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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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HEMADY (NDA-211379)

(DEXAMETHASONE)

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

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06/05/2024 (SUPPL-6)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.11 Kaposi's Sarcoma

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement of Kaposi’s sarcoma.

5.2 Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Corticosteroid-associated infections can be mild but can be severe and at times fatal. The rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages.

Tuberculosis

If HEMADY is used to treat a condition in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, reactivation of tuberculosis may occur. Closely monitor such patients for reactivation. During prolonged HEMADY therapy, patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity should receive chemoprophylaxis.

Varicella Zoster and Measles Viral Infections

Varicella and measles can have a serious or even fatal course in non-immune pediatric and adult patients taking corticosteroids, including HEMADY. In corticosteroid-treated patients who have not had these diseases or are non-immune, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure to varicella and measles:

  • If a HEMADY-treated patient is exposed to varicella, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin may be indicated. If varicella develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.

  • If a HEMADY-treated patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immunoglobulin may be indicated.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation

Hepatitis B virus reactivation can occur in patients who are hepatitis B carriers treated with immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids, including HEMADY. Reactivation can also occur infrequently in corticosteroid- treated patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection.

Screen patients for hepatitis B infection before initiating immunosuppressive (e.g., prolonged) treatment with HEMADY. For patients who show evidence of hepatitis B infection, recommend consultation with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for hepatitis B antiviral therapy.

Fungal Infections

Corticosteroids, including HEMADY, may exacerbate systemic fungal infections; therefore, avoid HEMADY use in the presence of such infections unless HEMADY is needed to control drug reactions. For patients on chronic HEMADY therapy who develop systemic fungal infections, HEMADY withdrawal or dosage reduction is recommended.

 

Amebiasis

Corticosteroids, including HEMADY, may activate latent amebiasis. Therefore, it is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating HEMADY in patients who have spent time in the tropics or patients with unexplained diarrhea.

Strongyloides Infestation

Corticosteroids, including HEMADY, should be used with great care in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation. In such patients, corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia