Fortacin 150 mg/ml + 50 mg/ml Cutaneous spray solution

Fortacin is indicated for the treatment of primary premature ejaculation in adult men.

Posology

The recommended dose is 3 actuations applied to cover the glans penis. Each dose consists of a total of 22.5 mg lidocaine and 7.5 mg prilocaine per application (1 dose is equal to 3 actuations).

A maximum of 3 doses can be used within 24 hours with at least 4 hours between doses.

Special populations

Elderly

Dose adjustments are not required in the elderly (see section 5.1).

Renal impairment

Clinical studies have not been performed in patients with impaired renal function, however due to its method of administration and very low systemic absorption, no dosage adjustment is required.

Hepatic impairment

Clinical studies have not been performed in patients with impaired hepatic function, however due to its method of administration and very low systemic absorption, no dosage adjustment is required. Caution is advised in case of severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

There is no relevant use of Fortacin in the paediatric population for the indication of treatment of primary premature ejaculation.

Method of administration

Cutaneous use.

Fortacin is only indicated for application to the glans penis.

Before initial use, the spray container should be briefly shaken and then primed by spraying it into the air three times.

Before each subsequent use, it should be briefly shaken and then the spray container should be re‑primed by spraying into the air once..

Any foreskin should be retracted from the glans penis. The spray container should be held in an upright position before use. Fortacin should be applied to the entire glans penis, by actuating the valve 3 times.One third of the glans penis should be covered with each actuation. After 5 minutes any excess spray should be wiped off prior to intercourse.

Hypersensitivity of the patient or their partner to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Patients or their partner with a known history of sensitivity to local anaesthetics of the amide type.

Precautions for use

Premature ejaculation may be due to a condition requiring medical supervision. If this product used as directed does not provide relief, the patient should discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Avoid contact with the eyes and ears.

When applied in the vicinity of the eyes, Fortacin may cause eye irritation. Also the loss of protective reflexes may allow corneal irritation and potential abrasion. If eye contact occurs, the eye should immediately be rinsed with water or sodium chloride solution and protected until sensation returns.

When applied to an impaired tympanic membrane, Fortacin may cause ototoxicity of the middle ear.

Risk of injury

Fortacin sprayed onto mucous membranes of the patient or their partner, such as the mouth, nose and throat, or transferred onto female genitalia or anal lining, could be absorbed and temporary local numbness/anaesthesia is likely to result. This hypoaesthesia may mask normal pain sensations and, therefore, increase the dangers of localised injury.

Use with condoms

Fortacin must not be used with polyurethane‑based female and male condoms as deterioration was observed and protection from sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy may be reduced. Fortacin can be used with contraceptive devices made of latex rubber, polyisoprene, nitrile and silicone as no deterioration has been shown with these materials.

A higher rate of erectile dysfunction and male genital hypoaesthesia may be experienced when using Fortacin with male condoms.

Anaemia related conditions

Patients or their partner with glucose‑6‑phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or congenital or idiopathic methaemoglobinaemia are more susceptible to medicinal product‑induced methaemoglobinaemia (see section 4.5).

Although the systemic availability of prilocaine by cutaneous absorption of Fortacin is low, caution should be exercised in patients with anaemia, congenital or acquired methaemoglobinaemia or patients on concomitant therapy known to produce such conditions.

Hypersensitivities

Patients allergic to paraaminobenzoic acid derivatives (procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, etc.) have not shown cross sensitivity to lidocaine and/or prilocaine; however, Fortacin should be used with caution in patients with a history (or partner with a history) of sensitivities to medicinal products, especially if the aetiologic medicinal product is uncertain.

Skin effects

In case the patient or their partner develop a rash or skin irritation treatment with Fortacin should be discontinued. If symptoms persist, the patient should consult a doctor

Patients with severe hepatic impairment

Patients with severe hepatic disease, because of their inability to metabolise local anaesthetics normally, are at greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of lidocaine and prilocaine (see section 4.2).

Methaemoglobinaemia may be accentuated in patients already taking medicinal products known to induce the condition, e.g. sulphonamides, acetanilid, aniline dyes, benzocaine, chloroquine, dapsone, metoclopramide, naphthalene, nitrates and nitrites, nitrofurantoin, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, pamaquine, para‑aminosalicylic acid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine and quinine (see section 4.4).

