Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events
Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years' duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. All NSAIDs, both COX-2 selective and nonselective, may have a similar risk. Patients with known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease may be at greater risk. To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in patients treated with an NSAID, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Inform patients about the signs and symptoms of serious CV events and the steps to take if they occur.
There is no consistent evidence that concurrent use of aspirin mitigates the
increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events associated with NSAID use. The
concurrent use of aspirin and an NSAID increases the risk of serious GI events
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Two large, controlled, clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment
of pain in the first 10-14 days following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke [see
CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Gastrointestinal Effects - Risk of Ulceration, Bleeding, and Perforation
NSAIDs, including CAMBIA, can cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine or large intestine, which can be fatal. These serious adverse events can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms, in patients treated with NSAIDs. Only one in five patients who develop a serious upper GI adverse event on NSAID therapy is symptomatic. Upper GI ulcers, gross bleeding, or perforation caused by NSAIDs occur in approximately 1% of patients treated for 3-6 months, and in about 2%-4% of patients treated for one year. These trends continue with longer duration of use, thus increasing the likelihood of developing a serious GI event at some time during the course of therapy. However, even short-term NSAID therapy is not without risk.
Prescribe NSAIDs, including CAMBIA, with extreme caution in patients with a prior history of ulcer disease or GI bleeding. Patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or gastrointestinal bleeding who use NSAIDs have a greater than 10-fold risk for developing a GI bleed than patients with neither of these risk factors. Other factors that increase the risk for GI bleeding in patients treated with NSAIDs include concomitant use of oral corticosteroids or anticoagulants, longer duration of NSAID therapy, smoking, use of alcohol, older age, and poor general health status. Most spontaneous reports of fatal GI events are in elderly or debilitated patients, and therefore special care should be taken in treating this population.
To minimize the potential risk for an adverse GI event in patients treated with an NSAID, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Patients and physicians should remain alert for signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding during CAMBIA therapy and promptly initiate additional evaluation and treatment if a serious GI adverse event is suspected. This should include discontinuation of the CAMBIA until a serious GI adverse event is ruled out. For high risk patients, alternative therapies that do not include NSAIDs should be considered.
Hepatic Effects
Elevations of one or more liver tests may occur during therapy with CAMBIA. These laboratory abnormalities may progress, may persist, or may only be transient with continued therapy. Borderline elevations (less than 3 times the upper limit of the normal [ULN] range) or greater elevations of transaminases occurred in about 15% of diclofenac-treated patients . Of the markers of hepatic function, ALT (SGPT) is recommended for the monitoring of liver injury.
In clinical trials, meaningful elevations (i.e., more than 3 times the ULN) of AST (SGOT) occurred in about 2% of approximately 5,700 patients at some time during treatment (ALT was not measured in all studies). In an open-label, controlled trial of 3,700 patients treated for 2–6 months, patients were monitored at 8 weeks and 1,200 patients were monitored again at 24 weeks. Meaningful elevations of ALT and/or AST occurred in about 4% of the 3,700 patients and included marked elevations ( > 8 times the ULN) in about 1% of the 3,700 patients. In this open-label study, a higher incidence of borderline (less than 3 times the ULN), moderate (3–8 times the ULN), and marked ( > 8 times the ULN) elevations of ALT or AST was observed in patients receiving diclofenac when compared to other NSAIDs.. Almost all meaningful elevations in transaminases were detected before patients became symptomatic.
Abnormal tests occurred during the first 2 months of therapy with diclofenac in 42 of the 51 patients in all trials who developed marked transaminase elevations. In postmarketing reports, cases of drug-induced hepatotoxicity have been reported in the first month, and in some cases, the first 2 months of NSAID therapy, but can occur at any time during treatment with diclofenac.
Postmarketing surveillance has reported cases of severe hepatic reactions, including liver necrosis, jaundice, fulminant hepatitis with and without jaundice, and liver failure. Some of these reported cases resulted in fatalities or liver transplantation.
Measure transaminases (ALT and AST) periodically in patients receiving long-term therapy with diclofenac because severe hepatotoxicity may develop without a prodrome of distinguishing symptoms. The optimum times for making the first and subsequent transaminase measurements are not known. Based on clinical trial data and postmarketing experiences, transaminases should be monitored within 4 to 8 weeks after initiating treatment with diclofenac. However, severe hepatic reactions can occur at any time during treatment with diclofenac. If abnormal liver tests persist or worsen, if clinical signs and/or symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or if systemic manifestations occur (e.g., eosinophilia, rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, etc.), discontinue CAMBIA immediately.
To minimize the possibility that hepatic injury will become severe between transaminase measurements, inform patients of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, pruritus, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness, and "flu-like" symptoms), and the appropriate action patients should take if these signs and symptoms appear.
