lofexidine hydrochloride

Brand names: Lofexidine hydrochloride, LUCEMYRA, lofexidine hydrochloride, LOFEXIDINE, Lucemyra

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Risk of Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope : May cause a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in pulse, and syncope. Monitor vital signs before dosing and advise patients on how to minimize the risk of these cardiovascular effects and manage symptoms, should they occur. Monitor symptoms related to bradycardia and orthostasis. When using in outpatients, ensure that patients are capable of self-monitoring for signs and symptoms. Avoid use in patients with severe coronary insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, or chronic renal failure, as well as in patients with marked bradycardia. ( 5.1 ) Risk of QT Prolongation : LUCEMYRA prolongs the QT interval. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Monitor ECG in patients with electrolyte abnormalities, congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, hepatic or renal impairment, or in patients taking other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation. ( 5.2 ) Increased Risk of CNS Depression with Concomitant use of CNS Depressant Drugs : LUCEMYRA potentiates the CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines and may potentiate the CNS depressant effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs. ( 5.3 ) Increased Risk of Opioid Overdose after Opioid Discontinuation : Patients who complete opioid discontinuation are at an increased risk of fatal overdose should they resume opioid use. Use in conjunction with a comprehensive management program for treatment of opioid use disorder and inform patients and caregivers of increased risk of overdose. ( 5.4 ) Risk of Discontinuation Symptoms : Instruct patients not to discontinue therapy without consulting their healthcare provider. When discontinuing therapy, reduce dose gradually. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Risk of Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope LUCEMYRA can cause a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in pulse, and syncope [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Monitor vital signs before dosing. Monitor symptoms related to bradycardia and orthostasis. Patients being given LUCEMYRA in an outpatient setting should be capable of and instructed on self-monitoring for hypotension, orthostasis, bradycardia, and associated symptoms. If clinically significant or symptomatic hypotension and/or bradycardia occur, the next dose of LUCEMYRA should be reduced in amount, delayed, or skipped. Inform patients that LUCEMYRA may cause hypotension and that patients moving from a supine to an upright position may be at increased risk for hypotension and orthostatic effects. Instruct patients to stay hydrated, on how to recognize symptoms of low blood pressure, and on how to reduce the risk of serious consequences should hypotension occur (e.g., sit or lie down, carefully rise from a sitting or lying position). Instruct outpatients to withhold LUCEMYRA doses when experiencing symptoms of hypotension or bradycardia and to contact their healthcare provider for guidance on how to adjust dosing. Avoid using LUCEMYRA in patients with severe coronary insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal failure, and in patients with marked bradycardia. Avoid using LUCEMYRA in combination with medications that decrease pulse or blood pressure to avoid the risk of excessive bradycardia and hypotension. 5.2 Risk of QT Prolongation LUCEMYRA prolongs the QT interval. Avoid using LUCEMYRA in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Monitor ECG in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, or patients taking other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation (e.g., methadone). In patients with electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia), correct these abnormalities first, and monitor ECG upon initiation of LUCEMYRA [see Dosing and Administration (2.1) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Special Populations (8.6 , 8.7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . 5.3 Increased Risk of Central Nervous System Depression with Concomitant use of CNS Depressant Drugs LUCEMYRA potentiates the CNS depressive effects of benzodiazepines and can also be expected to potentiate the CNS depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of other medications they are taking, including alcohol. Advise patients using LUCEMYRA in an outpatient setting that, until they learn how they respond to LUCEMYRA, they should be careful or avoid doing activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery. 5.4 Increased Risk of Opioid Overdose after Opioid Discontinuation LUCEMYRA is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Patients who complete opioid discontinuation are likely to have a reduced tolerance to opioids and are at increased risk of fatal overdose should they resume opioid use. Use LUCEMYRA in patients with opioid use disorder only in conjunction with a comprehensive management program for the treatment of opioid use disorder and inform patients and caregivers of this increased risk of overdose. 5.5 Risk of Discontinuation Symptoms Stopping LUCEMYRA abruptly can cause a marked rise in blood pressure. Symptoms including diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, chills, hyperhidrosis, and extremity pain have also been observed with LUCEMYRA discontinuation. Instruct patients not to discontinue therapy without consulting their healthcare provider. When discontinuing therapy with LUCEMYRA, gradually reduce the dose [see Dosing and Administration (2.1) ] . Symptoms related to discontinuation can be managed by administration of the previous LUCEMYRA dose and subsequent taper.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Overdose

10 OVERDOSAGE Overdose with LUCEMYRA may manifest as hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. In the event of acute overdose, perform gastric lavage where appropriate. Dialysis will not remove a substantial portion of the drug. Initiate general symptomatic and supportive measures in cases of overdosage.