The risk of additional systemic toxicity should be considered when large doses of Fortacin are applied to patients already using other local anaesthetics or structurally related medicinal products, e.g. class I anti‑arrhythmics such as mexiletine.

Specific interaction studies with lidocaine/prilocaine and anti‑arrhythmic medicinal products class III (e.g. amiodarone) have not been performed, but caution is advised due to the potential increase of antiarrhythmic effect. .

Medicinal products that inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 reduce the clearance of lidocaine (e.g. fluvoxamine, cimetidine or betablockers) and may cause potentially toxic plasma concentrations when lidocaine is given intravenously in repeated high doses over a long time period (30 hours).

Fortacin is not indicated for use by women. However, there may be some exposure in female partners of men treated with Fortacin.

Women of childbearing potential / contraception in male and females

Patients hoping to achieve conception should either avoid using Fortacin, or, if it is essential to achieve penetration, should wash the glans penis as thoroughly as possible 5 minutes after applying the spray but prior to intercourse.

Pregnancy

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of lidocaine and prilocaine in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Fortacin during pregnancy unless effective male barrier contraceptive measures are taken in order to avoid potential foetal exposure.

Breast‑feeding

Lidocaine and prilocaine are excreted in human milk, but at therapeutic doses of Fortacin no effects on the breastfed newborns/infants are anticipated due to active substance transfer from the male patient to his female partner. Fortacin can be used during breast-feeding if clinically needed.

Fertility

There are no adequate data from the use of lidocaine and prilocaine on fertility in humans. A study in rats showed that Fortacin caused a reduction in sperm motility (see section 5.3). This medicinal product may reduce the possibility of pregnancy, but should not be used as a contraceptive.

Fortacin has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequent adverse reactions reported with the use of this medicinal product in male patients were local effects of genital hypoaesthesia (4.5%) and erectile dysfunction (4.4%). These adverse reactions caused discontinuation of treatment in 0.2% and 0.5% of patients, respectively.

The most frequent adverse reactions reported with the use of this medicinal product in female partners were vulvovaginal burning sensation (3.9%), and genital hypoaesthesia (1.0%). Vulvovaginal discomfort or burning sensation caused discontinuation of treatment in 0.3% of subjects.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Frequency of the adverse reactions is defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

It is unlikely that Fortacin at the recommended dosages to result in an overdose. .

However should symptoms of systemic toxicity occur, the signs are anticipated to be similar in nature to those following the administration of local anaesthetics by other routes. Local anaesthetic toxicity is manifested by symptoms of nervous system excitation (e.g. restlessness, vertigo, hearing and visual disorders, nausea, vomiting, tremor and muscle twitching) and, in severe cases, central nervous and cardiovascular depression (e.g hypotension, bradycardia and circulatory collapse which may lead to cardiac arrest).

Severe neurological symptoms (convulsions, CNS depression) must be treated symptomatically by respiratory support and the administration of anticonvulsive medicinal products.

Prilocaine in high doses may cause an increase in the methaemoglobin level particularly in conjunction with methaemoglobin inducing medicinal products (e.g. sulphonamides). Clinically significant methaemoglobinaemia should be treated with a slow intravenous injection of methylthioninium chloride

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anaesthetics, amides, ATC code: N01BB20

Mechanism of action

Fortacin provides topical anaesthesia to the glans penis. The active substances lidocaine and prilocaine block the transmission of nerve impulses in the glans penis, reducing the sensitivity of the glans penis. This is translated into a delaying of the ejaculatory latency time without adversely affecting the sensation of ejaculation.

Pharmacodynamic effects

Clinical studies have shown Fortacin to increase the intra‑vaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), increase control over ejaculation and reduce the feelings of distress in patients with premature ejaculation as measured by the Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE). The medicinal product has a rapid onset of action and is effective within 5 minutes of application. The effectiveness of the medicinal product has been demonstrated to persist on repeat use over time.

Clinical efficacy and safety

The efficacy of Fortacin was demonstrated in two multi‑centre, multinational, randomised, double‑blind, placebo controlled studies (PSD502 PE 002 and PSD502-PE-004), both followed by an open‑label phase. Men satisfying the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) criteria for premature ejaculation (PE) who had a baseline IELT ≤ 1 minutes in at least 2 of the first 3 sexual encounters during screening were eligible to enrol.

