Cyxodil

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Cyxodil, 80 micrograms/dose, inhalation aerosol, solution
Cyxodil, 160 micrograms/dose, inhalation aerosol, solution
Cyxodil, 320 micrograms/dose, inhalation aerosol, solution
Ciclesonide
Please read this leaflet carefully before using this medicine, because it contains
important information for you.

• Keep this leaflet, as you may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
• This medicine has been prescribed for a specific individual. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm someone else, even if their symptoms are the same.
• If you experience any adverse effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, please inform your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. See section 4.

Leaflet contents:

1. What Cyxodil is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before using Cyxodil
3. How to use Cyxodil
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Cyxodil
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Cyxodil is and what it is used for

What Cyxodil is:
Cyxodil contains ciclesonide as the active substance. Cyxodil is a clear, colourless inhalation aerosol intended for inhalation through the mouth into the lungs. It is a preventive medicine (a corticosteroid) which must be used daily and whose action begins only after inhalation into the lungs.

What Cyxodil is used for:
Cyxodil is used in the treatment of chronic asthma in adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and older).

How Cyxodil works:
Cyxodil helps you breathe more easily by reducing the severity of asthma symptoms and decreasing the likelihood of asthma attacks.
The effect of the medicine increases over time; therefore, it must be taken daily, even if you feel well.
This medicine is not suitable for use during an acute attack of breathlessness. To relieve such an attack quickly, only use a reliever inhaler.

2. Important information before using Cyxodil

When not to use Cyxodil:

• if the patient is allergic to cyclenonide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

Warnings and precautions
Before starting treatment with Cyxodil, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
Before starting treatment with this medicine, inform your doctor if:

• the patient has ever been treated or is currently being treated for tuberculosis, fungal, viral or bacterial infections.

If in doubt, contact your doctor. It is important to ensure that the medicine
Cyxodil is suitable for the individual patient.
Contact your doctor immediately if, during treatment with
Cyxodil, the patient:

• experiences difficulty breathing and worsening symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, increased adventitious sounds (coarse crackles) or other symptoms of airway constriction. Use a reliever inhaler, which usually brings rapid improvement.
• symptoms cause awakening from sleep;
• there is no improvement after using the reliever medicine. The doctor will determine further treatment.

Special patient groups
In patients with severe asthma, there is a risk of acute asthma attacks. In this group
of patients, the doctor will regularly perform thorough assessments of asthma control, including
lung function tests.
Patients already taking oral corticosteroids:
Cyxodil may be used to replace tablets or to reduce the number of tablets required.
Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

• The switch will begin approximately one week after starting inhaled Cyxodil.
• The number of tablets taken will be gradually reduced over a period of time.
• During this time, the patient may occasionally feel generally unwell.
• Despite this, it is important to continue inhaled treatment with Cyxodil and the gradual reduction in tablet dosage.
• If severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or high fever occur, contact your doctor.
• Switching from tablet treatment to inhaled therapy may occasionally unmask mild allergic reactions, such as rhinitis or rash (itchy red skin).
• After switching from tablets to inhaled treatment, the patient may remain at risk of adrenal insufficiency for some time due to previously taken oral corticosteroids. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (e.g. dizziness, fainting, nausea, loss of appetite, mood changes, hair loss, reduced stress tolerance, weakness, headache, memory disturbances, allergies, increased appetite and changes in blood glucose levels) may also persist for some time.
• It may be necessary to consult a specialist to determine the degree of adrenal insufficiency.
• The doctor will also regularly monitor adrenal function.
• In stressful situations, such as during surgery or worsening asthma attacks, additional oral corticosteroids may be required. For this reason, the patient should carry a steroid warning card indicating this.

Patients with liver or kidney disease
Dose adjustment of cyclenonide is not necessary in patients with liver or kidney disease.
If the patient has severe liver disease, the doctor will perform a more thorough assessment regarding
possible adverse effects due to impaired steroid production.
Children
This medicine is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age, as there is insufficient information on its effects in this age group.
Cyxodil and other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines the patient is currently taking or has recently taken, as well as any medicines the patient plans to take, including over-the-counter medicines.
Before taking Cyxodil, inform your doctor if the patient is currently being treated for any fungal or viral infection with a medicine containing:

• ketoconazole,
• itraconazole,
• cobicistat,
• ritonavir,
• nelfinavir. These medicines may enhance the effect of Cyxodil, therefore the possibility of adverse reactions cannot be completely ruled out.

Cyxodil with food and drink
No interactions have been observed between Cyxodil and food or drink.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, suspects she may be pregnant, or is planning to have a child, she should consult her doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

• As there is insufficient information on the effects of Cyxodil in pregnant women, the doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Cyxodil with the patient.
• Cyclenonide (the active substance in Cyxodil) may be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the developing fetus. If the doctor decides that the patient may continue using Cyxodil, the lowest possible dose of cyclenonide that maintains asthma control will be used.
• Adrenal function will be carefully monitored in children whose mothers received corticosteroids during pregnancy.
• If the patient intends to use Cyxodil while breastfeeding, she should discuss this with her doctor.
• It is not known whether inhaled cyclenonide passes into human milk.
• Prescribing Cyxodil to breastfeeding women will only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the infant.

