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.