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OSPEMIFENE: 2,047 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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2,047
Total FAERS Reports
2 (0.1%)
Deaths Reported
60
Hospitalizations
2,047
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
20
Life-Threatening
17
Disabilities
Feb 13, 2024
FDA Approved
Duchesnay USA, Inc.
Manufacturer
Prescription
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Drug Class: Estrogen Agonist/Antagonist [EPC] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: Duchesnay USA, Inc. · FDA Application: 203505 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

Patent Expires: Jul 9, 2028 · First Report: 2006 · Latest Report: 20241208

What Are the Most Common OSPEMIFENE Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Off label use
387 reports (18.9%)
#2 Most Reported
Hot flush
319 reports (15.6%)
#3 Most Reported
Headache
171 reports (8.4%)

All OSPEMIFENE Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Off label use 387 18.9% 0 11
Hot flush 319 15.6% 0 0
Headache 171 8.4% 0 4
Muscle spasms 164 8.0% 0 1
No adverse event 160 7.8% 0 0
Vaginal haemorrhage 127 6.2% 0 2
Vaginal discharge 112 5.5% 0 0
Labelled drug-drug interaction medication error 104 5.1% 0 2
Hyperhidrosis 95 4.6% 0 0
Nausea 79 3.9% 0 3
Drug ineffective 69 3.4% 0 2
Therapeutic response unexpected 68 3.3% 0 0
Pain in extremity 63 3.1% 0 2
Weight increased 63 3.1% 0 0
Rash 62 3.0% 0 0
Dizziness 52 2.5% 0 1
Fatigue 51 2.5% 0 1
Drug prescribing error 47 2.3% 0 0
Pruritus 44 2.2% 0 2
Alopecia 43 2.1% 0 0

Who Reports OSPEMIFENE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 99.8% female, 0.2% male. Average age: 61.7 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is OSPEMIFENE Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2006 1 0 1
2013 22 0 0
2014 234 0 10
2015 283 0 8
2016 298 0 8
2017 242 0 10
2018 156 0 5
2019 42 0 4
2020 5 0 1
2021 10 0 2
2022 6 1 1
2023 6 0 0
2024 4 0 0

View full timeline →

What Is OSPEMIFENE Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 946
Dyspareunia 601
Off label use 346
Vulvovaginal dryness 282
Atrophic vulvovaginitis 169
Atrophy 20
Urinary tract infection 18
Vulvovaginal pain 15
Vulvovaginal burning sensation 14
Vulvovaginal discomfort 13

OSPEMIFENE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

OSPEMIFENE vs OSPHENA OSPEMIFENE vs OVINE DIGOXIN IMMUNE FAB OSPEMIFENE vs OXACILLIN OSPEMIFENE vs OXALIPLATIN OSPEMIFENE vs OXAPROZIN OSPEMIFENE vs OXAZEPAM OSPEMIFENE vs OXCARBAZEPINE OSPEMIFENE vs OXITRIPTAN OSPEMIFENE vs OXOMEMAZINE OSPEMIFENE vs OXY TAB

Other Drugs in Same Class: Estrogen Agonist/Antagonist [EPC]

Official FDA Label for OSPEMIFENE

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

OSPHENA is an estrogen agonist/antagonist. OSPHENA is not a hormone. The chemical structure of ospemifene is shown in Figure 1.

Figure

1: Chemical Structure The chemical designation is Z-2-[4-(4-chloro-1,2-diphenylbut-1-enyl)phenoxy]ethanol, and has the empirical formula C 24 H 23 ClO 2 , which corresponds to a molecular weight of 378.9. Ospemifene is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is insoluble in water and soluble in ethanol. Each OSPHENA tablet contains 60 mg of ospemifene. Inactive ingredients include colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

Figure

1

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE OSPHENA is indicated for: OSPHENA is an estrogen agonist/antagonist indicated for: The treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, due to menopause. ( 1.1 ) The treatment of moderate to severe vaginal dryness, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, due to menopause. ( 1.2 )

1.1 The Treatment of Moderate to Severe Dyspareunia, a Symptom of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy, due to Menopause.

1.2 The Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vaginal Dryness, a Symptom of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy, due to Menopause.

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION OSPHENA is an estrogen agonist/antagonist which has agonistic effects on the endometrium [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Use OSPHENA for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Reevaluate postmenopausal women periodically as clinically appropriate to determine if treatment is still necessary. One tablet taken orally once daily with food. ( 2.1 , 2.2 )

2.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Dyspareunia, a Symptom of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy, Due to Menopause One 60 mg tablet taken orally with food once daily.

2.2 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vaginal Dryness, a Symptom of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy, Due to Menopause One 60 mg tablet taken orally with food once daily.

Contraindications

OSPHENA is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions: Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding. Estrogen-dependent neoplasia. Active DVT, PE, or a history of these conditions. Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI), or a history of these conditions. Hypersensitivity (for example, angioedema, urticaria, rash, pruritus) to OSPHENA or any ingredients. OSPHENA is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. OSPHENA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Ospemifene was embryo-fetal lethal with labor difficulties and increased pup deaths in rats at doses below clinical exposures, and embryo-fetal lethal in rabbits at 10 times the clinical exposure based on mg/m 2 . If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if a woman becomes pregnant while taking this drug, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding ( 4 ) Estrogen-dependent neoplasia ( 4 , 5.2 ) Active DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and myocardial infarction [MI]), or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity (for example, angioedema, urticaria, rash, pruritus) to OSPHENA or any ingredients ( 4 ) Known or suspected pregnancy ( 4 , 8.1 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Disorders [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]

Malignant

Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥1 percent) with OSPHENA are: hot flush, vaginal discharge, muscle spasms, headache, hyperhidrosis, vaginal hemorrhage, night sweats. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Duchesnay Inc. at 1-855-OSPHENA (1-855-677-4362) 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 rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of OSPHENA has been assessed in ten phase 2/3 trials (N=2209) with doses ranging from 5 to 90 mg per day. The duration of treatment in these studies ranged from 6 weeks to 15 months. The majority of women (N=1683) had treatment exposure up to 12 weeks; 847 had up to 52 weeks (1 year) of exposure. The incidence rates of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic stroke were 1.13 per thousand women years (1 reported case of thromboembolic stroke) and 3.39 per thousand women years (3 reported cases of hemorrhagic stroke), respectively in OSPHENA 60 mg treatment group and 3.15 (1 case of thromboembolic stroke) and 0 per thousand women years, respectively in placebo. There were 2 reported cases of DVT among the 1459 women in the OSPHENA 60 mg treatment group and 1 case of DVT among the 1136 women in the placebo group.

Table

1 lists adverse reactions occurring more frequently in the OSPHENA 60 mg treatment group than in placebo and at a frequency ≥1% in the 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Table

2 lists adverse reactions occurring more frequently in the OSPHENA 60 mg treatment group than in placebo and at a frequency ≥1% in all clinical trials up to 52-weeks.

Table

1: Adverse Reactions Reported More Commonly in the OSPHENA Treatment Group (60 mg Once Daily) and at Frequency ≥1.0% in the 12 Week Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trials with OSPHENA vs.

Placebo Ospemifene

60 mg (N=1459) % Placebo (N=1136) % Vascular Disorders Hot flush 6.5

2.6 Reproductive System and Breast Disorders Vaginal discharge 3.8

0.4 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Muscle spasms 1.8

0.6 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Hyperhidrosis 1.1

0.2 Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported More Commonly in the OSPHENA Treatment Group (60 mg Once Daily) and at Frequency ≥1.0% in All Clinical Trials up to 52 Weeks (Safety Population)

Ospemifene

60 mg All Trials (N=847) % Placebo (N=165) % Nervous System Disorders Headaches 2.8

2.4 Vascular Disorders Hot flush 12.2

4.2 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Muscle spasms 4.5

2.4 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Hyperhidrosis 2.5

1.8 Night sweats 1.2

0.0 Reproductive System and Breast Disorders Vaginal discharge 6.0

0.6 Vaginal hemorrhage 1.3 0.0

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ospemifene. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Neoplasms

Benign, Malignant and Unspecified (incl. cysts and polyps): endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer Immune System Disorders: allergic conditions including hypersensitivity, angioedema Nervous System Disorders: headache Vascular Disorders: deep vein thrombosis, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: rash, rash erythematous, rash generalized, pruritus, urticaria

