⛔ FDA Black Box Warning
WARNING: SUICIDAL IDEATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS Atomoxetine increased the risk of suicidal ideation in short-term studies in children or adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Anyone considering the use of atomoxetine in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Co-morbidities occurring with ADHD may be associated with an increase in the risk of suicidal ideation and/or behavior. Patients who are started on therapy should be monitored closely for suicidality (suicidal thinking and behavior), clinical worsening, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Atomoxetine is approved for ADHD in pediatric and adult patients. Atomoxetine is not approved for major depressive disorder. Pooled analyses of short-term (6 to 18 weeks) placebo-controlled trials of atomoxetine in children and adolescents (a total of 12 trials involving over 2200 patients, including 11 trials in ADHD and 1 trial in enuresis) have revealed a greater risk of suicidal ideation early during treatment in those receiving atomoxetine compared to placebo. The average risk of suicidal ideation in patients receiving atomoxetine was 0.4% (5/1357 patients), compared to none in placebo-treated patients (851 patients). No suicides occurred in these trials [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . WARNING: SUICIDAL IDEATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal ideation in children or adolescents (5.1) No suicides occurred in clinical trials (5.1) Patients started on therapy should be monitored closely (5.1)
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to atomoxetine or other constituents of product. ( 4.1 ) Atomoxetine use within 2 weeks after discontinuing MAOI or other drugs that affect brain monoamine concentrations. ( 4.2 , 7.1 ) Narrow Angle Glaucoma. ( 4.3 ) Pheochromocytoma or history of pheochromocytoma. ( 4.4 ) Severe Cardiovascular Disorders that might deteriorate with clinically important increases in HR and BP. ( 4.5 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Atomoxetine capsules are contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to atomoxetine or other constituents of the product [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . 4.2 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Atomoxetine should not be taken with an MAOI, or within 2 weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. Treatment with an MAOI should not be initiated within 2 weeks after discontinuing atomoxetine. With other drugs that affect brain monoamine concentrations, there have been reports of serious, sometimes fatal reactions (including hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma) when taken in combination with an MAOI. Some cases presented with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Such reactions may occur when these drugs are given concurrently or in close proximity [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . 4.3 Narrow Angle Glaucoma In clinical trials, atomoxetine use was associated with an increased risk of mydriasis and therefore its use is not recommended in patients with narrow angle glaucoma. 4.4 Pheochromocytoma Serious reactions, including elevated blood pressure and tachyarrhythmia, have been reported in patients with pheochromocytoma or a history of pheochromocytoma who received atomoxetine. Therefore, atomoxetine should not be taken by patients with pheochromocytoma or a history of pheochromocytoma. 4.5 Severe Cardiovascular Disorders Atomoxetine should not be used in pa
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including atomoxetine, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/. Risk Summary Available published studies with atomoxetine use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Some animal reproduction studies of atomoxetine had adverse developmental outcomes. One of 3 studies in pregnant rabbits dosed during organogenesis resulted in decreased live fetuses and an increase in early resorptions, as well as slight increases in the incidences of atypical origin of carotid artery and absent subclavian artery. These effects were observed at plasma levels (AUC) 3 times and 0.4 times the human plasma levels in extensive and poor metabolizers receiving the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. In rats dosed prior to mating and during organogenesis a decrease in fetal weight (female only) and an increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification of the vertebral arch in fetuses were observed at a dose approximately 5 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis. In one of 2 studies in which rats were dosed prior to mating through the periods of organogenesis and lactation, decreased pup weight and decreased pup survival were observed at doses corresponding to 5-6 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis. No adverse fetal effects were seen in pregnant rats dosed during the organogenesis period (see Data). 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