Bevespi Aerosphere

Recommended Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is glycopyrrolate 18 mcg and formoterol fumarate 9.6 mcg (administered as two inhalations of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE [glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate 9 mcg/4.8 mcg]) twice daily in the morning and in the evening by oral inhalation. Do not take more than two inhalations twice daily.

Preparation

Prime BEVESPI AEROSPHERE before using for the first time. Priming BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is essential to ensure appropriate drug content in each actuation. To prime BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, release 4 sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well before each spray. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE must be re-primed when the inhaler has not been used for more than 7 days. To re-prime BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, release 2 sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well before each spray.

Dose Counter

The canister has an attached dose indicator, which indicates how many inhalations remain. The dose indicator display will move after every tenth actuation. When nearing the end of the usable inhalations, the color behind the number in the dose indicator display window changes to red. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be discarded when the dose indicator display window shows zero.

 Pregnancy

Risk Summary 

There are no adequate and well-controlled trials of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE or its individual components, glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate, in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk.

In animal reproduction studies, glycopyrrolate alone, administered by the subcutaneous route in rats and rabbits, did not cause structural abnormalities or affect fetal survival at exposures approximately 2700 and 5400 times from the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID), respectively. Glycopyrrolate had no effects on the physical, functional, and behavioral development of rat pups with exposures up to 2700 times the MRHDID.

Formoterol fumarate alone, administered by the oral route in rats and rabbits, caused structural abnormalities at 1500 and 61,000 times the MRHDID, respectively. Formoterol fumarate was also embryocidal, increased pup loss at birth and during lactation, and decreased pup weight in rats at 110 times the MRHDID. These adverse effects generally occurred at large multiples of the MRHDID when formoterol fumarate was administered by the oral route to achieve high systemic exposures. No structural abnormalities, embryocidal, or developmental effects were seen in rats that received inhalation doses up to 350 times the MRHDID.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Labor or Delivery: There are no well-controlled human trials that have investigated the effects of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE on preterm labor or labor at term. Because beta2-agonists may potentially interfere with uterine contractility, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used during labor only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

Data

Animal Data

Glycopyrrolate

In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6 to 17, glycopyrrolate produced no structural abnormalities or effects on fetal survival; however, slight reductions of fetal body weight in the presence of maternal toxicity at the highest tested dose that was 2700 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day). Fetal body weights were unaffected with doses up to 270 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses up to 1000 mcg/kg/day). Maternal toxicity was observed with doses 270 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses of 1000 mcg/kg/day and higher).

In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6 to 18, glycopyrrolate produced no structural abnormalities or effects on fetal survival; however, slight reductions of fetal body weight in the presence of maternal toxicity at the highest tested dose that was 5400 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day). Fetal body weights were unaffected with doses up to 540 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses up to 1000 mcg/kg/day). Maternal toxicity was observed with doses 540 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses of 1000 mcg/kg/day and higher).

In a pre- and post-natal development study, pregnant female rats received glycopyrrolate at doses of 100, 1000, and 10,000 mcg/kg/day from gestation day 6 through the lactation period. Pup body weight gain was slightly reduced from birth through the lactation period at a dose 2700 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal subcutaneous dose of 10,000 mcg/kg/day); however, pup body weight gain was unaffected after weaning There were no treatment-related effects on the physical, functional, and behavioral development of pups with doses up to 2700 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses up to 10,000 mcg/kg/day). Maternal toxicity was observed from gestation days 6 to 18 with doses 270 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal subcutaneous doses of 1000 mcg/kg/day and higher).

Formoterol Fumarate

In a fertility and reproduction study, male rats were orally dosed for at least 9 weeks and females for 2 weeks prior to pairing and throughout the mating period. Females were either dosed up to gestation day 19 or up until weaning of their offspring. Males were dosed up to 25 weeks. Umbilical hernia was observed in rat fetuses at oral doses 1500 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses of 3000 mcg/kg/day and higher). Brachygnathia was observed in rat fetuses at a dose 8000 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 15,000 mcg/kg/day). Pregnancy was prolonged at a dose 8000 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 15,000 mcg/kg/day). Fetal and pup deaths occurred at doses approximately 1500 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mcg/m2 basis at oral doses of 3000 mcg/kg/day and higher) during gestation.

In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats dosed during the period of organogenesis, no structural abnormalities, embryocidal effects, or developmental effects were seen at doses up to 350 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with maternal inhalation doses up to 690 mcg/kg/day).

In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6 to 18, subcapsular cysts on the liver were observed in the fetuses at a dose 61,000 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis with a maternal oral dose of 60,000 mcg/kg/day). No teratogenic effects were observed at doses up to 3500 times the MRHDID (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses up to 3500 mcg/kg/day).

In a pre- and post-natal development study, pregnant female rats received formoterol at oral doses of 0, 210, 840, and 3400 mcg/kg/day from gestation day 6 (completion of implantation) through the lactation period. Pup survival was decreased from birth to postpartum day 26 at doses 110 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses of 210 mcg/kg/day and higher), although there was no evidence of a dose-response relationship. There were no treatment-related effects on the physical, functional, and behavioral development of rat pups.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no available data on the effects of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, glycopyrrolate, or formoterol fumarate on the breastfed child or on milk production. There are no available data on the presence of glycopyrrolate or formoterol fumarate in human milk. Formoterol fumarate and glycopyrrolate have been detected in the plasma of undosed rat pups suckling from exposed dams [see Data]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for BEVESPI AEROSPHERE and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from BEVESPI AEROSPHERE or from the underlying maternal condition.

Animal Data

In the reproductive/developmental toxicity study in rats, plasma levels of glycopyrrolate were measured in pups on post-natal day 4. The maximum concentration in the pups was 6% of the maternal dose of 10 mg/kg/day (pup plasma concentration of 96 ng/mL at 1 hour after dosing corresponded with 1610 ng/mL in the dam at 0.5 hours after dosing).

In the fertility and reproduction study in rats, plasma levels of formoterol were measured in pups on post-natal day 15 [see  Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. It was estimated that the maximum plasma concentration that the pups received from the maternal animal, at the highest dose of 15 mg/kg, after nursing was 4.4% (0.24 nmol/L for a litter vs. 5.5 nmol/L for the mother).

 Pediatric Use

BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated for use in children. The safety and effectiveness of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in the pediatric population have not been established.

 Geriatric Use

Based on available data, no adjustment of the dosage of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in geriatric patients is necessary, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

The confirmatory trials of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE for COPD included 1,680 subjects aged 65 and older and, of those, 290 subjects were aged 75 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.

 Hepatic Impairment

Formal pharmacokinetic studies using BEVESPI AEROSPHERE have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. However, since formoterol fumarate is predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of formoterol fumarate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.

 Renal Impairment

Formal pharmacokinetic studies using BEVESPI AEROSPHERE have not been conducted in patients with renal impairment. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2) or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, use of  BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be considered only if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Serious Asthma-Related Events – Hospitalizations, Intubations, Death

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The safety and efficacy of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in patients with asthma have not been established. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated for the treatment of asthma [see Contraindications (4)].

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Use of LABA as monotherapy [without inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)] for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death. Available data from controlled clinical trials also suggest that use of LABA as monotherapy increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. These findings are considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy. When LABA are used in fixed-dose combination with ICS, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared with ICS alone.

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A 28-week, placebo-controlled US trial comparing the safety of another LABA (salmeterol) with placebo, each added to usual asthma therapy, showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol (13/13,176 in subjects treated with salmeterol vs. 3/13,179 in subjects treated with placebo; RR 4.37, 95% CI: 1.25, 15.34). The increased risk of asthma-related death is considered a class effect of LABAs, including formoterol fumarate, one of the active ingredients in BEVESPI AEROSPHERE.

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No trial adequate to determine whether the rate of asthma-related deaths is increased in patients treated with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE has been conducted.

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Available data do not suggest an increased risk of death with use of LABA in patients with COPD.

 Deterioration of Disease and Acute Episodes

BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should not be initiated in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD, which may be a life-threatening condition. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE has not been studied in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD. The use of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in this setting is inappropriate.

BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE has not been studied in the relief of acute symptoms and extra doses should not be used for that purpose. Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist.

When beginning BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, patients who have been taking inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists on a regular basis (e.g., four times a day) should be instructed to discontinue the regular use of these medicines and use them only for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory symptoms. When prescribing BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, the healthcare provider should also prescribe an inhaled, short acting beta2-agonist and instruct the patient on how it should be used. Increasing inhaled beta2-agonist use is a signal of deteriorating disease for which prompt medical attention is indicated.

COPD may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If BEVESPI AEROSPHERE no longer controls the symptoms of bronchoconstriction, or the patient’s inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist becomes less effective, or the patient needs more inhalations of short-acting beta2-agonist than usual, these may be markers of deterioration of disease. In this setting, a re-evaluation of the patient and the COPD treatment regimen should be undertaken at once. Increasing the daily dosage of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE beyond the recommended dose is not appropriate in this situation.

 Avoid Excessive Use of BEVESPI and Avoid Use with Other Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists

As with other inhaled medicines containing beta2-agonists, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should not be used more often than recommended, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medications containing LABAs, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic medicines. Patients using BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should not use another medicine containing a LABA for any reason [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

 Paradoxical Bronchospasm

As with other inhaled medicines, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs following dosing with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, it should be treated immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be discontinued immediately, and alternative therapy should be instituted.

 Hypersensitivity Reactions including Anaphylaxis

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions have been reported after administration of glycopyrrolate or formoterol fumarate, the components of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE. If signs suggesting allergic reactions occur, in particular, angioedema (including difficulties in breathing or swallowing, swelling of tongue, lips, and face), urticaria, or skin rash, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be stopped at once and alternative treatment should be considered.

 Cardiovascular Effects

Formoterol fumarate, like other beta2-agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by increases in pulse rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, or symptoms [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. If such effects occur, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiographic changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression, although the clinical significance of these findings is unknown. 

Therefore, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.

 Worsening of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of acute narrow-angle glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos, or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion and corneal edema). Instruct patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop.

 Worsening of Urinary Retention

BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used with caution in patients with urinary retention. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of urinary retention (e.g., difficulty passing urine, painful urination), especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction. Instruct patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop.

 Coexisting Conditions

BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, like all medications containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis and in those who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Doses of the related beta2-agonist albuterol, when administered intravenously, have been reported to aggravate pre-existing diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.

 Hypokalemia and Hyperglycemia

Beta2-agonist medications may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation. Beta2-agonist medicines may produce transient hyperglycemia in some patients. In two clinical trials of 24-weeks and a 28-week safety extension study evaluating BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in subjects with COPD, there was no evidence of a treatment effect on serum glucose or potassium.