The following Structured Product Label (SPL) was submitted to the FDA by Covis Pharma Us, Inc for the product Duaklir Pressair (NDC 70515-001). This document serves as the official prescribing information, containing essential scientific data and clinical materials required for healthcare providers and patients.
This specific version of the label includes detailed information regarding 1 indications and usage, 2 dosage and administration, 3 dosage forms and strengths, 4 contraindications, 5.1 serious asthma-related events-hospitalizations, intubations, death, 5.2 deterioration of disease and acute episodes, 5.3 excessive use of duaklir pressair and use with other long-acting beta2 agonists, 5.4 paradoxical bronchospasm, and other regulatory disclosures. Use the navigation below to review specific sections of the FDA submission.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is a combination of aclidinium bromide (an anticholinergic) and formoterol fumarate (a LABA) indicated for the maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Limitations of Use: DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of asthma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.4)].
The recommended dose of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is one oral inhalation of 400 mcg/12 mcg, twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening). Do not take more than one inhalation twice daily.
Inhalation Powder. DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is a breath-actuated multi-dose dry powder inhaler metering 400 mcg of aclidinium bromide and 12 mcg of formoterol fumarate per actuation.
Use of a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA), including formoterol fumarate, one of the active ingredients in DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, without an inhaled corticosteroid is contraindicated in patients with asthma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is not indicated for the treatment of asthma.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is contraindicated in patients with:
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR should not be initiated in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD, which may be a life-threatening condition. DUAKLIR PRESSAIR has not been studied in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD. The use of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR in this setting is inappropriate.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is intended as twice daily maintenance treatment for COPD and should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. DUAKLIR PRESSAIR has not been studied in the relief of acute symptoms and extra doses should not be used for that purpose. Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist.
When beginning treatment with DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, patients who have been taking oral or inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists on a regular basis (e.g., four times a day) should be instructed to discontinue the regular use of these drugs and use them only for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory symptoms. When prescribing DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, the healthcare provider should also prescribe an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist and instruct the patient on how it should be used. Increasing inhaled beta2-agonist use is a signal of deteriorating disease for which prompt medical attention is indicated.
COPD may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If DUAKLIR PRESSAIR no longer controls symptoms of bronchoconstriction; the patient’s inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist becomes less effective; or the patient needs more short-acting beta2-agonist than usual, these may be markers of deterioration of disease. In this setting, a re-evaluation of the patient and the COPD treatment regimen should be undertaken at once. Increasing the daily dose of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR beyond the recommended dose is not appropriate in this situation.
As with other inhaled drugs containing beta-agonists, DUAKLIR PRESSAIR should not be used more often than recommended, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medications containing LABAs, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs. Patients using DUAKLIR PRESSAIR should not use another medicine containing a LABA for any reason [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Inhaled medicines, including DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs following dosing with DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, it should be treated immediately with an inhaled, short acting bronchodilator. DUAKLIR PRESSAIR should be discontinued immediately, and alternative therapies should be instituted.
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema (including swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat), urticaria, rash, bronchospasm, or itching, have occurred after administration of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR. If such a reaction occurs, therapy with DUAKLIR PRESSAIR should be stopped at once and alternative treatments should be considered.
Formoterol fumarate, like other beta agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by increases in pulse rate, systolic or diastolic or blood pressure, or symptoms [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. If such effects occur, DUAKLIR PRESSAIR may need to be discontinued.
In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce ECG changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression, although the clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Therefore, DUAKLIR PRESSAIR should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, like other medications containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, and in those who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Doses of the related beta-agonist albuterol, when administered intravenously, have been reported to aggravate pre-existing diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.
Beta-agonist medications may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation. Beta-agonist medications may produce transient hyperglycemia in some patients. In 4 clinical trials of 24 to 52 weeks duration evaluating DUAKLIR PRESSAIR in patients with COPD, there was no evidence of a treatment effect on serum glucose or potassium.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of acute narrow-angle glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos, or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion and corneal edema). Instruct patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR should be used with caution in patients with urinary retention or bladder neck obstruction. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of urinary retention (e.g., difficulty passing urine, painful urination), especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder neck obstruction. Instruct patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop.
LABAs, such as formoterol fumarate, one of the active ingredients in DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, increase the risk of asthma-related death. DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is not indicated for the treatment of asthma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The clinical program for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR included 6501 subjects with COPD in 2 placebo-controlled and 1 active-controlled 24-week lung function trials, one long-term safety extension study of 28 weeks and 2 other clinical trials. A total of 1893 subjects have received at least 1 dose of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR.
24-Week Trials
The frequency of common adverse reactions in Table 1 below is based upon pooled data from two, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical trials (Trials 1 and 2, n=1729 and n=1669) in 3398 adult patients with moderate to severe COPD. Of these, 60% were male and 94% were Caucasian. They had a mean age of 64 years and an average smoking history of 46 pack-years, with 49% identified as current smokers. At screening, the mean post-bronchodilator percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 54% (range: 28% to 80%) and the mean percent reversibility was 15% (range: -19% to 69%).
Table 1 shows all adverse reactions that occurred with a frequency of greater than or equal to 3% in the DUAKLIR PRESSAIR group in the two 24-week placebo-controlled trials where the rates in the DUAKLIR PRESSAIR group exceeded placebo.
Treatment | ||||
Adverse Reactions Preferred Term | DUAKLIR PRESSAIR (N=720) % | Aclidinium (N=722) % | Formoterol (N=716) % | Placebo (N=526) % |
Upper respiratory tract infection Includes Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 8.9 | 7.6 | 8.9 | 6.3 |
Headache | 6.3 | 6.6 | 7.7 | 5.1 |
Back pain | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.4 |
Other adverse reactions reported in clinical studies with an incidence of >1% but less than 3% with DUAKLIR PRESSAIR but more common than with placebo were cough, sinusitis, influenza, tooth abscess, insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth, oropharyngeal pain, muscle spasms, musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia, pain in extremity, urinary tract infection, and blood creatine phosphokinase increased.
