Source: European Medicines Agency (EU) Revision Year: 2021 Publisher: MENARINI INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG S.A., 1, Avenue de la Gare, L-1611 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Patients who are using any form of organic nitrate or nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite) (see section 4.5).
The co-administration of type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors, including avanafil, with guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat is contraindicated as it may potentially lead to symptomatic hypotension (see section 4.5).
Physicians should consider the potential cardiac risk of sexual activity in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease before prescribing Spedra.
The use of avanafil is contraindicated in:
Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).
Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
Patients who have loss of vision in one eye because of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), regardless of whether this episode was in connection or not with previous PDE5 inhibitor exposure (see section 4.4).
Patients with known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders.
Patients who are using potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (including ketoconazole, ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir and telithromycin) (see sections 4.2, 4.4 and 4.5).
A medical history and physical examination should be undertaken to diagnose erectile dysfunction and determine potential underlying causes, before pharmacological treatment is considered.
Prior to initiating any treatment for erectile dysfunction, physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity (see section 4.3). Avanafil has vasodilator properties, resulting in mild and transient decreases in blood pressure (see section 4.5), and as such potentiates the hypotensive effect of nitrates (see section 4.3). Patients with left ventricular outflow obstruction, e.g. aortic stenosis and idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, can be sensitive to the action of vasodilators, including PDE5 inhibitors.
Patients who experience erections lasting 4 hours or more (priapism) should be instructed to seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency may result. Avanafil should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie’s disease), or in patients who have conditions which may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia).
Visual defects and cases of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) have been reported in connection with the intake of other PDE5 inhibitors. The patient should be advised that in case of sudden visual effects, he should stop taking Spedra and consult a physician immediately (see section 4.3).
In vitro studies with human platelets indicate that PDE5 inhibitors do not have an effect on platelet aggregation on their own, but at supratherapeutic doses they potentiate the anti-aggregatory effect of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside. In humans, PDE5 inhibitors do not appear to affect bleeding time alone or in combination with acetylsalicylic acid.
There is no safety information on the administration of avanafil to patients with bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration. Therefore, avanafil should be administered to such patients only after careful benefit-risk assessment.
Patients should be advised to stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including avanafil, and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. These events, which may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness, have been reported in temporal association to the intake of PDE5 inhibitors. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors.
The concomitant use of alpha-blockers and avanafil may lead to symptomatic hypotension in some patients due to additive vasodilatory effects (see section 4.5). Consideration should be given to the following:
Co-administration of avanafil with potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole or ritonavir is contraindicated (see sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.5). Concomitant use of other treatments for erectile dysfunction The safety and efficacy of combinations of Spedra and other PDE5 inhibitors or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Patients should be informed not to take Spedra in such combinations.
Consumption of alcohol in combination with avanafil can increase the potential for symptomatic hypotension (see section 4.5). Patients should be advised that concurrent use of avanafil and alcohol may increase the likelihood of hypotension, dizziness, or syncope. Physicians should also advise patients on what to do in the event of postural hypotensive symptoms.
Avanafil has not been evaluated in patients with erectile dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or other neurological disorders and in subjects with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
Avanafil was shown to augment the hypotensive effects of nitrates compared to placebo in healthy subjects. This is thought to result from the combined effects of nitrates and avanafil on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway. Therefore, administration of avanafil to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate or nitric oxide donor (such as amyl nitrite) is contraindicated. In a patient who has taken avanafil within 12 hours, where nitrate administration is deemed medically necessary in a lifethreatening situation, the likelihood of a significant and potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure is increased. In such circumstances, nitrates should still only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate haemodynamic monitoring (see section 4.3).
As a vasodilator, avanafil may reduce systemic blood pressure. If Spedra is used in combination with another medicinal product which reduces systemic blood pressure, the additive effects may result in symptomatic hypotension (e.g. dizziness, light-headedness, syncope or near-syncope). In phase III clinical trials no events of “hypotension” but occasional episodes of “dizziness” were observed (see section 4.8). One episode of “syncope” was observed in placebo and one episode on 100 mg of avanafil in phase III clinical trials.
Patients with left ventricular outflow obstruction (e.g. aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) and those with severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure can be particularly sensitive to the actions of vasodilators including avanafil (see section 4.4).
