Generic: BUDESONIDE
Corticosteroid [EPC]
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Budesonide delayed-release capsules are a corticosteroid indicated for: Treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon, in patients 8 years and older. ( 1.1 ) Maintenance of clinical remission of mild to moderate Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon for up to 3 months in adults. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Treatment of Mild to Moderate Active Crohn’s Disease Budesonide delayed-release capsules are indicated fo...
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Budesonide delayed-release capsules are a corticosteroid indicated for: Treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon, in patients 8 years and older. ( 1.1 ) Maintenance of clinical remission of mild to moderate Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon for up to 3 months in adults. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Treatment of Mild to Moderate Active Crohn’s Disease Budesonide delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon in patients 8 years of age and older. 1.2 Maintenance of Clinical Remission of Mild to Moderate Crohn’s Disease Budesonide delayed-release capsules are indicated for the maintenance of clinical remission of mild to moderate Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon for up to 3 months in adults.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypercorticism and Adrenal Axis Suppression: May occur with treatment; monitor for signs and symptoms; pediatrics and patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk. ( 2.4 , 5.1 , 8.4 , 8.6 ) Symptoms of Steroid Withdrawal in Patients Transferred from Other Systemic Corticosteroids: Taper slowly from corticosteroids with high systemic effects; monitor for withdrawal symptoms and unmasking of allergies (rhinitis, eczema). ( 5.2 ) Immunosuppression and Increas...
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypercorticism and Adrenal Axis Suppression: May occur with treatment; monitor for signs and symptoms; pediatrics and patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk. ( 2.4 , 5.1 , 8.4 , 8.6 ) Symptoms of Steroid Withdrawal in Patients Transferred from Other Systemic Corticosteroids: Taper slowly from corticosteroids with high systemic effects; monitor for withdrawal symptoms and unmasking of allergies (rhinitis, eczema). ( 5.2 ) Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection: Increased risk of viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal and helminthic infections, including potentially fatal varicella and measles infection. Monitor patients for new or worsening infection and consider drug discontinuation. Avoid use in patients with fungal infections, Strongyloides infestation, cerebral malaria and ocular herpes simplex. Screen for hepatitis B infection. ( 5.3 ) Karposi’s Sarcoma: Reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. ( 5.4 ) Other Corticosteroid Effects: Monitor patients with concomitant conditions where corticosteroids may have unwanted effects (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus). ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Hypercorticism and Adrenal Axis Suppression Systemic effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression may occur with use of corticosteroids, including budesonide [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease have a slightly higher systemic exposure of budesonide and increased cortisol suppression than adults with Crohn’s disease [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression during treatment with budesonide. Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B and C respectively) could be at an increased risk of hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression due to an increased systemic exposure of oral budesonide. Avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Monitor for increased signs and/or symptoms of hypercorticism and consider reducing the dosage in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Corticosteroids, including budesonide, can reduce the response of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress. In situations where patients are subject to surgery or other stress situations, supplementation with a systemic corticosteroid is recommended. 5.2 Symptoms of Steroid Withdrawal in Patients Transferred from Other Systemic Corticosteroids Monitor patients who are transferred from corticosteroid treatment with high systemic effects to corticosteroids with lower systemic availability, such as budesonide, since symptoms attributed to withdrawal of steroid therapy, including those of acute adrenal axis suppression or benign intracranial hypertension, may develop. Adrenocortical function monitoring may be required in these patients and the dose of corticosteroid treatment with high systemic effects should be reduced cautiously. Replacement of systemic corticosteroids with budesonide may unmask allergies (e.g., rhinitis and eczema), which were previously controlled by the systemic drug. 5.3 Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection Corticosteroids, including budesonide, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. Corticosteroids can: Reduce resistance to new infections Exacerbate existing infections Increase the risk of disseminated infections Increase the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of latent infections Mask some signs of infection Corticosteroid-associated infections can be mild but can be severe and at times fatal. The rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages. Monitor patients for the development of infection and consider discontinuation of budesonide if the patient develops an infection while on treatment. Tuberculosis If budesonide is used in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, reactivation of tuberculosis may occur. Closely monitor such patients for reactivation. During prolonged budesonide therapy, patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity should receive chemoprophylaxis. Varicella Zoster and Measles Viral Infections Varicella and measles can have a serious or even fatal course in non-immune pediatric and adult patients taking corticosteroids, including budesonide. In corticosteroid-treated patients who have not had these diseases or are non-immune, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure to varicella and measles: If a budesonide-treated patient is exposed to varicella, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin may be indicated. If varicella develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered. If a budesonide-treated patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immunoglobulin may be indicated. Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Hepatitis B virus reactivation can occur in patients who are hepatitis B carriers treated with immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids, including budesonide. Reactivation can also occur infrequently in corticosteroid-treated patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection. Screen patients for hepatitis B infection before initiating immunosuppressive (e.g., prolonged) treatment with budesonide. For patients who show evidence of hepatitis B infection, recommend consultation with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for hepatitis B antiviral therapy. Fungal Infections Corticosteroids, including budesonide, may exacerbate systemic fungal infections; therefore, avoid budesonide use in the presence of such infections. For patients on chronic budesonide therapy who develop systemic fungal infections, budesonide withdrawal or dosage reduction is recommended. Amebiasis Corticosteroids, including budesonide, may activate latent amebiasis. Therefore, it is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating budesonide in patients who have spent time in the tropics or patients with unexplained diarrhea. Strongyloides Infestation Avoid budesonide in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infection. Corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides superinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia. Cerebral Malaria Avoid corticosteroids, including budesonide, in patients with cerebral malaria. Ocular Herpes Simplex Avoid corticosteroids, including budesonide, in patients with active ocular herpes simplex. 5.4 Kaposi's Sarcoma Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement of Kaposi’s sarcoma. 5.5 Other Corticosteroid Effects Monitor patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma or cataracts, or with a family history of diabetes or glaucoma, or with any other condition where corticosteroids may have unwanted effects.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Symptoms of steroid withdrawal in those patients transferred from other systemic corticosteroids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Immunosuppression and increased risk of infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Kaposi’s sarcoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Other corticosteroid effects...
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Symptoms of steroid withdrawal in those patients transferred from other systemic corticosteroids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Immunosuppression and increased risk of infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Kaposi’s sarcoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Other corticosteroid effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) in adults are: headache, respiratory infection, nausea, back pain, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal pain, flatulence, vomiting, fatigue, and pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-877-835-5472 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. Adults The data described below reflect exposure to budesonide in 520 patients with Crohn’s disease, including 520 exposed to 9 mg per day (total daily dose) for 8 weeks and 145 exposed to 6 mg per day for one year in placebo controlled clinical trials. Of the 520 patients, 38% were males and the age range was 17 to 74 years. Treatment of Mild to Moderate Active Crohn’s Disease The safety of budesonide was evaluated in 651 adult patients in five clinical trials of 8 weeks duration in patients with active mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. The most common adverse reactions, occurring in greater than or equal to 5% of the patients, are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions 1 in 8-Week Treatment Clinical Trials Adverse Reaction Budesonide 9 mg n = 520 Number (%) Placebo n = 107 Number (%) Prednisolone 2 40 mg n = 145 Number (%) Comparator 3 n = 88 Number (%) Headache 107 (21) 19 (18) 31 (21) 11 (13) Respiratory Infection 55 (11) 7 (7) 20 (14) 5 (6) Nausea 57 (11) 10 (9) 18 (12) 7 (8) Back Pain 36 (7) 10 (9) 17 (12) 5 (6) Dyspepsia 31 (6) 4 (4) 17 (12) 3 (3) Dizziness 38 (7) 5 (5) 18 (12) 5 (6) Abdominal Pain 32 (6) 18 (17) 6 (4) 10 (11) Flatulence 30 (6) 6 (6) 12 (8) 5 (6) Vomiting 29 (6) 6 (6) 6 (4) 6 (7) Fatigue 25 (5) 8 (7) 11 (8) 0 (0) Pain 24 (5) 8 (7) 17 (12) 2 (2) 1 Occurring in greater than or equal to 5% of the patients in any treated group. 2 Prednisolone tapering scheme: either 40 mg in week 1 to 2, thereafter tapering with 5 mg per week; or 40 mg in week 1 to 2, 30 mg in week 3 to 4, thereafter tapering with 5 mg per week. 3 This drug is not approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease in the United States. The incidence of signs and symptoms of hypercorticism reported by active questioning of patients in 4 of the 5 short-term clinical trials are displayed in Table 2. Table 2: Summary and Incidence of Signs/Symptoms of Hypercorticism in 8-Week Treatment Clinical Trials Signs/Symptom Budesonide 9 mg n = 427 Number (%) Placebo n = 107 Number (%) Prednisolone 1 40 mg n = 145 Number (%) Total 145 (34%) 29 (27%) 69 (48%) Acne 63 (15) 14 (13) 33 (23) 2 Bruising Easily 63 (15) 12 (11) 13 (9) Moon Face 46 (11) 4 (4) 53 (37) 2 Swollen Ankles 32 (7) 6 (6) 13 (9) Hirsutism 3 22 (5) 2 (2) 5 (3) Buffalo Hump 6 (1) 2 (2) 5 (3) Skin Striae 4 (1) 2 (2) 0 (0) 1 Prednisolone tapering scheme: either 40 mg in week 1 to 2, thereafter tapering with 5 mg/week; or 40 mg in week 1 to 2, 30 mg in week 3 to 4, thereafter tapering with 5 mg/week. 2 Statistically significantly different from budesonide 9 mg. 3 Including hair growth increased, local and hair growth increased, general. Maintenance of Clinical Remission of Mild to Moderate Crohn’s Disease The safety of budesonide was evaluated in 233 adult patients in four long-term clinical trials (52 weeks) of maintenance of clinical remission in patients with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. A total of 145 patients were treated with budesonide 6 mg once daily. The adverse reaction profile of budesonide 6 mg once daily in maintenance of Crohn’s disease was similar to that of short-term treatment with budesonide 9 mg once daily in active Crohn’s disease. In the long-term clinical trials, the following adverse reactions occurred in greater than or equal to 5% and are not listed in Table 1: diarrhea (10%); sinusitis (8%); infection viral (6%); and arthralgia (5%). Signs/symptoms of hypercorticism reported by active questioning of patients in the long-term maintenance clinical trials are displayed in Table 3. Table 3: Summary and Incidence of Signs/Symptoms of Hypercorticism in Long-Term Clinical Trials Signs/Symptom Budesonide 3 mg n = 88 Number (%) Budesonide 6 mg n = 145 Number (%) Placebo n = 143 Number (%) Bruising Easily 4 (5) 15 (10) 5 (4) Acne 4 (5) 14 (10) 3 (2) Moon Face 3 (3) 6 (4) 0 Hirsutism 2 (2) 5 (3) 1 (1) Swollen Ankles 2 (2) 3 (2) 3 (2) Buffalo Hump 1 (1) 1 (1) 0 Skin Striae 2 (2) 0 0 The incidence of signs/symptoms of hypercorticism as described above in long-term maintenance clinical trials was similar to that seen in the short-term treatment clinical trials. Less Common Adverse Reactions in Treatment and Maintenance Clinical Trials Less common adverse reactions (less than 5%), occurring in adult patients treated with budesonide 9 mg (total daily dose) in short-term treatment clinical studies and/or budesonide 6 mg (total daily dose) in long-term maintenance clinical trials, with an incidence are listed below by system organ class: Cardiac disorders: palpitation, tachycardia Eye disorders: eye abnormality, vision abnormal General disorders and administration site conditions: asthenia, chest pain, dependent edema, face edema, flu-like disorder, malaise, fever Gastrointestinal disorders: anus disorder, enteritis, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal fistula, glossitis, hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, tongue edema, tooth disorder Infections and infestations: Ear infection - not otherwise specified, bronchitis, abscess, rhinitis, urinary tract infection, thrush Investigations: weight increased Metabolism and nutrition disorders: appetite increased Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthritis, cramps, myalgia Nervous system disorders: hyperkinesia, paresthesia, tremor, vertigo, somnolence, amnesia Psychiatric disorders: agitation, confusion, insomnia, nervousness, sleep disorder Renal and urinary disorders: dysuria, micturition frequency, nocturia Reproductive system and breast disorders: intermenstrual bleeding, menstrual disorder Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea, pharynx disorder Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: alopecia, dermatitis, eczema, skin disorder, sweating increased, purpura Vascular disorders: flushing, hypertension Bone Mineral Density A randomized, open, parallel-group multicenter safety clinical trial specifically compared the effect of budesonide (less than 9 mg per day) and prednisolone (less than 40 mg per day) on bone mineral density over 2 years when used at doses adjusted to disease severity. Bone mineral density decreased significantly less with budesonide than with prednisolone in steroid-naïve patients, whereas no difference could be detected between treatment groups for steroid-dependent patients and previous steroid users. The incidence of symptoms associated with hypercorticism was significantly higher with prednisolone treatment. Clinical Laboratory Test Findings The following potentially clinically significant laboratory changes in clinical trials, irrespective of relationship to budesonide, were reported in greater than or equal to 1% of patients: hypokalemia, leukocytosis, anemia, hematuria, pyuria, erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased, alkaline phosphatase increased, atypical neutrophils, c-reactive protein increased and adrenal insufficiency. Pediatrics - Treatment of Mild to Moderate Active Crohn’s Disease Adverse reactions reported in pediatric patients 8 to 17 years of age, who weigh more than 25 kg, were similar to those reactions described above in adult patients. 6.2 Post-marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of budesonide. 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. Immune System Disorders: Anaphylactic reactions Nervous System Disorders: Benign intracranial hypertension Psychiatric Disorders: Mood swings
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