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Atzumi (dihydroergotamine intranasal): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

Atzumi

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 5/15/2025

Drug Summary

What Is Atzumi?

Atzumi (dihydroergotamine) is an ergotamine derivative indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.

Atzumi is not indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine or for the management of hemiplegic migraine or migraine with brainstem aura.

What Are Side Effects of Atzumi?

Side effects of Atzumi include:

  • runny nose,
  • nausea,
  • altered sense of taste,
  • application site reactions,
  • nasal discomfort,
  • dizziness,
  • vomiting,
  • drowsiness,
  • sore throat, and
  • diarrhea.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Atzumi

The recommended dose of Atzumi is 5.2 mg, the contents of one nasal device, administered into one nostril. The dose may be repeated, if needed, a minimum of 1 hour after the first dose. The maximum dose in a 24-hour period is 10.4 mg (two doses of Atzumi 5.2 mg).

Atzumi In Children

The safety and effectiveness of Atzumi have not been established in pediatric patients.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Atzumi?

Atzumi may interact with other medicines such as:

  • beta blockers,
  • nicotine,
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),
  • strong CYP3A4 inhibitors,
  • triptans (serotonin [5-HT] 1B/1D receptor agonists), and
  • vasoconstrictors.

Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Atzumi During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Avoid use of Atzumi during pregnancy; there is an increased risk of preterm delivery with dihydroergotamine, the active moiety in Atzumi, use during pregnancy. It is unknown if Atzumi passes into breast milk, however, ergotamine, a related drug, passes into breast milk. There are reports of diarrhea, vomiting, weak pulse, and unstable blood pressure in breastfed infants exposed to ergotamine. Atzumi may reduce milk supply because it may decrease prolactin levels. Because of the potential for reduced milk supply and serious adverse events in the breastfed infant, breastfeeding is not advised during treatment with Atzumi and for 3 days after the last dose. Breast milk supply during this time should be pumped and discarded.

Additional Information

Our Atzumi (dihydroergotamine) Nasal Powder Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

WARNING

PERIPHERAL ISCHEMIA FOLLOWING COADMINISTRATION WITH STRONG CYP3A4 INHIBITORS

Serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia has been associated with the coadministration of dihydroergotamine with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Because CYP3A4 inhibition elevates the serum levels of dihydroergotamine, the risk for vasospasm leading to cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities is increased. Hence, concomitant use of ATZUMI with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Description for Atzumi

ATZUMI contains dihydroergotamine, an ergotamine derivative, as the mesylate salt. Dihydroergotamine mesylate is a white or almost white crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water and chloroform and sparingly soluble in methanol. The chemical designation for dihydroergotamine mesylate is (6aR,9R,10aR)-N-[(2R,5S,10aS,10bS)-5-benzyl-10b-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxo-octahydro-8H-oxazolo[3,2-α]pyrrolo[2,1-c]pyrazin-2-yl]-7-methyl- 4,6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a-octahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide methanesulphonate. The empirical formula is C33H37N5O5 •CH4O3S. The molecular weight is 679.80, and it has the following structure:

ATZUMI™ (dihydroergotamine) Structural Formula Illustration

ATZUMI contains dihydroergotamine 5.2 mg (equivalent to 6.0 mg dihydroergotamine mesylate). ATZUMI nasal powder is a drug-device combination product consisting of a powder prefilled in a single-dose delivery device for nasal administration into one nostril. ATZUMI does not need to be assembled or primed before use. Inactive ingredients are hypromellose, mannitol, and microcrystalline cellulose.

Uses for Atzumi

ATZUMI is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.

Limitations Of Use

ATZUMI is not indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine.

ATZUMI is not indicated for the management of hemiplegic migraine or migraine with brainstem aura.

Dosage for Atzumi

Dosing Information

ATZUMI is for nasal administration only.

The recommended dose of ATZUMI is 5.2 mg (the contents of one nasal device) and is administered as a powdered medicine into one nostril [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

The dose may be repeated, if needed, a minimum of 1 hour after the first dose. The maximum dose in a 24-hour period is 10.4 mg (two doses of ATZUMI 5.2 mg). The safety of taking more than 4 doses in a 7-day period or 12 doses within a 30-day period has not been established.

Assessment Prior To First Dose

Prior to initiation of ATZUMI, a cardiovascular evaluation is recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. For patients with risk factors predictive of coronary artery disease who are determined to have a satisfactory cardiovascular evaluation, it is strongly recommended that administration of the first dose of ATZUMI take place in the setting of an equipped healthcare facility.

Administration Instructions

  • Priming is not required.
  • To administer a dose of ATZUMI, remove the round blue tab from the blue nozzle, and insert the blue nozzle into one nostril. Squeeze the white air pump 3 separate times into 1 nostril while inhaling. Allow the white air pump to expand back to its original shape between squeezes [see Instructions for Use].
  • Fast, complete, pulse-like squeezes are needed to deliver the complete dose. Do not squeeze slowly, partially or with any hesitation.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Nasal Powder: 5.2 mg dihydroergotamine as a white powder in a single-dose nasal device.

ATZUMI (dihydroergotamine) nasal powder is supplied in a single-dose nasal device with white powder containing 5.2 mg of dihydroergotamine. ATZUMI is available in a carton of 8 nasal devices each individually packaged in a protective foil pouch (NDC 76978-101-08).

Storage And Handling

Store ATZUMI at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions allowed between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Store ATZUMI in its protective foil pouch until ready to use.

Manufactured for Satsuma Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 4819 Emperor Blvd., Suite 340, Durham, NC 27703. Revised: Apr 2025

Side Effects for Atzumi

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Peripheral Ischemia Following Coadministration with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors [see BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Myocardial Ischemia and/or Infarction, Other Adverse Cardiac Events, and Fatalities [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions and Fatalities [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Other Vasospasm Related Adverse Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Increase in Blood Pressure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Medication Overuse Headache [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Preterm Labor [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Fibrotic Complications [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Local Irritation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The studies described below were conducted with dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray; adverse reactions with ATZUMI nasal powder are expected to be similar to adverse reactions with dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray.

Adverse Reactions In Placebo-Controlled Trials With Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray [see Clinical Studies]

Of the 1,796 patients and subjects treated with dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray doses 2 mg or less in U.S. and foreign clinical studies, 26 (1.4%) discontinued because of adverse events. The adverse events associated with discontinuation were, in decreasing order of frequency: rhinitis (13), dizziness (2), facial edema (2), and one patient each due to cold sweats, accidental trauma, depression, elective surgery, somnolence, allergy, vomiting, hypotension, and paraesthesia.

Table 1 summarizes the incidence rates of adverse reactions reported by at least 1% of patients who received dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray for the treatment of migraine during placebocontrolled, double-blind clinical studies and were more frequent than in those patients receiving placebo. The most commonly reported adverse reactions (greater than 1% of patients who received dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray) were rhinitis, nausea, altered sense of taste, application site reactions, dizziness, vomiting, somnolence, pharyngitis, and diarrhea. In most instances these events were transient and self-limited and did not result in patient discontinuation from a study.

Table 1 : Adverse Reactions Reported by at Least 1% of the Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray Treated Patients and Occurred more Frequently than in the Placebo- Group in the Migraine Placebo-Controlled Trials

Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray
N=597 %
Placebo
N=631 %
Respiratory System
Rhinitis 26 7
Pharyngitis 3 1
Gastrointestinal System
Nausea 10 4
Vomiting 4 1
Diarrhea 2 <1
Special Senses, Other
Altered Sense of Taste 8 1
Application Site
Application Site Reaction 6 2
Central and Peripheral Nervous System
Dizziness 4 2
Somnolence 3 2
Body as a Whole, General
Hot Flashes 1 <1
Asthenia 1 0
Musculoskeletal System
Stiffness 1 <1

Adverse Reactions In Studies With ATZUMI

An open-label study in adults was conducted to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ATZUMI, with repeated use of ATZUMI over the course of 6 to 12 months. A total of 344 patients with migraine received at least one dose of ATZUMI. One hundred and eighty-eight patients treated on average at least two migraines per month for at least 6 months, and 86 patients treated at least two migraines per month for at least one year. Of the patients who received at least one dose of ATZUMI, 99 (29%) experienced local irritative symptoms. Of these, the most common local irritative symptoms (at least 5% of patients) were nasal discomfort, altered taste, nasal congestion, and nasopharyngitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The most common adverse reaction resulting in discontinuation in the long-term safety study was nasal discomfort (1.5%).

