2.1 Dosage Information

• Individualize the dose for each patient, using the lowest possible dosage.
• The recommended starting replacement dosage is 8 to 10 mg/m2/day daily. Higher doses may be needed based on patient's age and symptoms of the disease. Use of lower starting doses may be sufficient in patients with residual but decreased endogenous cortisol production.
• Round the dose to the nearest 0.5 mg or 1 mg. The contents of more than one capsule may be needed to supply the required dose.
• Divide the total daily dose in 3 doses and administer 3 times daily. Older pediatric patients may have their daily dose divided by 2 and administered twice daily.
• Monitor patients for symptoms of under and/or overtreatment including signs and symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency, linear growth, and weight gain. Adjust doses accordingly.
• During episodes of acute febrile illness, gastroenteritis, surgery or major trauma, patients may need increased doses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

2.2 Switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE from Other Oral Hydrocortisone Formulations

When switching patients from other oral hydrocortisone formulations to ALKINDI SPRINKLE, use the same total daily hydrocortisone dosage. Closely monitor patients after switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE for symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency. If symptoms of adrenal insufficiency occur after switching, increase the total daily dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

2.3 Administration Instructions

• ALKINDI SPRINKLE are oral granules contained within capsules.
• Do not swallow the capsules. Do not chew or crush the granules.
• Do not use ALKINDI SPRINKLE granules in nasogastric or gastric tubes as they may cause tube blockage.
• Open the capsule and administer the granules as follows:
  • Hold the capsule so that the printed strength is at the top and tap to ensure all the granules are in the lower half of the capsule.
  • Squeeze the bottom of the capsule gently and twist off the top of the capsule.
  • The granules may be administered by pouring the granules directly onto the patient's tongue, pouring the granules onto a spoon and placing in the patient's mouth, or sprinkling onto a spoonful of cold or room temperature soft food (such as yogurt or fruit puree). The granules should be given and swallowed within 5 minutes to avoid a bitter taste as the outer taste masking cover can dissolve.
  • Tap the capsule to ensure all the granules are removed. Avoid wetting the capsule on the tongue or soft food as this may result in granules remaining in the capsule.
  • Immediately follow administration with ingestion of fluids such as water, milk, breast milk or formula to ensure all granules are swallowed.
• Do not add the granules to liquid as this can result in reductions in the dose administered and may result in a bitter taste.
• Instruct patients and/or caregivers to contact their healthcare provider if the full dose is not administered (e.g., regurgitating, vomiting of granules). A repeat dose may be required to avoid adrenal insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

5.1 Adrenal Crisis

Undertreatment with ALKINDI SPRINKLE or sudden discontinuation of therapy with ALKINDI SPRINKLE may lead to adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenal crisis, and death. Adrenal crisis may also be induced by stress events such as infections or surgery when patients require higher doses of corticosteroids. Symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency include poor feeding, fatigue, low muscle tone, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia, low blood pressure and electrolyte disturbances.

Increase the dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE during periods of stress (infections, surgery). Switch patients who are vomiting, severely ill or unable to take oral medications to parenteral corticosteroid formulations without delay. Once the patient recovers, gradually reduce the steroid dosage used during the acute event.

When switching patients to ALKINDI SPRINKLE from another oral hydrocortisone formulation, consider the potential for dosing inaccuracy if the other oral hydrocortisone formulation has been manipulated (e.g., split or crushed tablets, compounded formulations). Manipulation of oral hydrocortisone formulations may result in a relative difference in hydrocortisone exposure when using the same dosage to initiate ALKINDI SPRINKLE treatment. Closely monitor patients after switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE to ensure ALKINDI SPRINKLE is providing the same level of hydrocortisone exposure as the previously used oral hydrocortisone formulation. If symptoms of adrenal insufficiency occur, increase the total daily dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE.

5.2 Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection with Use of a Dosage Greater Than Replacement

Use of the recommended dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)] as a replacement therapy in pediatric patients with adrenocortical insufficiency is not expected to cause immunosuppression or increase the risk of infection. The use of a greater than replacement dosage can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. The use of ALKINDI SPRINKLE at greater than replacement dosage can:

• Reduce resistance to new infections
• Exacerbate existing infections
• Increase the risk of disseminated infections
• Increase the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of latent infections
• Mask some signs of infection

Infections associated with the use of corticosteroids at a greater than replacement dosage range from mild to severe or fatal, and the rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages.

Monitor for the development of infection and consider ALKINDI SPRINKLE dosage reduction as needed.