The adverse events reported in the 24-week active-controlled trial were consistent with those observed in 24-week placebo-controlled trials.
Long-Term Safety Extension Trial
In a 28-week safety extension trial, 918 subjects who successfully completed Trial 2 were treated for up to an additional 28 weeks for a total treatment period of up to 52 weeks with DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, aclidinium 400 mcg, formoterol fumarate 12 mcg administered twice daily or placebo. Because the subjects continued from Trial 2 into the safety extension trial, the demographic and baseline characteristics of the long-term safety extension trial were similar to those of the placebo-controlled efficacy trials described above. The adverse reactions reported in the long-term safety trial were consistent with those observed in the 24-week placebo-controlled trials.
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with DUAKLIR PRESSAIR.
If additional adrenergic drugs are to be administered by any route, they should be used with caution because the sympathetic effects of formoterol, a component of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, may be potentiated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, or steroids may potentiate any hypokalemic effect of beta-adrenergic agonists such as formoterol, a component of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR.
The electrocardiographic changes and/or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of non-potassium-sparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of beta-agonists with non–potassium-sparing diuretics.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, as with other drugs containing beta2-agonists, should be administered with caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval, because the action of adrenergic agonists on the cardiovascular system may be potentiated by these agents. Drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval have an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (beta-blockers) and DUAKLIR PRESSAIR may inhibit the effect of each other when administered concurrently. Beta-blockers not only block the therapeutic effects of beta2-agonists, such as formoterol, a component of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, but may produce severe bronchospasm in COPD patients. Therefore, patients with COPD should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. However, under certain circumstances, e.g., as prophylaxis after myocardial infarction, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-blockers in patients with COPD. In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers could be considered, although they should be administered with caution.
There is a potential for an additive interaction with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Therefore, avoid coadministration of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR with other anticholinergic-containing drugs as this may lead to an increase in anticholinergic effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6)].
Risk Summary
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR or its individual components, formoterol fumarate or aclidinium bromide, in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks.
No adverse developmental effects were seen with inhalation administration of aclidinium bromide to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at 15 or 20 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily inhaled dose (MRHDID). However, reduced pup weights were seen when pregnant rats continued inhalation administration through lactation at 5 times the MRHDID of aclidinium bromide. Adverse developmental effects occurred when rabbits were orally dosed with aclidinium bromide at approximately 1,400 times the MRHDID [see Data].
Formoterol fumarate alone, administered by the oral route, was teratogenic in rats and rabbits at 1,200 and 49,000 times the MRHDID, respectively. Formoterol fumarate was also embryocidal, increased pup loss at birth and during lactation, and decreased pup weight in rats at 85 times the MRHDID. These adverse effects generally occurred at large multiples of the MRHDID when formoterol fumarate was administered by the oral route to achieve high systemic exposures. No teratogenic, embryocidal, or developmental effects were seen in rats that received inhalation doses up to 280 times the MRHDID [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage of the indicated populations is unknown. 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
Labor or Delivery
There are no well-controlled human studies that have investigated the effects of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR during labor and delivery. Because of the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, use of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR during labor should be restricted to those patients in whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risk.
Data
Animal Data
Aclidinium bromide
In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6-17, no evidence of structural alterations was observed at approximately 15 times the maximum recommended human daily inhaled dose (MRHDID) [based on summed AUCs of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites at inhaled doses less than or equal to 5.0 mg/kg/day]. However, in a pre- and post-natal development study, decreased pup weights were observed when pregnant rats were exposed from gestation day 6 and continuing during the lactation period at approximately 5 times the MRHDID [based on summed AUCs of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites at inhaled doses greater than or equal to 0.2 mg/kg/day]. Maternal toxicity was also observed at inhaled doses greater than or equal to 0.2 mg/kg/day.
In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant Himalayan rabbits administered inhaled doses of aclidinium bromide during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6-19, no evidence of structural alterations was observed at approximately 20 times the MRHDID [based on summed AUCs of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites at inhaled doses less than or equal to 3.6 mg/kg/day]. However, in another embryo-fetal development study in pregnant Himalayan rabbits dosed orally from gestation days 6-19, increased incidences of additional liver lobes (3-5%), as compared to 0% in the control group, were observed at approximately 1,400 times the MRHDID [based on summed AUCs of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites at oral doses greater than or equal to 150 mg/kg/day], and decreased fetal body weights were observed at approximately 2,300 times the MRHDID [based on summed AUCs of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites at oral doses greater than or equal to 300 mg/kg/day]. These fetal findings were observed in the presence of maternal toxicity.
Formoterol fumarate
In a fertility and reproduction study, male rats were orally dosed for 9 weeks and females for 2 weeks prior to pairing and throughout the mating period. Females were either dosed up to gestation day 19 or up until weaning of their offspring. Males were dosed up to 25 weeks. Umbilical hernia was observed in rat fetuses at oral doses 1,200 times and greater than the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses of 3 mg/kg/day and higher). Brachygnathia, abnormal shortness of the mandible, was observed in rat fetuses at a dose 6,000 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 15 mg/kg/day). Pregnancy was prolonged at a dose 6,000 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 15 mg/kg/day). Fetal and pup deaths occurred at doses approximately 1,200 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mg/m2 basis at oral doses of 3 mg/kg/day and higher) during gestation.
In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6-15, no teratogenic, embryocidal or developmental effects were seen at doses up to 280 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis with maternal inhalation doses up to 0.69 mg/kg/day).
In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6-18, subcapsular cysts on the liver were observed in the fetuses at a dose 49,000 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis with a maternal oral dose of 60 mg/kg/day). No teratogenic effects were observed at doses up to 2,800 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses up to 3.5 mg/kg/day).
