Sporal

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Sporal uses

• Warning: congestive heart failure, cardiac effects, and drug interactions
• Indications and usage
• Dosage and administration
• Dosage forms and strengths
• Contraindications
• Warnings and precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Drug interactions
• Use in specific populations
• Overdosage
• Description
• Clinical pharmacology
• Nonclinical toxicology
• Clinical studies
• How supplied/storage and handling
• Patient counseling information
• Sporal reviews

WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, CARDIAC EFFECTS, AND DRUG INTERACTIONS

Do not administer Sporal for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF. When Sporal was administered intravenously to dogs and healthy human volunteers, negative inotropic effects were seen. If signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure occur during administration of Sporal, discontinue administration.

Drug Interactions: Co-administration of cisapride, pimozide, quinidine, dofetilide, levacetylmethadol (levomethadyl), felodipine, oral midazolam, nisoldipine, triazolam, lovastatin, simvastatin, ergot alkaloids such as dihydroergotamine, ergometrine (ergonovine), ergotamine and methylergometrine (methylergonovine) or methadone with Sporal is contraindicated. Sporal, a potent cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4) inhibitor, may increase plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by this pathway. Serious cardiovascular events, including QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest, and/or sudden death have occurred in patients using cisapride, pimozide, levacetylmethadol (levomethadyl), methadone or quinidine concomitantly with Sporal and/or other CYP3A4 inhibitors.

WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, CARDIAC EFFECTS AND DRUG INTERACTIONS

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

• Do not administer for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF (4).
• If signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure occur during administration, discontinue administration. (4)
• Negative inotropic effects were seen when Sporal was administered intravenously to dogs and healthy human volunteers. (5.3)
• Drug Interactions: Co-administration of certain drugs is contraindicated. See complete boxed warning. (7)
• May increase plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4) pathway. (7)
• Serious cardiovascular events, including QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest, and/or sudden death have occurred in patients using certain drugs. See complete boxed warning. (5.2)

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Sporal is indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail due to Trichophyton rubrum or T. mentagrophytes in non-immunocompromised patients. Prior to initiating treatment, appropriate nail specimens for laboratory testing (KOH preparation, fungal culture, or nail biopsy) should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis of onychomycosis. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12) .]

• Sporal, an azole antifungal, is indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail caused by Trichophyton rubrum or T. mentagrophytes. (1)

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Sporal should be taken with a full meal at the same time each day. The recommended dose is 200 mg (one tablet) once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.

• Onychomycosis of the toenail: recommended dose is 200 mg (one tablet) once daily for 12 consecutive weeks. (2)
• Take with a full meal at the same time each day. (2)

Use in Patients with Renal Impairment:

Limited data are available on the use of oral Sporal in patients with renal impairment. Caution should be exercised when Sporal is administered to patients with renal impairment.

Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment:

Limited data are available on the use of oral Sporal in patients with hepatic impairment. Caution should be exercised when Sporal is administered to patients with hepatic impairment.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Sporal contain 200 mg of Sporal, as a white to slightly grey, oblong, biconvex tablet engraved with "BARRIER" on one side and "It 200" on the other side.

• Tablets: 200 mg (3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Do not administer for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF. (4)
• Do not administer for the treatment of onychomycosis to pregnant patients or to women contemplating pregnancy. (4, 8.1)
• Co-administration of cisapride, dofetilide, ergot alkaloids such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergometrine (ergonovine), and methylergometrine (methylergonovine); felodipine, levacetylmethadol (levomethadyl), lovastatin, methadone, oral midazolam, nisoldipine, pimozide, quinidine, simvastatin, and triazolam with Sporal is contraindicated. (4)
• Anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity have been reported with use of Sporal. Sporal is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to Sporal products. (4)

Congestive Heart Failure: Do not administer Sporal for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF.

Drug Interactions: Concomitant administration of Sporal and certain drugs that are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4) or where gastrointestinal absorption is regulated by P-gp may result in increased plasma concentrations of those drugs, leading to potentially serious and/or life-threatening adverse events.

Co-administration of cisapride, dofetilide, ergot alkaloids such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergometrine (ergonovine), and methylergometrine (methylergonovine), felodipine, levacetylmethadol (levomethadyl), lovastatin, methadone, oral midazolam, nisoldipine, pimozide, quinidine, simvastatin, and triazolam with Sporal is contraindicated.

Do not administer Sporal for the treatment of onychomycosis to pregnant patients or to women contemplating pregnancy.

Anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity have been reported with use of Sporal. Sporal is contraindicated for patients who have shown hypersensitivity to Sporal products.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

• Cases of CHF, peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported with Sporal administration among patients being treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections.
• Cardiac Dysrhythmias: (5.2)
• Cardiac Disease: (5.3)
• Hepatic Effects: (5.4)
• Calcium Channel Blockers: (5.5)
• Neuropathy: (5.6)
• Hearing Loss: (5.7)

5.1 Congestive Heart Failure, Peripheral Edema, and Pulmonary Edema

Cases of CHF, peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported with Sporal administration among patients being treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5), and Clinical Pharmacology (12) .]

5.2 Cardiac Dysrhythmias

Life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and/or sudden death have occurred in patients using cisapride, pimozide, levacetylmethadol, methadone, or quinidine concomitantly with Sporal and/or other CYP3A4 inhibitors. Concomitant administration of these drugs with Sporal is contraindicated.

5.3 Cardiac Disease

Sporal should not be administered in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF.

Sporal has been shown to have a negative inotropic effect. When Sporal was administered intravenously to anesthetized dogs, a dose-related negative inotropic effect was documented. In a healthy volunteer study of Sporal injection, transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed using gated SPECT imaging; these resolved before the next infusion, 12 hours later.

For patients with risk factors for congestive heart failure, physicians should carefully review the risks and benefits of Sporal therapy. These risk factors include cardiac disease such as ischemic and valvular disease; significant pulmonary disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and renal failure and other edematous disorders. Such patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of CHF, should be treated with caution, and should be monitored for signs and symptoms of CHF during treatment. If signs or symptoms of CHF appear during administration of Sporal, discontinue administration.

5.4 Hepatic Effects

Sporal has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. Some of these cases had neither pre-existing liver disease nor a serious underlying medical condition, and some of these cases developed within the first week of treatment. If clinical signs or symptoms develop that are consistent with hepatotoxicity, treatment should be discontinued immediately and liver function testing performed.

In patients with elevated or abnormal liver enzymes or active liver disease, or who have experienced liver toxicity with other drugs, treatment with Sporal is not recommended. Liver function monitoring should be done in patients with pre-existing hepatic function abnormalities or those who have experienced liver toxicity with other medications and should be considered in all patients receiving Sporal.

5.5 Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers can have negative inotropic effects which may be additive to those of Sporal. In addition, Sporal can inhibit the metabolism of calcium channel blockers. Therefore, caution should be used when co-administering Sporal and calcium channel blockers due to an increased risk of CHF. Concomitant administration of Sporal and nisoldipine is contraindicated.

5.6 Neuropathy

If neuropathy occurs that may be attributable to Sporal, the treatment should be discontinued.

5.7 Hearing Loss

Transient or permanent hearing loss has been reported in patients receiving treatment with Sporal. Several of these reports included concurrent administration of quinidine which is contraindicated. The hearing loss usually resolves when treatment is stopped, but can persist in some patients.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

• Most common adverse reactions observed in the treatment phase of the onychomycosis clinical trial are upper respiratory tract infections, increased hepatic enzymes, hypoacusis, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, arrhythmia, cough, sore throat and back pain. (6.1)
• Sporal has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-877-743-8454 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, the adverse reaction rate 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 clinical practice.

Patients in the trial for toenail onychomycosis were treated with a dosing regimen of 200 mg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.

The most commonly reported adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of Sporal was increased hepatic enzyme (6 subjects, 1.0%), followed by dizziness (3 subjects, 0.5%). No other adverse reaction leading to discontinuation occurred in more than one subject.

The table below lists all adverse reactions reported by at least 1% of patients who received Sporal during 12 weeks of treatment:

6.2 Post Marketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Sporal (all formulations) and are listed in Table 2 below. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establishing a causal relationship to drug exposure.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

• Concomitant administration of Sporal Tablets with certain drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system or transported by P-glycoprotein may result in increased plasma concentrations of those drugs, leading to potentially serious and/or life-threatening adverse events. (7.1)
• Drug Interactions with the following drugs or classes of drugs may occur: Antiarrhythmics, Anticonvulsants, Anti-HIV Agents, Antimycobacterials, Antineoplastics, Antipsychotics, Benzodiazepines, Calcium Channel Blockers, Gastric Acid Suppressors/Neutralizers, Gastrointestinal Motility Agents, HMG CoA-Reductase Inhibitors, Macrolide Antibiotics, Oral Hypoglycemic Agents, Polyenes, Opiate Analgesics. Not all drug interactions are included in Highlights. See Full Prescribing Information for complete listing. (7)

7.1 Effects of Sporal on Other Drugs

Sporal and its major metabolite, hydroxy-itraconazole, are strong inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4). Therefore, concomitant administration of Sporal and certain drugs metabolized by the cytochrome CYP3A4 may result in increased plasma concentrations of those drugs due to decreased elimination, leading to potentially serious and/or life-threatening adverse events. Sporal is also an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter and may result in increased plasma concentrations of drugs whose gastrointestinal absorption is regulated by P-gp. Whenever possible, plasma concentrations of these drugs should be monitored, and dosage adjustments made after concomitant Sporal therapy is initiated. When appropriate, clinical monitoring for signs or symptoms of increased or prolonged pharmacologic effects is advised. Upon discontinuation, Sporal plasma concentrations decline gradually (especially in patients with hepatic cirrhosis or in those receiving CYP3A4 inhibitors). This is particularly important when initiating therapy with drugs whose metabolism is affected by Sporal.

7.2 Effects of Other Drugs on Sporal

Inducers of CYP3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of Sporal. Sporal may not be effective in patients concomitantly taking Sporal and one of these drugs. Therefore, administration of these drugs with Sporal is not recommended.

Inhibitors of CYP3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of Sporal. Patients who must take Sporal concomitantly with one of these drugs should be monitored closely for signs or symptoms of increased or prolonged pharmacologic effects of Sporal.

Antiarrhythmics

The Class IA antiarrhythmic, quinidine and class III antiarrhythmic, dofetilide are known to prolong the QT interval. Co-administration of quinidine or dofetilide with Sporal may increase plasma concentrations of quinidine or dofetilide, which could result in serious cardiovascular events. Therefore, concomitant administration of Sporal and quinidine or dofetilide is contraindicated.

The Class IA antiarrhythmic, disopyramide has the potential to increase the QT interval at high plasma concentrations. Caution is advised when Sporal and disopyramide are administered concomitantly.

Concomitant administration of digoxin and Sporal has led to increased plasma concentrations of digoxin via inhibition of P-glycoprotein.

Anticonvulsants

Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin are all inducers of CYP3A4. Reduced plasma concentrations of Sporal were reported when Sporal was administered concomitantly with phenytoin. Although interactions with carbamazepine and phenobarbital have not been studied, concomitant administration of Sporal and these drugs would be expected to result in decreased plasma concentrations of Sporal. In addition, in vivo studies have demonstrated an increase in plasma carbamazepine concentrations in subjects concomitantly receiving ketoconazole. Although there are no data regarding the effect of Sporal on carbamazepine metabolism, because of the similarities between ketoconazole and Sporal, concomitant administration of Sporal and carbamazepine may inhibit the metabolism of carbamazepine.

Anti-HIV Agents

Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTI) such as nevirapine and efavirenz are inducers of CYP3A4. Human pharmacokinetic studies have shown that efavirenz, when concomitantly administered with Sporal, greatly decreased serum concentrations of Sporal and hydroxyl-itraconazole. Concomitant use of Sporal and efavirenz is not recommended.

In vivo studies have shown that nevirapine induces the metabolism of ketoconazole, significantly reducing the bioavailability of ketoconazole. Studies involving nevirapine and Sporal have not been conducted. However, because of the similarities between ketoconazole and Sporal, concomitant administration of Sporal and nevirapine is not recommended.

Concomitant administration of Sporal and protease inhibitors metabolized by CYP3A4, such as indinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir, may increase plasma concentrations of these protease inhibitors. In addition, concomitant administration of Sporal and indinavir and ritonavir (but not saquinavir) may increase plasma concentrations of Sporal. Caution is advised when Sporal and protease inhibitors must be given concomitantly.

Concomitant administration of Sporal and maraviroc has been reported to increase plasma concentration of maraviroc. The dose of maraviroc should be decreased to 150 mg twice daily when given in combination with Sporal.

Antimycobacterials

Drug interaction studies have demonstrated that plasma concentrations of azole antifungal agents and their metabolites, including Sporal and hydroxyitraconazole, were significantly decreased when these agents were given concomitantly with rifabutin or rifampin. In vivo data suggest that rifabutin is metabolized in part by CYP3A4. Sporal may inhibit the metabolism of rifabutin. Although no formal study data are available for isoniazid, similar effects should be anticipated. Therefore, the efficacy of Sporal could be substantially reduced if given concomitantly with one of these agents and co-administration is not recommended.

Antineoplastics

Sporal may inhibit the metabolism of busulfan, docetaxel, and vinca alkaloids.

Antipsychotics

Pimozide is known to prolong the QT interval and is partially metabolized by CYP3A4. Co-administration of pimozide with Sporal could result in serious cardiovascular events. Therefore, concomitant administration of Sporal and pimozide is contraindicated.

Increases in plasma aripiprazole concentrations have been demonstrated in subjects concomitantly receiving ketoconazole, requiring a reduction of the aripiprazole dose. Because of the similarities between ketoconazole and Sporal, a similar dose reduction for aripiprazole is recommended when patients concomitantly receive Sporal and aripiprazole.

Benzodiazepines

Concomitant administration of Sporal and alprazolam, diazepam, oral midazolam, or triazolam could lead to increased plasma concentrations of these benzodiazepines. Increased plasma concentrations could potentiate and prolong hypnotic and sedative effects. Concomitant administration of Sporal and oral midazolam or triazolam is contraindicated. If midazolam is administered parenterally, special precaution and patient monitoring is required since the sedative effect may be prolonged.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers can have a negative inotropic effect which may be additive to those of Sporal; Sporal can inhibit the metabolism of calcium channel blockers such as dihydropyridines (e.g., nifedipine, nisoldipine, and felodipine) and verapamil. Therefore, caution should be used when co-administering Sporal and calcium channel blockers due to an increased risk of CHF.

Concomitant administration of Sporal and nisoldipine results in clinically significant increases in nisoldipine plasma concentrations, which cannot be managed by dosage reduction, therefore the concomitant administration of Sporal and nisoldipine is contraindicated. A clinical study showed that felodipine exposure was increased by co-administration of Sporal, resulting in approximately 6-fold increase in the AUC and 8-fold increase in the C_max. The concomitant use of Sporal and felodipine is contraindicated.

Edema has been reported in patients concomitantly receiving Sporal and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Appropriate dosage adjustment may be necessary.

Gastric Acid Suppressors/Neutralizers

Reduced plasma concentrations of Sporal were reported when administered concomitantly with H₂-receptor antagonists. Studies have shown that absorption of Sporal is impaired when gastric acid production is decreased. Sporal should be administered with a cola beverage if the patient has achlorhydria or is taking H₂-receptor antagonists or other gastric acid suppressors. It is advised that antacids be administered at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after administration of Sporal. In a clinical study, when Sporal capsules were administered with omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor), the bioavailability of Sporal was significantly reduced.

Gastrointestinal Motility Agents

Co-administration of Sporal with cisapride can elevate plasma cisapride concentrations, which could result in serious cardiovascular events. Therefore, concomitant administration of Sporal with cisapride is contraindicated.

3-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-Glutaryl CoA-Reductase Inhibitors

Human pharmacokinetic data suggest that Sporal inhibits the metabolism of atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, which may increase the risk of skeletal muscle toxicity, including rhabdomyolysis. Concomitant administration of Sporal with 3-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-Glutaryl (HMG) CoA-Reductase inhibitors, such as lovastatin and simvastatin, is contraindicated.

Immunosuppressants

Concomitant administration of Sporal and cyclosporine or tacrolimus has led to increased plasma concentrations of these immunosuppressants. Similarly, concomitant administration of Sporal and sirolimus could increase plasma concentrations of sirolimus.

Monitoring of blood concentrations of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or sirolimus are recommended when Sporal are co-administered with these immunosuppressants and appropriate dosage adjustments should be made.

Macrolide Antibiotics

Erythromycin and clarithromycin are known inhibitors of CYP3A4 and may increase plasma concentrations of Sporal.

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents

Severe hypoglycemia has been reported in patients concomitantly receiving azole antifungal agents and oral hypoglycemic agents. A human pharmacokinetic study showed that co-administration with Sporal and a single dose of repaglinide (on the third day of a regimen of 200 mg initial dose, twice-daily 100 mg Sporal) resulted in a 1.4-fold higher repaglinide AUC. Blood glucose concentrations should be carefully monitored when Sporal and oral hypoglycemic agents are co-administered.

Polyenes Antifungal Agents

Prior treatment with Sporal, like other azoles, may reduce or inhibit the activity of polyenes such as amphotericin B. However, the clinical significance of this drug effect has not been clearly defined.

Opiate Analgesics

Levacetylmethadol (levomethadyl) and methadone are known to prolong the QT interval and are metabolized by CYP3A4. Co-administration of methadone or levacetylmethadol with Sporal could result in serious cardiovascular events. Therefore, concomitant administration of Sporal and methadone or levacetylmethadol are contraindicated.

Fentanyl plasma concentrations could be increased or prolonged by concomitant use of Sporal and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression.

In vitro data suggest that alfentanil is metabolized by CYP3A4. Administration with Sporal may increase plasma concentrations of alfentanil.

Other

• Elevated concentrations of ergot alkaloids can cause ergotism, i.e., a risk for vasospasm potentially leading to cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities. Concomitant administration of ergot alkaloids such as dihydroergotamine, ergometrine (ergonovine), ergotamine and methylergometrine (methylergonovine) with Sporal is contraindicated.
• Halofantrine has the potential to prolong the QT interval at high plasma concentrations. Caution is advised when Sporal and halofantrine are administered concomitantly.
• Human pharmacokinetic data suggest that concomitant administration of Sporal and buspirone results in significant increases in plasma concentrations of buspirone.
• Sporal may inhibit the metabolism of certain glucocorticosteroids such as budesonide, dexamethasone, fluticasone and methylprednisolone.
• Sporal enhances the anticoagulant effect of coumarin-like drugs, such as warfarin.
• Cilostazol and eletriptan are CYP3A4 metabolized drugs that should be used with caution when co-administered with Sporal.
• Co-administration of Sporal with meloxicam decreased peak plasma concentrations and the exposure of meloxicam by 64% and 37%, respectively. Monitor patients for responses to meloxicam when Sporal is concomitantly administered and dose adjustment should be considered if warranted.
• Co-administration of Sporal with fexofenadine increased the peak plasma concentration and the total exposure of fexofenadine by approximately 3-fold and augmented its anti-histamine effects.
• Co-administration of Sporal with loperamide increased peak plasma concentrations of loperamide by 3-fold and the total exposure by 3.9-fold. In addition, Sporal is an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein and may inhibit the transport of loperamide out of the brain, leading to elevated concentrations of loperamide in the brain. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of loperamide overdose, such as CNS depression, including drowsiness, dizziness and respiratory depression, and a dose or dosing frequency should be adjusted as necessary.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

• Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm.
• Nursing Mothers: Sporal is excreted in human milk. (8.3)
• Pediatric Use: The efficacy and safety have not been established in pediatric patients. No pharmacokinetic data are available in children. (8.4)

8.1 Pregnancy

Teratogenic effects. Pregnancy Category C

There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical trials in the pregnant women with Sporal. However, cases of congenital abnormalities have been reported with Sporal drug products in post-marketing reports. Therefore, Sporal should not be administered to pregnant women, women planning pregnancy, or women of child bearing potential unless these onychomycosis patients are using effective contraception measures to prevent pregnancy. Effective contraceptive measures should continue throughout the treatment period and for two months thereafter. Sporal should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Sporal produced a significant dose-related increase in maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, and teratogenicity in rats at dose levels of 40-160 mg/kg/day (2-10 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD], based on mg/m²/day comparisons), and in mice at 80 mg/kg/day (2 times MRHD, based on mg/m²/day comparisons). Teratogenic changes in rats included major skeletal defects; encephalocele and/or macroglossia developed in mice.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Sporal is excreted in human milk; therefore, the expected benefits of Sporal therapy for the mother should be weighed against the potential risk from exposure of Sporal to the infant.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Sporal in pediatric patients have not been established. No pharmacokinetic data on Sporal are available in children.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Sporal was evaluated in 42 of 593 subjects greater than 65 years of age.

Transient or permanent hearing loss has been reported in elderly patients receiving treatment with Sporal. Several of these reports included concurrent administration of quinidine which is contraindicated. Sporal should be used with care in elderly patients.

8.6 Renal Impairment

Limited data are available on the use of oral Sporal in patients with renal impairment. Caution should be exercised when Sporal is administered to patients with renal impairment.

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

Limited data are available on the use of oral Sporal in patients with hepatic impairment. Caution should be exercised when Sporal is administered to patients with hepatic impairment.

10 OVERDOSAGE

Sporal is not removed by dialysis. In the event of accidental overdosage, supportive measures, including gastric lavage with sodium bicarbonate, should be employed.

11 DESCRIPTION

Sporal (itraconazole) is a synthetic triazole antifungal agent for oral use. Sporal is a 1:1:1:1 racemic mixture of four diastereomers (two enantiomeric pairs), each possessing three chiral centers. It may be represented by the following structural formula and nomenclature:

(±)-cis-4-[4-[4-[4[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolane-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2,4-dihydro-2-(1-methylpropyl)-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one

Sporal has a molecular formula of C₃₅H₃₈Cl₂N₈O₄ and a molecular weight of 705.64. It is a white to slightly yellowish powder. It is insoluble in water, very slightly soluble in alcohols, and freely soluble in dichloromethane. It has a pKa of 3.70 (based on extrapolation of values obtained from methanolic solutions) and a log (n-octanol/water) partition coefficient of 5.66 at pH 8.1.

Each Sporal is formulated for melt extrusion technology and contains 200 mg of Sporal and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hypromellose, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, propylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Chemical Structure

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Sporal, an azole, is an antifungal agent [See Clinical Pharmacology and Microbiology (12.4) ].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The oral bioavailability of Sporal is increased when Sporal is taken with a FDA standard high-fat meal. The pharmacokinetic parameters of Sporal and hydroxy-itraconazole after administration of one Sporal to 9 male and 9 female healthy subjects in fasting and in fed conditions are presented in the table below:

The steady-state pharmacokinetics of Sporal and hydroxy-itraconazole were analyzed after oral dosing of 16 healthy volunteers with one Sporal following a moderate-fat breakfast once daily for 14 days in an open-label study. Mean maximum plasma levels of Sporal and hydroxy-itraconazole increased from Day 1 to Day 14 by approximately 6- and 4-fold, respectively. The respective pharmacokinetic parameters from this study are reflected in the table below:

In a 2-period, open-label, randomized, cross-over, pivotal bioequivalence study to assess the comparative bioavailability of the Sporal and a marketed 100-mg Sporal capsule, 28 male and 28 female healthy subjects were given as a single dose, 200 mg of Sporal immediately after a moderate-fat breakfast (same caloric and fat contents as in the table above). Fifty-two subjects were included in the final analysis.

The C_max of the Sporal was comparable to that of the 2 Sporal 100-mg capsules while AUC_t and AUC_∞ were about 15% higher with the Sporal.

In another 2-period, open-label, randomized, cross-over, pivotal bioequivalence study, 28 male and 28 female healthy subjects were given one Sporal or two 100-mg Sporal capsules following the FDA standard high-fat breakfast. The C_max and AUC_∞ of the Sporal were 20 and 30% lower, respectively, than those of two Sporal 100-mg capsules. Overall, the inter-subject variability was high and coefficient of variances (CV) for AUCs in the above two studies were 44-66%.

Sporal is metabolized predominately by the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4), resulting in the formation of several metabolites. Hydroxyitraconazole, the major metabolite, has in vitro antifungal activity comparable to Sporal. Results of a pharmacokinetics study suggest that Sporal may undergo saturable metabolism with multiple dosing. Based on an oral dose, fecal excretion of the parent drug varies between 3-18% of the dose. Sporal is excreted mainly as inactive metabolites in the urine (35%) and feces (54%) within one week of an oral dose. No single excreted metabolite represents more than 5% of a dose. The plasma protein binding of Sporal has been reported to be 99.8% and that of hydroxy-itraconazole is 99.5%.

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Sporal inhibits the cytochrome P450-dependent synthesis of ergosterol, which is a vital component of fungal cell membranes.

Activity In Vitro

Sporal exhibits in vitro activity against Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Resistance

Isolates from several fungal species with decreased susceptibility to Sporal have been isolated from patients receiving prolonged therapy.

Several in vitro studies have reported that some fungal clinical isolates with reduced susceptibility to one azole antifungal agent may also be less susceptible to other azole derivatives. The finding of cross-resistance is dependent on a number of factors, including the species evaluated, its clinical history, the particular azole compounds compared, and the type of susceptibility test that is performed. The relevance of these in vitro susceptibility data to clinical outcome remains to be elucidated.

Special Populations

Renal Insufficiency

Limited data are available on the use of oral Sporal in patients with renal impairment. A pharmacokinetic study using a single 200-mg dose of Sporal was conducted in three groups of patients with renal impairment (uremia: n=7; hemodialysis: n=7; and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: n=5). In uremic subjects with a mean creatinine clearance of 13 mL/min. × 1.73 m², the exposure, based on AUC, was slightly reduced compared with normal population parameters. The study did not demonstrate any significant effect of hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis on the pharmacokinetics of Sporal (T_max, C_max, and AUC_0-8). Plasma concentration-versus-time profiles showed wide intersubject variation in all three groups. Caution should be exercised when the drug is administered in this population.

Hepatic Insufficiency

Sporal is predominantly metabolized in the liver. Patients with impaired hepatic function should be carefully monitored when taking Sporal. A pharmacokinetic study using a single oral 100 mg dose of Sporal was conducted in 6 healthy and 12 cirrhotic subjects. A statistically significant reduction in mean C_max (47%) and a twofold increase in the elimination half-life (37 ± 17 hours vs. 16 ± 5 hours) of Sporal were noted in cirrhotic subjects compared with healthy subjects. However, overall exposure to Sporal, based on AUC, was similar in cirrhotic patients and in healthy subjects. The prolonged elimination half-life of Sporal observed in the single oral dose clinical trial with Sporal in cirrhotic patients should be considered when deciding to initiate therapy with other medications metabolized by CYP3A4. Data are not available in cirrhotic patients during long-term use of Sporal.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility studies were conducted with Sporal.

Sporal did not exhibit any carcinogenic potential in mice receiving oral doses up to 80 mg/kg/day (2 times MRHD, based on mg/m²/day comparisons) for 23 months. A slightly increased incidence of soft tissue sarcoma was observed in male rats administered 25 mg/kg/day (1.3 times MRHD, based on mg/m²/day comparisons). These tumors may have been related to hypercholesterolemia caused by chronic treatment with Sporal in rats; hypercholesterolemia is not observed with such treatment in dogs or humans. Compared to untreated controls, female rats receiving 50 mg/kg/day (2.5 times MRHD, based on mg/m²/day comparisons) had a statistically insignificant increase in squamous cell carcinoma in lungs (2/50), an uncommon tumor in rats.

Sporal did not exhibit any mutagenic or genotoxic effects when evaluated in a DNA repair test (unscheduled DNA synthesis) in primary rat hepatocytes, in Ames tests (6 Salmonella strains and E. coli), in the mouse lymphoma gene mutation test, in a sex-linked recessive lethal mutation (Drosophila melanogaster) test, in chromosome aberration test (human lymphocytes), in a cell transformation assay (C3H/10T^½ C18 mouse embryo fibroblasts), in a dominant lethal mutation test in male and female mice, and in micronucleus tests in mice and rats.

Sporal did not affect the fertility in male or female rats treated with oral doses up to 40 mg/kg/day (2 times MRHD, based on mg/m²/day comparisons); however, parental toxicity occurred at this dosage. More severe parental toxicity was observed at 160 mg/kg/day (10 times MRHD, based on mg/m²/day comparisons).

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

The efficacy of Sporal for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail was examined in a randomized, multi-center, placebo-controlled, third-party blinded trial comparing Sporal to two 100 mg Sporal capsules and placebo tablets.

In the clinical study, 791 subjects with diagnosis of distal and/or lateral subungual onychomycosis were randomized to Sporal (N= 593) or placebo tablets (N= 198) once daily for 12 consecutive weeks. The median age of subjects enrolled in the trial was 48 years and 75% were males. At baseline, 95.1% of subjects had onychomycosis due to T. rubrum with a baseline global severity score of 'Moderate' which was defined as a target toenail involvement ≤50% dystrophy and/or discoloration with clear evidence of subungual hyperkeratosis and/or onycholysis.

The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with a Complete Cure at Week 52, nine months after completion of study medication. A Complete Cure was defined as both a Clinical Cure (no evidence of onychomycosis in target nail; normal nail unit without subungual hyperkeratosis or onycholysis) and Mycological Cure (negative KOH and negative culture). The following table illustrates the study results for Sporal and Placebo:

The Mycologic Cure rate was 44% and the Clinical Cure rate was 26% for subjects treated with Sporal. Comparatively, the Mycological Cure rate was 6% and the Clinical Cure rate was 3% for subjects treated with Placebo Tablets.

Efficacy results comparing Sporal to 200 mg of Sporal capsules (two 100 mg capsules) were similar.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

How Supplied

Sporal is available containing 200 mg of Sporal, as a white to slightly grey, oblong, biconvex tablet engraved with "BARRIER" on one side and "It 200" on the other side. Each carton (NDC 0259-1420-28) contains two blister cards of 14 tablets each (NDC 0259-1420-14).

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F). Excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

17.1 Information for Patients

• Instruct patients that hearing loss can occur with the use of Sporal. The hearing loss usually resolves when treatment is stopped, but can persist in some patients. Advise patients to inform their physicians if any hearing loss occurs.

ONM:3PI

FDA-Approved Patient Labeling

Sporal (itraconazole)

Read this Patient Information before you start using Sporal 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 treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about Sporal?

Sporal can cause serious life-threatening side effects, including:

• Heart Failure. Do not take Sporal if you have had heart failure, including congestive heart failure.
  

  Stop taking Sporal and call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms of congestive heart failure:
  

  shortness of breath swelling of your feet, ankles, or legs sudden weight gain increased tiredness

  coughing up white or pink phlegm fast heartbeat waking up at night more than normal for you

• Serious cardiovascular effects. Do not take Sporal if you also take the following medicines:

  cisapride (Propulsid) pimozide (Orap) quinidine (Quindine Gluconate, Quindine Sulfate) dofetilide (Tikosyn) levomethadyl (Oralaam) midazolam (Versed) felodipine, nisoldipine (Lexxel, Plendil, Sular)

  triazolam (Halcion) lovastatin (Mevacor, Advicor, Altoprev) simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin) ergot alkaloids (Migranal, Ergonovine, Cafergot, Methergine, Dihydroergotamine Mesylate, Methylergonovine) methadone (Dolophine)

  
  

  This is not a complete list of medicines that can interact with Sporal.
  

• Before taking Sporal, tell your doctor about all the medicine you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Before you start any new medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to take it with Sporal.

What is Sporal?

Sporal is a prescription medicine used to treat fungal infections of the toenails. It is not known if Sporal is safe and effective in children under the age of 18.

Who should not take Sporal?

Do not take Sporal if you:

• have or had heart failure, including congestive heart failure.
• Take certain medicines. See "What is the most important information I should know about Sporal?"
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Sporal can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• have ever had an allergic reaction to Sporal or any of the other ingredients in Sporal. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of these ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Sporal?

Before taking Sporal, tell your doctor if you:

• have or had heart, lung, liver or kidney problems
• have any other medical conditions
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. See "Who should not take Sporal?". Females who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with Sporal and for 2 months after you stop treatment with Sporal. Talk to your doctor about the type of birth control that is best for you while taking Sporal.
• are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. Sporal can pass into your breastmilk and may harm your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take Sporal.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Taking Sporal with certain other medicines could lead to serious or life-threatening medical problems.

• See "What is the most important information I should know about Sporal?"
• Fentanyl. Taking fentanyl, a strong opioid narcotic main medicine with Sporal could cause serious breathing problems that can lead to death.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start any new medicine. They can tell you if it is safe to take Sporal with your other medicines.

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

How should I take Sporal?

Take Sporal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to finish all of your Sporal as prescribed by your doctor.

• Sporal comes in a 14 tablet blisterpack container.
• Take Sporal with a full meal at the same time each day.
• Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver function before you start and while you take Sporal, especially if you have liver problems.
• If you forget to take or miss doses of Sporal, skip that dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not make up missed doses.
• If you take too many Sporal, call your local poison control center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What are the possible side effects of Sporal?

Sporal can cause serious side effects, including:

• See "What is the most important information I should know about Sporal?"
• liver failure and death. Stop taking Sporal and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of liver failure including:

  unusually tired lose your appetite nausea abdominal pain

  vomiting yellow change in the color of your skin or eyes dark colored urine pale stools (bowel movements)

• nerve damage (neuropathy). Call your doctor right away if you have tingling or numbness in your hands or feet. You may need to stop taking Sporal if this happens.
• hearing loss. Hearing loss can happen for a short time or permanently in some people who take Sporal with other medications. Stop taking Sporal and call your doctor right away if you have any changes in your hearing.

Common side effects of Sporal include:

These are not all of the possible side effects of Sporal. Tell your doctor if you any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. 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.

How should I store Sporal?

• Store at controlled room temperature between 59° to 77°F (15° to 25°C).
• Keep Sporal away from light and moisture.
• Keep Sporal and all medicines out of reach of children.

General Information:

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in Patient Information leaflets. Do not use Sporal for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Sporal to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

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

For more information about Sporal call 1-877-743-8454.

What are the ingredients in Sporal?

Active ingredient: Sporal

Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

The following are registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers:

Dolophine^® (Roxane Laboratories, Inc), Mevacor^® (Merck & Co., Inc.), Advicor^® (Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), Altocor (Andrx Laboratories), Zocor^® (Merck & Co., Inc.), Halcion^® (Pharmacia), Versed^® (Roche Pharmaceuticals), Cardioquin^® (The Purdue Frederick Company), Quinaglute^® (Berlex Laboratories), Quinidex^® (A.H. Robins), Tikosyn (Pfizer, Inc.), Propulsid^® (Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P.), Orlaam^® (Roxane Laboratories), Migranal^® (Xcel Pharmaceuticals), Ergonovine (PDRX Pharmaceuticals), Cafergot^® (Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation), Methergine^® (Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation), Orap^® (Gate Pharmaceuticals), and Sular^® (First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation)

What happens if I have a fungal nail infection?

Anyone can have a fungal nail infection, but it is usually found in adults. When a fungus infects the nail, the infected part of the nail may turn yellow or brown. If not treated, the fungus may spread, and more of the nail may change color, may become thick or brittle, and the tip of the nail may become raised. In some patients, this can cause pain and discomfort.

Manufactured by:

Sanico N.V.

2300 Turnhout, Belgium

Manufactured for

Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC

4215 Tudor Lane

Greensboro, NC 27410

5011889

10/2012

ONM:3PIL

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 28 Tablet Carton

NDC 0259-1420-28

Rx Only

MERZ

2 Blister Cards

28 Tablets Total

Each Blister card contains

14 Tablets

Sporal

(itraconazole) Tablets 200 mg

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 28 Tablet Carton

Sporal pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:

• Itraconazole

Sporal available forms, composition, doses:

• Capsules; Oral; Itraconazole 100 mg
• Solution; Oral; Itraconazole 50 mg / 5 ml

Sporal destination | category:

• Human:
• Antifungals
• Azoles

Sporal Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:

• J02AC02 - Itraconazole

Sporal pharmaceutical companies:

• DKSH
• Janssen
• Zuellig Pharma

References

1. Dailymed."ONMEL (ITRACONAZOLE) TABLET [MERZ PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
2. Dailymed."ITRACONAZOLE: 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. "itraconazole". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/co... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

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