POSACONAZOLE: 5,823 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile
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Drug Class: Azole Antifungal [EPC] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: Westminster Pharmaceuticals, LLC · FDA Application: 022003 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available
Patent Expires: Mar 13, 2029 · First Report: 1990 · Latest Report: 20250812
What Are the Most Common POSACONAZOLE Side Effects?
All POSACONAZOLE Side Effects by Frequency
| Side Effect | Reports | % of Total | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug ineffective | 785 | 13.5% | 323 | 330 |
| Product use in unapproved indication | 661 | 11.4% | 49 | 66 |
| Off label use | 430 | 7.4% | 118 | 119 |
| Drug interaction | 383 | 6.6% | 25 | 132 |
| Death | 369 | 6.3% | 365 | 54 |
| Condition aggravated | 214 | 3.7% | 75 | 130 |
| Pyrexia | 185 | 3.2% | 47 | 110 |
| Neutropenia | 181 | 3.1% | 55 | 102 |
| Product use issue | 181 | 3.1% | 46 | 48 |
| Febrile neutropenia | 178 | 3.1% | 31 | 101 |
| Aspergillus infection | 155 | 2.7% | 66 | 65 |
| Septic shock | 149 | 2.6% | 119 | 84 |
| Hypokalaemia | 147 | 2.5% | 15 | 80 |
| Acute kidney injury | 136 | 2.3% | 42 | 100 |
| Cholestasis | 133 | 2.3% | 20 | 92 |
| Diarrhoea | 126 | 2.2% | 35 | 66 |
| Pneumonia | 124 | 2.1% | 60 | 91 |
| Electrocardiogram qt prolonged | 120 | 2.1% | 22 | 44 |
| Adverse event | 115 | 2.0% | 37 | 79 |
| Nausea | 114 | 2.0% | 16 | 62 |
Who Reports POSACONAZOLE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data
Gender: 41.0% female, 59.0% male. Average age: 49.1 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →
Is POSACONAZOLE Getting Safer? Reports by Year
| Year | Reports | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 1 | 3 |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | 8 | 0 | 4 |
| 2009 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| 2010 | 8 | 2 | 3 |
| 2011 | 13 | 3 | 7 |
| 2012 | 35 | 10 | 13 |
| 2013 | 37 | 18 | 19 |
| 2014 | 162 | 51 | 78 |
| 2015 | 201 | 96 | 80 |
| 2016 | 221 | 73 | 107 |
| 2017 | 254 | 42 | 115 |
| 2018 | 199 | 31 | 108 |
| 2019 | 199 | 43 | 96 |
| 2020 | 217 | 34 | 111 |
| 2021 | 243 | 51 | 160 |
| 2022 | 231 | 27 | 99 |
| 2023 | 225 | 16 | 120 |
| 2024 | 145 | 28 | 50 |
| 2025 | 70 | 1 | 39 |
What Is POSACONAZOLE Used For?
| Indication | Reports |
|---|---|
| Antifungal prophylaxis | 1,032 |
| Product used for unknown indication | 627 |
| Prophylaxis | 460 |
| Fungal infection | 351 |
| Mucormycosis | 349 |
| Aspergillus infection | 264 |
| Antifungal treatment | 207 |
| Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis | 191 |
| Infection prophylaxis | 170 |
| Acute myeloid leukaemia | 86 |
POSACONAZOLE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?
Other Drugs in Same Class: Azole Antifungal [EPC]
Official FDA Label for POSACONAZOLE
Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.
Drug Description
Noxafil and Noxafil PowderMix contain posaconazole, an azole antifungal agent. Posaconazole is designated chemically as 4-[4-[4-[4-[[ (3 R ,5 R )-5- (2,4-difluorophenyl)tetrahydro-5- (1 H -1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-3-furanyl]methoxy]phenyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-[(1 S ,2 S )-1-ethyl-2-hydroxypropyl]-2,4-dihydro-3 H -1,2,4-triazol-3-one with an empirical formula of C 37 H 42 F 2 N 8 O 4 and a molecular weight of 700.8. The chemical structure is: Posaconazole is a white powder with a low aqueous solubility. Noxafil (posaconazole)
Injection
Noxafil injection, for intravenous use, is a clear colorless to yellow, without preservatives sterile liquid essentially free of foreign matter. Each vial contains 300 mg of posaconazole and the following inactive ingredients: 6.68 g Betadex Sulfobutyl Ether Sodium (SBECD), 0.0033 g edetate disodium, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 2.6, and water for injection. Noxafil (posaconazole) Delayed-Release Tablets Noxafil delayed-release tablet, for oral use, is yellow, coated, and oblong and contains 100 mg of posaconazole. Each delayed-release tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose acetate succinate, iron oxide yellow, Macrogol/PEG 3350, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol partially hydrolyzed, silicon dioxide, talc, and titanium dioxide. Noxafil (posaconazole)
Oral Suspension
Noxafil oral suspension is a white, cherry-flavored immediate-release suspension that contains 40 mg of posaconazole per mL and the following inactive ingredients: artificial cherry flavor, citric acid monohydrate, glycerin, liquid glucose, polysorbate 80, purified water, simethicone, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate dihydrate, titanium dioxide, and xanthan gum.
Noxafil
PowderMix (posaconazole) for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension is supplied as a component of a kit. Each kit contains Noxafil as an off-white to yellowish powder for delayed-release oral suspension, a bottle of mixing liquid, two 3 mL (green) notched tip syringes, two 10 mL (blue) notched tip syringes, two mixing cups, and one bottle adapter for the mixing liquid bottle.
Noxafil
PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension contains 300 mg of posaconazole and the following inactive ingredient: hypromellose acetate succinate. The mixing liquid contains: anhydrous citric acid, antifoam Af emulsion, berry citrus sweet flavor, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, carrageenan calcium sulfate trisodium phosphate, glycerin, methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, potassium sorbate, propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, sodium saccharin, sorbitol solution, and xanthan gum.
Chemical
Structure
FDA Approved Uses (Indications)
AND USAGE Noxafil is an azole antifungal indicated as follows: Noxafil is indicated for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis as follows: ( 1.1 ) Noxafil injection: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg or greater Noxafil delayed-release tablets: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh greater than 40 kg Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension: pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg to 40 kg Noxafil is indicated for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or those with hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy as follows: ( 1.2 ) Noxafil injection: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg or greater. Noxafil delayed-release tablets: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh greater than 40 kg Noxafil oral suspension: adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension: pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg to 40 kg Noxafil oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), including OPC refractory (rOPC) to itraconazole and/or fluconazole in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older ( 1.3 )
1.1 Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis Noxafil is indicated for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis as follows: Noxafil injection: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg or greater Noxafil delayed-release tablets: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh greater than 40 kg Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension: pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 to 40 kg
1.2 Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Noxafil is indicated for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or those with hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy as follows: Noxafil injection: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg or greater Noxafil delayed-release tablets: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh greater than 40 kg Noxafil oral suspension: adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension: pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg to 40 kg
1.3 Treatment of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Including Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Refractory to Itraconazole and/or Fluconazole Noxafil oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis, including oropharyngeal candidiasis refractory to itraconazole and/or fluconazole in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older.
