Dalisrep (Roflumilast)
Dosage & administration
The maintenance dose of DALIRESP is one 500 micrograms (mcg) tablet per day, with or without food.
Starting treatment with a dose of DALIRESP 250 mcg once daily for 4 weeks and increasing to DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily thereafter may reduce the rate of treatment discontinuation in some patients
The efficacy and safety of DALIRESP (roflumilast) in COPD was evaluated in 8 randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel‑group clinical trials in 9394 adult patients (4425 receiving DALIRESP 500 mcg) 40 years of age and older with COPD. Of the 8 trials, two were placebo-controlled dose selection trials (Trials 1 and 2) of 6 months’ duration that evaluated the efficacy of DALIRESP 250 mcg and 500 mcg once daily, four were placebo-controlled 1-year trials (Trials 3, 4, 5, and 6) primarily designed to evaluate the efficacy of DALIRESP on COPD exacerbations, and two were 6-month efficacy trials (Trials 7 and 8) which assessed the effect of DALIRESP as add-on therapy to a long-acting beta agonist or long-acting anti-muscarinic. The 8 trials enrolled patients with nonreversible obstructive lung disease (FEV1/FVC ≤70% and ≤12% or 200 mL improvement in FEV1in response to 4 puffs of albuterol/salbutamol) but the severity of airflow obstruction at baseline was different among the trials. Patients enrolled in the dose selection trials had the full range of COPD severity (FEV130-80% predicted); median age of 63 years, 73% male, and 99% Caucasian. Patients enrolled in the four exacerbation trials had severe COPD (FEV1≤50% predicted); median age of 64 years, 74% male, and 90% Caucasian.
Patients enrolled in the two 6-month efficacy trials had moderate to severe COPD (FEV140-70% predicted); median age of 65 years, 68% male, and 97% Caucasian. COPD exacerbations and lung function (FEV1) were co-primary efficacy outcome measures in the four 1-year trials. In the two 6-month supportive efficacy trials, lung function (FEV1) alone was the primary efficacy outcome measure.
The two 6-month dose-selection efficacy trials (Trials 1 and 2) explored doses of 250 mcg and 500 mcg once daily in a total of 1929 patients (751 and 724 on DALIRESP 250 and 500 mcg, respectively). The selection of the 500 mcg dose was primarily based on nominal improvements in lung function (FEV1) over the 250 mcg dose. The once‑daily dosing regimen was primarily based on the determination of a plasma half-life of 17 hours for roflumilast and 30 hours for its active metabolite roflumilast N-oxide
An additional placebo-controlled 1-year trial (Trial 9) evaluated the effect of DALIRESP 500 mcg on COPD exacerbations when added to a fixed-dose combination (FDC) product containing an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonist (ICS/LABA). At screening, patients were required to have two or more exacerbations in the previous year. This trial randomized a total of 2354 patients (1178 randomized to DALIRESP, 1176 to placebo). Approximately 60% of the patients enrolled had severe COPD (postbronchodilator FEV130%-50% of predicted) associated with chronic bronchitis and 39% had very severe COPD (postbronchodilator FEV1≤ 30% of predicted) associated with chronic bronchitis; mean age of 64 years, 69% male, and 80% Caucasian. The use of long-acting muscarinic antagonists was allowed.
The effect of DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily on COPD exacerbations was evaluated in five 1-year trials (Trials 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9).
Two of the trials (Trials 3 and 4) conducted initially enrolled a population of patients with severe COPD (FEV1≤50% of predicted) inclusive of those with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema who had a history of smoking of at least 10 pack years. Inhaled corticosteroids were allowed as concomitant medications and used in 61% of both DALIRESP and placebo-treated patients and short-acting beta agonists were allowed as rescue therapy. The use of long-acting beta agonists, long-acting anti-muscarinics, and theophylline were prohibited. The rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations was a co-primary endpoint in both trials. There was not a symptomatic definition of exacerbation in these 2 trials. Exacerbations were defined in terms of severity requiring treatment with a moderate exacerbation defined as treatment with systemic glucocorticosteroids in Trial 3 or systemic glucocorticosteroids and/or antibiotics in Trial 4 and a severe exacerbation defined as requiring hospitalizations and/or leading to death in Trial 3 or requiring hospitalization in Trial 4. The trials randomized 1176 patients (567 on DALIRESP) in Trial 3 and 1514 patients (760 on DALIRESP) in Trial 4. Both trials failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in the rate of COPD exacerbations.
