DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION:
Always provide the Client
Information Sheet with prescription.
The starting dose for the
treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs is 1.0-3.0 mg/lb (2.2-6.7
mg/kg) once a day based on body weight and capsule size (see Table 1).
VETORYL Capsules should be administered with food.
Table
1: Starting dose
|
Weight range (pounds) |
Weight range (kg) |
Starting dose (mg) ONCE DAILY |
|
≥ 10 to < 22 |
≥ 4.5 to < 10 |
30 |
|
≥ 22 to < 44 |
≥ 10 to < 20 |
60 |
|
≥ 44 to < 88 |
≥ 20 to < 40 |
120 (2 x 60 mg) |
|
≥ 88 to < 132* |
≥ 40 to < 60* |
180 (3 x 60 mg) |
* Dogs over 132 pounds (60
kg) should be administered the appropriate combination of capsules.
After approximately 10-14
days at this dose, re-examine the dog and conduct a 4-6 hour post-dosing
ACTH stimulation test.
If physical examination is
acceptable, take action according to Table 2.
Table
2: Action at 10-14 day evaluation
|
Post-ACTH serum cortisol |
Action |
|
µg/dL |
nmol/L |
|
< 1.45 |
< 40 |
Stop treatment.
Re-start at a decreased dose |
|
1.45 to 5.4 |
40 to 150 |
Continue on same
dose |
|
> 5.4 to 9.1 |
> 150 to 250 |
EITHER: Continue on current dose if clinical signs are well
controlled
OR: Increase dose if clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism
are still evident* |
|
> 9.1 |
> 250 |
Increase initial
dose |
* Combinations of capsule
sizes should be used to slowly increase the once daily dose.
Individual
dose adjustments and close monitoring are essential. Re-examine and
conduct an ACTH stimulation test 10-14 days after every
dose alteration. Care must be taken during dose increases to monitor the
dog’s clinical signs and serum electrolyte concentrations. Once daily
administration is recommended. However, if clinical signs are not
controlled for the full day, twice daily dosing may be needed using
combinations of capsule sizes to slowly increase the dose. For once
daily doses up to 90 mg, increase the total daily dose by 30 mg and
divide into 2 doses given 12 hours apart. For once daily doses ≥120 mg,
increase the total daily dose by 60 mg and divide into 2 doses given 12
hours apart.
Long Term
Monitoring
Once an optimum dose of
VETORYL Capsules has been reached, re-examine the dog at 30 days, 90
days and every 3 months thereafter. At a minimum, this monitoring should
include a thorough history and physical examination, ACTH stimulation
test
(conducted 4-6 hours after
VETORYL Capsule administration), and serum biochemical tests (with
particular attention to electrolytes, renal and hepatic function). A
post-ACTH stimulation test resulting in a cortisol of < 1.45 µg/dL (< 40
nmol/L), with or without electrolyte abnormalities, may precede the
development of clinical signs of hypoadrenocorticism. Good control is
indicated by favorable clinical signs as well as post-ACTH serum
cortisol of 1.45-9.1 µg/dL (40-250 nmol/L).
If the ACTH stimulation
test is < 1.45 µg/dL (< 40 nmol/L) and/or if electrolyte imbalances
characteristic of hypoadrenocorticism (hyperkalemia and hyponatremia)
are found, VETORYL Capsules should be temporarily discontinued until
recurrence of clinical signs consistent with hyperadrenocorticism and
test results return to normal (1.45-9.1 µg/dL or 40-250 nmol/L). VETORYL
Capsules may then be re-introduced at a lower dose.
Owners should be
instructed to stop therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately in
the event of adverse reactions or unusual developments.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
The use of VETORYL
Capsules is contraindicated in dogs that have demonstrated
hypersensitivity to trilostane.
Do not use VETORYL
Capsules in animals with primary hepatic disease or renal insufficiency.
Do not use in pregnant
dogs. Studies conducted with trilostane in laboratory animals have shown
teratogenic effects and early pregnancy loss.
WARNINGS:
In case of overdosage,
symptomatic treatment of hypoadrenocorticism with corticosteroids,
mineralocorticoids and intravenous fluids may be required.
Angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should be used with caution with VETORYL
Capsules, as both drugs have aldosterone-lowering effects which may be
additive, impairing the patient's ability to maintain normal
electrolytes, blood volume and renal perfusion. Potassium sparing
diuretics (e.g. spironolactone) should not be used with VETORYL Capsules
as both drugs have the potential to inhibit aldosterone, increasing the
likelihood of hyperkalemia.
HUMAN
WARNINGS:
Keep out of reach of
children. Not for human use.
Wash hands after use. Do
not empty capsule contents and do not attempt to divide the capsules. Do
not handle the capsules if pregnant or if trying to conceive. Trilostane
is associated with teratogenic effects and early pregnancy loss in
laboratory animals. In the event of accidental ingestion/overdose, seek
medical advice immediately and take the labeled container with you.
PRECAUTIONS:
Hypoadrenocorticism can
develop at any dose of VETORYL Capsules. In some cases, it may take
months for adrenal function to return and some dogs never regain
adequate adrenal function.
A small percentage of dogs
may develop corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome within 10 days of
starting treatment. This phenomenon results from acute withdrawal of
circulating glucocorticoids; clinical signs include weakness, lethargy,
anorexia, and weight loss1. These
clinical signs should be differentiated from an early hypoadrenocortical
crisis by measurement of serum electrolyte concentrations and
performance of an ACTH stimulation test. Corticosteroid withdrawal
syndrome should respond to cessation of VETORYL Capsules (duration of
discontinuation based on the severity of the clinical signs) and
restarting at a lower dose.
Mitotane (o,p’-DDD)
treatment will reduce adrenal function. Experience in foreign markets
suggests that when mitotane therapy is stopped, an interval of at least
one month should elapse before the introduction of VETORYL Capsules. It
is important to wait for both the recurrence of clinical signs
consistent with hyperadrenocorticism, and a post-ACTH cortisol level of
> 9.1 µg/dL (> 250 nmol/L) before treatment with VETORYL Capsules is
initiated. Close monitoring of adrenal function is advised, as dogs
previously treated with mitotane may be more responsive to the effects
of VETORYL Capsules.
The use of VETORYL
Capsules will not affect the adrenal tumor itself. Adrenalectomy should
be considered as an option for cases that are good surgical candidates.
The safe use of this drug
has not been evaluated in lactating dogs and males intended for
breeding.
ADVERSE
REACTIONS:
The most common adverse
reactions reported are poor/reduced appetite, vomiting,
lethargy/dullness, diarrhea, and weakness. Occasionally, more serious
reactions, including severe depression, hemorrhagic diarrhea, collapse,
hypoadrenocortical crisis or adrenal necrosis/rupture may occur, and may
result in death.
In a US field study
with 107 dogs, adrenal necrosis/rupture (two dogs) and
hypoadrenocorticism (two dogs) were the most severe adverse reactions in
the study. One dog died suddenly of adrenal necrosis, approximately one
week after starting trilostane therapy. One dog developed an adrenal
rupture, believed to be secondary to adrenal necrosis, approximately six
weeks after starting trilostane therapy. This dog responded to
trilostane discontinuation and supportive care.
Two dogs developed
hypoadrenocorticism during the study. These two dogs had clinical signs
consistent with hypoadrenocorticism (lethargy, anorexia, collapse) and
post-ACTH cortisol levels ≤ 0.3 µg/dL. Both dogs responded to trilostane
discontinuation and supportive care, and one dog required continued
treatment for hypoadrenocorticism (glucocorticoids and
mineralocorticoids) after the acute presentation.
Additional adverse
reactions were observed in 93 dogs. The most common of these included
diarrhea (31 dogs), lethargy (30 dogs), inappetence/anorexia (27 dogs),
vomiting (28 dogs), musculoskeletal signs (lameness, worsening of
degenerative joint disease) (25 dogs), urinary tract infection (UTI)/hematuria
(17 dogs), shaking/shivering (10 dogs), otitis externa (8 dogs),
respiratory signs
(coughing, congestion) (7 dogs), and skin/coat abnormality (seborrhea,
pruritus) (8 dogs).
Five dogs died or were
euthanized during the study (one dog secondary to adrenal necrosis,
discussed above, two dogs due to progression of pre-existing congestive
heart failure, one dog due to progressive central nervous system signs,
and one dog due to cognitive decline leading to inappropriate
elimination). In addition to the two dogs with adrenal necrosis/rupture
and the two dogs with hypoadrenocorticism, an additional four dogs were
removed from the study as a result of possible trilostane-related
adverse reactions, including collapse, lethargy, inappetence, and
trembling.
Complete blood counts
conducted pre- and post-treatment revealed a statistically significant
(p <0.005) reduction in red cell variables (HCT, HGB, and RBC), but the
mean values remained within the normal range. Additionally,
approximately 10% of the dogs had elevated BUN values (≥ 40 mg/dL) in
the absence of concurrent creatinine elevations. In general, these dogs
were clinically normal at the time of the elevated BUN.
In a long term follow-up
study of dogs in the US effectiveness study, the adverse reactions were
similar to the short-term study. Vomiting, diarrhea and general
gastrointestinal signs were most commonly observed. Lethargy,
inappetence/anorexia, heart murmur or cardiopulmonary signs,
inappropriate urination/incontinence, urinary tract infections or
genitourinary disease, and neurological signs were reported. Included in
the US follow-up study were 14 deaths, three of which were possibly
related to trilostane. Eleven dogs died or were euthanized during the
study for a variety of conditions considered to be unrelated to or to
have an unknown relationship with administration of trilostane.
In two UK field studies
with 75 dogs, the most common adverse reactions seen were vomiting,
lethargy, diarrhea/loose stools, and anorexia. Other adverse reactions
included: nocturia, corneal ulcer, cough, persistent estrus, vaginal
discharge and vulvar swelling in a spayed female, hypoadrenocorticism,
electrolyte imbalance (elevated potassium with or without decreased
sodium), collapse and seizure, shaking, muscle tremors, constipation,
scratching, weight gain, and weight loss. One dog died of congestive
heart failure and another died of pulmonary thromboembolism. Three dogs
were euthanized during the study. Two dogs had renal failure and another
had worsening arthritis and deterioration of appetite.