The ITT population for the two combined pivotal studies comprised 539 patients, with 358 and 181 patients in the Fortacin and placebo groups, respectively (2:1 ratio) for the initial, three month DB phase. The Per Protocol population comprised 430 patients (284 and 146 patients in the Fortacin and placebo groups, respectively).

Demographic characteristics for the ITT population of PSD502‑PE‑002 and PSD502-PE-004 individually are summarised in table below.

The effectiveness of Fortacin in treating PE was assessed by measuring IELT and the co primary endpoints of ejaculatory control, sexual satisfaction, and distress using the IPE. During the 3 months of the double‑blind treatment phase, the geometric mean IELT increased from 0.58 to 3.17 minutes in the Fortacin group and from 0.56 to 0.94 minutes in the placebo group.

85.2% of subjects in the Fortacin group achieved a mean IELT of > 1 minute over the course of 3 months of treatment with it, whereas 46.4% of the placebo subjects had a mean IELT of > 1 minute. 66.2% of Fortacin‑treated subjects and 18.8% of placebo‑treated subjects achieved a mean IELT > 2 minutes.

The clinically significant increases in IELT were paralleled by significant differences in the IPE scores (p <0.0001). Adjusted mean change scores (Fortacin vs. placebo) at Month 3 were 8.2 vs. 2.2 for the ejaculatory control score, 7.2 vs. 1.9 for the sexual satisfaction score, and 3.7 vs. 1.1 for the distress score.

In Fortacin‑treated subjects, IELT and IPE scores increased at the first measured timepoint. Both IELT and IPE scores continued to increase slightly more throughout the remainder of the double‑blind phase. The positive changes in IELT and IPE domain scores were maintained during the open‑label treatment phase.

At each of the three monthly assessments all subjects completed a Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP) questionnaire relating to perceived control over ejaculation, personal distress related to ejaculation, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, and interpersonal difficulty relating to ejaculation. The PEP scores followed a similar pattern of improvement to the IELT and IPE scores. For all of the three monthly assessments completed by the subjects, there was a significant difference between Fortacin and placebo (p < 0.0001). Partners completed the PEP questionnaire at month three. There was also a significant difference over placebo in all domains for the responses from the partners (p < 0.0001).

Elderly patients

Patients recruited into the clinical trials ranged from 18- 68 years of age. In the pivotal clinical studies, subgroup analysis of the efficacy response in different age groups showed that the efficacy and safety profiles were quite consistent between the different age groups.

There is a large safety database for lidocaine and prilocaine, due to their established use. This does not indicate a safety concern for elderly

Paediatric population

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with Fortacin in all subsets of the paediatric population in primary premature ejaculation (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

Absorption

The plasma levels of lidocaine and prilocaine in male and female subjects were below the level associated with toxicity (5,000 ng/ml). Male volunteers had maximum plasma concentrations of lidocaine which were less than 4% of toxic levels, and prilocaine which were less than 0.4% of toxic levels, after repeat dosing. Female volunteers receiving repeated doses directly to the cervix and vagina of up to five times the recommended dose for the male partner, had maximum plasma levels of lidocaine which were less than 8% of toxic levels, and prilocaine which were less than 1% of toxic levels.

Systemic exposure to lidocaine and prilocaine and their metabolites (respectively 2,6‑xylidine and o‑toluidine), is low following application to the glans penis in male patients and application to the cervix/vagina fornices in female subjects, at doses higher than recommended.

Distribution

Lidocaine

The steady‑state volume of distribution is 1.1 to 2.1 L/kg after intravenous administration. Lidocaine is reported to be 66% bound by plasma proteins, including alpha‑1‑acid glycoprotein. Lidocaine can cross the blood brain barrier and the placenta and is distributed in breast milk.

Prilocaine

Following intravenous administration, the steady state volume of distribution of prilocaine is 0.7 to 4.4 L/kg. Prilocaine is reported to be 55% bound to plasma proteins, including alpha‑1‑acid glycoprotein. Prilocaine crosses the blood‑brain barrier and also crosses the placenta. Prilocaine is also distributed in breast milk.

