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SOLARAZE (NDA-021005)

(DICLOFENAC SODIUM)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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11/21/2024 (SUPPL-25)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.3 Serious Skin Reactions

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

NSAIDs, including diclofenac, can cause serious skin adverse reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. NSAIDs can also cause fixed drug eruption (FDE). FDE may present as a more severe variant known as generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), which can be life-threatening. These serious events may occur without warning. Inform patients about the signs and symptoms of serious skin reactions, and to discontinue the use of SOLARAZE at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. SOLARAZE is contraindicated in patients with previous serious skin reactions to NSAIDs. Do not apply SOLARAZE to open skin wounds, infections, or exfoliative dermatitis, as it may affect absorption and tolerability of the drug [see Contraindications (4)].

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Adverse reactions from other topical diclofenac products: hypoesthesia, gait disturbance, musculoskeletal stiffness. Skin and Appendages: exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and fixed drug eruption (FDE).

           

11/14/2022 (SUPPL-24)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

Additions and revisions underlined:

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:

  • DRESS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Newly added subsection:

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of SOLARAZE and other topical diclofenac products. 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.

Adverse reactions from SOLARAZE: burning sensation, hypersensitivity.

Adverse reactions from other topical diclofenac products: hypoesthesia, gait disturbance, musculoskeletal stiffness.

04/05/2022 (SUPPL-23)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use. (5.4)

  • SOLARAZE is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. (4, 5.4)

  • NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events (5.5)

4 Contraindications

Solaraze is contraindicated in the following patients:

  • With known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to diclofenac or any components of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3) and Description (11)]

  • With the history of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)]

  • Application on damaged skin resulting from any etiology, including exudative dermatitis, eczema, infected lesions, burns or wounds [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

  • In the setting of coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

5 Warnings and Precautions

PLR conversion; newly created subsections as below. See label for complete information.

5.1 Anaphylactic Reactions

5.2 Exacerabation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity

5.3 Serious Skin Reactions

5.4 Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events

5.5 Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation

5.6 Hepatotoxicity

5.7 Hypertension

5.8 Heart Failure and Edema

5.9 Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia

5.10 Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)

5.11 Toxicity

5.12 Hematologic Toxicity

5.13 Masking of Inflammation and Fever

5.14 Laboratory Monitoring

5.15 Photosensitivity

5.16 Exposure to Eyes and Mucosal Membranes

5.17 Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

6 Adverse Reactions

PLR conversion. Newly added bulleted line listing:

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:

  • Anaphylactic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

  • Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

  • Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

  • Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

  • GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

  • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]

  • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

  • Heart Failure and Edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]

  • Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

  • Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]

  • Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)]

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

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

Of the 423 subjects evaluable for safety in adequate and well-controlled trials, 211 were treated with Solaraze drug product and 212 were treated with a vehicle gel …

7 Drug Interactions

PLR conversion, as below:

See Table 2 for clinically significant drug interactions with diclofenac.

Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Diclofenac (Newly added table; please refer to label for complete information)

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.2 Lactation

PLLR conversion created newly added subsection:

Risk Summary

Data from published literature cases with oral preparations of diclofenac indicate the presence of small amounts of diclofenac in human milk. There are no data on the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Solaraze and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from the Solaraze or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

One woman treated orally with a diclofenac salt, 150 mg/day, had a milk diclofenac level of 100 mcg/L, equivalent to an infant dose of about 0.03 mg/kg/day. Diclofenac was not detectable in breast milk in 12 women using diclofenac (after either 100 mg/day orally for 7 days or a single 50 mg intramuscular dose administered in the immediate postpartum period). The systemic bioavailability after topical application of Solaraze is lower than after oral dosing [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

PLLR conversion created newly added subsection:

Female Infertility

Based on the mechanism of action, the use of prostaglandin mediated NSAIDs, including Solaraze, may delay or prevent rupture of ovarian follicles, which has been associated with reversible infertility in some women [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].

 

Published animal studies have shown that administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors has the potential to disrupt prostaglandin-mediated follicular rupture required for ovulation. Small studies in women treated with NSAIDs have also shown a reversible delay in ovulation. Consider withdrawal of NSAIDs, including Solaraze, in women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility.

8.5 Geriatric Use

PLR conversion; additions and/or revisions underlined:

Elderly patients, compared to younger patients, are at greater risk for NSAID-associated serious cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and/or renal adverse reactions. If the anticipated benefit for the elderly patient outweighs these potential risks, start dosing at the low end of the dosing range, and monitor patients for adverse effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.9, 5.14)].

Of the 211 subjects treated with Solaraze in controlled clinical trials, 143 subjects were 65 years of age and over

8.1 Pregnancy

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Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Risk Summary

Use of NSAIDs, including Solaraze, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of Solaraze use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation and avoid Solaraze use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy.

Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment

Use of NSAIDs at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy has been associated with cases of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment.

Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus

Use of NSAIDs, including Solaraze, at about 30 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus …

… In published animal studies, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors have been reported to impair kidney development when administered at clinically relevant doses.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) 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 Considerations

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus

Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy, because NSAIDs, including Solaraze, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.

Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment

If after careful consideration of alternative treatment options for actinic keratoses, an NSAID is necessary at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy, limit the use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. If Solaraze treatment extends beyond 48 hours, consider monitoring with ultrasound for oligohydramnios. If oligohydramnios occurs, discontinue Solaraze and follow up according to clinical practice.

Labor or Delivery

There are no studies on the effects of Solaraze during labor or delivery. In animal studies, NSAIDS, including diclofenac, inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, cause delayed parturition, and increase the incidence of stillbirth.

Data

Human Data

Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus

Published literature reports that the use of NSAIDs at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus …

… Because the published safety data on neonatal outcomes involved mostly preterm infants, the generalizability of certain reported risks to the full-term infant exposed to NSAIDs through maternal use is uncertain.

Animal Data

The multiples provided in this labeling are based on an MRHD that assumes 10% bioavailability following topical application of 2 g Solaraze per day (1 mg/kg diclofenac sodium).

Reproductive studies performed with diclofenac sodium alone at oral doses up to 20 mg/kg/day (15 times the MRHD based on body surface area (BSA) comparisons) in mice, 10 mg/kg/day (15 times the MRHD based on BSA comparisons) in rats, and 10 mg/kg/day (30 times the MRHD based on BSA comparisons) in rabbits have revealed no evidence of malformations despite the induction of maternal toxicity. In rats, maternally toxic doses were associated with dystocia, prolonged gestation, reduced fetal weights and growth, and reduced fetal survival. Diclofenac has been shown to cross the placental barrier in mice and rats.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

MEDICATION GUIDE

PLR conversion with formatting change. Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Do not use Solaraze:

  • if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in Solaraze. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Solaraze.

  • if you have a history of asthma, hives, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe allergic reactions that can sometimes lead to death, have happened in people with a history of these types of allergic reactions to NSAIDs.

  • on skin that is inflamed, or has eczema, infected sores (lesions), burns or wounds.

  • right before or after heart bypass surgery.

How should I use Solaraze?

  • Apply enough Solaraze to cover each skin lesion (usually a pea-sized amount) and gently rub in.

  • Avoid getting Solaraze in your eyes, nose and mouth. If Solaraze gets into your eyes, nose or mouth wash out your eyes, nose or mouth with water or saline right away. Call your healthcare provider if irritation continues for more than 1 hour.

What should I avoid while using Solaraze?

PLR conversion with formatting change. Additions and/or revisions underlined:

  • Avoid spending time in sunlight or artificial light, such as tanning beds or sunlamps. Solaraze can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and the light from tanning beds and sunlamps. Talk to your healthcare provider about sun protection measures and wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your skin while out in sunlight. Stop using Solaraze if you notice that you are beginning to get sunburn.

  • Do not apply Solaraze to open skin wounds, skin infections, or peeling skin.

What are the possible side effects of Solaraze?

Solaraze and other NSAIDs can cause serious side effects, including:

See “What is the most important information I should know about Solaraze and medicines called Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?

worsening of asthma in people who are aspirin-sensitive

If you take too much NSAID, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

Solaraze may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect your ability to have a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if this a concern for you.

These are not all of the possible side effects of NSAIDs. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about NSAIDs.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

PLR conversion; newly created section. Please refer to label for complete information.

Other

PLR and PLLR conversions.

04/28/2021 (SUPPL-22)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS

Additions underlined

Fetal Toxicity

Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus:

Avoid use of NSAIDs, including Solaraze® Gel, in pregnant women at about 30 weeks gestation and later. NSAIDs including Solaraze® Gel, increase the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus at approximately this gestational age.

Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment:

Use of NSAIDs, including Solaraze® Gel, at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy may cause fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. These adverse outcomes are seen, on average, after days to weeks of treatment, although oligohydramnios has been infrequently reported as soon as 48 hours after NSAID initiation. Oligohydramnios is often, but not always, reversible with treatment discontinuation. Complications of prolonged oligohydramnios may, for example, include limb contractures and delayed lung maturation. In some postmarketing cases of impaired neonatal renal function, invasive procedures such as exchange transfusion or dialysis were required.

