Overview
11 DESCRIPTION OPSUMIT ® (macitentan) is an endothelin receptor antagonist. The chemical name of macitentan is N-[5-(4-Bromophenyl)-6-[2-[(5-bromo-2-pyrimidinyl)oxy]ethoxy]-4-pyrimidinyl]-N'-propylsulfamide. It has a molecular formula of C 19 H 20 Br 2 N 6 O 4 S and a molecular weight of 588.27.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Endothelin (ET)-1 and its receptors (ET A and ET B ) mediate a variety of deleterious effects, such as vasoconstriction, fibrosis, proliferation, hypertrophy, and inflammation. In disease conditions such as PAH, the local ET system is upregulated and is involved in vascular hypertrophy and in organ damage. Macitentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist that inhibits the binding of ET-1 to both ET A and ET B receptors. Macitentan displays high affinity and sustained occupancy of the ET receptors in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. One of the metabolites of macitentan is also pharmacologically active at the ET receptors and is estimated to be about 20% as potent as the parent drug in vitro .
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE OPSUMIT is an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I) in adults to reduce the risks of disease progression and hospitalization for PAH ( 1.1 ). 1.1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension OPSUMIT is an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I) in adults to reduce the risks of disease progression and hospitalization for PAH.
Common Doses
- 10 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 10 mg once daily . Doses higher than 10 mg once daily have not been studied in patients with PAH and are not recommended ( 2.1 ). 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of OPSUMIT is 10 mg once daily for oral administration. Doses higher than 10 mg once daily have not been studied in patients with PAH and are not recommended. 2.2 Pregnancy Testing in Females of Reproductive Potential Exclude pregnancy before initiating treatment with OPSUMIT in females of reproductive potential [see Boxed Warning , Contraindications (4.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY OPSUMIT is contraindicated for use during pregnancy because it may cause fetal harm based on animal data [see Contraindications (4.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Therefore, for females of reproductive potential, exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment with OPSUMIT. Advise use of effective contraception before the initiation of treatment, during treatment, and for one month after stopping treatment with OPSUMIT [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ].
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregnancy ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Pregnancy OPSUMIT may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. OPSUMIT is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. OPSUMIT was consistently shown to have teratogenic effects when administered to animals. If OPSUMIT is used during pregnancy, advise the patient of the potential risk to a fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 4.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinically significant adverse reactions that appear in other sections of the labeling include: Embryo-fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Fluid Retention [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Decrease in Hemoglobin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Most common adverse reactions (more frequent than placebo by ≥3%) are anemia, nasopharyngitis/pharyngitis, bronchitis, headache, influenza, and urinary tract infection ( 6.1 ).
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin) reduce exposure to macitentan: avoid co-administration with OPSUMIT ( 7.1 , 12.3 ). Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir) increase exposure to macitentan: avoid co-administration with OPSUMIT ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) . Moderate dual CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 inhibitors (fluconazole, amiodarone) or use of combined CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 inhibitors may increase exposure to macitentan: avoid co-administration with OPSUMIT ( 7.3 , 12.3 ). 7.1 Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Strong inducers of CYP3A4 such as rifampin significantly reduce macitentan exposure.