FDA Boxed Warning

BLACK BOX WARNING

WARNING: ENDOMETRIAL CANCER and CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS WARNING: ENDOMETRIAL CANCER and CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. OSPHENA is an estrogen agonist/antagonist with tissue selective effects. In the endometrium, OSPHENA has estrogen agonistic effects. There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed and random endometrial sampling when indicated, to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Estrogen-alone therapy has an increased risk of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). OSPHENA 60 mg had cerebral thromboembolic and hemorrhagic stroke incidence rates of 1.13 and 3.39 per thousand women years, respectively vs. 3.15 and 0 per thousand women years, respectively with placebo. For deep vein thrombosis, the incidence rate for OSPHENA 60 mg is 2.26 per thousand women years (2 reported cases) vs. 3.15 per thousand women years (1 reported case) with placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

Endometrial

Cancer OSPHENA is an estrogen agonist/antagonist with tissue selective effects. In the endometrium, OSPHENA has estrogen agonistic effects. There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed and random endometrial sampling when indicated, to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

Cardiovascular

Disorders In the clinical trials for OSPHENA (duration of treatment up to 15 months), the incidence rates of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic stroke were 1.13 and 3.39 per thousand women years, respectively in the OSPHENA 60 mg treatment group and 3.15 and 0 with placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. The incidence of DVT was 2.26 per thousand women years (2 reported cases) in the OSPHENA 60 mg treatment group and 3.15 per thousand women years (1 reported case) with placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. OSPHENA should be prescribed for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Increased risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are reported in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 7.1 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE) [0.625 mg]-alone, relative to placebo as part of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Venous Thromboembolism: Risk of DVT and PE ( 5.1 ) Known, suspected, or history of breast cancer ( 5.2 )

Severe Hepatic

Impairment ( 5.3 , 8.7 , 12.3 )

5.1 Cardiovascular Disorders Manage appropriately any risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, arterial vascular disease (for example, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) (for example, personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus). Stroke In the clinical trials for OSPHENA (duration of treatment up to 15 months), the incidence rates of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic stroke were 1.13 and 3.39 per thousand women years, respectively in OSPHENA 60 mg treatment group and 3.15 and 0 per thousand women years in placebo. Immediately discontinue OSPHENA if a thromboembolic or hemorrhagic stroke occurs or is suspected. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (45 versus 33 strokes per ten thousand women years, respectively). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year 1 and persisted.

Coronary Heart Disease

Two cases of myocardial infarction (MI) occurred in women receiving 60 mg of ospemifene in the OSPHENA clinical trials. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI, or CHD death) in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo.

Venous Thromboembolism

Two cases of DVT occurred in women receiving OSPHENA 60 mg in the OSPHENA clinical trials. Immediately discontinue OSPHENA if a VTE occurs or is suspected. If feasible, discontinue OSPHENA at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, the risk of VTE (DVT and PE) was increased for women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (30 versus 22 per ten thousand women years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 versus 15 per ten thousand women years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first 2 years.

5.2 Malignant Neoplasms Endometrial Cancer OSPHENA is an estrogen agonist/antagonist with tissue selective effects. In the endometrium, OSPHENA has agonistic effects. In the OSPHENA clinical trials (60 mg treatment group), no cases of endometrial cancer were seen with exposure up to 52 weeks. There was a single case of simple hyperplasia without atypia. Endometrial thickening equal to 5 mm or greater was seen in the OSPHENA up to 52 weeks treatment groups at a rate of 101.4 per thousand women vs. 20.9 per thousand women for placebo. The incidence of any type of proliferative (weakly plus active plus disordered) endometrium was 26.3 per thousand women in the OSPHENA up to 52 weeks treatment groups vs. 0 per thousand women for placebo. Uterine polyps occurred at an incidence of 19.6 per thousand women in the OSPHENA up to 52 weeks treatment groups vs. 8.3 per thousand women for placebo. An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in a woman with a uterus. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2 to 12 times greater than in non-users, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with the use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears to be associated with prolonged use, with increased risks of 15- to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more. This risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued. Adding a progestin to postmenopausal estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. There are, however, possible risks that may be associated with the use of progestins with estrogens compared to estrogen-alone regimens. These include an increased risk of breast cancer. The use of progestins with OSPHENA therapy was not evaluated in the clinical trials. Clinical surveillance of all women using OSPHENA is important. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding with unknown etiology.

