Consumer medicine information

Xadago

Safinamide

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Xadago

Active ingredient

Safinamide

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Xadago.

SUMMARY CMI

Xadago®

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.

▼ This medicine is new or being used differently. Please report side effects. See the full CMI for further details.

1. Why am I using Xadago®?

Xadago® contains the active ingredient safinamide. Xadago® is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is taken when levodopa on its own (or with other medicines) does not control the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

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

2. What should I know before I use Xadago®?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Xadago® or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI, if you are taking, or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or Pethidine, or if you have a serious liver problem or disease or a condition which may affect your eyes

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 Xadago®? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Xadago® 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 Xadago®?

  • Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
  • Take one tablet each day, or as told by your doctor.

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

5. What should I know while using Xadago®?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Xadago®
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not start taking any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Xadago® affects you.
Looking after your medicine
  • Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C.
  • Keep Xadago® tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them, and out of reach of children.

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

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects include dizziness on standing up, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position, dizziness or light-headedness, nausea (feeling sick), accidental injury (e.g. falls), sleepiness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), headache, uncontrolled sudden movements (dyskinesia), and cloudiness in your eye or vision changes. Serious side effects include unusual urges or behaviours, obsessive thoughts, allergic reactions, serotonin syndrome. 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.

▼ This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.



FULL CMI

Xadago® (Za-da-go)

Active ingredient(s): Sulfinomide

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

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

Where to find information in this leaflet:

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

1. Why am I using Xadago®?

Xadago® is used to treat Parkinsons disease. It is taken when levodopa on its own (or with other medicines) does not control the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

Xadago® contains the active ingredient Safinamide. Xadago® is a prescription medicine called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It contains an active ingredient called safinamide.

Parkinson's disease is a condition of the brain that mainly affects movement. The three main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are:

  • Shaking (tremor)
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Slow and unsteady movement.

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease are caused by a lack of dopamine. Dopamine is a natural substance that is made in the brain and helps with movement. Xadago® works by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain. This decreases the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason. Xadago® is not addictive.

2. What should I know before I use Xadago®?

Warnings

Do not use Xadago® if:

  • You are allergic to safinamide, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
    Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
    Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
    - asthma, wheezing or coughing, shortness of breath
    - swelling of the face, lips, tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
    - hives, itching or skin rash
    - stomach ache, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, fainting.
  • you are taking, or have recently taken, any of the following:
    - a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI),which are a group of medicines that can be used to treat Parkinson's Disease, depression and some other conditions.
    - Pethidine, a strong pain killer.
  • you have:
    - a serious liver problem or disease
    - a condition which may affect your eyes such as:
    -- albinism: a lack of pigment in your skin and eyes
    -- retinal degeneration: a loss of cells from the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye
    -- uveitis: inflammation inside of the eye
    -- an inherited vision disorder
    -- severe, progressive vision loss due to diabetes

Check with your doctor if you:

  • Have allergies to any medicines or other substances such as, foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • Are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
  • Are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
  • Have any other medical conditions such as liver problems or disease.
  • Have or have had problems with your eyes or have a family history of retinal disease.
  • Take any medicines for any other condition

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

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Xadago® should not be used if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

Xadago® should not be used while breast-feeding.

Children

There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine for children under the age of 18 years.

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.

Some medicines may interfere with Xadago® and affect how it works.

Do not take Xadago® if you are taking, or have recently taken, any of the following:

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which are a group of medicines that can be used to treat Parkinson's Disease, depression and some other conditions.
  • Pethidine, a strong pain killer.

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

4. How do I use Xadago®?

How much to take

  • The usually starting does is one 50mg tablet each day. After two weeks, the dosage may be increased to one 100mg tablet each day.
  • Your doctor will tell you the dose that you should take.
  • Only take the amount that your doctor tells you to.

When to take Xadago®

  • Take your Xadago® tablet at about the same time every day.
  • Take it at the same time that you take your other Parkinson's medication.

How to take Xadago®

  • Xadago® tablets should be swallowed whole and washed down with a glass of water.
  • Xadago® can be taken before, with or after eating food.

If you forget to use Xadago®

  • Skip the dose that you missed. Take the next dose at the usual time the next day.
  • Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose 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.

How long to take Xadago®

  • Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
  • Talk with your doctor about how long you should take Xadago®. You may need to take it for a long time.

If you use too much Xadago®

If you think that you have used too much Xadago®, 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 Xadago®?

Things you should do

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • you become pregnant.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Xadago®.

Things you should not do

  • Do not start taking any other medicine including any that you can buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket, health food shop, naturopath or herbalist, without first talking to your doctor.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor.
    Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely.
  • Do not give Xadago® 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 Xadago® affects you.

As with some other Parkinson's disease medications, Xadago® may make you feel sleepy, dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have any of symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Looking after your medicine

  • Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C.
  • Keep Xadago® tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them.

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 windowsills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

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
Nervous system related:
  • Dizziness or light headedness
  • Dizziness upon standing up, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Uncontrolled, sudden movements.
Mental health related:
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness or feeling anxious
Respiratory related:
  • Coughing
Gastrointestinal related:
  • Nausea
  • Uncomfortable feeling in the stomach
  • Indigestion
Injury related:
  • Accidental injury
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
Eye related:
  • Cloudiness in your eye or vision changes
Mental health related:
  • Unusual urges or behaviours for example a strong urge to gamble, increased sexual drive, compulsive spending or buying, impulsive behaviour or binge eating
  • Obsessive thoughts
Allergy related:
  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • Asthma, wheezing, breathlessness, sudden or severe itching, skin rash, hives
Nervous system related:
  • Serotonin syndrome – this can sometimes happen when medicines like Xadago® are taken with other medicines that are used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder or pre-menstrual dysphoric disorders. Symptoms may include: agitation, hallucinations, severe confusion; rapid heart rate, dizziness, sweating, or flushing; high or low blood pressure and seizures and/or problems controlling your movements, muscle twitching stiffness or tightness might get worse.
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 affects 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 Xadago® contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		Safinamide
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)		Microcrystalline cellulose
Crospovidone
Magnesium stearate
Colloidal anhydrous silica
Opadry complete film coating system 02F59058 Clear
Candurin Orange amber
Candurin Gold sheen
Potential allergensNone.

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

What Xadago® looks like

Xadago® 50 mg tablets are orange to copper, round, biconcave, immediate release, film-coated tablets (7 mm diameter) with metallic gloss and “50” embossed on one side, supplied in boxes of 10 and 30 tablets (AUST R 292145).

Xadago® 100 mg tablets are orange to copper, round, biconcave, immediate release, film-coated tablets (9 mm diameter) with metallic gloss and “100” embossed on one side, supplied in boxes of 10 and 30 tablets (AUST R 292144).

Not all pack sizes may be available.

Who distributes Xadago®

Xadago® is supplied in Australia by:

Clinect Pty Ltd
120 - 132 Atlantic Drive
Keysborough VIC 3173
Australia
Customer enquiries: 1800 899 005

Sponsor:

Atnahs Pharma Australia Pty Ltd
Level 10
10 Shelley Street
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Australia

This leaflet was prepared in March 2025.

Published by MIMS May 2025

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Xadago

Active ingredient

Safinamide

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Safinamide (as mesilate).

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Xadago tablets contain 50 or 100 mg safinamide (as mesilate).
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Xadago 50 mg tablets.

Orange to copper, round, biconcave, immediate release, film-coated tablets (7 mm diameter) with metallic gloss and "50" embossed on one side. Each tablet contains 50 mg safinamide (as mesilate).

Xadago 100 mg tablets.

Orange to copper, round, biconcave, immediate release, film-coated tablets (9 mm diameter) with metallic gloss and "100" embossed on one side. Each tablet contains 100 mg safinamide (as mesilate).

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Xadago is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with fluctuating idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) as add-on therapy to a regimen that includes levodopa (L-Dopa).

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Xadago treatment should be started at 50 mg/day. The dose may be increased to 100 mg/day after two weeks on the basis of individual clinical need.
Xadago tablets are for oral use. Xadago should be taken with water. Xadago may be taken with or without food. If a dose is missed, the next dose should be taken at the usual time the next day.

Discontinuation.

Xadago 50 mg can be discontinued without down titration.
Xadago 100 mg should be tapered by decreasing the dose to 50 mg for one week prior to discontinuation.

Paediatric patients.

The safety and efficacy of safinamide in children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established. No data are available.

Elderly patients.

No dosage adjustment is required for patients over 75 years of age.

Renal impairment.

No dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic impairment.

No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild hepatic impairment. For patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the lower dose of 50 mg/day is recommended. If patients progress from moderate to severe hepatic impairment, treatment with Xadago should be stopped. Safinamide is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Tyramine-containing foods.

Xadago can be used without any dietary tyramine restrictions (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance (safinamide) or to any of the tablet excipients (see Section 6.1 List of Excipients);
Concomitant treatment with other monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. At least 7 days must elapse between discontinuation of safinamide and initiation of treatment with another MAO inhibitor;
Concomitant treatment with pethidine. At least 7 days must elapse between discontinuation of safinamide and initiation of treatment with pethidine;
Severe hepatic impairment (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use);
Albinism, retinal degeneration, uveitis, inherited retinopathy or severe progressive diabetic retinopathy.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Serotonin syndrome.

The development of serotonin syndrome has been reported in patients on concomitant treatment with MAO inhibitors (including selective MAO-B inhibitors), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, triazolopyridine antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine, opioid drugs and methylphenidate, amphetamine and their derivatives (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g. agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g. tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, and hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g. tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, and incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea).

Hepatic impairment.

Exercise caution when initiating treatment in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. If patients progress from moderate to severe hepatic impairment, treatment with Xadago should be stopped. Safinamide is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. (See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties.)

Retinal pathology.

Xadago should not be administered to patients with ophthalmological history that would put them at increased risk for potential retinal effects (e.g. family history of hereditary retinal disease or history of uveitis) (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 5.3 Preclinical Safety Data). In clinical trials no retinal degeneration was noted in patients at the maximum human dose.

Impulse control disorders.

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) can occur in patients treated with dopamine agonists and/or dopaminergic treatments. Safinamide treatment has not been associated with any increase in the appearance of ICDs. However some reports of ICDs have been observed with other MAO-inhibitors.
Patients and carers should be made aware of the behavioural symptoms of ICDs that were observed in patients treated with other MAO-inhibitors including cases of compulsions, obsessive thoughts, pathological gambling, increased libido, hyper-sexuality, impulsive behaviour and compulsive spending or buying. Patients may not recognise these behaviours as abnormal. It is therefore important for prescribers to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of new or increased ICD behavioural symptoms.

Dopaminergic side effects.

Safinamide may potentiate the side effects of levodopa and/or other dopaminergic drugs. Pre-existing dyskinesia may be exacerbated. This effect was not seen when safinamide was used as an adjunct to a dopamine agonist in non-fluctuating PD patients. In clinical studies, dyskinesia was generally mild to moderate in intensity, with very few patients reporting severe dyskinesia. There was no increase in troublesome dyskinesias. Reducing the patient's daily levodopa dosage or the dosage of another dopaminergic drug may mitigate dyskinesia.

Tyramine/safinamide interaction.

Safinamide potentiation of the tyramine pressor effect was investigated in one intravenous and two short term oral tyramine challenge studies. Results of these studies and home monitoring of blood pressure after meals during chronic dosing in two therapeutic trials in PD patients, did not detect any clinically important increases in blood pressure. In addition, three therapeutic studies performed in PD patients without any tyramine restriction, did not detect any evidence of tyramine potentiation. Xadago can be used without any dietary tyramine restrictions.

Add-on therapy to a single dopamine-agonist.

Limited data are available for safinamide as add-on therapy to a single dopamine-agonist.
Randomised, controlled studies have been performed; however while safinamide was found to be safe and well tolerated, efficacy results were inconclusive.

Paediatric use.

The safety and efficacy of safinamide in children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established.

Effect on laboratory tests.

Xadago has no known effect on laboratory tests.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and products with MAO inhibition activity.

Xadago must not be administered concomitantly with other MAO inhibitors or products which have MAO inhibition activity as there is a risk of non-selective MAO inhibition that may lead to a hypertensive crisis (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). At least 7 days must elapse between discontinuation of safinamide and initiation of treatment with another MAO inhibitor.

Pethidine.

Serious adverse reactions have been reported with the concomitant use of pethidine and MAO inhibitors. As this may be a class-effect, the concomitant administration of Xadago and pethidine is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). At least 7 days must elapse between discontinuation of safinamide and initiation of treatment with pethidine.

Sympathomimetic medications.

There have been reports of medicinal product interactions with the concomitant use of MAO inhibitors and sympathomimetic medicinal products. In view of the MAO inhibitory activity of safinamide, concomitant administration of Xadago and sympathomimetics such as those present in nasal and oral decongestants or cold medicinal products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, requires caution.

Dextromethorphan.

There have been reports of medicinal product interactions with the concomitant use of dextromethorphan and non-selective MAO inhibitors. In view of the MAO inhibitory activity of safinamide, concomitant administration of Xadago and dextromethorphan is not recommended. Use caution if concomitant treatment is necessary.

Serotonergic medications.

Serious adverse reactions have been reported with the concomitant use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic/tetracyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors, such as hypertensive crisis (high blood pressure, collapse), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (confusion, sweating, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, CPK increase), serotonin syndrome (confusion, hypertension, muscle stiffness, hallucinations), and hypotension.
In view of the selective and reversible MAO-B inhibitory activity of safinamide, if concomitant treatment is necessary these medicinal products should be used at the lowest doses necessary, with caution for serotoninergic symptoms.
A washout period corresponding to five (5) half-lives of the SSRI used previously should be considered prior to initiating treatment with Xadago.

Substrates of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).

Safinamide may transiently inhibit BCRP in vitro. In drug-drug interaction studies in humans, a weak interaction was observed with rosuvastatin (increases in rosuvastatin AUC between 1.25 and 2.00 fold were reported) but no significant interaction was found with diclofenac. It is recommended to monitor patients when safinamide is taken with medicinal products that are BCRP substrates (e.g. rosuvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, ciprofloxacin, methotrexate, topotecan, diclofenac or glyburide).

OCT1 substrates.

Safinamide inhibits OCT1 in vitro at clinically relevant portal vein concentrations. Therefore, caution is necessary when safinamide is taken concomitantly with medicinal products that are OCT1 substrates and have a Tmax similar to safinamide (2 hours) (e.g. metformin, aciclovir, ganciclovir) as exposure to these substrates might be increased as a consequence.

OAT3 inhibitors.

The primary safinamide metabolite, 'safinamide acid' (NW-1153), is a substrate for OAT3 at clinically relevant concentrations. Medicinal products that are inhibitors of OAT3 given concomitantly with safinamide may reduce clearance of NW-1153, i.e. and thus may increase its systemic exposure. The systemic exposure of NW-1153 is low (1/10 of parent safinamide). This potential increase is most likely of no clinical relevance as NW-1153, the first product in the metabolic pathway, is further transformed to secondary and tertiary metabolites.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Fertility studies in female rats showed reduced number of implantations and corpora lutea at exposures in excess of 3 times the anticipated human exposure. Male rats showed minor abnormal morphology and reduced speed of sperm cells at exposures in excess of 1.4 times the anticipated human exposure. Male rat fertility was not affected. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.
(Category B3)
Xadago should not be given during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should be advised not to become pregnant during safinamide therapy. Limited or no clinical data for safinamide on exposed pregnancies is available. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity when exposed to safinamide during pregnancy or lactation (see Section 5.3 Preclinical Safety Data).
 Xadago should not be used during breast feeding. Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of safinamide in milk. In rat pups indirectly exposed to safinamide during the lactation period, skin discoloration, presumed to be caused by hyperbilirubinemia resulting from hepatobiliary toxicity, was observed. It is not known if safinamide is excreted in human milk. The potential relevance to humans in unknown; however risk to the breast-fed child cannot be excluded.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Somnolence and dizziness may occur during safinamide treatment. Patients treated with dopaminergic medications have reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicles, which sometimes has resulted in accidents. Patients may not perceive warning signs, such as excessive drowsiness, or they may report feeling alert immediately prior to the event.
Patients must be informed of this and advised to exercise caution while driving or operating machines during treatment with safinamide. If affected, patients must refrain from driving and using machines.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The overall safety profile of Xadago is based on the clinical development program performed in over 3000 subjects, of whom over 500 were treated for more than 2 years.
Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) with an incidence of at least 2% in the Xadago 100 mg/day and greater than placebo from the two pivotal, Phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 26 week safinamide clinical trials (NW-016 and 27919 [SETTLE]) are presented in Table 1. The most common TEAEs associated with Xadago treatment were dyskinesia, fall, nausea, and insomnia.
The following adverse effects were reported from clinical trials performed with Xadago and considered related to safinamide treatment.
Adverse effects are listed by MedDRA system organ class (SOC) and frequency very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1000), very rare (< 1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Infections and infestations.

Uncommon: Urinary Tract Infection.
Rare: Bronchopneumonia, furuncle, nasopharyngitis, pyoderma, rhinitis, tooth infection, viral infection.

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps).

Uncommon: Basal cell carcinoma.
Rare: Acrochordon, melanocytic naevus, seborrhoeic keratosis, skin papilloma.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Uncommon: Anaemia, leukopenia, red blood cell abnormality.
Rare: Eosinophilia, lymphopenia.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Uncommon: Decreased appetite, hypertriglyceridaemia, increased appetite, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperglycaemia.
Rare: Cachexia, hyperkalaemia.

Psychiatric disorders.

Common: Insomnia.
Uncommon: Hallucination, depression, abnormal dreams, anxiety, confusional state, affect lability, libido increased, psychotic disorder, restlessness, sleep disorder.
Rare: Compulsions, delirium, disorientation, illusion, impulsive behaviour, loss of libido, obsessive thoughts, paranoia, premature ejaculation, sleep attacks, social phobia, suicidal ideation.

Nervous system disorders.

Common: Dyskinesia, somnolence, dizziness, headache, Parkinson's disease.
Uncommon: Paraesthesia, balance disorder, hypoaesthesia, dystonia, head discomfort, dysarthria, syncope, cognitive disorder.
Rare: Coordination abnormal, disturbance in attention, dysgeusia, hyporeflexia, radicular pain, Restless legs syndrome, sedation.

Eye disorders.

Common: Cataract.
Uncommon: Vision blurred, scotoma, diplopia, photophobia, retinal disorder, conjunctivitis, glaucoma.
Rare: Amblyopia, chromatopsia, diabetic retinopathy, erythropsia, eye haemorrhage, eye pain, eyelid oedema, hypermetropia, keratitis, lacrimation increased, night blindness, papilloedema, presbyopia, strabismus.

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Uncommon: Vertigo.

Cardiac disorders.

Uncommon: Palpitations, tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, arrhythmia.
Rare: Myocardial infarction.

Vascular disorders.

Common: Orthostatic hypotension.
Uncommon: Hypertension, hypotension, varicose vein.
Rare: Arterial spasm, arteriosclerosis, hypertensive crisis.

Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders.

Uncommon: Cough, dyspnoea, rhinorrhoea.
Rare: Bronchospasm, dysphonia, oropharyngeal pain, oropharyngeal spasm.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Common: Nausea.
Uncommon: Constipation, dyspepsia, vomiting, dry mouth, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastritis, flatulence, abdominal distension, salivary hypersecretion, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, aphthous stomatitis.
Rare: Peptic ulcer, retching, upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Rare: Hyperbilirubinaemia.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Uncommon: Hyperhidrosis, pruritus generalised, photosensitivity reaction, erythema.
Rare: Alopecia, blister, dermatitis contact, dermatosis, ecchymosis, lichenoid keratosis, night sweats, pain of skin, pigmentation disorder, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Uncommon: Back pain, arthralgia, muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, pain in extremity, muscular weakness, sensation of heaviness.
Rare: Ankylosing spondylitis, flank pain, joint swelling, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, neck pain, osteoarthritis, synovial cyst.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Uncommon: Nocturia, dysuria.
Rare: Micturition urgency, polyuria, pyuria, urinary hesitation.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Uncommon: Erectile dysfunction.
Rare: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, breast disorder, breast pain.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Uncommon: Fatigue, asthenia, gait disturbance, oedema peripheral, pain, feeling hot.
Rare: Drug effect decreased, drug intolerance, feeling cold, malaise, pyrexia, xerosis.

Investigations.

Uncommon: Weight decreased, weight increased, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, blood triglycerides increased, blood glucose increased, blood urea increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, blood bicarbonate increased, blood creatinine increased, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, liver function test abnormal, urine analysis abnormal, blood pressure increased, blood pressure decreased, ophthalmic diagnostic procedures abnormal.
Rare: Blood calcium decreased, blood potassium decreased, blood cholesterol decreased, body temperature increased, cardiac murmur, cardiac stress test abnormal, haematocrit decreased, haemoglobin decreased, international normalised ratio decreased, lymphocyte count decreased, platelet count decreased, very low density lipoprotein increased.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications.

Common: Fall.
Uncommon: Foot fracture.
Rare: Contusion, fat embolism, head injury, mouth injury, skeletal injury.

Social circumstances.

