4.1. Therapeutic indications

Alitretinoin capsules is indicated for use in adults who have severe chronic hand eczema that is unresponsive to treatment with potent topical corticosteroids.

Patients in whom the eczema has predominantly hyperkeratotic features are more likely to respond to treatment than in those in whom the eczema predominantly presents as pompholyx (see section 5.1).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Alitretinoin should only be prescribed by dermatologists, or physicians with experience in the use of systemic retinoids who have full understanding of the risks of systemic retinoid therapy and monitoring requirements. Prescriptions of Alitretinoin for women of childbearing potential should be limited to 30 days of treatment and continuation of treatment requires a new prescription. Ideally, pregnancy testing, issuing a prescription and dispensing of Alitretinoin should occur on the same day. Dispensing of Alitretinoin should occur within a maximum of 7 days of the prescription.

Posology

The recommended dose for alitretinoin is 10 mg or 30 mg once daily.

The recommended starting dose for alitretinoin is 30 mg once daily. A dose reduction to 10 mg once daily may be considered in patients with unacceptable adverse reactions to the 30 mg dose. In studies investigating 10 mg and 30 mg daily doses, both doses resulted in clearing of the disease. The 30 mg dose provided a more rapid response and a higher response rate. The 10 mg daily dose was associated with fewer adverse events (see section 5.1).

Duration of treatment

A treatment course of alitretinoin may be given for 12 to 24 weeks depending on response. Discontinuation of therapy is recommended in patients who have achieved clear or almost clear hands earlier than 24 weeks (see section 5.1). Discontinuation of therapy should also be considered for patients who still have severe disease after the initial 12 weeks of continuous treatment.

Retreatment

In the event of relapse, patients may benefit from further treatment courses of alitretinoin (see section 5.1).

Method of administration

The capsules should be taken with a main meal once daily, preferably at the same time each day (see section 5.2).

Alitretinoin should not be prescribed if the patient's eczema can be adequately controlled by standard measures, including skin protection, avoidance of allergens and irritants, and treatment with potent topical corticosteroids.

Paediatric population

Alitretinoin is not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age.

Renal impairment

Alitretinoin is contraindicated in patients with severe or end stage renal impairment (see section 4.3).

Alitretinoin is not recommended for use in patients with moderate renal impairment as there is insufficient data (see section 5.2).

No alteration of dosage or dosing frequency is required in patients with mild renal impairment (see section 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

Alitretinoin is contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment (see section 4.3).

Elderly

No alteration of dosage and dosing frequency is required in patients over 65 years (see section 5.2).

4.3. Contraindications

Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication to treatment with alitretinoin (see section 4.6).

Alitretinoin is contraindicated in woman of childbearing potential unless all of the conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are met (see section 4.4).

Alitretinoin capsules contain soya oil. Patients who are allergic to peanut or soya should not take this medicine.

Alitretinoin is contraindicated in nursing mothers.

Alitretinoin is also contraindicated in patients

• with hepatic insufficiency

• with severe renal insufficiency

• with uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia

• with uncontrolled hypertriglyceridemia

• with uncontrolled hypothyroidism

• with hypervitaminosis A

• with hypersensitivity either to alitretinoin, to other retinoids or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1, in particular in case of allergies to peanut or soya

• receiving concomitant treatment with tetracyclines (see section 4.5).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Teratogenic effects

Alitretinoin is a powerful human teratogen inducing a high frequency of severe and life-threatening birth defects.

Alitretinoin is strictly contraindicated in:

- Pregnant women

- Women of childbearing potential unless all of the conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are met.

Pregnancy Prevention Programme

This medicinal product is TERATOGENIC.

Alitretinoin is contraindicated in women of childbearing potential unless all of the following conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are met:

• Alitretinoin is indicated for use in adults who have severe chronic hand eczema that is unresponsive to treatment with potent topical corticosteroids (see section 4.1 “Therapeutic indications”).

• The potential for pregnancy must be assessed for all female patients.

• She understands the teratogenic risk.

• She understands the need for rigorous follow-up, on a monthly basis.

• She understands and accepts the need for effective contraception, without interruption, 1 month before starting treatment, throughout the entire duration of treatment and for 1 month after the end of treatment. At least one highly effective method of contraception (i.e. a user-independent form) or two complementary user-dependent forms of contraception should be used.

• Individual circumstances should be evaluated in each case, when choosing the contraception method, involving the patient in the discussion, to guarantee her engagement and compliance with the chosen measures.

• Even if she has amenorrhea she must follow all of the advice on effective contraception.

• She is informed and understands the potential consequences of pregnancy and the need to rapidly consult if there is a risk of pregnancy or if she might be pregnant.

• She understands the need and accepts to undergo pregnancy testing before, ideally monthly during treatment and 1 month after stopping treatment.

• She has acknowledged that she has understood the hazards and necessary precautions associated with the use of alitretinoin.

These conditions also concern women who are not currently sexually active unless the prescriber considers that there are compelling reasons to indicate that there is no risk of pregnancy.

The prescriber must ensure that:

• The patient complies with the conditions for pregnancy prevention as listed above, including confirmation that she has an adequate level of understanding.

• The patient has acknowledged the aforementioned conditions.

• The patient understands that she must consistently and correctly use one highly effective method of contraception (i.e. a user-independent form) or two complementary user-dependent forms of contraception, for at least 1 month prior to starting treatment and is continuing to use effective contraception throughout the treatment period and for at least 1 month after cessation of treatment.

• Negative pregnancy test results have been obtained before, during and 1 month after the end of treatment. The dates and results of pregnancy tests should be documented.

If pregnancy occurs in a woman treated with alitretinoin, treatment must be stopped and the patient should be referred to a physician specialised or experienced in teratology for evaluation and advice.

If pregnancy occurs after stopped treatment there remains a risk of severe and serious malformation of the foetus. This risk persists until the product has been completely eliminated, which is within one month following the end of treatment.

Contraception

Female patients must be provided with comprehensive information on pregnancy prevention and should be referred for contraceptive advice if they are not using effective contraception. If the prescribing physician is not in a position to provide such information the patient should be referred to the relevant healthcare professional.

As a minimum requirement, female patients of childbearing potential must use at least one highly effective method of contraception (i.e. a user-independent form), or two complementary user-dependent forms of contraception. Contraception should be used for at least 1 month prior to starting treatment, throughout treatment and continued for at least 1 month after stopping treatment with alitretinoin, even in patients with amenorrhea.

Individual circumstances should be evaluated in each case when choosing the contraception methods, involving the patient in the discussion to guarantee her engagement and compliance with the chosen measures.

Pregnancy testing

According to local practice, medically supervised pregnancy tests with a minimum sensitivity of 25 mIU/mL are recommended to be performed, as follows:

Prior to starting therapy

At least one month after the patient has started using contraception, and shortly (preferably a few days) prior to the first prescription, the patient should undergo a medically supervised pregnancy test. This test should ensure the patient is not pregnant when she starts treatment with alitretinoin.

Follow-up visits

Follow-up visits should be arranged at regular intervals, ideally monthly. The need for repeated medically supervised pregnancy tests every month should be determined according to local practice including consideration of the patient's sexual activity, recent menstrual history (abnormal menses, missed periods or amenorrhea) and method of contraception. Where indicated, follow-up pregnancy tests should be performed on the day of the prescribing visit or in the 3 days prior to the visit to the prescriber.

End of treatment

1 month after stopping treatment, women should undergo a final pregnancy test.

Prescribing and dispensing restrictions

For women of childbearing potential, the prescription duration of Alitretinoin should ideally be limited to 30 days in order to support regular follow-up, including pregnancy testing and monitoring. Ideally, pregnancy testing, issuing a prescription and dispensing of Alitretinoin should occur on the same day.

This monthly follow-up will allow ensuring that regular pregnancy testing and monitoring is performed and that the patient is not pregnant before receiving the next cycle of medication.

Male patients

The available data suggest that the level of maternal exposure from the semen of the patients receiving Alitretinoin, is not of a sufficient magnitude to be associated with the teratogenic effects of Alitretinoin. Based on non-clinical findings, the male fertility may be compromised by treatment with Alitretinoin (see section 5.3).

Male patients should be reminded that they must not share their medication with anyone, particularly not females.

Additional precautions

Patients should be instructed never to give this medicinal product to another person and to return any unused capsules to their pharmacist at the end of treatment.

Patients should not donate blood during therapy and for 1 month following discontinuation of alitretinoin because of the potential risk to the foetus of a pregnant transfusion recipient.

Educational material

In order to assist prescribers, pharmacists and patients in avoiding foetal exposure to alitretinoin, the Marketing Authorisation Holder will provide educational material to reinforce the warnings about the teratogenicity of alitretinoin, to provide advice on contraception before therapy is started and to provide guidance on the need for pregnancy testing.

Full patient information about the teratogenic risk and the strict pregnancy prevention measures as specified in the Pregnancy Prevention Programme should be given by the physician to all patients, both male and female.

Psychiatric disorders

Depression, depression aggravated, anxiety, aggressive tendencies, mood alterations, psychotic symptoms, and very rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide have been reported in patients treated with systemic retinoids including alitretinoin (see section 4.8). Particular care needs to be taken in patients with a history of depression and all patients should be monitored for signs of depression and referred for appropriate treatment if necessary. Prior to initiation of alitretinoin and at each visit during therapy, patients should be asked about any psychiatric disorders, depression, or mood disturbances. Patients should stop alitretinoin if they develop depression, mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression. However, discontinuation of alitretinoin may be insufficient to alleviate symptoms and therefore, further psychiatric or psychological evaluation may be necessary.

Awareness by family or friends may be useful to detect mental health deterioration.

UV light

The effects of UV light are enhanced by retinoid therapy. Therefore patients should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and the unsupervised use of sun lamps. Where necessary a sun-protection product with a high protection factor of at least SPF 15 should be used.

Skin and subcutaneous tissues disorders

Patients who experience dryness of the skin and lips should be advised to use a skin moisturizing ointment or cream and a lip balm.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Treatment with other systemic retinoids has been associated with bone changes including premature epiphyseal closure, hyperostosis, and calcification of tendons and ligaments.

Myalgia, arthralgia and increased serum creatinine phosphokinase values have been observed in patients treated with alitretinoin.

Eye disorders

Treatment with alitretinoin has been associated with dry eyes. The symptoms usually resolve after discontinuation of therapy. Dry eyes can be helped by the application of a lubricating eye ointment or by the application of tear replacement therapy. Intolerance to contact lenses may occur which may necessitate the patient to wear glasses during treatment.

Treatment with systemic retinoids has been associated with corneal opacities and keratitis. Decreased night vision has been observed in patients treated with alitretinoin. These effects usually resolve after discontinuation of therapy.

Patients experiencing visual difficulties should be referred to an ophthalmologist. Withdrawal of alitretinoin may be necessary.

Benign intracranial hypertension

Treatment with systemic retinoids, including alitretinoin, has been associated with the occurrence of benign intracranial hypertension, some of which involved concomitant use of tetracyclines (see section 4.3 and section 4.5). Signs and symptoms of benign intracranial hypertension include headache, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances and papilloedema. Patients who develop signs of benign intracranial hypertension should discontinue alitretinoin immediately.

Lipid Metabolism

Alitretinoin has been associated with an increase in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides (fasting values) should be monitored. Alitretinoin should be discontinued if hypertriglyceridaemia cannot be controlled at an acceptable level.

Pancreatitis

Alitretinoin should be discontinued if symptoms of pancreatitis occur (see section 4.8).

Triglyceride levels in excess of 800 mg/dL (9 mmol/L) are sometimes associated with acute pancreatitis, which may be fatal.

Thyroid function

Changes in thyroid function tests have been observed in patients receiving alitretinoin, most often noted as a reversible reduction in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and T4 [free thyroxine].

Hepatobiliary disorders

Treatment with other systemic retinoids has been associated with transient and reversible increases in liver transaminases. In the event of persistent clinically relevant elevation of transaminase levels, reduction of the dose or discontinuation of treatment should be considered.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Systemic retinoids, including alitretinoin, have been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (including regional ileitis) in patients without a history of intestinal disorders. If severe diarrhoea is observed diagnosis of IBD should be considered and alitretinoin should be discontinued immediately.

Allergic reactions

Anaphylactic reactions have been rarely reported in systemic retinoids, in some cases after previous topical exposure to retinoids. Allergic cutaneous reactions are reported infrequently. Serious cases of allergic vasculitis, often with purpura (bruises and red patches) of the extremities and extracutaneous involvement have been reported. Severe allergic reactions necessitate interruption of therapy and careful monitoring.

High risk patients

In patients with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular risk factors or a lipid metabolism disorder undergoing treatment with alitretinoin, more frequent checks of serum values for lipids and/or blood glucose may be necessary.

Sorbitol

This medicine contains 25.55 mg sorbitol in each capsule.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Pharmacokinetic interaction

Alitretinoin is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9, CYP2C8, CYP3A4 and undergoes isomerisation.

Concomitant medications that may affect the pharmacokinetics of alitretinoin

Co-administration with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole increases the plasma level of alitretinoin and therefore dose reduction to 10 mg should be considered. The effects of other inhibitors of CYP3A4 have not been studied.

A reduction in dose to 10 mg should be considered when alitretinoin is co-administered with potent CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g. fluconazole, miconazole, oxandrolone) or potent CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g. gemfibrozil).

Simvastatin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of alitretinoin.

No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed when alitretinoin was co-administered with ciclosporin.

Effect of alitretinoin on the pharmacokinetics of concomitant medications

Alitretinoin may increase the exposure of CYP2C8 substrates; therefore co-administration with amiodarone (a CYP2C8 substrate with a long half-life and narrow therapeutic index) is not recommended. Caution should be used if alitretinoin is co-administered with other medications that are substrates for CYP2C8 (e.g. paclitaxel, rosiglitazone, repaglinide).

Decreases of < 25 % in simvastatin and simvastatin acid plasma levels was observed when co-administered with alitretinoin. The effects on other similar medicinal products have not been studied.

Alitretinoin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole or ciclosporin.

Pharmacodynamic interactions

Patients should not take vitamin A or other retinoids as concurrent medication due to the risk of hypervitaminosis A.

Cases of benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) have been reported with concomitant use of retinoids and tetracyclines. Therefore, concomitant treatment with tetracyclines must be avoided (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication to treatment with alitretinoin (see section 4.3). If pregnancy does occur in spite of the pregnancy prevention precautions during treatment with alitretinoin or in the month following discontinuation of therapy, there is a great risk of very severe and serious malformation of the foetus.

Alitretinoin is a retinoid and therefore is a potent teratogen. The foetal malformations associated with exposure to retinoids include central nervous system abnormalities (hydrocephalus, cerebellar malformation/abnormalities, microcephaly), facial dysmorphia, cleft palate, external ear abnormalities (absence of external ear, small or absent external auditory canals), eye abnormalities (microphthalmia), cardiovascular abnormalities (conotruncal malformations such as tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great vessels, septal defects), thymus gland abnormality and parathyroid gland abnormalities. There is also an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion (see sections 4.3, 4.4).

If pregnancy occurs in a woman treated with alitretinoin, treatment must be stopped and the patient should be referred to a physician specialized or experienced in teratology for evaluation and advice.

Breast-feeding

Alitretinoin is highly lipophilic, therefore the passage of alitretinoin into human milk is very likely. Due to the potential risk for the exposed child, the use of alitretinoin is contraindicated in nursing mothers.

Fertility

Small amounts of alitretinoin (above endogenous levels) have been detected in the semen of some healthy volunteers receiving 40 mg of alitretinoin and drug accumulation in semen is not expected. Assuming complete vaginal absorption of these amounts, this would have a negligible effect on the endogenous plasma levels of the female partner or a foetus and therefore does not appear to pose a risk to the foetus if the partner is pregnant. Based on non-clinical findings, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with alitretinoin (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Decreased night vision has been reported in patients treated with alitretinoin and other retinoids. Patients should be advised of this potential problem and warned to be cautious when driving or operating machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The safety and efficacy of alitretinoin in patients with severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) unresponsive to treatment with potent topical corticosteroids has been evaluated in two randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies (see section 5.1).

The most frequent adverse drug reactions (ADRs) observed under alitretinoin therapy are headache (30 mg: 23.9%; 10 mg: 10.8%), erythema (30 mg: 5.5%; 10 mg: 1.7%), nausea (30 mg: 5.1%; 10 mg: 2.4%), flushing (30 mg: 5.9%, 10 mg: 1.6%), and laboratory changes consisting of increased levels of triglycerides (30 mg: 35.4%; 10 mg: 17.0% ), increased cholesterol (30 mg: 27.8%; 10 mg: 16.7%), decreased levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, 30 mg: 8.4%, 10 mg: 6.0%) and decreased levels of free T4 (30 mg: 10.5%; 10 mg: 2.9%). These reversible ADRs are dose dependent and may therefore be alleviated by dose reduction.

Very common

(≥1/10)

Common

(≥1/100 to <1/10)

Uncommon

(≥1/1,000 to <1/100)

Rare

(≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)

Very rare

(<1/10,000)

Unknown

(cannot be estimated from the available data)

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Anaemia, increased iron binding capacity, monocytes decreased, thrombocytes increased

Immune system disorders

Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity

Endocrine disorders

TSH decreased, free T4 decreased

Psychiatric disorders

Depression, depression aggravated, aggressive tendencies, anxiety, mood alterations

Suicide, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, psychotic disorder, abnormal behaviour

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Dizziness

Benign intracranial hypertension

Eye disorders

Conjunctivitis, dry eye, eye irritation

Blurred vision, cataract

Decreased night vision

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Tinnitus

Vascular disorders

Flushing, hypertension

Vasculitis

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Epistaxis

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea, dry mouth, vomiting,

Dyspepsia

Inflammatory bowel disease

Hepatobiliary disorders

Transaminase increased1)

Skin and subcutaneous tissues disorders

Dry skin, dry lips, cheilitis, eczema1), dermatitis1), erythema, alopecia

Pruritus, rash, skin exfoliation, asteatotic eczema

Nail disorders, photosensitivity reaction, hair texture changes

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Arthralgia1), myalgia1)

Exostosis (hyperostosis), ankylosing spondylitis

General disorders and administration site conditions

Fatigue

Peripheral oedema

Investigations

Hypertriglyceridemia, high density lipoprotein decreased, hypercholesterolemia

Blood creatinine phosphokinase increased

1) The overall incidence of adverse events was not higher than those observed in the corresponding placebo group.

The following adverse events have not been observed in clinical trials with alitretinoin but have been observed with other retinoids: diabetes mellitus, colour blindness (colour vision deficiencies), and contact lens intolerance (see section 4.4).

Changes in bone mineralization and extra-osseous calcifications have been associated with systemic retinoid treatment. In clinical studies with alitretinoin, degenerative changes of the spine and ligamentous calcifications were frequent findings in patients with chronic hand eczema before treatment (baseline), with minor progression in a small number of patients during treatment. These observations were consistent with age dependent degenerative changes. Assessments of bone density (DXA) did not indicate a dose dependent effect on bone mineralization.

In rare cases soya oil can lead to severe allergic reactions.

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. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Alitretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. Alitretinoin has been administered in oncological clinical studies at dosages of more than 10-times of the therapeutic dosage given for chronic hand eczema. The adverse effects observed were consistent with retinoid toxicity, and included severe headache, diarrhoea, facial flushing, hypertriglyceridemia. These effects were reversible.