Desoximetasone

VersaPharm Incorporated

DESOXIMETASONE GEL USP, 0.05%

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

• DESOXIMETASONE DESCRIPTION
• CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
  • Pharmacokinetics
• DESOXIMETASONE INDICATIONS AND USAGE
• DESOXIMETASONE CONTRAINDICATIONS
• WARNINGS
• PRECAUTIONS
  • General
  • Information for the Patient
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
  • Pregnancy
  • Nursing Mothers
  • Pediatric Use
• DESOXIMETASONE ADVERSE REACTIONS
• OVERDOSAGE
• DESOXIMETASONE DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
• HOW SUPPLIED
• PACKAGE/LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

Rx only

For topical use only. Not for ophthalmic use.

DESOXIMETASONE DESCRIPTION

Desoximetasone Gel 0.05% contains the active synthetic corticosteroid desoximetasone. The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents.

Each gram of Desoximetasone Gel 0.05% contains 0.5 mg of desoximetasone in a gel base consisting of purified water, docusate sodium, edetate disodium, isopropyl myristate, carbomer 980, trolamine, and SD alcohol 40 (20% w/w).

The chemical name of desoximetasone is Pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione, 9-fluoro-11, 21-dihydroxy-16-methyl-, (11β, 16α)-.

Desoximetasone has the molecular formula C₂₂H₂₉FO₄ and a molecular weight of 376.47. The CAS Registry Number is 382-67-2.

The structural formula is:

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions.

The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids is unclear. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.

Pharmacokinetics

The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses.

Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

Pharmacokinetic studies in men with Desoximetasone Cream 0.25% with tagged desoximetasone showed a total of 5.2% ± 2.9% excretion in urine (4.1% ± 2.3%) and feces (1.1% ± 0.6%) and no detectable level (limit of sensitivity: 0.005 μg/mL) in the blood when it was applied topically on the back followed by occlusion for 24 hours. Seven days after application, no further radioactivity was detected in urine or feces. The half-life of the material was 15 ± 2 hours (for urine) and 17 ± 2 hours (for feces) between the third and fifth trial day.

DESOXIMETASONE INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Desoximetasone Gel 0.05% is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

DESOXIMETASONE CONTRAINDICATIONS

Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

WARNINGS

Desoximetasone Gel 0.05% is not for ophthalmic use.

Keep out of reach of children.

PRECAUTIONS

General

Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.

Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition of occlusive dressings. Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of a potent topical steroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid.

Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the drug. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids.

Pediatric patients may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity (See PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use ). If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.

Information for the Patient

Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions:

1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.

2. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed.

3. The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician.

4. Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressings.

5. Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child being treated in the diaper area, as these garments may constitute occlusive dressings.

Laboratory Tests

The following tests may be helpful in evaluating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression:

Urinary free cortisol test

ACTH stimulation test

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of desoximetasone. Desoximetasone was nonmutagenic in the Ames test.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals.

Desoximetasone has been shown to be teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice, rats, and rabbits when given by subcutaneous or dermal routes of administration in doses 15 to 150 times the human dose of Desoximetasone Gel 0.05%.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, Desoximetasone Gel 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio.

HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.

Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of pediatric patients.

DESOXIMETASONE ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence:

OVERDOSAGE

Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).

DESOXIMETASONE DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Apply a thin film of Desoximetasone Gel 0.05% to the affected skin areas twice daily. Rub in gently.

HOW SUPPLIED

Desoximetasone Gel 0.05% is supplied in 15 gram (NDC 61748-205-15) and 60 gram (NDC 61748-205-60)

Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Manufactured by:
Ei LLC
Kannapolis, NC 28083

Marketed by:
VersaPharm Incorporated
Marietta, GA 30062 

IS1VP20560-00   Issued: 05-09-2013

P001

PACKAGE/LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-

NDC 61748-205-15  

DESOXIMETASONE GEL USP, 0.05%

FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE.

Keep this and all medication out of the reach of children.

Rx Only

Net Wt. 15 g