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Qbrexza

  • Generic Name: glycopyrronium cloth, 2.4%, for topical use
  • Brand Name: Qbrexza
  • Drug Class: Anticholinergics, Topical
Reviewed by Medsayfa.com Last updated May 13, 2023

Patient Information

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section.

Description

Qbrexza (glycopyrronium) cloth, 2.4% is an anticholinergic drug available as a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution on a single-use pre-moistened cloth (an absorbent polypropylene pad) packaged in a pouch for topical administration. Each pouch contains 105 mg glycopyrronium tosylate, equivalent to 66 mg of glycopyrronium. The inactive ingredients are citric acid, dehydrated alcohol, purified water, and sodium citrate.

Glycopyrronium tosylate is chemically described as pyrrolidinium, 3-[(2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2- phenylacetyl)oxy]-1,1-dimethyl-, 4-methylbenzensulfonate, hydrate (1:1:1) with an empirical formula of C26H37NO7S and a molecular weight of 507.6. The structural formula is represented below:

 

QBREXZA (glycopyrronium) Structural Formula Illustration

 

Indications

Qbrexza is indicated for topical treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis in adult and pediatric patients 9 years of age and older.

Dosage And Admintisration

For topical use only.

Qbrexza is for topical use in the underarm area only and not for use in other body areas.

Qbrexza is administered by a single-use pre-moistened cloth packaged in individual pouches. Qbrexza should be applied to clean dry skin on the underarm areas only. Qbrexza should not be used more frequently than once every 24 hours.

Tear open the pouch and pull out the cloth, unfold the cloth, and wipe it across one entire underarm once. Using the same cloth, wipe the other underarm once. A single cloth should be used to apply Qbrexa to both underarms.

Wash hands immediately with soap and water after applying and discarding the Qbrexza cloth. Qbrexza may cause temporary dilation of the pupils and blurred vision if it comes in contact with the eyes. Avoid transfer of Qbrexza to the periocular area [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Do not apply Qbrexza to broken skin. Avoid using Qbrexza with occlusive dressings.

How Supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Cloth: A single-use cloth pre-moistened with 2.4% glycopyrronium solution

Qbrexza is supplied as:

A single-use cloth pre-moistened with a 2.4% glycopyrronium solution in a pouch

Carton of 30 pouches NDC 69489-411-30

Storage And Handling

Store at room temperature 20° – 25°C (68° – 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° – 30°C (59° – 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Qbrexza is flammable; keep away from heat or flame.

Manufactured for: Journey Medical Corporation, 9237 Via De Ventura Suite 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, Version 1. Revised: Apr 2021

Side Effects

The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections

  • Worsening of Urinary Retention [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In two double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trials (Trial 1 [NCT02530281] and Trial 2 [NCT02530294]) of 459 subjects treated with Qbrexza once daily and 232 treated with vehicle, subjects were 9 to 76 years of age, 47% male, and the percentages of White, Black (including African Americans), and Asian subjects were 82%, 12%, and 1%, respectively.

Table 1 summarizes the most frequent adverse reactions (≥2%) in subjects with primary axillary hyperhidrosis treated with Qbrexza.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Subjects

Adverse Reactions Qbrexza
(N=459)
n (%)
Vehicle
(N=232)
n (%)
Dry mouth 111 (24.2%) 13 (5.6%)
Mydriasis 31 (6.8%) 0
Oropharyngeal pain 26 (5.7%) 3 (1.3%)
Headache 23 (5.0%) 5 (2.2%)
Urinary hesitation 16 (3.5%) 0
Vision blurred 16 (3.5%) 0
Nasal dryness 12 (2.6%) 1 (0.4%)
Dry throat 12 (2.6%) 0
Dry eye 11 (2.4%) 1 (0.4%)
Dry skin 10 (2.2%) 0
Constipation 9 (2.0%) 0

 

Table 2 shows the most frequently reported local skin reactions, which were relatively common in both the Qbrexza and vehicle groups.

Table 2: Local Skin Reactions

Local Skin Reactions Qbrexza
(N=454)a n (%)
Vehicle
(N=231)a n (%)
Erythema 77 (17.0%) 39 (16.9%)
Burning/stinging 64 (14.1%) 39 (16.9%)
Pruritus 37 (8.1%) 14 (6.1%)
aPatients with a post-baseline local skin reaction assessment

 

In an open-label safety trial (NCT02553798), 564 subjects were treated for up to an additional 44 weeks after completing Trial 1 or Trial 2. Adverse reactions occurring at a frequency ≥2.0% were: dry mouth (16.9%), vision blurred (6.7%), nasopharyngitis (5.8%), mydriasis (5.3%), urinary hesitation (4.2%), nasal dryness (3.6%), dry eye (2.9%), pharyngitis (2.2%), and application site reactions (pain [6.4%], dermatitis [3.8%], pruritus [3.8%], rash [3.8%], erythema [2.4%]).

Drug Interactions

Anticholinergics

Coadministration of Qbrexza with anticholinergic medications may result in additive interaction leading to an increase in anticholinergic adverse effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Avoid coadministration of Qbrexza with other anticholinergic-containing drugs.

WarningS

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions

Worsening Of Urinary Retention

Qbrexza should be used with caution in patients with a history or presence of documented urinary retention. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of urinary retention (e.g., difficulty passing urine, distended bladder), especially in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or bladder-neck obstruction. Instruct patients to discontinue use immediately and consult a physician should any of these signs or symptoms develop.

Patients with a history of urinary retention were not included in the clinical studies.

Control Of Body Temperature

In the presence of high ambient temperature, heat illness (hyperpyrexia and heat stroke due to decreased sweating) can occur with the use of anticholinergic drugs such as Qbrexza. Advise patients using Qbrexza to watch for generalized lack of sweating when in hot or very warm environmental temperatures and to avoid use if not sweating under these conditions.

Operating Machinery Or An Automobile

Transient blurred vision may occur with use of Qbrexza. If blurred vision occurs, the patient should discontinue use until symptoms resolve. Patients should be warned not to engage in activities that require clear vision such as operating a motor vehicle or other machinery, or performing hazardous work until the symptoms have resolved.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA- approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).

Worsening Of Urinary Retention

Instruct patients to be alert for signs and symptoms of urinary retention (e.g., difficulty passing urine, distended bladder). Instruct patients to discontinue use and consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop.

Control Of Body Temperature (Risk Of Overheating Or Heat Illness)

In the presence of high ambient temperature, heat illness due to decreased sweating can occur with the use of anticholinergic drugs such as Qbrexza. Advise patients using Qbrexza to watch for generalized lack of sweating when in hot or very warm environmental temperatures and to avoid use if not sweating under these conditions.

Operating Machinery Or An Automobile

Transient blurred vision may occur with Qbrexza. If this occurs, instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider, discontinue use of Qbrexza and avoid operating a motor vehicle or other machinery, or performing hazardous work until symptoms resolve.

Instructions For Administering Qbrexza

It is important for patients to understand how to correctly apply Qbrexza (see PATIENT INFORMATION).

  • Instruct patients to use one cloth to apply Qbrexza to both axillae by wiping the cloth across one underarm, ONE TIME.
  • Using the same cloth, apply the medication to the other underarm, ONE TIME.
  • Inform patients that Qbrexza can cause temporary dilation of the pupils and blurred vision if it comes in contact with the eyes.
  • Instruct patients to wash their hands with soap and water immediately after discarding the used cloth.
  • Remind patients not to apply Qbrexza to other body areas or to broken skin. Instruct patients to avoid using Qbrexza with occlusive dressings.
  • Qbrexza is flammable; avoid use near heat or flame.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Glycopyrronium tosylate was not carcinogenic when topically applied to rats daily for up to 24 months in solution at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 4% w/w.

When glycopyrrolate was administered via oral gavage to mice for up to 24 months at dosages of 2.5, 7, and 20 mg/kg/day in both genders, no significant changes in tumor incidence were observed when compared to control.

When glycopyrrolate was administered via oral gavage to rats for up to 24 months at dosages of 5, 15, and 40 mg/ kg/day in both genders, no significant changes in tumor incidence were observed when compared to control.

Glycopyrrolate was negative in a battery of genetic toxicology studies that included a bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay, a mouse lymphoma assay conducted with L5178Y/TK+/- cells, and an in vivo micronucleus assay with mice. Glycopyrronium tosylate was negative in an Ames assay.

Glycopyrrolate was assessed for effects on fertility or general reproductive function in rats. Rats of both genders received glycopyrrolate at dosages up to 100 mg/kg/day via oral gavage. No treatment-related effects on fertility or reproductive parameters were observed in either gender.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no available data on Qbrexza use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. In pregnant rats, daily oral administration of glycopyrrolate (glycopyrronium bromide) during organogenesis did not result in an increased incidence of gross external or visceral defects [see Data].

When glycopyrrolate was administered intravenously to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis, no adverse effects on embryo-fetal development were seen. The available data do not support relevant comparisons of systemic glycopyrronium exposures achieved in the animal studies to exposures observed in humans after topical use of Qbrexza.

The estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Glycopyrrolate was orally administered to pregnant rats at dosages of 50, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. Glycopyrrolate had no effect on maternal survival, but significantly reduced mean maternal body weight gain over the period of dosing at all dosages evaluated. Mean fetal weight was significantly reduced in the 200 and 400 mg/kg/day dose groups. There were two litters with all resorbed fetuses in the 400 mg/kg/day dose group. There were no effects of treatment on the incidence of gross external or visceral defects. Minor treatment-related skeletal effects included reduced ossification of various bones in the 200 and 400 mg/kg/ day dose groups; these skeletal effects were likely secondary to maternal toxicity.

Glycopyrrolate was intravenously administered to pregnant rabbits at dosages of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. Glycopyrrolate did not affect maternal survival under the conditions of this study. Mean maternal body weight gain and mean food consumption over the period of dosing were lower than the corresponding control value in the 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg/day treatment groups. There were no effects of treatment on fetal parameters, including fetal survival, mean fetal weight, and the incidence of external visceral, or skeletal defects.

Female rats that were pregnant or nursing were orally dosed with glycopyrrolate daily at dosages of 0, 50, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day, beginning on day 7 of gestation, and continuing until day 20 of lactation. Mean body weight of pups in all treatment groups was reduced compared to the control group during the period of nursing, but eventually recovered to be comparable to the control group, post-weaning. No other notable delivery or litter parameters were affected by treatment in any group, including no effects on mean duration of gestation or mean numbers of live pups per litter. No treatment-related effects on survival or adverse clinical signs were observed in pups. There were no effects of maternal treatment on behavior, learning, memory, or reproductive function of pups.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of glycopyrrolate or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Qbrexza and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Qbrexza or from the underlying maternal condition.

Pediatric Use

The safety, effectiveness and pharmacokinetics of Qbrexza have been established in pediatric patients age 9 years and older for topical treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Use of Qbrexza in this age group is supported by evidence from two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, vehiclecontrolled 4-week trials which included 34 pediatric subjects 9 years and older [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and Clinical Studies]. The safety and effectiveness of Qbrexza have not been established in pediatric patients under 9 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of Qbrexza did not include sufficient numbers of subjects age 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Renal Impairment

The elimination of glycopyrronium is severely impaired in patients with renal failure [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Overdose

Because glycopyrronium is a quaternary amine which does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier, symptoms of glycopyrronium overdosage are generally more peripheral in nature rather than central compared to other anticholinergic agents. Associated signs and symptoms related to excessive anticholinergic activity may include flushing, hyperthermia, tachycardia, ileus, urinary retention, loss of ocular accommodation and light sensitivity due to mydriasis.

In the case of overdose when symptoms are severe or life threatening, therapy may include:

  • Managing per standard of care any acute conditions such as hypertermia, coma, and/or seizures, as applicable, and managing any myoclonic or choreoathetoid movements which may lead to rhabdomyolysis in some cases of anticholinergic overdosage
  • Managing severe urinary retention with catheterization if not spontaneously reversed within several hours
  • Providing cardiovascular support and/or controlling arrhythmias
  • Maintaining an open airway, providing ventilation as necessary
  • Administering a quaternary ammonium anticholinesterase such as neostigmine to help alleviate severe and or life threatening peripheral anticholinergic effects.

Topical overdosing of Qbrexza could result in an increased incidence or severity of local skin reactions. Administration of Qbrexza under occlusive conditions may result in an increase in anticholinergic effects, including dry mouth and urinary hesitation.

Contraindications

Qbrexza is contraindicated in patients with medical conditions that can be exacerbated by the anticholinergic effect of Qbrexza (e.g., glaucoma, paralytic ileus, unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage, severe ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon complicating ulcerative colitis, myasthenia gravis, Sjogren’s syndrome).

Clinical Pharmacology

Mechanism Of Action

Glycopyrronium is a competitive inhibitor of acetylcholine receptors that are located on certain peripheral tissues, including sweat glands. In hyperhidrosis, glycopyrronium inhibits the action of acetylcholine on sweat glands, reducing sweating.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of Qbrexza are not known.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

The pharmacokinetics of glycopyrronium were evaluated in adult and pediatric patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis following Qbrexza once daily applied to the axillae for 5 days. The mean ±SD exposures of glycopyrronium are presented in Tables 3 and 4. There was no evidence of accumulation.

Table 3: Mean ± SD Plasma Exposures of Glycopyrronium in Adults Following Qbrexza Once Daily for 5 days

Parameter Adult Patients
Cmax (ng/mL) 0.08 ± 0.04
AUC0-6h (h*ng/mL) 0.2 ± 0.14
AUC0-24h (h*ng/mL) 0.88 ± 0.57
Median Tmax (Range) (h) 1 (0, 10)

 

Abbreviations: Maximum concentration (Cmax), Area under the time concentration curve (AUC) between 0 and 6 hours following administration of Qbrexza (AUC0-6hrs), AUC between 0 and 24 hours following administration of Qbrexza (AUC0-24h)

Distribution

After IV administration, glycopyrronium has a mean volume of distribution in children aged 1 to 14 years of approximately 1.3 to 1.8 L/kg, with a range from 0.7 to 3.9 L/kg. In adults aged 60-75 years, the volume of distribution was lower (0.42 L/kg } 0.22).

Elimination

Metabolism

A small proportion of glycopyrronium is metabolized following IV administration. The metabolic pathway for glycopyrronium is not characterized.

Excretion

Following administration of a single radiolabeled IV glycopyrronium dose to adult subjects who underwent surgery for cholelithiasis, approximately 85% of total radioactivity was excreted in urine and < 5% was present in bile drainage. Greater than 80% of the radioactivity in both urine and bile was unchanged drug.

Specific Populations

The pharmacokinetics of glycopyrronium were not evaluated in pregnant women or patients with hepatic impairment.

Pediatric Subjects

The mean ± SD exposures of glycopyrronium in pediatric subjects following Qbrexza once daily for 5 days are presented in Table 4. There was no evidence of accumulation.

Table 4: Mean ± SD Plasma Exposures of Glycopyrronium in Pediatric Subjects Aged 10 to 17 years Following Qbrexza Once Daily for 5 days

Parameter Pediatric Subjects
Cmax (ng/mL) 0.07 ± 0.06
AUC0-6h (h*ng/mL) 0.18 ± 0.13
AUC0-24h (h*ng/mL) Not calculated
Median Tmax (Range) (h) 1.5 (0, 6)

 

Patients With Renal Impairment

Following a 4 mcg/kg IV dose of a glycopyrronium formulation for IV use, mean glycopyrronium AUC (10.6 mcg•h/L), CL (0.43 L/h/kg) and 3-hour urinary excretion (0.7%) were significantly different in uremic subjects undergoing renal transplantation surgery than those of healthy subjects (3.73 mcg•h/L, 1.14 L/h/kg, and 50%, respectively)

Pharmacokinetics of Qbrexza in subjects with renal impairment has not been studied.

In Vitro Studies

In vitro studies indicated that under the conditions of clinical use, Qbrexza is not expected to induce cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes 1A2, 2B6 and 3A4; or inhibit 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4.

Clinical Studies

Efficacy And Safety Trials

Two randomized, vehicle-controlled multicenter trials. Trial 1 (NCT02530281) and Trial 2 (NCT02530294), were conducted in subjects with primary axillary hyperhidrosis and enrolled a total of 697 subjects 9 years of age or older. Inclusion criteria required that prior to the start of treatment, all subjects produce at least 50 mg of sweat in each axilla over a 5-minute period and rate the severity of their sweating daily over a week with a mean score of 4 or higher on the ASDD item #2, a patient reported outcome instrument scored from 0 (no sweating) to 10 (worst possible sweating). The median sweat production over 5 minutes at baseline was 122 mg in the Qbrexza arm and 113 mg in the vehicle arm in Trial 1, and 127 mg in the Qbrexza arm and 117 mg in the vehicle arm in Trial 2. The average weekly mean score on the ASDD item #2 at baseline was approximately 7.2 across both trials.

Subjects were randomized to receive either Qbrexza or vehicle applied once daily to each axilla. The co-primary endpoints were the proportion of subjects having at least a 4-point improvement from baseline in the weekly mean ASDD item #2 score at Week 4 and the mean absolute change from baseline in gravimetrically measured sweat production at Week 4.

Clinical Response

The results of Trial 1 and Trial 2 are presented in Table 5 below.

Table 5: Primary Efficacy Outcomes in Subjects with Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Trial 1 Trial 2
Qbrexza, 2.4%
N = 229
Vehicle
N = 115
Qbrexza, 2.4%
N = 234
Vehicle
N = 119
ASDD Item #2 Response at Week 4:
Proportion of subjects with at least a 4-point improvement from baseline in the weekly mean ASDD item #2 at Week 4 53% 28% 66% 27%
Change from Baseline in Sweat Production at Week 4: (mg/5 minutes):
Median -81 -66 -79 -58
25th percentile, 75th percentile -149, -40 -106, -28 -144, -45 -122, -21

 

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