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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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INTUNIV (NDA-022037)

(GUANFACINE HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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12/27/2019 (SUPPL-19)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

8 Use in Specific Populations

Lactation

(PLLR conversion. Please refer to label for complete information.)

Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion. Please refer to label for complete information.)


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

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Newly added information)

Pregnancy Registry

Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in patients exposed to INTUNIV during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. 

Lactation

Advise breastfeeding mothers to monitor infants exposed to guanfacine through breastmilk for sedation, lethargy and poor feeding [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Patient Information

(Newly added information)

There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to ADHD medications, including INTUNIV, during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to INTUNIV and their baby. If you or your child becomes pregnant during treatment with INTUNIV, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry of ADHD medications at 1-866-961-2388.

03/07/2018 (SUPPL-16)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Reproductive System, Male: Erectile Dysfunction replaces impotence

11/27/2017 (SUPPL-14)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.4 Rebound Hypertension

(Newly added subsection)

In post marketing experience, abrupt discontinuation of INTUNIV® has resulted in clinically significant and persistent rebound hypertension above baseline levels and increases in heart rate. Hypertensive encephalopathy has also been reported in association with rebound hypertension with both INTUNIV® and immediate release guanfacine. In these cases, high-dosage guanfacine was discontinued; concomitant stimulant use was also reported, which may potentially increase hypertensive response upon abrupt discontinuation of guanfacine. Children commonly have gastrointestinal illnesses that lead to vomiting, and a resulting inability to take medications, so they may be especially at risk for rebound hypertension.

To minimize the risk of rebound hypertension upon discontinuation, the total daily dose of INTUNIV® should be tapered in decrements of no more than 1 mg every 3 to 7 days. Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored when reducing the dose or discontinuing INTUNIV®. If abrupt discontinuation occurs (especially with concomitant stimulant use), patients should be closely followed for rebound hypertension.

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

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

  • Rebound Hypertension

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Discontinuation of Treatment

Blood pressure and pulse may increase above baseline values following discontinuation of INTUNIV®. In five studies of children and adolescents, increases in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure averaging approximately 3 mmHg and increases in heart rate averaging 5 beats per minute above original baseline were observed upon discontinuation with tapering of INTUNIV. In a maintenance of efficacy study, increases in blood pressure and heart rate above baseline slowly diminished over the follow up period, which ranged between 3 and 26 weeks post final dose; the estimated average time to return to baseline was between six and twelve months. In this study, the increases in blood pressure and pulse were not considered serious or associated with adverse events. However, individuals may have larger increases than reflected by the mean changes.

In postmarketing experience, following abrupt discontinuation of INTUNIV®, rebound hypertension and hypertensive encephalopathy have been reported.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Less frequent, possibly guanfacine-related events observed in the post-marketing study and/or reported spontaneously, not included in section 6.1, include:

Cardiovascular: palpitations, tachycardia, rebound hypertension, hypertensive encephalopathy

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

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Dosing and Administration

Advise patients not to abruptly discontinue INTUNIV® as abrupt discontinuation can result in clinically significant rebound hypertension. Concomitant stimulant use and abrupt discontinuation of Intuniv may increase this hypertensive response. Instruct patients on how to properly taper the dose to minimize the risk of rebound hypertension.

Patient Information

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

What should I tell my doctor before taking INTUNIV®?

Before you take INTUNIV®, tell your doctor if you:

  • have low or high blood pressure

How should I take INTUNIV®?

  • Try not to miss your dose of INTUNIV®. If you miss a dose of INTUNIV®, take the next dose at your regular time. If you miss 2 or more doses, talk to your doctor, as you may need to restart INTUNIV® with a lower dose.

  • Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What should I avoid while taking INTUNIV®?

  • Do not suddenly stop INTUNIV. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been vomiting and cannot take INTUNIV, you may be at risk for rebound hypertension.

What are the possible side effects of INTUNIV®?

INTUNIV® may cause serious side effects including:

  • increased blood pressure and heart rate after suddenly stopping INTUNIV (rebound hypertension). Suddenly stopping INTUNIV can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate and other withdrawal symptoms such as headache, confusion, nervousness, agitation, and tremors. If these symptoms continue to get worse and are left untreated, it could lead to a very serious condition including very high blood pressure, feeling very sleepy or tired, severe headache, vomiting, vision problems, seizures.

Other

(Dear Health Care Provider Letter added; please refer to label)