Qvar RediHaler

2.1 General Overview

Administration

• Administer QVAR REDIHALER by oral inhalation.

• After inhalation, rinse mouth with water without swallowing to help reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.

• Consistent dose delivery is achieved, whether using the 40‑ or 80‑mcg strengths, due to proportionality of the 2 products (i.e., 2 actuations of 40‑mcg strength should provide a dose comparable to 1 actuation of the 80‑mcg strength).

  Inhaler Instructions

• Patients should be instructed on the proper use of their inhaler.

• Do not use QVAR REDIHALER with a spacer or volume holding chamber.

• Shaking the inhaler prior to use is not necessary. Do not shake the inhaler with the cap open to avoid possible actuation of the device.

Priming

• QVAR REDIHALER does not require priming.

Cleaning

• Keep the inhaler clean and dry at all times. Never wash or put any part of the inhaler in water.

• Routine maintenance is not required. If the mouthpiece needs cleaning, gently wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue as needed.

Dose Counter

QVAR REDIHALER has a dose counter attached to the actuator. When the patient receives the inhaler, the number 120 will be displayed. The dose counter will count down each time a spray is released. When the dose counter reaches 20, the color of the numbers will change to red to remind the patient to contact their pharmacist for a refill of medication or consult their physician for a prescription refill. When the dose counter reaches 0, the background will change to solid red. Discard QVAR REDIHALER inhaler when the dose counter displays 0 or after the expiration date on the product, whichever comes first [see Patient Counseling Information ].

2.2 Recommended Dosage

Adults and Adolescents 12 years of age and older

The recommended starting dosage for patients 12 years of age and older who are not on an inhaled corticosteroid is 40 to 80 mcg twice daily by oral inhalation, approximately 12 hours apart.

• The starting dosage is based on previous asthma therapy and disease severity, including consideration of the patients’ current control of asthma symptoms and risk of future exacerbation.

• For patients switching to QVAR REDIHALER from another inhaled corticosteroid product, select the appropriate starting dosage strength of QVAR REDIHALER based on the strength of the previous inhaled corticosteroid product and disease severity: 40, 80, 160 or 320 mcg twice daily.

• For patients who do not respond adequately to the initial dosage after 2 weeks of therapy, increasing the dosage may provide additional asthma control. The maximum recommended dosage for patients 12 years of age and older is 320 mcg twice daily.

Pediatric Patients 4 to 11 years

The recommended starting dosage for patients aged 4 to 11 years of age is 40 mcg twice daily by oral inhalation, approximately 12 hours apart.

• The starting dosage is based on previous asthma therapy and disease severity, including consideration of the patients’ current control of asthma symptoms and risk of future exacerbation.

• For patients who do not respond adequately to QVAR REDIHALER 40 mcg after 2 weeks of therapy, increasing the dosage to QVAR REDIHALER 80 mcg twice daily may provide additional asthma control.

• The maximum recommended dosage for patients 4 to 11 years of age is 80 mcg twice daily.

General Dosing Recommendations

The onset and degree of symptom relief will vary in individual patients. Improvement in asthma symptoms can occur within 24 hours of the beginning of treatment and should be expected within the first or second week, but maximum benefit should not be expected until 3 to 4 weeks of therapy. Improvement in pulmonary function is usually apparent within 1 to 4 weeks after the start of therapy.

If a dosage regimen of QVAR REDIHALER fails to provide adequate control of asthma, the therapeutic regimen should be re-evaluated and additional therapeutic options (e.g., replacing the current strength of QVAR REDIHALER with a higher strength, or adding additional controller therapies) should be considered.

As with any inhaled corticosteroid, physicians are advised to titrate the dose of QVAR REDIHALER downward over time to the lowest level that maintains proper asthma control. This is particularly important in children since a controlled study has shown that beclomethasone dipropionate has the potential to affect growth in children.

