2.1 Nasal Polyps

Adults (18 years and older): The recommended dosage of XHANCE nasal spray is 1 spray (93 mcg of fluticasone propionate per spray) in each nostril twice daily (total daily dose, 372 mcg). A dose of 2 sprays (93 mcg of fluticasone propionate per spray) in each nostril twice daily may also be effective in some patients (total daily dose, 744 mcg). The maximum total daily dosage should not exceed 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily (total daily dose, 744 mcg).

Patients should use XHANCE at regular intervals since its effectiveness depends on regular use. Individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and different degrees of symptom relief.

The safety and efficacy of XHANCE when administered in excess of recommended doses have not been established.

2.2 Administration Information

Administer XHANCE by the intranasal route only, avoiding spraying directly on the nasal septum. Shake XHANCE before each use. Before initial use, prime XHANCE by first gently shaking and then pressing the bottle 7 times or until a fine mist appears. Direct the spray into the air, away from the face. When XHANCE has not been used for ≥ 7 days, prime the pump again by shaking and releasing 2 sprays into the air, away from the face.

XHANCE is delivered into the nose by actuating the pump spray into one nostril while simultaneously blowing (exhaling) into the mouthpiece of the device. To administer XHANCE, insert the tapered tip of the cone-shaped nosepiece deep into one nostril and form a tight seal between the nosepiece and the nostril. Next, place the flexible mouthpiece into the mouth, bending it as necessary to maintain a tight seal. Blow into the mouthpiece, and while continuing to blow, push the bottle up to actuate the spray pump. Continuing to blow through the mouth, but not inhaling or exhaling through the nose, at the time of actuation is important to achieve intended drug deposition. Repeat the process in the other nostril for a full dose.

5.1 Local Nasal Effects

Epistaxis, Nasal Erosions and Ulcerations

In placebo-controlled clinical trials of 16 weeks duration, epistaxis, nasal erosions, and nasal ulcerations were reported more frequently in patients treated with XHANCE than those who received placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Nasal Septal Perforation

Nasal septal perforations have been reported in patients following the intranasal application of XHANCE. In placebo-controlled clinical trials of 16 weeks duration, nasal septal perforations were reported in 1 (0.3%) patient treated with XHANCE compared with none treated with placebo. The patient had a prior history of nasal/sinus surgery. Three (0.3%) patients treated with XHANCE in uncontrolled, open-label trials of 3 to 12 months duration developed nasal septal perforations.

As with any long term topical treatment of the nasal cavity, patients using XHANCE over several months or longer should be examined periodically for possible changes in the nasal mucosa. If a septal perforation is noted, discontinue XHANCE. Avoid spraying XHANCE directly on the septum.

Candida Infection

In clinical trials with XHANCE, localized infections with Candida albicans have been observed. Eight (0.9%) patients in uncontrolled, open-label trials of 3 to 12 months duration developed Candida albicans infections (nasal, pharyngeal, esophageal or intestinal). If such an infection develops, it may require treatment with appropriate local therapy and discontinuation of XHANCE. Patients using XHANCE should be examined periodically for evidence of Candida infection in the nasal and oropharyngeal mucosa.

Impaired Wound Healing

Because of the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on wound healing, patients who have experienced recent nasal ulcerations, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should avoid using XHANCE until healing has occurred.

5.2 Glaucoma and Cataracts

Nasal and inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, may result in the development of glaucoma and/or cataracts. In placebo-controlled clinical trials of 16 weeks duration, cataracts were reported in 4 (1.2%) patients treated with XHANCE, compared with 3 (1.9%) patients treated with placebo. Among these patients, 2 patients treated with XHANCE reported subcapsular cataracts compared with none treated with placebo. Eleven patients (1.2%) in uncontrolled, open-label trials of 3 to 12 months duration developed new or worsening cataracts, of which none were subcapsular. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma, and/or cataracts.

5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis

XHANCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients of XHANCE. Discontinue XHANCE if such reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, contact dermatitis, rash, hypotension, and bronchospasm) occur [see Contraindications (4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.4 Immunosuppression

Persons who are using drugs that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals and may experience a worsening of existing infections. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in susceptible adults using corticosteroids. In such adults who have not had these diseases or been properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route, and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If a patient is exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If a patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chickenpox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.

Corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract; systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.5 Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Effects

Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur when intranasal corticosteroids, such as XHANCE, are used at higher than recommended dosages or in susceptible individuals at recommended dosages. Since fluticasone propionate is absorbed into the circulation and can be systemically active at higher doses, recommended dosages of XHANCE should not be exceeded to avoid hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysfunction. A relationship between plasma levels of fluticasone propionate and inhibitory effects on stimulated cortisol production has been shown after 4 weeks of pulmonary treatment with fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol. Since individual sensitivity to effects on cortisol production exists, physicians should consider this information when prescribing XHANCE.

Patients treated with XHANCE should be observed carefully for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression (including adrenal crisis). If such effects occur, the dosage of XHANCE should be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing systemic corticosteroids, and other treatments for management of nasal symptoms should be considered. Particular care should be taken in observing patients postoperatively or during periods of stress for evidence of inadequate adrenal response.

The replacement of a systemic corticosteroid with a topical corticosteroid can be accompanied by signs of adrenal insufficiency. In addition, some patients may experience symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal (e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, depression). After withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids, a number of months are required for recovery of HPA function. Patients previously treated for prolonged periods with systemic corticosteroids and transferred to topical corticosteroids should be carefully monitored for acute adrenal insufficiency in response to stress such as trauma, surgery, infection (particularly gastroenteritis), or other conditions associated with severe electrolyte loss. In patients who have asthma or other clinical conditions requiring long-term systemic corticosteroid treatment, rapid decreases in systemic corticosteroid dosages may cause a severe exacerbation of their symptoms [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

5.6 Drug Interactions with Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors

The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, voriconazole) with XHANCE is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid adverse effects may occur [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.7 Reduction in Bone Mineral Density

Decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) have been observed with long-term oral inhalation of products containing corticosteroids into the lungs. The clinical significance of small changes in BMD with regard to long-term consequences such as fracture is unknown. Patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization, family history of osteoporosis, postmenopausal status, tobacco use, advanced age, poor nutrition, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids), should be monitored and treated with established standards of care.

A 2-year trial in 160 subjects (females aged 18 to 40 years, males aged 18 to 50 years) with asthma receiving chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-propelled fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol 88 or 440 mcg twice daily demonstrated no statistically significant changes in BMD at any time point (24, 52, 76, and 104 weeks of double-blind treatment) as assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at lumbar regions L1 through L4.

5.8 Effect on Growth

Intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. The safety and efficacy of XHANCE has not been established in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

6.1 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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The safety data described below are based on two placebo-controlled clinical trials evaluating doses of a fluticasone propionate nasal spray with an exhalation delivery system from 93 mcg twice daily to 372 mcg twice daily. Both trials were 16-weeks in duration with an additional 8-week open-label extension. The trials included a total of 643 adult subjects with bilateral nasal polyps and associated moderate or severe nasal congestion of which 161 received 93 mcg twice daily, 160 received 186 mcg twice daily, 161 received 372 mcg twice daily and 161 received placebo. The overall pooled safety data included 296 (46.0%) Female, 347 (54.0%) Male, 584 (90.8%) White, 39 (6.1%) Black, 9 (1.4%) Asian, and 11 (1.7%) subjects classified as Other. Of these patients, 45 (7%) were 65 years of age or older.

Table 1 displays adverse reactions with an incidence of ≥ 3% in the XHANCE 186 mcg and 372 mcg twice daily subjects, and more common than placebo.

Other adverse reactions with XHANCE observed with an incidence < 3% but ≥ 1% and more common than placebo included: nasal dryness, sinusitis, oropharyngeal pain, toothache, intraocular pressure increase, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, and weight increase.

5.0% of subjects treated with XHANCE 186 mcg twice daily and 1.2% of subjects treated with 372 mcg twice daily discontinued from the clinical trials prior to the open-label extension because of adverse reactions compared to 4.3% of subjects treated with placebo.

There were no clinically relevant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions based on gender. Clinical trials did not include sufficient numbers of non-Caucasian patients or patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from Caucasian or younger patients, respectively.

The adverse reactions observed during uncontrolled, open-label trials of 3 to 12 months duration in subjects with chronic sinusitis with and without nasal polyps receiving XHANCE 372 mcg twice daily were similar to the adverse reactions reported in clinical trials in patients with nasal polyps.

7.1 Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4

Fluticasone propionate is a substrate of CYP3A4. The use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, voriconazole) with XHANCE is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid adverse effects may occur.

Ritonavir

A drug interaction trial with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray in healthy subjects has shown that ritonavir (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) can significantly increase plasma fluticasone propionate exposure, resulting in significantly reduced serum cortisol concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. During postmarketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone propionate products with ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression.

Ketoconazole

Coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (1000 mcg) and ketoconazole (200 mg once daily) resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure and a 45% decrease in plasma cortisol area under the curve (AUC), but had no effect on urinary excretion of cortisol.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of XHANCE in pediatric patients have not been established.

Effects on Growth

Controlled clinical trials have shown that intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. This effect was observed in the absence of laboratory evidence of HPA axis suppression, suggesting that growth velocity is a more sensitive indicator of systemic corticosteroid exposure in pediatric patients than some commonly used tests of HPA axis function. The long-term effects of this reduction in growth velocity associated with intranasal corticosteroids, including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The potential for “catch-up” growth following discontinuation of treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has not been adequately studied. The growth of pediatric patients receiving intranasal corticosteroids should be monitored routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against the clinical benefits obtained and the risks associated with alternative therapies.

Controlled clinical trials have shown that corticosteroids orally inhaled into the lungs may cause a reduction in growth in pediatric patients. In these trials, the mean reduction in growth velocity was approximately 1 cm/year (range: 0.3 to 1.8 cm/year) and appeared to depend upon dose and duration of exposure. The effects on growth velocity of treatment with corticosteroids orally inhaled into the lungs for over 1 year, including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The growth of children and adolescents receiving corticosteroids should be monitored routinely (e.g., via stadiometry) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of XHANCE did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and older to determine whether they responded differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience with fluticasone administered intranasal or orally inhaled has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

Formal pharmacokinetic trials using XHANCE have not been conducted in subjects with hepatic impairment. Since fluticasone propionate is predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.

8.7 Renal Impairment

Formal pharmacokinetic trials using XHANCE have not been conducted in subjects with renal impairment.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. Fluticasone propionate has been shown in vitro to exhibit a binding affinity for the human glucocorticoid receptor that is 18 times that of dexamethasone, almost twice that of beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (BMP), the active metabolite of beclomethasone dipropionate, and over 3 times that of budesonide. Data from the McKenzie vasoconstrictor assay in man are consistent with these results. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

The precise mechanism through which fluticasone propionate affects nasal polyps and associated inflammatory symptoms is not known. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of effects on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) involved in inflammation. The anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids contributes to their efficacy. In 7 trials in adults, fluticasone propionate nasal spray decreased nasal mucosal eosinophils in 66% of patients (35% for placebo) and basophils in 39% of patients (28% for placebo). In addition, studies suggest that carbon dioxide, which is present in the exhaled breath delivered into the nose through the device, may influence inflammatory mediator activity and neuropeptide activity, possibly through mechanisms of action that also include removal of nitric oxide, change in pH, or positive pressure. The direct relationship of these findings to long-term symptom relief is not known.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

HPA Axis Effect

The potential systemic effects of XHANCE on the HPA axis have not been evaluated.

Serum cortisol concentrations, urinary excretion of cortisol, and urine 6-β- hydroxycortisol excretion collected over 24 hours in 24 healthy subjects following 8 oral inhalations of fluticasone propionate 44, 110, and 220 mcg decreased with increasing dose. However, in patients with asthma treated with 2 oral inhalations of fluticasone propionate 44, 110, and 220 mcg twice daily for at least 4 weeks, differences in serum cortisol AUC0-12h (n = 65) and 24-hour urinary excretion of cortisol (n = 47) compared with placebo were not related to dose and generally not significant.

The potential systemic effects of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate on the HPA axis were also studied in subjects with asthma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6)]. Fluticasone propionate given by oral inhalation aerosol at dosages of 440 or 880 mcg twice daily was compared with placebo in oral corticosteroid‑dependent subjects with asthma (range of mean dose of prednisone at baseline: 13 to 14 mg/day) in a 16-week trial. Consistent with maintenance treatment with oral corticosteroids, abnormal plasma cortisol responses to short cosyntropin stimulation (peak plasma cortisol less than 18 mcg/dL) were present at baseline in the majority of subjects participating in this trial (69% of subjects later randomized to placebo and 72% to 78% of subjects later randomized to fluticasone propionate HFA). At week 16, 8 subjects (73%) on placebo compared with 14 (54%) and 13 (68%) subjects receiving fluticasone propionate HFA (440 and 880 mcg twice daily, respectively) had poststimulation cortisol levels of less than 18 mcg/dL.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

A study specifically designed to evaluate the effect of XHANCE on the QT interval has not been conducted.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The activity of XHANCE is due to the parent drug, fluticasone propionate. Due to the low bioavailability by the intranasal route, the majority of the pharmacokinetic data were obtained via other routes of administration.

Absorption

The mean (SD) peak exposure (Cmax) and total exposure (AUC0-∞) following administration of a dose of 186 mcg of XHANCE during exhalation were 17.2 ± 7.40 pg/mL and 111.7 ± 49.75 pg·h/mL, respectively, and were 25.3 ± 10.34 pg/mL and 171.7 ± 85.55 pg·h/mL, respectively, following a dose of 372 mcg of XHANCE in healthy subjects. The Cmax and AUC0-∞ following a dose of 372 mcg of XHANCE in patients with mild to moderate asthma were 28.7±18.72 pg/mL and 222.6±84.60 pg·h/mL, respectively.

Distribution

Following intravenous administration, the initial disposition phase for fluticasone propionate was rapid and consistent with its high lipid solubility and tissue binding. The volume of distribution averaged 4.2 L/kg.

The percentage of fluticasone propionate bound to human plasma proteins averaged 99%. Fluticasone propionate is weakly and reversibly bound to erythrocytes and is not significantly bound to human transcortin.

Local exposure within the nasal cavity with XHANCE will differ when used without exhalation through the device.

Elimination

Following intravenous dosing, fluticasone propionate showed polyexponential kinetics and had a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 7.8 hours. The total blood clearance of fluticasone propionate is high (average: 1093 mL/min), with renal clearance accounting for less than 0.02% of the total.

Metabolism: The only circulating metabolite detected in man is the 17β-carboxylic acid derivative of fluticasone propionate, which is formed through the CYP3A4 pathway. This metabolite had less affinity (approximately 1/2000) than the parent drug for the glucocorticoid receptor of human lung cytosol in vitro and negligible pharmacological activity in animal studies. Other metabolites detected in vitro using cultured human hepatoma cells have not been detected in man.

Excretion: Less than 5% of a radiolabeled oral dose was excreted in the urine as metabolites, with the remainder excreted in the feces as parent drug and metabolites.

Special Populations

XHANCE was not studied in any special populations, and no gender-specific pharmacokinetic data have been obtained.

Pediatrics: XHANCE was not studied in pediatric patients, and no pediatric-specific pharmacokinetic data have been obtained with the product.

Hepatic and Renal Impairment: Formal pharmacokinetic studies using XHANCE have not been conducted in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. However, since fluticasone propionate is predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.

Race: No significant difference in clearance (CL/F) of fluticasone propionate in Caucasian, African-American, Asian, or Hispanic populations has been observed.

Drug Interactions

Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4

Ritonavir: Fluticasone propionate is a substrate of CYP3A4. Coadministration of fluticasone propionate and the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ritonavir, is not recommended based upon a multiple-dose, crossover drug interaction trial in 18 healthy subjects. Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (200 mcg once daily) was coadministered for 7 days with ritonavir (100 mg twice daily). Plasma fluticasone propionate concentrations following fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray alone were undetectable (< 10 pg/mL) in most subjects, and when concentrations were detectable, peak levels (Cmax) averaged 11.9 pg/mL (range: 10.8 to 14.1 pg/mL) and AUC0-τ averaged 8.43 pg·h/mL (range: 4.2 to 18.8 pg·h/mL). Fluticasone propionate Cmax and AUC0-τ increased to 318 pg/mL (range: 110 to 648 pg/mL) and 3102.6 pg·h/mL (range: 1207.1 to 5662.0 pg·h/mL), respectively, after coadministration of ritonavir with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray. This significant increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure resulted in a significant decrease (86%) in serum cortisol AUC.

Ketoconazole: Coadministration of fluticasone propionate orally inhaled into the lungs (1000 mcg) and ketoconazole (200 mg once daily) resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure and a 45% decrease in plasma cortisol AUC, but had no effect on urinary excretion of cortisol.

Following orally-inhaled fluticasone propionate alone, AUC2-last averaged 1559 pg·h/mL (range: 555 to 2906 pg·h/mL) and AUC2-∞ averaged 2269 pg·h/mL (range: 836 to 3707 pg·h/mL). Fluticasone propionate AUC2-last and AUC2-∞ increased to 2781 pg·h/mL (range: 2489 to 8486 pg·h/mL) and 4317 pg·h/mL (range: 3256 to 9408 pg·h/mL), respectively, after coadministration of ketoconazole with orally-inhaled fluticasone propionate. This increase in plasma fluticasone propionate concentration resulted in a decrease (45%) in serum cortisol AUC.

Erythromycin: In a multiple-dose drug interaction study, coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (500 mcg twice daily) and erythromycin (333 mg 3 times daily) did not affect fluticasone propionate pharmacokinetics.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Fluticasone propionate demonstrated no tumorigenic potential in mice at oral doses up to 1000 mcg/kg (approximately 7 times the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis) for 78 weeks or in rats at inhalation doses up to 57 mcg/kg (approximately equivalent to the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis) for 104 weeks.

Fluticasone propionate did not induce gene mutation in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells in vitro. No significant clastogenic effect was seen in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro or in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

Fertility and reproductive performance were unaffected in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg (approximately 0.7 times the MRHDID for adults on a mcg/m2 basis).

14.1 Treatment of Nasal Polyps in Adults 18 Years of Age and Older

The efficacy of XHANCE was evaluated in two randomized, double-blind, parallel‑group, multicenter, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trials in adults 18 years and older with nasal polyps and associated moderate to severe nasal congestion (NCT 01622569, NCT 01624662). The two trials included a total of 646 subjects [348 (53.9%) males and 298 (46.1%) females] with a mean age of 45.5 years. Subjects were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive 93 mcg, 186 mcg, or 372 mcg twice daily or placebo for a period of 16 weeks. At baseline 35.7%, 79.0%, and 18.3% had polyps graded as mild, moderate, or severe, respectively. In addition, 90.6% of patients reported previous use of a topical steroid nasal spray for the treatment of nasal polyps and 53.6% reported previous sinus surgery or polypectomy.

The co-primary efficacy endpoints were 1) change from baseline to Week 4 in nasal congestion / obstruction averaged over the preceding 7 days of treatment and 2) change from baseline to Week 16 in bilateral polyp grade. Nasal congestion was rated by the patient on a 0 to 3 categorical severity scale (0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) at the time immediately prior to the next dose (instantaneous). Polyp grade was determined by the clinician using nasal endoscopy. Polyps on each side of the nose were graded on a categorical scale (0 = No polyps; 1 = Mild – polyps not reaching below the inferior border of the middle turbinate; 2 = Moderate – polyps reaching below the inferior border of the middle concha, but not the inferior border of the inferior turbinate; 3 = Severe – large polyps reaching below the lower inferior border of the inferior turbinate).

Efficacy was demonstrated for both XHANCE 186-mcg twice daily and XHANCE 372-mcg twice daily (Table 2).

There were no clinically relevant differences in effectiveness of XHANCE across subgroups of patients defined by gender, age, or race.

Onset of action, evaluated by determining the starting period that the treatment effect of XHANCE on daily instantaneous AM congestion score started to achieve statistical significance in comparison to placebo and roughly maintained thereafter, was generally observed within 2 weeks for both XHANCE doses.