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Dsuvia prescribing information
- DSUVIA must only be dispensed to patients in a certified medically supervised healthcare setting.
- Discontinue use of DSUVIA prior to discharge or transfer from the certified medically supervised healthcare setting.
DSUVIA is indicated for use in adults in a certified medically supervised healthcare setting, such as hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency departments, for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.
- Not for home use or for use in children. Discontinue treatment with DSUVIA before patients leave the certified medically supervised healthcare setting.
- Not for use for more than 72 hours. The use of DSUVIA beyond 72 hours has not been studied.
- Only to be administered by a healthcare provider.
- Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy,[see Warnings and Precautions (, reserve opioid analgesics, including DSUVIA, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.)]
5.3 Addiction, Abuse and MisuseDSUVIA contains sufentanil, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, DSUVIA exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse
[see Drug Abuse and Dependence ].Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed DSUVIA. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use[seeAdverse Reactions].Assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing DSUVIA, and monitor all patients receiving DSUVIA for the development of these behaviors or conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as DSUVIA but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of DSUVIA along with intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse.
Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing DSUVIA. Strategies to reduce these risks include proper product storage and control practices for a C-II drug. Contact local state professional licensing board or state-controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.
Sublingual tablets: DSUVIA is a single 30 mcg sufentanil tablet housed in a disposable, single-dose applicator (SDA). The tablet is blue-colored, flat-faced with rounded edges and is 3 mm in diameter.
Use of DSUVIA is contraindicated in patients with:
• Significant respiratory depression
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus
• Known hypersensitivity to sufentanil or components of DSUVIA
6.1 Clinical Trials ExperienceBecause 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 clinical practice.
In controlled and uncontrolled studies, the safety of DSUVIA was evaluated in a total of 646 patients with moderate-to-severe acute postoperative pain or pain due to trauma which required opioid analgesia.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions ≥ 2% that were probably or possibly related to study treatment in the one pivotal, placebo-controlled trial (Study SAP301) are presented in
Discontinuation of study drug due to adverse events occurred in 0.9% of DSUVIA-treated patients (1 out of 107 patients) and 3.7% of placebo-treated patients (2 out of 54 placebo treated patients). The most common reasons for discontinuation of study drug due to adverse reactions in SAP301 were oxygen saturation decreased (0.9% in the DSUVIA group), and dizziness, hemiparesis, somnolence and syncope in the placebo group (1.9% each).
Possibly or Probably Related Adverse Reactions | DSUVIA n=107 | Placebo * n=54 |
| Nausea | 29.0% | 22.2% |
| Headache | 12.1% | 11.1% |
| Vomiting | 5.6% | 1.9% |
| Dizziness | 5.6% | 3.7% |
| Hypotension | 4.7% | 3.7% |
*Morphine 1 mg IV was permitted as rescue medication
6.2 Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of sufentanil. 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.
A prospective, observational cohort study estimated the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse in patients initiating long-term use of Schedule II opioid analgesics between 2017 and 2021. Study participants included in one or more analyses had been enrolled in selected insurance plans or health systems for at least one year, were free of at least one outcome at baseline, completed a minimum number of follow-up assessments, and either: 1) filled multiple extended-release/long acting opioid analgesic prescriptions during a 90-day period (n=978); or 2) filled any Schedule II opioid analgesic prescriptions covering at least 70 of 90 days (n=1,244). Those included also had no dispensing of the qualifying opioids in the previous 6 months.
Over 12 months:
- approximately 15 to 6% of participants across the two cohorts newly meet criteria for addiction, as assessed with two validated interview-based measures of moderate-to-sever opioid use disorder based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria, and
- approximately 9% and 22% of participants across the two cohorts newly met criteria for prescription opioid abuse and misuse[defined in Drug Abuse and Dependence ], respectively, as measured with a validated self-reported instrument.
A retrospective, observational cohort study estimated the risk of opioid involved overdose or opioid overdose-related death in patients with new long-term use of Schedule II opioid analgesics from 2006 through 2016 (n=220,249). Included patients had been enrolled in either one of two commercial insurance programs, one managed care program, or one Medicaid program for at least 9 months. New long-term use was defined as having Schedule II opioid analgesic prescriptions covering at least 70 days’ supply over the 3 months prior to study entry and none during the preceding 6 months. Patients were excluded if they had an opioid-involved overdose in the 9 months prior to study entry. Overdose was measured using a validated medical code-based algorithm with linkage to the National Death Index database. The 5-year cumulative incidence estimates for opioid-involved overdose or opioid overdose-related death ranged from approximately 1.5% to 4% across study sites, counting only the first event during follow-up. Approximately 17% of first opioid overdoses observed over the entire study period (5-11 years, depending on the study site) were fatal. Higher baseline opioid dose was the strongest and most consistent predictor of opioid-involved overdose or opioid overdose-related death. Study exclusion criteria may have selected patients at lower risk of overdose, and substantial loss to follow-up (approximately 80%) also may have biased estimates.
