Summary of medicine characteristics - VORICONAZOLE MILPHARM 50 MG FILM-COATED TABLETS
Voriconazole Milpharm 50 mg film-coated tablets
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each film-coated tablet contains 50 mg voriconazole.
Excipient with known effect: each tablet contains 65.35 mg lactose monohydrate.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
Film-coated tablet.
White, round (diameter 7.1 mm), biconvex, film coated tablets debossed with ‘CC’ on one side and ‘52’ on the other side.
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Voriconazole, is a broad-spectrum, triazole antifungal agent and is indicated in adults and children aged 2 Years and above as follows:
– Treatment of invasive aspergillosis.
– Treatment of candidaemia in non-neutropenic patients.
– Treatment of fluconazole-resistant serious invasive Candida infections (including C. Krusei).
– Treatment of serious fungal infections caused by Scedosporium spp. and Fusarium spp.
Voriconazole Milpharm should be administered primarily to patients with progressive, possibly life-threatening infections.
Prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections in high risk adults allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Posology
Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia should be monitored and corrected, if necessary, prior to initiation and during voriconazole therapy (see section 4.4).
Treatment
Adults
Therapy must be initiated with the specified loading dose regimen of either intravenous or oral voriconazole to achieve plasma concentrations on Day 1 that are close to steady state. On the basis of the high oral bioavailability (96%; see section 5.2), switching between intravenous and oral administration is appropriate when clinically indicated.
Detailed information on dosage recommendations is provided in the following table:
| Intravenous | Oral | ||
| Patients 40 kg and above* | Patients less than 40 kg* | ||
| Loading dose regimen (first 24 hours) | 6 mg/kg every 12 hours | 400 mg every 12 hours | 200 mg every 12 hours |
| Maintenance dose (after first 24 hours) | 4 mg/kg twice daily | 200 mg twice daily | 100 mg twice daily |
* This also applies to patients aged 15 years and older.
Duration of treatment
Treatment duration should be as short as possible depending on the patient’s clinical and mycological response. Long term exposure to voriconazole greater than 180 days (6 months) requires careful assessment of the benefit-risk balance (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).
Dosage adjustment (Adults)
If patient response to treatment is inadequate, the maintenance dose may be increased to 300 mg twice daily for oral administration. For patients less than 40 kg the oral dose may be increased to 150 mg twice daily.
If patient is unable to tolerate treatment at a higher dose reduce the oral dose by 50 mg steps to the 200 mg twice daily (or 100 mg twice daily for patients less than 40 kg) maintenance dose.
In case of use as prophylaxis, refer below.
Children (2 to <12 years) and young adolescents with low body weight (12 to 14 years and <50 kg)
Voriconazole should be dosed as children as these young adolescents may metabolize voriconazole more similarly to children than to adults.
The recommended dosing regimen is as follows:__________________________
| Intravenous | Oral | |
| Loading Dose Regimen (first 24 hours) | 9 mg/kg every 12 hours | Not recommended |
| Maintenance Dose (after first 24 hours) | 8 mg/kg twice daily | 9 mg/kg twice daily (a maximum dose of 350 mg twice daily) |
Note: Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis in 112 immunocompromised paediatric patients aged 2 to <12 years and 26 immunocompromised adolescents aged 12 to <17 years.
It is recommended to initiate the therapy with intravenous regimen, and oral regimen should be considered only after there is a significant clinical improvement. It should be noted that an 8 mg/kg intravenous dose will provide voriconazole exposure approximately 2-fold higher than a 9 mg/kg oral dose.
These oral dose recommendations for children are based on studies in which voriconazole was administered as the powder for oral suspension.
Bioequivalence between the powder for oral suspension and tablets has not been investigated in a paediatric population. Considering the assumed limited gastroenteric transit time in paediatric patients, the absorption of tablets may be different in paediatric compared to adult patients. It is therefore recommended to use the oral suspension formulation in children aged 2 to <12.
All other adolescents (12 to 14 years and >50 kg; 15 to 17 years regardless of body weight)
Voriconazole should be dosed as adults
Dosage adjustment (Children [2 to <12 years] and young adolescents with low body weight [12 to 14 years and <50 kg])
If patient response to treatment is inadequate, the dose may be increased by 1 mg/kg steps (or by 50 mg steps if the maximum oral dose of 350 mg was used initially). If patient is unable to tolerate treatment, reduce the dose by 1 mg/kg steps (or by 50 mg steps if the maximum oral dose of 350 mg was used initially).
Use in paediatric patients aged 2 to <12 years with hepatic or renal insufficiency has not been studied (see sections 4.8 and 5.2).
Prophylaxis in Adults and Children
Prophylaxis should be initiated on the day of transplant and may be administered for up to 100 days.
Prophylaxis should be as short as possible depending on the risk for developing invasive fungal infection (IFI) as defined by neutropenia or immunosuppression. It may only be continued up to 180 days after transplantation in case of continuing immunosuppression or graft versus host disease (GvHD) (see section 5.1).
Dosage
The recommended dosing regimen for prophylaxis is the same as for treatment in the respective age groups. Please refer to the treatment tables above.
Duration of prophylaxis
The safety and efficacy of voriconazole use for longer than 180 days has not been adequately studied in clinical trials.
Use of voriconazole in prophylaxis for greater than 180 days (6 months) requires careful assessment of the benefit-risk balance (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).
The following instructions apply to both Treatment and Prophylaxis
Dosage adjustment
For prophylaxis use, dose adjustments are not recommended in the case of lack of efficacy or treatment related adverse events. In the case of treatment-related adverse events, discontinuation of voriconazole and use of alternative antifungal agents must be considered (see section 4.4 and 4.8).
Dosage adjustments in case of co-administration
Phenytoin may be coadministered with voriconazole if the maintenance dose of voriconazole is increased from 200 mg to 400 mg orally, twice daily (100 mg to 200 mg orally, twice daily in patients less than 40 kg), see sections 4.4 and 4.5.
The combination of voriconazole with rifabutin should, if possible be avoided. However, if the combination is strictly needed, the maintenance dose of voriconazole may be increased from 200 mg to 350 mg orally, twice daily (100 mg to 200 mg orally, twice daily in patients less than 40 kg), see sections 4.4 and 4.5.
Efavirenz may be coadministered with voriconazole if the maintenance dose of voriconazole is increased to 400 mg every 12 hours and the efavirenz dose is reduced by 50%, i.e. to 300 mg once daily. When treatment with voriconazole is stopped, the initial dosage of efavirenz should be restored (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).