In a pre- and post-natal development study, pregnant female rats received formoterol at oral doses of 0, 0.21, 0.84, and 3.4 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 through the lactation period. Pup survival was decreased from birth to postpartum day 26 at doses 85 times the MRHDID and higher (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses of 0.21 mg/kg/day and higher), although there was no evidence of a dose-response relationship. There were no treatment-related effects on the physical, functional, and behavioral development of rat pups.
Risk Summary
There are no available data on the effects of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, aclidinium bromide, or formoterol fumarate on the breastfed child or on milk production or presence in human milk. Both aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate are present in rat milk [see Data]. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from DUAKLIR PRESSAIR or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
In a pharmacokinetic study, levels of radioactivity in milk and plasma in rats were measured after a single intravenous dose of 1 mg/kg of radiolabeled aclidinium bromide on approximately post-natal day 14 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. The maximum concentration of radioactivity [14C aclidinium] in milk was measured at 6 hours post-dose and was found to be 10-14 times higher than in plasma.
In the fertility and reproduction study in rats, plasma levels of formoterol were measured in pups on post-natal day 15 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. It was estimated that the maximum plasma concentration that the pups received from the maternal animal, at the highest dose of 15 mg/kg, after nursing was 4.4% (0.24 nmol/L for a litter vs. 5.5 nmol/L for the mother).
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is not indicated for use in children. The safety and effectiveness of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR in the pediatric population have not been established.
Based on available data for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR or its active components, no adjustment of dosage in geriatric patients is warranted [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Of the 720 COPD patients exposed to DUAKLIR PRESSAIR for 24 weeks in two placebo-controlled clinical trials, 238 were less than 60 years, 301 were greater than or equal to 60 to less than 70 years, and 181 were greater than or equal to 70 years of age.
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using DUAKLIR PRESSAIR have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. Based on available data for aclidinium and formoterol, no adjustment of dosage in hepatically impaired subjects is warranted.
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using DUAKLIR PRESSAIR have not been conducted in patients with renal impairment. Based on available data for aclidinium and formoterol, no adjustment of dosage in renally impaired subjects is warranted.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR contains both aclidinium and formoterol fumarate; therefore, the risks associated with overdosage for the individual components described below apply to DUAKLIR PRESSAIR. The most common symptoms are blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, muscle spasms, tremor, headache, palpitations, and systolic hypertension.
Treatment of overdosage consists of discontinuation of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR together with institution of appropriate symptomatic and/or supportive therapy.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR consists of a dry powder formulation of aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate for oral inhalation only.
Aclidinium bromide, is an anticholinergic with specificity for muscarinic receptors. Aclidinium bromide is a synthetic, quaternary ammonium compound, chemically described as 1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 3-[(hydroxydi-2-thienylacetyl)oxy]-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-, bromide, (3R)-. The structural formula is:
Aclidinium_bromide_structural_formula (Aclidinium Bromide Structural Formula)
Aclidinium bromide is a white powder with a molecular formula of C26H30 NO4S2Br and a molecular mass of 564.56. It is very slightly soluble in water and ethanol and sparingly soluble in methanol.
Formoterol fumarate, a racemate, is a selective beta2-adrenergic agonist. Its chemical name is (±)-2-hydroxy-5-[(1RS)-1-hydroxy-2-[[(1RS)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1methylethyl]-amino]ethyl]formanilide fumarate dihydrate. The structural formula is:
Formoterol_fumarate_structural_formula (Formoterol Fumarate Structural Formula)
Formoterol fumarate (as a dihydrate) has a molecular weight of 840.91, and its molecular formula is (C19H24N2O4)2• C4H4O4•2H2O. Formoterol fumarate is a white to yellowish crystalline powder, which is freely soluble in glacial acetic acid, soluble in methanol, sparingly soluble in ethanol and isopropanol, slightly soluble in water, and practically insoluble in acetone, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is a breath-actuated multi-dose dry powder inhaler. Each actuation of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR provides a metered dose of 12 mg of the formulation which contains lactose monohydrate (which may contain milk proteins) as the carrier, 400 mcg of aclidinium bromide (equivalent to 343 mcg of aclidinium), and 12.0 mcg of formoterol fumarate (as a dihydrate, equivalent to 11.5 mcg of formoterol fumarate anhydrous and 9.8 mcg of formoterol). This results in delivery of 396 mcg of aclidinium bromide (equivalent to 340 mcg of aclidinium) and 11.8 mcg of formoterol fumarate (as a dihydrate, equivalent to 11.3 mcg of formoterol fumarate anhydrous and 9.7 mcg of formoterol) from the mouthpiece, based on in vitro testing at an average flow rate of approximately 63 L/min with constant volume of 2 L. The amount of drug delivered to the lungs will vary depending on patient factors such as inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory time.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR contains two bronchodilators: aclidinium a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (also known as an anticholinergic) and formoterol a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist. Further information regarding these two substances is provided below. The mechanism of action described below for the individual components apply to DUAKLIR PRESSAIR. These drugs represent two different classes of medications (a long-acting antimuscarinic agent and a selective long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist) that have different effects on clinical and physiological indices of COPD.
Aclidinium bromide
Aclidinium bromide is a long-acting antimuscarinic agent, which is often referred to as an anticholinergic. It has similar affinity to the subtypes of muscarinic receptors M1 to M5. In the airways, it exhibits pharmacological effects through inhibition of M3 receptors at the smooth muscle leading to bronchodilation. The competitive and reversible nature of antagonism was shown with human and animal origin receptors and isolated organ preparations. In preclinical in vitro as well as in vivo studies, prevention of acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction effects was dose-dependent and lasted longer than 24 hours. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown. The bronchodilation following inhalation of aclidinium bromide is predominantly a site-specific effect.
Formoterol fumarate
Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist (LABA) (beta2-agonist). Inhaled formoterol fumarate acts locally in the lung as a bronchodilator. In-vitro studies have shown that formoterol has more than 200-fold greater agonist activity at beta2-receptors than at beta1-receptors. The in-vitro binding selectivity to beta2-over beta1-adrenoceptors is higher for formoterol than for albuterol (5 times), whereas salmeterol has a higher (3 times) beta‑selectivity ratio than formoterol.
Although beta2-receptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta1-receptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta2-receptors in the human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established, but they raise the possibility that even highly selective beta2-agonists may have cardiac effects.
The pharmacologic effects of beta2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs, including formoterol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Increased cyclic AMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.
In vitro tests show that formoterol is an inhibitor of the release of mast cell mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes, from the human lung. Formoterol also inhibits histamine-induced plasma albumin extravasation in anesthetized guinea pigs and inhibits allergen-induced eosinophil influx in dogs with airway hyper responsiveness. The relevance of these in vitro and animal findings to humans is unknown.
Cardiovascular effects
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR
The effect of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR on cardiac rhythm was assessed in a subset of subjects using 24-hour Holter monitoring in the 24-week placebo-controlled trials. The Holter monitoring population included 114 subjects on DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, 118 subjects on aclidinium bromide 400 mcg, 121 subjects on formoterol fumarate 12 mcg, and 81 subjects on placebo. No clinically meaningful effects on cardiac rhythm were observed.
Absorption
Following twice-daily oral inhalation administration of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR in COPD patients, mean maximum aclidinium and formoterol concentrations of 128 pg/mL and 17 pg/mL, respectively, occurred within 5 minutes after inhalation. Steady state was achieved within 5 days.
Distribution
Aclidinium: Aclidinium shows a volume of distribution of approximately 300 L following intravenous administration of 400 mcg in humans.
Formoterol: Over the concentration range of 10-500 nmol/L, plasma protein binding for the RR and SS enantiomers of formoterol was 46% and 58%, respectively. The concentrations of formoterol used to assess the plasma protein binding were higher than those achieved in plasma following inhalation of a single 54 mcg dose.
Elimination
Metabolism
Aclidinium: Clinical pharmacokinetics studies, including a mass balance study, indicate that the major route of metabolism of aclidinium is hydrolysis, which occurs both chemically and enzymatically by esterases.
Aclidinium is rapidly and extensively hydrolyzed in plasma to its alcohol and dithienylglycolic acid derivatives, neither of which binds to muscarinic receptors and are devoid of pharmacologic activity.
Therefore, due to the low plasma levels achieved at the clinically relevant doses, aclidinium and its metabolites are not expected to alter the disposition of drugs metabolized by the human CYP450 enzymes.
Formoterol:
Metabolism of formoterol is primarily by direct glucuronidation and by O-demethylation followed by conjugation to inactive metabolites. Secondary metabolic pathways include deformylation and sulfate conjugation. CYP2D6 and CYP2C have been identified as being primarily responsible for O-demethylation.
Excretion
Aclidinium: Total clearance was approximately 170 L/h after an intravenous dose of aclidinium bromide in young healthy volunteers with an inter-individual variability of 36%. Intravenously administered radiolabeled aclidinium bromide was administered to healthy volunteers and was extensively metabolized with 1% excreted as unchanged aclidinium. Approximately 54% to 65% of the radioactivity was excreted in urine and 20% to 33% of the dose was excreted in feces. The combined results indicated that almost the entire aclidinium bromide dose was eliminated by hydrolysis. After dry powder inhalation, urinary excretion of aclidinium is about 0.09% of the dose and the estimated effective half-life approximately 12 hours.
Formoterol: The excretion of formoterol was studied in four healthy subjects following simultaneous administration of radiolabeled formoterol via the oral and IV routes. In that study, 62% of the radiolabeled formoterol was excreted in the urine while 24% was eliminated in the feces.
Specific Populations
Geriatric Patients
The pharmacokinetic profile of aclidinium bromide and its main metabolites was assessed in 12 elderly COPD patients (aged 70 years or older) compared to a younger cohort of 12 COPD patients (40-59 years) that were administered 400 mcg aclidinium bromide once daily for 3 days via inhalation. No clinically significant differences in systemic exposure (AUC and Cmax) were observed when the two groups were compared. No dosage adjustment is necessary in elderly patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
The pharmacokinetics of formoterol have not specifically been studied in geriatric patients.
Patients with Renal Impairment
The impact of renal disease upon the pharmacokinetics of aclidinium bromide was studied in 18 subjects with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment. Systemic exposure (AUC and Cmax) to aclidinium and its main metabolites following single doses of 400 mcg aclidinium bromide was similar in renally impaired patients compared with 6 matched healthy control subjects. No dose adjustment is necessary in renally impaired patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. Renal excretion of unchanged formoterol is low.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
The effects of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of aclidinium bromide were not studied. However, hepatic insufficiency is not expected to have relevant influence on aclidinium bromide pharmacokinetics, since it is predominantly metabolized by chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis to products that do not bind to muscarinic receptors [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)]. Specific data with formoterol is not available, but because formoterol is primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism, an increased exposure can be expected in patients with severe liver impairment.
Drug Interactions Studies
Aclidinium: Formal drug interaction studies were not performed. In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicated that aclidinium and its major metabolites do not inhibit CYP450, 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4/5, or 4A9/11 at concentrations up to 1,000-fold higher than the maximum plasma concentration that would be expected to be achieved at the therapeutic dose. Therefore, it is unlikely that aclidinium causes CYP450 related drug interactions [see Drug Interactions (7)].
Formoterol: Specific drug-drug interaction studies with formoterol have not been performed.
Studies in animals with the combination of aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate, to evaluate the potential for carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, or impairment of fertility, have not been performed. The data described below is from studies conducted on the individual components.
Aclidinium Bromide
Two-year inhalation studies were conducted in mice and rats to assess the carcinogenic potential of aclidinium bromide. No evidence of tumorigenicity was observed in rats and mice at aclidinium doses up to 0.20 and 2.4 mg/kg/day, respectively [approximately 10 and 80 times the Maximum Recommended Human Daily Inhalation Dose (MRHDID), respectively, based on summed AUCs of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites].