Biotransformation

Lidocaine is largely metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450 (CYP 3A4) and probably to a minor extent in the skin. First pass metabolism is rapid and extensive and bioavailability is about 35% after oral doses.

Prilocaine is rapidly metabolised in both the liver, by cytochrome P450, and in the kidneys by amidases.

The metabolism of lidocaine and prilocaine results in the formation of 2,6‑xylidine and o‑toluidine, respectively, amongst other metabolites. Plasma levels of these metabolites detected after administration of Fortacin in clinical trials were low in both male and female subjects, even after doses of it many times in excess of the clinical dose were applied. No 2,6‑xylidine or o‑toluidine was detectable at any time‑point in vaginal fluids following local application of the medicinal product in female volunteers.

Elimination

Lidocaine

The terminal elimination half‑life of lidocaine from the plasma following intravenous administration is approximately 65 ‑ 150 minutes and the systemic clearance is 10 ‑ 20 mL/min/kg. Lidocaine is excreted in the urine mainly as metabolites, with only a small proportion excreted unchanged.

Prilocaine

The elimination half‑life of prilocaine following intravenous administration is approximately 10 ‑ 150 minutes. The systemic clearance is 18 ‑ 64 mL/min/kg. Prilocaine is excreted in the urine mainly as its metabolites, with only a small proportion excreted unchanged.

Reproductive toxicity

Lidocaine

No teratogenic effects were observed in studies of embryonic/foetal development in rats and rabbits receiving doses during organogenesis. Embryotoxicity was observed in rabbits at doses toxic to the mother. The postnatal survival time of the offspring of rats treated during pregnancy and lactation with a dose toxic to the mother was shown to be reduced.

Prilocaine

In a study of pregnant rats receiving a combination of lidocaine and prilocaine during organogenesis, no effects on embryonic/foetal development were observed. There are however no systemic exposure data available for comparison with clinical exposure.

Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity

Lidocaine

Lidocaine was not genotoxic and the carcinogenic potential of lidocaine has not been studied. The lidocaine metabolite 2,6‑xylidine has genotoxic potential in vitro. In a carcinogenicity study of rats exposed to 2,6‑xylidine in utero, postnatally and throughout their lifetime, tumours in the nasal cavity, subcutaneous tumours and liver tumours were observed. The clinical relevance of tumour findings in relation to short‑term/intermittent use of lidocaine in humans is unknown. Human exposure from Fortacin is 20‑30 fold less than the minimum dose that did not result in tumours and 200 fold less than the minimum dose that did result in tumours.

Prilocaine

Prilocaine was not genotoxic and the carcinogenic potential of prilocaine has not been studied. The prilocaine metabolite o‑toluidine has genotoxic potential in vitro. In carcinogenicity studies of o‑toluidine in rats, mice and hamsters, tumours were observed in several organs. The clinical relevance of tumour findings in respect of short‑term/intermittent use of prilocaine in humans is unknown. Human exposure is 1000 fold less than than the minimum dose studied. Note, this dose did result in tumours.

Effect on fertility

In an in vitro study of rats Fortacin has shown a reduction in sperm motility when 22.5 mg lidocaine and 7.5 mg prilocaine (i.e. the amount in 1 human dose) was in direct contact with rat sperm. However this study did not reproduce the circumstances of clinical use, as the concentration of Fortacin in direct contact with the sperm would be many fold lower. The potential for reduction of sperm motility following the clinical use of the medicinal product can not be excluded; therefore it is not possible to state whether Fortacin would prevent pregnancy.

Norflurane

Deterioriation was observed when Fortacin was used with polyurethane‑based female and male condoms (see section 4.4). Patients should be advised to use alternative methods of contraception.

18 months.

After first use: 12 weeks

18 months.

After first use: 12 weeks

Aluminium spray container with metering valve.

The metering valve's components are the stainless steel, POM, TPE, polypropylene, chlorobutyl rubber and HDPE.

Each pack contains one spray container with 6.5 ml or 5 ml solution.

Each spray container of 6.5 ml delivers a minimum of 20 doses (1 dose is equal to 3 actuations).

Each spray container of 5 ml delivers a minimum of 12 doses (1 dose is equal to 3 actuations).

The metal container is pressurised. It should not be punctured, broken or burnt, even when apparently empty.

A residual volume of fluid that is not usable will remain in the container after all doses have been administered.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.