FINACEA FOAM- azelaic acid aerosol, foam

FINACEA FOAM by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

FINACEA FOAM by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., ASM Aerosol-Service AG. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Finacea(azelaic acid) Foam, 15% is indicated for topical treatment of the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea.

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    • Apply Finacea Foam twice daily (morning and evening) to the entire facial area (cheeks, chin, forehead, and nose). For a single application, dispense the smallest amount of foam necessary to adequately cover the affected area(s) with a thin layer.
    • Shake well before use.
    • Cosmetics may be applied after the application of Finacea Foam has dried.
    • Avoid the use of occlusive dressings or wrappings.
    • Finacea Foam should be used continuously over 12 weeks.
    • Reassess patients if no improvement is observed upon completing 12 weeks of therapy.
    • Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use.
  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Each gram of Finacea (azelaic acid) Foam contains 0.15 g of azelaic acid (15% w/w) in a white to off-white foam.

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    None.

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Skin Reactions

    There have been isolated reports of hypopigmentation after use of azelaic acid. Because azelaic acid has not been well studied in patients with dark complexion, monitor these patients for early signs of hypopigmentation.

    5.2 Eye and Mucous Membranes Irritation

    Azelaic acid has been reported to cause irritation of the eyes. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes. If Finacea Foam does come in contact with the eyes, wash the eyes with large amounts of water and consult a physician if eye irritation persists.

    5.3 Flammability

    The propellant in Finacea Foam is flammable. Instruct the patient to avoid fire, flame, and smoking during and immediately following application. Do not puncture and/or incinerate the containers. Do not expose containers to heat and/or store at temperatures above 120°F (49°C).

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the prescribing information:

    • Hypopigmentation [seeWarnings and Precautions (5.1)].
    • Eye and Mucous Membranes Irritation [seeWarnings and Precautions (5.2)].

    6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

    Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

    Finacea Foam was evaluated for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea in two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week clinical trials involving a total of 1362 (Finacea Foam, 15%: 681; vehicle: 681) subjects. Overall, 95.7% of subjects were White, 73.4% were female, and the mean age was 50.6 years.

    Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 0.5% of Subjects Treated with Finacea Foam Compared with Subjects Treated with Vehicle

    System/Organ Class
    Preferred

    Finacea Foam, 15%

    (N=681)

    n (%)

    Vehicle

    (N=681)

    n (%)

    General disorders and application site conditions

    Application site pain*

    42 (6.2%)

    10 (1.5%)

    Application site pruritus

    17 (2.5%)

    2 (0.3%)

    Application site dryness

    5 (0.7%)

    5 (0.7%)

    Application site erythema

    5 (0.7%)

    6 (0.9%)
    •   * “Application site pain” is a term used to describe disagreeable skin sensations, including burning, stinging, paraesthesia and tenderness.

    6.2 Post-Marketing Experience

    Hypersensitivity, rash and worsening of asthma have been reported from the postmarketing experience of azelaic acid-containing formulations. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

    Local Tolerability Studies

    In a 21-day cumulative irritation study under occlusive conditions, mild-to-moderate irritation was observed for azelaic acid pre-foam emulsion. In a human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) study, no sensitization potential was observed for azelaic acid pre-foam emulsion.

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B

    There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Finacea Foam should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

    Dermal embryofetal developmental toxicology studies have not been performed with azelaic acid, 15% foam. Oral embryofetal developmental studies were conducted with azelaic acid in rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys. Azelaic acid was administered during the period of organogenesis in all three animal species. Embryotoxicity was observed in rats, rabbits, and monkeys at oral doses of azelaic acid that generated some maternal toxicity. Embryotoxicity was observed in rats given 2500 mg/kg/day [162 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (BSA)], rabbits given 150 or 500 mg/kg/day (19 or 65 times the MRHD based on BSA) and cynomolgus monkeys given 500 mg/kg/day (65 times the MRHD based on BSA) azelaic acid. No teratogenic effects were observed in the oral embryofetal developmental studies conducted in rats, rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys.

    An oral peri- and post-natal developmental study was conducted in rats. Azelaic acid was administered from gestational day 15 through day 21 postpartum up to a dose level of 2500 mg/kg/day. Embryotoxicity was observed in rats at an oral dose of 2500 mg/kg/day (162 times the MRHD based on BSA) that generated some maternal toxicity. In addition, slight disturbances in the post-natal development of fetuses was noted in rats at oral doses that generated some maternal toxicity (500 and 2500 mg/kg/day; 32 and 162 times the MRHD based on BSA). No effects on sexual maturation of the fetuses were noted in this study.

    8.3 Nursing Mothers

    It is not known if azelaic acid is secreted into human milk in vivo. No well-controlled studies of topically administered azelaic acid in nursing women are available. Nevertheless, the decision to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug should take into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    The safety and efficacy of FinaceaFoam in children below the age of 18 years have not been established.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of FinaceaFoam, 18.8 percent were 65 and over, while 7.2 percent were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    Finacea (azelaic acid) Foam contains 15% (w/w) azelaic acid, a naturally-occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid and is suspended in an oil-in-water emulsion vehicle for topical administration to affected skin area. Chemically, azelaic acid is 1,7-heptanedicarboxylic acid. The structural formula of azelaic acid is:Chemical Structure

    Azelaic acid has a molecular formula of C9 H16 O4 and a molecular weight of 188.22.

    The aluminum containers are filled with hydrophilic emulsion, crimped with a continuous spray valve, and pressurized with propellants consisting of propane, butane, and isobutane. Each gram of Finacea Foam contains 0.15 g of azelaic acid. Finacea Foam also contains benzoic acid, cetostearyl alcohol, dimethyl isosorbide, medium-chain triglycerides, methylcellulose, mono- and di-glycerides, polyoxyl 40 stearate, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium hydroxide, and xanthan gum as inactive ingredients.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    The mechanism(s) by which azelaic acid interferes with the pathogenic events in rosacea are unknown.

    12.2 Pharmacodynamics

    The efficacy of Finacea Foam is being driven by local mechanisms of azelaic acid within the skin.

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    Pharmacokinetics of azelaic acid and its metabolite pimelic acid was assessed in 21 adult subjects with moderate papulopustular rosacea with a minimum of 15 and no more than 50 inflammatory lesions (papules and/or pustules). Endogenous plasma concentrations of azelaic acid (range <1-105 ng/mL) and pimelic acid (range 0.69-27 ng/mL) were measured over various time points over 2 days prior to treatment initiation. The endogenous plasma concentrations varied widely across subjects and the mean ± SD values of endogenous azelaic acid plasma concentrations ranged between 4.5 ± 2.4 ng/mL and 14.6 ± 5.6 ng/mL and pimelic acid plasma concentrations ranged between 2.2 ± 1.1 ng/mL and 3.7 ± 3.1 ng/mL.

    Following topical dermal applications of a mean dose of 0.94 g of Finacea Foam (141 mg azelaic acid) twice daily for 7 consecutive days, systemic concentrations of azelaic acid were at steady state by Day 5. On Day 7, a wide range of maximum azelaic acid (22.2 to 90.1 ng/mL) and pimelic acid (2.3-16.9 ng/mL) plasma concentrations (Cmax) was also observed after treatment with Finacea Foam. The mean ± SD Cmax for azelaic acid and pimelic acid were 51.8 ± 18.5 ng/mL and 5.0 ± 3.0 ng/mL, respectively. The mean ± SD systemic exposure of azelaic acid and pimelic acid within a dosing interval (AUC0-12h) were 442.0 ± 177.6 ng.h/mL and 43.4 ± 15.4 ng.h/mL, respectively.

    Azelaic acid is mainly excreted unchanged in the urine, but undergoes some ß-oxidation to shorter chain dicarboxylic acids.

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Systemic long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of azelaic acid. In a 26-week dermal carcinogenicity study using transgenic (Tg.AC) mice, Finacea Gel and the gel vehicle, when applied once or twice daily, did not increase the number of female Tg.AC animals with papillomas at the treatment site. No statistically significant increase in the number of animals with papillomas at the treatment site was observed in male Tg.AC animals after once daily application. After twice daily application, Finacea Gel and the gel vehicle induced a statistically significant increase in the number of male animals with papillomas at the treatment site when compared to untreated males. This suggests that the positive effect may be associated with the vehicle application. The clinical relevance of the findings in animals to humans is not clear.

    Azelaic acid was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a battery of in vitro [Ames assay, HGPRT assay in V79 cells (Chinese hamster lung cells), and chromosomal aberration assay in human lymphocytes] and in vivo (dominant lethal assay in mice and mouse micronucleus assay) genotoxicity tests.

    Oral administration of azelaic acid at dose levels up to 2500 mg/kg/day (162 times the MRHD based on BSA) did not affect fertility or reproductive performance in male or female rats.

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    The efficacy and safety of Finacea Foam was evaluated in two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week clinical trials (Trials 1 and 2) in subjects with papulopustular rosacea, with a mean lesion count of 21.3 (range 12 to 50) inflammatory papules and pustules. A total of 1362 (active: 681; vehicle: 681) subjects aged 19 to 92 years (mean age = 50.6 years), 95.7% Caucasian, and 73.4% female participated in the trials. The following subjects were excluded: a) those with ocular rosacea, phymatous rosacea or plaque-type rosacea lesions; b) those with rosacea that requires systemic treatment; c) those who are known non-responders to azelaic acid, and d) those with a known hypersensitivity to any ingredients of the study drug. Finacea Foam or its vehicle were to be applied twice daily for 12 weeks; no other topical or systemic medication affecting the course of rosacea and/or evaluability was to be used during the studies. Subjects were instructed to avoid any food and beverages that, by their own experience, may provoke erythema, flushing and blushing, including spicy food, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages during the study. Subjects were also instructed to avoid use of products which may cause local irritation such as soaps, alcohol-containing cleansers, tinctures and astringents, abrasives and peeling agents during the study.

    The efficacy endpoints were 1) nominal change in inflammatory lesion count from baseline and 2) success defined as a score of “clear” or “minimal” with at least 2-step reduction from baseline on a 5-point Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA). Details on IGA are specified below:

    Clear

    no papules and/or pustules; no erythema

    Minimal

    rare papules and/or pustules; faint, up to but not including mild erythema

    Mild

    few papules and/or pustules; mild erythema

    Moderate

    pronounced number of papules and/or pustules, but less than numerous papules and/or pustules; moderate erythema

    Severe

    numerous papules and/or pustules, occasionally with confluent areas of inflamed lesions; moderate to severe erythema

    Finacea Foam was superior to its vehicle in the treatment of rosacea in reducing the number of inflammatory papules and pustules and demonstrating success according to IGA at the end of treatment (Table 2).

    Table 2: IGA Success Rate and Nominal Change in Inflammatory Lesion Count from Baseline to End of the 12-Week Treatment Period

    Trial 1

    Trial 2

    Finacea Foam, 15%

    Vehicle

    Finacea Foam, 15%

    Vehicle

    N=483

    N=478

    N=198

    N=203

    IGA success rate

    32.1%

    23.4%

    43.4%

    32.5%

    Mean nominal change in inflammatory lesion count from baseline

    -13.2

    -10.3

    -13.3

    -9.5
  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    16.1 How Supplied

    Finacea (azelaic acid) Foam 15% is a white to off-white emulsion supplied in a pressurized 50 g (NDC: 50419-829-01) aluminum can.

    16.2 Storage and Handling

    Store at 25◦C (77◦F); excursions permitted between 15–30◦C (59–86◦F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    WARNING:Flammable. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and immediately following application. Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not expose to heat or store at temperatures above 120°F (49°C).

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    Inform patients using Finacea Foam of the following information and instructions:

    • For external use only.
    • Cleanse affected area(s) with a very mild soap or a soapless cleansing lotion and pat dry with a soft towel.
    • Shake well before use.
    • Avoid use of alcoholic cleansers, tinctures and astringents, abrasives and peeling agents.
    • Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes. If Finacea Foam does come in contact with the eyes, wash the eyes with large amounts of water and consult your physician if eye irritation persists.
    • If allergic reactions occur, discontinue use and consult your physician.
    • Wash hands immediately following application of Finacea Foam.
    • Cosmetics may be applied after the application of Finacea Foam has dried.
    • Avoid the use of occlusive dressings and wrappings.
    • To help manage rosacea, avoid any triggers that may provoke erythema, flushing, and blushing. These triggers can include spicy and thermally hot food and drinks such as hot coffee, tea, or alcoholic beverages.
    • The propellant in Finacea Foam is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and immediately following application.
    • Discard product 8 weeks after opening.

    © 2015, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. All rights reserved.

    Manufactured for:

    Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.

    Whippany, NJ 07981

    Manufactured in Switzerland

  • PACKAGE/LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    Sample-Not For Sale

    Finacea
    (azelaic acid) Foam, 15%
    Rx only
    For Topical Use Only
    Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use
    30 grams
    topical

    Foam Sample Label
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    FINACEA FOAM 
    azelaic acid aerosol, foam
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 50419-829
    Route of AdministrationTOPICAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    AZELAIC ACID (UNII: F2VW3D43YT) (AZELAIC ACID - UNII:F2VW3D43YT) AZELAIC ACID.15 g  in 1 g
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    BENZOIC ACID (UNII: 8SKN0B0MIM)  
    CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL (UNII: 2DMT128M1S)  
    DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE (UNII: SA6A6V432S)  
    MEDIUM-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES (UNII: C9H2L21V7U)  
    POLYOXYL 40 STEARATE (UNII: 13A4J4NH9I)  
    POLYSORBATE 80 (UNII: 6OZP39ZG8H)  
    PROPYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 6DC9Q167V3)  
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    SODIUM HYDROXIDE (UNII: 55X04QC32I)  
    XANTHAN GUM (UNII: TTV12P4NEE)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 50419-829-011 in 1 CARTON08/03/2015
    150 g in 1 CAN; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    2NDC: 50419-829-711 in 1 CARTON08/03/2015
    230 g in 1 CAN; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    3NDC: 50419-829-721 in 1 CARTON10/24/2016
    315 g in 1 CAN; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    NDANDA20707108/03/2015
    Labeler - Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (005436809)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    ASM Aerosol-Service AG480286111MANUFACTURE(50419-829)
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