Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel, is a combination of adapalene, a retinoid, and benzoyl peroxide and is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1 )

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For topical use only. Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Apply a thin layer of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel to affected areas of the face and/or trunk once daily after washing. Use a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (e.g., forehead, chin, each cheek). Wash hands after application as adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel may bleach hair or colored fabrics. Avoid the eyes, lips and mucous membranes. For topical use only Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel is not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use. ( 2 ) Apply a thin layer of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel to affected areas of the face and/or trunk once daily after washing. ( 2 ) Use a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (e.g., forehead, chin, each cheek). ( 2 ) Avoid the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. ( 2 )

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity : Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with the use of benzoyl peroxide products. ( 5.1 ) Photosensitivity : Avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear broad spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing when sun exposure cannot be avoided. ( 5.2 ) Skin Irritation : Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/burning, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with use of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel and may necessitate discontinuation. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria, have been reported with the use of benzoyl peroxide products. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel immediately and initiate appropriate therapy. 5.2 Photosensitivity Avoid exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, during the use of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. Patients with high levels of sun exposure and those with inherent sensitivity to sun should exercise particular caution. Use of broad spectrum sunscreen products and protective apparel (e.g., hat) are recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. Weather extremes, such as wind or cold, may be irritating to patients under treatment with adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. 5.3 Skin Irritation and Contact Dermatitis Erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning may be experienced with use of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. These are most likely to occur during the first four weeks of treatment, are mostly mild to moderate in intensity, and usually lessen with continued use of the medication. Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur. Depending upon the severity of these adverse reactions, patients should be instructed to use a moisturizer, reduce the frequency of the application of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel, or discontinue use. The product should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczematous or sunburned skin. As with other retinoids, use of "waxing" as a depilatory method should be avoided on skin treated with adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. Avoid concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have strong skin-drying effect and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or limes).

CONTRAINDICATIONS Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to benzoyl peroxide or any components of the formulation in adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to benzoyl peroxide or any components of the formulation in adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. ( 4 )

ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥1%) are skin irritation, eczema, atopic dermatitis and skin burning sensation. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-866-210-9797 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Skin Irritation/Contact Dermatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. During the randomized, double-blind, vehicle- and active-controlled clinical trial, 217 subjects were exposed to adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. A total of 197 subjects with acne vulgaris, 12 years and older, were treated once daily for 12 weeks. Adverse reactions reported within 12 weeks of treatment in at least 1% of subjects treated with adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel and for which the rate with adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel exceeded the rate for the vehicle are presented in Table 1: Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% of Subjects with Acne Vulgaris in a 12-week Clinical Trial Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% (N=217) Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 0.1%/2.5% (N=217) Vehicle (N=69) Skin irritation 4% <1% 0% Eczema 1% 0% 0% Dermatitis atopic 1% 0% 0% Skin burning sensation 1% 0% 0% Local tolerability evaluations presented in Table 2, were conducted at each trial visit in the clinical trial by assessment of erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning, which peaked at Week 1 of therapy and decreased thereafter. Table 2. Incidence of Local Cutaneous Irritation in 12-week Clinical Trial in Subjects with Acne Vulgaris Maximum Severity During Treatment End of Treatment Severity (Final Score) Moderate Severe Moderate Severe Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% (N=213) Erythema 20% 1% 4% <1% Scaling 17% 1% 1% <1% Dryness 15% 2% 3% <1% Stinging/burning 19% 6% 1% 1% Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 0.1%/2.5% (N=212) Erythema 15% 1% 2% <1% Scaling 12% <1% 2% 0% Dryness 13% 1% 2% 0% Stinging/burning 14% 9% 3% 0% Vehicle (N=68) Erythema 6% 1% 1% 0% Scaling 6% 0% 1% 0% Dryness 4% 1% 1% 0% Stinging/burning 3% 1% 0% 0% 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: sunburn, blister (including vesicles and bullae), pruritus, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

Mechanism of Action Adapalene Adapalene binds to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors but does not bind to cytosolic receptor protein. Biochemical and pharmacological profile studies have demonstrated that adapalene is a modulator of cellular differentiation, keratinization and inflammatory processes. However, the significance of these findings with regard to the mechanism of action of adapalene for the treatment of acne is unknown. Benzoyl peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent with bactericidal and keratolytic effects.