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of dihydroergotamine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure:

Vasospasm, paresthesia, hypertension, dizziness, anxiety, dyspnea, headache, flushing, diarrhea, rash, increased sweating, and pleural and retroperitoneal fibrosis after long-term use of dihydroergotamine. Cases of myocardial infarction and stroke have been reported following the use of dihydroergotamine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Drug Interactions for Atzumi

CYP3A4 Inhibitors

There have been rare reports of serious adverse events in connection with the coadministration of intravenous administration of dihydroergotamine and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, resulting in vasospasm that led to cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with ATZUMI is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Administer moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors with caution.

Triptans

Triptans (serotonin [5-HT] 1B/1D receptor agonists) have been reported to cause coronary artery vasospasm, and its effects could be additive with ATZUMI. Therefore, triptans and ATZUMI should not be taken within 24 hours of each other [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Beta Blockers

There have been reports that propranolol may potentiate the vasoconstrictive action of ergotamine by blocking the vasodilating property of epinephrine.

Vasoconstrictors

ATZUMI is contraindicated for use with peripheral and central vasoconstrictors because the combination may cause synergistic elevation of blood pressure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Nicotine

Nicotine may provoke vasoconstriction in some patients, predisposing to a greater ischemic response to ergot therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination have been reported rarely when 5-HT1 agonists have been co-administered with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline).

Drug Abuse And Dependence

Controlled Substance

ATZUMI contains dihydroergotamine (as the mesylate salt), which is not a controlled substance.

Abuse

Abuse is the intentional, non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its desirable psychological or physiological effects. Currently available data have not demonstrated drug abuse with dihydroergotamine. However, cases of drug abuse in patients on other forms of ergot therapy have been reported.

Dependence

Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, manifested by withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug. Currently available data have not demonstrated physical or psychological dependence with dihydroergotamine. However, cases of psychological dependence in patients on other forms of ergot therapy have been reported.

Warnings for Atzumi

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions for Atzumi

Peripheral Ischemia Following Coadministration with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia has been associated with the coadministration of dihydroergotamine with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including protease inhibitors, macrolide antibiotics, and antifungals. Because CYP3A4 inhibition elevates the serum levels of dihydroergotamine, the risk for vasospasm leading to cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities is increased. Hence, concomitant use of ATZUMI with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Myocardial Ischemia And/Or Infarction, Other Cardiac Adverse Reactions, And Fatalities

The potential for cardiac adverse reactions exists with ATZUMI treatment. Serious adverse cardiac events, including some that have been fatal, have occurred following use of dihydroergotamine.

These events have included acute myocardial infarction, life-threatening disturbances of cardiac rhythm (e.g., ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation), coronary artery vasospasm, and transient myocardial ischemia.

Prior to initiation of ATZUMI, a cardiovascular evaluation is recommended to determine if the patient is free of coronary artery and ischemic myocardial disease or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease. If, during the cardiovascular evaluation, the patient's medical history (including risk factors), or electrocardiographic investigation, findings are consistent with coronary artery vasospasm or myocardial ischemia, ATZUMI should not be administered [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

For patients with risk factors predictive of coronary artery disease (e.g., hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoker, obesity, diabetes, strong family history of coronary artery disease, females who are surgically or physiologically postmenopausal, or males who are over 40 years of age) who are determined to have a satisfactory cardiovascular evaluation, it is strongly recommended that administration of the first dose of ATZUMI take place in the setting of an equipped healthcare facility, unless the patient has previously received dihydroergotamine. During the interval immediately following the first use of ATZUMI, an electrocardiogram is recommended in those patients with risk factors because ischemia can occur in the absence of clinical symptoms.

Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions And Fatalities

The potential for adverse cerebrovascular adverse reactions exists with ATZUMI treatment. Cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, and other cerebrovascular events have been reported in patients treated with dihydroergotamine; and some have resulted in fatalities. In a number of cases, it appears possible that the cerebrovascular events were primary, the dihydroergotamine having been administered in the incorrect belief that the symptoms experienced were a consequence of migraine, when they were not. It should be noted that patients with migraine may be at increased risk of certain cerebrovascular events (e.g., stroke, hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack). Discontinue ATZUMI if a cerebrovascular event is suspected.

Other Vasospasm Related Adverse Reactions

ATZUMI, like other ergot alkaloids, may cause vasospastic reactions other than coronary artery vasospasm. Myocardial, peripheral vascular, and colonic ischemia have been reported with dihydroergotamine.