If NSAID treatment is necessary between about 20 weeks and 30 weeks gestation, limit Solaraze® Gel use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. Consider ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid if Solaraze® Gel treatment extends beyond 48 hours. Discontinue Solaraze® Gel if oligohydramnios occurs and follow up according to clinical practice [see PRECAUTIONS; Pregnancy].

Serious Skin Reactions, Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).

Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) has been reported in patients taking NSAIDs such as Solaraze® Gel. Some of these events have been fatal or life-threatening. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling. Other clinical manifestations may include hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis. Sometimes symptoms of DRESS may resemble an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. Because this disorder is variable in its presentation, other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy, may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, discontinue Solaraze® Gel and evaluate the patient immediately.

 

8 Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy:

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Information for Patients

Additions underlined

Fetal Toxicity

If treatment with Solaraze® Gel is needed for a pregnant woman between about 20 to 30 weeks gestation, advise her that she may need to be monitored for oligohydramnios, if treatment continues for longer than 48 hours. Inform pregnant women to avoid use of Solaraze® Geland other NSAIDs starting at 30 weeks gestation because of the risk of the premature closing of the fetal ductus arteriosus. [see WARNINGS; Fetal Toxicity, PRECAUTIONS; Pregnancy].

Serious Skin Reactions, including DRESS

Advise patients to stop taking Solaraze® Gel immediately if they develop any type of rash or fever and to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible [see WARNINGS, Serious Skin Reactions ].

MEDICATION GUIDE

Additions underlined

Before using Solaraze Gel, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver or kidney problems

  • have high blood pressure

  • have asthma

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Taking NSAIDS at about 20 weeks of pregnancy or later may harm your unborn baby. If you need to take NSAIDs for more than 2 days when you are between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may need to monitor the amount of fluid in your womb around your baby. You should not take NSAIDs after about 30 weeks of pregnancy.

  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will use Solaraze Gel or breastfeed. You should not do both.

05/09/2016 (SUPPL-16)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS

Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use.
  • {Product} is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation
  • NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events.

5 Warnings and Precautions

Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events

  • Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, which can be fatal. Based on available data, it is unclear that the risk for CV thrombotic events is similar for all NSAIDs. The relative increase in serious CV thrombotic events over baseline conferred by NSAID use appears to be similar in those with and without known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease. However, patients with known CV disease or risk factors had a higher absolute incidence of excess serious CV thrombotic events, due to their increased baseline rate. Some observational studies found that this increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events began as early as the first weeks of treatment. The increase in CV thrombotic risk has been observed most consistently at higher doses.
  • To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in NSAID-treated patients, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, throughout the entire treatment course, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious CV events and the steps to take if they occur.
  • There is no consistent evidence that concurrent use of aspirin mitigates the increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events associated with NSAID use. The concurrent use of aspirin and an NSAID, such as meloxicam, increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events.

     Status Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery

  • Two large, controlled clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10-14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs are contraindicated in the setting of CABG.

     Post-MI Patients

  • Observational studies conducted in the Danish National Registry have demonstrated that patients treated with NSAIDs in the post-MI period were at increased risk of reinfarction, CV-related death, and all-cause mortality beginning in the first week of treatment. In this same cohort, the incidence of death in the first year post-MI was 20 per 100 person years in NSAID-treated patients compared to 12 per 100 person years in non-NSAID exposed patients. Although the absolute rate of death declined somewhat after the first year post-MI, the increased relative risk of death in NSAID users persisted over at least the next four years of follow-up.
  • Avoid the use of {Product} in patients with a recent MI unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of recurrent CV thrombotic events. If {Product} is used in patients with a recent MI, monitor patients for signs of cardiac ischemia.
Heart Failure and Edema

  • The Coxib and traditional NSAID Trialists’ Collaboration meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated an approximately two-fold increase in hospitalizations for heart failure in COX-2 selective-treated patients and nonselective NSAID-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients. In a Danish National Registry study of patients with heart failure, NSAID use increased the risk of MI, hospitalization for heart failure, and death.
  • Additionally, fluid retention and edema have been observed in some patients treated with NSAIDs. Use of {Product} may blunt the CV effects of several therapeutic agents used to treat these medical conditions (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]).
  • Avoid the use of {Product} in patients with severe heart failure unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening heart failure. If {Product} is used in patients with severe heart failure, monitor patients for signs of worsening heart failure.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

MG - Includes new safety information pertaining to the risks of Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events, Heart Failure and Edema.

 

PCI - Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events

  • Advise patients to be alert for the symptoms of cardiovascular thrombotic events, including chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or slurring of speech, and to report any of these symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.

PCI - Heart Failure and Edema

  • Advise patients to be alert for the symptoms of congestive heart failure including shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, or edema and to contact their healthcare provider if such symptoms occur.