respiratory tract, untreated systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.

5.4 Transferring Patients from Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy Particular care is needed for patients who are transferred from systemically active corticosteroids to ASMANEX HFA because deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in asthmatic patients during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less systemically available inhaled corticosteroids. After withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids, a number of months are required for recovery of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function. Patients who have been previously maintained on 20 mg or more per day of prednisone (or its equivalent) may be most susceptible, particularly when their systemic corticosteroids have been almost completely withdrawn. During this period of HPA suppression, patients may exhibit signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency when exposed to trauma, surgery, or infection (particularly gastroenteritis) or other conditions associated with severe electrolyte loss. Although ASMANEX HFA may improve control of asthma symptoms during these episodes, in recommended doses it supplies less than normal physiological amounts of corticosteroid systemically and does NOT provide the mineralocorticoid activity necessary for coping with these emergencies. During periods of stress or severe asthma attack, patients who have been withdrawn from systemic corticosteroids should be instructed to resume oral corticosteroids (in large doses) immediately and to contact their physicians for further instruction. These patients should also be instructed to carry a medical identification card indicating that they may need supplementary systemic corticosteroids during periods of stress or severe asthma attack. Patients requiring oral or other systemic corticosteroids should be weaned slowly from oral or other systemic corticosteroid use after transferring to ASMANEX HFA. Lung function (FEV 1 or PEF), beta-agonist use, and asthma symptoms should be carefully monitored during withdrawal of oral or other systemic corticosteroids. In addition to monitoring asthma signs and symptoms, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency such as fatigue, lassitude, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and hypotension. Transfer of patients from systemic corticosteroid therapy to ASMANEX HFA may unmask allergic conditions previously suppressed by the systemic corticosteroid therapy, e.g., rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, arthritis, and eosinophilic conditions. During withdrawal from oral corticosteroids, some patients may experience symptoms of systemically active corticosteroid withdrawal, e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, and depression, despite maintenance or even improvement of respiratory function.

5.5 Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression ASMANEX HFA will often help control asthma symptoms with less suppression of HPA function than therapeutically equivalent oral doses of prednisone. […]

Systemic and local corticosteroid use may result in the following: Candida albicans infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Growth effects in pediatrics [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Glaucoma and cataracts [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] 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. Most common adverse reactions (reported in greater than or equal to 3% of patients) included: nasopharyngitis, headache, sinusitis, bronchitis, and influenza. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Organon LLC, a subsidiary of Organon & Co., at 1-844-674-3200 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Adult and Adolescent Patients Aged 12 Years and Older The safety of ASMANEX HFA was evaluated in 2 randomized placebo and active-controlled trials of 12 and 26 weeks' duration, conducted as part of a mometasone furoate/formoterol fumarate combination product asthma program, which enrolled 1509 patients with persistent asthma. Patient ages ranged from 12 to 84 years of age, 41% were male and 59% female, 73% were Caucasian and 27% non-Caucasian. Of the total population enrolled in the 2 trials, 432 patients received two inhalations twice daily of either ASMANEX HFA, 100 mcg or 200 mcg/actuation. In the 26-week trial (Trial 1) 192 patients received two inhalations twice daily of ASMANEX HFA 100 mcg/actuation and 196 patients received placebo. In the 12 week trial (Trial 2) 240 patients received two inhalations twice daily of ASMANEX HFA 200 mcg/actuation and 233 and 255 patients received mometasone furoate and formoterol fumarate 100 mcg/5 mcg and 200 mcg/5 mcg/actuation combination products, respectively, as comparators. In these trials, the proportion of patients who discontinued study treatment early due to adverse reactions was 3% and 2% for ASMANEX HFA 100 and 200 mcg treated patients, respectively, and 4% for placebo-treated patients. Serious adverse reactions, whether considered drug-related or not by the investigators, which occurred more frequently in ASMANEX HFA-treated patients included colitis ulcerative, colonic polyp, chest pain, gastroenteritis, endometriosis, asthma, and hemoptysis; all events occurred at rates less than 1%. The incidence of treatment emergent adverse events associated with ASMANEX HFA are shown in Tables 1 and 2. These are based upon data from each of the 2 clinical trials of 12 or 26 weeks in duration in patients 12 years and older treated with two inhalations twice daily of ASMANEX HFA (100 mcg or 200 mcg), mometasone furoate/formoterol fumarate (100 mcg/5 mcg or 200 mcg/5 mcg), or placebo. TABLE 1: Trial 1: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events Occurring at an Incidence of ≥3% and More Commonly than Placebo Over 26 Weeks ASMANEX HFA 100 mcg N=192 n (%) Placebo N=196 n (%) Nasopharyngitis 15 (8) 7 (4) Headache 10 (5) 7 (4) Influenza 7 (4) 5 (3) Sinusitis 6 (3) 2 (1) TABLE 2: Trial 2: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events Occurring at an Incidence of ≥3% Over 12 Weeks ASMANEX HFA 200 mcg N=240 n (%) MF/F MF/F = mometasone furoate/formoterol fumarate. 100/5 mcg N=233 n (%) MF/F 200/5 mcg N=255 n (%) Nasopharyngitis 13 (5) 8 (3) 12 (5) Headache 8 (3) 10 (4) 5 (2) Bronchitis 6 (3) 2 (1) 7 (3) Oral candidiasis has been reported in clinical trials at an incidence of 0.5% in patients using ASMANEX HFA 100 mcg, 0.8% in patients using ASMANEX HFA 200 mcg and 0.5% in the placebo group. Pediatric Patients Aged 5 to Less Than 12 Years The safety profile for ASMANEX HFA 50 mcg, 2 inhalations twice daily, is based on two clinical trials consisting of a total of 759 patients aged 5 to less than 12 years with persistent asthma. The first trial was a placebo-controlled trial comparing ASMANEX HFA 50 mcg (administered as 2 inhalations, twice daily) to 2 other dosage strengths of mometasone furoate MDI (25 mcg or 100 mcg, each administered as two inhalations, twice daily) as well as mometasone furoate DPI 100 mcg, administered as one evening inhalation. The second trial compared ASMANEX HFA 50 mcg to the combination of mometasone furoate and formoterol fumarate 50 mcg/5 mcg, each administered by MDI as two inhalations, twice daily. Overall, the safety profile for pediatric patients is similar to that observed in patients aged 12 years and older.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience There are no postmarketing adverse experiences reported to date with ASMANEX HFA. However, the postmarketing safety experience with mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler is relevant to ASMANEX HFA since they contain the same active ingredient. The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler. 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. Eye Disorders: Vision blurred [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] . Immune System Disorders: Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction [see Contraindications (4.2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Asthma aggravation, which may include cough, dyspnea, wheezing and bronchospasm.

In clinical trials, concurrent administration of ASMANEX HFA and other drugs, such as short-acting beta 2 -agonist and intranasal corticosteroids have not resulted in an increased frequency of adverse drug reactions. No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with ASMANEX HFA. Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): Use with caution. May cause increased systemic corticosteroid effects. ( 7.1 )

7.1 Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4 The main route of metabolism of corticosteroids, including mometasone furoate, is via CYP3A4. After oral administration of ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, the mean plasma concentration of orally inhaled mometasone furoate increased. Concomitant administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of, and increase the systemic exposure to, mometasone furoate and potentially increase the risk for systemic corticosteroid side effects. Caution should be exercised when considering the coadministration of ASMANEX HFA with long-term ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, cobicistat-containing products, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Consider the benefit of coadministration versus the potential risk of systemic corticosteroid effects, in which case patients should be monitored for systemic corticosteroid side effects.

Hepatic impairment: Monitor patients for signs of increased drug exposure. ( 8.6 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no randomized clinical studies of ASMANEX HFA in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with the use of ASMANEX HFA in pregnant women [see Clinical Considerations ] . In animal reproduction studies with pregnant mice, rats, or rabbits, mometasone furoate caused increased fetal malformations and decreased fetal survival and growth following administration of doses that produced exposures approximately 1/3 to 8 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mcg/m 2 or AUC basis [see Data ] . However, experience with oral corticosteroids suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroid exposure than humans. The estimated background 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 In an embryofetal development study with pregnant mice dosed throughout the period of organogenesis, mometasone furoate produced cleft palate at an exposure approximately one-third of the MRHD (on a mcg/m 2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses of 60 mcg/kg and above) and decreased fetal survival at an exposure approximately equivalent to the MRHD (on a mcg/m 2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 180 mcg/kg). No toxicity was observed with a dose that produced an exposure approximately one-tenth of the MRHD (on a mcg/m 2 basis with maternal topical dermal doses of 20 mcg/kg and above). In an embryofetal development study with pregnant rats dosed throughout the period of organogenesis, mometasone furoate produced fetal umbilical hernia at exposures approximately 6 times the MRHD (on a mcg/m 2 basis with maternal topical dermal doses of 600 mcg/kg and above) and delays in fetal ossification at exposures approximately 3 times the MRHD (on a mcg/m 2 basis with maternal topical dermal doses of 300 mcg/kg and above). In another reproductive toxicity study, pregnant rats were dosed with mometasone furoate throughout pregnancy or late in gestation. Treated animals had prolonged and difficult labor, fewer live births, lower birth weight, and reduced early pup survival at an exposure that was approximately 8 times the MRHD (on an area under the curve (AUC) basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 15 mcg/kg). There were no findings with an exposure approximately 4 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 7.5 mcg/kg). Embryofetal development studies were conducted with pregnant rabbits dosed with mometasone furoate by either the topical dermal route or oral route throughout the period of organogenesis. In the study using the topical dermal route, mometasone furoate caused multiple malformations in fetuses (e.g., flexed front paws, gallbladder agenesis, umbilical hernia, hydrocephaly) at an exposure approximately 3 times the MRHD (on a mcg/m 2 basis with maternal topical dermal doses of 150 mcg/kg and above). In the study using the oral route, mometasone furoate caused increased fetal resorptions and cleft palate and/or head malformations (hydrocephaly and domed head) at an exposure approximately 1/2 of the MRHD (on AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 700 mcg/kg). At an exposure approximately 2 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 2800 mcg/kg), most litters were aborted or resorbed. No effects were observed at an exposure approximately 1/10 of the MRHD (on an AUC basis with a maternal oral dose of 140 mcg/kg).

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no available data on the presence of ASMANEX HFA in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Other inhaled corticosteroids, similar to mometasone furoate, are present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for ASMANEX HFA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from ASMANEX HFA or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ASMANEX HFA have been established in patients 12 years of age and older in 2 clinical trials of 12 and 26 weeks in duration. In the 2 clinical trials, 32 patients 12 to 17 years of age were treated with ASMANEX HFA. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between patients in this age group compared to those observed in patients 18 years of age and older. There were no obvious differences in the type or frequency of adverse reactions reported in this age group compared to patients 18 years of age and older. The safety and effectiveness of ASMANEX HFA 50 mcg, two inhalations twice daily, have been established in patients with asthma aged 5 to less than 12 years in clinical trials up to 24 weeks of treatment duration. The safety profile and overall effectiveness in this age group were consistent with that observed in patients aged 12 years and older who also received ASMANEX HFA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. The safety and effectiveness of ASMANEX HFA have not been established in children younger than 5 years of age. Controlled clinical studies have shown that inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity in pediatric patients. In these studies, the mean reduction in growth velocity was approximately 1 cm per year (range 0.3 to 1.8 per year) and appears to depend upon dose and duration of exposure. This effect was observed in the absence of laboratory evidence of HPA axis suppression, suggesting that growth velocity is a more sensitive indicator of systemic corticosteroid exposure in pediatric patients than some commonly used tests of HPA axis function. The long-term effects of this reduction in growth velocity associated with orally inhaled corticosteroids, including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The potential for "catch-up" growth following discontinuation of treatment with orally inhaled corticosteroids has not been adequately studied. The growth of children and adolescents receiving orally inhaled corticosteroids, including ASMANEX HFA, should be monitored routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). If a child or adolescent on any corticosteroid appears to have growth suppression, the possibility that he/she is particularly sensitive to this effect should be considered. The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against clinical benefits obtained and the risks associated with alternative therapies. To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including ASMANEX HFA, each patient should be titrated to his/her lowest effective dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .

8.5 Geriatric Use A total of 38 patients 65 years of age and older (3 of whom were 75 years and older) have been treated with ASMANEX HFA in 2 clinical trials of 12 and 26 weeks in duration. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Based on available data for ASMANEX HFA, no adjustment of dosage in geriatric patients is warranted.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment Concentrations of mometasone furoate appear to increase with severity of hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Mometasone furoate is a corticosteroid demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory activity. The precise mechanism of corticosteroid action on asthma is not known. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of inhibitory effects on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in inflammation and in the asthmatic response. These anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids may contribute to their efficacy in asthma. Mometasone furoate has been shown in vitro to exhibit a binding affinity for the human glucocorticoid receptor, which is approximately 12 times that of dexamethasone, 7 times that of triamcinolone acetonide, 5 times that of budesonide, and 1.5 times that of fluticasone. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.