Drug Reference

Miltefosine

Other agents against leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis

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Therapeutic class
Other agents against leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis
Action class
Antileishmanial
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Impavido

Available as

50 MG · Oral Capsule

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY IMPAVIDO may cause fetal harm. Fetal death and teratogenicity occurred in animals administered miltefosine at doses lower than the recommended human dose. Do not administer IMPAVIDO to pregnant women. Obtain a serum or urine pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential prior to prescribing IMPAVIDO. Females of reproductive potential should be advised to use effective contraception during IMPAVIDO therapy and for 5 months after therapy [see Contraindications ( 4.1 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.8 ) and Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. IMPAVIDO may cause fetal harm. Fetal death and teratogenicity, occurred in animals administered miltefosine at doses lower than the recommended human dose. Do not administer IMPAVIDO to pregnant women. Obtain a serum or urine pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential prior to prescribing IMPAVIDO. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during therapy and for 5 months after therapy ( 4.1 , 5.1 , 8.1 , 8.8 , 13.1 ).
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE IMPAVIDO (miltefosine) capsules are indicated in adults and adolescents ≥12 years of age weighing ≥ 30 kg for the treatment of: Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani [see Clinical Trials ( 14.1 )] . Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis , Leishmania guyanensis , and Leishmania panamensis [see Clinical Trials ( 14.2 )] . Mucosal leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis [see Clinical Trials ( 14.3 )] . Limitations of Use: Leishmania species studied in clinical trials evaluating IMPAVIDO were based on epidemiologic data [see Clinical Trials ( 14.1 , 14.2 )] . There may be geographic variation in clinical response of the same Leishmania species to IMPAVIDO [see Clinical Trials ( 14.1 , 14.2 )] . The efficacy of IMPAVIDO in the treatment of other Leishmania species has not been evaluated. IMPAVIDO is an antileishmanial drug indicated in adults and adolescents ≥12 years of age weighing ≥30 kg (66 lbs) for treatment of: Visceral leishmaniasis due to Leishmania donovani ( 1 ). Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania guyanensis, and Leishmania panamensis ( 1 ). Mucosal leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis ( 1 ). Limitations of use : Leishmania species evaluated in clinical trials were based on epidemiologic data. There may be geographic variation in the response of the same Leishmania species to IMPAVIDO ( 1 , 14 ). The efficacy of IMPAVIDO in the treatment of other Leishmania species has not been evaluated.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Miltefosine is an anti-leishmanial agent [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.4 )] .
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The treatment duration is 28 consecutive days. Administer with food to ameliorate gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Table 1: Miltefosine Dosage Weight Dosage and Administration 30 kg to 44 kg One 50 mg capsule twice daily with food (breakfast and dinner) 45 kg or greater One 50 mg capsule three times daily with food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) Administer with food to ameliorate gastrointestinal adverse reactions. 30 to 44 kg: one 50 mg capsule twice daily for 28 consecutive days ( 2 ). 45 kg or greater: one 50 mg capsule three times daily for 28 consecutive days ( 2 ).
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 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 practice. Adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased appetite, dizziness, abdominal pain, pruritus, somnolence, elevated transaminases, and elevated creatinine (6.1). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Profounda, Inc. at 1-866-588-5405 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Visceral Leishmaniasis One Phase 3 trial was conducted in patients ≥ 12 years of age in India. Two-hundred and ninety-nine (299) patients (211 men and 88 women) received oral IMPAVIDO at a target dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day for 28 days (50 mg capsule once daily if weight was less than 25 kg and 50 mg capsule twice daily if weight was 25 kg or greater). Patients ranged between 12 and 64 years of age. Weight ranged between 15 and 67 kg (mean weight 38.6 kg) and BMI ranged between 8.2 and 24 (mean 16.1). Ninety-nine (99) patients received 1 mg/kg/day amphotericin B deoxycholate intravenously every other day for 15 doses. A statistically significant higher percentage of men received IMPAVIDO compared to amphotericin B. Less than 1% of patients who received IMPAVIDO died (2/299) and no patient who received amphotericin B died. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 2% of IMPAVIDO recipients (6/299) and 1% of amphotericin B recipients (1/99). Approximately 3% of patients discontinued treatment in each treatment arm due to an adverse reaction. Serious adverse reactions and adverse reactions leading to drug discontinuation that were thought to be related or possibly related to IMPAVIDO included Stevens-Johnson syndrome, melena and thrombocytopenia, arthritis and skin rash, CTCAE Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade 4 diarrhea (≥10 stools per day) and CTCAE Grade 4 hyperbilirubinemia (≥10x upper limit of normal ULN). Table 2: Treatment Emergent Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients Receiving IMPAVIDO System Organ Class Preferred Term IMPAVIDO N = 299 Amphotericin B Deoxycholate N = 99 Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea 61 (20.4%) 6 (6.1%) Vomiting 113 (37.8%) 20 (20.0%) General Disorders Asthenia 19 (6.3%) 4 (4.0%) Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Decreased Appetite 69 (23.1%) 22 (22.2%) In this study, creatinine (Cr) elevations ≥ 1.5 times above baseline occurred in approximately 10% of IMPAVIDO recipients and in 40% of amphotericin B recipients at the end of therapy. Ten percent of subjects in each arm had Cr elevations ≥1.5 times above baseline at 6 months follow up. No IMPAVIDO recipient discontinued therapy due to Cr elevation. Elevations of transaminases during therapy occurred in up to half of IMPAVIDO recipients and up to a third of amphotericin B recipients. The elevations were mild (< 3x ULN) or moderate (3-5x ULN) in 94% and 6% respectively of IMPAVIDO-treated patients who experienced an elevation. No patient discontinued therapy due to elevations in transaminases. At the end of therapy, 62% and 2.4% of IMPAVIDO recipients and 54% and 2% of amphotericin B recipients had platelet count < 150,000 and < 50,000 respectively. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis The efficacy of IMPAVIDO in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis was evaluated in one placebo-controlled trial conducted in Colombia and Guatemala and in two comparative trials conducted in Bolivia and Brazil respectively. In the placebo-controlled trial, eighty-nine (89) patients ≥12 years of age received a target IMPAVIDO dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day for 28 days and forty-four (44) received placebo. In the comparative trials, one hundred and twenty (120) patients ≥12 years of age received a target IMPAVIDO dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day for 28 days and fifty eight (58) patients received 20 mg/kg/

