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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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OPANA (NDA-021611)

(OXYMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE)

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

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10/25/2019 (SUPPL-16)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

(additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Adult Clinical Trial Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Risk Summary

Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Data from randomized controlled trials with oxymorphone use in pregnant women during labor and delivery have been conducted.

However, these studies were not designed to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage because oxymorphone exposure occurred after the first trimester. There are reports of respiratory depression in infants in some of these trials.

In animal reproduction studies, reduced postnatal survival of pups and an increased incidence of stillborn pups were observed following oral treatment of pregnant rats with oxymorphone during gestation and through lactation at doses 2.4 and 12 times the human daily dose of 20 mg/day (HDD), respectively.

Reduced fetal weights were observed with oral administration of oxymorphone to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at exposures up to 4.9 and 48.8 times the HDD, respectively. 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

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth.

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly.

Labor or Delivery

Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. OPANA is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including OPANA, 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

Pregnant rats were treated with oxymorphone hydrochloride from Gestation Day 6 to 17 via oral gavage doses of 5, 10, or 25 mg/kg/day (2.4, 4.9, or 12.2 times the HDD based on body surface area, respectively). Reduced mean fetal weights were observed at 4.9 times the HDD. Maternal toxicity was noted in all treatment groups (reduced food consumption and body weights in all groups and mortality in the high dose group).

Pregnant rabbits were treated with oxymorphone hydrochloride from Gestation Day 7 to 20 via oral gavage doses of 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day (9.8, 24.4, or 48.8 times the HDD based on body surface area, respectively). Decreased mean fetal weights were noted at 48.8 times the HDD. Maternal toxicity was noted in all treatment groups (reduced food consumption and body weights).

Pregnant rats were treated with oxymorphone hydrochloride from Gestation Day 6 to Lactation Day 20 via oral gavage doses of 1, 5, 10, or 25 mg/kg/day (0.5, 2.4, 4.9, or 12.2 times the HDD based on body   surface area, respectively). Increased neonatal death (postnatal day 0-1) was noted at 2.4 times the HDD. Decreased pup survival over the first week of life, reduced pup birth weight, and reduced postnatal weight gain were noted at 4.9 times the HDD. Maternal toxicity was noted in all treatment groups (reduced food consumption and body weights in all groups and mortality in the 10 and 25 mg/kg/day groups).

In a published study, neural tube defects (exencephaly and cranioschisis) were noted following subcutaneous administration of 153 mg/kg oxymorphone hydrochloride (62.2 times the HDD) on Gestation Day 8 to pregnant hamsters. This dose also produced significant maternal toxicity (20% maternal deaths).

8.2 Lactation

(additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of oxymorphone in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for OPANA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from OPANA or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

Monitor infants exposed to OPANA through breast milk for excess sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breast-fed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breast-feeding is stopped.

8.3 Pediatric Use

(additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Safety and effectiveness for pediatric patients, 0 to 17 years, have not been established.

An open-label study was conducted in 58 pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with postoperative pain using OPANA tablets. Efficacy was not demonstrated in this population treated with doses expected to be comparable to effective starting doses in adults. In addition, pharmacokinetic results demonstrated that treatment with OPANA tablets resulted in substantially higher systemic exposures to oxymorphone in 2 out of 24 patients.

OPANA tablets are not recommended for use in the pediatric population.

10/07/2019 (SUPPL-17)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.3 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Newly added information to end of subsection:

Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the opioid dosage using best practices for opioid taper.

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

5.13 Withdrawal

Do not abruptly discontinue OPANA in a patient physically dependent on opioids. When discontinuing OPANA in a physically dependent patient, gradually reduce the dosage. Rapid tapering of oxymorphone in a patient physically dependent on opioids may lead to a withdrawal syndrome and return of pain.

Additionally, avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist …

7 Drug Interactions

Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with OPANA

Serotonergic Drugs

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Example: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue).

 

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

MEDICATION GUIDE

Additions and/or revisions underlined in bulleted information:

Important information about OPANA:

  • Store OPANA securely, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to the home.

When taking OPANA:

  • Dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused OPANA by promptly flushing down the toilet, if a drug take-back option is not readily available. Visit www.fda.gov/drugdisposal for additional information on disposal of unused medicines.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Storage and Disposal:

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Because of the risks associated with accidental ingestion, misuse, and abuse, advise patients to store OPANA securely, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to the home. Inform patients that leaving OPANA unsecured can pose a deadly risk to others in the home.

Advise patients and caregivers that when medicines are no longer needed, they should be disposed of promptly. Expired, unwanted, or unused OPANA should be disposed of by flushing the unused medication down the toilet if a drug take-back option is not readily available. Inform patients that they can visit

www.fda.gov/drugdisposal for a complete list of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing, as well as additional information on disposal of unused medicines.

Newly added titled section:

Important Discontinuation Instructions

In order to avoid developing withdrawal symptoms, instruct patients not to discontinue OPANA without first discussing a tapering plan with the prescriber.

09/18/2018 (SUPPL-15)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

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; INTERACTION WITH ALCOHOL; and RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS

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. 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)

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

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-10)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

Boxed Warning

New section added)

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

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

OPANA 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 OPANA, and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions.

Life-threatening Respiratory Depression

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of OPANA. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of OPANA or following a dose increase.

Accidental Ingestion

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of OPANA, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of oxymorphone.

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Prolonged use of OPANA during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.

Interaction with Alcohol

Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages or use prescription or non-prescription products that contain alcohol while taking OPANA. The co-ingestion of alcohol with OPANA may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of oxymorphone.

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 OPANA 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.

4 Contraindications

(additions underlined)

OPANA is contraindicated in patients with

·       Significant respiratory depression

         

·       Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment

·       Known orsuspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus

 

·       Hypersensitivity to oxymorphone (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema)

 

·       Moderate or severe hepatic impairment

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

(subsection revised)

 

 

OPANA contains oxymorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance As an opioid, OPANA exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse.

 

Although the risk of addiction any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed OPANA. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused.

Assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing OPANA, and monitor all patients receiving OPANA for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as OPANA, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of OPANA along with intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse.

Opioids are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing OPANA. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient on the proper disposal of unused drug. Contact local state professional licensing board or state controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

5.10 Risks of Use in Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions

(additions underlined)

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

The oxymorphone in OPANA may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Opioids may cause increases in serum amylase. Monitor patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis for worsening symptoms.

5.11 Increased Risk of Seizures in Patients with Seizure Disorders

(subsection added)

The oxymorphone in OPANA 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. Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control during OPANA therapy.

5.12 Withdrawal

(subsection added)

Avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist (e.g., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol) or partial agonist (e.g., buprenorphine) analgesics in patients who are receiving a full opioid agonist analgesic, including OPANA. In these patients, mixed agonist/antagonist and partial agonist analgesics may reduce the analgesic effect and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

When discontinuing OPANA in a physically-dependent patient, gradually taper the dosage.Do not abruptly discontinue OPANA in these patients.

5.13 Risks of Driving and Operating Machinery

(additions underlined)

OPANA may impair the mental or physical abilities needed to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Warn patients not to drive or operate dangerous machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of OPANA and know how they will react to the medication.

5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

(subsection revised)

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status. Carbon dioxide (CO2) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of OPANA, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24-72 hours of initiating therapy with and following dosage increases of OPANA.

To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of OPANA are essential. Overestimating the OPANA dosage when converting patients from another opioid product can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose.

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of OPANA, especially by children, can result in respiratory depression and death due to an overdose of oxymorphone.

5.3 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

(subsection added)

Prolonged use of OPANA during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly. Advise pregnant women using opioids for a prolonged period of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.

5.4 Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants

(subsection added)

Patients must not consume alcoholic beverages or prescription or non-prescription products containing alcohol while on OPANA therapy. The co-ingestion of alcohol with OPANA may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of oxymorphone.

Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of OPANA 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 OPANA 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.

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

(subsection added)

The use of OPANA 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: OPANA-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 OPANA Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients because they may have altered pharmacokinetics or altered clearance compared to younger, healthier patients.

Monitor such patients closely, particularly when initiating and titrating OPANA and when OPANA is given concomitantly with other drugs that depress respiration).  Alternatively, consider the use of non-opioid analgesics in these patients.

5.6 Anaphylaxis, Angioedema, and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions

(subsection added)

Potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have occurred in patients treated with OPANA in the postmarket setting. The most commonly described clinical features in these reports were swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, lips, tongue, hands, and/or throat; dyspnea; hives, pruritus, and/or rash; and nausea/vomiting. If anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity occurs, stop administration of OPANA immediately, discontinue OPANA permanently, and do not rechallenge with any formulation of oxymorphone. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction.

5.7 Adrenal Insufficiency

(subsection added)

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

(additions underlined)

OPANA may cause severe hypotension including orthostatic hypotension and syncope in ambulatory patients. There is increased risk in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by a reduced blood volume orconcurrent administration of certain CNS depressant drugs (e.g., phenothiazines or general anesthetics). Monitor these patients for signs of hypotension after initiating or titrating the dosage of OPANA. In patients with circulatory shock, OPANA may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure. Avoid the use of OPANA in patients with circulatory shock.

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

(subsection revised, revisions underlined)

In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO2 retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), OPANA may reduce respiratory drive, and the resultant CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure. Monitor such patients for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy with OPANA.

Opioids may also obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury. Avoid the use of OPANA in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Post-marketing Experience

(additions underlined)

 

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of opioids. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Nervous system disorder: amnesia, convulsion, memory impairment

 

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 OPANA Immune System Disorders: Angioedema, and other hypersensitivity reactions:

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

(additions underlined)

The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:

         

·       Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

·       Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

·       Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants

·       Anaphylaxis, Angioedema, and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions

·       Adrenal Insufficiency

·       Severe Hypotension

·       Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions

·       Seizures

·       Withdrawal

7 Drug Interactions

(Extensive revisions and additions, please refer to Table 2 in label)

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

(PLLR conversion, please refer to label)

8.2 Lactation

(PLLR conversion)

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of oxymorphone in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for OPANA injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from OPANA injection or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

Monitor infants exposed to OPANA injection through breast milk for excess sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breast-fed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breast-feeding is stopped.

 

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for OPANA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from OPANA or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

(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 underlined)

Elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) may have increased sensitivity to oxymorphone. In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

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 OPANA injection slowly in geriatric patients and monitor closely for signs of central nervous system and respiratory depression.

Oxymorphone is 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 underlined)

The effects of OPANA injection on hepatic impairment have not been studied. However, a study of OPANA ER in patients with hepatic disease indicated greater plasma concentrations than those with normal hepatic function. OPANA injection should be used with caution in patients with mild impairment. These patients should be started with the lowest dose and titrated slowly while carefully monitoring for side effects. OPANA injection is contraindicated for patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment.

8.7 Renal Impairment

(additions underlined)

The effects of OPANA injection on renal impairment have not been studied. However, in a study of OPANA ER, patients with moderate to severe renal impairment were shown to have an increase in bioavailability ranging from 57-65%.These patients should be started cautiously with lower doses of OPANA injection and titrated slowly while carefully monitored for side effects.

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

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(section revised, additions underlined)

Serotonin Syndrome

Inform patients that OPANA injection 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.

Constipation

Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation.

Other

 

(Revisions to the Package Insert to incorporate the opioid analgesic template language)