Exploratory analyses of the results of Trials 3 and 4 identified a subpopulation of patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and COPD exacerbations within the previous year that appeared to demonstrate a better response in the reduction of the rate of COPD exacerbations compared to the overall population. As a result, two subsequent trials (Trial 5 and Trial 6) were conducted that enrolled patients with severe COPD but associated with chronic bronchitis, at least one COPD exacerbation in the previous year, and at least a 20 pack-year smoking history. In these trials, long-acting beta agonists and short-acting anti-muscarinics were allowed and were used by 44% and 35% of patients treated with DALIRESP and 45% and 37% of patients treated with placebo, respectively. The use of inhaled corticosteroids was prohibited. As in trials 3 and 4, the rate of moderate exacerbations (defined as requiring intervention with systemic glucocorticosteroids) or severe exacerbations (defined as leading to hospitalization and/or to death) was a co-primary endpoint.
Trial 5 randomized a total of 1525 patients (765 on DALIRESP) and Trial 6 randomized a total of 1571 patients (772 on DALIRESP). In both trials, DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily demonstrated a significant reduction in the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations compared to placebo (Table 2). These two trials provide the evidence to support the use of DALIRESP for the reduction of COPD exacerbations.
Study | Exacerbations Per Patient-Year | |||||
DALIRESP | Placebo | Absolute Reduction Absolute reduction measured as difference between placebo and roflumilast‑treated patients. | RR RR is Rate Ratio. | 95% CI | Percent Reduction Percent reduction is defined as 100 (1-RR). | |
Trial 5 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.85 | 0.74, 0.98 | 15 |
Trial 6 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.82 | 0.71, 0.94 | 18 |
For patients in Trials 5 and 6 who received concomitant long-acting beta agonists or short-acting anti-muscarinics, reduction of moderate or severe exacerbations with DALIRESP was similar to that observed for the overall populations of the two trials.
In Trial 9, when added to background therapy of FDC ICS/LABA, the rate ratio for COPD exacerbations among patients administered DALIRESP vs. placebo was 0.92 (95% CI 0.81, 1.04).
While DALIRESP is not a bronchodilator, all 1-year trials (Trials 3, 4, 5, and 6) evaluated the effect of DALIRESP on lung function as determined by the difference in FEV1between DALIRESP and placebo-treated patients (pre-bronchodilator FEV1measured prior to study drug administration in three of the trials and post-bronchodilator FEV1measured 30 minutes after administration of 4 puffs of albuterol/salbutamol in one trial) as a co-primary endpoint. In each of these trials DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in FEV1which averaged approximately 50 mL across the four trials. Table 3 shows FEV1results from Trials 5 and 6 which had demonstrated a significant reduction in COPD exacerbations.
Study | Change in FEV 1from Baseline, mL | |||
Trial 5 | DALIRESP | Placebo | Effect Effect measured as difference between DALIRESP and placebo treated patients. | 95% CI |
46 | 8 | 39 | 18, 60 | |
Trial 6 | 33 | -25 | 58 | 41, 75 |
Lung function was also evaluated in two 6-month trials (Trials 7 and 8) to assess the effect of DALIRESP when administered as add-on therapy to treatment with a long-acting beta agonist or a long-acting anti-muscarinic. These trials were conducted in a different population of COPD patients [moderate to severe COPD (FEV140 to 70% of predicted) without a requirement for chronic bronchitis or frequent history of exacerbations] from that for which efficacy in reduction of exacerbations has been demonstrated and provide safety support to the DALIRESP COPD program.
The tolerability of DALIRESP was evaluated in a 12-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group trial in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis (Trial 10). At screening, patients were required to have had at least one exacerbation in the previous year. A total of 1323 patients were randomized to receive DALIRESP 500 mcg once a day for 12 weeks (n=443), DALIRESP 500 mcg every other day for 4 weeks followed by DALIRESP 500 mcg once a day for 8 weeks (n=439), or DALIRESP 250 mcg once a day for 4 weeks followed by DALIRESP 500 mcg once a day for 8 weeks (n=441).
Over the 12-week study period, the percentage of patients discontinuing treatment was 6.2% lower in patients initially receiving DALIRESP 250 mcg daily for 4 weeks followed by DALIRESP 500 mcg daily for 8 weeks (18.4%) compared to those receiving DALIRESP 500 mcg daily for 12 weeks (24.6%) (Odds Ratio = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.93; p=0.017). Because this trial was limited to 12 weeks in duration, whether initiation of dosing with DALIRESP 250 mcg improves the long term tolerability of DALIRESP 500 mcg has not been determined
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Dalisrep prescribing information
DALIRESP® is indicated as a treatment to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations.
The maintenance dose of DALIRESP is one 500 micrograms (mcg) tablet per day, with or without food.
Starting treatment with a dose of DALIRESP 250 mcg once daily for 4 weeks and increasing to DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily thereafter may reduce the rate of treatment discontinuation in some patients
The efficacy and safety of DALIRESP (roflumilast) in COPD was evaluated in 8 randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel‑group clinical trials in 9394 adult patients (4425 receiving DALIRESP 500 mcg) 40 years of age and older with COPD. Of the 8 trials, two were placebo-controlled dose selection trials (Trials 1 and 2) of 6 months’ duration that evaluated the efficacy of DALIRESP 250 mcg and 500 mcg once daily, four were placebo-controlled 1-year trials (Trials 3, 4, 5, and 6) primarily designed to evaluate the efficacy of DALIRESP on COPD exacerbations, and two were 6-month efficacy trials (Trials 7 and 8) which assessed the effect of DALIRESP as add-on therapy to a long-acting beta agonist or long-acting anti-muscarinic. The 8 trials enrolled patients with nonreversible obstructive lung disease (FEV1/FVC ≤70% and ≤12% or 200 mL improvement in FEV1in response to 4 puffs of albuterol/salbutamol) but the severity of airflow obstruction at baseline was different among the trials. Patients enrolled in the dose selection trials had the full range of COPD severity (FEV130-80% predicted); median age of 63 years, 73% male, and 99% Caucasian. Patients enrolled in the four exacerbation trials had severe COPD (FEV1≤50% predicted); median age of 64 years, 74% male, and 90% Caucasian.
Patients enrolled in the two 6-month efficacy trials had moderate to severe COPD (FEV140-70% predicted); median age of 65 years, 68% male, and 97% Caucasian. COPD exacerbations and lung function (FEV1) were co-primary efficacy outcome measures in the four 1-year trials. In the two 6-month supportive efficacy trials, lung function (FEV1) alone was the primary efficacy outcome measure.
The two 6-month dose-selection efficacy trials (Trials 1 and 2) explored doses of 250 mcg and 500 mcg once daily in a total of 1929 patients (751 and 724 on DALIRESP 250 and 500 mcg, respectively). The selection of the 500 mcg dose was primarily based on nominal improvements in lung function (FEV1) over the 250 mcg dose. The once‑daily dosing regimen was primarily based on the determination of a plasma half-life of 17 hours for roflumilast and 30 hours for its active metabolite roflumilast N-oxide
An additional placebo-controlled 1-year trial (Trial 9) evaluated the effect of DALIRESP 500 mcg on COPD exacerbations when added to a fixed-dose combination (FDC) product containing an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonist (ICS/LABA). At screening, patients were required to have two or more exacerbations in the previous year. This trial randomized a total of 2354 patients (1178 randomized to DALIRESP, 1176 to placebo). Approximately 60% of the patients enrolled had severe COPD (postbronchodilator FEV130%-50% of predicted) associated with chronic bronchitis and 39% had very severe COPD (postbronchodilator FEV1≤ 30% of predicted) associated with chronic bronchitis; mean age of 64 years, 69% male, and 80% Caucasian. The use of long-acting muscarinic antagonists was allowed.
