MIFEPREX™ (mifepristone) Tablets, 200 mg For Oral Administration Only

If Mifeprex* results in incomplete abortion, surgical intervention may be necessary. Prescribers should determine in advance whether they will provide such care themselves or through other providers. Prescribers should also give patients clear instructions on whom to call and what to do in the event of an emergency following administration of Mifeprex.

Prescribers should make sure that patients receive and have an opportunity to discuss the Medication Guide and the PATIENT AGREEMENT.

DESCRIPTION

Mifeprex tablets each contain 200 mg of mifepristone, a synthetic steroid with antiprogestational effects. The tablets are light yellow in color, cylindrical and biconvex, and are intended for oral administration only. The tablets include the inactive ingredients colloidal silica anhydrous, corn starch, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate.

Mifepristone is a substituted 19-nor steroid compound chemically designated as 11ß-[p-(Dimethylamino)phenyl]-17ß-hydroxy-17-(1-propynyl)estra-4,9-dien-3-one. Its empirical formula is C29H35NO2. Its structural formula is:

The compound is a yellow powder with a molecular weight of 429.6 and a melting point of 191-196°C. It is very soluble in methanol, chloroform and acetone and poorly soluble in water, hexane and isopropyl ether.

* Mifeprex is a trademark of Danco Laboratories, LLC.

 

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Pharmacodynamic Activity

The anti-progestational activity of mifepristone results from competitive interaction with progesterone at progesterone-receptor sites. Based on studies with various oral doses in several animal species (mouse, rat, rabbit and monkey), the compound inhibits the activity of endogenous or exogenous progesterone. The termination of pregnancy results.

Doses of 1 mg/kg or greater of mifepristone have been shown to antagonize the endometrial and myometrial effects of progesterone in women. During pregnancy, the compound sensitizes the myometrium to the contraction-inducing activity of prostaglandins.

Mifepristone also exhibits antiglucocorticoid and weak antiandrogenic activity. The activity of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone in rats was inhibited following doses of 10 to 25 mg/kg of mifepristone. Doses of 4.5 mg/kg or greater in human beings resulted in a compensatory elevation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. Antiandrogenic activity was observed in rats following repeated administration of doses from 10 to 100 mg/kg.

Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism

Absorption

Following oral administration of a single dose of 600 mg, mifepristone is rapidly absorbed, with a peak plasma concentration of 1.98 mg/l occurring approximately 90 minutes after ingestion. The absolute bioavailability of a 20 mg oral dose is 69%.

Distribution

Mifepristone is 98% bound to plasma proteins, albumin and a 1-acid glycoprotein. Binding to the latter protein is saturable, and the drug displays nonlinear kinetics with respect to plasma concentration and clearance. Following a distribution phase, elimination of mifepristone is slow at first (50% eliminated between 12 and 72 hours) and then becomes more rapid with a terminal elimination half-life of 18 hours.

Metabolism

Metabolism of mifepristone is primarily via pathways involving N-demethylation and terminal hydroxylation of the 17-propynyl chain. In vitro studies have shown that CYP450 3A4 is primarily responsible for the metabolism. The three major metabolites identified in humans are: (1) RU 42 633, the most widely found in plasma, is the N-monodemethylated metabolite; (2) RU 42 848, which results from the loss of two methyl groups from the 4-dimethylaminophenyl in position 11ß; and (3) RU 42 698, which results from terminal hydroxylation of the 17-propynyl chain.

Excretion

By 11 days after a 600 mg dose of tritiated compound, 83% of the drug has been accounted for by the feces and 9% by the urine. Serum levels are undetectable by 11 days.

Special Populations

The effects of age, hepatic disease and renal disease on the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of mifepristone have not been investigated.

Clinical Studies

Safety and efficacy data from the U.S. clinical trials and from two French trials of mifepristone are reported below. The U.S. trials provide safety data on 859 women and efficacy data on 827 women with gestation durations of 49 days or less (dated from the first day of the last menstrual period). In the two French clinical trials, safety evaluable data are available for 1800 women, while efficacy information is available for 1681 of these women. Success was defined as the complete expulsion of the products of conception without the need for surgical intervention. The overall rates of success and failure, shown by reason for failure, for the U.S. and French studies appear in Table 1.

In the U.S. trials, 92.1% of the 827 subjects had a complete medical abortion, as shown in Table 1. In 52 women (6.3%) expulsion occurred within two days, and resulted from the action of mifepristone (600 mg) alone, unaided by misoprostol, an analog of prostaglandin E2. All other women without an apparent expulsion took a 400 µg dose of misoprostol two days after taking mifepristone. Many women (44.1%) in the U.S. trials expelled the products of conception within four hours after taking misoprostol and 62.8% experienced expulsion within 24 hours after the misoprostol administration. There were 65 women (7.9%) who received surgical interventions: 13 (1.6%) were medically indicated interventions during the study period, mostly for excessive bleeding; five (0.6%) interventions occurred at the patient’s request; 39 women (4.7%) had incomplete abortions at the end of the study protocol; and eight (1.0%) had ongoing pregnancies at the end of the study protocol.

Women who participated in the U.S. trials reflect the racial and ethnic composition of American women. The majority of women (71.4%) were Caucasian, while 11.3% were African American, 10.9% were East Asian, and 4.7% were Hispanic. A small percentage (1.7%) belonged to other racial or ethnic groups. Women aged 18 to 45 were enrolled in the trials. Nearly two-thirds (66.0%) of the women were under 30 years old with a mean age of 27 years.

In the French trials, complete medical abortion occurred in 95.5% of the 1681 subjects, as shown in Table 1. In 89 women (5.3%), complete abortion occurred within two days of taking mifepristone (600 mg). About half of the women (50.3%) in the French trials expelled the products of conception during the first four hours immediately following administration of misoprostol and 72.3% experienced expulsion within 24 hours after taking misoprostol. In total, 4.5% of women in the French trials ultimately received surgical intervention for excessive bleeding, incomplete abortions, or ongoing pregnancies at the end of the protocol.

Table 1

 

Outcome Following

Treatment with Mifepristone and Misoprostol in the U.S. and French Trials

U.S. Trials

French Trials

N

%

N

%

Complete medical abortion

762

92.1

1605

95.5
Timing of expulsion

Before second visit

52

(6.3)

89

(5.3)

During second visit

  • less than 4 hrs after misoprostol

365

(44.1)

846

(50.3)

After second visit

  • greater than 4 hrs but less than 24 hrs after misoprostol

155

(18.7)

370

(22.0)
  • greater than 24 hrs after misoprostol

68

(8.2)

145

(8.6)

Time of expulsion unknown

122

(14.8)

155

(9.2)
Surgical intervention

65

7.9

76

4.5

Reason for surgery

Medically necessary interventions during the study period

13

(1.6)

NA

(NA)

Patient request

5

(0.6)

NA

(NA)

Treatment of bleeding during study

NA

(NA)

6

(0.3)

Incomplete expulsion at study end

39

(4.7)

48

(2.9)

Ongoing pregnancy at study end

8

(1.0)

22

(1.3)
Total

827

100

1681

100

Note: Mifepristone 600 mg oral was administered on Day 1, misoprostol 400 µg oral was given on Day 3 (second visit).

INDICATION AND USAGE

Mifeprex is indicated for the medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy through 49 days’ pregnancy. For purposes of this treatment, pregnancy is dated from the first day of the last menstrual period in a presumed 28 day cycle with ovulation occurring at mid-cycle. The duration of pregnancy may be determined from menstrual history and by clinical examination. Ultrasonographic scan should be used if the duration of pregnancy is uncertain, or if ectopic pregnancy is suspected.

Any intrauterine device ("IUD") should be removed before treatment with Mifeprex begins.

