Get your patient on Posaconazole - Posaconazole tablet, Coated (Posaconazole)

Posaconazole delayed-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh greater than 40 kg.

Posaconazole is indicated for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or those with hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] as follows:

• Posaconazole delayed-release tablets : adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh greater than 40 kg
• Posaconazole oral suspension: adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older

Posaconazole oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis, including oropharyngeal candidiasis refractory to itraconazole and/or fluconazole in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older.

Posaconazole delayed-release tablets and Posaconazole oral suspension are approved for different indications, age groups and weights; have different dosages and duration of therapy; and have different preparation and administration instructions.

Therefore, select the recommended dosage form based on the indication, age group, and weight and carefully follow the recommended dosage, preparation and administration instructions described for each product [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 to 2.8) ] , and the following important administration instructions described below.

Non-substitutable

Posaconazole oral suspension is not substitutable with Posaconazole delayed-release tablets or Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension due to the differences in the dosing of each formulation. Therefore, follow the specific dosage recommendations for each of the formulations [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) ].

The recommended dosage of Posaconazole oral suspension for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) and OPC refractory (rOPC) to itraconazole and/or fluconazole in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older is shown in Table 4.

The Posaconazole delayed-release tablets are not approved for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in pediatric patients.

• Swallow the Posaconazole delayed-release tablets whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew.
• Administer Posaconazole delayed-release orally tablets with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Administer Posaconazole oral suspension with a full meal or with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage (e.g., ginger ale) in patients who cannot eat a full meal .

For patients who cannot eat a full meal, use Posaconazole delayed-release tablets instead of the Posaconazole oral suspension for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in those who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised. This is because Posaconazole delayed-release tablets provide higher plasma drug exposures than Posaconazole oral suspension under fasted condition [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .

For those patients using the Posaconazole oral suspension:

• Shake Posaconazole oral suspension well before use. Administer with measured dosing spoon (see Figure 1 ) provided.
• Administer with measured dosing spoon provided in the package (see Figure 1 ).

Figure 1: Measured dosing spoon provided in the package marked for doses of 2.5 mL and 5 mL.

• Administer each dose of Posaconazole oral suspension during or immediately (i.e., within 20 minutes) following a full meal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
• In patients who cannot eat a full meal and for whom Posaconazole delayed-release tablets are not an option, administer each dose of Posaconazole oral suspension with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage (e.g., ginger ale). If these patients cannot tolerate an oral nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage either use:
  • an alternative antifungal therapy, or
  • Posaconazole oral suspension and closely monitor patients for breakthrough fungal infections.
• Rinse the spoon with water after each administration and before storage.

Posaconazole oral suspension is not substitutable with Posaconazole delayed-release tablets or Noxafil PowderMix for delayed-release oral suspension due to the differences in the dosing of each formulation. Therefore, follow the specific dosage recommendations for each of the formulations [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) ].

The recommended dosage of Posaconazole oral suspension and Posaconazole delayed-release tablets is the same in patients with renal impairment compared to those with normal renal function.

The posaconazole dosage forms (delayed-release tablets and oral suspension) are different products; are approved for different pediatric indications, age groups, and weights; have different dosing regimens; and have different preparation and administration instructions. Therefore, select the recommended dosage form based on the pediatric indication, age group, and weight [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ].

Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis

The safety and effectiveness of Posaconazole delayed-release tablets have been established for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

Use of posaconazole for these pediatric indications is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Noxafil in adults and safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) data from pediatric studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . The safety of Noxafil in pediatric patients for these pediatric indications was consistent with the known safety profile of Noxafil in adults [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].

The safety and effectiveness of posaconazole have not been established in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age .

Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections

The safety and effectiveness of Posaconazole delayed-release tablets have been established for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised.

The safety and effectiveness of Posaconazole oral suspension have been established for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised.

Use of posaconazole for these pediatric indications is supported by adequate and well-controlled studies of Noxafil in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older and additional PK and safety data in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14) ] .

The safety and effectiveness of posaconazole have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age.

Treatment of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis, including Refractory to Itraconazole and/or Fluconazole

The safety and effectiveness of Posaconazole oral suspension have been established for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), including OPC refractory (rOPC) to itraconazole and/or fluconazole in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older.

Use of Posaconazole oral suspension for this pediatric indication is supported by adequate and well controlled studies in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older [see Clinical studies (14.4) ].

Posaconazole delayed-release tablets are not approved for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in pediatric patients. Posaconazole oral suspension is the only dosage form approved for the treatment of OPC and rOPC in pediatric patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ].

