Noxafil

Noxafil® 40 mg/mL oral suspension

Each mL of oral suspension contains 40 mg of posaconazole.

Excipients with known effect

This medicinal product contains approximately 1.75 g of glucose per 5 mL of suspension.

This medicinal product contains 10 mg of sodium benzoate (E211) per 5 mL of suspension.

This medicinal product contains up to 1.25 mg of benzyl alcohol per 5 mL of suspension.

This medicinal product contains up to 24.75 mg of propylene glycol (E1520) per 5 mL of suspension.

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

Oral suspension

White suspension

Noxafil oral suspension is indicated for use in the treatment of the following fungal infections in adults (see section 5.1):

- Invasive aspergillosis in patients with disease that is refractory to amphotericin B or itraconazole or in patients who are intolerant of these medicinal products;

- Fusariosis in patients with disease that is refractory to amphotericin B or in patients who are intolerant of amphotericin B;

- Chromoblastomycosis and mycetoma in patients with disease that is refractory to itraconazole or in patients who are intolerant of itraconazole;

- Coccidioidomycosis in patients with disease that is refractory to amphotericin B, itraconazole or fluconazole or in patients who are intolerant of these medicinal products;

- Oropharyngeal candidiasis: as first-line therapy in patients who have severe disease or are immunocompromised, in whom response to topical therapy is expected to be poor.

Refractoriness is defined as progression of infection or failure to improve after a minimum of 7 days of prior therapeutic doses of effective antifungal therapy.

Noxafil oral suspension is also indicated for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections in the following patients:

- Patients receiving remission-induction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) expected to result in prolonged neutropenia and who are at high-risk of developing invasive fungal infections;

- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients who are undergoing high-dose immunosuppressive therapy for graft versus host disease and who are at high-risk of developing invasive fungal infections.

Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of Noxafil concentrate for solution for infusion and the gastro-resistant tablets for use in primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis.

Treatment should be initiated by a physician experienced in the management of fungal infections or in the supportive care of high-risk patients for which posaconazole is indicated as prophylaxis.

Non-interchangeability between Noxafil oral suspension and Noxafil tablets or Noxafil gastro -resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension

Noxafil oral suspension is indicated for the adult population (≥18 years old) only. Another formulation (Noxafil gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension) is available for paediatric patients from 2 years to less than 18 years of age.

The oral suspension is not to be used interchangeably with either the tablet or gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension due to the differences in frequency of dosing, administration with food and plasma drug concentration achieved. Therefore, follow the specific dose recommendations for each formulation.

Posology

Noxafil is also available as 100 mg gastro-resistant tablet, 300 mg concentrate for solution for infusion, and 300 mg gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension. Noxafil tablets generally provide higher plasma drug exposures than Noxafil oral suspension under both fed and fasted conditions. Therefore, the tablets are the preferred formulation over the oral suspension to optimize plasma concentrations.

Recommended dose is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Recommended dose in adults according to indication

Special populations

Renal impairment

An effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole is not expected and no dose adjustment is recommended (see section 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

Limited data on the effect of hepatic impairment (including Child-Pugh C classification of chronic liver disease) on the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole demonstrate an increase in plasma exposure compared to subjects with normal hepatic function, but do not suggest that dose adjustment is necessary (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). It is recommended to exercise caution due to the potential for higher plasma exposure.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of posaconazole oral suspension have not been established in children and adolescents aged below 18 years. Currently available data are described in sections 5.1 and 5.2, but no recommendation on a posology can be made. Two other oral formulations, Noxafil gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension and Noxafil tablets, are available for the paediatric population.

Method of administration

For oral use

The oral suspension must be shaken well before use.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Co-administration with ergot alkaloids (see section 4.5).

Co-administration with the CYP3A4 substrates terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine or quinidine since this may result in increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products, leading to QTc prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Co-administration with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors simvastatin, lovastatin and atorvastatin (see section 4.5).

Co-administration during the initiation and dose-titration phase of venetoclax in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) patients (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Hypersensitivity

There is no information regarding cross-sensitivity between posaconazole and other azole antifungal agents. Caution should be used when prescribing posaconazole to patients with hypersensitivity to other azoles.

Hepatic toxicity

Hepatic reactions (e.g. mild to moderate elevations in ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and/or clinical hepatitis) have been reported during treatment with posaconazole. Elevated liver function tests were generally reversible on discontinuation of therapy and in some instances these tests normalised without interruption of therapy. Rarely, more severe hepatic reactions with fatal outcomes have been reported.

Posaconazole should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment due to limited clinical experience and the possibility that posaconazole plasma levels may be higher in these patients (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).

Monitoring of hepatic function

Liver function tests should be evaluated at the start of and during the course of posaconazole therapy.

