No human overdosage data has been reported for BREO ELLIPTA.
Relvar Ellipta contains both fluticasone furoate and vilanterol; therefore, the risks associated with overdosage for the individual components described below apply to Relvar Ellipta. Treatment of overdosage consists of discontinuation of Relvar Ellipta together with institution of appropriate symptomatic and/or supportive therapy. The judicious use of a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker may be considered, bearing in mind that such medicine can produce bronchospasm. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in cases of overdosage.
Fluticasone FuroateBecause of low systemic bioavailability (15.2%) and an absence of acute drug-related systemic findings in clinical trials, overdosage of fluticasone furoate is unlikely to require any treatment other than observation. If used at excessive doses for prolonged periods, systemic effects such as hypercorticism may occur.
Single-and repeat-dose trials of fluticasone furoate at doses of 50 to 4,000 mcg have been studied in human subjects. Decreases in mean serum cortisol were observed at dosages of 500 mcg or higher given once daily for 14 days.
VilanterolThe expected signs and symptoms with overdosage of vilanterol are those of excessive betaadrenergic stimulation and/or occurrence or exaggeration of any of the signs and symptoms of beta-adrenergic stimulation (e.g., seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats/min, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, muscle cramps, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, insomnia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis). As with all inhaled sympathomimetic medicines, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with an overdose of vilanterol.
The use of Relvar Ellipta is contraindicated in the following conditions:
Use of LABA may result in the following:
Systemic and local corticosteroid use may result in the following:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Clinical Trials Experience In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseThe clinical program for Relvar Ellipta included more than 24,000 subjects with COPD in two 6-month lung function trials, two 12-month exacerbation trials, 1 mortality trial, and 6 other trials of shorter duration. A total of 6,174 subjects with COPD received at least 1 dose of Relvar Ellipta 100/25, and 1,087 subjects received a higher strength of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol. The safety data described below are based on the confirmatory 6-and 12-month trials. Adverse reactions observed in the other trials were similar to those observed in the confirmatory trials.
6-Month TrialsThe incidence of adverse reactions associated with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 in Table 2 is based on 2 placebo-controlled, 6-month clinical trials (Trials 1 and 2; n = 1,224 and n = 1,030, respectively). Of the 2,254 subjects, 70% were male and 84% were white. They had a mean age of 62 years and an average smoking history of 44 pack years, with 54% identified as current smokers. At screening, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 48% (range: 14% to 87%), the mean postbronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio was 47% (range: 17% to 88%), and the mean percent reversibility was 14% (range: -41% to 152%).
Subjects received 1 inhalation once daily of the following: Relvar Ellipta 100/25, Relvar Ellipta 200/25, fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 50 mcg/25 mcg, fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, fluticasone furoate 200 mcg, vilanterol 25 mcg, or placebo.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 with ≥3% Incidence and More Common than Placebo in Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
| Adverse Reaction | Relvar Ellipta 100/25 (n = 410) % | Vilanterol 25 mcg (n = 408) % | Fluticasone Furoate 100 mcg (n = 410) % | Placebo (n = 412) % |
| Infections and infestations | ||||
| Nasopharyngitis | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Upper respiratory tract | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| infection Oropharyngeal candidiasisa | 5 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Nervous system disorders | ||||
| Headache | 7 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| a Includes oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, candidiasis, and fungal oropharyngitis. | ||||
Long-term safety data are based on two 12-month trials (Trials 3 and 4; n = 1,633 and n = 1,622, respectively). Trials 3 and 4 included 3,255 subjects, of which 57% were male and 85% were white. They had a mean age of 64 years and an average smoking history of 46 pack years, with 44% identified as current smokers. At screening, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 45% (range: 12% to 91%), and the mean postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio was 46% (range: 17% to 81%), indicating that the subject population had moderate to very severely impaired airflow obstruction. Subjects received 1 inhalation once daily of the following: BREO ELLIPTA 100/25, Relvar Ellipta 200/25, fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 50 mcg/25 mcg, or vilanterol 25 mcg. In addition to the reactions shown in Table 2, adverse reactions occurring in ≥3% of the subjects treated with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 (n = 806) for 12 months included back pain, pneumonia , bronchitis, sinusitis, cough, oropharyngeal pain, arthralgia, influenza, pharyngitis, and pyrexia.
Mortality TrialSafety data are available from a mortality trial in subjects with moderate COPD (moderate airflow limitation [≥50% and ≤70% predicted FEV1]) who either had a history of, or were at risk of, cardiovascular disease and were treated for up to 4 years (median treatment duration of 1.5 years). The trial included 16,568 subjects, 4,140 of whom received Relvar Ellipta 100/25. In addition to the events in COPD trials shown in Table 2, adverse reactions occurring in ≥3% of the subjects treated with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 and more common than placebo included pneumonia, back pain, hypertension, and influenza.
Clinical Trials Experience In AsthmaRelvar Ellipta for the treatment of asthma was studied in 18 double-blind, parallel-group, controlled trials (11 with placebo) of 4 to 76 weeks' duration, which enrolled 9,969 subjects with asthma. Relvar Ellipta 100/25 was studied in 2,369 subjects and Relvar Ellipta 200/25 was studied in 956 subjects. While subjects aged 12 to 17 years were included in these trials, Relvar Ellipta is not approved for use in this age group. The safety data described below are based on two 12-week efficacy trials, one 24-week efficacy trial, and 2 long-term trials.
12-Week TrialsTrial 1 was a 12-week trial that evaluated the efficacy of Relvar Ellipta 100/25 in adult and adolescent subjects with asthma compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg and placebo. Of the 609 subjects, 58% were female and 84% were white; the mean age was 40 years. The incidence of adverse reactions associated with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 is shown in Table 3.
Table 3: Adverse Reactions with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 with ≥2% Incidence and More Common than Placebo in Subjects with Asthma (Trial 1)
| Adverse Reaction | Relvar Ellipta 100/25 (n = 201) % | Fluticasone Furoate 100 mcg (n = 205) % | Placebo (n = 203) % |
| Infections and infestations | |||
| Nasopharyngitis | 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Oral candidiasisa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Nervous system disorders | |||
| Headache | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders | |||
| Oropharyngeal pain | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Dysphonia | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| a Includes oral candidiasis and oropharyngeal candidiasis. | |||
Trial 2 was a 12-week trial that evaluated the efficacy of Relvar Ellipta 100/25, Relvar Ellipta 200/25, and fluticasone furoate 100 mcg in adult and adolescent subjects with asthma. This trial did not have a placebo arm. Of the 1,039 subjects, 60% were female and 88% were white; the mean age was 46 years. The incidence of adverse reactions associated with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 and Relvar Ellipta 200/25 is shown in Table 4.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 and Relvar Ellipta 200/25 with ≥2% Incidence in Subjects with Asthma (Trial 2)
| Adverse Reaction | Relvar Ellipta 200/25 (n = 346) % | Relvar Ellipta 100/25 (n = 346) % | Fluticasone Furoate 100 mcg (n = 347) % |
| Nervous system disorders | |||
| Headache | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| Infections and infestations | |||
| Nasopharyngitis | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Influenza | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Sinusitis | 2 | 1 | <1 |
| Bronchitis | 2 | <1 | 2 |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | |||
| Oropharyngeal pain | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Cough | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Trial 3 was a 24-week trial that evaluated the efficacy of Relvar Ellipta 200/25 once daily, fluticasone furoate 200 mcg once daily, and fluticasone propionate 500 mcg twice daily in adult and adolescent subjects with asthma. Of the 586 subjects, 59% were female and 84% were white; the mean age was 46 years. This trial did not have a placebo arm. In addition to the reactions shown in Tables 3 and 4, adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of subjects treated with Relvar Ellipta 200/25 included viral respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, pyrexia, and arthralgia.
12-Month TrialLong-term safety data are based on a 12-month trial that evaluated the safety of Relvar Ellipta 100/25 once daily (n = 201), Relvar Ellipta 200/25 once daily (n = 202), and fluticasone propionate 500 mcg twice daily (n = 100) in adult and adolescent subjects with asthma (Trial 4). Overall, 63% were female and 67% were white. The mean age was 39 years; adolescents (aged 12 to 17 years) made up 16% of the population. In addition to the reactions shown in Tables 3 and 4, adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of the subjects treated with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 or Relvar Ellipta 200/25 for 12 months included pyrexia, back pain, extrasystoles, upper abdominal pain, respiratory tract infection, allergic rhinitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, arthralgia, supraventricular extrasystoles, ventricular extrasystoles, acute sinusitis, and pneumonia.
Exacerbation TrialIn a 24-to 76-week trial, subjects received Relvar Ellipta 100/25 (n = 1,009) or fluticasone furoate 100 mcg (n = 1,010) (Trial 5). Subjects participating in this trial had a history of 1 or more asthma exacerbations that required treatment with oral/systemic corticosteroids or emergency department visit or in-patient hospitalization for the treatment of asthma in the year prior to trial entry. Overall, 67% were female and 73% were white; the mean age was 42 years (adolescents aged 12 to 17 years made up 14% of the population). While subjects aged 12 to 17 years were included in this trial, Relvar Ellipta is not approved for use in this age group. Asthma-related hospitalizations occurred in 10 subjects (1%) treated with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 compared with 7 subjects (0.7%) treated with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg. Among subjects aged 12 to 17 years, asthma-related hospitalizations occurred in 4 subjects (2.6%) treated with Relvar Ellipta 100/25 (n = 151) compared with 0 subjects treated with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg (n = 130). There were no asthma-related deaths or asthma-related intubations observed in this trial.
