Luforbec is indicated in the regular treatment of asthma where use of a combination product (inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta₂-agonist) is appropriate:

- patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and 'as needed' inhaled rapid-acting beta₂-agonist or

- patients already adequately controlled on both inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta₂-agonists.

Luforbec is indicated in adults.

Posology

Luforbec is not intended for the initial management of asthma. The dosage of the components of Luforbec is individual and should be adjusted to the severity of the disease. This should be considered not only when treatment with combination products is initiated but also when the dose is adjusted. If an individual patient should require a combination of doses other than those available in the combination inhaler, appropriate doses of beta2-agonists and/or corticosteroids by individual inhalers should be prescribed.

Beclometasone dipropionate in Luforbec is characterised by an extrafine particle size distribution which results in a more potent effect than formulations of beclometasone dipropionate with a non-extrafine particle size distribution (100 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate extrafine in Luforbec are equivalent to 250 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate in a non-extrafine formulation). Therefore, the total daily dose of beclometasone dipropionate administered in Luforbec should be lower than the total daily dose of beclometasone dipropionate administered in a non-extrafine beclometasone dipropionate formulation.

This should be taken into consideration when a patient is transferred from a beclometasone dipropionate non-extrafine formulation to Luforbec; the dose of beclometasone dipropionate should be lower and will need to be adjusted to the individual needs of the patients.

Dose recommendations for adults 18 years and above

Two inhalations twice daily.

The maximum daily dose is 4 inhalations.

Luforbec 200/6 should be used as maintenance therapy only. A lower strength (Luforbec 100/6) is available for maintenance and reliever therapy.

Patients should be advised to have their separate short-acting bronchodilator available for rescue use at all times.

Patients should be regularly reassessed by a doctor, so that the dosage of Luforbec remains optimal and is only changed on medical advice. The dose should be titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is maintained. When long term control of symptoms is maintained with the lowest recommended dosage, then the next step could include a test of inhaled corticosteroid alone. Luforbec 200/6 should not be used for step-down treatment but a lower strength of the beclometasone dipropionate component in the same inhaler is available for step-down treatment (Luforbec 100/6 micrograms).

Patients should be advised to take Luforbec every day even when asymptomatic.

Special patient groups:

There is no need to adjust the dose in elderly patients. There are no data available for use of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol in patients with hepatic or renal impairment (see section 5.2).

Dose recommendations for children and adolescents under 18 years:

Luforbec 200/6 should not be used in children and adolescents less than 18 years.

Method of administration

Luforbec is for inhalation use.

To ensure proper administration of the drug, the patient should be shown how to use the inhaler correctly by a physician or other health professional. Correct use of the pressurised metered dose inhaler is essential in order that treatment is successful. The patient should be advised to read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully and follow the instructions for use as given in the Leaflet.

Luforbec inhaler is provided with a dose indicator on the front of the actuator, which shows how many doses are left. For the 120 doses presentation each time the patient press the canister, a puff of medicine is released and the dose indicator counts down by one but the dose-indicator window displays the number of sprays left in the inhaler in units of twenty (e.g., 120, 100, 80, etc). Patients should be advised not to drop the inhaler as this may cause the indicator to count down.

Testing the inhaler

Before using the inhaler for the first time, the patient should release three actuations into the air and if the inhaler has not been used for 14 days or more, the patient should release one actuation into the air in order to ensure that the inhaler is working properly.

After testing the inhaler for the first time, the dose indicator should read 120.

Use of the inhaler:

If the inhaler has been exposed to severe cold, patients should warm it with their hands for a few minutes before using it. They should never warm it by artificial means.

Whenever possible patients should stand or sit in an upright position when inhaling from their inhaler.

1. Patients should remove the protective cap from the mouthpiece and check that the mouthpiece is clean and free from dust and dirt or any other foreign objects.

2. Patients should breathe out as slowly and deeply as possible.

3. Patients should hold the canister vertically with its body upwards and put the lips around the mouthpiece without biting the mouthpiece.

4. At the same time, patients should breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouth. After starting to breathe in, they should press down on the top of the inhaler to release one puff.

5. Patients should hold the breath for as long as possible and, finally, they should remove the inhaler from the mouth and breathe out slowly. Patients should not breathe out into the inhaler.

To inhale a further puff, patients should keep the inhaler in a vertical position for about half a minute and repeat steps 2 to 5.

IMPORTANT: patients should not perform steps 2 to 5 too quickly.

After use, patients should close the inhaler with protective cap and check the dose indicator.

Patients should be advised to get a new inhaler when the dose indicator shows the number 20. They should stop using the inhaler when the dose indicator shows 0 as any puffs left in the device may not be enough to release a full dose.

If mist appears following inhalation, either from the inhaler or from the sides of the mouth, the procedure should be repeated from step 2.

For patients with weak hands it may be easier to hold the inhaler with both hands. Therefore the index fingers should be placed on the top of the inhaler canister and both thumbs on the base of the inhaler.

Patients should rinse their mouth or gargle with water or brush the teeth after inhaling (see section 4.4).

The canister contains a pressurised liquid. Patients should be advised not to expose to temperatures higher than 50° C and not to pierce the canister.

Cleaning

Patients should be advised to read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully for cleaning instructions. For the regular cleaning of the inhaler, patients should remove the cap from the mouthpiece and wipe the outside and inside of the mouthpiece with a dry cloth. They should not remove the canister from the actuator and should not use water or other liquids to clean the mouthpiece.

Patients who find it difficult to synchronise aerosol actuation with inspiration of breath, may use the AeroChamber Plus spacer device. They should be advised by their doctor, pharmacist or a nurse in the proper use and care of their inhaler and spacer and their technique checked to ensure optimum delivery of the inhaled drug to the lungs. This may be obtained by the patients using the AeroChamber Plus by one continuous slow and deep breath through the spacer, without any delay between actuation and inhalation.

Hypersensitivity to active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Luforbec should be used with caution (which may include monitoring) in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, especially third degree atrioventricular block and tachyarrhythmias , idiopathic subvalvular aortic stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, ischaemic heart disease, severe heart failure, ,severe arterial hypertension and aneurysm.

Caution should also be observed when treating patients with known or suspected prolongation of the QTc interval, either congenital or drug induced (QTc > 0.44 seconds). Formoterol itself may induce prolongation of the QTc interval.

Caution is also required when Luforbec is used by patients with thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, phaeochromocytoma and untreated hypokalaemia.

Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta2-agonist therapy. Particular caution is advised in severe asthma as this effect may be potentiated by hypoxia. Hypokalaemia may also be potentiated by concomitant treatment with other drugs which can induce hypokalaemia, such as xanthine derivatives, steroids and diuretics (see Section 4.5). Caution is also recommended in unstable asthma when a number of “ rescue” bronchodilators may be used. It is recommended that serum potassium levels are monitored in such situations.

The inhalation of formoterol may cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Therefore blood glucose should be closely monitored in patients with diabetes.

If anaesthesia with halogenated anaesthetics is planned, it should be ensured that Luforbec is not administered for at least 12 hours before the start of anaesthesia as there is a risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

As with all inhaled medication containing corticosteroids, Luforbec should be administered with caution in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis, fungal and viral infections in the airways.

It is recommended that treatment with Luforbec should not be stopped abruptly.

If patients find the treatment ineffective medical attention must be sought. Increasing use of rescue bronchodilators indicates a worsening of the underlying condition and warrants a reassessment of the asthma therapy. Sudden and progressive deterioration in control of asthma is potentially life-threatening and the patient should undergo urgent medical assessment. Consideration should be given to the need for increased treatment with corticosteroids, either inhaled or oral therapy, or antibiotic treatment if an infection is suspected.

Patients should not be initiated on Luforbec during an exacerbation, or if they have significantly worsening or acutely deteriorating asthma. Serious asthma-related adverse events and exacerbations may occur during treatment with Luforbec. Patients should be asked to continue treatment but to seek medical advice if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled or worsen after initiation on Luforbec.

As with other inhalation therapy paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with an immediate increase in wheezing and rapidness of breath after dosing. This should be treated immediately with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Luforbec should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed and alternative therapy instituted if necessary.

Luforbec should not be used as the first treatment for asthma.

For treatment of acute asthma attacks patients should be advised to have their rapid-acting bronchodilator available at all times.

Patients should be reminded to take Luforbec daily as prescribed even when asymptomatic.

Once asthma symptoms are controlled, consideration may be given to gradually reducing the dose of Luforbec. Regular review of patients as treatment is stepped down is important. The lowest effective dose of Luforbec should be used (a lower strength of Luforbec 100/6 is available, see also section 4.2).

Systemic effects may occur with any inhaled corticosteroid, particularly at high doses prescribed for long periods. These effects are much less likely to occur with inhaled than with oral corticosteroids. Possible systemic effects include: Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, decrease in bone mineral density, growth retardation in children and adolescents, cataract and glaucoma and more rarely, a range of psychological or behavioural effects including psychomotor hyperactivity, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression or aggression (particularly in children).

Therefore, it is important that the patient is reviewed regularly, and the dose of inhaled corticosteroid is reduced to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained.

Single dose pharmacokinetic data (see section 5.2) have demonstrated that the use of Luforbec with Aerochamber Plus® spacer device in comparison to the use of standard actuator, does not increase the total systemic exposure to formoterol and reduces the systemic exposure to beclometasone-17-monopropionate, while there is an increase for unchanged beclometasone dipropionate that reaches systemic circulation from the lung; however, since the total systemic exposure to beclometasone dipropionate plus its active metabolite does not change, there is no increased risk of systemic effects when using Luforbec with the named spacer device.

Prolonged treatment of patients with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids may result in adrenal suppression and acute adrenal crisis. Children aged less than 16 years taking/inhaling higher than recommended doses of beclometasone dipropionate may be at particular risk. Situations which could potentially trigger acute adrenal crisis, include trauma, surgery, infection or any rapid reduction in dosage. Presenting symptoms are typically vague and may include anorexia, abdominal pain, weight loss, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, decreased level of consciousness, hypoglycaemia, and seizures. Additional systemic corticosteroid cover should be considered during periods of stress or elective surgery.

Care should be taken when transferring patients to Luforbec therapy, particularly if there is any reason to suppose that adrenal function is impaired from previous systemic steroid therapy.

Patients transferring from oral to inhaled corticosteroids may remain at risk of impaired adrenal reserve for a considerable time. Patients who have required high dose emergency corticosteroid therapy in the past or have received prolonged treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids may also be at risk. This possibility of residual impairment should always be borne in mind in emergency and elective situations likely to produce stress, and appropriate corticosteroid treatment must be considered. The extent of the adrenal impairment may require specialist advice before elective procedures.

Patients should be advised to rinse the mouth or gargle with water or brush the teeth after inhaling the prescribed dose to minimise the risk of oropharyngeal candida infection.

Luforbec contains a small amount of ethanol (alcohol) 9 mg per actuation, which is equivalent to 0.25 mg/kg per dose of two actuation . At normal doses the amount of ethanol is negligible and does not pose a risk to patients.

Visual disturbance

Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.

Pharmacokinetic interactions

Beclometasone dipropionate undergoes a very rapid metabolism via esterase enzymes.

Beclometasone dipropionate is less dependent on CYP3A metabolism than some other corticosteroids, and in general interactions are unlikely; however the possibility of systemic effects with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, cobicistat) cannot be excluded, and therefore caution and appropriate monitoring is advised with the use of such agents.

Pharmacodynamic interactions

Beta-adrenergic blockers can weaken or inhibit the effect of formoterol. Luforbec should therefore not be given together with beta-adrenergic blockers (including eye drops) unless there are compelling reasons.

On the other hand, concomitant use of other beta-adrenergic drugs can have potentially additive effects, therefore caution is required when theophylline or other beta-adrenergic drugs are prescribed concomitantly with formoterol.

Concomitant treatment with quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, phenothiazines, antihistamines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants can prolong the QTc-interval and increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.

In addition L-dopa, L-thyroxine, oxytocin and alcohol can impair cardiac tolerance towards beta₂-sympathomimetics.

Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors including agents with similar properties such as furazolidone and procarbazine may precipitate hypertensive reactions.

There is an elevated risk of arrhythmias in patients receiving concomitant anaesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons.

Concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, or diuretics may potentiate a possible hypokalaemia effect of beta₂-agonists (see section 4.4.). Hypokalaemia may increase the disposition towards arrhythmias in patients who are treated with digitalis glycosides.

Luforbec contains a small amount of ethanol. There is a theoretical potential for interaction in particularly sensitive patients taking disulfiram or metronidazole

Fertility

There are no data in humans. In animal studies in rats, the presence of beclometasone dipropionate at high doses in the combination was associated with reduced female fertility and embryotoxicity (see section 5.3).

Pregnancy

There is no experience with or evidence of safety of propellant HFA-134a in human pregnancy or lactation. However studies of the effect of HFA-134a on reproductive function and embryo-fetal development in animals have revealed no clinically relevant adverse effects.

There are no relevant clinical data on the use of Luforbec in pregnant women. Animal studies using beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol combination showed evidence of toxicity to reproduction after high systemic exposure (see 5.3 Preclinical safety data). Because of the tocolytic actions of beta2-sympathomimetic agents particular care should be exercised in the run up to delivery. Formoterol should not be recommended for use during pregnancy and particularly at the end of pregnancy or during labour unless there is no other (safer) established alternative.

Luforbec should only be used during pregnancy if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Breast feeding

There are no relevant clinical data on the use of Luforbec in lactation in humans.

Although no data from animal experiments are available, it is reasonable to assume that beclometasone dipropionate is secreted in milk, like other corticosteroids.

While it is not known whether formoterol passes into human breast milk, it has been detected in the milk of lactating animals.

Administration of Luforbec to women who are breast-feeding should only be considered if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.

A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Luforbec therapy, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Luforbec is unlikely to have any effect on the ability to drive and operate machinery.

As Luforbec contains beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, the type and severity of adverse reactions associated with each of the compounds may be expected. There is no incidence of additional adverse events following concurrent administration of the two compounds.

Undesirable effects which have been associated with beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol administered as a fixed combination (Luforbec) and as single agents are given below, listed by system organ class. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 < 1/1,000) ,very rare (≤ 1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Common and uncommon ADRs were derived from clinical trials in asthmatic and COPD patients.

*One related non serious case of pneumonia was reported by one patient treated with beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate in a pivotal clinical trial in COPD patients. Other adverse reactions observed with beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate in COPD clinical trials were: reduction of blood cortisol and atrial fibrillation.

As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur (see 4.4 'Special Warnings and Precautions for Use').

Among the observed adverse reactions those typically associated with formoterol are:

hypokalaemia, headache, tremor, palpitations, cough, muscle spasms and prolongation of QTc interval.

Adverse reactions typically associated with the administration of beclometasone dipropionate are:

oral fungal infections, oral candidiasis, dysphonia, throat irritation.

Dysphonia and candidiasis may be relieved by gargling or rinsing the mouth with water or brushing the teeth after using the product. Symptomatic candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal therapy whilst continuing the treatment with Luforbec.

Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids (e.g. beclometasone dipropionate) may occur particularly when administered at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods, these may include adrenal suppression, decrease in bone mineral density, growth retardation in children and adolescents, cataract and glaucoma (see also 4.4).

Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria pruritus, erythema and oedema of the eyes, face, lips and throat may also occur.

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.

Inhaled doses of beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate up to twelve cumulative actuations (total beclometasone dipropionate 1200 micrograms, formoterol 72 micrograms) have been studied in asthmatic patients. The cumulative treatments did not cause abnormal effect on vital signs and neither serious nor severe adverse events were observed.

Excessive doses of formoterol may lead to effects that are typical of beta2-adrenergic agonists: nausea, vomiting, headache, tremor, somnolence, palpitations, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, prolongation of QTc interval, metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia.

In case of overdose of formoterol, supportive and symptomatic treatment is indicated. Serious cases should be hospitalised. Use of cardioselective beta-adrenergic blockers may be considered, but only subject to extreme caution since the use of beta-adrenergic blocker medication may provoke bronchospasm. Serum potassium should be monitored.

Acute inhalation of beclometasone dipropionate doses in excess of those recommended may lead to temporary suppression of adrenal function. This does not need emergency action as adrenal function recovers in a few days, as verified by plasma cortisol measurements. In these patients treatment should be continued at a dose sufficient to control asthma.

Chronic overdose of inhaled beclometasone dipropionate: risk of adrenal suppression (see section 4.4.). Monitoring of adrenal reserve may be necessary. Treatment should be continued at a dose sufficient to control asthma.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs for obstructive airway diseases: Adrenergics, Inhalants

ATC code: R03 AK08

Mechanisms of action and pharmacodynamic effects

Luforbec contains beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol. These two actives have different modes of action. Similar inhaled corticosteroids and beta₂-agonist combinations provide an additive effect in respect of a reduction in asthma exacerbations.

Beclometasone dipropionate

Beclometasone dipropionate given by inhalation at recommended doses has a glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory action within the lungs, resulting in reduced symptoms and exacerbations of asthma with less adverse effects than when corticosteroids are administered systemically.

Formoterol

Formoterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic agonist that produces relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle in patients with reversible airways obstruction. The bronchodilating effect sets in rapidly, within 1-3 minutes after inhalation, and has a duration of 12 hours after a single dose.

Clinical efficacy and safety for beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate maintenance therapy

In clinical trials in adults, the addition of formoterol to beclometasone dipropionate improved asthma symptoms and lung function and reduced exacerbations.

In a 24-week study the effect on lung function of beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate 100/6 HFA was at least equal to that of the free combination of beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol and exceeded that of beclometasone dipropionate alone.

The efficacy of beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate 200/6 HFA, 2 puffs twice a day, was evaluated in a 12 week pivotal trial comparing the effect on lung function versus treatment with beclometasone dipropionate monotherapy in asthmatic patients not adequately controlled with previous treatment (high dose ICS or medium dose-ICS+LABAs combinations). The study demonstrated the superiority of beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate 200/6 HFA compared to BDP HFA in terms of change from baseline in the average pre-dose morning PEF (adjusted mean difference 18.53 L).

In a 24 week pivotal trial the safety profile of beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate 200/6 HFA, 2 puffs twice a day, was comparable to that of an approved fixed dose combination (fluticasone/salmeterol 500/50, 1 puff twice daily). No clinically relevant effect was observed with beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate 200/6 HFA on the HPA axis after 6 months of treatment. The study showed that both beclometasone dipropionate/ formoterol fumarate 200/6 µ g and the approved fixed dose combination were not superior to non extrafine beclometasone dipropionate monotherapy (2000 µ g/day) on the change in pre-dose morning FEV₁ and percentage of complete days without asthma symptoms.

The systemic exposure to the active substances beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol in the fixed combination beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate have been compared to the single components.

In a pharmacokinetic study conducted in healthy subjects treated with a single dose of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate fixed combination (4 puffs of 100/6 micrograms) or a single dose of beclometasone dipropionate CFC (4 puffs of 250 micrograms) and Formoterol HFA (4 puffs of 6 micrograms), the AUC of beclometasone dipropionate main active metabolite (beclometasone-17-monopropionate) and its maximal plasma concentration were, respectively, 35% and 19% lower with the fixed combination than with non-extrafine beclometasone dipropionate CFC formulation, in contrast, the rate of absorption was more rapid (0.5 vs 2h) with the fixed combination compared to non-extrafine beclometasone dipropionate CFC formulation alone.

For formoterol, maximal plasma concentration was similar after administration of the fixed or the extemporary combination and the systemic exposure was slightly higher after administration of beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate than with the extemporary combination.

There was no evidence of pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic (systemic) interactions between beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol.

A pharmacokinetic study conducted in healthy volunteers with activated charcoal blockade demonstrated that the lung bioavailability of beclometasone-17-monopropionate in the beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate 200/6 formulation is dose proportional with respect to that of the 100/6 strength for AUC only {mean ratio between systemic bioavailability in the 200/6 formulation and in the 100/6 strength equal to 91.63 (90 % Confidence Interval: 83.79; 100.20)}. For formoterol fumarate the mean ratio between systemic bioavailability in the 200/6 formulation and in the 100/6 strength was equal to 86.15 (90% Confidence Interval: 75.94; 97.74).

In another pharmacokinetic study conducted in healthy volunteers without charcoal blockade, the systemic exposure of beclometasone-17-monopropionate in the beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate 200/6 formulation was shown to be dose proportional with respect to that of the 100/6 strength {mean ratio between systemic bioavailability in the 200/6 formulation and in the 100/6 strength equal to 89.2 (90 % Confidence Interval: 79.8; 99.7)}. The total systemic exposure of formoterol fumarate was unchanged;{mean ratio between systemic bioavailability in the 200/6 formulation and in the 100/6 strength equal to 102.2 (90% Confidence Interval: 90.4; 115.5)}.

The use of beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol fumarate with Aerochamber Plus® spacer increased the lung delivery of beclometasone dipropionate active metabolite beclometasone 17-monopropionate and formoterol in healthy volunteers by 25 % and 32 % respectively, while the total systemic exposure was slightly reduced for beclometasone 17-monopropionate (by 17%) and formoterol (by 17%) and increased for unchanged beclometasone dipropionate (by 54%).

Beclometasone dipropionate

Beclometasone dipropionate is a pro-drug with weak glucocorticoid receptor binding affinity that is hydrolysed via esterase enzymes to an active metabolite beclometasone-17-monopropionate which has a more potent topical antiinflammatory activity compared with the pro-drug beclometasone dipropionate.

Absorption, distribution and biotransformation

Inhaled beclometasone dipropionate is rapidly absorbed through the lungs; prior to absorption there is extensive conversion to its active metabolite beclometasone-17-monopropionate via esterase enzymes that are found in most tissues. The systemic availability of the active metabolite arises from lung (36 %) and from gastrointestinal absorption of the swallowed dose. The bioavailability of swallowed beclometasone dipropionate is negligible however, presystemic conversion to beclometasone-17-monopropionate results in 41% of the dose being absorbed as the active metabolite.

There is an approximately linear increase in systemic exposure with increasing inhaled dose.

The absolute bioavailability following inhalation is approximately 2% and 62% of the nominal dose for unchanged beclometasone dipropionate and beclometasone-17-monopropionate respectively.

Following intravenous dosing, the disposition of beclometasone dipropionate and its active metabolite are characterised by high plasma clearance (150 and 120L/h respectively), with a small volume of distribution at steady state for beclometasone dipropionate (20L) and larger tissue distribution for its active metabolite (424L).

Plasma protein binding is moderately high.

Elimination

Faecal excretion is the major route of beclometasone dipropionate elimination mainly as polar metabolites. The renal excretion of beclometasone dipropionate and its metabolites is negligible. The terminal elimination half-lives are 0.5 h and 2.7 h for beclometasone dipropionate and beclometasone-17-monopropionate respectively.

Special populations

The pharmacokinetics of beclometasone dipropionate in patients with renal or hepatic impairment has not been studied; however, as beclometasone dipropionate undergoes a very rapid metabolism via esterase enzymes present in intestinal fluid, serum, lungs and liver, to originate the more polar products beclometasone-21-monopropionate, beclometasone-17-monopropionate and beclometasone, hepatic impairment is not expected to modify the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of beclometasone dipropionate.

As beclometasone dipropionate or its metabolites were not traced in the urine, an increase in systemic exposure is not envisaged in patients with renal impairment.

Formoterol

Absorption and distribution

Following inhalation, formoterol is absorbed both from the lung and from the gastrointestinal tract. The fraction of an inhaled dose that is swallowed after administration with a metered dose inhaler (MDI) may range between 60% and 90%. At least 65% of the fraction that is swallowed is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations of unchanged drug occur within 0.5 to 1 hours after oral administration. Plasma protein binding of formoterol is 61-64% with 34% bound to albumin. There was no saturation of binding in the concentration range attained with therapeutic doses. The elimination half-life determined after oral administration is 2-3 hours. Absorption of formoterol is linear following inhalation of 12 to 96 μ g of formoterol fumarate.

