Fluticasone/salmeterol
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alonso Alvarado, M.D. [2]
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Black Box Warning
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WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH: Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA), such as salmeterol, one of the active ingredients in fluticasone + salmeterol, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a large placebo-controlled US trial that compared the safety of salmeterol with placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol (13 deaths out of 13,176 subjects treated for 28 weeks on salmeterol versus 3 deaths out of 13,179 subjects on placebo). Currently available data are inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients.
Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, physicians should only prescribe fluticasone + salmeterol for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue fluticasone + salmeterol) if possible without loss of asthma control and maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use fluticasone + salmeterol for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low- or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids.
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Overview
Fluticasone/salmeterol is a corticosteroid, beta2-adrenergic agonist that is FDA approved for the treatment of asthma, maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include nausea, oral candidiasis, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness, bronchitis, cough, difficulty speaking, hoarse, pharyngitis, throat irritation, upper respiratory tract infection, viral lower respiratory tract infection.
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Fluticasone + salmeterol should be administered as 1 inhalation twice daily by the orally inhaled route only. After inhalation, the patient should rinse his/her mouth with water without swallowing to help reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
More frequent administration or a greater number of inhalations (more than 1 inhalation twice daily) of the prescribed strength of fluticasone + salmeterol is not recommended as some patients are more likely to experience adverse effects with higher doses of fluticasone + salmeterol. Patients using fluticasone + salmeterol should not use additional LABA for any reason.
If asthma symptoms arise in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist should be taken for immediate relief.
Asthma: Adult and Adolescent Patients Aged 12 Years and Older
- For patients aged 12 years and older, the dosage is 1 inhalation twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
- The recommended starting dosages for fluticasone + salmeterol for patients aged 12 years and older are based upon patients’ asthma severity.
- The maximum recommended dosage is fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 twice daily.
- Improvement in asthma control following inhaled administration of fluticasone + salmeterol can occur within 30 minutes of beginning treatment, although maximum benefit may not be achieved for 1 week or longer after starting treatment. Individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and degree of symptom relief.
- For patients who do not respond adequately to the starting dosage after 2 weeks of therapy, replacing the current strength of fluticasone + salmeterol with a higher strength may provide additional improvement in asthma control.
- If a previously effective dosage regimen fails to provide adequate improvement in asthma control, the therapeutic regimen should be reevaluated and additional therapeutic options (e.g., replacing the current strength of fluticasone + salmeterol with a higher strength, adding additional inhaled corticosteroid, initiating oral corticosteroids) should be considered.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- The recommended dosage for patients with COPD is 1 inhalation of fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
- If shortness of breath occurs in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist should be taken for immediate relief.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Fluticasone/salmeterol in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Fluticasone/salmeterol in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
=Asthma: Pediatric Patients Aged 4 to 11 Years
For patients with asthma aged 4 to 11 years who are not controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid, the dosage is 1 inhalation of fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Fluticasone/salmeterol in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Fluticasone/salmeterol in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
The use of fluticasone + salmeterol is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required.
- Severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins.
Warnings
|
WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH: Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA), such as salmeterol, one of the active ingredients in fluticasone + salmeterol, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a large placebo-controlled US trial that compared the safety of salmeterol with placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol (13 deaths out of 13,176 subjects treated for 28 weeks on salmeterol versus 3 deaths out of 13,179 subjects on placebo). Currently available data are inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients.
Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, physicians should only prescribe fluticasone + salmeterol for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue fluticasone + salmeterol) if possible without loss of asthma control and maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use fluticasone + salmeterol for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low- or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids.
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Asthma-Related Death
LABA, such as salmeterol, one of the active ingredients in fluticasone + salmeterol, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Currently available data are inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, physicians should only prescribe fluticasone + salmeterol for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue fluticasone + salmeterol) if possible without loss of asthma control and maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use fluticasone + salmeterol for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low- or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids.
A large placebo‑controlled US trial that compared the safety of salmeterol with placebo, each added to usual asthma therapy, showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol. The Salmeterol Multi-center Asthma Research Trial (SMART) was a randomized double-blind trial that enrolled LABA-naive subjects with asthma to assess the safety of salmeterol 42 mcg twice daily over 28 weeks compared with placebo when added to usual asthma therapy. A planned interim analysis was conducted when approximately half of the intended number of subjects had been enrolled (N = 26,355), which led to premature termination of the trial. The results of the interim analysis showed that subjects receiving salmeterol were at increased risk for fatal asthma events (see Table 1 and Figure 1). In the total population, a higher rate of asthma-related death occurred in subjects treated with salmeterol than those treated with placebo (0.10% versus 0.02%; relative risk: 4.37 [95% CI: 1.25, 15.34]). Post-hoc subpopulation analyses were performed. In Caucasians, asthma-related death occurred at a higher rate in subjects treated with salmeterol than in subjects treated with placebo (0.07% versus 0.01%; relative risk: 5.82 [95% CI: 0.70, 48.37]). In African Americans also, asthma‑related death occurred at a higher rate in subjects treated with salmeterol than those treated with placebo (0.31% versus 0.04%; relative risk: 7.26 [95% CI: 0.89, 58.94]). Although the relative risks of asthma‑related death were similar in Caucasians and African Americans, the estimate of excess deaths in subjects treated with salmeterol was greater in African Americans because there was a higher overall rate of asthma‑related death in African American subjects (see Table 1). Given the similar basic mechanisms of action of beta2‑agonists, the findings seen in the SMART trial are considered a class effect.
Post-hoc analyses in pediatric subjects aged 12 to 18 years were also performed. Pediatric subjects accounted for approximately 12% of subjects in each treatment arm. Respiratory-related death or life-threatening experience occurred at a similar rate in the salmeterol group (0.12% [2/1,653]) and the placebo group (0.12% [2/1,622]; relative risk: 1.0 [95% CI: 0.1, 7.2]). All-cause hospitalization, however, was increased in the salmeterol group (2% [35/1,653]) versus the placebo group (< 1% [16/1,622]; relative risk: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.1, 3.7]).
The data from the SMART trial are not adequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids, such as fluticasone propionate, the other active ingredient in fluticasone + salmeterol, or other long-term asthma control therapy mitigates the risk of asthma-related death.
A 16-week clinical trial performed in the United Kingdom, the Salmeterol Nationwide Surveillance (SNS) trial, showed results similar to the SMART trial. In the SNS trial, the rate of asthma-related death was numerically, though not statistically significantly, greater in subjects with asthma treated with salmeterol (42 mcg twice daily) than those treated with albuterol (180 mcg 4 times daily) added to usual asthma therapy.
The SNS and SMART trials enrolled subjects with asthma. No trials have been conducted that were primarily designed to determine whether the rate of death in patients with COPD is increased by LABA.
Deterioration of Disease and Acute Episodes
Fluticasone + salmeterol should not be initiated in patients during rapidly deteriorating or potentially life-threatening episodes of asthma or COPD. Fluticasone + salmeterol has not been studied in subjects with acutely deteriorating asthma or COPD. The initiation of fluticasone + salmeterol in this setting is not appropriate.
Serious acute respiratory events, including fatalities, have been reported when salmeterol, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, has been initiated in patients with significantly worsening or acutely deteriorating asthma. In most cases, these have occurred in patients with severe asthma (e.g., patients with a history of corticosteroid dependence, low pulmonary function, intubation, mechanical ventilation, frequent hospitalizations, previous life-threatening acute asthma exacerbations) and in some patients with acutely deteriorating asthma (e.g., patients with significantly increasing symptoms; increasing need for inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists; decreasing response to usual medications; increasing need for systemic corticosteroids; recent emergency room visits; deteriorating lung function). However, these events have occurred in a few patients with less severe asthma as well. It was not possible from these reports to determine whether salmeterol contributed to these events.
Increasing use of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists is a marker of deteriorating asthma. In this situation, the patient requires immediate reevaluation with reassessment of the treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for replacing the current strength of fluticasone + salmeterol with a higher strength, adding additional inhaled corticosteroid, or initiating systemic corticosteroids. Patients should not use more than 1 inhalation twice daily of fluticasone + salmeterol.
Fluticasone + salmeterol should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. An inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist, not fluticasone + salmeterol, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as shortness of breath. When prescribing fluticasone + salmeterol, the healthcare provider should also prescribe an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist (e.g., albuterol) for treatment of acute symptoms, despite regular twice-daily use of fluticasone + salmeterol.
When beginning treatment with fluticasone + salmeterol, patients who have been taking oral or inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists on a regular basis (e.g., 4 times a day) should be instructed to discontinue the regular use of these drugs.
Excessive Use of Fluticasone + Salmeterol and Use With Other Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
Fluticasone + salmeterol should not be used more often than recommended, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medicines containing LABA, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs. Patients using fluticasone + salmeterol should not use another medicine containing a LABA (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol fumarate, arformoterol tartrate, indacaterol) for any reason.
Local Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids
In clinical trials, the development of localized infections of the mouth and pharynx with Candida albicans has occurred in subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol. When such an infection develops, it should be treated with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while treatment with fluticasone + salmeterol continues, but at times therapy with fluticasone + salmeterol may need to be interrupted. Advise the patient to rinse his/her mouth with water without swallowing following inhalation to help reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Pneumonia
Physicians should remain vigilant for the possible development of pneumonia in patients with COPD as the clinical features of pneumonia and exacerbations frequently overlap.
Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, have been reported in patients with COPD following the inhaled administration of corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate and fluticasone + salmeterol. In 2 replicate 1-year trials in 1,579 subjects with COPD, there was a higher incidence of pneumonia reported in subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 (7%) than in those receiving salmeterol 50 mcg (3%). The incidence of pneumonia in the subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol was higher in subjects older than 65 years (9%) compared with the incidence in subjects younger than 65 years (4%).
In a 3-year trial in 6,184 subjects with COPD, there was a higher incidence of pneumonia reported in subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 compared with placebo (16% with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, 14% with fluticasone propionate 500 mcg, 11% with salmeterol 50 mcg, and 9% with placebo). Similar to what was seen in the 1-year trials with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, the incidence of pneumonia was higher in subjects older than 65 years (18% with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 versus 10% with placebo) compared with subjects younger than 65 years (14% with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 versus 8% with placebo).
Inosuppression
Persons who are using drugs that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in susceptible children or adults using corticosteroids. In such children or adults who have not had these diseases or been properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route, and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If a patient is exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If a patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chickenpox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.
Inhaled corticosteroid should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract; systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.
Transferring Patients From Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy
Particular care is needed for patients who have been transferred from systemically active corticosteroids to inhaled corticosteroids because deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in patients with asthma during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less systemically available inhaled corticosteroids. After withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids, a number of months are required for recovery of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function.
Patients who have been previously maintained on 20 mg or more of prednisone (or its equivalent) may be most susceptible, particularly when their systemic corticosteroids have been almost completely withdrawn. During this period of HPA suppression, patients may exhibit signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency when exposed to trauma, surgery, or infection (particularly gastroenteritis) or other conditions associated with severe electrolyte loss. Although fluticasone + salmeterol may control asthma symptoms during these episodes, in recommended doses it supplies less than normal physiological amounts of glucocorticoid systemically and does NOT provide the mineralocorticoid activity that is necessary for coping with these emergencies.
During periods of stress or a severe asthma attack, patients who have been withdrawn from systemic corticosteroids should be instructed to resume oral corticosteroids (in large doses) immediately and to contact their physicians for further instruction. These patients should also be instructed to carry a warning card indicating that they may need supplementary systemic corticosteroids during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack.
Patients requiring oral corticosteroids should be weaned slowly from systemic corticosteroid use after transferring to fluticasone + salmeterol. Prednisone reduction can be accomplished by reducing the daily prednisone dose by 2.5 mg on a weekly basis during therapy with fluticasone + salmeterol. Lung function (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] or morning peak expiratory flow [AM PEF]), beta-agonist use, and asthma symptoms should be carefully monitored during withdrawal of oral corticosteroids. In addition, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, lassitude, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and hypotension.
Transfer of patients from systemic corticosteroid therapy to fluticasone + salmeterol may unmask allergic conditions previously suppressed by the systemic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, arthritis, eosinophilic conditions).
During withdrawal from oral corticosteroids, some patients may experience symptoms of systemically active corticosteroid withdrawal (e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, depression) despite maintenance or even improvement of respiratory function.
Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression
Fluticasone propionate, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, will often help control asthma symptoms with less suppression of HPA function than therapeutically equivalent oral doses of prednisone. Since fluticasone propionate is absorbed into the circulation and can be systemically active at higher doses, the beneficial effects of fluticasone + salmeterol in minimizing HPA dysfunction may be expected only when recommended dosages are not exceeded and individual patients are titrated to the lowest effective dose. A relationship between plasma levels of fluticasone propionate and inhibitory effects on stimulated cortisol production has been shown after 4 weeks of treatment with fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol. Since individual sensitivity to effects on cortisol production exists, physicians should consider this information when prescribing fluticasone + salmeterol.
Because of the possibility of significant systemic absorption of inhaled corticosteroids in sensitive patients, patients treated with fluticasone + salmeterol should be observed carefully for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid effects. Particular care should be taken in observing patients postoperatively or during periods of stress for evidence of inadequate adrenal response.
It is possible that systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression (including adrenal crisis) may appear in a small number of patients who are sensitive to these effects. If such effects occur, fluticasone + salmeterol should be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing systemic corticosteroids, and other treatments for management of asthma symptoms should be considered.
Drug Interactions With Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors
The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin) with fluticasone + salmeterol is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid and increased cardiovascular adverse effects may occur.
Paradoxical Bronchospasm and Upper Airway Symptoms
As with other inhaled medicines, fluticasone + salmeterol can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs following dosing with fluticasone + salmeterol, it should be treated immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator; fluticasone + salmeterol should be discontinued immediately; and alternative therapy should be instituted. Upper airway symptoms of laryngeal spasm, irritation, or swelling, such as stridor and choking, have been reported in patients receiving fluticasone + salmeterol.
Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after administration of fluticasone + salmeterol. There have been reports of anaphylactic reactions in patients with severe milk protein allergy after inhalation of powder products containing lactose; therefore, patients with severe milk protein allergy should not use fluticasone + salmeterol.
Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System Effects
Excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation has been associated with seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats/min, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and insomnia. Therefore, fluticasone + salmeterol, like all products containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.
Salmeterol, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. Although such effects are uncommon after administration of salmeterol at recommended doses, if they occur, the drug may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Large doses of inhaled or oral salmeterol (12 to 20 times the recommended dose) have been associated with clinically significant prolongation of the QTc interval, which has the potential for producing ventricular arrhythmias. Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs.
Reduction in Bone Mineral Density
Decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) have been observed with long-term administration of products containing inhaled corticosteroids. The clinical significance of small changes in BMD with regard to long-term consequences such as fracture is unknown. Patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization, family history of osteoporosis, postmenopausal status, tobacco use, advanced age, poor nutrition, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids) should be monitored and treated with established standards of care. Since patients with COPD often have multiple risk factors for reduced BMD, assessment of BMD is recommended prior to initiating fluticasone + salmeterol and periodically thereafter. If significant reductions in BMD are seen and fluticasone + salmeterol is still considered medically important for that patient’s COPD therapy, use of medicine to treat or prevent osteoporosis should be strongly considered.
2-Year Fluticasone Propionate Trial: A 2-year trial in 160 subjects (females aged 18 to 40 years, males 18 to 50) with asthma receiving CFC-propelled fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol 88 or 440 mcg twice daily demonstrated no statistically significant changes in BMD at any time point (24, 52, 76, and 104 weeks of double-blind treatment) as assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at lumbar regions L1 through L4.
3-Year Bone Mineral Density Trial: Effects of treatment with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 or salmeterol 50 mcg on BMD at the L1-L4 lumbar spine and total hip were evaluated in 186 subjects with COPD (aged 43 to 87 years) in a 3-year double-blind trial. Of those enrolled, 108 subjects (72 males and 36 females) were followed for the entire 3 years. BMD evaluations were conducted at baseline and at 6-month intervals. Conclusions cannot be drawn from this trial regarding BMD decline in subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol versus salmeterol due to the inconsistency of treatment differences across gender and between lumbar spine and total hip.
In this trial there were 7 non-traumatic fractures reported in 5 subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol and 1 non-traumatic fracture in 1 subject treated with salmeterol. None of the non-traumatic fractures occurred in the vertebrae, hip, or long bones.
3-Year Survival Trial: Effects of treatment with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, fluticasone propionate 500 mcg, salmeterol 50 mcg, or placebo on BMD was evaluated in a subset of 658 subjects (females and males aged 40 to 80 years) with COPD in the 3-year survival trial. BMD evaluations were conducted at baseline and at 48, 108, and 158 weeks. Conclusions cannot be drawn from this trial because of the large number of dropouts (> 50%) before the end of the follow-up and the maldistribution of covariates among the treatment groups that can affect BMD.
Fracture risk was estimated for the entire population of subjects with COPD in the survival trial (N = 6,184). The probability of a fracture over 3 years was 6.3% for fluticasone + salmeterol, 5.4% for fluticasone propionate, 5.1% for salmeterol, and 5.1% for placebo.
Effect on Growth
Orally inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Monitor the growth of pediatric patients receiving fluticasone + salmeterol routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone + salmeterol, titrate each patient’s dosage to the lowest dosage that effectively controls his/her symptoms.
Glaucoma and Cataracts
Glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts have been reported in patients with asthma and COPD following the long-term administration of inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts.
Effects of treatment with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, fluticasone propionate 500 mcg, salmeterol 50 mcg, or placebo on development of cataracts or glaucoma was evaluated in a subset of 658 subjects with COPD in the 3-year survival trial. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted at baseline and at 48, 108, and 158 weeks. Conclusions about cataracts cannot be drawn from this trial because the high incidence of cataracts at baseline (61% to 71%) resulted in an inadequate number of subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 who were eligible and available for evaluation of cataracts at the end of the trial (n = 53). The incidence of newly diagnosed glaucoma was 2% with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, 5% with fluticasone propionate, 0% with salmeterol, and 2% with placebo.
Eosinophilic Conditions and Churg-Strauss Syndrome
In rare cases, patients on inhaled fluticasone propionate, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, may present with systemic eosinophilic conditions. Some of these patients have clinical features of vasculitis consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome, a condition that is often treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy. These events usually, but not always, have been associated with the reduction and/or withdrawal of oral corticosteroid therapy following the introduction of fluticasone propionate. Cases of serious eosinophilic conditions have also been reported with other inhaled corticosteroids in this clinical setting. Physicians should be alert to eosinophilia, vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications, and/or neuropathy presenting in their patients. A causal relationship between fluticasone propionate and these underlying conditions has not been established.
Coexisting Conditions
Fluticasone + salmeterol, like all medicines containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis and in those who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Doses of the related beta2-adrenoceptor agonist albuterol, when administered intravenously, have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.
Hypokalemia and Hyperglycemia
Beta-adrenergic agonist medicines may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation. Clinically significant changes in blood glucose and/or serum potassium were seen infrequently during clinical trials with fluticasone + salmeterol at recommended doses.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
LABA, such as salmeterol, one of the active ingredients in fluticasone + salmeterol, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a large placebo-controlled US trial that compared the safety of salmeterol or placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol. Currently available data are inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients.
Systemic and local corticosteroid use may result in the following:
- Candida albicans infection.
- Pneumonia in patients with COPD.
- Immunosuppression.
- Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression.
- Reduction in bone mineral density.
- Growth effects.
- Glaucoma and cataracts.
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Clinical Trail Experience in Asthma
Adult and Adolescent Subjects Aged 12 Years and Older
The incidence of adverse reactions associated with fluticasone + salmeterol in Table 2 is based upon two 12‑week, placebo‑controlled, US clinical trials (Trials 1 and 2). A total of 705 adult and adolescent subjects (349 females and 356 males) previously treated with salmeterol or inhaled corticosteroids were treated twice daily with fluticasone + salmeterol (100/50- or 250/50-mcg doses), fluticasone propionate inhalation powder (100- or 250-mcg doses), salmeterol inhalation powder 50 mcg, or placebo. The average duration of exposure was 60 to 79 days in the active treatment groups compared with 42 days in the placebo group.
The types of adverse reactions and events reported in Trial 3, a 28-week non-US clinical trial in 503 subjects previously treated with inhaled corticosteroids who were treated twice daily with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 500 mcg and salmeterol inhalation powder 50 mcg used concurrently, or fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 500 mcg, were similar to those reported in Table 2.
Additional Adverse Reactions
Other adverse reactions not previously listed, whether considered drug-related or not by the investigators, that were reported more frequently by subjects with asthma treated with fluticasone + salmeterol compared with subjects treated with placebo include the following: lymphatic signs and symptoms; muscle injuries; fractures; wounds and lacerations; contusions and hematomas; ear signs and symptoms; nasal signs and symptoms; nasal sinus disorders; keratitis and conjunctivitis; dental discomfort and pain; gastrointestinal signs and symptoms; oral ulcerations; oral discomfort and pain; lower respiratory signs and symptoms; pneumonia; muscle stiffness, tightness, and rigidity; bone and cartilage disorders; sleep disorders; compressed nerve syndromes; viral infections; pain; chest symptoms; fluid retention; bacterial infections; unusual taste; viral skin infections; skin flakiness and acquired ichthyosis; disorders of sweat and sebum.
Pediatric Subjects Aged 4 to 11 Years
The safety data for pediatric subjects aged 4 to 11 years is based upon 1 US trial of 12 weeks’ treatment duration. A total of 203 subjects (74 females and 129 males) who were receiving inhaled corticosteroids at trial entry were randomized to either fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 or fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 100 mcg twice daily. Common adverse reactions (≥3% and greater than placebo) seen in the pediatric subjects but not reported in the adult and adolescent clinical trials include: throat irritation and ear, nose, and throat infections.
Laboratory Test Abnormalities
Elevation of hepatic enzymes was reported in ≥1% of subjects in clinical trials. The elevations were transient and did not lead to discontinuation from the trials. In addition, there were no clinically relevant changes noted in glucose or potassium.
Clinical Trials Experience in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Short-Term (6 Months to 1 Year) Trials: The short-term safety data are based on exposure to fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 twice daily in one 6-month and two 1-year clinical trials. In the 6-month trial, a total of 723 adult subjects (266 females and 457 males) were treated twice daily with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 250 mcg, salmeterol inhalation powder, or placebo. The mean age of the subjects was 64, and the majority (93%) was Caucasian. In this trial, 70% of the subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol reported an adverse reaction compared with 64% on placebo. The average duration of exposure to fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 was 141.3 days compared with 131.6 days for placebo. The incidence of adverse reactions in the 6-month trial is shown in Table 3.
In the two 1-year trials, fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 was compared with salmeterol in 1,579 subjects (863 males and 716 females). The mean age of the subjects was 65 years, and the majority (94%) was Caucasian. To be enrolled, all of the subjects had to have had a COPD exacerbation in the previous 12 months. In this trial, 88% of the subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol and 86% of the subjects treated with salmeterol reported an adverse event. The most common events that occurred with a frequency of >5% and more frequently in the subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal congestion, back pain, sinusitis, dizziness, nausea, pneumonia, candidiasis, and dysphonia. Overall, 55 (7%) of the subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol and 25 (3%) of the subjects treated with salmeterol developed pneumonia.
The incidence of pneumonia was higher in subjects older than 65 years, 9% in the subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol compared with 4% in the subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol younger than 65 years. In the subjects treated with salmeterol, the incidence of pneumonia was the same (3%) in both age-groups.
Long-Term (3 Years) Trial: The safety of fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, international, 3-year trial in 6,184 adult subjects with COPD (4,684 males and 1,500 females). The mean age of the subjects was 65 years, and the majority (82%) was Caucasian. The distribution of adverse events was similar to that seen in the 1-year trials with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50. In addition, pneumonia was reported in a significantly increased number of subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 and fluticasone propionate 500 mcg (16% and 14%, respectively) compared with subjects treated with salmeterol 50 mcg or placebo (11% and 9%, respectively). When adjusted for time on treatment, the rates of pneumonia were 84 and 88 events per 1,000 treatment-years in the groups treated with fluticasone propionate 500 mcg and with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, respectively, compared with 52 events per 1,000 treatment-years in the salmeterol and placebo groups. Similar to what was seen in the 1-year trials with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, the incidence of pneumonia was higher in subjects older than 65 years (18% with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 versus 10% with placebo) compared with subjects younger than 65 years (14% with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 versus 8% with placebo).
Additional Adverse Reactions
Other adverse reactions not previously listed, whether considered drug-related or not by the investigators, that were reported more frequently by subjects with COPD treated with fluticasone + salmeterol compared with subjects treated with placebo include the following: syncope; ear, nose, and throat infections; ear signs and symptoms; laryngitis; nasal congestion/blockage; nasal sinus disorders; pharyngitis/throat infection; hypothyroidism; dry eyes; eye infections; gastrointestinal signs and symptoms; oral lesions; abnormal liver function tests; bacterial infections; edema and swelling; viral infections.
Laboratory Abnormalities
There were no clinically relevant changes in these trials. Specifically, no increased reporting of neutrophilia or changes in glucose or potassium was noted.
Postmarketing Experience
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. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or causal connection to fluticasone + salmeterol, fluticasone propionate, and/or salmeterol or a combination of these factors.
- Cardiac Disorders: Arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia), ventricular tachycardia.
- Endocrine Disorders: Cushing’s syndrome, Cushingoid features, growth velocity reduction in children/adolescents, hypercorticism.
- Eye Disorders: Glaucoma.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, xerostomia.
- Immune System Disorders: Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reaction (including very rare anaphylactic reaction). Very rare anaphylactic reaction in patients with severe milk protein allergy.
- Infections and Infestations: Esophageal candidiasis.
- Metabolic and Nutrition Disorders: Hyperglycemia, weight gain.
- Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue, and Bone Disorders: Arthralgia, cramps, myositis, osteoporosis.
- Nervous System Disorders: Paresthesia, restlessness.
- Psychiatric Disorders: Agitation, aggression, depression. Behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and irritability, have been reported very rarely and primarily in children.
- Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Dysmenorrhea.
- Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: Chest congestion; chest tightness; dyspnea; facial and oropharyngeal edema, immediate bronchospasm; paradoxical bronchospasm; tracheitis; wheezing; reports of upper respiratory symptoms of laryngeal spasm, irritation, or swelling such as stridor or choking.
- Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Ecchymoses, photodermatitis.
- Vascular Disorders: Pallor.
Drug Interactions
Fluticasone + salmeterol has been used concomitantly with other drugs, including short-acting beta2-agonists, methylxanthines, and intranasal corticosteroids, commonly used in patients with asthma or COPD without adverse drug reactions. No formal drug interaction trials have been performed with fluticasone + salmeterol.
Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4
Fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, the individual components of fluticasone + salmeterol, are substrates of CYP3A4. The use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin) with fluticasone + salmeterol is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid and increased cardiovascular adverse effects may occur.
Ritonavir: Fluticasone Propionate: A drug interaction trial with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray in healthy subjects has shown that ritonavir (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) can significantly increase plasma fluticasone propionate exposure, resulting in significantly reduced serum cortisol concentrations. During postmarketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone propionate and ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression.
Ketoconazole: Fluticasone Propionate: Coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (1,000 mcg) and ketoconazole (200 mg once daily) resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure and a 45% decrease in plasma cortisol area under the curve (AUC), but had no effect on urinary excretion of cortisol.
Salmeterol: In a drug interaction trial in 20 healthy subjects, coadministration of inhaled salmeterol (50 mcg twice daily) and oral ketoconazole (400 mg once daily) for 7 days resulted in greater systemic exposure to salmeterol (AUC increased 16-fold and Cmax increased 1.4-fold). Three (3) subjects were withdrawn due to beta2-agonist side effects (2 with prolonged QTc and 1 with palpitations and sinus tachycardia). Although there was no statistical effect on the mean QTc, coadministration of salmeterol and ketoconazole was associated with more frequent increases in QTc duration compared with salmeterol and placebo administration.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Tricyclic Antidepressants
fluticasone + salmeterol should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents, because the action of salmeterol, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, on the vascular system may be potentiated by these agents.
Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Agents
Beta-blockers not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-agonists, such as salmeterol, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, but may also produce severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Therefore, patients with asthma or COPD should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. However, under certain circumstances, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-blockers for these patients; cardioselective beta-blockers could be considered, although they should be administered with caution.
Non–Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
The ECG changes and/or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of non–potassium-sparing diuretics (such as loop diuretics or thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, such as salmeterol, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of fluticasone + salmeterol with non–potassium‑sparing diuretics.
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
There are no adequate and well-controlled trials with fluticasone + salmeterol in pregnant women. Corticosteroids and beta2-agonists have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, fluticasone + salmeterol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women should be advised to contact their physicians if they become pregnant while taking fluticasone + salmeterol.
Fluticasone + salmeterol: In the mouse reproduction assay, fluticasone propionate by the subcutaneous route at a dose approximately 3/5 the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID) (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 150 mcg/kg/day) combined with oral salmeterol at a dose approximately 410 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10 mg/kg/day) produced cleft palate, fetal death, increased implantation loss, and delayed ossification. These observations are characteristic of glucocorticoids. No developmental toxicity was observed at combination doses of fluticasone propionate subcutaneously up to approximately 1/6 the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 40 mcg/kg/day) and doses of salmeterol up to approximately 55 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 1.4 mg/kg/day). In rats, combining fluticasone propionate subcutaneously at a dose equivalent to the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 100 mcg/kg/day) and a dose of salmeterol at approximately 810 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10 mg/kg/day) produced decreased fetal weight, umbilical hernia, delayed ossification, and changes in the occipital bone. No such effects were seen when combining fluticasone propionate subcutaneously at a dose less than the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 30 mcg/kg/day) and an oral dose of salmeterol at approximately 80 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 1 mg/kg/day).
Fluticasone propionate
Mice and rats at fluticasone propionate doses less than or equivalent to the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 45 and 100 mcg/kg/day, respectively) showed fetal toxicity characteristic of potent corticosteroid compounds, including embryonic growth retardation, omphalocele, cleft palate, and retarded cranial ossification. No teratogenicity was seen in rats at doses approximately equivalent to the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal inhaled doses up to 68.7 mg/kg/day).
In rabbits, fetal weight reduction and cleft palate were observed at a fluticasone propionate dose less than the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 4 mcg/kg/day). However, no teratogenic effects were reported at fluticasone propionate doses up to approximately 5 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose up to 300 mcg/kg/day). No fluticasone propionate was detected in the plasma in this study, consistent with the established low bioavailability following oral administration.
Fluticasone propionate crossed the placenta following subcutaneous administration to mice and rats and oral administration to rabbits. Experience with oral corticosteroids since their introduction in pharmacologic, as opposed to physiologic, doses suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroids than humans. In addition, because there is a natural increase in corticosteroid production during pregnancy, most women will require a lower exogenous corticosteroid dose and many will not need corticosteroid treatment during pregnancy.
Salmeterol
No teratogenic effects occurred in rats at salmeterol doses approximately 160 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses up to 2 mg/kg/day). In pregnant Dutch rabbits administered salmeterol doses approximately 50 times the MRHDID (on an AUC basis at maternal oral doses of 1 mg/kg/day and higher), fetal toxic effects were observed characteristically resulting from beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. These included precocious eyelid openings, cleft palate, sternebral fusion, limb and paw flexures, and delayed ossification of the frontal cranial bones. No such effects occurred at a salmeterol dose approximately 20 times the MRHDID (on an AUC basis at a maternal oral dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day).
New Zealand White rabbits were less sensitive since only delayed ossification of the frontal cranial bones was seen at a salmeterol dose approximately 1,600 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 10 mg/kg/day. Salmeterol xinafoate crossed the placenta following oral administration to mice and rats.
Nonteratogenic Effects
Hypoadrenalism may occur in infants born of mothers receiving corticosteroids during pregnancy. Such infants should be carefully monitored.
Pregnancy Category (AUS):
There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Fluticasone/salmeterol in women who are pregnant.
Labor and Delivery
There are no well-controlled human trials that have investigated effects of fluticasone + salmeterol on preterm labor or labor at term. Because of the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, use of fluticasone + salmeterol during labor should be restricted to those patients in whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Nursing Mothers
Plasma levels of salmeterol, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, after inhaled therapeutic doses are very low. In rats, salmeterol xinafoate is excreted in the milk. There are no data from controlled trials on the use of salmeterol by nursing mothers. It is not known whether fluticasone propionate, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, is excreted in human breast milk. However, other corticosteroids have been detected in human milk. Subcutaneous administration to lactating rats of tritiated fluticasone propionate resulted in measurable radioactivity in milk.
Since there are no data from controlled trials on the use of fluticasone + salmeterol by nursing mothers, caution should be exercised when fluticasone + salmeterol is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Use of fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 in patients aged 4 to 11 years is supported by extrapolation of efficacy data from older subjects and by safety and efficacy data from a trial of fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 in children with asthma aged 4 to 11 years. The safety and effectiveness of fluticasone + salmeterol in children with asthma younger than 4 years have not been established.
Inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, a component of fluticasone + salmeterol, may cause a reduction in growth velocity in children and adolescents. The growth of pediatric patients receiving orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone + salmeterol, should be monitored.
A 52-week placebo-controlled trial to assess the potential growth effects of fluticasone propionate inhalation powder at 50 and 100 mcg twice daily was conducted in the US in 325 prepubescent children (244 males and 81 females) aged 4 to 11 years. The mean growth velocities at 52 weeks observed in the intent-to-treat population were 6.32 cm/year in the placebo group (n = 76), 6.07 cm/year in the 50-mcg group (n = 98), and 5.66 cm/year in the 100‑mcg group (n = 89). An imbalance in the proportion of children entering puberty between groups and a higher dropout rate in the placebo group due to poorly controlled asthma may be confounding factors in interpreting these data. A separate subset analysis of children who remained prepubertal during the trial revealed growth rates at 52 weeks of 6.10 cm/year in the placebo group (n = 57), 5.91 cm/year in the 50‑mcg group (n = 74), and 5.67 cm/year in the 100‑mcg group (n = 79). In children aged 8.5 years, the mean age of children in this trial, the range for expected growth velocity is: boys – 3rd percentile = 3.8 cm/year, 50th percentile = 5.4 cm/year, and 97th percentile = 7.0 cm/year; girls – 3rd percentile = 4.2 cm/year, 50th percentile = 5.7 cm/year, and 97th percentile = 7.3 cm/year. The clinical relevance of these growth data is not certain.
If a child or adolescent on any corticosteroid appears to have growth suppression, the possibility that he/she is particularly sensitive to this effect of corticosteroids should be considered. The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against the clinical benefits obtained. To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone + salmeterol, each patient should be titrated to the lowest strength that effectively controls his/her asthma.
Geriatic Use
Clinical trials of fluticasone + salmeterol for asthma did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and older to determine whether older subjects with asthma respond differently than younger subjects.
Of the total number of subjects in clinical trials receiving fluticasone + salmeterol for COPD, 1,621 were aged 65 years and older and 379 were aged 75 years and older. Subjects with COPD aged 65 years and older had a higher incidence of serious adverse events compared with subjects younger than 65 years. Although the distribution of adverse events was similar in the 2 age-groups, subjects older than 65 years experienced more severe events. In two 1-year trials, the excess risk of pneumonia that was seen in subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol compared with those treated with salmeterol was greater in subjects older than 65 years than in subjects younger than 65 years. As with other products containing beta2-agonists, special caution should be observed when using fluticasone + salmeterol in geriatric patients who have concomitant cardiovascular disease that could be adversely affected by beta2-agonists. Based on available data for fluticasone + salmeterol or its active components, no adjustment of dosage of fluticasone + salmeterol in geriatric patients is warranted.
No relationship between fluticasone propionate systemic exposure and age was observed in 57 subjects with COPD (aged 40 to 82 years) given 250 or 500 mcg twice daily.
Gender
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Fluticasone/salmeterol with respect to specific gender populations.
Race
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Fluticasone/salmeterol with respect to specific racial populations.
Renal Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using fluticasone + salmeterol have not been conducted in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using fluticasone + salmeterol have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. However, since both fluticasone propionate and salmeterol are predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.
Females of Reproductive Potential and Males
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Fluticasone/salmeterol in women of reproductive potentials and males.
Immunocompromised Patients
There is no FDA guidance one the use of Fluticasone/salmeterol in patients who are immunocompromised.
Administration and Monitoring
Administration
- Inhaled
Monitoring
There is limited information regarding Fluticasone/salmeterol Monitoring in the drug label.
IV Compatibility
There is limited information regarding the compatibility of Fluticasone/salmeterol and IV administrations.
Overdosage
No human overdosage data has been reported for fluticasone + salmeterol.
Fluticasone + salmeterol contains both fluticasone propionate and salmeterol; therefore, the risks associated with overdosage for the individual components described below apply to fluticasone + salmeterol. Treatment of overdosage consists of discontinuation of fluticasone + salmeterol together with institution of appropriate symptomatic and/or supportive therapy. The judicious use of a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker may be considered, bearing in mind that such medication can produce bronchospasm. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in cases of overdosage.
Fluticasone Propionate
Chronic overdosage of fluticasone propionate may result in signs/symptoms of hypercorticism. Inhalation by healthy volunteers of a single dose of 4,000 mcg of fluticasone propionate inhalation powder or single doses of 1,760 or 3,520 mcg of fluticasone propionate CFC inhalation aerosol was well tolerated. Fluticasone propionate given by inhalation aerosol at dosages of 1,320 mcg twice daily for 7 to 15 days to healthy human volunteers was also well tolerated. Repeat oral doses up to 80 mg daily for 10 days in healthy volunteers and repeat oral doses up to 20 mg daily for 42 days in subjects were well tolerated. Adverse reactions were of mild or moderate severity, and incidences were similar in active and placebo treatment groups.
Salmeterol
The expected signs and symptoms with overdosage of salmeterol are those of excessive beta‑adrenergic stimulation and/or occurrence or exaggeration of any of the signs and symptoms of beta-adrenergic stimulation (e.g., seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats/min, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, muscle cramps, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, insomnia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis). Overdosage with salmeterol can lead to clinically significant prolongation of the QTc interval, which can produce ventricular arrhythmias.
As with all inhaled sympathomimetic medicines, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with an overdose of salmeterol.
Pharmacology
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Fluticasone/salmeterol
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| Combination of | |
| Fluticasone | Glucocorticoid |
| Salmeterol | Long-Acting Beta2 Agonist |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | ? |
| ATC code | ? |
| PubChem | ? |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
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| Legal status |
P(UK) |
| Routes | ? |
Mechanism of Action
The mechanisms of action described below for the individual components apply to fluticasone + salmeterol. These drugs represent 2 different classes of medications (a synthetic corticosteroid and a LABA) that have different effects on clinical, physiologic, and inflammatory indices.
Fluticasone Propionate
Fluticasone is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with anti‑inflammatory activity. Fluticasone propionate has been shown in vitro to exhibit a binding affinity for the human glucocorticoid receptor that is 18 times that of dexamethasone, almost twice that of beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (BMP), the active metabolite of beclomethasone dipropionate, and over 3 times that of budesonide. Data from the McKenzie vasoconstrictor assay in man are consistent with these results. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of actions on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) involved in inflammation. These anti‑inflammatory actions of corticosteroids contribute to their efficacy in asthma.
Inflammation is also a component in the pathogenesis of COPD. In contrast to asthma, however, the predominant inflammatory cells in COPD include neutrophils, CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and macrophages. The effects of corticosteroids in the treatment of COPD are not well defined and inhaled corticosteroids and fluticasone propionate when used apart from fluticasone + salmeterol are not indicated for the treatment of COPD.
Salmeterol Xinafoate
Salmeterol is a selective LABA. In vitro studies show salmeterol to be at least 50 times more selective for beta2-adrenoceptors than albuterol. Although beta2-adrenoceptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta1-adrenoceptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta2-adrenoceptors in the human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenoceptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established, but their presence raises the possibility that even selective beta2-agonists may have cardiac effects.
The pharmacologic effects of beta2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs, including salmeterol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Increased cyclic AMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.
In vitro tests show that salmeterol is a potent and long-lasting inhibitor of the release of mast cell mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandin D2, from human lung. Salmeterol inhibits histamine-induced plasma protein extravasation and inhibits platelet-activating factor-induced eosinophil accumulation in the lungs of guinea pigs when administered by the inhaled route. In humans, single doses of salmeterol administered via inhalation aerosol attenuate allergen-induced bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
Structure
Fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50, fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, and fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 are combinations of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate.
One active component is fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid having the chemical name S-(fluoromethyl) 6α,9-difluoro-11β,17-dihydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioate, 17-propionate and the following chemical structure:
Fluticasone propionate is a white powder with a molecular weight of 500.6, and the empirical formula is C25H31F3O5S. It is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide, and slightly soluble in methanol and 95% ethanol.
The other active component is salmeterol xinafoate, a beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator. Salmeterol xinafoate is the racemic form of the 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid salt of salmeterol. It has the chemical name 4-hydroxy-α1-[([6-(4-phenylbutoxy)hexyl]amino)methyl]-1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylate and the following chemical structure:
Salmeterol xinafoate is a white powder with a molecular weight of 603.8, and the empirical formula is C25H37NO4•C11H8O3. It is freely soluble in methanol; slightly soluble in ethanol, chloroform, and isopropanol; and sparingly soluble in water.
Fluticasone + salmeterol is a purple plastic inhaler containing a foil blister strip. Each blister on the strip contains a white powder mix of micronized fluticasone propionate (100, 250, or 500 mcg) and micronized salmeterol xinafoate salt (72.5 mcg, equivalent to 50 mcg of salmeterol base) in 12.5 mg of formulation containing lactose monohydrate (which contains milk proteins). After the inhaler is activated, the powder is dispersed into the airstream created by the patient inhaling through the mouthpiece.
Under standardized in vitro test conditions, fluticasone + salmeterol delivers 93, 233, and 465 mcg of fluticasone propionate and 45 mcg of salmeterol base per blister from fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50, fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, and fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, respectively, when tested at a flow rate of 60 L/min for 2 seconds.
In adult subjects with obstructive lung disease and severely compromised lung function (mean FEV1 20% to 30% of predicted), mean peak inspiratory flow (PIF) through the inhaler was 82.4 L/min (range: 46.1 to 115.3 L/min).
Inhalation profiles for adolescent (N = 13, aged 12 to 17 years) and adult (N = 17, aged 18 to 50 years) subjects with asthma inhaling maximally through the inhaler show mean PIF of 122.2 L/min (range: 81.6 to 152.1 L/min). Inhalation profiles for pediatric subjects with asthma inhaling maximally through the inhaler show a mean PIF of 75.5 L/min (range: 49.0 to 104.8 L/min) for the 4‑year‑old subject set (N = 20) and 107.3 L/min (range: 82.8 to 125.6 L/min) for the 8‑year‑old subject set (N = 20).
The actual amount of drug delivered to the lung will depend on patient factors, such as inspiratory flow profile.
Pharmacodynamics
Healthy Subjects
Cardiovascular Effects: Since systemic pharmacodynamic effects of salmeterol are not normally seen at the therapeutic dose, higher doses were used to produce measurable effects. Four (4) trials were conducted with healthy adult subjects: (1) a single‑dose crossover trial using 2 inhalations of fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, fluticasone propionate powder 500 mcg and salmeterol powder 50 mcg given concurrently, or fluticasone propionate powder 500 mcg given alone, (2) a cumulative dose trial using 50 to 400 mcg of salmeterol powder given alone or as fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, (3) a repeat-dose trial for 11 days using 2 inhalations twice daily of fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, fluticasone propionate powder 250 mcg, or salmeterol powder 50 mcg, and (4) a single-dose trial using 5 inhalations of fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50, fluticasone propionate powder 100 mcg alone, or placebo. In these trials no significant differences were observed in the pharmacodynamic effects of salmeterol (pulse rate, blood pressure, QTc interval, potassium, and glucose) whether the salmeterol was given as fluticasone + salmeterol, concurrently with fluticasone propionate from separate inhalers, or as salmeterol alone. The systemic pharmacodynamic effects of salmeterol were not altered by the presence of fluticasone propionate. The potential effect of salmeterol on the effects of fluticasone propionate on the HPA axis was also evaluated in these trials.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Effects: No significant differences across treatments were observed in 24‑hour urinary cortisol excretion and, where measured, 24‑hour plasma cortisol AUC. The systemic pharmacodynamic effects of fluticasone propionate were not altered by the presence of salmeterol in fluticasone + salmeterol in healthy subjects.
