Boxed warning▾
WARNING: IMPAIRED ABILITY TO DRIVE OR ENGAGE IN OTHER POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES ZURZUVAE causes driving impairment due to central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )] . Advise patients not to drive or engage in other potentially hazardous activities until at least 12 hours after ZURZUVAE administration for the duration of the 14-day treatment course. Inform patients that they may not be able to assess their own driving competence, or the degree of driving impairment caused by ZURZUVAE [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . WARNING: IMPAIRED ABILITY TO DRIVE OR ENGAGE IN OTHER POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. ZURZUVAE causes driving impairment due to central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects. Advise patients not to drive or engage in other potentially hazardous activities until at least 12 hours after administration. Patients may not be able to assess their own driving competence or the degree of impairment caused by ZURZUVAE ( 5.1 , 5.2 ) .
Indications and usage▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZURZUVAE is indicated for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in adults. ZURZUVAE is a neuroactive steroid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor positive modulator indicated for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in adults. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer with fat-containing food. ( 2.1 ) Recommended dosage is 50 mg orally once daily in the evening for 14 days. ( 2.1 ) Dosage may be reduced to 40 mg once daily if CNS depressant effects occur. ( 2.1 ) ZURZUVAE can be used alone or as an adjunct to oral antidepressant therapy. ( 2.1 ) Severe Hepatic Impairment: Recommended dosage is 30 mg orally once daily in the evening for 14 days. ( 2.3 , 8.6 ) Moderate or Severe Renal Impairment: Recommended dosage is 30 mg orally once daily in the evening for 14 days. ( 2.4 , 8.7 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of ZURZUVAE is 50 mg taken orally once daily in the evening for 14 days. Administer ZURZUVAE with fat-containing food (e.g., 400 to 1,000 calories, 25% to 50% fat) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . If patients experience CNS depressant effects within the 14-day period, consider reducing the dosage to 40 mg once daily in the evening within the 14-day period. ZURZUVAE can be used alone or as an adjunct to oral antidepressant therapy. The safety and effectiveness of ZURZUVAE use beyond 14 days in a single treatment course have not been established. 2.2 Dosage Modifications for Concomitant Use with CYP3A4 Inducers or CYP3A4 Inhibitors CYP3A4 Inducers Avoid concomitant use of ZURZUVAE with CYP3A4 inducers [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. CYP3A4 Inhibitors Reduce the ZURZUVAE dosage to 30 mg orally once daily in the evening for 14 days when used concomitantly with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. No dosage modification is recommended when ZURZUVAE is concomitantly used with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. 2.3 Recommended Dosage in Patients with Hepatic Impairment The recommended dosage of ZURZUVAE in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) is 30 mg orally once daily in the evening for 14 days [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. The recommended dosage in patients with mild (Child-Pugh A) or moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment is the same as those in patients with normal hepatic function. 2.4 Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment The recommended dosage of ZURZUVAE in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) is 30 mg orally once daily in the evening for 14 days [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. The recommended dosage in patients with mild renal impairment (eGFR 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) is the same as those in patients with normal renal function. 2.5 Recommendations Regarding a Missed Dose If a ZURZUVAE evening dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time the following evening. Do not take extra capsules on the same day to make up for the missed dose. Continue taking ZURZUVAE once daily until the remainder of the 14-day treatment course is completed.
Contraindications▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS CNS Depressant Effects: ZURZUVAE can cause CNS depressant effects such as somnolence and confusion. If patients develop CNS depression, consider dosage reduction or discontinuation of ZURZUVAE. ( 5.2 ) Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including discontinuing ZURZUVAE, in patients whose PPD worsens, or who experience emergent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. ( 5.3 ) Embryo-fetal Toxicity: May cause fetal harm. Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risk to an infant exposed to ZURZUVAE in utero. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during ZURZUVAE treatment and for one week after the final dose. ( 5.4 , 8.1 , 8.2 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Impaired Ability to Drive or Engage in Other Potentially Hazardous Activities ZURZUVAE causes driving impairment due to central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . In two driving simulation studies, the driving ability of healthy adults was impaired in a dose-dependent manner following repeat nighttime administration of 30 mg of ZURZUVAE (0.6 times the recommended dose) for five days as well as 50 mg of ZURZUVAE (recommended dose) for seven days [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Advise patients not to drive a motor vehicle or engage in other potentially hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness, such as operating machinery, until at least 12 hours after ZURZUVAE administration for the duration of the 14-day treatment course. Inform patients that they may not be able to assess their own driving competence or the degree of driving impairment caused by ZURZUVAE. 