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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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ATACAND (NDA-020838)

(CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL)

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

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06/24/2020 (SUPPL-41)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Fetal Toxicity

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

ATACAND can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue ATACAND as soon as possible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

ATACAND can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Most epidemiologic studies examining fetal abnormalities after exposure to antihypertensive use in the first trimester have not distinguished drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system from other antihypertensive agents.

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue ATACAND as soon as possible.

The estimated 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 background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk

Hypertension in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and delivery complications (e.g., need for cesarean section, and post-partum hemorrhage). Hypertension increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine death. Pregnant women with hypertension should be carefully monitored and managed accordingly.

Pregnant women with chronic heart failure are at increased risk for preterm birth. Stroke volume and heart rate increase during pregnancy, increasing cardiac output, especially during the first trimester. Heart failure may worsen with pregnancy and may lead to maternal death. Closely monitor pregnant patients for destabilization of their heart failure.

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Oligohydramnios in pregnant women who use drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can result in the following: reduced fetal renal function leading to anuria and renal failure fetal lung hypoplasia, skeletal deformations, including skull hypoplasia, hypotension and death. In the unusual case that there is no appropriate alternative to therapy with drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system for a particular patient, apprise the mother of the potential risk to the fetus.

Perform serial ultrasound examinations to assess the intra-amniotic environment. Fetal testing may be appropriate, based on the week of pregnancy. Patients and physicians should be aware, however, that oligohydramnios may not appear until after the fetus has sustained irreversible injury. If oligohydramnios is observed, consider alternative drug treatment.

Closely observe infants with histories of in utero exposure to ATACAND for hypotension, oliguria, hyperkalemia or other symptoms of renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. In neonates with a history of in utero exposure to ATACAND, if oliguria or hypotension occurs, support blood pressure and renal perfusion. Exchange transfusions or dialysis may be required as a means of reversing hypotension and replacing renal function.

Animal Data

Oral doses greater than or equal to 10 mg of candesartan cilexetil/kg/day administered to pregnant rats during late gestation and continued through lactation were associated with reduced survival and an increased incidence of hydronephrosis in the offspring. The 10-mg/kg/day dose in rats is approximately 2.8 times the maximum recommended daily human dose (MRHD) of 32 mg on a mg/m^2 basis (comparison assumes human body weight of 50 kg). Candesartan cilexetil is toxic to rabbits. When given to pregnant rabbits at an oral dose of 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.7 times the MRHD on a mg/m^2 basis), candesartan cilexetil caused maternal toxicity (decreased body weight and death) but, in surviving dams, had no adverse effects on fetal survival, fetal weight, or external, visceral, or skeletal development. No maternal toxicity or adverse effects on fetal development were observed when oral doses up to 1000 mg of candesartan cilexetil/kg/day (approximately 138 times the MRHD on a mg/m^2 basis) were administered to pregnant mice.

8.2 Lactation

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It is not known whether candesartan is excreted in human milk, but candesartan has been shown to be present in rat milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise a nursing woman that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with ATACAND [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

02/09/2016 (SUPPL-39)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

Hyperkalemia

Concomitant use of ATACAND with drugs that may increase potassium levels may increase the risk of hyperkalemia [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Monitor serum potassium periodically

7 Drug Interactions

Agents Increasing Serum Potassium Other drugs that affect serum potassium
  • Coadministration of ATACAND with potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes or other drugs that raise serum potassium levels may result in hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium in such patients.
Lithium
  • Increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium