梯瓦新药DuoResp Spiromax（budesonide & formoterol fumarate dihydrate，布地奈德+福莫特罗富马酸盐二水合物）获欧盟批准用于COPD和哮喘
2014年5月1日，梯瓦（Teva）药物DuoResp Spiromax获欧盟委员会（EC）批准，用于适合糖皮质激素和长效β2-肾上腺素受体激动剂组合疗法的慢性阻塞性肺病（COPD）和哮喘（asthma）患者的治疗。
DuoResp Spiromax（budesonide & formoterol fumarate dihydrate，布地奈德+福莫特罗富马酸盐二水合物）是一种新的多剂量干粉吸入剂，由布地奈德（budesonide）和福莫特罗（formoterol）组成。布地奈德是一种吸入性皮质类固醇（ICS），用于治疗哮喘患者和COPD患者潜在的炎症；福莫特罗是一种速效和长效β2激动剂（LABA），用于缓解哮喘患者和COPD患者的支气管收缩（bronchoconstriction ）。Spiromax吸入器采用独特的呼吸驱动技术，能够递送一致剂量的药物。
DuoResp Spiromax的开发，旨在改善药物的易用性，并递送一致剂量的药物。由于吸入器技术的落后，许多哮喘和COPD患者存在治疗不足（under-treated）的情况，这导致了额外的就诊次数以及需要紧急护理等形式的不必要负担。
DuoResp Spiromax将进入吸入性皮质类固醇/长效β2激动剂（ICS/LABA）固定剂量组合吸入剂。
DuoResp Spiromax 160 micrograms / 4.5 micrograms inhalation powder， 320 micrograms/9 micrograms inhalation powder
DuoResp Spiromax 160 micrograms / 4.5 micrograms inhalation powder
DuoResp Spiromax 320 micrograms/9 micrograms inhalation powder
-----------------------------------------------------
1. Name of the medicinal product
DuoResp Spiromax 160 micrograms / 4.5 micrograms inhalation powder
2. Qualitative and quantitative composition
Each delivered dose (the dose that leaves the mouthpiece of the Spiromax) contains 160 micrograms of budesonide and 4.5 micrograms of formoterol fumarate dihydrate.
This is equivalent to a metered dose of 200 micrograms budesonide and 6 micrograms of formoterol fumarate dihydrate.
Excipient(s) with known effect:
Each dose contains approximately 5 milligrams of lactose (as monohydrate).
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. Pharmaceutical form
Inhalation powder.
White powder.
White inhaler with a semi-transparent wine red mouthpiece cover.
4. Clinical particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indications
DuoResp Spiromax is indicated in adults 18 years of age and older only.
Asthma
DuoResp Spiromax is indicated in the regular treatment of asthma, where use of a combination (inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2 adrenoceptor agonist) is appropriate:
-in patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and “as needed” inhaled short-acting β2 adrenoceptor agonists.
or
-in patients already adequately controlled on both inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2 adrenoceptor agonists.
COPD
Symptomatic treatment of patients with severe COPD (FEV1 < 50% predicted normal) and a history of repeated exacerbations, who have significant symptoms despite regular therapy with long-acting bronchodilators.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
DuoResp Spiromax is indicated in adults 18 years of age and older only.
DuoResp Spiromax is not indicated for use in children, 12 years of age and younger or adolescents, 13 to 17 years of age.
Posology
Asthma
DuoResp Spiromax is not intended for the initial management of asthma.
DuoResp Spiromax is not an appropriate treatment for the adult patient with only mild asthma who is not adequately controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid and “as needed” inhaled short-acting β2 adrenoreceptor agonists.
The dosage of DuoResp Spiromax is individual and should be adjusted to the severity of the disease. This should be considered not only when treatment with combination medicinal products is initiated but also when the maintenance dose is adjusted. If an individual patient should require a combination of doses other than those available in the combination inhaler, appropriate doses of β2 adrenoceptor agonists and/or corticosteroids by individual inhalers should be prescribed.
Once asthma symptoms are controlled, consideration may be given to gradually reducing the dose of DuoResp Spiromax. Patients should be reassessed regularly by their prescriber/health care provider so that the dose of DuoResp Spiromax remains optimal. The dose should be titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is maintained.
When it is appropriate to titrate down to a lower strength than is available for DuoResp Spiromax, a change to an alternative fixed-dose combination of budesonide and formoterol fumarate containing a lower dose of the inhaled corticosteroid is required. When long-term control of symptoms is maintained with the lowest recommended dose, then the next step could include a test of inhaled corticosteroid alone.
In usual practice when control of symptoms is achieved with the twice daily dose regimen with a lower strength product, titration to a lower effective dose could include once daily dosing when, in the opinion of the prescriber, a long-acting bronchodilator is required to maintain control rather than treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid alone.
For DuoResp Spiromax there are two treatment approaches:
DuoResp Spiromax maintenance therapy: DuoResp Spiromax is taken as regular maintenance treatment with a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator reliever inhaler.
DuoResp Spiromax maintenance and reliever therapy: DuoResp Spiromax is taken as regular maintenance treatment and as needed in response to symptoms.
DuoResp Spiromax maintenance therapy
Patients should be advised to have their separate rapid-acting bronchodilator reliever inhaler available for rescue use at all times.
Recommended doses:
Adults (18 years and older): 1-2 inhalations twice daily. Some patients may require up to a maximum of 4 inhalations twice daily.
Increasing use of a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator indicates a worsening of the underlying condition and warrants a reassessment of the asthma therapy.
DuoResp Spiromax maintenance and reliever therapy
Patients take a daily maintenance dose of DuoResp Spiromax and in addition take DuoResp Spiromax as needed in response to symptoms. Patients should be advised to always have DuoResp Spiromax available for rescue use.
DuoResp Spiromax maintenance and reliever therapy should especially be considered for patients with:
• inadequate asthma control and in frequent need of a reliever inhaler.
• asthma exacerbations in the past requiring medical intervention.
Close monitoring for dose-related adverse reactions is needed in patients who frequently take high numbers of DuoResp Spiromax as-needed inhalations.
Recommended doses:
Adults (18 years and older): The recommended maintenance dose is 2 inhalations per day, given either as one inhalation in the morning and evening or as 2 inhalations in either the morning or evening. For some patients a maintenance dose of 2 inhalations twice daily may be appropriate. Patients should take 1 additional inhalation as needed in response to symptoms. If symptoms persist after a few minutes, an additional inhalation should be taken. Not more than 6 inhalations should be taken on any single occasion.
A total daily dose of more than 8 inhalations is not normally needed; however, a total daily dose of up to 12 inhalations could be used for a limited period. Patients using more than 8 inhalations daily should be strongly recommended to seek medical advice. They should be reassessed and their maintenance therapy should be reconsidered.
COPD
Recommended doses:
Adults (18 years and older): 2 inhalations twice daily
Special populations:
Elderly patients (≥65 years old)
There are no special dosing requirements for elderly patients.
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment
There are no data available for use of a fixed-dose combination of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. As budesonide and formoterol are primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism, an increased exposure can be expected in patients with severe liver cirrhosis.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of DuoResp Spiromax in children, 12 years and younger and adolescents, 13 to 17 years of age has not yet been established. No data are available.
This medicinal product is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.
Method of administration
Inhalation use.
Spiromax is a breath actuated, inspiratory flow-driven inhaler, which means that the active substances are delivered into the airways when the patient inhales through the mouthpiece. Moderate and severe asthmatic patients were shown to be able to generate sufficient inspiratory flow rate for Spiromax to deliver the therapeutic dose (see section 5.1).
DuoResp Spiromax should be used correctly in order to achieve effective treatment. As such, the patients should be advised to read the patient information leaflet carefully and follow the instructions for use as detailed in the leaflet.
The use of DuoResp Spiromax follows three simple steps: open, breathe and close which are outlined below.
Open: Hold the Spiromax with the mouthpiece cover at the bottom and open the mouthpiece cover by folding it down until it is fully opened when one click is heard.
Breathe: Place the mouthpiece between the teeth with the lips closed around the mouthpiece, do not bite the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Breathe in forcefully and deeply through the mouthpiece. Remove the Spiromax from mouth and hold the breath for 10 seconds or as long as comfortable for the patients.
Close: Breathe out gently and close the mouthpiece cover.
It is also important to advise patients not to shake the inhaler before use and not to breathe out through the Spiromax and not to block the air vents when they are preparing the “Breathe” step.
Patients should also be advised to rinse their mouth with water after inhaling (see section 4.4)
The patient may notice a taste when using DuoResp Spiromax due to the lactose excipient.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or the excipient listed in section 6.1.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
General
It is recommended that the dose is tapered when the treatment is discontinued and should not be stopped abruptly.
If patients find the treatment ineffective, or exceed the highest recommended dose of DuoResp Spiromax, medical attention must be sought (see section 4.2). Sudden and progressive deterioration
in control of asthma or COPD is potentially life-threatening and the patient should undergo urgent medical assessment. In this situation, consideration should be given to the need for increased therapy with corticosteroids, e.g. a course of oral corticosteroids, or antibiotic treatment if an infection is present.
Patients should be advised to have their rescue inhaler available at all times, either DuoResp Spiromax (for asthma patients using DuoResp Spiromax as maintenance and reliever therapy) or a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator (for asthma patients using DuoResp Spiromax as maintenance therapy only).
Patients should be reminded to take their DuoResp Spiromax maintenance dose as prescribed, even when asymptomatic. The prophylactic use of DuoResp Spiromax, e.g. before exercise, has not been studied. The reliever inhalations of DuoResp Spiromax should be taken in response to symptoms but are not intended for regular prophylactic use, e.g. before exercise. For such, a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator should be considered.
Asthma symptoms
Patients should be reassessed regularly by their prescriber/healthcare provider so that the dose of DuoResp Spiromax remains optimal. The dose should be titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is maintained. Once asthma symptoms are controlled, consideration may be given to gradually reducing the dose of DuoResp Spiromax. When it is appropriate to titrate down to a lower strength than is available for DuoResp Spiromax, a change to an alternative fixed-dose combination of budesonide and formoterol fumarate containing a lower dose of the inhaled corticosteroid is required.
Regular review of patients as treatment is stepped down is important.
Patients should not be initiated on DuoResp Spiromax during an exacerbation, or if they have significantly worsening or acutely deteriorating asthma.
Serious asthma-related adverse reactions and exacerbations may occur during treatment with DuoResp Spiromax. Patients should be asked to continue treatment but to seek medical advice if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled or worsen after initiation with DuoResp Spiromax.
Paradoxical bronchospasm may occur, with an immediate increase in wheezing and shortness of breath, after dosing. If the patient experiences paradoxical bronchopasm DuoResp Spiromax should be discontinued immediately, the patient should be assessed and an alternative therapy instituted, if necessary. Paradoxical bronchopasm responds to a rapid-acting inhaled bronchodilator and should be treated straightaway (see section 4.8).
Systemic effects
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 inhalation treatment than with oral corticosteroids.
Possible systemic effects include Cushing´s syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, 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) (see section 4.8).
It is recommended that the height of children receiving prolonged treatment with inhaled corticosteroids is regularly monitored. If growth is slowed, therapy should be re-evaluated with the aim of reducing the dose of inhaled corticosteroid to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained, if possible. The benefits of the corticosteroid therapy and the possible risks of growth suppression must be carefully weighed. In addition consideration should be given to referring the patient to a paediatric respiratory specialist.
Limited data from long-term studies suggest that most children and adolescents treated with inhaled budesonide will ultimately achieve their adult target height. However, an initial small but transient reduction in growth (approximately 1 cm) has been observed. This generally occurs within the first year of treatment.
Effects on bone density
Potential effects on bone density should be considered, particularly in patients on high doses for prolonged periods that have co-existing risk factors for osteoporosis.
Long-term studies with inhaled budesonide in children at mean daily doses of 400 micrograms (metered dose) or in adults at daily doses of 800 micrograms (metered dose) have not shown any significant effects on bone mineral density. No information regarding the effect of a budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate fixed-dose combination at higher doses is available.
Adrenal function
If there is any reason to suppose that adrenal function is impaired from previous systemic steroid therapy, care should be taken when transferring patients to a budesonide/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination therapy.
The benefits of inhaled budesonide therapy would normally minimise the need for oral steroids, but patients transferring from oral steroids may remain at risk of impaired adrenal reserve for a considerable time. Recovery may take a considerable amount of time after cessation of oral steroid therapy and hence oral steroid-dependent patients transferred to inhaled budesonide may remain at risk from impaired adrenal function for some considerable time. In such circumstances hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) axis function should be monitored regularly.
High dose corticosteroids
The prolonged treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids, particularly higher than recommended doses, may also result in clinically significant adrenal suppression. Therefore additional systemic corticosteroid cover should be considered during periods of stress such as severe infections or elective surgery. Rapid reduction in the dose of steroids can induce acute adrenal crisis. Symptoms and signs which might be seen in acute adrenal crisis may be somewhat vague but may include anorexia, abdominal pain, weight loss, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, seizures, hypotension and hypoglycaemia.
Treatment with supplementary systematic steroids or inhaled budesonide should not be stopped abruptly.
Transfer from oral therapy
During transfer from oral therapy to a budesonide/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination therapy, a generally lower systemic steroid action will be experienced which may result in the appearance of allergic or arthritic symptoms such as rhinitis, eczema and muscle and joint pain. Specific treatment should be initiated for these conditions. A general insufficient glucocorticosteroid effect should be suspected if, in rare cases, symptoms such as tiredness, headache, nausea and vomiting should occur. In these cases a temporary increase in the dose of oral glucocorticosteroids is sometimes necessary.
Oral infections
To minimise the risk of oropharyngeal candida infection, the patient should be instructed to rinse their mouth out with water after inhaling the dose. If oropharyngeal thrush occurs, patients should also rinse their mouth with water after the as-needed inhalations.
Interaction with other medicinal products
Concomitant treatment with itraconazole, ritonavir or other potent CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5). If this is not possible the time interval between administrations of the interacting medicinal products should be as long as possible. In patients using potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, a budesonide/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination is not recommended.
Caution with special diseases
A fixed-dose combination of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate should be administered with caution in patients with thyrotoxicosis, phaeochromocytoma, diabetes mellitus, untreated hypokalaemia, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, idiopathic subvalvular aortic stenosis, severe hypertension, aneurysm or other severe cardiovascular disorders, such as ischaemic heart disease, tachyarrhythmias or severe heart failure.
Caution should be observed when treating patients with prolongation of the QTc-interval. Formoterol itself may induce prolongation of the QTc-interval.
The need for, and dose of inhaled corticosteroids should be re-evaluated in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis, fungal and viral infections in the airways.
Additional blood glucose controls should be considered in diabetic patients.
β2 adrenoreceptor agonists
Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from high doses of β2 adrenoceptor agonists. Concomitant treatment of β2 adrenoceptor agonists with medicinal products which can induce hypokalaemia or potentiate a hypokalaemic effect, e.g. xanthine-derivatives, steroids and diuretics, may add to a possible hypokalaemic effect of the β2 adrenoceptor agonist.
Treatment with β2 adrenoceptor agonists may result in an increase in blood levels of insulin, free fatty acids, glycerol and ketone bodies.
Particular caution is recommended in unstable asthma with variable use of rescue bronchodilators, in acute severe asthma as the associated risk may be augmented by hypoxia and in other conditions when the likelihood for hypokalaemia is increased. It is recommended that serum potassium levels are monitored during these circumstances.
Excipients
This medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine. The excipient lactose contains small amounts of milk proteins which may cause allergic reactions.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Pharmacokinetic interactions
Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, nefazodone and HIV protease inhibitors) are likely to markedly increase plasma levels of budesonide and concomitant use should be avoided. If this is not possible the time interval between administration of the inhibitor and budesonide should be as long as possible (see section 4.4). In patients using potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, a fixed-dose combination of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate maintenance and reliever therapy is not recommended.
The potent CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole, 200 mg once daily, increased plasma levels of concomitantly orally administered budesonide (single dose 3 mg) on average six-fold. When ketoconazole was administered 12 hours after budesonide the concentration was on average increased only three-fold showing that separation of the administration times can reduce the increase in plasma levels. Limited data about this interaction for high-dose inhaled budesonide indicates that marked increases in plasma levels (on average four fold) may occur if itraconazole, 200 mg once daily, is administered concomitantly with inhaled budesonide (single dose of 1000 micrograms).
Pharmacodynamic interactions
β adrenergic blockers can weaken or inhibit the effect of formoterol. A fixed-dose combination therapy of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate should therefore not be given together with β adrenergic blockers (including eye drops) unless there are compelling resons.
Concomitant treatment with quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, phenothiazines, antihistamines (terfenadine), 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 β2 sympathomimetics.
Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors including medicinal products 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 use of other β adrenergic medicinal products and anticholinergic medicinal products can have a potentially additive bronchodilating effect.
Hypokalaemia may increase the disposition towards arrhythmias in patients who are treated with digitalis glycosides.
Budesonide and formoterol have not been observed to interact with any other medicinal products used in the treatment of asthma.
Paediatric population
Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
For a fixed-dose combination therapy of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate or the concomitant treatment with formoterol and budesonide, no clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available. Data from an embryo-fetal development study in the rat, showed no evidence of any additional effect from the combination.
There are no adequate data from use of formoterol in pregnant women. In animal studies formoterol has caused adverse reactions in reproduction studies at very high systemic exposure levels (see section 5.3).
Data on approximately 2000 exposed pregnancies indicate no increased teratogenic risk associated with the use of inhaled budesonide. In animal studies glucocorticosteroids have been shown to induce malformations (see section 5.3). This is not likely to be relevant for humans given recommended doses.
Animal studies have also identified an involvement of excess prenatal glucocorticoids in increased risks for intrauterine growth retardation, adult cardiovascular disease and permanent changes in glucocorticoid receptor density, neurotransmitter turnover and behaviour at exposures below the teratogenic dose range.
During pregnancy, a fixed-dose combination therapy of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate should only be used when the benefits outweigh the potential risks. The lowest effective dose of budesonide needed to maintain adequate asthma control should be used.
Breast-feeding
Budesonide is excreted in breast milk. However, at therapeutic doses no effects on the suckling child are anticipated. It is not known whether formoterol passes into human breast milk. In rats, small amounts of formoterol have been detected in maternal milk. Administration of a fixed-dose combination therapy of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate to women who are breast-feeding should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the child.
Fertility
No data on fertility are available.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
DuoResp Spiromax has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of safety profile
Since DuoResp Spiromax contains both budesonide and formoterol, the same pattern of adverse reactions as reported for these substances may occur. No increased incidence of adverse reactions has been seen following concurrent administration of the two compounds. The most common adverse reactions are pharmacologically predictable adverse reactions of β2 adrenoceptor agonist therapy, such as tremor and palpitations. These tend to be mild and usually disappear within a few days of treatment. In a 3-year clinical trial with budesonide in COPD, skin bruises and pneumonia occurred at a frequency of 10% and 6%, respectively, compared with 4% and 3% in the placebo group (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively).
DuoResp Spiromax is not indicated in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years (see section 4.2).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Adverse reactions, which have been associated with budesonide or formoterol, are given below and listed by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100, <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000, < 1/100), rare (≥1/10,000, < 1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

System Organ Class	Frequency	Adverse reaction
Infections and infestations	Common	Candida infections in the oropharynx
Immune system disorders	Rare	Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, e.g. exanthema, urticaria, pruritus, dermatitis, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction
Endocrine disorders	Very rare	Cushing´s syndrome, adrenal suppression, growth retardation, decrease in bone mineral density
Metabolism and nutrition disorders	Rare	Hypokalaemia
	Very rare	Hyperglycaemia
Psychiatric disorders	Uncommon	Aggression, psychomotor hyperactivity, anxiety, sleep disorders
	Very rare	Depression, behavioural changes (predominantly in children)
Nervous system disorders	Common	Headache, tremor
	Uncommon	Dizziness
	Very rare	Taste disturbances
Eye disorders	Very rare	Cataract and glaucoma
Cardiac disorders	Common	Palpitations
	Uncommon	Tachycardia
	Rare	Cardiac arrhythmias, e.g. atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles
	Very rare	Angina pectoris. Prolongation of QTc-interval
Vascular disorders	Very rare	Variations in blood pressure
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders	Common	Mild irritation in the throat, coughing, hoarseness
	Rare	Bronchospasm
	Very rare	Paradoxical bronchospasm
Gastrointestinal disorders	Uncommon	Nausea
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders	Uncommon	Bruises
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders	Uncommon	Muscle cramps

Description of selected adverse reactions
Candida infection in the oropharynx is due to active substance deposition. Advising the patient to rinse the mouth out with water after each dose will minimise the risk. Oropharyngeal Candida infection usually responds to topical anti-fungal treatment without the need to discontinue the inhaled corticosteroid.
Paradoxical bronchospasm may occur very rarely, affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people, with an immediate increase in wheezing and shortness of breath after dosing. Paradoxical bronchopasm responds to a rapid-acting inhaled bronchodilator and should be treated straightaway. DuoResp Spiromax should be discontinued immediately, the patient should be assessed and an alternative therapy is instituted if necessary (see section 4.4).
Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses prescribed for long periods. These effects are much less likely to occur than with oral corticosteroids. Possible systemic effects include Cushing´s syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract and glaucoma. Increased susceptibility to infections and impairment of the ability to adapt to stress may also occur. Effects are probably dependent on dose, exposure time, concomitant and previous steroid exposure and individual sensitivity.
Treatment with β2 adrenoceptor agonists may result in an increase in blood levels of insulin, free fatty acids, glycerol and ketone bodies.
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..
4.9 Overdose
An overdose of formoterol would likely lead to effects that are typical for β2 adrenoceptor agonists: tremor, headache, palpitations. Symptoms reported from isolated cases are tachycardia, hyperglycaemia, hypokalaemia, prolonged QTc-interval, arrhythmia, nausea and vomiting. Supportive and symptomatic treatment may be indicated. A dose of 90 micrograms administered during three hours in patients with acute bronchial obstruction raised no safety concerns.
Acute overdose with budesonide, even in excessive doses, is not expected to be a clinical problem. When used chronically in excessive doses, systemic glucocorticosteroid effects, such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression, may appear.
If DuoResp Spiromax therapy has to be withdrawn due to overdose of the formoterol component of the medicinal product, provision of appropriate inhaled corticosteroid therapy must be considered.
5. Pharmacological properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs for obstructive airway diseases, adrenergics and other drugs for obstructive airway diseases.
ATC code: R03AK07
Mechanism of action and pharmacodynamic effects
DuoResp Spiromax contains formoterol and budesonide, which have different modes of action and show additive effects in terms of reduction of asthma exacerbations. The specific properties of budesonide and formoterol allow the combination to be used either as maintenance and reliever therapy, or as maintenance treatment of asthma. The mechanisms of action of the two substances respectively are discussed below.
Budesonide
Budesonide is a glucocorticosteroid which when inhaled has a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory action in the airways, resulting in reduced symptoms and fewer asthma exacerbations. Inhaled budesonide has less severe adverse reactions than systemic corticosteroids. The exact mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticosteroids is unknown.
Formoterol
Formoterol is a selective β2 adrenoceptor agonist that when inhaled results in rapid and long-acting relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle in patients with reversible airways obstruction. The bronchodilating effect is dose-dependant, with an onset of effect within 1-3 minutes. The duration of effect is at least 12 hours after a single dose.
Clinical efficacy and safety
Asthma
Budesonide/formoterol maintenance therapy
Clinical studies in adults have shown that the addition of formoterol to budesonide improved asthma symptoms and lung function, and reduced exacerbations.
In two 12-week studies the effect on lung function of budesonide/formoterol was equal to that of the free combination of budesonide and formoterol, and exceeded that of budesonide alone. All treatment arms used a short-acting β2 adrenoceptor agonist as needed. There was no sign of attenuation of the anti-asthmatic effect over time.
Two 12-week paediatric studies have been performed in which 265 children aged 6-11 years were treated with a maintenance dose of budesonide/formoterol (2 inhalations of 80 micrograms /4.5 micrograms/inhalation twice daily), and a short acting β2 adrenoceptor agonist as needed. In both studies, lung function was improved and the treatment was well tolerated compared to the corresponding dose of budesonide alone.
Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy
A total of 12076 asthma patients were included in 5 double-blind clinical studies (4447 were randomised to budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy) for 6 or 12 months. Patients were required to be symptomatic despite use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids.
Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy provided statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in severe exacerbations for all comparisons in all 5 studies. This included a comparison with budesonide/formoterol at a higher maintenance dose with terbutaline as reliever (study 735) and budesonide/formoterol at the same maintenance dose with either formoterol or terbutaline as reliever (study 734) (see table below). In Study 735, lung function, symptom control, and reliever use were similar in all treatment groups. In Study 734, symptoms and reliever use were reduced and lung function improved, compared with both comparator treatments. In the 5 studies combined, patients receiving budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy used, on average, no reliever inhalations on 57% of treatment days. There was no sign of development of tolerance over time.
Overview of severe exacerbations in clinical studies

Study No. Duration	Treatment groups	N	Severe exacerbationsa
			Events	Events/ patient-year
Study 735 6 months	Budesonide/Formoterol Furmarate Dihydrate 160/4.5  µg bd + as needed	1103	125	0.23b
	Budesonide/Formoterol Furmarate Dihydrate 320/9 µg  bd + terbutaline 0.4 mg as needed	1099	173	0.32
	Salmeterol/fluticasone 2 x 25/125 µg bd + terbutaline 0.4  mg as needed	1119	208	0.38
Study 734 12 months	Budesonide/Formoterol Furmarate Dihydrate 160/4.5  µg bd + as needed	1107	194	0.19b
	Budesonide/Formoterol Furmarate Dihydrate 160/4.5  µg bd + formoterol 4.5 µg as needed	1137	296	0.29
	Budesonide/Formoterol Furmarate Dihydrate 160/4.5  µg bd + terbutaline 0.4 mg as needed	1138	377	0.37

a Hospitalisation/emergency room treatment or treatment with oral steroids
b Reduction in exacerbation rate is statistically significant (P value <0.01) for both comparisons
In 2 other studies with patients seeking medical attention due to acute asthma symptoms, budesonide/formoterol provided rapid and effective relief of bronchoconstriction similar to salbutamol and formoterol.
COPD
In two 12-month studies, the effect on lung function and the rate of exacerbation (defined as courses of oral steroids and/or course of antibiotics and/or hospitalisations) in patients with severe COPD was evaluated. Median FEV1 at inclusion in the trials was 36% of predicted normal. The mean number of exacerbations per year (as defined above) was significantly reduced with budesonide/formoterol as compared with treatment with formoterol alone or placebo (mean rate 1.4 compared with 1.8-1.9 in the placebo/formoterol group). The mean number of days on oral corticosteroids/patient during the 12 months was slightly reduced in the budesonide/formoterol group (7-8 days/patient/year compared with 11-12 and 9-12 days in the placebo and formoterol groups, respectively). For changes in lung-function parameters, such as FEV1, budesonide/formoterol was not superior to treatment with formoterol alone.
Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate through theSpiromax Device
A randomised, open-label placebo study was performed in children and adolescents with asthma (aged 6-17 years), adults with asthma (aged 18-45 years), adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – aged >50 years) and healthy volunteers (aged 18-45 years) to evaluate the peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) and other related inhalation parameters following inhalation from a Spiromax device (containing placebo) compared with inhalation from an already marketed multi-dose dry powder inhaler device(containing placebo). The impact of enhanced training in dry powder inhaler inhalation technique on inhalation speed and volume was also assessed in these subject groups. The data from the study indicated that regardless of age and underlying disease severity, children, adolescents and adults with asthma as well as patients with COPD were able to able to achieve inspiratory flow rates through the Spiromax device that were similar to those generated through the marketed multi-dose dry powder inhaler device. The mean PIFR achieved by patients with asthma or COPD was over 60L/min, a flow rate at which both devices studied are known to deliver comparable amounts of drug to the lungs. Very few patients had PIFRs below 40L/min; when PIFRs were less than 40L/min there appeared to be no clustering by age or disease severity.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
The fixed-dose combination of budesonide and formoterol, and the corresponding monoproducts have been shown to be bioequivalent with regard to systemic exposure of budesonide and formoterol, respectively. In spite of this, a small increase in cortisol suppression was seen after administration of fixed-dose combination compared to the monoproducts. The difference is considered not to have an impact on clinical safety.
There was no evidence of pharmacokinetic interactions between budesonide and formoterol.
Pharmacokinetic parameters for the respective substances were comparable after the administration of budesonide and formoterol as monoproducts or as the fixed-dose combination. For budesonide, AUC was slightly higher, rate of absorption more rapid and maximal plasma concentration higher after administration of the fixed combination. For formoterol, maximal plasma concentration was similar after administration of the fixed combination. Inhaled budesonide is rapidly absorbed and the maximum plasma concentration is reached within 30 minutes after inhalation. In studies, mean lung deposition of budesonide after inhalation via the powder inhaler ranged from 32% to 44% of the delivered dose. The systemic bioavailability is approximately 49% of the delivered dose. In children 6-16 years of age the lung deposition falls in the same range as in adults for the same given dose. The resulting plasma concentrations were not determined.
Inhaled formoterol is rapidly absorbed and the maximum plasma concentration is reached within 10 minutes after inhalation. In studies the mean lung deposition of formoterol after inhalation via the powder inhaler ranged from 28% to 49% of the delivered dose. The systemic bioavailability is about 61% of the delivered dose.
Distribution
Plasma protein binding is approximately 50% for formoterol and 90% for budesonide. Volume of distribution is about 4 L/kg for formoterol and 3 L/kg for budesonide. Formoterol is inactivated via conjugation reactions (active O-demethylated and deformylated metabolites are formed, but they are seen mainly as inactivated conjugates). Budesonide undergoes an extensive degree (approximately 90%) of biotransformation on first passage through the liver to metabolites of low glucocorticosteroid activity. The glucocorticosteroid activity of the major metabolites, 6-beta-hydroxy-budesonide and 16-alfa-hydroxy-prednisolone, is less than 1% of that of budesonide. There are no indications of any metabolic interactions or any displacement reactions between formoterol and budesonide.
Elimination
The major part of a dose of formoterol is transformed by liver metabolism followed by renal elimination. After inhalation, 8% to 13% of the delivered dose of formoterol is excreted unmetabolised in the urine. Formoterol has a high systemic clearance (approximately 1.4 L/min) and the terminal elimination half-life averages 17 hours.
Budesonide is eliminated via metabolism mainly catalysed by the enzyme CYP3A4. The metabolites of budesonide are eliminated in urine as such or in conjugated form. Only negligible amounts of unchanged budesonide have been detected in the urine. Budesonide has a high systemic clearance (approximately 1.2 L/min) and the plasma elimination half-life after i.v. dosing averages 4 hours.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship(s)
The pharmacokinetics of budesonide or formoterol in children and patients with renal failure are unknown. The exposure of budesonide and formoterol may be increased in patients with liver disease.
DuoResp Spiromax pharmacokinetic profile
In pharmacokinetic studies with and without a charcoal blockage, DuoResp Spiromax was evaluated by comparing it with an alternative authorised fixed-dose combination inhaled product containing the same active substances, budesonide and formoterol and has been shown to be equivalent in both systemic exposure (safety) and pulmonary deposition (efficacy).
5.3 Preclinical safety data
The toxicity observed in animal studies with budesonide and formoterol, given in combination or separately, were effects associated with exaggerated pharmacological activity.
In animal reproduction studies, corticosteroids such as budesonide have been shown to induce malformations (cleft palate, skeletal malformations). However, these animal experimental results do not seem to be relevant in humans at the recommended doses. Animal reproduction studies with formoterol have shown a somewhat reduced fertility in male rats at high systemic exposure and implantation losses as well as decreased early postnatal survival and birth weight at considerably higher systemic exposures than those reached during clinical use. However, these animal experimental results do not seem to be relevant in humans.
6. Pharmaceutical particulars
6.1 List of excipients
Lactose monohydrate.
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
2 years.
After opening the foil wrap: 6 months.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C.
Keep the mouthpiece cover closed after removal of the foil wrap.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
The inhaler is white with a semi-transparent wine red mouthpiece cover. The inhaler is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PT) , and polypropylene (PP). Each inhaler contains 120 doses and is foil-wrapped.
Pack sizes of 1, 2 or 3 inhalers.
Not all pack-sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
No special requirements.
7. Marketing authorisation holder
Teva Pharma B.V.
Computerweg 10, 3542 DR Utrecht
The Netherlands
8. Marketing authorisation number(s)
EU/1/14/920/001
EU/1/14/920/002
EU/1/14/920/003
9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation
Date of first authorisation: 28 April 2014
10. Date of revision of the text
28 April 2014
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.com
-----------------------------------------------------
包装规格
一个一盒， 3个一盒 60x 160micrograms/4.5micrograms
一个一盒， 3个一盒 60x 320micrograms /9micrograms