Lucemyra Drug Information
Generic name: LOFEXIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Uses of Lucemyra
is indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. LUCEMYRA is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults.
Dosage & Administration of Lucemyra
| Child-Pugh score | 5-6 |
|---|---|
| Recommended dose | 3 tablets 4 times daily (2.16 mg per day) |
Side Effects of Lucemyra
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 adverse reaction rates observed for another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of LUCEMYRA was supported by three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, an open-label study, and clinical pharmacology studies with concomitant administration of either methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. The three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials enrolled 935 subjects dependent on short-acting opioids undergoing abrupt opioid withdrawal.
Patients were monitored before each dose in an inpatient setting. Table 3 presents the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse events that occurred in at least 10% of subjects treated with LUCEMYRA and for which the incidence in patients treated with LUCEMYRA was greater than the incidence in subjects treated with placebo in a study that tested two doses of LUCEMYRA, 2.16 mg per day and 2.88 mg per day, and placebo. The overall safety profile in the combined dataset was similar.
Orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, somnolence, sedation, and dry mouth were notably more common in subjects treated with LUCEMYRA than subjects treated with placebo. Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥10% of LUCEMYRA-Treated Patients and More Frequently than Placebo Adverse Reaction LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg Assigned dose; mean average daily dose received was 79% of assigned dose due to dose-holds for out-of-range vital signs. (%) N=229 LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg (%) N=222 Placebo (%) N=151 Insomnia 51 55 48 Orthostatic Hypotension 29 42 5 Bradycardia 24 32 5 Hypotension 30 30 1 Dizziness 19 23 3 Somnolence 11 13 5 Sedation 13 12 5 Dry Mouth 10 11 0 Other notable adverse reactions associated with the use of LUCEMYRA but reported in <10% of patients in the LUCEMYRA group included: Syncope: 0.9%, 1.4% and 0% for LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg/day and 2.88 mg/day and placebo, respectively Tinnitus: 0.9%, 3.2% and 0% for LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg/day and 2.88 mg/day and placebo, respectively Blood pressure changes and adverse reactions after LUCEMYRA cessation Elevations in blood pressure above normal values (≥140 mmHg systolic) and above a subject's pre-treatment baseline are associated with discontinuing LUCEMYRA, and peaked on the second day after discontinuation, as shown in Table 4. Blood pressure values were evaluated for 3 days following the last dose of a 5-day course of LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg/day. Table 4: Blood Pressure Elevations after Stopping Treatment Abrupt LUCEMYRA Discontinuation 2.88 mg (N = 134) Placebo (N = 129) N at risk n (%) N at risk n (%) Systolic Blood Pressure on Day 2 after Discontinuation ≥ 140 mmHg and ≥ 20 mmHg increase from baseline 58 23 37 6 ≥ 170 mmHg and ≥ 20 mmHg increase from baseline 58 5 37 0 Blood pressure elevations of a similar magnitude and incidence were observed in a small number of patients (N=10) that had a one-day, 50% dose reduction prior to discontinuation.
After stopping treatment, subjects who were taking LUCEMYRA also had a higher incidence of diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, chills, hyperhidrosis, and extremity pain compared to subjects who were taking placebo. Sex-specific adverse event findings Four out of 101 females (4%) had serious cardiovascular adverse events compared to 3 out of 289 (1%) males assigned to receive LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg/day. Discontinuations and dose-holds due to bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension, which are the most common adverse reactions associated with LUCEMYRA, occurred with a greater incidence in females assigned to receive the highest studied dose of LUCEMYRA, 2.88 mg/day as shown in Table 5. Table 5: Discontinuations and Dose-Holds for Bradycardia and Orthostatic Hypotension by LUCEMYRA Dose and Sex LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg Male 22/162 (14%) 29/158 (18%) Female 9/67 (13%) 20/64 (31%)
Postmarketing Experience Lofexidine is marketed in other countries for relief of opioid
withdrawal symptoms. The following events have been identified during postmarketing use of lofexidine. 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.
Since lofexidine's initial market introduction in 1992, the most frequently reported postmarketing adverse event with lofexidine has been hypotension . There has been one report of QT prolongation, bradycardia, torsades de pointes, and cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation in a patient who received lofexidine, and three reports of clinically significant QT prolongation in subjects concurrently receiving methadone with lofexidine.
Warnings & Cautions for Lucemyra
Risk of Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope
LUCEMYRA can cause a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in pulse, and syncope . Monitor vital signs before dosing. Monitor symptoms related to bradycardia and orthostasis. Patients being given LUCEMYRA in an outpatient setting should be capable of and instructed on self-monitoring for hypotension, orthostasis, bradycardia, and associated symptoms.
If clinically significant or symptomatic hypotension and/or bradycardia occur, the next dose of LUCEMYRA should be reduced in amount, delayed, or skipped. Inform patients that LUCEMYRA may cause hypotension and that patients moving from a supine to an upright position may be at increased risk for hypotension and orthostatic effects. Instruct patients to stay hydrated, on how to recognize symptoms of low blood pressure, and on how to reduce the risk of serious consequences should hypotension occur (e.g., sit or lie down, carefully rise from a sitting or lying position). Instruct outpatients to withhold LUCEMYRA doses when experiencing symptoms of hypotension or bradycardia and to contact their healthcare provider for guidance on how to adjust dosing.
Avoid using LUCEMYRA in patients with severe coronary insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal failure, and in patients with marked bradycardia. Avoid using LUCEMYRA in combination with medications that decrease pulse or blood pressure to avoid the risk of excessive bradycardia and hypotension.
Risk of QT Prolongation
LUCEMYRA prolongs the QT interval. Avoid using LUCEMYRA in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Monitor ECG in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, or patients taking other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation (e.g., methadone). In patients with electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia), correct these abnormalities first, and monitor ECG upon initiation of LUCEMYRA .
Increased Risk of Central Nervous System Depression with
Concomitant use of CNS Depressant Drugs LUCEMYRA potentiates the CNS depressive effects of benzodiazepines and can also be expected to potentiate the CNS depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of other medications they are taking, including alcohol. Advise patients using LUCEMYRA in an outpatient setting that, until they learn how they respond to LUCEMYRA, they should be careful or avoid doing activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
Increased Risk of Opioid Overdose after Opioid Discontinuation
LUCEMYRA is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Patients who complete opioid discontinuation are likely to have a reduced tolerance to opioids and are at increased risk of fatal overdose should they resume opioid use. Use LUCEMYRA in patients with opioid use disorder only in conjunction with a comprehensive management program for the treatment of opioid use disorder and inform patients and caregivers of this increased risk of overdose.
Risk of Discontinuation Symptoms Stopping
LUCEMYRA abruptly can cause a marked rise in blood pressure. Symptoms including diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, chills, hyperhidrosis, and extremity pain have also been observed with LUCEMYRA discontinuation. Instruct patients not to discontinue therapy without consulting their healthcare provider.
When discontinuing therapy with LUCEMYRA, gradually reduce the dose . Symptoms related to discontinuation can be managed by administration of the previous LUCEMYRA dose and subsequent taper.
Drug Interactions with Lucemyra
Methadone
LUCEMYRA and methadone both prolong the QT interval. ECG monitoring is recommended in patients receiving methadone and LUCEMYRA concomitantly .
Oral Naltrexone Coadministration of
LUCEMYRA and oral naltrexone resulted in statistically significant differences in the steady-state pharmacokinetics of naltrexone. It is possible that oral naltrexone efficacy may be reduced if used concomitantly within 2 hours of LUCEMYRA. This interaction is not expected if naltrexone is administered by non-oral routes .
CNS Depressant Drugs
LUCEMYRA potentiates the CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines and may potentiate the CNS depressant effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of other medications they are taking, including alcohol .
CYP2D6 Inhibitor - Paroxetine Coadministration of
LUCEMYRA and paroxetine resulted in a 28% increase in the extent of absorption of LUCEMYRA. Monitor for orthostatic hypotension and bradycardia when an inhibitor of CYP2D6 is used concomitantly with LUCEMYRA .
Pregnancy Safety for Lucemyra
Pregnancy Risk Summary The safety of LUCEMYRA in pregnant women has not been established. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of lofexidine during organogenesis to pregnant rats and rabbits caused a reduction in fetal weights, increases in fetal resorptions, and litter loss at exposures below that in humans. When oral lofexidine was administered from the beginning of organogenesis through lactation, increased stillbirths and litter loss were noted along with decreased viability and lactation indices.
The offspring exhibited delays in sexual maturation, auditory startle, and surface righting. These effects occurred at exposures below that in humans . The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies carry some risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.
The background risk of major birth defects in the U.S. general population is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data Increased incidence of resorptions, decreased number of implantations, and a concomitant reduction in the number of fetuses were observed when pregnant rabbits were orally administered lofexidine hydrochloride during organogenesis (from gestation day 7 to 19) at a daily dose of 5.0 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.08 times the maximum recommended human dose of 2.88 mg lofexidine base on an AUC basis). Maternal toxicity evidenced by increased mortality was noted at the highest tested dose of 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.4 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). Decreased implantations per dam and decreased mean fetal weights were noted in a study in which pregnant rats were treated with oral lofexidine hydrochloride during organogenesis (from GD 7 to 16) at a daily dose of 3.0 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.9 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). This dose was associated with maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain and mortality). No malformations or evidence of developmental toxicity were evident at 1.0 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.2 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). A dose-dependent increase in pup mortality was noted in all doses of lofexidine hydrochloride administered orally to pregnant rats from GD 6 through lactation at an exposure less than the human exposure based on AUC comparisons. Doses higher than 1.0 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.2 times the MRHD on an AUC basis) resulted in incidences of total litter loss and maternal toxicity (piloerection and decreased body weight gain). At the highest dose tested of 2.0 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.6 times the MRHD on an AUC basis), increased stillbirths as well as decreased viability and lactation indices were reported.
Surviving offspring exhibited lower body weights, developmental delays, and increased delays in auditory startle at doses of 1.0 mg/kg/ day or higher. Sexual maturation was delayed in male offspring (preputial separation) at 2.0 mg/kg/day and in female offspring (vaginal opening) at 1.0 mg/kg/day or higher.
Pediatric Use of Lucemyra
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of LUCEMYRA have not been established in pediatric patients.
Overdosage Information for Lucemyra
Overdose with LUCEMYRA may manifest as hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. In the event of acute overdose, perform gastric lavage where appropriate. Dialysis will not remove a substantial portion of the drug.
Initiate general symptomatic and supportive measures in cases of overdosage.
Clinical Studies of Lucemyra
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials supported the efficacy of LUCEMYRA. Study 1, NCT01863186 Study 1 was a 2-part efficacy, safety, and dose-response study conducted in the United States in patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for opioid dependence who were physically dependent on short-acting opioids (e.g., heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone). The first part of the study was an inpatient, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design consisting of 7 days of inpatient treatment (Days 1 – 7) with LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg total daily dose (0.54 mg 4 times daily) (n=229), LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg total daily dose (0.72 mg 4 times daily) (n=222), or matching placebo (n=151). Patients also had access to a variety of support medications for withdrawal symptoms (guaifenesin, antacids, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, psyllium hydrocolloid suspension, bismuth sulfate, acetaminophen, and zolpidem). The second part of the study (Days 8 – 14) was an open-label design where all patients who successfully completed Days 1 – 7 were eligible to receive open-label treatment with variable dose LUCEMYRA treatment (as determined by the investigator, but not to exceed 2.88 mg total daily dose) for up to an additional 7 days (Days 8 – 14) in either an inpatient or outpatient setting as determined by the investigator and the patient. No patient received LUCEMYRA for more than 14 days. The two endpoints to support efficacy were the mean Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale of Gossop (SOWS-Gossop) total score on Days 1 – 7 of treatment and the proportion of patients who completed 7 days of treatment.
The SOWS-Gossop, a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument, evaluates the following opioid withdrawal symptoms: feeling sick, stomach cramps, muscle spasms/twitching, feeling of coldness, heart pounding, muscular tension, aches and pains, yawning, runny eyes and insomnia/problems sleeping. For each opioid withdrawal symptom, patients are asked to rate their symptom severity using four response options (none, mild, moderate, and severe). The SOWS-Gossop total score ranges from 0 to 30, where a higher score indicates greater withdrawal symptom severity. The SOWS-Gossop was administered at baseline and once daily 3.5 hours after the first morning dose on Days 1 – 7. Of the randomized and treated patients, 28% of placebo patients, 41% of LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg and 40% of LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg patients completed 7 days of treatment.
The difference in proportion in both LUCEMYRA groups was significant compared to placebo. See Figure 1. Patients in the placebo group were more likely to drop out of the study prematurely due to lack of efficacy than patients treated with LUCEMYRA. Figure 1: Completion of Treatment Period for Study 1 The mean SOWS-Gossop scores for Days 1 – 7 were 8.8, 6.5, and 6.1 for placebo, LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg and LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg, respectively. Results are shown in Figure 2. The mean difference between LUCEMYRA 2.16 mg and placebo was -2.3 with a 95% CI of (-3.4, -1.2). The mean difference between LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg and placebo was -2.7 with a 95% CI of (-3.9, -1.6). They were both significant.
Symptoms assessed on the SOWS-Gossop were recorded as absent or mild for almost all patients remaining to the end of the assessment period. Figure 2: Mean SOWS-Gossop Scores for Days 1 – 7 in Study 1 Figure 1 Figure 2 Study 2, NCT00235729 Study 2 was an inpatient, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study carried out in the United States in patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for opioid dependence who were physically dependent on short-acting opioids (e.g., heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone). Patients were treated with LUCEMYRA tablets (2.88 mg/day ) or matching placebo for 5 days (Days 1 – 5). Patients also had access to a variety of support medications for withdrawal symptoms (guaifenesin, antacids, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, psyllium hydrocolloid suspension, bismuth sulfate, acetaminophen, and zolpidem). All patients then received placebo on Days 6 and 7 and were discharged on Day 8. The two endpoints to support efficacy were the mean SOWS-Gossop total score on Days 1 – 5 of treatment and the proportion of patients who completed 5 days of treatment. The SOWS-Gossop was administered at baseline and once daily 3.5 hours after the first morning dose on Days 1 – 5. A total of 264 patients were randomized into the study.
Of these, 134 patients were randomized to LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg/day and 130 patients to placebo. Of the randomized and treated patients, 33% of placebo patients and 49% of LUCEMYRA patients completed 5 days of treatment. The difference in proportion between the two groups was significant.
See Figure 3. Patients in the placebo group were more likely to drop out of the study prematurely due to lack of efficacy than patients treated with LUCEMYRA. Figure 3: Completion of Treatment Period in Study 2 The mean SOWS-Gossop scores for Days 1 – 5 were 8.9 and 7.0 for placebo and LUCEMYRA 2.88 mg, respectively. Results are shown in Figure 4. The mean difference was -1.9 with a 95% CI of (-3.2, -0.6) and was statistically significant. Figure 4: Mean SOWS-Gossop Scores for Days 1 – 5 in Study 2 Figure 3 Figure 4
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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