5.2 Central Nervous System Depressant Effects ZURZUVAE can cause CNS depressant effects such as somnolence and confusion. In Study 1, 36% of patients who received 50 mg of ZURZUVAE and 6% of patients who received placebo daily developed somnolence. In Study 2, 19% of patients who received another zuranolone capsule formulation (approximately equivalent to 40 mg of ZURZUVAE) and 11% of patients who received placebo daily developed somnolence [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. In each clinical study, some ZURZUVAE-treated patients developed confusional state. One of these cases was severe, and was also associated with somnolence, dizziness, and gait disturbance. A higher percentage of ZURZUVAE-treated patients, compared to placebo-treated patients, experienced somnolence, dizziness, or confusion that required dosage reduction, interruption, or discontinuation [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Because ZURZUVAE can cause CNS depressant effects, patients may be at higher risk of falls. Other CNS depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, or drugs that increase zuranolone concentration, may increase impairment of psychomotor performance or CNS depressant effects such as somnolence, cognitive impairment, and the risk of respiratory depression in ZURZUVAE-treated patients [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . To reduce the risk of CNS depressant effects and/or mitigate CNS depressant effects that occurs with ZURZUVAE treatment: If patients develop CNS depressant effects, consider dosage reduction or discontinuation of ZURZUVAE [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . If use with another CNS depressant is unavoidable, consider dosage reduction. Reduce the ZURZUVAE dosage in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . 5.3 Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of chronically administered antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 1 . Table 1 Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric * and Adult Patients Age Range (years) Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated * ZURZUVAE is not approved in pediatric patients. Increases Compared to Placebo <18 14 additional patients 18-24 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25-64 1 fewer patient ZURZUVAE does not directly affect monoaminergic systems. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including discontinuing ZURZUVAE, in patients whose depression becomes worse or who experience emergent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 5.4 Embryo-fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal studies, ZURZUVAE may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In rat studies following exposure during gestation or throughout gestation and lactation, adverse effects on development (fetal malformations, embryofetal and offspring mortality, growth deficits) were observed. In addition, neuronal death was observed in rats exposed to zuranolone during a period of brain development that in humans begins during the third trimester of pregnancy and continues during the first few years after birth [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.2 )]. Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risk to an infant exposed to ZURZUVAE in utero. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZURZUVAE and for one week after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )].
Drug interactions▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 4 displays clinically important drug interactions with ZURZUVAE. Table 4 Clinically Important Drug Interactions with ZURZUVAE CNS Depressant Drugs and Alcohol Clinical Impact Due to additive pharmacological effects, the concomitant use of CNS depressant drugs, including alcohol, may increase impairment of psychomotor performance or CNS depressant effects. Management If use with another CNS depressant is unavoidable, consider dosage reduction. Caution should be used when ZURZUVAE is administered in combination with other CNS drugs or alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Clinical Impact Concomitant use of ZURZUVAE with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increases the exposure of zuranolone [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of ZURZUVAE-associated adverse reactions. Management Reduce the ZURZUVAE dosage when used with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )]. CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact Concomitant use of ZURZUVAE with a CYP3A4 inducer decreases the exposure of zuranolone [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may reduce the efficacy of ZURZUVAE. Management Avoid concomitant use of ZURZUVAE with CYP3A4 inducers [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )]. CNS Depressants: Concomitant use may increase impairment of psychomotor performance or CNS depressant effects. If use with another CNS depressant is unavoidable, consider dosage reduction. ( 7 ) Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Concomitant use may increase the risk of ZURZUVAE-associated adverse reactions. Reduce the ZURZUVAE dosage to 30 mg orally once daily in the evening for 14 days when used concomitantly with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. ( 2.2 , 7 ) CYP3A4 Inducers: Concomitant use may decrease the efficacy of ZURZUVAE. Avoid concomitant use. ( 2.2 , 7 )
