AZ

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AZ uses


1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

AZ containing an H1-receptor antagonist and a corticosteroid, and is indicated for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 6 years of age and older who require treatment with both AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate for symptomatic relief.

1.1 Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

AZ nasal spray is indicated for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 6 years of age and older who require treatment with both AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate for symptomatic relief.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Dosing Information

The recommended dosage of AZ is 1 spray in each nostril twice daily.

2.2 Important Administration Instructions

Administer AZ by the intranasal route only.

Shake the bottle gently before each use.

Priming: Prime AZ before initial use by releasing 6 sprays or until a fine mist appears. When AZ has not been used for 14 or more days, reprime with 1 spray or until a fine mist appears.

Avoid spraying AZ into the eyes. If sprayed in the eyes, flush eyes with water for at least 10 minutes.

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3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

AZ is a nasal spray suspension. Each spray delivers a volume of 0.137 mL suspension containing 137 mcg of AZ hydrochloride and 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate (137 mcg/50 mcg).

AZ: Nasal spray suspension delivers 137 mcg of AZ hydrochloride and 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate (137 mcg/50 mcg) in each 0.137 mL spray. (3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

None.

None.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Somnolence

In clinical trials, the occurrence of somnolence has been reported in some patients (6 of 853 adult and adolescent patients and 2 of 416 children) taking AZ in placebo controlled trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle after administration of AZ. Concurrent use of AZ with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of central nervous system performance may occur [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

5.2 Local Nasal Effects

In clinical trials of 2 to 52 weeks' duration, epistaxis was observed more frequently in patients treated with AZ than those who received placebo [see Adverse Reactions ].

Instances of nasal ulceration and nasal septal perforation have been reported in patients following the intranasal application of corticosteroids. There were no instances of nasal ulceration or nasal septal perforation observed in clinical trials with AZ.

Because of the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on wound healing, patients who have experienced recent nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should avoid use of AZ until healing has occurred.

In clinical trials with fluticasone propionate administered intranasally, the development of localized infections of the nose and pharynx with Candida albicans has occurred. When such an infection develops, it may require treatment with appropriate local therapy and discontinuation of treatment with AZ. Patients using AZ over several months or longer should be examined periodically for evidence of Candida infection or other signs of adverse effects on the nasal mucosa.

5.3 Glaucoma and Cataracts

Nasal and inhaled corticosteroids may result in the development of glaucoma and/or cataracts. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts.

Glaucoma and cataract formation were evaluated with intraocular pressure measurements and slit lamp examinations in a controlled 12-month study in 612 adolescent and adult patients aged 12 years and older with perennial allergic or vasomotor rhinitis (VMR). Of the 612 patients enrolled in the study, 405 were randomized to receive AZ (1 spray per nostril twice daily) and 207 were randomized to receive fluticasone propionate nasal spray (2 sprays per nostril once daily). In the AZ group, one patient had increased intraocular pressure at month 6. In addition, three patients had evidence of posterior subcapsular cataract at month 6 and one at month 12 (end of treatment). In the fluticasone propionate group, three patients had evidence of posterior subcapsular cataract at month 12 (end of treatment).

5.4 Immunosuppression

Persons who are using drugs, such as corticosteroids, that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in susceptible children or adults using corticosteroids. In children or adults who have not had these diseases or been properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route, and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin may be indicated. If exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. If chickenpox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.

Corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculous infections of the respiratory tract; untreated local or systemic fungal or bacterial infections; systemic viral or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex because of the potential for worsening of these infections.

5.5 Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Effects

When intranasal steroids are used at higher than recommended dosages or in susceptible individuals at recommended dosages, systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may appear. If such changes occur, the dosage of AZ should be discontinued slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for discontinuing oral corticosteroid therapy. The concomitant use of intranasal corticosteroids with other inhaled corticosteroids could increase the risk of signs or symptoms of hypercorticism and/or suppression of the HPA axis.

The replacement of a systemic corticosteroid with a topical corticosteroid can be accompanied by signs of adrenal insufficiency, and in addition some patients may experience symptoms of withdrawal, e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, and depression. Patients previously treated for prolonged periods with systemic corticosteroids and transferred to topical corticosteroids should be carefully monitored for acute adrenal insufficiency in response to stress. In those patients who have asthma or other clinical conditions requiring long-term systemic corticosteroid treatment, too rapid a decrease in systemic corticosteroids may cause a severe exacerbation of their symptoms.

5.6 Use of Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors

Ritonavir and other strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors can significantly increase plasma fluticasone propionate exposure, resulting in significantly reduced serum cortisol concentrations [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. During postmarketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone propionate and ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing syndrome and adrenal suppression. Therefore, coadministration of AZ and ritonavir is not recommended unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects.

Use caution with the coadministration of AZ and other potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.7 Effect on Growth

Corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Monitor the growth routinely of pediatric patients receiving AZ [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

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6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

Systemic and local corticosteroid use may result in the following:


The most common adverse reactions (≥2% incidence) are: dysgeusia, epistaxis, and headache. (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-939-6478 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice.

Adults and Adolescents 12 Years of Age and Older

The safety data described below in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older reflect exposure to AZ in 853 patients (12 years of age and older; 36% male and 64% female) with seasonal allergic rhinitis in 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of 2-week duration. The racial distribution for the 3 clinical trials was 80% white, 16% black, 2% Asian, and 1% other.

In the 3 placebo controlled clinical trials of 2-week duration, 3411 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were treated with 1 spray per nostril of AZ, AZ hydrochloride nasal spray, fluticasone propionate nasal spray, or placebo, twice daily. The AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate comparators use the same vehicle and device as AZ and are not commercially marketed. Overall, adverse reactions were 16% in the AZ treatment groups, 15% in the AZ hydrochloride nasal spray groups, 13% in the fluticasone propionate nasal spray groups, and 12% in the placebo groups. Overall, 1% of patients in both the AZ and placebo groups discontinued due to adverse reactions.

Table 1 contains adverse reactions reported with frequencies greater than or equal to 2% and more frequently than placebo in patients treated with AZ in the seasonal allergic rhinitis controlled clinical trials.

*Safety population N=853, intent-to-treat population N=848

Not commercially marketed

1 spray per nostril twice daily
AZ

(N=853)*

AZ

Hydrochloride Nasal

Spray

(N=851)

Fluticasone Propionate

Nasal Spray

(N=846)

Vehicle Placebo

(N=861)

Dysgeusia 30(4%) 44(5%) 4(1%) 2(<1%)
Headache 18(2%) 20(2%) 20(2%) 10(1%)
Epistaxis 16(2%) 14(2%) 14(2%) 15(2%)

In the above trials, somnolence was reported in <1% of patients treated with AZ (6 of 853) or vehicle placebo (1 of 861) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Pediatric Patients 6-11 Years of Age

The safety data described below in children 6-11 years of age reflect exposure to AZ in 152 patients (6-11 years of age; 57% male and 43% female) with seasonal allergic rhinitis in one double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 2-week duration. The racial distribution for the clinical trial was 69% white, 31% black, 2% Asian and 2% other.

In the placebo-controlled clinical trial of 2-week duration, patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were treated with 1 spray per nostril of AZ or placebo, twice daily. Overall, adverse reactions were 16% in the AZ treatment group, and 12% in the placebo group. Overall, 1% of patients in both the AZ and placebo groups discontinued due to adverse reactions.

Table 2 contains adverse reactions reported with frequencies greater than or equal to 2% and more frequently than placebo in patients treated with AZ in the seasonal allergic rhinitis controlled clinical trial.

*Safety population N=152, intent-to-treat population N=152
1 spray per nostril twice daily
AZ

(N=152)*

Vehicle Placebo

(N=152)

Dysgeusia 6 (4%) 0 (0%)
Epistaxis 6 (4%) 4 (3%)

In the above trial, somnolence was not reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Long-Term (12-Month) Safety Trial in Adults and Adolescents 12 Years of Age and Older:

In the 12-month open-label, active-controlled clinical trial, 404 Asian patients (240 males and 164 females) with perennial allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis were treated with AZ, 1 spray per nostril twice daily.

In the 12-month, open-label, active-controlled, long-term safety trial in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older, 404 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis were treated with AZ 1 spray per nostril twice daily and 207 patients were treated with fluticasone propionate nasal spray, 2 sprays per nostril once daily. Overall, adverse reactions were 47% in the AZ treatment group and 44% in the fluticasone propionate nasal spray group. The most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥ 2%) with AZ were headache, pyrexia, cough, nasal congestion, rhinitis, dysgeusia, viral infection, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, pain, diarrhea, and epistaxis. In the AZ treatment group, 7 patients (2%) had mild epistaxis and 1 patient (<1%) had moderate epistaxis. In the fluticasone propionate nasal spray treatment group 1 patient (<1%) had mild epistaxis. No patients had reports of severe epistaxis. Focused nasal examinations were performed and no nasal ulcerations or septal perforations were observed. Eleven of 404 patients (3%) treated with AZ and 6 of 207 patients (3%) treated with fluticasone propionate nasal spray discontinued from the trial due to adverse events.

Long-Term (3-Month) Safety Trial in Pediatric Patients 6-11 Years of Age

In the 3-month open label active-controlled clinical trial, 264 patients (60% male, 40% female) (80% white, 19% black, 4% Asian and 2% other) with allergic rhinitis were treated with AZ, 1 spray per nostril twice daily.

In the 3-month, open label, active-controlled, safety trial in pediatric patients 6-11 years of age 264 patients (128 patients ≥6 to <9 years of age, and 136 patients ≥9 to <12 years of age) with allergic rhinitis (based on the Investigator’s assessment) were treated with AZ, 1 spray per nostril twice daily and 89 patients (44 patients ≥6 to <9 years of age, and 45 patients ≥9 to <12 years of age) were treated with fluticasone propionate nasal spray, 1 spray per nostril twice daily. Overall, adverse reactions were 40% in the AZ treatment group and 36% in the fluticasone propionate nasal spray group. The most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥2%) with AZ were epistaxis, headache, oropharyngeal pain, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, cough, pyrexia, otitis media, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, nausea, otitis externa, and urticaria. In the AZ treatment group 23 patients (9%) had mild epistaxis and 3 patients (1%) had moderate epistaxis. In the fluticasone propionate nasal spray treatment group 8 patients (9%) had mild epistaxis. No patients had reports of severe epistaxis. Focused nasal examinations were performed and no ulcerations or septal perforations were observed. Four of 264 patients (2%) treated with AZ and 3 of 89 (3%) treated with fluticasone propionate nasal spray discontinued from the trial due to adverse events. There were two reports of somnolence, one severe, among children taking AZ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following spontaneous adverse events have been reported with AZ or one of the components (azelastine and fluticasone). 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.

Cardiac disorders: atrial fibrillation, increased heart rate, palpitations

Eye disorder: blurred vision, cataracts, conjunctivitis, dryness and irritation, eye swelling, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, vision abnormal, xerophthalmia

Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting

General disorders and administration site condition: aches and pain, application site irritation, chest pain, edema of face and tongue, fatigue, tolerance

Immune system disorders: anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions which in rare instances were severe, hypersensitivity reactions

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: growth suppression

Nervous system disorders: disturbance or loss of smell and/ or taste, dizziness, involuntary muscle contractions, paresthesia, parosmia

Psychiatric disorders: anxiety, confusion, nervousness

Renal and urinary disorders: urinary retention

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: bronchospasm, cough, dysphonia, dyspnea, hoarseness, nasal septal perforation, nasal discomfort, nasal dryness, nasal sores, nasal ulcer, sore throat, throat dryness and irritation, voice changes, wheezing

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorder: angioedema, erythema, face swelling, pruritus, rash, urticaria

Vascular disorder: hypertension

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7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with AZ. The drug interactions of the combination are expected to reflect those of the individual components.

7.1 Central Nervous System Depressants

Concurrent use of AZ with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants should be avoided because somnolence and impairment of central nervous system performance may occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

7.2 Cytochrome P450 3A4

Ritonavir (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) significantly increased plasma fluticasone propionate exposure following administration of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray, resulting in significantly reduced serum cortisol concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. During postmarketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone propionate and ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing syndrome and adrenal suppression. Therefore, coadministration of fluticasone propionate and ritonavir is not recommended unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects.

Ketoconazole (also a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor), administered in multiple 200 mg doses to steady-state, increased plasma exposure of fluticasone propionate, reduced plasma cortisol AUC, but had no effect on urinary excretion of cortisol, following administration of a single 1000 mcg dose of fluticasone propionate by oral inhalation route.

Caution should be exercised when AZ is coadministered with ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

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8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm.

8.1 Pregnancy

AZ: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C:

There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical trials of AZ, AZ hydrochloride only, or fluticasone propionate only in pregnant women. Animal reproductive studies of AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate in mice, rats, and/or rabbits revealed evidence of teratogenicity as well as other developmental toxic effects. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, AZ should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

AZ hydrochloride: Teratogenic Effects: In mice, AZ hydrochloride caused embryo-fetal death, malformations (cleft palate; short or absent tail; fused, absent or branched ribs), delayed ossification, and decreased fetal weight at an oral dose approximately 610 times the maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose (MRHDID) in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 68.6 mg/kg). This dose also caused maternal toxicity as evidenced by decreased body weight. Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred at a dose that was approximately 26 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 3 mg/kg).

In rats, AZ hydrochloride caused malformations (oligo- and brachydactylia), delayed ossification and skeletal variations, in the absence of maternal toxicity, at an oral dose approximately 530 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 30 mg/kg). At a dose approximately 1200 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 68.6 mg/kg), AZ hydrochloride also caused embryo-fetal death and decreased fetal weight; however, this dose caused severe maternal toxicity. Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred at a dose approximately 53 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 3 mg/kg).

In rabbits, AZ hydrochloride caused abortion, delayed ossification, and decreased fetal weight at oral doses approximately 1100 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 30 mg/kg); however, these doses also resulted in severe maternal toxicity. Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred at a dose approximately 11 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 0.3 mg/kg).

Fluticasone propionate: Teratogenic Effects: Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Subcutaneous studies in the mouse and rat at doses approximately equivalent to and 4 times, respectively, the MRHDID in adults (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal doses of 45 and 100 mcg/kg, respectively), revealed fetal toxicity characteristic of potent corticosteroid compounds, including embryonic growth retardation, omphalocele, cleft palate, and retarded cranial ossification.

In the rabbit, fetal weight reduction and cleft palate were observed at a subcutaneous dose less than the MRHDID in adults (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 4 mcg/kg). However, no teratogenic effects were reported at oral doses up to approximately 25 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mcg/m2 basis at a maternal dose of 300 mcg/kg) of fluticasone propionate to the rabbit. No fluticasone propionate was detected in the plasma in this study, consistent with the established low bioavailability following oral administration [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Experience with oral corticosteroids since their introduction in pharmacologic, as opposed to physiologic, doses suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroids than humans. In addition, because there is a natural increase in corticosteroid production during pregnancy, most women will require a lower exogenous corticosteroid dose and many will not need corticosteroid treatment during pregnancy.

Nonteratogenic Effects: Fluticasone propionate crossed the placenta following oral administration of approximately 4 and 25 times the MRHDID in adults (on a mcg/m2 basis at maternal doses of 100 mcg/kg and 300 mcg/kg to rats and rabbits, respectively).

8.3 Nursing Mothers

AZ: It is not known whether AZ is excreted in human breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when AZ is administered to a nursing woman. Since there are no data from well-controlled human studies on the use of AZ by nursing mothers, based on data from the individual components, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue AZ, taking into account the importance of AZ to the mother.

AZ hydrochloride: It is not known if AZ hydrochloride is excreted in human milk.

Fluticasone propionate: It is not known if fluticasone propionate is excreted in human milk. However, other corticosteroids are excreted in human milk. Subcutaneous administration to lactating rats of 10 mcg/kg of tritiated fluticasone propionate resulted in measurable radioactivity in the milk.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Use of AZ for seasonal allergic rhinitis in pediatric patients 6 to 11 years of age is supported by safety and efficacy data from clinical studies (416 patients 6 to 11 years of age with allergic rhinitis were treated with AZ in controlled clinical trials) and the established efficacy and safety of AZ hydrochloride nasal spray and fluticasone propionate nasal spray in this age group [see Adverse Reactions(6.1) and Clinical Studies (14 )].

Sixty-one patients ages 4-5 years of age were treated with AZ in the pediatric studies described above. Safety findings in children 4-5 years of age were similar to those in children 6-11 years of age, but efficacy was not established.

Safety and effectiveness of AZ has not been studied in pediatric patients below the age of 4 years.

Controlled clinical studies have shown that intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity in pediatric patients. This effect has been observed in the absence of laboratory evidence of HPA axis suppression, suggesting that growth velocity is a more sensitive indicator of systemic corticosteroid exposure in pediatric patients than some commonly used tests of HPA axis function. The long-term effects of this reduction in growth velocity associated with intranasal corticosteroids, including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The potential for “catch-up” growth following discontinuation of treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has not been adequately studied. The growth of pediatric patients receiving intranasal corticosteroids, including AZ, should be monitored routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against the clinical benefits obtained and the risks/benefits of treatment alternatives.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of AZ did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

10 OVERDOSAGE

AZ: AZ contains both AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate; therefore, the risks associated with overdosage for the individual components described below apply to AZ.

AZ hydrochloride: There have been no reported overdosages with AZ hydrochloride. Acute AZ hydrochloride overdosage by adults with this dosage form is unlikely to result in clinically significant adverse events, other than increased somnolence, since one (1) 23 g bottle of AZ contains approximately 23 mg of AZ hydrochloride. Clinical trials in adults with single doses of the oral formulation of AZ hydrochloride (up to 16 mg) have not resulted in increased incidence of serious adverse events. General supportive measures should be employed if overdosage occurs. There is no known antidote to AZ. Oral ingestion of antihistamines has the potential to cause serious adverse effects in children. Accordingly, AZ should be kept out of the reach of children.

Fluticasone propionate: Chronic fluticasone propionate overdosage may result in signs/symptoms of hypercorticism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Intranasal administration of 2 mg (10 times the recommended dose) of fluticasone propionate twice daily for 7 days to healthy human volunteers was well tolerated. Single oral fluticasone propionate doses up to 16 mg have been studied in human volunteers with no acute toxic effects reported. Repeat oral doses up to 80 mg daily for 10 days in volunteers and repeat oral doses up to 10 mg daily for 14 days in patients were well tolerated. Adverse reactions were of mild or moderate severity, and incidences were similar in active and placebo treatment groups. Acute overdosage with this dosage form is unlikely since one (1) 23 g bottle of AZ contains approximately 8.5 mg of fluticasone propionate.

11 DESCRIPTION

AZ (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) nasal spray is formulated as a white, uniform metered-spray suspension for intranasal administration. It is a fixed dose combination product containing an antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist) and a corticosteroid as active ingredients.

AZ hydrochloride active ingredient occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It has a molecular weight of 418.37. It is sparingly soluble in water, methanol, and propylene glycol and slightly soluble in ethanol, octanol, and glycerin. It has a melting point of 225°C and the pH of 5.2. Its chemical name is (±)-1-(2H)-phthalazinone,4-[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]-2-(hexahydro-1-methyl-1H-azepin-4-yl)-, monohydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C22H24ClN3O-HCl with the following chemical structure:

Fluticasone propionate active ingredient is a white powder with a melting point of 273°C, a molecular weight of 500.6, and the empirical formula is C25H31F3O5S. It is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide, and slightly soluble in methanol and 95% ethanol. Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic corticosteroid having the chemical name S-(fluoromethyl)-6α,9-difluoro-11β,-17-dihydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioate, 17-propionate, and the following chemical structure:

AZ (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) nasal spray, 137 mcg / 50 mcg contains 0.1% solution of AZ hydrochloride and 0.037% suspension of micronized fluticasone propionate in an isotonic aqueous suspension containing glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, phenylethyl alcohol (2.5 mg/g), edetate disodium, benzalkonium chloride (0.1 mg/g), polysorbate 80, and purified water. It has a pH of approximately 6.0.

After priming [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)], each metered spray delivers a 0.137 mL mean volume of suspension containing 137 mcg of AZ hydrochloride (equivalent to 125 mcg of AZ base) and 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate. The 23 g bottle provides 120 metered sprays, after priming.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

AZ: AZ contains both AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate; therefore, the mechanisms of actions described below for the individual components apply to AZ. These drugs represent two different classes of medications.

AZ hydrochloride: AZ hydrochloride, a phthalazinone derivative, exhibits histamine H1-receptor antagonist activity in isolated tissues, animal models, and humans. AZ hydrochloride in AZ is administered as a racemic mixture with no difference in pharmacologic activity noted between the enantiomers in in vitro studies. The major metabolite, desmethylazelastine, also possesses H1-receptor antagonist activity.

Fluticasone propionate: Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro dose response studies on a cloned human glucocorticoid receptor system involving binding and gene expression afforded 50% responses at 1.25 and 0.17 nM concentrations, respectively. Fluticasone propionate was 3-fold to 5-fold more potent than dexamethasone in these assays. Data from the McKenzie vasoconstrictor assay in man also support its potent glucocorticoid activity. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.

The precise mechanism through which fluticasone propionate affects allergic rhinitis symptoms is not known. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of effects on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in inflammation.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Cardiac Effects:

In a placebo-controlled trial (95 patients with allergic rhinitis), there was no evidence of an effect of AZ hydrochloride nasal spray (2 sprays per nostril twice daily for 56 days) on cardiac repolarization as represented by the corrected QT interval (QTc) of the electrocardiogram. Following multiple dose oral administration of AZ 4 mg or 8 mg twice daily, the mean change in QTc was 7.2 msec and 3.6 msec, respectively.

Interaction studies investigating the cardiac repolarization effects of concomitantly administered oral AZ hydrochloride and erythromycin or ketoconazole were conducted. These drugs had no effect on QTc based on analysis of serial electrocardiograms.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

After intranasal administration of two sprays per nostril (548 mcg of AZ hydrochloride and 200 mcg of fluticasone) of AZ, the mean (± standard deviation) peak plasma exposure (Cmax) was 194.5 ± 74.4 pg/mL for AZ and 10.3±3.9 pg/mL for fluticasone propionate and the mean total exposure (AUC) was 4217 ± 2618 pg/mL*hr for AZ and 97.7 ± 43.1 pg/mL*hr for fluticasone. The median time to peak exposure (tmax) from a single dose was 0.5 hours for AZ and 1.0 hours for fluticasone.

Systemic bioavailability of AZ from AZ following intranasal administration was comparable with monotherapy AZ hydrochloride (Astelin®) nasal spray (i.e., approximately 40%). Systemic bioavailability of fluticasone from AZ following intranasal administration was 44-61% higher than monotherapy fluticasone propionate (bioavailability for monotherapy fluticasone nasal spray was less than 2%). Due to the low intranasal bioavailability, pharmacokinetic data for fluticasone propionate were obtained via other routes of administration. Studies using oral dosing of radiolabeled fluticasone propionate showed negligible oral bioavailability and high extraction from plasma. The majority of the circulating radioactivity was due to an inactive metabolite.

Distribution:

Based on intravenous and oral administration, the steady-state volume of distribution of AZ hydrochloride is 14.5 L/kg. In vitro studies with human plasma indicate that the plasma protein binding of AZ hydrochloride and its metabolite, desmethylazelastine, are approximately 88% and 97%, respectively.

Following intravenous administration, the initial disposition phase for fluticasone propionate was rapid and consistent with its high lipid solubility and tissue binding. The volume of distribution averaged 4.2 L/kg.

The percentage of fluticasone propionate bound to human plasma proteins averaged 91% with no obvious concentration relationship. Fluticasone propionate is weakly and reversibly bound to erythrocytes and freely equilibrates between erythrocytes and plasma. Fluticasone propionate is not significantly bound to human transcortin.

Metabolism:

AZ hydrochloride is oxidatively metabolized to the principal active metabolite, desmethylazelastine, by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. The specific P450 isoforms responsible for the biotransformation of AZ have not been identified. The total clearance of AZ is approximately 0.50 L/kg/hr.

For fluticasone propionate, the only circulating metabolite detected in man is the 17β-carboxylic acid derivative, which is formed through the CYP3A4 pathway. This inactive metabolite had less affinity (approximately 1/2,000) than the parent drug for the glucocorticoid receptor of human lung cytosol in vitro and negligible pharmacological activity in animal studies. Other metabolites detected in vitro using cultured human hepatoma cells have not been detected in man. The average total clearance of fluticasone propionate is relatively high (approximately 66 L/hr).

Elimination: Following intranasal administration of AZ, the elimination half-life of AZ hydrochloride is approximately 25 hours. Approximately 75% of an oral dose of radiolabeled AZ hydrochloride was excreted in the feces with less than 10% as unchanged AZ.

Following intravenous dosing, fluticasone propionate showed polyexponential kinetics and had a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 7.8 hours. Less than 5% of a radiolabeled oral dose was excreted in the urine as metabolites, with the remainder excreted in the feces as parent drug and metabolites.

Special Populations:

AZ was not studied in any special populations, and no gender-specific pharmacokinetic data have been obtained.

Hepatic Impairment: Following oral administration of AZ hydrochloride, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment: Based on oral, single-dose studies of AZ hydrochloride, renal impairment (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min) resulted in a 70-75% higher Cmax and AUC compared to healthy subjects. Time to maximum concentration was unchanged.

Age: Following oral administration of AZ hydrochloride, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by age.

Gender: Following oral administration of AZ hydrochloride, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by gender.

Race: The effect of race has not been evaluated.

Drug-Drug Interactions:

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with AZ. The drug interactions of the combination are expected to reflect those of the individual components.

Erythromycin: Coadministration of orally administered AZ (4 mg twice daily) with erythromycin (500 mg three times daily for 7 days) resulted in Cmax of 5.36 ± 2.6 ng/mL and AUC of 49.7 ± 24 ng-h/mL for AZ, whereas, administration of AZ alone resulted in Cmax of 5.57 ± 2.7 ng/mL and AUC of 48.4 ± 24 ng-h/mL for AZ.

In another multiple-dose drug interaction study, coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (500 mcg twice daily) and erythromycin (333 mg three times daily) did not affect fluticasone propionate pharmacokinetics.

Cimetidine and Ranitidine: In a multiple-dose, steady-state drug interaction trial in healthy subjects, cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) increased orally administered mean AZ hydrochloride (4 mg twice daily) concentrations by approximately 65%. Coadministration of orally administered AZ hydrochloride (4 mg twice daily) with ranitidine hydrochloride (150 mg twice daily) resulted in Cmax of 8.89 ± 3.28 ng/mL and AUC of 88.22 ± 40.43 ng-h/mL for AZ hydrochloride, whereas, administration of AZ hydrochloride alone resulted in Cmax of 7.83 ± 4.06 ng/mL and AUC of 80.09 ± 43.55 ng-h/mL for AZ hydrochloride.

Theophylline: No significant pharmacokinetic interaction was observed with the coadministration of an oral 4 mg dose of AZ hydrochloride twice daily and theophylline 300 mg or 400 mg twice daily.

Ritonavir: Coadministration of fluticasone propionate and the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ritonavir, is not recommended based upon a multiple-dose, crossover drug interaction study in 18 healthy subjects. Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (200 mcg once daily) was coadministered for 7 days with ritonavir (100 mg twice daily). Plasma fluticasone propionate concentrations following fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray alone were undetectable (<10 pg/mL) in most subjects, and when concentrations were detectable, peak levels (Cmax) averaged 11.9 pg/mL (range, 10.8 to 14.1 pg/mL) and AUC(0-τ) averaged 8.43 pg-hr/mL (range, 4.2 to 18.8 pg-hr/mL). Fluticasone propionate Cmax and AUC(0-τ) increased to 318 pg/mL (range, 110 to 648 pg/mL) and 3,102.6 pg-hr/mL (range, 1,207.1 to 5,662.0 pg-hr/mL), respectively, after coadministration of ritonavir with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray. This significant increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure resulted in a significant decrease (86%) in plasma cortisol area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC).

Caution should be exercised when other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are coadministered with fluticasone propionate. In a drug interaction study, coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (1,000 mcg) and ketoconazole (200 mg once daily) resulted in increased fluticasone propionate exposure and reduced plasma cortisol AUC, but had no effect on urinary excretion of cortisol. [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

AZ: No studies of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility were conducted with AZ; however, studies are available for the individual active components, AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate, as described below.

AZ hydrochloride: In 2-year carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, AZ hydrochloride did not show evidence of carcinogenicity at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively. These doses were approximately 530 and 220 times the maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose [MRHDID] on a mg/m2 basis.

AZ hydrochloride showed no genotoxic effects in the Ames test, DNA repair test, mouse lymphoma forward mutation assay, mouse micronucleus test, or chromosomal aberration test in rat bone marrow.

Reproduction and fertility studies in rats showed no effects on male or female fertility at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg (approximately 530 times the MRHDID in adults on a mg/m2 basis). At 68.6 mg/kg (approximately 1200 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis), the duration of estrous cycles was prolonged and copulatory activity and the number of pregnancies were decreased. The numbers of corpora lutea and implantations were decreased; however, pre-implantation loss was not increased.

Fluticasone propionate: Fluticasone propionate demonstrated no tumorigenic potential in mice at oral doses up to 1,000 mcg/kg (approximately 20 times the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in adults and approximately 10 times the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in children on a mcg/m2 basis) for 78 weeks or in rats at inhalation doses up to 57 mcg/kg (approximately 2 times the MRHDID in adults on a mcg/m2 basis) for 104 weeks.

Fluticasone propionate did not induce gene mutation in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells in vitro. No significant clastogenic effect was seen in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro or in the mouse micronucleus test.

No evidence of impairment of fertility was observed in reproductive studies conducted in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg (approximately 2 times the MRHDID in adults on a mcg/m2 basis). Prostate weight was significantly reduced at a subcutaneous dose of 50 mcg/kg.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Adults and Adolescents 12 Years of Age and Older

The efficacy and safety of AZ in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis was evaluated in 3 randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in 853 patients. The population of the trials was 12 to 78 years of age (64% female, 36% male; 80% white, 16% black, 2% Asian, 1% other).

Patients were randomized to one of four treatment groups: one spray per nostril twice daily of AZ, AZ hydrochloride nasal spray, fluticasone propionate nasal spray, and vehicle placebo. The AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate comparators use the same device and vehicle as AZ and are not commercially marketed. Assessment of efficacy was based on the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS), in addition to the instantaneous total nasal symptom score (iTNSS) and other supportive secondary efficacy variables. TNSS is calculated as the sum of the patients' scoring of the 4 individual nasal symptoms (rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal itching) on a 0 to 3 categorical severity scale (0 = absent, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). Patients were required to record symptom severity daily reflecting over the previous 12 hours (morning, AM, and evening, PM). For the primary efficacy endpoint, the combined AM+PM rTNSS (maximum score of 24) was assessed as a change from baseline for each day and then averaged over a 2-week treatment period. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change from baseline in combined AM+PM rTNSS over 2 weeks. The iTNSS was recorded immediately prior to the next dose.

In these trials, AZ demonstrated statistically significant greater decreases in rTNSS as compared to AZ hydrochloride and to fluticasone propionate, as well as to placebo. The differences between the monotherapies and placebo also were statistically significant. Representative results from one of the trials are shown below (Table 3).

* Sum of AM and PM rTNSS for each day (Maximum Score =24) and averaged over the 14 day treatment period

Not commercially marketed

LS Mean, 95% CI, and p-value are obtained from the repeated-measures analysis of covariance model using observed data.
Baseline Change from

Baseline

Difference From AZ Nasal Spray
Treatment

(one spray /nostril twice daily)

N LS Mean LS Mean LS Mean 95% CI P-value
DYMISTA 207 18.3 -5.6 -- -- --
Azelastine HCl Nasal Spray 208 18.3 -4.3 -1.4 (-2.2, -0.5) 0.002
Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray 207 18.2 -4.7 -1.0 (-1.8, -0.2) 0.022
Placebo 209 18.6 -2.9 -2.7 (-3.5, -1.9) <0.001

In these trials, AZ also demonstrated statistically significant, greater decreases in iTNSS as compared to placebo, as did the AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate comparators. Representative results from one of the trials are shown below (Table 4).

* Sum of AM and PM iTNSS for each day (Maximum Score =24) and averaged over the 14 day treatment period

Not commercially marketed

LS Mean, 95% CI, and p-value are obtained from the repeated-measures analysis of covariance model using observed data.
Baseline Change from

Baseline

Difference From Placebo
Treatment

(one spray /nostril twice daily)

N LS Mean LS Mean LS Mean 95% CI P-value
DYMISTA 207 17.2 -5.2 -2.6 (-3.4, -1.8) <0.001
Azelastine HCl Nasal Spray 208 16.8 -3.9 -1.3 (-2.0, -0.6) <0.001
Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray 207 16.8 -4.5 -1.9 (-2.6, -1.2) <0.001
Placebo 209 17.3 -2.7 -- -- --

Onset of action, defined as the first timepoint at which AZ was statistically superior to placebo in the mean change from baseline in iTNSS and which was sustained thereafter, was assessed in each of the three trials. Onset of action was observed as early as 30 minutes following the initial dose of AZ.

The subjective impact of seasonal allergic rhinitis on patient's health-related quality of life was evaluated by the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) (28 items in 7 domains (activities, sleep, non-nose/eye symptoms, practical problems, nasal symptoms, eye symptoms, and emotional) evaluated on a 7-point scale where 0=no impairment and 6=maximum impairment), which was administered to patients 18 years of age and older. An overall RQLQ score is calculated from the mean of all items in the instrument. A change from baseline of at least 0.5 points is considered a clinically meaningful improvement. In each of these trials, AZ demonstrated a statistically significant greater decrease from baseline in the overall RQLQ than placebo, which ranged from -0.55 (95% CI -0.72, -0.39) to -0.80 (95% CI -1.05, -0.55). In these trials, the treatment differences between AZ and the monotherapies were less than the minimum important difference of 0.5 points.

Pediatric Patients 6-11 Years of Age

The efficacy and safety of AZ was evaluated in one randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 304 children 6 to 11 years of age with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either one spray per nostril twice daily of AZ or placebo (vehicle control) for 14 days. The design of the trial was similar to that of the adult trials.

The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change from baseline in combined AM+PM reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) over 2 weeks. AZ was not statistically significantly different than placebo, but the results were numerically supportive (Table 5).

CI = confidence interval

LS Mean, 95% CI, and p-value are obtained from the repeated-measures analysis of covariance model using observed data

Treatment Baseline LS Mean

Change from baseline

LS Mean

Difference

(95% CI)

P-value
AZ

N=152

18.4 -3.7 -0.8

(-1.8, 0.2)

0.099
Placebo

N=152

18.0 -2.9

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

AZ nasal spray (NDC 0037-0245-23) is supplied as an amber glass bottle fitted with a metered-dose spray pump unit. The spray pump unit consists of a nasal spray pump with a white nasal adapter and clear plastic dust cap. Each bottle contains a net fill weight of 23 g and will deliver 120 metered sprays after priming [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. After priming [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)], each spray delivers a suspension volume of 0.137 mL as a fine mist, containing 137 mcg of AZ hydrochloride and 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate (137 mcg/50 mcg). The correct amount of medication in each spray cannot be assured before the initial priming and after 120 sprays have been used, even though the bottle is not completely empty. The bottle should be discarded after 120 medicated sprays have been used.

AZ should not be used after the expiration date “EXP” printed on the bottle label and carton.

Storage

Store upright with the dust cap in place at controlled room temperature 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F). Protect from light. Do not store in the freezer or refrigerator.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use)

Somnolence

Somnolence has been reported in some patients (8 of 1,269 patients) taking AZ in controlled clinical trials. Caution patients against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination such as driving or operating machinery after administration of AZ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Concurrent Use of Alcohol and other Central Nervous System Depressants

Advise patients to avoid concurrent use of AZ with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of central nervous system performance may occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Local Nasal Effects

Nasal corticosteroids are associated with epistaxis, nasal ulceration, nasal septal perforation, Candida albicans infection and impaired wound healing. Patients who have experienced recent nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should not use AZ until healing has occurred [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Glaucoma and Cataracts

Inform patients that glaucoma and cataracts are associated with nasal and inhaled corticosteroid use. Advise patients to inform his/her health care provider if a change in vision is noted while using AZ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Immunosuppression

Warn patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles and, if exposed, to consult their physician without delay. Inform patients of potential worsening of existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, or ocular herpes simplex [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Effect on Growth

Corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Monitor the growth routinely of pediatric patients receiving AZ [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Priming

Instruct patients to shake the bottle gently before each use and prime the pump before initial use and when AZ has not been used for 14 or more days [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Keep Spray Out of Eyes

Instruct patients to avoid spraying AZ into their eyes.

Keep Out of Children's Reach

Instruct patients to keep AZ out of the reach of children. If a child accidentally ingests AZ, seek medical help or call a poison control center immediately.

Potential Drug Interactions

Advise patients that coadministration of AZ and ritonavir is not recommended and to be cautious if AZ is coadministered with ketoconazole [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

U.S. Patents 8,163,723; 8,168,620

Manufactured by:

Cipla Ltd. Goa, India

Distributed by:

MEDA PHARMACEUTICALS®

Somerset, New Jersey 08873-4120

MEDA PHARMACEUTICALS and AZ are registered trademarks of Meda

Pharmaceuticals Inc. or a related entity.

Made in India.

PATIENT INFORMATION

AZ (Dy-Mist-A)

(azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate)

nasal spray

Important: For use in your nose only

What is AZ?


It is not known if AZ is safe or effective in children under 4 years of age.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using AZ?

Before using AZ tell your healthcare provider if you:


Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

AZ and other medicines may affect each other,causing side effects.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:


Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of these medications, if you are not sure.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use AZ?


What should I avoid while using AZ?


What are the possible side effects of AZ?

AZ may cause serious side effects including:


Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you have symptoms of any of the serious side effects listed above.

The most common side effects of AZ Nasal Spray include:


Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of AZ. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store AZ?


Keep AZ and all medicines out of reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of AZ

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use AZ for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give AZ to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about AZ. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about AZ that is written for health professionals.

For more information, go to www. DYMISTA.com or call Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-939-6478.

What are the ingredients in AZ?

Active ingredients: AZ hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate

Inactive ingredients: glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, phenylethyl alcohol, edetate disodium, benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 80, and purified water.

Instructions for Use

AZ (Dy-Mist-A)

(azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate)

nasal spray

For use in your nose only. Do not spray in your eyes.

Read the Instructions for Use before you start to use AZ and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. Before you use AZ, make sure your healthcare provider shows you the right way to use it.

Shake the bottle gently before each use.

Your AZ pump.

Figure A

Instructions for Using Your AZ Pump.

Before you use AZ for the first time, you will need to shake the bottle gently and prime the pump.

For use in young children: An adult should help a young child use AZ..

Priming your AZ pump

Before you prime the bottle, shake it gently.

Step 1.

Remove the clear plastic dust cap from the spray pump tip of the bottle.

Figure B

Step 2.

Hold the bottle upright with two fingers on the shoulders of the spray pump unit and put your thumb on the bottom of the bottle. Press upward with your thumb and release for the pumping action.


Figure C

Using your AZ:

For use in young children: An adult should help a young child use AZ.

Step 3.

Gently blow your nose to clear nostrils.

Figure D

Step 4.

Shake the bottle gently. Close 1 nostril with a finger. Tilt your head forward slightly. Keep the bottle upright and carefully place the spray pump tip ¼ to ½ inch into your other nostril.

Figure E

Step 5.

For each spray firmly press the pump 1 time. Keep your head tilted down and at the same time, gently breathe in through your nostril. Do not spray directly onto the nasal septum (the wall between your 2 nostrils).


Figure F

Step 6.

When you finish using AZ, wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue or cloth. Put the dust cap back on the spray pump tip of the bottle.

Figure G

Each bottle of AZ contains enough medicine for you to spray medicine from the bottle 120 times. After initial priming, do not use your bottle of AZ after 120 sprays. You may not receive the right amount of medicine. Keep track of the number of sprays you use from your bottle of AZ and throw away the bottle even if it has medicine left in it.

Do not count any sprays used for initially priming the bottle.

To Clean the Spray Pump Tip:

Your AZ should be cleaned at least 1 time each week. To do this:

Step 7.

Remove the dust cap and then gently pull upward on the spray pump unit to remove it from the bottle.

Figure H

Step 8.

Wash the spray pump unit and dust cap in warm tap water.

Figure I

Step 9.

Allow to dry completely. When dry, place the spray pump unit and dust cap back on the bottle.

Figure J

Step 10.

If the spray pump unit becomes blocked, it can be removed as instructed above in Step 7 and placed in warm water to soak.

Do not try to unblock the spray pump unit by inserting a pin or other sharp object. This will damage the spray pump unit and cause you not to get the right dose of medicine.

Step 11.

After the spray pump unit is unblocked, rinse the applicator and cap with cold water, and allow them to dry as in Step 10 above. When dry, place the spray pump unit back on the bottle and put the dust cap on the spray pump tip.

Step 12.

Reprime the bottle as in Steps 1 and 2 above. Replace the dust cap and your AZ is ready for use.

This Patient Package Insert and Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Distributed by:

MEDA PHARMACEUTICALS®

Somerset, New Jersey 08873-4120

©2015 Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.

MEDA PHARMACEUTICALS and AZ are registered trademarks of Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. or a related entity.

U.S. Patents 8,163,723; 8,168,620

IN-023A6-05 Rev. 2/2015

Principal Display Label – 23 g Trade Carton

NDC 0037-0245-23

AZ®

(azelastine hydrochloride

and

fluticasone propionate)

Nasal Spray

137 mcg / 50 mcg per spray

120 Metered Sprays

FOR INTRANASAL

USE ONLY

Rx Only

23 g net fill weight

Shake the bottle gently

before each use.

AZ pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:

Active ingredient is the part of the drug or medicine which is biologically active. This portion of the drug is responsible for the main action of the drug which is intended to cure or reduce the symptom or disease. The other portions of the drug which are inactive are called excipients; there role is to act as vehicle or binder. In contrast to active ingredient, the inactive ingredient's role is not significant in the cure or treatment of the disease. There can be one or more active ingredients in a drug.


AZ available forms, composition, doses:

Form of the medicine is the form in which the medicine is marketed in the market, for example, a medicine X can be in the form of capsule or the form of chewable tablet or the form of tablet. Sometimes same medicine can be available as injection form. Each medicine cannot be in all forms but can be marketed in 1, 2, or 3 forms which the pharmaceutical company decided based on various background research results.
Composition is the list of ingredients which combinedly form a medicine. Both active ingredients and inactive ingredients form the composition. The active ingredient gives the desired therapeutic effect whereas the inactive ingredient helps in making the medicine stable.
Doses are various strengths of the medicine like 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and so on. Each medicine comes in various doses which is decided by the manufacturer, that is, pharmaceutical company. The dose is decided on the severity of the symptom or disease.


AZ destination | category:

Destination is defined as the organism to which the drug or medicine is targeted. For most of the drugs what we discuss, human is the drug destination.
Drug category can be defined as major classification of the drug. For example, an antihistaminic or an antipyretic or anti anginal or pain killer, anti-inflammatory or so.


AZ Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:

A medicine is classified depending on the organ or system it acts [Anatomical], based on what result it gives on what disease, symptom [Therapeutical], based on chemical composition [Chemical]. It is called as ATC code. The code is based on Active ingredients of the medicine. A medicine can have different codes as sometimes it acts on different organs for different indications. Same way, different brands with same active ingredients and same indications can have same ATC code.


AZ pharmaceutical companies:

Pharmaceutical companies are drug manufacturing companies that help in complete development of the drug from the background research to formation, clinical trials, release of the drug into the market and marketing of the drug.
Researchers are the persons who are responsible for the scientific research and is responsible for all the background clinical trials that resulted in the development of the drug.


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References

  1. Dailymed."AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE SOLUTION/ DROPS [SUN PHARMA GLOBAL FZE]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  2. "azelastine". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/co... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  3. "azelastine". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB0097... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming AZ?

Depending on the reaction of the AZ after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider AZ not safe to drive or operate heavy machine after consumption. Meaning that, do not drive or operate heavy duty machines after taking the capsule if the capsule has a strange reaction on your body like dizziness, drowsiness. As prescribed by a pharmacist, it is dangerous to take alcohol while taking medicines as it exposed patients to drowsiness and health risk. Please take note of such effect most especially when taking Primosa capsule. It's advisable to consult your doctor on time for a proper recommendation and medical consultations.

Is AZ addictive or habit forming?

Medicines are not designed with the mind of creating an addiction or abuse on the health of the users. Addictive Medicine is categorically called Controlled substances by the government. For instance, Schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the US are controlled substances.

Please consult the medicine instruction manual on how to use and ensure it is not a controlled substance.In conclusion, self medication is a killer to your health. Consult your doctor for a proper prescription, recommendation, and guidiance.

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Review

sdrugs.com conducted a study on AZ, and the result of the survey is set out below. It is noteworthy that the product of the survey is based on the perception and impressions of the visitors of the website as well as the views of AZ consumers. We, as a result of this, advice that you do not base your therapeutic or medical decisions on this result, but rather consult your certified medical experts for their recommendations.

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The information was verified by Dr. Rachana Salvi, MD Pharmacology

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