Elderly
No dose adjustment is necessary for elderly patients (see section 5.2).
Renal impairment
The pharmacokinetics of orally administered voriconazole are not affected by renal impairment. Therefore, no adjustment is necessary for oral dosing for patients with mild to severe renal impairment (see section 5.2).
Voriconazole is haemodialysed with a clearance of 121 ml/min. A 4-hour haemodialysis session does not remove a sufficient amount of voriconazole to warrant dose adjustment.
Hepatic impairment
It is recommended that the standard loading dose regimens be used but that the maintenance dose be halved in patients with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A and B) receiving voriconazole (see section 5.2).
Voriconazole has not been studied in patients with severe chronic hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C).
There is limited data on the safety of voriconazole in patients with abnormal liver function tests (Aspartate transaminase [AST], Alanine transaminase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], or total bilirubin >5 times the upper limit of normal).
Voriconazole has been associated with elevations in liver function tests and clinical signs of liver damage, such as jaundice, and must only be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment if the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Patients with severe hepatic impairment must be carefully monitored for drug toxicity (see section 4.8).
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of voriconazole in children below 2 years has not been established. Currently available data are described in sections 4.8 and 5.1 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Method of administration
Voriconazole Milpharm film-coated tablets are to be taken at least one hour before, or one hour following, a meal.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Coadministration with CYP3A4 substrates, terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide or quinidine since increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products can lead to QTc prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes (see section 4.5).
Coadministration with rifampicin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital since these medicinal products are likely to decrease plasma voriconazole concentrations significantly (see section 4.5).
Coadministration of standard doses of voriconazole with efavirenz doses of 400 mg once daily or higher is contraindicated, because efavirenz significantly decreases plasma voriconazole concentrations in healthy subjects at these doses. Voriconazole also significantly increases efavirenz plasma concentrations (see section 4.5, for lower doses see section 4.4).
Coadministration with high-dose ritonavir (400 mg and above twice daily) because ritonavir significantly decreases plasma voriconazole concentrations in healthy subjects at this dose (see section 4.5, for lower doses see section 4.4).
Coadministration with ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), which are CYP3A4 substrates, since increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products can lead to ergotism (see section 4.5).
Coadministration with sirolimus since voriconazole is likely to increase plasma concentrations of sirolimus significantly (see section 4.5).
Coadministration with St. John’s Wort (see section 4.5).
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Hypersensitivity
Caution should be used in prescribing voriconazole to patients with hypersensitivity to other azoles (see also section 4.8).
Cardiovascular
Voriconazole has been associated with QTc interval prolongation. There have been rare cases of torsades de pointes in patients taking voriconazole who had risk factors, such as history of cardiotoxic chemotherapy, cardiomyopathy, hypokalaemia and concomitant medicinal products that may have been contributory.
Voriconazole should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions, such as:
Congenital or acquired QTc-prolongation.
Cardiomyopathy, in particular when heart failure is present.
Sinus bradycardia.
Existing symptomatic arrhythmias.
Concomitant medicinal product that is known to prolong QTc interval. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia should be monitored and corrected, if necessary, prior to initiation and during voriconazole therapy (see section 4.2). A study has been conducted in healthy volunteers which examined the effect on QTc interval of single doses of voriconazole up to 4 times the usual daily dose. No subject experienced an interval exceeding the potentially clinically-relevant threshold of 500 msec (see section 5.1).
Hepatic toxicity
In clinical trials, there have been cases of serious hepatic reactions during treatment with voriconazole (including clinical hepatitis, cholestasis and fulminant hepatic failure, including fatalities).
Instances of hepatic reactions were noted to occur primarily in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (predominantly haematological malignancy). Transient hepatic reactions, including hepatitis and jaundice, have occurred among patients with no other identifiable risk factors. Liver dysfunction has usually been reversible on discontinuation of therapy (see section 4.8).
Monitoring of hepatic function
Patients receiving voriconazole must be carefully monitored for hepatic toxicity. Clinical management should include laboratory evaluation of hepatic function (specifically AST and ALT) at the initiation of treatment with voriconazole and at least weekly for the first month of treatment. Treatment duration should be as short as possible; however, if based on the benefit-risk assessment the treatment is continued (see section 4.2), monitoring frequency can be reduced to monthly if there are no changes in the liver function tests.
If the liver function tests become markedly elevated, voriconazole should be discontinued, unless the medical judgment of the risk-benefit of the treatment for the patient justifies continued use.
Monitoring of hepatic function should be carried out in both children and adults
Serious dermatological adverse reactions
Phototoxicity
In addition voriconazole has been associated with phototoxicity, including reactions such as ephelides, lentigo, actinic keratosis and pseudoporphyria. It is recommended that all patients, including children, avoid exposure to direct sunlight during voriconazole treatment and use measures such as protective clothing and sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF).
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin has been reported in patients, some of whom have reported prior phototoxic reactions. If phototoxic reactions occur, multidisciplinary advice should be sought, voriconazole discontinuation and use of alternative antifungal agents should be considered and the patient should be referred to a dermatologist. If voriconazole is continued however, dermatologic evaluation should be performed on a systematic and regular basis, to allow early detection and management of premalignant lesions.
Voriconazole should be discontinued if premalignant skin lesions or squamous cell carcinoma are identified (see below the section under Long-term treatment).
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported with the use of voriconazole. If a patient develops a rash he should be monitored closely and voriconazole discontinued if lesions progress.
Adrenal events
Adrenal insufficiency has been reported in patients receiving other azoles (e.g., ketoconazole).
Reversible cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported in patients receiving voriconazole.
Patients on long-term treatment with voriconazole and corticosteroids (including inhaled corticosteroids e.g., budesonide and intranasal corticosteroids) should be carefully monitored for adrenal cortex dysfunction both during treatment and when voriconazole is discontinued (see section 4.5).
Long-term treatment
Long term exposure (treatment or prophylaxis) greater than 180 days (6 months) requires careful
assessment of the benefit-risk balance and physicians should therefore consider the need to limit the
exposure to voriconazole (see sections 4.2 and 5.1).
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC) has been reported in relation with long-term voriconazole treatment.
Non-infectious periostitis with elevated fluoride and alkaline phosphatase levels has been reported in transplant patients. If a patient develops skeletal pain and radiologic findings compatible with periostitis voriconazole discontinuation should be considered after multidisciplinary advice.
Visual adverse reactions
There have been reports of prolonged visual adverse reactions, including blurred vision, optic neuritis and papilloedema (see section 4.8).
Renal adverse reactions
Acute renal failure has been observed in severely ill patients undergoing treatment with voriconazole.
Patients being treated with voriconazole are likely to be treated concomitantly with nephrotoxic medicinal products and have concurrent conditions that may result in decreased renal function (see section 4.8).
Monitoring of renal function
Patients should be monitored for the development of abnormal renal function.
This should include laboratory evaluation, particularly serum creatinine.
Monitoring of pancreatic function
Patients, especially children, with risk factors for acute pancreatitis (e.g., recent chemotherapy, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT]), should be monitored closely during voriconazole treatment. Monitoring of serum amylase or lipase may be considered in this clinical situation.
Paediatric population
Safety and effectiveness in paediatric subjects below the age of two years has not been established (see sections 4.8 and 5.1). Voriconazole is indicated for paediatric patients aged two years or older.
A higher frequency of liver enzyme elevations was observed in the paediatric population (see section 4.8). Hepatic function should be monitored in both children and adults. Oral bioavailability may be limited in paediatric patients aged 2 to <12 years with malabsorption and very low body weight for age. In that case, intravenous voriconazole administration is recommended.
Serious dermatological adverse reactions (including SCC)
The frequency of phototoxicity reactions is higher in the paediatric population. As an evolution towards SCC has been reported, stringent measures for the photoprotection are warranted in this population of patients. In children experiencing photoaging injuries such as lentigines or ephelides, sun avoidance and dermatologic follow-up are recommended even after treatment discontinuation.
Prophylaxis
In case of treatment-related adverse events (hepatotoxicity, severe skin reactions including phototoxicity and SCC, severe or prolonged visual disorders and periostitis), discontinuation of voriconazole and use of alternative antifungal agents must be considered.
Phenytoin (CYP2C9 substrate and potent CYP450 inducer)
Careful monitoring of phenytoin levels is recommended when phenytoin is coadministered with voriconazole. Concomitant use of voriconazole and phenytoin should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the risk (see section 4.5).
Efavirenz (CYP450 inducer; CYP3A4 inhibitor and substrate)
When voriconazole is coadministered with efavirenz the dose of voriconazole should be increased to 400 mg every 12 hours and the dose of efavirenz should be decreased to 300 mg every 24 hours (see sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.5).
Rifabutin (Potent CYP450 inducer)
Careful monitoring of full blood counts and adverse reactions to rifabutin (e.g., uveitis) is recommended when rifabutin is coadministered with voriconazole. Concomitant use of voriconazole and rifabutin should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the risk (see section 4.5).
Ritonavir (potent CYP450 inducer; CYP3A4 inhibitor and substrate)
Coadministration of voriconazole and low-dose ritonavir (100 mg twice daily) should be avoided unless an assessment of the benefit/risk to the patient justifies the use of voriconazole (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).
Everolimus (CYP3A4 substrate, P-gp substrate)
Coadministration of voriconazole with everolimus is not recommended because voriconazole is expected to significantly increase everolimus concentrations. Currently there are insufficient data to allow dosing recommendations in this situation (see section 4.5).
Naloxegol (CYP3A4 substrate)
Coadministration of voriconazole and naloxegol is not recommended because voriconazole is expected to significantly increase naloxegol concentrations. Currently there are insufficient data to allow dosing recommendations of naloxegol in this situation (see section 4.5).
Methadone (CYP3A4 substrate)
Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to methadone, including QTc prolongation, is recommended when coadministered with voriconazole since methadone levels increased following coadministration of voriconazole. Dose reduction of methadone may be needed (see section 4.5).
Short-acting opiates (CYP3A4 substrate)
Reduction in the dose of alfentanil, fentanyl and other short-acting opiates similar in structure to alfentanil and metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g., sufentanil) should be considered when coadministered with voriconazole (see section 4.5). As the half-life of alfentanil is prolonged in a 4-fold manner when alfentanil is coadministered with voriconazole, and in an independent published study concomitant use of voriconazole with fentanyl resulted in an increase in the mean AUC0– / of fentanyl, frequent monitoring for opiate-associated adverse reactions (including a longer respiratory monitoring period) may be necessary.
Long-acting opiates (CYP3A4 substrate)
Reduction in the dose of oxycodone and other long-acting opiates metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., hydrocodone) should be considered when coadministered with voriconazole. Frequent monitoring for opiate-associated adverse reactions may be necessary (see section 4.5).
Fluconazole (CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitor) Coadministration of oral voriconazole and oral fluconazole resulted in a significant increase in Cmax and AUCT of voriconazole in healthy subjects. The reduced dose and/or frequency of voriconazole and fluconazole that would eliminate this effect have not been established. Monitoring for voriconazole associated adverse reactions is recommended if voriconazole is used sequentially after fluconazole (see section 4.5).
Excipients
Lactose
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction Voriconazole is metabolised by, and inhibits the activity of, cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. Inhibitors or inducers of these isoenzymes may increase or decrease voriconazole plasma concentrations, respectively, and there is potential for voriconazole to increase the plasma concentrations of substances metabolised by these CYP450 isoenzymes in particular for substances metabolised by CYP3A4 since voriconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor though the increase in AUC is substrate dependent (see Table below).
Unless otherwise specified, drug interaction studies have been performed in healthy adult male subjects using multiple dosing to steady state with oral voriconazole at 200 mg twice daily (BID). These results are relevant to other populations and routes of administration.
Voriconazole should be administered with caution in patients with concomitant medication that is known to prolong QTc interval. When there is also a potential for voriconazole to increase the plasma concentrations of substances metabolised by CYP3A4 isoenzymes (certain antihistamines, quinidine, cisapride, pimozide), coadministration is contraindicated (see below and section 4.3).
Interaction table
Interactions between voriconazole and other medicinal products are listed in the table below (once daily as “QD”, twice daily as “BID”, three times daily as “TID” and not determined as “ND”). The direction of the arrow for each pharmacokinetic parameter is based on the 90% confidence interval of the geometric mean ratio being within (^), below (|) or above (f) the 80–125% range. The asterisk () indicates a two way interaction. AUCT, AUCt and AUC0-OO represent area under the curve over a dosing interval, from time zero to the time with detectable measurement and from time zero to infinity, respectively.