The risk estimates from the studies described above may not be generalizable to all patients receiving opioid analgesics, such as those with exposures shorter or longer than the duration evaluated in the studies.
The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:
- Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ]
- Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ]
- Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions ]
- Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ]
- Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ]
- Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ]
- Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ]
- Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ]
Inhibitors of CYP3A4 | |
Clinical Impact: | The concomitant use of DSUVIA and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of sufentanil, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects. After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the sufentanil plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 PharmacokineticsAbsorption A single sublingual administration of DSUVIA has a bioavailability of approximately 53% relative to a one-minute IV sufentanil infusion of 30 mcg. Compared to IV administration, sublingual Cmaxvalues were 17-fold lower. The sublingual route of administration of sufentanil avoids intestinal and hepatic first-pass effects, both which severely limit bioavailability of swallowed (oral) sufentanil sublingual tablet (9%). Following a single dose of DSUVIA, the mean AUC0-infis 278 h*pg/mL, the average Cmaxof 63.1 pg/mL occurs at a median Tmaxof 1.00 hour. After 12 multiple hourly doses over 11 hours, the geometric mean for the AUC within a dosing interval (AUC0-60min) and Cmaxvalues were increased by 3.7-fold and 2.3-fold greater compared to single-dose administration, respectively. Steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved after 7 doses (Figure 1 ).Figure 1 : Sufentanil Concentration-Time Values: Single vs. Consecutive Repeat Doses (12 DSUVIA Doses) ![]() Distribution Plasma protein binding of sufentanil, related to the alpha acid glycoprotein concentration, was approximately 93% in healthy males, 91% in mothers and 79% in neonates.Elimination Following a single dose of DSUVIA, the mean terminal half-life is 13.4 hours, and the mean apparent plasma clearance is 108 L/hour. Metabolism: The liver and small intestine are the major sites of biotransformationExcretion: Approximately 80% of the IV administered dose of sufentanil is excreted within 24 hours and only 2% of the dose is eliminated as unchanged drug.Specific Populations Clearance is not significantly affected by race, sex, mild or moderate renal impairment based on the population pharmacokinetics.Drug Interaction Study Co-administration of a single dose of sufentanil sublingual tablet 15 mcg with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, resulted in 77% and 19% greater AUC0-infand Cmaxvalues of sufentanil, respectively, compared to its administration alone.![]() )] , resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to sufentanil. |
Intervention: | If concomitant use is necessary, consider an alternate medication that permits dose titration. Monitor patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider an alternate medication that permits dose titration. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. |
Examples: | Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) |
CYP3A4 Inducers | |
Clinical Impact: | The concomitant use of DSUVIA and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of sufentanil [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 PharmacokineticsAbsorption A single sublingual administration of DSUVIA has a bioavailability of approximately 53% relative to a one-minute IV sufentanil infusion of 30 mcg. Compared to IV administration, sublingual Cmaxvalues were 17-fold lower. The sublingual route of administration of sufentanil avoids intestinal and hepatic first-pass effects, both which severely limit bioavailability of swallowed (oral) sufentanil sublingual tablet (9%). Following a single dose of DSUVIA, the mean AUC0-infis 278 h*pg/mL, the average Cmaxof 63.1 pg/mL occurs at a median Tmaxof 1.00 hour. After 12 multiple hourly doses over 11 hours, the geometric mean for the AUC within a dosing interval (AUC0-60min) and Cmaxvalues were increased by 3.7-fold and 2.3-fold greater compared to single-dose administration, respectively. Steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved after 7 doses (Figure 1 ).Figure 1 : Sufentanil Concentration-Time Values: Single vs. Consecutive Repeat Doses (12 DSUVIA Doses) ![]() Distribution Plasma protein binding of sufentanil, related to the alpha acid glycoprotein concentration, was approximately 93% in healthy males, 91% in mothers and 79% in neonates.Elimination Following a single dose of DSUVIA, the mean terminal half-life is 13.4 hours, and the mean apparent plasma clearance is 108 L/hour. Metabolism: The liver and small intestine are the major sites of biotransformationExcretion: Approximately 80% of the IV administered dose of sufentanil is excreted within 24 hours and only 2% of the dose is eliminated as unchanged drug.Specific Populations Clearance is not significantly affected by race, sex, mild or moderate renal impairment based on the population pharmacokinetics.Drug Interaction Study Co-administration of a single dose of sufentanil sublingual tablet 15 mcg with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, resulted in 77% and 19% greater AUC0-infand Cmaxvalues of sufentanil, respectively, compared to its administration alone.![]() )] , resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to sufentanil [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the sufentanil plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 PharmacokineticsAbsorption A single sublingual administration of DSUVIA has a bioavailability of approximately 53% relative to a one-minute IV sufentanil infusion of 30 mcg. Compared to IV administration, sublingual Cmaxvalues were 17-fold lower. The sublingual route of administration of sufentanil avoids intestinal and hepatic first-pass effects, both which severely limit bioavailability of swallowed (oral) sufentanil sublingual tablet (9%). Following a single dose of DSUVIA, the mean AUC0-infis 278 h*pg/mL, the average Cmaxof 63.1 pg/mL occurs at a median Tmaxof 1.00 hour. After 12 multiple hourly doses over 11 hours, the geometric mean for the AUC within a dosing interval (AUC0-60min) and Cmaxvalues were increased by 3.7-fold and 2.3-fold greater compared to single-dose administration, respectively. Steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved after 7 doses (Figure 1 ).Figure 1 : Sufentanil Concentration-Time Values: Single vs. Consecutive Repeat Doses (12 DSUVIA Doses) ![]() Distribution Plasma protein binding of sufentanil, related to the alpha acid glycoprotein concentration, was approximately 93% in healthy males, 91% in mothers and 79% in neonates.Elimination Following a single dose of DSUVIA, the mean terminal half-life is 13.4 hours, and the mean apparent plasma clearance is 108 L/hour. Metabolism: The liver and small intestine are the major sites of biotransformationExcretion: Approximately 80% of the IV administered dose of sufentanil is excreted within 24 hours and only 2% of the dose is eliminated as unchanged drug.Specific Populations Clearance is not significantly affected by race, sex, mild or moderate renal impairment based on the population pharmacokinetics.Drug Interaction Study Co-administration of a single dose of sufentanil sublingual tablet 15 mcg with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, resulted in 77% and 19% greater AUC0-infand Cmaxvalues of sufentanil, respectively, compared to its administration alone.![]() )] , which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. |
Intervention: | If concomitant use is necessary, consider an alternate medication that permits dose titration. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider less frequent dosing of DSUVIA and monitor for signs of respiratory depression. |
Examples: | Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin |
Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants | |
Clinical Impact: | Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . |
Intervention: | Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or other CNS DepressantsProfound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of DSUVIA with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids [gabapentin or pregabalin], and other opioids). Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics [see Drug Interactions ] .If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. |
Examples: | Alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids. |
Serotonergic Drugs | |
Clinical Impact: | The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 Serotonin Syndrome with Concomitant Use of Serotonergic DrugsCases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of sufentanil, the active opioid ingredient of DSUVIA, with serotonergic drugs. Serotonergic drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), and drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (including MAO inhibitors, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) [see Drug Interactions ] . This may occur at the recommended dosage.Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination, rigidity), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and can be fatal. The onset of symptoms generally occurs within several hours to a few days of concomitant use, but may occur later than that. Discontinue DSUVIA if serotonin syndrome is suspected. )] . |
Intervention: | If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue DSUVIA if serotonin syndrome is suspected. |
Examples: | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). |
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) | |
Clinical Impact: | MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. |
Intervention: | The use of DSUVIA is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. |
Examples: | phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid |
Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics | |
Clinical Impact: | May reduce the analgesic effect of DSUVIA and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. |
Intervention: | Avoid concomitant use. |
Examples: | Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine |
Muscle Relaxants | |
Clinical Impact: | Sufentanil may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. |
Intervention: | Because respiratory depression may be greater than otherwise expected, decrease the dosage of the muscle relaxant as necessary or consider discontinuing use of DSUVIA. |
Examples: | Cyclobenzaprine, metaxolone. |
Diuretics | |
Clinical Impact: | Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. |
Intervention: | Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed. |
Anticholinergic Drugs | |
Clinical Impact: | The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. |
Intervention: | Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when DSUVIA is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. |
