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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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FAZACLO ODT (NDA-021590)

(CLOZAPINE)

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

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04/14/2020 (SUPPL-32)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.16 Anticholinergic Toxicity

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

FAZACLO has potent anticholinergic effects. Treatment with FAZACLO can result in CNS and peripheral anticholinergic toxicity, especially at higher dosages, or in overdose situations. Use with caution in patients with a current diagnosis or prior history of constipation, urinary retention, clinically significant prostatic hypertrophy, or other conditions in which anticholinergic effects can lead to significant adverse reactions. When possible, avoid concomitant use with other anticholinergic medications because the risk for anticholinergic toxicity or severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions is increased.

5.8 Gastrointestinal Hypomotility with Severe Complications

(Newly added subsection)

Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions have occurred with the use of FAZACLO, primarily due to its potent anticholinergic effects and resulting gastrointestinal hypomotility. In post marketing experience, reported effects range from constipation to paralytic ileus. Increased frequency of constipation and delayed diagnosis and treatment increased the risk of severe complications of gastrointestinal hypomotility, resulting in intestinal obstruction, fecal impaction, megacolon and intestinal ischemia or infarction. These reactions have resulted in hospitalization, surgery, and death. The risk for severe adverse reactions is further increased with anticholinergic medications (and other medications that decrease gastrointestinal peristalsis); therefore, concomitant use should be avoided when possible.

Prior to initiating FAZACLO, screen for constipation and treat as necessary. Subjective symptoms of constipation may not accurately reflect the degree of gastrointestinal hypomotility in FAZACLO treated patients. Therefore, reassess bowel function frequently with careful attention to any changes in the frequency or character of bowel movements, as well as signs and symptoms of complications of hypomotility (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, abdominal pain). If constipation or gastrointestinal hypomotility are identified, monitor closely and treat promptly with appropriate laxatives, as necessary, to prevent severe complications.

Consider prophylactic laxatives in high risk patients.

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

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

  • Severe Neutropenia

  • Orthostatic Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope

  • Falls

  • Seizures

  • Myocarditis and Cardiomyopathy

  • Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis

  • Gastrointestinal Hypomotility with Severe Complications

  • Eosinophilia

  • QT Interval Prolongation

  • Metabolic Changes (Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, and Weight Gain)

  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

  • Hepatotoxicity

  • Fever

  • Pulmonary Embolism

  • Anticholinergic Toxicity

  • Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance

  • Tardive Dyskinesia

  • Patients with Phenylketonuria

  • Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions

  • Recurrence of Psychosis and Cholinergic Rebound after Abrupt Discontinuation

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of clozapine. 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.

Central Nervous System

Delirium, EEG abnormal, myoclonus, paresthesia, possible cataplexy, status epilepticus, obsessive compulsive symptoms, and post-discontinuation cholinergic rebound adverse reactions.

Cardiovascular System

Atrial or ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, QT interval prolongation, Torsades de Pointes, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and periorbital edema.

Endocrine System

Pseudopheochromocytoma.  

Gastrointestinal System

Acute pancreatitis, dysphagia, salivary gland swelling, megacolon, intestinal ischemia or infarction.

Hepatobiliary System

Cholestasis, hepatitis, jaundice, hepatotoxicity, hepatic steatosis, hepatic necrosis, hepatic fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, liver injury (hepatic, cholestatic, and mixed), and liver failure.

Immune System Disorders

Angioedema, leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

Urogenital System

Acute interstitial nephritis, nocturnal enuresis, priapism, and renal failure.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

Hypersensitivity reactions: photosensitivity, vasculitis, erythema multiforme, skin pigmentation disorder, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Disorders

Myasthenic syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Respiratory System

Aspiration, pleural effusion, pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infection.

Hemic and Lymphatic System

Mild, moderate, or severe leukopenia, agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia, WBC decreased, deep vein thrombosis, elevated hemoglobin/hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increased, sepsis, thrombocytosis, and thrombocytopenia.

Vision Disorders

Narrow-angle glaucoma.  

Miscellaneous

Creatine phosphokinase elevation, hyperuricemia, hyponatremia, and weight loss.

7 Drug Interactions

7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect FAZACLO

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Anticholinergic Drugs

Concomitant treatment with clozapine and other drugs with anticholinergic activity (e.g., benztropine, cyclobenzaprine, diphenhydramine) can increase the risk for anticholinergic toxicity and severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions related to hypomotility. Avoid concomitant use of FAZACLO with anticholinergic drugs when possible.

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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Discuss the following issues with patients and caregivers:

  • Gastrointestinal Hypomotility with Severe Complications: Educate patients and caregivers on the risks, prevention, and treatment of clozapine-induced constipation, including medications to avoid when possible (e.g., drugs with anticholinergic activity). Encourage appropriate hydration, physical activity, and fiber intake and emphasize that prompt attention and treatment to the development of constipation or other gastrointestinal symptoms is critical in preventing severe complications. Advise patients and caregivers to contact their health care provider if they experience symptoms of constipation (e.g., difficulty passing stools, incomplete passage of stool, decreased bowel movement frequency) or other symptoms associated with gastrointestinal hypomotility (e.g., nausea, abdominal distension or pain, vomiting).

02/23/2017 (SUPPL-30)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

5.4 Falls

(Newly added subsection)

FAZACLO may cause somnolence, postural hypotension, and motor and sensory instability, which may lead to falls and, consequently, fractures or other injuries. For patients with diseases, conditions, or medications that could exacerbate these effects, complete fall risk assessments when initiating antipsychotic treatment and recurrently for patients on long-term antipsychotic treatment.

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.12 Hepatotoxicity

(Newly added subsection)

Severe, life threatening, and in some cases fatal hepatotoxicity including hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, and hepatitis have been reported in patients treated with clozapine. Monitor for the appearance of signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, jaundice, bilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy. Perform serum tests for liver injury and consider permanently discontinuing treatment if hepatitis or transaminase elevations combined with other systemic symptoms are due to clozapine.

6 Adverse Reactions

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

•         Falls

•         Hepatotoxicity

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

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION


(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

•         Falls: Inform patients of the risk of falls, which may lead to fractures or other injuries.

•         Hepatotoxicity: Instruct patients to immediately report to their physician any symptom or sign of potential liver injury (e.g fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, jaundice, bilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy).