Eton Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA Approval of Orphan Drug ALKINDI? SPRINKLE (hydrocortisone) as Replacement Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Adrenocortical Insufficiency
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- Adrenal Crisis: Undertreatment or sudden discontinuation of therapy may lead to adrenal insufficiency, adrenal crisis and death. Adrenal crisis may also be induced by stress events such as infections or surgery. Increase the dose during periods of stress. Switch patients who are vomiting, severely ill or unable to take oral medications to parenteral corticosteroid formulations.
- Infections: Excessive doses may increase the risks of new infections or exacerbation of latent infections with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infections. Treat all infections seriously and initiate stress dosing of steroids early.
- Growth Retardation: Long-term use in excessive doses may cause growth retardation. Use the minimum dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE to achieve desired clinical response and monitor the patient?s growth.
- Cushing?s Syndrome Due to Use of Excessive Doses of Corticosteroids: Prolonged use with supraphysiologic doses may cause Cushing?s syndrome. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of Cushing?s syndrome every 6 months; pediatric patients under one year of age may require more frequent monitoring.
- Decrease in Bone Mineral Density: Corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption which may lead to inhibition of bone growth and development of osteoporosis. Use the minimum dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE to achieve desired clinical response.
- Psychiatric Adverse Reactions: Use may be associated with severe psychiatric adverse reactions such as euphoria, mania, psychosis with hallucinations and delirium or depression. Symptoms typically emerge within a few days or weeks of starting the treatment. Most reactions resolve after either dose reduction or withdrawal, although specific treatment may be necessary. Monitor patients for behavioral and mood disturbances during treatment. Instruct caregivers and/or patients to seek medical advice if psychiatric symptoms develop.
- Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions: Cataracts, glaucoma and central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with prolonged use of high doses. Monitor patients for blurred vision or other visual disturbances and if they occur, refer them to an ophthalmologist.
- Gastrointestinal?Adverse Reactions: Increased risk in patients with certain gastrointestinal disorders. Signs and symptoms may be masked.