To minimize the potential risk for an adverse liver-related event in patients treated with CAMBIA, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Exercise caution when prescribing CAMBIA with concomitant drugs that are known to be potentially hepatotoxic (e.g. acetaminophen, certain antibiotics, antiepileptics). Caution patients to avoid taking nonprescription acetaminophen-containing products while using CAMBIA.
Hypertension
NSAIDs, including CAMBIA, can lead to new onset or worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which may contribute to the increased incidence of CV events. Use NSAIDs, including CAMBIA, with caution in patients with hypertension. Monitor blood pressure closely during the initiation of NSAID treatment and throughout the course of therapy.
Patients taking ACE inhibitors, thiazides, or loop diuretics may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs.
Congestive Heart Failure and Edema
Fluid retention and edema have been observed in some patients taking NSAIDs. Use CAMBIA with caution in patients with fluid retention or heart failure.
Renal Effects
Use caution when initiating treatment with CAMBIA in patients with considerable dehydration.
Long-term administration of NSAIDs has resulted in renal papillary necrosis and other renal injury. Renal toxicity has also been seen in patients in whom renal prostaglandins have a compensatory role in the maintenance of renal perfusion. In these patients, administration of an NSAID may cause a dose-dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and, secondarily, in renal blood flow, which may precipitate overt renal decompensation. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors, and the elderly. Discontinuation of NSAID therapy is usually followed by recovery to the pretreatment state.
No information is available from controlled clinical studies regarding the use of CAMBIA in patients with advanced renal disease. Therefore, treatment with CAMBIA is not recommended in patients with advanced renal disease. If CAMBIA therapy must be initiated, close monitoring of the patient's renal function is advisable.
Anaphylactoid Reactions
As with other NSAIDs, anaphylactoid reactions may occur in patients without
known prior exposure to CAMBIA. CAMBIA is contraindicated in patients with the
aspirin triad. This symptom complex typically occurs in asthmatic patients who
experience rhinitis with or without nasal polyps, or who exhibit severe, potentially
fatal bronchospasm after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Serious Skin Reactions
NSAIDs, including CAMBIA, can cause serious skin adverse reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious events may occur without warning. Inform patients about the signs and symptoms of serious skin manifestations and to discontinue CAMBIA at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Pregnancy
CAMBIA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Starting
at 30 weeks gestation, CAMBIA and other NSAIDs, should be avoided by pregnant
women as premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus may occur.
If this drug is used during this time period in pregnancy, the patient should
be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus [See Use in Special Populations].
Masking of Inflammation and Fever
The pharmacological activity of NSAIDs in reducing inflammation and possibly fever may diminish the utility of these diagnostic signs in detecting complications of presumed noninfectious, painful conditions.
Hematologic Effects
Anemia may occur in patients receiving NSAIDs. This may be due to fluid retention, occult or gross GI blood loss, or an incompletely described effect upon erythropoiesis. In patients on long-term therapy with NSAIDs, including CAMBIA, check hemoglobin or hematocrit if they exhibit any signs or symptoms of anemia or blood loss.
NSAIDs inhibit platelet aggregation and have been shown to prolong bleeding time in some patients. Unlike aspirin, the NSAID effect on platelet function is quantitatively less, of shorter duration, and reversible. Carefully monitor patients treated with CAMBIA who may be adversely affected by alterations in platelet function, such as those with coagulation disorders or patients receiving anticoagulants.
Use in Patients with Pre-existing Asthma
Patients with asthma may have aspirin-sensitive asthma. The use of aspirin in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma has been associated with severe bronchospasm which can be fatal. Since cross-reactivity, including bronchospasm, between aspirin and other NSAIDs has been reported in such aspirin-sensitive patients, CAMBIA is contraindicated in patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity and should be used with caution in all patients with preexisting asthma.
Monitoring
Because serious GI ulcerations and bleeding can occur without warning symptoms, physicians should monitor for signs or symptoms of GI bleeding.
For patients on long-term treatment with NSAIDs, including CAMBIA, periodically perform a CBC and chemistry profile. Discontinue CAMBIA if abnormal liver tests or renal tests persist or worsen.
Phenylketonurics
CAMBIA contains aspartame equivalent to phenylalanine 25 mg per packet.
Patient Counseling Information
Inform patients of the availability of a Medication
Guide for NSAIDs that accompanies each prescription dispensed, and instruct
them to read the Medication Guide prior to using CAMBIA [see Medication
Guide].
Cardiovascular Effects
CAMBIA, like other NSAIDS, may cause serious CV events, such as MI or stroke,
which may result in hospitalization and even death. Although serious CV events
can occur without warning symptoms, advise patients to be alert for the signs
and symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, slurring of speech,
and to ask for medical advice when observing any indicative sign or symptoms.
Inform patients of the importance of this follow-up [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Gastrointestinal Effects
CAMBIA, like other NSAIDS, can cause GI discomfort and more serious GI adverse
events such as ulcers and bleeding, which may result in hospitalization and
even death. Although serious GI tract ulcerations and bleeding can occur without
warning symptoms, advise patients to be alert for the signs and symptoms of
ulcerations and bleeding, and to ask for medical advice when observing any indicative
sign or symptoms including epigastric pain, dyspepsia, melena, and hematemesis.
Inform patients of the importance of this follow-up [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hepatotoxicity
Inform patients of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g.,
nausea, fatigue, lethargy, pruritus, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness,
and “flulike” symptoms). Instruct patients to stop therapy with CAMBIA and seek
immediate medical therapy if any of these occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Weight Gain and Edema
Advise patients to promptly report to their physicians signs or symptoms of
unexplained weight gain or edema during treatment with CAMBIA [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS].
Anaphylactoid Reactions
Inform patients of the signs of an anaphylactoid reaction (e.g., difficulty
breathing, swelling of the face or throat). Instruct patients to seek immediate
emergency help if these occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Adverse Skin Reactions
CAMBIA, like other NSAIDS, can cause serious skin reactions such as exfoliative
dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN),
which may result in hospitalizations and even death. Although serious skin reactions
may occur without warning, advise patients to be alert for the signs and symptoms
of skin rash and blisters, fever, or other signs of hypersensitivity such as
itching, and to ask for medical advice when observing any indicative signs or
symptoms. Advise patients to stop CAMBIA immediately if they develop any type
of rash and to contact their physicians as soon as possible [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS].
Effects During Pregnancy
Starting at 30 weeks gestation, CAMBIA and other NSAIDs should be avoided by
pregnant women as premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus may
occur [see Use in Specific Populations].
Phenylketonurics
CAMBIA packets contain aspartame equivalent to phenylalanine 25 mg per packet.
Non-clinical Studies
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long term carcinogenicity studies in rats given diclofenac sodium up to 2 mg/kg/day
(less than the recommended human dose [RHD] of 50 mg/day on a body surface area
[mg/m2] basis) have revealed no significant increases in tumor incidence.
There was a slight increase in benign mammary fibroadenomas in mid-dose treated
(0.5 mg/kg/day or 3 mg/m2/day ) female rats (high-dose females had
excessive mortality), but the increase was not significant for this common rat
tumor. A 2-year carcinogenicity study conducted in mice employing diclofenac
sodium at doses up to 0.3 mg/kg/day (less than the RHD on a mg/m2
basis) in males and 1 m/kg/day (less than the RHD on a mg/m2 basis)
in females did not reveal any oncogenic potential.
Diclofenac sodium was not genotoxic in in vitro (reverse mutation in
bacteria [Ames], mouse lymphoma tk) or in in vivo (including dominant
lethal and male germinal epithelial chromosomal aberration in Chinese hamster)
assays.
Diclofenac sodium administered to male and female rats at 4 mg/kg/day (less than the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) did not affect fertility.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C prior to 30 weeks gestation; Category D starting at 30
weeks gestation.
Starting at 30 weeks gestation, CAMBIA, and other NSAIDS, should be avoided
by pregnant women as premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus
may occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women.
Prior to 30 weeks gestation, CAMBIA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Reproductive studies have been performed in mice given diclofenac sodium (up
to 20 mg/kg/day, 2 times the recommended human dose [RHD] of 50 mg/day on a
body surface area [mg/m2 basis), and in rats and rabbits given diclofenac
sodium (up to 10 mg/kg/day; 2 [rats] and 4 [rabbits] times the RHD on a mg/m2
basis) and have revealed no evidence of teratogenicity despite the induction
of maternal toxicity and fetal toxicity. In rats, maternally toxic doses were
associated with dystocia, prolonged gestation, reduced fetal weights and growth,
and reduced fetal survival.
Labor and Delivery
The effects of CAMBIA on labor and delivery in pregnant women are unknown. In rat studies, maternal exposure to NSAIDs, as with other drugs known to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, increased the incidence of dystocia, delayed parturition, and decreased pup survival.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from CAMBIA, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of CAMBIA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Elderly patients are at increased risk for serious GI adverse events.
Diclofenac is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken when using CAMBIA in the elderly.
Hepatic Impairment
Because hepatic metabolism accounts for almost 100% of diclofenac elimination,
patients with hepatic impairment should be considered for treatment with CAMBIA
only if the benefits outweigh the risks. There is insufficient information available
to support dosing recommendations for CAMBIA in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
[see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Renal Impairment
No information is available from controlled clinical studies regarding the use of CAMBIA in patients with advanced renal disease. Therefore, treatment with CAMBIA is not recommended in patients with advanced renal disease. If CAMBIA therapy must be initiated, close monitoring of the patient's renal function is advisable.
Last updated on RxList: 7/7/2009