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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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ASACOL HD (NDA-021830)

(MESALAMINE)

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

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11/16/2022 (SUPPL-20)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Renal Impairment

Newly added information:

Discontinue Asacol HD if renal function deteriorates while on therapy

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.6 Renal Impairment

Newly added information:

Discontinue Asacol HD if renal function deteriorates while on therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Adverse Reactions (6.2), Drug Interactions (7.1)].

11/01/2021 (SUPPL-19)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

Newly added subsection:

5.5 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with use of mesalamine [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Discontinue Asacol HD at the first appearance of signs or symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions, or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation.

6 Adverse Reactions

Newly added to the bulleted line listing:

  • Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Respiratory/Pulmonary: Sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, asthma exacerbation, pleuritis/pleurisy, bronchitis, eosinophilic pneumonia, interstitial pneumonitis.

Skin: Alopecia, psoriasis (rare), pyoderma gangrenosum (rare), erythema nodosum, acne, dry skin, sweating, pruritus, urticaria, rash, SJS/TEN, DRESS, and AGEP [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Newly added information:

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

  • Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Instruct patients to stop taking Asacol HD and report to their healthcare provider at first appearance of a severe cutaneous adverse reaction or other sign of hypersensitivity[see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

10/01/2020 (SUPPL-16)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Renal Impairment

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Renal impairment, including minimal change disease, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, and, rarely, renal failure, has been reported in patients taking products such as Asacol HD that contain or are converted to mesalamine [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. In animal studies, the kidney was the principal organ of mesalamine toxicity [see Adverse Reactions (6.2), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].

5.2 Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome

(Newly added information)

Monitor patients for worsening of these symptoms while on treatment. If acute intolerance syndrome is suspected, promptly discontinue treatment with Asacol HD.

5.4 Hepatic Failure

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

There have been reports of hepatic failure in patients with pre-existing liver disease who have been administered mesalamine. Evaluate the risks and benefits of using Asacol HD in patients with known liver impairment.

5.5 Photosensitivity

(Newly added subsection)

Patients treated with mesalamine or sulfasalazine who have pre-existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema have reported more severe photosensitivity reactions. Advise patients to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors.

5.6 Nephrolithiasis

(Newly added subsection)

Cases of nephrolithiasis have been reported with the use of mesalamine, including stones of 100% mesalamine content. Mesalamine-containing stones are radiotransparent and undetectable by standard radiography or computed tomography (CT). Ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment with Asacol HD.

5.8 Interference with Laboratory Tests

(Newly added subsection)

Use of Asacol HD may lead to spuriously elevated test results when measuring urinary normetanephrine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection because of the similarity in the chromatograms of normetanephrine and the main metabolite of mesalamine, N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid (N-Ac-5-ASA). Consider an alternative, selective assay for normetanephrine.

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

The following serious or clinically significant adverse described elsewhere in labeling are:

  • Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

  • Nephrolithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Renal/Urogenital: Renal failure (rare), interstitial nephritis, minimal change disease, nephrolithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.6)], dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, hematuria, epididymitis, decreased libido, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia.

7 Drug Interactions

7.2 Azathioprine or 6-Mercaptopurine

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

The concurrent use of mesalamine with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and/or other drugs known to cause myelotoxicity may increase the risk for blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and associated complications. If concomitant use of Asacol HD and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine cannot be avoided, monitor blood tests, including complete blood cell counts and platelet counts.

7.3 Interference With Urinary Normetanephrine Measurements

(Newly added subsection)

Use of Asacol HD may lead to spuriously elevated test results when measuring urinary normetanephrine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Consider an alternative, selective assay for normetanephrine.

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.5 Geriatric Use

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Clinical studies of Asacol HD did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger patients. Reports from uncontrolled clinical studies and postmarketing reporting systems suggested a higher incidence of blood dyscrasias (i.e., agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and pancytopenia) in patients who were 65 years or older compared to younger patients taking mesalamine- containing products such as Asacol HD. Monitor complete blood cell counts and platelet counts in elderly patients during therapy with Asacol HD.

In general, consider the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy in elderly patients when prescribing Asacol HD [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

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

Patient Counseling Information

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

    • Drink an adequate amount of fluids.

    • Inform patients that Asacol HD may decrease their renal function, especially if they have known renal impairment or are taking nephrotoxic drugs, including NSAIDS, and periodic monitoring of renal function will be performed while they are on therapy. Advise patients to complete all blood tests ordered by their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Interactions (7.1)].

      Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions

    • Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions. Instruct patients to stop taking Asacol HD and report to their healthcare provider if they experience new or worsening symptoms of Acute Intolerance Syndrome (cramping, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, malaise, conjunctivitis and rash) or other symptoms suggestive of mesalamine-induced hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2

      Photosensitivity

    • Advise patients with pre-existing skin conditions to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

      Nephrolithiasis

    • Instruct patients to maintain an adequate fluid intake in order to minimize the risk of kidney stone formation and to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs or symptoms of a kidney stone (e.g., severe side or back pain, blood in the urine) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

      Iron Content of Asacol HD

    • Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they take iron-containing supplements [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

07/27/2017 (SUPPL-11)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(additions underlined)

 Endocrine: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Neurological/Psychiatric: Anxiety, depression, somnolence, insomnia, nervousness, confusion, emotional lability, dizziness, vertigo, tremor, paresthesia, hyperesthesia, peripheral neuropathy (rare), Guillain-Barré syndrome (rare), and transverse myelitis (rare), intracranial hypertension.