Dosage & Administration
AND ADMINISTRATION Noxafil formulations are supplied in different dose strengths of posaconazole, are approved for different indications, age groups, and weights, have different dosages and duration of therapy; and have different preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.1 ) Noxafil oral suspension is not substitutable with Noxafil delayed-release tablets or Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension due to the differences in the dosing of each formulation. Therefore, follow the specific dosage recommendations for each of the formulations. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 ) Noxafil injection must be administered through an in-line filter. ( 2.6 )
Administer
Noxafil injection by intravenous infusion over approximately 90 minutes via a central venous line. ( 2.1 , 2.6 ) Do NOT administer Noxafil injection as an intravenous bolus injection. ( 2.1 )
Administer
Noxafil delayed-release tablets with or without food. ( 2.1 )
Administer
Noxafil oral suspension with a full meal. ( 2.1 )
Administer Noxafil
PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension with food. ( 2.1 )
Administer Noxafil
PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension with the provided notched tip syringes only. ( 2.1 ) See the full prescribing information for important administration instructions and preparation instructions for Noxafil (injection, delayed-release tablets, and oral suspension) and Noxafil PowderMix delayed-release oral suspension ( 2.5 , 2.6 , 2.7 , 2.8 , 2.9 , 2.10 ) For adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years of age and older, see the Full Prescribing Information for dosing recommendations for Noxafil injection, Noxafil delayed-release tablets, Noxafil oral suspension, and/or Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension based on the indication, age, and weight associated with the dosage form ( 1.1 , 1.2 , 1.3 , 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 )
2.1 Important Administration Instructions Noxafil injection, Noxafil delayed-release tablets, Noxafil oral suspension and Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension are supplied in different dose strengths of posaconazole, are approved for different indications, age groups and weights; have different dosages and duration of therapy; and have different preparation and administration instructions. Therefore, select the recommended dosage form based on the indication, age group, and weight and carefully follow the recommended dosage, preparation and administration instructions described for each product <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.2 to 2.11) ]</span> , and the following important administration instructions described below. Non-substitutable Noxafil oral suspension is not substitutable with Noxafil delayed-release tablets or Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension due to the differences in the dosing of each formulation. Therefore, follow the specific dosage recommendations for each of the formulations <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) ]</span>. Noxafil injection Administer via a central venous line, including a central venous catheter or peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), by slow intravenous infusion over approximately 90 minutes <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ]</span> . Do NOT administer Noxafil injection as an intravenous bolus injection. Noxafil delayed-release tablets Swallow tablets whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew. Administer with or without food <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> . For patients who cannot eat a full meal, Noxafil delayed-release tablets should be used instead of Noxafil oral suspension for the prophylaxis indication. Noxafil delayed-release tablets generally provide higher plasma drug exposures than Noxafil oral suspension under both fed and fasted conditions <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.8) ]</span> . Noxafil oral suspension Administer with a full meal or with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage (e.g., ginger ale) in patients who cannot eat a full meal <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.8) ]</span>.
Noxafil
PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension Administer with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . To ensure delivery of the correct dose, ONLY the provided notched tip syringes must be used for preparation and administration. The design of the notched tip syringe prevents aggregation of the suspension during preparation and administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.10) ] .
2.2 Recommended Dosage of Noxafil in Adult Patients The recommended dosage of Noxafil (injection, delayed-release tablets, and oral suspension) in adult patients for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, or for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is shown in Table 1 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.5 , 2.6 , 2.7 , 2.8 , 2.9) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span>.
Noxafil
PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension is not recommended for use in adults [see Indications and Usage (1.1 , 1.2) ].
Table
1: Recommended Dosage of Noxafil Injection, Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablets, and Noxafil Oral Suspension in Adult Patients Dosage Duration of Therapy Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis Switching between the Noxafil injection and delayed-release tablets is acceptable. A loading dose is not required when switching between dosage forms.
Noxafil
Injection: Loading dose : 300 mg Noxafil injection intravenously twice a day on the first day. Maintenance dose : 300 mg Noxafil injection intravenously once a day, starting on the second day.
Noxafil
Delayed-Release Tablets: Loading dose: 300 mg (three 100 mg delayed-release tablets) twice a day on the first day. Maintenance dose : 300 mg (three 100 mg delayed-release tablets) once a day, starting on the second day. Loading dose: 1 day Maintenance dose: Recommended total duration of therapy is 6 to 12 weeks. Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Noxafil Injection: Loading dose : 300 mg Noxafil injection intravenously twice a day on the first day. Maintenance dose : 300 mg Noxafil injection intravenously once a day thereafter.
Noxafil
Delayed-Release Tablets: Loading dose : 300 mg (three 100 mg delayed-release tablets) twice a day on the first day. Maintenance dose : 300 mg (three 100 mg delayed-release tablets) once a day, starting on the second day.
Noxafil Oral
Suspension: 200 mg (5 mL) three times a day. Loading dose : 1 day Maintenance dose : Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC)
Noxafil Oral
Suspension: Loading dose : 100 mg (2.5 mL) twice a day on the first day. Maintenance dose : 100 mg (2.5 mL) once a day thereafter. Loading dose : 1 day Maintenance dose : 13 days OPC Refractory (rOPC) to Itraconazole and/or Fluconazole Noxafil Oral Suspension: 400 mg (10 mL) twice a day. Duration of therapy is based on the severity of the patient’s underlying disease and clinical response.
2.3 Recommended Dosage of Noxafil for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis and Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections in Pediatric Patients 2 Years of Age and Older Noxafil injection and Noxafil delayed-release tablets The recommended dosage of (1) Noxafil injection in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg or greater, and (2) Noxafil delayed-release tablets in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh greater than 40 kg for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections is shown in Table 2 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.5 , 2.6 , 2.7 , 2.9 ) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span>. Noxafil delayed-release tablets are not recommended for use in pediatric patients who weigh 40 kg or less because the recommended dosage cannot be achieved with this dosage form.
Table
2: Recommended Dosage of Noxafil Injection and Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablets for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis Switching between the intravenous and delayed-release tablets is acceptable. A loading dose is not required when switching between formulations. and Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections in Pediatric Patients (2 Years of Age and Older)
Recommended Pediatric
Dosage by Formulation Duration of Therapy Noxafil Injection (patients weighing 10 kg or greater): Loading dose : 6 mg/kg up to a maximum of 300 mg twice daily on the first day Maintenance dose : 6 mg/kg up to a maximum of 300 mg once daily, starting on the second day.
Noxafil
Delayed-Release Tablets (patients weighing greater than 40 kg): Loading dose: 300 mg (three 100 mg delayed-release tablets) twice a day on the first day. Maintenance dose : 300 mg (three 100 mg delayed-release tablets) once a day, starting on the second day. Treatment of invasive aspergillosis: Recommended total duration of therapy is 6 to 12 weeks Prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections: Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression.
Noxafil Oral Suspension
The recommended dosage of Noxafil oral suspension in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections is shown in Table 3.
Table
3: Recommended Dosage of Noxafil Oral Suspension for the Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections in Pediatric Patients (13 Years of Age and Older)
Recommended Pediatric
Dosage of Noxafil Oral Suspension Duration of Therapy 200 mg (5 mL) three times a day Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression.
Noxafil
PowderMix The recommended dosage of Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh 10 kg to 40 kg, for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, and the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections, is shown in Table 4 and Table 5 . The dosing for these indications is the same, except for patients weighing 10 to less than 12 kg [see Dosage and Administration (2.9 , 2.10 ) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Noxafil
PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension is not recommended for use in pediatric patients who weigh greater than 40 kg because the recommended dosage cannot be achieved with this dosage form.
Table
4: Recommended Dosage for Noxafil PowderMix for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis in Pediatric Patients (2 Years of Age and Older) Weight (kg)
Recommended Pediatric
Dosage of Noxafil PowderMix for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension Duration of Therapy 10 to less than 17 Loading Dose: 120 mg (4 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 120 mg (4 mL) once daily Recommended total duration of therapy is 6 to 12 weeks. 17 to less than 21 Loading Dose: 150 mg (5 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 150 mg (5 mL) once daily 21 to less than 26 Loading Dose: 180 mg (6 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 180 mg (6 mL) once daily 26 to less than 36 Loading Dose: 210 mg (7 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 210 mg (7 mL) once daily 36 to 40 Loading Dose: 240 mg (8 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 240 mg (8 mL) once daily Table 5: Recommended Dosage for Noxafil PowderMix for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension for the Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in Pediatric Patients (2 Years of Age and Older ) Weight (kg)
Recommended Pediatric
Dosage of Noxafil PowderMix for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension Duration of Therapy 10 to less than 12 Loading Dose: 90 mg (3 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 90 mg (3 mL) once daily Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression . 12 to less than 17 Loading Dose: 120 mg (4 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 120 mg (4 mL) once daily 17 to less than 21 Loading Dose: 150 mg (5 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 150 mg (5 mL) once daily 21 to less than 26 Loading Dose: 180 mg (6 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 180 mg (6 mL) once daily 26 to less than 36 Loading Dose: 210 mg (7 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 210 mg (7 mL) once daily 36 to 40 Loading Dose: 240 mg (8 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 240 mg (8 mL) once daily
2.4 Recommended Dosage of Noxafil Oral Suspension for the Treatment of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Pediatric Patients 13 Years of Age and Older The recommended dosage of Noxafil oral suspension for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) and OPC refractory (rOPC) to itraconazole and/or fluconazole in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older is shown in Table 6.
The
Noxafil injection, Noxafil delayed-release tablets, and Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension products are not approved for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in pediatric patients.
Table
6: Recommended Dosage of Noxafil Oral Suspension for the Treatment of OPC and rOPC in Pediatric Patients (13 Years of Age and Older)
Recommended Pediatric
Dosage of Noxafil Oral Suspension Duration of Therapy Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC)
Loading
Dose: 100 mg (2.5 mL) twice daily on the first day Maintenance Dose: 100 mg (2.5 mL) once daily Loading dose: 1 day Maintenance dose: 13 days OPC Refractory (rOPC) to Itraconazole and/or Fluconazole 400 mg (10 mL) twice daily Duration of therapy is based on the severity of the patient’s underlying disease and clinical response.
2.5 Preparation of Noxafil Injection Preparation of Noxafil Injection: Remove the vial of Noxafil injection from the refrigerator and allow to equilibrate to room temperature prior to use. To prepare the required dose, aseptically transfer one vial of Noxafil injection (containing 300 mg of posaconazole in 16.7 mL of solution) to an intravenous bag or bottle of one of the following compatible diluents to achieve a final posaconazole concentration between 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL: 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 5% Dextrose Injection 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 5% Dextrose and 20 mEq Potassium Chloride Injection Use of other diluents is not recommended because they may result in particulate formation. Discard any unused Noxafil injection from the vial. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Once admixed, the diluted Noxafil infusion solution ranges from colorless to yellow (variations of color within this range do not affect the quality of the product). Immediately use the diluted Noxafil infusion solution, once admixed. If not used immediately, refrigerate (2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F)) the diluted Noxafil infusion solution up to 24 hours. Discard any unused portion.
Incompatible
Diluents Co-administration of drug products besides the infusion solutions or products stated above are not recommended because this may result in particulate formation. The following diluents were determined to be incompatible with Noxafil injection; thus, do not dilute Noxafil injection with them: Lactated Ringer’s Injection Lactated Ringer's and 5% Dextrose Injection 4.2% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection
2.6 Administration of Diluted Noxafil Infusion Solution See Dosage and Administration (2.5) for the preparation instructions for the diluted Noxafil Solution.
Important Administration
Instructions for the Diluted Noxafil Infusion Solution Must administer diluted Noxafil Infusion Solution through a 0.22-micron polyethersulfone (PES) or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) filter. Administer diluted Noxafil infusion solution via a central venous line, including a central venous catheter (CVC) or peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), by slow intravenous infusion over approximately 90 minutes [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] If a CVC or PICC are not available, may administer diluted Noxafil solution once through a peripheral venous catheter by intravenous infusion over approximately 30 minutes to bridge the period during which a CVC or PICC are replaced, inserted, or unavailable for use (e.g., the CVC is being used for intravenous treatment with another product). However, do not administer diluted Noxafil infusion solution more than once via peripheral venous catheter because in clinical trials, multiple peripheral infusions given through the same vein resulted in infusion site reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. When multiple dosing is required, the infusion should be done via a central venous line.
Additional Administration
Instructions for the Diluted Noxafil Infusion Solution Administer diluted Noxafil infusion solution intravenously through the same intravenous line (or cannula) with the following compatible infusion solutions: 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 5% Dextrose Injection 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 5% Dextrose and 20 mEq potassium chloride Injection Administer diluted Noxafil infusion solution intravenously at the same time through the same intravenous line (or cannula) with the following intravenous drug products prepared in 5% Dextrose Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection: Amikacin Sulfate Injection Caspofungin Acetate for Injection Ciprofloxacin Injection Daptomycin for Injection Dobutamine Injection Famotidine Injection Filgrastim Injection Gentamicin Injection Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection Levofloxacin Injection Lorazepam Injection Meropenem for Injection Micafungin for Injection Morphine Sulfate Injection Norepinephrine Bitartrate Injection Potassium Chloride Injection Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection
2.7 Administration Instructions for Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablets Swallow the Noxafil delayed-release tablets whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew.
Administer
Noxafil delayed-release tablets orally with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
2.8 Administration Instructions for Noxafil Oral Suspension Administer Noxafil oral suspension with a full meal or with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage (e.g., ginger ale) in patients who cannot eat a full meal. For patients who cannot eat a full meal, use Noxafil delayed-release tablets instead of the Noxafil oral suspension for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in those who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised. This is because Noxafil delayed-release tablets provide higher plasma drug exposures than Noxafil oral suspension under fasted condition <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]</span>. For those patients using the Noxafil oral suspension: Shake Noxafil oral suspension well before use. Administer with measured dosing spoon provided in the package (see Figure 1 ).
Figure
1: Measured dosing spoon provided in the package marked for doses of 2.5 mL and 5 mL. Administer each dose of Noxafil oral suspension during or immediately (i.e., within 20 minutes) following a full meal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. In patients who cannot eat a full meal and for whom Noxafil delayed-release tablets or Noxafil injection are not options, administer each dose of Noxafil oral suspension with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage (e.g., ginger ale). If these patients cannot tolerate an oral nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage either use: An alternative antifungal therapy, or Noxafil oral suspension and closely monitor patients for breakthrough fungal infections. Rinse the spoon with water after each administration and before storage.
Figure
1
2.9 Non-substitutability between Noxafil Oral Suspension and Other Formulations Noxafil oral suspension is not substitutable with Noxafil delayed-release tablets or Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension due to the differences in the dosing of each formulation. Therefore, follow the specific dosage recommendations for each of the formulations <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) ]</span>.
2.10 Preparation and Administration Instructions for Noxafil PowderMix for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension For details on preparation and administration of Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension, see Instructions for Use .
Preparation
Instructions for Noxafil PowderMix for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension Do not open the Noxafil PowderMix packet until ready to prepare the drug. Remove cap from the mixing liquid and push the bottle adapter into the neck of the bottle. Once in place, the bottle adapter stays in the bottle.
Remove
9 mL of mixing liquid using the provided blue syringe. Put the cap back on the bottle. Only use the mixing liquid in the kit to prepare Noxafil PowderMix. Using the provided mixing cup, combine 9 mL of mixing liquid and the entire contents of one packet in the Noxafil PowderMix kit and mix (containing 300 mg of posaconazole). Shake the mixing cup vigorously for 45 seconds to mix the powder and mixing liquid from the Noxafil PowderMix kit. The final concentration of the reconstituted Noxafil PowderMix delayed-release suspension is approximately 30 mg/mL of posaconazole. Check to make sure the powder is mixed (the mixture should look cloudy and free of clumps). Must use the reconstituted Noxafil PowderMix delayed-release suspension within 1 hour of reconstitution. Discard unused portion of the reconstituted Noxafil PowderMix delayed-release suspension.
Administration
Instructions for Noxafil PowderMix Delayed-Release Reconstituted Suspension To ensure delivery of the correct reconstituted Noxafil PowderMix Delayed-release dose, only use the provided notched tip syringes for preparation and administration because its design reduces the risk of aggregation of the product during preparation and administration. Choose the correct syringe based on the prescribed Noxafil PowderMix dose: Use 3 mL ( green ) notched tip syringe (provided with the kit) if dose is 3 mL or less.
Use
10 mL ( blue ) notched tip syringe (provided with the kit) if dose is more than 3 mL. Administer reconstituted Noxafil PowderMix suspension orally with food within 1 hour of reconstitution [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The maximum dose that can be accurately withdrawn from the mixing cup after reconstitution is 240 mg (8 mL).
Discarding Unused Reconstituted Noxafil
PowderMix Suspension and Reuse of Syringes Not all the reconstituted Noxafil PowderMix suspension in the mixing cup will be used; there will be some left over in the mixing cup. Discard any remaining reconstituted Noxafil PowderMix suspension. The mixing cup may be hand washed and reused. Alternatively, the mixing cup may be discarded, and a similar mixing cup with a lid may be used for subsequent doses. The notched tip syringes may be hand washed and reused.