Postmarketing ExperienceIn addition to adverse reactions reported from clinical trials, the following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Relvar Ellipta. 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. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or causal connection to Relvar Ellipta or a combination of these factors.
Cardiac DisordersPalpitations, tachycardia.
Immune System DisordersHypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria.
Musculoskeletal And Connective Tissue DisordersMuscle spasms.
Nervous System DisordersTremor.
Psychiatric DisordersNervousness.
Respiratory, Thoracic, And Mediastinal DisordersParadoxical bronchospasm.
Relvar Ellipta 100/25 is a combination inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (ICS/LABA) indicated for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Relvar Ellipta 100/25 is also indicated to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations. Relvar Ellipta 100/25 once daily is the only strength indicated for the treatment of COPD.
Important Limitation Of UseRelvar Ellipta is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
Treatment Of AsthmaRelvar Ellipta is a combination ICS/LABA indicated for the once-daily treatment of asthma in patients aged 18 years and older.
LABA, such as vilanterol, one of the active ingredients in Relvar Ellipta, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, physicians should only prescribe Relvar Ellipta for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue Relvar Ellipta) if possible without loss of asthma control and maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use Relvar Ellipta for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low-or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids.
Important Limitation Of UseRelvar Ellipta is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
Healthy Subjects
QTc interval prolongation was studied in a double-blind, multiple-dose, placebo-and positive-controlled crossover study in 85 healthy volunteers. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference in QTcF from placebo after baseline-correction was 4.9 (7.5) milliseconds and 9.6 (12.2) milliseconds seen 30 minutes after dosing for fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200 mcg/25 mcg and fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 800 mcg/100 mcg, respectively.
A dose-dependent increase in heart rate was also observed. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference in heart rate from placebo after baseline-correction was 7.8 (9.4) beats/min and 17.1 (18.7) beats/min seen 10 minutes after dosing for fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200 mcg/25 mcg and fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 800 mcg/100 mcg, respectively.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis EffectsHealthy Subjects
Inhaled fluticasone furoate at repeat doses up to 400 mcg was not associated with statistically significant decreases in serum or urinary cortisol in healthy subjects. Decreases in serum and urine cortisol levels were observed at fluticasone furoate exposures several-fold higher than exposures observed at the therapeutic dose.
Subjects With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
In a trial with subjects with COPD, treatment with fluticasone furoate (50, 100, or 200 mcg)/vilanterol 25 mcg, vilanterol 25 mcg, and fluticasone furoate (100 or 200 mcg) for 6 months did not affect 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion. A separate trial with subjects with COPD demonstrated no effects on serum cortisol after 28 days of treatment with fluticasone furoate (50, 100, or 200 mcg)/vilanterol 25 mcg.
Subjects With Asthma
A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial in 185 subjects with asthma showed no difference between once-daily treatment with fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 100 mcg/25 mcg or fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200 mcg/25 mcg compared with placebo on serum cortisol weighted mean (0 to 24 hours), serum cortisol AUC(0-24), and 24-hour urinary cortisol after 6 weeks of treatment, whereas prednisolone 10 mg given once daily for 7 days resulted in significant cortisol suppression.
Linear pharmacokinetics was observed for fluticasone furoate (200 to 800 mcg) and vilanterol (25 to 100 mcg). On repeated once-daily inhalation administration, steady state of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol plasma concentrations was achieved after 6 days, and the accumulation was up to 2.6-fold for fluticasone furoate and 2.4-fold for vilanterol as compared with single dose.
AbsorptionFluticasone Furoate
Fluticasone furoate plasma levels may not predict therapeutic effect. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 0.5 to 1 hour. Absolute bioavailability of fluticasone furoate when administrated by inhalation was 15.2%, primarily due to absorption of the inhaled portion of the dose delivered to the lung. Oral bioavailability from the swallowed portion of the dose is low (approximately 1.3%) due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Systemic exposure (AUC) in subjects with COPD or asthma was 46% or 7% lower, respectively, than observed in healthy subjects.
Vilanterol
Vilanterol plasma levels may not predict therapeutic effect. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 10 minutes following inhalation. Absolute bioavailability of vilanterol when administrated by inhalation was 27.3%, primarily due to absorption of the inhaled portion of the dose delivered to the lung. Oral bioavailability from the swallowed portion of the dose of vilanterol is low (<2%) due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Systemic exposure (AUC) in subjects with COPD was 24% higher than observed in healthy subjects. Systemic exposure (AUC) in subjects with asthma was 21% lower than observed in healthy subjects.
DistributionFluticasone Furoate
Following intravenous administration to healthy subjects, the mean volume of distribution at steady state was 661 L. Binding of fluticasone furoate to human plasma proteins was high (99.6%).
