"The goal of the treatment with NORTHERA is to make the symptoms better. In my opinion, NORTHERA is the first medication that I would prescribe for nOH.”
–Dr. Salima Brillman, movement disorder specialist and paid Lundbeck consultant
Write "Dispense as written (DAW)" for NORTHERA® (droxidopa)
If you decide that NORTHERA is clinically appropriate for your patients, write “Dispense as written” on the prescription to help ensure patients receive their medication exactly as prescribed.
“I prescribe NORTHERA for a patient who has symptoms of nOH like dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling like they might pass out; that happens when they stand up.”
–Dr. David Shprecher, movement disorder specialist and paid Lundbeck consultant
“nOH never goes away, but with NORTHERA…I don’t even think about it anymore, to be honest with you.”
–Gail, a real patient living with Parkinson’s disease and symptomatic nOH
Patient experiences vary and not all patients may benefit from NORTHERA treatment.
References:
1. NORTHERA [package insert]. Deerfield, IL: Lundbeck. 2. Freeman R. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(6):615-624.
Please see Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning for supine hypertension.
For more information, see the full Prescribing Information.
Indications and Usage
NORTHERA (droxidopa) is indicated for the treatment of orthostatic dizziness, lightheadedness, or the “feeling that you are about to black out” in adult patients with symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) caused by primary autonomic failure (Parkinson’s disease [PD], multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure), dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency, and non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Effectiveness beyond 2 weeks of treatment has not been established. The continued effectiveness of NORTHERA should be assessed periodically.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: SUPINE HYPERTENSION
Monitor supine blood pressure prior to and during treatment and more frequently when increasing doses. Elevating the head of the bed lessens the risk of supine hypertension, and blood pressure should be measured in this position. If supine hypertension cannot be managed by elevation of the head of the bed, reduce or discontinue NORTHERA.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- NORTHERA is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Supine Hypertension: NORTHERA therapy may cause or exacerbate supine hypertension in patients with nOH, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular events if not well managed, particularly stroke.
- Hyperpyrexia and Confusion: Cases of a symptom complex resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) have been reported with NORTHERA use during post-marketing surveillance. Observe patients carefully when the dosage of NORTHERA is changed or when concomitant levodopa is reduced abruptly or discontinued, especially if the patient is receiving neuroleptics. NMS is an uncommon but life-threatening syndrome characterized by fever or hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, involuntary movements, altered consciousness, and mental status changes. The early diagnosis of this condition is important for the appropriate management of these patients.
- Ischemic Heart Disease, Arrhythmias, and Congestive Heart Failure: NORTHERA therapy may exacerbate existing ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. Careful consideration should be given to this potential risk prior to initiating therapy.
- Allergic Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, urticaria, and rash have been reported in post-marketing experience, with some resulting in emergency treatment. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue the drug and initiate appropriate therapy.
- This product contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which may also cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
- The most common adverse reactions (>5% and ≥3% difference compared to placebo) were headache, dizziness, nausea, and hypertension.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
- Administering NORTHERA in combination with other agents that increase blood pressure (e.g., norepinephrine, ephedrine, midodrine, and triptans) would be expected to increase the risk for supine hypertension.
- Dopa-decarboxylase inhibitors may require dose adjustments for NORTHERA.
- The concomitant use of selective MAO-B inhibitors, such as rasagiline or selegiline, was permitted in the NORTHERA clinical trials. However, based on mechanism of action, the use of non-selective MAO inhibitors and linezolid should be avoided as there is a potential for increased blood pressure when taken with NORTHERA.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
- There are no available data on use of NORTHERA in pregnant women and risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including reduced weight gain in breastfed infants, advise a woman not to breastfeed during treatment with NORTHERA.
- The safety and effectiveness of NORTHERA in pediatric patients have not been established. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients aged 75 years and older and younger patients in clinical trials, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
- Clinical experience with NORTHERA in patients with severe renal function impairment (GFR <30 mL/min) is limited; therefore, dosing recommendations cannot be provided for these patients.
For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning for supine hypertension.