Dihydroergotamine associated vasospastic phenomena may also cause muscle pains, numbness, coldness, pallor, and cyanosis of the digits. In patients with compromised circulation, persistent vasospasm may result in gangrene or death. ATZUMI should be discontinued immediately if signs or symptoms of vasoconstriction develop.

Patients who experience other symptoms or signs suggestive of decreased arterial flow, such as ischemic bowel syndrome or Raynaud's syndrome, following the use of any 5-HT1 agonist, including ATZUMI, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Increase In Blood Pressure

Significant elevation in blood pressure has been reported on rare occasions in patients with and without a history of hypertension treated with dihydroergotamine. ATZUMI is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

An 18% increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure was seen following dosing with another 5-HT1 agonist in a study evaluating subjects undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Medication Overuse Headache

Overuse of acute migraine drugs (e.g., ergotamines, triptans, opioids, or a combination of these drugs for 10 or more days per month) may lead to exacerbation of headache (i.e., medication overuse headache). Medication overuse headache may present as migraine-like daily headaches or as a marked increase in frequency of migraine attacks. Detoxification of patients including withdrawal of the overused drugs and treatment of withdrawal symptoms (which often includes a transient worsening of headache) may be necessary.

Preterm Labor

Based on the mechanism of action of dihydroergotamine and findings from the published literature, ATZUMI may cause preterm labor. Avoid use of ATZUMI during pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Fibrotic Complications

The potential for fibrotic complications exists with ATZUMI treatment. There have been reports of pleural and retroperitoneal fibrosis in patients following prolonged daily use of dihydroergotamine . Rarely, prolonged daily use of other ergot alkaloid drugs has been associated with cardiac valvular fibrosis. Rare cases have also been reported in association with the use of dihydroergotamine; however, in those cases, patients also received drugs known to be associated with cardiac valvular fibrosis.

Administration of ATZUMI should not exceed the dosing guidelines and should not be used for chronic daily administration [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Local Irritation

Local irritative symptoms were reported in 29% of patients treated with at least one dose of ATZUMI in an open-labeled trial, which allowed repeated use of ATZUMI up to 12 months. The common local irritative symptoms (at least 1% of patients) were nasal discomfort (11%), altered taste (8%), nasal congestion (5%), nasopharyngitis (5%), rhinorrhea (4%), cough (3%), nasal pain (3%), epistaxis (2%), sneezing (2%), nasal pruritus (1%), and increased lacrimation (1%). If a severe local irritation event occurs for no other attributable reasons, avoid further use of ATZUMI until the event resolves. Monitor patients for severe recurrent local irritation.

Nasal tissue in animals treated with dihydroergotamine mesylate daily showed mild mucosal irritation characterized by mucous cell and transitional cell hyperplasia and squamous cell metaplasia. Changes in rat nasal mucosa at 64 weeks were less severe than at 13 weeks. Local effects on respiratory tissue after chronic intranasal dosing in animals have not been evaluated.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).

Serious And/Or Life-Threatening Reactions With Coadministration Of CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Inform patients that serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia (cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities) has been associated with the coadministration of dihydroergotamine and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as macrolide antibiotics and protease inhibitors [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Myocardial Ischemia And/Or Infarction, Other Cardiac Events, Cerebrovascular Events, And Fatalities

Inform patients of the risk for serious cardiac, cerebrovascular, and other vasospasm related events. Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they develop any risk factors or symptoms while taking ATZUMI. Inform patients that nicotine may provoke vasoconstriction predisposing to a greater ischemic response [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Increase In Blood Pressure

Inform patients of the risk for significant elevation in blood pressure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Medication Overuse Headache

Inform patients that use of drugs to treat migraine attacks for 10 or more days per month may lead to an exacerbation of headache, and encourage patients to record headache frequency and drug use (e.g., by keeping a headache diary) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Local Irritation

Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they have bothersome local irritation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Drug Interactions

Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, since there is a potential for interactions [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Pregnancy

Advise patients of the risk for preterm birth. Advise women to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or intend to become pregnant [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].

Lactation

Advise patients not to breastfeed during treatment with ATZUMI [see Use In Specific Populations].

Administration Instructions

Instruct patients not to squeeze ATZUMI before inserting it into the nostril because priming is not required. Inform patients that they will need to squeeze the air pump on the ATZUMI device three separate times into one nostril to give a dose. Instruct the patient to squeeze while inhaling, release to allow the air pump to expand back to its original shape, then repeat two more times [see Instructions for Use]. Tell patients to use fast, complete, pulse-like squeezes to deliver their dose. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

In a 2-year mouse carcinogenicity study, subcutaneous administration of dihydroergotamine mesylate (0, 0.5, 1.5, or 5 mg/kg/day) resulted in an increased incidence of fibrosarcoma at the injection sites in males and females at the high dose.

In a 2-year rat carcinogenicity study, intranasal administration of dihydroergotamine mesylate (0, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 mg/day for 13 weeks, followed by 0, 0.08, 0.24, or 0.8 mg/day for the remainder of the study) did not result in an increase in tumors.

Mutagenesis

Dihydroergotamine mesylate was negative in an in vitro mutagenicity (Ames) assay and positive in in vitro chromosomal aberration (V79 Chinese hamster cell assay with metabolic activation, and human peripheral blood lymphocyte) assays. Dihydroergotamine was negative in in vivo micronucleus assays in mouse and hamster.

Impairment Of Fertility

Intranasal administration of dihydroergotamine to rats at doses up to 1.6 mg/day was not associated with adverse effects on fertility.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Available data from published literature indicate an increased risk of preterm delivery with dihydroergotamine, the active moiety in ATZUMI, use during pregnancy. Avoid use of ATZUMI during pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Data collected over decades have shown no increased risk of major birth defects or miscarriage with the use of dihydroergotamine during pregnancy.

In animal reproduction studies, adverse effects on development were observed following intranasal administration of dihydroergotamine mesylate during pregnancy (decreased fetal body weight and/or skeletal ossification) in rats and rabbits or during pregnancy and lactation in rats (decreased body weight and impaired reproductive function in the offspring) at doses that were not associated with maternal toxicity (see Data).

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. The estimated rate of major birth defects (2.2% to 2.9%) and miscarriage (17%) among deliveries to women with migraine are similar to rates reported in women without migraine.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo/Fetal Risk

Published data have suggested that women with migraine may be at increased risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension during pregnancy.

Data

Animal Data

Intranasal administration of dihydroergotamine mesylate to pregnant rats throughout the period of organogenesis resulted in decreased fetal body weight and/or skeletal ossification at doses of 0.16 mg/day and greater. A no-effect level for adverse effects on embryofetal development was not identified in rats.

Intranasal administration of dihydroergotamine mesylate to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis resulted in decreased skeletal ossification at 3.6 mg/day. The no-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rabbits was 1.2 mg/day.

Intranasal administration of dihydroergotamine mesylate to female rats throughout pregnancy and lactation resulted in decreased body weight and impaired reproductive function (decreased mating indices) in the offspring at doses of 0.16 mg/day or greater. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats was not established. Effects on offspring development occurred at doses below those that produced evidence of significant maternal toxicity in these studies.

Dihydroergotamine-induced intrauterine growth retardation has been attributed to reduced uteroplacental blood flow resulting from prolonged vasoconstriction of the uterine vessels and/or increased myometrial tone.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of dihydroergotamine in human milk; however, ergotamine, a related drug, is present in human milk. There are reports of diarrhea, vomiting, weak pulse, and unstable blood pressure in breastfed infants exposed to ergotamine. ATZUMI may reduce milk supply because it may decrease prolactin levels. Because of the potential for reduced milk supply and serious adverse events in the breastfed infant, including diarrhea, vomiting, weak pulse, and unstable blood pressure, advise patients not to breastfeed during treatment with ATZUMI and for 3 days after the last dose. Breast milk supply during this time should be pumped and discarded.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of ATZUMI have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of ATZUMI and other dihydroergotamine products did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Overdose Information for Atzumi

Symptoms

Excessive doses of dihydroergotamine may result in peripheral signs and symptoms of ergotism. In general, the symptoms of an acute ATZUMI overdose may be similar to those of an ergotamine overdose, although there may be less pronounced nausea and vomiting with ATZUMI. The symptoms of an ergotamine overdose include the following: numbness, tingling, pain, and cyanosis of the extremities associated with diminished or absent peripheral pulses; respiratory depression; an increase and/or decrease in blood pressure, usually in that order; confusion, delirium, convulsions, and coma; and/or some degree of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In laboratory animals, dihydroergotamine mesylate was lethal when given at intravenous doses of 44 mg/kg in mice, 130 mg/kg in rats, and 37 mg/kg in rabbits.