The interactions in the table are presented in the following order: contraindications, those requiring dose adjustment and careful clinical and/or biological monitoring, and finally those that have no significant pharmacokinetic interaction but may be of clinical interest in this therapeutic field.
| Medicinal product [Mechanism of interaction] | Interaction Geometric mean changes (%) | Recommendations Concerning |
| coadministration | ||
| Astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, quinidine and terfenadine [CYP3A4 substrates] | Although not studied, increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products can lead to QTc prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes | Contraindicated (see section 4.3) |
| Carbamazepine and long-acting barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, mephobarbital) [potent CYP450 inducers] | Although not studied, carbamazepine and long-acting barbiturates are likely to significantly decrease plasma voriconazole concentrations. | Contraindicated (see section 4.3) |
| Efavirenz (a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) [CYP450 inducer; CYP3A4 inhibitor and substrate] Efavirenz 400 mg QD, coadministered with voriconazole 200 mg BID Efavirenz 300 mg QD, coadministered with voriconazole 400 mg BID* | Efavirenz Cmax f 38% Efavirenz AUC f 44% Voriconazole Cmax 1 61% Voriconazole AUC T 1 77% Compared to efavirenz 600 mg QD, Efavirenz Cmax ^ Efavirenz AUC T f17% Compared to voriconazole 200 mg BID, Voriconazole Cmax f 23% Voriconazole AUCT1 7% | Use of standard doses of voriconazole with efavirenz doses of 400 mg QD or higher is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Voriconazole may be coadministered with efavirenz if the voriconazole maintenance dose is increased to 400 mg BID and the efavirenz dose is decreased to 300 mg QD. When voriconazole treatment is stopped, the initial dose of efavirenz should be restored (see section 4.2 and 4.4). |
| Ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) [(.'YP3A4 substrates] | Although not studied, voriconazole is likely to increase the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids and lead to ergotism. | Contraindicated (see section 4.3) |
| Rifabutin [potent CYP450 inducer] 300 mg QD 300 mg QD (coadministered with voriconazole 350 mg BID) 300 mg QD (coadministered with voriconazole 400 mg BID) | Voriconazole Cmax 1 69% Voriconazole AUC T 1 78% Compared to voriconazole 200 mg BID, Voriconazole Cmax 1 4% Voriconazole AUC T 1 32% Rifabutin Cmax T 195% Rifabutin AUC T T 331% Compared to voriconazole 200 mg BID, Voriconazole Cmax |104% Voriconazole AUC T T 87% | Concomitant use of voriconazole and rifabutin should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the risk. The maintenance dose of voriconazole may be increased to 5 mg/kg intravenously BID or from 200 mg to 350 mg orally BID (100 mg to 200 mg orally BID in patients less than 40 kg) (see section 4.2). Careful monitoring of full blood counts and adverse reactions to rifabutin (e.g., uveitis) is recommended when rifabutin is coadministered with voriconazole. |
| Rifampicin (600 mg QD) [potent CYP450 inducer] | Voriconazole Cmax 1 93% Voriconazole AUC T 1 96% | Contraindicated (see section 4.3) |
| Ritonavir (protease inhibitor) [potent CYP450 inducer; CYP3A4 inhibitor and substrate] High dose (400 mg BID) Low dose (100 mg BID) | Ritonavir Cmax and AUC T ^ Voriconazole Cmax 1 66% Voriconazole AUC T 1 82% Ritonavir Cmax 1 25% Ritonavir AUC T 113% Voriconazole Cmax 1 24% Voriconazole AUC T 1 39% | Coadministration of voriconazole and high doses of ritonavir (400 mg and above BID) is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Coadministration of voriconazole and low- dose ritonavir (100 mg BID) should be avoided unless an assessment of the benefit/risk to the patient justifies the use of voriconazole. |
| St. John’s Wort [CYP450 inducer; Pgp inducer] 300 mg TID (coadministered with voriconazole 400 mg single dose) | In an independent published study, Voriconazole AUC0-OO 159% | Contraindicated (see section 4.3) |
| Everolimus [CYP3A4 substrate, P-gp substrate] | Although not studied, voriconazole is likely to significantly increase the plasma concentrations of everolimus | Coadministration of voriconazole with everolimus is not recommended because voriconazole is expected to significantly increase everolimus concentrations (see section 4.4). |
| Naloxegol [CYP3A4 substrate] | Although not studied, voriconazole is likely to significantly increase the plasma concentrations of naloxegol. | Co-administration of voriconazole and naloxegol is not recommended, as there is insufficient data to allow dosing recommendations of naloxegol in this situation (see section 4.4). |
| Fluconazole (200 mg QD) [CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitor] | Voriconazole Cmax f 57% Voriconazole AUC T f79% Fluconazole Cmax ND Fluconazole AUC T ND | The reduced dose and/or frequency of voriconazole and fluconazole that would eliminate this effect have not been established. Monitoring for voriconazole-associated adverse reactions is recommended if voriconazole is used sequentially after fluconazole. |
| Phenytoin [CYP2C9 substrate and potent CYP450 inducer] 300 mg QD 300 mg QD (coadministered with voriconazole 400 mg BID) | Voriconazole Cmax 1 49% Voriconazole AUC T 1 69% Phenytoin Cmax f 67% Phenytoin AUC T f 81% Compared to voriconazole 200 mg BID, Voriconazole Cmax f 34% Voriconazole AUC T f 39% | Concomitant use of voriconazole and phenytoin should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the risk. Careful monitoring of phenytoin plasma levels is recommended. Phenytoin may be coadministered with voriconazole if the maintenance dose of voriconazole is increased to 5 mg/kg IV BID or from 200 mg to 400 mg oral BID (100 mg to 200 mg oral BID in patients less than 40 kg) (see section 4.2). |
| Letermovir [CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 inducer] | Voriconazole Cmax 1 39% Voriconazole AUC0–12 1 44% Voriconazole C12 1 51% | If concomitant administration of voriconazole with letermovir cannot be avoided, monitor for loss of |
| voriconazole effectiveness. | ||
| Anticoagulants Warfarin (30 mg single dose, coadministered with 300 mg BID voriconazole) [CYP2C9 substrate] Other oral coumarins (e.g., phenprocoumon, acenocoumarol) [CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 substrates] | Maximum increase in prothrombin time was approximately 2-fold. Although not studied, voriconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of coumarins that may cause an increase in prothrombin time. | Close monitoring of prothrombin time or other suitable anticoagulation tests is recommended, and the dose of anticoagulants should be adjusted accordingly. |
| Ivacaftor [CYP3A4 substrate] | Although not studied, voriconazole is likely to increase the plasma concentrations of ivacaftor with risk of increased adverse effects. | Dose reduction of ivacaftor is recommended. |
| Benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam, alprazolam) [CYP3A4 substrates] | Although not studied clinically, voriconazole is likely to increase the plasma concentrations of benzodiazepines that are metabolised by CYP3A4 and lead to a prolonged sedative effect. | Dose reduction of benzodiazepines should be considered. |
| Tolvaptan [CYP3A substrate] | Although not studied clinically, voriconazole is likely to significantly increase the plasma concentrations of tolvaptan. | If concomitant administration of voriconazole with tolvaptan cannot be avoided, dose reduction of tolvaptan is recommended. |
| Immunosuppressants [CYP3A4 substrates] Sirolimus (2 mg single dose) Ciclosporin (in stable renal transplant recipients receiving chronic ciclosporin therapy) | In an independent published study, Sirolimus Cmax T 6.6-fold Sirolimus AUC0-oo T 11fold Ciclosporin Cmax T 13% Ciclosporin AUC T T 70% | Coadministration of voriconazole and sirolimus is contraindicated (see section 4.3). When initiating voriconazole in patients already on |
| Tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg single dose) | Tacrolimus Cmax T 117% Tacrolimus AUCt T 221% | ciclosporin it is recommended that the ciclosporin dose be halved and ciclosporin level carefully monitored. Increased ciclosporin levels have been associated with nephrotoxicity. When voriconazole is discontinued, ciclosporin levels must be carefully monitored and the dose increased as necessary. When initiating voriconazole in patients already on tacrolimus, it is recommended that the tacrolimus dose be reduced to a third of the original dose and tacrolimus level carefully monitored. Increased tacrolimus levels have been associated with nephrotoxicity. When voriconazole is discontinued, tacrolimus levels must be carefully monitored and the dose increased as necessary. |
| Long-Acting Opiates [CYP3A4 substrates] Oxycodone (10 mg single dose) | In an independent published study, Oxycodone Cmax T 1.7-fold Oxycodone AUC0-OO T 3.6– | Dose reduction in oxycodone and other long-acting opiates metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., hydrocodone) should be |
| fold | considered. Frequent monitoring for opiate-associated adverse reactions may be necessary. | |
| Methadone (32–100 mg QD) [CYP3A4 substrate] | R-methadone (active) Cmax f 31% R-methadone (active) AUC T f 47% S-methadone Cmax f 65% S-methadone AUC T f 103% | Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to methadone, including QTc prolongation, is recommended. Dose reduction of methadone may be needed. |
| Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) [CYP2C9 substrates] Ibuprofen (400 mg single dose) Diclofenac (50 mg single dose) | S-Ibuprofen Cmax f 20% S-Ibuprofen AUCo-, f 100% Diclofenac Cmax f 114% Diclofenac AU(A. f 78% | Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to NSAIDs is recommended. Dose reduction of NSAIDs may be needed. |
| Omeprazole (40 mg QD)* [CYP2C19 inhibitor; CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 substrate] | Omeprazole Cmax f 116% Omeprazole AUC T f 280% Voriconazole Cmax f 15% Voriconazole AUC f 41% Other proton pump inhibitors that are CYP2C19 substrates may also be inhibited by voriconazole and may result in increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products. | No dose adjustment of voriconazole is recommended. When initiating voriconazole in patients already receiving omeprazole doses of 40 mg or above, it is recommended that the omeprazole dose be halved. |
| Oral Contraceptives* [CYP3A4 substrate; CYP2C19 inhibitor] Norethisterone/ethinylestradiol (1 mg/0.035 mg QD) | Ethinylestradiol Cmax f 36% Ethinylestradiol AUC T f 61% Norethisterone Cmax f 15% Norethisterone AUC T f 53% Voriconazole Cmax f 14% Voriconazole AUC T f 46% | Monitoring for adverse reactions related to oral contraceptives, in addition to those for voriconazole, is recommended. |
| Short-acting Opiates [CYP3A4 substrates] Alfentanil (20 ug/kg single dose, with concomitant naloxone) Fentanyl (5 ug/kg single dose) | In an independent published study, Alfentanil AUC 0-oo f 6-fold In an independent published study, Fentanyl AUC0-oo f 1.34-fold | Dose reduction of alfentanil, fentanyl and other shortacting opiates similar in structure to alfentanil and metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g., sufentanil) should be considered. Extended and frequent monitoring for respiratory depression and other opiate-associated adverse reactions is recommended. |
| Statins (e.g., lovastatin) [CYP3A4 substrates] | Although not studied clinically, voriconazole is likely to increase the plasma concentrations of statins that are metabolised by CYP3 A4 and could lead to rhabdomyolysis. | Dose reduction of statins should be considered. |
| Sulphonylureas (e.g., tolbutamide, glipizide, glyburide) [CYP2C9 substrates] | Although not studied, voriconazole is likely to increase the plasma concentrations of sulphonylureas and cause hypoglycaemia. | Careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended. Dose reduction of sulfonylureas should be considered |
| Vinca Alkaloids (e.g., vincristine and vinblastine) [CYP3A4 substrates] | Although not studied, voriconazole is likely to increase the plasma concentrations of vinca alkaloids and lead to neurotoxicity | Dose reduction of vinca alkaloids should be considered. |
| Other HIV Protease Inhibitors (e.g., saquinavir, amprenavir and nelfinavir) [CYP3A4 substrates and inhibitors] | Not studied clinically. In vitro studies show that voriconazole may inhibit the metabolism of HIV protease inhibitors and the metabolism of voriconazole may also be inhibited by HIV protease inhibitors. | Careful monitoring for any occurrence of drug toxicity and/or lack of efficacy, and dose adjustment may be needed. |
| Other Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) (e.g., delavirdine, nevirapine) | Not studied clinically. In vitro studies show that the metabolism of voriconazole may be inhibited by NNRTIs | Careful monitoring for any occurrence of drug toxicity and/or lack of |
| [CYP3A4 substrates, inhibitors or CYP450 inducers] | and voriconazole may inhibit the metabolism of NNRTIs. The findings of the effect of efavirenz on voriconazole suggest that the metabolism of voriconazole may be induced by an NNRTI. | efficacy, and dose adjustment may be needed. |
| Cimetidine (400 mg BID) [non-specific CYP450 inhibitor and increases gastric pH] | Voriconazole Cmax T 18% Voriconazole AUC T T 23% | No dose adjustment |
| Digoxin (0.25 mg QD) [P-gp substrate] | Digoxin Cmax ^ Digoxin AUC T ^ | No dose adjustment |
| Indinavir (800 mg TID) [CYP3A4 inhibitor and substrate] | Indinavir Cmax ^ Indinavir AUC T ^ Voriconazole Cmax ^ Voriconazole AUC T ^ | No dose adjustment |
| Macrolide antibiotics Erythromycin (1 g BID) [CYP3A4 inhibitor] Azithromycin (500 mg QD) | Voriconazole Cmax and AUC T ^ Voriconazole Cmax and AUC T ^ The effect of voriconazole on either erythromycin or azithromycin is unknown | No dose adjustment |
| Mycophenolic acid (1 g single dose) [UDP-glucuronyl transferase substrate] | Mycophenolic acid Cmax ^ Mycophenolic acid AUCt^ | No dose adjustment |
| Corticosteroids Prednisolone (60 mg single dose) [CYP3A4 substrate] | Prednisolone Cmax T 11% Prednisolone AUC 0-oo T 34% | No dose adjustment. Patients on longterm treatment with voriconazole and corticosteroids (including inhaled corticosteroids e.g., budesonide and intranasal corticosteroids) should be carefully monitored for adrenal cortex dysfunction both |
| during treatment and when voriconazole is discontinued (see section 4.4). | ||
| Ranitidine (150 mg BID) [increases gastric pH] | Voriconazole Cmax and AUC T ^ | No dose adjustment |
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are no adequate data on the use of voriconazole in pregnant women available.
Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown.
Voriconazole Milpharm must not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential risk to the foetus.
Women of child-bearing potential
Women of child-bearing potential must always use effective contraception during treatment.
Breast-feeding
The excretion of voriconazole into breast milk has not been investigated.
Breast-feeding must be stopped on initiation of treatment with Voriconazole Milpharm.
Fertility
In an animal study, no impairment of fertility was demonstrated in male and female rats (see section 5.3).
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Voriconazole has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. It may cause transient and reversible changes to vision, including blurring, altered/enhanced visual perception and/or photophobia. Patients must avoid potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving or operating machinery while experiencing these symptoms.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of safety profile
The safety profile of voriconazole in adults is based on an integrated safety database of more than 2,000 subjects (including 1,603 adult patients in therapeutic trials) and an additional 270 adults in prophylaxis trials. This represents a heterogeneous population, containing patients with haematological malignancy, HIV-infected patients with oesophageal candidiasis and refractory fungal infections, non-neutropenic patients with candidaemia or aspergillosis and healthy volunteers.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions were visual impairment, pyrexia, rash, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, peripheral oedema, liver function test abnormal, respiratory distress and abdominal pain.
The severity of the adverse reactions was generally mild to moderate. No clinically significant differences were seen when the safety data were analysed by age, race, or gender.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
In the table below, since the majority of the studies were of an open nature, all causality adverse reactions and their frequency categories in 1,873 adults from pooled therapeutic (1,603) and prophylaxis (270) studies, by system organ class are listed.
Frequency categories are expressed as: Very common (>1/10); Common (>1/100 to <1/10); Uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100); Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000); Very rare (<1/10,000); Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Undesirable effects reported in subjects receiving voriconazole:
| System Organ Class | Very common > 1/10 | Common > 1/100 to < 1/10 | Uncommon > 1/1,000 to < 1/100 | Rare > 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000 | Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from available data) |
| Infections and infestations | sinusitis | Pseudomembran ous colitis | |||
| Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps) | Squamous cell
carcinoma | ||||
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | agranulocytosis 1 . , pancytopenia, thrombocytopen ia2, leukopenia, anaemia | bone marrow failure, lymphadenopath y, eosinophilia | Disseminated intravascular coagulation | ||
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivity | anaphylactoid reaction |
| Endocrine disorders | Adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism | hyperthyroidism | |||
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | oedema peripheral | Hypoglycaemia, hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia | |||
| Psychiatric disorders | depression, hallucination,an xiety, insomnia, agitation, confusional state | ||||
| Nervous system disorders | headache | convulsion, syncope, tremor, hypertonia3, paraesthesia, somnolence, dizziness | brain oedema, encephalopathy4, extrapyramidal disorder5,neurop athy peripheral, ataxia, hypoaesthesia, dysgeusia | Hepatic encephalopathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, nystagmus | |
| Eye disorders | Visual impairment6 | Retinal haemorrhage | optic nerve disorder7, papilloedema8, oculogyric crisis, diplopia, scleritis, blepharitis | optic atrophy, corneal opacity | |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | hypoacusis, vertigo, tinnitus | ||||
| Cardiac disorders | arrhythmia supraventricular , tachycardia, bradycardia | Ventricular fibrillation, Ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia, electrocardiogra m QT prolonged, supraventricular tachycardia | torsades de pointes, atrioventricular block complete, bundle branch block, nodal rhythm | ||
| Vascular disorders | hypotension, phlebitis | thrombophlebitis , lymphangitis | |||
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Respiratory 9 distress | acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary oedema |
| Gastrointestin al disorders | diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea | cheilitis, dyspepsia, constipation, gingivitis | peritonitis, pancreatitis, swollen tongue, duodenitis, gastroenteritis, glossitis | ||
| Hepatobiliary disorders | liver function test abnormal | jaundice, jaundice cholestatic, 10 hepatitis | hepatic failure, hepatomegaly, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis | ||
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | rash | Dermatitis exfoliative, alopecia, rash maculo-papular, pruritus, erythema | Stevens-Johnson syndrome, phototoxicity, purpura, urticaria, dermatitis allergic, rash papular, rash macular, eczema | toxic epidermal necrolysis, angioedema, actinic keratosis, pseudoporphyria erythema multiforme, psoriasis, drug eruption, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). | Cutaneous lupus erythematosus , ephelides, lentigo* |
| Musculoskelet al and connective tissue disorders | back pain | arthritis | periostitis* | ||
| Renal and urinary disorders | renal failure acute, haematuria | renal tubular necrosis, proteinuria, nephritis | |||
| General disorders and administration site conditions | pyrexia | chest pain, face oedema11, asthenia, chills | infusion site reaction, influenza like illness | ||
| Investigations | blood creatinine increased | blood urea increased, blood cholesterol increased |
*ADR identified post-marketing
1 Includes febrile neutropenia and neutropenia.
2 Includes immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
3 Includes nuchal rigidity and tetany.
4 Includes hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and metabolic encephalopathy.
5 Includes akathisia and parkinsonism.
6 See “Visual impairments” paragraph in section 4.8.
7 Prolonged optic neuritis has been reported post-marketing. See section 4.4. 8 See section 4.4.
9 Includes dyspnoea and dyspnoea exertional.
10 Includes drug-induced liver injury, hepatitis toxic, hepatocellular injury and hepatotoxicity.
11 Includes periorbital oedema, lip oedema, and oedema mouth.
Description of selected adverse reactions
Visual impairments
In clinical trials, visual impairments (including blurred vision, photophobia, chloropsia, chromatopsia, colour blindness, cyanopsia, eye disorder, halo vision, night blindness, oscillopsia, photopsia, scintillating scotoma, visual acuity reduced, visual brightness, visual field defect, vitreous floaters, and xanthopsia) with voriconazole were very common. These visual impairments were transient and fully reversible, with the majority spontaneously resolving within 60 minutes and no clinically significant long-term visual effects were observed. There was evidence of attenuation with repeated doses of voriconazole. The visual impairments were generally mild, rarely resulted in discontinuation and were not associated with long-term sequelae. Visual impairments may be associated with higher plasma concentrations and/or doses.
The mechanism of action is unknown, although the site of action is most likely to be within the retina. In a study in healthy volunteers investigating the impact of voriconazole on retinal function, voriconazole caused a decrease in the electroretinogram (ERG) waveform amplitude. The ERG measures electrical currents in the retina. The ERG changes did not progress over 29 days of treatment and were fully reversible on withdrawal of voriconazole. There have been post-marketing reports of prolonged visual adverse events (see section 4.4).
Dermatological reactions
Dermatological reactions were very common in patients treated with voriconazole in clinical trials, but these patients had serious underlying diseases and were receiving multiple concomitant medicinal products. The majority of rashes were of mild to moderate severity. Patients have developed severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) (uncommon), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (rare) drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) (rare) and erythema multiforme (rare) during treatment with voriconazole (see section 4.4).
If a patient develops a rash they should be monitored closely and voriconazole discontinued if lesions progress. Photosensitivity reactions such as ephelides, lentigo and actinic keratosis have been reported, especially during long-term therapy (see section 4.4).
There have been reports of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in patients treated with voriconazole for long periods of time; the mechanism has not been established (see section 4.4).
Liver function tests
The overall incidence of transaminase increases >3 xULN (not necessarily comprising an adverse event) in the voriconazole clinical programme was 18.0% (319/1,768) in adults and 25.8% (73/283) in paediatric subjects who received voriconazole for pooled therapeutic and prophylaxis use. Liver function test abnormalities may be associated with higher plasma concentrations and/or doses. The majority of abnormal liver function tests either resolved during treatment without dose adjustment or following dose adjustment, including discontinuation of therapy.
Voriconazole has been associated with cases of serious hepatic toxicity in patients with other serious underlying conditions. This includes cases of jaundice, hepatitis and hepatic failure leading to death (see section 4.4).
Prophylaxis
In an open-label, comparative, multicenter study comparing voriconazole and itraconazole as primary prophylaxis in adult and adolescent allogeneic HSCT recipients without prior proven or probable IFI, permanent discontinuation of voriconazole due to AEs was reported in 39.3% of subjects versus 39.6% of subjects in the itraconazole arm. Treatment-emergent hepatic AEs resulted in permanent discontinuation of study medication for 50 subjects (21.4%) treated with voriconazole and for 18 subjects (7.1%) treated with itraconazole.
Paediatric population
The safety of voriconazole was investigated in 288 paediatric patients aged 2 to <12 years (169) and 12 to <18 years (119) who received voriconazole for prophylaxis (183) and therapeutic use (105) in clinical trials. The safety of voriconazole was also investigated in 158 additional paediatric patients aged 2 to <12 years in compassionate use programs. Overall, the safety profile of voriconazole in paediatric population was similar to that in adults. However, a trend towards a higher frequency of liver enzyme elevations, reported as adverse events in clinical trials was observed in paediatric patients as compared to adults (14.2% transaminases increased in paediatrics compared to 5.3% in adults). Post-marketing data suggest there might be a higher occurrence of skin reactions (especially erythema) in the paediatric population compared to adults. In the 22 patients less than 2 years old who received voriconazole in a compassionate use programme, the following adverse reactions (for which a relationship to voriconazole could not be excluded) were reported: photosensitivity reaction (1), arrhythmia (1), pancreatitis (1), blood bilirubin increased (1), hepatic enzymes increased (1), rash (1) and Papilloedema (1). There have been post-marketing reports of pancreatitis in paediatric patients.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9 Overdose
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
General pharmacokinetic characteristics
The pharmacokinetics of voriconazole have been characterised in healthy subjects, special populations and patients. During oral administration of 200 mg or 300 mg twice daily for 14 days in patients at risk of aspergillosis (mainly patients with malignant neoplasms of lymphatic or haematopoietic tissue), the observed pharmacokinetic characteristics of rapid and consistent absorption, accumulation and non-linear pharmacokinetics were in agreement with those observed in healthy subjects.
The pharmacokinetics of voriconazole are non-linear due to saturation of its metabolism. Greater than proportional increase in exposure is observed with increasing dose. It is estimated that, on average, increasing the oral dose from 200 mg twice daily to 300 mg twice daily leads to a 2.5-fold increase in exposure (AUCt). The oral maintenance dose of 200 mg (or 100 mg for patients less than 40 kg) achieves a voriconazole exposure similar to 3 mg/kg IV. A 300 mg (or 150 mg for patients less than 40 kg) oral maintenance dose achieves an exposure similar to 4 mg/kg IV. When the recommended intravenous or oral loading dose regimens are administered, plasma concentrations close to steady state are achieved within the first 24 hours of dosing. Without the loading dose, accumulation occurs during twice daily multiple dosing with steady-state plasma voriconazole concentrations being achieved by Day 6 in the majority of subjects.
Absorption
Voriconazole is rapidly and almost completely absorbed following oral administration, with maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) achieved 1–2 hours after dosing. The absolute bioavailability of voriconazole after oral administration is estimated to be 96%. When multiple doses of voriconazole are administered with high fat meals, Cmax and AUCT are reduced by 34% and 24%, respectively. The absorption of voriconazole is not affected by changes in gastric pH.
Distribution
The volume of distribution at steady state for voriconazole is estimated to be 4.6 L/kg, suggesting extensive distribution into tissues. Plasma protein binding is estimated to be 58%. Cerebrospinal fluid samples from eight patients in a compassionate programme showed detectable voriconazole concentrations in all patients.
