apomorphine hydrochloride 25 MG Sublingual Film

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Apomorphine hydrochloride injection is indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off" episodes ("end-of-dose wearing off" and unpredictable "on/off" episodes) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Apomorphine hydrocloride inejction has been studied as an adjunct to other medications [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Apomorphine hydrocloride injection is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off" episodes ("end-of-dose wearing off" and unpredictable "on/off" episodes) associated with advanced Parkinson's disease ( 1 )

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For subcutaneous use only ( 2.1 ) Always express apomorphine hydrocloride dose in mL to minimize dosing errors ( 2.1 ) The starting dose of apomorphine hydrocloride is 0.2 mL (2 mg); give the first dose under medical supervision; titrate the dose to effect and tolerance; the maximum recommended dose is 0.6 mL ( 2.3 ) Treatment with a concomitant antiemetic, e.g., trimethobenzamide, is recommended, starting 3 days prior to the first dose of apomorphine hydrocloride. Treatment with trimethobenzamide should only be continued as long as necessary to control nausea and vomiting, and generally no longer than two months ( 2.2 , 5.2 , 6.1 , 17 ) Apomorphine hydrocloride doses must be separated by at least 2 hours ( 2.5 ) Renal impairment: reduce test dose, and reduce starting dose to 0.1 mL (1 mg) ( 2.4 , 8.6 , 12.3 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Apomorphine hydrocloride is indicated for subcutaneous administration only [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] and only by a multiple-dose APOKYN ® Pen with supplied cartridges. The APOKYN ® Pen is supplied separately by a different manufacturer. The initial dose and dose titrations should be performed by a healthcare provider. Blood pressure and pulse should be measured in the supine and standing position before and after dosing. A caregiver or patient may administer apomorphine hydrocloride if a healthcare provider determines that it is appropriate. Instruct patients to follow the directions provided in the Patients Instructions For Use. Because the APOKYN ® Pen has markings in milliliters (mL), the prescribed dose of apomorphine hydrocloride should be expressed in mL to avoid confusion. Visually inspect the apomorphine hydrocloride drug product through the viewing window for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The solution should not be used if discolored (it should be colorless), or cloudy, or if foreign particles are present. Rotate the injection site and use proper aseptic technique [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) and Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . 2.2 Premedication and Concomitant Medication Because of the high incidence of nausea and vomiting with apomorphine hydrocloride treatment, an antiemetic, e.g., trimethobenzamide 300 mg three times a day, should be started 3 days prior to the initial dose of apomorphine hydrocloride [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Treatment with trimethobenzamide should only be continued as long as necessary to control nausea and vomiting, and generally no longer than two months after initiation of treatment with apomorphine hydrocloride, as trimethobenzamide increases the incidence of somnolence, dizziness and falls in patients treated with apomorphine hydrocloride [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Based on reports of profound hypotension and loss of consciousness when apomorphine was administered with ondansetron, the concomitant use of apomorphine with drugs of the 5HT 3 antagonist class including antiemetics (for example, ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron) and alosetron are contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ]. 2.3 Dosing Information The recommended starting dose of apomorphine hydrocloride is 0.2 mL (2 mg). Titrate on the basis of effectiveness and tolerance, up to a maximum recommended dose of 0.6 mL (6 mg) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . There is no evidence from controlled trials that doses greater than 0.6 mL (6 mg) gave an increased effect and therefore, individual doses above 0.6 mL (6 mg) are not recommended. The average frequency of dosing in the development program was 3 times per day. There is limited experience with single doses greater than 0.6 mL (6 mg), dosing more than 5 times per day and with total daily doses greater than 2 mL (20 mg). Begin dosing when patients are in an "off" state. The initial dose should be a 0.2 mL (2 mg) test dose in a setting where medical personnel can closely monitor blood pressure and pulse. Both supine and standing blood pressure and pulse should be checked pre-dose and at 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and 60 minutes post-dose (and after 60 minutes, if there is significant hypotension at 60 minutes). Patients who develop clinically significant orthostatic hypotension in response to this test dose of apomorphine hydrocloride should not be considered candidates for treatment with apomorphine hydrocloride. If the patient tolerates the 0.2 mL (2 mg) dose, and responds adequately, the starting dose should be 0.2 mL (2 mg), used on an as needed basis to treat recurring "off" episodes. If needed, the dose can be increased in 0.1 mL (1 mg) increments every few days on an outpatient basis. The general principle guiding subsequent dosing (described in detail below) is to determine that the patient needs and can tolerate a higher test dose, 0.3 mL or 0.4 mL (3 mg or 4 mg, respectively) under close medical supervision. A trial of outpatient dosing may follow (periodically assessing both efficacy and tolerability), using a dose 0.1 mL (1 mg) lower than the tolerated test dose. If the patient tolerates the 0.2 mL (2 mg) test dose but does not respond adequately, a dose of 0.4 mL (4 mg) may be administered under medical supervision, at least 2 hours after the initial test dose, at the next observed "off" period. If the patient tolerates and responds to a test dose of 0.4 mL (4 mg), the initial maintenance dose should be 0.3 mL (3 mg) used on an as needed basis to treat recurring "off" episodes as an outpatient. If needed, the dose can be increased in 0.1 mL (1 mg) increments every few days on an outpatient basis. If the patient does not tolerate a test dose of 0.4 mL (4 mg), a test dose of 0.3 mL (3 mg) may be administered during a separate "off" period under medical supervision, at least 2 hours after the previous dose. If the patient tolerates the 0.3 mL (3 mg) test dose, the initial maintenance dose should be 0.2 mL (2 mg) used on an as needed basis to treat existing "off" episodes. If needed, and the 0.2 mL (2 mg) dose is tolerated, the dose can be increased to 0.3 mL (3 mg) after a few days. In such a patient, the dose should ordinarily not be increased to 0.4 mL (4 mg) on an outpatient basis. 2.4 Dosing in Patients with Renal Impairment For patients with mild and moderate renal impairment, the test dose and starting dose should be reduced to 0.1 mL (1 mg) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . 2.5 Re-treatment and Interruption in Therapy If a single dose of apomorphine hydrocloride is ineffective for a particular "off" period, a second dose should not be given for that "off" episode. The efficacy of the safety of administering a second dose for a single "off" episode has not been studied systematically. Do not administer a repeat dose of apomorphine hydrocloride sooner than 2 hours after the last dose. Patients who have an interruption in therapy of more than a week should be restarted on a 0.2 mL (2 mg) dose and gradually titrated to effect and tolerability.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS For subcutaneous use only; thrombus formation and pulmonary embolism have followed intravenous administration of apomorphine hydrocloride ( 5.1 ) Falling asleep during activities of daily living, and daytime somnolence may occur ( 5.3 ) Syncope and hypotension/orthostatic hypotension may occur ( 5.4 ) Falls may occur, or increase ( 5.5 ) May cause hallucinations and psychotic-like behavior ( 5.6 ) May cause dyskinesia or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia ( 5.7 ) May cause problems with impulse control and impulsive behaviors ( 5.8 ) May cause coronary events ( 5.9 ) May prolong QTc and cause torsades de pointes or sudden death ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Serious Adverse Reactions After Intravenous Administration Following intravenous administration of apomorphine hydrocloride, serious adverse reactions including thrombus formation and pulmonary embolism due to intravenous crystallization of apomorphine have occurred. Consequently, apomorphine hydrocloride should not be administered intravenously. 5.2 Nausea and Vomiting Apomorphine hydrocloride causes severe nausea and vomiting when it is administered at recommended doses. Because of this, in domestic clinical studies, 98% of all patients were pre-medicated with trimethobenzamide, an antiemetic, for three days prior to study enrollment, and were then encouraged to continue trimethobenzamide for at least 6 weeks. Even with the use of concomitant trimethobenzamide in clinical studies, 31% and 11% of the apomorphine hydrocloride-treated patients had nausea and vomiting, respectively, and 3% and 2% of the patients discontinued apomorphine hydrocloride due to nausea and vomiting, respectively. Among 522 patients treated, 262 (50%) discontinued trimethobenzamide while continuing apomorphine hydrocloride. The average time to discontinuation of trimethobenzamide was about 2 months (range: 1 day to 33 months). For the 262 patients who discontinued trimethobenzamide, 249 patients continued apomorphine without trimethobenzamide for a duration of follow-up that averaged 1 year (range: 0 years to 3 years). The effect of trimethobenzamide on reducing nausea and vomiting during treatment with apomorphine hydrocloride was evaluated in a 12-week, placebo-controlled study in 194 patients. The study suggests that trimethobenzamide reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting during the first 4 weeks of apomorphine hydrocloride treatment (incidence of nausea and vomiting 43% on trimethobenzamide vs. 59% on placebo). However, over the 12-week period, compared with placebo, patients treated with trimethobenzamide had a greater incidence of somnolence (19% for trimethobenzamide vs. 12% for placebo), dizziness (14% for trimethobenzamide vs. 8% for placebo), and falls (8% for trimethobenzamide vs. 1% for placebo). Therefore, the benefit of treatment with trimethobenzamide must be balanced with the risk for those adverse events, and treatment with trimethobenzamide should only be continued as long as necessary to control nausea and vomiting, and generally no longer than two months. The ability of concomitantly administered antiemetic drugs (other than trimethobenzamide) has not been studied. Antiemetics with anti-dopaminergic actions (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine, promethazine, prochlorperazine, metaclopramide) have the potential to worsen the symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease and should be avoided. 5.3 Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence There have been reports in the literature of patients treated with apomorphine hydrocloride subcutaneous injections who suddenly fell asleep without prior warning of sleepiness while engaged in activities of daily living. Somnolence is commonly associated with apomorphine hydrocloride, and it is reported that falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living always occurs in a setting of pre-existing somnolence, even if patients do not give such a history. Somnolence was reported in 35% of patients treated with apomorphine hydrocloride and in none of the patients in the placebo group. Prescribers should reassess patients for drowsiness or sleepiness, especially since some of the events occur well after the start of treatment. Prescribers should also be aware that patients may not acknowledge drowsiness or sleepiness until directly questioned about drowsiness or sleepiness during specific activities. Before initiating treatment with apomorphine hydrocloride, advise patients of the risk of drowsiness and ask them about factors that could increase the risk with apomorphine hydrocloride, such as concomitant sedating medications and the presence of sleep disorders. If a patient develops significant daytime sleepiness or falls asleep during activities that require active participation (e.g., conversations, eating, etc.), apomorphine hydrocloride should ordinarily be discontinued. If a decision is made to continue apomorphine hydrocloride, patients should be advised not to drive and to avoid other potentially dangerous activities. There is insufficient information to determine whether dose reduction will eliminate episodes of falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living. 5.4 Syncope/Hypotension/Orthostatic Hypotension In clinical studies, approximately 2% of apomorphine hydrochloride-treated patients experienced syncope. Dopamine agonists, including apomorphine hydrochloride, may cause orthostatic hypotension at any time but especially during dose escalation. Patients with Parkinson's disease may also have an impaired capacity to respond to an orthostatic challenge. For these reasons, Parkinson's disease patients being treated with dopaminergic agonists ordinarily require careful monitoring for signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, especially during dose escalation, and should be informed of this risk. Patients undergoing titration of apomorphine hydrochloride showed an increased incidence (from 4% pre-dose to 18% post-dose) of systolic orthostatic hypotension (≥ 20 mmHg decrease) when evaluated at various times after in-office dosing. A small number of patients developed severe systolic orthostatic hypotension (≥ 30 mm Hg decrease and systolic BP ≤ 90 mmHg) after subcutaneous apomorphine injection. In clinical trials of apomorphine hydrochloride in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, 59 of 550 patients (11%) had orthostatic hypotension, hypotension, and/or syncope. These events were considered serious in 4 patients (< 1%) and resulted in withdrawal of apomorphine hydrochloride in 10 patients (2%). These events occurred both with initial dosing and during long-term treatment. Whether or not hypotension contributed to other significant adverse events seen (e.g., falls), is unknown. Apomorphine hydrochloride causes dose-related decreases in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. In a study of healthy subjects, the hypotensive effect of apomorphine hydrochloride on systolic and diastolic blood pressure) was exacerbated by the concomitant use of alcohol or sublingual nitroglycerin (0.4 mg). Patients should avoid alcohol when using apomorphine hydrochloride [see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )]. Patients taking apomorphine hydrochloride should lie down before and after taking sublingual nitroglycerin. Other vasodilators and antihypertensives may also increase the hypotensive effects of apomorphine hydrochloride. Monitor blood pressure for hypotension and orthostatic hypotension in patients taking apomorphine hydrochloride with concomitant antihypertensive medications or vasodilators [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 , 7.3 )]. 5.5 Falls Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are at risk of falling due to underlying postural instability, possible autonomic instability, and syncope caused by the blood pressure lowering effects of the drugs used to treat PD. Subcutaneous apomorphine hydrocloride might increase the risk of falling by simultaneously lowering blood pressure an

CONTRAINDICATIONS Apomorphine hydrocloride is contraindicated in patients: Using concomitant drugs of the 5HT 3 antagonist class including antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron) and alosetron [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . There have been reports of profound hypotension and loss of consciousness when apomorphine hydrocloride was administered with ondansetron. With hypersensitivity/allergic reaction to apomorphine or to any of the excipients of apomorphine hydrocloride, including a sulfite (i.e., sodium metabisulfite). Angioedema or anaphylaxis may occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ]. Concomitant use of apomorphine hydrocloride with 5HT 3 antagonists, including antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron) and alosetron, is contraindicated ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to apomorphine, its excipients or sodium metabisulfite ( 4 , 5.12 )

Mechanism of Action Apomorphine hydrocloride is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist with high in vitro binding affinity for the dopamine D 4 receptor, and moderate affinity for the dopamine D 2 , D 3 , and D 5 , and adrenergic α 1 D, α 2 B, α 2 C receptors. The precise mechanism of action of apomorphine hydrocloride as a treatment for Parkinson's disease is unknown, although it is believed to be due to stimulation of post-synaptic dopamine D 2 -type receptors within the caudate-putamen in the brain.