Quick links to important sections
Rezum
Method of action:
Treatment option:
Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profile
In the pivotal placebo-controlled study of Rezum in pulmonary arterial hypertension, a total of 207 patients were randomized to and treated with 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg TID doses of Rezum and 70 patients were randomized to placebo. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. The overall frequency of discontinuation in sildenafil treated patients at doses of 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg TID was 2.9 %, 3.0 % and 8.5 % respectively, compared to 2.9 % with placebo. Of the 277 subjects treated in the pivotal study, 259 entered a long-term extension study. Doses up to 80 mg three times a day (4 times the recommended dose of 20 mg three times a day) were administered and after 3 years 87 % of 183 patients on study treatment were receiving Rezum 80 mg TID.
In a placebo-controlled study of Rezum as an adjunct to intravenous epoprostenol in pulmonary arterial hypertension, a total of 134 patients were treated with Rezum (in a fixed titration starting from 20 mg, to 40 mg and then 80 mg, three times a day as tolerated) and epoprostenol, and 131 patients were treated with placebo and epoprostenol. The duration of treatment was 16 weeks. The overall frequency of discontinuations in sildenafil/epoprostenol treated patients due to adverse events was 5.2 % compared to 10.7 % in the placebo/epoprostenol treated patients. Newly reported adverse reactions, which occurred more frequently in the sildenafil/ epoprostenol group, were ocular hyperaemia, vision blurred, nasal congestion, night sweats, back pain and dry mouth. The known adverse reactions headache, flushing, pain in extremity and oedema were noted in a higher frequency in sildenafil/epoprostenol treated patients compared to placebo/epoprostenol treated patients. Of the subjects who completed the initial study, 242 entered a long-term extension study. Doses up to 80 mg TID were administered and after 3 years 68 % of 133 patients on study treatment were receiving Rezum 80 mg TID.
In the two-placebo controlled studies adverse events were generally mild to moderate in severity. The most commonly reported adverse reactions that occurred (greater or equal to 10 %) on Rezum compared to placebo were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, diarrhoea and pain in extremity.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Adverse reactions which occurred in > 1 % of Rezum-treated patients and were more frequent (> 1 % difference) on Rezum in the pivotal study or in the Rezum combined data set of both the placebo-controlled studies in pulmonary arterial hypertension,, at doses of 20, 40 or 80 mg TID are listed in the table below by class and frequency grouping (very common (> 1/10), common (> 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (> 1/1000 to ≤ 1/100) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Reports from post-marketing experience are included in italics.
| MedDRA system organ class (V.14.0) | Adverse reaction |
| Infections and infestations | |
| Common | cellulitis, influenza, bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, gastroenteritis |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | |
| Common | anaemia |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | |
| Common | fluid retention |
| Psychiatric disorders | |
| Common | insomnia, anxiety |
| Nervous system disorders | |
| Very common | headache |
| Common | migraine, tremor, paraesthesia, burning sensation, hypoaesthesia |
| Eye disorders | |
| Common | retinal haemorrhage, visual impairment, vision blurred, photophobia, chromatopsia, cyanopsia, eye irritation, ocular hyperaemia |
| Uncommon | visual acuity reduced, diplopia, abnormal sensation in eye |
| Not known | Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)*, Retinal vascular occlusion*, Visual field defect* |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | |
| Common | vertigo |
| Not known | sudden hearing loss |
| Vascular disorders | |
| Very common | flushing |
| Not known | hypotension |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | |
| Common | epistaxis, cough, nasal congestion |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | |
| Very common | diarrhoea, dyspepsia |
| Common | gastritis, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, haemorrhoids, abdominal distension, dry mouth |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | |
| Common | alopecia, erythema, night sweats |
| Not known | rash |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | |
| Very common | pain in extremity |
| Common | myalgia, back pain |
| Renal and urinary disorders | |
| Uncommon | haematuria |
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | |
| Uncommon | penile haemorrhage, haematospermia, gynaecomastia |
| Not known | priapism, erection increased |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | |
| Common | pyrexia |
*These adverse events/reactions have been reported in patients taking sildenafil for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction (MED).
Paediatric population
In the placebo-controlled study of Rezum in patients 1 to 17 years of age with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a total of 174 patients were treated three times a day with either low (10 mg in patients > 20 kg; no patients ≤ 20 kg received the low dose), medium (10 mg in patients > 8-20 kg; 20 mg in patients > 20-45 kg; 40 mg in patients > 45 kg) or high dose (20 mg in patients > 8-20 kg; 40 mg in patients > 20-45 kg; 80 mg in patients > 45 kg) regimens of Rezum and 60 were treated with placebo.
The adverse reactions profile seen in this paediatric study was generally consistent with that in adults (see table above). The most common adverse reactions that occurred (with a frequency > 1 %) in Rezum patients (combined doses) and with a frequency > 1 % over placebo patients were pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection (each 11.5%), vomiting (10.9%), erection increased (including spontaneous penile erections in male subjects) (9.0%), nausea, bronchitis (each 4.6%), pharyngitis (4.0%), rhinorrhoea (3.4%), and pneumonia, rhinitis (each 2.9%).
Of the 234 paediatric subjects treated in the short-term, placebo-controlled study, 220 subjects entered the long-term extension study. Subjects on active sildenafil therapy continued on the same treatment regimen, while those in the placebo group in the short-term study were randomly reassigned to sildenafil treatment.
