4.1. Therapeutic indications

Posaconazole oral suspension is indicated for use in the treatment of the following fungal infections in adults (see section 5.1):

• Invasive aspergillosis in patients with disease that is refractory to amphotericin B or itraconazole or in patients who are intolerant of these medicinal products;

• Fusariosis in patients with disease that is refractory to amphotericin B or in patients who are intolerant of amphotericin B;

• Chromoblastomycosis and mycetoma in patients with disease that is refractory to itraconazole or in patients who are intolerant of itraconazole;

• Coccidioidomycosis in patients with disease that is refractory to amphotericin B, itraconazole or fluconazole or in patients who are intolerant of these medicinal products;

• Oropharyngeal candidiasis: as first-line therapy in patients who have severe disease or are immunocompromised, in whom response to topical therapy is expected to be poor.

Refractoriness is defined as progression of infection or failure to improve after a minimum of 7 days of prior therapeutic doses of effective antifungal therapy.

Posaconazole oral suspension is also indicated for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections in the following patients:

• Patients receiving remission-induction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) expected to result in prolonged neutropenia and who are at high-risk of developing invasive fungal infections;

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients who are undergoing high-dose immunosuppressive therapy for graft versus host disease and who are at high risk of developing invasive fungal infections.

Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of posaconazole concentrate for solution for infusion and the gastro-resistant tablets for use in primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Treatment should be initiated by a physician experienced in the management of fungal infections or in the supportive care of high-risk patients for which posaconazole is indicated as prophylaxis.

Non-interchangeability between posaconazole oral suspension and posaconazole tablets or posaconazole gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension

Posaconazole oral suspension is indicated for the adult population (≥18 years old) only. Another formulation (posaconazole gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension) is available for paediatric patients from 2 years to less than 18 years of age.

The oral suspension is not to be used interchangeably with either the tablet or gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension due to the differences in frequency of dosing, administration with food and plasma drug concentration achieved. Therefore, follow the specific dose recommendations for each formulation.

Posology

Posaconazole is also available as 100 mg gastro-resistant tablet, 300 mg concentrate for solution for infusion, and 300 mg gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension. Posaconazole tablets generally provide higher plasma drug exposures than posaconazole oral suspension under both fed and fasted conditions. Therefore, the tablets are the preferred formulation over the oral suspension to optimize plasma concentrations. Recommended dose is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Recommended dose in adults according to indication

Indication

Dose and duration of therapy

(See section 5.2)

Refractory invasive fungal infections (IFI)/patients with IFI intolerant to 1st line therapy

200 mg (5 mL) four times a day. Alternatively, patients who can tolerate food or a nutritional supplement may take 400 mg (10 mL) twice a day during or immediately following a meal or nutritional supplement.

Duration of therapy should be based on the severity of the underlying disease, recovery from immunosuppression, and clinical response.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis

Loading dose of 200 mg (5 mL) once a day on the first day, then 100 mg (2.5 mL) once a day for 13 days.

Each dose of posaconazole should be administered during or immediately after a meal, or a nutritional supplement in patients who cannot tolerate food to enhance the oral absorption and to ensure adequate exposure.

Prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections

200 mg (5 mL) three times a day. Each dose of posaconazole should be administered during or immediately after a meal, or a nutritional supplement in patients who cannot tolerate food to enhance the oral absorption and to ensure adequate exposure. The duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression. For patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndromes, prophylaxis with posaconazole should start several days before the anticipated onset of neutropenia and continue for 7 days after the neutrophil count rises above 500 cells per mm3.

Special populations

Renal impairment

An effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole is not expected and no dose adjustment is recommended (see section 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

Limited data on the effect of hepatic impairment (including Child-Pugh C classification of chronic liver disease) on the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole demonstrate an increase in plasma exposure compared to subjects with normal hepatic function, but do not suggest that dose adjustment is necessary (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). It is recommended to exercise caution due to the potential for higher plasma exposure.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of posaconazole oral suspension have not been established in children and adolescents aged below 18 years. Currently available data are described in sections 5.1 and 5.2, but no recommendation on a posology can be made. Two other oral formulations posaconazole gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension and posaconazole tablets are available for the paediatric population.

Method of administration

For oral use

The oral suspension must be shaken well before use.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. Co-administration with ergot alkaloids (see section 4.5).

Co-administration with the CYP3A4 substrates terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine or quinidine since this may result in increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products, leading to QTc prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Co-administration with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors simvastatin, lovastatin and atorvastatin (see section 4.5).

Co-administration during the initiation and dose-titration phase of venetoclax in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) patients (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Hypersensitivity

There is no information regarding cross-sensitivity between posaconazole and other azole antifungal agents. Caution should be used when prescribing posaconazole to patients with hypersensitivity to other azoles.

Hepatic toxicity

Hepatic reactions (e.g. mild to moderate elevations in ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and/or clinical hepatitis) have been reported during treatment with posaconazole. Elevated liver function tests were generally reversible on discontinuation of therapy and in some instances these tests normalised without interruption of therapy. Rarely, more severe hepatic reactions with fatal outcomes have been reported.

Posaconazole should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment due to limited clinical experience and the possibility that posaconazole plasma levels may be higher in these patients (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).

Monitoring of hepatic function

Liver function tests should be evaluated at the start of and during the course of posaconazole therapy. Patients who develop abnormal liver function tests during posaconazole therapy must be routinely monitored for the development of more severe hepatic injury. Patient management should include laboratory evaluation of hepatic function (particularly liver function tests and bilirubin). Discontinuation of posaconazole should be considered if clinical signs and symptoms are consistent with development of liver disease.

QTc prolongation

Some azoles have been associated with prolongation of the QTc interval. Posaconazole must not be administered with medicinal products that are substrates for CYP3A4 and are known to prolong the QTc interval (see sections 4.3 and 4.5). Posaconazole should be administered with caution to patients with pro-arrhythmic conditions such as:

• Congenital or acquired QTc prolongation

• Cardiomyopathy, especially in the presence of cardiac failure

• Sinus bradycardia

• Existing symptomatic arrhythmias

• Concomitant use with medicinal products known to prolong the QTc interval (other than those mentioned in section 4.3).

Electrolyte disturbances, especially those involving potassium, magnesium or calcium levels, should be monitored and corrected as necessary before and during posaconazole therapy.

Drug interactions

Posaconazole is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and should only be used under specific circumstances during treatment with other medicinal products that are metabolised by CYP3A4 (see section 4.5).

Midazolam and other benzodiazepines

Due to the risk of prolonged sedation and possible respiratory depression co-administration of posaconazole with any benzodiazepines metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g. midazolam, triazolam, alprazolam) should only be considered if clearly necessary. Dose adjustment of benzodiazepines metabolised by CYP3A4 should be considered (see section 4.5).

Vincristine toxicity

Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions, including seizures, peripheral neuropathy, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and paralytic ileus. Reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options (see section 4.5).

Venetoclax toxicity

Concomitant administration of strong CYP3A inhibitors, including posaconazole, with the CYP3A4 substrate venetoclax, may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) and neutropenia (see sections 4.3 and 4.5). Refer to the venetoclax SmPC for detailed guidance.

Rifamycin antibacterials (rifampicin, rifabutin), flucloxacillin, certain anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone), efavirenz and cimetidine

Posaconazole concentrations may be significantly lowered in combination; therefore, concomitant use with posaconazole should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk (see section 4.5).

Photosensitivity reaction

Posaconazole may cause increased risk of photosensitivity reaction. Patients should be advised to avoid sun exposure during treatment without adequate protection such as protective clothing and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF).

Gastrointestinal dysfunction

There are limited pharmacokinetic data in patients with severe gastrointestinal dysfunction (such as severe diarrhoea). Patients who have severe diarrhoea or vomiting should be monitored closely for breakthrough fungal infections.

Glucose

This medicinal product contains approximately 2.11 g of liquid glucose per 5 mL of suspension. Patients with rare glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

Sodium benzoate

This medicinal product contains 10 mg of sodium benzoate per 5 mL of suspension.

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

Effects of other medicinal products on posaconazole

Posaconazole is metabolised via UDP glucuronidation (phase 2 enzymes) and is a substrate for p- glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux in vitro. Therefore, inhibitors (e.g. verapamil, ciclosporin, quinidine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, etc.) or inducers (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, certain anticonvulsants, etc.) of these clearance pathways may increase or decrease posaconazole plasma concentrations, respectively.

Rifabutin

Rifabutin (300 mg once a day) decreased the Cmax (maximum plasma concentration) and AUC (area under the plasma concentration time curve) of posaconazole to 57 % and 51 %, respectively. Concomitant use of posaconazole and rifabutin and similar inducers (e.g. rifampicin) should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk. See also below regarding the effect of posaconazole on rifabutin plasma levels.

Flucloxacillin

Flucloxacillin (a CYP450 inducer) may decrease plasma posaconazole concentrations. Concomitant use of posaconazole and flucloxacillin should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk (see section 4.4).

Efavirenz

Efavirenz (400 mg once a day) decreased the Cmax and AUC of posaconazole by 45 % and 50 %, respectively. Concomitant use of posaconazole and efavirenz should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk.

Fosamprenavir

Combining fosamprenavir with posaconazole may lead to decreased posaconazole plasma concentrations. If concomitant administration is required, close monitoring for breakthrough fungal infections is recommended. Repeat dose administration of fosamprenavir (700 mg twice daily x 10 days) decreased the Cmax and AUC of posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg once daily on the 1st day, 200 mg twice daily on the 2nd day, then 400 mg twice daily x 8 days) by 21 % and 23 %, respectively. The effect of posaconazole on fosamprenavir levels when fosamprenavir is given with ritonavir is unknown.

Phenytoin

Phenytoin (200 mg once a day) decreased the Cmax and AUC of posaconazole by 41 % and 50 %, respectively. Concomitant use of posaconazole and phenytoin and similar inducers (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone) should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk.

H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors

Posaconazole plasma concentrations (Cmax and AUC) were reduced by 39 % when posaconazole was administered with cimetidine (400 mg twice a day) due to reduced absorption possibly secondary to a decrease in gastric acid production. Co-administration of posaconazole with H2 receptor antagonists should be avoided if possible. Similarly, administration of 400 mg posaconazole with esomeprazole (40 mg daily) decreased mean Cmax and AUC by 46 % and 32 %, respectively, compared to dosing with 400 mg posaconazole alone. Co-administration of posaconazole with proton pump inhibitors should be avoided if possible.

Food

The absorption of posaconazole is significantly increased by food (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).

Effects of posaconazole on other medicinal products

Posaconazole is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4. Co-administration of posaconazole with CYP3A4 substrates may result in large increases in exposure to CYP3A4 substrates as exemplified by the effects on tacrolimus, sirolimus, atazanavir and midazolam below. Caution is advised during co- administration of posaconazole with CYP3A4 substrates administered intravenously and the dose of the CYP3A4 substrate may need to be reduced. If posaconazole is used concomitantly with CYP3A4 substrates that are administered orally, and for which an increase in plasma concentrations may be associated with unacceptable adverse reactions, plasma concentrations of the CYP3A4 substrate and/or adverse reactions should be closely monitored and the dose adjusted as needed. Several of the interaction studies were conducted in healthy volunteers in whom a higher exposure to posaconazole occurs compared to patients administered the same dose. The effect of posaconazole on CYP3A4 substrates in patients might be somewhat lower than that observed in healthy volunteers, and is expected to be variable between patients due to the variable posaconazole exposure in patients. The effect of co-administration with posaconazole on plasma levels of CYP3A4 substrates may also be variable within a patient, unless posaconazole is administered in a strictly standardised way with food, given the large food effect on posaconazole exposure (see section 5.2).

Terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine and quinidine (CYP3A4 substrates)

Co-administration of posaconazole and terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine or quinidine is contraindicated. Co-administration may result in increased plasma concentrations of these medicinal products, leading to QTc prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes (see section 4.3).

Ergot alkaloids

Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentration of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine), which may lead to ergotism. Co-administration of posaconazole and ergot alkaloids is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors metabolised through CYP3A4 (e.g. simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin)

Posaconazole may substantially increase plasma levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are metabolised by CYP3A4. Treatment with these HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be discontinued during treatment with posaconazole as increased levels have been associated with rhabdomyolysis (see section 4.3).

Vinca alkaloids

Most of the vinca alkaloids (e.g. vincristine and vinblastine) are substrates of CYP3A4. Concomitant administration of azole antifungals, including posaconazole, with vincristine has been associated with serious adverse reactions (see section 4.4). Posaconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of vinca alkaloids which may lead to neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions. Therefore, reserve azole antifungals, including posaconazole, for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options.

Rifabutin

Posaconazole increased the Cmax and AUC of rifabutin by 31 % and 72 %, respectively. Concomitant use of posaconazole and rifabutin should be avoided unless the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk (see also above regarding the effect of rifabutin on plasma levels of posaconazole). If these medicinal products are co-administered, careful monitoring of full blood counts and adverse reactions related to increased rifabutin levels (e.g. uveitis) is recommended.

Sirolimus

Repeat dose administration of posaconazole oral suspension (400 mg twice daily for 16 days) increased the Cmax and AUC of sirolimus (2 mg single dose) an average of 6.7-fold and 8.9-fold (range 3.1 to 17.5-fold), respectively, in healthy subjects. The effect of posaconazole on sirolimus in patients is unknown, but is expected to be variable due to the variable posaconazole exposure in patients. Co- administration of posaconazole with sirolimus is not recommended and should be avoided whenever possible. If it is considered that co-administration is unavoidable, then it is recommended that the dose of sirolimus should be greatly reduced at the time of initiation of posaconazole therapy and that there should be very frequent monitoring of trough concentrations of sirolimus in whole blood. Sirolimus concentrations should be measured upon initiation, during co-administration, and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment, with sirolimus doses adjusted accordingly. It should be noted that the relationship between sirolimus trough concentration and AUC is changed during co- administration with posaconazole. As a result, sirolimus trough concentrations that fall within the usual therapeutic range may result in sub-therapeutic levels. Therefore trough concentrations that fall in the upper part of the usual therapeutic range should be targeted and careful attention should be paid to clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory parameters and tissue biopsies.

Ciclosporin

In heart transplant patients on stable doses of ciclosporin, posaconazole oral suspension 200 mg once daily increased ciclosporin concentrations requiring dose reductions. Cases of elevated ciclosporin levels resulting in serious adverse reactions, including nephrotoxicity and one fatal case of leukoencephalopathy, were reported in clinical efficacy studies. When initiating treatment with posaconazole in patients already receiving ciclosporin, the dose of ciclosporin should be reduced (e.g. to about three quarters of the current dose). Thereafter blood levels of ciclosporin should be monitored carefully during co-administration, and upon discontinuation of posaconazole treatment, and the dose of ciclosporin should be adjusted as necessary.

Tacrolimus

Posaconazole increased Cmax and AUC of tacrolimus (0.05 mg/kg body weight single dose) by 121 % and 358 %, respectively. Clinically significant interactions resulting in hospitalisation and/or posaconazole discontinuation were reported in clinical efficacy studies. When initiating posaconazole treatment in patients already receiving tacrolimus, the dose of tacrolimus should be reduced (e.g. to about one third of the current dose). Thereafter blood levels of tacrolimus should be monitored carefully during co-administration, and upon discontinuation of posaconazole, and the dose of tacrolimus should be adjusted as necessary.

HIV Protease inhibitors

As HIV protease inhibitors are CYP3A4 substrates, it is expected that posaconazole will increase plasma levels of these antiretroviral agents. Following co-administration of posaconazole oral suspension (400 mg twice daily) with atazanavir (300 mg once daily) for 7 days in healthy subjects Cmax and AUC of atazanavir increased by an average of 2.6-fold and 3.7-fold (range 1.2 to 26-fold), respectively. Following co-administration of posaconazole oral suspension (400 mg twice daily) with atazanavir and ritonavir (300/100 mg once daily) for 7 days in healthy subjects Cmax and AUC of atazanavir increased by an average of 1.5-fold and 2.5-fold (range 0.9 to 4.1-fold), respectively. The addition of posaconazole to therapy with atazanavir or with atazanavir plus ritonavir was associated with increases in plasma bilirubin levels. Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to antiretroviral agents that are substrates of CYP3A4 is recommended during co- administration with posaconazole.

Midazolam and other benzodiazepines metabolised by CYP3A4

In a study in healthy volunteers posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg once daily for 10 days) increased the exposure (AUC) of intravenous midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) by 83 %. In another study in healthy volunteers, repeat dose administration of posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg twice daily for 7 days) increased the Cmax and AUC of intravenous midazolam (0.4 mg single dose) by an average of 1.3- and 4.6-fold (range 1.7 to 6.4-fold), respectively; Posaconazole oral suspension 400 mg twice daily for 7 days increased the intravenous midazolam Cmax and AUC by 1.6 and 6.2-fold (range 1.6 to 7.6-fold), respectively. Both doses of posaconazole increased Cmax and AUC of oral midazolam (2 mg single oral dose) by 2.2 and 4.5-fold, respectively. In addition, posaconazole oral suspension (200 mg or 400 mg) prolonged the mean terminal half-life of midazolam from approximately 3-4 hours to 8-10 hours during co-administration. Due to the risk of prolonged sedation it is recommended that dose adjustments should be considered when posaconazole is administered concomitantly with any benzodiazepine that is metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g. midazolam, triazolam, alprazolam) (see section 4.4).

Calcium channel blockers metabolised through CYP3A4 (e.g. diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine, nisoldipine)

Frequent monitoring for adverse reactions and toxicity related to calcium channel blockers is recommended during co-administration with posaconazole. Dose adjustment of calcium channel blockers may be required.

Digoxin

Administration of other azoles has been associated with increases in digoxin levels. Therefore, posaconazole may increase plasma concentration of digoxin and digoxin levels need to be monitored when initiating or discontinuing posaconazole treatment.

Sulfonylureas

Glucose concentrations decreased in some healthy volunteers when glipizide was co-administered with posaconazole. Monitoring of glucose concentrations is recommended in diabetic patients.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or tretinoin

As ATRA is metabolised by the hepatic CYP450 enzymes, notably CYP3A4, concomitant administration with posaconazole, which is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, may lead to increased exposure to tretinoin resulting in an increased toxicity (especially hypercalcaemia). Serum calcium levels should be monitored and, if needed, appropriate dose adjustments of tretinoin should be considered during the treatment with posaconazole, and during the following days after treatment.

Venetoclax

Compared with venetoclax 400 mg administered alone, co-administration of 300 mg posaconazole, a strong CYP3A inhibitor, with venetoclax 50 mg and 100 mg for 7 days in 12 patients, increased venetoclax Cmax to 1.6-fold and 1.9-fold, and AUC to 1.9-fold and 2.4- fold, respectively (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Refer to the venetoclax SmPC.

Paediatric population

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There is insufficient information on the use of posaconazole in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown.

Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment. Posaconazole must not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential risk to the foetus.

Breast-feeding

Posaconazole is excreted into the milk of lactating rats (see section 5.3). The excretion of posaconazole in human breast milk has not been investigated. Breast-feeding must be stopped on initiation of treatment with posaconazole.

Fertility

Posaconazole had no effect on fertility of male rats at doses up to 180 mg/kg (1.7 times the 400-mg twice daily regimen based on steady-state plasma concentrations in healthy volunteers) or female rats at a dose up to 45 mg/kg (2.2 times the 400-mg twice daily regimen). There is no clinical experience assessing the impact of posaconazole on fertility in humans.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Since certain adverse reactions (e.g. dizziness, somnolence, etc.) have been reported with posaconazole use, which potentially may affect driving/operating machinery, caution needs to be used.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The safety of posaconazole oral suspension has been assessed in > 2,400 patients and healthy volunteers enrolled in clinical studies and from post-marketing experience. The most frequently reported serious related adverse reactions included nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pyrexia, and increased bilirubin.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Within the organ system classes, adverse reactions are listed under headings of frequency using the following categories: 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); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 2. Adverse reactions by body system and frequency reported in clinical studies and/or post-marketing use *

System organ class

Frequency

Adverse reactions

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common

Neutropenia

Uncommon

Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anaemia, eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, splenic infarction

Rare

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, pancytopenia, coagulopathy, haemorrhage

Immune system disorders

Uncommon

Allergic reaction

Rare

Hypersensitivity reaction

Endocrine disorders

Rare

Adrenal insufficiency, blood gonadotropin decreased, pseudoaldosteronism

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Common

Electrolyte imbalance, anorexia, decreased appetite, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia

Uncommon

Hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia

Psychiatric disorders

Uncommon

Abnormal dreams, confusional state, sleep disorder

Rare

Psychotic disorder, depression

Nervous system disorders

Common

Paraesthesia, dizziness, somnolence, headache, dysgeusia

Uncommon

Convulsions, neuropathy, hypoaesthesia, tremor, aphasia, insomnia

Rare

Cerebrovascular accident, encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, syncope

Eye disorders

Uncommon

Blurred vision, photophobia, visual acuity reduced

Rare

Diplopia, scotoma

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Rare

Hearing impairment

Cardiac disorders

Uncommon

Long QT syndrome§, electrocardiogram abnormal§, palpitations, bradycardia, supraventricular extrasystoles, tachycardia

Rare

Torsade de pointes, sudden death, ventricular tachycardia, cardio-respiratory arrest, cardiac failure, myocardial infarction

Vascular disorders

Common

Hypertension

Uncommon

Hypotension, vasculitis

Rare

Pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Uncommon

Cough, epistaxis, hiccups, nasal congestion, pleuritic pain, tachypnoea

Rare

Pulmonary hypertension, interstitial pneumonia, pneumonitis

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very Common

Nausea

Common

Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, dry mouth, flatulence, constipation, anorectal discomfort

Uncommon

Pancreatitis, abdominal distension, enteritis, epigastric discomfort, eructation, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, oedema mouth

Rare

Gastrointestinal haemorrhage, ileus

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common

Liver function tests raised (ALT increased, AST increased, bilirubin increased, alkaline phosphatase increased, GGT increased)

Uncommon

Hepatocellular damage, hepatitis, jaundice, hepatomegaly, cholestasis, hepatic toxicity, hepatic function abnormal

Rare

Hepatic failure, hepatitis cholestatic, hepatosplenomegaly, liver tenderness, asterixis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common

Rash, pruritis

Uncommon

Mouth ulceration, alopecia, dermatitis, erythema, petechiae

Rare

Stevens Johnson syndrome, vesicular rash

Not known

Photosensitivity reaction§

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Uncommon

Back pain, neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, pain in extremity

Renal and urinary disorders

Uncommon

Acute renal failure, renal failure, blood creatinine increased

Rare

Renal tubular acidosis, interstitial nephritis

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Uncommon

Menstrual disorder

Rare

Breast pain

General disorders and administration site conditions

Common

Pyrexia (fever), asthenia, fatigue

Uncommon

Oedema, pain, chills, malaise, chest discomfort, drug intolerance, feeling jittery, mucosal inflammation

Rare

Tongue oedema, face oedema

Investigations

Uncommon

Altered medicine levels, blood phosphorus decreased, chest x-ray abnormal

* Based on adverse reactions observed with the oral suspension, gastro-resistant tablets, concentrate for solution for infusion, and gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension

§ See section 4.4.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Hepatobiliary disorders

During post-marketing surveillance of posaconazole oral suspension, severe hepatic injury with fatal outcome has been reported (see section 4.4).

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.

4.9. Overdose

During clinical studies, patients who received posaconazole oral suspension doses up to 1,600 mg/day experienced no different adverse reactions from those reported with patients at the lower doses. Accidental overdose was noted in one patient who took posaconazole oral suspension 1,200 mg twice a day for 3 days. No adverse reactions were noted by the investigator.

Posaconazole is not removed by haemodialysis. There is no special treatment available in the case of overdose with posaconazole. Supportive care may be considered.