Xadago
(safinamide)Dosage & Administration
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Xadago Prescribing Information
XADAGO is indicated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) experiencing "off" episodes.
Dosing Information
The recommended starting dosage of XADAGO is 50 mg administered orally once daily (at the same time of day), without regard to meals. After two weeks, the dosage may be increased to 100 mg once daily, based on individual need and tolerability.
Daily dosages of XADAGO above 100 mg have not been shown to provide additional benefit, and higher dosages increase the risk for adverse reactions. XADAGO has been shown to be effective only in combination with levodopa/carbidopa [see Indications and Usage (1)] .
If a dose is missed, the next dose should be taken at the same time the next day.
XADAGO 100 mg should be tapered by decreasing the dose to 50 mg for one week before stopping [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] .
Dosing in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B: 7-9), the maximum recommended dosage of XADAGO is 50 mg orally once daily. XADAGO is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C: 10-15) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . If a patient taking 50 mg XADAGO progresses from moderate to severe hepatic impairment, discontinue XADAGO.
- 50 mg tablets: Orange to copper with metallic gloss, round, biconcave shaped embossed with "50" on one side
- 100 mg tablets: Orange to copper with metallic gloss, round, biconcave shaped embossed with "100" on one side
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of XADAGO in pregnant women. In animals, developmental toxicity, including teratogenic effects, was observed when safinamide was administered during pregnancy at clinically relevant doses. Developmental toxicity was observed at doses lower than those used clinically when safinamide was administered during pregnancy in combination with levodopa/carbidopa.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In an embryofetal development study in rats, oral administration of safinamide (0, 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg/day) throughout organogenesis resulted in dose-related increases in fetal abnormalities (primarily urogenital malformations) at all doses. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development was not established. The lowest dose tested (50 mg/kg/day) is approximately 5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 100 mg on a body surface area (mg/m 2) basis. In a combination embryofetal development study of safinamide and levodopa (LD)/carbidopa (CD) in rats (80/20 mg/kg/day LD/CD in combination with 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day safinamide or 100 mg/kg/day safinamide alone), increased incidences of fetal visceral and skeletal malformations and variations were observed at all doses of safinamide in combination with CD/LD and with safinamide alone. The lowest dose of safinamide tested (25 mg/kg/day) is approximately 2 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
In embryofetal development studies in rabbits, no developmental toxicity was observed at up to the highest oral dose of safinamide tested (100 mg/kg/day). However, when safinamide (0, 4, 12, or 40 mg/kg/day) was administered throughout organogenesis in a combination study of safinamide with LD/CD (80/20 mg/kg/day LD/CD), there was an increased incidence of embryofetal death and cardiac and skeletal malformations, compared to LD/CD alone. A no-effect dose for safinamide was not established; the lowest effect dose of safinamide tested (4 mg/kg/day) is less than the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
In a rat pre- and postnatal development study, oral administration of safinamide (0, 4, 12.5, or 37.5 mg/kg/day) throughout pregnancy and lactation resulted in skin discoloration of the offspring, presumed to be due to hepatobiliary toxicity, at the mid and high doses and decreased body weight and increased postnatal mortality in offspring at the highest dose tested. The no-effect dose (4 mg/kg/day) for adverse developmental effects is less than the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of XADAGO or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mothers' clinical need for XADAGO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from XADAGO or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Animal Data
Skin discoloration, presumed to be caused by hyperbilirubinemia resulting from hepatobiliary toxicity, was observed in rat pups indirectly exposed to safinamide through the milk during the lactation period.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Of the 1516 subjects exposed to XADAGO in clinical studies, 38% were 65 and over, while 4% were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Hepatic Impairment
XADAGO plasma concentrations are increased in patients with hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B: 7-9), the maximum recommended dosage of XADAGO is 50 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] . XADAGO has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C: 10-15), and is contraindicated in these patients. If patients progress from moderate to severe hepatic impairment, treatment with XADAGO should be stopped.
XADAGO is contraindicated in patients with:
- Concomitant use of other drugs in the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class or other drugs that are potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase, including linezolid. The combination may result in increased blood pressure, including hypertensive crisis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)] .
- Concomitant use of opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine and its derivatives, methadone, propoxyphene, or tramadol); serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic, tetracyclic, or triazolopyridine antidepressants; cyclobenzaprine; methylphenidate, amphetamine, and their derivatives; or St John's wort. Concomitant use could result in life-threatening serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.2, 7.3, 7.5)] .
- Concomitant use of dextromethorphan. The combination of MAOIs and dextromethorphan has been reported to cause episodes of psychosis or abnormal behavior [see Drug Interactions (7.4)] .