Breast

Cancer OSPHENA 60 mg has not been adequately studied in women with breast cancer; therefore, it should not be used in women with known or suspected breast cancer or with a history of breast cancer.

The

Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) substudy of daily conjugated estrogen (CE) (0.625 mg)-alone provided information about breast cancer in estrogen-alone users. In the WHI estrogen alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, daily CE alone was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [relative risk (RR) 0.80] compared to placebo. After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (2.5 mg) reported an increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women who took daily CE plus MPA compared to placebo. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy was reported by 26 percent of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24 and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86, and the absolute risk was 46 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09, and the absolute risk was 40 versus 36 cases per 10,000 women-years for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. In the same substudy, invasive breast cancers were larger, were more likely to be node positive, and were diagnosed at a more advanced stage in the CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) group compared with the placebo group. Metastatic disease was rare, with no apparent difference between the two groups. Other prognostic factors, such as histologic subtype, grade and hormone receptor status did not differ between the groups. Consistent with the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials, observational studies have also reported an increased risk of breast cancer for estrogen plus progestin therapy and a smaller, but still increased, risk for estrogen-alone therapy after several years of use. One large meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies reported increased risks that were dependent upon duration of use and could last up to >10 years after discontinuation of estrogen plus progestin therapy and estrogen-alone therapy. Extension of the WHI trials also demonstrated increased breast cancer risk associated with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Observational studies also suggest that the risk of breast cancer was greater, and became apparent earlier, with estrogen plus progestin therapy as compared to the risk with estrogen-alone therapy. However, these studies have not found significant variation in the risk of breast cancer among different estrogen plus progestin combinations, doses, or routes of administration. The use of estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation. All women should receive yearly breast examinations by a healthcare provider and perform monthly breast self-examinations. In addition, mammography examinations should be scheduled based on patient age, risk factors, and prior mammogram results.

5.3 Severe Hepatic Impairment OSPHENA should not be used in women with severe hepatic impairment <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

Drug Interactions

INTERACTIONS OSPHENA is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. CYP2C19 and other pathways contribute to the metabolism of ospemifene. Do not use estrogens or estrogen agonist/antagonist concomitantly with OSPHENA. ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) Do not use fluconazole concomitantly with OSPHENA. Fluconazole increases serum concentrations of OSPHENA. ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) Do not use rifampin concomitantly with OSPHENA. Rifampin decreases serum concentration of OSPHENA. ( 7.2 , 12.3 )

7.1 Estrogens and Estrogen Agonist/Antagonist Do not use OSPHENA concomitantly with estrogens and estrogen agonists/antagonists. The safety of concomitant use of OSPHENA with estrogens and estrogen agonists/antagonists has not been studied.

7.2 Fluconazole Do not use OSPHENA concomitantly with fluconazole, a moderate CYP3A / strong CYP2C9 / moderate CYP2C19 inhibitor. Fluconazole increases the systemic exposure of ospemifene by 2.7-fold. Administration of fluconazole with ospemifene may increase the risk of OSPHENA-related adverse reactions <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

7.3 Rifampin Rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 / moderate CYP2C9 / moderate CYP2C19 inducer, decreases the systemic exposure of ospemifene by 58%. Therefore, co-administration of OSPHENA with drugs such as rifampin which induce CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and/or CYP2C19 activity would be expected to decrease the systemic exposure of ospemifene, which may decrease the clinical effect <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

7.4 Ketoconazole Ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, increases the systemic exposure of ospemifene by 1.4-fold. Administration of ketoconazole chronically with ospemifene may increase the risk of OSPHENA-related adverse reactions <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

7.5 Warfarin Repeated administration of ospemifene had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a single 10 mg dose of warfarin. No study was conducted with multiple doses of warfarin. The effect of ospemifene on clotting time such as the International Normalized Ratio (INR) or prothrombin time (PT) was not studied <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

7.6 Highly Protein-Bound Drugs Ospemifene is more than 99% bound to serum proteins and might affect the protein binding of other drugs. Use of OSPHENA with other drug products that are highly protein-bound may lead to increased exposure of either that drug or ospemifene <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

7.7 Multiple Enzyme Inhibition Co-administration of OSPHENA with a drug known to inhibit CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 isoenzymes may increase the risk of OSPHENA-related adverse reactions.