Consumer medicine information

Pulmoris

Ambrisentan

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Pulmoris

Active ingredient

Ambrisentan

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Pulmoris.

SUMMARY CMI

Pulmoris

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using Pulmoris?

Pulmoris contains the active ingredient ambrisentan. Pulmoris is used to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Pulmoris? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Pulmoris?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ambrisentan or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Pulmoris? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Pulmoris and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use Pulmoris?

  • The usual dose of Pulmoris is 5 mg, once a day

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Pulmoris? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Pulmoris?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Pulmoris.
  • You must use reliable birth control (contraception) while using Pulmoris and for 3 months after you stop taking it. Use at least two reliable forms of birth control (contraception).
  • If you are a male, you should avoid exposing your partner to your semen by use of appropriate contraception e.g. condoms.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Driving or using machines
  • Do not drive or operate machines if you're feeling unwell.
Drinking alcohol
  • Not applicable
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
  • Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
  • Do not store Pulmoris or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Pulmoris? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Very common side effects: swelling especially in the ankles and feet, headache, a runny or blocked nose, congestion or pain in the sinuses, dizziness, fast or irregular heart beat, feeling tired, lack of energy, worsening shortness of breath shortly after starting Pulmoris, anaemia, when taking ambrisentan in combination with Tadalafil (another PAH) medicine. All the above apply plus: vomiting, redness of the skin, chest pain/discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea

Common side effects: constipation, pain in your stomach, feeling weak, vomiting, heart failure, hypotension, fainting, abnormal blood tests for liver function, runny nose, chest pain or discomfort, flushing, nose bleed, rash, ringing or buzzing in the ear in combination with Tadalafil, allergic reactions, visual disturbance.

Uncommon side effects include: signs that your liver may not be working as it normally should include: loss of appetite, sick, vomiting, fever, unusual tiredness, pain in the stomach, jaundice, your urine turns dark in colour, itching of the skin, abnormal liver function which may show up in your blood tests, sudden hearing loss, in combination with Tadalafil.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

Pulmoris

Active ingredient(s): Ambrisentan (am" bri sen' tan)


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Pulmoris. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Pulmoris.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using Pulmoris?
2. What should I know before I use Pulmoris?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Pulmoris?
5. What should I know while using Pulmoris?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using Pulmoris?

Pulmoris contains the active ingredient ambrisentan. Pulmoris is a type of medicine called an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA).

Pulmoris is used to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is high blood pressure in the blood vessels (the pulmonary arteries) that carry blood from the heart to the lungs.

2. What should I know before I use Pulmoris?

Warnings

Do not use PULMORIS if:

  • you are allergic to ambrisentan, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  • any other similar medicine.
    - Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
    -- shortness of breath.
    -- wheezing or difficulty breathing.
    -- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body.
    -- rash, itching or hives on the skin.
  • you have scarring of the lungs of unknown cause (a condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF)
  • you have or have had a serious liver problem
  • you have raised levels of some liver enzymes (detected by blood tests).

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions
    - liver disease
    - heart disease called right heart failure
    - a low number of red blood cells (anaemia)
    - if you have swelling, especially of the ankles and feet (oedema)
    - low blood pressure
    - kidney problems.
  • take any medicines for any other condition.
  • have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • are breast-feeding or plan to breast feed.
    Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.

Your doctor will take blood tests to check:

  • whether you have a reduced number of red blood cells (anaemia)
  • that your liver is working properly.

These blood tests will be taken before you start taking Pulmoris and throughout your treatment with Pulmoris.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Do not take Pulmoris if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy or if you become pregnant soon after you stop treatment.

If it is possible you could become pregnant, you must use reliable birth control (contraception) while using Pulmoris and for 3 months after you stop taking it.

Use at least two reliable forms of birth control (contraception) while you are taking Pulmoris. Talk to your doctor about this.

If you are a woman who could become pregnant, your doctor will ask you to take a pregnancy test before you take Pulmoris.

If you are a male you should avoid exposing your partner to your semen by use of appropriate contraception e.g. condoms.

If you do become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately.

Children

  • Pulmoris is not recommended for use in children as there have been no studies of its effects in children.

Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis

  • Pulmoris must not be used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and must not be used in patients who have IPF with or without secondary pulmonary hypertension.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

  • ciclosporin (a medicine taken if you have an organ transplant). If you take ciclosporin, do not take more than one 5 mg tablet of Pulmoris, once a day
  • ketoconazole (medicine for fungal infection).

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Pulmoris.

4. How do I use Pulmoris?

How much to take / use

  • The usual dose of Pulmoris is 5 mg, once a day. Your doctor may decide to increase your dose to 10 mg, once a day. If you take ciclosporin, do not take more than one 5 mg tablet of Pulmoris, once a day.
  • Follow the instructions provided and use Pulmoris until your doctor tells you to stop.
  • Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. This medicine helps to control your condition, but does not cure it. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.

When to take / use Pulmoris

  • Pulmoris should be used at about the same time each day. Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
  • It does not matter if you take this medicine before or after food.

How to take Pulmoris

Swallow the tablet whole, with a glass of water.

Pulmoris tablets should not be split, crushed or chewed.

You can take Pulmoris with or without food.

Pulmoris tablets are packaged in a special child resistant blister pack.

The diagrams below provide instructions on how best to remove the tablets from the packaging.

  1. Tear along the perforated lines to separate one "pocket" from the blister strip.

  1. Starting at the arrow corner, gently lift and peel back the outer layer over the pocket, exposing the foil beneath.

  1. Push out the tablet through the exposed foil layer.

If you forget to use Pulmoris

Pulmoris should be used regularly at the same time each day [week or month]. If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

If you use too much Pulmoris

If you think that you have used too much Pulmoris, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using Pulmoris?

Things you should do

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist [add other health professionals as appropriate] you visit that you are using Pulmoris.

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Pulmoris.

You must use reliable birth control (contraception) while using Pulmoris and for 3 months after you stop taking it. Use at least two reliable forms of birth control (contraception).

If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

If you are a male, you should avoid exposing your partner to your semen by use of appropriate contraception e.g. condoms.

Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.

Your doctor will need to take regular blood tests while you are taking this medicine to ensure your liver function and red blood cell (anaemia) levels remain normal.

Things you should not do

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly.
  • Do not lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not take Pulmoris to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Pulmoris affects you.

Looking after your medicine

  • Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
  • If you take the tablets out of the pack they may not keep well.
  • Store below 30°C.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

When to discard your medicine (as relevant)

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
  • swelling (oedema), especially in the ankles and feet
  • headache
  • a runny or blocked nose, congestion or pain in the sinuses
  • dizziness
  • palpitations (fast or irregular heart beat)
  • feeling tired, lack of energy (fatigue)
  • worsening shortness of breath shortly after starting Pulmoris
  • signs of anaemia, such as tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and feeling generally unwell
  • when taking ambrisentan in combination with Tadalafil (another PAH) medicine. All the above apply plus:
    - vomiting
    - flushing (redness of the skin)
    - chest pain/discomfort
    - nausea
    - diarrhoea

Common side effects

  • constipation
  • pain in your stomach
  • feeling weak
  • vomiting
  • heart failure
  • hypotension
  • fainting
  • abnormal blood tests for liver function
  • runny nose
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • flushing
  • nose bleed
  • rash
  • tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear) when taking ambrisentan in combination with Tadalafil
  • allergic reactions: you may notice a rash or itching or swelling (usually of the face, lips or throat), which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing
  • visual disturbance (blurred vision or changes in your ability to see clearly).
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • signs that your liver may not be working as it normally should include:
    - loss of appetite
    - sick (nausea)
    - vomiting
    - fever
    - unusual tiredness
    - pain in the stomach (abdominal pain)
    - yellow colouring of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
    - your urine turns dark in colour
    - itching of the skin
    - abnormal liver function which may show up in your blood tests
  • sudden hearing loss, in combination with Tadalafil.
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What Pulmoris contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
Ambrisentan
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • Microcrystalline cellulose,
  • Lactose monohydrate
  • Croscarmellose sodium,
  • Magnesium stearate.

Tablet coating:

  • Pulmoris 5 mg contains Opadry II Complete Film Coating System 85G94065 Pink (ARTG PI No. 12699)
  • Pulmoris 10 mg contains Opadry II Complete Film Coating System 85G94101 Red (ARTG PI No. 12692)
Potential allergensNA

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Pulmoris looks like

Pulmoris 5 mg is a pale pink, square shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with “CL” on one side and “5” on the other side - AUST R 282338

Pulmoris 10 mg is a pink, oval shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with “CL” on one side and “10” on the other side - AUST R 282337

Who distributes Pulmoris

Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
15-17 Chapel St, Cremorne VIC 3121

This leaflet was prepared in October 2022.

Published by MIMS November 2022

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Pulmoris

Active ingredient

Ambrisentan

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Ambrisentan.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Pulmoris 5 mg film-coated tablets.

Each film-coated tablet contains 5 mg ambrisentan.

Excipients with known effect.

Contain sugars as lactose and soya bean products.

Pulmoris 10 mg film-coated tablets.

Each film-coated tablet contains 10 mg ambrisentan.

Excipients with known effect.

Contains lactose and soya bean products.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Pulmoris 5 mg film-coated tablets.

Pulmoris 5 mg tablets are pale pink, square shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with "CL" on one side and "5" on the other side.

Pulmoris 10 mg film-coated tablets.

Pulmoris 10 mg tablets are pink, oval shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with "CL" on one side and "10" on the other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Pulmoris is indicated for the treatment of:
idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH);
pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue disease (PAH-CTD), in patients with WHO functional class II, III or IV symptoms.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Treatment should only be initiated by a physician experienced in the treatment of PAH. Pulmoris is for oral use and can be administered with or without food.

Dose.

Pulmoris as a single agent. Pulmoris should be taken orally at a dose of 5 mg once daily. Additional benefit may be obtained by increasing the dose to 10 mg [see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects); Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials].
Limited data suggest that the abrupt discontinuation of ambrisentan is not associated with rebound worsening of PAH.
Use with ciclosporin. When co-administered with ciclosporin, the dose of ambrisentan should be limited to 5 mg once daily (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Metabolism).
Special populations.

Paediatric use.

The safety and efficacy of ambrisentan have not been established in patients less than 18 years of age, and therefore its use in this age group is not recommended.

Use in the elderly.

No dose adjustment is required (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Renal impairment.

No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties). There is limited experience with ambrisentan in individuals with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min); initiate treatment cautiously in this subgroup and take particular care if the dose is increased to 10 mg.

Hepatic impairment.

Ambrisentan has not been studied in individuals with severe hepatic impairment or with clinically significant elevated hepatic transaminases. Since the main routes of metabolism of ambrisentan are glucuronidation and oxidation with subsequent elimination in the bile, hepatic impairment would be expected to increase exposure (Cmax and AUC) of ambrisentan. Therefore, ambrisentan is not recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment and is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (with or without cirrhosis) or with clinically significant elevated hepatic transaminases (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties). Use caution when administering ambrisentan in patients with mild pre-existing impaired liver function who may require reduced doses of ambrisentan.

Method of administration.

It is recommended that the tablet is swallowed whole and should not be split, crushed or chewed.

4.3 Contraindications

Pulmoris is contraindicated in:
Pregnancy (see Boxed Warnings; see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in pregnancy).
Women of child-bearing potential who are not using reliable contraception (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in women of child bearing potential). Women must not become pregnant for at least 3 months after stopping treatment with ambrisentan.
Patients with severe hepatic impairment (with or without cirrhosis) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Patients with baseline values of hepatic aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and/or alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) greater than 3 times the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with or without secondary pulmonary hypertension.
Patients who exhibit or may exhibit hypersensitivity to ambrisentan or to any of the excipients.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Ambrisentan has not been studied in a sufficient number of patients to establish the benefit/risk balance in patients with WHO functional class I symptoms.
Ambrisentan has only been studied in a limited number of patients with WHO functional Class IV symptoms.
Other therapy that is recommended at the severe stage of the disease (e.g. epoprostenol) should be considered if the clinical condition deteriorates.

Liver function.

Hepatic enzyme elevations have been observed with endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs).
The cumulative incidence of serum aminotransferase abnormalities > 3 x ULN in all phase II and III studies for ambrisentan as a single agent (including respective open label extensions) was 17 of 483 (3.5%) subjects over a mean exposure duration of 79.5 weeks.
Liver function tests were closely monitored in all clinical studies with ambrisentan. For all ambrisentan treated patients (N = 483), the 12-week incidence of aminotransferases > 3 times ULN was 0.8% and > 8 times ULN was 0.2%. For placebo-treated patients, the 12-week incidence of aminotranferases > 3 times ULN was 2.3% and > 8 times ULN was 0%. The 1-year rate of aminotransferase elevations > 3 times ULN with ambrisentan was 2.8% and > 6 times ULN was 0.5%. One case of aminotransferase elevations > 3 times ULN has been accompanied by bilirubin elevations > 2 times ULN.
Hepatic function should be evaluated prior to initiation of ambrisentan. If aminotransferases (ALT or AST) are greater than 3 times ULN, initiation of ambrisentan is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).
Monthly monitoring of aminotransferases is warranted for the first 6 months after ambrisentan treatment is initiated. If patients develop clinically significant aminotransferase elevations or if aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by signs or symptoms of hepatic injury (e.g. jaundice), or increases in bilirubin > 2 times ULN, ambrisentan therapy should be discontinued.
Patients with clinically significant right heart failure, pre-existing liver disease, previous elevations of aminotransferases due to medications or taking concurrent medications known to elevate aminotransferases may be at increased risk for developing elevated aminotransferases on ambrisentan. Monitoring of aminotransferases should occur as clinically indicated.
If patients develop clinically significant aminotransferase elevations or if aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by signs or symptoms of hepatic injury (e.g. jaundice), ambrisentan therapy should be discontinued.
Following resolution of hepatic enzyme abnormalities, re-initiation of ambrisentan may be considered in some patients following consultation with a liver specialist. Ambrisentan should not be re-introduced if the patient had clinical symptoms of hepatic injury, jaundice (bilirubin > 2 x ULN), or an elevation of ALT > 8 x ULN.
Hepatic injury and autoimmune hepatitis are known to occur in PAH patients and autoantibodies are frequently found in IPAH. Cases consistent with autoimmune hepatitis, including possible exacerbation of underlying autoimmune hepatitis, and hepatic injury have been reported with ambrisentan therapy, although the contribution of ambrisentan to these events is unclear.
Therefore, patients should be observed clinically for signs of hepatic injury and caution exercised when ambrisentan is used alone or concomitantly with other medicinal products known to be associated with hepatic injury as the additive effects of ambrisentan with these agents are not known. Management of autoimmune hepatitis in PAH patients should be optimised prior to initiation of ambrisentan and during ambrisentan therapy. If patient develop signs or symptoms of hepatitis, or suffer exacerbation of existing hepatitis ambrisentan should be discontinued.
Other ERAs have been associated with elevations of aminotransferase (AST, ALT), hepatotoxicity, and cases of liver failure [see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)]. In patients who develop hepatic impairment after ambrisentan initiation, the cause of liver injury should be fully investigated. Discontinue ambrisentan if elevations of liver aminotransferases are > 5 x ULN or if elevations are accompanied by bilirubin > 2 x ULN, or by signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction and other causes are excluded.

Haematological changes.