2.11 Dosage Modifications in Patients with Renal Impairment The recommended dosage of Noxafil oral suspension, Noxafil delayed-release tablets, and Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension is the same in patients with renal impairment compared to those with normal renal function. Avoid the use of Noxafil injection in patients with eGFR less than 50 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 , unless an assessment of the benefit/risk to the patient justifies its use. If the decision is made to use Noxafil injection in patients with eGFR less than 50 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 , closely monitor serum creatinine levels, and, if increases occur, consider changing to oral Noxafil therapy. The recommended dosage of Noxafil injection in patients with eGFR 50 to 90 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 is the same as those with normal renal function.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Known hypersensitivity to posaconazole or other azole antifungal agents. ( 4.1 )
- Coadministration of posaconazole with the following drugs is contraindicated; posaconazole increases concentrations and toxicities of:
- Sirolimus ( 4.2 , 5.1 , 7.1 )
- CYP3A4 substrates (pimozide, quinidine): can result in QTc interval prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes (TdP) ( 4.3 , 5.2 , 7.2 )
- HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Primarily Metabolized through CYP3A4 ( 4.4 , 7.3 )
- Ergot alkaloids ( 4.5 , 7.4 )
- Venetoclax: in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) at initiation and during the ramp up phase ( 4.6 , 5.10 , 7.16 )
4.1 Hypersensitivity Posaconazole is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to posaconazole or other azole antifungal agents.
4.2 Use with Sirolimus Posaconazole is contraindicated with sirolimus. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with sirolimus increases the sirolimus blood concentrations by approximately 9-fold and can result in sirolimus toxicity <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> .
4.3 QT Prolongation with Concomitant Use with CYP3A4 Substrates Posaconazole is contraindicated with CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QT interval. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with the CYP3A4 substrates, pimozide and quinidine may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )]</span>.
4.4 HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Primarily Metabolized Through CYP3A4 Coadministration with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) is contraindicated since increased plasma concentration of these drugs can lead to rhabdomyolysis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> .
4.5 Use with Ergot Alkaloids Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) which may lead to ergotism <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.4 )]</span>.
4.6 Use with Venetoclax Coadministration of posaconazole with venetoclax at initiation and during the ramp-up phase is contraindicated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) due to the potential for increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.16 )]</span>.
4.1 Hypersensitivity Posaconazole is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to posaconazole or other azole antifungal agents.
4.2 Use with Sirolimus Posaconazole is contraindicated with sirolimus. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with sirolimus increases the sirolimus blood concentrations by approximately 9-fold and can result in sirolimus toxicity <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> .
4.3 QT Prolongation with Concomitant Use with CYP3A4 Substrates Posaconazole is contraindicated with CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QT interval. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with the CYP3A4 substrates, pimozide and quinidine may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )]</span>.
4.4 HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Primarily Metabolized Through CYP3A4 Coadministration with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) is contraindicated since increased plasma concentration of these drugs can lead to rhabdomyolysis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> .
4.5 Use with Ergot Alkaloids Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) which may lead to ergotism <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.4 )]</span>.
4.6 Use with Venetoclax Coadministration of posaconazole with venetoclax at initiation and during the ramp-up phase is contraindicated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) due to the potential for increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.16 )]</span>.
Known Adverse Reactions
REACTIONS The following serious and otherwise important adverse reactions are discussed in detail in another section of the labeling: Arrhythmias and QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
Electrolyte
Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Pseudoaldosteronism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
Hepatic
Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
Adult
Patients: Common adverse reactions in studies with Noxafil in adults are diarrhea, nausea, fever, vomiting, headache, coughing, and hypokalemia. ( 6.1 )
Pediatric
Patients: Common adverse reactions (incidence >20% receiving 6 mg/kg Noxafil injection and Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension) in a study in pediatric patients are pyrexia, febrile neutropenia, vomiting, mucosal inflammation, pruritus, hypertension, hypokalemia, and stomatitis. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 1-877-888-4231 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 clinical trials of Noxafil cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis in Adults and Adolescents (Noxafil injection and Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablets) The safety of Noxafil injection and Noxafil delayed-release tablets was assessed in a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical study of Noxafil injection and Noxafil delayed-release tablets versus voriconazole for treatment of invasive aspergillosis (Aspergillosis Treatment Study). A total of 575 adult and pediatric patients 14 years of age and older (288 in the Noxafil group, 287 in voriconazole group (voriconazole for injection or voriconazole tablets)) with proven, probable or possible invasive aspergillosis were included. The median duration of treatment was 67 days for Noxafil injection or Noxafil delayed-release tablets and 64 days for voriconazole. In this study, 55% to 60% of patients started intravenous treatment with Noxafil (Noxafil injection) or voriconazole (voriconazole for injection). The median duration of the first instance of intravenous treatment (before switching to oral treatment or discontinuing or completing study treatment) was 9 days for both groups.
Table
7 presents adverse reactions reported at an incidence of ≥10% in either one of the treatment groups in the Aspergillosis Treatment Study. Adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation were reported for 34% of patients. The most commonly reported adverse reactions (>2% of patients) leading to treatment discontinuation were septic shock, respiratory failure, and bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in the Noxafil group, and septic shock and acute myeloid leukemia in the voriconazole group. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in the Noxafil-treated group were pyrexia (28%), hypokalemia (28%), and nausea (23%).
Table
7: Adverse Reactions in at least 10% of Adults and Adolescents Receiving Noxafil Injection or Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablets for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis Adverse Reactions Noxafil injection or Noxafil delayed-release tablets n=288 (%) Voriconazole for injection or Voriconazole tablets n=287 (%) Percentage of Patients Reporting any Adverse Reaction 97.6
97.6 Hypokalemia 28.5
17.1 Pyrexia 28.1
25.1 Nausea 22.6
17.8 Diarrhea 18.1
18.1 Vomiting 18.1
13.6 Alanine aminotransferase increased 14.6
12.9 Febrile neutropenia 14.6
13.2 Aspartate aminotransferase increased 13.2
12.5 Pneumonia 12.5
9.1 Headache 12.2
8.7 Constipation 11.1
8.0 Edema peripheral 11.1
8.4 Epistaxis 11.1
5.9 Cough 10.4
8.4 Abdominal pain 10.1
8.4 Hypomagnesemia 10.1
6.3 Clinical Trial Experience with Noxafil Injection for Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Administration of multiple doses of Noxafil injection via a peripheral venous catheter were associated with thrombophlebitis (60% incidence). Therefore, in subsequent studies, Noxafil injection was administered via central venous catheter <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ]</span>. The safety of Noxafil injection has been assessed in 268 patients in a clinical trial. Patients were enrolled in a non-comparative pharmacokinetic and safety trial of Noxafil injection when given as antifungal prophylaxis (Noxafil Injection Study). Patients were immunocompromised with underlying conditions including hematological malignancy, neutropenia post-chemotherapy, GVHD, and post HSCT. This patient population was 55% male, had a mean age of 51 years (range: 18-82 years, 19% of patients were ≥65 years of age), and were 95% White and 8% Hispanic. In this study, 10 patients received a single dose of 200 mg Noxafil injection, 21 patients received 200 mg daily dosage for a median of 14 days, and 237 patients received 300 mg daily dosage for a median of 9 days (the 200 mg dosage is not a recommended dosage for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in adults <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]</span>. In the 300 mg daily dosage group each patient received a loading intravenous dose of Noxafil injection 300 mg twice on Day 1, then intravenous Noxafil injection therapy, and finally Noxafil oral suspension to complete 28 days of total Noxafil therapy.
Table
8 presents adverse reactions observed in patients treated with the Noxafil injection 300 mg daily dosage group in the Noxafil Injection Study. The most frequently reported adverse reactions with an onset during the intravenous Noxafil injection phase of dosing with 300 mg once daily were diarrhea (32%), hypokalemia (22%), pyrexia (21%), and nausea (19%). These adverse reactions were consistent with those seen in studies with Noxafil oral suspension.
Table
8: Adverse Reactions in at least 10% of Adults Receiving Noxafil Injection for the Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections Adverse Reactions Noxafil Injection Treatment Phase n=237 Adverse reactions reported in patients with an onset during the Noxafil intravenous dosing phase of the study. (%)
Noxafil Injection Treatment
Phase or Subsequent Noxafil Oral Suspension Treatment Phase n=237 Adverse reactions reported with an onset at any time during the study in patients who were treated for up to 28 days of Noxafil therapy. (%) Percentage of Patients Reporting any Adverse Reaction 93 99 Diarrhea 32 39 Hypokalemia 22 28 Pyrexia 21 31 Nausea 19 30 Rash 15 24 Headache 14 21 Epistaxis 14 17 Abdominal Pain 13 17 Chills 12 16 Edema Peripheral 12 15 Vomiting 12 19 Hypomagnesemia 11 13 Decreased appetite 10 12 Cough 9 13 Constipation 8 13 Fatigue 8 10 Hypertension 8 11 Petechiae 8 10 Anemia 7 10 Dyspnea 7 10 Thrombocytopenia 7 11 Abdominal Pain Upper 6 11 Clinical Trial Experience with Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablets for Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections The safety of Noxafil delayed-release tablets has been assessed in 230 patients in clinical trials. Patients were enrolled in a non-comparative pharmacokinetic and safety trial of Noxafil delayed-release tablets when given as antifungal prophylaxis (Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablet Study). Patients were immunocompromised with underlying conditions including hematological malignancy, neutropenia post-chemotherapy, GVHD, and post HSCT. This patient population was 62% male, had a mean age of 51 years (range: 19-78 years, 17% of patients were ≥65 years of age), and were 93% White and 16% Hispanic. Noxafil delayed-release tablets were given for a median duration of 28 days. In this study, 20 adult patients received 200 mg daily dosage (this is not a recommended dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] ) and 210 adult patients received 300 mg daily dosage (following twice daily dosing on Day 1 in each cohort).
Table
9 presents adverse reactions (incidence of ≥ 10%) observed in patients treated with the Noxafil delayed-release tablets 300 mg daily dosage in the Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablet Study. The most frequently reported adverse reactions (>25%) in patients treated with Noxafil delayed-release tablets 300 mg once daily were diarrhea, pyrexia, and nausea. The most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of Noxafil delayed-release tablets 300 mg once daily was nausea (2%).
Table
9: Adverse Reactions in at least 10% of Adults Receiving Noxafil Delayed-Release Tablets (300 mg Daily Dosage) for the Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections Adverse Reactions Noxafil delayed-release tablet (300 mg) n=210 (%) Percentage of Patients Reporting any Adverse Reaction 99 Diarrhea 29 Pyrexia 28 Nausea 27 Hypokalemia 22 Cough 17 Edema Peripheral 16 Rash 16 Epistaxis 14 Headache 14 Mucosal Inflammation 14 Thrombocytopenia 14 Vomiting 13 Abdominal Pain 11 Hypertension 11 Anemia 10 Asthenia 10 Chills 10 Constipation 10 Hypomagnesemia 10 Clinical Trials Safety Experience with Noxafil Oral Suspension The safety of Noxafil oral suspension has been assessed in 1,844 patients, including: 605 patients in the active-controlled studies for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections 557 patients in the active-controlled OPC studies (not refractory to itraconazole or fluconazole) 239 patients in refractory OPC studies (refractory to itraconazole or fluconazole) (rOPC), and 443 patients in other patient populations These studies included immunocompromised patients (e.g., patients with hematological malignancy, neutropenia post-chemotherapy, GVHD post HSCT, and HIV infection), as well as non-neutropenic patients. This patient population was 71% male, had a mean age of 42 years (range: 8-84 years, 6% of patients were ≥65 years of age and 1% was <18 years of age), and were 64% White, 14% Black, 16% Hispanic. Noxafil oral suspension therapy was given to 171 patients for ≥6 months, including 58 patients who received Noxafil oral suspension therapy for ≥12 months.
Table
10 presents adverse reactions observed at an incidence of >10% in the studies for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections.
Table
11 presents adverse reactions observed at an incidence of at least 10% in the OPC/rOPC studies. Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections (Noxafil oral suspension) In the two randomized, comparative studies for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in those at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised (Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 1 and 2), the safety of Noxafil oral suspension 200 mg three times a day was compared to fluconazole 400 mg once daily or itraconazole 200 mg twice a day in severely immunocompromised patients. The most frequently reported adverse reactions (>30%) in these trials were fever, diarrhea, and nausea. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of Noxafil oral suspension were GI adverse reactions, specifically, nausea (2%), vomiting (2%), and increased hepatic enzymes (2%).
Table
10: Adverse Reactions in at least 10% of Patients Receiving Noxafil Oral Suspension for the Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Adverse Reactions Noxafil Oral Suspension n=605 (%) Fluconazole n=539 (%) Itraconazole n=58 (%) Percentage of Patients Reporting any Adverse Reaction 98 99 100 Fever 45 47 55 Diarrhea 42 39 60 Nausea 38 37 52 Hypokalemia 30 26 52 Thrombocytopenia 29 27 34 Vomiting 29 32 41 Headache 28 26 40 Abdominal Pain 27 27 36 Anemia 25 23 28 Coughing 24 24 24 Neutropenia 23 23 40 Constipation 21 17 17 Dyspnea 20 22 26 Rigors 20 16 29 Rash 19 18 43 Hypertension 18 16 5 Hypomagnesemia 18 16 19 Fatigue 17 18 9 Insomnia 17 17 19 Musculoskeletal Pain 16 15 16 Anorexia 15 17 28 Edema Legs 15 12 19 Epistaxis 14 14 21 Hypotension 14 15 17 Pharyngitis 12 11 21 Tachycardia 12 14 5 Arthralgia 11 12 9 Dizziness 11 10 9 Hyperglycemia 11 14 3 Petechiae 11 10 16 Pruritus 11 12 19 Back Pain 10 12 7 Bilirubinemia 10 9 19 Dyspepsia 10 9 10 Vaginal Hemorrhage Percentages of sex-specific adverse reactions are based on the number of males/females. 10 9 12 Treatment of Nonrefractory OPC and Refractory OPC (Noxafil oral suspension) In two randomized comparative studies for the treatment of nonrefractory OPC, the safety of Noxafil oral suspension (less than or equal to 400 mg once daily) in 557 HIV-infected patients was compared to the safety of fluconazole (100 mg once daily) in 262 HIV-infected patients. An additional 239 HIV-infected patients with refractory OPC (rOPC) received Noxafil oral suspension in two non-comparative trials for rOPC. Of these patients, 149 received the 800 mg/day dosage and the remainder received the less than or equal to 400 mg once daily dosage. In the nonrefractory OPC and rOPC studies, the most common adverse reactions in patients treated with Noxafil oral suspension were fever, diarrhea, nausea, headache, vomiting, and coughing. Adverse reactions were reported more frequently in the studies of patients with refractory OPC. Among these highly immunocompromised patients with advanced HIV disease, serious adverse reactions were reported in 55% (132/239) of Noxafil oral suspension-treated patients. The most commonly reported serious adverse reactions were fever (13%) and neutropenia (10%).
Table
11: Adverse Reactions in at least 10% of Patients Receiving Noxafil Oral Suspension for the Treatment of Nonrefractory and Refractory OPC Adverse Reactions Controlled OPC Pool Refractory OPC Pool Noxafil Oral Suspension Fluconazole Noxafil Oral Suspension n=557 (%) n=262 (%) n=239 (%) OPC=oropharyngeal candidiasis Percentage of Patients that Reported any Adverse Reaction Based on patients reporting adverse reactions at least once during the study, without regard to relationship to treatment. Patients may have reported more than 1 adverse reaction. 64 67 92 Diarrhea 10 13 29 Nausea 9 11 29 Headache 8 9 20 Vomiting 7 7 28 Fever 6 8 34 Abdominal Pain 5 6 18 Neutropenia 4 3 16 Coughing 3 4 25 Fatigue 3 5 13 Herpes Simplex 3 3 11 Pneumonia 3 2 10 Rash 3 4 15 Anemia 2 2 14 Anorexia 2 2 19 Asthenia 2 2 13 Sweating Increased 2 2 10 Candidiasis, Oral 1 <1 12 Dehydration 1 3 11 Dyspnea 1 3 12 Insomnia 1 1 16 Pain 1 1 11 Weight Decrease 1 <1 14 Rigors <1 2 12 Additional Adverse Reactions Reported in Less Than 5% of Noxafil-Treated Patients in Clinical Trials Other clinically significant adverse reactions reported in less than 5% of patients in clinical trials of Noxafil are listed below: Blood and lymphatic system disorders: hemolytic uremic syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, neutropenia aggravated Endocrine disorders: adrenal insufficiency Nervous system disorders: paresthesia Immune system disorders: allergic reaction [see Contraindications (4.1) ] Cardiac disorders: torsades de pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Vascular disorders: pulmonary embolism Gastrointestinal disorders: pancreatitis Liver and Biliary System Disorders: hepatic enzymes increased, hepatic function abnormal, hepatitis, hepatomegaly, jaundice Renal & Urinary System Disorders: renal failure acute Liver Test Abnormalities in the Clinical Trials of Noxafil Oral Suspension Liver Test Abnormalities in the Clinical Trials with Noxafil Oral Suspension for Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections In the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections studies, the number and percentage of patients with changes in liver tests from Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC)
Grade
0, 1, or 2 at baseline to Grade 3 or 4 at the end of the studies is presented in Table 12 .
Table
12: Changes in Liver Test Results from CTC Grade 0, 1, or 2 at Baseline to Grade 3 or 4 in Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Studies (Noxafil Oral Suspension Studies 1 and 2) Number (%) of Patients with Change Change from Grade 0 to 2 at baseline to Grade 3 or 4 during the study. These data are presented in the form X/Y, where X represents the number of patients who met the criterion as indicated, and Y represents the number of patients who had a baseline observation and at least one post-baseline observation.
Noxafil Oral Suspension Study
1 CTC = Common Toxicity Criteria; AST= Aspartate Aminotransferase; ALT= Alanine Aminotransferase.
Laboratory Parameter Noxafil Oral
Suspension n=301 Fluconazole n=299 AST 11/266 (4) 13/266 (5) ALT 47/271 (17) 39/272 (14)
Bilirubin
24/271 (9) 20/275 (7)
Alkaline Phosphatase
9/271 (3) 8/271 (3)
Noxafil Oral Suspension Study
2 Laboratory Parameter Noxafil Oral Suspension (n=304) Fluconazole/Itraconazole (n=298) AST 9/286 (3) 5/280 (2) ALT 18/289 (6) 13/284 (5)
Bilirubin
20/290 (7) 25/285 (9)
Alkaline Phosphatase
4/281 (1) 1/276 (<1)
Liver Test
Abnormalities in the Clinical Trials with Noxafil Oral Suspension for the Treatment of OPC The number and percentage of patients treated for OPC with clinically significant liver test abnormalities at any time during the studies is provided in Table 13 (liver test abnormalities were present in some of these patients prior to initiation of the study drug).
Table
13: Clinically Significant Liver Test Abnormalities without Regard to Baseline Value (Noxafil Oral Suspension Studies for the Treatment of OPC)
Laboratory Test
Nonrefractory OPC Refractory OPC Noxafil Oral Suspension Fluconazole Noxafil Oral Suspension n=557 (%) n=262 (%) n=239 (%) ALT= Alanine Aminotransferase; AST= Aspartate Aminotransferase. ALT > 3.0 x ULN 16/537 (3) 13/254 (5) 25/226 (11) AST > 3.0 x ULN 33/537 (6) 26/254 (10) 39/223 (17)
Total
Bilirubin > 1.5 x ULN 15/536 (3) 5/254 (2) 9/197 (5)
Alkaline
Phosphatase > 3.0 x ULN 17/535 (3) 15/253 (6) 24/190 (13)
Liver Test
Abnormalities in the Clinical Trials with Noxafil Oral Suspension for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis The number and percentage of patients treated for invasive aspergillosis with clinically significant liver test abnormalities at any time during the Aspergillosis Treatment Study is provided in Table 14. Liver test abnormalities present prior to the initiation of study drug included: ALT (22% of the patients), AST (13% of the patients), and bilirubin (13% of the patients).
Table
14: Changes in Liver Test Results from CTC Grade 0, 1, or 2 at Baseline to Grade 3 or 4 (Aspergillosis Treatment Study) Number (%) of Patients with Change Change from Grade 0 to 2 at baseline to Grade 3 or 4 during the study. These data are presented in the form n/N, where n represents the number of patients who met the criterion as indicated, and N represents the number of patients who had a baseline observation and at least one post-baseline observation.
Laboratory Parameter
Noxafil n/N (%) Voriconazole n/N (%) N=Number of patients for a given laboratory test with a baseline value of CTC Grade 0, 1, or 2 and at least one post-baseline value. CTC = Common Toxicity Criteria; AST= Aspartate Aminotransferase; ALT= Alanine Aminotransferase. AST 22/281 (8) 21/285 (7) ALT 29/281(10) 23/282 (8)
Bilirubin
26/280 (9) 25/284 (9)
Alkaline Phosphatase
12/282 (4) 20/284 (7) In healthy volunteers and patients, elevation of liver test values did not appear to be associated with higher plasma posaconazole concentrations.
Clinical
Trials in Pediatric Patients 2 Years of Age and Older The safety of Noxafil injection and Noxafil PowderMix (for delayed-release oral suspension) for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections was evaluated in an open-label uncontrolled dose-ranging pharmacokinetic and safety study of Noxafil injection and Noxafil PowderMix (Pediatric Study 1, NCT02452034). In this study, 115 immunocompromised pediatric patients 2 to less than 18 years of age with known or expected neutropenia initially received Noxafil injection (up to 6 mg/kg twice daily for the first day and then up to 6 mg/kg for at least 7 days), and then 63 patients were transitioned to Noxafil PowderMix (up to 6 mg/kg once daily). The mean overall treatment duration was 21 days including a mean duration of 14 days (range: 1 to 28 days) on Noxafil injection and a mean duration of 12 days (range: 2 to 18 days) on Noxafil PowderMix [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. In this study, the reported adverse reaction profile of Noxafil injection and Noxafil PowderMix in pediatric patients was consistent with the safety profile of Noxafil in adults. The most common adverse reactions that occurred in greater than 20% of pediatric patients who received Noxafil injection and Noxafil PowderMix were pyrexia, febrile neutropenia, vomiting, mucosal inflammation, pruritus, hypertension, hypokalemia, and stomatitis. The safety of Noxafil injection, Noxafil delayed-release tablets, and Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis was evaluated in an open-label, non-comparative clinical study in 31 pediatric patients 2 to less than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of possible, probable, or proven invasive aspergillosis (Pediatric Study 2, NCT04218851). In this study, all 31 pediatric patients initially received Noxafil injection (6 mg/kg twice daily on the first day and then 6 mg/kg once daily) for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis; 12 patients were transitioned to Noxafil delayed-release tablets (300 mg once daily) if they weighed ≥40 kg, and 10 patients were transitioned to Noxafil PowderMix (based on weight) if they weighed 10 to 40 kg [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . The mean overall treatment duration was 50 days including 15 days (range: 2 to 78 days) on Noxafil injection, 54 days (range: 6 to 80 days) on Noxafil delayed-release tablets, and 44 days (range: 7 to 76 days) on Noxafil PowderMix. The reported adverse reaction profile of Noxafil injection, Noxafil delayed-release tablets, and Noxafil PowderMix in pediatric patients was consistent with the known safety profile of Noxafil in adults. The most common adverse reactions that occurred in greater than 20% of pediatric patients who received any of the three formulations of Noxafil were vomiting, pyrexia, abdominal pain, liver test abnormalities, and hypertension.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reaction has been identified during the post-approval use of Noxafil. 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.
Endocrine
Disorders: Pseudoaldosteronism
Warnings
AND PRECAUTIONS Calcineurin Inhibitor Toxicity : Posaconazole increases concentrations of cyclosporine or tacrolimus; reduce dose of cyclosporine and tacrolimus and monitor concentrations frequently. ( 5.1 ) Arrhythmias and QTc Prolongation : Posaconazole has been shown to prolong the QTc interval and cause cases of TdP. Administer with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions. Do not administer with drugs known to prolong QTc interval and metabolized through CYP3A4. ( 5.2 )
Electrolyte
Disturbances : Monitor and correct, especially those involving potassium (K + ), magnesium (Mg ++ ), and calcium (Ca ++ ), before and during posaconazole therapy. (5.3) Pseudoaldosteronism : Manifested by the onset or worsening of hypertension, and abnormal laboratory findings. Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels, and manage as necessary. (5.4)
Hepatic
Toxicity : Elevations in liver tests may occur. Discontinuation should be considered in patients who develop abnormal liver tests or monitor liver tests during treatment. ( 5.5 )
Concomitant
Use with Midazolam : Posaconazole can prolong hypnotic/sedative effects. Monitor patients and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists should be available. ( 5.7 , 7.5 )
Vincristine
Toxicity : Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions; reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options. ( 5.8 , 7.10 )
Breakthrough Fungal
Infections : Monitor patients with severe diarrhea or vomiting when receiving posaconazole delayed-release tablets. ( 5.10 )
Venetoclax
Toxicity: Concomitant administration of posaconazole with venetoclax may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumor lysis syndrome, neutropenia, and serious infections; monitor for toxicity and reduce venetoclax dose. ( 4.6 , 5.11 , 7.16)
5.1 Calcineurin-Inhibitor Toxicity Concomitant administration of posaconazole with cyclosporine or tacrolimus increases the whole blood trough concentrations of these calcineurin-inhibitors <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . Nephrotoxicity and leukoencephalopathy (including deaths) have been reported in clinical efficacy studies in patients with elevated cyclosporine or tacrolimus concentrations. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus or cyclosporine whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the tacrolimus or cyclosporine dose adjusted accordingly.
5.2 Arrhythmias and QT Prolongation Some azoles, including posaconazole, have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram. In addition, cases of torsades de pointes have been reported in patients taking posaconazole. Results from a multiple time-matched ECG analysis in healthy volunteers did not show any increase in the mean of the QTc interval. Multiple, time-matched ECGs collected over a 12-hour period were recorded at baseline and steady-state from 173 healthy male and female volunteers (18 -85 years of age) administered Noxafil ® oral suspension 400 mg twice daily with a high-fat meal. In this pooled analysis, the mean QTc (Fridericia) interval change from baseline was –5 msec following administration of the recommended clinical dose. A decrease in the QTc(F) interval (–3 msec) was also observed in a small number of subjects (n=16) administered placebo. The placebo-adjusted mean maximum QTc(F) interval change from baseline was <0 msec (–8 msec). No healthy subject administered posaconazole had a QTc(F) interval ≥500 msec or an increase ≥60 msec in their QTc(F) interval from baseline. Posaconazole should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions. Do not administer with drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval and are metabolized through CYP3A4 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.3 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )]</span> .
5.3 Electrolyte Disturbances Electrolyte disturbances, especially those involving potassium, magnesium or calcium levels, should be monitored and corrected as necessary before and during posaconazole therapy.
5.4 Pseudoaldosteronism Pseudoaldosteronism, manifested by the onset of hypertension or worsening of hypertension, and abnormal laboratory findings (hypokalemia, low serum renin and aldosterone, and elevated 11-deoxycortisol), has been reported with posaconazole use in the postmarket setting. Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels and manage as necessary. Management of pseudoaldosteronism may include discontinuation of posaconazole delayed-release tablets, substitution with an appropriate antifungal drug that is not associated with pseudoaldosteronism, or use of aldosterone receptor antagonists.
5.5 Hepatic Toxicity Hepatic reactions (e.g., mild to moderate elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and/or clinical hepatitis) have been reported in clinical trials. The elevations in liver tests were generally reversible on discontinuation of therapy, and in some instances these tests normalized without drug interruption. Cases of more severe hepatic reactions including cholestasis or hepatic failure including deaths have been reported in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (e.g., hematologic malignancy) during treatment with posaconazole. These severe hepatic reactions were seen primarily in subjects receiving the Noxafil ® oral suspension 800 mg daily (400 mg twice daily or 200 mg four times a day) in clinical trials. Liver tests should be evaluated at the start of and during the course of posaconazole therapy. Patients who develop abnormal liver tests during posaconazole therapy should be monitored for the development of more severe hepatic injury. Patient management should include laboratory evaluation of hepatic function (particularly liver tests and bilirubin). Discontinuation of posaconazole must be considered if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop that may be attributable to posaconazole.
5.6 Renal Impairment Due to the variability in exposure with posaconazole delayed-release tablets, Noxafil ® oral suspension, and Noxafil ® PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension, patients with severe renal impairment should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.9 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]</span>.
5.7 Midazolam Toxicity Concomitant administration of posaconazole with midazolam increases the midazolam plasma concentrations by approximately 5-fold. Increased plasma midazolam concentrations could potentiate and prolong hypnotic and sedative effects. Patients must be monitored closely for adverse effects associated with high plasma concentrations of midazolam and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists must be available to reverse these effects <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interact ions ( 7.5 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>.
5.8 Vincristine Toxicity Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions, including seizures, peripheral neuropathy, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and paralytic ileus. Reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.10 )]</span>.
5.10 Breakthrough Fungal Infections Patients who have severe diarrhea or vomiting should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections when receiving posaconazole delayed-release tablets.
5.11 Venetoclax Toxicity Concomitant administration of posaconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, with venetoclax may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), neutropenia, and serious infections. In patients with CLL/SLL, administration of posaconazole during initiation and the ramp-up phase of venetoclax is contraindicated <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.6 )]</span>. Refer to the venetoclax labeling for safety monitoring and dose reduction in the steady daily dosing phase in CLL/SLL patients. For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), dose reduction and safety monitoring are recommended across all dosing phases when coadministering posaconazole with venetoclax <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.16 )]</span> . Refer to the venetoclax prescribing information for dosing instructions.
5.1 Calcineurin-Inhibitor Toxicity Concomitant administration of posaconazole with cyclosporine or tacrolimus increases the whole blood trough concentrations of these calcineurin-inhibitors <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . Nephrotoxicity and leukoencephalopathy (including deaths) have been reported in clinical efficacy studies in patients with elevated cyclosporine or tacrolimus concentrations. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus or cyclosporine whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the tacrolimus or cyclosporine dose adjusted accordingly.
5.2 Arrhythmias and QT Prolongation Some azoles, including posaconazole, have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram. In addition, cases of torsades de pointes have been reported in patients taking posaconazole. Results from a multiple time-matched ECG analysis in healthy volunteers did not show any increase in the mean of the QTc interval. Multiple, time-matched ECGs collected over a 12-hour period were recorded at baseline and steady-state from 173 healthy male and female volunteers (18 -85 years of age) administered Noxafil ® oral suspension 400 mg twice daily with a high-fat meal. In this pooled analysis, the mean QTc (Fridericia) interval change from baseline was –5 msec following administration of the recommended clinical dose. A decrease in the QTc(F) interval (–3 msec) was also observed in a small number of subjects (n=16) administered placebo. The placebo-adjusted mean maximum QTc(F) interval change from baseline was <0 msec (–8 msec). No healthy subject administered posaconazole had a QTc(F) interval ≥500 msec or an increase ≥60 msec in their QTc(F) interval from baseline. Posaconazole should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions. Do not administer with drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval and are metabolized through CYP3A4 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.3 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )]</span> .
5.3 Electrolyte Disturbances Electrolyte disturbances, especially those involving potassium, magnesium or calcium levels, should be monitored and corrected as necessary before and during posaconazole therapy.
5.4 Pseudoaldosteronism Pseudoaldosteronism, manifested by the onset of hypertension or worsening of hypertension, and abnormal laboratory findings (hypokalemia, low serum renin and aldosterone, and elevated 11-deoxycortisol), has been reported with posaconazole use in the postmarket setting. Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels and manage as necessary. Management of pseudoaldosteronism may include discontinuation of posaconazole delayed-release tablets, substitution with an appropriate antifungal drug that is not associated with pseudoaldosteronism, or use of aldosterone receptor antagonists.
5.5 Hepatic Toxicity Hepatic reactions (e.g., mild to moderate elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and/or clinical hepatitis) have been reported in clinical trials. The elevations in liver tests were generally reversible on discontinuation of therapy, and in some instances these tests normalized without drug interruption. Cases of more severe hepatic reactions including cholestasis or hepatic failure including deaths have been reported in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (e.g., hematologic malignancy) during treatment with posaconazole. These severe hepatic reactions were seen primarily in subjects receiving the Noxafil ® oral suspension 800 mg daily (400 mg twice daily or 200 mg four times a day) in clinical trials. Liver tests should be evaluated at the start of and during the course of posaconazole therapy. Patients who develop abnormal liver tests during posaconazole therapy should be monitored for the development of more severe hepatic injury. Patient management should include laboratory evaluation of hepatic function (particularly liver tests and bilirubin). Discontinuation of posaconazole must be considered if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop that may be attributable to posaconazole.
5.6 Renal Impairment Due to the variability in exposure with posaconazole delayed-release tablets, Noxafil ® oral suspension, and Noxafil ® PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension, patients with severe renal impairment should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.9 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]</span>.
5.7 Midazolam Toxicity Concomitant administration of posaconazole with midazolam increases the midazolam plasma concentrations by approximately 5-fold. Increased plasma midazolam concentrations could potentiate and prolong hypnotic and sedative effects. Patients must be monitored closely for adverse effects associated with high plasma concentrations of midazolam and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists must be available to reverse these effects <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interact ions ( 7.5 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>.
5.8 Vincristine Toxicity Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions, including seizures, peripheral neuropathy, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and paralytic ileus. Reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.10 )]</span>.
5.10 Breakthrough Fungal Infections Patients who have severe diarrhea or vomiting should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections when receiving posaconazole delayed-release tablets.
