Calcipotriene

Sandoz Inc.

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

FOR TOPICAL DERMATOLOGIC USE ONLY.
Not for Ophthalmic, Oral or Intravaginal Use.

Rx only

Calcipotriene Cream, 0.005% contains calcipotriene, a synthetic vitamin D₃ derivative, for topical dermatological use.

Chemically, calcipotriene is (5Z,7E,22E,24S)-24-cyclopropyl-9,10-secochola-5,7,10(19),22-tetraene-1α,3β,24-triol, with the empirical formula C₂₇H₄₀0₃, a molecular weight of 412.3, and the following structural formula:

Calcipotriene is a white or off-white crystalline substance. Calcipotriene Cream, 0.005% contains calcipotriene equivalent to 50 µg/g anhydrous calcipotriene in a cream base of ceteth-20, cetostearyl alcohol, diazolidinyl urea, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, edetate disodium, glycerin, mineral oil, phosphoric acid, white petrolatum, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

In humans, the natural supply of vitamin D depends mainly on exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) in the skin. Calcipotriene is a synthetic analog of vitamin D₃.

Clinical studies with radiolabelled calcipotriene ointment indicate that approximately 6% (± 3%, SD) of the applied dose of calcipotriene is absorbed systemically when the ointment is applied topically to psoriasis plaques, or 5% (± 2.6%, SD) when applied to normal skin, and much of the absorbed active is converted to inactive metabolites within 24 hours of application. Systemic absorption of the cream has not been studied.

Vitamin D and its metabolites are transported in the blood, bound to specific plasma proteins. The active form of the vitamin, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D₃ (calcitriol), is known to be recycled via the liver and excreted in the bile. Calcipotriene metabolism following systemic uptake is rapid, and occurs via a similar pathway to the natural hormone.

Adequate and well-controlled trials of patients treated with calcipotriene cream, 0.005% have demonstrated improvement usually beginning after 2 weeks of therapy. This improvement continued with approximately 50% of patients showing at least marked improvement in the signs and symptoms of psoriasis after 8 weeks of therapy, but only approximately 4% showed complete clearing.

Calcipotriene Cream, 0.005%, is indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. The safety and effectiveness of topical calcipotriene in dermatoses other than psoriasis have not been established.

Calcipotriene Cream, 0.005% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. It should not be used by patients with demonstrated hypercalcemia or evidence of vitamin D toxicity. Calcipotriene Cream, 0.005% should not be used on the face.

General

Use of calcipotriene cream, 0.005% may cause transient irritation of both lesions and surrounding uninvolved skin. If irritation develops, calcipotriene cream, 0.005% should be discontinued.

For external use only. Keep out of the reach of children. Always wash hands thoroughly after use.

Reversible elevation of serum calcium has occurred with use of topical calcipotriene. If elevation in serum calcium outside the normal range should occur, discontinue treatment until normal calcium levels are restored.

Patients using calcipotriene cream, 0.005% should receive the following information and instructions:

• This medication is to be used only as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the face or eyes. As with any topical medication, patients should wash their hands after application.
• This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
• Patients should report to their physician any signs of adverse reactions.
• Patients that apply calcipotriene cream, 0.005% to exposed portions of the body should avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight (including tanning booths, sun lamps, etc.).

When calcipotriene was applied topically to mice for up to 24 months at dosages of 3, 10 and 30 μg/kg/day (corresponding to 9, 30 and 90 μg/m²/day), no significant changes in tumor incidence were observed when compared to control. In a study in which albino hairless mice were exposed to both UVR and topically applied calcipotriene, a reduction in the time required for UVR to induce the formation of skin tumors was observed (statistically significant in males only), suggesting that calcipotriene may enhance the effect of UVR to induce skin tumors. Patients that apply calcipotriene cream, 0.005% to exposed portions of the body should avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight (including tanning booths, sun lamps, etc.). Physicians may wish to limit or avoid use of phototherapy in patients that use calcipotriene cream, 0.005%.

Calcipotriene did not elicit any mutagenic effects in an Ames mutagenicity assay, a mouse lymphoma TK locus assay, a human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay, or in a micronucleus assay conducted in mice.

Studies in rats at doses up to 54 µg/kg/day (324 µg/m²/day) of calcipotriene indicated no impairment of fertility or general reproductive performance.

Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C

Studies of teratogenicity were done by the oral route where bioavailability is expected to be approximately 40-60% of the administered dose. Increased rabbit maternal and fetal toxicity was noted at 12 µg/kg/day (132 µg/m²/day). Rabbits administered 36 µg/kg/day (396 µg/m²/day) resulted in fetuses with a significant increase in the incidences of pubic bones, forelimb phalanges, and incomplete bone ossification. In a rat study, oral doses of 54 µg/kg/day (318 µg/m²/day) resulted in a significantly higher incidence of skeletal abnormalities consisting primarily of enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs. The enlarged fontanelles are most likely due to calcipotriene's effect upon calcium metabolism. The maternal and fetal calculated no-effect exposures in the rat (43.2 µg/m²/day) and rabbit (17.6 µg/m²/day) studies are approximately equal to the expected human systemic exposure level (18.5 µg/m²/day) from dermal application. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, calcipotriene cream, 0.005% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

There is evidence that maternal 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D₃ (calcitriol) may enter the fetal circulation, but it is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. The systemic disposition of calcipotriene is expected to be similar to that of the naturally occurring vitamin. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when calcipotriene cream, 0.005% is administered to a nursing woman.

Safety and effectiveness of calcipotriene cream, 0.005% in pediatric patients have not been established. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at greater risk than adults of systemic adverse effects when they are treated with topical medication.

Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of calcipotriene cream, approximately 15% were 65 or older, while approximately 3% were 75 and over. There were no significant differences in adverse events for subjects over 65 years compared to those under 65 years of age. However, the greater sensitivity of older individuals cannot be ruled out.

In controlled clinical trials, the most frequent adverse experiences reported for calcipotriene cream, 0.005% were cases of skin irritation, which occurred in approximately 10-15% of patients. Rash, pruritus, dermatitis and worsening of psoriasis were reported in 1 to 10% of patients.

Topically applied calcipotriene can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. Elevated serum calcium has been observed with excessive use of topical calcipotriene. If elevation in serum calcium should occur, discontinue treatment until normal calcium levels are restored. (See PRECAUTIONS.)

Apply a thin layer of calcipotriene cream, 0.005% to the affected skin twice daily and rub in gently and completely. The safety and efficacy of calcipotriene cream, 0.005% have been demonstrated in patients treated for eight weeks.

Calcipotriene Cream, 0.005% is available in:

60 gram aluminum tubes:  NDC 0781-7117-35

120 gram aluminum tubes:  NDC 0781-7117-83

Store at 20º - 25ºC (68º - 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15º - 30ºC (59º - 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.  You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Manufactured by TOLMAR Inc,
Fort Collins, CO 80526 for
Sandoz Inc.

Princeton, NJ 08540

44473 Rev.0 05/12