The maximum number of inhalations should not exceed 8 per day.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no adequate and well‑controlled studies with QVAR REDIHALER or beclomethasone dipropionate in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), including beclomethasone dipropionate, in pregnant women [see Clinical Considerations]. Also, no published studies, including studies of large birth registries, have to date related the use of ICS to any increases in congenital malformations or other adverse perinatal outcomes. Thus, available human data do not establish the presence or absence of drug‑associated risk to the fetus. In animal reproduction studies, beclomethasone dipropionate resulted in adverse developmental effects in mice and rabbits at subcutaneous doses equal to or greater than approximately 0.75 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID) in adults (0.64 mg/day) [see Data]. In rats exposed to beclomethasone dipropionate by inhalation, dose‑related gross injury to the fetal adrenal glands was observed at doses greater than 180 times the MRHDID, but there was no evidence of external or skeletal malformations or embryolethality at inhalation doses of up to 440 times the MRHDID.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) are unknown. In the US general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2‑4% and 15‑20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk

The risk of complications to the mother and developing fetus from inadequate control of asthma must be balanced against the risks from exposure to beclomethasone dipropionate. In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, evidence demonstrates that there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age for the neonate. The level of asthma control should be closely monitored in pregnant women and treatment adjusted to maintain optimal control.

Labor or Delivery

There are no specific human data regarding any adverse effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on labor and delivery.

Data

Animal Data

In an embryofetal development study in pregnant rats, beclomethasone dipropionate administration during organogenesis from gestation days 6 to 15 at inhaled doses 180 times the MRHDID in adults and higher (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal doses of 11.5 and 28.3 mg/kg/day) produced dose‑dependent gross injury (characterized by red foci) of the adrenal glands in fetuses. There were no findings in the adrenal glands of rat fetuses at an inhaled dose that was 40 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 2.4 mg/kg/day). There was no evidence of external or skeletal malformations or embryolethality in rat at inhaled doses up to 440 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal doses up to 28.3 mg/kg/day).

In an embryofetal development study in pregnant mice, beclomethasone dipropionate administration from gestation days 1 to 18 at subcutaneous doses equal to and greater than 0.75 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal doses of 0.1 mg/kg/day and higher) produced adverse developmental effects (increased incidence of cleft palate). A no-effect dose in mice was not identified. In a second embryofetal development study in pregnant mice, beclomethasone dipropionate administration from gestation days 1 to 13 at subcutaneous doses equal to and greater than 2.3 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day) produced embryolethal effects (increased fetal resorptions) and decreased pup survival.

In an embryofetal development study in pregnant rabbits, beclomethasone dipropionate administration during organogenesis from gestation days 7 to 16 at subcutaneous doses equal to and greater than 0.75 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal doses of 0.025 mg/kg/day and higher) produced external and skeletal malformations and embryolethal effects (increased fetal resorptions). There were no effects in fetuses of pregnant rabbits administered a subcutaneous dose 0.2 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 0.006 mg/kg/day).

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data available on the presence of beclomethasone dipropionate in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. However, other inhaled corticosteroids have been detected in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for QVAR REDIHALER and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from beclomethasone dipropionate or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Impairment of fertility was observed in rats and dogs at oral doses of beclomethasone dipropionate corresponding to 250 and 25 times the MRHDID for adults on a mg/m2 basis, respectively. [see Nonclinical Toxicology ].

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of QVAR REDIHALER for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy have been established in pediatric patients aged 4 years and older. Use of QVAR REDIHALER for this indication is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies. Five-hundred and one children between the ages of 4 and 11 were treated with at least one dose of QVAR REDIHALER or QVAR MDI in one 12‑week clinical trial. The safety and effectiveness of QVAR REDIHALER in children below 4 years of age have not been established.

Controlled clinical studies have shown that inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity in pediatric patients. A 12‑month, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of QVAR MDI versus beclomethasone dipropionate in a CFC propellant‑based formulation (CFC‑BDP) on growth in children age 5 to 11. A total of 520 patients were enrolled, of whom 394 received QVAR MDI (100 to 400 mcg/day ex‑valve) and 126 received CFC‑BDP (200 to 800 mcg/day ex‑valve). Similar control of asthma was noted in each treatment arm. When comparing results at month 12 to baseline, the mean growth velocity in children treated with QVAR MDI was approximately 0.5 cm/year less than that noted with children treated with CFC‑BDP via large‑volume spacer. The long‑term effects of the reduction in growth velocity associated with orally inhaled corticosteroids, including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The potential for "catch‑up" growth following discontinuation of treatment with orally inhaled corticosteroids has not been adequately studied.