The most common adverse reactions reported across the duration of the short-term and long-term studies were generally similar to those observed in the short-term study. Adverse reactions reported in >10% of 229 subjects treated with sildenafil (combined dose group, including 9 patients that did not continue into the long-term study) were upper respiratory infection (31%), headache (26%), vomiting (22%), bronchitis (20%), pharyngitis (18%), pyrexia (17%), diarrhoea (15%), and influenza, epistaxis (12% each). Most of these adverse reactions were considered mild to moderate in severity.
Serious adverse events were reported in 94 (41%) of the 229 subjects receiving sildenafil. Of the 94 subjects reporting a serious adverse event, 14/55 (25.5%) subjects were in the low dose group, 35/74 (47.3%) in the medium dose group, and 45/100 (45%) in the high dose group. The most common serious adverse events that occurred with a frequency > 1 % in sildenafil patients (combined doses) were pneumonia (7.4%), cardiac failure, pulmonary hypertension (each 5.2%), upper respiratory tract infection (3.1%), right ventricular failure, gastroenteritis (each 2.6%), syncope, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, pulmonary arterial hypertension (each 2.2%), chest pain, dental caries (each 1.7%), and cardiogenic shock, gastroenteritis viral, urinary tract infection (each 1.3%).
The following serious adverse events were considered to be treatment related, enterocolitis, convulsion, hypersensitivity, stridor, hypoxia, neurosensory deafness and ventricular arrhythmia.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Summary of the safety profile
The safety profile of Rezum is based on 9,570 patients in 74 double blind placebo-controlled clinical studies. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies among sildenafil treated patients were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea, hot flush, visual disturbance, cyanopsia and blurred vision.
Adverse reactions from post-marketing surveillance has been gathered covering an estimated period >10 years. Because not all adverse reactions are reported to the Marketing Authorisation Holder and included in the safety database, the frequencies of these reactions cannot be reliably determined.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
In the table below all medically important adverse reactions, which occurred in clinical trials at an incidence greater than placebo are listed by system organ class and frequency (very common (>1/10), common (>1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (>1/10,000 to, 1/1,000).
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Table 1: Medically important adverse reactions reported at an incidence greater than placebo in controlled clinical studies and medically important adverse reactions reported through post-marketing surveillance
| System Organ Class | Very common (> 1/10) | Common (> 1/100 and <1/10) | Uncommon (> 1/1,000 and <1/100) | Rare (> 1/10,000 and <1/1,000) |
| Infections and infestations | Rhinitis | |||
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivity | |||
| Nervous system disorders | Headache | Dizziness | Somnolence, Hypoaesthesia | Cerebrovascular accident, Transient ischaemic attack, Seizure*, Seizure recurrence*, Syncope |
| Eye disorders | Visual colour distortions**, Visual disturbance, Vision blurred | Lacrimation disorders***, Eye pain, Photophobia, Photopsia, Ocular hyperaemia, Visual brightness, Conjunctivitis | Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)*,* Retinal vascular occlusion*, Retinal haemorrhage, Arteriosclerotic retinopathy, Retinal disorder, Glaucoma, Visual field defect, Diplopia, Visual acuity reduced, Myopia, Asthenopia, Vitreous floaters, Iris disorder, Mydriasis, Halo vision, Eye oedema, Eye swelling, Eye disorder, Conjunctival hyperaemia, Eye irritation, Abnormal sensation in eye, Eyelid oedema, Scleral discoloration | |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | Vertigo, Tinnitus | Deafness | ||
| Cardiac disorders | Tachycardia, Palpitations | Sudden cardiac death*, Myocardial infarction, Ventricular arrhythmia*, Atrial fibrillation, Unstable angina | ||
| Vascular disorders | Flushing, Hot flush | Hypertension, Hypotension | ||
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Nasal congestion | Epistaxis, Sinus congestion | Throat tightness, Nasal oedema, Nasal dryness | |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Nausea, Dyspepsia | Gastro oesophageal reflux disease, Vomiting, Abdominal pain upper, Dry mouth | Hypoaesthesia oral | |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Rash | Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)*,* Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) * | ||
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Myalgia, Pain in extremity | |||
| Renal and urinary disorders | Haematuria | |||
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Penile haemorrhage, Priapism*, Haematospermia, Erection increased | |||
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Chest pain, Fatigue, Feeling hot | Irritability | ||
| Investigations | Heart rate increased |
*Reported during post-marketing surveillance only
**Visual colour distortions: Chloropsia, Chromatopsia, Cyanopsia, Erythropsia and Xanthopsia
***Lacrimation disorders: Dry eye, Lacrimal disorder and Lacrimation increased
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.
United Kingdom
Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Ireland
Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via HPRA Pharmacovigilance, Earlsfort Terrace, IRL - Dublin 2; Tel: +353 1 6764971; Fax: +353 1 6762517. Website: www.hpra.ie; E-mail: [email protected].
Overdose
In single dose volunteer studies of doses up to 800 mg, adverse reactions were similar to those seen at lower doses, but the incidence rates and severities were increased. At single doses of 200 mg the incidence of adverse reactions (headache, flushing, dizziness, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, and altered vision) was increased.
In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as required. Renal dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance as sildenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and not eliminated in the urine.
In single dose volunteer studies of doses up to 800 mg, adverse reactions were similar to those seen at lower doses, but the incidence rates and severities were increased. Doses of 200 mg did not result in increased efficacy but the incidence of adverse reactions (headache, flushing, dizziness, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, altered vision) was increased.
In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as required. Renal dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance as sildenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and not eliminated in the urine.
Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Urologicals, Drugs used in erectile dysfunction, ATC code: G04BE03
Mechanism of action
Sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), the enzyme that is responsible for degradation of cGMP. Apart from the presence of this enzyme in the corpus cavernosum of the penis, PDE5 is also present in the pulmonary vasculature. Sildenafil, therefore, increases cGMP within pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells resulting in relaxation. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension this can lead to vasodilation of the pulmonary vascular bed and, to a lesser degree, vasodilatation in the systemic circulation.
Pharmacodynamic effects
Studies in vitro have shown that sildenafil is selective for PDE5. Its effect is more potent on PDE5 than on other known phosphodiesterases. There is a10-fold selectivity over PDE6 which is involved in the phototransduction pathway in the retina. There is an 80-fold selectivity over PDE1, and over 700-fold over PDE 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In particular, sildenafil has greater than 4,000-fold selectivity for PDE5 over PDE3, the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase isoform involved in the control of cardiac contractility.
Sildenafil causes mild and transient decreases in systemic blood pressure which, in the majority of cases, do not translate into clinical effects. After chronic dosing of 80 mg three times a day to patients with systemic hypertension the mean change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was a decrease of 9.4 mm Hg and 9.1 mm Hg respectively. After chronic dosing of 80 mg three times a day to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension lesser effects in blood pressure reduction were observed (a reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure of 2 mm Hg). At the recommended dose of 20 mg three times a day no reductions in systolic or diastolic pressure were seen.
Single oral doses of sildenafil up to 100 mg in healthy volunteers produced no clinically relevant effects on ECG. After chronic dosing of 80 mg three times a day to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension no clinically relevant effects on the ECG were reported.
In a study of the hemodynamic effects of a single oral 100 mg dose of sildenafil in 14 patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) (> 70 % stenosis of at least one coronary artery), the mean resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased by 7 % and 6 % respectively compared to baseline. Mean pulmonary systolic blood pressure decreased by 9 %. Sildenafil showed no effect on cardiac output, and did not impair blood flow through the stenosed coronary arteries.
Mild and transient differences in colour discrimination (blue/green) were detected in some subjects using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test at 1 hour following a 100 mg dose, with no effects evident after 2 hours post-dose. The postulated mechanism for this change in colour discrimination is related to inhibition of PDE6, which is involved in the phototransduction cascade of the retina. Sildenafil has no effect on visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. In a small size placebo-controlled study of patients with documented early age-related macular degeneration (n = 9), sildenafil (single dose, 100 mg) demonstrated no significant changes in visual tests conducted (visual acuity, Amsler grid, colour discrimination simulated traffic light, Humphrey perimeter and photostress).
Clinical efficacy and safety
Efficacy in adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 278 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, PAH associated with connective tissue disease, and PAH following surgical repair of congenital heart lesions. Patients were randomised to one of four treatment groups: placebo, sildenafil 20 mg, sildenafil 40 mg or sildenafil 80 mg, three times a day. Of the 278 patients randomised, 277 patients received at least 1 dose of study drug. The study population consisted of 68 (25 %) men and 209 (75 %) women with a mean age of 49 years (range: 18-81 years) and baseline 6-minute walk test distance between 100 and 450 metres inclusive (mean: 344 metres). 175 patients (63 %) included were diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension, 84 (30 %) were diagnosed with PAH associated with connective tissue disease and 18 (7 %) of the patients were diagnosed with PAH following surgical repair of congenital heart lesions. Most patients were WHO Functional Class II (107/277, 39 %) or III (160/277, 58 %) with a mean baseline 6 minute walking distance of 378 meters and 326 meters respectively; fewer patients were Class I (1/277, 0.4 %) or IV (9/277, 3 %) at baseline. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction < 45 % or left ventricular shortening fraction < 0.2 were not studied.
Sildenafil (or placebo) was added to patients' background therapy which could have included a combination of anticoagulation, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, diuretics or oxygen. The use of prostacyclin, prostacyclin analogues and endothelin receptor antagonists was not permitted as add-on therapy, and neither was arginine supplementation. Patients who previously failed bosentan therapy were excluded from the study.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at week 12 in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). A statistically significant increase in 6MWD was observed in all 3 sildenafil dose groups compared to those on placebo. Placebo corrected increases in 6MWD were 45 metres (p < 0.0001), 46 metres (p < 0.0001) and 50 metres (p < 0.0001) for sildenafil 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg TID, respectively. There was no significant difference in effect between sildenafil doses. For patients with a baseline 6MWD < 325 m improved efficacy was observed with higher doses (placebo-corrected improvements of 58 metres, 65 metres and 87 metres for 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg doses TID, respectively).
When analysed by WHO functional class, a statistically significant increase in 6MWD was observed in the 20 mg dose group. For class II and class III, placebo corrected increases of 49 metres (p = 0.0007) and 45 metres (p = 0.0031) were observed respectively.
The improvement in 6MWD was apparent after 4 weeks of treatment and this effect was maintained at weeks 8 and 12. Results were generally consistent in subgroups according to aetiology (primary and connective tissue disease-associated PAH), WHO functional class, gender, race, location, mean PAP and PVRI.
Patients on all sildenafil doses achieved a statistically significant reduction in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) compared to those on placebo. Placebo-corrected treatment effects with mPAP were -2.7 mmHg (p = 0.04), -3.0 mm Hg (p = 0.01) and -5.1 mm Hg (p < 0.0001) for sildenafil 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg TID respectively. Placebo-corrected treatment effects with PVR were -178 dyne.sec/cm5 (p=0.0051), -195 dyne.sec/cm5 (p=0.0017) and -320 dyne.sec/cm5 (p<0.0001) for sildenafil 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg TID, respectively. The percent reduction at 12 weeks for sildenafil 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg TID in PVR (11.2 %, 12.9 %, 23.3 %) was proportionally greater than the reduction in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) (7.2 %, 5.9 %, 14.4 %). The effect of sildenafil on mortality is unknown.
