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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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METHYLIN (NDA-021475)

(METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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01/10/2025 (SUPPL-13)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Other

PLR conversion; please refer to label

PLLR conversion; please refer to label

10/13/2023 (SUPPL-12)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

New section added:

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION

Methylin 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 Methylin, can result in overdose and death (see OVERDOSAGE), and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Before prescribing Methylin, 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 Methylin 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, PRECAUTIONS, and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE).

5 Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Methylin has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of Methylin exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Methylin can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE). Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including Methylin, can result in overdose and death (see OVERDOSAGE), and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Before prescribing Methylin, 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 methylphenidate in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give Methylin to anyone else. Throughout Methylin treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

…

Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients

CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients.

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Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

There have been reports of angle closure glaucoma associated with methylphenidate treatment.

Although the mechanism is not clear, Methylin-treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma

There have been reports of an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with methylphenidate treatment (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).

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

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

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

 

PRECAUTIONS

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Information for Patients

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Educate patients and their families about the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction of Methylin, which can lead to overdose and death, and proper disposal of any unused drug (see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE, OVERDOSAGE). Advise patients to store

Methylin in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give Methylin to anyone else.

Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease

Advise patients that there are potential risks to patients with serious cardiac disease, including sudden death, with Methylin use. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease (see WARNINGS).

Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Advise patients that Methylin can elevate blood pressure and heart rate (see WARNINGS).

Psychiatric Adverse Reactions

Advise patients that Methylin, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without a prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania (see WARNINGS).

…

Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients

Advise patients, caregivers, and family members that Methylin can cause slowing of growth and weight loss (see WARNINGS).

Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma

Advise patients that IOP and glaucoma may occur during treatment with Methylin (see WARNINGS).

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 Methylin. Instruct the patients to notify their healthcare provider if emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome occurs (see WARNINGS).

Choking – Taking this product without adequate fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty in swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing after taking this product, seek immediate medical attention.

Directions – Take this product (child or adult dose) with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other fluid. Taking this product without enough liquid may cause choking. See choking warning.

6 Adverse Reactions

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

…Other reactions include hypersensitivity (including skin rash, urticaria, fever, arthralgia, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme with histopathological findings of necrotizing vasculitis, and thrombocytopenic purpura); anorexia; nausea; dizziness; palpitations; headache; dyskinesia; drowsiness; blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down; tachycardia; angina; cardiac arrhythmia; abdominal pain; weight loss during prolonged therapy; libido changes; and rhabdomyolysis, increased intraocular pressure, motor and verbal tics.

…

7 Drug Interactions

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

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Halogenated Anesthetics

Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and Methylin may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Avoid use of Methylin in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery.

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

MEDICATION GUIDE

Medication Guide has undergone extensive changes; please refer to label.

06/25/2021 (SUPPL-11)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

7 Drug Interactions

Additions underlined

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)

Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including Methylin can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Concomitant use of Methylin with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment is contraindicated.

Antihypertensive Drugs

Methylin may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension. Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the antihypertensive drug as needed.

Risperidone

Combined use of methylphenidate with risperidone when there is a change, whether an increase or decrease, in dosage of either or both medications, may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Monitor for signs of EPS.

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01/04/2017 (SUPPL-10)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

… Although a definite causal relationship has not been established, the following have been reported in patients taking this drug: instances of abnormal  liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to severe hepatic injury; isolated cases of cerebral arteritis and/or occlusion; leukopenia and/or anemia; transient depressed mood; a few instances of scalp hair loss; serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs. Very rare reports …