Biotransformation

Formoterol is widely metabolised and the prominent pathway involves direct conjugation at the phenolic hydroxyl group. Glucuronide acid conjugate is inactive. The second major pathway involves O-demethylation followed by conjugation at the phenolic 2'-hydroxyl group. Cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 are involved in the O-demethylation of formoterol. Liver appears to be the primary site of metabolism. Formoterol does not inhibit CYP450 enzymes at therapeutically relevant concentrations.

Elimination

The cumulative urinary excretion of formoterol after single inhalation from a dry powder inhaler increased linearly in the 12 – 96 μ g dose range. On average, 8% and 25% of the dose was excreted as unchanged and total formoterol, respectively. Based on plasma concentrations measured following inhalation of a single 120 μ g dose by 12 healthy subjects, the mean terminal elimination half-life was determined to be 10 hours. The (R,R)- and (S,S)-enantiomers represented about 40% and 60% of unchanged drug excreted in the urine, respectively. The relative proportion of the two enantiomers remained constant over the dose range studied and there was no evidence of relative accumulation of one enantiomer over the other after repeated dosing.

After oral administration (40 to 80 μ g), 6% to 10% of the dose was recovered in urine as unchanged drug in healthy subjects; up to 8% of the dose was recovered as the glucuronide.

A total 67% of an oral dose of formoterol is excreted in urine (mainly as metabolites) and the remainder in the faeces. The renal clearance of formoterol is 150 ml/min.

Special populations

Hepatic/Renal impairment: the pharmacokinetics of formoterol has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment however, as formoterol is primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism, an increased exposure can be expected in patients with severe liver cirrhosis.

The toxicity observed in animal studies with beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol, given in combination or separately, consisted mainly of effects associated with exaggerated pharmacological activity. They are related to the immuno-suppressive activity of beclometasone dipropionate and to the known cardiovascular effects of formoterol evident mainly in dogs. Neither increase in toxicity nor occurrence of unexpected findings were observed upon administration of the combination.

Reproduction studies in rats showed dose-dependent effects. The combination was associated with reduced female fertility and embryofetal toxicity. High doses of corticosteroids to pregnant animals are known to cause abnormalities of fetal development including cleft palate and intra-uterine growth retardation, and it is likely that the effects seen with the beclometasone dipropionate /formoterol combination were due to beclometasone dipropionate. These effects were noted only with high systemic exposure to the active metabolite beclometasone-17-monopropionate (200 fold the expected plasma levels in patients). Additionally, increased duration of gestation and parturition, an effect attributable to the known tocolytic effects of beta2-sympathomimetics, was seen in animal studies.

These effects were already noted for maternal plasma formoterol levels below the levels expected in patients treated with beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate.

Genotoxicity studies performed with a beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol combination do not indicate mutagenic potential. No carcinogenicity studies have been performed with the proposed combination. However animal data reported for the individual constituents do not suggest any potential risk of carcinogenicity in man.

Pre-clinical data on the CFC-free propellant HFA-134a reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential and toxicity to reproduction.

Ethanol anhydrous

Water for injections

Maleic acid

Norflurane (HFA 134a)

Not applicable.

21 months.

Prior to dispensing to the patient:

Must be stored in upright position in a refrigerator (2-8° C) for a maximum of 18 months.

After dispensing:

Do not store above 25° C (for a maximum of 3 months).

The canister contains a pressurised liquid. Do not expose to temperatures higher than 50° C. Do not pierce the canister.

The inhalation solution is contained in a pressurised aluminium container sealed with a metering valve and fitted into a white polypropylene plastic actuator which incorporates a mouthpiece and is provided with a green plastic protective cap. The actuator has an integrated dose indicator which indicates the number of actuations (puffs) remaining.

Each pack contains:

1 pressurised container which provides 120 actuations

For pharmacies:

Enter the date of dispensing to the patient on the pack.

Ensure that there is a period of at least 3 months between the date of dispensing and the expiry date printed on the pack.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.