A greater percentage of patients on each of the sildenafil doses (i.e. 28 %, 36 % and 42 % of subjects who received sildenafil 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg TID doses, respectively) showed an improvement by at least one WHO functional class at week 12 compared to placebo (7 %). The respective odds ratios were 2.92 (p=0.0087), 4.32 (p=0.0004) and 5.75 (p<0.0001).
Long-term survival data in naive population
Patients enrolled into the pivotal study were eligible to enter a long term open label extension study. At 3 years 87 % of the patients were receiving a dose of 80 mg TID. A total of 207 patients were treated with Rezum in the pivotal study, and their long term survival status was assessed for a minimum of 3 years. In this population, Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1, 2 and 3 year survival were 96 %, 91 % and 82 %, respectively. Survival in patients of WHO functional class II at baseline at 1, 2 and 3 years was 99 %, 91 %, and 84 % respectively, and for patients of WHO functional class III at baseline was 94 %, 90 %, and 81 %, respectively.
Efficacy in adult patients with PAH (when used in combination with epoprostenol)
A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study was conducted in 267 patients with PAH who were stabilised on intravenous epoprostenol. The PAH patients included those with Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (212/267, 79 %) and PAH associated with connective tissue disease (55/267, 21 %). Most patients were WHO Functional Class II (68/267, 26 %) or III (175/267, 66 %); fewer patients were Class I (3/267, 1 %) or IV (16/267, 6 %) at baseline; for a few patients (5/267, 2 %), the WHO Functional Class was unknown. Patients were randomised to placebo or sildenafil (in a fixed titration starting from 20 mg, to 40 mg and then 80 mg, three times a day as tolerated) when used in combination with intravenous epoprostenol.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at week 16 in 6-minute walk distance. There was a statistically significant benefit of sildenafil compared to placebo in 6-minute walk distance. A mean placebo corrected increase in walk distance of 26 metres was observed in favour of sildenafil (95 % CI: 10.8, 41.2) (p = 0.0009). For patients with a baseline walking distance > 325 metres, the treatment effect was 38.4 metres in favour of sildenafil; for patients with a baseline walking distance < 325 metres, the treatment effect was 2.3 metres in favour of placebo. For patients with primary PAH, the treatment effect was 31.1 metres compared to 7.7 metres for patients with PAH associated with connective tissue disease. The difference in results between these randomisation subgroups may have arisen by chance in view of their limited sample size.
Patients on sildenafil achieved a statistically significant reduction in mean Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (mPAP) compared to those on placebo. A mean placebo-corrected treatment effect of -3.9 mmHg was observed in favour of sildenafil (95 % CI: -5.7, -2.1) (p = 0.00003). Time to clinical worsening was a secondary endpoint as defined as the time from randomisation to the first occurrence of a clinical worsening event (death, lung transplantation, initiation of bosentan therapy, or clinical deterioration requiring a change in epoprostenol therapy). Treatment with sildenafil significantly delayed the time to clinical worsening of PAH compared to placebo (p = 0.0074). 23 subjects experienced clinical worsening events in the placebo group (17.6 %) compared with 8 subjects in the sildenafil group (6.0 %).
Long-term Survival Data in the background epoprostenol study
Patients enrolled into the epoprostenol add-on therapy study were eligible to enter a long term open label extension study. At 3 years 68 % of the patients were receiving a dose of 80 mg TID. A total of 134 patients were treated with Rezum in the initial study, and their long term survival status was assessed for a minimum of 3 years. In this population, Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1, 2 and 3 year survival were 92 %, 81 % and 74 %, respectively.
Efficacy and safety in adult patients with PAH (when used in combination with bosentan)
A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study was conducted in 103 clinically stable subjects with PAH (WHO FC II and III) who were on bosentan therapy for a minimum of three months. The PAH patients included those with Primary PAH, and PAH associated with connective tissue disease. Patients were randomized to placebo or sildenafil (20 mg three times a day) in combination with bosentan (62.5-125 mg twice a day). The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at Week 12 in 6MWD. The results indicate that there is no significant difference in mean change from baseline on 6MWD observed between sildenafil (20 mg three times a day) and placebo (13.62 m (95% CI: -3.89 to 31.12) and 14.08 m (95% CI: -1.78 to 29.95), respectively).
Differences in 6MWD were observed between patients with primary PAH and PAH associated with connective tissue disease. For subjects with primary PAH (67 subjects), mean changes from baseline were 26.39 m (95% CI: 10.70 to 42.08) and 11.84 m (95% CI: -8.83 to 32.52) for the sildenafil and placebo groups, respectively. However, for subjects with PAH associated with connective tissue disease (36 subjects) mean changes from baseline were -18.32 m (95% CI: -65.66 to 29.02) and 17.50 m (95% CI: -9.41 to 44.41) for the sildenafil and placebo groups, respectively.
Overall, the adverse events were generally similar between the two treatment groups (sildenafil plus bosentan vs. bosentan alone), and consistent with the known safety profile of sildenafil when used as monotherapy.
Paediatric population
A total of 234 subjects aged 1 to 17 years were treated in a randomized, double-blind, multi-centre, placebo controlled parallel group, dose ranging study. Subjects (38 % male and 62 % female) had a body weight > 8 kg, and had primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) [33 %], or PAH secondary to congenital heart disease [systemic-to-pulmonary shunt 37 %, surgical repair 30 %]. In this trial, 63 of 234 (27 %) patients were < 7 years old (sildenafil low dose = 2; medium dose = 17; high dose = 28; placebo = 16) and 171 of 234 (73 %) patients were 7 years or older (sildenafil low dose = 40; medium dose = 38; and high dose = 49; placebo = 44). Most subjects were WHO Functional Class I (75/234, 32 %) or II (120/234, 51 %) at baseline; fewer patients were Class III (35/234, 15 %) or IV (1/234, 0.4 %); for a few patients (3/234, 1.3 %), the WHO Functional Class was unknown.
Patients were naïve for specific PAH therapy and the use of prostacyclin, prostacyclin analogues and endothelin receptor antagonists was not permitted in the study, and neither was arginine supplementation, nitrates, alpha-blockers and potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors.
The primary objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of 16 weeks of chronic treatment with oral sildenafil in paediatric subjects to improve exercise capacity as measured by the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) in subjects who were developmentally able to perform the test, n = 115). Secondary endpoints included haemodynamic monitoring, symptom assessment, WHO functional class, change in background treatment, and quality of life measurements.
Subjects were allocated to one of three sildenafil treatment groups, low (10 mg), medium (10-40 mg) or high dose (20-80 mg) regimens of Rezum given three times a day, or placebo. Actual doses administered within a group were dependent on body weight. The proportion of subjects receiving supportive medicinal products at baseline (anticoagulants, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and/or oxygen) was similar in the combined sildenafil treatment group (47.7 %) and the placebo treatment group (41.7 %).
The primary endpoint was the placebo-corrected percentage change in peak VO2 from baseline to week 16 assessed by CPET in the combined dose groups (Table 2). A total of 106 out of 234 (45 %) subjects were evaluable for CPET, which comprised those children > 7 years old and developmentally able to perform the test. Children < 7 years (sildenafil combined dose = 47; placebo = 16) were evaluable only for the secondary endpoints. Mean baseline peak volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) values were comparable across the sildenafil treatment groups (17.37 to 18.03 ml/kg/min), and slightly higher for the placebo treatment group (20.02 ml/kg/min). The results of the main analysis (combined dose groups versus placebo) were not statistically significant (p = 0.056) (see Table 2). The estimated difference between the medium sildenafil dose and placebo was 11.33 % (95 % CI: 1.72 to 20.94) (see Table 2).
Table 2: Placebo corrected % change from baseline in peak VO2 by active treatment group
| Treatment group | Estimated difference | 95 % Confidence interval |
| Low dose (n=24) | 3.81 | -6.11, 13.73 |
| Medium dose (n=26) | 11.33 | 1.72, 20.94 |
| High dose (n=27) | 7.98 | -1.64, 17.60 |
| Combined dose groups (n=77) | 7.71 (p = 0.056) | -0.19, 15.60 |
n=29 for placebo group
Estimates based on ANCOVA with adjustments for the covariates baseline peak VO2, etiology and weight group
Dose related improvements were observed with pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP). The sildenafil medium and high dose groups both showed PVRI reductions compared to placebo, of 18 % (95 %CI: 2 % to 32 %) and 27 % (95 %CI: 14 % to 39 %), respectively; whilst the low dose group showed no significant difference from placebo (difference of 2 %). The sildenafil medium and high dose groups displayed mPAP changes from baseline compared to placebo, of -3.5 mmHg (95 %CI: -8.9, 1.9) and -7.3 mmHg (95 %CI: -12.4, -2.1), respectively; whilst the low dose group showed little difference from placebo (difference of 1.6 mmHg). Improvements were observed with cardiac index with all three sildenafil groups over placebo, 10 %, 4 % and 15 % for the low, medium and high dose groups respectively.
Significant improvements in functional class were demonstrated only in subjects on sildenafil high dose compared to placebo. Odds ratios for the sildenafil low, medium and high dose groups compared to placebo were 0.6 (95 % CI: 0.18, 2.01), 2.25 (95 % CI: 0.75, 6.69) and 4.52 (95 % CI: 1.56, 13.10), respectively.
Long term extension data
Of the 234 paediatric subjects treated in the short-term, placebo-controlled study, 220 subjects entered the long-term extension study. Subjects who had been in the placebo group in the short-term study were randomly reassigned to sildenafil treatment; subjects weighing ≤ 20 kg entered the medium or high dose groups (1:1), while subjects weighing > 20 kg entered the low, medium or high dose groups (1:1:1). Of the total 229 subjects who received sildenafil, there were 55, 74, and 100 subjects in the low, medium and high dose groups, respectively. Across the short-term and long-term studies, the overall duration of treatment from start of double-blind for individual subjects ranged from 3 to 3129 days. By sildenafil treatment group, median duration of sildenafil treatment was 1696 days (excluding the 5 subjects who received placebo in double-blind and were not treated in the long-term extension study).
Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival at 3 years in patients > 20 kg in weight at baseline were 94 %, 93 % and 85 % in the low, medium and high dose groups, respectively; for patients ≤ 20 kg in weight at baseline, the survival estimates were 94 % and 93 % for subjects in the medium and high dose groups respectively.
During the conduct of the study, there were a total of 42 deaths reported, whether on treatment or reported as part of the survival follow-up. 37 deaths occurred prior to a decision taken by the Data Monitoring Committee to down titrate subjects to a lower dosage, based on an observed mortality imbalance with increasing sildenafil doses. Among these 37 deaths, the number (%) of deaths was 5/55 (9.1%), 10/74 (13.5%), and 22/100 (22%) in the sildenafil low, medium, and high dose groups, respectively. An additional 5 deaths were reported subsequently. The causes of deaths were related to PAH. Higher than recommended doses should not be used in paediatric patients with PAH.