Vilanterol
Following intravenous administration to healthy subjects, the mean volume of distribution at steady state was 165 L. Binding of vilanterol to human plasma proteins was 93.9%.
MetabolismFluticasone Furoate
Fluticasone furoate is cleared from systemic circulation principally by hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4 to metabolites with significantly reduced corticosteroid activity. There was no in vivo evidence for cleavage of the furoate moiety resulting in the formation of fluticasone.
Vilanterol
Vilanterol is mainly metabolized, principally via CYP3A4, to a range of metabolites with significantly reduced β1-and β2-agonist activity.
EliminationFluticasone Furoate
Fluticasone furoate and its metabolites are eliminated primarily in the feces, accounting for approximately 101% and 90% of the orally and intravenously administered doses, respectively. Urinary excretion accounted for approximately 1% and 2% of the orally and intravenously administered doses, respectively. Following repeat-dose inhaled administration, the plasma elimination phase half-life averaged 24 hours.
Vilanterol
Following oral administration, vilanterol was eliminated mainly by metabolism followed by excretion of metabolites in urine and feces (approximately 70% and 30% of the recovered radioactive dose, respectively). The plasma elimination half-life of vilanterol, as determined from inhalation administration of multiple doses of vilanterol 25 mcg, is 21.3 hours in subjects with COPD and 16.0 hours in subjects with asthma.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS Serious Asthma-Related Events – Hospitalizations, Intubations, DeathUse of LABA as monotherapy (without ICS) for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death. Available data from controlled clinical trials also suggest that use of LABA as monotherapy increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. These findings are considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy. When LABA are used in fixed-dose combination with ICS, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared with ICS alone (see Serious Asthma-Related Events with Inhaled Corticosteroid/Long-acting Beta2-adrenergic Agonists).
Serious Asthma-Related Events With Inhaled Corticosteroid/Long-acting Beta2-adrenergic AgonistsFour (4) large, 26-week, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical safety trials were conducted to evaluate the risk of serious asthma-related events when LABA were used in fixed-dose combination with ICS compared with ICS alone in subjects with asthma. Three (3) trials included adult and adolescent subjects aged 12 years and older: 1 trial compared budesonide/formoterol with budesonide, 1 trial compared fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder with fluticasone propionate inhalation powder, and 1 trial compared mometasone furoate/formoterol with mometasone furoate. The fourth trial included pediatric subjects aged 4 to 11 years and compared fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder with fluticasone propionate inhalation powder. The primary safety endpoint for all 4 trials was serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death). A blinded adjudication committee determined whether events were asthma related.
The 3 adult and adolescent trials were designed to rule out a risk margin of 2.0, and the pediatric trial was designed to rule out a risk margin of 2.7. Each individual trial met its pre-specified objective and demonstrated non-inferiority of ICS/LABA to ICS alone. A meta-analysis of the 3 adult and adolescent trials did not show a significant increase in risk of a serious asthma-related event with ICS/LABA fixed-dose combination compared with ICS alone (Table 1). These trials were not designed to rule out all risk for serious asthma-related events with ICS/LABA compared with ICS.
Table 1: Meta-analysis of Serious Asthma-Related Events in Subjects with Asthma Aged 12 Years and Older
| ICS/LABA (n = 17,537)a | ICS (n = 17,552)a | ICS/LABA vs. ICS Hazard Ratio (95% CI)b | |
| Serious asthma-related eventc | 116 | 105 | 1.10 (0.85, 1.44) |
| Asthma-related death | 2 | 0 | |
| Asthma-related intubation (endotracheal) | 1 | 2 | |
| Asthma-related hospitalization (≥24-hour stay) | 115 | 105 | |
| ICS = Inhaled Corticosteroid, LABA = Long-acting Beta2-adrenergic Agonist. a Randomized subjects who had taken at least 1 dose of study drug. Planned treatment used for analysis. b Estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model for time to first event with baseline hazards stratified by each of the 3 trials. c Number of subjects with event that occurred within 6 months after the first use of study drug or 7 days after the last date of study drug, whichever date was later. Subjects can have one or more events, but only the first event was counted for analysis. A single, blinded, independent adjudication committee determined whether events were asthma related. |
The pediatric safety trial included 6,208 pediatric subjects aged 4 to 11 years who received ICS/LABA (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder) or ICS (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder). In this trial, 27/3,107 (0.9%) subjects randomized to ICS/LABA and 21/3,101 (0.7%) subjects randomized to ICS experienced a serious asthma-related event. There were no asthma-related deaths or intubations. ICS/LABA did not show a significantly increased risk of a serious asthma-related event compared with ICS based on the pre-specified risk margin (2.7), with an estimated hazard ratio of time to first event of 1.29 (95% CI: 0.73, 2.27).
Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial (SMART)A 28-week, placebo-controlled, U.S. trial that compared the safety of salmeterol with placebo, each added to usual asthma therapy, showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol (13/13,176 in subjects treated with salmeterol versus 3/13,179 in subjects treated with placebo; relative risk: 4.37 [95% CI: 1.25, 15.34]). Use of background ICS was not required in SMART. The increased risk of asthma-related death is considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy.
Deterioration Of Disease And Acute EpisodesRelvar Ellipta should not be initiated in patients during rapidly deteriorating or potentially life-threatening episodes of COPD or asthma. Relvar Ellipta has not been studied in subjects with acutely deteriorating COPD or asthma. The initiation of Relvar Ellipta in this setting is not appropriate.
COPD may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If Relvar Ellipta 100/25 no longer controls symptoms of bronchoconstriction; the patient's inhaled, short-acting, beta2-agonist becomes less effective; or the patient needs more short-acting beta2-agonist than usual, these may be markers of deterioration of disease. In this setting a reevaluation of the patient and the COPD treatment regimen should be undertaken at once. For COPD, increasing the daily dose of BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 is not appropriate in this situation.
Increasing use of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists is a marker of deteriorating asthma. In this situation, the patient requires immediate reevaluation with reassessment of the treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for replacing the current strength of Relvar Ellipta with a higher strength, adding additional ICS, or initiating systemic corticosteroids. Patients should not use more than 1 inhalation once daily of Relvar Ellipta.
Relvar Ellipta should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. Relvar Ellipta has not been studied in the relief of acute symptoms and extra doses should not be used for that purpose. Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist.
When beginning treatment with Relvar Ellipta, patients who have been taking oral or inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists on a regular basis (e.g., 4 times a day) should be instructed to discontinue the regular use of these drugs and to use them only for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory symptoms. When prescribing Relvar Ellipta, the healthcare provider should also prescribe an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist and instruct the patient on how it should be used.
Excessive Use Of Relvar Ellipta And Use With Other Long-acting Beta2-agonistsRelvar Ellipta should not be used more often than recommended, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medicines containing LABA, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs. Patients using Relvar Ellipta should not use another medicine containing a LABA (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol fumarate, arformoterol tartrate, indacaterol) for any reason.
Local Effects Of Inhaled CorticosteroidsIn clinical trials, the development of localized infections of the mouth and pharynx with Candida albicans has occurred in subjects treated with Relvar Ellipta. When such an infection develops, it should be treated with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while treatment with Relvar Ellipta continues, but at times therapy with Relvar Ellipta may need to be interrupted. Advise the patient to rinse his/her mouth with water without swallowing following inhalation to help reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
PneumoniaAn increase in the incidence of pneumonia has been observed in subjects with COPD receiving Relvar Ellipta 100/25 in clinical trials. There was also an increased incidence of pneumonias resulting in hospitalization. In some incidences these pneumonia events were fatal. Physicians should remain vigilant for the possible development of pneumonia in patients with COPD as the clinical features of such infections overlap with the symptoms of COPD exacerbations.
In replicate 12-month trials in 3,255 subjects with moderate to severe COPD who had experienced a COPD exacerbation in the previous year, there was a higher incidence of pneumonia reported in subjects receiving fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 50 mcg/25 mcg: 6% (48 of 820 subjects); BREO ELLIPTA 100/25: 6% (51 of 806 subjects); or Relvar Ellipta 200/25: 7% (55 of 811 subjects) than in subjects receiving vilanterol 25 mcg: 3% (27 of 818 subjects). There was no fatal pneumonia in subjects receiving vilanterol or fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 50 mcg/25 mcg. There was fatal pneumonia in 1 subject receiving Relvar Ellipta 100/25 and in 7 subjects receiving Relvar Ellipta 200/25 (<1% for each treatment group).
In a mortality trial with a median treatment duration of 1.5 years in 16,568 subjects with moderate COPD and cardiovascular disease, the annualized incidence rate of pneumonia was 3.4 per 100 patient-years for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25, 3.2 for placebo, 3.3 for fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, and 2.3 for vilanterol 25 mcg. Adjudicated, on-treatment deaths due to pneumonia occurred in 13 subjects receiving Relvar Ellipta 100/25, 9 subjects receiving placebo, 10 subjects receiving fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, and 6 subjects receiving vilanterol 25 mcg (<0.2 per 100 patient-years for each treatment group).
ImmunosuppressionPersons who are using drugs that 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 susceptible children or adults using corticosteroids. In such children or adults who have not had these diseases or been properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route, and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If a patient is exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If a patient is 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.
ICS should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract; systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.
Transferring Patients From Systemic Corticosteroid TherapyParticular care is needed for patients who have been transferred from systemically active corticosteroids to ICS because deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in patients with asthma during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less systemically available ICS. 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 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 infection (particularly gastroenteritis) or other conditions associated with severe electrolyte loss. Although Relvar Ellipta may control COPD or asthma symptoms during these episodes, in recommended doses it supplies less than normal physiological amounts of glucocorticoid systemically and does NOT provide the mineralocorticoid activity that is necessary for coping with these emergencies.
During periods of stress, a severe COPD exacerbation, or a severe asthma attack, patients who have been withdrawn from systemic corticosteroids should be instructed to resume oral corticosteroids (in large doses) immediately and to contact their physicians for further instruction. These patients should also be instructed to carry a warning card indicating that they may need supplementary systemic corticosteroids during periods of stress, a severe COPD exacerbation, or a severe asthma attack.
Patients requiring oral corticosteroids should be weaned slowly from systemic corticosteroid use after transferring to Relvar Ellipta. Prednisone reduction can be accomplished by reducing the daily prednisone dose by 2.5 mg on a weekly basis during therapy with Relvar Ellipta. Lung function (FEV1 or peak expiratory flow), beta-agonist use, and COPD or asthma symptoms should be carefully monitored during withdrawal of oral corticosteroids. In addition, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, lassitude, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and hypotension.
Transfer of patients from systemic corticosteroid therapy to Relvar Ellipta may unmask allergic conditions previously suppressed by the systemic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, arthritis, eosinophilic conditions).
During withdrawal from oral corticosteroids, some patients may experience symptoms of systemically active corticosteroid withdrawal (e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, depression) despite maintenance or even improvement of respiratory function.
Hypercorticism And Adrenal SuppressionInhaled fluticasone furoate is absorbed into the circulation and can be systemically active. Effects of fluticasone furoate on the HPA axis are not observed with the therapeutic doses of Relvar Ellipta. However, exceeding the recommended dosage or coadministration with a strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitor may result in HPA dysfunction.
Because of the possibility of significant systemic absorption of ICS in sensitive patients, patients treated with Relvar Ellipta 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 who are sensitive to these effects. If such effects occur, Relvar Ellipta should be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing systemic corticosteroids, and other treatments for management of COPD or asthma symptoms should be considered.
Drug Interactions With Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 InhibitorsCaution should be exercised when considering the coadministration of Relvar Ellipta with long-term ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, indinavir, itraconazole, lopinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, troleandomycin, voriconazole) because increased systemic corticosteroid and increased cardiovascular adverse effects may occur.
Paradoxical BronchospasmAs with other inhaled medicines, Relvar Ellipta can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs following dosing with Relvar Ellipta, it should be treated immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator; Relvar Ellipta should be discontinued immediately; and alternative therapy should be instituted.
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including AnaphylaxisHypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria may occur after administration of Relvar Ellipta. Discontinue Relvar Ellipta if such reactions occur. There have been reports of anaphylactic reactions in patients with severe milk protein allergy after inhalation of other powder medications containing lactose; therefore, patients with severe milk protein allergy should not use Relvar Ellipta.
Cardiovascular EffectsVilanterol, like other beta2-agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by increases in pulse rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, and also cardiac arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles. If such effects occur, Relvar Ellipta may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiographic changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression, although the clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs.
In healthy subjects, large doses of inhaled fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (4 times the recommended dose of vilanterol, representing a 12-or 10-fold higher systemic exposure than seen in subjects with COPD or asthma, respectively) have been associated with clinically significant prolongation of the QTc interval, which has the potential for producing ventricular arrhythmias. Therefore, Relvar Ellipta, like other sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.
In a mortality trial with a median treatment duration of 1.5 years in 16,568 subjects with moderate COPD and cardiovascular disease, the annualized incidence rate of adjudicated cardiovascular events (composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, transient ischemic attack, or on-treatment death due to cardiovascular events) was 2.5 per 100 patient-years for Relvar Ellipta 100/25, 2.7 for placebo, 2.4 for fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, and 2.6 for vilanterol 25 mcg. Adjudicated, on-treatment deaths due to cardiovascular events occurred in 82 subjects receiving Relvar Ellipta 100/25, 86 subjects receiving placebo, 80 subjects receiving fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, and 90 subjects receiving vilanterol 25 mcg (annualized incidence rate ranged from 1.2 to 1.3 per 100 patient-years for the treatment groups).
Reduction In Bone Mineral DensityDecreases in bone mineral density (BMD) have been observed with long-term administration of products containing ICS. The clinical significance of small changes in BMD with regard to long-term consequences such as fracture is unknown. Patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization, family history of osteoporosis, postmenopausal status, tobacco use, advanced age, poor nutrition, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids) should be monitored and treated with established standards of care. Since patients with COPD often have multiple risk factors for reduced BMD, assessment of BMD is recommended prior to initiating Relvar Ellipta and periodically thereafter. If significant reductions in BMD are seen and BREO ELLIPTA is still considered medically important for that patient's COPD therapy, use of medicine to treat or prevent osteoporosis should be strongly considered.
In replicate 12-month trials in 3,255 subjects with moderate to severe COPD, bone fractures were reported by 2% of subjects receiving the fluticasone furoate/vilanterol combination (50 mcg/25 mcg: 2% [14 of 820 subjects]; 100 mcg/25 mcg: 2% [19 of 806 subjects]; or 200 mcg/25 mcg: 2% [14 of 811 subjects]) compared with <1% of subjects receiving vilanterol 25 mcg alone (8 of 818 subjects).
Similar findings were seen in a mortality trial with a median treatment duration of 1.5 years in 16,568 subjects with moderate COPD and cardiovascular disease.
Glaucoma And CataractsGlaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts have been reported in patients with COPD or asthma following the long-term administration of ICS. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts.
Coexisting ConditionsRelvar Ellipta, like all medicines containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis and in those who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Doses of the related beta2-adrenoceptor agonist albuterol, when administered intravenously, have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.
Hypokalemia And HyperglycemiaBeta-adrenergic agonist medicines may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation. Beta-agonist medications may produce transient hyperglycemia in some patients. In clinical trials evaluating Relvar Ellipta in subjects with COPD or asthma, there was no evidence of a treatment effect on serum glucose or potassium.
Effect on GrowthOrally inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to children and adolescents.
Patient Counseling InformationAdvise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).
Serious Asthma-Related EventsInform patients with asthma that LABA when used alone increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization or asthma-related death. Available data show that when ICS and LABA are used together, such as with BREO ELLIPTA, there is not a significant increase in the risk of these events.
Not For Acute SymptomsInform patients that Relvar Ellipta is not meant to relieve acute symptoms of COPD or asthma and extra doses should not be used for that purpose. Advise patients to treat acute symptoms with an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist such as albuterol. Provide patients with such medication and instruct them in how it should be used.
Instruct patients to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following:
Tell patients they should not stop therapy with BREO ELLIPTA without physician/provider guidance since symptoms may recur after discontinuation.
Do Not Use Additional Long-acting Beta2-agonistsInstruct patients not to use other LABA for COPD and asthma.
Local EffectsInform patients that localized infections with Candida albicans occurred in the mouth and pharynx in some patients. If oropharyngeal candidiasis develops, treat it with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while still continuing therapy with Relvar Ellipta, but at times therapy with Relvar Ellipta may need to be temporarily interrupted under close medical supervision. Advise patients to rinse the mouth with water without swallowing after inhalation to help reduce the risk of thrush.
PneumoniaPatients with COPD have a higher risk of pneumonia; instruct them to contact their healthcare providers if they develop symptoms of pneumonia.
ImmunosuppressionWarn patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles and, if exposed, to consult their physicians without delay. Inform patients of potential worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.
Hypercorticism And Adrenal SuppressionAdvise patients that Relvar Ellipta may cause systemic corticosteroid effects of hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. Additionally, inform patients that deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids. Patients should taper slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to Relvar Ellipta.
Reduction In Bone Mineral DensityAdvise patients who are at an increased risk for decreased BMD that the use of corticosteroids may pose an additional risk.
Ocular EffectsInform patients that long-term use of ICS may increase the risk of some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma); consider regular eye examinations.
Risks Associated With Beta-agonist TherapyInform patients of adverse effects associated with beta2-agonists, such as palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness.
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including AnaphylaxisAdvise patients that hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, urticaria) may occur after administration of Relvar Ellipta. Instruct patients to discontinue Relvar Ellipta if such reactions occur. There have been reports of anaphylactic reactions in patients with severe milk protein allergy after inhalation of other powder medications containing lactose; therefore, patients with severe milk protein allergy should not use Relvar Ellipta.
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Relvar Ellipta was developed in collaboration with.
Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility Relvar ElliptaNo studies of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility were conducted with Relvar Ellipta; however, studies are available for the individual components, fluticasone furoate and vilanterol, as described below.
Fluticasone FuroateFluticasone furoate produced no treatment-related increases in the incidence of tumors in 2-year inhalation studies in rats and mice at inhaled doses up to 9 and 19 mcg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 0.5 times the MRHDID in adults on a mcg/m² basis).
Fluticasone furoate did not induce gene mutation in bacteria or chromosomal damage in a mammalian cell mutation test in mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells in vitro. There was also no evidence of genotoxicity in the in vivo micronucleus test in rats.
No evidence of impairment of fertility was observed in male and female rats at inhaled fluticasone furoate doses up to 29 and 91 mcg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 3 and 8 times, respectively, the MRHDID based on AUC).
VilanterolIn a 2-year carcinogenicity study in mice, vilanterol caused a statistically significant increase in ovarian tubulostromal adenomas in females at an inhalation dose of 29,500 mcg/kg/day (approximately 8,750 times the MRHDID in adults on an AUC basis). No increase in tumors was seen at an inhalation dose of 615 mcg/kg/day (approximately 530 times the MRHDID in adults on an AUC basis).
