WARNINGS
Hepatic Effects SPORANOX ® has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death.
Some of these cases had neither pre-existing liver disease nor a serious underlying medical condition, and some of these cases developed within the first week of treatment.
If clinical signs or symptoms develop that are consistent with liver disease, treatment should be discontinued and liver function testing performed.
Continued SPORANOX ® use or reinstitution of treatment with SPORANOX ® is strongly discouraged unless there is a serious or life-threatening situation where the expected benefit exceeds the risk.
(See PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients and ADVERSE REACTIONS .) Cardiac Dysrhythmias Life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and/or sudden death have occurred in patients using drugs such as cisapride, pimozide, methadone, or quinidine concomitantly with SPORANOX ® and/or other CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Concomitant administration of these drugs with SPORANOX ® is contraindicated.
(See BOXED WARNING , CONTRAINDICATIONS , and PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions .) Cardiac Disease SPORANOX ® Capsules should not be administered for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF.
SPORANOX ® Capsules should not be used for other indications in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
For patients with risk factors for congestive heart failure, physicians should carefully review the risks and benefits of SPORANOX ® therapy.
These risk factors include cardiac disease such as ischemic and valvular disease; significant pulmonary disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and renal failure and other edematous disorders.
Such patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of CHF, should be treated with caution, and should be monitored for signs and symptoms of CHF during treatment.
If signs or symptoms of CHF appear during administration of SPORANOX ® Capsules, discontinue administration.
Itraconazole has been shown to have a negative inotropic effect.
When itraconazole was administered intravenously to anesthetized dogs, a dose-related negative inotropic effect was documented.
In a healthy volunteer study of itraconazole intravenous infusion, transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed using gated SPECT imaging; these resolved before the next infusion, 12 hours later.
SPORANOX ® has been associated with reports of congestive heart failure.
In post-marketing experience, heart failure was more frequently reported in patients receiving a total daily dose of 400 mg although there were also cases reported among those receiving lower total daily doses.
Calcium channel blockers can have negative inotropic effects which may be additive to those of itraconazole.
In addition, itraconazole can inhibit the metabolism of calcium channel blockers.
Therefore, caution should be used when co-administering itraconazole and calcium channel blockers due to an increased risk of CHF.
Concomitant administration of SPORANOX ® and felodipine or nisoldipine is contraindicated.
Cases of CHF, peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported in the post-marketing period among patients being treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations , CONTRAINDICATIONS , PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions , and ADVERSE REACTIONS: Post-marketing Experience for more information.) Interaction potential SPORANOX ® has a potential for clinically important drug interactions.
Coadministration of specific drugs with itraconazole may result in changes in efficacy of itraconazole and/or the coadministered drug, life-threatening effects and/or sudden death.
Drugs that are contraindicated, not recommended or recommended for use with caution in combination with itraconazole are listed in PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions.
Interchangeability SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules and SPORANOX ® Oral Solution should not be used interchangeably.
This is because drug exposure is greater with the Oral Solution than with the Capsules when the same dose of drug is given.
In addition, the topical effects of mucosal exposure may be different between the two formulations.
Only the Oral Solution has been demonstrated effective for oral and/or esophageal candidiasis.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Drug Interactions Effect of SPORANOX ® on Other Drugs Itraconazole and its major metabolite, hydroxy-itraconazole, are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Itraconazole is an inhibitor of the drug transporters P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).
Consequently, SPORANOX ® has the potential to interact with many concomitant drugs resulting in either increased or sometimes decreased concentrations of the concomitant drugs.
Increased concentrations may increase the risk of adverse reactions associated with the concomitant drug which can be severe or life-threatening in some cases (e.g., QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes , respiratory depression, hepatic adverse reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, myelosuppression, hypotension, seizures, angioedema, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, priapism).
Reduced concentrations of concomitant drugs may reduce their efficacy.
Table 1 lists examples of drugs that may have their concentrations affected by itraconazole, but is not a comprehensive list.
Refer to the approved product labeling to become familiar with the interaction pathways, risk potential, and specific actions to be taken with regards to each concomitant drug prior to initiating therapy with SPORANOX ® .
Although many of the clinical drug interactions in Table 1 are based on information with a similar azole antifungal, ketoconazole, these interactions are expected to occur with SPORANOX ® .
Table 1 Drug Interactions with SPORANOX ® that Affect Concomitant Drug Concentrations Concomitant Drug Within Class Prevention or Management Drug Interactions with SPORANOX ® that Increase Concomitant Drug Concentrations and May Increase Risk of Adverse Reactions Associated with the Concomitant Drug Alpha Blockers Alfuzosin Silodosin Tamsulosin Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Analgesics Methadone Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Fentanyl Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Alfentanil Buprenorphine (IV and sublingual) Oxycodone Based on clinical drug interaction information with itraconazole.
Sufentanil Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Antiarrhythmics Disopyramide Dofetilide Dronedarone Quinidine Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Digoxin Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Antibacterials Bedaquiline Based on 400 mg Bedaquiline once daily for 2 weeks.
Concomitant SPORANOX ® not recommended for more than 2 weeks at any time during bedaquiline treatment.
Rifabutin Not recommended 2 weeks before, during, and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
See also Table 2 .
Clarithromycin Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
See also Table 2 .
Trimetrexate Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets Ticagrelor Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Apixaban Rivaroxaban Vorapaxar Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Cilostazol Dabigatran Warfarin Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Anticonvulsants Carbamazepine Not recommended 2 weeks before, during, and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
See also Table 2 .
Antidiabetic Drugs Repaglinide Saxagliptin Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Antihelminthics, Antifungals and Antiprotozoals Isavuconazonium Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Praziquantel Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Artemether-lumefantrine Quinine Monitor for adverse reactions.
Antimigraine Drugs Ergot alkaloids (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergotamine) Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Eletriptan Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary Antineoplastics Irinotecan Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Axitinib Bosutinib Cabazitaxel Cabozantinib Ceritinib Cobimetinib Crizotinib Dabrafenib Dasatinib Docetaxel Ibrutinib Lapatinib Nilotinib Olaparib Pazopanib Sunitinib Trabectedin Trastuzumab-emtansine Vinca alkaloids Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Bortezomib Brentuximab-vedotin Busulfan Erlotinib Gefitinib Idelalisib Imatinib Ixabepilone Nintedanib Panobinostat Ponatinib Ruxolitinib Sonidegib Vandetanib Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
For idelalisib, see also Table 2 .
Antipsychotics, Anxiolytics and Hypnotics Alprazolam Aripiprazole Buspirone Diazepam Haloperidol Midazolam (IV) Quetiapine Ramelteon Risperidone Suvorexant Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Zopiclone Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Lurasidone Midazolam (oral) Pimozide Triazolam Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Antivirals Simeprevir Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Daclatasvir Indinavir Maraviroc Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
For indinavir, see also Table 2 .
Cobicistat Elvitegravir (ritonavir-boosted) Ritonavir Saquinavir (unboosted) Monitor for adverse reactions.
See also Table 2 .
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Monitor for adverse reactions.
Beta Blockers Nadolol Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Calcium Channel Blockers Felodipine Nisoldipine Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Diltiazem Other dihydropyridines Verapamil Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
For diltiazem, see also Table 2 .
Cardiovascular Drugs, Miscellaneous Ivabradine Ranolazine Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Aliskiren Riociguat Sildenafil (for pulmonary hypertension) Tadalafil (for pulmonary hypertension) Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
For sildenafil and tadalafil, see also Urologic Drugs below.
Bosentan Guanfacine Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Contraceptives Dienogest Ulipristal Monitor for adverse reactions.
Diuretics Eplerenone Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Gastrointestinal Drugs Cisapride Naloxegol Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Aprepitant Loperamide Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Netupitant Monitor for adverse reactions.
Immunosuppressants Everolimus Sirolimus Temsirolimus (IV) Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Budesonide (inhalation) Budesonide (non-inhalation) Ciclesonide (inhalation) Cyclosporine (IV) Cyclosporine (non-IV) Dexamethasone Fluticasone (inhalation) Fluticasone (nasal) Methylprednisolone Tacrolimus (IV) Tacrolimus (oral) Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Lipid-Lowering Drugs Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Atorvastatin Monitor for drug adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary .
Respiratory Drugs Salmeterol Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
SSRIs, Tricyclics and Related Antidepressants Venlafaxine Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Urologic Drugs Avanafil Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Fesoterodine Patients with moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment : Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Other patients : Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Solifenacin Patients with severe renal or moderate to severe hepatic impairment : Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Other patients : Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Darifenacin Vardenafil Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Dutasteride Oxybutynin Sildenafil (for erectile dysfunction) Tadalafil (for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia) Tolterodine Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
For sildenafil and tadalafil, see also Cardiovascular Drugs above.