Peak VO2 was assessed 1 year after the start of the placebo-controlled study. Of those sildenafil treated subjects developmentally able to perform the CPET 59/114 subjects (52 %) had not shown any deterioration in Peak VO2 from start of sildenafil. Similarly 191 of 229 subjects (83 %) who had received sildenafil had either maintained or improved their WHO Functional Class at 1 year assessment.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Urologicals; Drugs used in erectile dysfunction. ATC Code: G04B E03.
Mechanism of action
Sildenafil is an oral therapy for erectile dysfunction. In the natural setting, i.e. with sexual stimulation, it restores impaired erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis.
The physiological mechanism responsible for erection of the penis involves the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide then activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), producing smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum and allowing inflow of blood.
Sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the corpus cavernosum, where PDE5 is responsible for degradation of cGMP. Sildenafil has a peripheral site of action on erections. Sildenafil has no direct relaxant effect on isolated human corpus cavernosum but potently enhances the relaxant effect of NO on this tissue. When the NO/cGMP pathway is activated, as occurs with sexual stimulation, inhibition of PDE5 by sildenafil results in increased corpus cavernosum levels of cGMP. Therefore sexual stimulation is required in order for sildenafil to produce its intended beneficial pharmacological effects.
Pharmacodynamic effects
Studies in vitro have shown that sildenafil is selective for PDE5, which is involved in the erection process. Its effect is more potent on PDE5 than on other known phosphodiesterases. There is a 10-fold selectivity over PDE6 which is involved in the phototransduction pathway in the retina. At maximum recommended doses, there is an 80-fold selectivity over PDE1, and over 700-fold over PDE 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In particular, sildenafil has greater than 4,000-fold selectivity for PDE5 over PDE3, the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase isoform involved in the control of cardiac contractility.
Clinical efficacy and safety
Two clinical studies were specifically designed to assess the time window after dosing during which sildenafil could produce an erection in response to sexual stimulation. In a penile plethysmography (RigiScan) study of fasted patients, the median time to onset for those who obtained erections of 60% rigidity (sufficient for sexual intercourse) was 25 minutes (range 12-37 minutes) on sildenafil. In a separate RigiScan study, sildenafil was still able to produce an erection in response to sexual stimulation 4-5 hours post-dose.
Sildenafil causes mild and transient decreases in blood pressure which, in the majority of cases, do not translate into clinical effects. The mean maximum decreases in supine systolic blood pressure following 100 mg oral dosing of sildenafil was 8.4 mmHg. The corresponding change in supine diastolic blood pressure was 5.5 mmHg. These decreases in blood pressure are consistent with the vasodilatory effects of sildenafil, probably due to increased cGMP levels in vascular smooth muscle. Single oral doses of sildenafil up to 100 mg in healthy volunteers produced no clinically relevant effects on ECG.
In a study of the hemodynamic effects of a single oral 100 mg dose of sildenafil in 14 patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) (>70% stenosis of at least one coronary artery), the mean resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased by 7% and 6% respectively compared to baseline. Mean pulmonary systolic blood pressure decreased by 9%. Sildenafil showed no effect on cardiac output, and did not impair blood flow through the stenosed coronary arteries.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled exercise stress trial evaluated 144 patients with erectile dysfunction and chronic stable angina who regularly received anti-anginal medicinal products (except nitrates). The results demonstrated no clinically relevant differences between sildenafil and placebo in time to limiting angina.
Mild and transient differences in colour discrimination (blue/green) were detected in some subjects using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test at 1 hour following a 100 mg dose, with no effects evident after 2 hours post-dose. The postulated mechanism for this change in colour discrimination is related to inhibition of PDE6, which is involved in the phototransduction cascade of the retina. Sildenafil has no effect on visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. In a small size placebo-controlled study of patients with documented early age-related macular degeneration (n=9), sildenafil (single dose, 100 mg) demonstrated no significant changes in the visual tests conducted (visual acuity, Amsler grid, colour discrimination simulated traffic light, Humphrey perimeter and photostress).
There was no effect on sperm motility or morphology after single 100 mg oral doses of sildenafil in healthy volunteers.
Further information on clinical trials
In clinical trials sildenafil was administered to more than 8000 patients aged 19-87. The following patient groups were represented: elderly (19.9%), patients with hypertension (30.9%), diabetes mellitus (20.3%), ischaemic heart disease (5.8%), hyperlipidaemia (19.8%), spinal cord injury (0.6%), depression (5.2%), transurethral resection of the prostate (3.7%), radical prostatectomy (3.3%). The following groups were not well represented or excluded from clinical trials: patients with pelvic surgery, patients post-radiotherapy, patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment and patients with certain cardiovascular conditions.
In fixed dose studies, the proportions of patients reporting that treatment improved their erections were 62% (25 mg), 74% (50 mg) and 82% (100 mg) compared to 25% on placebo. In controlled clinical trials, the discontinuation rate due to sildenafil was low and similar to placebo.
Across all trials, the proportion of patients reporting improvement on sildenafil were as follows: psychogenic erectile dysfunction (84%), mixed erectile dysfunction (77%), organic erectile dysfunction (68%), elderly (67%), diabetes mellitus (59%), ischaemic heart disease (69%), hypertension (68%), TURP (61%), radical prostatectomy (43%), spinal cord injury (83%), depression (75%). The safety and efficacy of sildenafil was maintained in long term studies.