Treatment

Treatment of an overdose of ATZUMI should consist of discontinuation of the drug, general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs, and observation of the clinical status of the patient for at least 24 hours, or while symptoms or signs persist. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.

Contraindications for Atzumi

ATZUMI is contraindicated in patients:

  • with concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]
  • with ischemic heart disease (e.g., angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, or documented silent ischemia) or patients who have clinical symptoms or findings consistent with coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal's variant angina [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • with uncontrolled hypertension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • with peripheral arterial disease
  • with sepsis
  • following vascular surgery
  • with severe hepatic impairment
  • with severe renal impairment
  • with known hypersensitivity to ergot alkaloids
  • with recent use (i.e., within 24 hours) of other 5-HT1 agonists or ergotamine-containing or ergottype medications [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]
  • with concomitant use of peripheral and central vasoconstrictors because the combination may result in additive or synergistic elevation of blood pressure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Pharmacology for Atzumi

Mechanism Of Action

Dihydroergotamine binds with high affinity to 5-HT1Dα and 5-HT1Dβ receptors.

The therapeutic activity of dihydroergotamine in migraine is generally attributed to the agonist effects at 5-HT1D receptors.

Pharmacodynamics

Significant elevation in blood pressure has been reported in patients treated with dihydroergotamine with and without a history of hypertension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Dihydroergotamine possesses oxytocic properties [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Following ATZUMI administration, the mean maximum plasma concentration was 2.1 ng/mL, and the median time from dosing to maximum plasma concentration was approximately 0.5 hours.

Distribution

Dihydroergotamine is 93% plasma protein bound. The apparent steady-state volume of distribution is approximately 800 liters.

Elimination

The mean apparent half-life of dihydroergotamine following nasal administration of ATZUMI in healthy subjects is approximately 13 hours.

Metabolism

Four dihydroergotamine mesylate metabolites have been identified in human plasma following oral administration. The major metabolite, 8'-β-hydroxydihydroergotamine, exhibits affinity equivalent to its parent for adrenergic and 5-HT1 receptors and demonstrates equivalent potency in several venoconstrictor activity models, in vivo and in vitro. The other metabolites, (i.e., dihydrolysergic acid, dihydrolysergic amide) and a metabolite formed by oxidative opening of the proline ring are of minor importance.

Following nasal administration of ATZUMI, the 8'-β-hydroxydihydroergotamine metabolite plasma AUC was approximately 16% of the plasma AUC of dihydroergotamine, and the mean Cmax (5.7% of parent) was below the minimal concentrations required for receptor binding for adrenergic and 5-HT1 receptors.

Excretion

The major excretory route of dihydroergotamine is via the bile in the feces. The total body clearance following ATZUMI administration is 1.5 L/min which reflects mainly hepatic clearance. The renal clearance (0.1 L/min) is unaffected by the route of dihydroergotamine administration based on other dihydroergotamine products.

Specific Populations

No studies have been conducted on the effect of renal or hepatic impairment, gender, race, ethnicity, or pregnancy on dihydroergotamine pharmacokinetics [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, Use In Specific Populations].

Drug Interaction Studies

CYP3A4 Inhibitors

In a drug interaction study, administration of ATZUMI with itraconazole increased dihydroergotamine plasma exposure by 14% for Cmax and 19% for AUC while the plasma exposures (Cmax and AUC0-inf) of 8'-β-hydroxy dihydroergotamine (8'-OH-DHE, active metabolite) were increased by approximately 4-fold and 3-fold, respectively [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Other Drugs

The pharmacokinetics of dihydroergotamine did not appear to be significantly affected by the concomitant use of a local vasoconstrictor.

Multiple oral doses of the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol, used for preventive treatment of migraine, had no significant influence on the Cmax, Tmax or AUC of dihydroergotamine doses up to 4 mg [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

The effect of oral contraceptives on the pharmacokinetics of dihydroergotamine has not been studied.

Clinical Studies

The efficacy of ATZUMI for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults was based on the relative bioavailability of ATZUMI nasal powder compared to dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray.

The clinical trials described below were conducted using dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray.