5.11 Venetoclax Toxicity Concomitant administration of posaconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, with venetoclax may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), neutropenia, and serious infections. In patients with CLL/SLL, administration of posaconazole during initiation and the ramp-up phase of venetoclax is contraindicated <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.6 )]</span>. Refer to the venetoclax labeling for safety monitoring and dose reduction in the steady daily dosing phase in CLL/SLL patients. For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), dose reduction and safety monitoring are recommended across all dosing phases when coadministering posaconazole with venetoclax <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.16 )]</span> . Refer to the venetoclax prescribing information for dosing instructions.
Drug Interactions
INTERACTIONS Posaconazole is primarily metabolized via UDP glucuronosyltransferase and is a substrate of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux. Therefore, inhibitors or inducers of these clearance pathways may affect posaconazole plasma concentrations. Coadministration of drugs that can decrease the plasma concentrations of posaconazole should generally be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If such drugs are necessary, patients should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections. Posaconazole is also a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4. Therefore, plasma concentrations of drugs predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4 may be increased by posaconazole [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. The following information was derived from data with Noxafil ® oral suspension or early tablet formulation unless otherwise noted. All drug interactions with Noxafil ® oral suspension, except for those that affect the absorption of posaconazole (via gastric pH and motility), are considered relevant to posaconazole delayed-release tablet, as well [see Drug Interactions ( 7.9 ) and ( 7.13 )].
Interaction Drug Interaction
Rifabutin, phenytoin, efavirenz, cimetidine Avoid coadministration unless the benefit outweighs the risks ( 7.6 , 7.7 , 7.8 , 7.9 ) Other drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 Consider dosage adjustment and monitor for adverse effects and toxicity ( 7.1 , 7.10 , 7.11 )
Digoxin
Monitor digoxin plasma concentrations ( 7.12 )
Fosamprenavir
Monitor for breakthrough fungal infections ( 7.6 , 7.13 )
7.1 Immunosuppressants Metabolized by CYP3A4 Sirolimus : Concomitant administration of posaconazole with sirolimus increases the sirolimus blood concentrations by approximately 9-fold and can result in sirolimus toxicity. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with sirolimus <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>. Tacrolimus : Posaconazole has been shown to significantly increase the C max and AUC of tacrolimus. At initiation of posaconazole treatment, reduce the tacrolimus dose to approximately one-third of the original dose. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the tacrolimus dose adjusted accordingly <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>. Cyclosporine : Posaconazole has been shown to increase cyclosporine whole blood concentrations in heart transplant patients upon initiation of posaconazole treatment. It is recommended to reduce cyclosporine dose to approximately three-fourths of the original dose upon initiation of posaconazole treatment. Frequent monitoring of cyclosporine whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the cyclosporine dose adjusted accordingly <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>.
7.2 CYP3A4 Substrates Concomitant administration of posaconazole with CYP3A4 substrates such as pimozide and quinidine may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with these drugs <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.3 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]</span>.
7.3 HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)
Primarily Metabolized
Through CYP3A4 Concomitant administration of posaconazole with simvastatin increases the simvastatin plasma concentrations by approximately 10-fold. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 [see Contraindications ( 4.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
7.4 Ergot Alkaloids Most of the ergot alkaloids are substrates of CYP3A4. Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) which may lead to ergotism. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with ergot alkaloids <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.5 )]</span>.
7.5 Benzodiazepines Metabolized by CYP3A4 Concomitant administration of posaconazole with midazolam increases the midazolam plasma concentrations by approximately 5-fold. Increased plasma midazolam concentrations could potentiate and prolong hypnotic and sedative effects. Concomitant use of posaconazole and other benzodiazepines metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., alprazolam, triazolam) could result in increased plasma concentrations of these benzodiazepines. Patients must be monitored closely for adverse effects associated with high plasma concentrations of benzodiazepines metabolized by CYP3A4 and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists must be available to reverse these effects <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>.
7.6 Anti-HIV Drugs Efavirenz : Efavirenz induces UDP-glucuronidase and significantly decreases posaconazole plasma concentrations <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . It is recommended to avoid concomitant use of efavirenz with posaconazole unless the benefit outweighs the risks. Ritonavir and Atazanavir : Ritonavir and atazanavir are metabolized by CYP3A4 and posaconazole increases plasma concentrations of these drugs <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>. Frequent monitoring of adverse effects and toxicity of ritonavir and atazanavir should be performed during coadministration with posaconazole. Fosamprenavir : Combining fosamprenavir with posaconazole may lead to decreased posaconazole plasma concentrations. If concomitant administration is required, close monitoring for breakthrough fungal infections is recommended <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> .
7.7 Rifabutin Rifabutin induces UDP-glucuronidase and decreases posaconazole plasma concentrations. Rifabutin is also metabolized by CYP3A4. Therefore, coadministration of rifabutin with posaconazole increases rifabutin plasma concentrations <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . Concomitant use of posaconazole and rifabutin should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk. However, if concomitant administration is required, close monitoring for breakthrough fungal infections as well as frequent monitoring of full blood counts and adverse reactions due to increased rifabutin plasma concentrations (e.g., uveitis, leukopenia) are recommended.
7.8 Phenytoin Phenytoin induces UDP-glucuronidase and decreases posaconazole plasma concentrations. Phenytoin is also metabolized by CYP3A4. Therefore, coadministration of phenytoin with posaconazole increases phenytoin plasma concentrations <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . Concomitant use of posaconazole and phenytoin should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk. However, if concomitant administration is required, close monitoring for breakthrough fungal infections is recommended and frequent monitoring of phenytoin concentrations should be performed while coadministered with posaconazole and dose reduction of phenytoin should be considered.
7.9 Gastric Acid Suppressors/Neutralizers No clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole were observed when posaconazole delayed-release tablets are concomitantly used with antacids, H 2 -receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>. No dosage adjustment of posaconazole delayed-release tablets is required when concomitantly used with antacids, H 2 -receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors.
7.10 Vinca Alkaloids Most of the vinca alkaloids (e.g., vincristine and vinblastine) are substrates of CYP3A4. Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with serious adverse reactions <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]</span>. Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of vinca alkaloids which may lead to neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions. Therefore, reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options.
7.11 Calcium Channel Blockers Metabolized by CYP3A4 Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, nicardipine, felodipine). Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to calcium channel blockers is recommended during coadministration. Dose reduction of calcium channel blockers may be needed.
7.12 Digoxin Increased plasma concentrations of digoxin have been reported in patients receiving digoxin and posaconazole. Therefore, monitoring of digoxin plasma concentrations is recommended during coadministration.
7.13 Gastrointestinal Motility Agents Concomitant administration of metoclopramide with posaconazole delayed-release tablets did not affect the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . No dosage adjustment of posaconazole delayed-release tablets is required when given concomitantly with metoclopramide.
7.14 Glipizide Although no dosage adjustment of glipizide is required, it is recommended to monitor glucose concentrations when posaconazole and glipizide are concomitantly used.
7.16 Venetoclax Concomitant use of venetoclax (a CYP3A4 substrate) with posaconazole increases venetoclax C max and AUC 0-INF , which may increase venetoclax toxicities <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4.6 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]</span>. Refer to the venetoclax prescribing information for more information on the dosing instructions and the extent of increase in venetoclax exposure.
7.1 Immunosuppressants Metabolized by CYP3A4 Sirolimus : Concomitant administration of posaconazole with sirolimus increases the sirolimus blood concentrations by approximately 9-fold and can result in sirolimus toxicity. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with sirolimus <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>. Tacrolimus : Posaconazole has been shown to significantly increase the C max and AUC of tacrolimus. At initiation of posaconazole treatment, reduce the tacrolimus dose to approximately one-third of the original dose. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the tacrolimus dose adjusted accordingly <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>. Cyclosporine : Posaconazole has been shown to increase cyclosporine whole blood concentrations in heart transplant patients upon initiation of posaconazole treatment. It is recommended to reduce cyclosporine dose to approximately three-fourths of the original dose upon initiation of posaconazole treatment. Frequent monitoring of cyclosporine whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the cyclosporine dose adjusted accordingly <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>.
7.2 CYP3A4 Substrates Concomitant administration of posaconazole with CYP3A4 substrates such as pimozide and quinidine may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with these drugs <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.3 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]</span>.
7.3 HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)
Primarily Metabolized
Through CYP3A4 Concomitant administration of posaconazole with simvastatin increases the simvastatin plasma concentrations by approximately 10-fold. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 [see Contraindications ( 4.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].