Subjects With Asthma
Adult and Adolescent Subjects
Cardiovascular Effects: In clinical trials with fluticasone + salmeterol in adult and adolescent subjects aged 12 years and older with asthma, no significant differences were observed in the systemic pharmacodynamic effects of salmeterol (pulse rate, blood pressure, QTc interval, potassium, and glucose) whether the salmeterol was given alone or as fluticasone + salmeterol. In 72 adult and adolescent subjects with asthma given either fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 or fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, continuous 24‑hour electrocardiographic monitoring was performed after the first dose and after 12 weeks of therapy, and no clinically significant dysrhythmias were noted.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Effects: In a 28‑week trial in adult and adolescent subjects with asthma, fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 twice daily was compared with the concurrent use of salmeterol powder 50 mcg plus fluticasone propionate powder 500 mcg from separate inhalers or fluticasone propionate powder 500 mcg alone. No significant differences across treatments were observed in serum cortisol AUC after 12 weeks of dosing or in 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion after 12 and 28 weeks.
In a 12-week trial in adult and adolescent subjects with asthma, fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 twice daily was compared with fluticasone propionate powder 250 mcg alone, salmeterol powder 50 mcg alone, and placebo. For most subjects, the ability to increase cortisol production in response to stress, as assessed by 30‑minute cosyntropin stimulation, remained intact with fluticasone + salmeterol. One subject (3%) who received fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 had an abnormal response (peak serum cortisol < 18 mcg/dL) after dosing, compared with 2 subjects (6%) who received placebo, 2 subjects (6%) who received fluticasone propionate 250 mcg, and no subjects who received salmeterol.
In a repeat‑dose, 3‑way crossover trial, 1 inhalation twice daily of fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50, fluticasone propionate inhalation powder, 100 mcg 100 mcg, or placebo was administered to 20 adult and adolescent subjects with asthma. After 28 days of treatment, geometric mean serum cortisol AUC over 12 hours showed no significant difference between fluticasone + salmeterol and fluticasone propionate inhalation powder or between either active treatment and placebo.
Pediatric Subjects
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Effects: In a 12‑week trial in subjects with asthma aged 4 to 11 years who were receiving inhaled corticosteroids at trial entry, fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 twice daily was compared with fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 100 mcg administered twice daily via the DISKUS. The values for 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion at trial entry and after 12 weeks of treatment were similar within each treatment group. After 12 weeks, 24‑hour urinary cortisol excretion was also similar between the 2 groups.
Subjects With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Cardiovascular Effects: In clinical trials with fluticasone + salmeterol in subjects with COPD, no significant differences were seen in pulse rate, blood pressure, potassium, and glucose between fluticasone + salmeterol, the individual components of fluticasone + salmeterol, and placebo. In a trial of fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, 8 subjects (2 [1.1%] in the group given fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, 1 [0.5%] in the fluticasone propionate 250-mcg group, 3 [1.7%] in the salmeterol group, and 2 [1.1%] in the placebo group) had QTc intervals > 470 msec at least 1 time during the treatment period. Five (5) of these 8 subjects had a prolonged QTc interval at baseline.
In a 24‑week trial, 130 subjects with COPD received continuous 24‑hour electrocardiographic monitoring prior to the first dose and after 4 weeks of twice‑daily treatment with either fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, fluticasone propionate powder 500 mcg, salmeterol powder 50 mcg, or placebo. No significant differences in ventricular arrhythmias or supraventricular arrhythmias and heart rate were observed among the groups treated with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, the individual components, or placebo. One (1) subject in the fluticasone propionate group experienced atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation, and 1 subject in the group given fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 experienced heart block. There were 3 cases of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (1 each in the placebo, salmeterol, and fluticasone propionate 500-mcg treatment groups). In 24-week clinical trials in subjects with COPD, the incidence of clinically significant ECG abnormalities (myocardial ischemia, ventricular hypertrophy, clinically significant conduction abnormalities, clinically significant arrhythmias) was lower for subjects who received salmeterol (1%, 9 of 688 subjects who received either salmeterol 50 mcg or fluticasone + salmeterol) compared with placebo (3%, 10 of 370 subjects).
No significant differences with salmeterol 50 mcg alone or in combination with fluticasone propionate as fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 were observed on pulse rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a subset of subjects with COPD who underwent 12‑hour serial vital sign measurements after the first dose (n = 183) and after 12 weeks of therapy (n = 149). Median changes from baseline in pulse rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were similar to those seen with placebo.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Effects: Short-cosyntropin stimulation testing was performed both at Day 1 and Endpoint in 101 subjects with COPD receiving twice-daily fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, fluticasone propionate powder 250 mcg, salmeterol powder 50 mcg, or placebo. For most subjects, the ability to increase cortisol production in response to stress, as assessed by short cosyntropin stimulation, remained intact with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50. One (1) subject (3%) who received fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 had an abnormal stimulated cortisol response (peak cortisol <14.5 mcg/dL assessed by high‑performance liquid chromatography) after dosing, compared with 2 subjects (9%) who received fluticasone propionate 250 mcg, 2 subjects (7%) who received salmeterol 50 mcg, and 1 subject (4%) who received placebo following 24 weeks of treatment or early discontinuation from trial. After 36 weeks of dosing, serum cortisol concentrations in a subset of subjects with COPD (n = 83) were 22% lower in subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 and 21% lower in subjects receiving fluticasone propionate 500 mcg than in subjects receiving placebo.
Other Fluticasone Propionate Products
Subjects With Asthma
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Effects: In clinical trials with fluticasone propionate inhalation powder using dosages up to and including 250 mcg twice daily, occasional abnormal short cosyntropin tests (peak serum cortisol <18 mcg/dL assessed by radioimmunoassay) were noted both in subjects receiving fluticasone propionate and in subjects receiving placebo. The incidence of abnormal tests at 500 mcg twice daily was greater than placebo. In a 2‑year trial carried out with the inhalation device in 64 subjects with mild, persistent asthma (mean FEV1 91% of predicted) randomized to fluticasone propionate 500 mcg twice daily or placebo, no subject receiving fluticasone propionate had an abnormal response to 6-hour cosyntropin infusion (peak serum cortisol <18 mcg/dL). With a peak cortisol threshold of <35 mcg/dL, 1 subject receiving fluticasone propionate (4%) had an abnormal response at 1 year; repeat testing at 18 months and 2 years was normal. Another subject receiving fluticasone propionate (5%) had an abnormal response at 2 years. No subject on placebo had an abnormal response at 1 or 2 years.
Subjects With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Effects: After 4 weeks of dosing, the steady-state fluticasone propionate pharmacokinetics and serum cortisol levels were described in a subset of subjects with COPD (n = 86) randomized to twice-daily fluticasone propionate inhalation powder via the DISKUS 500 mcg, fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 250 mcg, or placebo. Serial serum cortisol concentrations were measured across a 12-hour dosing interval. Serum cortisol concentrations following 250- and 500-mcg twice-daily dosing were 10% and 21% lower than placebo, respectively, indicating a dose‑dependent increase in systemic exposure to fluticasone propionate.
Other Salmeterol Xinafoate Products
Subjects With Asthma
Cardiovascular Effects: Inhaled salmeterol, like other beta‑adrenergic agonist drugs, can produce dose-related cardiovascular effects and effects on blood glucose and/or serum potassium. The cardiovascular effects (heart rate, blood pressure) associated with salmeterol inhalation aerosol occur with similar frequency, and are of similar type and severity, as those noted following albuterol administration.
The effects of rising inhaled doses of salmeterol and standard inhaled doses of albuterol were studied in volunteers and in subjects with asthma. Salmeterol doses up to 84 mcg administered as inhalation aerosol resulted in heart rate increases of 3 to 16 beats/min, about the same as albuterol dosed at 180 mcg by inhalation aerosol (4 to 10 beats/min). Adult and adolescent subjects receiving 50-mcg doses of salmeterol inhalation powder (N = 60) underwent continuous electrocardiographic monitoring during two 12-hour periods after the first dose and after 1 month of therapy, and no clinically significant dysrhythmias were noted.
Concomitant Use of Fluticasone + Salmeterol With Other Respiratory Medications
Short-Acting Beta2-Agonists
In clinical trials in subjects with asthma, the mean daily need for albuterol by 166 adult and adolescent subjects aged 12 years and older using fluticasone + salmeterol was approximately 1.3 inhalations/day and ranged from 0 to 9 inhalations/day. Five percent (5%) of subjects using fluticasone + salmeterol in these trials averaged 6 or more inhalations per day over the course of the 12-week trials. No increase in frequency of cardiovascular adverse events was observed among subjects who averaged 6 or more inhalations per day.
In a clinical trial in subjects with COPD, the mean daily need for albuterol for subjects using fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 was 4.1 inhalations/day. Twenty-six percent (26%) of subjects using fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 averaged 6 or more inhalations of albuterol per day over the course of the 24-week trial. No increase in frequency of cardiovascular adverse reactions was observed among subjects who averaged 6 or more inhalations per day.
Methylxanthines: The concurrent use of intravenously or orally administered methylxanthines (e.g., aminophylline, theophylline) by adult and adolescent subjects aged 12 years and older receiving fluticasone + salmeterol has not been completely evaluated. In clinical trials in subjects with asthma, 39 subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50, fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, or fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 twice daily concurrently with a theophylline product had adverse event rates similar to those in 304 subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol without theophylline. Similar results were observed in subjects receiving salmeterol 50 mcg plus fluticasone propionate 500 mcg twice daily concurrently with a theophylline product (n = 39) or without theophylline (n = 132).
In a clinical trial in subjects with COPD, 17 subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 twice daily concurrently with a theophylline product had adverse event rates similar to those in 161 subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol without theophylline. Based on the available data, the concomitant administration of methylxanthines with fluticasone + salmeterol did not alter the observed adverse event profile.
Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray
In adult and adolescent subjects aged 12 years and older taking fluticasone + salmeterol in clinical trials, no difference in the profile of adverse events or HPA axis effects was noted between subjects who were taking fluticasone propionate Nasal Spray, 50 mcg concurrently (n = 46) and those who were not (n = 130).
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Fluticasone Propionate
Healthy Subjects:
- Fluticasone propionate acts locally in the lung; therefore, plasma levels do not predict therapeutic effect. Trials using oral dosing of labeled and unlabeled drug have demonstrated that the oral systemic bioavailability of fluticasone propionate is negligible (<1%), primarily due to incomplete absorption and presystemic metabolism in the gut and liver. In contrast, the majority of the fluticasone propionate delivered to the lung is systemically absorbed.
- Following administration of fluticasone + salmeterolto healthy adult subjects, peak plasma concentrations of fluticasone propionate were achieved in 1 to 2 hours. In a single-dose crossover trial, a higher-than-recommended dose of fluticasone + salmeterol was administered to 14 healthy adult subjects. Two (2) inhalations of the following treatments were administered: fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, fluticasone propionate powder 500 mcg and salmeterol powder 50 mcg given concurrently, and fluticasone propionate powder 500 mcg alone. Mean peak plasma concentrations of fluticasone propionate averaged 107, 94, and 120 pg/mL, respectively, indicating no significant changes in systemic exposures of fluticasone propionate.
- In 15 healthy subjects, systemic exposure to fluticasone propionate from 4 inhalations of fluticasone propionate 230 mcg and salmeterol 21 mcg Inhalation Aerosol (920/84 mcg) and 2 inhalations of fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 (1,000/100 mcg) were similar between the 2 inhalers (i.e., 799 versus 832 pg•h/mL, respectively), but approximately half the systemic exposure from 4 inhalations of fluticasone propionate CFC inhalation aerosol 220 mcg (880 mcg, AUC = 1,543 pg•h/mL). Similar results were observed for peak fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations (186 and 182 pg/mL from fluticasone propionate and fluticasone + salmeterol, respectively, and 307 pg/mL from the fluticasone propionate CFC inhalation aerosol). Absolute bioavailability of fluticasone propionate was 5.3% and 5.5% following administration of fluticasone propionate and fluticasone + salmeterol, respectively.
Subjects With Asthma and COPD:
- Peak steady-state fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations in adult subjects with asthma (N = 11) ranged from undetectable to 266 pg/mL after a 500-mcg twice-daily dose of fluticasone propionate inhalation powder using the DISKUS inhaler. The mean fluticasone propionate plasma concentration was 110 pg/mL.
- Full pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained from 9 female and 16 male subjects with asthma given fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 500 mcg twice daily using the DISKUS inhaler and from 14 female and 43 male subjects with COPD given 250 or 500 mcg twice daily. No overall differences in fluticasone propionate pharmacokinetics were observed.
- Peak steady-state fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations in subjects with COPD averaged 53 pg/mL (range: 19.3 to 159.3 pg/mL) after treatment with 250 mcg twice daily (n = 30) and 84 pg/mL (range: 24.3 to 197.1 pg/mL) after treatment with 500 mcg twice daily (n = 27) via the fluticasone propionate DISKUS inhaler. In another trial in subjects with COPD, peak steady-state fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations averaged 115 pg/mL (range: 52.6 to 366.0 pg/mL) after treatment with 500 mcg twice daily via the fluticasone propionate DISKUS inhaler (n = 15) and 105 pg/mL (range: 22.5 to 299.0 pg/mL) via fluticasone + salmeterol (n = 24).
Salmeterol Xinafoate
Healthy Subjects:
- Salmeterol xinafoate, an ionic salt, dissociates in solution so that the salmeterol and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (xinafoate) moieties are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated independently. Salmeterol acts locally in the lung; therefore, plasma levels do not predict therapeutic effect.
- Following administration of fluticasone + salmeterol to healthy adult subjects, peak plasma concentrations of salmeterol were achieved in about 5 minutes.
- In 15 healthy subjects receiving fluticasone propionate 230/21 Inhalation Aerosol (920/84 mcg) and fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 (1,000/100 mcg), systemic exposure to salmeterol was higher (317 versus 169 pg•h/mL) and peak salmeterol concentrations were lower (196 versus 223 pg/mL) following fluticasone propionate compared with fluticasone + salmeterol, although pharmacodynamic results were comparable.
Subjects With Asthma:
- Because of the small therapeutic dose, systemic levels of salmeterol are low or undetectable after inhalation of recommended doses (50 mcg of salmeterol inhalation powder twice daily). Following chronic administration of an inhaled dose of 50 mcg of salmeterol inhalation powder twice daily, salmeterol was detected in plasma within 5 to 45 minutes in 7 subjects with asthma; plasma concentrations were very low, with mean peak concentrations of 167 pg/mL at 20 minutes and no accumulation with repeated doses.
Distribution
Fluticasone Propionate
- Following intravenous administration, the initial disposition phase for fluticasone propionate was rapid and consistent with its high lipid solubility and tissue binding. The volume of distribution averaged 4.2 L/kg.
- The percentage of fluticasone propionate bound to human plasma proteins averages 99%. Fluticasone propionate is weakly and reversibly bound to erythrocytes and is not significantly bound to human transcortin.
Salmeterol
- The percentage of salmeterol bound to human plasma proteins averages 96% in vitro over the concentration range of 8 to 7,722 ng of salmeterol base per milliliter, much higher concentrations than those achieved following therapeutic doses of salmeterol.
Metabolism
Fluticasone Propionate
- The total clearance of fluticasone propionate is high (average, 1,093 mL/min), with renal clearance accounting for less than 0.02% of the total. The only circulating metabolite detected in man is the 17β-carboxylic acid derivative of fluticasone propionate, which is formed through the CYP3A4 pathway. This metabolite had less affinity (approximately 1/2,000) than the parent drug for the glucocorticoid receptor of human lung cytosol in vitro and negligible pharmacological activity in animal studies. Other metabolites detected in vitro using cultured human hepatoma cells have not been detected in man.
Salmeterol
- Salmeterol base is extensively metabolized by hydroxylation, with subsequent elimination predominantly in the feces. No significant amount of unchanged salmeterol base was detected in either urine or feces.
- An in vitro study using human liver microsomes showed that salmeterol is extensively metabolized to α-hydroxysalmeterol (aliphatic oxidation) by CYP3A4. Ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, essentially completely inhibited the formation of α-hydroxysalmeterol in vitro.
Elimination
Fluticasone Propionate
- Following intravenous dosing, fluticasone propionate showed polyexponential kinetics and had a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 7.8 hours. Less than 5% of a radiolabeled oral dose was excreted in the urine as metabolites, with the remainder excreted in the feces as parent drug and metabolites. Terminal half-life estimates of fluticasone propionate for fluticasone + salmeterol, and fluticasone propionate CFC inhalation aerosol were similar and averaged 5.6 hours.
Salmeterol
- In 2 healthy adult subjects who received 1 mg of radiolabeled salmeterol (as salmeterol xinafoate) orally, approximately 25% and 60% of the radiolabeled salmeterol was eliminated in urine and feces, respectively, over a period of 7 days. The terminal elimination half-life was about 5.5 hours (1 volunteer only).
- The xinafoate moiety has no apparent pharmacologic activity. The xinafoate moiety is highly protein bound (greater than 99%) and has a long elimination half-life of 11 days. No terminal half-life estimates were calculated for salmeterol following administration of fluticasone + salmeterol.
Special Populations
- A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed for fluticasone + salmeterol utilizing data from 9 controlled clinical trials that included 350 subjects with asthma aged 4 to 77 years who received treatment with fluticasone + salmeterol, the combination of HFA-propelled fluticasone + salmeterol inhalation aerosol, fluticasone propionate inhalation powder, HFA-propelled fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol, or CFC-propelled fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol. The population pharmacokinetic analyses for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol showed no clinically relevant effects of age, gender, race, body weight, body mass index, or percent of predicted FEV1 on apparent clearance and apparent volume of distribution.
Age
- When the population pharmacokinetic analysis for fluticasone propionate was divided into subgroups based on fluticasone propionate strength, formulation, and age (adolescents/adults and children), there were some differences in fluticasone propionate exposure. Higher fluticasone propionate exposure from fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 compared with fluticasone propionate 100 mcg was observed in adolescents and adults (ratio 1.52 [90% CI: 1.08, 2.13]). However, in clinical trials of up to 12 weeks’ duration comparing fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 and fluticasone propionate 100 mcg in adolescents and adults, no differences in systemic effects of corticosteroid treatment (e.g., HPA axis effects) were observed. Similar fluticasone propionate exposure was observed from fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 and fluticasone propionate 500 mcg (ratio 0.83 [90% CI: 0.65, 1.07]) in adolescents and adults.
- Steady-state systemic exposure to salmeterol when delivered as fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50, fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, or fluticasone + salmeterol 115/21 Inhalation Aerosol was evaluated in 127 subjects aged 4 to 57 years. The geometric mean AUC was 325 pg•h/mL (90% CI: 309, 341) in adolescents and adults.
- The population pharmacokinetic analysis included 160 subjects with asthma aged 4 to 11 years who received fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 or fluticasone propionate 100 mcg. Higher fluticasone propionate exposure (AUC) was observed in children from fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 compared with fluticasone propionate 100 mcg (ratio 1.20 [90% CI: 1.06, 1.37]). Higher fluticasone propionate exposure (AUC) from fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 was observed in children compared with adolescents and adults (ratio 1.63 [90% CI: 1.35, 1.96]). However, in clinical trials of up to 12 weeks’ duration comparing fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 and fluticasone propionate 100 mcg in both adolescents and adults and in children, no differences in systemic effects of corticosteroid treatment (e.g., HPA axis effects) were observed.
- Exposure to salmeterol was higher in children compared with adolescents and adults who received fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 (ratio 1.23 [90% CI: 1.10, 1.38]). However, in clinical trials of up to 12 weeks’ duration with fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 in both adolescents and adults and in children, no differences in systemic effects of beta2-agonist treatment (e.g., cardiovascular effects, tremor) were observed.
Gender
- The population pharmacokinetic analysis involved 202 males and 148 females with asthma who received fluticasone propionate alone or in combination with salmeterol and showed no gender differences for fluticasone propionate pharmacokinetics.
- The population pharmacokinetic analysis involved 76 males and 51 females with asthma who received salmeterol in combination with fluticasone propionate and showed no gender differences for salmeterol pharmacokinetics.
Hepatic and Renal Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using fluticasone propionate have not been conducted in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. However, since both fluticasone propionate are predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.
Drug Interactions
- In the repeat- and single‑dose trials, there was no evidence of significant drug interaction in systemic exposure between fluticasone propionate when given alone or in combination via the DISKUS. The population pharmacokinetic analysis from 9 controlled clinical trials in 350 subjects with asthma showed no significant effects on fluticasone propionate or salmeterol pharmacokinetics following co‑administration with beta2-agonists, corticosteroids, antihistamines, or theophyllines.
Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4
- Fluticasone Propionate: Fluticasone propionate is a substrate of CYP3A4. Coadministration of fluticasone propionate and the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir is not recommended based upon a multiple-dose, crossover drug interaction trial in 18 healthy subjects. Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (200 mcg once daily) was coadministered for 7 days with ritonavir (100 mg twice daily). Plasma fluticasone propionate concentrations following fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray alone were undetectable (<10 pg/mL) in most subjects, and when concentrations were detectable peak levels (Cmax) averaged 11.9 pg/mL (range: 10.8 to 14.1 pg/mL) and AUC(0-τ) averaged 8.43 pg•h/mL (range: 4.2 to 18.8 pg•h/mL). Fluticasone propionate Cmax and AUC(0-τ) increased to 318 pg/mL (range: 110 to 648 pg/mL) and 3,102.6 pg•h/mL (range: 1,207.1 to 5,662.0 pg•h/mL), respectively, after coadministration of ritonavir with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray. This significant increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure resulted in a significant decrease (86%) in serum cortisol AUC.
Ketoconazole
- Fluticasone Propionate: In a placebo-controlled, crossover trial in 8 healthy adult volunteers, coadministration of a single dose of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (1,000 mcg) with multiple doses of ketoconazole (200 mg) to steady state resulted in increased plasma fluticasone propionate exposure, a reduction in plasma cortisol AUC, and no effect on urinary excretion of cortisol.
- Salmeterol: In a placebo-controlled, crossover drug interaction trial in 20 healthy male and female subjects, coadministration of salmeterol (50 mcg twice daily) and the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg once daily) for 7 days resulted in a significant increase in plasma salmeterol exposure as determined by a 16-fold increase in AUC (ratio with and without ketoconazole 15.76 [90% CI: 10.66, 23.31]) mainly due to increased bioavailability of the swallowed portion of the dose. Peak plasma salmeterol concentrations were increased by 1.4-fold (90% CI: 1.23, 1.68). Three (3) out of 20 subjects (15%) were withdrawn from salmeterol and ketoconazole coadministration due to beta-agonist–mediated systemic effects (2 with QTc prolongation and 1 with palpitations and sinus tachycardia). Coadministration of salmeterol and ketoconazole did not result in a clinically significant effect on mean heart rate, mean blood potassium, or mean blood glucose. Although there was no statistical effect on the mean QTc, coadministration of salmeterol and ketoconazole was associated with more frequent increases in QTc duration compared with salmeterol and placebo administration.
Erythromycin
- Fluticasone Propionate: In a multiple-dose drug interaction trial, coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (500 mcg twice daily) and erythromycin (333 mg 3 times daily) did not affect fluticasone propionate pharmacokinetics.
- Salmeterol: In a repeat-dose trial in 13 healthy subjects, concomitant administration of erythromycin (a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) and salmeterol inhalation aerosol resulted in a 40% increase in salmeterol Cmax at steady state (ratio with and without erythromycin 1.4 [90% CI: 0.96, 2.03], P = 0.12), a 3.6-beat/min increase in heart rate ([95% CI: 0.19, 7.03], P<0.04), a 5.8-msec increase in QTc interval ([95% CI: -6.14, 17.77], P = 0.34), and no change in plasma potassium.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Fluticasone Propionate
- Fluticasone propionate demonstrated no tumorigenic potential in mice at oral doses up to 1,000 mcg/kg (approximately 4 and 10 times the MRHDID for adults and children, respectively, on a mg/m2 basis) for 78 weeks or in rats at inhalation doses up to 57 mcg/kg (less than and approximately equivalent to the MRHDID for adults and children, respectively, on a mg/m2 basis) for 104 weeks.
- Fluticasone propionate did not induce gene mutation in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells in vitro. No significant clastogenic effect was seen in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro or in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
- No evidence of impairment of fertility was observed in rats at subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg (less than the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis). Prostate weight was significantly reduced.
Salmeterol
- In an 18-month carcinogenicity study in CD-mice, salmeterol at oral doses of 1.4 mg/kg and above (approximately 20 times the MRHDID for adults and children based on comparison of the plasma AUCs) caused a dose-related increase in the incidence of smooth muscle hyperplasia, cystic glandular hyperplasia, leiomyomas of the uterus, and ovarian cysts. No tumors were seen at 0.2 mg/kg (approximately 3 times the MRHDID for adults and children based on comparison of the AUCs).
- In a 24‑month oral and inhalation carcinogenicity study in Sprague Dawley rats, salmeterol caused a dose‑related increase in the incidence of mesovarian leiomyomas and ovarian cysts at doses of 0.68 mg/kg and above (approximately 55 and 25 times the MRHDID for adults and children, respectively, on a mg/m2 basis). No tumors were seen at 0.21 mg/kg (approximately 15 and 8 times the MRHDID for adults and children, respectively, on a mg/m2 basis). These findings in rodents are similar to those reported previously for other beta‑adrenergic agonist drugs. The relevance of these findings to human use is unknown.
- Salmeterol produced no detectable or reproducible increases in microbial and mammalian gene mutation in vitro. No clastogenic activity occurred in vitro in human lymphocytes or in vivo in a rat micronucleus test. No effects on fertility were identified in rats treated with salmeterol at oral doses up to 2 mg/kg (approximately 160 times the MRHDID for adults on a mg/m2 basis).
Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
- Preclinical: Studies in laboratory animals (minipigs, rodents, and dogs) have demonstrated the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death (with histologic evidence of myocardial necrosis) when beta-agonists and methylxanthines are administered concurrently. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.
Clinical Studies
Asthma
Adult and Adolescent Subjects Aged 12 Years and Older: In clinical trials comparing fluticasone + salmeterol with its individual components, improvements in most efficacy endpoints were greater with fluticasone + salmeterol than with the use of either fluticasone + salmeterol alone. In addition, clinical trials showed similar results between fluticasone + salmeterol and the concurrent use of fluticasone propionate plus salmeterol at corresponding doses from separate inhalers.
Trials Comparing Fluticasone + Salmeterol With Fluticasone Propionate Alone or Salmeterol Alone
Three (3) double‑blind, parallel‑group clinical trials were conducted with fluticasone + salmeterol in 1,208 adult and adolescent subjects (aged 12 years and older, baseline FEV1 63% to 72% of predicted normal) with asthma that was not optimally controlled on their current therapy. All treatments were inhalation powders given as 1 inhalation from the DISKUS inhaler twice daily, and other maintenance therapies were discontinued.
Trial 1: Clinical Trial With fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50: This placebo‑controlled, 12‑week, US trial compared fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 with its individual components, fluticasone propionate 100 mcg and salmeterol 50 mcg. The trial was stratified according to baseline asthma maintenance therapy; subjects were using either inhaled corticosteroids (n = 250) (daily doses of beclomethasone dipropionate 252 to 420 mcg; flunisolide 1,000 mcg; fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol 176 mcg; or triamcinolone acetonide 600 to 1,000 mcg) or salmeterol (n = 106). Baseline FEV1 measurements were similar across treatments: fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50, 2.17 L; fluticasone propionate 100 mcg, 2.11 L; salmeterol, 2.13 L; and placebo, 2.15 L.
Predefined withdrawal criteria for lack of efficacy, an indicator of worsening asthma, were utilized for this placebo-controlled trial. Worsening asthma was defined as a clinically important decrease in FEV1 or PEF, increase in use of albuterol Inhalation Aerosol, increase in night awakenings due to asthma, emergency intervention or hospitalization due to asthma, or requirement for asthma medication not allowed by the protocol. As shown in Table 4, statistically significantly fewer subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 were withdrawn due to worsening asthma compared with fluticasone propionate, salmeterol, and placebo.
The FEV1 results are displayed in Figure 2. Because this trial used predetermined criteria for worsening asthma, which caused more subjects in the placebo group to be withdrawn, FEV1 results at Endpoint (last available FEV1 result) are also provided. Subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 had significantly greater improvements in FEV1 (0.51 L, 25%) compared with fluticasone propionate 100 mcg (0.28 L, 15%), salmeterol (0.11 L, 5%), and placebo (0.01 L, 1%). These improvements in FEV1 with fluticasone + salmeterol were achieved regardless of baseline asthma maintenance therapy (inhaled corticosteroids or salmeterol).
The effect of fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 on morning and evening PEF endpoints is shown in Table 5.
The subjective impact of asthma on subjects’ perception of health was evaluated through use of an instrument called the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) (based on a 7-point scale where 1 = maximum impairment and 7 = none). Subjects receiving ADVAIR DISKUS 100/50 had clinically meaningful improvements in overall asthma-specific quality of life as defined by a difference between groups of ≥0.5 points in change from baseline AQLQ scores (difference in AQLQ score of 1.25 compared with placebo).
Trial 2: Clinical Trial With fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50: This placebo-controlled, 12-week, US trial compared fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 with its individual components, fluticasone propionate 250 mcg and salmeterol 50 mcg, in 349 subjects with asthma using inhaled corticosteroids (daily doses of beclomethasone dipropionate 462 to 672 mcg; flunisolide 1,250 to 2,000 mcg; fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol 440 mcg; or triamcinolone acetonide 1,100 to 1,600 mcg). Baseline FEV1 measurements were similar across treatments: fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50, 2.23 L; fluticasone propionate 250 mcg, 2.12 L; salmeterol, 2.20 L; and placebo, 2.19 L.
Efficacy results in this trial were similar to those observed in Trial 1. Subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 had significantly greater improvements in FEV1 (0.48 L, 23%) compared with fluticasone propionate 250 mcg (0.25 L, 13%), salmeterol (0.05 L, 4%), and placebo (decrease of 0.11 L, decrease of 5%). Statistically significantly fewer subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 were withdrawn from this trial for worsening asthma (4%) compared with fluticasone propionate (22%), salmeterol (38%), and placebo (62%). In addition, fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 was superior to fluticasone propionate, salmeterol, and placebo for improvements in morning and evening PEF. Subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 also had clinically meaningful improvements in overall asthma‑specific quality of life as described in Trial 1 (difference in AQLQ score of 1.29 compared with placebo).
Trial 3: Clinical Trial With fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50: This 28-week, non‑US trial compared fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 with fluticasone propionate 500 mcg alone and concurrent therapy (salmeterol 50 mcg plus fluticasone propionate 500 mcg administered from separate inhalers) twice daily in 503 subjects with asthma using inhaled corticosteroids (daily doses of beclomethasone dipropionate 1,260 to 1,680 mcg; budesonide 1,500 to 2,000 mcg; flunisolide 1,500 to 2,000 mcg; or fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol 660 to 880 mcg [750 to 1,000 mcg inhalation powder]). The primary efficacy parameter, morning PEF, was collected daily for the first 12 weeks of the trial. The primary purpose of weeks 13 to 28 was to collect safety data.
Baseline PEF measurements were similar across treatments: fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, 359 L/min; fluticasone propionate 500 mcg, 351 L/min; and concurrent therapy, 345 L/min. Morning PEF improved significantly with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 compared with fluticasone propionate 500 mcg over the 12‑week treatment period. Improvements in morning PEF observed with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 were similar to improvements observed with concurrent therapy.
Onset of Action and Progression of Improvement in Asthma Control: The onset of action and progression of improvement in asthma control were evaluated in the 2 placebo‑controlled US trials. Following the first dose, the median time to onset of clinically significant bronchodilatation (≥15% improvement in FEV1) in most subjects was seen within 30 to 60 minutes. Maximum improvement in FEV1 generally occurred within 3 hours, and clinically significant improvement was maintained for 12 hours (see Figure 3). Following the initial dose, predose FEV1 relative to Day 1 baseline improved markedly over the first week of treatment and continued to improve over the 12 weeks of treatment in both trials. No diminution in the 12‑hour bronchodilator effect was observed with either fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 (Figures 3 and 4) or fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 as assessed by FEV1 following 12 weeks of therapy.
Reduction in asthma symptoms and use of rescue albuterol Inhalation Aerosol and improvement in morning and evening PEF also occurred within the first day of treatment with fluticasone + salmeterol, and continued to improve over the 12 weeks of therapy in both trials.
Pediatric Subjects: In a 12-week US trial, fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 twice daily was compared with fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 100 mcg twice daily in 203 children with asthma aged 4 to 11 years. At trial entry, the children were symptomatic on low doses of inhaled corticosteroids (beclomethasone dipropionate 252 to 336 mcg/day; budesonide 200 to 400 mcg/day; flunisolide 1,000 mcg/day; triamcinolone acetonide 600 to 1,000 mcg/day; or fluticasone propionate 88 to 250 mcg/day). The primary objective of this trial was to determine the safety of fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 compared with fluticasone propionate inhalation powder 100 mcg in this age-group; however, the trial also included secondary efficacy measures of pulmonary function. Morning predose FEV1 was obtained at baseline and Endpoint (last available FEV1 result) in children aged 6 to 11 years. In subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50, FEV1 increased from 1.70 L at baseline (n = 79) to 1.88 L at Endpoint (n = 69) compared with an increase from 1.65 L at baseline (n = 83) to 1.77 L at Endpoint (n = 75) in subjects receiving fluticasone propionate 100 mcg.
The findings of this trial, along with extrapolation of efficacy data from subjects aged 12 years and older, support the overall conclusion that fluticasone + salmeterol 100/50 is efficacious in the treatment of asthma in subjects aged 4 to 11 years.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The efficacy of fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 and fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 in the treatment of subjects with COPD was evaluated in 6 randomized, double-blind, parallel‑group clinical trials in adult subjects aged 40 years and older. These trials were primarily designed to evaluate the efficacy of fluticasone + salmeterol on lung function (3 trials), exacerbations (2 trials), and survival (1 trial).