5.3 Growth Retardation

Long-term use of corticosteroids in excessive doses may cause growth retardation in pediatric patients. Historical cohorts of adults treated from childhood for congenital adrenal hyperplasia have been found to have growth retardation. Effects on linear growth are less likely when using corticosteroids as replacement therapy. Use the minimum dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE to achieve desired clinical response and monitor the patient's growth.

5.4 Cushing's Syndrome Due to Use of Excessive Doses of Corticosteroids

Prolonged use of corticosteroids in supraphysiologic doses may cause Cushing's syndrome. Symptoms and signs of Cushing's syndrome include weight gain, decreased height velocity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, edema, easy bruising, muscle weakness, red round face, depression or mood swings. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome every 6 months; pediatric patients under one year of age may require more frequent monitoring, e.g., every 3 to 4 months.

5.5 Decrease in Bone Mineral Density

Corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption which may lead to development of osteoporosis. Historical cohorts of adults treated from childhood for congenital adrenal hyperplasia have been found to have reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture rates. Use the minimum dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE to achieve desired clinical response.

5.6 Psychiatric Adverse Reactions

Corticosteroid use may be associated with severe psychiatric adverse reactions. Euphoria, mania, psychosis with hallucinations and delirium or depression have been seen in patients at replacement doses of hydrocortisone [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. Symptoms typically emerge within a few days or weeks of starting the treatment. Risks may be higher with high doses, although dose levels do not allow prediction of the onset, type, severity, or duration of reactions. Most reactions resolve after either dose reduction or withdrawal, although specific treatment may be necessary. Monitor patients for behavioral and mood disturbances during treatment with ALKINDI SPRINKLE. Instruct caregivers and/or patients to seek medical advice if psychiatric symptoms develop.

5.7 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions

Ophthalmic effects, such as cataract, glaucoma or central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with prolonged use of corticosteroids in high doses. Monitor patients for blurred vision or other visual disturbances. If patients develop ophthalmic adverse reactions, refer them to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

5.8 Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions

There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation in patients with certain gastrointestinal disorders. Signs of gastrointestinal perforation, such as peritoneal irritation may be masked in patients receiving corticosteroids. Corticosteroids should be used with caution if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infections, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, and active or latent peptic ulcer.

Concurrent administration of corticosteroids with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Monitor patients receiving corticosteroids and concomitant NSAIDS for gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Drug Interactions (7)].

5.9 Risk of Kaposi's Sarcoma with Use of a Dosage Greater Than Replacement

Kaposi's sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions at a dosage greater than replacement (supraphysiologic dosage). If patients take a supraphysiologic chronic dosage of ALKINDI SPRINKLE, they are at increased risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma.

5.10 Vaccination

Administration of live vaccines may be acceptable in ALKINDI SPRINKLE-treated pediatric patients with adrenocortical insufficiency who receive replacement corticosteroids.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical studies 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.

ALKINDI SPRINKLE was evaluated in an uncontrolled, open-label, single-arm clinical study in 18 pediatric patients with adrenocortical insufficiency. Adrenocortical insufficiency was due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia in 17 patients and to hypopituitarism in one patient. All patients received at least one dose of ALKINDI SPRINKLE. The age ranged from 36 days to 5.7 years at start of treatment; 8 patients were female and 10 were male; 100% were White. Adverse reactions that were reported in two or more patients (≥ 11%) are shown in Table 1.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions seen in pediatric and adult patients associated with the use of corticosteroids were identified in the literature and from postmarketing reports. Because some of 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.

Common adverse reactions for corticosteroids include fluid retention, alteration in glucose tolerance, elevation in blood pressure, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite and weight gain.

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis, angioedema

Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis

Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, dry scalp, edema, facial erythema, hyper or hypo-pigmentation, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, petechiae and ecchymoses, rash, sterile abscess, striae, suppressed reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria

Endocrine: Abnormal fat deposits, decreased carbohydrate tolerance, development of Cushingoid state, hirsutism, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus and increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics, menstrual irregularities, moon faces, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness), suppression of growth in pediatric patients

Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances: Fluid retention, potassium loss, hypertension, hypokalemic alkalosis, sodium retention

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, elevation in serum liver enzymes levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, hiccups, malaise, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, ulcerative esophagitis

General: Increased appetite and weight gain

Metabolic: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

Musculoskeletal: Osteonecrosis of femoral and humeral heads, Charcot-like arthropathy, loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pathologic fracture of long bones, steroid myopathy, tendon rupture, vertebral compression fractures

Neurological: Arachnoiditis, convulsions, depression, emotional instability, euphoria, headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudo-tumor cerebri) usually following discontinuation of treatment, insomnia, meningitis, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy, paraparesis/paraplegia, paresthesia, personality changes, sensory disturbances, vertigo

Ophthalmic: Exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, and central serous chorioretinopathy

Reproductive: Alteration in motility and number of spermatozoa

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of ALKINDI SPRINKLE have been established in pediatric patients for replacement therapy of adrenocortical insufficiency and the information on this use is discussed throughout the labeling. Use of ALKINDI SPRINKLE in pediatric patients is supported by use in pediatric patients for adrenocortical insufficiency with another hydrocortisone product, along with supportive pharmacokinetic and safety data in 24 pediatric patients with adrenocortical insufficiency. No new adverse reactions were identified [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. ALKINDI SPRINKLE are oral granules contained within capsules that must be opened and not swallowed whole to administer the granules. Additionally, ALKINDI SPRINKLE granules should not be administered via nasogastric or gastric tubes as they may cause tube blockage [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids, adrenocortical steroids, cause varied metabolic effects. In addition, they modify the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties, are used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No adequate studies in animals have been conducted with hydrocortisone to evaluate carcinogenic or mutagenic potential. Corticosteroids have been shown to impair fertility in male rats.

Store at controlled room temperature (USP) 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Store in the original bottle in order to protect from light.

Once the bottle has been opened, use the capsules within 60 days.

Administration Information

Advise patients and/or caregivers that ALKINDI SPRINKLE is a granule formulation contained in a capsule. Do not swallow the capsule. Do not chew or crush the granules. Open the capsule and give the granules directly into the patient's mouth. Alternatively, sprinkle the granules onto soft food and give immediately as the taste masking cover can dissolve in as little as 5 minutes. Avoid wetting the capsule as this may cause some granules to stick to the capsule. Immediately following administration, take a sip of fluids to ensure all granules have been swallowed. Advise patients and/or caregivers to contact their healthcare provider if the full dose was not administered due to regurgitation or vomiting of granules as a repeat dose may be required [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Adrenal Crisis

Inform patients and/or caregivers that undertreatment or sudden discontinuation of ALKINDI SPRINKLE or switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE from another oral hydrocortisone formulation, may lead to adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenal crisis, and death. Inform the caregiver that potential dosing inaccuracy of the manipulated oral hydrocortisone formulation (e.g., split or crushed tablets, compounded formulations) may result in dosing differences when switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE which may require dose adjustments. Advise caregivers to watch the patient for symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency during the days after the switching to ALKINDI SPRINKLE. Inform patient and/or caregiver to contact their healthcare provider if they have symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency, prolonged vomiting, are severely ill or are unable to take oral medications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infections

Advise patients and/or caregivers that greater than replacement dosage of corticosteroids can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections. Instruct patients and/or caregivers to contact their healthcare provider if they develop any infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Growth Retardation

Discuss with caregivers that long-term use of corticosteroids in excessive doses may cause growth retardation in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Cushing's Syndrome

Inform patients and/or caregivers that prolonged use of corticosteroids in supraphysiologic doses may cause Cushing's syndrome and that symptoms and signs include weight gain, decreased height velocity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, edema, easy bruising, muscle weakness, red round face, depression or mood swings [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Decrease in Bone Mineral Density

Inform patients and/or caregivers that corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption that may lead to osteoporosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Psychiatric Adverse Reactions

Advise patients and/or caregivers that corticosteroid use may be associated with severe psychiatric adverse reactions such as euphoria, mania, psychosis with hallucinations or depression. Instruct caregivers and/or patients to seek medical advice if psychiatric symptoms develop [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions

Inform patients and/or caregivers that ophthalmic effects such as cataract, glaucoma or central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with prolonged use of high-dose corticosteroids. Instruct patients or caregivers to report any blurred vision or visual disturbances to their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions

Discuss with patients and/or caregivers that use of corticosteroids may increase risk of gastrointestinal perforation in certain gastrointestinal disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Vaccination

Inform patients and/or caregivers that administration of live vaccine may be acceptable [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Excretion of Granules

ALKINDI SPRINKLE granules may sometimes be seen in stools since the center of the granule is not absorbed in the gut after the active substance has been released. Inform patients or caregivers that this does not mean the product is ineffective and they should not take another dose.