The effect of DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily on COPD exacerbations was evaluated in five 1-year trials (Trials 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9).
Two of the trials (Trials 3 and 4) conducted initially enrolled a population of patients with severe COPD (FEV1≤50% of predicted) inclusive of those with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema who had a history of smoking of at least 10 pack years. Inhaled corticosteroids were allowed as concomitant medications and used in 61% of both DALIRESP and placebo-treated patients and short-acting beta agonists were allowed as rescue therapy. The use of long-acting beta agonists, long-acting anti-muscarinics, and theophylline were prohibited. The rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations was a co-primary endpoint in both trials. There was not a symptomatic definition of exacerbation in these 2 trials. Exacerbations were defined in terms of severity requiring treatment with a moderate exacerbation defined as treatment with systemic glucocorticosteroids in Trial 3 or systemic glucocorticosteroids and/or antibiotics in Trial 4 and a severe exacerbation defined as requiring hospitalizations and/or leading to death in Trial 3 or requiring hospitalization in Trial 4. The trials randomized 1176 patients (567 on DALIRESP) in Trial 3 and 1514 patients (760 on DALIRESP) in Trial 4. Both trials failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in the rate of COPD exacerbations.
Exploratory analyses of the results of Trials 3 and 4 identified a subpopulation of patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and COPD exacerbations within the previous year that appeared to demonstrate a better response in the reduction of the rate of COPD exacerbations compared to the overall population. As a result, two subsequent trials (Trial 5 and Trial 6) were conducted that enrolled patients with severe COPD but associated with chronic bronchitis, at least one COPD exacerbation in the previous year, and at least a 20 pack-year smoking history. In these trials, long-acting beta agonists and short-acting anti-muscarinics were allowed and were used by 44% and 35% of patients treated with DALIRESP and 45% and 37% of patients treated with placebo, respectively. The use of inhaled corticosteroids was prohibited. As in trials 3 and 4, the rate of moderate exacerbations (defined as requiring intervention with systemic glucocorticosteroids) or severe exacerbations (defined as leading to hospitalization and/or to death) was a co-primary endpoint.
Trial 5 randomized a total of 1525 patients (765 on DALIRESP) and Trial 6 randomized a total of 1571 patients (772 on DALIRESP). In both trials, DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily demonstrated a significant reduction in the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations compared to placebo (Table 2). These two trials provide the evidence to support the use of DALIRESP for the reduction of COPD exacerbations.
Study | Exacerbations Per Patient-Year | |||||
DALIRESP | Placebo | Absolute Reduction Absolute reduction measured as difference between placebo and roflumilast‑treated patients. | RR RR is Rate Ratio. | 95% CI | Percent Reduction Percent reduction is defined as 100 (1-RR). | |
Trial 5 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.85 | 0.74, 0.98 | 15 |
Trial 6 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.82 | 0.71, 0.94 | 18 |
For patients in Trials 5 and 6 who received concomitant long-acting beta agonists or short-acting anti-muscarinics, reduction of moderate or severe exacerbations with DALIRESP was similar to that observed for the overall populations of the two trials.
In Trial 9, when added to background therapy of FDC ICS/LABA, the rate ratio for COPD exacerbations among patients administered DALIRESP vs. placebo was 0.92 (95% CI 0.81, 1.04).
While DALIRESP is not a bronchodilator, all 1-year trials (Trials 3, 4, 5, and 6) evaluated the effect of DALIRESP on lung function as determined by the difference in FEV1between DALIRESP and placebo-treated patients (pre-bronchodilator FEV1measured prior to study drug administration in three of the trials and post-bronchodilator FEV1measured 30 minutes after administration of 4 puffs of albuterol/salbutamol in one trial) as a co-primary endpoint. In each of these trials DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in FEV1which averaged approximately 50 mL across the four trials. Table 3 shows FEV1results from Trials 5 and 6 which had demonstrated a significant reduction in COPD exacerbations.
Study | Change in FEV 1from Baseline, mL | |||
Trial 5 | DALIRESP | Placebo | Effect Effect measured as difference between DALIRESP and placebo treated patients. | 95% CI |
46 | 8 | 39 | 18, 60 | |
Trial 6 | 33 | -25 | 58 | 41, 75 |
Lung function was also evaluated in two 6-month trials (Trials 7 and 8) to assess the effect of DALIRESP when administered as add-on therapy to treatment with a long-acting beta agonist or a long-acting anti-muscarinic. These trials were conducted in a different population of COPD patients [moderate to severe COPD (FEV140 to 70% of predicted) without a requirement for chronic bronchitis or frequent history of exacerbations] from that for which efficacy in reduction of exacerbations has been demonstrated and provide safety support to the DALIRESP COPD program.
The tolerability of DALIRESP was evaluated in a 12-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group trial in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis (Trial 10). At screening, patients were required to have had at least one exacerbation in the previous year. A total of 1323 patients were randomized to receive DALIRESP 500 mcg once a day for 12 weeks (n=443), DALIRESP 500 mcg every other day for 4 weeks followed by DALIRESP 500 mcg once a day for 8 weeks (n=439), or DALIRESP 250 mcg once a day for 4 weeks followed by DALIRESP 500 mcg once a day for 8 weeks (n=441).
Over the 12-week study period, the percentage of patients discontinuing treatment was 6.2% lower in patients initially receiving DALIRESP 250 mcg daily for 4 weeks followed by DALIRESP 500 mcg daily for 8 weeks (18.4%) compared to those receiving DALIRESP 500 mcg daily for 12 weeks (24.6%) (Odds Ratio = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.93; p=0.017). Because this trial was limited to 12 weeks in duration, whether initiation of dosing with DALIRESP 250 mcg improves the long term tolerability of DALIRESP 500 mcg has not been determined
• DALIRESP 250 mcg tablets are white to off-white, round, embossed with “D” on one side and “250” on the other side• DALIRESP 500 mcg tablets are white to off-white, round, embossed with “D” on one side and “500” on the other side
Nursing Mothers: DALIRESP should not be used by women who are nursing as excretion of roflumilast and/or its metabolites into human milk is probable and there are no human studies that have investigated effects of DALIRESP on breast-fed infants. (
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of DALIRESP in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
Roflumilast and/or its metabolites are excreted into the milk of lactating rats. Excretion of roflumilast and/or its metabolites into human milk is probable. DALIRESP should not be used by women who are nursing.
Data
Roflumilast and/or its metabolite concentrations measured 8 hours after an oral dose of 1 mg/kg given to lactating rats were 0.32 and 0.02 mcg/g in the milk and pup liver, respectively.
The use of DALIRESP is contraindicated in the following condition:
Moderate to severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh B or C)
The absolute bioavailability of roflumilast following a 500 mcg oral dose is approximately 80%. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of roflumilast typically occur approximately one hour after dosing (ranging from 0.5 to 2 hours) in the fasted state while plateau-like maximum concentrations of the N-oxide metabolite are reached in approximately eight hours (ranging from 4 to 13 hours). Food has no effect on total drug absorption, but delays time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of roflumilast by one hour and reduces Cmaxby approximately 40%, however, Cmaxand Tmaxof roflumilast N-oxide are unaffected. An
Plasma protein binding of roflumilast and its N-oxide metabolite is approximately 99% and 97%, respectively. Volume of distribution for single‑dose 500 mcg roflumilast is about 2.9 L/kg. Studies in rats with radiolabeled roflumilast indicate low penetration across the blood-brain barrier.