Rare: Gambling.

Post-marketing data.

In addition to adverse events reported in clinical trials, the following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval of use of Xadago. As these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
A post-marketing report describes a patient who developed a hypersensitivity reaction consisting of swelling of the tongue and gingiva, dyspnoea and skin rash. The symptoms resolved shortly after Xadago was discontinued, but reappeared following rechallenge a month later.

Adverse event reporting.

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

The expected pattern of events or symptoms following intentional or accidental overdose with Xadago would be those related to its pharmacodynamic profile: MAO-B inhibition with activity-dependent inhibition of Na+ channels. The symptoms of an excessive MAO-B inhibition (increase in dopamine level) could include hypertension, postural hypotension, hallucinations, agitation, nausea, vomiting, and dyskinesia.
There is no known antidote to safinamide or any specific treatment for a safinamide overdose. If an important overdose should occur, Xadago treatment should be discontinued and supportive treatment should be administered as clinically indicated.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Safinamide is an α-aminoamide derivative that acts through both dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic mechanisms of action. Safinamide is a highly selective and reversible monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor that causes an increase in extracellular levels of dopamine in the striatum. MAO-B is inhibited with more than 1000-fold selectivity over MAO-A. In clinical studies, complete inhibition (> 90%) of MAO-B was measured at doses > 20 mg. Safinamide is also associated with state- and use-dependent inhibition of voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels, calcium (Ca2+) channel modulation and inhibition of glutamate release. An excess of glutamate has been identified to contribute to neuronal death in the substantia nigra as well as to the genesis of motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease. In in-vivo rat models, safinamide reduced striatal glutamatergic hyperactivity. It is unknown whether these mechanisms are relevant to use in humans.

Clinical trials.

