EMSAM overdosage may resemble overdosage with other nonselective, oral MAOI antidepressants and present with any of the following: drowsiness, dizziness, faintness, irritability, hyperactivity, agitation, severe headache, hallucinations, trismus, opisthotonos, convulsions, coma, rapid and irregular pulse, hypertension, hypotension and vascular collapse, precordial pain, respiratory depression and failure, hyperpyrexia, diaphoresis, and cool, clammy skin.
Management Of OverdoseThere are no specific antidotes for EMSAM.
If symptoms of overdosage occur, immediately remove the EMSAM system and institute appropriate supportive therapy. For contemporary information on the management of poisoning or overdosage, contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Delays of up to 12 hours between ingestion of drug and the appearance of signs may occur, and peak effects may not be observed for 24 to 48 hours. Since death has been reported following overdosage with MAOI agents, hospitalization with close monitoring during this period is strongly recommended.
In order to avoid the occurrence of hypertensive crisis (“cheese reaction”), dietary tyramine should be restricted for several weeks beyond recovery to permit regeneration of the peripheral MAO-A isoenzyme.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label.
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 clinical practice.
Patient ExposureThe premarketing development program for EMSAM included selegiline exposures in patients and/or normal subjects from two different groups of studies: 702 healthy subjects in clinical pharmacology/pharmacokinetics studies and 2,036 exposures from patients in controlled and uncontrolled major depressive disorder clinical trials. The conditions and duration of treatment with EMSAM varied and included double-blind, open-label, fixed-dose, and dose titration studies of short-term and longer-term exposures. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse reactions, physical examinations, vital signs, body weights, laboratory analyses, and ECGs.
Adverse reactions during exposure were obtained primarily by general inquiry and recorded by clinical investigators. In the tables and tabulations that follow, standard COSTART terminology has been used to classify reported adverse reactions. The stated frequencies of adverse reactions represent the proportion of individuals who experienced, at least once, a treatment-emergent adverse reaction of the type listed. A reaction was considered treatment-emergent if it occurred for the first time or worsened while receiving therapy following baseline evaluation.
Adverse Reactions Leading To Discontinuation Of TreatmentAmong 817 MDD patients treated with EMSAM at doses of either 3 mg per 24 hours (151 patients), 6 mg per 24 hours (550 patients) or 6 mg per 24 hours, 9 mg per 24 hours, and 12 mg per 24 hours (116 patients) in placebo-controlled trials of up to 8 weeks in duration, 7.1% discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction as compared with 3.6% of 668 patients receiving placebo. The only adverse reaction associated with discontinuation, in at least 1% of EMSAM-treated patients at a rate at least twice that of placebo, was application site reaction (2% EMSAM vs. 0% placebo).
Adverse Reactions Occurring At An Incidence Of 2% Or More Among EMSAM-Treated PatientsTable 2 enumerates adverse reactions that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more (rounded to the nearest percent) among 817 MDD patients treated with EMSAM in doses ranging from 3 to 12 mg per 24 hours in placebo-controlled trials of up to 8 weeks in duration. Reactions included are those occurring in 2% or more of patients treated with EMSAM and for which the incidence in patients treated with EMSAM was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients.
One adverse reaction was associated with a reporting of at least 5% in the EMSAM group, and a rate at least twice that in the placebo group, in the pool of short-term, placebo-controlled studies: application site reactions (see Application Site Reactions, below). In one such study which utilized higher mean doses of EMSAM than that in the entire study pool, the following reactions met these criteria: application site reactions, insomnia, diarrhea, and pharyngitis.
Table 2: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions:
Incidence in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials for Major Depressive Disorder
with EMSAM1
| Body System/Preferred Term | EMSAM (N = 817) |
Placebo (N = 668) |
| (% of Patients Reporting Reaction) | ||
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Headache | 18 | 17 |
| Digestive | ||
| Diarrhea | 9 | 7 |
| Dyspepsia | 4 | 3 |
| Nervous | ||
| Insomnia | 12 | 7 |
| Dry Mouth | 8 | 6 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Pharyngitis | 3 | 2 |
| Sinusitis | 3 | 1 |
| Skin | ||
| Application Site Reaction | 24 | 12 |
| Rash | 4 | 2 |
| 1Reactions reported by at least 2% of patients treated with EMSAM are included, except the following reactions, which had an incidence on placebo treatment greater than or equal to EMSAM: infection, nausea, dizziness, pain, abdominal pain, nervousness, back pain, asthenia, anxiety, flu syndrome, accidental injury, somnolence, rhinitis, and palpitations. | ||
In the pool of short-term, placebo-controlled major depressive disorder studies, application site reactions (ASRs) were reported in 24% of EMSAM-treated patients and 12% of placebo-treated patients. Most ASRs were mild or moderate in severity. ASRs led to dropout in 2% of EMSAM-treated patients and no placebo-treated patients. In one such study which utilized higher mean doses of EMSAM, ASRs were reported in 40% of EMSAM-treated patients and 20% of placebo-treated patients. Most of the ASRs in this study were described as erythema and most resolved spontaneously, requiring no treatment. When treatment was administered, it most commonly consisted of dermatological preparations of corticosteroids.
Sexual DysfunctionAlthough changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of pharmacologic treatment.
Reliable estimates of the incidence and severity of untoward experiences involving sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction are difficult to obtain, in part because patients and physicians may be reluctant to discuss them. Accordingly, estimates of the incidence of untoward sexual experience and performance cited in product labeling are likely to underestimate their actual incidence. Table 3 shows that the incidence rates of sexual side effects in patients with major depressive disorder are comparable to the placebo rates in placebo-controlled trials.
Table 3: Incidence of Sexual
Side Effects in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials with EMSAM
| Adverse Reaction | EMSAM | Placebo |
| IN MALES ONLY | ||
| (N = 304) | (N = 256) | |
| Abnormal Ejaculation | 1.0% | 0.0% |
| Decreased Libido | 0.7% | 0.0% |
| Impotence | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| Anorgasmia | 0.2% | 0.0% |
| IN FEMALES ONLY | ||
| (N = 513) | (N = 412) | |
| Decreased Libido | 0.0% | 0.2% |
There are no adequately designed studies examining sexual dysfunction with EMSAM treatment.
Vital Sign ChangesEMSAM and placebo groups were compared with respect to (1) mean change from baseline in vital signs (pulse, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure), and (2) the incidence of patients meeting criteria for potentially clinically significant changes from baseline in these variables. In the pool of short-term, placebo-controlled major depressive disorder studies, 3.0% of EMSAM-treated patients and 1.5% of placebo-treated patients experienced a low systolic blood pressure, defined as a reading less than or equal to 90 mmHg with a change from baseline of at least 20 mmHg. In one study which utilized higher mean doses of EMSAM, 6.2% of EMSAM-treated patients and no placebo-treated patients experienced a low standing systolic blood pressure by these criteria.
In the pool of short-term major depressive disorder trials, 9.8% of EMSAM-treated patients and 6.7% of placebo-treated patients experienced a notable orthostatic change in blood pressure, defined as a decrease of at least 10 mmHg in mean blood pressure with postural change.
Weight ChangesIn placebo-controlled studies (6 to 8 weeks), the incidence of patients who experienced at least 5% weight gain or weight loss is shown in Table 4.
Table 4: Incidence of Weight
Gain and Weight Loss in Placebo-Controlled Trials with EMSAM
| Weight Change | EMSAM (N = 757) |
Placebo (N = 614) |
| Gained at least 5% | 2.1% | 2.4% |
| Lost at least 5% | 5.0% | 2.8% |
In these trials, the mean change in body weight among EMSAM-treated patients was a 1.2 lbs loss compared to 0.3 lbs gain in placebo-treated patients.
Laboratory ChangesEMSAM and placebo groups were compared with respect to (1) mean change from baseline in various serum chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis variables, and (2) the incidence of patients meeting criteria for potentially clinically significant changes from baseline in these variables. These analyses revealed no clinically important changes in laboratory test parameters associated with EMSAM.
Electrocardiogram ChangesElectrocardiograms (ECGs) from EMSAM (N = 817) and placebo (N = 668) groups in controlled studies were compared with respect to (1) mean change from baseline in various ECG parameters, and (2) the incidence of patients meeting criteria for clinically significant changes from baseline in these variables.
No clinically meaningful changes in ECG parameters from baseline to final visit were observed for patients in controlled studies.
Other Reactions Observed During The Premarketing Evaluation Of EMSAMThe following listing does not include reactions: 1) already listed elsewhere in labeling, 2) for which a causal relationship to drug was remote, 3) which were so general as to be uninformative, 4) which were not considered to have significant clinical implications, or 5) which occurred at a rate equal to or less than placebo.
Cardiovascular System: Tachycardia.
Digestive System: Anorexia.
Nervous System: Agitation, amnesia, tremor, twitching.
Skin and Appendages: Pruritus.
Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of EMSAM.
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.
Nervous System: Convulsion and hypoesthesia.
Psychiatric System: Disorientation, hallucination (visual), and tension.
EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) indicated for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).
MAO exists as two isoenzymes, referred to as MAO-A and MAO-B. Selegiline has a greater affinity for MAO-B, compared to MAO-A. However, at antidepressant doses, selegiline inhibits both isoenzymes. In an in vivo animal model used to test for antidepressant activity (Forced Swim Test), selegiline administered by transdermal system exhibited antidepressant properties only at doses that inhibited both MAO-A and MAO-B activity in the brain. In the CNS, MAO-A and MAO-B play important roles in the catabolism of neurotransmitter amines such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, as well as neuromodulators such as phenylethylamine.
Receptor BindingIn in vitro receptor binding assays, selegiline has demonstrated affinity for the human recombinant adrenergic α2B receptor (Ki = 0.3 mcM). No affinity [Ki greater than 10 mcM] was noted at dopamine receptors, adrenergic β3, glutamate, muscarinic M1-M5, nicotinic, or rolipram receptor/sites.
Interaction With TyramineSelegiline (the drug substance of EMSAM) is an irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO), a ubiquitous intracellular enzyme. MAO exists as two isoenzymes, referred to as MAO-A and MAO-B. Selegiline shows greater affinity for MAO-B; however, as selegiline concentration increases, this selectivity is lost with resulting dose-related inhibition of MAO-A. Intestinal MAO is predominantly type A, while in the brain both isoenzymes exist.
MAO plays a vital physiological role in terminating the biological activity of both endogenous and exogenous amines. In addition to their role in the catabolism of monoamines in the CNS, MAOs are also important in the catabolism of exogenous amines found in a variety of foods and drugs. MAO in the gastrointestinal tract (primarily type A) provides protection from exogenous amines with vasopressor actions, such as tyramine, which if absorbed intact can cause a hypertensive crisis, the so-called “cheese reaction”. If a large amount of tyramine is absorbed systemically, it is taken up by adrenergic neurons and causes norepinephrine release from neuronal storage sites with resultant elevation of blood pressure. While most foods contain negligible amounts or no tyramine, certain food products may contain large amounts of tyramine that represent a potential risk for hypertensive crisis.
To define the risk of hypertensive crises with use of EMSAM, several Phase I tyramine challenge studies were conducted both with and without food. Fourteen tyramine challenge studies including 214 healthy subjects (age range 18 to 65; 31 subjects greater than 50 years of age) were conducted to determine the pressor effects of oral tyramine with concurrent EMSAM treatment (6 mg per 24 hours to 12 mg per 24 hours), measured as the dose of tyramine required to raise systolic blood pressure by 30 mmHg (TYR30). Studies were conducted with and without concomitant administration of food. Studies conducted with food are most relevant to clinical practice since tyramine typically will be consumed in food. A high-tyramine meal is considered to contain up to 40 mg of tyramine.
One study using a crossover design in 13 subjects investigated tyramine pressor doses (TYR30) after administration of EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours and oral selegiline (5 mg twice daily) for 9 days. Mean pressor doses (TYR30) of tyramine capsules administered without food were 338 mg and 385 mg in subjects treated with EMSAM and oral selegiline, respectively.
Another study using a crossover design in 10 subjects investigated tyramine pressor doses after administration of EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours or tranylcypromine 30 mg per day for 10 days. Mean pressor doses (TYR30) of tyramine capsules administered without food were 270 mg in subjects treated with EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours and 10 mg in subjects treated with tranylcypromine.
In a third crossover study, tyramine without food was administered to 12 subjects. The mean tyramine pressor doses (TYR30) after administration of EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours for 9 and 33 days were 292 mg and 204 mg, respectively. The lowest pressor dose was 50 mg in one subject in the 33-day group.
Tyramine pressor doses were also studied in 11 subjects after extended treatment with EMSAM 12 mg per 24 hours. At 30, 60, and 90 days, the mean pressor doses (TYR30) of tyramine administered without food were 95 mg, 72 mg, and 88 mg, respectively. The lowest pressor dose without food was 25 mg in three subjects at day 30 while on EMSAM 12 mg per 24 hours. Eight subjects from this study, with a mean tyramine pressor dose of 64 mg at 90 days, were subsequently administered tyramine with food, resulting in a mean pressor dose of 172 mg (2.7 times the mean pressor dose observed without food, p less than 0.003).
With the exception of one study (N = 153), the Phase III clinical development program was conducted without requiring a modified diet (N = 2,553, 1,606 at 6 mg per 24 hours, and 947 at 9 mg per 24 hours or 12 mg per 24 hours). No hypertensive crises were reported in any patient receiving EMSAM.
Overall, the data for EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours support a recommendation that a modified diet is not required at this dose. Due to the more limited data available for EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours and the results from the Phase I tyramine challenge study in fed volunteers administered EMSAM 12 mg per 24 hours, patients receiving these doses should follow Dietary Modifications Required for Patients Taking EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours and 12 mg per 24 hours.
Following dermal application of EMSAM to humans, 25% to 30% of the selegiline content on average is delivered systemically over 24 hours (range approximately 10% to 40%). Consequently, the degree of drug absorption may be 1/3 higher than the average amounts of 6 mg to 12 mg per 24 hours. Transdermal dosing results in significantly higher exposure to selegiline with significantly lower exposure for all metabolites when compared to oral dosing, due to extensive first-pass metabolism. In a 10-day study with daily administration of EMSAM to healthy male and female volunteers, steady-state selegiline plasma concentrations indicated selegiline concentration-time profiles were comparable when EMSAM is applied to the upper torso or upper thigh, and absorption from these two sites of administration was equivalent.
DistributionFollowing dermal application of radiolabeled selegiline to laboratory animals, selegiline is rapidly distributed to all body tissues. Selegiline rapidly penetrates the blood-brain barrier.
In humans, selegiline is approximately 90% bound to plasma protein over a 2 to 500 ng per mL concentration range. Selegiline does not accumulate in the skin.
In Vivo MetabolismTransdermally absorbed selegiline (via EMSAM) is not metabolized in human skin and does not undergo extensive first-pass metabolism. Selegiline is extensively metabolized by several CYP450-dependent enzyme systems (see In vitro Metabolism). Selegiline is metabolized initially via N-dealkylation or N-depropargylation to form N-desmethylselegiline or R(-)-methamphetamine, respectively. Both of these metabolites can be further metabolized to R(-)-amphetamine. These metabolites are all levorotatory (l-)enantiomers and no racemic biotransformation to the dextrorotatory form (i.e., S(+)-amphetamine or S(+)-methamphetamine) occurs. R(-)-methamphetamine and R(-)-amphetamine are mainly excreted unchanged in urine.
In Vitro MetabolismIn vitro studies utilizing human liver microsomes demonstrated that several CYP450-dependent enzymes are involved in the metabolism of selegiline and its metabolites. CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 appeared to be the major contributing enzymes in the formation of R(-)-methamphetamine from selegiline, with CYP2A6 having a minor role. CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 appeared to contribute to the formation of R(-)amphetamine from N-desmethylselegiline.
The potential for selegiline or N-desmethylselegiline to inhibit individual CYP450-dependent enzyme pathways was also examined in vitro with human liver microsomes. Each substrate was examined over a concentration range of 2.5 to 250 mcM. Consistent with competitive inhibition, both selegiline and N-desmethylselegiline caused a concentration dependent inhibition of CYP2D6 at 10 to 250 mcM and CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 at 25 to 250 mcM. CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 were also inhibited at concentrations of 100 mcM or greater. All inhibitory effects of selegiline and N-desmethylselegiline occurred at concentrations that are several orders of magnitude higher than concentrations seen clinically (highest predose concentration observed at a dose of 12 mg per 24 hours at steady-state was 0.046 mcM).
ExcretionApproximately 10% and 2% of a radiolabeled dose applied dermally, as a DMSO solution, was recovered in urine and feces respectively, with at least 63% of the dose remaining unabsorbed. The remaining 25% of the dose was unaccounted for. Urinary excretion of unchanged selegiline accounted for 0.1% of the applied dose with the remainder of the dose recovered in urine being metabolites.
The systemic clearance of selegiline after intravenous administration was 1.4 L per min, and the mean half-lives of selegiline and its three metabolites, R(-)-N-desmethylselegiline, R(-) amphetamine, and R(-)-methamphetamine, ranged from 18 to 25 hours.
The available data on EMSAM use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. In animal embryo-fetal development studies, transdermal administration of selegiline to rats and rabbits at doses up to 60 and 64 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) respectively, produced slight increases in malformations in both rats and rabbits, and decreased fetal weight, delayed ossification, and embryo-fetal post-implantation loss in rats. Most of these effects were seen at the high dose in both rats and rabbits. These effects were not seen at 8 times and 16 times the MRHD in rats and rabbits, respectively. In a pre-natal and post-natal development study, transdermal administration of selegiline in rats at doses 8, 24, and 60 times MRHD produced a decrease in pup weight and survival at the medium and high doses, an increase in the number of stillborn pups at the high dose, and delayed neurobehavioral and sexual development in pups at all doses. A persistent effect on reproductive performance of pups born to mothers treated at the high dose was evident (see Data). When treating a pregnant woman with EMSAM, the physician should carefully consider both the potential risks of taking an MAOI, particularly the risk of hypertensive crisis during pregnancy, along with the established benefits of treating depression with an antidepressant.
The estimated 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% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical ConsiderationsDisease-Associated Maternal And Embryo/Fetal Risk
A prospective longitudinal study was conducted of 201 pregnant women with a history of major depression, who were either on antidepressants or had received antidepressants less than 12 weeks prior to their last menstrual period, and were in remission. Women who discontinued antidepressant medication during pregnancy showed a significant increase in relapse of their major depression compared to those women who remained on antidepressant medication throughout pregnancy.
DataAnimal Data
In an embryofetal development study, rats were treated with transdermal selegiline during the period of organogenesis at doses of 10, 30, and 75 mg/kg/day (8, 24, and 60 times the MRHD of EMSAM [12 mg/24 hours] on a mg/m² basis). At the highest dose there was a decrease in fetal weight and slight increases in malformations, delayed ossification (also seen at the mid dose), and embryofetal post-implantation loss. Concentrations of selegiline and its metabolites in fetal plasma were generally similar to those in maternal plasma.
In an embryofetal development study, rabbits were treated with transdermal selegiline during the period of organogenesis at doses of 2.5, 10, and 40 mg/kg/day (4, 16, and 64 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis). A slight increase in visceral malformations was seen at the high dose.
In a prenatal and postnatal development study, rats were treated with transdermal selegiline at doses of 10, 30, and 75 mg/kg/day (8, 24, and 60 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) on days 6 to 21 of gestation and days 1 to 21 of the lactation period. An increase in post-implantation loss was seen at the mid and high doses, and an increase in stillborn pups was seen at the high dose. Decreases in pup weight (throughout lactation and postweaning periods) and survival (throughout lactation period), delayed pup physical development, and pup epididymal and testicular hypoplasia, were seen at the mid and high doses. Delayed neurobehavioral and sexual development was seen at all doses. Adverse effects on pup reproductive performance, as evidenced by decreases in implantations and litter size, were seen at the high dose. These findings suggest persistent effects on the offspring of treated dams. A no-effect dose was not established in this study for developmental toxicity.
EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is supplied as 6 mg per 24 hours (20 mg per 20 cm²), 9 mg per 24 hours (30 mg per 30 cm²) and 12 mg per 24 hours (40 mg per 40 cm²) transdermal systems (TDS).
EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours is a translucent TDS printed with 'EMSAM® 6mg/24h'. EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours is a translucent TDS printed with 'EMSAM® 9mg/24h'. EMSAM 12 mg per 24 hours is a translucent TDS printed with 'EMSAM® 12mg/24h'.
EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is a transdermal system with the following strengths, sizes, color, backing film printing and presentation:
| Features | Strengths | ||
| 6 mg per 24 hours | 9 mg per 24 hours | 12 mg per 24 hours | |
| EMSAM Size | 20 mg per 20 cm² | 30 mg per 30 cm² | 40 mg per 40 cm² |
| Color | Translucent | Translucent | Translucent |
| Backing Film Printing | EMSAM® 6mg/24h | EMSAM® 9mg/24h | EMSAM® 12mg/24h |
| NDC number | NDC 49502-900-30 | NDC 49502-901-30 | NDC 49502-902-30 |
| Presentation | Box of 30 transdermal systems | Box of 30 transdermal systems | Box of 30 transdermal systems |
Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F). Do not store outside of the sealed pouch.
Apply immediately upon removal from the protective pouch. Discard used EMSAM in household trash in a manner that prevents accidental application or ingestion by children, pets or others.
Distributed by: Mylan Specialty L.P., Morgantown, WV 26505 U.S.A. Manufactured for: Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morgantown, WV 26505, U.S.A. Revised: Jul 2017
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Adolescents And Young AdultsIn pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and over 4,400 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients was greater in antidepressant-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 2.
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric studies. There were suicides in the adult studies, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about antidepressant drug effect on suicide.
Table 2: Risk Differences of the Number of Cases of
Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of
Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients
| Age Range (years) | Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated |
| Increases Compared to Placebo | |
| < 18 | 14 additional patients |
| 18-24 | 5 additional patients |
| Decreases Compared to Placebo | |
| 25-64 | 1 fewer patient |
| ≥ 65 | 6 fewer patients |
It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression.
Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy and at times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing EMSAM, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Serotonin SyndromeThe development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with concomitant use of MAOIs, such as EMSAM, with serotonergic drugs. These reactions have also been reported in patients who have discontinued serotonergic drugs and then subsequently started an MAOI.
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 changes (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Treatment with EMSAM and any concomitant serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur and supportive treatment should be initiated.
Blood Pressure Elevation Tyramine-Induced Hypertensive CrisisEMSAM inhibits the catabolism of dietary amines, such as tyramine, and has the potential to produce a hypertensive crisis following the ingestion of tyramine-rich foods or beverages.
Hypertensive crises, which in some cases may be fatal, are characterized by some or all of the following symptoms: occipital headache which may radiate frontally, palpitation, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea, vomiting, sweating (sometimes with fever and sometimes with cold, clammy skin), dilated pupils, and photophobia. Either tachycardia or bradycardia may be present and can be associated with constricting chest pain. Intracranial bleeding has been reported in association with the increase in blood pressure. Patients should be instructed as to the signs and symptoms of severe hypertension and advised to seek immediate medical attention if these signs or symptoms are present.
If a hypertensive crisis occurs, EMSAM should be discontinued immediately and therapy to lower blood pressure should be instituted immediately. Fever should be managed by means of external cooling. Patients must be closely monitored until symptoms have stabilized. To prevent a hypertensive crisis, patients receiving treatment with EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours or EMSAM 12 mg per 24 hours should follow the advice regarding a low tyramine diet described in Table 5 under Dietary Modifications Required for Patients Taking EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours and 12 mg per 24 hours.
Blood Pressure Elevation Related To Concomitant MedicationCarbamazepine is contraindicated with EMSAM because carbamazepine has been shown to significantly elevate selegiline levels, which may increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
The use of EMSAM with adrenergic drugs or buspirone may produce substantial increases in blood pressure. Therefore, monitor blood pressure if EMSAM is used with any of the following drugs: buspirone, amphetamines, or cold products or weight-reducing preparations that contain sympathomimetic amines (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, and ephedrine).
Activation Of Mania/HypomaniaIn patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive episode with EMSAM or another antidepressant may precipitate a mixed/manic episode. During Phase III trials, a manic reaction occurred in 8 out of 2,036 (0.4%) patients treated with EMSAM. Prior to initiating treatment with EMSAM, screen patients for any personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.
External HeatThe effect of direct heat applied to EMSAM on the bioavailability of selegiline has not been studied. However, in theory, heat may result in an increase in the amount of selegiline absorbed from EMSAM and produce elevated serum levels of selegiline. Patients should be advised to avoid exposing the EMSAM application site to external sources of direct heat, such as heating pads or electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, and prolonged direct sunlight.
Patient Counseling InformationSee FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Advise patients and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with EMSAM and counsel them in its appropriate use. Advise patients and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide and assist them in understanding its contents. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document.
Patients should be advised of the following issues and asked to alert their prescriber if these occur while taking EMSAM.
Suicide Risk: Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior, especially early during treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down.
Tyramine Reactions: Patients should be advised that tyramine-rich foods and beverages should be avoided while on EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours or EMSAM 12 mg per 24 hours, and for 2 weeks following discontinuation of EMSAM at these doses because of the risk of a tyramine reaction. Patients should also be advised to avoid tyramine-containing nutritional supplements. Patients should be instructed to immediately report the occurrence of the following acute symptoms: severe headache, neck stiffness, heart racing or palpitations, or other sudden or unusual symptoms.
Concomitant Medication: Advise patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbals, because of a potential for dangerous interactions. Instruct patients not to take EMSAM with medication that is contraindicated or within two weeks of stopping such medication (5 weeks for fluoxetine). Contraindicated medication should not be started within two weeks of stopping EMSAM.
Psychomotor Performance: EMSAM has not been shown to impair psychomotor performance; however, any psychoactive drug may potentially impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that EMSAM therapy does not impair their ability to engage in such activities.
Alcohol: Patients should be told that, although EMSAM has not been shown to increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol, the concomitant use of EMSAM and alcohol in depressed patients is not recommended.
Pediatrics: Advise patients that EMSAM must not be used in children less than 12 years of age because of an increased risk of severe increases in blood pressure. Also, patients should be advised that EMSAM is not recommended for use in pediatric patients ages 12 to 17 years.
Pregnancy: Advise the pregnant woman about the potential risk to the fetus.
Lactation: Advise a woman that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with EMSAM treatment and for 5 days after the final dose.
How To Use EMSAMDetailed Instructions are provided in the Medication Guide. Prescribers should instruct patients on the following:
In a dermal carcinogenicity study in CD-1 mice, selegiline (the drug substance of EMSAM) was administered daily for 2 years at the same skin site at dose levels of 20, 70, and 200 mg per kg per day (dissolved in acetone). The incidence of systemic tumors was not increased and the high dose provided systemic exposures to selegiline and its three metabolites in mice that were greater than 40 times the exposures in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma was slightly increased on treated skin of mice administered the high dose. This finding was associated with an increased incidence of epithelial hyperplasia, dyskeratosis/hyperkeratosis and inflammation.
In an oral carcinogenicity study in rats, selegiline given in the diet for 104 weeks was not carcinogenic up to the highest evaluable dose tested (3.5 mg per kg per day), which exposed rats to systemic levels of selegiline and its three metabolites that were comparable to those in humans at the MRHD.
MutagenesisSelegiline induced mutations and chromosomal damage when tested in the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay with and without metabolic activation. Selegiline was negative in the Ames assay, the in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration assay in human lymphocytes, and the in vivo oral mouse micronucleus assay.
Impairment Of FertilityA mating and fertility study was conducted in male and female rats at transdermal doses of 10, 30, and 75 mg per kg per day of selegiline (8, 24, and 60 times the maximum recommended human dose of EMSAM [12 mg per 24 hours] on a mg per m² basis). Slight decreases in sperm concentration and total sperm count were observed at the high dose; however, no significant adverse effects on fertility or reproductive performance were observed.
Use In Specific Populations Pregnancy Risk SummaryThe available data on EMSAM use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. In animal embryo-fetal development studies, transdermal administration of selegiline to rats and rabbits at doses up to 60 and 64 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) respectively, produced slight increases in malformations in both rats and rabbits, and decreased fetal weight, delayed ossification, and embryo-fetal post-implantation loss in rats. Most of these effects were seen at the high dose in both rats and rabbits. These effects were not seen at 8 times and 16 times the MRHD in rats and rabbits, respectively. In a pre-natal and post-natal development study, transdermal administration of selegiline in rats at doses 8, 24, and 60 times MRHD produced a decrease in pup weight and survival at the medium and high doses, an increase in the number of stillborn pups at the high dose, and delayed neurobehavioral and sexual development in pups at all doses. A persistent effect on reproductive performance of pups born to mothers treated at the high dose was evident (see Data). When treating a pregnant woman with EMSAM, the physician should carefully consider both the potential risks of taking an MAOI, particularly the risk of hypertensive crisis during pregnancy, along with the established benefits of treating depression with an antidepressant.
The estimated 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% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical ConsiderationsDisease-Associated Maternal And Embryo/Fetal Risk
A prospective longitudinal study was conducted of 201 pregnant women with a history of major depression, who were either on antidepressants or had received antidepressants less than 12 weeks prior to their last menstrual period, and were in remission. Women who discontinued antidepressant medication during pregnancy showed a significant increase in relapse of their major depression compared to those women who remained on antidepressant medication throughout pregnancy.
DataAnimal Data
In an embryofetal development study, rats were treated with transdermal selegiline during the period of organogenesis at doses of 10, 30, and 75 mg/kg/day (8, 24, and 60 times the MRHD of EMSAM [12 mg/24 hours] on a mg/m² basis). At the highest dose there was a decrease in fetal weight and slight increases in malformations, delayed ossification (also seen at the mid dose), and embryofetal post-implantation loss. Concentrations of selegiline and its metabolites in fetal plasma were generally similar to those in maternal plasma.
In an embryofetal development study, rabbits were treated with transdermal selegiline during the period of organogenesis at doses of 2.5, 10, and 40 mg/kg/day (4, 16, and 64 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis). A slight increase in visceral malformations was seen at the high dose.
In a prenatal and postnatal development study, rats were treated with transdermal selegiline at doses of 10, 30, and 75 mg/kg/day (8, 24, and 60 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) on days 6 to 21 of gestation and days 1 to 21 of the lactation period. An increase in post-implantation loss was seen at the mid and high doses, and an increase in stillborn pups was seen at the high dose. Decreases in pup weight (throughout lactation and postweaning periods) and survival (throughout lactation period), delayed pup physical development, and pup epididymal and testicular hypoplasia, were seen at the mid and high doses. Delayed neurobehavioral and sexual development was seen at all doses. Adverse effects on pup reproductive performance, as evidenced by decreases in implantations and litter size, were seen at the high dose. These findings suggest persistent effects on the offspring of treated dams. A no-effect dose was not established in this study for developmental toxicity.
Lactation Risk SummaryThere is no information regarding the presence of selegiline in human milk, or on its effects on milk production or the breastfed infant. Selegiline and its metabolites are present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data).
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from EMSAM, including the potential for hypertensive crisis, advise a woman that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with EMSAM and for 5 days after the final dose.
DataIn a prenatal and postnatal development study where rats were treated with transdermal selegiline at doses approximately 8, 24, and 60 times the MRHD on days 6 to 21 of gestation and days 1 to 21 of the lactation period, concentrations of selegiline and its metabolites in milk were approximately 15 and 5 times, respectively, the concentrations in maternal plasma.
Pediatric UseUse of EMSAM in patients less than 12 years of age is contraindicated because of the potential for a hypertensive crisis.
Limited pharmacokinetic data with doses lower than in the commercially available formulations suggest that children under age 12 may be exposed to increased levels of selegiline compared to adolescents and adults, administered with and without dietary modifications, therefore, there may be an increased risk of hypertensive crisis, even at the lowest dose of EMSAM.
Efficacy has not been established in pediatric patients ages 12 to 17 years with MDD and EMSAM is not recommended for use in this age range.
A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose trial in 308 adolescents (ages 12 to 17 years) with MDD failed to demonstrate the efficacy of EMSAM. Diagnosis of major depressive disorder (single episode or recurrent, moderate to severe) was based on according DSM-IV criteria and Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children (K-SADS). Enrolled patients had a Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised of ≥ 45 at the screening visit. Trial participants were randomized 1:1 to either EMSAM or matching placebo without forced titration for a period of 12 weeks. Active treatment consisted of EMSAM transdermal system at a dose of 6 mg per 24 hours, 9 mg per 24 hours, or 12 mg per 24 hours. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in total score on the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) from baseline to the end of study (EOS) (Week 12). There was no observed difference in effect on CDRS-R Total Score at Week 12 (EOS) between treatments. The mean reduction in CDRS-R Total Score was 21.4 in the EMSAM-treated subjects and 21.5 in those receiving placebo treatment. Safety endpoints included physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiogram, respiration rate, temperature, supine and standing blood pressure and heart rate, application site assessments, and adverse events. Overall, safety findings were similar to those observed in EMSAM trials conducted in adults. Treatment-emergent adverse events reported by at least 5% of EMSAM-treated patients at a rate at least twice the placebo rate were insomnia (6%, 3%) and upper respiratory tract infection (7%, 3%).
Geriatric UseThe recommended dose of EMSAM for elderly patients (65 years and older) is 6 mg per 24 hours daily. The effect of age on the pharmacokinetics or metabolism of selegiline after administration of EMSAM has not been systematically evaluated. One hundred ninety-eight (198) elderly (65 years of age and older) patients participated in clinical studies with EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours to 12 mg per 24 hours. There were no overall differences in effectiveness between elderly and younger patients. In short-term, placebo-controlled depression trials, patients age 50 and older appeared to be at higher risk for rash (4.4% EMSAM vs. 0% placebo) than younger patients (3.4% EMSAM vs. 2.4% placebo).
GenderNo adjustment of EMSAM dosage based on gender is needed. No gender differences have been observed in the pharmacokinetics or metabolism of selegiline during administration of EMSAM.
Reduced Hepatic FunctionNo adjustment of EMSAM dosage is required in patients with mild liver impairment (Child-Pugh 5-6 points) or moderate liver impairment (Child-Pugh 7-9 points). After a single administration of EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours in eight patients with mild or moderate liver impairment, no differences in either the metabolism or pharmacokinetic behavior of selegiline or its metabolites were observed as compared with data of normal subjects. EMSAM has not been studied in patients with severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh 10-15 points).
Reduced Renal FunctionNo adjustment of EMSAM dosage is required in patients with mild renal impairment (eGFR 6089 mL/min/1.73 m²), moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m²), or severe renal impairment (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m²). Data from a single dose study examining the pharmacokinetics of EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours in 12 patients with renal impairment suggest that mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment does not affect the pharmacokinetics of selegiline after transdermal application. EMSAM has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m² or requiring dialysis).
EMSAM should be applied to dry, intact skin on the upper torso (below the neck and above the waist), upper thigh or the outer surface of the upper arm once every 24 hours. The recommended starting dose and target dose for EMSAM is 6 mg per 24 hours. EMSAM has been systematically evaluated and shown to be effective in a dose range of 6 mg per 24 hours to 12 mg per 24 hours. However, the trials were not designed to assess if higher doses are more effective than the lowest effective dose of 6 mg per 24 hours. Based on clinical judgment, if dose increases are indicated for individual patients, they should occur in dose increments of 3 mg per 24 hours (up to a maximum dose of 12 mg per 24 hours) at intervals of no less than 2 weeks. Full antidepressant effect may be delayed.
Patients should be informed that tyramine-rich foods and beverages should be avoided beginning on the first day of EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours or 12 mg per 24 hours treatment and should continue to be avoided for 2 weeks after a dose reduction to EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours or following the discontinuation of EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours or 12 mg per 24 hours.
Maintenance TreatmentIt is generally agreed that episodes of depression require several months or longer of sustained pharmacologic therapy. Maintenance of efficacy in depressed patients on therapy with EMSAM at a dose of 6 mg per 24 hours after achieving a responder status for an average duration of about 25 days was demonstrated in a controlled trial.
The physician who elects to use EMSAM for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.
Dietary Modifications Required For Patients Taking EMSAM 9 mg Per 24 Hours And 12 mg Per 24 HoursEMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) contains a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). MAOIs including EMSAM combined with a high tyramine diet may cause a hypertensive crisis. A hypertensive crisis can be a life-threatening condition.
The foods and beverages listed in Table 5 should be avoided beginning on the first day of EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours or 12 mg per 24 hours treatment, and should continue to be avoided for 2 weeks after a dose reduction to EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours or following the discontinuation of EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours or 12 mg per 24 hours.
Screen For Bipolar Disorder Prior To Starting EMSAMPrior to initiating treatment with EMSAM or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label.
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 clinical practice.
Patient ExposureThe premarketing development program for EMSAM included selegiline exposures in patients and/or normal subjects from two different groups of studies: 702 healthy subjects in clinical pharmacology/pharmacokinetics studies and 2,036 exposures from patients in controlled and uncontrolled major depressive disorder clinical trials. The conditions and duration of treatment with EMSAM varied and included double-blind, open-label, fixed-dose, and dose titration studies of short-term and longer-term exposures. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse reactions, physical examinations, vital signs, body weights, laboratory analyses, and ECGs.
Adverse reactions during exposure were obtained primarily by general inquiry and recorded by clinical investigators. In the tables and tabulations that follow, standard COSTART terminology has been used to classify reported adverse reactions. The stated frequencies of adverse reactions represent the proportion of individuals who experienced, at least once, a treatment-emergent adverse reaction of the type listed. A reaction was considered treatment-emergent if it occurred for the first time or worsened while receiving therapy following baseline evaluation.
Adverse Reactions Leading To Discontinuation Of TreatmentAmong 817 MDD patients treated with EMSAM at doses of either 3 mg per 24 hours (151 patients), 6 mg per 24 hours (550 patients) or 6 mg per 24 hours, 9 mg per 24 hours, and 12 mg per 24 hours (116 patients) in placebo-controlled trials of up to 8 weeks in duration, 7.1% discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction as compared with 3.6% of 668 patients receiving placebo. The only adverse reaction associated with discontinuation, in at least 1% of EMSAM-treated patients at a rate at least twice that of placebo, was application site reaction (2% EMSAM vs. 0% placebo).
Adverse Reactions Occurring At An Incidence Of 2% Or More Among EMSAM-Treated PatientsTable 2 enumerates adverse reactions that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more (rounded to the nearest percent) among 817 MDD patients treated with EMSAM in doses ranging from 3 to 12 mg per 24 hours in placebo-controlled trials of up to 8 weeks in duration. Reactions included are those occurring in 2% or more of patients treated with EMSAM and for which the incidence in patients treated with EMSAM was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients.
One adverse reaction was associated with a reporting of at least 5% in the EMSAM group, and a rate at least twice that in the placebo group, in the pool of short-term, placebo-controlled studies: application site reactions (see Application Site Reactions, below). In one such study which utilized higher mean doses of EMSAM than that in the entire study pool, the following reactions met these criteria: application site reactions, insomnia, diarrhea, and pharyngitis.
Table 2: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions:
Incidence in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials for Major Depressive Disorder
with EMSAM1
| Body System/Preferred Term | EMSAM (N = 817) |
Placebo (N = 668) |
| (% of Patients Reporting Reaction) | ||
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Headache | 18 | 17 |
| Digestive | ||
| Diarrhea | 9 | 7 |
| Dyspepsia | 4 | 3 |
| Nervous | ||
| Insomnia | 12 | 7 |
| Dry Mouth | 8 | 6 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Pharyngitis | 3 | 2 |
| Sinusitis | 3 | 1 |
| Skin | ||
| Application Site Reaction | 24 | 12 |
| Rash | 4 | 2 |
| 1Reactions reported by at least 2% of patients treated with EMSAM are included, except the following reactions, which had an incidence on placebo treatment greater than or equal to EMSAM: infection, nausea, dizziness, pain, abdominal pain, nervousness, back pain, asthenia, anxiety, flu syndrome, accidental injury, somnolence, rhinitis, and palpitations. | ||
In the pool of short-term, placebo-controlled major depressive disorder studies, application site reactions (ASRs) were reported in 24% of EMSAM-treated patients and 12% of placebo-treated patients. Most ASRs were mild or moderate in severity. ASRs led to dropout in 2% of EMSAM-treated patients and no placebo-treated patients. In one such study which utilized higher mean doses of EMSAM, ASRs were reported in 40% of EMSAM-treated patients and 20% of placebo-treated patients. Most of the ASRs in this study were described as erythema and most resolved spontaneously, requiring no treatment. When treatment was administered, it most commonly consisted of dermatological preparations of corticosteroids.
Sexual DysfunctionAlthough changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of pharmacologic treatment.
Reliable estimates of the incidence and severity of untoward experiences involving sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction are difficult to obtain, in part because patients and physicians may be reluctant to discuss them. Accordingly, estimates of the incidence of untoward sexual experience and performance cited in product labeling are likely to underestimate their actual incidence. Table 3 shows that the incidence rates of sexual side effects in patients with major depressive disorder are comparable to the placebo rates in placebo-controlled trials.
Table 3: Incidence of Sexual
Side Effects in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials with EMSAM
| Adverse Reaction | EMSAM | Placebo |
| IN MALES ONLY | ||
| (N = 304) | (N = 256) | |
| Abnormal Ejaculation | 1.0% | 0.0% |
| Decreased Libido | 0.7% | 0.0% |
| Impotence | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| Anorgasmia | 0.2% | 0.0% |
| IN FEMALES ONLY | ||
| (N = 513) | (N = 412) | |
| Decreased Libido | 0.0% | 0.2% |
There are no adequately designed studies examining sexual dysfunction with EMSAM treatment.
Vital Sign ChangesEMSAM and placebo groups were compared with respect to (1) mean change from baseline in vital signs (pulse, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure), and (2) the incidence of patients meeting criteria for potentially clinically significant changes from baseline in these variables. In the pool of short-term, placebo-controlled major depressive disorder studies, 3.0% of EMSAM-treated patients and 1.5% of placebo-treated patients experienced a low systolic blood pressure, defined as a reading less than or equal to 90 mmHg with a change from baseline of at least 20 mmHg. In one study which utilized higher mean doses of EMSAM, 6.2% of EMSAM-treated patients and no placebo-treated patients experienced a low standing systolic blood pressure by these criteria.
In the pool of short-term major depressive disorder trials, 9.8% of EMSAM-treated patients and 6.7% of placebo-treated patients experienced a notable orthostatic change in blood pressure, defined as a decrease of at least 10 mmHg in mean blood pressure with postural change.
