Fintepla Drug Information
Generic name: FENFLURAMINE
Uses of Fintepla
is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients 2 years of age and older. FINTEPLA is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older.
Dosage & Administration of Fintepla
| Initial Dosage | 0.1 mg/kg twice daily |
|---|---|
| Day 7 | 0.2 mg/kg twice daily |
| Day 14 | 0.35 mg/kg twice daily |
Side Effects of Fintepla
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In controlled and uncontrolled trials in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS), 341 patients were treated with FINTEPLA, including 312 patients treated for more than 6 months, 284 patients treated for more than 1 year, and 138 patients treated for more than 2 years. In controlled and uncontrolled trials in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), 262 patients were treated with FINTEPLA, including 219 patients treated for more than 6 months, 172 patients treated for more than 1 year, and 127 patients treated for more than 2 years.
Dravet Syndrome In placebo-controlled trials of patients with DS taking concomitant standard of care AEDs, 122 patients were treated with FINTEPLA and 84 patients received placebo . The duration of treatment in these trials was 16 weeks (Study 1) or 17 weeks (Study 2). In Study 1 and Study 2, the mean age was 9 years (range 2 to 19 years) and approximately 46% of patients were female and 74% were White. All patients were receiving at least one other AED. In Study 1 and Study 2, the rates of discontinuation as a result of any adverse reaction were 13%, 0%, and 7% for patients treated with FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day, 0.2 mg/kg/day, and 0.4 mg/kg/day in combination with stiripentol, respectively, compared to 6% for patients on placebo. The most frequent adverse reaction leading to discontinuation in the patients treated with any dose of FINTEPLA was somnolence (3%). The most common adverse reactions that occurred in patients treated with FINTEPLA (incidence at least 10% and greater than placebo) were decreased appetite; somnolence, sedation, lethargy; diarrhea; constipation; abnormal echocardiogram; fatigue, malaise, asthenia; ataxia, balance disorder, gait disturbance; blood pressure increased; drooling, salivary hypersecretion; pyrexia; upper respiratory tract infection; vomiting; decreased weight; fall; status epilepticus.
Table 4 lists the adverse reactions that were reported in 5% or more of patients treated with FINTEPLA and at a rate greater than those on placebo during the titration and maintenance phases of Study 1 and Study 2. Table 4: Adverse Reactions in 5% or More of Patients Treated with FINTEPLA and Greater Than Placebo in Placebo-Controlled Trials for Dravet Syndrome (Study 1 and 2) Adverse Reaction FINTEPLA Dose Group Combined Placebo Group Patients in placebo groups from Studies 1 and 2 were pooled. Study 1 Study 2 0.2 mg/kg/day 0.7 mg/kg/day 0.4 mg/kg/day 0.4 mg/kg/day was not an intermediate dose. Patients on the 0.4 mg/kg/day dose were also taking concomitant stiripentol plus clobazam, which increases exposure of FINTEPLA. N=39 % N=40 % N=43 % N=84 % Decreased appetite 23 38 49 8 Somnolence, sedation, lethargy 26 25 23 11 Abnormal echocardiogram Consisted of trace and mild mitral regurgitation, and trace aortic regurgitation, which are considered physiologic. 18 23 9 6 Diarrhea 31 15 23 6 Constipation 3 10 7 0 Fatigue, malaise, asthenia 15 10 30 5 Ataxia, balance disorder, gait disturbance 10 10 7 1 Abnormal behavior 0 8 9 0 Blood pressure increased 13 8 0 5 Drooling, salivary hypersecretion 13 8 2 0 Hypotonia 0 8 0 0 Rash 8 8 5 4 Blood prolactin increased 0 5 0 0 Chills 0 5 2 0 Decreased activity 0 5 0 1 Dehydration 0 5 0 0 Insomnia 0 5 5 2 Pyrexia 15 5 21 14 Stereotypy 0 5 0 0 Upper respiratory tract infection 21 5 7 10 Vomiting 10 5 5 8 Weight decreased 13 5 7 1 Croup 5 3 0 1 Ear infection 8 3 9 5 Gastroenteritis 8 3 2 0 Increased heart rate 5 3 0 2 Irritability 0 3 9 2 Rhinitis 8 3 7 2 Tremor 3 3 9 0 Urinary incontinence 5 3 0 0 Decreased blood glucose 0 0 9 1 Bronchitis 3 0 9 1 Contusion 5 0 0 0 Eczema 0 0 5 0 Enuresis 5 0 0 0 Fall 10 0 0 4 Headache 8 0 0 2 Laryngitis 0 0 5 0 Negativism 5 0 0 0 Status epilepticus 3 0 12 2 Urinary tract infection 5 0 5 0 Viral infection 0 0 5 1 Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome In the placebo-controlled trial of patients with LGS taking concomitant standard of care AEDs (Study 3), 176 patients were treated with FINTEPLA and 87 patients received placebo . The duration of treatment in this trial was 16 weeks.
The mean age was 13.7 years (range 2 to 35 years) and 29% of patients were at least 18 years of age, 45% of patients were female, and 79% were White. All patients were receiving at least one other AED. The rates of discontinuation as a result of any adverse reaction were 6% and 5% for patients treated with FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day and 0.2 mg/kg/day, respectively, compared to 1% for patients on placebo. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in the patients treated with any dose of FINTEPLA were seizure (2%) and somnolence (2%). The common adverse reactions that occurred in patients treated with FINTEPLA (incidence at least 10% and greater than placebo) were diarrhea; decreased appetite; fatigue; somnolence; vomiting.
Table 5 lists the adverse reactions that were reported in 5% or more of patients treated with FINTEPLA and at a rate greater than those on placebo during the titration and maintenance phases of Study 3. Table 5: Adverse Reactions in 5% or More of Patients Treated with FINTEPLA and Greater Than Placebo in the Placebo-Controlled Trial for Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (Study 3) Adverse Reaction FINTEPLA Dose Group Study 3 Placebo Group 0.2 mg/kg/day 0.7mg/kg/day N=89 % N=87 % N=87 % Decreased appetite 20 36 12 Fatigue, malaise, asthenia 14 24 16 Somnolence, sedation, lethargy 12 22 16 Diarrhea 11 13 5 Constipation 6 9 6 Vomiting 14 8 6 Weight decreased 2 8 2 Upper respiratory tract infection 8 7 3 Seizure 9 5 7 Irritability 8 3 6 Echocardiographic Safety Assessments of Valvular Heart Disease and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension were evaluated in the placebo- controlled and open-label extension studies via echocardiography for up to 3 years in duration for 341 DS patients and 263 LGS patients. Screening for valvular heart disease assessed for mild or greater aortic regurgitation or moderate or greater mitral regurgitation, and assessed for additional characteristics of VHD (e.g., valve thickening or restrictive valve motion). In these clinical studies, two patients with LGS exhibited mild aortic regurgitation (AR) but neither patient had any cardiac signs or symptoms or evidence of valvular structural changes. Neither patient had VHD. The rates of mild AR are consistent with those seen in the screening period prior to treatment (3 patients in LGS and 1 patient in DS clinical trials).
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of FINTEPLA. 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. Psychiatric disorders : aggression
Warnings & Cautions for Fintepla
Valvular Heart Disease and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
FINTEPLA can cause valvular heart disease (VHD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). There is a known association between serotonergic drugs with 5-HT2B receptor agonist activity, including fenfluramine (the active ingredient in FINTEPLA), and valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although no patients receiving FINTEPLA developed valvular heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension in clinical trials for DS and LGS of up to 3 years in duration, cases of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension have been reported during use of FINTEPLA in the postmarketing setting . Because of this risk, cardiac monitoring is required prior to starting treatment, during treatment, and after treatment with FINTEPLA concludes. Cardiac monitoring via echocardiogram can identify evidence of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension prior to a patient becoming symptomatic, aiding in early detection of these conditions.
Monitoring Prior to starting treatment, patients must undergo an echocardiogram to evaluate for valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Echocardiograms should be repeated every 6 months, and once 3-6 months post-treatment with FINTEPLA. The prescriber must consider the benefits versus the risks of initiating or continuing treatment with FINTEPLA if any of the following signs are observed via ECHO: Valvular abnormality or new abnormality via echocardiogram. VHD as indicated by mild or greater aortic regurgitation or moderate or greater mitral regurgitation, with additional characteristics of VHD (e.g., valve thickening or restrictive valve motion). PAH as indicated by elevated right heart/pulmonary artery pressure (PASP > 35 mm Hg). FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted program under a REMS.
FINTEPLA
REMS Program FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted distribution program called the FINTEPLA REMS program because of the risk of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Notable requirements of the FINTEPLA REMS Program include: Prescribers must be certified by enrolling in the FINTEPLA REMS program. Prescribers must counsel patients receiving FINTEPLA about the risk of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, how to recognize signs and symptoms of valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, the need for baseline (pretreatment) and periodic cardiac monitoring via echocardiogram during FINTEPLA treatment, and cardiac monitoring after FINTEPLA treatment.
Patients must enroll in the REMS program and comply with ongoing monitoring requirements. The pharmacy must be certified by enrolling in the REMS program and must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive FINTEPLA. Wholesalers and distributors must only distribute to certified pharmacies. Further information is available at www.FinteplaREMS.com or by telephone at 1-877-964-3649.
Decreased Appetite and Decreased Weight
FINTEPLA can cause decreases in appetite and weight. In placebo-controlled studies for DS (Study 1 and Study 2 combined), approximately 37% of patients treated with FINTEPLA reported, as an adverse reaction, decreased appetite and approximately 9% reported decreased weight, as compared to 8% and 1%, respectively, of patients on placebo. In the placebo- controlled study for LGS (Study 3), approximately 28% of patients treated with FINTEPLA reported, as an adverse reaction, decreased appetite and approximately 5% reported decreased weight, as compared to 15% and 2%, respectively, of patients on placebo . By the end of the controlled studies, 19% (Studies 1 and 2 combined) of DS patients and 7% (Study 3) of LGS patients treated with FINTEPLA had a measured decrease in weight of 7% or greater from their baseline weight, compared to 2% (Study 1 and 2) and 0% (Study 3) of patients on placebo.
This measured decrease in weight appeared to be dose-related. In the controlled studies for DS, 26% of patients on FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day (Study 1), 19% of patients on FINTEPLA 0.4 mg/kg/day in combination with stiripentol (Study 2), and 13% of patients taking FINTEPLA 0.2 mg/kg/day (Study 1) experienced at least a 7% decrease in weight from baseline. In the controlled study for LGS, 9% of patients on FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day (Study 3) and 6% of patients on FINTEPLA 0.2 mg/kg/day (Study 3) experienced at least a 7% decrease in weight from baseline.
Approximately half of the patients with LGS and most patients with DS resumed the expected measured increases in weight during the open-label extension studies. Given the frequency of these adverse reactions, the growth of pediatric patients treated with FINTEPLA should be carefully monitored. Weight should be monitored regularly during treatment with FINTEPLA, and dose modifications should be considered if a decrease in weight is observed.
Somnolence, Sedation, and Lethargy
FINTEPLA can cause somnolence, sedation, and lethargy. In controlled studies for DS (Study 1 and Study 2 combined), the incidence of somnolence, sedation, and lethargy was 25% in patients treated with FINTEPLA, compared with 11% of patients on placebo. In the controlled study for LGS (Study 3), the incidence of somnolence, sedation, and lethargy was 19% in patients treated with FINTEPLA, compared with 16% of patients on placebo.
In general, these effects may diminish with continued treatment. Other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, could potentiate these effects of FINTEPLA. Prescribers should monitor patients for somnolence and sedation and should advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on FINTEPLA to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery.
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including
FINTEPLA, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Patients treated with an AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical trials (mono- and adjunctive therapy) of 11 different AEDs that did not include FINTEPLA showed that patients randomized to one of the AEDs had approximately twice the risk (adjusted Relative Risk 1.8, 95% CI:1.2, 2.7) of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients randomized to placebo.
In these trials, which had a median treatment duration of 12 weeks, the estimated incidence rate of suicidal behavior or ideation among 27,863 AED-treated patients was 0.43%, compared to 0.24% among 16,029 placebo-treated patients, representing an increase of approximately one case of suicidal thinking or behavior for every 530 patients treated. There were four suicides in drug-treated patients in the trials and none in placebo-treated patients, but the number is too small to allow any conclusion about drug effect on suicide. The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with AEDs was observed as early as 1 week after starting drug treatment with AEDs and persisted for the duration of treatment assessed.
Because most trials included in the analysis did not extend beyond 24 weeks, the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior beyond 24 weeks could not be assessed. The risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior was generally consistent among drugs in the data analyzed. The finding of increased risk with AEDs of varying mechanisms of action and across a range of indications suggests that the risk applies to all AEDs used for any indication.
The risk did not vary substantially by age (5-100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed. Table 3 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs. Table 3: Risk of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors by Indication for Antiepileptic Drugs in the Pooled Analysis Indication Placebo Patients with Events per 1000 Patients Drug Patients with Events per 1000 Patients Relative Risk: Incidence of Events in Drug Patients/ Incidence in Placebo Patients Risk Difference: Additional Drug Patients with Events per 1000 Patients Epilepsy 1.0 3.4 3.5
Psychiatric 5.7 8.5 1.5 2.9 Other 1.0 1.8 1.9 0.9 Total 2.4
4.3 1.8
The relative risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior was higher in clinical
trials in patients with epilepsy than in clinical trials in patients with psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications. Anyone considering prescribing FINTEPLA or any other AED must balance the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors with the risk of untreated illness. Epilepsy and many other illnesses for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Should suicidal thoughts and behavior emerge during treatment, consider whether the emergence of these symptoms in any given patient may be related to the illness being treated.
Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs As with most
AEDs, FINTEPLA should generally be withdrawn gradually because of the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus. If withdrawal is needed because of a serious adverse reaction, rapid discontinuation can be considered.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, may occur with FINTEPLA, particularly with concomitant administration of FINTEPLA with other serotonergic drugs, including, but not limited to, selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), bupropion, triptans, dietary supplements (e.g., St. John's Wort, tryptophan), drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (including monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are contraindicated with FINTEPLA, dextromethorphan, lithium, tramadol, and antipsychotics with serotonergic agonist activity. Patients should be monitored for the emergence of signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular signs (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). If serotonin syndrome is suspected, treatment with FINTEPLA should be stopped immediately and symptomatic treatment should be started.
Increase in Blood Pressure
FINTEPLA can cause an increase in blood pressure. Rare cases of significant elevation in blood pressure, including hypertensive crisis, has been reported in adult patients treated with fenfluramine, including patients without a history of hypertension. In clinical trials of up to 3 years in duration, no pediatric or adult patient receiving FINTEPLA developed a hypertensive crisis.
Monitor blood pressure in patients treated with FINTEPLA.
Glaucoma Fenfluramine can cause mydriasis and can precipitate angle closure glaucoma.
Consider discontinuing treatment with FINTEPLA in patients with acute decreases in visual acuity or ocular pain.
Drug Interactions with Fintepla
Effect of Other Drugs on
FINTEPLA Stiripentol Plus Clobazam Coadministration of FINTEPLA with stiripentol plus clobazam, with or without valproate, increases fenfluramine plasma concentrations. If FINTEPLA is coadministered with stiripentol plus clobazam, the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA is 0.2 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 17 mg) . Strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A Inducers Coadministration of FINTEPLA with strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducers will decrease fenfluramine plasma concentrations, which may lower the efficacy of FINTEPLA . It is recommended to avoid coadministration of strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A inducers. If coadministration of a strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducer with FINTEPLA is necessary, monitor the patient for reduced efficacy and consider increasing the dosage of FINTEPLA as needed; however, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA. If a strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducer is discontinued during maintenance treatment with FINTEPLA, consider gradual reduction in the FINTEPLA dosage to the dose administered prior to initiating the inducer.
Strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 Inhibitors Coadministration of FINTEPLA with strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors will increase fenfluramine plasma concentrations . If FINTEPLA is coadministered with strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors, the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA is 20 mg. If a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitor is discontinued during maintenance treatment with FINTEPLA, consider gradual increase in the FINTEPLA dosage to the dose recommended without CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors; however, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA. If FINTEPLA is coadministered with stiripentol and a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitor, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA of 17 mg.
