General
Clobetasol propionate is a highly potent topical
corticosteroid that has been shown to suppress the HPA axis at the lowest doses
tested.
In studies evaluating the potential for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
axis suppression, using the Cosyntropin Stimulation Test, CLOBEX® (clobetasol propionate) Spray, 0.05% demonstrated rates of
suppression that were comparable after 2 and 4 weeks of twice-daily use (19% and
15-20%, respectively), in adult patients with moderate to severe plaque
psoriasis (≥ 20%BSA). In these studies, HPA axis suppression was defined as
serum cortisol level ≤18 μg/dL 30-min post cosyntropin stimulation (See CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY).
Patients with acute illness or injury may have increased morbidity and
mortality with intermittent HPA axis suppression. Patients should be instructed
to use CLOBEX® (clobetasol propionate) Spray, 0.05% for
the minimum amount of time necessary to achieve the desired results (See INDICATIONS AND
USAGE).
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has caused reversible adrenal
suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after
withdrawal of treatment. Manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia,
and glucosuria can also be produced in some patients by systemic absorption of
topical corticosteroids while on treatment.
HPA axis suppression has not been evaluated in psoriasis patients treated
with CLOBEX® (clobetasol propionate) Spray, 0.05% who are
less than 18 years old. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic
toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass
ratios (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric
Use). The potential increase in systemic exposure does not correlate
with any proven benefit, but may lead to an increased potential for
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression.
Conditions which increase systemic absorption include the application of the
more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the
addition of occlusive dressings. Therefore, patients applying a topical steroid
to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated
periodically for evidence of adrenal suppression (see laboratory tests below).
If adrenal 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 upon discontinuation of
topical corticosteroids. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of glucocorticosteroid
insufficiency may occur requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. For
information on systemic supplementation, see prescribing information for those
products.
If irritation develops, CLOBEX® (clobetasol
propionate) Spray, 0.05% should be discontinued and appropriate therapy
instituted. Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually
diagnosed by observing a failure to heal rather than noting a clinical
exacerbation, as with most topical products not containing corticosteroids.
In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate
antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response
does not occur promptly, use of CLOBEX® (clobetasol
propionate) Spray, 0.05% should be discontinued until the infection has been
adequately controlled.
CLOBEX® (clobetasol propionate) Spray, 0.05%
should not be used in the treatment of rosacea or perioral dermatitis, and
should not be used on the face, groin, or axillae.
Information for Patients
Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the
following information and instructions:
This medication is to be used as directed by the physician and
should not be used longer than the prescribed time period.
This medication should not be used for any disorder other than
that for which it was prescribed.
The treated skin area should not be bandaged, otherwise covered,
or wrapped so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician.
Patients should wash their hands after applying the
medication.
Patients should report any signs of local or systemic adverse
reactions to the physician.
Patients should inform their physicians that they are using
CLOBEX® (clobetasol propionate) Spray, 0.05% if surgery
is contemplated.
This medication is for external use only. It should not be used
on the face, underarms, or groin area. Also avoid contact with the eyes and
lips.
As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued
when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, contact the
physician.
Do not exceed 30 sprays per application or 60 sprays per
day.
Patients should not use more than 50 g (59 mL or 2 fl.oz.) per
week of CLOBEX® (clobetasol propionate) Spray,
0.05%.
Instructions to the Pharmacist:
Remove the spray pump from the wrapper
Remove and discard the cap from the bottle
Keeping the bottle vertical, insert the spray pump into the
bottle and turn clockwise until well-fastened
Dispense the bottle with the spray pump inserted
Laboratory TestsThe cosyntropin stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating
patients for HPA axis suppression.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of
FertilityLong-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the
carcinogenic potential of clobetasol propionate.
Clobetasol propionate was negative in the in vitro
mammalian chromosomal aberration test and in the in
vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test.
The effect of subcutaneously administered clobetasol propionate on fertility
and general reproductive toxicity was studied in rats at doses of 0, 12.5, 25,
and 50 μg/kg/day. Males were treated beginning 70 days before mating and females
beginning 15 days before mating through day 7 of gestation. A dosage level of
less than 12.5 μg/kg/day clobetasol propionate was considered to be the
no-observed-effect-level (NOEL) for paternal and maternal general toxicity based
on decreased weight gain and for male reproductive toxicity based on increased
weights of the seminal vesicles with fluid. The female reproductive NOEL was
12.5 μg/kg/day (ratio of animal dose to proposed human dose of 0.03 on a
mg/m2/day basis) based on reduction in the numbers of
estrous cycles during the pre-cohabitation period and an increase in the number
of nonviable embryos at higher doses.
PregnancyTeratogenic EffectsPregnancy Category C.
Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when
administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids
have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application to laboratory
animals.
Clobetasol propionate is absorbed percutaneously, and when administered
subcutaneously it was a significant teratogen in both the rabbit and the mouse.
Clobetasol propionate has greater teratogenic potential than steroids that are
less potent.
The effect of clobetasol propionate on pregnancy outcome and development of
offspring was studied in the rat.
Clobetasol propionate was administered subcutaneously to female rats twice
daily (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 μg/kg/day) from day 7 of presumed gestation through
day 25 of lactation or day 24 presumed gestation for those rats that did not
deliver a litter. The maternal NOEL for clobetasol propionate was less than 12.5
μg/kg/day due to reduced body weight gain and feed consumption during the
gestation period. The reproductive NOEL in the dams was 25 μg/kg/day (ratio of
animal dose to proposed human dose of 0.07 on a mg/m2/day
basis) based on prolonged delivery at a higher dose level. The
no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for viability and growth in the
offspring was 12.5 μg/kg/day (ratio of animal dose to proposed human dose of
0.03 on a mg/m2/day basis) based on incidence of
stillbirths, reductions in pup body weights on days 1 and 7 of lactation,
increased pup mortality, increases in the incidence of umbilical hernia, and
increases in the incidence of pups with cysts on the kidney at higher dose
levels during the preweaning period. The weights of the epididymides and testes
were significantly reduced at higher dosages. Despite these changes, there were
no effects on the mating and fertility of the offspring.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of the teratogenic
potential of clobetasol propionate in pregnant women. CLOBEX® (clobetasol propionate) Spray, 0.05% should be used during
pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the
fetus.
Nursing MothersSystemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk
and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production,
or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration
of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce
detectable quantities in breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human
milk, caution should be exercised when CLOBEX®
(clobetasol propionate) Spray, 0.05% is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric UseUse in patients under 18 years of age is not recommended, because
safety has not been established and because numerically high rates of HPA axis
suppression were seen with other clobetasol propionate topical formulations.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients treated with CLOBEX® (clobetasol propionate) Spray, 0.05% have not been
established (see PRECAUTIONS:
General).
Because of higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients
are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome
when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore also at
greater risk of glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal
of treatment. Adverse effects including striae have been reported with
inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children.
HPA axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed
weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children
receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in
children include low plasma cortisol levels and absence of response to ACTH
stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging
fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.
Geriatric UseClinical studies of CLOBEX® (clobetasol
propionate) Spray, 0.05% did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65
and over to adequately determine whether they respond differently than younger
patients. In the two Phase 3 studies, 21 of the 240 patients (9%) were over the
age of 65. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be made with
caution, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the
greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of
concomitant disease or other drug therapy.