Nolix Cream Description

NOLIX ™ Cream (flurandrenolide USP, 0.05%) is a potent corticosteroid intended for topical use. Flurandrenolide occurs as white to off-white, fluffy, crystalline powder and is odorless. Flurandrenolide is practically insoluble in water and in ether. One g dissolves in 72 mL of alcohol and in 10 mL of chloroform. The molecular weight of flurandrenolide is 436.52.

The chemical name of flurandrenolide is Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione,6-fluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]-, (6α, 11β, 16α)-; its empirical formula is C 24H 33FO 6.

The structure is as follows:

Each gram of NOLIX ™ Cream contains 0.5 mg (1.145 μmol; 0.05%) flurandrenolide in an emulsified base composed of cetyl alcohol, citric acid, mineral oil, polyoxyl 40 stearate, propylene glycol, sodium citrate, stearic acid, and purified water.

Nolix Cream - Clinical Pharmacology

NOLIX ™ Cream is primarily effective because of its anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions.

The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of the topical corticosteroids is not completely understood. Corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory activity may stabilize cellular and lysosomal membranes. There is also the suggestion that the effect on the membranes of lysosomes prevents the release of proteolytic enzymes and, thus, plays a part in reducing inflammation.

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.

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. They are metabolized primarily in the liver and then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

Indications and Usage for Nolix Cream

NOLIX ™ Cream is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

Contraindications

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

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 that augment systemic absorption include 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 using 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, so that supplemental systemic corticosteroids are required.

Pediatric patients may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topicalcorticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity (See Pediatric Use under PRECAUTIONS).

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, NOLIX ™ Cream 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 in order to be occlusive unless the patient is directed to do so by the physician.
4. Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressing.
5. Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a patient being treated in the diaper area, because these garments may constitute occlusive dressings.
6. Do not use NOLIX ™ Cream on the face, underarms, or groin areas unless directed by your physician.
7. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, contact your physician.
8. Do not use other corticosteroid-containing products while using NOLIX ™ Cream without first consulting your physician.

Laboratory tests - The following tests may be helpful in evaluating 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 topical corticosteroids.

Studies to determine mutagenicity with prednisolone and hydrocortisone have revealed negative results.

Usage in Pregnancy - Pregnancy Category C - 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. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, topical corticosteroids 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 or 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.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (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.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

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:

Burning
Itching
Irritation
Dryness
Folliculitis
Hypertrichosis
Acneiform eruptions
Hypopigmentation
Perioral dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis

The following may occur more frequently with occlusive dressings:
Maceration of the skin
Secondary infection
Skin atrophy
Striae
Miliaria

Postmarketing Adverse Reactions
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of flurandrenolide, USP. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Skin: skin striae, hypersensitivity, skin atrophy, contact dermatitis and skin discoloration.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Artesa Labs, LLC at 1-855-899-4237, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Overdosage

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

Nolix Cream Dosage and Administration

For moist lesions, a small quantity of the cream should be rubbed gently into the affected areas 2 or 3 times a day.

Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary.

NOLIX ™ Cream (flurandrenolide USP, 0.05%) should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants may constitute occlusive dressings.

How is Nolix Cream supplied

NOLIX ™ Cream, a white cream is available as follows:
NDC 57893-310-60 60g tube

Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77°F) with excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Keep tightly closed and protect from light.

Manufactured by:
Medical Products Laboratories
Philadelphia, PA 19115

Manufactured for:
Artesa Labs, LLC
13785 Research Blvd., Suite 125
Austin, TX 78750

827604 v1 Rev. 08/17