Miscellaneous Drugs and Other Substances Colchicine Patients with renal or hepatic impairment: Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Other patients : Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Eliglustat CYP2D6 EMs EMs: extensive metabolizers; IMs: intermediate metabolizers, PMs: poor metabolizers taking a strong or moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor, CYP2D6 IMs , or CYP2D6 PMs : Contraindicated during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
CYP2D6 EMs not taking a strong or moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor : Monitor for adverse reactions.
Eliglustat dose reduction may be necessary.
Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor Not recommended 2 weeks before, during, and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Alitretinoin (oral) Cabergoline Cannabinoids Cinacalcet Ivacaftor Monitor for adverse reactions.
Concomitant drug dose reduction may be necessary.
Vasopressin Receptor Antagonists Conivaptan Tolvaptan Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Drug Interactions with SPORANOX ® that Decrease Concomitant Drug Concentrations and May Reduce Efficacy of the Concomitant Drug Antineoplastics Regorafenib Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Gastrointestinal Drugs Saccharomyces boulardii Not recommended during and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Meloxicam Concomitant drug dose increase may be necessary.
Effect of Other Drugs on SPORANOX ® Itraconazole is mainly metabolized through CYP3A4.
Other substances that either share this metabolic pathway or modify CYP3A4 activity may influence the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole.
Some concomitant drugs have the potential to interact with SPORANOX ® resulting in either increased or sometimes decreased concentrations of SPORANOX ® .
Increased concentrations may increase the risk of adverse reactions associated with SPORANOX ® .
Decreased concentrations may reduce SPORANOX ® efficacy.
Table 2 lists examples of drugs that may affect itraconazole concentrations, but is not a comprehensive list.
Refer to the approved product labeling to become familiar with the interaction pathways, risk potential and specific actions to be taken with regards to each concomitant drug prior to initiating therapy with SPORANOX ® .
Although many of the clinical drug interactions in Table 2 are based on information with a similar azole antifungal, ketoconazole, these interactions are expected to occur with SPORANOX ® .
Table 2.
Drug Interactions with Other Drugs that Affect SPORANOX ® Concentrations Concomitant Drug Within Class Prevention or Management Drug Interactions with Other Drugs that Increase SPORANOX ® Concentrations and May Increase Risk of Adverse Reactions Associated with SPORANOX ® Antibacterials Ciprofloxacin Based on clinical drug interaction information with itraconazole.
Erythromycin Clarithromycin Monitor for adverse reactions.
SPORANOX ® dose reduction may be necessary.
Antineoplastics Idelalisib Monitor for adverse reactions.
SPORANOX ® dose reduction may be necessary.
See also Table 1 .
Antivirals Cobicistat Darunavir (ritonavir-boosted) Elvitegravir (ritonavir-boosted) Fosamprenavir (ritonavir-boosted) Indinavir Ritonavir Saquinavir Monitor for adverse reactions.
SPORANOX ® dose reduction may be necessary.
For, cobicistat, elvitegravir, indinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir, see also Table 1 .
Calcium Channel Blockers Diltiazem Monitor for adverse reactions.
SPORANOX ® dose reduction may be necessary.
See also Table 1 .
Drug Interactions with Other Drugs that Decrease SPORANOX ® Concentrations and May Reduce Efficacy of SPORANOX ® Antibacterials Isoniazid Rifampicin Not recommended 2 weeks before and during SPORANOX ® treatment.
Rifabutin Not recommended 2 weeks before, during, and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
See also Table 1 .
Anticonvulsants Phenobarbital Phenytoin Not recommended 2 weeks before and during SPORANOX ® treatment.
Carbamazepine Not recommended 2 weeks before, during, and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
See also Table 1 .
Antivirals Efavirenz Nevirapine Not recommended 2 weeks before and during SPORANOX ® treatment.
Gastrointestinal Drugs Drugs that reduce gastric acidity e.g.
acid neutralizing medicines such as aluminum hydroxide, or acid secretion suppressors such as H 2 – receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors.
Use with caution.
Administer acid neutralizing medicines at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after the intake of SPORANOX ® capsules Miscellaneous Drugs and Other Substances Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor Not recommended 2 weeks before, during, and 2 weeks after SPORANOX ® treatment.
