2.1 Instructions Prior to Dosing

NAYZILAM prescribers should consider the following prior to initiation of treatment:

For patients at increased risk of respiratory depression from benzodiazepines, administration of NAYZILAM under healthcare professional supervision should be considered prior to treatment with NAYZILAM; this administration may be performed in the absence of a seizure episode [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Prior to treatment, the healthcare professional should instruct the individual administering NAYZILAM on how to identify seizure clusters and use the product appropriately [see Patient Counseling Information: Administration Information (17)]. Patients and caregivers should be counseled to read carefully the "Instructions for Use" for complete directions on how to properly administer NAYZILAM.

2.2 Dosage Information

Administer NAYZILAM by the nasal route only.

5.1 Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids

Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including NAYZILAM, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone. If a decision is made to prescribe NAYZILAM concomitantly with opioids, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use, and follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when NAYZILAM is used with opioids [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

5.2 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

The use of benzodiazepines, including NAYZILAM, exposes users to the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines often (but not always) involve the use of doses greater than the maximum recommended dosage and commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, overdose, or death [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)].

Before prescribing NAYZILAM and throughout treatment, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Use of NAYZILAM, particularly in patients at elevated risk, necessitates counseling about the risks and proper use of NAYZILAM along with monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. Do not exceed the recommended dosing frequency; avoid or minimize concomitant use of CNS depressants and other substances associated with abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., opioid analgesics, stimulants); and advise patients on the proper disposal of unused drug. If a substance use disorder is suspected, evaluate the patient and institute (or refer them for) early treatment, as appropriate.

5.3 Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions After Use of NAYZILAM More Frequently Than Recommended

For patients using NAYZILAM more frequently than recommended, to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue NAYZILAM (a patient-specific plan should be used to taper the dose). Patients at an increased risk of withdrawal adverse reactions after benzodiazepine discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction include those who take higher dosages, and those who have had longer durations of use.

5.4 Risks of Cardiorespiratory Adverse Reactions

Serious cardiorespiratory adverse reactions have occurred after administration of midazolam. These have included respiratory depression, airway obstruction, oxygen desaturation, apnea, respiratory arrest and/or cardiac arrest, sometimes resulting in death or permanent neurologic injury. There have also been rare reports of hypotensive episodes requiring treatment during or after diagnostic or surgical manipulations, particularly in patients with hemodynamic instability. Hypotension occurs more frequently in patients premedicated with a narcotic. The danger of hypoventilation, airway obstruction, or apnea is greater in elderly patients and those with chronic disease states or decreased pulmonary reserve [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]; patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are highly sensitive to the respiratory depressant effect of midazolam.

Respiratory depression was observed with the administration of NAYZILAM during clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Cardiac or respiratory arrest caused by NAYZILAM was not reported during clinical trials.

5.5 Central Nervous System Depression from Concomitant Use with Other Central Nervous System Depressants, or Moderate or Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Drug products containing midazolam, including NAYZILAM, have a central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect.

5.6 Suicidal Behavior and Ideation

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including NAYZILAM, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Patients treated with any AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical trials (mono- and adjunctive therapy) of 11 different AEDs showed that patients randomized to one of the AEDs had approximately twice the risk (adjusted Relative Risk 1.8, 95% CI:1.2, 2.7) of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients randomized to placebo. In these trials, which had a median treatment duration of 12 weeks, the estimated incidence rate of suicidal behavior or ideation among 27,863 AED-treated patients was 0.43%, compared to 0.24% among 16,029 placebo-treated patients, representing an increase of approximately one case of suicidal thinking or behavior for every 530 patients treated. There were four suicides in drug-treated patients in the trials and none in placebo-treated patients, but the number is too small to allow any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.

The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with AEDs was observed as early as one week after starting drug treatment with AEDs and persisted for the duration of treatment assessed. Because most trials included in the analysis did not extend beyond 24 weeks, the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior beyond 24 weeks could not be assessed. The risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior was generally consistent among drugs in the data analyzed. The finding of increased risk with AEDs of varying mechanisms of action and across a range of indications suggests that the risk applies to all AEDs used for any indication. The risk did not vary substantially by age (5-100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed. Table 1 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs.

The relative risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior was higher in clinical trials for epilepsy than in clinical trials for psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications.

Anyone considering prescribing midazolam or any other AED must balance the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors with the risk of untreated illness. Epilepsy and many other illnesses for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Should suicidal thoughts and behavior emerge during treatment, the prescriber needs to consider whether the emergence of these symptoms in any given patient may be related to the illness being treated.

5.7 Impaired Cognitive Function

Midazolam, including NAYZILAM, is associated with a high incidence of partial or complete impairment of recall for several hours following an administered dose. Gross tests of recovery from the effects of midazolam cannot be relied upon to predict reaction time under stress. It is recommended that no patient operate hazardous machinery or a motor vehicle until the effects of the drug, such as drowsiness, have subsided, and as their medical condition permits. For pediatric patients, particular care should be taken to ensure safe ambulation.

5.8 Glaucoma

Benzodiazepines, including NAYZILAM, can increase intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Measurements of intraocular pressure in patients without eye disease show a moderate lowering following induction with midazolam. NAYZILAM may be used in patients with open-angle glaucoma only if they are receiving appropriate therapy. Patients with open-angle glaucoma may need to have their ophthalmologic status evaluated following treatment with NAYZILAM. NAYZILAM is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.

5.9 Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome

Use of NAYZILAM late in pregnancy can result in sedation (respiratory depression, lethargy, hypotonia) and/or withdrawal symptoms (hyperreflexia, irritability, restlessness, tremors, inconsolable crying, and feeding difficulties) in the neonate [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Monitor neonates exposed to NAYZILAM during pregnancy or labor for signs of sedation and monitor neonates exposed to NAYZILAM during pregnancy for signs of withdrawal; manage these neonates accordingly.

5.10 Other Adverse Reactions

When midazolam was used for sedation, reactions such as agitation, involuntary movements (including tonic/clonic movements and muscle tremor), hyperactivity, and combativeness have been reported. These reactions may be caused by inadequate or excessive dosing or improper administration of midazolam; however, consideration should be given to the possibility of cerebral hypoxia or true paradoxical reactions.

6.1 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 clinical practice.

NAYZILAM was studied for the outpatient treatment of a single seizure cluster in 292 adult and adolescent patients with epilepsy (Study 1) [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The study was conducted in two phases; an open-label Test Dose Phase followed by a double-blind, placebo-controlled, Comparative Phase. The mean age of patients enrolled in the Comparative Phase (N=201) was 33 years, 51% were female, and 95% were White.

Table 2 lists the adverse reactions occurring in 2% or more of the NAYZILAM-treated patients and at a rate greater than the placebo-treated patients in the Comparative Phase of Study 1.

For patients who experienced a decrease in peripheral oxygen saturation in the Test Dose Phase of Study 1, the decreases were generally transitory. Two patients (one with a history of sleep apnea and one with intercurrent seizure) with decreases in peripheral oxygen saturation in the Test Dose Phase required therapeutic supplemental oxygen.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of NAYZILAM have been evaluated in the age group 12 to 17 years. Use of NAYZILAM in this age group is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study of NAYZILAM in adults and adolescents with seizure clusters [see Clinical Studies (14)] and pharmacokinetic and safety data from adult and pediatric patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Safety and efficacy studies of NAYZILAM did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Geriatric patients have longer elimination half-lives for midazolam and its metabolites, which may result in prolonged drug exposure. Geriatric patients may have altered drug distribution; diminished hepatic and/or renal function; and subjects over 70 years of age may be particularly sensitive [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Administration of intramuscular (IM) midazolam to elderly patients has been associated with rare reports of death under circumstances compatible with cardiorespiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. In most of these cases, the patients also received other CNS depressants capable of depressing respiration, especially narcotics [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.5)]. Close monitoring of geriatric patients is recommended.

8.6 Renal Impairment

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis of patients administered NAYZILAM, midazolam and 1-OH midazolam pharmacokinetics are expected to be similar in subjects with mild renal impairment when compared to normal subjects. Safety and efficacy studies of NAYZILAM did not include patients with severe renal impairment and there were not enough subjects with moderate renal impairment in clinical studies for population pharmacokinetic analysis. Patients with moderate and severe renal impairment may have slower elimination of midazolam and its metabolites, which may result in prolonged drug exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.7 Congestive Heart Failure

Patients with congestive heart failure eliminate midazolam more slowly, which may result in prolonged drug exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

9.1 Controlled Substance

NAYZILAM contains midazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

NAYZILAM is a benzodiazepine and a CNS depressant with a potential for abuse and addiction. Abuse is the intentional, non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its desirable psychological or physiological effects. Misuse is the intentional use, for therapeutic purposes, of a drug by an individual in a way other than prescribed by a health care provider or for whom it was not prescribed. Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug use (e.g., continuing drug use despite harmful consequences, giving a higher priority to drug use than other activities and obligations), and possible tolerance or physical dependence. Even taking benzodiazepines as prescribed may put patients at risk for abuse and misuse of their medication. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines may lead to addiction.

Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines often (but not always) involve the use of doses greater than the maximum recommended dosage and commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, overdose, or death. Benzodiazepines are often sought by individuals who abuse drugs and other substances, and by individuals with addictive disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

The following adverse reactions have occurred with benzodiazepine abuse and/or misuse: abdominal pain, amnesia, anorexia, anxiety, aggression, ataxia, blurred vision, confusion, depression, disinhibition, disorientation, dizziness, euphoria, impaired concentration and memory, indigestion, irritability, muscle pain, slurred speech, tremors, and vertigo.

The following severe adverse reactions have occurred with benzodiazepine abuse and/or misuse: delirium, paranoia, suicidal ideation and behavior, seizures, coma, breathing difficulty, and death. Death is more often associated with polysubstance use (especially benzodiazepines with other CNS depressants such as opioids and alcohol).

Midazolam was actively self-administered in primate models used to assess the positive reinforcing effects of psychoactive drugs. Midazolam produced physical dependence of a mild to moderate intensity in cynomolgus monkeys after 5 to 10 weeks of administration.

Assessment of the abuse-related subjective effects comparing NAYZILAM to oral midazolam syrup was conducted in adult subjects with a history of benzodiazepine recreational drug use. No statistically significant or clinically-relevant differences in subjective positive effects (i.e., Drug Liking, Overall Drug Liking, Take Drug Again, and High) were observed between NAYZILAM and oral midazolam syrup. However, subjective positive effects on all these measures were significantly greater for NAYZILAM than for placebo confirming that NAYZILAM has abuse potential. Somnolence occurred at a similar rate in both midazolam groups, but euphoric mood occurred at a greater rate in NAYZILAM (4 to 16%) compared to the oral midazolam syrup (4 to 8.5%).

9.3 Dependence

9.4 Chronic Use

NAYZILAM is not recommended for chronic, daily use as an anticonvulsant because of the potential for development of tolerance to midazolam. In clinical trials, patients were treated with NAYZILAM no more frequently than every 3 days.

Chronic daily use of benzodiazepines may increase the frequency and/or severity of tonic-clonic seizures, requiring an increase in the dosage of standard anticonvulsant medication. In such cases, abrupt withdrawal of chronic benzodiazepines may also be associated with a temporary increase in the frequency and/or severity of seizures.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action for midazolam is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission resulting from binding at the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamic properties of midazolam and its metabolites, are similar to those of other benzodiazepines, including sedative, anxiolytic, amnestic, and hypnotic activities. The effects of midazolam on the CNS are dependent on the dose administered, the route of administration, and the presence or absence of other medications.