The efficacy of Xadago as an add-on therapy to a stable dose of levodopa (L-dopa), alone or in combination with other PD medications, was established in two pivotal, Phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre clinical trials conducted over 26 weeks (NW-016 and 27919 [SETTLE]). Long term efficacy was established in a Phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month (78-week) extension to NW-016 (NW-018). Clinical trials of safinamide as add-on therapy to a single dopamine agonist have also been performed, however efficacy results were inconclusive.
In NW-016 and SETTLE, the primary efficacy measure was the change (increase) in daily ON time without troublesome dyskinesia from baseline to endpoint, based on 18-hour diaries that were completed for at least 3 days before assessment. ON time was defined as time when PD medication was providing benefit with regard to mobility, slowness and stiffness. Secondary efficacy parameters included change in OFF time; Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) section III - Motor Examination.
Changes in non-motor symptoms, including UPDRS section II - Activities of Daily Living and PD Questionnaire (PDQ-39), which measures eight dimensions of health: mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, stigma, social support, cognition, communication and bodily pain were also assessed.
In NW-016 patients were randomly assigned to receive safinamide, 50 mg (n=223) or 100 mg per day, (n=224), or placebo (n=222). At baseline the patients' mean duration of PD was approximately 8 years (range 0 to 27.3 years), Hoehn and Yahr stage was similar in both the safinamide and placebo groups (mean 2.8, range 1.0 to 4.0) and average daily OFF time was approximately 5 hours (range 0 to 13 hours). Patients were taking 4-10 levodopa doses per day and the mean daily dose was 605 mg. Other PD medicinal products were concomitantly taken by the following percentage of patients: DA-Agonists (60.8%), COMT-inhibitors (24.4%), Anticholinergic (37.1%) and Amantadine (13.9%).
In SETTLE patients were randomly assigned to receive safinamide, (n=274) or placebo (n=275). Treatment in the safinamide group started at 50 mg/day; in the majority of patients the daily dose was increased to 100 mg/day after two weeks. At baseline the patients' mean duration of PD was approximately 9 years (range 0 to 31 years), Hoehn and Yahr stage was similar in the both the safinamide and placebo groups (mean 2.5, range 1.0 to 4.0). Average daily OFF time was approximately 5.3 hours (range 0 to 12.5 hours). Patients were taking 3-10 levodopa doses per day and the mean daily dose of L-dopa was 777 mg. Other PD medicinal products were concomitantly taken by the following percentage of patients: DA-Agonists (74.3%), COMT-inhibitors (17.9%), Anticholinergic (17.3%) and Amantadine (30.2%).
In both studies, safinamide treatment significantly increased ON time without troublesome dyskinesia compared to placebo treatment (Table 2). The time course of improvement in mean daily ON time showed greater improvement with Xadago compared to baseline at all post-baseline time-points (Figures 1 and 2). In addition data from NW-018, the 18-month (78-week) extension to NW-016, show that improvement in ON time was maintained long-term (Figure 1).
In NW-016, mean (SD) change in daily ON time without troublesome dyskinesia after 24 weeks (6 months) was +1.37 (SD: 2.745) hours for safinamide 50 mg/day, +1.36 (2.625) hours for safinamide 100 mg/day and +0.97 (2.375) hours for placebo (least-squares mean difference: 50 mg/day safinamide: +0.51 hours, 95% CI, 0.07-0.94 hours; p=0.0223; 100 mg/day safinamide: +0.55 hours, 95% CI, 0.12-0.99, p=0.0130). The increase in daily ON time without troublesome dyskinesia for both safinamide doses compared to placebo was maintained at the end of NW-018, the 18-month extension to NW-016; compared to baseline, the mean (SD) daily change in ON time after 2 years was +1.15 (SD: 2.75) hours for safinamide 50 mg/day; +1.19 (2.88) hours for safinamide 100 mg/day, and +0.56 (2.51) hours for placebo (least-squares mean difference: 50 mg/day safinamide: +0.67 hour, 95% CI, 0.23-1.11 hours; p=0.0031; 100 mg/day safinamide: +0.83 hour, 95% CI, 0.39-1.27, p=0.0002).
In SETTLE, mean (SD) change in daily ON time without troublesome dyskinesia after 24 weeks (6 months) was +1.42 (2.80) hours for safinamide, from a baseline of 9.30 (2.41) hours, compared to +0.57 (2.47) hours for placebo, from a baseline of 9.06 (2.50) hours (least-squares mean difference, 0.96 hour; 95% CI, 0.56-1.37 hours; p < 0.001). In both NW-016 and SETTLE the increase in ON time was accompanied by a similar significant reduction in OFF time and a reduction in UPDRS section III - Motor Examination score assessed during ON time (Table 2).
Assessment of non-motor symptoms in clinical studies demonstrated a reduction (improvement) in UPDRS section II - Activities of daily living; the difference was statistically significant compared to placebo in NW-016 and NW-018 (100 mg/day safinamide group) (p=0.0060 and p=0.0068) (Table 2).
The PDQ-39 questionnaire summary index score showed a greater improvement for safinamide compared with placebo. This difference was statistically significant compared to placebo in SETTLE (p=0.006) and for the 100 mg/day safinamide group in NW-016 (p=0.0360) and NW-018 (p=0.0195) (Table 2).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Safinamide is rapidly absorbed after single and multiple oral dosing under fasting conditions; Tmax is reached 1.8-2.8 h after dosing. Absolute bioavailability is high (95%), showing that safinamide is almost completely absorbed after oral administration and first pass metabolism is negligible. The high absorption classifies safinamide as a highly permeable substance.

Food effect.

A slight delay in Tmax was observed in the fed state relative to the fasted condition, but there was no effect on safinamide AUC0-∞ or Cmax. Xadago may be administered with or without food.

Patients with hepatic impairment.

Safinamide exposure in patients with mild hepatic impairment increased marginally (30% in AUC). In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, safinamide exposure increased by approximately 80% (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Patients with renal impairment.

Safinamide exposure was comparable in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment and patients with normal renal function. The pharmacokinetics of safinamide are not affected by impaired renal function.

Distribution.

The volume of distribution (Vss) is approximately 165 L which is 2.5-fold of body volume indicating extensive extravascular distribution of safinamide. Total clearance was determined to be 4.6 L/h classifying safinamide as a low clearance substance. Plasma protein binding of safinamide is 88-90%.

Metabolism.

In humans, safinamide is almost exclusively eliminated via metabolism (~5% of the drug is eliminated unchanged, mainly in urine), through three main metabolic pathways. One pathway involves hydrolytic oxidation of the amide moiety leading to the primary metabolite 'safinamide acid' (NW-1153). Another pathway is oxidative cleavage of the ether bond forming 'Odebenzylated safinamide' (NW-1199). Finally, the 'N-dealkylated acid' (NW-1689) is formed by oxidative cleavage of the amine bond of either safinamide or the primary safinamide acid metabolite (NW-1153). The 'N-dealkylated acid' (NW-1689) undergoes further conjugation with glucuronic acid yielding its acyl glucuronide. NW-1689 is the main circulating metabolite in human plasma, exceeding the exposure of the parent (161% of parent). NW-1689 AG and NW-1153 account for about 18% and 11% of the parent drug exposure, respectively. None of the metabolites has pharmacological activity.
Safinamide is predominantly metabolised by non-microsomal enzymes (cytosolic amidases/MAOA); CYP3A4 and other CYP iso-enzymes play only a minor role in its overall biotransformation.
Safinamide does not appear to significantly induce or inhibit enzymes at clinically relevant systemic concentrations. In vitro metabolism studies have indicated that there is no meaningful induction or inhibition of cytochrome P450, CYP2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A3/5 at concentrations which are relevant (Cmax of free safinamide 0.4 micromolar at 100 mg/day) in man. Dedicated drug-drug interaction studies performed with ketoconazole, L-dopa and CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 substrates (caffeine and midazolam), did not detect any clinically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of safinamide, or L-dopa, caffeine and midazolam.

Excretion.

Safinamide undergoes almost complete metabolic transformation and the primary route of excretion is through the kidney. After oral administration of 14C-labelled safinamide, substance-related radioactivity was excreted in urine (76%) and to a low extent in faeces (1.5%) after 192 hours. The terminal elimination half-life of total radioactivity was approximately 80 hours.
The elimination half-life of safinamide is 20-30 hours. Steady-state is reached within one week.
There was no effect on the clearance of safinamide in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) receiving safinamide as add on therapy to chronic levodopa (L-Dopa) and/or Dopamine Agonists (DA-Agonists).

Linearity/non-linearity.

The pharmacokinetics of safinamide are linear after single and repeated doses. No time-dependency was observed.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Safinamide was negative for genotoxicity in in vitro (Ames, mouse lymphoma) and in vivo (mouse micronucleus) assays.

Carcinogenicity.

Carcinogenicity studies were conducted for up to two years in mice and rats, at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day and 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively. Study results showed no evidence of tumorigenic potential related to safinamide at systemic exposures up to 2.8 to 3.5 times respectively, the anticipated systemic exposure (based on AUC) in patients given the maximal therapeutic dose.

Retinal degeneration.

Retinal degeneration and loss of photoreceptor cells were observed in albino and pigmented rats administered safinamide orally in toxicity studies of between 2 weeks and 6 months duration. In albino rats administered safinamide orally for two years, retinal scarring and cataracts were observed at all doses tested. No retinal degeneration was noted in monkeys, despite higher systemic exposure than in rodents.

Embryofoetal studies.

Foetal abnormalities have been observed in rats following oral administration of safinamide (0, 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg/day) throughout organogenesis. The lowest dose tested is approximately twice that of the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on an AUC basis. When safinamide was administered to pregnant rats in combination with levodopa/carbidopa (80/20 mg/kg/day), the dose causing developmental toxicity was lower than when safinamide was administered by itself (25 mg/kg/day).
No development toxicity was observed in rabbits up to the highest oral dose of safinamide tested (100 mg/kg/day). However, when safinamide was administered in combination with levodopa/carbidopa there was an increased incidence of embryofoetal death and cardiac and skeletal malformations.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, colloidal anhydrous silica, Opadry complete film coating system 02F59058 Clear (PING # 111420), Candurin Orange amber (PING # 106848) and Candurin Gold sheen (PING # 106846).
Safinamide mesilate is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Safinamide mesilate is freely soluble in water, methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide. Safinamide mesilate is sparingly soluble in ethanol and is practically insoluble in ethyl acetate. In aqueous buffers that span a pH range of 1.2 to 7.5, safinamide mesilate is highly soluble at pH 1.2 and 4.5, but shows low solubility (< 0.4 mg/mL) at pH 6.8 and 7.5.

6.2 Incompatibilities

See Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions.

6.3 Shelf Life

Four (4) years.
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

Xadago tablets are supplied in PVC/PVDC/Aluminium blister packs containing 30 tablets. A starter pack containing 10 tablets may also be available.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

The molecular formula of safinamide mesilate is C17H19FN2O2.CH4O3S, the molecular weight is 398.45 g/mol and the chemical structure is:

CAS number.

The chemical abstracts service (CAS) registry number of safinamide mesilate is 202825-46-5.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 (S4): Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes