Oracea

Indication

ORACEA is indicated for the treatment of only inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) of rosacea in adult patients. No meaningful effect was demonstrated for generalized erythema (redness) of rosacea.

Limitations of Use

This formulation of doxycycline has not been evaluated in the treatment or prevention of infections. Do not use ORACEA for treating bacterial infections, providing antibacterial prophylaxis, or reducing the numbers or eliminating microorganisms associated with any bacterial disease. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria as well as to maintain the effectiveness of other antibacterial drugs, ORACEA should be used only as indicated.

ORACEA has not been evaluated for the treatment of the erythematous, telangiectatic, or ocular components of rosacea.

General Dosing Information

Take one ORACEA capsule (40 mg) once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably at least one hour prior to or two hours after meals. Administration of adequate amounts of fluid along with the capsules is recommended to wash down the capsule to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration [ see Adverse Reactions (6)].

Important Considerations for Dosing Regimen

The dosage of ORACEA differs from that of doxycycline used to treat infections. Exceeding the recommended dosage may result in an increased incidence of side effects including the development of resistant organisms.

Pregnancy

Risk Summary
Doxycycline may cause reversible inhibition of bone growth and permanent discoloration of deciduous teeth when administered during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions ]. Available data from published studies have not shown a difference in major birth defect risk with doxycycline exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy compared to unexposed pregnancies. Avoid use of ORECEA during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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.

Data
Human Data
Published studies, including epidemiological and observational studies, with use of doxycycline during the first trimester of pregnancy have not identified drug-related increases in major birth defects.

The use of tetracycline during tooth development (second and third trimester of pregnancy) may cause permanent discoloration of deciduous teeth (yellow-gray-brown). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drug but has been observed following repeated short- term courses.

Animal Data
Results from animal studies indicate that doxycycline crosses the placenta and is found in fetal tissues.

Lactation

Risk Summary
Based on available published data, doxycycline is likely to be present in human breast milk but the specific concentration in breastmilk is not clear. There is no information on the effects of doxycycline on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. Because there are other antibacterial drug options available to treat rosacea in lactating women and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with ORACEA and for 5 days after the last dose.

Pediatric Use

ORACEA should not be used in infants and children less than 8 years of age [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. ORACEA has not been studied in children of any age with regard to safety or efficacy, therefore use in children is not recommended.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of ORACEA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Inhibition of Bone Growth During Fetal and Pediatric Development

Doxycycline, like other tetracycline-class drugs, may cause inhibition of bone growth when administered during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood. All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. A decrease in fibula growth rate has been observed in premature human infants given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every 6 hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued. If doxycycline is used during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, advise the patient of the potential risk to the fetus [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Tooth Discoloration During Fetal and Pediatric Development

The use of tetracycline class drugs orally during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drug but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. Use of tetracycline drugs is not recommended during tooth development [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhea (CDAD)

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including doxycycline, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate management should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Metabolic Effects

The anti-anabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in BUN. While this is not a problem in those with normal renal function, in patients with significantly impaired function, higher serum levels of tetracycline-class antibiotics may lead to azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis. If renal impairment exists, even usual oral or parenteral doses may lead to excessive systemic accumulations of the drug and possible liver toxicity. Under such conditions, lower than usual total doses are indicated, and if therapy is prolonged, serum level determinations of the drug may be advisable.

Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Although this was not observed during the duration of the clinical studies with ORACEA, patients should minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while using ORACEA. If patients need to be outdoors while using ORACEA, they should wear loose-fitting clothes that protect skin from sun exposure and discuss other sun protection measures with their physician.

Autoimmune Syndromes

Tetracyclines have been associated with the development of autoimmune syndromes. Symptoms may be manifested by fever, rash, arthralgia, and malaise. In symptomatic patients, liver function tests, ANA, CBC, and other appropriate tests should be performed to evaluate the patients. Use of all tetracycline-class drugs should be discontinued immediately.

 Tissue Hyperpigmentation

Tetracycline-class drugs are known to cause hyperpigmentation. Tetracycline therapy may induce hyperpigmentation in many organs, including nails, bone, skin, eyes, thyroid, visceral tissue, oral cavity (teeth, mucosa, alveolar bone), sclerae and heart valves. Skin and oral pigmentation has been reported to occur independently of time or amount of drug administration, whereas other pigmentation has been reported to occur upon prolonged administration. Skin pigmentation includes diffuse pigmentation as well as over sites of scars or injury.

Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension) in adults has been associated with the use of tetracyclines. The usual clinical manifestations are headache and blurred vision. Bulging fontanels have been associated with the use of tetracyclines in infants. While both of these conditions and related symptoms usually resolve after discontinuation of the tetracycline, the possibility for permanent sequelae exists. Patients should be questioned for visual disturbances prior to initiation of treatment with tetracyclines and should be routinely checked for papiledema while on treatment.

Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria

Bacterial resistance to tetracyclines may develop in patients using ORACEA. Because of the potential for drug-resistant bacteria to develop during the use of ORACEA, it should only be used as indicated.

Superinfection

As with other antibiotic preparations, use of ORACEA may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, ORACEA should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Although not observed in clinical trials with ORACEA, the use of tetracyclines may increase the incidence of vaginal candidiasis. ORACEA should be used with caution in patients with a history of or predisposition to Candida overgrowth.

Laboratory Monitoring

Periodic laboratory evaluations of organ systems, including hematopoietic, renal and hepatic studies should be performed. Appropriate tests for autoimmune syndromes should be performed as indicated.

Fixed Drug Eruption

Fixed drug eruptions have occurred with doxycycline and have been associated with worsening severity upon subsequent administrations, including generalized bullous fixed drug eruption [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].  If severe reactions occur, discontinue ORACEA immediately and initiate appropriate therapy.