The safety and effectiveness of Posaconazole oral suspension for the treatment of OPC and rOPC have not been established in pediatric patients less than 13 years of age.

No overall differences in the safety of Noxafil delayed-release tablets and Noxafil oral suspension have been observed between geriatric patients and younger adult patients in the clinical trials; therefore, the recommended dosage in geriatric patients is the same as that for younger adult patients. No clinically meaningful differences in posaconazole pharmacokinetics were observed in Noxafil-treated geriatric patients compared to Noxafil-treated younger adult patients during clinical trials [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

• Of the 230 patients treated with Noxafil delayed-release tablets, 38 (17%) patients were >65 years of age.
• Of the 605 patients treated with Noxafil oral suspension in Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 1 and Study 2 (prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in those at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised), 63 (10%) patients were ≥65 years of age.
• In studies of Noxafil for an unapproved indication, 48 patients treated with Noxafil oral suspension (greater than or equal to 800 mg/day (eight times the maximum recommended maintenance dosage for the treatment of OPC)) were ≥65 years of age.
• Of the 288 patients treated with Noxafil injection or Noxafil delayed-release tablets in the Aspergillosis Treatment Study, 85 (29%) patients were ≥65 years of age.

Posaconazole Oral Suspension and Posaconazole Delayed-Release Tablets

No dosage adjustment is required for patients with eGFR 20 mL/minute/1.73 m ² or higher.

Due to variability in posaconazole exposure, closely monitor patients with eGFR less than 20 mL/minute/1.73 m ² for breakthrough fungal infections. [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

No dose adjustment is recommended of posaconazole in patients with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B, or C, respectively) [see Pharmacology (12.3) ] . However, a specific hepatic impairment study has not been conducted with the Posaconazole delayed-release tablets.

No adjustment in the dosage of posaconazole is necessary based on sex.

No adjustment in the dosage of posaconazole is necessary based on race.

Pharmacokinetic modeling suggests that patients who weigh greater than 120 kg may have lower posaconazole plasma drug exposure. Therefore, consider closely monitoring for breakthrough fungal infections particularly when using Posaconazole oral suspension in patients weighing greater than 120 kg [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Posaconazole is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to posaconazole or other azole antifungal agents.

Posaconazole is contraindicated with sirolimus. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with sirolimus increases the sirolimus blood concentrations by approximately 9-fold and can result in sirolimus toxicity [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Posaconazole is contraindicated with CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QT interval. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with the CYP3A4 substrates, pimozide and quinidine may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.2) ] .

Coadministration with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) is contraindicated since increased plasma concentration of these drugs can lead to rhabdomyolysis [see Drug Interactions (7.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) which may lead to ergotism [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ] .

Coadministration of posaconazole with venetoclax at initiation and during the ramp-up phase is contraindicated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) due to the potential for increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) and Drug Interactions (7.2) ].

Concomitant administration of posaconazole with cyclosporine or tacrolimus increases the whole blood trough concentrations of these calcineurin-inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Nephrotoxicity and leukoencephalopathy (including deaths) have been reported in clinical efficacy studies in patients with elevated cyclosporine or tacrolimus concentrations. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus or cyclosporine whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the tacrolimus or cyclosporine dose adjusted accordingly.

Some azoles, including posaconazole, have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram. In addition, cases of torsades de pointes have been reported in patients taking posaconazole.

Results from a multiple time-matched ECG analysis in healthy volunteers did not show any increase in the mean of the QTc interval. Multiple, time-matched ECGs collected over a 12-hour period were recorded at baseline and steady-state from 173 healthy male and female volunteers (18-85 years of age) administered Noxafil oral suspension 400 mg twice daily with a high-fat meal. In this pooled analysis, the mean QTc (Fridericia) interval change from baseline was –5 msec following administration of the recommended clinical dose. A decrease in the QTc(F) interval (–3 msec) was also observed in a small number of subjects (n=16) administered placebo. The placebo-adjusted mean maximum QTc(F) interval change from baseline was <0 msec (–8 msec). No healthy subject administered Noxafil had a QTc(F) interval ≥500 msec or an increase ≥60 msec in their QTc(F) interval from baseline.

Posaconazole should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions. Do not administer with drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval and are metabolized through CYP3A4 [see Contraindications (4.3) and Drug Interactions (7.2) ] .

Electrolyte disturbances, especially those involving potassium, magnesium or calcium levels, should be monitored and corrected as necessary before and during posaconazole therapy.

Pseudoaldosteronism, manifested by the onset of hypertension or worsening of hypertension, and abnormal laboratory findings (hypokalemia, low serum renin and aldosterone, and elevated 11-deoxycortisol), has been reported with posaconazole use in the postmarket setting. Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels and manage as necessary. Management of pseudoaldosteronism may include discontinuation of posaconazole, substitution with an appropriate antifungal drug that is not associated with pseudoaldosteronism, or use of aldosterone receptor antagonists.

Hepatic reactions (e.g., mild to moderate elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and/or clinical hepatitis) have been reported in clinical trials. The elevations in liver tests were generally reversible on discontinuation of therapy, and in some instances these tests normalized without drug interruption. Cases of more severe hepatic reactions including cholestasis or hepatic failure including deaths have been reported in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (e.g., hematologic malignancy) during treatment with posaconazole. These severe hepatic reactions were seen primarily in subjects receiving the Posaconazole oral suspension 800 mg daily (400 mg twice daily or 200 mg four times a day) in clinical trials.

Liver tests should be evaluated at the start of and during the course of posaconazole therapy. Patients who develop abnormal liver tests during posaconazole therapy should be monitored for the development of more severe hepatic injury. Patient management should include laboratory evaluation of hepatic function (particularly liver tests and bilirubin). Discontinuation of posaconazole must be considered if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop that may be attributable to posaconazole.

Due to the variability in exposure with Posaconazole delayed-release tablets and Posaconazole oral suspension, patients with severe renal impairment should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ].

Concomitant administration of posaconazole with midazolam increases the midazolam plasma concentrations by approximately 5-fold. Increased plasma midazolam concentrations could potentiate and prolong hypnotic and sedative effects. Patients must be monitored closely for adverse effects associated with high plasma concentrations of midazolam and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists must be available to reverse these effects [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions, including seizures, peripheral neuropathy, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and paralytic ileus. Reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ] .

Patients who have severe diarrhea or vomiting should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections when receiving Posaconazole delayed-release tablets or Posaconazole oral suspension.

Concomitant administration of posaconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, with venetoclax may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), neutropenia, and serious infections. In patients with CLL/SLL, administration of posaconazole during initiation and the ramp-up phase of venetoclax is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.6) ] . Refer to the venetoclax labeling for safety monitoring and dose reduction in the steady daily dosing phase in CLL/SLL patients.

For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), dose reduction and safety monitoring are recommended across all dosing phases when coadministering posaconazole with venetoclax [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. Refer to the venetoclax prescribing information for dosing instructions.

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of Noxafil cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The following adverse reaction has been identified during the post-approval use of posaconazole. 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 casual relationship to drug exposure.

Endocrine Disorders: Pseudoaldosteronism

Posaconazole is primarily metabolized via UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and is a substrate of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux. Therefore, inhibitors or inducers of these clearance pathways may affect posaconazole plasma concentrations. Concomitant use of posaconazole with drugs that can decrease the plasma posaconazole concentrations should generally be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If such drugs are necessary, patients should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections.

Posaconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Therefore, concomitant use of posaconazole may increase plasma concentrations of drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Additional clinical studies demonstrated that no clinically important effects on zidovudine, lamivudine, indinavir, or caffeine were observed when administered with Noxafil 200 mg once daily; therefore, no dose adjustments are required for these drugs when coadministered with posaconazole 200 mg once daily.

No clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of Noxafil delayed-release tablets were observed during concomitant use with antacids, H ₂ -receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, and metoclopramide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . No dosage adjustment of Posaconazole delayed-release tablets is required during concomitant use with these drugs.

No clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of Noxafil oral suspension were observed during concomitant use with antacids, H ₂ -receptor antagonists (other than cimetidine), and loperamide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . No dosage adjustment of Posaconazole oral suspension is required during concomitant use with these drugs (other than cimetidine).

Posaconazole is an azole antifungal agent [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4) ] .

Carcinogenesis

No drug-related neoplasms were recorded in rats or mice treated with posaconazole for 2 years at doses higher than the clinical dose. In a 2 years carcinogenicity study, rats were given posaconazole orally at doses up to 20 mg/kg (females), or 30 mg/kg (males). These doses are equivalent to 3.9- or 3.5-times the exposure achieved with a 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen, respectively, based on steady-state AUC in healthy volunteers administered a high-fat meal (400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen). In the mouse study, mice were treated at oral doses up to 60 mg/kg/day or 4.8-times the exposure achieved with a 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen.

Mutagenesis

Posaconazole was not genotoxic or clastogenic when evaluated in bacterial mutagenicity (Ames), a chromosome aberration study in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, a Chinese hamster ovary cell mutagenicity study, and a mouse bone marrow micronucleus study.

Impairment of Fertility

Posaconazole had no effect on fertility of male rats at a dose up to 180 mg/kg (1.7 x the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen based on steady-state plasma concentrations in healthy volunteers) or female rats at a dose up to 45 mg/kg (2.2 x the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen).

Aspergillosis Treatment Study (NCT01782131) was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial which evaluated the safety and efficacy of Noxafil injection and Noxafil delayed-release tablets versus voriconazole for primary treatment of invasive fungal disease caused by Aspergillus species. Eligible patients had proven, probable, or possible invasive fungal infections per the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group, EORTC/MSG criteria. Patients were stratified by risk for mortality or poor outcome where high risk included a history of allogeneic bone marrow transplant, liver transplant, or relapsed leukemia undergoing salvage chemotherapy. The median age of patients was 57 years (range: 14-91 years), with 27.8% of patients aged ≥65 years; 5 patients were pediatric patients 14-16 years of age, of whom 3 were treated with Noxafil and 2 with voriconazole. The majority of patients were male (59.8%) and white (67.1%). With regard to risk factors for invasive aspergillosis, approximately two-thirds of the patients in the study had a recent history of neutropenia, while approximately 20% with a history of an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Over 80% of subjects in each treatment group had infection limited to the lower respiratory tract (primarily lung), while approximately 11% to 13% also had infection in another organ. Invasive aspergillosis was proven or probable in 58.1% of patients as classified by independent adjudicators blinded to study treatment assignment. At least one Aspergillus species was identified in 21% of the patients; A. fumigatus and A. flavus were the most common pathogens identified.

Patients randomized to receive Noxafil were given a dose of 300 mg once daily (twice daily on Day 1) IV or tablet. Patients randomized to receive voriconazole were given a dose of 6 mg/kg twice daily Day 1 followed by 4 mg/kg twice daily IV, or oral 300 mg twice daily Day 1 followed by 200 mg twice daily. The recommended initial route of administration was IV; however, patients could begin oral therapy if clinically stable and able to tolerate oral dosing. The transition from IV to oral therapy occurred when the patient was clinically stable. The protocol recommended duration of therapy was 84 days with a maximum allowed duration of 98 days. Median treatment duration was 67 days for Noxafil patients and 64 days for voriconazole patients. Overall, 55% to 60% of patients began treatment with the IV formulation with a median duration of 9 days for the initial IV dosing.

The Intent to Treat (ITT) population included all patients randomized and receiving at least one dose of study treatment. All-cause mortality through Day 42 in the overall population (ITT) was 15.3% for Noxafil patients compared to 20.6% for voriconazole patients for an adjusted treatment difference of -5.3% with a 95% confidence interval of -11.6 to 1.0%. Consistent results were seen in patients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis per EORTC criteria (see Table 26 ).

Global clinical response at Week 6 was assessed by a blinded, independent adjudication committee based upon prespecified clinical, radiologic, and mycologic criteria. In the subgroup of patients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis per EORTC criteria, the global clinical response of success (complete or partial response) at Week 6 was seen in 44.8% for Noxafil-treated patients compared to 45.6% for voriconazole-treated patients (see Table 27 ).

Two randomized, controlled studies were conducted using Noxafil as prophylaxis for the prevention of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) among patients at high risk due to severely compromised immune systems.

The first study (Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 1) was a randomized, double-blind trial that compared Noxafil oral suspension (200 mg three times a day) with fluconazole capsules (400 mg once daily) as prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD). Efficacy of prophylaxis was evaluated using a composite endpoint of proven/probable IFIs, death, or treatment with systemic antifungal therapy (patients may have met more than one of these criteria). This assessed all patients while on study therapy plus 7 days and at 16 weeks post-randomization. The mean duration of therapy was comparable between the 2 treatment groups (80 days, Noxafil oral suspension; 77 days, fluconazole). Table 28 contains the results from Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 1.

The second study (Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 2) was a randomized, open-label study that compared Noxafil oral suspension (200 mg 3 times a day) with fluconazole suspension (400 mg once daily) or itraconazole oral solution (200 mg twice a day) as prophylaxis against IFIs in neutropenic patients who were receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for AML or MDS. As in Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 1, efficacy of prophylaxis was evaluated using a composite endpoint of proven/probable IFIs, death, or treatment with systemic antifungal therapy (Patients might have met more than one of these criteria). This study assessed patients while on treatment plus 7 days and 100 days postrandomization. The mean duration of therapy was comparable between the 2 treatment groups (29 days, posaconazole; 25 days, fluconazole or itraconazole). Table 29 contains the results from Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 2.

In summary, 2 clinical studies of prophylaxis were conducted with the Noxafil oral suspension. As seen in the accompanying tables (Tables 23 and 24), clinical failure represented a composite endpoint of breakthrough IFI, mortality and use of systemic antifungal therapy. In Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 1 (Table 23), the clinical failure rate of posaconazole (33%) was similar to fluconazole (37%), (95% CI for the difference posaconazole–comparator -11.5% to 3.7%) while in Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 2 (Table 24) clinical failure was lower for patients treated with posaconazole (27%) when compared to patients treated with fluconazole or itraconazole (42%), (95% CI for the difference posaconazole–comparator -22.9% to -7.8%).

All-cause mortality was similar at 16 weeks for both treatment arms in Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 1 [POS 58/301 (19%) vs. FLU 59/299 (20%)]; all-cause mortality was lower at 100 days for Noxafil-treated patients in Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 2 [POS 44/304 (14%) vs. FLU/ITZ 64/298 (21%)]. Both studies demonstrated fewer breakthrough infections caused by Aspergillus species in patients receiving Noxafil prophylaxis when compared to patients receiving fluconazole or itraconazole.

Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 3 was a randomized, controlled, evaluator-blinded study in HIV-infected patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis. Patients were treated with Noxafil or fluconazole oral suspension (both Noxafil and fluconazole were given as follows: 100 mg twice a day for 1 day followed by 100 mg once a day for 13 days).

Clinical and mycological outcomes were assessed after 14 days of treatment and at 4 weeks after the end of treatment. Patients who received at least 1 dose of study medication and had a positive oral swish culture of Candida species at baseline were included in the analyses (see Table 25 ). The majority of the subjects had C. albicans as the baseline pathogen.

Clinical success at Day 14 (complete or partial resolution of all ulcers and/or plaques and symptoms) and clinical relapse rates (recurrence of signs or symptoms after initial cure or improvement) 4 weeks after the end of treatment were similar between the treatment arms (see Table 30 ).

Mycologic eradication rates (absence of colony forming units in quantitative culture at the end of therapy, Day 14), as well as mycologic relapse rates (4 weeks after the end of treatment) were also similar between the treatment arms (see Table 30 ).

Mycologic response rates, using a criterion for success as a posttreatment quantitative culture with ≤20 colony forming units (CFU/mL) were also similar between the two groups (Noxafil 68.0%, fluconazole 68.1%). The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.

Noxafil Oral Suspension Study 4 was a noncomparative study of Noxafil oral suspension in HIV-infected subjects with OPC that was refractory to treatment with fluconazole or itraconazole. An episode of OPC was considered refractory if there was failure to improve or worsening of OPC after a standard course of therapy with fluconazole greater than or equal to 100 mg/day for at least 10 consecutive days or itraconazole 200 mg/day for at least 10 consecutive days and treatment with either fluconazole or itraconazole had not been discontinued for more than 14 days prior to treatment with Noxafil. Of the 199 subjects enrolled in this study, 89 subjects met these strict criteria for refractory infection.

Forty-five subjects with refractory OPC were treated with Noxafil oral suspension 400 mg twice daily for 3 days, followed by 400 mg once daily for 25 days with an option for further treatment during a 3-month maintenance period. Following a dosing amendment, a further 44 subjects were treated with Noxafil 400 mg twice daily for 28 days. The efficacy of Noxafil was assessed by the clinical success (cure or improvement) rate after 4 weeks of treatment. The clinical success rate was 74.2% (66/89). The clinical success rates for both the original and the amended dosing regimens were similar (73.3% and 75.0%, respectively).

Posaconazole Delayed-Release Tablets

Posaconazole delayed-release tablets are yellow, coated, oblong, debossed with "100" on one side containing 100 mg of posaconazole. Bottles with child-resistant closures of 60 delayed-release tablets (NDC 0254-2045-02).

Posaconazole Oral Suspension

Posaconazole oral suspension is a white, cherry-flavored suspension in 4-ounce (123 mL) amber glass bottles with child-resistant closures containing 105 mL of suspension (40 mg of posaconazole per mL). Supplied with each oral suspension bottle is a plastic dosing spoon calibrated for measuring 2.5-mL and 5-mL doses (NDC 0254-1016-36).

Posaconazole Delayed-Release Tablets

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Posaconazole Oral Suspension

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. DO NOT FREEZE.