Adverse reactions▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Impaired Ability to Drive or Engage in Other Potentially Hazardous Activities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Central Nervous System Depressant Effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and greater than placebo) were somnolence, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, nasopharyngitis, and urinary tract infection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Biogen at 1-844-987-9882 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial 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. The safety of ZURZUVAE for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) was evaluated in two placebo-controlled clinical studies in 347 women with PPD treated with 50 mg of ZURZUVAE (Study 1), or with another zuranolone capsule formulation approximately equivalent to 40 mg of ZURZUVAE (Study 2) once daily for 14 days [Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. The studies included adult patients age 18 to 44 years diagnosed with PPD. Across PPD clinical studies at all doses studied (Studies 1 and 2), serious adverse reactions included confusional state (1%) [Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. In Study 1, the incidence of adverse reactions that led to discontinuation in patients treated with 50 mg of ZURZUVAE and placebo was 2% and 1%, respectively. The most common adverse reaction leading to treatment discontinuation in ZURZUVAE-treated patients was somnolence. Dosage reduction due to an adverse reaction occurred in 14% of ZURZUVAE-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to dosage reduction in ZURZUVAE-treated patients were somnolence (10%) and dizziness (6%). The most common adverse reactions (≥5% and greater than placebo) in ZURZUVAE-treated patients were somnolence, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, and urinary tract infection. Table 2 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of patients with PPD treated with 50 mg of ZURZUVAE and at a higher incidence than in patients who received placebo in Study 1. Table 2 Adverse Reactions that Occurred in ≥2% of Patients with PPD Treated with 50 mg of ZURZUVAE and Greater than in Patients Treated with Placebo (Study 1) Adverse Reaction Placebo (N=98) (%) 50 mg of ZURZUVAE (N=98) (%) 1 Somnolence includes sedation and hypersomnia 2 Dizziness includes vertigo 3 Fatigue includes asthenia 4 Abdominal pain includes upper abdominal pain Somnolence 1 6 36 Dizziness 2 9 13 Diarrhea 2 6 Fatigue 3 2 5 Urinary tract infection 4 5 Memory impairment 0 3 Abdominal pain 4 0 3 Tremor 0 2 Hypoesthesia 0 2 Muscle twitching 0 2 Myalgia 0 2 COVID-19 0 2 Anxiety 1 2 Rash 1 2 In Study 2, the incidence of adverse reactions that led to discontinuation in patients who received another zuranolone capsule formulation (approximately equivalent to 40 mg of ZURZUVAE) and placebo was 1% and 0%, respectively. The adverse reaction that led to treatment discontinuation was somnolence. Dosage reduction due to an adverse reaction occurred in 4% of zuranolone-treated patients. The adverse reactions that led to dosage reduction were somnolence and confusional state. The most common (≥5% and greater than placebo) adverse reactions in zuranolone-treated patients were somnolence, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, fatigue, and diarrhea. Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of zuranolone-treated patients with PPD and at a higher incidence than in placebo-treated patients in Study 2. Table 3 Adverse Reactions that Occurred in ≥2% of Patients with PPD Treated with Another Zuranolone Capsule Formulation * and Greater than in Patients Treated with Placebo (Study 2) Adverse Reaction Placebo (N=73) (%) Another Zuranolone Capsule Formulation * (N=78) (%) 1 Somnolence includes sedation 2 Nasopharyngitis includes upper respiratory tract infection 3 Fatigue includes lethargy * This capsule formulation of zuranolone is approximately equivalent to 40 mg of ZURZUVAE. Somnolence 1 11 19 Nasopharyngitis 2 3 9 Dizziness 6 8 Fatigue 3 1 5 Diarrhea 3 5 Dry mouth 0 4 Sinus congestion 0 3 Toothache 0 3
Use in pregnancy▾
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants, including ZURZUVAE, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/ Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies, ZURZUVAE may cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Available data on ZURZUVAE use in pregnant women from the clinical development program are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animals, oral administration of zuranolone to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in developmental toxicity, including embryofetal death and fetal malformations, with a no adverse effect level (NOAEL) associated with maternal plasma exposures 7 times greater than in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 50 mg. Oral administration of zuranolone to rats during pregnancy and lactation resulted in developmental toxicity in the offspring, including, perinatal mortality, at maternal exposures similar to that in humans at the MRHD. Developmental toxicity was observed at doses that were also maternally toxic. Neuronal death was observed in rats exposed to zuranolone during a period of brain development that begins during the third trimester of pregnancy in humans and continues up to a few years after birth. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Oral administration of zuranolone (0, 2.5, 7.5, or 22.5 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in increased incidences of fetal malformations, reductions in embryofetal survival, and reduced fetal body weights as well as maternal mortality and sedation at the highest dose. The no effect dose (7.5 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on embryofetal development was associated with maternal exposures (AUC) approximately 7 times that in humans at the MRHD of 50 mg. Potential adverse effects of zuranolone on embryofetal development in pregnant rabbits were not adequately assessed. Oral administration of zuranolone (0, 1, 4, or 10 mg/kg/day) to rats throughout pregnancy and into lactation resulted in increased perinatal mortality and persistent bodyweight reductions in the offspring at the mid and high doses, which also produced maternal mortality and adverse clinical signs. The no-effect dose (1 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats was associated with maternal exposures (AUC) approximately 2 times that in the humans at the MRHD. Oral administration of a single dose of zuranolone (0, 2.5, or 7.5 mg/kg) to rats on postnatal day 7 resulted in increased apoptotic neurodegeneration in the brain at the highest dose tested. The no-effect dose (2.5 mg/kg) was associated with plasma exposures (AUC) comparable to that in humans at the MRHD. Brain development on PND 7 in rats corresponds to a period of brain development that begins during the third trimester of pregnancy in humans and continue up to a few years after birth.
Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.