Drug interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Methadone : Methadone and LUCEMYRA both prolong the QT interval. ECG monitoring is recommended when used concomitantly. ( 7.1 ) Oral Naltrexone : Concomitant use may reduce efficacy of oral naltrexone. ( 7.2 ) CYP2D6 Inhibitors : Concomitant use of paroxetine resulted in increased plasma levels of LUCEMYRA. Monitor for symptoms of orthostasis and bradycardia with concomitant use of a CYP2D6 inhibitor. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 Methadone LUCEMYRA and methadone both prolong the QT interval. ECG monitoring is recommended in patients receiving methadone and LUCEMYRA concomitantly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Oral Naltrexone Coadministration of LUCEMYRA and oral naltrexone resulted in statistically significant differences in the steady-state pharmacokinetics of naltrexone. It is possible that oral naltrexone efficacy may be reduced if used concomitantly within 2 hours of LUCEMYRA. This interaction is not expected if naltrexone is administered by non-oral routes [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 CNS Depressant Drugs LUCEMYRA potentiates the CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines and may potentiate the CNS depressant effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of other medications they are taking, including alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . 7.4 CYP2D6 Inhibitor - Paroxetine Coadministration of LUCEMYRA and paroxetine resulted in a 28% increase in the extent of absorption of LUCEMYRA. Monitor for orthostatic hypotension and bradycardia when an inhibitor of CYP2D6 is used concomitantly with LUCEMYRA [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LUCEMYRA is indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. LUCEMYRA is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. ( 1 )

Dosage forms & strengths

TABLET, FILM COATED POWDER
LOFEXIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE .2 mg/1 LOFEXIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE 75 kg/75kg LOFEXIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE 50 kg/50kg LOFEXIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE 1 kg/kg

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The usual LUCEMYRA dosage is three 0.18 mg tablets taken orally 4 times daily at 5- to 6-hour intervals. LUCEMYRA treatment may be continued for up to 14 days with dosing guided by symptoms. ( 2.1 ) Discontinue LUCEMYRA with a gradual dose reduction over 2 to 4 days. ( 2.1 ) Hepatic or Renal Impairment: Dosage adjustments are recommended based on degree of impairment. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosing Information The usual LUCEMYRA starting dosage is three 0.18 mg tablets taken orally 4 times daily during the period of peak withdrawal symptoms (generally the first 5 to 7 days following last use of opioid) with dosing guided by symptoms and side effects. There should be 5 to 6 hours between each dose. The total daily dosage of LUCEMYRA should not exceed 2.88 mg (16 tablets) and no single dose should exceed 0.72 mg (4 tablets). LUCEMYRA treatment may be continued for up to 14 days with dosing guided by symptoms. Discontinue LUCEMYRA with a gradual dose reduction over a 2- to 4-day period to mitigate LUCEMYRA withdrawal symptoms (e.g., reducing by 1 tablet per dose every 1 to 2 days) [see Warnings & Precautions (5.5) ] . The LUCEMYRA dose should be reduced, held, or discontinued for individuals who demonstrate a greater sensitivity to LUCEMYRA side effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Lower doses may be appropriate as opioid withdrawal symptoms wane. LUCEMYRA can be administered in the presence or absence of food. 2.2 Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Hepatic Impairment Recommended dosage adjustments based on the degree of hepatic impairment are shown in Table 1. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 1: Dosage Recommendations in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Mild Impairment Moderate Impairment Severe Impairment Child-Pugh score 5-6 7-9 > 9 Recommended dose 3 tablets 4 times daily (2.16 mg per day) 2 tablets 4 times daily (1.44 mg per day) 1 tablet 4 times daily (0.72 mg per day) 2.3 Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Renal Impairment Recommended dosage adjustments based on the degree of renal impairment are shown in Table 2. LUCEMYRA may be administered without regard to the timing of dialysis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 2: Dosage Recommendations in Patients with Renal Impairment Moderate Impairment Severe Impairment, End-Stage Renal Disease, or on Dialysis Estimated GFR, mL/min/1.73 m 2 30-89.9 < 30 Recommended dose 2 tablets 4 times daily (1.44 mg per day) 1 tablet 4 times daily (0.72 mg per day)