Pediatric Population Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.
OVERDOSAGE
Itraconazole is not removed by dialysis.
In the event of accidental overdosage, supportive measures should be employed.
Contact a certified poison control center for the most up to date information on the management of SPORANOX ® Capsules overdosage (1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org).
In general, adverse events reported with overdose have been consistent with adverse drug reactions already listed in this package insert for itraconazole.
(See ADVERSE REACTIONS .)
DESCRIPTION
SPORANOX ® is the brand name for itraconazole, an azole antifungal agent.
Itraconazole is a 1:1:1:1 racemic mixture of four diastereomers (two enantiomeric pairs), each possessing three chiral centers.
It may be represented by the following structural formula and nomenclature: (±)-1-[( R *)- sec -butyl]-4-[ p -[4-[ p -[[(2 R *,4 S *)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1 H -1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-Δ 2 -1,2,4-triazolin-5-one mixture with (±)-1-[( R *)- sec -butyl]-4-[ p -[4-[ p -[[(2 S *,4 R *)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1 H -1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-Δ 2 -1,2,4-triazolin-5-one or (±)-1-[( RS )- sec -butyl]-4-[ p -[4-[ p -[[(2 R ,4 S )-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1 H -1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-Δ 2 -1,2,4-triazolin-5-one Itraconazole has a molecular formula of C 35 H 38 Cl 2 N 8 O 4 and a molecular weight of 705.64.
It is a white to slightly yellowish powder.
It is insoluble in water, very slightly soluble in alcohols, and freely soluble in dichloromethane.
It has a pKa of 3.70 (based on extrapolation of values obtained from methanolic solutions) and a log (n-octanol/water) partition coefficient of 5.66 at pH 8.1.
SPORANOX ® Capsules contain 100 mg of itraconazole coated on sugar spheres (composed of sucrose, maize starch, and purified water).
Inactive ingredients are hard gelatin capsule, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 20,000, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No.
1, FD&C Blue No.
2, D&C Red No.
22 and D&C Red No.
28.
Chemical Structure
CLINICAL STUDIES
Description of Clinical Studies Blastomycosis Analyses were conducted on data from two open-label, non-concurrently controlled studies (N=73 combined) in patients with normal or abnormal immune status.
The median dose was 200 mg/day.
A response for most signs and symptoms was observed within the first 2 weeks, and all signs and symptoms cleared between 3 and 6 months.
Results of these two studies demonstrated substantial evidence of the effectiveness of itraconazole for the treatment of blastomycosis compared with the natural history of untreated cases.
Histoplasmosis Analyses were conducted on data from two open-label, non-concurrently controlled studies (N=34 combined) in patients with normal or abnormal immune status (not including HIV-infected patients).
The median dose was 200 mg/day.
A response for most signs and symptoms was observed within the first 2 weeks, and all signs and symptoms cleared between 3 and 12 months.
Results of these two studies demonstrated substantial evidence of the effectiveness of itraconazole for the treatment of histoplasmosis, compared with the natural history of untreated cases.
Histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients Data from a small number of HIV-infected patients suggested that the response rate of histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients is similar to that of non-HIV-infected patients.
The clinical course of histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients is more severe and usually requires maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.
Aspergillosis Analyses were conducted on data from an open-label, “single-patient-use” protocol designed to make itraconazole available in the U.S.
for patients who either failed or were intolerant of amphotericin B therapy (N=190).
The findings were corroborated by two smaller open-label studies (N=31 combined) in the same patient population.
Most adult patients were treated with a daily dose of 200 to 400 mg, with a median duration of 3 months.
Results of these studies demonstrated substantial evidence of effectiveness of itraconazole as a second-line therapy for the treatment of aspergillosis compared with the natural history of the disease in patients who either failed or were intolerant of amphotericin B therapy.
Onychomycosis of the toenail Analyses were conducted on data from three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (N=214 total; 110 given SPORANOX ® Capsules) in which patients with onychomycosis of the toenails received 200 mg of SPORANOX ® Capsules once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.
Results of these studies demonstrated mycologic cure, defined as simultaneous occurrence of negative KOH plus negative culture, in 54% of patients.
Thirty-five percent (35%) of patients were considered an overall success (mycologic cure plus clear or minimal nail involvement with significantly decreased signs) and 14% of patients demonstrated mycologic cure plus clinical cure (clearance of all signs, with or without residual nail deformity).
The mean time to overall success was approximately 10 months.
Twenty-one percent (21%) of the overall success group had a relapse (worsening of the global score or conversion of KOH or culture from negative to positive).
Onychomycosis of the fingernail Analyses were conducted on data from a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (N=73 total; 37 given SPORANOX ® Capsules) in which patients with onychomycosis of the fingernails received a 1-week course (pulse) of 200 mg of SPORANOX ® Capsules b.i.d., followed by a 3-week period without SPORANOX ® , which was followed by a second 1-week pulse of 200 mg of SPORANOX ® Capsules b.i.d.
Results demonstrated mycologic cure in 61% of patients.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of patients were considered an overall success and 47% of patients demonstrated mycologic cure plus clinical cure.
The mean time to overall success was approximately 5 months.
None of the patients who achieved overall success relapsed.
HOW SUPPLIED
Product: 63629-1647
GERIATRIC USE
Geriatric Use Clinical studies of SPORANOX ® Capsules did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
It is advised to use SPORANOX ® Capsules in these patients only if it is determined that the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks.
In general, it is recommended that the dose selection for an elderly patient should be taken into consideration, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Transient or permanent hearing loss has been reported in elderly patients receiving treatment with itraconazole.
Several of these reports included concurrent administration of quinidine which is contraindicated (See BOXED WARNING: Drug Interactions , CONTRAINDICATIONS: Drug Interactions and PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions ).
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Mechanism of Action In vitro studies have demonstrated that itraconazole inhibits the cytochrome P450-dependent synthesis of ergosterol, which is a vital component of fungal cell membranes.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules are indicated for the treatment of the following fungal infections in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients: Blastomycosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary Histoplasmosis, including chronic cavitary pulmonary disease and disseminated, non-meningeal histoplasmosis, and Aspergillosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary, in patients who are intolerant of or who are refractory to amphotericin B therapy.
Specimens for fungal cultures and other relevant laboratory studies (wet mount, histopathology, serology) should be obtained before therapy to isolate and identify causative organisms.
Therapy may be instituted before the results of the cultures and other laboratory studies are known; however, once these results become available, antiinfective therapy should be adjusted accordingly.
SPORANOX ® Capsules are also indicated for the treatment of the following fungal infections in non-immunocompromised patients: Onychomycosis of the toenail, with or without fingernail involvement, due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium), and Onychomycosis of the fingernail due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium).
Prior to initiating treatment, appropriate nail specimens for laboratory testing (KOH preparation, fungal culture, or nail biopsy) should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis of onychomycosis.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations , CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS , and ADVERSE REACTIONS: Post-marketing Experience for more information.) Description of Clinical Studies Blastomycosis Analyses were conducted on data from two open-label, non-concurrently controlled studies (N=73 combined) in patients with normal or abnormal immune status.
The median dose was 200 mg/day.
A response for most signs and symptoms was observed within the first 2 weeks, and all signs and symptoms cleared between 3 and 6 months.
Results of these two studies demonstrated substantial evidence of the effectiveness of itraconazole for the treatment of blastomycosis compared with the natural history of untreated cases.
Histoplasmosis Analyses were conducted on data from two open-label, non-concurrently controlled studies (N=34 combined) in patients with normal or abnormal immune status (not including HIV-infected patients).
The median dose was 200 mg/day.
A response for most signs and symptoms was observed within the first 2 weeks, and all signs and symptoms cleared between 3 and 12 months.
Results of these two studies demonstrated substantial evidence of the effectiveness of itraconazole for the treatment of histoplasmosis, compared with the natural history of untreated cases.
Histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients Data from a small number of HIV-infected patients suggested that the response rate of histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients is similar to that of non-HIV-infected patients.
The clinical course of histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients is more severe and usually requires maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.
Aspergillosis Analyses were conducted on data from an open-label, “single-patient-use” protocol designed to make itraconazole available in the U.S.
for patients who either failed or were intolerant of amphotericin B therapy (N=190).
The findings were corroborated by two smaller open-label studies (N=31 combined) in the same patient population.
Most adult patients were treated with a daily dose of 200 to 400 mg, with a median duration of 3 months.
Results of these studies demonstrated substantial evidence of effectiveness of itraconazole as a second-line therapy for the treatment of aspergillosis compared with the natural history of the disease in patients who either failed or were intolerant of amphotericin B therapy.
Onychomycosis of the toenail Analyses were conducted on data from three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (N=214 total; 110 given SPORANOX ® Capsules) in which patients with onychomycosis of the toenails received 200 mg of SPORANOX ® Capsules once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.
Results of these studies demonstrated mycologic cure, defined as simultaneous occurrence of negative KOH plus negative culture, in 54% of patients.
Thirty-five percent (35%) of patients were considered an overall success (mycologic cure plus clear or minimal nail involvement with significantly decreased signs) and 14% of patients demonstrated mycologic cure plus clinical cure (clearance of all signs, with or without residual nail deformity).
The mean time to overall success was approximately 10 months.
Twenty-one percent (21%) of the overall success group had a relapse (worsening of the global score or conversion of KOH or culture from negative to positive).
Onychomycosis of the fingernail Analyses were conducted on data from a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (N=73 total; 37 given SPORANOX ® Capsules) in which patients with onychomycosis of the fingernails received a 1-week course (pulse) of 200 mg of SPORANOX ® Capsules b.i.d., followed by a 3-week period without SPORANOX ® , which was followed by a second 1-week pulse of 200 mg of SPORANOX ® Capsules b.i.d.
Results demonstrated mycologic cure in 61% of patients.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of patients were considered an overall success and 47% of patients demonstrated mycologic cure plus clinical cure.
The mean time to overall success was approximately 5 months.
None of the patients who achieved overall success relapsed.
PEDIATRIC USE
Pediatric Use The efficacy and safety of SPORANOX ® have not been established in pediatric patients.
The long-term effects of itraconazole on bone growth in children are unknown.
In three toxicology studies using rats, itraconazole induced bone defects at dosage levels as low as 20 mg/kg/day (2.5 times the MRHD).
The induced defects included reduced bone plate activity, thinning of the zona compacta of the large bones, and increased bone fragility.
At a dosage level of 80 mg/kg/day (10 times the MRHD) over 1 year or 160 mg/kg/day (20 times the MRHD) for 6 months, itraconazole induced small tooth pulp with hypocellular appearance in some rats.
PREGNANCY
Pregnancy Teratogenic effects Itraconazole was found to cause a dose-related increase in maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, and teratogenicity in rats at dosage levels of approximately 40–160 mg/kg/day (5–20 times the MRHD), and in mice at dosage levels of approximately 80 mg/kg/day (10 times the MRHD).
Itraconazole has been shown to cross the placenta in a rat model.
In rats, the teratogenicity consisted of major skeletal defects; in mice, it consisted of encephaloceles and/or macroglossia.
There are no studies in pregnant women.
SPORANOX ® should be used for the treatment of systemic fungal infections in pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk.
SPORANOX ® should not be administered for the treatment of onychomycosis to pregnant patients or to women contemplating pregnancy.
SPORANOX ® should not be administered to women of childbearing potential for the treatment of onychomycosis unless they are using effective measures to prevent pregnancy and they begin therapy on the second or third day following the onset of menses.
Effective contraception should be continued throughout SPORANOX ® therapy and for 2 months following the end of treatment.
During post-marketing experience, cases of congenital abnormalities have been reported.
(See ADVERSE REACTIONS: Post-marketing Experience .)
NUSRING MOTHERS
Nursing Mothers Itraconazole is excreted in human milk; therefore, the expected benefits of SPORANOX ® therapy for the mother should be weighed against the potential risk from exposure of itraconazole to the infant.
The U.S.
Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises HIV-infected women not to breast-feed to avoid potential transmission of HIV to uninfected infants.
BOXED WARNING
Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiac Effects and Drug Interactions SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules should not be administered for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF .
If signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure occur during administration of SPORANOX ® Capsules, discontinue administration.
When itraconazole was administered intravenously to dogs and healthy human volunteers, negative inotropic effects were seen.
(See CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS.
Drug Interactions , ADVERSE REACTIONS: Post-marketing Experience , and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations for more information.) Drug Interactions Coadministration of the following drugs are contraindicated with SPORANOX ® Capsules: methadone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, quinidine, isavuconazole, ergot alkaloids (such as dihydroergotamine, ergometrine (ergonovine), ergotamine, methylergometrine (methylergonovine)), irinotecan, lurasidone, oral midazolam, pimozide, triazolam, felodipine, nisoldipine, ivabradine, ranolazine, eplerenone, cisapride, naloxegol, lomitapide, lovastatin, simvastatin, avanafil, ticagrelor.
