Posaconazole Drug Information
Generic name: POSACONAZOLE
Azole Antifungal [EPC]
Uses of Posaconazole
Prophylaxis of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida Infections Posaconazole delayed-release tablets are indicated
for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or those with hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy as follows: Posaconazole delayed-release tablets: adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older who weigh greater than 40 kg
Dosage & Administration of Posaconazole
| Prophylaxis of invasive | |
|---|---|
Side Effects of Posaconazole
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of posaconazole cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical Trial Experience in Adults Clinical Trial Experience with Posaconazole Delayed-Release Tablets for Prophylaxis The safety of posaconazole delayed-release tablets has been assessed in 230 patients in clinical trials. Patients were enrolled in a non-comparative pharmacokinetic and safety trial of posaconazole delayed-release tablets when given as antifungal prophylaxis (Posaconazole Delayed-Release Tablet Study). Patients were immunocompromised with underlying conditions including hematological malignancy, neutropenia post-chemotherapy, GVHD, and post HSCT. This patient population was 62% male, had a mean age of 51 years (range 19 to 78 years, 17% of patients were ≥65 years of age), and were 93% white and 16% Hispanic.
Posaconazole therapy was given for a median duration of 28 days. Twenty patients received 200 mg daily dose and 210 patients received 300 mg daily dose (following twice daily dosing on Day 1 in each cohort). Table 9 presents adverse reactions observed in patients treated with 300 mg daily dose at an incidence of ≥10% in Posaconazole Delayed-Release Tablet Study. Table 9: Posaconazole Delayed-Release Tablet Study: Adverse Reactions in at Least 10% of Subjects Treated with 300 mg Daily Dose B ody System Posaconazole delayed-release tablet (300 mg) n=210 (%) Subjects Reporting any Adverse Reaction 207 Blood and Lymphatic System Disorder Anemia 22 Thrombocytopenia 29 Ga s trointestinal Disorders Abdominal Pain 23 Constipation 20 Diarrhea 61 Nausea 56 Vomiting 28 Genera l Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Asthenia 20 Chills 22 Mucosal Inflammation 29 Edema Peripheral 33 Pyrexia 59 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Hypokalemia 46 Hypomagnesemia 20 Ner v ou s System Disorders Headache 30 Re s p iratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 35 Epistaxis 30 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Rash 34 Vascular Disorders Hypertension 23 The most frequently reported adverse reactions (>25%) with posaconazole delayed-release tablets 300 mg once daily were diarrhea, pyrexia, and nausea.
The most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of posaconazole delayed-release tablets 300 mg once daily was nausea (2%).
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reaction has been identified during the post-approval use of posaconazole. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency. Endocrine Disorders : Pseudoaldosteronism
Warnings & Cautions for Posaconazole
Calcineurin-Inhibitor Toxicity
Concomitant administration of posaconazole with cyclosporine or tacrolimus increases the whole blood trough concentrations of these calcineurin-inhibitors. Nephrotoxicity and leukoencephalopathy (including deaths) have been reported in clinical efficacy studies in patients with elevated cyclosporine or tacrolimus concentrations. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus or cyclosporine whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the tacrolimus or cyclosporine dose adjusted accordingly.
Arrhythmias and QT Prolongation Some azoles, including posaconazole, have been associated with
prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram. In addition, cases of torsades de pointes have been reported in patients taking posaconazole. Results from a multiple time-matched ECG analysis in healthy volunteers did not show any increase in the mean of the QTc interval.
Multiple, time-matched ECGs collected over a 12-hour period were recorded at baseline and steady-state from 173 healthy male and female volunteers (18 to 85 years of age) administered Noxafil ® oral suspension 400 mg twice daily with a high-fat meal. In this pooled analysis, the mean QTc (Fridericia) interval change from baseline was –5 msec following administration of the recommended clinical dose. A decrease in the QTc(F) interval (–3 msec) was also observed in a small number of subjects (n=16) administered placebo.
The placebo-adjusted mean maximum QTc(F) interval change from baseline was <0 msec (–8 msec). No healthy subject administered posaconazole had a QTc(F) interval ≥500 msec or an increase ≥60 msec in their QTc(F) interval from baseline. Posaconazole should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions. Do not administer with drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval and are metabolized through CYP3A4.
Electrolyte Disturbances Electrolyte disturbances, especially those involving potassium, magnesium or calcium levels
should be monitored and corrected as necessary before and during posaconazole therapy.
Pseudoaldosteronism Pseudoal dos teronism, manifested by the onset of hypertension or worsening
of hypertension, and abnormal laboratory findings (hypokalemia, low serum renin and aldo ster one, and elevated 11-deoxycortisol), has been reported with posaconazole use in the postmarket setting. Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels and ma nage as necessary. Management of pseudoaldosteronism may include discontinuation of posaconazole, substitution with an appropriate antifungal drug that is not ass ocia ted with pseudoaldosteronism, or use of aldosterone receptor antagonists.
Hepatic Toxicity Hepatic reactions (e.g., mild to moderate elevations in alanine aminotransferase
(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and/or clinical hepatitis) have been reported in clinical trials. The elevations in liver tests were generally reversible on discontinuation of therapy, and in some instances these tests normalized without drug interruption. Cases of more severe hepatic reactions including cholestasis or hepatic failure including deaths have been reported in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (e.g., hematologic malignancy) during treatment with posaconazole.
These severe hepatic reactions were seen primarily in subjects receiving the Noxafil ® oral suspension 800 mg daily (400 mg twice daily or 200 mg four times a day) in clinical trials. Liver tests should be evaluated at the start of and during the course of posaconazole therapy. Patients who develop abnormal liver tests during posaconazole therapy should be monitored for the development of more severe hepatic injury.
Patient management should include laboratory evaluation of hepatic function (particularly liver tests and bilirubin). Discontinuation of posaconazole must be considered if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop that may be attributable to posaconazole.
Renal Impairment Due to the variability in exposure with posaconazole delayed-release tablets
patients with severe renal impairment should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections.
Midazolam Toxicity
Concomitant administration of posaconazole with midazolam increases the midazolam plasma concentrations by approximately 5-fold. Increased plasma midazolam concentrations could potentiate and prolong hypnotic and sedative effects. Patients must be monitored closely for adverse effects associated with high plasma concentrations of midazolam and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists must be available to reverse these effects.
Vincristine Toxicity
Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions, including seizures, peripheral neuropathy, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and paralytic ileus. Reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options. 5.10 Breakthrough Fungal Infections Patients who have severe diarrhea or vomiting should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections when receiving posaconazole delayed-release tablets. 5.11 Venetoclax Toxicity Concomitant administration of posaconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, with venetoclax may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), neutropenia, and serious infections. In patients with CLL/SLL, administration of posaconazole during initiation and the ramp-up phase of venetoclax is contraindicated.
Refer to the venetoclax labeling for safety monitoring and dose reduction in the steady daily dosing phase in CLL/SLL patients. For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), dose reduction and safety monitoring are recommended across all dosing phases when coadministering posaconazole with venetoclax. Refer to the venetoclax prescribing information for dosing instructions.
Drug Interactions with Posaconazole
Immunosuppressants Metabolized by
CYP3A4 Sirolimus: Concomitant administration of posaconazole with sirolimus increases the sirolimus blood concentrations by approximately 9-fold and can result in sirolimus toxicity. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with sirolimus. Tacrolimus: Posaconazole has been shown to significantly increase the C max and AUC of tacrolimus.
At initiation of posaconazole treatment, reduce the tacrolimus dose to approximately one-third of the original dose. Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the tacrolimus dose adjusted accordingly. Cyclosporine: Posaconazole has been shown to increase cyclosporine whole blood concentrations in heart transplant patients upon initiation of posaconazole treatment.
It is recommended to reduce cyclosporine dose to approximately three-fourths of the original dose upon initiation of posaconazole treatment. Frequent monitoring of cyclosporine whole blood trough concentrations should be performed during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and the cyclosporine dose adjusted accordingly.
CYP3A4 Substrates
Concomitant administration of posaconazole with CYP3A4 substrates such as pimozide and quinidine may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with these drugs.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins) Primarily Metabolized Through
CYP3A4 Concomitant administration of posaconazole with simvastatin increases the simvastatin plasma concentrations by approximately 10-fold. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors primarily metabolized through CYP3A4.
Ergot Alkaloids Most of the ergot alkaloids are substrates of
CYP3A4. Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) which may lead to ergotism. Therefore, posaconazole is contraindicated with ergot alkaloids.
Benzodiazepines Metabolized by
CYP3A4 Concomitant administration of posaconazole with midazolam increases the midazolam plasma concentrations by approximately 5-fold. Increased plasma midazolam concentrations could potentiate and prolong hypnotic and sedative effects. Concomitant use of posaconazole and other benzodiazepines metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., alprazolam, triazolam) could result in increased plasma concentrations of these benzodiazepines.
Patients must be monitored closely for adverse effects associated with high plasma concentrations of benzodiazepines metabolized by CYP3A4 and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists must be available to reverse these effects.
Anti-HIV Drugs Efavirenz: Efavirenz induces
UDP-glucuronidase and significantly decreases posaconazole plasma concentrations. It is recommended to avoid concomitant use of efavirenz with posaconazole unless the benefit outweighs the risks. Ritonavir and Atazanavir: Ritonavir and atazanavir are metabolized by CYP3A4 and posaconazole increases plasma concentrations of these drugs.
Frequent monitoring of adverse effects and toxicity of ritonavir and atazanavir should be performed during coadministration with posaconazole. Fosamprenavir: Combining fosamprenavir with posaconazole may lead to decreased posaconazole plasma concentrations. If concomitant administration is required, close monitoring for breakthrough fungal infections is recommended.
Rifabutin Rifabutin induces
UDP-glucuronidase and decreases posaconazole plasma concentrations. Rifabutin is also metabolized by CYP3A4. Therefore, coadministration of rifabutin with posaconazole increases rifabutin plasma concentrations. Concomitant use of posaconazole and rifabutin should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk.
However, if concomitant administration is required, close monitoring for breakthrough fungal infections as well as frequent monitoring of full blood counts and adverse reactions due to increased rifabutin plasma concentrations (e.g., uveitis, leukopenia) are recommended.
Phenytoin Phenytoin induces
UDP-glucuronidase and decreases posaconazole plasma concentrations. Phenytoin is also metabolized by CYP3A4. Therefore, coadministration of phenytoin with posaconazole increases phenytoin plasma concentrations. Concomitant use of posaconazole and phenytoin should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk.
However, if concomitant administration is required, close monitoring for breakthrough fungal infections is recommended and frequent monitoring of phenytoin concentrations should be performed while coadministered with posaconazole and dose reduction of phenytoin should be considered.
Gastric Acid Suppressors/Neutralizers No clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole
were observed when posaconazole delayed-release tablets are concomitantly used with antacids, H 2 -receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors. No dosage adjustment of posaconazole delayed-release tablets are required when concomitantly used with antacids, H 2 -receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors. 7.10 Vinca Alkaloids Most of the vinca alkaloids (e.g., vincristine and vinblastine) are substrates of CYP3A4. Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with serious adverse reactions. Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of vinca alkaloids which may lead to neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions.
Therefore, reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options. 7.11 Calcium Channel Blockers Metabolized by CYP3A4 Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, nicardipine, felodipine). Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to calcium channel blockers is recommended during coadministration. Dose reduction of calcium channel blockers may be needed. 7.12 Digoxin Increased plasma concentrations of digoxin have been reported in patients receiving digoxin and posaconazole. Therefore, monitoring of digoxin plasma concentrations is recommended during coadministration. 7.13 Gastrointestinal Motility Agents Concomitant administration of metoclopramide with posaconazole delayed-release tablets did not affect the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole.
No dosage adjustment of posaconazole delayed-release tablets are required when given concomitantly with metoclopramide. 7.14 Glipizide Although no dosage adjustment of glipizide is required, it is recommended to monitor glucose concentrations when posaconazole and glipizide are concomitantly used. 7.16 Venetoclax Concomitant use of venetoclax (a CYP3A4 substrate) with posaconazole increases venetoclax C max and AUC 0-INF, which may increase venetoclax toxicities. Refer to the venetoclax prescribing information for more information on the dosing instructions and the extent of increase in venetoclax exposure.
Pregnancy Safety for Posaconazole
Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal data, posaconazole may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Available data for use of posaconazole in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, skeletal malformations (cranial malformations and missing ribs) and maternal toxicity (reduced food consumption and reduced body weight gain) were observed when posaconazole was dosed orally to pregnant rats during organogenesis at doses ≥1.4 times the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen based on steady-state plasma concentrations of posaconazole in healthy volunteers.
In pregnant rabbits dosed orally during organogenesis, increased resorptions, reduced litter size, and reduced body weight gain of females were seen at doses 5 times the exposure achieved with the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen. Doses of ≥ 3 times the clinical exposure caused an increase in resorptions in these rabbits (see Data). Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
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. Data Animal Data Posaconazole resulted in maternal toxicity (reduced food consumption and reduced body weight gain) and skeletal malformations (cranial malformations and missing ribs) when given orally to pregnant rats during organogenesis (Gestational Days 6 through 15) at doses ≥27 mg/kg (≥1.4 times the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen based on steady-state plasma concentrations of drug in healthy volunteers). The no-effect dose for malformations and maternal toxicity in rats was 9 mg/kg, which is 0.7 times the exposure achieved with the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen.
No malformations were seen in rabbits dosed during organogenesis (Gestational Days 7 through 19) at doses up to 80 mg/kg (5 times the exposure achieved with the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen). In the rabbit, the no-effect dose was 20 mg/kg, while high doses of 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg (3 or 5 times the clinical exposure) caused an increase in resorptions. In rabbits dosed at 80 mg/kg, a reduction in body weight gain of females and a reduction in litter size were seen.
Pediatric Use of Posaconazole
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of posaconazole delayed-release tablets for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections have been established in pediatric patients aged 2 and older who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised, such as HSCT recipients with GVHD or those with hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy. Use of posaconazole in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of posaconazole in adult and pediatric patients and additional pharmacokinetic and safety data in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. The safety and effectiveness of posaconazole have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age.
Contraindications for Posaconazole
Hypersensitivity Posaconazole is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to posaconazole or
other azole antifungal agents.
Use with Sirolimus Posaconazole is contraindicated with sirolimus.
Concomitant administration of posaconazole with sirolimus increases the sirolimus blood concentrations by approximately 9-fold and can result in sirolimus toxicity.
QT Prolongation with
Concomitant Use with CYP3A4 Substrates Posaconazole is contraindicated with CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QT interval. Concomitant administration of posaconazole with the CYP3A4 substrates, pimozide and quinidine may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Primarily Metabolized Through
CYP3A4 Coadministration with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) is contraindicated since increased plasma concentration of these drugs can lead to rhabdomyolysis.
Use with Ergot Alkaloids Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of ergot
alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) which may lead to ergotism.
Use with Venetoclax Coadministration of posaconazole with venetoclax at initiation and during
the ramp-up phase is contraindicated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) due to the potential for increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome.
Overdosage Information for Posaconazole
There is no experience with overdosage of posaconazole delayed-release tablets. During the clinical trials, some patients received Noxafil ® oral suspension up to 1600 mg/day with no adverse reactions noted that were different from the lower doses. In addition, accidental overdose was noted in one patient who took 1200 mg twice daily Noxafil ® oral suspension for 3 days.
No related adverse reactions were noted by the investigator. Posaconazole is not removed by hemodialysis.
Clinical Studies of Posaconazole
Prophylaxis of Aspergillus and Candida Infections with Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Two
randomized, controlled studies were conducted using posaconazole as prophylaxis for the prevention of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) among patients at high risk due to severely compromised immune systems. The first study (Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 1) was a randomized, double-blind trial that compared Noxafil ® oral suspension (200 mg three times a day) with fluconazole capsules (400 mg once daily) as prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD). Efficacy of prophylaxis was evaluated using a composite endpoint of proven/probable IFIs, death, or treatment with systemic antifungal therapy (patients may have met more than one of these criteria). This assessed all patients while on study therapy plus 7 days and at 16 weeks post-randomization. The mean duration of therapy was comparable between the 2 treatment groups (80 days, Noxafil ® oral suspension; 77 days, fluconazole). Table 32 contains the results from Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 1. Table 32: Results from Blinded Clinical Study in Prophylaxis of IFI in All Randomized Patients with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) and Graft-vs.-Host Disease (GVHD): Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 1 Posaconazole n=301 Fluconazole n=299 On therapy plus 7 days Clinical Failure* 50 (17%) 55 (18%) Failure due to: Proven/Probable IFI 7 (2%) 22 (7%) ( Aspergillus ) 3 (1%) 17 (6%) ( Candida ) 1 (<1%) 3 (1%) (Other) 3 (1%) 2 (1%) All Deaths Proven/probable fungal infection prior to death 22 (7%) 2 (<1%) 24 (8%) 6 (2%) SAF † 27 (9%) 25 (8%) Through 16 weeks Clinical Failure*,‡ 99 (33%) 110 (37%) Failure due to: Proven/Probable IFI 16 (5%) 27 (9%) ( Aspergillus ) 7 (2%) 21 (7%) ( Candida ) 4 (1%) 4 (1%) (Other) 5 (2%) 2 (1%) All Deaths Proven/probable fungal infection prior to death 58 (19%) 10 (3%) 59 (20%) 16 (5%) SAF † 26 (9%) 30 (10%) Event free lost to follow-up§ 24 (8%) 30 (10%) * Patients may have met more than one criterion defining failure. † Use of systemic antifungal therapy (SAF) criterion is based on protocol definitions (empiric/IFI usage >4 consecutive days). ‡ 95% confidence interval (posaconazole-fluconazole) = (-11.5%, +3.7%). § Patients who are lost to follow-up (not observed for 112 days), and who did not meet another clinical failure endpoint.
These patients were considered failures. The second study (Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 2) was a randomized, open-label study that compared Noxafil® oral suspension (200 mg 3 times a day) with fluconazole suspension (400 mg once daily) or itraconazole oral solution (200 mg twice a day) as prophylaxis against IFIs in neutropenic patients who were receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for AML or MDS. As in Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 1, efficacy of prophylaxis was evaluated using a composite endpoint of proven/probable IFIs, death, or treatment with systemic antifungal therapy (Patients might have met more than one of these criteria). This study assessed patients while on treatment plus 7 days and 100 days post randomization. The mean duration of therapy was comparable between the 2 treatment groups (29 days, posaconazole; 25 days, fluconazole or itraconazole). Table 33 contains the results from Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 2. Table 33: Results from Open-Label Clinical Study 2 in Prophylaxis of IFI in All Randomized Patients with Hematologic Malignancy and Prolonged Neutropenia: Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 2 Posaconazole n=304 Fluconazole/Itraconazole n=298 On therapy plus 7 days Clinical Failure*,† 82 (27%) 126 (42%) Failure due to: Proven/Probable IFI 7 (2%) 25 (8%) ( Aspergillus ) 2 (1%) 20 (7%) ( Candida ) 3 (1%) 2 (1%) (Other) 2 (1%) 3 (1%) All Deaths Proven/probable fungal infection prior to death 17 (6%) 1 (<1%) 25 (8%) 2 (1%) SAF ‡ 67 (22%) 98 (33%) Through 100 days postrandomization Clinical Failure† 158 (52%) 191 (64%) Failure due to: Proven/Probable IFI 14 (5%) 33 (11%) ( Aspergillus ) 2 (1%) 26 (9%) ( Candida ) 10 (3%) 4 (1%) (Other) 2 (1%) 3 (1%) All Deaths Proven/probable fungal infection prior to death 44 (14%) 2 (1%) 64 (21%) 16 (5%) SAF ‡ 98 (32%) 125 (42%) Event free lost to follow-up§ 34 (11%) 24 (8%) * 95% confidence interval (posaconazole-fluconazole/itraconazole) = (-22.9%, -7.8%). † Patients may have met more than one criterion defining failure. ‡ Use of systemic antifungal therapy (SAF) criterion is based on protocol definitions (empiric/IFI usage >3 consecutive days). § Patients who are lost to follow-up (not observed for 100 days), and who did not meet another clinical failure endpoint.
These patients were considered failures. In summary, 2 clinical studies of prophylaxis were conducted with the Noxafil ® oral suspension. As seen in the accompanying tables ( Tables 32 and 33 ), clinical failure represented a composite endpoint of breakthrough IFI, mortality and use of systemic antifungal therapy.
In Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 1 ( Table 32 ), the clinical failure rate of posaconazole (33%) was similar to fluconazole (37%), (95% CI for the difference posaconazole–comparator -11.5% to 3.7%) while in Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 2 ( Table 33 ) clinical failure was lower for patients treated with posaconazole (27%) when compared to patients treated with fluconazole or itraconazole (42%), (95% CI for the difference posaconazole–comparator -22.9% to -7.8%). All-cause mortality was similar at 16 weeks for both treatment arms in Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 1 ; all-cause mortality was lower at 100 days for posaconazole-treated patients in Noxafil ® Oral Suspension Study 2. Both studies demonstrated fewer breakthrough infections caused by Aspergillus species in patients receiving posaconazole prophylaxis when compared to patients receiving fluconazole or itraconazole.
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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