DOSING & ADMINISTRATION FOR SOHONOS
SOHONOS: A once-daily oral treatment with dose escalation for flare-ups1
This illustration was co-created with people living with FOP.
SOHONOS capsules are available in 5 different strengths1:
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1 mg
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1.5 mg
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2.5 mg
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5 mg
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10 mg
Dosing for patients 14 and older1
CHRONIC DOSING
5 mg once daily
FLARE-UP DOSING
20 mg once daily, for 4 weeks
FOLLOWED BY
10 mg once daily, for 8 weeks
(even if symptoms resolve earlier)
Flare-up treatment1
- Flare-up treatment should begin at the onset of the first symptom indicative of an FOP flare-up or substantial high-risk traumatic event likely to lead to a flare-up*
- Chronic treatment should cease at the time of initiation of flare-up treatment; re-initiation of the 5 mg daily treatment should occur after completion of the flare-up treatment
- If flare-up symptoms do not resolve at the end of the 12-week period, the 10 mg once daily dose modification may be extended in 4-week intervals until the flare-up symptoms resolve
- If the patient experiences marked worsening of the original flare-up or another flare-up at a new location at any point during flare-up treatment, the 12-week treatment should be restarted
High-risk traumatic event such as surgery, intramuscular immunization, mandibular blocks for dental procedures, muscle fatigue, blunt muscle trauma from bumps, bruises, falls, or influenza-like viral illnesses. Symptoms of an FOP flare-up typically include, but are not limited to, localized pain, soft-tissue swelling/inflammation, redness, warmth, decreased joint range of motion, and stiffness.
Weight-adjusted dosage is required in children aged from 8 years (female) and 10 years (male) to less than 14 years of age1
In the Phase 3 trial, dosing was adjusted according to body weight in skeletally immature children (children who had not reached at least 90% skeletal maturity, defined as a bone age of ≥12 years for girls and ≥14 years for boys).1
*All children ≥14 years of age and adults will receive the dose in the ≥60 kg weight category.
Please note that patients may still experience flare-ups while on treatment with SOHONOS1
Advise patients to reach out at the first sign of a flare-up or substantial high-risk traumatic event.1
Dose adjustments can be made in response to adverse reactions1
If the patient experiences adverse reactions that require dosage reduction during treatment, the daily dose should be reduced to the next lower dosage. Additional dose reductions should occur if adverse reactions continue to be intolerable.
- If the patient is already receiving the lowest possible dose, then consideration should be given to discontinue therapy temporarily or permanently or switching to flare-up treatment only. Subsequent flare-up treatment should be initiated at the same reduced treatment that was tolerated previously
Important dosing information1
- SOHONOS should be taken with food, preferably at the same time each day
- SOHONOS may be swallowed whole, or capsules may be opened and the contents emptied onto a teaspoon of soft food and taken within 1 hour of opening, provided it was maintained at room temperature and not exposed to direct sunlight
- If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. If the dose has been missed by more than 6 hours, advise the patient to skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose
- SOHONOS can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Females who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant must not take SOHONOS
- Females of reproductive potential must take a pregnancy test 1 week before starting treatment with SOHONOS, periodically during treatment, and 1 month after stopping treatment
- Patients must use effective birth control starting at least 1 month before starting treatment, during treatment, and for 1 month after the last dose
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and PREMATURE EPIPHYSEAL CLOSURE IN GROWING PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
- SOHONOS is contraindicated in pregnancy. SOHONOS may cause fetal harm. Because of the risk of teratogenicity and to minimize fetal exposure, SOHONOS is to be administered only if conditions for pregnancy prevention are met.
- Premature epiphyseal closure occurs in growing pediatric patients treated with SOHONOS, close monitoring is recommended.
Contraindications
SOHONOS is contraindicated in patients during pregnancy, or with a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to retinoids, or to any component of SOHONOS. Anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions have occurred with other retinoids.
Warnings and Precautions
- Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: SOHONOS can cause fetal harm and is contraindicated during pregnancy. SOHONOS is a retinoid which is associated with birth defects in humans. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception at least 1 month prior to treatment, during SOHONOS treatment and for 1 month after the last dose. If a pregnancy occurs during treatment, discontinue treatment immediately and refer the patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity. Inform patients not to donate blood during SOHONOS treatment and for 1 week following discontinuation.
- Premature Epiphyseal Closure in Growing Pediatric Patients: SOHONOS can cause irreversible premature epiphyseal closure and potential adverse effects on growth. In clinical studies, premature epiphyseal closure occurred with SOHONOS treatment in growing pediatric patients with FOP. Monitoring of linear growth is recommended in growing pediatric patients. Prior to starting treatment with SOHONOS, all growing pediatric patients should undergo baseline assessment of skeletal maturity and continued monitoring until patients reach skeletal maturity or final adult height. If a patient exhibits signs of premature epiphyseal closure or adverse effects on growth based on clinical or radiologic evaluations, further evaluation may be required, including an assessment of the benefits and risks of continued treatment, or temporary or permanent discontinuation of SOHONOS until the patient achieves epiphyseal closure and skeletal maturity.
- Mucocutaneous Adverse Reactions: Dry skin, lip dry, pruritus, rash, alopecia, erythema, skin exfoliation (skin peeling), and dry eye occurred in 98% of patients treated with SOHONOS. SOHONOS may contribute to an increased risk of skin and soft tissue infections, particularly paronychia and decubitus ulcer, due to a decreased skin barrier from adverse reactions such as dry and peeling skin. Some of these adverse reactions led to dose reductions which occurred more frequently during flare-up dosing suggesting a dose response relationship. Prophylactic measures to minimize risk and/or treat the mucocutaneous adverse reactions are recommended (e.g., skin emollients, sunscreen, lip moisturizers, or artificial tears). Some may require dose reduction or discontinuation. Photosensitivity reactions (e.g., burning, erythema, blistering) involving areas exposed to the sun have been associated with the use of retinoids and may occur with SOHONOS. Precautionary measures for phototoxicity are recommended (use of sunscreens, protective clothing, and use of sunglasses).
- Metabolic Bone Disorders: Retinoids are associated with bone toxicity, including reductions in bone mass and spontaneous reports of osteoporosis and fracture. In FOP clinical studies, SOHONOS resulted in decreased vertebral bone mineral content and bone density, and an increased risk of radiologically observed vertebral fractures in treated patients compared to untreated patients. Periodic radiological assessment of the spine is recommended. Retinoids have been associated with hyperostotic changes (bone spurs) and calcification of tendons or ligaments may occur with SOHONOS.
- Psychiatric Disorders: New or worsening psychiatric events were reported with SOHONOS including depression, anxiety, mood alterations, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. There is a relatively high background prevalence of psychiatric disorders in untreated patients with FOP. Monitor for development of new or worsening psychiatric symptoms during treatment with SOHONOS. Individuals with a history of psychiatric illness may be more susceptible to these adverse effects. Patients and/or caregivers should contact their healthcare provider if new or worsening psychiatric symptoms develop during treatment with SOHONOS.
- Night Blindness: This may be dose-dependent, making driving a vehicle at night potentially hazardous during treatment. Advise patients to be cautious when driving or operating any vehicle at night and seek medical attention in the event of vision impairment.
Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) are dry skin, lip dry, arthralgia, pruritus, pain in extremity, rash, alopecia, erythema, headache, back pain, skin exfoliation (skin peeling), nausea, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, dry eye, hypersensitivity, peripheral edema, and fatigue.
Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase SOHONOS exposure. Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, as well as grapefruit, pomelo or juices containing these fruits.
- CYP3A4 inducers may decrease SOHONOS exposure. Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers.
- The use of both vitamin A and SOHONOS at the same time may lead to additive effects. Concomitant administration of vitamin A in doses higher than the recommended daily allowance and/or other oral retinoids must be avoided due to risk of hypervitaminosis A.
- Systemic retinoid use has been associated with cases of benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), some of which involved the concomitant use of tetracyclines. Avoid coadministration of SOHONOS with tetracycline derivatives.
Use in Specific Populations
- Pregnancy: SOHONOS is contraindicated during pregnancy. Obtain a negative serum pregnancy test within 1 week prior to SOHONOS therapy and periodically, as needed, over the course of treatment with SOHONOS and 1 month after treatment discontinuation unless patient is not at risk of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during treatment with SOHONOS, stop treatment immediately and refer the patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist or other specialist experienced in reproductive toxicity for evaluation and advice.
- Lactation: Advise females that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with SOHONOS, and for at least 1 month after the last dose.
- Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception at least 1 month prior to and during treatment, and for 1 month after the last dose unless continuous abstinence is chosen.
- Pediatric Use: All growing pediatric patients should undergo baseline assessment of growth and skeletal maturity before starting treatment and continued clinical and radiographic monitoring every 6-12 months until patients reach skeletal maturity or final adult height.
- Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Use of SOHONOS in patients with severe renal impairment, or with moderate or severe hepatic impairment is not recommended.
INDICATION
SOHONOS™ is indicated for the reduction in volume of new heterotopic ossification in adults and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older for females and 10 years and older for males with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING.
Reference: 1. SOHONOS Full Prescribing Information. Cambridge, MA: Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc; August 2023.