Effects of
Serotonin Receptor Antagonists Cyproheptadine and potent 5-HT1A, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C serotonin receptor antagonists may decrease the efficacy of FINTEPLA. If cyproheptadine or potent 5--HT1A, 5--HT1D, 5-HT2A, or 5-HT2C serotonin receptor antagonists are coadministered with FINTEPLA, patients should be monitored appropriately.
Serotonergic Drugs
Concomitant administration of FINTEPLA and drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAO inhibitors, trazodone, etc.), over-the-counter medications (e.g., dextromethorphan), or herbal supplements (e.g., St. John's Wort) that increase serotonin may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Concomitant use of FINTEPLA is contraindicated within 14 days of taking MAOIs.
Use FINTEPLA with caution in patients taking other medications that increase serotonin.
Pregnancy Safety for Fintepla
Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as FINTEPLA, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking FINTEPLA during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling the toll-free number 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. Risk Summary There are no data on FINTEPLA use in pregnant women.
Available data from epidemiologic studies with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. FINTEPLA can cause decreased appetite and decreased weight ; monitor for adequate weight gain during pregnancy. In animal studies, administration of fenfluramine throughout organogenesis (rat and rabbit) or throughout gestation and lactation (rat) resulted in adverse effects on development (fetal malformations, embryofetal and offspring mortality and growth impairment) in the presence of maternal toxicity at clinically relevant maternal plasma levels of fenfluramine and its major active metabolite (see Data ). All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated Maternal and/or Embryofetal Risk Epilepsy, with or without exposure to antiepileptic drugs, has been associated with several adverse outcomes during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, preterm labor, antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, poor fetal growth, prematurity, fetal death, and maternal mortality. The risk of maternal or fetal injury may be greatest for patients with untreated or poorly controlled convulsive seizures.
Women with epilepsy who become pregnant should not abruptly discontinue antiepileptic drugs, including FINTEPLA, due to the risk of status epilepticus or severe seizures, which may be life-threatening. Data Animal Data Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.5, 8.6, or 34.6 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in decreased fetal body weights and marked increases in fetal malformations (external, visceral, and skeletal) at the highest dose tested, which was associated with maternal toxicity. At the no-effect dose (8.6 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rats, maternal plasma exposures (AUC) of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine (the major metabolite) were approximately 2 and 5 times, respectively, those in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 26 mg/day.
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.3, 8.6, 13.0 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis resulted in increased embryofetal mortality at all doses and increases in fetal malformations (external and skeletal) at the highest dose tested, which was associated with maternal toxicity. A no-adverse-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rabbits was not identified. At the lowest dose tested in rabbits (4.3 mg/kg/day), maternal plasma exposures of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were lower than those in humans at the MRHD. Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.3, 8.6, or 34.6 mg/kg/day) to female rats throughout gestation and lactation resulted in marked increases in stillborn pups and neonatal offspring deaths at the highest dose tested and delayed growth and reflex development during the pre- weaning period at all doses.
Maternal body weight gain was decreased at all doses during pregnancy and at the two highest doses during lactation. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats was not determined. At the lowest dose tested in rats (4.3 mg/kg/day), maternal plasma exposures of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were approximately 0.5 and 3 times, respectively, those in humans at the MRHD.
Pediatric Use of Fintepla
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with DS and LGS have been established in patients 2 years of age and older. Use of FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with DS in patients 2 years of age and older is supported by two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 202 patients 2 to 18 years of age. Use of FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS is supported by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 263 patients aged 2 to 35 years, including 187 patients less than 18 years.
FINTEPLA can cause decreases in appetite and weight. The growth of pediatric patients treated with FINTEPLA should be carefully monitored. Safety and effectiveness in patients less than 2 years of age have not been established.
Juvenile Animal Data Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 3.0, 7.8, or 17.3 mg/kg/day) to young rats for 10 weeks starting on postnatal day 7 resulted in reduced body weight and neurobehavioral changes (decreased locomotor activity and learning and memory deficits) at all doses tested. Neurobehavioral effects persisted after dosing was discontinued. Bone size was decreased at the mid and high doses; brain size was decreased at the highest dose.
Partial or complete recovery was seen for these endpoints. A no-effect dose for postnatal developmental toxicity was not identified. The lowest dose tested (3.0 mg/kg/day) was associated with plasma fenfluramine exposures (AUC) less than that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 26 mg/day and norfenfluramine (metabolite) exposures (AUC) approximately 2 times that in humans at the MRHD.
Contraindications for Fintepla
is contraindicated in patients with: Hypersensitivity to fenfluramine or any of the excipients in FINTEPLA Concomitant use, or within 14 days of the administration, of monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome Hypersensitivity to fenfluramine or any of the excipients in FINTEPLA Within 14 days of the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome
Overdosage Information for Fintepla
Overdose has not been observed in the FINTEPLA clinical trial program. However, overdose of fenfluramine, the active ingredient in FINTEPLA, has been reported at higher doses than those included in the clinical trial program. Some of the cases were fatal.
Events reported after overdose include mydriasis, tachycardia, flushing, tremors/twitching/muscle spasms, agitation/restlessness/anxiety, increased muscle tone/rigor/opisthotonos, respiratory distress or failure, and seizure. Seizure, coma, and cardiorespiratory arrest were reported in most of the fatal overdoses. There is no available specific antidote to the overdose reactions of FINTEPLA. In the event of overdose, standard medical practice for the management of drug overdosage should be used.
An adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation should be ensured; monitoring of cardiac rhythm and vital sign measurement is recommended. A certified poison control center should be contacted for updated information on the management of overdose with FINTEPLA.
Clinical Studies of Fintepla
Dravet Syndrome
The effectiveness of FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with DS in patients 2 years of age and older was established in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients 2 to 18 years of age. Study 1 (N=117) compared a 0.7 mg/kg/day and a 0.2 mg/kg/day dose of FINTEPLA with placebo in patients who were not receiving stiripentol (NCT02682927 and NCT02826863). Study 2 (N=85) compared a 0.4 mg/kg/day dose of FINTEPLA with placebo in patients who were receiving stiripentol and either clobazam, valproate, or both (NCT02926898). In both studies, patients had a clinical diagnosis of DS and were inadequately controlled on at least one AED or other antiseizure treatment including vagal nerve stimulation or a ketogenic diet. Both trials had a 6-week baseline period, during which patients were required to have a minimum of 6 convulsive seizures while on stable AED therapy.
Convulsive seizures included tonic, clonic, generalized tonic-clonic, tonic-atonic, secondarily generalized tonic-clonic, hemiclonic, and focal with observable motor signs. The baseline period was followed by randomization into a 2- week (Study 1) or 3-week (Study 2) titration period and a subsequent 12-week maintenance period, where the dose of FINTEPLA remained stable. In Study 1, 98% of patients were taking between 1 and 4 concomitant AEDs.
The most frequently used concomitant AEDs (in at least 25% of patients), were valproate (61%), clobazam (59%), and topiramate (25%). In Study 2, 100% of patients were taking between 2 and 4 concomitant AEDs. The most frequently used concomitant AEDs (in at least 25% of patients), were stiripentol (100%), clobazam (94%), and valproate (89%). The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was the change from baseline in the frequency of convulsive seizures per 28 days during the combined 14-week (Study 1) or 15-week (Study 2) titration and maintenance periods (i.e., treatment period). The median longest interval between convulsive seizures was also assessed. In Study 1 and Study 2, the reduction in convulsive seizure frequency per 28 days was statistically significantly greater for all dose groups of FINTEPLA compared to placebo (Table 6). A reduction in convulsive seizures was observed within 3 to 4 weeks of starting FINTEPLA, and the effect remained generally consistent over the 14- or 15-week treatment period.
Table 6: Change in Convulsive Seizure Frequency During the Treatment Period in Patients with Dravet Syndrome (Study 1 and Study 2) Convulsive Seizure Frequency (per 28 days) Placebo FINTEPLA 0.2 mg/kg/day FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day FINTEPLA 0.4 mg/kg/day ±All 0.4 mg/kg/day patients were also taking concomitant stiripentol, which increases the exposure of FINTEPLA. Study 1 N=39 N=38 N=40 NA Baseline Period Median 29.4 18.1
NA % Difference Relative to Placebo Derived from the primary analysis model
-31.7% -70.0% NA p-value compared to placebo 0.043 <0.001 Study 2 N=42 NA NA N=43 Baseline Period Median
NA NA 15.0 % Difference Relative to Placebo NA NA -59.5% p-value
compared to placebo <0.001 Figure 1 and Figure 2 display the percentage of patients by category of seizure response from baseline in convulsive seizure frequency (per 28 days) during the treatment period in Study 1 and Study 2, respectively. Figure 1: Proportion of Patients by Category of Seizure Response for FINTEPLA and Placebo in Patients with Dravet Syndrome (Study 1) Figure 2: Proportion of Patients by Category of Seizure Response for FINTEPLA and Placebo in Patients with Dravet Syndrome (Study 2) In Study 1, 3 of 40 (8%) patients in the FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day group and 3 of 38 (8%) patients in the FINTEPLA 0.2 mg/kg/day group reported no convulsive seizures during the 14-week treatment period, compared to 0 patients in the placebo group. In Study 2, 1 of 43 (2%) patients in the FINTEPLA 0.4 mg/kg/day group reported no convulsive seizures during the 15-week treatment period, compared to 0 patients in the placebo group.
In Study 1 and Study 2, FINTEPLA was associated with a statistically significant longer interval between convulsive seizures compared to placebo (Figure 3). Figure 3: Median Longest Interval Between Convulsive Seizures in Patients with Dravet Syndrome (Study 1 and Study 2) PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
The effectiveness of FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS in patients 2 years of age and older was established in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 263 patients 2 to 35 years of age (Study 3; NCT03355209). Study 3 compared a 0.7 mg/kg/day and a 0.2 mg/kg/day dose of FINTEPLA with placebo. Patients had a diagnosis of LGS and were inadequately controlled on at least one AED, with or without vagal nerve stimulation and/or ketogenic diet. The study had a 4-week baseline period, during which patients were required to have a minimum of 8 drop seizures while on stable AED therapy.
Drop seizures were generalized tonic-clonic, secondarily generalized tonic-clonic, tonic, atonic, or tonic-atonic seizures that were confirmed to result in drops. The baseline period was followed by randomization into a 2-week titration period and a subsequent 12-week maintenance period, where the dose of FINTEPLA remained stable. In Study 3, 99% of patients were taking between 1 and 4 concomitant AEDs.
The most frequently used concomitant AEDs (in at least 25% of patients) were clobazam (45%), lamotrigine (34%), and valproate (56%). The primary efficacy endpoint in Study 3 was the median percent change from baseline in the frequency of drop seizures per 28 days during the combined 14-week titration and maintenance periods (i.e., treatment period). The proportion of patients who achieve improvement (minimally, much, or very much improved) in the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-I) as assessed by Principal Investigator was a secondary endpoint. In Study 3, the median percent change from baseline (reduction) in the frequency of drop seizures per 28 days was significantly greater for the 0.7 mg/kg/day dose group of FINTEPLA compared with placebo (Table 7). A reduction in drop seizures was observed within 2 weeks of initiating treatment with FINTEPLA, and the effect remained generally consistent over the 14-week treatment period. The median percent reduction from baseline in drop seizure frequency per 28 days for the lower dose of FINTEPLA (0.2 mg/kg/day) did not reach statistical significance compared to placebo (Table 7). Table 7: Change in Drop Seizure Frequency during the Treatment Period in Patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (Study 3) Drop Seizure Frequency (per 28 days) Placebo FINTEPLA 0.2 mg/kg/day FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day Study 3 N=85 The total number of patients upon which the efficacy analysis was based is less than the total number randomized in the double-blind, placebo-controlled study because patients with missing data were excluded from the efficacy analysis.
N=86 N=83 Baseline Period Median Seizure Frequency 55.0 77.8
Median Percentage Change from Baseline During Treatment -8.7% -13.2% -23.7% p-value compared
to placebo 0.1917 Not statistically significant 0.0037 Figure 4 displays the percentage of patients by category of reduction from baseline in drop seizure frequency per 28 days during the treatment period in Study 3. Figure 4: Proportion of Patients by Category of Seizure Response for FINTEPLA and Placebo in Patients with Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome (Study 3) Numerically greater improvements on the CGI-I by Investigator were observed in patients treated with FINTEPLA compared with placebo. PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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