In a long term follow-up
of dogs included in the UK field studies, the following adverse
reactions were seen: hypoadrenocortical episode (including syncope,
tremor, weakness, and vomiting) hypoadrenocortical crisis or renal
failure (including azotemia, vomiting, dehydration, and collapse),
chronic intermittent vaginal discharge, hemorrhagic diarrhea, occasional
vomiting, and distal limb edema. Signs of hypoadrenocorticism were
usually reversible after withdrawal of the drug, but may be permanent.
One dog discontinued VETORYL Capsules and continued to have
hypoadrenocorticism when evaluated a year later. Included in the
follow-up were reports of deaths, at least 5 of which were possibly
related to use of VETORYL Capsules. These included dogs that died or
were euthanized because of renal failure, hypoadrenocortical crisis,
hemorrhagic diarrhea, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
Foreign Market Experience:
The following events were reported voluntarily during post-approval use
of VETORYL Capsules in foreign markets. The most serious adverse events
were death, adrenal necrosis, hypoadrenocorticism (electrolyte
alterations, weakness, collapse, anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea,
and azotemia), and corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome (weakness,
lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss). Additional adverse events
included: renal failure, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, autoimmune
hemolytic anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, skin reactions (rash,
erythematous skin eruptions), hind limb paresis, seizures, neurological
signs from growth of macroadenomas, oral ulceration, and muscle tremors.
For a copy of the Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), or to report adverse reactions, call Dechra
Veterinary Products at (866) 933-2472.
INFORMATION FOR DOG OWNERS:
Owners should be aware
that the most common adverse reactions may include: an unexpected
decrease in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy and should receive
the Client Information Sheet with the prescription. Owners should be
informed that control of hyperadrenocorticism should result in
resolution of polyphagia, polyuria and polydipsia.
Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug can occur without
warning and in rare situations result in death (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).
Owners should be advised to discontinue VETORYL Capsules and contact
their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed.
Owners should be advised of the importance of periodic follow-up for all
dogs during administration of VETORYL Capsules.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:
Trilostane absorption is
enhanced by administration with food. In healthy dogs, maximal plasma
levels of trilostane occur within 1.5 hours, returning to baseline
levels within twelve hours, although large inter-dog variation occurs.
There is no accumulation of trilostane or its metabolites over time.
EFFECTIVENESS:
Eighty-three dogs with
hyperadrenocorticism were enrolled in a multi-center US field study.
Additionally, 30 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were enrolled in two UK
field studies. Results from these studies demonstrated that treatment
with VETORYL Capsules resulted in an improvement in clinical signs
(decreased thirst, decreased frequency of urination, decreased panting,
and improvement of appetite and activity). Improvement in post-ACTH
cortisol levels occurred in most cases within 14 days of starting
VETORYL Capsules therapy.
In these three studies,
there were a total of 10 dogs diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism due to
an adrenal tumor or due to concurrent pituitary and adrenal tumors.
Evaluation of these cases failed to demonstrate a difference in
clinical, endocrine, or biochemical response when compared to cases of
pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
ANIMAL
SAFETY:
In a laboratory study,
VETORYL Capsules were administered to 8 healthy 6 month old Beagles per
group at 0X (empty capsules), 1X, 3X, and 5X the maximum starting dose
of 6.7 mg/kg twice daily for 90 days. Three animals in the 3X group
(receiving 20.1 mg/kg twice daily) and five animals in the 5X group
(receiving 33.5 mg/kg twice daily) died between Days 23 and 46. They
showed one or more of the following clinical signs: decreased appetite,
decreased activity, weight loss, dehydration, soft stool, slight muscle
tremors, diarrhea, lateral recumbency, and staggering gait. Bloodwork
showed hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and azotemia, consistent with
hypoadrenocortical crisis. Post-mortem findings included epithelial
necrosis or cystic dilation of duodenal mucosal crypts, gastric mucosal
or thymic hemorrhage, atrial thrombosis, pyelitis and cystitis, and
inflammation of the lungs.
ACTH stimulated cortisol
release was reduced in all dogs treated with VETORYL Capsules. The dogs
in the 3X and 5X groups had decreased activity. The 5X dogs had less
weight gain than the other groups. The 3X and 5X dogs had lower sodium,
albumin, total protein, and cholesterol compared to the control dogs.
The 5X dogs had lower mean corpuscular volume than the controls. There
was a dose dependent increase in amylase. Post-mortem findings included
dose dependent adrenal cortical hypertrophy.
STORAGE
INFORMATION:
Store at controlled room
temperature 25°C (77°F) with excursions between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F)
permitted.
HOW
SUPPLIED:
VETORYL Capsules are
available in 30 and 60 mg strengths, packaged in aluminum foil blister
cards of 10 capsules, with 3 cards per carton.