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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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DIPROLENE (NDA-018741)

(BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE)

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

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05/01/2019 (SUPPL-40)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

There are no available data on DIPROLENE Ointment use in pregnant women to identify a drug- associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birthweight infants with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during a pregnancy. Advise pregnant women that DIPROLENE Ointment may increase the risk of having a low birthweight infant and to use DIPROLENE Ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible.

In animal reproduction studies, increased malformations, including umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate, were observed after intramuscular administration of betamethasone dipropionate to pregnant rabbits. The available data do not allow the calculation of relevant comparisons between the systemic exposure of betamethasone dipropionate in animal studies to the systemic exposure that would be expected in humans after topical use of DIPROLENE Ointment (see Data).

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Betamethasone dipropionate has been shown to cause malformations in rabbits when given by the intramuscular route at doses of 0.05 mg/kg. The abnormalities observed included umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate.

8.2 Lactation

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

There are no data regarding the presence of betamethasone dipropionate in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production after topical application of DIPROLENE Ointment to women who are breastfeeding.

It is possible that topical administration of betamethasone dipropionate could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for DIPROLENE Ointment and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from DIPROLENE Ointment or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

To minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breast milk, use DIPROLENE Ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply DIPROLENE Ointment directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure.

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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(additions underlined)

  • Advise a woman to use DIPROLENE Ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while pregnant or breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply DIPROLENE Ointment directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure.

03/28/2018 (SUPPL-38)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Visual Disturbance

(Newly Added Subsection)

Use of topical corticosteroids, including DIPROLENE Ointment, may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported postmarketing with the use of topical corticosteroid products, including DIPROLENE Ointment.

Avoid contact of DIPROLENE Ointment with eyes. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Ophthalmic adverse reactions of cataracts, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with the use of topical corticosteroids, including topical betamethasone products.

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

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Inform patients of the following:

    • Advise patients to report any visual symptoms to their healthcare providers.