Driving and using machines
Cyxodil and its excipients have no effect or have a negligible effect on the ability to drive or use machines.
Cyxodil contains ethanol
This medicine contains 4.7 mg of alcohol (ethanol) per inhalation dose. The amount of alcohol in each dose is equivalent to less than 1 ml of beer or 1 ml of wine. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not cause noticeable effects.

3. How to use Cyxodil

This medicine should always be used exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you have any doubts,
you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• If you have started using this medicine instead of oral corticosteroids or together with oral corticosteroids, see section 2, "Patients who are already using oral corticosteroids".

What dose of Cyxodil should be used each day?
Your doctor will inform you of the dose to be used each day. This will depend on your individual needs.

• The recommended dose of Cyxodil is 160 micrograms once daily, which provides asthma symptom control in most patients.
• In some patients, a reduced dose of 80 micrograms once daily may be sufficient to maintain adequate asthma control.
• In patients with severe asthma exacerbations, a temporary increase in the dose of Cyxodil may be necessary. This may be up to 640 micrograms per day, administered as 320 micrograms twice daily; however, there are no data confirming additional therapeutic benefit after 3 months of higher-dose treatment.

If necessary, your doctor may also prescribe oral corticosteroids and/or antibiotics in case of infection.

• Your doctor will adjust the dose to the lowest level necessary to control your asthma.
• Improvement in symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness, and cough) should be noticeable within 24 hours.

When should Cyxodil be used?
In most cases, either in the morning or evening – one or two doses per day. You must follow your doctor's instructions precisely. It is important to use Cyxodil regularly every day, even if you feel better.
If you find that you need to use your reliever inhaler more than 2–3 times a week, you should contact your doctor, who will reassess your treatment.

How to use Cyxodil
It is important that your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist first demonstrate the correct way to use the Cyxodil inhaler. Proper technique ensures that the correct amount of medicine reaches your lungs. The instructions in this leaflet should be used as a reminder.
To ensure you are using the Cyxodil inhaler correctly, it may be helpful to perform the first few inhalations in front of a mirror. Make sure the medicine does not escape from the top or sides of your mouth.

A new inhaler or an inhaler that has not been used for one week or longer must be checked before use. Remove the mouthpiece cover and press the pressurized canister inside the inhaler three times to release three doses, directing the spray away from yourself into the air.

Shaking the Cyxodil inhaler before use is not necessary. The medicine is a uniform solution, which ensures delivery of the correct dose with each inhalation.

You may sit or stand while inhaling.

Follow the instructions below carefully, using the illustrations provided.

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover and check the mouthpiece inside and outside to ensure it is clean and dry.

2. Hold the inhaler upright (with the base of the canister at the top), placing your index finger on top of the canister and your thumb under the mouthpiece.
3. Breathe out fully, as comfortably as possible. Do not breathe out into the inhaler.

4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips firmly around it.
5. Just as you begin to breathe in through your mouth, press down with your index finger on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of medicine, while simultaneously taking a slow and deep breath in. Be careful not to let the medicine escape through the top, bottom, or sides of your mouth.

6. Hold your breath, remove the inhaler from your mouth, and remove your finger from the top of the inhaler. Continue holding your breath for about ten seconds, or as long as possible. Then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Avoid breathing into the inhaler.

It is important not to rush the steps described in points 3 to 6.

7. If a second dose is prescribed, wait approximately half a minute and repeat steps 3 to 6.
8. After use, always replace the mouthpiece cover to prevent dust from entering. Press the cover firmly and snap it into place securely.

For hygiene reasons, clean the inner and outer surfaces of the mouthpiece weekly with a dry tissue.

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover without removing the inhaler from its plastic casing;
2. Wipe the front part of the small opening through which the medicine is released, using a dry folded tissue;
3. Do not use water or other liquids.

Proper technique ensures that the correct dose of Cyxodil reaches your lungs with each use of the inhaler. Your doctor will regularly check your inhalation technique to ensure optimal treatment effectiveness.

When the pressurized canister is completely empty, the spray will no longer be audible or perceptible.

If you experience wheezing or chest tightness after using Cyxodil:

• Do not take further doses.
• Use your reliever inhaler to help ease breathing.
• Contact your doctor immediately.

If you have difficulty using the inhaler, your doctor may recommend using a spacer. The spacer compatible with the Cyxodil inhaler is called AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu.
When using the AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu device, follow the instructions provided with it.
Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on the use of this device.

Taking more Cyxodil than prescribed
It is important to take the dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor.
If you take too much Cyxodil, specific treatment is not usually required, but you should inform your doctor. If large doses are taken for a prolonged period, reduced adrenal function cannot be ruled out, and monitoring of adrenal function may be necessary.

If you forget to use Cyxodil
If you forget to take your dose of Cyxodil, take the next dose at your usual scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Stopping Cyxodil
Do not stop using the Cyxodil inhaler, even if you feel better.
If you stop using this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.
If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible adverse reactions

Like any medicine, this medicine can cause adverse reactions, although not everyone experiences them.
Treatment should be discontinued and medical advice should be sought immediately if the patient experiences any of the following severe adverse reactions:

• severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (occur in no more than 1 in 1,000 people),
• allergic reactions: skin rash, redness, itching or skin eruptions in the form of hives and urticaria (occur in no more than 1 in 100 people),
• cough or wheezing worsening shortly after inhalation (occur in no more than 1 in 100 people).

Other adverse reactions observed during treatment with Cyxodil are usually mild.
In most cases, patients may continue treatment. The adverse reactions that may occur include:
Uncommon adverse reactions (occur in no more than 1 in 100 people):

• hoarseness
• burning, inflammation, irritation of the mouth or throat
• oral thrush (fungal infection of the mouth)
• headache
• unpleasant taste in the mouth
• dryness in the mouth or throat
• nausea or vomiting.

Rare adverse reactions (occur in no more than 1 in 1,000 people):

• sensation of rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• discomfort or abdominal pain
• high blood pressure.

Adverse reactions with unknown frequency, but which may also occur:

• sleep disturbances, depression or feelings of worry, anxiety, nervousness, increased excitability or irritability. These reactions are more likely to occur in children.
• blurred vision and eye disorders causing visual disturbances (central serous chorioretinopathy).

The medicine Cyxodil may affect the normal production of corticosteroids in the patient's body.
This has usually been observed in patients taking high doses over a long period. This effect may include:

• slowed growth in adolescents
• thinning of bones
• possible clouding of the eye lens (cataract), causing blurred vision
• loss of vision due to abnormally high pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
• moon-shaped face, increased mass of the upper body and wasting of arms and legs (cushingoid syndrome or Cushing's syndrome). The doctor will regularly monitor the growth of adolescents receiving long-term treatment. If growth has slowed, the doctor will adjust the dose, if possible, to the lowest effective dose maintaining adequate asthma control.

Oral corticosteroids may cause more adverse reactions than inhaled corticosteroids such as Cyxodil.
In patients who have taken steroid tablets before or during treatment with Cyxodil, there may be a continued risk of adverse reactions associated with tablet use for some time. Regular medical check-ups will ensure that the dose of Cyxodil taken by the patient is appropriate. Regular monitoring will also allow early detection of any adverse reactions and reduce the likelihood of their worsening.
Please remember:
If any of the adverse symptoms worsen or if any adverse symptoms not listed in this leaflet occur, inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of adverse reactions
If any adverse reactions occur, including any adverse reactions not listed in this leaflet, inform your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Adverse reactions can be reported directly to the Department of Monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products:
Al. Jerozolimskie 181C
02-222 Warsaw
Phone: +48 22 4921301
Fax: +48 22 4921309
Website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Adverse reactions can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder.
Reporting adverse reactions helps to collect more information on the safety of the medicine.

5. How to store the medicine Cyxodil

Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use the medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month.
The marking on the packaging after the abbreviation EXP indicates the expiry date, and after the abbreviation Lot indicates the batch number.
Pressurised container. Do not expose to temperatures above 50°C.
Do not pierce, damage or burn, even if the container appears to be empty.
As with most pressurised inhalation medicines, the effectiveness of this medicine may be reduced if the container is cold. However, Cyxodil delivers the same dose within the temperature range from minus 10°C to plus 40°C.
If the inhaler is very cold, remove it from the plastic container and warm it in hands for several minutes before use. Never use any other method to heat it.
Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. Such measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Cyxodil contains:

• The active substance is ciclesonide. Each actuation of the inhaler delivers a dose (delivered via the mouthpiece) containing 80, 160, or 320 micrograms of ciclesonide.
• The other ingredients are: anhydrous ethanol and norflurane (HFA-134a). This medicine contains fluorinated greenhouse gases. Each inhaler contains 8.8 g of HFA-134a, equivalent to 0.013 tonnes of CO₂e (global warming potential GWP = 1430).

What Cyxodil looks like and contents of the pack
Cyxodil is a clear, colourless solution contained in an aluminium pressurised canister that delivers a precisely metered dose of ciclesonide as an aerosol via the mouthpiece.
The canister is enclosed in a plastic holder comprising a mouthpiece fitted with a protective cap that is green (Cyxodil 80 micrograms), violet (Cyxodil 160 micrograms), or red (Cyxodil 320 micrograms).
Pack sizes:
1 inhaler containing 120 metered inhalation doses.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Zakłady Farmaceutyczne POLPHARMA S.A.
ul. Pelplińska 19, 83-200 Starogard Gdański
tel. + 48 22 364 61 01

Manufacturer
Genetic S.p.A.
Contrada Canfora
84084 Fisciano (SA)
Italy

This medicine is authorised in the following names in the European Economic Area:
Poland: Cyxodil
Czech Republic: Ciclesonide Polpharma