Flubason

Flubason uses

• Indications and usage
• Dosage and administration
• Dosage forms and strengths
• Contraindications
• Warnings and precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Use in specific populations
• Overdosage
• Description
• Clinical pharmacology
• Nonclinical toxicology
• Clinical studies
• How supplied/storage and handling
• Patient counseling information
• Flubason reviews

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Flubason^® Topical Spray is a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 18 years of age or older.

Flubason^® Topical Spray is a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 18 years of age or older (1).

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Apply Flubason^® Topical Spray as a thin film to the affected skin areas twice daily. Rub in gently.

The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped unless directed by the physician.

Flubason^® Topical Spray should be discontinued when control is achieved.

Treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended.

Do not use if atrophy is present at the treatment site.

Avoid use on the face, axilla or groin.

Flubason^® Topical Spray is for external use only. It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.

• Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas twice daily. Rub in gently. (2)
• Flubason^® Topical Spray should be discontinued when control is achieved. (2)
• Treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended. (2)
• Do not use if atrophy is present at the treatment site. (2)
• Do not use with occlusive dressings, unless directed by the physician (2)
• Avoid use on the face, axilla or groin. (2)
• Flubason^® Topical Spray is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. (2)

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Topical Spray, 0.25%. Each gram of Flubason^® Topical Spray contains 2.5 mg of Flubason in a clear, colorless liquid.

Spray, 0.25% w/w (3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

None

None (4)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

• Flubason^® Topical Spray can produce reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during or after treatment.
• Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and unmasking of latent diabetes mellitus can result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. (5.1)
• Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. (5.1)
• Modify use if HPA axis suppression develops. (5.1)
• High potency corticosteroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure and young age may predispose patients to HPA axis suppression. (5.1)
• Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity when treated with topical corticosteroids. (5.1, 8.4)
• Flubason^® Topical Spray is flammable; keep away from heat or flame. (5.5)

5.1 Effect on Endocrine System

Flubason^® Topical Spray is a topical corticosteroid that has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid.

In a study including 21 evaluable subjects 18 years of age or older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, adrenal suppression was identified in 1 out of 12 subjects having involvement of 10-15% of body surface area (BSA) and 2 out of 9 subjects having involvement of >15% of BSA after treatment with Flubason^® Topical Spray twice a day for 28 days. [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]

Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. Factors that predispose a patient using a topical corticosteroid to HPA axis suppression include the use of high potency steroids, larger treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure and young age.

An ACTH stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression.

If HPA axis suppression is documented, an attempt should be made to gradually withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency may require supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.

Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and unmasking of latent diabetes mellitus can also result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids.

Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic corticosteroid exposure.

Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from use of topical corticosteroids. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]

5.2 Local Adverse Reactions with Topical Corticosteroids

Local adverse reactions may be more likely to occur with occlusive use, prolonged use or use of higher potency corticosteroids. Reactions may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, and miliaria. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible.

5.3 Allergic Contact Dermatitis with Topical Corticosteroids

Allergic contact dermatitis to any component of topical corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by a failure to heal rather than a clinical exacerbation. Clinical diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can be confirmed by patch testing.

5.4 Concomitant Skin Infections

Concomitant skin infections should be treated with an appropriate antimicrobial agent.

If the infection persists, Flubason^® Topical Spray should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately treated.

5.5 Flammable Contents

Flubason^® Topical Spray is flammable; keep away from heat or flame.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions are application site dryness, application site irritation and application site pruritus. (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Taro at 1-866-923-4914 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 the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In randomized, multicenter, prospective vehicle-controlled clinical trials, subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis of the body applied Flubason^® Topical Spray or vehicle spray twice daily for 4 weeks. A total of 149 subjects applied Flubason^® Topical Spray.

Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 1% of subjects treated with Flubason^® Topical Spray were application site dryness (2.7%), application site irritation (2.7%) and application site pruritus (2.0%).

Another less common adverse reaction (<1% but >0.1%) was folliculitis.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Flubason^® Topical Spray should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels.

Flubason has been shown to be teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice, rats, and rabbits when given by subcutaneous or dermal routes of administration at doses 3 to 30 times the human dose of Flubason^® Topical Spray based on a body surface area comparison.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Flubason^® Topical Spray is administered to a nursing woman.

If used during lactation, Flubason^® Topical Spray should not be applied on the chest to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Flubason^® Topical Spray in patients younger than 18 years of age have not been studied; therefore use in pediatric patients is not recommended. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal of treatment. Adverse effects including striae have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. [see Warnings and Precautions ]

HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include low plasma cortisol levels and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Flubason^® Topical Spray did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. 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

Flubason^® Topical Spray can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]

11 DESCRIPTION

Flubason^® (desoximetasone) Topical Spray, 0.25% contains Flubason as the active ingredient.

Flubason is a corticosteroid with the chemical name of pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione, 9-fluoro-11, 21-dihydroxy-16-methyl-, (11β,16α)-.

Flubason has the molecular formula of C₂₂H₂₉FO₄ and a molecular weight of 376.47. The CAS Registry Number is 382-67-2.

The structural formula is:

Each gram of Flubason^® Topical Spray contains 2.5 mg of Flubason in a clear, colorless liquid with the following inactive ingredients: glyceryl oleate, isopropyl alcohol (23.4%), isopropyl myristate, L-menthol, and mineral oil. Flubason^® Topical Spray is co-packaged with a manual spray pump for installation by the pharmacist prior to dispensing to patients.

Chemical Structure

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Corticosteroids play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation and protein regulation; however, the precise mechanism of action in psoriasis is unknown.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Vasoconstrictor studies performed with Flubason^® Topical Spray in healthy subjects indicate that it is in the high to super-high range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.

The potential for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression was evaluated in a study of 24 adult subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Flubason^® Topical Spray was applied twice a day for 28 days. Twenty-one subjects had evaluable serum cortisol levels. The proportion of subjects demonstrating HPA axis suppression was 8.3% (1 out of 12) in subjects having psoriasis involvement of 10-15% of body surface area (BSA), and 22.2% (2 out of 9) in subjects having psoriasis involvement of > 15% of their BSA. In this study HPA axis suppression was defined as serum cortisol level ≤18 mcg/dL 30-min post cosyntropin stimulation. In the 2 subjects with available follow-up values, suppression reversed 28 days after the end of treatment.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

Plasma concentrations of Flubason were measured at two single random time points in the HPA axis suppression trial in 24 subjects with psoriasis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. The mean (% Coefficient of Variation) concentration of Flubason was 449 pg/mL (86%) at Day 14 and 678 pg/mL (135%) at Day 28. The concentration time profile following application of Flubason^® Topical Spray is not known.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of Flubason^® Topical Spray.

In a 13-week repeat-dose toxicity study in rats, topical administration of Flubason spray at concentrations of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.02% BID (which corresponds to dose levels of 0.01, 0.05, or 0.2 mg/kg/dose BID, respectively) resulted in a toxicity profile consistent with long-term exposure to corticosteroids, including adrenal atrophy and histopathological changes in several organ systems indicative of severe immune suppression. A no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) could not be determined in this study. Although the clinical relevance of the findings in animals to humans is not clear, sustained glucocorticoid-related immune suppression may increase the risk of infection and possibly the risk for carcinogenesis.

Flubason revealed no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic potential based on the results of two in vitro genotoxicity tests (Ames assay and Chinese hamster ovary cell chromosome aberration assay) and one in vivo genotoxicity test (mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay).

No evidence of impairment of male or female fertility was observed at subcutaneous Flubason doses up to 0.1 mg/kg/day (0.6 mg/m²/day) in Sprague-Dawley rats.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Two multi-center, randomized, double-blind, vehicle- controlled clinical trials were conducted in 239 subjects aged 18 years and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis of the body. In both trials, randomized subjects applied Flubason ^® Topical Spray or vehicle spray to the affected areas twice daily for 4 weeks. Enrolled subjects had a minimum body surface area of involvement of 10%, and a Physician's Global Assessment score (PGA) of 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe).

Efficacy was assessed at Week 4 as the proportion of subjects who were considered a Clinical Success ("clear" (0) or "almost clear" (1) according to the PGA scale). Table 2 presents the efficacy results.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

16.1 How Supplied/Storage

Flubason^® Topical Spray, 0.25% is a clear colorless liquid supplied in white, opaque bottles with white, opaque screw caps in the following sizes:

• 30 mL (NDC 51672-5281-3)
• 50 mL (NDC 51672-5281-4)
• 100 mL (2-50 mL bottles) (NDC 51672-5281-6)
• 100 mL (NDC 51672-5281-7)

Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Spray is flammable; avoid heat, flame or smoking when using this product.

Each unit is co-packaged with a manual spray pump for installation by the pharmacist.

16.2 Instructions for the Pharmacist

• Remove the spray pump from the wrapper
• Remove and discard the cap from the bottle
• Keeping the bottle vertical, insert the spray pump into the bottle and turn clockwise until well-fastened
• Dispense the bottle with the spray pump inserted
• Label the bottle with "discard the product 30 days after dispensing"

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

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

Inform patients of the following:

• Use this medication as directed by the physician.
• Flubason^® Topical Spray is for external use only. Avoid use on the face, axilla or groin.
• Do not to use this medication for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
• Do not bandage or otherwise cover or wrap the treated skin so as to be occlusive.
• Report any signs of local or systemic adverse reactions to the physician.
• Do not use other corticosteroid-containing products with Flubason^® Topical Spray without first consulting with the physician.
• Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 4 weeks, contact the physician.
• This medication is flammable; avoid heat, flame, or smoking when applying this product.
• Discard this product 30 days after dispensed by pharmacist.

Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1

Dist. by: TaroPharma^® a division of Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532

PK-6681-3 111

Instructions for Use

Flubason^® (Top-i-cort)

(desoximetasone) Topical Spray

Important information: Flubason^® Topical Spray is for use on skin only. Do not get Flubason^® Topical Spray near or in your mouth, eyes or vagina.

Read the Instructions for Use that comes with Flubason^® Topical Spray before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.

Parts of Flubason^® Topical Spray bottle

Figure A

How to apply Flubason^® Topical Spray:

Step 1: Remove the cap from the pump top.

Step 2: Hold the bottle in an upright position while pointing the opening of the pump top in the direction of the affected area. To spray, push down on the pump top. Apply Flubason^® Topical Spray to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. (See Figure B )

Figure B

Step 3: Spray only enough Flubason^® Topical Spray to cover the affected area, for example, the elbow

(See Figure C ). Rub in Flubason^® Topical Spray gently.

Figure C

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to apply Flubason^® Topical Spray to other affected areas as instructed by your doctor.

Step 4: After applying Flubason^® Topical Spray, place the cap back onto the pump top. (See Figure D )

Figure D

This Patient Information and Instructions for Use have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1

Dist. by: TaroPharma a division of Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532

Flubason^® and TaroPharma^® are registered trademarks of Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. and/or its affiliates.

Issued: 04/2013

PK-7265-0 110

Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

PATIENT INFORMATION

Flubason^® (Top-i-cort)

(desoximetasone) Topical Spray

Important information: Flubason^® Topical Spray is for use on skin only. Do not get Flubason^® Topical Spray near or in your eyes, mouth or vagina.

What is Flubason^® Topical Spray?

• Flubason^® Topical Spray is a prescription corticosteroid medicine used to treat plaque psoriasis of the body in people 18 years of age and older.
• You should not use Flubason^® Topical Spray on your face, underarms (armpits), or groin areas.
• It is not known if Flubason^® Topical Spray is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. Flubason^® Topical Spray should not be used in children under 18 years of age.

Before you use Flubason^® Topical Spray, tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients in Flubason^® Topical Spray. See the end of this leaflet for a list of the ingredients in Flubason^® Topical Spray.
• have a skin infection. You may need medicine to treat the skin infection before you use Flubason^® Topical Spray.
• have thinning of the skin (atrophy) at the treatment site
• have any other medical conditions
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Flubason^® Topical Spray will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Flubason^® Topical Spray passes into your breast milk. Do not apply Flubason^® Topical Spray to your chest area if you are breastfeeding. This will help to prevent your baby from accidentally getting Flubason^® Topical Spray into the mouth.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take other corticosteroid medicines by mouth or use other products on your skin that contain corticosteroids.

What should I avoid while using Flubason^® Topical Spray?

Flubason^® Topical Spray is flammable. Avoid heat, flames or smoking while applying Flubason^® Topical Spray to your skin.

How should I use Flubason^® Topical Spray?

• Use Flubason^® Topical Spray exactly as your doctor tells you to use it.
• Apply Flubason^® Topical Spray 2 times a day.
• Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated skin area.
• Flubason^® Topical Spray should be used for the shortest amount of time needed to treat your plaque psoriasis. Tell your doctor if your skin condition is not getting better after 4 weeks of using Flubason^® Topical Spray. You should not use Flubason^® Topical Spray for longer than 4 weeks.
• Wash your hands after applying Flubason^® Topical Spray.
• Safely throw away (discard) any unused Flubason^® Topical Spray after 30 days.

See the "Instructions for Use" at the end of the Patient Information for detailed information about the right way to apply Flubason^® Topical Spray.

What are the possible side effects of Flubason^® Topical Spray?

Flubason^® Topical Spray may cause serious side effects, including:

• Topicort® Topical Spray can pass through your skin. Too much Flubason^® Topical Spray passing through your skin can cause your adrenal glands to stop working. Your doctor may do blood tests to check for adrenal gland problems.

The most common side effects of Flubason^® Topical Spray include dryness, irritation and itching of skin at the treated site.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Flubason^® Topical Spray. For more information, ask your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. For more information go to dailymed.nlm.nih.gov.

How should I store Flubason^® Topical Spray?

• Store Flubason^® Topical Spray at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep Flubason^® Topical Spray and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of Flubason^® Topical Spray.

• Do not use Flubason^® Topical Spray for a condition for which it was not prescribed. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about Flubason^® Topical Spray that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in Flubason^® Topical Spray?

Active ingredient: Flubason

Inactive ingredients: glyceryl oleate, isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, L-menthol, and mineral oil

Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1

Dist. by: TaroPharma a division of Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532

Issued: 04/2013

PK-7265-0 110

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 100 mL Bottle Carton

NDC 51672-5281-7

100 mL

Rx only

Flubason ^®

(desoximetasone)

Topical Spray, 0.25%

0.25%

SPRAY

For Topical Use Only

Not For Oral, Ophthalmic, or Intravaginal Use

TaroPharma ^®

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 100 mL Bottle Carton

Flubason pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:

• Desoximetasone

Flubason available forms, composition, doses:

• N/A

Flubason destination | category:

• Human:
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Topical corticosteroids

Flubason Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:

• D07AB19 - Dexamethasone
• D07AC03 - Desoximetasone
• D07XC02 - Desoximetasone

Flubason pharmaceutical companies:

• Sanofi-Aventis

References

1. Dailymed."TOPICORT (DESOXIMETASONE) SPRAY [TARO PHARMACEUTICALS U.S.A., INC.]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
2. Dailymed."DESOXIMETASONE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
3. "desoximetasone". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/co... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Depending on the reaction of the Flubason after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Flubason 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.

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