UROXATRAL Extended-release tablet Ref.[49799] Active ingredients: Alfuzosin

5.1 Postural Hypotension

Postural hypotension with or without symptoms (e.g., dizziness) may develop within a few hours following administration of UROXATRAL. As with other alpha adrenergic antagonists, there is a potential for syncope. Patients should be warned of the possible occurrence of such events and should avoid situations where injury could result should syncope occur. There may be an increased risk of hypotension/postural hypotension and syncope when taking UROXATRAL concomitantly with anti-hypertensive medication and nitrates. Care should be taken when UROXATRAL is administered to patients with symptomatic hypotension or patients who have had a hypotensive response to other medications.

5.2 Patients with Renal Impairment

Caution should be exercised when UROXATRAL is administered in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.3 Patients with Hepatic Impairment

UROXATRAL is contraindicated for use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4), Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Although the pharmacokinetics of UROXATRAL have not been studied in patients with mild hepatic impairment, caution should be exercised when UROXATRAL is administered to such patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.4 Drug-Drug Interactions

Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors

UROXATRAL is contraindicated for use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) since alfuzosin blood levels are increased [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Other alpha adrenergic antagonists

UROXATRAL is an alpha adrenergic antagonist and should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic antagonist [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors

PDE5-inhibitors are also vasodilators. Caution is advised for concomitant use of PDE5-inhibitors and UROXATRAL, as this combination can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].

5.5 Prostatic Carcinoma

Carcinoma of the prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cause many of the same symptoms. These two diseases frequently coexist. Therefore, patients thought to have BPH should be examined to rule out the presence of carcinoma of the prostate prior to starting treatment with UROXATRAL.

5.6 Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS)

IFIS has been observed during cataract surgery in some patients on or previously treated with alpha adrenergic antagonists. This variant of small pupil syndrome is characterized by the combination of a flaccid iris that billows in response to intraoperative irrigation currents, progressive intraoperative miosis despite preoperative dilation with standard mydriatic drugs, and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions. The patient’s ophthalmologist should be prepared for possible modifications to their surgical technique, such as the utilization of iris hooks, iris dilator rings, or viscoelastic substances.

There does not appear to be a benefit of stopping alpha adrenergic antagonist therapy prior to cataract surgery.

5.7 Priapism

Rarely (probably less than 1 in 50,000), alfuzosin, like other alpha adrenergic antagonists, has been associated with priapism (persistent painful penile erection unrelated to sexual activity). Because this condition can lead to permanent impotence if not properly treated, patients should be advised about the seriousness of the condition [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) and Patient Counseling Information [17.3]).

5.8 Coronary Insufficiency

If symptoms of angina pectoris should appear or worsen, UROXATRAL should be discontinued.

5.9 Patients with Congenital or Acquired QT Prolongation

Use with caution in patients with acquired or congenital QT prolongation or who are taking medications that prolong the QT interval [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

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 clinical practice.

The incidence of adverse reactions has been ascertained from 3 placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 1,608 men where daily doses of 10 and 15 mg alfuzosin were evaluated. In these 3 trials, 473 men received UROXATRAL (alfuzosin HCl) 10 mg extended-release tablets. In these trials, 4% of patients taking UROXATRAL (alfuzosin HCl) 10 mg extended-release tablets withdrew from the trial due to adverse reactions, compared with 3% in the placebo group.

Table 1 summarizes adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of patients receiving UROXATRAL, and at a higher incidence than that of the placebo group. In general, the adverse reactions seen in long-term use were similar in type and frequency to the events described below for the 3-month trials.

Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of UROXATRAL-Treated Patients and More Frequently than with Placebo in 3-Month Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials:

The following adverse reactions, reported by between 1% and 2% of patients receiving UROXATRAL and occurring more frequently than with placebo, are listed alphabetically by body system and by decreasing frequency within body system:

Body as a whole: pain

Gastrointestinal system: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, nausea

Reproductive system: impotence

Respiratory system: bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis

Signs and Symptoms of Orthostasis in Clinical Trials: The adverse reactions related to orthostasis that occurred in the double-blind phase 3 trials with alfuzosin 10 mg are summarized in Table 2. Approximately 20% to 30% of patients in these trials were taking antihypertensive medication.

Table 2. Number (%) of Patients with Symptoms Possibly Associated with Orthostasis in 3-Month Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials:

Testing for blood pressure changes or orthostatic hypotension was conducted in three controlled studies. Decreased systolic blood pressure (≤90 mm Hg, with a decrease ≥20 mm Hg from baseline) was observed in none of the 674 placebo patients and 1 (0.2%) of the 469 UROXATRAL patients. Decreased diastolic blood pressure (≤50 mm Hg, with a decrease ≥15 mm Hg from baseline) was observed in 3 (0.4%) of the placebo patients and in 4 (0.9%) of the UROXATRAL patients. A positive orthostatic test (decrease in systolic blood pressure of ≥20 mm Hg upon standing from the supine position) was seen in 52 (7.7%) of placebo patients and in 31 (6.6%) of the UROXATRAL patients.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of UROXATRAL. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

General disorders: edema

Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, chest pain, angina pectoris in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation

Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, vomiting

Hepatobiliary disorders: hepatocellular and cholestatic liver injury (including cases with jaundice leading to drug discontinuation)

Respiratory system disorders: rhinitis

Reproductive system disorders: priapism

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash, pruritis, urticaria, angioedema, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Vascular disorders: flushing

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: thrombocytopenia

During cataract surgery, a variant of small pupil syndrome known as Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has been reported in some patients on or previously treated with alpha adrenergic antagonists [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

7.1 CYP3A4 Inhibitors

UROXATRAL is contraindicated for use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir, since alfuzosin blood levels are increased [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.2 Alpha Adrenergic Antagonists

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between UROXATRAL and other alpha adrenergic antagonists have not been determined. However, interactions may be expected, and UROXATRAL should not be used in combination with other alpha adrenergic antagonists [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

7.3 Antihypertensive Medication and Nitrates

There may be an increased risk of hypotension/postural hypotension and syncope when taking UROXATRAL concomitantly with anti-hypertensive medication and nitrates [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

7.4 PDE5 Inhibitors

Caution is advised when alpha adrenergic antagonists, including UROXATRAL, are co-administered with PDE5 inhibitors. Alpha adrenergic antagonists and PDE5 inhibitors are both vasodilators that can lower blood pressure. Concomitant use of these two drug classes can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Risk Summary

Uroxatral is not indicated for use in women.

There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with use of UROXATRAL in pregnant women.

Based on findings from animal studies, alfuzosin administered during the period of organogenesis was not teratogenic, embryotoxic or fetotoxic at upto 1200 times the MRHD of 10 mg via AUC in rats and 3 times in rabbit, via body surface area.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20% respectively.

Data

Animal data

Alfuzosin was not teratogenic, embryotoxic or fetotoxic in rats at plasma exposure levels (based on AUC of unbound drug) up to 1200 times (maternal oral dose of 250 mg/kg/day) the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 10 mg. In rabbits administered up to 3 times the MRHD (based on body surface area) (maternal oral dose of 100 mg/kg/day) no embryofetal toxicity or teratogenicity was observed. Gestation was slightly prolonged in rats at exposure levels (based on AUC of unbound drug) approximately 12 times (greater than 5 mg/kg/day oral maternal dose) the MRHD, but difficulties with parturition were not observed.

Risk Summary

UROXATRAL is not indicated for use in women. There are no data on presence of UROXATRAL in human milk, the effect on breastfed child, or effect on milk production.

UROXATRAL is not indicated for use in the pediatric population.

Efficacy of alfuzosin hydrochloride was not demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, efficacy and safety trial conducted in 172 patients ages 2 to 16 years with elevated detrusor leak point pressure (LPP≥40 cm H₂O) of neurologic origin treated with alfuzosin hydrochloride using pediatric formulations. The trial included a 12-week efficacy phase followed by a 40-week safety extension period. No statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients achieving a detrusor leak point pressure of <40 cm H₂0 was observed between the alfuzosin and placebo groups.

During the placebo-controlled trial, the adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with alfuzosin and at a higher incidence than in the placebo group were: pyrexia, headache, respiratory tract infection, cough, epistaxis and diarrhea. The adverse reactions reported for the whole 12-month trial period, which included the open-label extension, were similar in type and frequency to the reactions observed during the 12-week period.

Alfuzosin hydrochloride was not studied in patients below the age of 2.

Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of UROXATRAL, 48% were 65 years of age and over, whereas 11% were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Systemic exposure was increased by approximately 50% in pharmacokinetic studies of patients with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. In phase 3 studies, the safety profile of patients with mild (n=172) or moderate (n=56) renal impairment was similar to the patients with normal renal function in those studies. Safety data are available in only a limited number of patients (n=6) with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min; therefore, caution should be exercised when UROXATRAL is administered in patients with severe renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

The pharmacokinetics of UROXATRAL have not been studied in patients with mild hepatic impairment. UROXATRAL is contraindicated for use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].