Haemodynamic interactions with doxazosin and tamsulosin were studied in healthy subjects in a twoperiod crossover-design trial. In patients receiving stable doxazosin treatment, the placebo-subtracted mean maximum decreases in standing and supine systolic blood pressure following avanafil dosing were 2.5 mmHg and 6.0 mmHg, respectively. In total, 7/24 subjects experienced values or decreases from baseline that were of potential clinical significance following avanafil dosing (see section 4.4).
In patients receiving stable tamsulosin treatment, the placebo-subtracted mean maximum decreases in standing and supine systolic blood pressure following avanafil dosing were 3.6 mmHg and 3.1 mmHg, respectively and 5/24 subjects experienced blood pressure values or decreases from baseline that were of potential clinical significance following avanafil dosing (see section 4.4).
A clinical study was conducted to assess the effect of avanafil on the potentiation of the blood pressure-lowering effects of selected antihypertensive medicinal products (amlodipine and enalapril). Results showed a mean maximum decrease in supine blood pressure of ⅔ mmHg compared to placebo with enalapril and 1/-1 mmHg with amlodipine when avanafil was co-administered. There was a statistically significant difference in maximum decrease from baseline in supine diastolic blood pressure with enalapril and avanafil only, which returned to baseline 4 hours after the dose of avanafil. In both cohorts, one subject experienced a decrease in blood pressure without symptoms of hypotension, which resolved within 1 hour of onset. Avanafil had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine, but amlodipine increased the maximum and total exposure of avanafil by 28% and 60%, respectively (see section 4.4).
Consumption of alcohol in combination with avanafil can increase the potential for symptomatic hypotension. In a single-dose three-way crossover design study evaluating healthy subjects, the mean maximum reduction in diastolic blood pressure was significantly greater following avanafil administered in combination with alcohol than following avanafil alone (3.2 mmHg) or alcohol alone (5.0 mmHg) (see section 4.4).
The safety and efficacy of combinations of avanafil and other PDE5 inhibitors or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied (see section 4.4).
Avanafil is a substrate of and predominantly metabolised by CYP3A4. Studies have shown that medicinal products that inhibit CYP3A4 can increase avanafil exposure (see section 4.2).
Ketoconazole (400 mg daily), a selective and highly potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased avanafil 50 mg single-dose Cmax and exposure (AUC) equal to 3-fold and 14-fold respectively and prolonged the half-life of avanafil to approximately 9 hours. Ritonavir (600 mg twice daily), a highly potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, which also inhibits CYP2C9, increased avanafil 50 mg single-dose Cmax and AUC equal to approximately 2-fold and 13-fold, and prolonged the half-life of avanafil to approximately 9 hours. Other strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g. itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, saquinavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, atazanavir, and telithromycin) would be expected to have similar effects. Consequently, co-administration of avanafil with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated (see sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4).
Erythromycin (500 mg twice daily), a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased avanafil 200 mg singledose Cmax and AUC equal to approximately 2-fold and 3-fold, respectively, and prolonged the half-life of avanafil to approximately 8 hours. Other moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. amprenavir, aprepitant, diltiazem, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, and verapamil) would be expected to have similar effects. Consequently, the maximum recommended dose of avanafil is 100 mg, not to exceed once every 48 hours for patients taking concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (see section 4.2).
Although specific interactions have not been studied, other CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice would likely increase avanafil exposure. Patients should be advised to avoid grapefruit juice within 24 hours prior to taking avanafil.
Amlodipine (5 mg daily) increased avanafil 200 mg single-dose Cmax and AUC by approximately 28% and 60%, respectively. These exposure changes are not considered clinically significant. There was no effect of a single dose of avanafil on amlodipine plasma levels.
Although specific interactions of avanafil with rivaroxaban and apixaban (both CYP3A4 substrates) have not been studied, an interaction is not expected.
The potential effect of CYP inducers, especially inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g. bosentan, carbamazepine, efavirenz, phenobarbital and rifampicin) on the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of avanafil has not been evaluated. The concomitant use of avanafil and a CYP inducer is not recommended as it may decrease the efficacy of avanafil.
In in vitro studies in human liver microsomes, avanafil showed a negligible potential for drug-drug interactions with CYP1A1/2, 2A6, 2B6 and 2E1. Further, the metabolites of avanafil (M4, M16 and M27), also demonstrated a minimal inhibition of CYPs 1A1/2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4. Based on these data avanafil is not anticipated to have a significant effect on other medicinal products metabolised by these enzymes.
Since the in vitro data identified potential avanafil interactions with CYPs 2C19, 2C8/9, 2D6 and 3A4, further clinical studies using omeprazole, rosiglitazone and desipramine did not reveal clinically relevant interactions with CYPs 2C19, 2C8/9 and 2D6.
The potential induction of CYP1A2, CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 by avanafil evaluated in primary human hepatocytes in vitro did not reveal any potential interaction at clinically relevant concentrations.
In vitro results showed for avanafil a modest potential for acting as P-gp substrate and P-gp inhibitor with digoxin as a substrate at concentrations lower than the calculated intestinal concentration. The potential of avanafil to interfere with the transport of other medicinal products mediated by P-gp is not known.
Based on in vitro data, at clinically relevant concentrations avanafil could be an inhibitor of BCRP. At clinically relevant concentrations avanafil is not an inhibitor of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, OCT2, OAT1, OAT3 and BSEP.
The impact of avanafil on other transporters is unknown.
Preclinical studies showed additive systemic blood pressure lowering effect when PDE5 inhibitors were combined with riociguat. In clinical studies, riociguat has shown to augment the hypotensive effects of PDE5 inhibitors. There was no evidence of favourable clinical effect of the combination in the population studied. Concomitant use of riociguat with PDE5 inhibitors, including avanafil, is contraindicated (see section 4.3).
Spedra is not indicated for use in women.
There are no data from the use of avanafil in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition, or postnatal development (see section 5.3).
There are no data on the use of avanafil during breast-feeding.
There was no effect on sperm motility or morphology after single 200 mg oral doses of avanafil in healthy volunteers.
In a clinical trial performed in healthy volunteers and adult males with mild erectile dysfunction, the daily administration of avanafil 100 mg oral doses over a period of 26 weeks was not associated with any untoward effects on sperm concentration, count, motility, or morphology.
Spedra has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. As dizziness and altered vision were reported in clinical trials with avanafil, patients should be aware of how they react to Spedra before driving or using machines.
The safety profile of Spedra is based on 2,566 subjects exposed to avanafil during the clinical development program. The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical studies were headache, flushing, nasal and sinus congestion and back pain. Overall adverse events and adverse reactions for avanafil-treated subjects were more frequent in subjects with a Body Mass Index (BMI) <25 (normal BMI subjects).
In the long term clinical study, the percentage of patients who experienced adverse reactions decreased with increasing length of exposure.
The table below lists the adverse reactions observed in placebo-controlled clinical trials according to the MedDRA frequency convention: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
| Adverse reaction (MedDRA Preferred Term) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| System Organ Class | Common | Uncommon | Rare |
| Infections and infestations | Influenza Nasopharyngitis | ||
| Immune system disorders | Seasonal allergy | ||
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Gout | ||
| Psychiatric disorders | Insomnia Premature ejaculation Inappropriate affect | ||
| Nervous system disorders | Headache | Dizziness Somnolence Sinus headache | Psychomotor hyperactivity |
| Eye disorders | Vision blurred | ||
| Cardiac disorders | Palpitations | Angina pectoris Tachycardia | |
| Vascular disorders | Flushing | Hot flush | Hypertension |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Nasal congestion | Sinus congestion Dyspnoea exertional | Rhinorrhoea Upper respiratory tract congestion Epistaxis |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Dyspepsia Nausea Vomiting Stomach discomfort | Dry mouth Gastritis Abdominal pain lower Diarrhoea | |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Rash | ||
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Back pain Muscle tightness | Flank pain Myalgia Muscle spasms | |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Pollakiuria | ||
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Penis disorder, Spontaneous penile erection, Pruritus genital | ||
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Fatigue | Asthenia Chest pain Influenza like illness Oedema peripheral | |
| Investigations | Hepatic enzyme increasedElectrocardiogram abnormal Heart rate increased | Blood pressure increased Blood urine present Cardiac murmur Prostate specific antigen increased Weight increased Blood bilirubin increased Blood creatinine increased Body temperature increased | |
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and sudden loss of hearing have been reported in a small number of postmarketing and clinical trial cases with other PDE5 inhibitors. No cases were reported during clinical trials of avanafil (see section 4.4).
Priapism has been reported in a small number of post-marketing and clinical trial cases with other PDE5 inhibitors. No cases were reported during clinical trials of avanafil.
Haematuria, haematospermia and penile haemorrhage has been reported in a small number of postmarketing and clinical trial cases with other PDE5 inhibitors.
Hypotension has been reported post marketing with other PDE5 inhibitors, and dizziness, a symptom commonly caused by lowered blood pressure, has been reported in clinical trials with avanafil (see section 4.5).
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.
Not applicable.
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