In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats, vilanterol caused statistically significant increases in mesovarian leiomyomas in females and shortening of the latency of pituitary tumors at inhalation doses greater than or equal to 84.4 mcg/kg/day (greater than or equal to approximately 45 times the MRHDID in adults on an AUC basis). No tumors were seen at an inhalation dose of 10.5 mcg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the MRHDID in adults on an AUC basis).
These tumor findings in rodents are similar to those reported previously for other beta-adrenergic agonist drugs. The relevance of these findings to human use is unknown.
Vilanterol tested negative in the following genotoxicity assays: the in vitro Ames assay, in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus assay, in vivo rat unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay, and in vitro Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell assay. Vilanterol tested equivocal in the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay.
No evidence of impairment of fertility was observed in male and female rats at inhaled vilanterol doses up to 31,500 and 37,100 mcg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 5,490 times the MRHDID based on AUC).
Use In Specific Populations Pregnancy Risk SummaryThere are insufficient data on the use of Relvar Ellipta, fluticasone furoate, or vilanterol in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with use of Relvar Ellipta in pregnant women (see Clinical Considerations). In an animal reproduction study, fluticasone furoate and vilanterol administered by inhalation alone or in combination to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis produced no fetal structural abnormalities. The highest fluticasone furoate and vilanterol doses in this study were approximately 5 and 40 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation doses (MRHDID) of 200 and 25 mcg in adults, respectively. (See Data.)
The estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated 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/Or Embryofetal Risk
In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, there is an increased risk of several perinatal outcomes such as pre-eclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate.
Pregnant women should be closely monitored and medication adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control of asthma.
Labor And Delivery
There are no human studies evaluating the effects of BREO ELLIPTA during labor and delivery. Because of the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, use of Relvar Ellipta during labor should be restricted to those patients in whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
DataAnimal Data
Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol: In an embryofetal developmental study, pregnant rats received fluticasone furoate and vilanterol during the period of organogenesis at doses up to approximately 5 and 40 times the MRHDID, respectively, alone or in combination (on a mcg/m² basis at inhalation doses up to approximately 95 mcg/kg/day). No evidence of structural abnormalities was observed.
Fluticasone Furoate
In 2 separate embryofetal developmental studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received fluticasone furoate during the period of organogenesis at doses up to approximately 4 and 1 times the MRHDID, respectively (on a mcg/m² basis at maternal inhalation doses up to 91 and 8 mcg/kg/day). No evidence of structural abnormalities in fetuses was observed in either species. In a perinatal and postnatal developmen
Relvar Ellipta should be administered as 1 inhalation once daily by the orally inhaled route only.
Relvar Ellipta should be used at the same time every day. Do not use Relvar Ellipta more than 1 time every 24 hours.
After inhalation, the patient should rinse his/her mouth with water without swallowing to help reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
More frequent administration or a greater number of inhalations (more than 1 inhalation daily) of the prescribed strength of BREO ELLIPTA is not recommended as some patients are more likely to experience adverse effects with higher doses. Patients using Relvar Ellipta should not use additional LABA for any reason.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseRelvar Ellipta 100/25 should be administered as 1 inhalation once daily. The maximum recommended dosage is 1 inhalation of BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 once daily, the only strength indicated for the treatment of COPD.
If shortness of breath occurs in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist (rescue medicine, e.g., albuterol) should be taken for immediate relief.
AsthmaIf asthma symptoms arise in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist (rescue medicine, e.g., albuterol) should be taken for immediate relief.
The recommended starting dosage is Relvar Ellipta 100/25 or Relvar Ellipta 200/25 administered as 1 inhalation once daily. The maximum recommended dosage is 1 inhalation of Relvar Ellipta 200/25 once daily.
The starting dosage is based on patients' asthma severity. For patients previously treated with low-to mid-dose corticosteroid-containing treatment, Relvar Ellipta 100/25 should be considered. For patients previously treated with mid-to high-dose corticosteroid-containing treatment, Relvar Ellipta 200/25 should be considered.
The median time to onset, defined as a 100-mL increase from baseline in mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), was approximately 15 minutes after beginning treatment. Individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and degree of symptom relief.
For patients who do not respond adequately to BREO ELLIPTA 100/25, increasing the dose to Relvar Ellipta 200/25 may provide additional improvement in asthma control.
If a previously effective dosage regimen of Relvar Ellipta fails to provide adequate improvement in asthma control, the therapeutic regimen should be reevaluated and additional therapeutic options (e.g., replacing the current strength of Relvar Ellipta with a higher strength, adding additional inhaled corticosteroid, initiating oral corticosteroids) should be considered.