Paediatric population
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with Rezum in all subsets of the paediatric population for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
Sildenafil is rapidly absorbed. Maximum observed plasma concentrations are reached within 30 to 120 minutes (median 60 minutes) of oral dosing in the fasted state. The mean absolute oral bioavailability is 41 % (range 25-63 %). After oral three times a day dosing of sildenafil, AUC and Cmax increase in proportion with dose over the dose range of 20-40 mg. After oral doses of 80 mg three times a day a more than dose proportional increase in sildenafil plasma levels has been observed. In pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, the oral bioavailability of sildenafil after 80 mg three times a day was on average 43 % (90 % CI: 27 % -60 %) higher compared to the lower doses.
When sildenafil is taken with food, the rate of absorption is reduced with a mean delay in Tmax of 60 minutes and a mean reduction in Cmax of 29 % however, the extent of absorption was not significantly affected (AUC decreased by 11 %).
Distribution
The mean steady state volume of distribution (Vss) for sildenafil is 105 l, indicating distribution into the tissues. After oral doses of 20 mg three times a day, the mean maximum total plasma concentration of sildenafil at steady state is approximately 113 ng/ml. Sildenafil and its major circulating N-desmethyl metabolite are approximately 96 % bound to plasma proteins. Protein binding is independent of total drug concentrations.
Biotransformation
Sildenafil is cleared predominantly by the CYP3A4 (major route) and CYP2C9 (minor route) hepatic microsomal isoenzymes. The major circulating metabolite results from N-demethylation of sildenafil. This metabolite has a phosphodiesterase selectivity profile similar to sildenafil and an in vitro potency for PDE5 approximately 50 % that of the parent drug. The N-desmethyl metabolite is further metabolised, with a terminal half-life of approximately 4 h. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, plasma concentrations of N-desmethyl metabolite are approximately 72 % those of sildenafil after 20 mg three times a day dosing (translating into a 36 % contribution to sildenafil's pharmacological effects). The subsequent effect on efficacy is unknown.
Elimination
The total body clearance of sildenafil is 41 l/h with a resultant terminal phase half-life of 3-5 h. After either oral or intravenous administration, sildenafil is excreted as metabolites predominantly in the faeces (approximately 80 % of administered oral dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 13 % of administered oral dose).
Pharmacokinetics in special patient groups
Elderly
Healthy elderly volunteers (65 years or over) had a reduced clearance of sildenafil, resulting in approximately 90 % higher plasma concentrations of sildenafil and the active N-desmethyl metabolite compared to those seen in healthy younger volunteers (18-45 years). Due to age-differences in plasma protein binding, the corresponding increase in free sildenafil plasma concentration was approximately 40 %.
Renal insufficiency
In volunteers with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance = 30-80 ml/min), the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil were not altered after receiving a 50 mg single oral dose. In volunteers with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min), sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in mean increases in AUC and Cmax of 100 % and 88 % respectively compared to age-matched volunteers with no renal impairment. In addition, N-desmethyl metabolite AUC and Cmax values were significantly increased by 200 % and 79 % respectively in subjects with severe renal impairment compared to subjects with normal renal function.
Hepatic insufficiency
In volunteers with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A and B) sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in increases in AUC (85 %) and Cmax (47 %) compared to age-matched volunteers with no hepatic impairment. In addition, N-desmethyl metabolite AUC and Cmax values were significantly increased by 154 % and 87 %, respectively in cirrhotic subjects compared to subjects with normal hepatic function. The pharmacokinetics of sildenafil in patients with severely impaired hepatic function have not been studied.
Population pharmacokinetics
In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, the average steady state concentrations were 20-50 % higher over the investigated dose range of 20-80 mg three times a day compared to healthy volunteers. There was a doubling of the Cmin compared to healthy volunteers. Both findings suggest a lower clearance and/or a higher oral bioavailability of sildenafil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension compared to healthy volunteers.
Paediatric population
From the analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile of sildenafil in patients involved in the paediatric clinical trials, body weight was shown to be a good predictor of drug exposure in children. Sildenafil plasma concentration half-life values were estimated to range from 4.2 to 4.4 hours for a range of 10 to 70 kg of body weight and did not show any differences that would appear as clinically relevant. Cmax after a single 20 mg sildenafil dose administered PO was estimated at 49, 104 and 165 ng/ml for 70, 20 and 10 kg patients, respectively. Cmax after a single 10 mg sildenafil dose administered PO was estimated at 24, 53 and 85 ng/ml for 70, 20 and 10 kg patients, respectively. Tmax was estimated at approximately 1 hour and was almost independent from body weight.
Absorption
Sildenafil is rapidly absorbed. Maximum observed plasma concentrations are reached within 30 to 120 minutes (median 60 minutes) of oral dosing in the fasted state. The mean absolute oral bioavailability is 41% (range 25-63%). After oral dosing of sildenafil AUC and Cmax increase in proportion with dose over the recommended dose range (25-100 mg).
When sildenafil is taken with food, the rate of absorption is reduced with a mean delay in tmax of 60 minutes and a mean reduction in Cmax of 29%.
Distribution
The mean steady state volume of distribution (Vd) for sildenafil is 105 l, indicating distribution into the tissues. After a single oral dose of 100 mg, the mean maximum total plasma concentration of sildenafil is approximately 440 ng/mL (CV 40%). Since sildenafil (and its major circulating N-desmethyl metabolite) is 96% bound to plasma proteins, this results in the mean maximum free plasma concentration for sildenafil of 18 ng/mL (38 nM). Protein binding is independent of total drug concentrations.
In healthy volunteers receiving sildenafil (100 mg single dose), less than 0.0002% (average 188 ng) of the administered dose was present in ejaculate 90 minutes after dosing.
Biotransformation
Sildenafil is cleared predominantly by the CYP3A4 (major route) and CYP2C9 (minor route) hepatic microsomal isoenzymes. The major circulating metabolite results from N-demethylation of sildenafil. This metabolite has a phosphodiesterase selectivity profile similar to sildenafil and an in vitro potency for PDE5 approximately 50% that of the parent drug. Plasma concentrations of this metabolite are approximately 40% of those seen for sildenafil. The N-desmethyl metabolite is further metabolised, with a terminal half life of approximately 4 h.
Elimination
The total body clearance of sildenafil is 41 L/h with a resultant terminal phase half life of 3-5 h. After either oral or intravenous administration, sildenafil is excreted as metabolites predominantly in the faeces (approximately 80% of administered oral dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 13% of administered oral dose).
Pharmacokinetics in special patient groups
Elderly
Healthy elderly volunteers (65 years or over) had a reduced clearance of sildenafil, resulting in approximately 90% higher plasma concentrations of sildenafil and the active N-desmethyl metabolite compared to those seen in healthy younger volunteers (18-45 years). Due to age-differences in plasma protein binding, the corresponding increase in free sildenafil plasma concentration was approximately 40%.
Renal insufficiency
In volunteers with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance = 30-80 mL/min), the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil were not altered after receiving a 50 mg single oral dose. The mean AUC and Cmax of the N-desmethyl metabolite increased up to 126% and up to 73% respectively, compared to age-matched volunteers with no renal impairment. However, due to high inter-subject variability, these differences were not statistically significant. In volunteers with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min), sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in mean increases in AUC and Cmax of 100% and 88% respectively compared to age-matched volunteers with no renal impairment. In addition, N-desmethyl metabolite AUC and Cmax values were significantly increased by 200% and 79% respectively.
Hepatic insufficiency
In volunteers with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A and B) sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in increases in AUC (84%) and Cmax (47%) compared to age-matched volunteers with no hepatic impairment. The pharmacokinetics of sildenafil in patients with severely impaired hepatic function have not been studied.
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
It is recommended that a pharmacist constitutes Rezum oral suspension prior to its dispensing to the patient.
Reconstitution instructions
Note: A total volume of 90 ml (3 x 30 ml) of water irrespective of the dose to be taken should be used to reconstitute the contents of the bottle
1. Tap the bottle to release the powder.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Measure 30 ml of water by filling the measuring cup (included in the carton) to the marked line then pour the water into the bottle. Using the cup measure another 30 ml of water and add this to the bottle (figure 1).
4. Replace the cap and shake the bottle vigorously for a minimum of 30 seconds (figure 2).
5. Remove the cap.
6. Using the cup measure another 30 ml of water and add this to the bottle. You should always add a total of 90 ml (3 x 30 ml) of water irrespective of the dose you are taking (figure 3).
7. Replace the cap and shake the bottle vigorously for a minimum of 30 seconds (figure 4).
8. Remove the cap.
9. Press the bottle adaptor into the neck of the bottle (as shown on figure 5 below). The adaptor is provided so that you can fill the oral dosing syringe with medicine from the bottle. Replace the cap on the bottle.
10. When constituted the powder provides a white grape flavoured oral suspension. Write the date of expiry of the constituted oral suspension on the bottle label (the date of expiry of the constituted oral suspension is 30 days from the date of constitution). Any unused oral suspension should be discarded or returned to your pharmacist after this date.
Instructions for use
1. Shake the closed bottle of constituted oral suspension vigorously for a minimum of 10 seconds before use. Remove the cap (figure 6).
2. While the bottle is upright, on a flat surface, insert the tip of the oral dosing syringe into the adaptor (figure 7).
3. Turn the bottle upside down while holding the oral dosing syringe in place. Slowly pull back the plunger of the oral dosing syringe to the graduation mark that marks the dose for you (withdrawing 1 ml provides a 10 mg dose, withdrawing 2 ml provides a 20 mg dose). To measure the dose accurately, the top edge of the plunger should be lined up with the appropriate graduated mark on the oral dosing syringe (figure 8).
4. If large bubbles can be seen, slowly push the plunger back into the syringe. This will force the medicine back into the bottle. Repeat step 3 again.
5. Turn the bottle back upright with the oral dosing syringe still in place. Remove the oral dosing syringe from the bottle.
6. Put the tip of the oral dosing syringe into the mouth. Point the tip of the oral dosing syringe towards the inside of the cheek. SLOWLY push down the plunger of the oral dosing syringe. Do not squirt the medicine out quickly. If the medicine is to be given to a child, make sure the child is sitting, or is held, upright before giving the medicine (figure 9).
7. Replace the cap on the bottle, leaving the bottle adaptor in place. Wash the oral dosing syringe as instructed below.
Cleaning and storing the syringe:
1. The syringe should be washed after each dose. Pull the plunger out of the syringe and wash both parts in water.
2. Dry the two parts. Push the plunger back in to the syringe. Keep it in a clean safe place with the medicine.
Once reconstituted, the oral suspension should only be administered using the oral dosing syringe supplied with each pack. Refer to the patient leaflet for more detailed instructions for use.
No special requirements.
Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.
Medically reviewed by . Last updated on 6/26/2023
Available in countries:
Equivalent of Rezum found in: