Levalbuterol

Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease. Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is a beta 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for: Treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.

Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is for oral inhalation only. Administer by nebulization using with a standard jet nebulizer (with a face mask or mouthpiece) connected to an air compressor. Do not exceed recommended dose. FOR ORAL INHALATION ONLY Children 6-11 years old: 0.31 mg administered three times a day, by nebulization.

Routine dosing should not exceed 0.63 mg three times a day. Adults and Adolescents ≥ 12 years old: 0.63 mg administered three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, by nebulization. The maximum recommended dose is 1.25 mg three times a day. For use with a standard jet nebulizer (with a face mask or mouthpiece) connected to an air compressor.

Children 6-11 years old: The recommended dosage of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP for patients 6-11 years old is 0.31 mg administered three times a day, by nebulization. Routine dosing should not exceed 0.63 mg three times a day. Adults and Adolescents ≥ 12 years old: The recommended starting dosage of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP for patients 12 years of age and older is 0.63 mg administered three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, by nebulization.

Patients 12 years of age and older with more severe asthma or patients who do not respond adequately to a dose of 0.63 mg of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP may benefit from a dosage of 1.25 mg three times a day. Patients receiving the highest dose of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP should be monitored closely for adverse systemic effects, and the risks of such effects should be balanced against the potential for improved efficacy. The use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP can be continued as medically indicated to help control recurring bouts of bronchospasm.

During this time, most patients gain optimal benefit from regular use of the inhalation solution. If a previously effective dosage regimen fails to provide the usual response this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and the treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids. The drug compatibility (physical and chemical), efficacy, and safety of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP when mixed with other drugs in a nebulizer have not been established.

The safety and efficacy of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP have been established in clinical trials when administered using the PARI LC Jet™ and PARI LC Plus™ nebulizers, and the PARI Master ® Dura-Neb ® 2000 and Dura-Neb ® 3000 compressors. The safety and efficacy of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP when administered using other nebulizer systems have not been established. Recent Major Changes to the Dosage and Administration Section Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is for oral inhalation only.

Administer by nebulization using with a standard jet nebulizer (with a face mask or mouthpiece) connected to an air compressor. Do not exceed recommended dose. (Added the word "with" to read "Administer by nebulization using with a standard jet nebulizer...") 2. Dosage and Administration Updated February 2020

Life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm may occur. Discontinue Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP immediately and treat with alternative therapy. Need for more doses of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP than usual may be a sign of deterioration of asthma and requires reevaluation of treatment. Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is not a substitute for corticosteroids. Cardiovascular effects may occur. Consider discontinuation of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP if these effects occur. Use with caution in patients with underlying cardiovascular disorders. Excessive use may be fatal. Do not exceed recommended dose. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Discontinue Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP immediately. Hypokalemia and changes in blood glucose may occur. ( 5.7 , 5.8 )

5.1Paradoxical Bronchospasm Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution,

USP can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life-threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted. It should be recognized that paradoxical bronchospasm, when associated with inhaled formulations, frequently occurs with the first use of a new vial.

5.2Deterioration of Asthma Asthma

may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If the patient needs more doses of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP than usual, this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids.

5.3Use of Anti-Inflammatory Agents Levalbuterol Inhalation

Solution, USP is not a substitute for corticosteroids. The use of beta-adrenergic agonist alone may not be adequate to control asthma in many patients. Early consideration should be given to adding anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., corticosteroids, to the therapeutic regimen.

5.4Cardiovascular Effects Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution,

USP, like other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects in some patients, as measured by heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms. Although such effects are uncommon after administration of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 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. Therefore, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.

5.5Do Not Exceed Recommended Dose

Do not exceed the recommended dose. Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs in patients with asthma. The exact cause of death is unknown, but cardiac arrest following an unexpected development of a severe acute asthmatic crisis and subsequent hypoxia is suspected.

5.6Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions Immediate

hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration of levalbuterol or racemic albuterol. Reactions have included urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema. The potential for hypersensitivity must be considered in the clinical evaluation of patients who experience immediate hypersensitivity reactions while receiving Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP.

5.7Coexisting Conditions Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution,

USP, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias; in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus; and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Clinically significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been seen in individual patients and could be expected to occur in some patients after the use of any beta-adrenergic bronchodilator. Changes in blood glucose may occur.

Large doses of intravenous racemic albuterol have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.

5.8Hypokalemia As with

other beta-adrenergic agonist medications, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. The decrease is usually transient, not requiring supplementation.

Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levalbuterol or racemic albuterol. Reactions have included urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema . Hypersensitivity to levalbuterol or racemic albuterol.

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There

are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP in pregnant women. There are clinical considerations with the use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP in pregnant women . Following oral administration of levalbuterol HCl to pregnant rabbits, there was no evidence of teratogenicity at doses up to 25 mg/kg/day [approximately 108 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID) of levalbuterol HCl for adults on a mg/m 2 basis]; however, racemic albuterol sulfate was teratogenic in mice (cleft palate) and rabbits (cramioschisis) at doses slightly higher than the human therapeutic range . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated 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 Embryo/Fetal Risk In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. Pregnant women should be closely monitored and medication adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control. Labor or Delivery Because of the potential for beta-adrenergic agonists to interfere with uterine contractility, the use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP for the treatment of bronchospasm during labor should be restricted to those patients for whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risk.

Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP has not been approved for the management of preterm labor. The benefit-risk ratio when Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP is administered for tocolysis has not been established. Serious adverse reactions, including maternal pulmonary edema, have been reported during or following treatment of premature labor with beta 2 -agonists, including racemic albuterol.

Data Animal Data The oral administration of levalbuterol HCl to pregnant New Zealand White rabbits during the period of organogenesis found no evidence of teratogenicity at doses up to 25 mg/kg/day (approximately 108 times the MRHDID of levalbuterol HCl for adults on a mg/m 2 basis). In a rat developmental study, racemic albuterol sulfate administered by inhalation did not produce any teratogenic effects at exposures approximately 63 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal dose of 10.5 mg/kg). However, other developmental studies with the racemic albuterol sulfate, did result in teratogenic effects in mice and rabbits at doses slightly higher than the human therapeutic range.

In a rabbit developmental study, orally administered albuterol sulfate induced cranioschisis in 7 of 19 fetuses (37%) at approximately 215 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal dose of 50 mg/kg). In a mouse developmental study, subcutaneously administered albuterol sulfate produced cleft palate formation in 5 of 111 (4.5%) fetuses at an exposure approximately 0.3 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day) and in 10 of 108 (9.3%) fetuses at approximately 3 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day). Similar effects were not observed at approximately 0.03 times the MRHDID for adults on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal dose of 0.025 mg/kg/day (i.e., less than the therapeutic dose).

Cleft palate also occurred in 22 of 72 (30.5%) fetuses from females treated subcutaneously with isoproterenol (positive control). Non-Teratogenic Effects: A study in which pregnant rats were dosed with radiolabeled racemic albuterol sulfate demonstrated that drug-related material is transferred from the maternal circulation to the fetus.

The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Paradoxical bronchospasm Cardiovascular effects Immediate hypersensitivity reactions Hypokalemia Most common adverse reactions are: palpitations, chest pain, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, tremor and nervousness. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ritedose Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-855-806-3300 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because

clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of the drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adults and Adolescents 12 Years of Age and Older Adverse reaction information concerning Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP in adults and adolescents is derived from one 4-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-, and placebo-controlled trial in 362 patients with asthma 12 years of age and older. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients receiving Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP or racemic albuterol and more frequently than in patients receiving placebo are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in a 4-Week, Controlled Clinical Trial in Adults and Adolescents ≥ 12 Years Old Percent of Patients One treatment group, racemic albuterol 1.25 mg, with 68 subjects is omitted. Body System Preferred Term Placebo (n = 75) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 1.25 mg (n = 73) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg (n = 72) Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg (n = 74) Body as a Whole Allergic reaction 1.3 0 0

2.7Flu

syndrome 0 1.4 4.2

2.7Accidental

injury 0 2.7 0 0 Pain 1.3 1.4 2.8

2.7Back

pain 0 0 0

2.7Cardiovascular System Tachycardia

0 2.7 2.8

2.7Migraine

0 2.7 0 0 Digestive System Dyspepsia 1.3 2.7 1.4

1.4Musculoskeletal System Leg

cramps 1.3 2.7 0

1.4Central Nervous System Dizziness

1.3 2.7 1.4 0 Hypertonia 0 0 0

2.7Nervousness

0 9.6 2.8

8.1Tremor

0 6.8 0

2.7Anxiety

0 2.7 0 0 Respiratory System Cough increased 2.7 4.1 1.4

2.7Infection

viral 9.3 12.3 6.9

12.2Rhinitis

2.7 2.7 11.1

6.8Sinusitis

2.7 1.4 4.2

2.7Turbinate

edema 0 1.4 2.8 0 The incidence of certain systemic beta-adrenergic adverse reactions (e.g., tremor, nervousness) was slightly less in the Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg group compared with the other active treatment groups. The clinical significance of these small differences is unknown. Changes in heart rate 15 minutes after drug administration and in plasma glucose and potassium 1 hour after drug administration on day 1 and day 29 were clinically comparable in the Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 1.25 mg and racemic albuterol 2.5 mg groups . Changes in heart rate and plasma glucose were slightly less in the Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg group compared with the other active treatment groups . The clinical significance of these small differences is unknown.

After 4 weeks, effects on heart rate, plasma glucose, and plasma potassium were generally diminished compared with day 1 in all active treatment groups. Table 2: Mean Changes from Baseline Heart Rate at 15 Minutes and Glucose and Potassium at 1 Hour after First Dose (Day 1) in Adults and Adolescents ≥ 12 Years Old Mean Changes (Day 1) Treatment Heart Rate (bpm) Glucose (mg/dL) Potassium (mEq/L) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg, n = 72 2.4 4.6 -0.2 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 1.25 mg, n = 73 6.9 10.3 -0.3 Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg, n = 74 5.7 8.2 -0.3 Placebo, n = 75 -2.8 -0.2 -0.2 No other clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities related to administration of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP were observed in this study. In the clinical trials, a slightly greater number of serious adverse events, discontinuations due to adverse events, and clinically significant ECG changes were reported in patients who received Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 1.25 mg compared with the other active treatment groups.

The following adverse reactions, considered potentially related to Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, occurred in less than 2% of the 292 subjects who received Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP and more frequently than in patients who received placebo in any clinical trial: Body as a Whole: chills, pain, chest pain Cardiovascular System: ECG abnormal, ECG change, hypertension, hypotension, syncope Digestive System: diarrhea, dry mouth, dry throat, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, nausea Hemic and Lymphatic System: lymphadenopathy Musculoskeletal System: leg cramps, myalgia Nervous System: anxiety, hyperesthesia of the hand, insomnia, paresthesia, tremor Special Senses: eye itch The following reactions, considered potentially related to Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, occurred in less than 2% of the treated subjects but at a frequency less than in patients who received placebo: asthma exacerbation, cough increased, wheezing, sweating, and vomiting. Pediatric Patients 6 to 11 Years of Age Adverse reaction information concerning Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP in pediatric patients is derived from one 3-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-, and placebo-controlled trial in 316 pediatric patients 6 to 11 years of age. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients in any treatment group and more frequently than in patients receiving placebo are listed in Table 3.

Table 3: Most Frequently Reported Adverse Reactions (≥ 2% in Any Treatment Group) and Those Reported More Frequently Than in Placebo during the Double-Blind Period (ITT Population, 6-11 Years Old) Percent of Patients Body System Preferred Term Placebo (n = 59) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.31 mg (n = 66) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg (n = 67) Racemic albuterol 1.25 mg (n = 64) Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg (n = 60) Body as a Whole Abdominal pain 3.4 0 1.5 3.1

6.7Accidental

injury 3.4 6.1 4.5 3.1

5.0Asthenia

0 3.0 3.0 1.6

1.7Fever

5.1 9.1 3.0 1.6

6.7Headache

8.5 7.6 11.9 9.4

3.3Pain

3.4 3.0 1.5 4.7

6.7Viral

infection 5.1 7.6 9.0 4.7

8.3Digestive System Diarrhea

0 1.5 6.0 1.6 0 Hemic and Lymphatic Lymphadenopathy 0 3.0 0 1.6 0 Musculoskeletal System Myalgia 0 0 1.5 1.6

3.3Respiratory System Asthma

5.1 9.1 9.0 6.3

10.0Pharyngitis

6.8 3.0 10.4 0

6.7Rhinitis

1.7 6.1 10.4 3.1

5.0Skin and Appendages Eczema

0 0 0 0

3.3Rash

0 0 7.5 1.6 0 Urticaria 0 0 3.0 0 0 Special Senses Otitis media 1.7 0 0 0

3.3Note: Subjects

may have more than one adverse event per body system and preferred term. Changes in heart rate, plasma glucose, and serum potassium are shown in Table 4. The clinical significance of these small differences is unknown. Table 4: Mean Changes from Baseline Heart Rate at 30 Minutes and Glucose and Potassium at 1 Hour after First Dose (Day 1) and Last Dose (Day 21) in Children 6-11 Years Old Mean Changes (Day 1) Treatment Heart Rate (bpm) Glucose (mg/dL) Potassium (mEq/L) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.31 mg, n = 66 0.8 4.9 -0.31 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg, n = 67 6.7 5.2 -0.36 Racemic albuterol 1.25 mg, n = 64 6.4 8.0 -0.27 Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg, n = 60 10.9 10.8 -0.56 Placebo, n = 59 -1.8 0.6 -0.05 Mean Changes (Day 21) Treatment Heart Rate (bpm) Glucose (mg/dL) Potassium (mEq/L) Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.31 mg, n = 60 0 2.6 -0.32 Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP 0.63 mg, n = 66 3.8 5.8 -0.34 Racemic albuterol 1.25 mg, n = 62 5.8 1.7 -0.18 Racemic albuterol 2.5 mg, n = 54 5.7 11.8 -0.26 Placebo, n = 55 -1.7 1.1 -0.04

6.2Post-marketing Experience In

addition to the adverse reactions reported in clinical trials, the following adverse reactions have been observed in postapproval use of Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP. 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 their seriousness, their frequency of reporting, or their likely beta-mediated mechanism: angioedema, anaphylaxis, arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles), asthma, chest pain, cough increased, dysphonia, dyspnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), metabolic acidosis, nausea, nervousness, rash, tachycardia, tremor, urticaria. In addition, Levalbuterol Inhalation Solution, USP, like other sympathomimetic agents, can cause adverse reactions such as hypertension, angina, vertigo, central nervous system stimulation, sleeplessness, headache, and drying or irritation of the oropharynx.