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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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PROZAC (NDA-018936)

(FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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08/18/2023 (SUPPL-112)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Serotonin Syndrome

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including PROZAC, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, meperidine, methadone, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used alone.

The concomitant use of PROZAC with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate PROZAC in a patient being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. No reports involved the administration of methylene blue by other routes (such as oral tablets or local tissue injection). If it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking PROZAC, discontinue PROZAC before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Monitor all patients taking PROZAC for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue treatment with PROZAC and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if the above symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use of PROZAC with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.

5.7 Increased Risk of Bleeding

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Based on data from the published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Bleeding reactions related to SNRIs and SSRIs use have ranged from ecchymoses, hematomas, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages.

Patients should be cautioned about the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of fluoxetine and NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin, or other drugs that affect coagulation [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].

6 Adverse Reactions

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

  • Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Voluntary reports of adverse reactions temporally associated with PROZAC that have been received since market introduction and that may have no causal relationship with the drug include the following: anosmia, aplastic anemia, atrial fibrillation1, cataract, cerebrovascular accident1, cholestatic jaundice, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), dyskinesia (including, for example, a case of buccal-lingual-masticatory syndrome with involuntary tongue protrusion reported to develop in a 77-year-old female after 5 weeks of fluoxetine therapy and which completely resolved over the next few months following drug discontinuation), eosinophilic pneumonia1, epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, exfoliative dermatitis, galactorrhea, gynecomastia, heart arrest1, hepatic failure/necrosis, hyperprolactinemia, hypoglycemia, hyposmia, immune-related hemolytic anemia, kidney failure, memory impairment, movement disorders developing in patients with risk factors including drugs associated with such reactions and worsening of pre-existing movement disorders, optic neuritis, pancreatitis1, pancytopenia, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, QT prolongation, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thrombocytopenia1, thrombocytopenic purpura, ventricular tachycardia (including Torsades de Pointes–type arrhythmias), vaginal bleeding, and violent behaviors1.

7 Drug Interactions

7.3 Other Serotonergic Drugs

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

The concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) with PROZAC increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of PROZAC and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Risk Summary

Based on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Clinical Considerations].

Maternal Adverse Reactions

Use of PROZAC in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Serotonin Syndrome

Patients should be cautioned about the risk of serotonin syndrome with the concomitant use of PROZAC and other serotonergic agents including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort [see Contraindications (4.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.2), and Drug Interactions (7.3)].

Increased Risk of Bleeding

Patients should be cautioned about the concomitant use of fluoxetine and NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin, or other drugs that affect coagulation since combined use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and these agents have been associated with an increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Drug Interactions (7.4)]. Patients should be advised to call their healthcare provider if they experience any increased or unusual bruising or bleeding while taking PROZAC.

MEDICATION GUIDE

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PROZAC? Ask if you are not sure.

Before starting PROZAC, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • Tramadol, fentanyl, meperidine, methadone, or other opioids

10/06/2021 (SUPPL-111)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.17 Sexual Dysfunction

New subsection added

Use of SSRIs, including PROZAC, may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In male patients, SSRI use may result in ejaculatory delay or failure, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. In female patients, SSRI use may result in decreased libido and delayed or absent orgasm.

It is important for prescribers to inquire about sexual function prior to initiation of PROZAC and to inquire specifically about changes in sexual function during treatment, because sexual function may not be spontaneously reported. When evaluating changes in sexual function, obtaining a detailed history (including timing of symptom onset) is important because sexual symptoms may have other causes, including the underlying psychiatric disorder. Discuss potential management strategies to support patients in making informed decisions about treatment.

6 Adverse Reactions

 

Addition of the following to the bulleted line listing:

  • Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17)]

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

MEDICATION GUIDE

Additions underlined

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or call 911 if an emergency. PROZAC may be associated with these serious side effects:


11. Sexual problems (dysfunction). Taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including PROZAC, may cause sexual problems.

    • Symptoms in males may include:

  • Delayed ejaculation or inability to have an ejaculation

  • Decreased sex drive

  • Problems getting or keeping an erection

    • Symptoms in females may include:

  • Decreased sex drive

  • Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm

    Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any changes in your sexual function or if you have any questions or concerns about sexual problems during treatment with PROZAC. There may be treatments your healthcare provider can suggest.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions underlined

Sexual Dysfunction

Advise patients that use of PROZAC may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction in both male and female patients.

Inform patients that they should discuss any changes in sexual function and potential management strategies with their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17)].

04/28/2020 (SUPPL-109)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion, please refer to label for complete information)

8.2 Lactation

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

Data from published literature report the presence of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in human milk (see Data). There are reports of agitation, irritability, poor feeding, and poor weight gain in infants exposed to fluoxetine through breast milk (see Clinical Considerations). There are no data on the effect of fluoxetine or its metabolites on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for PROZAC and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from PROZAC or the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

Infants exposed to PROZAC should be monitored for agitation, irritability, poor feeding, and poor weight gain.

Data

A study of 19 nursing mothers on fluoxetine with daily doses of 10-60 mg showed that fluoxetine was detectable in 30% of nursing infant sera (range: 1 to 84 ng/mL) whereas norfluoxetine was found in 85% (range: <1 to 265 ng/mL).

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

MEDICATION GUIDE

(additions underlined)

 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PROZAC? Ask if you are not sure.

Before starting PROZAC, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Taking PROZAC late in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of treating depression during pregnancy.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(additions underlined)

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy Advise pregnant women to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with PROZAC.

Advise patients that PROZAC use later in pregnancy may lead to increased risk for neonatal complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Advise women that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to PROZAC during pregnancy.

Lactation —Advise breastfeeding women using PROZAC to monitor infants for agitation, irritability, poor feeding and poor weight gain and to seek medical care if they notice these signs.

03/24/2017 (SUPPL-103)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Other Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Following is a list of treatment-emergent adverse reactions reported by patients treated with fluoxetine in clinical trials…

Reactions are classified by body system using the following definitions: frequent adverse reactions are those occurring in at least 1/100 patients;…

Investigations – Frequent: QT interval prolongation (QT(subscript c)F greater than or equal to 450 msec) (superscript 3).


(Superscript 3) QTprolongation data are based on routine ECG measurements in clinical trials.

01/04/2017 (SUPPL-108)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Serotonin Syndrome

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with SNRIs and SSRIs, including PROZAC, alone but particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. Johns Wort) and …

If concomitant use of PROZAC with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, tryptophan, amphetamines, and St. Johns Wort is clinically warranted, patients should be made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases …

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

MEDICATION GUIDE

Addition underlined:

Before starting PROZAC, tell your healthcare provider if you:

Are taking certain drugs or treatments such as:

  • Amphetamines

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

17.3 Serotonin Syndrome

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Patients should be cautioned about the risk of serotonin syndrome with the concomitant use of PROZAC and other serotonergic agents including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort …