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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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PEPCID (NDA-019462)

(FAMOTIDINE)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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11/11/2018 (SUPPL-40)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

Available data with H2-receptor antagonists, including famotidine, in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse development effects were observed with oral administration of famotidine at doses up to approximately 243 and 122 times, respectively, the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day for the treatment of erosive esophagitis (see Data).

The estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Reproductive studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at oral doses of up to 2000 and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, and in both species at intravenous doses of up to 200 mg/kg/day, and have revealed no significant evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to PEPCID. While no direct fetotoxic effects have been observed, sporadic abortions occurring only in mothers displaying marked decreased food intake were seen in some rabbits at oral doses of

200 mg/kg/day (about 49 times the recommended human dose of 80 mg per day, based on body surface area) or higher. There are, however, no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

8.2 Lactation

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

There are limited data available on the presence of famotidine in human breast milk. There were no effects on the breastfed infant. There are no data on famotidine effects on milk production. Famotidine is present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data).

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for famotidine and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from PEPCID or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

Animal Data

Transient growth depression was observed in young rats suckling from mothers treated with maternotoxic doses of at least 600 times the usual human dose.

06/21/2018 (SUPPL-39)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

4 Contraindications

PLR conversion; revised as below:

PEPCID is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to famotidine or other H2 receptor antagonists.

5 Warnings and Precautions

PLR conversion; subsections created as below (please see label for complete information):

5.1 Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions

5.2 Concurrent Gastric Malignancy

6 Adverse Reactions

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience

PLR conversion; extensively revised; please see label for complete information.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

PLR conversion; newly created subsection:

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

Cardiovascular: arrhythmia, AV block, prolonged QT interval

Gastrointestinal: cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis

Hematologic: agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, leukopenia

Hypersensitivity: anaphylaxis, angioedema, facial edema, urticaria

Musculoskeletal: rhabdomyolysis, muscle cramps

Nervous System/Psychiatric: confusion, agitation, paresthesia

Respiratory: interstitial pneumonia

Skin: toxic epidermal necrolysis/Stevens-Johnson syndrome

7 Drug Interactions

PLR conversion; following subsections created:

7.1 Drugs Dependent on Gastric pH for Absorption

7.2 Tizanidine (CYP1A2 Substrate)

8 Use in Specific Populations

PLR conversion; extensively changed subsections; please refer to label for complete information for the following:

8.1 Pregnancy

8.3 Nursing Mothers

8.4 Pediatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use

8.6 Renal Impairment

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

PLR conversion; newly created section as below:

Central Nervous System (CNS) Adverse Reactions

Advise elderly patients and those with moderate and severe renal impairment of the risk of CNS adverse reactions, including confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, and lethargy. Report symptoms immediately to a healthcare provider.

QT Prolongation

Advise patients with moderate and severe renal impairment of the risk of QT interval prolongation. Report new cardiac symptoms, such as palpitations, fainting and dizziness or lightheadedness immediately to a healthcare provider.

Administration

Advise patients:

  • Take PEPCID once daily before bedtime or twice daily in the morning and before bedtime, as recommended.
  • PEPCID may be taken with or without food.
  • PEPCID may be given with antacids.

Other

PLR conversion throughout label.