All identified pills

Side effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Central Nervous System Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Opioid Overdose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Discontinuation Symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 10% and notably more frequent than placebo) are orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, somnolence, sedation, and dry mouth. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact US WorldMeds at 1-833-LUCEMYRA or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/ medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to adverse reaction rates observed for another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of LUCEMYRA was supported by three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, an open-label study, and clinical pharmacology studies with concomitant administration of either methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. The three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials enrolled 935 subjects dependent on short-acting opioids undergoing abrupt opioid withdrawal. Patients were monitored before each dose in an inpatient setting. Table 3 presents the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse events that occurred in at least 10% of subjects treated with LUCEMYRA and for which the incidence in patients treated with LUCEMYRA was greater than the incidence in subjects treated with placebo in a study that tested two doses of LUCEMYRA, 2.16 mg per day and 2.88 mg per day, and placebo. The overall safety profile in the combined dataset was similar. Orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, somnolence, sedation, and dry mouth were notably more common in subjects treated with LUCEMYRA than subjects treated with placebo. Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥10% of LUCEMYRA-Treated Patients and More Frequently than Placebo Adverse Reaction LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg Assigned dose; mean average daily dose received was 79% of assigned dose due to dose-holds for out-of-range vital signs. (%) N=229 LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg (%) N=222 Placebo (%) N=151 Insomnia 51 55 48 Orthostatic Hypotension 29 42 5 Bradycardia 24 32 5 Hypotension 30 30 1 Dizziness 19 23 3 Somnolence 11 13 5 Sedation 13 12 5 Dry Mouth 10 11 0 Other notable adverse reactions associated with the use of LUCEMYRA but reported in <10% of patients in the LUCEMYRA group included: Syncope: 0.9%, 1.4% and 0% for LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg/day and 2.88 mg/day and placebo, respectively Tinnitus: 0.9%, 3.2% and 0% for LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg/day and 2.88 mg/day and placebo, respectively Blood pressure changes and adverse reactions after LUCEMYRA cessation Elevations in blood pressure above normal values (≥140 mmHg systolic) and above a subject's pre-treatment baseline are associated with discontinuing LUCEMYRA, and peaked on the second day after discontinuation, as shown in Table 4. Blood pressure values were evaluated for 3 days following the last dose of a 5-day course of LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg/day. Table 4: Blood Pressure Elevations after Stopping Treatment Abrupt LUCEMYRA Discontinuation 2.88 mg (N = 134) Placebo (N = 129) N at risk n (%) N at risk n (%) Systolic Blood Pressure on Day 2 after Discontinuation ≥ 140 mmHg and ≥ 20 mmHg increase from baseline 58 23 (39.7) 37 6 (16.2) ≥ 170 mmHg and ≥ 20 mmHg increase from baseline 58 5 (8.6) 37 0 Blood pressure elevations of a similar magnitude and incidence were observed in a small number of patients (N=10) that had a one-day, 50% dose reduction prior to discontinuation. After stopping treatment, subjects who were taking LUCEMYRA also had a higher incidence of diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, chills, hyperhidrosis, and extremity pain compared to subjects who were taking placebo. Sex-specific adverse event findings Four out of 101 females (4%) had serious cardiovascular adverse events compared to 3 out of 289 (1%) males assigned to receive LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg/day. Discontinuations and dose-holds due to bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension, which are the most common adverse reactions associated with LUCEMYRA, occurred with a greater incidence in females assigned to receive the highest studied dose of LUCEMYRA, 2.88 mg/day as shown in Table 5. Table 5: Discontinuations and Dose-Holds for Bradycardia and Orthostatic Hypotension by LUCEMYRA Dose and Sex LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg Male 22/162 (14%) 29/158 (18%) Female 9/67 (13%) 20/64 (31%) 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Lofexidine is marketed in other countries for relief of opioid withdrawal symptoms. The following events have been identified during postmarketing use of lofexidine. 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. Since lofexidine's initial market introduction in 1992, the most frequently reported postmarketing adverse event with lofexidine has been hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . There has been one report of QT prolongation, bradycardia, torsades de pointes, and cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation in a patient who received lofexidine, and three reports of clinically significant QT prolongation in subjects concurrently receiving methadone with lofexidine.

Official source

DailyMed