In addition, coadministration with colchicine, fesoterodine and solifenacin is contraindicated in subjects with varying degrees of renal or hepatic impairment, and coadministration with eliglustat is contraindicated in subjects that are poor or intermediate metabolizers of CYP2D6 and in subjects taking strong or moderate CYP2D6 inhibitors.
See PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions Section for specific examples.
Coadministration with itraconazole can cause elevated plasma concentrations of these drugs and may increase or prolong both the pharmacologic effects and/or adverse reactions to these drugs.
For example, increased plasma concentrations of some of these drugs can lead to QT prolongation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias including occurrences of torsades de pointes , a potentially fatal arrhythmia.
See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS Sections, and PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions Section for specific examples.
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
Information for Patients The topical effects of mucosal exposure may be different between the SPORANOX ® Capsules and Oral Solution.
Only the Oral Solution has been demonstrated effective for oral and/or esophageal candidiasis.
SPORANOX ® Capsules should not be used interchangeably with SPORANOX ® Oral Solution.
Instruct patients to take SPORANOX ® Capsules with a full meal.
SPORANOX ® Capsules must be swallowed whole.
Instruct patients about the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure, and if these signs or symptoms occur during SPORANOX ® administration, they should discontinue SPORANOX ® and contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Instruct patients to stop SPORANOX ® treatment immediately and contact their healthcare provider if any signs and symptoms suggestive of liver dysfunction develop.
Such signs and symptoms may include unusual fatigue, anorexia, nausea and/or vomiting, jaundice, dark urine, or pale stools.
Instruct patients to contact their physician before taking any concomitant medications with itraconazole to ensure there are no potential drug interactions.
Instruct patients that hearing loss can occur with the use of itraconazole.
The hearing loss usually resolves when treatment is stopped, but can persist in some patients.
Advise patients to discontinue therapy and inform their physicians if any hearing loss symptoms occur.
Instruct patients that dizziness or blurred/double vision can sometimes occur with itraconazole.
Advise patients that if they experience these events, they should not drive or use machines.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules should be taken with a full meal to ensure maximal absorption.
SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules must be swallowed whole.
SPORANOX ® Capsules is a different preparation than SPORANOX ® Oral Solution and should not be used interchangeably.
Treatment of Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis The recommended dose is 200 mg once daily (2 capsules).
If there is no obvious improvement, or there is evidence of progressive fungal disease, the dose should be increased in 100-mg increments to a maximum of 400 mg daily.
Doses above 200 mg/day should be given in two divided doses.
Treatment of Aspergillosis A daily dose of 200 to 400 mg is recommended.
Treatment in Life-Threatening Situations In life-threatening situations, a loading dose should be used.
Although clinical studies did not provide for a loading dose, it is recommended, based on pharmacokinetic data, that a loading dose of 200 mg (2 capsules) three times daily (600 mg/day) be given for the first 3 days of treatment.
Treatment should be continued for a minimum of three months and until clinical parameters and laboratory tests indicate that the active fungal infection has subsided.
An inadequate period of treatment may lead to recurrence of active infection.
SPORANOX ® Capsules and SPORANOX ® Oral Solution should not be used interchangeably.
Only the oral solution has been demonstrated effective for oral and/or esophageal candidiasis.
Treatment of Onychomycosis Toenails with or without fingernail involvement The recommended dose is 200 mg (2 capsules) once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.
Treatment of Onychomycosis Fingernails only The recommended dosing regimen is 2 treatment pulses, each consisting of 200 mg (2 capsules) b.i.d.
(400 mg/day) for 1 week.
The pulses are separated by a 3-week period without SPORANOX ® .
Use in Patients with Renal Impairment Limited data are available on the use of oral itraconazole in patients with renal impairment.
Caution should be exercised when this drug is administered in this patient population.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations and PRECAUTIONS .) Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Limited data are available on the use of oral itraconazole in patients with hepatic impairment.
Caution should be exercised when this drug is administered in this patient population.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations , WARNINGS , and PRECAUTIONS .)