Reductions in haemoglobin concentrations and haematocrit have been associated with ERAs including ambrisentan, and there have been cases where this has resulted in anaemia, sometimes requiring transfusion. In clinical trials, decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit were observed within the first few weeks of therapy and generally stabilised thereafter. The mean decrease in haemoglobin from baseline to the end of treatment for patients receiving ambrisentan in 12-week placebo-controlled studies was 0.8 g/dL. Mean decreases from baseline (ranging from 0.9 to 1.2 g/dL) in haemoglobin concentrations persisted for up to 4 years of treatment with ambrisentan in the long-term open-label extension of the pivotal Phase 3 clinical studies.
Marked decreases in haemoglobin (> 15% decrease from baseline resulting in a value below the lower limit of normal) were observed in 7% of all patients receiving ambrisentan (and 10% of patients receiving 10 mg) compared to 4% of patients receiving placebo.
It is recommended that haemoglobin is measured prior to initiation of ambrisentan, again at 1 month and periodically thereafter. Initiation of ambrisentan is not recommended for patients with clinically significant anaemia. If a clinically significant decrease in haemoglobin is observed, and other causes have been excluded discontinuation of treatment should be considered.
The incidence of anaemia was increased when ambrisentan was dosed in combination with tadalafil (15% adverse event frequency), compared to the incidence of anaemia when ambrisentan and tadalafil were given as monotherapy (7% and 11%, respectively). Anaemia led to discontinuation of drug in < 1% of ambrisentan patients dosed in combination with tadalafil compared to 1% and 0% for ambrisentan and tadalafil, respectively when given as monotherapy.

Use in renal impairment.

See Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties.

Fluid retention.

Peripheral oedema has been observed with ERAs including ambrisentan. Peripheral oedema may also be a clinical consequence of PAH. Most cases of peripheral oedema in clinical studies with ambrisentan were mild to moderate although it occurred with greater frequency and severity in elderly patients. Peripheral oedema was reported more frequently with 10 mg ambrisentan in short-term clinical studies [see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)].
The incidence of peripheral oedema was increased when ambrisentan was dosed in combination with tadalafil (45% adverse event frequency), compared to the incidence of peripheral oedema when ambrisentan and tadalafil were given as monotherapy (38% and 28%, respectively). The occurrence of peripheral oedema was highest within the first month of treatment initiation.
Post-marketing reports of fluid retention occurring within weeks after starting ambrisentan have been received and, in some cases, have required intervention with a diuretic or hospitalisation for fluid management or decompensated heart failure. If patients have pre-existing fluid overload, this should be managed as clinically appropriate prior to starting ambrisentan.
If clinically significant fluid retention develops during therapy with ambrisentan, with or without associated weight gain, further evaluation should be undertaken to determine the cause, such as ambrisentan or underlying heart failure, and the possible need for specific treatment or discontinuation of ambrisentan therapy.

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.

Ambrisentan has not been studied in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). Cases of life threatening pulmonary oedema have been reported with vasodilators (mainly prostacyclin and with endothelin receptor antagonists) when used in patients with PVOD. Consequently, should signs of acute pulmonary oedema occur when ambrisentan is initiated, the possibility of PVOD should be considered.

Use in patients with pre-existing hypotension.

Particular caution should be exercised when initiating ambrisentan in patients with pre-existing hypotension and blood pressure in such patients should be monitored closely.

Use in the elderly.

In the two placebo controlled clinical trials of ambrisentan, 21% of patients were ≥ 65 years old and 5% were ≥ 75 years old. The elderly (age ≥ 65 years) showed less improvement in 6MWD with ambrisentan than younger patients did, but the results of such subgroup analyses must be interpreted cautiously. Peripheral oedema was more common in the elderly than in younger patients.

Paediatric use.

The safety and efficacy of ambrisentan have not been established in patients less than 18 years of age. Its use in patients under 18 years is not recommended. See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.
Animal studies suggest potential risks with the use of ambrisentan in young children (0 to 3 years). See Section 5.3 Preclinical Safety Data.

Non-clinical information.

Inflammation and changes in the nasal cavity epithelium and/or turbinates have been seen with chronic administration of ambrisentan and other ERAs to rodents and, to a lesser extent, dogs.

Effects on laboratory tests.

See subsection, Haematological changes above.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Studies with human liver tissue indicate that ambrisentan is metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C19 and UGTs 1A9S, 2B7S and 1A3S and is a substrate of P-gp and OATP. Given the extensive enterohepatic recycling of ambrisentan there is a potential for interactions with inhibitors of OATP.
Ambrisentan does not inhibit or induce phase I or II drug metabolizing enzymes at clinically relevant concentrations in in vitro and in vivo non-clinical studies. Moreover, in vitro studies showed that ambrisentan does not inhibit NTCP, OATP or BSEP nor induce MRP2, P-gp or BSEP (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Metabolism).
The potential for ambrisentan to induce CYP3A4 activity was explored in healthy volunteers with results suggesting a lack of inductive effect of ambrisentan on the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. This is consistent with the lack of effect of ambrisentan on the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil (a CYP3A4 substrate).
Specific interaction studies have been conducted with ciclosporin, warfarin, sildenafil and tadalafil, ketoconazole, rifampin, oral contraceptives and digoxin.

Ciclosporin.

Ciclosporin is an inhibitor of multiple metabolic enzymes and transporters. Use caution when ambrisentan is co-administered with ciclosporin.
Steady-state co-administration of ambrisentan and ciclosporin (an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein [P-gp] and organic anion transporting polypeptide [OATP]) resulted in a 2-fold increase in ambrisentan exposure in healthy volunteers, therefore the dose of ambrisentan should be limited to 5 mg once daily when co-administered with ciclosporin (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). No clinically relevant effect of ambrisentan on ciclosporin exposure was observed (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Metabolism).

Warfarin.

Ambrisentan had no effects on the steady state pharmacokinetics and anti-coagulant activity of warfarin in a healthy volunteer study (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Metabolism). Warfarin also had no clinically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of ambrisentan. In addition, in patients, ambrisentan had no overall effect on the weekly warfarin-type anticoagulant dose, prothrombin time (PT). There was a small non clinically significant reduction in international normalized ratio (INR).

Sildenafil and tadalafil.