Patients who develop abnormal liver function tests during posaconazole therapy must be routinely monitored for the development of more severe hepatic injury. Patient management should include laboratory evaluation of hepatic function (particularly liver function tests and bilirubin). Discontinuation of posaconazole should be considered if clinical signs and symptoms are consistent with development of liver disease.

QTc prolongation

Some azoles have been associated with prolongation of the QTc interval. Posaconazole must not be administered with medicinal products that are substrates for CYP3A4 and are known to prolong the QTc interval (see sections 4.3 and 4.5). Posaconazole should be administered with caution to patients with pro-arrhythmic conditions such as:

• Congenital or acquired QTc prolongation

• Cardiomyopathy, especially in the presence of cardiac failure

• Sinus bradycardia

• Existing symptomatic arrhythmias

• Concomitant use with medicinal products known to prolong the QTc interval (other than those mentioned in section 4.3).

Electrolyte disturbances, especially those involving potassium, magnesium or calcium levels, should be monitored and corrected as necessary before and during posaconazole therapy.

Drug interactions

Posaconazole is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and should only be used under specific circumstances during treatment with other medicinal products that are metabolised by CYP3A4 (see section 4.5).

Midazolam and other benzodiazepines

Due to the risk of prolonged sedation and possible respiratory depression co-administration of posaconazole with any benzodiazepines metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g. midazolam, triazolam, alprazolam) should only be considered if clearly necessary. Dose adjustment of benzodiazepines metabolised by CYP3A4 should be considered (see section 4.5).

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 (see section 4.5).

Venetoclax toxicity

Concomitant administration of strong CYP3A inhibitors, including posaconazole, with the CYP3A4 substrate venetoclax, may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) and neutropenia (see sections 4.3 and 4.5). Refer to the venetoclax SmPC for detailed guidance.

Rifamycin antibacterials (rifampicin, rifabutin), certain anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone), efavirenz and cimetidine

Posaconazole concentrations may be significantly lowered in combination; therefore, concomitant use with posaconazole should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk (see section 4.5).

Gastrointestinal dysfunction

There are limited pharmacokinetic data in patients with severe gastrointestinal dysfunction (such as severe diarrhoea). Patients who have severe diarrhoea or vomiting should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections.

Glucose

This medicinal product contains approximately 1.75 g of glucose per 5 mL of suspension. Patients with rare glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

Sodium benzoate

This medicinal product contains 10 mg of sodium benzoate (E211) per 5 mL of suspension.

Benzyl alcohol

This medicinal product contains up to 1.25 mg of benzyl alcohol per 5 mL of suspension. Benzyl alcohol may cause anaphylactoid reactions.

Propylene glycol

This medicinal product contains up to 24.75 mg of propylene glycol (E1520) per 5 mL of suspension.

Effects of other medicinal products on posaconazole

Posaconazole is metabolised via UDP glucuronidation (phase 2 enzymes) and is a substrate for p-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux in vitro. Therefore, inhibitors (e.g. verapamil, ciclosporin, quinidine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, etc.) or inducers (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, certain anticonvulsants, etc.) of these clearance pathways may increase or decrease posaconazole plasma concentrations, respectively.

Rifabutin

Rifabutin (300 mg once a day) decreased the C_max (maximum plasma concentration) and AUC (area under the plasma concentration time curve) of posaconazole to 57 % and 51 %, respectively. Concomitant use of posaconazole and rifabutin and similar inducers (e.g. rifampicin) should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk. See also below regarding the effect of posaconazole on rifabutin plasma levels.

Efavirenz

Efavirenz (400 mg once a day) decreased the C_max and AUC of posaconazole by 45 % and 50 %, respectively. Concomitant use of posaconazole and efavirenz should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk.

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. Repeat dose administration of fosamprenavir (700 mg twice daily x 10 days) decreased the C_max and AUC of posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg once daily on the 1^st day, 200 mg twice daily on the 2^nd day, then 400 mg twice daily x 8 days) by 21 % and 23 %, respectively. The effect of posaconazole on fosamprenavir levels when fosamprenavir is given with ritonavir is unknown.

Phenytoin

Phenytoin (200 mg once a day) decreased the C_max and AUC of posaconazole by 41 % and 50 %, respectively. Concomitant use of posaconazole and phenytoin and similar inducers (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone) should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk.

H₂ receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors

Posaconazole plasma concentrations (C_max and AUC) were reduced by 39 % when posaconazole was administered with cimetidine (400 mg twice a day) due to reduced absorption possibly secondary to a decrease in gastric acid production. Co-administration of posaconazole with H₂ receptor antagonists should be avoided if possible.