Biotransformation
In vitro studies showed that voriconazole is metabolised by the hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4.
The inter-individual variability of voriconazole pharmacokinetics is high. In vivo studies indicated that CYP2C19 is significantly involved in the metabolism of voriconazole. This enzyme exhibits genetic polymorphism. For example, 15–20% of Asian populations may be expected to be poor metabolisers. For Caucasians and Blacks the prevalence of poor metabolisers is 3–5%. Studies conducted in Caucasian and Japanese healthy subjects have shown that poor metabolisers have, on average, 4-fold higher voriconazole exposure (AUCt) than their homozygous extensive metaboliser counterparts. Subjects who are heterozygous extensive metabolisers have on average 2-fold higher voriconazole exposure than their homozygous extensive metaboliser counterparts.
The major metabolite of voriconazole is the N-oxide, which accounts for 72% of the circulating radiolabelled metabolites in plasma. This metabolite has minimal antifungal activity and does not contribute to the overall efficacy of voriconazole.
Elimination
Voriconazole is eliminated via hepatic metabolism with less than 2% of the dose excreted unchanged in the urine.
After administration of a radiolabelled dose of voriconazole, approximately 80% of the radioactivity is recovered in the urine after multiple intravenous dosing and 83% in the urine after multiple oral dosing. The majority (>94%) of the total radioactivity is excreted in the first 96 hours after both oral and intravenous dosing.
The terminal half-life of voriconazole depends on dose and is approximately 6 hours at 200 mg (orally). Because of non-linear pharmacokinetics, the terminal half-life is not useful in the prediction of the accumulation or elimination of voriconazole.
Pharmacokinetics in special patient groups
Gender
In an oral multiple-dose study, Cmax and AUCt for healthy young females were 83% and 113% higher, respectively, than in healthy young males (18–45 years). In the same study, no significant differences in Cmax and AUCt were observed between healthy elderly males and healthy elderly females (>65 years).
In the clinical programme, no dosage adjustment was made on the basis of gender. The safety profile and plasma concentrations observed in male and female patients were similar. Therefore, no dosage adjustment based on gender is necessary.
Elderly
In an oral multiple-dose study Cmax and AUCt in healthy elderly males (>65 years) were 61% and 86% higher, respectively, than in healthy young males (18–45 years). No significant differences in Cmax and AUCt were observed between healthy elderly females (>65 years) and healthy young females (1845 years).
In the therapeutic studies no dosage adjustment was made on the basis of age. A relationship between plasma concentrations and age was observed. The safety profile of voriconazole in young and elderly patients was similar and, therefore, no dosage adjustment is necessary for the elderly (see section 4.2).
Paediatric population
The recommended doses in children and adolescent patients are based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis of data obtained from 112 immunocompromised paediatric patients aged 2 to <12 years and 26 immunocompromised adolescent patients aged 12 to <17 years. Multiple intravenous doses of 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 mg/kg twice daily and multiple oral doses (using the powder for oral suspension) of 4 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg, and 200 mg twice daily were evaluated in 3 paediatric pharmacokinetic studies. Intravenous loading doses of 6 mg/kg IV twice daily on day 1 followed by 4 mg/kg intravenous dose twice daily and 300 mg oral tablets twice daily were evaluated in one adolescent pharmacokinetic study. Larger inter-subject variability was observed in paediatric patients compared to adults.
A comparison of the paediatric and adult population pharmacokinetic data indicated that the predicted total exposure (AUC T) in children following administration of a 9 mg/kg IV loading dose was comparable to that in adults following a 6 mg/kg IV loading dose. The predicted total exposures in children following IV maintenance doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg twice daily were comparable to those in adults following 3 and 4 mg/kg IV twice daily,
respectively. The predicted total exposure in children following an oral maintenance dose of 9 mg/kg (maximum of 350 mg) twice daily was comparable to that in adults following 200 mg oral twice daily. An 8 mg/kg intravenous dose will provide voriconazole exposure approximately 2– fold higher than a 9 mg/kg oral dose.
The higher intravenous maintenance dose in paediatric patients relative to adults reflects the higher elimination capacity in paediatric patients due to a greater liver mass to body mass ratio. Oral bioavailability may, however, be limited in paediatric patients with malabsorption and very low body weight for their age. In that case, intravenous voriconazole administration is recommended.
Voriconazole exposures in the majority of adolescent patients were comparable to those in adults receiving the same dosing regimens. However, lower voriconazole exposure was observed in some young adolescents with low body weight compared to adults. It is likely that these subjects may metabolize voriconazole more similarly to children than to adults. Based on the population pharmacokinetic analysis, 12– to 14– year-old adolescents weighing less than 50 kg should receive children’s doses (see section 4.2).
Renal impairment
In an oral single-dose (200 mg) study in subjects with normal renal function and mild (creatinine clearance 41–60 ml/min) to severe (creatinine clearance <20 ml/min) renal impairment, the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole were not significantly affected by renal impairment. The plasma protein binding of voriconazole was similar in subjects with different degrees of renal impairment (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
Hepatic impairment
After an oral single-dose (200 mg), AUC was 233% higher in subjects with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A and B) compared with subjects with normal hepatic function. Protein binding of voriconazole was not affected by impaired hepatic function.
In an oral multiple-dose study, AUCt was similar in subjects with moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B) given a maintenance dose of 100 mg twice daily and subjects with normal hepatic function given 200 mg twice daily. No pharmacokinetic data are available for patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
5.3 Preclinical safety data
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Tablet Core:
Lactose monohydrate
Pregelatinized, Starch (Maize starch)
Maize starch
Croscarmellose sodium
Povidone (K – 30)
Silica, colloidal Anhydrous
Magnesium stearate
Tablet coating:
Hypromellose 2910
Lactose monohydrate
Titanium dioxide (E 171)
Triacetin
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
3 years
6.4 Special precautions for storage
This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Voriconazole Milpharm film-coated tablets are available in Clear PVC -Aluminium foil blister pack and HDPE container packs.
Packsizes:
Blister packs: 10, 14, 28, 30, 50, 56, 90 and 100 film-coated tablets.
HDPE packs: 100 and 250 film-coated tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
6.6 Special precautions for disposalAny unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Milpharm Limited
Ares Block, Odyssey Business Park
West End Road
Ruislip HA4 6QD
United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 16363/0451
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
11/03/2016