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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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PAXIL CR (NDA-020936)

(PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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08/18/2023 (SUPPL-57)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Other

PLLR conversion; please refer to label

08/18/2023 (SUPPL-64)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Serotonin Syndrome

Additions and revisions underlined:

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and SSRIs, including PAXIL CR, 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, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, 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)].

5.4 Embryofetal Toxicity

Additions and revisions underlined:

Based on meta-analyses of epidemiological studies, exposure to paroxetine in the first trimester

of pregnancy is associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the rate of cardiovascular

malformations among infants. For women who intend to become pregnant or who are in their

first trimester of pregnancy, PAXIL CR, should be initiated only after consideration of the other

available treatment options [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

5.5 Increased Risk of Bleeding

Newly added information:

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)].

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and revisions underlined:

Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not always

possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Acute pancreatitis, elevated liver function tests (the most severe cases were deaths due to liver

necrosis, and grossly elevated transaminases associated with severe liver dysfunction),

Guillain-Barré syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction

with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), priapism, syndrome of inappropriate ADH

secretion (SIADH), prolactinemia and galactorrhea; extrapyramidal symptoms which have

included akathisia, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia, hypertonia, trismus; status

epilepticus, acute renal failure, pulmonary hypertension, allergic alveolitis, anosmia, hyposmia,

anaphylaxis, eclampsia, laryngismus, optic neuritis, porphyria, restless legs syndrome (RLS),

ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia (including torsade de pointes), hemolytic anemia,

events related to impaired hematopoiesis (including aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, bone marrow

aplasia, and agranulocytosis), and vasculitic syndromes (such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura).

7 Drug Interactions

7.1 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions

Addition of opioids and amphetamines to table

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

Additions and revisions underlined:

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to

antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by

calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting online

at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-researchprograms/

pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/.

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 (5.5) and Clinical Considerations].

PAXIL CR is associated with a less than 2-fold increase in cardiovascular malformations when

administered to a pregnant woman during the first trimester. While individual epidemiological

studies on the association between paroxetine use and cardiovascular malformations have

reported inconsistent findings, some meta-analyses of epidemiological studies have identified an

increased risk of cardiovascular malformations (see Data). There are risks of persistent

pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) (see Data) and/or poor neonatal adaptation with

exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including PAXIL CR, during

pregnancy. There also are risks associated with untreated depression in pregnancy (see Clinical

Considerations). For women who intend to become pregnant or who are in their first trimester of

pregnancy, paroxetine should be initiated only after consideration of the other available

treatment options.

No evidence of treatment related malformations was observed in animal reproduction studies,

when paroxetine was administered during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 50

mg/kg/day in rats and 6 mg/kg/day in rabbits. These doses are approximately 6 (rat) and less than

2 (rabbit) times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD 75 mg) on an mg/m2 basis.

When paroxetine was administered to female rats during the last trimester of gestation and

continued through lactation, there was an increase in the number of pup deaths during the first

four days of lactation. This effect occurred at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day which is less than the

MRHD on an mg/m2 basis (see Data).

The estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated

populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other

adverse outcomes. In the US 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

Women who discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to experience a

relapse of major depression than women who continue antidepressants. This finding is from a

prospective longitudinal study of 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive

disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. Consider

the risks of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant

medication during pregnancy and postpartum.

Maternal Adverse Reactions

Use of PAXIL CR in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of

postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions

Neonates exposed to PAXIL CR and other SSRIs late in the third trimester have developed

complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such

complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included

respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty,

vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremors, jitteriness, irritability,

and constant crying. These findings are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs or

possibly a drug discontinuation syndrome. It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical

picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Data

Human Data

Published epidemiological studies on the association between first trimester paroxetine use and

cardiovascular malformations have reported inconsistent results; however, meta-analyses of

population-based cohort studies published between 1996-2017 indicate a less than 2-fold

increased risk for overall cardiovascular malformations. Specific cardiac malformations

identified in two meta-analyses include approximately 2 to 2.5-fold increased risk for right

ventricular outflow tract defects. One meta-analysis also identified an increased risk (less than 2-

fold) for bulbus cordis anomalies and anomalies of cardiac septal closure, and an increased risk

for atrial septal defects (pooled OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.14-4.97). Important limitations of the studies

included in these meta-analyses include potential confounding by indication, depression severity,

and potential exposure misclassification.

Exposure to SSRIs, particularly later in pregnancy, may have an increased risk for PPHN. PPHN

occurs in 1-2 per 1000 live births in the general population and is associated with substantial

neonatal morbidity and mortality.

. . .

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

Medication Guide

Additions and revisions underlined:

o Taking PAXIL CR during your first trimester of pregnancy may cause your baby to be at an increased risk of

having a heart problem (cardiac malformations) at birth.

o Taking PAXIL CR during your third trimester of pregnancy may cause your baby to have breathing,

temperature, and feeding problems, low muscle tone (floppy baby syndrome), and irritability after birth and

may cause your baby to be at an increased risk of a serious lung problem at birth.

o There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to PAXIL CR during pregnancy. The purpose of

the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to PAXIL CR and their baby. If

you become pregnant during treatment with PAXIL CR talk to your healthcare provider about registering

with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-866-961-2388 or visit online at

https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

• medicines used to treat migraine headaches called triptans

• tricyclic antidepressants

• lithium

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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and revisions underlined:

Caution patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly with the concomitant use of

PAXIL CR with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids,

lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, St. John’s Wort, and with drugs that impair

metabolism of serotonin (in particular, MAOIs, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders

and also others, such as linezolid).

Advise women to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become

pregnant during treatment with PAXIL CR. Advise women of risks associated with first trimester

use of PAXIL CR and that use later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk for neonatal

complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or

Reference ID: 5229507

persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4),

Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise women that there is a pregnancy exposure registry

that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to PAXIL CR during pregnancy [see

Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Lactation

Advise breastfeeding women using PAXIL CR to monitor infants for agitation, irritability, poor

feeding and poor weight gain and to seek medical care if they notice these signs [see Use in

Specific Populations (8.2)].

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Advise men that PAXIL CR may affect sperm quality, which may impair fertility; it is unknown

if this effect is reversible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]

09/20/2021 (SUPPL-60)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.13 Sexual Dysfunction

(Newly added subsection)

Use of SSRIs, including PAXIL CR, 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 PAXIL CR 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 (5.13)]

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

MEDICATION GUIDE

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

  • Sexual problems (dysfunction). Taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including PAXIL CR, 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 PAXIL CR. There may be treatments your healthcare provider can suggest.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Sexual Dysfunction

Advise patients that use of PAXIL CR 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 (5.13)].

09/11/2019 (SUPPL-47)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Other

PLR conversion; sections created as below. Please refer to label for complete information.

Contraindications

Warnings and Precautions

Adverse Reactions

Use in Specific Populations

Patient Counseling Information

Medication Guide


01/04/2017 (SUPPL-53)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

Serotonin Syndrome

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

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

If concomitant use of PAXIL CR with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, tryptophan, amphetamines and St. John’s Wort is clinically warranted …

7 Drug Interactions

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Serotonergic Drugs: Based on the mechanism of action of paroxetine and the potential for serotonin syndrome, caution is advised when paroxetine is coadministered with other drugs or agents that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems, such as triptans, linezolid (an antibiotic which is a reversible non-selective MAOI), lithium, fentanyl, tramadol, amphetamines, or St. John’s Wort.