Patients taking Mifeprex must take 400 µg of misoprostol two days after taking mifepristone unless a complete abortion has already been confirmed before that time (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Pregnancy termination by surgery is recommended in cases when Mifeprex and misoprostol fail to cause termination of intrauterine pregnancy (see PRECAUTIONS).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Administration of Mifeprex and misoprostol for the termination of pregnancy (the "treatment procedure") is contraindicated in patients with any one of the following conditions:

- Confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy or undiagnosed adnexal mass (the treatment procedure will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy);

- IUD in place (see INDICATION AND USAGE);

- Chronic adrenal failure;

- Concurrent long-term corticosteroid therapy;

- History of allergy to mifepristone, misoprostol or other prostaglandin;

Because it is important to have access to appropriate medical care if an emergency develops, the treatment procedure is contraindicated if a patient does not have adequate access to medical facilities equipped to provide emergency treatment of incomplete abortion, blood transfusions, and emergency resuscitation during the period from the first visit until discharged by the administering physician.

Mifeprex also should not be used by any patient who may be unable to understand the effects of the treatment procedure or to comply with its regimen. Patients should be instructed to review the Medication Guide and the PATIENT AGREEMENT provided with Mifeprex carefully and should be given a copy of the product label for their review. Patients should discuss their understanding of these materials with their health care providers, and retain the Medication Guide for later reference (see PRECAUTIONS).

WARNINGS

(see CONTRAINDICATIONS)

1. Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding occurs in almost all patients during the treatment procedure. According to data from the U.S. and French trials, women should expect to experience bleeding or spotting for an average of nine to 16 days, while up to 8% of all subjects may experience some type of bleeding for 30 days or more. Bleeding was reported to last for 69 days in one patient in the French trials. In general the duration of bleeding and spotting increased as the duration of the pregnancy increased.

In some cases, excessive bleeding may require treatment by vasoconstrictor drugs, curettage, administration of saline infusions, and/or blood transfusions. In the U.S. trials, 4.8% of subjects received administration of uterotonic medications and nine women (1.0%) received intravenous fluids. Vasoconstrictor drugs were used in 4.3% of all subjects in the French trials, and in 5.5% of women there was a decrease in hemoglobin of more than 2 g/dL. Blood transfusions were administered in one of 859 subjects in the U.S. trials and in two of 1800 subjects in the French trials. Since heavy bleeding requiring curettage occurs in about 1% of patients, special care should be given to patients with hemostatic disorders, hypocoagulability, or severe anemia.

2. Confirmation of Pregnancy Termination

Patients should be scheduled for and return for a follow-up visit at approximately 14 days after administration of mifepristone to confirm that the pregnancy is completely terminated and to assess the degree of bleeding. Vaginal bleeding is not evidence of the termination of pregnancy. Termination can be confirmed by clinical examination or ultrasonographic scan. Lack of bleeding following treatment, however, usually indicates failure. Medical abortion failures should be managed with surgical termination.

PRECAUTIONS

General

Mifeprex is available only in single dose packaging. Administration must be under the supervision of a qualified physician (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

The use of Mifeprex is assumed to require the same preventive measures as those taken prior to and during surgical abortion to prevent rhesus immunization.

There are no data on the safety and efficacy of mifepristone in women with chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular, hypertensive, hepatic, respiratory or renal disease; insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; severe anemia or heavy smoking. Women who are more than 35 years of age and who also smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day should be treated with caution because such patients were generally excluded from clinical trials of mifepristone.

Although there is no clinical evidence, the effectiveness of Mifeprex may be lower if misoprostol is administered more than two days after mifepristone administration.

Information for Patients

Patients should be fully advised of the treatment procedure and its effects. Patients should be given a copy of the Medication Guide and the PATIENT AGREEMENT. (Additional copies of the Medication Guide and the PATIENT AGREEMENT are available by contacting Danco Laboratories at 1-877-4 Early Option) (1-877-432-7596). Patients should be advised to review both the Medication Guide and the PATIENT AGREEMENT, and should be given the opportunity to discuss them and obtain answers to any questions they may have. Each patient must understand:

- the necessity of completing the treatment schedule, including a follow-up visit approximately 14 days after taking Mifeprex;

- that vaginal bleeding and uterine cramping probably will occur;

- that prolonged or heavy vaginal bleeding is not proof of a complete expulsion;

- that if the treatment fails, there is a risk of fetal malformation;

- that medical abortion treatment failures are managed by surgical termination; and

- the steps to take in an emergency situation, including precise instructions and a telephone number that she can call if she has any problems or concerns.

Another pregnancy can occur following termination of pregnancy and before resumption of normal menses. Contraception can be initiated as soon as the termination of the pregnancy has been confirmed, or before the woman resumes sexual intercourse.

Patient information is included with each package of Mifeprex (see Medication Guide).

Laboratory Tests

Clinical examination is necessary to confirm the complete termination of pregnancy after the treatment procedure. Changes in quantitative human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) levels will not be decisive until at least 10 days after the administration of Mifeprex. A continuing pregnancy can be confirmed by ultrasonographic scan.

The existence of debris in the uterus following the treatment procedure will not necessarily require surgery for its removal.

Decreases in hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and red blood cell count occur in some women who bleed heavily. Hemoglobin decreases of more than 2 g/dL occurred in 5.5% of subjects during the French clinical trials of mifepristone and misoprostol.

Clinically significant changes in serum enzyme (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GT)) activities were rarely reported.

Drug Interactions

Although specific drug or food interactions with mifepristone have not been studied, on the basis of this drug’s metabolism by CYP 3A4, it is possible that ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, and grapefruit juice may inhibit its metabolism (increasing serum levels of mifepristone). Furthermore, rifampin, dexamethasone, St. John’s Wort, and certain anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine) may induce mifepristone metabolism (lowering serum levels of mifepristone).

Based on in vitro inhibition information, coadministration of mifepristone may lead to an increase in serum levels of drugs that are CYP 3A4 substrates. Due to the slow elimination of mifepristone from the body, such interaction may be observed for a prolonged period after its administration. Therefore, caution should be exercised when mifepristone is administered with drugs that are CYP 3A4 substrates and have narrow therapeutic range, including some agents used during general anesthesia.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of mifepristone have been performed. Results from studies conducted in vitro and in animals have revealed no genotoxic potential for mifepristone. Among the tests carried out were: Ames test with and without metabolic activation; gene conversion test in Saccharomyces cerevisiae D4 cells; forward mutation in Schizosaccharomyces pompe P1 cells; induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis in cultured HeLa cells; induction of chromosome aberrations in CHO cells; in vitro test for gene mutation in V79 Chinese hamster lung cells; and micronucleus test in mice.

The pharmacological activity of mifepristone disrupts the estrus cycle of animals, precluding studies designed to assess effects on fertility during drug administration. Three studies have been performed in rats to determine whether there were residual effects on reproductive function after termination of the drug exposure.

In rats, administration of the lowest oral dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day caused severe disruption of the estrus cycles for the three weeks of the treatment period. Following resumption of the estrus cycle, animals were mated and no effect on reproductive performance was observed. In a neonatal exposure study in rats, the administration of a subcutaneous dose of mifepristone up to 100 mg/kg on the first day after birth had no adverse effect on future reproductive function in males or females. The onset of puberty was observed to be slightly premature in female rats neonatally exposed to mifepristone. In a separate study in rats, oviduct and ovary malformations in female rats, delayed male puberty, deficient male sexual behavior, reduced testicular size, and lowered ejaculation frequency were noted after exposure to mifepristone (1 mg every other day) as neonates.

Pregnancy

Mifepristone is indicated for use in the termination of pregnancy (through 49 days’ pregnancy) and has no other approved indication for use during pregnancy.

Teratogenic Effects

Human Data

Over 620,000 women in Europe have taken mifepristone in combination with a prostaglandin to terminate pregnancy. Among these 620,000 women, about 415,000 have received mifepristone together with misoprostol. As of May 2000 a total of 82 cases have been reported in which women with on-going pregnancies after using mifepristone alone or mifepristone followed by misoprostol declined to have a surgical procedure at that time. These cases are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2

Reported Cases (as of May 2000) of On-going Pregnancies Not Terminated by Surgical

Abortion at the End of Treatment with Mifepristone Alone

or with Mifepristone-Misoprostol

Mifepristone
Alone
Mifepristone
Misoprostol
Total
Subsequently had surgical abortion
3
7 10
No abnormalities detected
Abnormalities detected
(sirenomelia, cleft palate)
2
1
7
0
9
1
Subsequently resulted in live birth 13 13 26
No abnormalities detected at birth
Abnormalities detected at birth
13
0
13
0
26
0
Other/Unknown 26 20 46
Total 42 40 82

Several reports in the literature indicate that prostaglandins, including misoprostol, may have teratogenic effects in human beings. Skull defects, cranial nerve palsies, delayed growth and psychomotor development, facial malformation and limb defects have all been reported after exposure during the first trimester.

Animal Data

Teratology studies in mice, rats and rabbits at doses of 0.25 to 4.0 mg/kg (less than 1/100 to approximately 1/3 the human exposure level based on body surface area) were carried out. Because of the antiprogestational activity of mifepristone, fetal losses were much higher than in control animals. Skull deformities were detected in rabbit studies at approximately 1/6 the human exposure, although no teratogenic effects of mifepristone have been observed to date in rats or mice. These deformities were most likely due to the mechanical effects of uterine contractions resulting from decreased progesterone levels.

Nonteratogenic Effects

The indication for use of Mifeprex in conjunction with misoprostol is for the termination of pregnancy through 49 days' duration of pregnancy (as dated from the first day of the last menstrual period). These drugs together disrupt pregnancy by causing decidual necrosis, myometrial contractions and cervical softening, leading to the expulsion of the products of conception.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether mifepristone is excreted in human milk. Many hormones with a similar chemical structure, however, are excreted in breast milk. Since the effects of mifepristone on infants are unknown, breast-feeding women should consult with their health care provider to decide if they should discard their breast milk for a few days following administration of the medications.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The treatment procedure is designed to induce the vaginal bleeding and uterine cramping necessary to produce an abortion. Nearly all of the women who receive Mifeprex and misoprostol will report adverse reactions, and many can be expected to report more than one such reaction. About 90% of patients report adverse reactions following administration of misoprostol on day three of the treatment procedure. Those adverse events that occurred with a frequency greater than 1% in the U.S. and French trials are shown in Table 3.

Bleeding and cramping are expected consequences of the action of Mifeprex as used in the treatment procedure. Following administration of mifepristone and misoprostol in the French clinical studies, 80 to 90% of women reported bleeding more heavily than they do during a heavy menstrual period (see WARNINGS, Bleeding for additional information). Women also typically experience abdominal pain, including uterine cramping. Other commonly reported side effects were nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Pelvic pain, fainting, headache, dizziness, and asthenia occurred rarely. Some adverse reactions reported during the four hours following administration of misoprostol were judged by women as being more severe than others: the percentage of women who considered any particular adverse event as severe ranged from 2 to 35% in the U.S. and French trials. After the third day of the treatment procedure, the number of reports of adverse reactions declined progressively in the French trials, so that by day 14, reports were rare except for reports of bleeding and spotting.

Table 3

 

Type of Reported Adverse Events Following Administration of

Mifepristone and Misoprostol in the U.S. and French Trials* (percentages)

U.S. Trials

French Trials

Abdominal Pain (cramping)

96

NA

Uterine cramping

NA

83

Nausea

61

43

Headache

31

2

Vomiting

26

18

Diarrhea

20

12

Dizziness

12

1

Fatigue

10

NA

Back pain

9

NA

Uterine hemorrhage

5

NA

Fever

4

NA

Viral infections

4

NA

Vaginitis

3

NA

Rigors (chills/shaking)

3

NA

Dyspepsia

3

NA

Insomnia

3

NA

Asthenia

2

1

Leg pain

2

NA

Anxiety

2

NA

Anemia

2

NA

Leukorrhea

2

NA

Sinusitis

2

NA

Syncope

1

NA

Decrease in hemoglobin greater than 2 g/dL

NA

6

Pelvic pain

NA

2

Fainting

NA

2

* Only adverse reactions with incidence >1% are included.

OVERDOSAGE

No serious adverse reactions were reported in tolerance studies in healthy non-pregnant female and healthy male subjects where mifepristone was administered in single doses greater than threefold that recommended for termination of pregnancy. If a patient ingests a massive overdose, she should be observed closely for signs of adrenal failure.

The oral acute lethal dose of mifepristone in the mouse, rat and dog is greater than 1000 mg/kg (about 100 times the human dose recommended for termination of pregnancy).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Treatment with Mifeprex and misoprostol for the termination of pregnancy requires three office visits by the patient. Mifeprex should be prescribed only by physicians who have read and understood the prescribing information. Mifeprex may be administered only in a clinic, medical office, or hospital, by or under the supervision of a physician, able to assess the gestational age of an embryo and to diagnose ectopic pregnancies. Physicians must also be able to provide surgical intervention in cases of incomplete abortion or severe bleeding, or have made plans to provide such care through others, and be able to assure patient access to medical facilities equipped to provide blood transfusions and resuscitation, if necessary.

Day One: Mifeprex Administration

Patients must read the Medication Guide and read and sign the PATIENT AGREEMENT before Mifeprex is administered.

Three 200 mg tablets (600 mg) of Mifeprex are taken in a single oral dose.

Day Three: Misoprostol Administration

The patient returns to the healthcare provider two days after ingesting Mifeprex. Unless abortion has occurred and has been confirmed by clinical examination or ultrasonographic scan, the patient takes two 200 µg tablets (400 µg) of misoprostol orally.

During the period immediately following the administration of misoprostol, the patient may need medication for cramps or gastrointestinal symptoms (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). The patient should be given instructions on what to do if significant discomfort, excessive bleeding or other adverse reactions occur and should be given a phone number to call if she has questions following the administration of the misoprostol. In addition, the name and phone number of the physician who will be handling emergencies should be provided to the patient.

Day 14: Post-Treatment Examination

Patients will return for a follow-up visit approximately 14 days after the administration of Mifeprex. This visit is very important to confirm by clinical examination or ultrasonographic scan that a complete termination of pregnancy has occurred.

According to data from the U.S. and French studies, women should expect to experience bleeding or spotting for an average of nine to 16 days. Up to 8% of women may experience some type of bleeding for more than 30 days. Persistence of heavy or moderate vaginal bleeding at this visit, however, could indicate an incomplete abortion.

Patients who have an ongoing pregnancy at this visit have a risk of fetal malformation resulting from the treatment. Surgical termination is recommended to manage medical abortion treatment failures (see PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy).

Adverse events, such as hospitalization, blood transfusion, ongoing pregnancy, or other major complications following the use of Mifeprex and misoprostol must be reported to Danco Laboratories. Please provide a brief clinical and administrative synopsis of any such adverse events in writing to:

Medical Director
Danco Laboratories, LLC
P.O. Box 4816
New York, NY 10185
1-877-4-Early Option (1-877-432-7596)

For immediate consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with an expert in mifepristone, call Danco Laboratories at 1-877-4 Early Option (1-877-432-7596).

HOW SUPPLIED

Mifeprex will be supplied only to licensed physicians who sign and return a Prescriber’s Agreement. Distribution of Mifeprex will be subject to specific requirements imposed by the distributor, including procedures for storage, dosage tracking, damaged product returns and other matters. Mifeprex is a prescription drug, although it will not be available to the public through licensed pharmacies.

Mifeprex is supplied as light yellow, cylindrical, bi-convex tablets imprinted on one side with "MF." Each tablet contains 200 mg of mifepristone. Tablets are packaged in single dose blister packets containing three tablets and are supplied in individual cartons (National Drug Code 6487500103).

Store at 250C (770F); excursions permitted to 15-300C (59-860F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Manufactured for:

Danco Laboratories, LLC
P.O. Box 4816
New York, NY 10185
1-877-4 Early Option (1-877-432-7596)

www.earlyoptionpill.com