Similarly, administration of 400 mg posaconazole with esomeprazole (40 mg daily) decreased mean C_max and AUC by 46 % and 32 %, respectively, compared to dosing with 400 mg posaconazole alone. Co-administration of posaconazole with proton pump inhibitors should be avoided if possible.

Food

The absorption of posaconazole is significantly increased by food (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).

Effects of posaconazole on other medicinal products

Posaconazole is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4. Co-administration of posaconazole with CYP3A4 substrates may result in large increases in exposure to CYP3A4 substrates as exemplified by the effects on tacrolimus, sirolimus, atazanavir and midazolam below. Caution is advised during co-administration of posaconazole with CYP3A4 substrates administered intravenously and the dose of the CYP3A4 substrate may need to be reduced. If posaconazole is used concomitantly with CYP3A4 substrates that are administered orally, and for which an increase in plasma concentrations may be associated with unacceptable adverse reactions, plasma concentrations of the CYP3A4 substrate and/or adverse reactions should be closely monitored and the dose adjusted as needed. Several of the interaction studies were conducted in healthy volunteers in whom a higher exposure to posaconazole occurs compared to patients administered the same dose. The effect of posaconazole on CYP3A4 substrates in patients might be somewhat lower than that observed in healthy volunteers, and is expected to be variable between patients due to the variable posaconazole exposure in patients. The effect of co-administration with posaconazole on plasma levels of CYP3A4 substrates may also be variable within a patient, unless posaconazole is administered in a strictly standardised way with food, given the large food effect on posaconazole exposure (see section 5.2).

Terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine and quinidine (CYP3A4 substrates)

Co-administration of posaconazole and terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine or quinidine is contraindicated. Co-administration may result in increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products, leading to QTc prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes (see section 4.3).

Ergot alkaloids

Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentration of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine), which may lead to ergotism. Co-administration of posaconazole and ergot alkaloids is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors metabolised through CYP3A4 (e.g. simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin)

Posaconazole may substantially increase plasma levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are metabolised by CYP3A4. Treatment with these HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be discontinued during treatment with posaconazole as increased levels have been associated with rhabdomyolysis (see section 4.3).

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 (see section 4.4). 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.

Rifabutin

Posaconazole increased the C_max and AUC of rifabutin by 31 % and 72 %, respectively. Concomitant use of posaconazole and rifabutin should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk (see also above regarding the effect of rifabutin on plasma levels of posaconazole). If these medicinal products are co-administered, careful monitoring of full blood counts and adverse reactions related to increased rifabutin levels (e.g. uveitis) is recommended.

Sirolimus

Repeat dose administration of posaconazole oral suspension (400 mg twice daily for 16 days) increased the C_max and AUC of sirolimus (2 mg single dose) an average of 6.7-fold and 8.9-fold (range 3.1 to 17.5-fold), respectively, in healthy subjects. The effect of posaconazole on sirolimus in patients is unknown, but is expected to be variable due to the variable posaconazole exposure in patients. Co-administration of posaconazole with sirolimus is not recommended and should be avoided whenever possible. If it is considered that co-administration is unavoidable, then it is recommended that the dose of sirolimus should be greatly reduced at the time of initiation of posaconazole therapy and that there should be very frequent monitoring of trough concentrations of sirolimus in whole blood. Sirolimus concentrations should be measured upon initiation, during co-administration, and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment, with sirolimus doses adjusted accordingly. It should be noted that the relationship between sirolimus trough concentration and AUC is changed during co-administration with posaconazole. As a result, sirolimus trough concentrations that fall within the usual therapeutic range may result in sub-therapeutic levels. Therefore trough concentrations that fall in the upper part of the usual therapeutic range should be targeted and careful attention should be paid to clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory parameters and tissue biopsies.

Ciclosporin

In heart transplant patients on stable doses of ciclosporin, posaconazole oral suspension 200 mg once daily increased ciclosporin concentrations requiring dose reductions. Cases of elevated ciclosporin levels resulting in serious adverse reactions, including nephrotoxicity and one fatal case of leukoencephalopathy, were reported in clinical efficacy studies. When initiating treatment with posaconazole in patients already receiving ciclosporin, the dose of ciclosporin should be reduced (e.g. to about three quarters of the current dose). Thereafter blood levels of ciclosporin should be monitored carefully during co-administration, and upon discontinuation of posaconazole treatment, and the dose of ciclosporin should be adjusted as necessary.

Tacrolimus

Posaconazole increased C_max and AUC of tacrolimus (0.05 mg/kg body weight single dose) by 121 % and 358 %, respectively. Clinically significant interactions resulting in hospitalisation and/or posaconazole discontinuation were reported in clinical efficacy studies. When initiating posaconazole treatment in patients already receiving tacrolimus, the dose of tacrolimus should be reduced (e.g. to about one third of the current dose). Thereafter blood levels of tacrolimus should be monitored carefully during co-administration, and upon discontinuation of posaconazole, and the dose of tacrolimus should be adjusted as necessary.

HIV Protease inhibitors

As HIV protease inhibitors are CYP3A4 substrates, it is expected that posaconazole will increase plasma levels of these antiretroviral agents. Following co-administration of posaconazole oral suspension (400 mg twice daily) with atazanavir (300 mg once daily) for 7 days in healthy subjects C_max and AUC of atazanavir increased by an average of 2.6-fold and 3.7-fold (range 1.2 to 26-fold), respectively. Following co-administration of posaconazole oral suspension (400 mg twice daily) with atazanavir and ritonavir (300/100 mg once daily) for 7 days in healthy subjects C_max and AUC of atazanavir increased by an average of 1.5-fold and 2.5-fold (range 0.9 to 4.1-fold), respectively. The addition of posaconazole to therapy with atazanavir or with atazanavir plus ritonavir was associated with increases in plasma bilirubin levels. Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to antiretroviral agents that are substrates of CYP3A4 is recommended during co-administration with posaconazole.

Midazolam and other benzodiazepines metabolised by CYP3A4

In a study in healthy volunteers posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg once daily for 10 days) increased the exposure (AUC) of intravenous midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) by 83 %. In another study in healthy volunteers, repeat dose administration of posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg twice daily for 7 days) increased the C_max and AUC of intravenous midazolam (0.4 mg single dose) by an average of 1.3- and 4.6-fold (range 1.7 to 6.4-fold), respectively; Posaconazole oral suspension 400 mg twice daily for 7 days increased the intravenous midazolam C_max and AUC by 1.6 and 6.2-fold (range 1.6 to 7.6-fold), respectively. Both doses of posaconazole increased C_max and AUC of oral midazolam (2 mg single oral dose) by 2.2 and 4.5-fold, respectively. In addition, posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg or 400 mg) prolonged the mean terminal half-life of midazolam from approximately 3-4 hours to 8-10 hours during co-administration.

Due to the risk of prolonged sedation it is recommended that dose adjustments should be considered when posaconazole is administered concomitantly with any benzodiazepine that is metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g. midazolam, triazolam, alprazolam) (see section 4.4).

Calcium channel blockers metabolised through CYP3A4 (e.g. diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine, nisoldipine)

Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to calcium channel blockers is recommended during co-administration with posaconazole. Dose adjustment of calcium channel blockers may be required.

Digoxin

Administration of other azoles has been associated with increases in digoxin levels. Therefore, posaconazole may increase plasma concentration of digoxin and digoxin levels need to be monitored when initiating or discontinuing posaconazole treatment.

Sulfonylureas

Glucose concentrations decreased in some healthy volunteers when glipizide was co-administered with posaconazole. Monitoring of glucose concentrations is recommended in diabetic patients.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or tretinoin

As ATRA is metabolised by the hepatic CYP450 enzymes, notably CYP3A4, concomitant administration with posaconazole, which is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, may lead to increased exposure to tretinoin resulting in an increased toxicity (especially hypercalcaemia). Serum calcium levels should be monitored and, if needed, appropriate dose adjustments of tretinoin should be considered during the treatment with posaconazole, and during the following days after treatment.

Venetoclax

Compared with venetoclax 400 mg administered alone, co-administration of 300 mg posaconazole, a strong CYP3A inhibitor, with venetoclax 50 mg and 100 mg for 7 days in 12 patients, increased venetoclax C_max to 1.6-fold and 1.9-fold, and AUC to 1.9-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Refer to the venetoclax SmPC.

Paediatric population

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Pregnancy

There is insufficient information on the use of posaconazole in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown.

Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment. Posaconazole must not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential risk to the foetus.

Breast-feeding

Posaconazole is excreted into the milk of lactating rats (see section 5.3). The excretion of posaconazole in human breast milk has not been investigated. Breast-feeding must be stopped on initiation of treatment with posaconazole.

Fertility

Posaconazole had no effect on fertility of male rats at doses up to 180 mg/kg (1.7 times the 400-mg twice daily regimen based on steady-state plasma concentrations in healthy volunteers) or female rats at a dose up to 45 mg/kg (2.2 times the 400-mg twice daily regimen). There is no clinical experience assessing the impact of posaconazole on fertility in humans.

Since certain adverse reactions (e.g. dizziness, somnolence, etc.) have been reported with posaconazole use, which potentially may affect driving/operating machinery, caution needs to be used.

Summary of the safety profile

The safety of posaconazole oral suspension has been assessed in > 2,400 patients and healthy volunteers enrolled in clinical studies and from post-marketing experience. The most frequently reported serious related adverse reactions included nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pyrexia, and increased bilirubin.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Within the organ system classes, adverse reactions are listed under headings of frequency using the following categories: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 2. Adverse reactions by body system and frequency reported in clinical studies and/or post-marketing use*

* Based on adverse reactions observed with the oral suspension, gastro-resistant tablets, concentrate for solution for infusion, and gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension.

§ See section 4.4.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Hepatobiliary disorders

During post-marketing surveillance of posaconazole oral suspension, severe hepatic injury with fatal outcome has been reported (see section 4.4).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

During clinical studies, patients who received posaconazole oral suspension doses up to 1,600 mg/day experienced no different adverse reactions from those reported with patients at the lower doses. Accidental overdose was noted in one patient who took posaconazole oral suspension 1,200 mg twice a day for 3 days. No adverse reactions were noted by the investigator.

Posaconazole is not removed by haemodialysis. There is no special treatment available in the case of overdose with posaconazole. Supportive care may be considered.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antimycotics for systemic use, triazole derivatives, ATC code: J02AC04.

Mechanism of action

Posaconazole inhibits the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), which catalyses an essential step in ergosterol biosynthesis.

Microbiology

Posaconazole has been shown in vitro to be active against the following microorganisms: Aspergillus species (Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. ustus), Candida species (Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, C. famata, C. inconspicua, C. lipolytica, C. norvegensis, C. pseudotropicalis), Coccidioides immitis, Fonsecaea pedrosoi, and species of Fusarium, Rhizomucor, Mucor, and Rhizopus. The microbiological data suggest that posaconazole is active against Rhizomucor, Mucor, and Rhizopus; however the clinical data are currently too limited to assess the efficacy of posaconazole against these causative agents.

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. In a surveillance study of > 3,000 clinical mold isolates from 2010-2018, 90 % of non-Aspergillus fungi exhibited the following in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): Mucorales spp (n=81) of 2 mg/L; Scedosporium apiospermum/S. boydii (n=65) of 2 mg/L; Exophiala dermatiditis (n=15) of 0.5 mg/L, and Purpureocillium lilacinum (n=21) of 1 mg/L.

Resistance

Clinical isolates with decreased susceptibility to posaconazole have been identified. The principle mechanism of resistance is the acquisition of substitutions in the target protein, CYP51.

Epidemiological Cut-off (ECOFF) Values for

Aspergillus

spp.

The ECOFF values for posaconazole, which distinguish the wild type population from isolates with acquired resistance, have been determined by EUCAST methodology.

EUCAST ECOFF values:

• Aspergillus flavus: 0.5 mg/L

• Aspergillus fumigatus: 0.5 mg/L

• Aspergillus nidulans: 0.5 mg/L

• Aspergillus niger: 0.5 mg/L

• Aspergillus terreus: 0.25 mg/L

There are currently insufficient data to set clinical breakpoints for Aspergillus spp. ECOFF values do not equate to clinical breakpoints.

Breakpoints

EUCAST MIC breakpoints for posaconazole [susceptible (S); resistant (R)]:

• Candida albicans: S ≤0.06 mg/L, R >0.06 mg/L

• Candida tropicalis: S ≤0.06 mg/L, R >0.06 mg/L

• Candida parapsilosis: S ≤0.06 mg/L, R >0.06 mg/L

• Candida dubliniensis: S ≤0.06 mg/L, R >0.06 mg/L

There are currently insufficient data to set clinical breakpoints for other Candida species.

Combination with other antifungal agents

The use of combination antifungal therapies should not decrease the efficacy of either posaconazole or the other therapies; however, there is currently no clinical evidence that combination therapy will provide an added benefit.

Pharmacokinetic / Pharmacodynamic relationships

A correlation between total medicinal product exposure divided by MIC (AUC/MIC) and clinical outcome was observed. The critical ratio for subjects with Aspergillus infections was ~200. It is particularly important to try to ensure that maximal plasma levels are achieved in patients infected with Aspergillus (see sections 4.2 and 5.2 on recommended dose regimens and the effects of food on absorption).

Clinical experience

Summary of posaconazole oral suspension studies

Invasive aspergillosis

Oral posaconazole suspension 800 mg/day in divided doses was evaluated for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in patients with disease refractory to amphotericin B (including liposomal formulations) or itraconazole or in patients who were intolerant of these medicinal products in a non-comparative salvage therapy study (Study 0041). Clinical outcomes were compared with those in an external control group derived from a retrospective review of medical records. The external control group included 86 patients treated with available therapy (as above) mostly at the same time and at the same sites as the patients treated with posaconazole. Most of the cases of aspergillosis were considered to be refractory to prior therapy in both the posaconazole group (88 %) and in the external control group (79 %).

As shown in Table 3, a successful response (complete or partial resolution) at the end of treatment was seen in 42 % of posaconazole-treated patients compared to 26 % of the external group. However, this was not a prospective, randomised controlled study and so all comparisons with the external control group should be viewed with caution.

Table 3. Overall efficacy of posaconazole oral suspension at the end of treatment for invasive aspergillosis in comparison to an external control group

Fusarium spp.

11 of 24 patients who had proven or probable fusariosis were successfully treated with posaconazole oral suspension 800 mg/day in divided doses for a median of 124 days and up to 212 days. Among eighteen patients who were intolerant or had infections refractory to amphotericin B or itraconazole, seven patients were classed as responders.

Chromoblastomycosis/Mycetoma

9 of 11 patients were successfully treated with posaconazole oral suspension 800 mg/day in divided doses for a median of 268 days and up to 377 days. Five of these patients had chromoblastomycosis due to Fonsecaea pedrosoi and 4 had mycetoma, mostly due to Madurella species.

Coccidioidomycosis

11 of 16 patients were successfully treated (at the end of treatment complete or partial resolution of signs and symptoms present at baseline) with posaconazole oral suspension 800 mg/day in divided doses for a median of 296 days and up to 460 days.

Treatment of azole-susceptible Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC)

A randomised, evaluator-blind, controlled study was completed in HIV-infected patients with azole-susceptible oropharyngeal candidiasis (most patients studied had C. albicans isolated at baseline). The primary efficacy variable was the clinical success rate (defined as cure or improvement) after 14 days of treatment. Patients were treated with posaconazole or fluconazole oral suspension (both posaconazole and fluconazole were given as follows: 100 mg twice a day for 1 day followed by 100 mg once a day for 13 days).

The clinical response rates from the above study are shown in the Table 4 below.

Posaconazole was shown to be non-inferior to fluconazole for clinical success rates at Day 14 as well as 4 weeks after the end of treatment.

Table 4. Clinical success rates in Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Clinical success rate was defined as the number of cases assessed as having a clinical response (cure or improvement) divided by the total number of cases eligible for analysis.

Prophylaxis of Invasive Fungal Infections (IFIs) (Studies 316 and 1899)

Two randomised, controlled prophylaxis studies were conducted among patients at high-risk for developing invasive fungal infections.

Study 316 was a randomised, double-blind study of posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg three times a day) versus fluconazole capsules (400 mg once daily) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The primary efficacy endpoint was the incidence of proven/probable IFIs at 16 weeks post-randomisation as determined by an independent, blinded external expert panel. A key secondary endpoint was the incidence of proven/probable IFIs during the on-treatment period (first dose to last dose of study medicinal product + 7 days). The majority (377/600, [63 %]) of patients included had Acute Grade 2 or 3 or chronic extensive (195/600, [32.5 %]) GVHD at study start. The mean duration of therapy was 80 days for posaconazole and 77 days for fluconazole.

Study 1899 was a randomised, evaluator-blinded study of posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg three times a day) versus fluconazole suspension (400 mg once daily) or itraconazole oral solution (200 mg twice a day) in neutropenic patients who were receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndromes. The primary efficacy endpoint was the incidence of proven/probable IFIs as determined by an independent, blinded external expert panel during the on-treatment period. A key secondary endpoint was the incidence of proven/probable IFIs at 100 days post-randomisation. New diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukaemia was the most common underlying condition (435/602, [72 %]). The mean duration of therapy was 29 days for posaconazole and 25 days for fluconazole/itraconazole.

In both prophylaxis studies, aspergillosis was the most common breakthrough infection. See Table 5 and 6 for results from both studies. There were fewer breakthrough Aspergillus infections in patients receiving posaconazole prophylaxis when compared to control patients.

Table 5. Results from clinical studies in prophylaxis of Invasive Fungal Infections

FLU = fluconazole; ITZ = itraconazole; POS = posaconazole.

a: FLU/ITZ (1899); FLU (316).

b: In 1899 this was the period from randomisation to last dose of study medicinal product plus 7 days; in 316 it was the period from first dose to last dose of study medicinal product plus 7 days.

c: In 1899, this was the period from randomisation to 100 days post-randomisation; in 316 it was the period from the baseline day to 111 days post-baseline.

d: All randomised

e: All treated

Table 6. Results from clinical studies in prophylaxis of Invasive Fungal Infections

FLU = fluconazole; ITZ = itraconazole; POS = posaconazole.

a: FLU/ITZ (1899); FLU (316).

b: In 1899 this was the period from randomisation to last dose of study medicinal product plus 7 days; in 316 it was the period from first dose to last dose of study medicinal product plus 7 days.

c: In 1899, this was the period from randomisation to 100 days post-randomisation; in 316 it was the period from the baseline day to 111 days post-baseline.

d: All randomised

e: All treated

In Study 1899, a significant decrease in all-cause mortality in favour of posaconazole was observed [POS 49/304 (16 %) vs. FLU/ITZ 67/298 (22 %) p= 0.048]. Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates, the probability of survival up to day 100 after randomisation, was significantly higher for posaconazole recipients; this survival benefit was demonstrated when the analysis considered all causes of death (P= 0.0354) as well as IFI-related deaths (P= 0.0209).

In Study 316, overall mortality was similar (POS, 25 %; FLU, 28 %); however, the proportion of IFI-related deaths was significantly lower in the POS group (4/301) compared with the FLU group (12/299; P= 0.0413).

Paediatric population

No dose of posaconazole oral suspension could be recommended for paediatric patients. However, the safety and efficacy of other formulations of posaconazole (Noxafil gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension; Noxafil concentrate for solution for infusion) have been established in paediatric patients 2 to less than 18 years of age. Refer to their SmPC for additional information.

Electrocardiogram evaluation

Multiple, time-matched ECGs collected over a 12-hour period were obtained before and during administration of posaconazole oral suspension (400 mg twice daily with high fat meals) from 173 healthy male and female volunteers aged 18 to 85 years. No clinically relevant changes in the mean QTc (Fridericia) interval from baseline were observed.

¹ Includes other less common species or species unknown

Absorption

Posaconazole is absorbed with a median T_max of 3 hours (fed patients). The pharmacokinetics of posaconazole are linear following single and multiple dose administration of up to 800 mg when taken with a high fat meal. No further increases in exposure were observed when doses above 800 mg daily were administered to patients and healthy volunteers. In the fasting state, AUC increased less than in proportion to dose above 200 mg. In healthy volunteers under fasting conditions, dividing the total daily dose (800 mg) into 200 mg four times daily compared to 400 mg twice daily, was shown to increase posaconazole exposure by 2.6-fold.

Effect of food on oral absorption in healthy volunteers

The absorption of posaconazole was significantly increased when posaconazole 400 mg (once daily) was administered during and immediately after the consumption of a high fat meal (~ 50 grams fat) compared to administration before a meal, with C_max and AUC increasing by approximately 330 % and 360 %, respectively. The AUC of posaconazole is: 4 times greater when administered with a high-fat meal (~ 50 grams fat) and about 2.6 times greater when administered during a non-fat meal or nutritional supplement (14 grams fat) relative to the fasted state (see sections 4.2 and 4.5).

Distribution

Posaconazole is slowly absorbed and slowly eliminated with a large apparent volume of distribution (1,774 litres) and is highly protein bound (> 98 %), predominantly to serum albumin.

Biotransformation

Posaconazole does not have any major circulating metabolites and its concentrations are unlikely to be altered by inhibitors of CYP450 enzymes. Of the circulating metabolites, the majority are glucuronide conjugates of posaconazole with only minor amounts of oxidative (CYP450 mediated) metabolites observed. The excreted metabolites in urine and faeces account for approximately 17 % of the administered radiolabelled dose.

Elimination

Posaconazole is slowly eliminated with a mean half-life (t_½) of 35 hours (range 20 to 66 hours). After administration of ¹⁴C-posaconazole, radioactivity was predominantly recovered in the faeces (77 % of the radiolabelled dose) with the major component being parent compound (66 % of the radiolabelled dose). Renal clearance is a minor elimination pathway, with 14 % of the radiolabelled dose excreted in urine (< 0.2 % of the radiolabelled dose is parent compound). Steady-state is attained following 7 to 10 days of multiple-dose administration.

Pharmacokinetics in special populations

Children (< 18 years)

Following administration of 800 mg per day of posaconazole as a divided dose for treatment of invasive fungal infections, mean trough plasma concentrations from 12 patients 8-17 years of age (776 ng/mL) were similar to concentrations from 194 patients 18-64 years of age (817 ng/mL). Similarly, in the prophylaxis studies, the mean steady-state posaconazole average concentration (Cav) was comparable among ten adolescents (13-17 years of age) to Cav achieved in adults (≥ 18 years of age). In a study of 136 neutropenic paediatric patients 11 months – 17 years treated with posaconazole oral suspension at doses up to 18 mg/kg/day divided TID, approximately 50 % met the pre-specified target (Day 7 Cav between 500 ng/mL-2,500 ng/mL). In general, exposures tended to be higher in the older patients (7 to < 18 years) than in younger patients (2 to <7 years).

Gender

The pharmacokinetics of posaconazole are comparable in men and women.

Elderly

An increase in C_max (26 %) and AUC (29 %) was observed in elderly subjects (24 subjects ≥ 65 years of age) relative to younger subjects (24 subjects 18 - 45 years of age). However, in clinical efficacy studies, the safety profile of posaconazole between the young and elderly patients was similar.

Race

There was a slight decrease (16 %) in the AUC and C_max of posaconazole oral suspension in Black subjects relative to Caucasian subjects. However, the safety profile of posaconazole between the Black and Caucasian subjects was similar.

Weight

The population pharmacokinetic model of posaconazole concentrate for solution for infusion and tablets indicates that posaconazole clearance is related to weight. In patients > 120 kg, the C_av is decreased by 25 % and in patients < 50 kg, the C_av is increased by 19 %.

It is, therefore, suggested to closely monitor for breakthrough fungal infections in patients weighing more than 120 kg.

Renal impairment

Following single-dose administration of posaconazole oral suspension, there was no effect of mild and moderate renal impairment (n=18, Cl _cr ≥ 20 mL/min/1.73 m²) on posaconazole pharmacokinetics; therefore, no dose adjustment is required. In subjects with severe renal impairment (n=6, Cl _cr < 20 mL/min/1.73 m²), the AUC of posaconazole was highly variable [> 96 % CV (coefficient of variance)] compared to other renal groups [< 40 % CV]. However, as posaconazole is not significantly renally eliminated, an effect of severe renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole is not expected and no dose adjustment is recommended. Posaconazole is not removed by haemodialysis.

Hepatic impairment

After a single oral dose of 400 mg posaconazole oral suspension to patients with mild (Child-Pugh Class A), moderate (Child-Pugh Class B) or severe (Child-Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment (six per group), the mean AUC was 1.3 to 1.6-fold higher compared to that for matched control subjects with normal hepatic function. Unbound concentrations were not determined and it cannot be excluded that there is a larger increase in unbound posaconazole exposure than the observed 60 % increase in total AUC. The elimination half-life (t_1/2) was prolonged from approximately 27 hours up to ~43 hours in respective groups. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to severe hepatic impairment but caution is advised due to the potential for higher plasma exposure.

As observed with other azole antifungal agents, effects related to inhibition of steroid hormone synthesis were seen in repeated-dose toxicity studies with posaconazole. Adrenal suppressive effects were observed in toxicity studies in rats and dogs at exposures equal to or greater than those obtained at therapeutic doses in humans.

Neuronal phospholipidosis occurred in dogs dosed for ≥ 3 months at lower systemic exposures than those obtained at therapeutic doses in humans. This finding was not seen in monkeys dosed for one year. In twelve-month neurotoxicity studies in dogs and monkeys, no functional effects were observed on the central or peripheral nervous systems at systemic exposures greater than those achieved therapeutically.

Pulmonary phospholipidosis resulting in dilatation and obstruction of the alveoli was observed in the 2-year study in rats. These findings are not necessarily indicative of a potential for functional changes in humans.

No effects on electrocardiograms, including QT and QTc intervals, were seen in a repeat dose safety pharmacology study in monkeys at systemic exposures 4.6-fold greater than the concentrations obtained at therapeutic doses in humans. Echocardiography revealed no indication of cardiac decompensation in a repeat dose safety pharmacology study in rats at a systemic exposure 1.4-fold greater than that achieved therapeutically. Increased systolic and arterial blood pressures (up to 29 mm-Hg) were seen in rats and monkeys at systemic exposures 1.4-fold and 4.6-fold greater, respectively, than those achieved with the human therapeutic doses.

Reproduction, peri- and postnatal development studies were conducted in rats. At exposures lower than those obtained at therapeutic doses in humans, posaconazole caused skeletal variations and malformations, dystocia, increased length of gestation, reduced mean litter size and postnatal viability. In rabbits, posaconazole was embryotoxic at exposures greater than those obtained at therapeutic doses. As observed with other azole antifungal agents, these effects on reproduction were considered to be due to a treatment-related effect on steroidogenesis.

Posaconazole was not genotoxic in in vitro and in vivo studies. Carcinogenicity studies did not reveal special hazards for humans.

Polysorbate 80

Simeticone

Sodium benzoate (E211)

Sodium citrate dihydrate

Citric acid monohydrate

Glycerol

Xanthan gum

Liquid glucose

Titanium dioxide (E171)

Artificial cherry flavour containing benzyl alcohol and propylene glycol (E1520)

Purified water

Not applicable.

Unopened container: 3 years

After first opening the container: 4 weeks

Do not freeze.

105 mL of oral suspension in a bottle (glass amber type IV) closed with a plastic child-resistant cap (polypropylene) and a measuring spoon (polystyrene) with 2 graduations: 2.5 mL and 5 mL.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Merck Sharp & Dohme (UK) Limited

120 Moorgate

London

EC2M 6UR

United Kingdom

PLGB 53095/0044

Date of first authorisation: 01 January 2021

26 September 2023

© 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

SPC.NOX.OS.23.GB.8384.II-019.RCN026003