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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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TARGINIQ (NDA-205777)

(NALOXONE HYDROCHLORIDE; OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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09/18/2018 (SUPPL-11)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

Boxed Warning

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

 WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; RISK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION STRATEGY (REMS); LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME; CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 INTERACTION; and RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS

 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

TARGINIQ® ER exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing TARGINIQ ER and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions.

Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)

To ensure that the benefits of opioid analgesics outweigh the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required a REMS for these products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Under the requirements of the REMS, drug companies with approved opioid analgesic products must make REMS-compliant education programs available to healthcare providers. Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to:

    • complete a REMS-compliant education program,

    • counsel patients and/or their caregivers, with every prescription, on safe use, serious risks, storage, and disposal of these products,

    • emphasize to patients and their caregivers the importance of reading the Medication Guide every time it is provided by their pharmacist, and

    • consider other tools to improve patient, household, and community safety.

       …

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)

(Newly added subsection)

 

To ensure that the benefits of opioid analgesics outweigh the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for these products. Under the requirements of the REMS, drug companies with approved opioid analgesic products must make REMS-compliant education programs available to healthcare providers. Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to do all of the following:

 

      • Complete a REMS-compliant education program offered by an accredited provider of continuing education (CE) or another education program that includes all the elements of the FDA Education Blueprint for Health Care Providers Involved in the Management or Support of Patients with Pain.

         

      • Discuss the safe use, serious risks, and proper storage and disposal of opioid analgesics with patients and/or their caregivers every time these medicines are prescribed. The Patient Counseling Guide (PCG) can be obtained at this link: www.fda.gov/OpioidAnalgesicREMSPCG.

         

      • Emphasize to patients and their caregivers the importance of reading the Medication Guide that they will receive from their pharmacist every time an opioid analgesic is dispensed to them.

         

      • Consider using other tools to improve patient, household, and community safety, such as patient- prescriber agreements that reinforce patient-prescriber responsibilities.



To obtain further information on the opioid analgesic REMS and for a list of accredited REMS CME/CE, call 1-800-503-0784, or log on to www.opioidanalgesicrems.com. The FDA Blueprint can be found at www.fda.gov/OpioidAnalgesicREMSBlueprint.

12/16/2016 (SUPPL-4)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; LIFE- THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME; CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 INTERACTION; and RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES AND OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS

 

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

…Assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing TARGINIQ ER and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions.


Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants

Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

  • Reserve concomitant prescribing of TARGINIQ ER Injection and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
  • Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
  • Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

…Because extended- release products such as TARGINIQ ER deliver the opioid over an extended period of time, there is a greater risk for overdose and death due to the larger amount of oxycodone present.

 

Assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse or misuse, prior to prescribing TARGINIQ ER, and monitor all patients receiving TARGINIQ ER for the development of these behaviors and conditions…

5.10 Risks of Use in Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions

(Revised subsection title; Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

TARGINIQ ER is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.

5.11 Increased Risk of Seizures in Patients with Seizure Disorders

(Revised subsection title; Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The oxycodone in TARGINIQ ER may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, and may increase the risk of seizures occurring in other clinical settings associated with seizures…

5.12 Withdrawal

(Revised subsection title)

5.13 Risks of Driving and Operating Machinery

(Revised subsection title)

5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

…Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24-72 hours of initiating therapy and following dosage increases of TARGINIQ ER.

5.3 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

…Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly…

5.4 Risks of Concomitant Use or Discontinuation of Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers

(Newly added subsection; Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Concomitant use of TARGINIQ ER with a CYP3A4 inhibitor, such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), and protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), may increase plasma concentrations of oxycodone and prolong opioid adverse reactions, which may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of TARGINIQ ER is achieved. Similarly, discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, in TARGINIQ ER-treated patients may increase oxycodone plasma concentrations and prolong opioid adverse reactions. When using TARGINIQ ER with CYP3A4 inhibitors or discontinuing CYP3A4 inducers in TARGINIQ ER-treated patients, monitor patients closely at frequent intervals and consider dosage reduction of TARGINIQ ER until stable drug effects are achieved.

Concomitant use of TARGINIQ ER with CYP3A4 inducers or discontinuation of an CYP3A4 inhibitor could decrease oxycodone plasma concentrations, decrease opioid efficacy or, possibly, lead to a withdrawal syndrome in a patient who had developed physical dependence to oxycodone. When using TARGINIQ ER with CYP3A4 inducers or discontinuing CYP3A4 inhibitors, monitor patients closely at frequent intervals and consider increasing the opioid dosage if needed to maintain adequate analgesia or if symptoms of opioid withdrawal occur.

5.5 Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines, or Other CNS Depressants

(Revised subsection title; Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Profound sedation, respiratory depression coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of TARGINIQ ER with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol). Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics.

If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when TARGINIQ ER is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant have been determined. Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcohol and illicit drugs.

5.6 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients

(Revised subsection title; Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The use of TARGINIQ ER in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment is contraindicated.


Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease: TARGINIQ ER-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive including apnea, even at recommended dosages of TARGINIQ ER.

5.7 Adrenal Insufficiency

(Newly added subsection)

Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If adrenal insufficiency is suspected, confirm the diagnosis with diagnostic testing as soon as possible. If adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids. Wean the patient off of the opioid to allow adrenal function to recover and continue corticosteroid treatment until adrenal function recovers. Other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency. The information available does not identify any particular opioids as being more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency.

5.8 Severe Hypotension

(Revised subsection title)

5.9 Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury or Impaired Consciousness

(Revised subsection title)

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Interactions with Benzodiazepine or Other CNS Depressants
  • Adrenal Insufficiency
  • Severe Hypotension
  • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
  • Withdrawal
6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The following most frequently reported adverse reactions have been identified during post- approval use of oxycodone/naloxone extended-release tablets…


Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.

Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.

Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in TARGINIQ ER.

Androgen deficiency: Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids.

 

7 Drug Interactions

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Table 5 includes clinically significant drug interactions with TARGINIQ ER. (Table has been added; please refer to label)

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined; Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) Conversion)

Risk Summary

Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal… In several published studies, treatment of pregnant rats with oxycodone hydrochloride at clinically relevant doses and below resulted in neurobehavioral effects in offspring. Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

The estimated background risk of 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 estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.


Clinical Considerations

Labor or Delivery

…TARGINIQ ER is not recommended for use in women during or immediately prior to labor, when use of shorter acting analgesics or other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including TARGINIQ ER, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression.

 

Data

Animal Data

…In published studies, offspring of pregnant rats administered oxycodone hydrochloride during gestation have been reported to exhibit neurobehavioral effects including altered stress responses and increased anxiety-like behavior (2 mg/kg/day IV from Gestation Day 8 to 21 and Postnatal Day 1, 3, and 5; 0.3 times an adult human oral dose of 60 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis), and altered learning and memory (15 mg/kg/day orally from breeding through parturition; 2.4 times an adult human oral dose of 60 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis).

8.2 Lactation

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined; Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) Conversion)

Risk Summary

Oxycodone is present in breast milk. Published lactation studies report variable concentrations of oxycodone in breast milk with administration of immediate-release oxycodone to nursing mothers in the early postpartum period. The lactation studies did not assess breastfed infants for potential adverse reactions. Lactation studies have not been conducted with TARGINIQ ER… Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including excess sedation and respiratory depression in a breastfed infant, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with TARGINIQ ER.

 

Clinical Considerations

Infants exposed to TARGINIQ ER through breast milk should be monitored for excess sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breast-fed infants…

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined; Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) Conversion)

Infertility

Chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible.

8.5 Geriatric Use

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

…Respiratory depression is the chief risk for elderly patients treated with opioids, and has occurred after large initial doses were administered to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that depress respiration. Titrate the dosage of TARGINIQ ER slowly in geriatric patients and monitor closely for signs of central nervous system and respiratory depression.

Oxycodone and naloxone are known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

When administering TARGINIQ ER to patients with renal impairment, a dosage reduction is recommended.

8.7 Renal Impairment

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

When administering TARGINIQ ER to patients with renal impairment, a dosage reduction is recommended… As patients with severe renal impairment may be at greater risk for opioid withdrawal-related adverse events, consider using alternative products without naloxone.

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

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Interaction with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants

Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if TARGINIQ ER is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, and not to use these concomitantly unless supervised by a healthcare provider.

 

Serotonin Syndrome

Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop. Instruct patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications.

 

MAOI Interaction

Inform patients to avoid taking TARGINIQ ER while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking TARGINIQ ER.

 

Adrenal Insufficiency

Inform patients that opioids could cause adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition. Adrenal insufficiency may present with non-specific symptoms and signs such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Advise patients to seek medical attention if they experience a constellation of these symptoms.

 

Pregnancy

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Inform female patients of reproductive potential that prolonged use of TARGINIQ ER during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life- threatening if not recognized and treated.


Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Inform female patients of reproductive potential that TARGINIQ ER can cause fetal harm and to inform the healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy.


Lactation

Advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with TARGINIQ ER.

 

Infertility

Inform patients that chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible.

Medication Guide

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Important information about TARGINIQ ER:

  • Taking TARGINIQ ER with other opioid medicines, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants (including street drugs) can cause severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma, and death.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are:

  • breastfeeding. Not recommended during treatment with TARGINIQ ER…

When taking TARGINIQ ER:

  • Do not change your dose. Take TARGINIQ ER exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed.

Get emergency medical help if you have:

  • trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, extreme drowsiness, lightheadedness when changing positions, feeling faint, agitation, high body temperature, trouble walking, stiff muscles, or mental changes such as confusion.