Lung Function: Two of the 3 clinical trials primarily designed to evaluate the efficacy of fluticasone + salmeterol on lung function were conducted in 1,414 subjects with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis. In these 2 trials, all the subjects had a history of cough productive of sputum that was not attributable to another disease process on most days for at least 3 months of the year for at least 2 years. The trials were randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, 24-week treatment duration. One trial evaluated the efficacy of fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 compared with its components fluticasone propionate 250 mcg and salmeterol 50 mcg and with placebo, and the other trial evaluated the efficacy of fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 compared with its components fluticasone propionate 500 mcg and salmeterol 50 mcg and with placebo. Trial treatments were inhalation powders given as 1 inhalation from the DISKUS inhaler twice daily. Maintenance COPD therapies were discontinued, with the exception of theophylline. The subjects had a mean pre-bronchodilator FEV1 of 41% and 20% reversibility at trial entry. Percent reversibility was calculated as 100 times (FEV1 post-albuterol minus FEV1 pre-albuterol)/FEV1 pre-albuterol.
Improvements in lung function (as defined by predose and postdose FEV1) were significantly greater with fluticasone + salmeterol than with fluticasone propionate, salmeterol, or placebo. The improvement in lung function with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 was similar to the improvement seen with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50.
Figures 5 and 6 display predose and 2-hour postdose, respectively, FEV1 results for the trial with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50. To account for subject withdrawals during the trial, FEV1 at Endpoint (last evaluable FEV1) was evaluated. Subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 had significantly greater improvements in predose FEV1 at Endpoint (165 mL, 17%) compared with salmeterol 50 mcg (91 mL, 9%) and placebo (1 mL, 1%), demonstrating the contribution of fluticasone propionate to the improvement in lung function with fluticasone + salmeterol (Figure 5). Subjects receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 had significantly greater improvements in postdose FEV1 at Endpoint (281 mL, 27%) compared with fluticasone propionate 250 mcg (147 mL, 14%) and placebo (58 mL, 6%), demonstrating the contribution of salmeterol to the improvement in lung function with fluticasone + salmeterol (Figure 6).
The third trial was a 1-year trial that evaluated fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, fluticasone propionate 500 mcg, salmeterol 50 mcg, and placebo in 1,465 subjects. The subjects had an established history of COPD and exacerbations, a pre-bronchodilator FEV1 <70% of predicted at trial entry, and 8.3% reversibility. The primary endpoint was the comparison of pre-bronchodilator FEV1 in the groups receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 or placebo. Subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 had greater improvements in FEV1 (113 mL, 10%) compared with fluticasone propionate 500 mcg (7 mL, 2%), salmeterol (15 mL, 2%), and placebo (-60 mL, -3%).
Exacerbations: Two trials were primarily designed to evaluate the effect of fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 on exacerbations. In these 2 trials, exacerbations were defined as worsening of 2 or more major symptoms (dyspnea, sputum volume, and sputum purulence) or worsening of any 1 major symptom together with any 1 of the following minor symptoms: sore throat, colds (nasal discharge and/or nasal congestion), fever without other cause, and increased cough or wheeze for at least 2 consecutive days. COPD exacerbations were considered of moderate severity if treatment with systemic corticosteroids and/or antibiotics was required and were considered severe if hospitalization was required.
Exacerbations were also evaluated as a secondary outcome in the 1- and 3-year trials with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50. There was not a symptomatic definition of exacerbation in these 2 trials. Exacerbations were defined in terms of severity requiring treatment with antibiotics and/or systemic corticosteroids (moderately severe) or requiring hospitalization (severe).
The 2 exacerbation trials with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 were identical trials designed to evaluate the effect of fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 and salmeterol 50 mcg, each given twice daily, on exacerbations of COPD over a 12-month period. A total of 1,579 subjects had an established history of COPD (but no other significant respiratory disorders). Subjects had a pre-bronchodilator FEV1 of 33% of predicted, a mean reversibility of 23% at baseline, and a history of ≥1 COPD exacerbation in the previous year that was moderate or severe. All subjects were treated with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 twice daily during a 4-week run-in period prior to being assigned trial treatment with twice-daily fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 or salmeterol 50 mcg. In both trials, treatment with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 resulted in a significantly lower annual rate of moderate/severe COPD exacerbations compared with salmeterol (30.5% reduction [95% CI: 17.0, 41.8], P<0.001) in the first trial and (30.4% reduction [95% CI: 16.9, 41.7], P<0.001) in the second trial. Subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 also had a significantly lower annual rate of exacerbations requiring treatment with oral corticosteroids compared with subjects treated with salmeterol (39.7% reduction [95% CI: 22.8, 52.9], P<0.001) in the first trial and (34.3% reduction [95% CI: 18.6, 47.0], P<0.001) in the second trial. Secondary endpoints including pulmonary function and symptom scores improved more in subjects treated with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 than with salmeterol 50 mcg in both trials.
Exacerbations were evaluated in the 1- and the 3-year trials with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 as 1 of the secondary efficacy endpoints. In the 1-year trial, the group receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 had a significantly lower rate of moderate and severe exacerbations compared with placebo (25.4% reduction compared with placebo [95% CI: 13.5, 35.7]) but not when compared with its components (7.5% reduction compared with fluticasone propionate [95% CI: -7.3, 20.3] and 7% reduction compared with salmeterol [95% CI: -8.0, 19.9]). In the 3-year trial, the group receiving fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 had a significantly lower rate of moderate and severe exacerbations compared with each of the other treatment groups (25.1% reduction compared with placebo [95% CI: 18.6, 31.1], 9.0% reduction compared with fluticasone propionate [95% CI: 1.2, 16.2], and 12.2% reduction compared with salmeterol [95% CI: 4.6, 19.2]).
There were no trials conducted to directly compare the efficacy of fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50 with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 on exacerbations. Across trials, the reduction in exacerbations seen with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 was not greater than the reduction in exacerbations seen with fluticasone + salmeterol 250/50.
Survival: A 3-year multicenter, international trial evaluated the efficacy of fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 compared with fluticasone propionate 500 mcg, salmeterol 50 mcg, and placebo on survival in 6,112 subjects with COPD. During the trial subjects were permitted usual COPD therapy with the exception of other inhaled corticosteroids and long‑acting bronchodilators. The subjects were aged 40 to 80 years with an established history of COPD, a pre-bronchodilator FEV1 <60% of predicted at trial entry, and <10% of predicted reversibility. Each subject who withdrew from double‑blind treatment for any reason was followed for the full 3-year trial period to determine survival status. The primary efficacy endpoint was all-cause mortality. Survival with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50 was not significantly improved compared with placebo or the individual components (all-cause mortality rate 12.6% fluticasone + salmeterol versus 15.2% placebo). The rates for all-cause mortality were 13.5% and 16.0% in the groups treated with salmeterol 50 mcg and fluticasone propionate 500 mcg, respectively. Secondary outcomes, including pulmonary function (post-bronchodilator FEV1), improved with fluticasone + salmeterol 500/50, salmeterol 50 mcg, and fluticasone propionate 500 mcg compared with placebo.
How Supplied
- ADVAIR DISKUS 100/50 is supplied as a disposable purple plastic inhaler containing a foil blister strip with 60 blisters. The inhaler is packaged in a plastic-coated, moisture-protective foil pouch (NDC 0173-0695-00). ADVAIR DISKUS 100/50 is also supplied in an institutional pack containing 14 blisters (NDC 0173-0695-04).
- ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is supplied as a disposable purple plastic inhaler containing a foil blister strip with 60 blisters. The inhaler is packaged in a plastic-coated, moisture-protective foil pouch (NDC 0173-0696-00). ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is also supplied in an institutional pack containing 14 blisters (NDC 0173-0696-04).
- ADVAIR DISKUS 500/50 is supplied as a disposable purple plastic inhaler containing a foil blister strip with 60 blisters. The inhaler is packaged in a plastic-coated, moisture-protective foil pouch (NDC 0173-0697-00). ADVAIR DISKUS 500/50 is also supplied in an institutional pack containing 14 blisters (NDC 0173-0697-04).
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C); excursions permitted from 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) .
- Store in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- ADVAIR DISKUS should be stored inside the unopened moisture-protective foil pouch and only removed from the pouch immediately before initial use.
- Discard ADVAIR DISKUS 1 month after opening the foil pouch or when the counter reads “0” (after all blisters have been used), whichever comes first. The inhaler is not reusable.
- Do not attempt to take the inhaler apart.
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Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
- Asthma-Related Death: Inform patients with asthma that salmeterol, one of the active ingredients in ADVAIR DISKUS, increases the risk of asthma-related death and may increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients.Also inform them that currently available data are inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA.
- Not for Acute Symptoms: Inform patients that ADVAIR DISKUS is not meant to relieve acute asthma symptoms or exacerbations of COPD and extra doses should not be used for that purpose. Advise patients to treat acute symptoms with an inhaled, short-acting beta2‑agonist such as albuterol. Provide patients with such medication and instruct them in how it should be used. Instruct patients to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following:
- Decreasing effectiveness of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists
- Need for more inhalations than usual of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists
- Significant decrease in lung function as outlined by the physician
- Tell patients they should not stop therapy with ADVAIR DISKUS without physician/provider guidance since symptoms may recur after discontinuation.
- Do Not Use Additional Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists: Instruct patients not to use other LABA for asthma and COPD.
- Local Effects: Inform patients that localized infections with Candida albicans occurred in the mouth and pharynx in some patients. If oropharyngeal candidiasis develops, treat it with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while still continuing therapy with ADVAIR DISKUS, but at times therapy with ADVAIR DISKUS may need to be temporarily interrupted under close medical supervision. Rinsing the mouth with water without swallowing after inhalation is advised to help reduce the risk of thrush.
- Pneumonia: Patients with COPD have a higher risk of pneumonia; instruct them to contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of pneumonia.
- Immunosuppression: Warn patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles and, if exposed, to consult their physicians without delay. Inform patients of potential worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.
- Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression: Advise patients that ADVAIR DISKUS may cause systemic corticosteroid effects of hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. Additionally, inform patients that deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids. Patients should taper slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to ADVAIR DISKUS.
- Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions: Advise patients that immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after administration of ADVAIR DISKUS. Patients should discontinue ADVAIR DISKUS if such reactions occur. There have been reports of anaphylactic reactions in patients with severe milk protein allergy after inhalation of powder products containing lactose; therefore, patients with severe milk protein allergy should not take ADVAIR DISKUS.
- Reduction in Bone Mineral Density: Advise patients who are at an increased risk for decreased BMD that the use of corticosteroids may pose an additional risk.
- Reduced Growth Velocity: Inform patients that orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Physicians should closely follow the growth of children and adolescents taking corticosteroids by any route.
- Ocular Effects: Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may increase the risk of some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma); consider regular eye examinations.
- Risks Associated With Beta-Agonist Therapy: Inform patients of adverse effects associated with beta2‑agonists, such as palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness.
Precautions with Alcohol
Alcohol-Fluticasone/salmeterol interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.
Brand Names
- Advair Diskus 100/50
- Advair Diskus 250/50
- Advair Diskus 500/50
- Advair HFA
- Advair Diskus
- Advair HFA 115/21
- Advair HFA 230/21
- Advair HFA 45/21
Look-Alike Drug Names
- Advair - Advicor
Drug Shortage Status
Drug Shortage
Price
References
The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.
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