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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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RELEXXII (NDA-216117)

(METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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09/23/2025 (SUPPL-3)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.7 Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

RELEXXII is not approved for use and is not recommended in pediatric patients below 6 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

…

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.4 Pediatric Use

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

The safety and effectiveness of RELEXXII have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years.

In studies evaluating extended-release methylphenidate products, patients 4 to <6 years of age had higher systemic methylphenidate exposures than those observed in older pediatric patients at the same dosage. Pediatric patients 4 to <6 years of age also had a higher incidence of adverse reactions, including weight loss.

…

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

MEDICATION GUIDE

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

…

What is RELEXXII?

RELEXXII is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescription medicine used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults less than 65 years of age and children 6 years of age and older. RELEXXII may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.

RELEXXII is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age with ADHD. RELEXXII has not been studied in adults older than 65 years of age.

…

10/13/2023 (SUPPL-1)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION

RELEXXII has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including RELEXXII, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10)], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Before prescribing RELEXXII, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout RELEXXII treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)].

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

RELEXXII has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of RELEXXII exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. RELEXXII can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2, 9.3)].

Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including RELEXXII, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10)], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Before prescribing RELEXXII, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks and proper disposal of any unused drug. Advise patients to store RELEXXII in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give RELEXXII to anyone else. Throughout RELEXXII treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

5.9 Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

New subsection added:

There have been reports of angle closure glaucoma associated with methylphenidate treatment. Although the mechanism is not clear, RELEXXII-treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

 

5.10 Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma

New subsection added:

There have been reports of an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with methylphenidate treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Prescribe RELEXXII to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor RELEXXII-treated patients with a history of abnormally increased IOP or open angle glaucoma.

 

5.11 Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome

New subsection added:

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of Tourette’s syndrome has also been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Before initiating RELEXXII, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor RELEXXII-treated patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome, and discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate.

6 Adverse Reactions

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:

  • Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Box Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Drug Abuse and Dependence(9.2, 9.3)]

    …

  • Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

  • Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]

  • Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]

     6.2 Postmarketing Experience

    Additions and/or revisions underlined:

    …

    Diplopia, Increased intraocular pressure, Mydriasis, Visual impairment

    …

    Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Dyskinesia, Serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs, Motor and Verbal Tics

    …

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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

…

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Educate patients and their families about the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction of RELEXXII, which can lead to overdose and death, and proper disposal of any unused drug [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2), and Overdosage (10)].Advise patients to store RELEXXII in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give RELEXXII to anyone else.

…

Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients

Advise patients, families and caregivers that RELEXXII may cause slowing of growth and weight loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma

Advise patients that IOP and glaucoma may occur during treatment with RELEXXII [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome

Advise patients that motor and verbal tics and worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome may occur during treatment with RELEXXII. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider if emergence of new tics or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome occurs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11].

 MEDICATION GUIDE

Medication Guide has undergone extensive changes; please refer to label