Aclidinium bromide was positive in the in vitro bacterial gene mutation assay and the in vitro thymidine locus mouse lymphoma assay. However, aclidinium bromide was negative in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay and the in vivo/in vitro unscheduled DNA synthesis assay with rat liver.
Aclidinium bromide impaired several fertility and reproductive performance indices (increased number of days to mate, decreased conception rate, decreased number of corpora lutea, increased pre-implantation loss with consequent decreased number of implantations and live embryos) in both male and female rats administered inhaled doses greater than or equal to 0.8 mg/kg/day [approximately 15 times the MRHDID based on summed AUCs of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites]. These adverse fertility effects were observed in the presence of paternal toxicity as evidenced by mortality and decreased body weight gain. However, there were no effects on mating index and sperm number and morphology. In the separate fertility assessments (treated males mated with untreated females; treated females mated with untreated males), no effect was observed in male and female rats at inhaled doses of 1.9 and 0.8 mg/kg/day, respectively [approximately 30 and 15 times the MRHDID, respectively, based on summed AUCs of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites].
Formoterol Fumarate
Long-term studies were conducted in mice using oral administration and rats using inhalation administration to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of formoterol fumarate. In a 24-month carcinogenicity study in CD-1 mice, formoterol fumarate at oral doses of 0.1 mg/kg and above [approximately 20 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID) on a mg/m2 basis] caused a dose-related increase in the incidence of uterine leiomyomas.
In a 24-month carcinogenicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats, an increased incidence of mesovarian leiomyoma and uterine leiomyosarcoma were observed at the inhaled dose of 0.13 mg/kg (approximately 55 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis). No tumors were seen at 0.022 mg/kg (approximately 9 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis). Other beta-agonist drugs have similarly demonstrated increases in leiomyomas of the genital tract in female rodents. The relevance of these findings to human use is unknown.
Formoterol fumarate was not mutagenic or clastogenic in Ames Salmonella/microsome plate test, mouse lymphoma test, chromosome aberration test in human lymphocytes, and rat micronucleus test.
A reduction in fertility and/or reproductive performance was identified in male rats treated with formoterol at an oral dose of 15 mg/kg (approximately 6,000 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis). In a separate study with male rats treated with an oral dose of 15 mg/kg (approximately 6,000 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis), there were findings of testicular tubular atrophy and spermatic debris in the testes and oligospermia in the epididymides. No such effect was seen at 3 mg/kg (approximately 1,200 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis). No effect on fertility was detected in female rats at doses up to 15 mg/kg (approximately 6,000 times the MRHDID on a mg/m2 basis).
The safety and efficacy of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR was evaluated in a clinical development program that included three dose ranging trials, one active and two placebo-controlled lung function trials of 24 weeks duration; and one 28-week long-term safety extension study. The efficacy of DUAKLIR was primarily based on one dose ranging trial in 128 subjects with COPD and the three 6-month duration confirmatory trials in 5015 subjects with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Dose selection for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR for COPD was primarily based on data for the individual components, aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate, in COPD patients.
Aclidinium
Dose selection for aclidinium was supported by a 7-day, randomized, double-blind, active and placebo-controlled, crossover trial evaluating 3 doses of aclidinium bromide (400, 200, and 100 mcg) administered twice daily and an active control in 79 subjects with COPD. A dose ordering was observed, with the aclidinium bromide 400 mcg demonstrating larger improvements in FEV1 over 24 hours compared with aclidinium bromide 200 mcg and 100 mcg.
The change from baseline in FEV1 AUC0-12 from placebo after 7 days for the 100, 200, and 400 mcg doses were 154 mL (95% CI: 116, 192), 176 mL (95% CI: 137, 215), and 208 mL (95% CI: 170, 247), respectively. The results supported the selection of 400 mcg of aclidinium bromide twice daily in the confirmatory COPD trials.
Formoterol
Dose selection for formoterol was supported by a randomized, double-blind, placebo and active comparator (open-label) controlled, 5-period incomplete unbalanced crossover trial evaluating 3 doses of formoterol fumarate (24, 12, and 6 mcg) administered twice daily and an open-label active comparator in 132 subjects with COPD.
The change from baseline in FEV1 AUC0-12 from placebo after 7 days for the 6, 12, and 24 mcg doses were 108 mL (95% CI: 55, 161), 117 mL (95% CI: 64, 171), and 162 mL (95% CI: 107, 216), respectively. The results supported the evaluation of 12 mcg of formoterol twice daily in the confirmatory COPD trials.
The clinical development program for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR included two placebo-controlled [Trial 1 (NCT 01462942) and Trial 2 (NCT 01437397)] and one active-controlled [Trial 3 (NCT 02796677)] randomized, double-blind, parallel-group 24-week trials in subjects with moderate to very severe COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, designed to evaluate the efficacy of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR on lung function. The 24-week trials included 4,977 subjects >40 years of age that had a clinical diagnosis of COPD, with a smoking history greater than or equal to 10 pack-years, a post-albuterol FEV1 less than 80% of predicted normal values, and a ratio of FEV1/FVC of less than 0.7. The majority of these patients were male (61%) and Caucasian (94%) with a mean age of 64 years and an average smoking history of 46 pack-years (50% current smokers). During screening, mean post-bronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 53% (range: 10% to 86%) and mean percent reversibility was 15% (range: -33% to 121%).
Trials 1, 2, and 3 evaluated DUAKLIR PRESSAIR (aclidinium/formoterol fumarate) 400 mcg/12 mcg, aclidinium 400 mcg, and formoterol fumarate 12 mcg. Trials 1 and 2 included a placebo arm, and Trial 3 included an active, blinded, control arm.
The co-primary endpoints were change from baseline in trough FEV1 and change from baseline in one-hour post-dose FEV1 at Week 24 compared with formoterol fumarate 12 mcg and aclidinium 400 mcg, respectively.
In the three trials, DUAKLIR PRESSAIR demonstrated a statistically significant increase in mean change from baseline in trough FEV1 and change from baseline in one-hour post-dose FEV1 at Week 24 relative to formoterol fumarate 12 mcg and aclidinium 400 mcg, respectively (Table 2).
1-hour Post-dose FEV1 (L) | Trough FEV1 (L) | |||
Difference from | Difference from | |||
Treatment | Placebo The placebo, aclidinium and formoterol fumarate comparators used the same inhaler and excipients as DUAKLIR PRESSAIR. (95% CI) | Aclidinium Bromide 400 mcg (95% CI) | Placebo (95% CI) | Formoterol Fumarate 12 mcg (95% CI) |
Trial 1 | ||||
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR 400 mcg/12 mcg n=385 | n=194 0.299 L (0.255, 0.343) | n=383 0.125 L (0.090, 0.160) | n=194 0.143 L (0.101, 0.185) | n=383 0.085 L (0.051, 0.119) |
Trial 2 | ||||
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR 400 mcg/12 mcg n=335 | n=331 0.284 L (0.247, 0.320) | n=337 0.108 L (0.073, 0.144) | n=331 0.130 L (0.095, 0.165) | n=332 0.045 L (0.011, 0.079) |
Trial 3 | ||||
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR 400 mcg/12 mcg n=314 | n=475 0.084 L (0.051, 0.117) | n=319 0.055 L (0.023, 0.088) | ||
n = Number in the intent to treat population | ||||
With the limited data available, there were consistent improvements in trough FEV1 and one-hour post-dose FEV1 with respect to age, sex, degree of airflow limitation, reversibility, GOLD stage, smoking status, or inhaled corticosteroid use.
In Trial 3, serial spirometric evaluations were performed throughout the 24-hour dosing interval in a subset of subjects (n=563) at Day 1 and Week 24. Results from Trial 3 are shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 1: FEV1 profile for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR (AB/FF 400/12 mcg), aclidinium bromide 400 mcg, formoterol fumarate 12 mcg, over a 24-hour dosing interval at Day 1 (active control not shown)
Figure_1 (Figure 1)
Figure 2: FEV1 profile for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR (AB/FF 400/12 mcg), aclidinium bromide 400 mcg, formoterol fumarate 12 mcg, over a 24-hour dosing interval at Week 24 (active control not shown)
Figure_2 (Figure 2)
In Trials 1 and 2, DUAKLIR PRESSAIR displayed an increase in FEV1 compared to placebo of 0.108 L (95% CI; 0.089, 0.127) and 0.128 L (95% CI; 0.111, 0.145) within 5 minutes after the first dose, respectively.
In Trials 1 and 2, patients treated with DUAKLIR PRESSAIR used less rescue medication compared to patients treated with placebo.
The St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was assessed in Trials 1, 2, and 3. In Trial 1, the SGRQ responder rate (defined as an improvement in score of 4 or more as threshold) was 55.3%, 53.5%, 52.1%, and 53.2% for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, aclidinium, formoterol fumarate, and placebo, respectively, with odds ratios of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.67) for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR vs. aclidinium, 1.16 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.73) for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR vs. formoterol fumarate, and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.84) for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR vs. placebo. In Trial 2, the SGRQ responder rate was 58.2%, 54.5%, 52.4%, and 38.7% for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, aclidinium, formoterol fumarate, and placebo, respectively, with odds ratios of 1.03 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.62), 1.21 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.90), and 2.26 (95% CI: 1.41, 3.61), for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR vs. aclidinium, DUAKLIR PRESSAIR vs. formoterol fumarate, and DUAKLIR PRESSAIR vs. placebo, respectively. In Trial 3, the odds ratios were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.61, 1.51) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.58), for DUAKLIR PRESSAIR vs. aclidinium, DUAKLIR PRESSAIR vs. formoterol fumarate, respectively.
Exacerbations
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of up to 36 months evaluated the efficacy of aclidinium bromide 400 mcg on COPD exacerbations in patients with moderate to very severe COPD with and without a history of exacerbations. The trial enrolled 3630 COPD patients, aged between 40 and 91 years, 58.7% were male and 90.6% were Caucasian, with a mean post-bronchodilator FEV1 of 47.7% of predicted value. The majority of patients had moderate (45.1%) or severe (40.2%) airflow obstruction.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the rate of moderate to severe exacerbations during the first year of treatment, defined as worsening of COPD symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum) for at least 2 consecutive days that required treatment with antibiotics and/or systemic corticosteroids or resulted in hospitalization or lead to death. Aclidinium bromide demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the rate of on-study moderate to severe COPD exacerbations by 17% compared to placebo (rate ratio [RR] 0.83; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.94; p=0.003).
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR 400 mcg/12 mcg (aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate inhalation powder) is supplied in a sealed bag with a desiccant sachet and is available in 60 metered doses (NDC 0310-0900-60) and 30 metered doses (NDC 0310-0900-30).
The active ingredients are administered using a multi-dose dry powder inhaler, PRESSAIR®, which delivers 60 doses or 30 doses of aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate powder for oral inhalation. The PRESSAIR inhaler is a white and orange colored device and is comprised of an assembled plastic dosing mechanism with a dose indicator, a drug-product storage unit containing the drug-product formulation, and a mouthpiece covered by an orange protective cap.
Store DUAKLIR PRESSAIR in a dry place at 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not store the inhaler on a vibrating surface.
The PRESSAIR inhaler should be stored inside the sealed bag and only be opened immediately before use. Throw away the bag and the desiccant sachet.
Throw away (dispose of) the PRESSAIR inhaler after the marking “0” with a red background shows in the middle of the dose indicator, when the device is empty and locks out, or 2 months after the date you opened the sealed bag that the inhaler comes in, whichever comes first.
Keep out of reach of children.
See FDA-approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use)
Inform patients that LABAs, such as formoterol fumarate, one of the active ingredients in DUAKLIR PRESSAIR, when used alone (without an inhaled corticosteroid), increase the risk of serious asthma-related events, including asthma-related death. DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is not indicated for the treatment of asthma.
DUAKLIR PRESSAIR is not meant to relieve acute symptoms of COPD and extra doses should not be used for that purpose.
Instruct patients to seek medical attention immediately if they experience a worsening of symptoms or a need for more inhalations of their rescue inhaler than usual.
Instruct patients not to stop therapy with DUAKLIR PRESSAIR without physician/provider guidance since symptoms may recur after discontinuation.
Instruct patients to not use other medicines containing a LABA. Patients should not use more than the recommended dose of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR.
Instruct patients who have been taking inhaled, short-acting beta-agonists on a regular basis to discontinue the regular use of these products and use them only for the symptomatic relief of acute symptoms.
Inform patients that DUAKLIR PRESSAIR can cause paradoxical bronchospasm. Advise patients that if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, patients should discontinue DUAKLIR PRESSAIR.
Eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos, or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion and corneal edema may be signs of acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Inform patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs and symptoms develop.
Inform patients that care must be taken not to allow the powder to enter into the eyes as this may cause blurring of vision and pupil dilation.
Difficulty passing urine and dysuria may be symptoms of new or worsening prostatic hyperplasia or bladder outlet obstruction. Patients should be instructed to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop.
Inform patients that anaphylaxis, angioedema (including swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat), urticaria, rash, bronchospasm, or itching, may occur after administration of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR. Advise patient to immediately discontinue treatment and consult a physician should any of these signs or symptoms develop.
Inform patients of adverse effects associated with beta2-agonists, such as palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness.
It is important for patients to understand how to correctly use DUAKLIR PRESSAIR. Instruct patients not to use more than the recommended dose of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR or with other medicines containing LABAs as excessive use may lead to significant cardiovascular effects including fatalities.
Inform patients that if they miss a dose, they should take their next dose at the usual time; they should not take 2 doses at one time.
Instruct patients to thoroughly read complete Instructions for Use before using DUAKLIR PRESSAIR.
Manufactured for:
Covis Pharma
Zug, 6300 Switzerland
Under license of ALMIRALL, S.A.
DUAKLIR®and the logo are registered trademarks of Almirall, S.A., used under license by Covis Pharma.
PRESSAIR®is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies, used under license by Covis Pharma.
Patient Information DUAKLIR™ PRESSAIR® (DU-aakl-ir PRESS-air) (aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate) inhalation powder, for oral Inhalation use | ||
Important: Do not get DUAKLIR PRESSAIR in your eyes. | ||
What is DUAKLIR PRESSAIR? DUAKLIR PRESSAIR combines an anticholinergic, aclidinium bromide, and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA medicine) formoterol fumarate.
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Do not use DUAKLIR PRESSAIR if you:
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Before you use DUAKLIR PRESSAIR tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. DUAKLIR PRESSAIR and certain other medicines may interact with each other. This may cause serious side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. | ||
How should I use DUAKLIR PRESSAIR? Read the step-by-step instructions for using DUAKLIR PRESSAIR at the end of this Patient Information.
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What are the possible side effects of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR? DUAKLIR PRESSAIR can cause serious side effects including:
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If you have these symptoms, stop using DUAKLIR PRESSAIR and call your healthcare provider right away. | ||
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If you have these symptoms of urinary retention, stop using DUAKLIR PRESSAIR and call your doctor right away. | ||
The most common side effects of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR include: upper respiratory tract infection, headache and, back pain. | ||
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. | ||
How should I store DUAKLIR PRESSAIR?
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General information about the safe and effective use of DUAKLIR PRESSAIR Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DUAKLIR PRESSAIR for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give your DUAKLIR PRESSAIR to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about DUAKLIR PRESSAIR that is written for healthcare professionals. | ||
What are the ingredients in DUAKLIR PRESSAIR? Active ingredient: aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate Inactive ingredient: lactose monohydrate Manufactured for: Covis Pharma, Zug, 6300 Switzerland © Covis Pharma 2022 | ||
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration | ||
Instructions for Use DUAKLIR® PRESSAIR® (DU-aakl-ir PRESS-air) (aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate) inhalation powder | ||
For oral Inhalation only This Instructions for Use contains information on how to use your DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler. It is important that you read this information as the DUAKLIR PRESSAIR may work differently from inhalers you have used before. Read this Instructions for Use before you start using DUAKLIR PRESSAIR and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about how to use your inhaler, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse for help. | ||
The Instructions for Use is divided into the following sections: - Getting started - Before use - Step 1: Prepare your dose - Step 2: Inhale your medicine - Additional information - Questions and Answers about your DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler | ||
Getting Started Become familiar with the parts of your DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler (Figure A). | ||
 Figure_a (Image 01) | ||
Before use:
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 Figure_b (Image 02) | ||
Step 1: Prepare your dose 1.1. Look in the opening of the mouthpiece and make sure nothing is blocking it (Figure C). 1.2. Look at the control window. The control window should be red (Figure C). | ||
 Figure_c (Image 03) | ||
1.3. Hold the inhaler horizontally with the mouthpiece facing you and the orange button on top (Figure D). | ||
 Figure_d (Image 04) | ||
1.4. Press the orange button all the way down to load your dose (Figure E). When you press the orange button all the way down, the control window changes from red to green. | ||
Make sure the orange button is on top. Do not tilt the inhaler. | ||
 Figure_e (Image 05) | ||
1.5. Release the orange button (Figure F). | ||
Make sure you release the orange button, so the inhaler can work correctly. | ||
 Figure_f (Image 06) | ||
Stop and Check: 1.6. Make sure the control window is now green (Figure G). This means your medicine is ready to be inhaled. Go to “Step 2: Inhale your medicine”. | ||
 Figure_g (Image 07) | ||
What to do if the control window is still red after pressing the button (Figure H). | ||
 Figure_h (Image 08) | ||
The dose is not prepared. Go back to “Step 1 Prepare your dose” and repeat steps 1.1 to 1.6. | ||
Step 2: Inhale your medicine Read steps 2.1 to 2.7 fully before use. Do not tilt the inhaler. 2.1. Hold the inhaler away from your mouth, and breathe out completely. Never breathe out into the inhaler (Figure I). | ||
 Figure_i (Image 09) | ||
2.2. Hold your head upright, put the mouthpiece between your lips, and close your lips tightly around the mouth piece (Figure J). Do not hold the orange button down while inhaling | ||
 Figure_j (Image 10) | ||
2.3. Take a strong, deep breath through your mouth. Keep breathing in for as long as possible. | ||
A “click” will let you know that you are inhaling correctly. Keep breathing in as long as possible after you hear the “click”. Some people may not hear the “click”. Use the control window to make sure you have inhaled correctly. | ||
2.4. Take the inhaler out of your mouth. 2.5. Hold your breath for as long as possible. 2.6. Slowly breathe out away from the inhaler. | ||
Some people may have a grainy sensation in their mouth, or a slightly sweet or bitter taste. Do not take an extra dose if you do not taste or feel anything after inhaling. | ||
Stop and Check: 2.7. Make sure the control window is now red (Figure K). This means you have inhaled your medicine correctly. | ||
 Figure_k (Image 11) | ||
What to do if the control window is still green after inhalation (Figure L). | ||
 Figure_l (Image 12) | ||
This means you have not inhaled your medicine correctly. Go back to “Step 2 Inhale your medicine” and repeat steps 2.1 to 2.7. If the control window still does not change to red, you may have forgotten to release the orange button before inhaling, or you may not have inhaled strongly enough. If this happens, try again. Make sure you have released the orange button, and you have breathed out completely. Then take a strong, deep breath through the mouthpiece. Contact your doctor if the control window is still green after repeated attempts. | ||
Push the protective cap back onto the mouthpiece after each use (Figure M), to prevent contamination of the inhaler with dust or other materials. You should throw away (dispose of) your inhaler if you lose the protective cap. | ||
 Figure_m (Image 13) | ||
Additional information What should I do if I accidentally prepare a dose? Store your inhaler with the protective cap in place until it is time to inhale your medicine, then remove the cap and start at Step 1.6. How does the dose indicator work?
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 Figure_n (Image 14) | ||
When should I get a new inhaler? You should throw away (dispose of) your inhaler if it appears to be damaged or if you lose the protective cap. When a red band appears in the dose indicator, this means you are close to your last dose (Figure N). You should throw away (dispose of) the inhaler and use a new one:
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 Figure_o (Image 15) | ||
How do I know that my inhaler is empty? When the orange button will not return to its full upper position and is locked in a middle position (Figure P). Even though the orange button is locked, your last dose may still be inhaled. After that, the inhaler cannot be used again and you should start using a new inhaler. | ||
 Figure_p (Image 16) | ||
How should I clean the inhaler? Never use water to clean the inhaler, as this may damage your medicine. If you want to clean your inhaler, wipe the outside of the mouthpiece with a dry tissue or paper towel. How should I store DUAKLIR PRESSAIR?
Keep DUAKLIR PRESSAIR and all medicines out of the reach of children. | ||
Questions and Answers about your DUAKLIR PRESSAIR Inhaler | ||
Question | Answer | |
Do I need to take extra steps to prepare the inhaler before first use? | DUAKLIR PRESSAIR comes preloaded with medicine and is ready to use. Remove the inhaler from the sealed bag and follow the step-by-step Instructions for Use. | |
How do I know if the DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler is ready to use before taking each dose? | The DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler is ready to use when the control window on the front of the inhaler is green (Figure G)
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What if the DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler window doesn't change from red to green? | The dose is not prepared. Go back to “Step 1 Prepare your dose” and repeat steps 1.1 to 1.6.
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How do I know that I used DUAKLIR PRESSAIR correctly? | The DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler has a helpful feature to let you know that you have inhaled your medicine correctly.
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What if the DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler control window does not change color from green back to red after I inhale? | This means you may not have inhaled the medicine strongly enough. Go back to “Step 2 Inhale your medicine” and repeat steps 2.1 to 2.7.
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What if I do not see the dose indicator move after I inhaled? | Each time you load a dose by pressing the orange button, the dose indicator moves by a small amount towards the next number from 60 to 0: 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 0 (see Figure N). As long as you see the control window change from green to red, you have successfully inhaled the full dose. | |
Can the DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler release too much medicine or lose doses of medicine from the inhaler? | No. The DUAKLIR PRESSAIR inhaler only releases 1 dose of medicine with each inhalation. Pressing and releasing the orange button more than one time before inhaling does not increase the dose you will receive or cause any medicine to be lost. | |
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufactured for: Covis Pharma Zug, 6300 Switzerland Under license of ALMIRALL, S.A. DUAKLIR® and the logo are registered trademarks of Almirall, S.A., used under license by Covis Pharma. PRESSAIR® is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies, used under license by Covis Pharma. © 2022 Covis Pharma Last revised: August 1, 2022 | ||
60 Metered Doses Carton (Image 17)
NDC 70515-001-01 Rx only
Duaklir® Pressair® 400 mcg/12 mcg
(aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate*) inhalation powder
400 mcg/12 mcg per actuation
For Oral Inhalation Only
*Each metered dose contains 400 mcg of aclidinium bromide
(equivalent to 343 mcg of aclidinium), and 12.0 mcg of formoterol
fumarate (as a dihydrate, equivalent to 9.8 mcg of formoterol)
from the device reservoir.
60 Metered Doses
COVIS
* Please review the disclaimer below.