Roflumilast is extensively metabolized via Phase I (cytochrome P450) and Phase II (conjugation) reactions. The N-oxide metabolite is the only major metabolite observed in the plasma of humans. Together, roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide account for the majority (87.5%) of total dose administered in plasma. In urine, roflumilast was not detectable while roflumilast N-oxide was only a trace metabolite (less than 1%). Other conjugated metabolites such as roflumilast N-oxide glucuronide and 4-amino-3,5-dichloropyridine N-oxide were detected in urine.
While roflumilast is three times more potent than roflumilast N-oxide at inhibition of the PDE4 enzyme
The plasma clearance after short-term intravenous infusion of roflumilast is on average about 9.6 L/h. Following an oral dose, the median plasma effective half-life of roflumilast and its N-oxide metabolite are approximately 17 and 30 hours, respectively. Steady state plasma concentrations of roflumilast and its N-oxide metabolite are reached after approximately 4 days for roflumilast and 6 days for roflumilast N-oxide following once‑daily dosing. Following intravenous or oral administration of radiolabeled roflumilast, about 70% of the radioactivity was recovered in the urine.
Roflumilast 250 mcg once daily for 14 days was studied in subjects with mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment classified as Child-Pugh A and B (8 subjects in each group). The AUC of roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide were increased by 51% and 24%, respectively in Child-Pugh A subjects and by 92% and 41%, respectively, in Child-Pugh B subjects, as compared to age-, weight-, and gender-matched healthy subjects. The Cmaxof roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide were increased by 3% and 26%, respectively, in Child-Pugh A subjects and by 26% and 40%, respectively in Child-Pugh B subjects, as compared to healthy subjects. DALIRESP 500 mcg has not been studied in hepatically impaired patients. Clinicians should consider the risk-benefit of administering DALIRESP to patients who have mild liver impairment (Child-Pugh A). DALIRESP is not recommended for use in patients with moderate or severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh B or C)
In twelve subjects with severe renal impairment administered a single dose of 500 mcg roflumilast, roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide AUCs were decreased by 21% and 7%, respectively and Cmaxwere reduced by 16% and 12%, respectively. No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment
Roflumilast 500 mcg once daily for 15 days was studied in young, middle aged, and elderly healthy subjects. The exposure in elderly (>65 years of age) were 27% higher in AUC and 16% higher in Cmaxfor roflumilast and 19% higher in AUC and 13% higher in Cmaxfor roflumilast-N-oxide than that in young volunteers (18-45 years old). No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients
In a Phase I study evaluating the effect of age and gender on the pharmacokinetics of roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide, a 39% and 33% increase in roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide AUC were noted in healthy female subjects as compared to healthy male subjects. No dosage adjustment is necessary based on gender.
The pharmacokinetics of roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide were comparable in smokers as compared to non-smokers. There was no difference in Cmaxbetween smokers and non-smokers when roflumilast 500 mcg was administered as a single dose to 12 smokers and 12 non-smokers. The AUC of roflumilast in smokers was 13% less than that in non-smokers while the AUC of roflumilast N-oxide in smokers was 17% more than that in non-smokers.
As compared to Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Japanese showed 16%, 41%, and 15% higher AUC, respectively, for roflumilast and 43%, 27%, and 16% higher AUC, respectively, for roflumilast N-oxide. As compared to Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Japanese showed 8%, 21%, and 5% higher Cmax, respectively, for roflumilast and 43%, 27%, and 17% higher Cmax, respectively, for roflumilast N-oxide. No dosage adjustment is necessary for race.
Drug interaction studies were performed with roflumilast and other drugs likely to be coadministered or drugs commonly used as probes for pharmacokinetic interaction
The effect of concomitant drugs on the exposure of roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide is shown in the Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. Effect of concomitant drugs on the exposure of roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide. Note that the dashed lines indicate the lower and higher bounds (0.8-1.25) of the 90% confidence interval of the geometric mean ratio of Cmaxor AUC for roflumilast or roflumilast N-oxide for Treatment (DALIRESP+Coadministered Drug) vs. Reference (DALIRESP). The dosing regimens of coadministered drugs was: Midazolam: 2 mg po SD; Erythromycin: 500 mg po TID; Ketoconazole: 200 mg po BID; Rifampicin: 600 mg po QD; Fluvoxamine: 50 mg po QD; Digoxin: 250 mcg po SD; Maalox: 30 mL po SD; Salbutamol: 0.2 mg po TID; Cimetidine: 400 mg po BID; Formoterol: 40 mcg po BID; Budesonide: 400 mcg po BID; Theophylline: 375 mg po BID; Warfarin: 250 mg po SD; Enoxacin: 400 mg po BID; Sildenafil: 100 mg SD; Minulet (combination oral contraceptive): 0.075 mg gestodene/0.03 mg ethinylestradiol po QD; Montelukast: 10 mg po QD
Drug interactions considered to be significant are described in more detail below
Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2:
Erythromycin: In an open-label crossover study in 16 healthy volunteers, the coadministration of CYP3A4 inhibitor erythromycin (500 mg three times daily for 13 days) with a single oral dose of 500 mcg DALIRESP resulted in 40% and 70% increase in Cmaxand AUC for roflumilast, respectively, and a 34% decrease and a 4% increase in Cmaxand AUC for roflumilast N-oxide, respectively.
Ketoconazole: In an open-label crossover study in 16 healthy volunteers, the coadministration of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily for 13 days) with a single oral dose of 500 mcg DALIRESP resulted in 23% and 99% increase in Cmaxand AUC for roflumilast, respectively, and a 38% reduction and 3% increase in Cmaxand AUC for roflumilast N-oxide, respectively.
Fluvoxamine: In an open-label crossover study in 16 healthy volunteers, the coadministration of dual CYP 3A4/1A2 inhibitor fluvoxamine (50 mg daily for 14 days) with a single oral dose of 500 mcg DALIRESP showed a 12% and 156% increase in roflumilast Cmaxand AUC along with a 210% decrease and 52% increase in roflumilast N-oxide Cmaxand AUC, respectively.
Enoxacin: In an open-label crossover study in 16 healthy volunteers, the coadministration of dual CYP 3A4/1A2 inhibitor enoxacin (400 mg twice daily for 12 days) with a single oral dose of 500 mcg DALIRESP resulted in an increased Cmaxand AUC of roflumilast by 20% and 56%, respectively. Roflumilast N-oxide Cmaxwas decreased by 14% while roflumilast N-oxide AUC was increased by 23%.
Cimetidine: In an open-label crossover study in 16 healthy volunteers, the coadministration of a dual CYP 3A4/1A2 inhibitor cimetidine (400 mg twice daily for 7 days) with a single dose of 500 mcg oral DALIRESP resulted in a 46% and 85% increase in roflumilast Cmaxand AUC; and a 4% decrease in Cmaxand 27% increase in AUC for roflumilast N-oxide, respectively.
Oral Contraceptives containing Gestodene and Ethinyl Estradiol:
In an open-label crossover study in 20 healthy adult volunteers, coadministration of a single oral dose of 500 mcg DALIRESP with repeated doses of a fixed combination oral contraceptive containing 0.075 mg gestodene and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol to steady state caused a 38% increase and 12% decrease in Cmaxof roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide, respectively. Roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide AUCs were increased by 51% and 14%, respectively.
Inducers of CYP enzymes:
Rifampicin: In an open-label, three-period, fixed-sequence study in 15 healthy volunteers, coadministration of the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin (600 mg once daily for 11 days) with a single oral dose of 500 mcg DALIRESP resulted in reduction of roflumilast Cmaxand AUC by 68% and 79%, respectively; and an increase of roflumilast N-oxide Cmaxby 30% and reduced roflumilast N-oxide AUC by 56%.
Roflumilast 250 mcg once daily for 14 days was studied in subjects with mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment classified as Child-Pugh A and B (8 subjects in each group). The AUCs of roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide were increased by 51% and 24%, respectively, in Child-Pugh A subjects and by 92% and 41%, respectively, in Child-Pugh B subjects, as compared to age-, weight-, and gender-matched healthy subjects. The Cmaxof roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide were increased by 3% and 26%, respectively in Child-Pugh A subjects and by 26% and 40%, respectively in Child-Pugh B subjects, as compared to healthy subjects. DALIRESP 500 mcg has not been studied in hepatically impaired patients. Clinicians should consider the risk-benefit of administering DALIRESP to patients who have mild liver impairment (Child-Pugh A). DALIRESP is not recommended for use in patients with moderate or severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh B or C)
• Acute Bronchospasm: Do not use for the relief of acute bronchospasm. ()5.1 Treatment of Acute BronchospasmDALIRESP is not a bronchodilator and should not be used for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
• Psychiatric Events including Suicidality: Advise patients, their caregivers, and families to be alert for the emergence or worsening of insomnia, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or other mood changes, and if such changes occur to contact their healthcare provider. Carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with DALIRESP in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior. ()5.2 Psychiatric Events including SuicidalityTreatment with DALIRESP is associated with an increase in psychiatric adverse reactions. In 8 controlled clinical trials 5.9% (263) of patients treated with DALIRESP 500 mcg daily reported psychiatric adverse reactions compared to 3.3% (137) treated with placebo. The most commonly reported psychiatric adverse reactions were insomnia, anxiety, and depression which were reported at higher rates in those treated with DALIRESP 500 mcg daily (2.4%, 1.4%, and 1.2% for DALIRESP versus 1.0%, 0.9%, and 0.9% for placebo, respectively)
[see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Instances of suicidal ideation and behavior, including completed suicide, have been observed in clinical trials. Three patients experienced suicide-related adverse reactions (one completed suicide and two suicide attempts) while receiving DALIRESP compared to one patient (suicidal ideation) who received placebo. One patient completed suicide while receiving DALIRESP in Trial 9[see Clinical Studies (14.1)], which assessed the effect of adding roflumilast to a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of ICS/LABA on rates of exacerbations in COPD patients over 1 year of treatment. Cases of suicidal ideation and behavior, including completed suicide, have been observed in the post-marketing setting in patients with or without a history of depression.Before using DALIRESP in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior, prescribers should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with DALIRESP in such patients. Patients, their caregivers, and families should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of insomnia, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or other mood changes, and if such changes occur to contact their healthcare provider. Prescribers should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with DALIRESP if such events occur.
• Weight Decrease: Monitor weight regularly. If unexplained or clinically significant weight loss occurs, evaluate weight loss and consider discontinuation of DALIRESP. ()5.3 Weight DecreaseWeight loss was a common adverse reaction in DALIRESP clinical trials and was reported in 7.5% (331) of patients treated with DALIRESP 500 mcg once daily compared to 2.1% (89) treated with placebo
[see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In addition to being reported as adverse reactions, weight was prospectively assessed in two placebo-controlled clinical trials of one year duration. In these studies, 20% of patients receiving roflumilast experienced moderate weight loss (defined as between 5-10% of body weight) compared to 7% of patients who received placebo. In addition, 7% of patients who received roflumilast compared to 2% of patients receiving placebo experienced severe (>10% body weight) weight loss. During follow-up after treatment discontinuation, the majority of patients with weight loss regained some of the weight they had lost while receiving DALIRESP. Patients treated with DALIRESP should have their weight monitored regularly. If unexplained or clinically significant weight loss occurs, weight loss should be evaluated, and discontinuation of DALIRESP should be considered.• Drug Interactions: Use with strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) is not recommended. ()5.4 Drug InteractionsA major step in roflumilast metabolism is the N-oxidation of roflumilast to roflumilast N-oxide by CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. The administration of the cytochrome P450 enzyme inducer rifampicin resulted in a reduction in exposure, which may result in a decrease in the therapeutic effectiveness of DALIRESP. Therefore, the use of strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) with DALIRESP is not recommended
[seeDrug Interactions (7.1)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].