5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Embryofetal Risk

Based on data from animal reproduction studies, retinoid pharmacology, and the potential for systemic absorption, DUOBRII Lotion may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Tazarotene is teratogenic, and it is not known what level of exposure is required for teratogenicity in humans [see Contraindications (4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Tazarotene elicits teratogenic and developmental effects associated with retinoids after topical or systemic administration in rats and rabbits [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Advise pregnant females of the potential risk to a fetus. Obtain a pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to DUOBRII Lotion therapy. Initiate DUOBRII Lotion therapy during a menstrual period. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DUOBRII Lotion therapy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.3)].

5.2 Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Suppression and Other

Unwanted Systemic Glucocorticoid Effects

DUOBRII Lotion contains halobetasol propionate, a corticosteroid, and has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Systemic effects of topical corticosteroids may include reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of treatment of the topical corticosteroid.

The potential for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with DUOBRII Lotion was evaluated in a study of 20 adult subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis involving ≥20% of their body surface area. The subjects were treated once daily for 8 weeks and assessed for HPA axis suppression at Weeks 4 and 8. HPA axis suppression occurred in 3 out of 20 (15%) subjects at Week 4 and none (0%) of these 20 subjects had HPA axis suppression at Week 8 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids, including DUOBRII Lotion, may require that patients be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression. Factors that predispose a patient using a topical corticosteroid to HPA axis suppression include the use of more potent corticosteroids, use over large surface areas, occlusive use, use on an altered skin barrier, concomitant use of multiple corticosteroid-containing products, liver failure, and young age. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression.

If HPA axis suppression is documented, attempt to gradually withdraw the drug or reduce the frequency of application. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency may require supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.

Systemic effects of topical corticosteroids may also include Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Use of more than one corticosteroid- containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic exposure to topical corticosteroids. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible than adults to systemic toxicity from the use of topical corticosteroids because of their larger surface-to-body-mass ratio [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

5.3 Local Adverse Reactions

Local adverse reactions may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis and contact dermatitis. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible. If these adverse reactions occur, discontinue the medication at least until the integrity of the skin is restored; do not resume treatment if allergic contact dermatitis is identified.

Avoid use of DUOBRII Lotion on eczematous skin, as it may cause severe irritation.

5.4 Photosensitivity and Risk for Sunburn

Because of heightened burning susceptibility, exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) should be avoided unless deemed medically necessary, and in such cases, exposure should be minimized during the use of DUOBRII Lotion. Patients must be instructed to use sunscreens and protective clothing when using DUOBRII Lotion. Patients with sunburn should be advised not to use DUOBRII Lotion until fully recovered. Patients who may have considerable sun exposure due to their occupation and those patients with inherent sensitivity to sunlight should exercise particular caution when using DUOBRII Lotion.

DUOBRII Lotion should be administered with caution if the patient is also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers (e.g., thiazides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines, sulfonamides) because of the increased possibility of augmented photosensitivity.

5.5 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions

Use of topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported postmarketing with the use of topical corticosteroid products. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.

5.6 Concomitant Skin Infections

Use an appropriate antimicrobial agent if a skin infection is present or develops. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, discontinue use of DUOBRII Lotion until the infection has been adequately treated.

 Embryofetal risk: DUOBRII Lotion contains tazarotene, which is a teratogenic substance. In females of reproductive potential, obtain a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to initiating treatment and advise patients to use an effective method of contraception during treatment. (5.1)

Reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression may occur, with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during or after treatment. (5.2)

Systemic effects of topical corticosteroids may also include Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. (5.2)

Systemic absorption may require evaluation for HPA axis suppression. (5.2)

Use of potent corticosteroids on large areas, for prolonged durations, under occlusive dressings, or on an altered skin barrier may increase systemic exposure. (5.2)

 Local Adverse Reactions: Local adverse reactions may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, and folliculitis. If these effects occur, discontinue at least until the integrity of the skin has been restored. DUOBRII Lotion should not be used on eczematous skin, as it may cause severe irritation. (5.3)

 Photosensitivity and Risk for Sunburn: Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, and weather extremes. DUOBRII Lotion should be administered with caution if the patient is also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers. (5.4)

 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions: Use of topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist (5.5).

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

In randomized, double-blind, multicenter, vehicle-controlled clinical trials, 410 adults with plaque psoriasis were treated with DUOBRII Lotion or vehicle lotion and had post-baseline safety data. Subjects applied DUOBRII Lotion or vehicle lotion once daily for up to 8 weeks. Table 1 presents adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of subjects treated with DUOBRII Lotion and more frequently than in vehicle-treated subjects.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% of the Subjects Treated with DUOBRII Lotion through Week 8

Adverse Reaction	DUOBRII Lotion (N=270)	Vehicle Lotion (N=140)
Contact Dermatitis	20 (7%)	0
Application Site Pain	7 (3%)	1 (1%)
Folliculitis	5 (2%)	0
Skin Atrophy	5 (2%)	0
Excoriation	5 (2%)	0
Rash	4 (1%)	0
Skin Abrasion	3 (1%)	0
Skin Exfoliation	2 (1%)	0

The most common adverse reactions are contact dermatitis (7%), application site pain (3%), folliculitis (2%), skin atrophy (2%), and excoriation (2%). (6.1)