Lucemyra
LOFEXIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LUCEMYRA is indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults.
LUCEMYRA is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. ( 1 ) Dosage and administration 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The usual LUCEMYRA dosage is three 0.18 mg tablets taken orally 4 times daily at 5- to 6-hour intervals.
Structured Monograph
Clinical summary
Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LUCEMYRA is indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. LUCEMYRA is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist indicated for mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation in adults. ( 1 ) Dosage and administration 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The usual LUCEMYRA dosage is three 0.18 mg tablets taken orally 4 times daily at 5- to 6-hour intervals. LUCEMYRA treatment may be continued for up to 14 days with dosing guided by symptoms. ( 2.1 ) Discontinue LUCEMYRA with a gradual dose reduction over 2 to 4 days. ( 2.1 ) Hepatic or Renal Impairment: Dosage adjustments are recommended based on degree of impairment. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosing Information The usual LUCEMYRA starting dosage is three 0.18 mg tablets taken orally 4 times daily during the period of peak withdrawal symptoms (generally the first 5 to 7 days following last use of opioid) with dosing guided by symptoms and side effects. There should be 5 to 6 hours between each dose. The total daily dosage of LUCEMYRA should not exceed 2.88 mg (16 tablets) and no single dose should exceed 0.72 mg (4 tablets). LUCEMYRA treatment may be continued for up to 14 days with dosing guided by symptoms. Discontinue LUCEMYRA with a gradual dose reduction over a 2- to 4-day period to mitigate LUCEMYRA withdrawal symptoms (e.g., reducing by 1 tablet per dose every 1 to 2 days) [see Warnings & Precautions (5.5) ] . The LUCEMYRA dose should be reduced, held, or discontinued for individuals who demonstrate a greater sensitivity to LUCEMYRA side effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Lower doses may be appropriate as opioid withdrawal symptoms wane. LUCEMYRA can be administered in the presence or absence of food. 2.2 Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Hepatic Impairment Recommended dosage adjustments based on the degree of hepatic impairment are shown in Table 1. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 1: Dosage Recommendations in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Mild Impairment Moderate Impairment Severe Impairment Child-Pugh score 5-6 7-9 > 9 Recommended dose 3 tablets 4 times daily (2.16 mg per day) 2 tablets 4 times daily (1.44 mg per day) 1 tablet 4 times daily (0.72 mg per day) 2.3 Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Renal Impairment Recommended dosage adjustments based on the degree of renal impairment are shown in Table 2. LUCEMYRA may be administered without regard to the timing of dialysis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 2: Dosage Recommendations in Patients with Renal Impairment Moderate Impairment Severe Impairment, End-Stage Renal Disease, or on Dialysis Estimated GFR, mL/min/1.73 m 2 30-89.9 < 30 Recommended dose 2 tablets 4 times daily (1.44 mg per day) 1 tablet 4 times daily (0.72 mg per day) Warnings and cautions 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Risk of Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope : May cause a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in pulse, and syncope. Monitor vital signs before dosing and advise patients on how to minimize the risk of these cardiovascular effects and manage symptoms, should they occur. Monitor symptoms related to bradycardia and orthostasis. When using in outpatients, ensure that patients are capable of self-monitoring for signs and symptoms. Avoid use in patients with severe coronary insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, or chronic renal failure, as well as in patients with marked bradycardia. ( 5.1 ) Risk of QT Prolongation : LUCEMYRA prolongs the QT interval. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Monitor ECG in patients with electrolyte abnormalities, congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, hepatic or renal impairment, or in patients taking other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation. ( 5.2 ) Increased Risk of CNS Depression with Concomitant use of CNS Depressant Drugs : LUCEMYRA potentiates the CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines and may potentiate the CNS depressant effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs. ( 5.3 ) Increased Risk of Opioid Overdose after Opioid Discontinuation : Patients who complete opioid discontinuation are at an increased risk of fatal overdose should they resume opioid use. Use in conjunction with a comprehensive management program for treatment of opioid use disorder and inform patients and caregivers of increased risk of overdose. ( 5.4 ) Risk of Discontinuation Symptoms : Instruct patients not to discontinue therapy without consulting their healthcare provider. When discontinuing therapy, reduce dose gradually. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Risk of Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope LUCEMYRA can cause a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in pulse, and syncope [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Monitor vital signs before dosing.
Monitoring
- • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Risk of Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope : May cause a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in pulse, and syncope.
- • Monitor vital signs before dosing and advise patients on how to minimize the risk of these cardiovascular effects and manage symptoms, should they occur.
- • Monitor symptoms related to bradycardia and orthostasis.
- • When using in outpatients, ensure that patients are capable of self-monitoring for signs and symptoms.
Interaction Notes
- • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Methadone : Methadone and LUCEMYRA both prolong the QT interval.
- • ECG monitoring is recommended when used concomitantly.
- • ( 7.1 ) Oral Naltrexone : Concomitant use may reduce efficacy of oral naltrexone.
- • ( 7.2 ) CYP2D6 Inhibitors : Concomitant use of paroxetine resulted in increased plasma levels of LUCEMYRA.