The efficacy of dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray for the acute treatment of migraine headaches was evaluated in four randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled studies in the U.S. The patient population for the trials was predominantly female (87%) and Caucasian (95%) with a mean age of 39 years (range 18 to 65 years). Patients treated a single moderate to severe migraine headache with a single dose of study medication and assessed pain severity over the 24 hours following treatment. Headache response was determined 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after dosing and was defined as a reduction in headache severity to mild or no pain. In studies 1 and 2, a four-point pain intensity scale was utilized; in studies 3 and 4, a five-point scale was used to record pain response. Although rescue medication was allowed in all four studies, patients were instructed not to use them during the four hour observation period. In studies 3 and 4, a total dose of 2 mg was compared to placebo. In studies 1 and 2, doses of 2 and 3 mg were evaluated, and showed no advantage of the higher dose for a single treatment. In all studies, patients received a regimen consisting of 0.5 mg in each nostril, repeated in 15 minutes (and again in another 15 minutes for the 3 mg dose in studies 1 and 2).

The percentage of patients achieving headache response 4 hours after treatment was significantly greater in patients receiving 2 mg doses of dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray compared to those receiving placebo in 3 of the 4 studies (see Table 2 and Table 3 and Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Table 2 : Studies 1 and 2: Percentage of Patients with Headache Responsea 2 and 4 Hours Following a Single Treatment of Study Medication (Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray or Placebo)

N 2 hours 4 hours
Study 1 Dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray 105 61%** 70%**
Placebo 98 23% 28%
Difference from Placebo 37% 42%
Study 2 Dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray 103 47% 56%*
Placebo 102 33% 35%
Difference from Placebo 14% 21%
aHeadache response was defined as a reduction in headache severity to mild or no pain. Headache response was based on pain intensity as interpreted by the patient using a four-point pain intensity scale.
*p value < 0.01
**p value < 0.001

Table 3 : Studies 3 and 4: Percentage of Patients with Headache Responsea 2 and 4 Hours Following a Single Treatment of Study Medication (Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray or Placebo)

N 2 hours 4 hours
Study 3 Dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray 50 32% 48%*
Placebo 50 20% 22%
Difference from Placebo 12% 26%
Study 4 Dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray 47 30% 47%
Placebo 50 20% 30%
Difference from Placebo 10% 17%
aHeadache response was defined as a reduction in headache severity to mild or no pain. Headache response was evaluated on a five-point scale that included pain response.
*p value < 0.01

The Kaplan-Meier plots below (Figure 1 and Figure 2) provides an estimate of the probability that a patient will have responded to a single 2 mg dose of dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray as a function of the time elapsed since initiation of treatment.

Figure 1 : Estimated Probability of a Patient Responding During the Four Hours Following a Single 2 mg Dose of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray as a Function of the Time Elapsed Since Initiation of Treatment*

Estimated Probability of a Patient Responding During the Four Hours Following a Single 2 mg Dose of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray as a Function of the Time Elapsed Since Initiation of Treatment* Illustration

*The figure shows the probability over time of obtaining a response following treatment with dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray. Headache response was based on pain intensity as interpreted by the patient using a four-point pain intensity scale. Patients not achieving response within 4 hours were censored to 4 hours.

Figure 2 : Estimated Probability of a Patient Responding to Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray During the Four Hours Following Dosing*

Estimated Probability of a Patient Responding to Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray During the Four Hours Following Dosing* Illustration

*The figure shows the probability over time of obtaining a response following treatment with dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray. Headache response was evaluated on a five-point scale that included pain response. Patients not achieving response within 4 hours were censored to 4 hours.

For patients with migraine-associated nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia at baseline, there was a lower incidence of these symptoms at 2 and 4 hours following administration of dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray compared to placebo.

Patients were not allowed to use additional treatments for 8 hours prior to study medication dosing and during the 4-hour observation period following study treatment. Following the 4-hour observation period, patients were allowed to use additional treatments. For all studies, the estimated probability of patients using additional treatments for their migraines over the 24 hours following the single 2 mg dose of study treatment is summarized in Figure 3 below.

Figure 3 : Estimated Probability of a Patient Using Additional Treatments for Migraine Over the 24 Hours Following Either Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray 2 mg (or Placebo)*

Estimated Probability of a Patient Using Additional Treatments for Migraine Over the 24 Hours Following Either Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Nasal Spray 2 mg (or Placebo)* Illustration

*Kaplan-Meier plot based on data obtained from all studies with patients not using additional treatments censored to 24 hours. All patients received a single treatment of study medication for their migraine attack. The plot also includes patients who had no response to the initial dose.

Neither age nor sex appear to affect the patient's response to dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray. The racial distribution of patients was insufficient to determine the effect of race on the efficacy of dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray.

Patient Information for Atzumi

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section.

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