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category D Risk Summary IMPAVIDO may cause fetal harm. Human pregnancy data are not available, however, embryo-fetal toxicity including death and teratogenicity, was observed in embryo-fetal studies in rats and rabbits administered oral miltefosine during organogenesis at doses that were respectively 0.06 and 0.2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), based on body surface area (BSA) comparison. Numerous visceral and skeletal fetal malformations were observed in a fertility study in female rats administered miltefosine prior to mating through day 7 of pregnancy at doses 0.3 times the MRHD. Do not administer IMPAVIDO to pregnant women. Clinical Considerations During pregnancy, visceral leishmaniasis may be life-threatening for the mother and may result in adverse fetal outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, congenital disease due to vertical transmission, small for gestational age newborn, and severe anemia. During pregnancy, cutaneous leishmaniasis may manifest with larger and atypical appearing lesions and may be associated with increased risk for adverse fetal outcomes, including preterm births and stillbirths. Animal Data Miltefosine administration in rat embryo-fetal toxicity studies during early embryonic development (Day 6 to Day 15 of gestation) caused embryo-fetal toxicity including death and teratogenicity at dosages of ≥ 1.2 mg/kg/day (0.06 times the MRHD based on BSA comparison). Teratogenic effects included undeveloped cerebrum, hemorrhagic fluid filling the lumina of the skull, cleft palate and generalized edema. Embryo-fetal toxicity was also observed in rabbits after oral administration of miltefosine during organogenesis (Day 6 to Day 18 of gestation) at doses ≥ 2.4 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD based on BSA comparison). In both rats and rabbits, there were no viable litters at miltefosine doses ≥ 6.0 mg/kg/day (0.3 or 0.6 times the MRHD based on BSA comparisons for rats and rabbits respectively). In a separate female fertility study in rats, miltefosine doses ≥ 6.81 mg/kg/day (0.3 times the MRHD based on BSA comparison) administered for four weeks before mating and up to Day 7 of pregnancy produced numerous visceral (misshapen cerebral structures, dilated ventricles filled with brown masses, misshapen spinal cord, misshapen and malpositioned eyes, hypophysis, and absent inner ear) and skeletal (cleft palate, dumbbell-shaped ossification of thoracic vertebral centers, markedly enlarged skull bones, and m
BreastfeedingCaution
8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether IMPAVIDO is present in human milk. Because many drugs are present in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from IMPAVIDO, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Breastfeeding should be avoided for 5 months after IMPAVIDO therapy.
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…sensitive to the miltefosine-induced effects, especially retinal and kidney effects, than adult rats [see Indications and Usage ( 1 )] .…
LiverCaution
…Hepatic Effects.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. Do not use in pregnant women. Obtain a urine or serum pregnancy test prior to initiation of therapy. Advise use of effective contraception in females of reproductive potential ( Boxed Warning , 5.1 , 8.1 , 8.8 , 13.1 ). Reproductive effects. Miltefosine caused testicular atrophy and impaired fertility in male rats and impaired fertility in female rats. Advise patients of reproductive toxicities in animal studies and that the potential effects on human fertility have not been adequately evaluated ( 13.1 ). Renal Effects. Monitor serum creatinine during therapy and for 4 weeks after end of therapy ( 5.3 , 6.1 ). Hepatic Effects. Monitor transaminases and bilirubin during therapy ( 5.4 , 6.1 ). Gastrointestinal Effects. Encourage fluid intake ( 5.5 ). Thrombocytopenia. Monitor platelet count during therapy for visceral leishmaniasis ( 5.6 , 6.1 ). Absorption of Oral Contraceptives. Advise use of alternative method of contraception if vomiting and/or diarrhea occur ( 5.7 ). Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Discontinue IMPAVIDO ( 5.8 ). 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Miltefosine may cause fetal harm. Embryo-fetal toxicity, including death and teratogenicity, was observed in animals administered miltefosine prior to mating, during early pregnancy, and during organogenesis at doses lower than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Do not use IMPAVIDO in pregnant women. Obtain a urine or serum pregnancy test prior to prescribing IMPAVIDO to females of reproductive potential. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during IMPAVIDO therapy and for 5 months after completion of therapy [see Boxed Warning , Contraindications ( 4.1 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.8 )] . 5.2 Reproductive Effects Females Miltefosine caused impaired fertility in rats and reversible follicular atresia and diestrus in dogs at doses approximately 1.0 and 0.2 times respectively the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . Effects on human female fertility have not been formally studied. Males Miltefosine caused reduced viable sperm counts and impaired fertility in rats at doses approximately 0.4 times the MRHD [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 ) ] . A higher dose in rats, approximately 1.0 times the MRHD, caused testicular atrophy and impaired fertility that did not fully reverse 10 weeks after drug administration ended. Scrotal pain and decreased or absent ejaculation during therapy have been reported during IMPAVIDO therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ] . The effects of IMPAVIDO on human male fertility have not been adequately studied. Advise women and men of the animal fertility findings, and that the potential for impaired fertility with IMPAVIDO therapy in humans has not been adequately evaluated. 5.3 Renal Effects Elevations of serum creatinine (Cr) were noted in clinical trials evaluating IMPAVIDO in the treatment of cutaneous, mucosal and visceral leishmaniasis. Monitor renal function weekly in patients receiving IMPAVIDO during therapy and for 4 weeks after end of therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 5.4 Hepatic Effects Elevations in liver transaminases (ALT, AST) and bilirubin were noted in clinical trials evaluating IMPAVIDO in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Monitor liver transaminases (ALT, AST) and bilirubin during therapy in patients receiving IMPAVIDO [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 5.5 Gastrointestinal Effects Vomiting and/or diarrhea commonly occur during IMPAVIDO administration and may result in volume depletion. Encourage fluid intake to avoid volume depletion [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 5.6 Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia during therapy has been reported in patients treated for visceral leishmaniasis. Monitor platelet count during therapy for visceral leishmaniasis [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )] . 5.7 Absorption of Oral Contraceptives Vomiting and/or diarrhea occurring during IMPAVI
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregnancy ( 4.1 , 8.1 , 8.8 , 13.1 ). Sjögren-Larsson-Syndrome ( 4.2 , 12.3 ). Hypersensitivity to miltefosine or any of its excipients ( 4.3 ). 4.1 Pregnancy IMPAVIDO may cause fetal harm. IMPAVIDO is contraindicated in pregnant women. Obtain a urine or serum pregnancy test prior to prescribing IMPAVIDO [see Boxed Warning and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . 4.2 Sjögren-Larsson-Syndrome IMPAVIDO is contraindicated in patients who have Sjögren-Larsson-Syndrome [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 4.3 Hypersensitivity IMPAVIDO is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to miltefosine or any IMPAVIDO excipients.

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients < 12 years have not been established. Juvenile rats were more sensitive to the miltefosine-induced effects, especially retinal and kidney effects, than adult rats [see Indications and Usage ( 1 )] .

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS In vitro and animal metabolism studies showed that miltefosine did not markedly induce or inhibit the activity of the major human cytochrome P450 enzymes [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . The potential of miltefosine to interact with drug transporters has not been evaluated. IMPAVIDO did not inhibit human cytochrome P450 enzymes in vitro. IMPAVIDO did not induce cytochrome 3A activity in rats( 7 , 12.3 ).
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE The common adverse effects of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are likely in case of overdose. Institute adequate hydration to prevent the risk of impaired renal function, and replace electrolytes as necessary. Because miltefosine is only slightly excreted in the urine, forced diuresis will not increase miltefosine excretion. Gastrointestinal lavage is of unknown value. A specific antidote to treat miltefosine overdose is not known.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

2 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.