The growth of children and adolescents receiving orally inhaled corticosteroids, including QVAR REDIHALER, should be monitored routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). If a child or adolescent on any corticosteroid appears to have growth suppression, the possibility that he/she is particularly sensitive to this effect should be considered. The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against clinical benefits obtained and the risks associated with alternative therapies. To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including QVAR REDIHALER, each patient should be titrated to his/her lowest effective dose [see Dosage and Administration ].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of QVAR REDIHALER did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the 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 of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

5.1 Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Localized infections with Candida albicans have occurred in the mouth and pharynx in some patients receiving QVAR REDIHALER. If oropharyngeal candidiasis develops, it should be treated with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while still continuing with QVAR REDIHALER therapy, but at times therapy with QVAR REDIHALER may need to be temporarily interrupted under close medical supervision. After inhalation, the patient should rinse his/her mouth with water without swallowing to help reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.

5.2 Deterioration of Asthma and Acute Episodes

QVAR REDIHALER is not indicated for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. An inhaled, short‑acting beta2‑agonist, not QVAR REDIHALER, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as shortness of breath. Instruct patients to contact their physician immediately if episodes of asthma that are not responsive to bronchodilators occur during the course of treatment with QVAR REDIHALER. During such episodes, patients may require therapy with oral corticosteroids.

5.3 Transferring Patients from Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy

HPA Suppression/Adrenal Insufficiency

 Particular care is needed in patients who are transferred from systemically active corticosteroids to QVAR REDIHALER because deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in asthmatic patients during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less systemically available inhaled corticosteroids. After withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids, a number of months are required for recovery of hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) function.

Patients who have been previously maintained on 20 mg or more per day of prednisone (or its equivalent) may be most susceptible, particularly when their systemic corticosteroids have been almost completely withdrawn. During this period of HPA suppression, patients may exhibit signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency when exposed to trauma, surgery, or infections (particularly gastroenteritis) or other conditions with severe electrolyte loss. Although QVAR REDIHALER may provide control of asthmatic symptoms during these episodes, in recommended doses it supplies less than normal physiological amounts of glucocorticoid systemically and does NOT provide the mineralocorticoid that is necessary for coping with these emergencies.

During periods of stress or a severe asthmatic attack, patients who have been withdrawn from systemic corticosteroids should be instructed to resume oral corticosteroids (in large doses) immediately and to contact their physician for further instruction. These patients should also be instructed to carry a warning card indicating that they may need supplementary systemic steroids during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack.

Patients requiring oral or other systemic corticosteroids should be weaned slowly from oral or other systemic corticosteroid use after transferring to QVAR REDIHALER. Lung function (FEV1 or PEF), beta‑agonist use, and asthma symptoms should be carefully monitored during withdrawal of oral or other systemic corticosteroids. In addition to monitoring asthma signs and symptoms, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency such as fatigue, lassitude, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and hypotension.

Unmasking of Allergic Conditions Previously Suppressed by Systemic Corticosteroids

Transfer of patients from systemic corticosteroid therapy to QVAR REDIHALER may unmask allergic conditions previously suppressed by the systemic corticosteroid therapy, e.g., rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, arthritis, and eosinophilic conditions.

Corticosteroid Withdrawal Symptoms

During withdrawal from oral corticosteroids, some patients may experience symptoms of systemically active corticosteroid withdrawal, e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, and depression, despite maintenance or even improvement of respiratory function.

5.4 Immunosuppression and Risk of Infections

Persons who are on drugs which suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in non-immune patients on corticosteroids. In such patients who have not had these diseases or been properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. It is not known how the dose, route and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection, and nor is the contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment known. If exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chickenpox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.

Inhaled corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infection of the respiratory tract; untreated systemic fungal, bacterial, parasitic or viral infections; or ocular herpes simplex.

5.5 Paradoxical Bronchospasm

Inhaled corticosteroids may produce inhalation‑induced bronchospasm with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing that may be life-threatening. If inhalation induced bronchospasm occurs following dosing with QVAR REDIHALER, it should be treated immediately with an inhaled, short‑acting bronchodilator. Treatment with QVAR REDIHALER should be discontinued and alternate therapy instituted.

5.6 Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, such as urticaria, angioedema, rash, and bronchospasm, may occur after administration of QVAR REDIHALER. Discontinue QVAR REDIHALER if such reactions occur [see Contraindications ].

5.7 Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression

QVAR REDIHALER will often help control asthma symptoms with less suppression of HPA function than therapeutically equivalent oral doses of prednisone. Since beclomethasone dipropionate is absorbed into the circulation and can be systemically active at higher doses, the beneficial effects of QVAR REDIHALER in minimizing HPA dysfunction may be expected only when recommended dosages are not exceeded and individual patients are titrated to the lowest effective dose.

Because of the possibility of systemic absorption of inhaled corticosteroids, patients treated with QVAR REDIHALER should be observed carefully for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid effects. Particular care should be taken in observing patients postoperatively or during periods of stress for evidence of inadequate adrenal response.

It is possible that systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression (including adrenal crisis) may appear in a small number of patients, particularly when beclomethasone dipropionate is administered at higher than recommended doses over prolonged periods of time. If such effects occur, the dosage of QVAR REDIHALER should be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing systemic corticosteroids and for management of asthma symptoms.

5.8 Effects on Growth

Orally inhaled corticosteroids, including QVAR REDIHALER, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Monitor the growth of pediatric patients receiving QVAR REDIHALER routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including QVAR REDIHALER, titrate each patient’s dose to the lowest dosage that effectively controls his/her symptoms [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4)].

5.9 Reduction in Bone Mineral Density

Decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) have been observed with long‑term administration of products containing inhaled corticosteroids. The clinical significance of small changes in BMD with regard to long‑term outcomes, such as fracture, is unknown. Patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization, family history of osteoporosis, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants and corticosteroids) should be monitored and treated with established standards of care.

5.10 Glaucoma and Cataracts

Glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, blurred vision and cataracts have been reported following the use of long-term administration of inhaled corticosteroids. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure, blurred vision, glaucoma, and/or cataracts while using QVAR REDIHALER.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

A total of 1858 subjects participated in the QVAR REDIHALER clinical development program. Because 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 practice.

Adults and Adolescent Patients 12 years of Age and Older: The adverse reaction information presented in Table 1 is derived from 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in which 1230 patients (751 female and 479 male adults previously treated with as‑needed bronchodilators and/or inhaled corticosteroids) were treated with QVAR REDIHALER (doses of 40, 80, 160, or 320 mcg twice daily) or QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol (QVAR MDI; doses of 160 or 320 mcg twice daily) or placebo. In considering these data, difference in average duration of exposure and clinical trial design should be taken into account.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions Experienced by at Least 3% of Adult and Adolescent Patients in the QVAR REDIHALER or QVAR MDI Groups and Greater Than Placebo by Treatment and Daily Dose

*QVAR MDI=QVAR Inhalation Aerosol

Other adverse reactions that occurred in clinical trials using QVAR REDIHALER with an incidence of 1% to 3% and which occurred at a greater incidence than placebo were back pain, headache, pain, nausea and cough.

Pediatric Patients 4 to 11 Years of Age: The adverse reaction information presented in Table 2 concerning QVAR REDIHALER and QVAR MDI is derived from one 12‑week placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients 4 to 11 years of age with persistent asthma.

Table 2: Adverse Reactions Experienced by at Least 3% of Patients 4 to 11 Years of Age in the QVAR REDIHALER or QVAR MDI Groups and Greater Than Placebo by Treatment and Daily Dose

*QVAR MDI=QVAR Inhalation Aerosol

Other adverse reactions that occurred in clinical trials using QVAR REDIHALER with an incidence of 1% to 3% and which occurred at a greater incidence than placebo were influenza, gastroenteritis viral, ear infection, oral candidiasis, diarrhea, and myalgia.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

In addition to the adverse reactions reported from clinical trials with QVAR REDIHALER, the following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of QVAR MDI and other inhaled corticosteroids. 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.

Local Effects: Localized infections with Candida albicans have occurred in patients treated with beclomethasone dipropionate or other orally inhaled corticosteroids [see Warnings and Precautions ].

Psychiatric and Behavioral Changes: Aggression, depression, sleep disorders, psychomotor hyperactivity, and suicidal ideation have been reported (primarily in children).

Eye Disorders: Blurred vision, central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Beclomethasone dipropionate is a corticosteroid demonstrating potent anti‑inflammatory activity. The precise mechanism of corticosteroid action on asthma is not known. Corticosteroids have been shown to have multiple anti‑inflammatory effects, inhibiting both inflammatory cells (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils) and release of inflammatory mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines). These anti‑inflammatory actions of corticosteroids contribute to their efficacy in asthma.

Beclomethasone dipropionate is a prodrug that is rapidly activated by hydrolysis to the active monoester, 17‑monopropionate (17‑BMP). Beclomethasone‑17‑monopropionate has been shown in vitro to exhibit a binding affinity for the human glucocorticoid receptor which is approximately 13 times that of dexamethasone, 6 times that of triamcinolone acetonide, 1.5 times that of budesonide and 25 times that of beclomethasone dipropionate. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

Studies in patients with asthma have shown a favorable ratio between topical anti‑inflammatory activity and systemic corticosteroid effects with recommended doses of QVAR REDIHALER.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

HPA Axis Effects

The effects of QVAR MDI on the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) axis were studied in 40 corticosteroid-naive patients. QVAR MDI, at doses of 80, 160, or 320 mcg twice daily, was compared with placebo and 336 mcg twice daily of CFC‑BDP. Active treatment groups showed an expected dose‑related reduction in 24‑hour urinary-free cortisol (a sensitive marker of adrenal production of cortisol). Patients treated with the highest dose recommended of QVAR MDI (320 mcg twice daily) had a 37.3% reduction in 24‑hour urinary‑free cortisol compared to a reduction of 47.3% produced by treatment with 336 mcg twice daily of CFC‑BDP. There was a 12.2% reduction in 24‑hour urinary‑free cortisol seen in the group of patients that received 80 mcg twice daily of QVAR MDI and a 24.6% reduction in the group of patients that received 160 mcg twice daily. An open label study of 354 asthma patients given QVAR MDI at recommended doses for one year assessed the effect of treatment with this product on the HPA axis (as measured by both morning and stimulated plasma cortisol). Less than 1% of patients treated for one year with this product had an abnormal response (peak less than 18 mcg/dL) to a short-cosyntropin test.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Beclomethasone dipropionate undergoes rapid and extensive conversion to beclomethasone‑17‑monopropionate (17‑BMP) during absorption. The pharmacokinetics of beclomethasone dipropionate and 17‑BMP were studied in subjects given single doses.

Absorption

The mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of BDP was 6635 pg/mL at 2 minutes after inhalation of 320 mcg using QVAR REDIHALER (4 inhalations of the 80 mcg/inhalation strength). The mean peak plasma concentration of the major and most active metabolite, 17-BMP, was 1464 pg/mL at 10 minutes after inhalation of 320 mcg of QVAR REDIHALER.

Distribution

The in vitro protein binding for 17‑BMP was reported to be 94‑96% over the concentration range of 1000 to 5000 pg/mL. Protein binding was constant over the concentration range evaluated. There is no evidence of tissue storage of beclomethasone dipropionate or its metabolites.

Elimination

The major route of elimination of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate appears to be via hydrolysis. More than 90% of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate is found as 17‑BMP in the systemic circulation. The mean terminal half‑life of 17‑BMP is approximately 4 hours for QVAR REDIHALER.

Metabolism

Three major metabolites are formed via esterases:

• beclomethasone‑17‑monopropionate (17‑BMP)
• beclomethasone‑21‑monopropionate (21‑BMP)
• beclomethasone (BOH)

Lung slices metabolize beclomethasone dipropionate rapidly to 17‑BMP and more slowly to BOH. 17‑BMP is the most active metabolite.

Excretion

Irrespective of the route of administration (injection, oral or inhalation), beclomethasone dipropionate and its metabolites are mainly excreted in the feces. Less than 10% of the drug and its metabolites are excreted in the urine.

Specific Populations

No pharmacokinetic studies for QVAR REDIHALER have been conducted in neonates or elderly subjects.

Pediatric Patients: No pharmacokinetic studies for QVAR REDIHALER have been conducted in pediatric subjects aged of 4 to 17 years. However, the pharmacokinetics of 17‑BMP, including dose and strength proportionalities, is similar in children and adults using QVAR MDI, although the exposure is highly variable. In 17 children (mean age 10 years), the Cmax of 17‑BMP was 787 pg/mL at 0.6 hour after inhalation of 160 mcg (4 actuations of the 40 mcg/actuation strength of QVAR MDI). The systemic exposure to 17‑BMP from 160 mcg of QVAR MDI administered without a spacer was comparable to the systemic exposure to 17‑BMP from 336 mcg CFC‑BDP administered with a large volume spacer in 14 children (mean age 12 years). This implies that approximately twice the systemic exposure to 17‑BMP would be expected for comparable mg doses of QVAR MDI without a spacer and CFC‑BDP with a large volume spacer.

Male and Female Patients: The influence of sex on the pharmacokinetics of QVAR REDIHALER has not been studied.

Racial or Ethnic Groups: The influence of race on the pharmacokinetics of QVAR REDIHALER has not been studied.

Patients with Renal Impairment: The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of QVAR REDIHALER has not been evaluated.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment: The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of QVAR REDIHALER has not been evaluated.

Drug Interaction Studies: In vitro and in vivo drug interaction studies have not been conducted with QVAR REDIHALER.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

The carcinogenicity of beclomethasone dipropionate was evaluated in rats which were exposed for a total of 95 weeks, 13 weeks at inhalation doses up to 0.4 mg/kg/day and the remaining 82 weeks at combined oral and inhalation doses up to 2.4 mg/kg/day. There was no evidence of treatment‑related increases in the incidence of tumors in this study at the highest dose, which is approximately 37 and 72 times the MRHDID in adults and children, respectively, on a mg/m2 basis.

Beclomethasone dipropionate did not induce gene mutation in bacterial cells or mammalian Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in vitro. No significant clastogenic effect was seen in cultured CHO cells in vitro or in the mouse micronucleus test in vivo.

In rats, beclomethasone dipropionate caused decreased conception rates at an oral dose of 16 mg/kg/day (approximately 250 times the MRHDID in adults on a mg/m2 basis). Impairment of fertility, as evidenced by inhibition of the estrous cycle in dogs, was observed following treatment by the oral route at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 25 times the MRHDID in adults on a mg/m2 basis). No inhibition of the estrous cycle in dogs was seen following 12 months of exposure to beclomethasone dipropionate by the inhalation route at an estimated daily dose of 0.33 mg/kg (approximately 17 times the MRHDID in adults on a mg/m2 basis).

Trials in the Maintenance Treatment of Asthma

Adult and Adolescent Patients 12 Years of Age and Older

Two confirmatory clinical trials were conducted comparing QVAR REDIHALER with placebo in adult and adolescent patients with persistent asthma (Trial 1 and Trial 2).

Trial 1 (NCT02040779): This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 12-week, efficacy and safety trial compared QVAR REDIHALER 40 and 80 mcg given as 1 inhalation twice daily with placebo in adult and adolescent patients with persistent symptomatic asthma despite low-dose inhaled corticosteroid or non-corticosteroid asthma therapy. Patients aged 12 years and older who met the entry criteria including FEV1 40-85 percent of predicted normal, reversible bronchoconstriction of 15% with short-acting inhaled beta-agonist entered a 14-21 day run-in period. 270 patients (104 previously treated with inhaled corticosteroids) who met all the randomization criteria including asthma symptoms and rescue medication use were discontinued from asthma maintenance medication and randomized equally to treatment with QVAR REDIHALER 80 mcg/day, QVAR REDIHALER 160 mcg/day or placebo. Baseline FEV1 values were similar across treatments. The primary endpoint for this trial was the standardized baseline-adjusted trough morning forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) area under the effect curve from time zero to 12 weeks [FEV1 AUEC(0-12wk)]. Patients in both treatment groups had significantly greater improvements in trough FEV1 compared to placebo (QVAR REDIHALER 80 mcg/day, LS mean change of 0.124 L and QVAR REDIHALER 160 mcg/day, LS mean change of 0.116 L over 12 weeks) (Table 3).

In addition, the mean change from baseline is displayed in Figure 1. Both doses of QVAR REDIHALER were effective in improving asthma control with significantly greater improvements in FEV1 and morning PEF when compared to placebo. Reduction in asthma symptoms was also supportive of the efficacy of QVAR REDIHALER.

Figure 1: A 12‑Week Clinical Trial in Patients with Asthma: Mean Change in FEV1

Trial 2 (NCT02513160): This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 6-week, efficacy and safety trial compared QVAR REDIHALER 40 and 80 mcg given as 4 inhalations twice daily and placebo in adult and adolescent patients with persistent symptomatic asthma despite treatment with non-corticosteroid, inhaled corticosteroids (with or without a long acting beta agonist [LABA]), or combination asthma therapy. The study also included a reference treatment group, QVAR® Inhalation Aerosol (QVAR MDI) 40 mcg, 4 inhalations twice daily. Patients aged 12 years and older who met the entry criteria including FEV1 50-90% predicted normal, reversible bronchoconstriction of at least 10% with short-acting inhaled beta-agonist discontinued baseline asthma treatment and entered a 2-4 week run-in period. 425 patients (257 previously treated with ICS with or without LABA) who met all the randomization criteria including FEV1 of 40-85% predicted and 15% reversibility with short-acting inhaled beta-agonist, and asthma symptoms were randomized equally to QVAR REDIHALER 320 mcg/day, QVAR REDIHALER 640 mcg/day, QVAR MDI 320 mcg/day or placebo. Baseline FEV1 values were similar across treatments. The primary endpoint for this trial was the standardized baseline-adjusted trough morning forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) area under the effect curve from time zero to 6 weeks [FEV1 AUEC(0-6wk)]. Patients in both treatment groups had significantly greater improvements in trough FEV1 compared to placebo (QVAR REDIHALER 320 mcg/day, LS mean change of 0.144 L and QVAR REDIHALER 640 mcg/day, LS mean change of 0.150 L over 6 weeks) (Table 3). Treatment with QVAR MDI was similar. The change from baseline in morning FEV1 during the trial is displayed in Figure 2. Both doses of QVAR REDIHALER were effective in improving asthma control with significantly greater improvements in FEV1, morning PEF, weekly average of daily trough morning FEV1, reduced rescue medication use and improved asthma symptom scores than with placebo. Similar results were demonstrated with QVAR MDI.

Figure 2: A 6‑Week Dose Response Clinical Trial in Patients with Inhaled Corticosteroid-Dependent Asthma: Mean Change in FEV1  as Percent of Predicted

Side-by-side comparison of the primary analysis of standardized baseline-adjusted trough morning FEV1 from time zero to the end of the treatment period for both studies is shown below in Table 3.

Table 3: Primary Analysis of Standardized Baseline-Adjusted Trough Morning FEV1  (L) AUEC from Time Zero to the End of the Treatment Period 12-week Study and 6-week Dose  Response Study

*QVAR MDI=QVAR Inhalation Aerosol

Pediatric Patients 4 to 11 Years of Age

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo controlled, 12-week, global efficacy and safety trial (NCT02040766) compared QVAR REDIHALER 40 or 80 mcg, QVAR MDI 40 or 80 mcg or placebo given as 1 inhalation twice daily in pediatric patients aged 4 through 11 years old with persistent symptomatic asthma despite treatment with non-corticosteroid or low dose inhaled corticosteroid (with or without a long acting beta agonist [LABA]). Patients aged 4 to 5 years who were technically unable to complete spirometry participated in the safety population. Patients who met the entry criteria including FEV1 40-90% predicted normal and reversible bronchoconstriction of at least 12% with short acting inhaled beta agonist entered a 14-21 day run in period. Patients who met the randomization criteria including asthma symptoms and rescue medication use discontinued asthma therapy and were randomized equally across treatment groups. Five hundred sixty-eight (568) pediatric patients with symptomatic asthma of which 410 had previously been treated with low dose inhaled corticosteroids with or without a LABA were randomized to receive either 40 mcg or 80 mcg twice daily of QVAR REDIHALER, QVAR MDI or placebo. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in trough percent predicted FEV1 AUEC (0-12 weeks). While the primary endpoint, was not statistically significant, change in weekly average of daily morning peak expiratory flow (PEF, L/min) over the 12 week treatment period was 11.3 [95% CI: 5.58, 17.06] and 8.5 [95% CI: 2.71, 14.24] for the 80 mcg/day and 160 mcg/day doses of QVAR REDIHALER, respectively, at nominal significance. Similar results were seen with evening PEF.