Flurandrenolide
FDA Label NDC 52565-017

For Dermatologic Use Only
Not For Ophthalmic Use

Flurandrenolide, USP is a potent corticosteroid intended for topical use. Flurandrenolide occurs as white to off-white, fluffy, crystalline powder and is odorless. Flurandrenolide is practically insoluble in water and in ether. One gram of flurandrenolide dissolves in 72 mL of alcohol and in 10 mL of chloroform. The molecular weight of flurandrenolide is 436.52.

The chemical name of flurandrenolide is Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 6-fluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis (oxy)]-, (6α, 11β, 16α)-; its empirical formula is C₂₄H₃₃FO₆. The structure is as follows:

Structural Formula (Flurandrenolide)

Each gram of flurandrenolide ointment USP, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg (1.145 μmol; 0.05%) flurandrenolide in a base composed of white wax, cetyl alcohol, sorbitan sesquioleate, and white petrolatum.

Flurandrenolide is primarily effective because of its anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions.

The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of topical corticosteroids is not completely understood. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man. Corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory activity may stabilize cellular and lysosomal membranes. There is also the suggestion that the effect on the membranes of lysosomes prevents the release of proteolytic enzymes and, thus, plays a part in reducing inflammation.

Pharmacokinetics—The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. They are metabolized primarily in the liver and then excreted in the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

Flurandrenolide ointment is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of these preparations.

Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.

Conditions that augment systemic absorption include application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition of occlusive dressings.

Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of a potent topical steroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression using urinary-free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid.

Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the drug. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, so that supplemental systemic corticosteroids are required.

Pediatric patients may absorb proportionately larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity (see Pediatric Use under PRECAUTIONS).

If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

In the presence of dermatologic infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, Flurandrenolide Ointment should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.

Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions:

• This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.

• Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.

• The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped in order to be occlusive unless the patient is directed to do so by the physician.

• Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressing.

• Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a patient being treated in the diaper area, because these garments may constitute occlusive dressings.

• Do not use flurandrenolide ointment on the face, underarms, or groin areas unless directed by your physician.

• If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, contact your physician.

• Do not use other corticosteroid-containing products while using flurandrenolide ointment without first consulting your physician.
  
  

The following tests may be helpful in evaluating the HPA axis suppression:
Urinary-free cortisol test
ACTH stimulation test

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of topical corticosteroids.

Studies to determine mutagenicity with prednisolone and hydrocortisone have revealed negative results.

Pregnancy Category C—Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively for pregnant patients or in large amounts or for prolonged periods of time.

It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than do mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.

Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of pediatric patients.

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence:

Burning
Itching
Irritation
Dryness
Folliculitis
Hypertrichosis
Acneform eruptions
Hypopigmentation
Perioral dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis

The following may occur more frequently with occlusive dressings:

Maceration of the skin
Secondary infection
Skin atrophy
Striae
Miliaria

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teligent Pharma, Inc. at 1-856-697-1441, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of flurandrenolide, 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.

Skin: skin striae, hypersensitivity, skin atrophy, contact dermatitis and skin discoloration.

Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS).

For dry, scaly lesions, the ointment is applied as a thin film to affected areas 2 or 3 times daily.

Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary.

Flurandrenolide ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants may constitute occlusive dressings.

Flurandrenolide Ointment USP, 0.05% is available as follows:

Keep out of reach of children.

Keep tightly closed.
Protect from light.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) with excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]

Teligent Pharma, Inc.
Buena, New Jersey 08310

Rev. 05/16

Flurandrenolide
Ointment USP, 0.05%

Net Wt.15 grams
Rx only

For External Use Only
Not For Use In The Eyes

Flurandrenolide
Ointment USP, 0.05%

Net Wt. 15 grams
Rx only

For External Use Only
Not For Use In The Eyes