- A history of a hypersensitivity to safinamide. Reactions have included swelling of the tongue and oral mucosa, and dyspnea.
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C: 10-15) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] .
Hypertension
XADAGO may cause hypertension or exacerbate existing hypertension. In clinical trials, the incidence of hypertension was 7% for XADAGO 50 mg, 5% for XADAGO 100 mg, and 4% for placebo. Monitor patients for new onset hypertension or hypertension that is not adequately controlled after starting XADAGO. Medication adjustment may be necessary if elevation of blood pressure is sustained.
Monitor for hypertension if XADAGO is prescribed concomitantly with sympathomimetic medications, including prescription or nonprescription nasal, oral, and ophthalmic decongestants and cold remedies [see Drug Interactions (7.5)] .
XADAGO is a selective inhibitor of MAO-B at the recommended dosages of 50 mg or 100 mg daily. Selectivity for inhibiting MAO-B decreases above the recommended daily dosages [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] . Therefore, XADAGO should not be used at daily dosages exceeding those recommended because of the risks of hypertension, exacerbation of existing hypertension, or hypertensive crisis.
Dietary tyramine restriction is not required during treatment with recommended doses of XADAGO. However, use with certain foods that contain very high amounts (i.e., more than 150 mg) of tyramine could cause severe hypertension, resulting from an increased sensitivity to tyramine in patients taking recommended dosages of XADAGO, and patients should be advised to avoid such foods.
Isoniazid has some monoamine oxidase inhibiting activity. Monitor for hypertension and reaction to dietary tyramine in patients treated concomitantly with isoniazid and XADAGO [see Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.6)] .
Serotonin Syndrome
The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported in patients on concomitant treatment with MAOIs (including selective MAO-B inhibitors), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, triazolopyridine antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine, opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine and meperidine derivatives, propoxyphene, tramadol), and methylphenidate, amphetamine, and their derivatives. Concomitant use of XADAGO with these drugs is contraindicated.
In clinical trials, serotonin syndrome was reported in a patient treated with XADAGO and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Use the lowest effective dose of SSRIs in patients treated with concomitant XADAGO.
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living
Patients treated with dopaminergic medications have reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicles, which sometimes has resulted in accidents. Patients may not perceive warning signs, such as excessive drowsiness, or they may report feeling alert immediately prior to the event.
In clinical studies, sleep attacks/sudden onset of sleep were reported in patients treated with XADAGO 100 mg/day.
If a patient develops daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require full attention (e.g., driving a motor vehicle, conversations, eating), XADAGO should ordinarily be discontinued. If a decision is made to continue these patients on XADAGO, advise them to avoid driving and other potentially dangerous activities.
Dyskinesia
XADAGO may cause dyskinesia or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia.
In clinical trials, the incidence of dyskinesia was 21% for XADAGO 50 mg, 18% for XADAGO 100 mg, and 9% for placebo. There was a greater incidence of dyskinesia causing study discontinuation in patients treated with XADAGO 50 mg or 100 mg (1%), compared to placebo (0%) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .
Reducing the patient's daily levodopa dosage or the dosage of another dopaminergic drug may mitigate dyskinesia.
Hallucinations / Psychotic Behavior
Patients with a major psychotic disorder should ordinarily not be treated with XADAGO because of the risk of exacerbating the psychosis with an increase in central dopaminergic tone. In addition, treatments for psychosis that antagonize the effects of dopaminergic medications may exacerbate the symptoms of PD [see Drug Interactions (7.7)] .
Consider dosage reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors while taking XADAGO.
Impulse Control / Compulsive Behaviors
Patients can experience intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, intense urges to spend money, binge eating, and/or other intense urges, and the inability to control these urges while taking one or more of the medications, including XADAGO, that increase central dopaminergic tone. In some cases, these urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or the medication was discontinued. Because patients may not recognize these behaviors as abnormal, it is important for prescribers to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending or other urges while being treated with XADAGO. Consider dose reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops such urges while taking XADAGO.
Withdrawal Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion
A symptom complex resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (characterized by elevated temperature, muscular rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability), with no other obvious etiology, has been reported in association with rapid dose reduction, withdrawal of, or changes in drugs that increase central dopaminergic tone.
Retinal Pathology
Retinal degeneration and loss of photoreceptor cells were observed in albino and pigmented rats administered safinamide orally in toxicity studies of up to 6 months duration. In albino rats administered safinamide orally for two years, retinal scarring and cataracts were observed at all doses tested [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)] .
Periodically monitor patients for visual changes in patients with a history of retinal/macular degeneration, uveitis, inherited retinal conditions, family history of hereditary retinal disease, albinism, retinitis pigmentosa, or any active retinopathy (e.g., diabetic retinopathy).