Weight ChangesIn placebo-controlled studies (6 to 8 weeks), the incidence of patients who experienced at least 5% weight gain or weight loss is shown in Table 4.
Table 4: Incidence of Weight
Gain and Weight Loss in Placebo-Controlled Trials with EMSAM
| Weight Change | EMSAM (N = 757) |
Placebo (N = 614) |
| Gained at least 5% | 2.1% | 2.4% |
| Lost at least 5% | 5.0% | 2.8% |
In these trials, the mean change in body weight among EMSAM-treated patients was a 1.2 lbs loss compared to 0.3 lbs gain in placebo-treated patients.
Laboratory ChangesEMSAM and placebo groups were compared with respect to (1) mean change from baseline in various serum chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis variables, and (2) the incidence of patients meeting criteria for potentially clinically significant changes from baseline in these variables. These analyses revealed no clinically important changes in laboratory test parameters associated with EMSAM.
Electrocardiogram ChangesElectrocardiograms (ECGs) from EMSAM (N = 817) and placebo (N = 668) groups in controlled studies were compared with respect to (1) mean change from baseline in various ECG parameters, and (2) the incidence of patients meeting criteria for clinically significant changes from baseline in these variables.
No clinically meaningful changes in ECG parameters from baseline to final visit were observed for patients in controlled studies.
Other Reactions Observed During The Premarketing Evaluation Of EMSAMThe following listing does not include reactions: 1) already listed elsewhere in labeling, 2) for which a causal relationship to drug was remote, 3) which were so general as to be uninformative, 4) which were not considered to have significant clinical implications, or 5) which occurred at a rate equal to or less than placebo.
Cardiovascular System: Tachycardia.
Digestive System: Anorexia.
Nervous System: Agitation, amnesia, tremor, twitching.
Skin and Appendages: Pruritus.
Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of EMSAM.
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.
Nervous System: Convulsion and hypoesthesia.
Psychiatric System: Disorientation, hallucination (visual), and tension.
DRUG INTERACTIONS Serotonergic DrugsSerious, sometimes fatal, central nervous system (CNS) toxicity referred to as the “serotonin syndrome” has been reported with the combination of nonselective MAOIs and serotonergic drugs. Use of EMSAM with these drugs is contraindicated.
TyramineEMSAM has the capacity to inhibit intestinal MAO, which is responsible for the catabolism of tyramine in food and beverages. As a result of this inhibition, large amounts of tyramine may enter the systemic circulation and precipitate a sudden, large rise in blood pressure or hypertensive crisis.
A diet low in tyramine content may be necessary to avoid this interaction. Studies to evaluate the potential for EMSAM to inhibit tyramine metabolism have been conducted and, overall, the data for EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours support a recommendation that a modified diet is not required at this dose. Due to the more limited data available for EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours and the results from the Phase I tyramine challenge study in fed volunteers administered EMSAM 12 mg per 24 hours, patients receiving these doses should follow Dietary Modifications Required for Patients Taking EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours and 12 mg per 24 hours below.
Dietary Modifications Required For Patients Taking EMSAM 9 mg Per 24 Hours And 12 mg Per 24 HoursThe foods and beverages listed in Table 5 should be avoided beginning on the first day of EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours or 12 mg per 24 hours treatment, and should continue to be avoided for 2 weeks after a dose reduction to EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours or following the discontinuation of EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours or 12 mg per 24 hours.
Table 5: Food and Beverages to Avoid and Those which
are Acceptable1
| Class of Food and Beverage | Tyramine-Rich Foods and Beverages to Avoid | Acceptable Foods and Drinks, Containing No or Little Tyramine |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Air dried, aged and fermented meats, sausages and salamis (including cacciatore, hard salami and mortadella); pickled herring; and any spoiled or improperly stored meat, poultry, and fish (e.g., foods that have undergone changes in coloration, odor, or become moldy); spoiled or improperly stored animal livers | Fresh meat, poultry, and fish, including fresh processed meats (e.g., lunch meats, hot dogs, breakfast sausage, and cooked sliced ham) |
| Vegetables | Broad bean pods (fava bean pods) | All other vegetables |
| Dairy | Aged cheeses | Processed cheeses, mozzarella, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt |
| Beverages | All varieties of tap beer and beers that have not been pasteurized so as to allow for ongoing fermentation | Concomitant use of alcohol with EMSAM is not recommended. (Bottled and canned beers and wines contain little or no tyramine.) |
| Miscellaneous | Concentrated yeast extract (e.g., Marmite), sauerkraut, most soybean products (including soy sauce and tofu), OTC supplements containing tyramine | Brewer’s yeast, baker’s yeast, soy milk, commercial chain restaurant pizzas prepared with cheeses low in tyramine |
| 1 |
The use of EMSAM with sympathomimetic amines or buspirone may produce substantial elevations in blood pressure. Therefore, monitor blood pressure if EMSAM is used with any of the following drugs: buspirone, amphetamines, and cold products or weight-reducing preparations that contain sympathomimetic amines (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, and ephedrine).
Effect Of Other Drugs On EMSAMCarbamazepine is contraindicated with MAOIs, including selegiline.
No dose adjustment for EMSAM is needed when EMSAM is used concomitantly with alcohol, alprazolam, ibuprofen, olanzapine, risperidone, levothyroxine, and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). No clinically meaningful change in selegiline exposure was seen when EMSAM was co-administered with alcohol, alprazolam, ibuprofen, olanzapine, risperidone, levothyroxine, and ketoconazole.
Effect Of EMSAM On Other DrugsUse of alcohol while taking EMSAM is not recommended, even though EMSAM has not been shown to increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol (0.75 mg per kg).
Monitor blood pressure if sympathomimetic agents (e.g., phenylpropanolamine (PPA) or pseudoephedrine) are used with EMSAM, even though selegiline does not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of PPA or pseudoephedrine.
No dose adjustment of alprazolam, ibuprofen, levothyroxine, olanzapine, risperdione, warfarin, or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) is necessary when these drugs are used in combination with EMSAM. EMSAM had no clinically relevant effect on pharmacokinetics of these drugs.
Drug Abuse And DependenceEMSAM is not a controlled substance.
REFERENCES
1. Adapted from K.I. Shulman, S.E. Walker, Psychiatric Annals 2001; 31:378-384
