DRONEDARONE: 2,735 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

Dronedarone HCl is a benzofuran derivative with the following chemical name: N -{2-butyl-3-[4-(3-dibutylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]benzofuran-5-yl} methanesulfonamide, hydrochloride. Dronedarone HCl is a white fine powder that is practically insoluble in water and freely soluble in methylene chloride and methanol. Its empirical formula is C 31 H 44 N 2 O 5 S, HCl with a relative molecular mass of 593.2. Its structural formula is: MULTAQ is provided as tablets for oral administration. Each tablet of MULTAQ contains 400 mg of dronedarone (expressed as base). The inactive ingredients are: Core of the tablets: Colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, poloxamer 407, starch. Coating/polishing of the tablets: Carnauba wax, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 6000, titanium dioxide.

Chemical

Structure

AND USAGE MULTAQ ® is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation in patients in sinus rhythm with a history of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . MULTAQ is an antiarrhythmic drug indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients in sinus rhythm with a history of paroxysmal or persistent AF ( 1 , 14 ).

AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of MULTAQ is 400 mg twice daily in adults. MULTAQ should be taken as one tablet with the morning meal and one tablet with the evening meal. Treatment with Class I or III antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, disopyramide, dofetilide, sotalol) or drugs that are strong inhibitors of CYP3A (e.g., ketoconazole) must be stopped before starting MULTAQ [see Contraindications (4) ] . Verify that females of reproductive potential are not pregnant prior to initiating MULTAQ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]. One tablet of 400 mg twice a day with morning and evening meals ( 2 )

MULTAQ is contraindicated in patients with:

• Permanent atrial fibrillation (patients in whom normal sinus rhythm will not or cannot be restored) [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
• Symptomatic heart failure with recent decompensation requiring hospitalization or NYHA Class IV symptoms [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
• Second or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, or sick sinus syndrome (except when used in conjunction with a functioning pacemaker)
• Bradycardia <50 bpm
• Concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, cyclosporine, telithromycin, clarithromycin, nefazodone, and ritonavir [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]
• Concomitant use of erythromycin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]
• Concomitant use of drugs or herbal products that prolong the QT interval and might increase the risk of torsade de pointes, such as phenothiazine antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, certain oral macrolide antibiotics, and Class I and III antiarrhythmics
• Liver or lung toxicity related to the previous use of amiodarone
• QTc interval >500 ms or PR interval >280 ms
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients
• Permanent AF (patients in whom normal sinus rhythm will not or cannot be restored) ( Boxed Warning , 4 )
• Recently decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalization or Class IV heart failure ( Boxed Warning , 4 )
• Second or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block or sick sinus syndrome (except when used in conjunction with a functioning pacemaker) ( 4 )
• Bradycardia <50 bpm ( 4 )
• Concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor ( 4 )
• Concomitant use of erythromycin ( 4 )
• Concomitant use of drugs or herbal products that prolong the QT interval and may induce torsade de pointes ( 4 )
• Liver or lung toxicity related to the previous use of amiodarone ( 4 )
• QTc interval >500 ms or PR interval >280 ms ( 4 )
• Severe hepatic impairment ( 4 )
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients ( 4 )

REACTIONS The following safety concerns are described elsewhere in the label:

• New or worsening heart failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
• Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
• Pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
• Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia with potassium-depleting diuretics [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]
• QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspepsia, bradycardia, skin issues (rashes, pruritus, eczema, dermatitis, dermatitis allergic), and asthenia ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience The safety evaluation of dronedarone 400 mg twice daily in patients with AF or AFL is based on 5 placebo-controlled studies, ATHENA, EURIDIS, ADONIS, ERATO and DAFNE. In these studies, a total of 6285 patients were randomized and treated, 3282 patients with MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily, and 2875 with placebo. The mean exposure across studies was 12 months. In ATHENA, the maximum follow-up was 30 months. In clinical trials, premature discontinuation because of adverse reactions occurred in 11.8% of the dronedarone-treated patients and in 7.7% of the placebo-treated group. The most common reasons for discontinuation of therapy with MULTAQ were gastrointestinal disorders (3.2% vs 1.8% in the placebo group) and QT prolongation (1.5% vs 0.5% in the placebo group). The most frequent adverse reactions observed with MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily in the 5 studies were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and asthenia.

Table

1 displays adverse reactions more common with dronedarone 400 mg twice daily than with placebo in AF or AFL patients, presented by system organ class and by decreasing order of frequency. Adverse laboratory and ECG effects are presented separately in Table 2.

Table

1: Adverse Drug Reactions that Occurred in at Least 1% of Patients and were More Frequent than Placebo Placebo Dronedarone 400 mg twice daily (N=2875) (N=3282)

Gastrointestinal Diarrhea

6% 9% Nausea 3% 5% Abdominal pain 3% 4% Vomiting 1% 2% Dyspeptic signs and symptoms 1% 2% General Asthenic conditions 5% 7% Cardiac Bradycardia 1% 3% Skin and subcutaneous tissue Including rashes (generalized, macular, maculo-papular, erythematous), pruritus, eczema, dermatitis, dermatitis allergic 3% 5% Photosensitivity reaction and dysgeusia have also been reported at an incidence less than 1% in patients treated with MULTAQ. The following laboratory data/ECG parameters were reported with MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily.

Table

2: Laboratory Data/ECG Parameters Not Necessarily Reported as Adverse Events Placebo MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily (N=2875) (N=3282) Early increases in creatinine ≥10% 21% 51% (N=2237) (N=2701) QTc prolonged 19% 28% Assessment of demographic factors such as gender or age on the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events did not suggest an excess of adverse events in any particular subgroup. In randomized clinical trials of patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation, one case of torsade de pointes was reported in patients treated with MULTAQ (2301 patients) versus no cases of torsade de pointes in patients treated with placebo (2327) in the ATHENA study. No cases of torsade de pointes were reported in patients treated with MULTAQ (828 patients) or placebo (409 patients) in the EURIDIS and ADONIS studies [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of MULTAQ. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of an unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiac: New or worsening heart failure <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]</span> Atrial flutter with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction has been reported very rarely. Hepatic: Liver injury <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]</span> Respiratory: Interstitial lung disease including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]</span> Immune: Anaphylactic reactions including angioedema Vascular: Vasculitis, including leukocytoclastic vasculitis

AND PRECAUTIONS

• Determine cardiac rhythm at least once every 3 months. If AF is detected discontinue MULTAQ or cardiovert. ( 5.2 )
• Ensure appropriate antithrombotic therapy prior to and throughout MULTAQ use. ( 5.3 )
• Liver injury: If hepatic injury is suspected, discontinue MULTAQ. ( 5.5 )
• If pulmonary toxicity is confirmed, discontinue treatment. ( 5.6 )
• Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia: Maintain potassium and magnesium levels within the normal range. ( 5.7 )
• Renal impairment: Monitor renal function periodically. ( 5.9 )
• Embryofetal Toxicity: Based on animal data, MULTAQ may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception while using MULTAQ. ( 5.10 )

5.1 Cardiovascular Death in NYHA Class IV or Decompensated Heart Failure MULTAQ is contraindicated in patients with NYHA Class IV heart failure or symptomatic heart failure with recent decompensation requiring hospitalization because it doubles the risk of death.

5.2 Cardiovascular Death and Heart Failure in Permanent AF MULTAQ doubles the risk of cardiovascular death (largely arrhythmic) and heart failure events in patients with permanent AF. Patients treated with dronedarone should undergo monitoring of cardiac rhythm no less often than every 3 months. Cardiovert patients who are in atrial fibrillation (if clinically indicated) or discontinue MULTAQ. MULTAQ offers no benefit in subjects in permanent AF.

5.3 Increased Risk of Stroke in Permanent AF In a placebo-controlled study in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, dronedarone was associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly in the first two weeks of therapy <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14.4) ]</span> . MULTAQ should only be initiated in patients in sinus rhythm who are receiving appropriate antithrombotic therapy <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.3) ]</span> .

5.4 New Onset or Worsening Heart Failure New onset or worsening of heart failure has been reported during treatment with MULTAQ in the postmarketing setting. In a placebo-controlled study in patients with permanent AF increased rates of heart failure were observed in patients with normal left ventricular function and no history of symptomatic heart failure, as well as those with a history of heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction. Advise patients to consult a physician if they develop signs or symptoms of heart failure, such as weight gain, dependent edema, or increasing shortness of breath. If heart failure develops or worsens and requires hospitalization, discontinue MULTAQ.

5.5 Liver Injury Hepatocellular liver injury, including acute liver failure requiring transplant, has been reported in patients treated with MULTAQ in the postmarketing setting. Advise patients treated with MULTAQ to report immediately symptoms suggesting hepatic injury (such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever, malaise, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, dark urine, or itching). Consider obtaining periodic hepatic serum enzymes, especially during the first 6 months of treatment, but it is not known whether routine periodic monitoring of serum enzymes will prevent the development of severe liver injury. If hepatic injury is suspected, promptly discontinue MULTAQ and test serum enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as serum bilirubin, to establish whether there is liver injury. If liver injury is found, institute appropriate treatment and investigate the probable cause. Do not restart MULTAQ in patients without another explanation for the observed liver injury.

5.6 Pulmonary Toxicity Cases of interstitial lung disease including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis have been reported in patients treated with MULTAQ in the postmarketing setting <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]</span> . Onset of dyspnea or non-productive cough may be related to pulmonary toxicity and patients should be carefully evaluated clinically. If pulmonary toxicity is confirmed, MULTAQ should be discontinued.

5.7 Hypokalemia and Hypomagnesemia with Potassium-Depleting Diuretics Hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia may occur with concomitant administration of potassium-depleting diuretics. Potassium levels should be within the normal range prior to administration of MULTAQ and maintained in the normal range during administration of MULTAQ.

5.8 QT Interval Prolongation MULTAQ is associated with concentration-dependent QTcF interval prolongation (estimated QTcF increase for 400 mg BID with food is 15 ms) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]</span> . If the QTc interval is &gt;500 ms, discontinue MULTAQ <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4) ]</span> .

5.9 Renal Impairment and Failure Marked increase in serum creatinine, pre-renal azotemia and acute renal failure, often in the setting of heart failure <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]</span> or hypovolemia, have been reported in patients taking MULTAQ. In most cases, these effects appear to be reversible upon drug discontinuation and with appropriate medical treatment. Monitor renal function periodically. Small increases in creatinine levels (about 0.1 mg/dL) following dronedarone treatment initiation have been shown to be a result of inhibition of creatinine&apos;s tubular secretion. The elevation has a rapid onset, reaches a plateau after 7 days and is reversible after discontinuation.

5.10 Embryofetal Toxicity Based on animal data, MULTAQ may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Dronedarone caused multiple visceral and skeletal malformations in animal reproduction studies when pregnant rats and rabbits were administered dronedarone at doses equivalent to recommended human doses. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Verify that females of reproductive potential are not pregnant prior to initiating MULTAQ. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with MULTAQ and for 5 days (about 6 half-lives) after the final dose <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]</span> .

INTERACTIONS Dronedarone is metabolized by CYP3A and is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A and CYP2D6 and has potentially important pharmacodynamic interactions ( 7 )

• Class I or III antiarrhythmics: Contraindicated. ( 4 , 7.1 )
• Digoxin: Consider discontinuation or halve dose of digoxin before treatment and monitor digoxin levels. ( 7.1 , 7.3 )
• Calcium channel blockers (CCB): Initiate CCB with low dose and increase after ECG verification of tolerability. ( 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 )
• Beta-blockers: May provoke excessive bradycardia. Initiate with low dose and increase after ECG verification of tolerability. ( 7.1 , 7.3 )
• CYP3A inducers: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.2 )
• Grapefruit juice: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.2 )
• Statins: Avoid simvastatin doses greater than 10 mg daily. Follow label recommendations for concomitant use of other statins with a CYP3A and P-gp inhibitor like dronedarone. ( 7.3 )
• CYP3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., sirolimus and tacrolimus): Monitor and adjust dosage of concomitant drug as needed when used with MULTAQ. ( 7.3 )
• Warfarin: Monitor INR after initiating dronedarone in patients taking warfarin. ( 7.3 )

7.1 Pharmacodynamic Interactions Drugs Prolonging the QT Interval (Inducing Torsade de Pointes) Coadministration of drugs prolonging the QT interval (such as certain phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, certain macrolide antibiotics, and Class I and III antiarrhythmics) is contraindicated because of the potential risk of torsade de pointes–type ventricular tachycardia <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> . Digoxin In the ANDROMEDA (patients with recently decompensated heart failure) and PALLAS (patients with permanent AF) trials baseline use of digoxin was associated with an increased risk of arrhythmic or sudden death in dronedarone-treated patients compared to placebo. In patients not taking digoxin, no difference in risk of sudden death was observed in the dronedarone versus placebo groups <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14.3) ]</span> . Digoxin can potentiate the electrophysiologic effects of dronedarone (such as decreased AV-node conduction). Dronedarone increases exposure to digoxin <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> . Consider discontinuing digoxin. If digoxin treatment is continued, halve the dose of digoxin, monitor serum levels closely, and observe for toxicity .

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers with depressant effects on the sinus and AV nodes could potentiate dronedarone's effects on conduction. Give a low dose of calcium channel blockers initially and increase only after ECG verification of good tolerability [see Drug Interactions (7.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Beta-Blockers In clinical trials, bradycardia was more frequently observed when dronedarone was given in combination with beta-blockers. Give a low dose of beta-blockers initially, and increase only after ECG verification of good tolerability [see Drug Interactions (7.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

7.2 Effects of Other Drugs on Dronedarone Ketoconazole and Other Potent CYP3A Inhibitors Concomitant use of ketoconazole as well as other potent CYP3A inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, and nefazodone is contraindicated because exposure to dronedarone is significantly increased <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

Grapefruit Juice

Patients should avoid grapefruit juice beverages while taking MULTAQ because exposure to dronedarone is significantly increased [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Rifampin and Other CYP3A Inducers Avoid rifampin or other CYP3A inducers such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John's wort because they decrease exposure to dronedarone significantly [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Calcium Channel Blockers

Verapamil and diltiazem are moderate CYP3A inhibitors and increase dronedarone exposure. Give a low dose of calcium channel blockers initially and increase only after ECG verification of good tolerability [see Drug Interactions (7.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

7.3 Effects of Dronedarone on Other Drugs Simvastatin Dronedarone increased simvastatin/simvastatin acid exposure. Avoid doses greater than 10 mg once daily of simvastatin <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

Other Statins

Because of multiple mechanisms of interaction with statins (CYPs and transporters), follow statin label recommendations for use with CYP3A and P-gp inhibitors such as dronedarone.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Dronedarone increased the exposure of calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem or nifedipine). Give a low dose of calcium channel blockers initially and increase only after ECG verification of good tolerability [see Drug Interactions (7.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Sirolimus, Tacrolimus, and Other CYP3A Substrates with Narrow Therapeutic Range Dronedarone can increase plasma concentrations of tacrolimus, sirolimus, and other CYP3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic range when given orally. Monitor plasma concentrations and adjust dosage appropriately. Beta-Blockers and Other CYP2D6 Substrates Dronedarone increased the exposure of propranolol and metoprolol. Give low doses of beta-blockers initially, and increase only after ECG verification of good tolerability. Other CYP2D6 substrates, including other beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may have increased exposure upon coadministration with dronedarone [see Drug Interactions (7.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . P-glycoprotein Substrates Digoxin Dronedarone increased digoxin exposure by inhibiting the P-gp transporter. Consider discontinuing digoxin. If digoxin treatment is continued, halve the dose of digoxin, monitor serum levels closely, and observe for toxicity [see Drug Interactions (7.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Dabigatran

Dronedarone increases dabigatran plasma exposures by inhibiting the P-gp transporter [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . In patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCL 30–50 mL/min), reduce the dose of dabigatran to 75 mg twice daily when concomitantly administered with dronedarone. In patients with severe renal impairment (CrCL 15–30 mL/min), concomitant use of dronedarone with dabigatran should be avoided.

Warfarin

When coadministered with dronedarone exposure to S-warfarin was slightly higher than when warfarin was administered alone. There were no clinically significant increases in INR [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . More patients experienced clinically significant INR elevations (≥5) usually within 1 week after starting dronedarone versus placebo in patients taking oral anticoagulants in ATHENA. However, no excess risk of bleeding was observed in the dronedarone group. Postmarketing cases of increased INR with or without bleeding events have been reported in warfarin-treated patients initiated on dronedarone. Monitor INR after initiating dronedarone in patients taking warfarin.