Co-administration of ambrisentan with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, either sildenafil or tadalafil (both substrates of CYP 3A4) in healthy volunteers did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of ambrisentan or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Metabolism).

Ketoconazole.

The effects of repeat dosing of a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, ketoconazole (400 mg once daily) on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of 10 mg ambrisentan were investigated in 16 healthy volunteers.
Exposures of ambrisentan as measured by AUC(0-inf) and Cmax were increased by 35% and 20%, respectively. The clinical significance of these changes is unknown. Patients taking both 10 mg of ambrisentan and ketoconazole should be closely monitored for any signs of adverse effects.

Rifampin.

Co-administration of rifampin (an inhibitor of OATP, a strong inducer of CYP3A and 2C19, and inducer of P-gp and uridine-diphospho-glucuronosyltransfereases [UGTs]) was associated with a transient (approximately 2-fold) increase in ambrisentan exposure following initial doses in healthy volunteers. However, by day 7, steady state administration of rifampin had no clinically relevant effect on ambrisentan exposure. No dose adjustment of ambrisentan is required when co-administered with rifampin (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Metabolism).

Omeprazole.

In clinical studies of patients with PAH, co-administration of ambrisentan and omeprazole (an inhibitor of CYP2C19) did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of ambrisentan.

Oral contraceptives.

In a clinical study in healthy subjects, steady state dosing with ambrisentan 10 mg did not significantly affect the single-dose pharmacokinetics of the ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone components of a combined oral contraceptive (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Metabolism). Based on this pharmacokinetic study, ambrisentan would not be expected to significantly affect exposure to estrogen- or progestogen-based contraceptives.

Digoxin.

Steady state administration of ambrisentan in healthy volunteers had no clinically relevant effects on the single-dose pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a substrate for P-gp.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Limited data from clinical studies have not demonstrated any clinically significant change in testosterone or semen quality. However, the available human data is inadequate to characterise the effects of ambrisentan on either male or female fertility. It is not known whether ambrisentan is present in semen. It is therefore not known whether there is the potential for fetal harm (teratogenicity) resulting from transfer of ambrisentan via semen.
Testicular tubular atrophy, which was occasionally associated with aspermia, was observed in oral repeat dose toxicity studies across all species tested and in fertility studies with male rats at exposures similar to that anticipated clinically. The testicular changes were not fully recoverable during off-dose periods evaluated. No consistent effects on sperm count, mating performance or fertility were observed. Based on animal data testicular effects are potential adverse effects of chronic ambrisentan administration in humans.
(Category X)
Teratogenicity is a class effect of endothelin receptor antagonists. Use of ambrisentan is contraindicated in women who are, or could become pregnant.
Women who become pregnant while receiving ambrisentan should be advised of the risk of foetal harm and alternative therapy should be initiated if the pregnancy is continued (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Ambrisentan was teratogenic in rats and rabbits. Abnormalities of the lower jaw, tongue, and/or palate were observed at all doses tested. Additionally, the rat study showed an increased incidence of interventricular septal defects, trunk vessel defects, thyroid and thymus abnormalities, ossification of the basisphenoid bone, and the occurrence of the umbilical artery located on the left side of the urinary bladder instead of the right side.

Use in women of child bearing potential.

In females of child-bearing potential, pregnancy should be excluded before the start of treatment with ambrisentan and prevented thereafter by the use of two reliable methods of contraception. Monthly pregnancy tests during treatment with ambrisentan are recommended.
Women must not become pregnant for at least 3 months after stopping treatment with ambrisentan. On the basis of the known half-life of ambrisentan, it would be expected that the drug would be effectively washed out one week after stopping therapy. As a precaution however, given the teratogenic nature of the drug a three month wash out is recommended.
It is not known whether ambrisentan is excreted in human milk. Breastfeeding while receiving ambrisentan is not recommended. Administration of ambrisentan to female rats from late-pregnancy through to lactation caused reduced survival of newborn pups, reduced testicle size of male progeny, and impaired reproductive capacity of offspring, at exposure 6-fold the AUC at the maximum recommended human dose.
Juvenile rodent studies may suggest potential effects on the developing human oropharynx with postnatal exposure to ambrisentan.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Further, a detrimental effect on such activities cannot be predicted from the pharmacology of the active substance.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Pivotal clinical studies.

In the pivotal clinical trials (ARIES-1 and ARIES-2) a total of 197 patients received ambrisentan at doses of 5 and 10 mg once daily and 132 patients received placebo. The adverse events that occurred in > 3% of the patients receiving ambrisentan are shown in Table 1.

Ambrisentan as monotherapy.

The safety of ambrisentan has been evaluated as monotherapy in more than 480 patients with PAH. The exposure to ambrisentan in these studies ranged from 1 day to 4 years (N = 418) for at least 6 months and N = 343 for at least 1 year. The incidence of peripheral oedema was greater in the elderly (29%, 16/56) compared to placebo (4%, 1/28). However the results of such subgroup analyses must be interpreted cautiously. The incidence of treatment discontinuations due to adverse events other than those related to pulmonary hypertension during clinical trials in patients with PAH was similar for ambrisentan (2%; 5/261 patients) compared with placebo (2%; 3/132).

Long-term clinical studies with ambrisentan.

The long-term safety (> 3 months) of ambrisentan was evaluated in more than 500 patients with PAH. Adverse drug reactions from non-placebo controlled clinical trial data are listed in Table 2 in the Tabulated list of adverse reactions.

Clinical study with ambrisentan used in combination with tadalafil.

The safety of ambrisentan used in combination with tadalafil was evaluated in 302 patients with PAH in a double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial (> 3 months; median exposure 534 days). The adverse reactions observed were generally consistent with the safety profile of ambrisentan used alone.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions.

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from clinical trial and routine pharmacovigilance data are listed in Table 2 by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: Very common (greater than or equal to 1/10), common (greater than or equal to 1/100 and less than 1/10), uncommon (greater than or equal to 1/1000 and less than 1/100), rare (greater than or equal to 1/10,000 and less than 1/1000) and very rare (less than 1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from available data). For dose-related adverse reactions the frequency category reflects the higher dose of ambrisentan. Frequency categories do not account for other factors including varying study duration, pre-existing conditions and baseline patient characteristics. Adverse reaction frequency categories assigned based on clinical trial experience may not reflect the frequency of adverse events occurring during normal clinical practice. Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Laboratory findings.

Decreased haemoglobin (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
In the post-marketing period, cases of anaemia requiring blood transfusion have been reported. The frequency of decreased haemoglobin (anaemia) was higher with 10 mg ambrisentan across the 12 week placebo controlled Phase III clinical studies, mean haemoglobin concentrations decreased for patients in the ambrisentan groups and were detected as early as week 4 (decrease by 0.83 g/dL); mean changes from baseline appeared to stabilise over the subsequent 8 weeks. A total of 17 patients (6.5%) in the ambrisentan treatment groups had decreases in haemoglobin of ≥ 15% from baseline and which fell below the lower limit of normal.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration 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 at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

In healthy volunteers, single doses of 50 and 100 mg (5 to 10 times the maximum recommended dose) were associated with headache, flushing, dizziness, nausea, and nasal congestion. Due to its mechanism of action, an overdose of ambrisentan also could potentially result in hypotension.
In case of pronounced hypotension, active cardiovascular support may be required. No specific antidote is available.
For information on the management of overdose, please contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Ambrisentan is an orally active, propanoic acid-class, endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) that is selective for the endothelin type A (ETA) receptor. Selective inhibition of the ETA receptor inhibits phospholipase C-mediated vasoconstriction and protein kinase C-mediated cell proliferation, while preserving nitric oxide and prostacyclin production, cyclic GMP- and cyclic AMP-mediated vasodilation, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) clearance that is associated with the endothelin type B (ETB) receptor.

Clinical trials.

Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Two randomised, double-blind, multi-centre, placebo controlled, Phase 3 pivotal studies were conducted (ARIES-1 and 2). ARIES-1 included 201 patients and compared ambrisentan 5 mg and 10 mg with placebo. ARIES-2 included 192 patients and compared ambrisentan 2.5 mg and 5 mg with placebo. In both studies, ambrisentan was added to patients' supportive/background medication, which could have included a combination of digoxin, anticoagulants, diuretics, oxygen and vasodilators (calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors). Patients enrolled included those with IPAH (64%) and PAH associated with connective tissue disease (32%). The majority of patients had WHO functional Class II (38.4%), Class III (55.0%) symptoms. Patients with Class IV symptoms were also included (5%). Patients with pre-existent hepatic disease (cirrhosis or clinically significantly elevated aminotransferases) and patients using other targeted therapy for PAH (e.g. prostanoids) were excluded. Haemodynamic parameters were not assessed in these studies. The mean age of patients across both studies was 51 years, 79% were female and 77% were Caucasian.

Extension studies.

Patients enrolled into ARIES-1 and 2 were eligible to enter a long-term open label extension study ARIES-E (n = 383). Patients who had been randomized to placebo in either ARIES-1 or ARIES-2 were randomized in a blinded 1:1 fashion to the ambrisentan dosages of the originating phase III study. The mean exposure to ambrisentan in ARIES-E was approximately 145 ± 80 weeks and the maximum exposure was approximately 295 weeks.

Exercise capacity.

The primary endpoint for ARIES-1 and ARIES-2 was improvement in exercise capacity as assessed by change from baseline in 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) at 12 weeks.
In both ARIES-1 and ARIES-2 treatment with ambrisentan resulted in significant increases in the placebo-adjusted mean change in 6MWD at Week 12 (see Table 3).
Results from the extension studies also indicates that the benefits were maintained at 48 weeks. The mean change in 6MWD from baseline at week 48 was +35.2m (95% CI: 13.0 to 57.5; n = 68) for the 5 mg dose, and +30.2m (95% CI: 10.8 to 49.6; n = 32) for the 10 mg dose.

Subgroup analysis.

Combined analysis of subgroups in pivotal studies (ARIES-1 and ARIES-2) are provided in Tables 4 and 5. However such results should be interpreted with caution.

Time to clinical worsening.

Analysis of ARIES-1 and ARIES-2, demonstrated that the addition of ambrisentan significantly delayed clinical worsening (defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of death, lung transplantation, hospitalisation for PAH, atrial septostomy, study discontinuation due to the addition of other PAH therapeutic agents, or study discontinuation due to 2 or more early escape criteria). See Table 6.

Borg dyspnoea index and SF-36.

The placebo-adjusted change from baseline in BDI was -0.85 (95% CI: -1.30 to -0.39, p < 0.001) for the combined ambrisentan group. A pre-specified analysis combining results observed during ARIES-1 and ARIES-2 demonstrated statistically significant improvements (p = 0.003) in the SF-36 Health Survey physical functional scale.

Long-term survival.

The long-term follow-up of the patients who were treated with ambrisentan in the phase 3 placebo controlled studies and their open label extension (N = 383), shows that Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival at 1, 2, and 3 years were 93%, 85%, and 79%, respectively. Of the patients who remained on ambrisentan for up to 3 years, the majority received no other treatment for PAH.
These uncontrolled observations do not allow comparison with a group not given ambrisentan and cannot be used to determine the long-term effect of ambrisentan on mortality.

Assessment of liver function.

In an open label study (AMB-222), ambrisentan was studied in 36 patients to evaluate the incidence of increased serum aminotransferase concentrations in patients who had previously discontinued other ERA therapy due to aminotransferase abnormalities. During a mean of 53 weeks of treatment with ambrisentan, none of the patients enrolled had a confirmed serum ALT > 3 x ULN that required permanent discontinuation of treatment. Fifty percent of patients had increased from 5 mg to 10 mg ambrisentan during this time. In ARIES-1 and ARIES-2, a total of 4 (0.8%) of 262 patients receiving ambrisentan compared with three cases (out of 132) in patients receiving placebo (2.3%) had aminotransferase abnormalities > 3 x ULN over a period of 12 weeks. The cumulative incidence of serum aminotransferase abnormalities > 3 x ULN in all uncontrolled Phase II and placebo controlled Phase III studies (including respective open label extensions) was 3.5% for subjects receiving ambrisentan over a mean exposure duration of 79.5 weeks. This is an event rate of 2.3 events per 100 patient years of exposure for ambrisentan.

Haemodynamic parameters.

In a Phase II study (AMB-220) improvements in haemodynamic parameters were observed in patients with PAH after 12 weeks (n = 29) of treatment with ambrisentan. Mean cardiac index significantly increased at 12 weeks compared to baseline (+0.3 L/min/m2; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.51 L/min/m2; p < 0.001) and significant decreases in mean pulmonary artery pressure -5.2 mmHg; 95% CI: -7.6, -2.9 mmHg; p < 0.001), and mean pulmonary vascular resistance (-224.0 dynes/sec/cm5; 95% CI -304.8, -148.0; p < 0.001) were observed.
In patients with PAH, reductions in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been demonstrated to parallel improvements observed in 6MWD and haemodynamics. In ARIES 1 and ARIES-2 plasma concentrations of BNP decreased in patients who received ambrisentan for 12 weeks by up to 45% (95% CI: -57%, -29%; p < 0.001; 10 mg group).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

The absolute bioavailability of ambrisentan is not known. Ambrisentan is absorbed rapidly in humans. After oral administration, maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of ambrisentan typically occur around 1.5 hours post dose under both fasted and fed conditions. Cmax and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) increase dose proportionally over the therapeutic dose range. Steady-state is generally achieved following 4 days of repeat dosing.
A food-effect study involving administration of ambrisentan to healthy volunteers under fasting conditions and with a high-fat meal indicated that the Cmax was decreased 12% (90% CI: 0.78 - 1.00) while the AUC remained unchanged. This decrease in peak concentration is not clinically significant, and therefore ambrisentan can be taken with or without food.

Distribution.

Ambrisentan is highly plasma protein bound. The in vitro plasma protein binding of ambrisentan was, on average, 98.8% and independent of concentration over the range of 0.2 - 20 microgram/mL. Ambrisentan is primarily bound to albumin (96.5%) and to a lesser extent to alpha1-acid glycoprotein.
The distribution of ambrisentan into red blood cells is low, with a mean blood:plasma ratio of 0.57 and 0.61 in males and females, respectively.

Metabolism.

Ambrisentan is excreted largely unchanged (45.6% of the dose). Ambrisentan is glucuronidated via several UGT isoenzymes (UGT1A9S, UGT2B7S, and UGT1A3S) to form ambrisentan glucuronide (13%). Ambrisentan also undergoes oxidative metabolism mainly by CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP3A5 and CYP2C19 to form 4-hydroxymethyl ambrisentan (21%) which is further glucuronidated to 4-hydroxymethyl ambrisentan glucuronide (5%). The binding affinity of 4-hydroxymethyl ambrisentan for the human endothelin receptor is 65-fold less than ambrisentan. Therefore at concentrations observed in the plasma (approximately 2% relative to parent ambrisentan), 4-hydroxymethyl ambrisentan is not expected to contribute to pharmacological activity of ambrisentan.
In vitro data have shown that at therapeutic concentrations, ambrisentan does not inhibit UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, UGT2B7 or cytochrome P450 enzymes 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4. Additional in vitro studies showed that ambrisentan does not inhibit sodium-taurocholate co-transporter (NTCP), organic anion export pump (OATP) or bile salt export pump (BSEP). Furthermore, ambrisentan does not induce multi-drug resistance protein isoform-2 (MRP2), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), or BSEP.
The effects of repeat dosing of ciclosporin (100 - 150 mg twice daily) on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of ambrisentan (5 mg once daily), and the effects of repeat dosing of ambrisentan (5 mg once daily) on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of ciclosporin (100 - 150 mg twice daily) were studied in healthy volunteers. The Cmax and AUC(0-τ) of ambrisentan increased (48% and 121%, respectively) in the presence of multiple doses of ciclosporin. Based on these changes, the dose of ambrisentan should be limited to 5 mg once daily when co-administered with ciclosporin (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). However, multiple doses of ambrisentan had no clinically relevant effect on ciclosporin exposure, and no dose adjustment of ciclosporin is warranted.
The effects of acute and repeat dosing of rifampin (600 mg once daily) on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of ambrisentan (10 mg once daily) were studied in healthy volunteers. Following initial doses of rifampin, a transient increase in ambrisentan AUC(0-τ) (87% and 79% after first and second doses of rifampin, respectively) was observed. However, there was no clinically relevant effect on ambrisentan exposure by day 7, following administration of multiple doses of rifampin. No dose adjustment of ambrisentan is warranted upon concomitant administration with rifampin.
The effects of steady-state ambrisentan (10 mg once daily) on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose warfarin (25 mg), as measured by Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR), were investigated in 20 healthy subjects. Ambrisentan did not have any clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. Similarly, co-administration with warfarin does not affect the pharmacokinetics of ambrisentan (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
The effect of 7-day dosing of sildenafil (20 mg three times daily) on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of ambrisentan, and the effects of 7-day dosing of ambrisentan (10 mg once daily) on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of sildenafil were investigated in 19 healthy adults. With the exception of a 13% increase (90% CI: 99.6% - 129.1%) in sildenafil Cmax following co-administration with ambrisentan, there were no other changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters of sildenafil, N-desmethyl-sildenafil and ambrisentan. This slight increase in sildenafil Cmax is not considered clinically relevant (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
In healthy volunteers receiving tadalafil (40 mg once daily), concomitant administration of a single dose of ambrisentan (10 mg) had no clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of either ambrisentan or its metabolite, 4-hydroxymethyl ambrisentan. Similarly, the single dose pharmacokinetics of tadalafil (40 mg) were unaffected by multiple doses of ambrisentan (10 mg once daily).
The effects of 12 days dosing with ambrisentan (10 mg once daily) on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of oral contraceptive containing norethindrone 1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 35 microgram were studied in healthy female volunteers. The Cmax and AUC(0-∞) were slightly decreased for ethinyl estradiol (8% and 4%, respectively), and slightly increased for norethindrone (13% and 14%, respectively). These changes in exposure to ethinyl estradiol or norethindrone were small and are unlikely to be clinically significant.
The effects of repeat dosing of ambrisentan (10 mg) on the pharmacokinetics of single dose digoxin were studied in 15 healthy volunteers. Multiple doses of ambrisentan resulted in slight increases in digoxin AUC0-last and trough concentrations, and a 29% increase in digoxin Cmax. The increase in digoxin exposure observed in the presence of multiple doses of ambrisentan was not considered clinically relevant, and no dose adjustment of ambrisentan would be warranted.

Excretion.

Ambrisentan and its metabolites are eliminated primarily in the bile following hepatic and/or extra-hepatic metabolism with approximately 66% of the oral dose excreted in the faeces, the majority of which is unchanged ambrisentan (41% of the dose). Approximately 22% of the administered dose is recovered in the urine following oral administration with 3.3% being unchanged ambrisentan. Plasma elimination half-life in humans ranges from 13.6 to 16.5 hours.

Special populations.

Renal impairment.

No pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted in renally impaired patients. However, the renal excretion of ambrisentan is minimal, therefore renal impairment is unlikely to significantly increase exposure to ambrisentan. The magnitude of the decrease in oral clearance is modest (20-40%) in patients with moderate renal impairment and therefore is unlikely to be of any clinical relevance. However, caution should be used in patients with severe renal impairment.

Hepatic impairment.

The pharmacokinetics of ambrisentan in patients with severe hepatic impairment has not been studied. However, since the main routes of metabolism of ambrisentan are glucuronidation and oxidation with subsequent elimination in the bile, hepatic impairment would be expected to increase exposure (Cmax and AUC) to ambrisentan, however the magnitude of this and any effect on safety and efficacy has not been evaluated. Therefore, ambrisentan is not recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment and is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or with clinically significant elevated hepatic transaminases (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

The genotoxicity of ambrisentan was assessed in a comprehensive battery of in vitro and in vivo studies. Ambrisentan was clastogenic when tested at high concentrations in mammalian cells in vitro. No evidence for genotoxic effects of ambrisentan was seen in bacteria or in two in vivo rodent studies.

Carcinogenicity.

There was no evidence of carcinogenic potential in 2 year oral studies in mice and rats treated with ambrisentan at low relative exposures (ca. 5 or less based on AUC). There was a small increase in mammary fibroadenomas, a benign tumor, in male rats at the highest dose only.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate.

Film-coat.

Pulmoris 5 mg film-coated tablets.

Opadry II Complete Film Coating System 85G94065 Pink (ARTG PI No. 12699).

Pulmoris 10 mg film-coated tablets.

Opadry II Complete Film Coating System 85G94101 Red (ARTG PI No. 12692).

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 30°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Pulmoris (ambrisentan) is supplied as film-coated tablets in blister packs composed of lidding peel-push aluminium foil and PVC/PVDC film of 10 and 30.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

Pulmoris film-coated tablets contain ambrisentan which is a non-sulfonamide, propanoic acid-class, endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) that is selective for the endothelin type A (ETA) receptor. The chemical name (IUPAC) for ambrisentan is (S)-2-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yloxy)-3-methoxy-3,3-diphenylpropionic acid.
Ambrisentan is a white to off-white coloured powder. Ambrisentan is freely soluble in dimethyl sulphoxide, sparingly soluble in dimethyl formamide and methanol; practically insoluble in water.
The structural formula is:
Molecular formula: C22H22N2O4.
Molecular weight: 378.42.

CAS number.

177036-94-1.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 - Prescription only medicine.

Summary Table of Changes