Eyeworld Daily News

12 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | JULY 23, 2021 Mallinckrodt Spread (PI) 12 BRIEF SUMMARY - Consult full prescribing information before use. ACTHAR ® GEL (repository corticotropin injection), for intramuscular or subcutaneous use. Initial U.S. Approval: 1952 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Infantile Spasms: Acthar Gel is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age. Multiple Sclerosis: Acthar Gel is indicated for the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. Controlled clinical trials have shown Acthar Gel to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. Rheumatic Disorders: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: Psoriatic arthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); Ankylosing spondylitis. Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of: systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis). Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Allergic States: Serum sickness. Ophthalmic Diseases: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis; iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis; anterior segment inflammation. Respiratory Diseases: Symptomatic sarcoidosis. Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus. CONTRAINDICATIONS Acthar Gel is contraindicated: • for intravenous administration. • in infants under 2 years of age who have suspected congenital infections. • with concomitant administration of live or live attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar Gel. • in patients with scleroderma, osteoporosis, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, recent surgery, history of or the presence of a peptic ulcer, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, primary adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenocortical hyperfunction, or sensitivity to proteins of porcine origin. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS The adverse effects of Acthar Gel are related primarily to its steroidogenic effects. Not all of the adverse events described below have been seen after treatment with Acthar Gel, but they might be expected to occur because they are steroidogenic effects [see Adverse Reactions (6.3)]. Infections Acthar Gel may increase the risks related to infections with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan or helminthic infections. Patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity should be observed closely, and if therapy is prolonged, chemoprophylaxis should be instituted. Cushing's Syndrome and Adrenal Insufficiency Upon Withdrawal Treatment with Acthar Gel can cause hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome. These conditions should be monitored especially with chronic use. Suppression of the HPA may occur following prolonged therapy with the potential for adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of the medication. Patients should be monitored for signs of insufficiency such as weakness, hyperpigmentation, weight loss, hypotension and abdominal pain. The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency in infants treated for infantile spasms can be difficult to identify. The symptoms are non-specific and may include anorexia, fatigue, lethargy, weakness, excessive weight loss, hypotension and abdominal pain. It is critical that parents and caregivers be made aware of the possibility of adrenal insufficiency when discontinuing Acthar Gel and should be instructed to observe for, and be able to recognize, these symptoms [see Patient Counseling Information (17)]. The recovery of the adrenal gland may take from days to months so patients should be protected from the stress (e.g., trauma or surgery) by the use of corticosteroids during the period of stress. The adrenal insufficiency may be minimized in adults and infants by tapering of the dose when discontinuing treatment. Signs or symptoms of Cushing's syndrome may occur during therapy but generally resolve after therapy is stopped. Patients should be monitored for these signs and symptoms such as deposition of adipose tissue in characteristics sites (e.g., moon face, truncal obesity), cutaneous striae, easy bruisability, decreased bone mineralization, weight gain, muscle weakness, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. Elevated Blood Pressure, Salt and Water Retention, and Hypokalemia Acthar Gel can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium and calcium. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. Caution should be used in the treatment of patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, or renal insufficiency. Vaccination Administration of live or live attenuated vaccines is contrain dicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar Gel. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered; however, the response to such vaccines can not be predicted. Other immunization procedures should be undertaken with caution in patients who are receiving Acthar Gel, especially when high doses are administered, because of the possible hazards of neurological complications and lack of antibody response. Masking Symptoms of Other Diseases Acthar Gel often acts by masking symptoms of other diseases/ disorders without altering the course of the other disease/disorder. Patients should be monitored carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy for signs of infection, abnormal cardiac function, hypertension, hyperglycemia, change in body weight and fecal blood loss. Gastrointestinal Perforation and Bleeding Acthar Gel can cause GI bleeding and gastric ulcer. There is also an increased risk for perforation in patients with certain gastrointestinal disorders. Signs of gastrointestinal perforation, such as peritoneal irritation, may be masked by the therapy. Use caution where there is the possibility of impending perforation, abscess or other pyogenic infections, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, and active or latent peptic ulcer. Behavioral and Mood Disturbances Use of Acthar Gel may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, irritability (especially in infants), mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression, to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated. These effects are reversible once Acthar Gel therapy is stopped. Comorbid Diseases Patients with a comorbid disease may have that disease worsened. Caution should be used when prescribing Acthar Gel in patients with diabetes and myasthenia gravis. Ophthalmic Effects Prolonged use of Acthar Gel may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi and viruses. Immunogenicity Potential Acthar Gel is immunogenic. Limited available data suggest that a patient may develop antibodies to Acthar Gel after chronic administration and loss of endogenous ACTH and Acthar Gel activity. Prolonged administration of Acthar Gel may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Use in patients with sensitivity to porcine protein is contraindicated, and the possibility of sensitivity should be considered during the course of treatment should symptoms arise. Use in Patients with Hypothyroidism or Liver Cirrhosis There is an enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis of the liver. Negative Effects on Growth and Physical Development Long-term use of Acthar Gel may have negative effects on growth and physical development in pediatric patients. Changes in appetite are seen with Acthar Gel therapy, with the effects becoming more frequent as the dose or treatment period increases. These effects are reversible once Acthar Gel therapy is stopped. Growth and physical development of pediatric patients on prolonged therapy should be carefully monitored. Decrease in Bone Density Decrease in bone formation and an increase in bone resorption both through an effect on calcium regulation (i.e., decreasing absorption and increasing excretion) and inhibition of osteoblast function may occur. These, together with a decrease in the protein matrix of the bone (secondary to an increase in protein catabolism) and reduced sex hormone production, may lead to inhibition of bone growth in children and adolescents and to the development of osteoporosis at any age. Special consideration should be given to patients at increased risk of osteoporosis (i.e., postmenopausal women) before initiating therapy, and bone density should be monitored in patients on long term therapy. Use in Pregnancy Acthar Gel has been shown to have an embryocidal effect. Apprise women of potential harm to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] • Cushing's Syndrome and Adrenal Insufficiency Upon Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Elevated Blood Pressure, Salt and Water Retention, and Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] • Masking Symptoms of Other Diseases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] • Gastrointestinal Perforation and Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] • Behavioral and Mood Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] • Ophthalmic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] • Immunogenicity Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] • Negative Effects on Growth and Physical Development [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] • Decrease in Bone Density [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)] • Use in Pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions ((5.14)] Please refer to Adverse Reactions in Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age (Section 6.1) for consideration when treating patients with infantile spasms. The adverse reactions presented in Section 6.2 are primarily provided for consideration in use in adults and in children over 2 years of age, but these adverse reactions should also be considered when treating infants and children under 2 years of age. 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. Adverse Reactions in Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age While the types of adverse reactions seen in infants and children under age 2 treated for infantile spasms are similar to those seen in older patients, their frequency and severity may be different due to the very young age of the infant, the underlying disorder, the duration of therapy and the dosage regimen. Below is a summary of adverse reactions specifically tabulated from source data derived from retrospective chart reviews and clinical trials in children under 2 years of age treated for infantile spasms. The number of patients in controlled trials at the recommended dose was too few to provide meaningful incidence rates or to permit a meaningful comparison to the control groups. The most common adverse reactions (5% or greater in the recommended twice daily dosing group) for the treatment of infantile spasms are increased risk of infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability, and pyrexia. TABLE: Incidence (%) of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age Treated with Acthar Gel Adverse Reactions Recommended 75 U/m 2 twice daily n=122, (%) 150 U/m 2 once daily n=37 (%) Cardiac disorders Cardiac Hypertrophy 3 0 Endocrine disorders Cushingoid 3 22 Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 3 14 Vomiting 3 5 Constipation 0 5 General disorders and administration site conditions Irritability 7 19 Pyrexia 5 8 Adverse Reactions Recommended 75 U/m 2 twice daily n=122, (%) 150 U/m 2 once daily n=37 (%) Infections and infestations Infection* 20 46 Investigations Weight gain 1 3 Metabolism and nutrition disorders Increased appetite 0 5 Decreased appetite 3 3 Nervous system disorders Convulsion † 12 3 Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Nasal Congestion 1 5 Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Acne 0 14 Rash 0 8 Vascular disorders Hypertension 11 19 *Specific infections that occurred at ≥ 2% were candidiasis, otitis media, pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infections. † In the treatment of infantile spasms, other types of seizures/convulsions may occur because some patients with infantile spasms progress to other forms of seizures (for example, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome). Additionally, the spasms sometimes mask other seizures and once the spasms resolve after treatment, the other seizures may become visible. These adverse reactions may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age when treated for other purposes and with different doses and regimens. Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Acthar Gel. Because adverse 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. Allergic Reactions Allergic responses have presented as dizziness, nausea, and shock (adults only). Cardiovascular Necrotizing angitis (adults only) and congestive heart failure. Dermatologic Skin thinning (adults only), facial erythema, and increased sweating (adults only). Endocrine Decreased carbohydrate tolerance (infants only), hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities. Gastrointestinal Pancreatitis (adults only), abdominal distention, and ulcerative esophagitis. General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Injection site reaction and asthenic conditions (including fatigue, malaise, asthenia, and lethargy). Infections and Infestations Abscess. Investigations Blood glucose increased. Metabolic Hypokalemic alkalosis (infants only) and fluid retention (including peripheral swelling). Musculoskeletal Muscle weakness and vertebral compression fractures (infants only). Neurological Headache (adults only), vertigo (adults only), subdural hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage (adults only), and reversible brain shrinkage (usually secondary to hypertension) (infants only). Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia. Possible Additional Steroidogenic Effects Based on steroidogenic effects of Acthar Gel certain adverse events may be expected due to the pharmacological effects of corticosteroids. The adverse events that may occur but have not been reported for Acthar Gel are: Dermatologic Impaired wound healing, petechiae and ecchymoses, and suppression of skin test reactions. Metabolic Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism and alteration in glucose tolerance. Musculoskeletal Loss of muscle mass and aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads. Neurological Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema, (pseudo-tumor cerebri) usually after treatment, and subdural effusion. Ophthalmic Exophthalmos. DRUG INTERACTIONS Formal drug-drug interaction studies have not been performed. Acthar Gel may accentuate the electrolyte loss associated with diuretic therapy. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy Pregnancy Class C: Acthar Gel has been shown to have an embryocidal effect. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Acthar Gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Acthar Gel, when treating a nursing mother, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, considering the risk and benefit to the mother. Pediatric Use Acthar Gel is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children less than 2 years of age. Both serious and other adverse reactions can occur in this population [see Warnings and Precautions (5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The efficacy of Acthar Gel for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children less than 2 years of age was evaluated in a randomized, single blinded (video EEG interpreter blinded) clinical trial and an additional active control supportive trial [see Clinical Studies (14)]. A responding patient was defined as having both complete cessation of spasms and elimination of hypsarrhythmia. Safety in the pediatric population for infantile spasms was evaluated by retrospective chart reviews and data from non-sponsor conducted clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. While the types of adverse reactions seen in infants and children under 2 years of age treated for infantile spasms are similar to those seen in older patients, their frequency and severity may be different due to the very young age of the infant, the underlying disorder, the duration of therapy and the dosage regimen. Effects on growth are of particular concern [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. Serious adverse reactions observed in adults may also occur in children [see Warnings and Precautions (5)]. HOW SUPPLIED / STORAGE AND HANDLING Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) is supplied as 5 mL multi-dose vial (NDC 63004-8710-1) containing 80 USP Units per mL. Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) should be warmed to room temperature before using. Do not over pressurize the vial prior to withdrawing the product. Store Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) under refrigeration between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Product is stable for the period indicated on the label when stored under the conditions described. PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise caretakers of patients with infantile spasms to read the FDA- approved patient labeling (Medication Guide). Patients should be instructed to take Acthar Gel only as prescribed. They should not stop treatment suddenly unless instructed by their healthcare provider to do so. Patients, their caregivers and families should be advised as to the importance of the need for careful monitoring while on and during titration from Acthar Gel treatment and the importance of not missing scheduled doctor's appointments. Infections Advise patients, their caregivers, and families to contact their healthcare provider if the patient develops an infection or fever. Inform patients and caregivers that a fever may not necessarily be present during infection and to try to limit contact with other people with infections to minimize the risk of infection while taking Acthar Gel [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Cushing's Syndrome and Adrenal Insufficiency Upon Withdrawal Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome, such as fat increases in the face (moon face) or trunk area, cutaneous striae, easy bruisability, weight gain, muscle weakness, hyperglycemia, and hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Inform patients that adrenal insufficiency can occur upon withdrawal of Acthar Gel. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop weakness, hyperpigmentation, weight loss, hypotension, or abdominal pain. Advise caregivers of patients with infantile spasms that symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may be difficult to identify and that additional symptoms may include anorexia, fatigue, or lethargy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Elevated Blood Pressure, Salt and Water Retention, and Hypokalemia Advise patients, their caregivers and families to contact their healthcare provider if the patient experiences an increase in blood pressure or water retention [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Vaccinations Advise patients and caregivers of patients to not to be vaccinated with live or live attenuated vaccines during treatment with Acthar Gel. Additionally, other immunization procedures in patients or in family members who will be in contact with the patient should be undertaken with caution while the patient is taking Acthar Gel [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Masking Symptoms of Other Diseases Inform patients, their caregivers, and families that Acthar Gel may mask symptoms of other diseases/disorders without altering the course of the other disease/disorder. Monitor the patient carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy and inform their healthcare provider if signs of infection, abnormal cardiac function, hypertension, hyperglycemia, change in body weight, or fecal blood loss occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Gastrointestinal Perforation and Bleeding Advise patients, their caregivers and families to contact their healthcare provider if the patient or the caregiver notices blood or a change in color of the patient's stool [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Behavioral and Mood Disturbances Inform patients, their caregivers and families that signs of irritability, sleep disturbances, mood swings, personality changes, or severe depression may occur. These effects are reversible once Acthar Gel therapy is stopped [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Negative Effects on Growth and Physical Development Advise patients, their caregivers and families that changes in appetite, most often leading to weight gain, are seen with Acthar Gel therapy, becoming more frequent as the dose or treatment period increases. These effects are reversible once Acthar Gel therapy is stopped [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Decrease in Bone Density Advise patients, their caregivers and families that prolonged use of Acthar Gel may inhibit skeletal growth in children and adolescents, and may cause osteoporosis and decreased bone density at any age. If prolonged use is necessary, Acthar Gel should be given intermittently along with careful observation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Infantile Spasms Additional Information Inform caregivers that, in the treatment of infantile spasms, other types of seizures may occur because some patients with infantile spasms progress to other forms of seizures (for example, Lennox- Gastaut Syndrome). Additionally the spasms sometimes mask other seizures and once the spasms resolve after treatment with Acthar Gel, the other seizures may become visible. Advise parents and caregivers to inform the patient's healthcare provider of any new onset of seizures so that appropriate management can then be instituted [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark, the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo and other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. © 2021 Mallinckrodt Manufactured for: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC. 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