Treatment with NAYZILAM was associated with effects on measures of sedation and measures of psychomotor performance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Sedation and psychomotor impairment effects generally began to occur within 10 minutes post dose with peak effects observed within 30 minutes to 2 hours post dose. The pharmacodynamic effects generally returned to near baseline levels by 4 hours post-dose.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

16.1 How Supplied

NAYZILAM is supplied as a solution of midazolam. Each single-dose nasal spray unit delivers 5 mg of midazolam in 0.1 mL of solution.

NAYZILAM is supplied in boxes of 2 nasal spray units (NDC 50474-500-15), each contained within an individual blister pack.

16.2 Storage and Handling

Do not open the blister packaging until ready to use. Do not test or prime before use.

Do not use if the nasal spray unit appears damaged.

Store at controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids

Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if NAYZILAM is used with opioids and not to use NAYZILAM concomitantly with opioids unless supervised by a healthcare provider. If a decision is made to prescribe NAYZILAM concomitantly with opioids, instruct caregivers to follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Inform patients that use of NAYZILAM more frequently than recommended, even at recommended dosages, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death, especially when used in combination with other medications (e.g., opioid analgesics), alcohol, and/or illicit substances. Inform patients about the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse, misuse, and addiction; to seek medical help if they develop these signs and/or symptoms; and on the proper disposal of unused drug [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)].

Withdrawal Reactions

Inform patients that use of NAYZILAM more frequently than recommended may lead to clinically significant physical dependence and that abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of NAYZILAM may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. Inform patients that in some cases, patients taking benzodiazepines have developed a protracted withdrawal syndrome with withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks to more than 12 months [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

Risks of Cardiorespiratory Adverse Reactions

Warn patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression, cardiac and respiratory arrest [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Advise caregivers on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression to look for, how long to observe patients after administering NAYZILAM, the circumstances under which a second dose should not be given, and the circumstances under which emergency medical care should be summoned [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

CNS Depression from Concomitant Use with Other CNS Depressants

Warn patients and caregivers that the use of NAYZILAM in combination with alcohol or other CNS depressant drugs may increase the risk of hypoventilation, airway obstruction, desaturation, or apnea and may contribute to profound and/or prolonged drug effect [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Caution patients against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring mental alertness, such as operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle until they have completely returned to their level of baseline functioning.

Suicidal Behavior and Ideation

Counsel patients, their caregivers, and families that AEDs, including NAYZILAM, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and that they should be alert for the emergence or worsening of the signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior or thoughts about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to healthcare providers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Impaired Cognitive Function

Warn patients that midazolam, including NAYZILAM, is associated with a high incidence of partial or complete impairment of recall for the next several hours. Counsel patients on when they can engage in activities requiring complete mental alertness, operate hazardous machinery, or drive a motor vehicle after taking NAYZILAM [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Pregnancy

Advise pregnant females that the use of NAYZILAM late in pregnancy can result in sedation (respiratory depression, lethargy, hypotonia) and/or withdrawal symptoms (hyperreflexia, irritability, restlessness, tremors, inconsolable crying, and feeding difficulties) in newborns [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant. Encourage patients to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant. The registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Lactation

Counsel patients that midazolam, the active ingredient in NAYZILAM, is excreted in breast milk. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Instruct breastfeeding patients who take NAYZILAM to monitor their infants for excessive sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain, and to seek medical attention if they notice these signs [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Important Treatment Instructions

Instruct patients and caregivers on what is and is not an intermittent and stereotypic episode of increased seizure activity (i.e., seizure cluster) that is appropriate for treatment, and the timing of administration in relation to the onset of the episode.

Instruct patients and caregivers on what to observe following administration, and what would constitute an outcome requiring immediate medical attention.

Instruct patients and caregivers not to administer a second dose of NAYZILAM if they are concerned by the patient's breathing, the patient requires emergency rescue treatment with assisted breathing or intubation, or there is excessive sedation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Advise patients and caregivers on how frequently they can treat successive seizure cluster episodes over time.

Administration Information

Advise patients and caregivers to not open the blister packaging until ready to use. Instruct them to not test or prime before use and to not use if the nasal spray unit appears damaged.