Prior to starting treatment, patients must undergo an echocardiogram to evaluate for valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Echocardiograms should be repeated every 6 months, and once 3-6 months post-treatment with FINTEPLA.
The prescriber must consider the benefits versus the risks of initiating or continuing treatment with FINTEPLA if any of the following signs are observed via ECHO:
- Valvular abnormality or new abnormality via echocardiogram.
- VHD as indicated by mild or greater aortic regurgitation or moderate or greater mitral regurgitation, with additional characteristics of VHD (e.g., valve thickening or restrictive valve motion).
- PAH as indicated by elevated right heart/pulmonary artery pressure (PASP > 35 mm Hg).
FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted program under a REMS
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Dravet Syndrome
In placebo-controlled trials of patients with DS taking concomitant standard of care AEDs, 122 patients were treated with FINTEPLA and 84 patients received placebo
[see
Clinical Studies (14.1)]
. The duration of treatment in these trials was 16 weeks (Study 1) or 17 weeks (Study 2).
In Study 1 and Study 2, the mean age was 9 years (range 2 to 19 years) and approximately 46% of patients were female and 74% were White. All patients were receiving at least one other AED.
In Study 1 and Study 2, the rates of discontinuation as a result of any adverse reaction were 13%, 0%, and 7% for patients treated with FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day, 0.2 mg/kg/day, and 0.4 mg/kg/day in combination with stiripentol, respectively, compared to 6% for patients on placebo. The most frequent adverse reaction leading to discontinuation in the patients treated with any dose of FINTEPLA was somnolence (3%).
The most common adverse reactions that occurred in patients treated with FINTEPLA (incidence at least 10% and greater than placebo) were decreased appetite; somnolence, sedation, lethargy; diarrhea; constipation; abnormal echocardiogram; fatigue, malaise, asthenia; ataxia, balance disorder, gait disturbance; blood pressure increased; drooling, salivary hypersecretion; pyrexia; upper respiratory tract infection; vomiting; decreased weight; fall; status epilepticus.
Table 4 lists the adverse reactions that were reported in 5% or more of patients treated with FINTEPLA and at a rate greater than those on placebo during the titration and maintenance phases of Study 1 and Study 2.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions in 5% or More of Patients Treated with FINTEPLA and Greater Than Placebo in Placebo-Controlled Trials for Dravet Syndrome (Study 1 and 2)| Adverse Reaction | FINTEPLA Dose Group | Combined Placebo Group
|
|---|
| Study 1 | Study 2 |
|---|
| 0.2 mg/kg/day | 0.7 mg/kg/day | 0.4 mg/kg/day
|
|---|
N=39
%
| N=40
%
| N=43
%
| N=84
%
|
|---|
| Decreased appetite | 23 | 38 | 49 | 8 |
| Somnolence, sedation, lethargy | 26 | 25 | 23 | 11 |
| Abnormal echocardiogram
| 18 | 23 | 9 | 6 |
| Diarrhea | 31 | 15 | 23 | 6 |
| Constipation | 3 | 10 | 7 | 0 |
| Fatigue, malaise, asthenia | 15 | 10 | 30 | 5 |
| Ataxia, balance disorder, gait disturbance | 10 | 10 | 7 | 1 |
| Abnormal behavior | 0 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| Blood pressure increased | 13 | 8 | 0 | 5 |
| Drooling, salivary hypersecretion | 13 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Hypotonia | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Rash | 8 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Blood prolactin increased | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Chills | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Decreased activity | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Dehydration | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Insomnia | 0 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Pyrexia | 15 | 5 | 21 | 14 |
| Stereotypy | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 21 | 5 | 7 | 10 |
| Vomiting | 10 | 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Weight decreased | 13 | 5 | 7 | 1 |
| Croup | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Ear infection | 8 | 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Gastroenteritis | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Increased heart rate | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Irritability | 0 | 3 | 9 | 2 |
| Rhinitis | 8 | 3 | 7 | 2 |
| Tremor | 3 | 3 | 9 | 0 |
| Urinary incontinence | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Decreased blood glucose | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
| Bronchitis | 3 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
| Contusion | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Eczema | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Enuresis | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fall | 10 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Headache | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Laryngitis | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Negativism | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Status epilepticus | 3 | 0 | 12 | 2 |
| Urinary tract infection | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Viral infection | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
In the placebo-controlled trial of patients with LGS taking concomitant standard of care AEDs (Study 3), 176 patients were treated with FINTEPLA and 87 patients received placebo
[see
Clinical Studies (14.2)]
. The duration of treatment in this trial was 16 weeks. The mean age was 13.7 years (range 2 to 35 years) and 29% of patients were at least 18 years of age, 45% of patients were female, and 79% were White. All patients were receiving at least one other AED.
The rates of discontinuation as a result of any adverse reaction were 6% and 5% for patients treated with FINTEPLA 0.7 mg/kg/day and 0.2 mg/kg/day, respectively, compared to 1% for patients on placebo. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in the patients treated with any dose of FINTEPLA were seizure (2%) and somnolence (2%).
The common adverse reactions that occurred in patients treated with FINTEPLA (incidence at least 10% and greater than placebo) were diarrhea; decreased appetite; fatigue; somnolence; vomiting.
Table 5 lists the adverse reactions that were reported in 5% or more of patients treated with FINTEPLA and at a rate greater than those on placebo during the titration and maintenance phases of Study 3.
Table 5: Adverse Reactions in 5% or More of Patients Treated with FINTEPLA and Greater Than Placebo in the Placebo-Controlled Trial for Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (Study 3)| Adverse Reaction | FINTEPLA Dose Group |
|---|
| Study 3 | Placebo Group |
|---|
| 0.2 mg/kg/day | 0.7mg/kg/day |
|---|
N=89
%
| N=87
%
| N=87
%
|
|---|
| Decreased appetite | 20 | 36 | 12 |
| Fatigue, malaise, asthenia | 14 | 24 | 16 |
| Somnolence, sedation, lethargy | 12 | 22 | 16 |
| Diarrhea | 11 | 13 | 5 |
| Constipation | 6 | 9 | 6 |
| Vomiting | 14 | 8 | 6 |
| Weight decreased | 2 | 8 | 2 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 8 | 7 | 3 |
| Seizure | 9 | 5 | 7 |
| Irritability | 8 | 3 | 6 |
Echocardiographic Safety Assessments of Valvular Heart Disease and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension were evaluated in the placebo- controlled and open-label extension studies via echocardiography for up to 3 years in duration for 341 DS patients and 263 LGS patients
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Screening for valvular heart disease assessed for mild or greater aortic regurgitation or moderate or greater mitral regurgitation, and assessed for additional characteristics of VHD (e.g., valve thickening or restrictive valve motion).
In these clinical studies, two patients with LGS exhibited mild aortic regurgitation (AR) but neither patient had any cardiac signs or symptoms or evidence of valvular structural changes. Neither patient had VHD. The rates of mild AR are consistent with those seen in the screening period prior to treatment (3 patients in LGS and 1 patient in DS clinical trials).
Stiripentol Plus Clobazam
Coadministration of FINTEPLA with stiripentol plus clobazam, with or without valproate, increases fenfluramine plasma concentrations
[see
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
If FINTEPLA is coadministered with stiripentol plus clobazam, the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA is 0.2 mg/kg twice daily (maximum daily dosage of 17 mg)
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.2)]
.
Strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A Inducers
Coadministration of FINTEPLA with strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducers will decrease fenfluramine plasma concentrations, which may lower the efficacy of FINTEPLA
[see
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]
.
It is recommended to avoid coadministration of strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A inducers. If coadministration of a strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducer with FINTEPLA is necessary, monitor the patient for reduced efficacy and consider increasing the dosage of FINTEPLA as needed; however, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
If a strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A inducer is discontinued during maintenance treatment with FINTEPLA, consider gradual reduction in the FINTEPLA dosage to the dose administered prior to initiating the inducer
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 Inhibitors
Coadministration of FINTEPLA with strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors will increase fenfluramine plasma concentrations
[see
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]
. If FINTEPLA is coadministered with strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors, the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA is 20 mg
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
If a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitor is discontinued during maintenance treatment with FINTEPLA, consider gradual increase in the FINTEPLA dosage to the dose recommended without CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors; however, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
If FINTEPLA is coadministered with stiripentol and a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitor, do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA of 17 mg
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as FINTEPLA, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking FINTEPLA during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling the toll-free number 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.
Risk Summary
There are no data on FINTEPLA use in pregnant women. Available data from epidemiologic studies with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. FINTEPLA can cause decreased appetite and decreased weight
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.3)];
monitor for adequate weight gain during pregnancy. In animal studies, administration of fenfluramine throughout organogenesis (rat and rabbit) or throughout gestation and lactation (rat) resulted in adverse effects on development (fetal malformations, embryofetal and offspring mortality and growth impairment) in the presence of maternal toxicity at clinically relevant maternal plasma levels of fenfluramine and its major active metabolite
(see
Data)
.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-associated Maternal and/or Embryofetal Risk
Epilepsy, with or without exposure to antiepileptic drugs, has been associated with several adverse outcomes during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, preterm labor, antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, poor fetal growth, prematurity, fetal death, and maternal mortality. The risk of maternal or fetal injury may be greatest for patients with untreated or poorly controlled convulsive seizures. Women with epilepsy who become pregnant should not abruptly discontinue antiepileptic drugs, including FINTEPLA, due to the risk of status epilepticus or severe seizures, which may be life-threatening
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Data
Animal Data
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.5, 8.6, or 34.6 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in decreased fetal body weights and marked increases in fetal malformations (external, visceral, and skeletal) at the highest dose tested, which was associated with maternal toxicity. At the no-effect dose (8.6 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rats, maternal plasma exposures (AUC) of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine (the major metabolite) were approximately 2 and 5 times, respectively, those in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 26 mg/day.
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.3, 8.6, 13.0 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis resulted in increased embryofetal mortality at all doses and increases in fetal malformations (external and skeletal) at the highest dose tested, which was associated with maternal toxicity. A no-adverse-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rabbits was not identified. At the lowest dose tested in rabbits (4.3 mg/kg/day), maternal plasma exposures of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were lower than those in humans at the MRHD.
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 4.3, 8.6, or 34.6 mg/kg/day) to female rats throughout gestation and lactation resulted in marked increases in stillborn pups and neonatal offspring deaths at the highest dose tested and delayed growth and reflex development during the pre- weaning period at all doses. Maternal body weight gain was decreased at all doses during pregnancy and at the two highest doses during lactation. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats was not determined. At the lowest dose tested in rats (4.3 mg/kg/day), maternal plasma exposures of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were approximately 0.5 and 3 times, respectively, those in humans at the MRHD.
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of fenfluramine or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for FINTEPLA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from FINTEPLA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Infertility
In animal studies, oral administration of fenfluramine resulted in adverse reproductive effects in males and females at clinically relevant doses in the presence of parental toxicity
[see
Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]
.
Juvenile Animal Data
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 3.0, 7.8, or 17.3 mg/kg/day) to young rats for 10 weeks starting on postnatal day 7 resulted in reduced body weight and neurobehavioral changes (decreased locomotor activity and learning and memory deficits) at all doses tested. Neurobehavioral effects persisted after dosing was discontinued. Bone size was decreased at the mid and high doses; brain size was decreased at the highest dose. Partial or complete recovery was seen for these endpoints. A no-effect dose for postnatal developmental toxicity was not identified. The lowest dose tested (3.0 mg/kg/day) was associated with plasma fenfluramine exposures (AUC) less than that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 26 mg/day and norfenfluramine (metabolite) exposures (AUC) approximately 2 times that in humans at the MRHD.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
At a dose 4 times the maximum recommended dose, FINTEPLA did not prolong the QT interval when tested in an adult population.
Absorption
Fenfluramine has a time to maximum plasma concentration (T
max) of 3 to 5 hours at steady state. The absolute bioavailability of fenfluramine is approximately 68-74%. There was no effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of fenfluramine or norfenfluramine.
Distribution
The geometric mean (CV%) apparent volume of distribution (Vz/F) of fenfluramine is 11.9 (16.5%) L/kg following oral administration of FINTEPLA in healthy subjects. Fenfluramine is 50% bound to human plasma proteins in vitro and binding is independent of drug concentrations.
Elimination
The elimination half-life of fenfluramine was 20 hours and the geometric mean (CV%) clearance (CL/F) was 24.8 (29%) L/h, following oral administration of FINTEPLA in healthy subjects.
Metabolism
Over 75% of fenfluramine is metabolized to norfenfluramine prior to elimination, primarily by CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP2D6. Other CYP enzymes involved to a minor extent are CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4/5. Both fenfluramine and norfenfluramine are pharmacologically active. Norfenfluramine is further deaminated and oxidized to form inactive metabolites.
Excretion
Most of an orally administered dose of fenfluramine (greater than 90%) is excreted in the urine as fenfluramine, norfenfluramine, or other metabolites with fenfluramine and norfenfluramine accounting for less than 25% of the total; less than 5% is found in feces.
Specific Populations
The effect of age (range: 2 to 50 years), sex, and race had no clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of fenfluramine.
Patients with Renal Impairment
In a dedicated clinical study comparing the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of 0.35 mg/kg FINTEPLA in subjects with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m
2determined by MDRD) and matched healthy volunteers, C
maxand AUC
0-infof fenfluramine increased by 20% and 88%, respectively, and C
maxand AUC
0-infof norfenfluramine increased by 13% and 21%, respectively in subjects with severe renal impairment
[see
Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]
. FINTEPLA has not been studied in patients with eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m
2(determined by MDRD). It is not known if fenfluramine or norfenfluramine is dialyzable.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
In a study comparing the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of 0.35 mg/kg FINTEPLA in subjects with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B, or C) and subjects with normal liver function, AUC
0-tof fenfluramine increased by 95%, 113%, and 185% in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment, respectively. C
maxof fenfluramine increased by 19%, 16%, and 29% in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment, respectively. AUC
0-tof norfenfluramine increased by 18% in mild hepatic impairment, 4% in moderate hepatic impairment, and decreased by 11% in severe hepatic impairment. C
maxof norfenfluramine decreased by 21%, 36%, and 45% in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment, respectively. Combined molar AUC
0-tof fenfluramine and norfenfluramine increased by 55%, 56%, and 82% in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment, respectively. Combined molar C
maxof fenfluramine and norfenfluramine increased by 7.5%, 1.3%, and 8% in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment, respectively. The maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA should be reduced in patients with mild hepatic impairment with/without stiripentol plus clobazam. The maximum daily dosage of FINTEPLA should be reduced in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment without stiripentol plus clobazam
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.5)and
Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Drug Interaction Studies
Clinical Studies
Effect of a single dose of stiripentol, clobazam, and valproic acid combination:
Coadministration of a single 0.7 mg/kg dose of FINTEPLA, with a single dose of a stiripentol, clobazam, and valproic acid combination in healthy volunteers, increased the AUC
0-infof fenfluramine by 69% and the C
maxby 18%, and decreased the AUC
0-72hours of norfenfluramine by 41% and the C
maxby 42%, as compared to FINTEPLA administered alone.
Effect of steady state stiripentol plus clobazam, with or without valproate:
Fenfluramine pharmacokinetic data were collected from patients after receiving multiple fenfluramine administrations in Study 1 as well as Study 2. Population pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation were used to assess the effect of stiripentol plus clobazam with or without valproate on fenfluramine pharmacokinetics. The effect of stiripentol plus clobazam, with or without valproate, on fenfluramine pharmacokinetics is greater when FINTEPLA is at steady-state than for the first dose of FINTEPLA. At steady state in the patient population, the coadministration of 0.1 mg/kg twice daily (0.2 mg/kg/day), maximum 17 mg/day, of FINTEPLA with stiripentol plus clobazam with or without valproate, is expected to result in a 166% increase in fenfluramine AUC
0-24and a 38% decrease in norfenfluramine AUC
0-24, as compared to 0.2 mg/kg/day, maximum 26 mg/day, FINTEPLA dose administered alone
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.1,
2.2)and
Drug Interactions (7.1)]
.
Effect of steady state cannabidiol:
Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of FINTEPLA with repeated doses of cannabidiol increased the AUC
0-infof fenfluramine by 59% and the C
maxby 10%, and decreased the AUC
0-infof norfenfluramine by 22% and the C
maxby 33%, as compared to FINTEPLA administered alone. This interaction is not expected to be clinically significant.
Effect of strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors:
Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of FINTEPLA with fluvoxamine (a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor) at steady state (50 mg once daily) in healthy volunteers increased the AUC
0- infof fenfluramine by 102% and the C
maxby 22%, and decreased the AUC
0-infof norfenfluramine by 22% and the C
maxby 44%, as compared to FINTEPLA administered alone
[see
Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of FINTEPLA with paroxetine (a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor) at steady state (30 mg once daily) in healthy volunteers increased the AUC
0-infof fenfluramine by 81% and the C
maxby 13%, and decreased the AUC
0-infof norfenfluramine by 13% and the C
maxby 29%, as compared to FINTEPLA administered alone
[see
Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Effect of strong CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A inducers:
Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of FINTEPLA with rifampin (a CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A inducer) at steady state (600 mg once daily) in healthy volunteers decreased the AUC
0-infof fenfluramine by 58% and the C
maxby 40%, and decreased the AUC
0-infof norfenfluramine by 50%, and increased the C
maxof norfenfluramine by 13%, as compared to FINTEPLA administered alone
[see
Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Effect of FINTEPLA on other drugs:
Coadministration of a single 0.7 mg/kg dose of FINTEPLA, with a single dose of a stiripentol, clobazam, and valproic acid combination, did not affect the pharmacokinetics of stiripentol, nor the pharmacokinetics of clobazam or its N‑desmethyl-metabolite norclobazam, nor the pharmacokinetics of valproic acid, as compared to the stiripentol, clobazam, and valproic acid combination alone. Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of FINTEPLA, with repeated doses of cannabidiol, did not affect the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol, as compared to cannabidiol alone.
In Vitro Studies
Fenfluramine is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP2D6 in vitro. Other CYP enzymes involved to a minor extent are CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4/5.
Effect of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine on CYP Substrates: fenfluramine and norfenfluramine are not inhibitors or inducers of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 at clinically relevant concentrations.
Effect of transporters on fenfluramine and norfenfluramine: fenfluramine and norfenfluramine are not substrates of the P-g, BCRP, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, MATE1, or MATE2-K transporters.
Effect of FINTEPLA on Transporters: fenfluramine and norfenfluramine are not inhibitors of P-gp, BCRP, OAT1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, MATE1, or MATE2-K transporters.
Carcinogenesis
Oral administration of fenfluramine to Tg.rasH2 mice (0, 4.3, 13.0, 34.6, or 51.8 mg/kg/day) for 26 weeks and to male and female rats (0, 0.9, 2.2, or 6.9 mg/kg/day) for 89 and 97 weeks, respectively, resulted in no evidence of drug-induced tumors in either species. In rats, plasma exposures (AUC) of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine (the major metabolite) at the highest dose tested were approximately 5 and 11 times, respectively, those in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 26 mg/day.
Mutagenesis
Fenfluramine was negative in an in vitro bacterial mutation (Ames) assay and an in vivo micronucleus and comet assay in rats.
Impairment of Fertility
Oral administration of fenfluramine (0, 3.0, 6.9, or 17.3 mg/kg/day) to male and female rats prior to and throughout mating and continuing in females to day 7 of gestation resulted in a decrease in fertility and increases in abnormal sperm and epithelial vacuolation of the epididymis at the highest dose tested and altered estrous cyclicity, decreased corpora lutea and implantations, and increased embryolethality at the mid and high dose. These doses were associated with parental toxicity. The no-effect doses for adverse effects on fertility and reproductive performance in rats (6.9 and 3.0 mg/kg/day in males and females, respectively) were associated with plasma fenfluramine exposures (AUC) approximately 3 and 0.6 times, respectively, and norfenfluramine exposures approximately 5 and 3 times, respectively, those in humans at the MRHD.
Administration Information
Advise patients who are prescribed FINTEPLA to use the oral dosing syringes provided by the pharmacy
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.7)and
Instructions for Use]
. Instruct patients to discard any unused FINTEPLA 3 months after first opening the bottle or if the "discard after" date on the dispensing bottle has passed, whichever is sooner
[see
How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.1),
(16.2)].
Valvular Heart Disease and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Advise patients that cardiac monitoring must be performed using echocardiography to monitor for serious heart valve changes or high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
FINTEPLA REMS Program
FINTEPLA is available only through a restricted program called the FINTEPLA REMS program
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
. Inform the patient of the following notable requirements:
- Patients must enroll in the program and comply with ongoing echocardiogram monitoring requirements
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
FINTEPLA is only prescribed by certified health care providers and only dispensed from certified pharmacies participating in the program. Therefore, provide patients with the telephone number and website for information on how to obtain the product
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Decreased Appetite and Decreased Weight
Advise patients that decreased appetite is frequent during treatment with FINTEPLA, which can cause decrease in weight
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
.
Somnolence, Sedation, and Lethargy
Inform patients that FINTEPLA can cause somnolence, sedation, and lethargy. Caution patients about operating hazardous machinery, including motor vehicles, until they are reasonably certain that FINTEPLA does not affect them adversely (e.g., impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills)
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
.
Suicidal Thinking and Behavior
Counsel patients, their caregivers, and their families that antiepileptic drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and advise them to be alert for the emergence or worsening of symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts of self-harm. Instruct patients, caregivers, and families to report behaviors of concern immediately to healthcare providers
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
.
Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
Advise patients not to discontinue use of FINTEPLA without consulting with their healthcare provider. FINTEPLA should normally be gradually withdrawn to reduce the potential for increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.8),
Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
.
Serotonin Syndrome
Inform patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Advise patients on the signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome and that certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can increase this risk
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Increase in Blood Pressure
Inform patients that FINTEPLA can cause an increase in blood pressure
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Glaucoma
Inform patients that FINTEPLA can cause mydriasis and can precipitate angle closure glaucoma. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if they have any acute decreases in visual acuity or ocular pain
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Pregnancy Registry
Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during FINTEPLA therapy. Encourage women who are taking FINTEPLA to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant. This registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy
[see
Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]
.
Manufactured for:
UCB, Inc.
1950 Lake Park Drive
Smyrna, GA 30080
FINTEPLA
®is a registered trademark of the UCB Group of Companies.
©2025 UCB, Inc., Smyrna, GA 30080.
All rights reserved.